Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 233 Lou Shide's many talents, Zhang Liang's ambition
As Wang Fangyi led his troops to slowly retreat, the chaos that had originally shrouded Zhang Liang's army finally began to gradually subside.

The battlefield was filled with smoke and the smell of blood. The soldiers collapsed to the ground exhausted, gasping for breath, feeling as if they had survived a calamity.

"The Tang army retreated! Who was so brave that he successfully stopped them?"

Cheng Gongying calmed himself down and tried to recover from the tension brought about by the fierce battle just now.

He raised his head and looked into the distance. In the distance, where the smoke had not yet dissipated, he could vaguely see some figures busy cleaning up the mess.

Turning his head to look at Zhang Liang standing beside him, Cheng Gongying couldn't help but frown.

At this time, Zhang Liang's face was as pale as paper, and his body was still shaking, like a candle in the wind, about to fall.

It's even worse than what he showed.

It is hard to believe that such a cowardly person could have survived so many difficult and dangerous battles in the past and even made great achievements.

He really didn't know how this Duke did it.

In his opinion, Zhang Liang's title of Duke was totally unworthy of the title, and there was probably more water in it than one could imagine.

At this moment, Zhang Shenwei rode up on a fast horse. He quickly dismounted and came to the crowd and asked with concern:
"Are father and the immortal master safe and sound?"

"It's okay, but this happened too suddenly, and it made people confused for a while. The general who stopped the enemy just now was able to command the battle calmly in the chaos. He really has the demeanor of a great general! General Zhang, you must entrust him with important tasks."

Cheng Gongying looked at Zhang Liang seriously and spoke solemnly.

At this time, Cheng Gongying was secretly groaning in his heart. He knew very well that Zhang Liang was hopeless, but since he had already chosen Zhang Liang, he could only bite the bullet and go all the way to the end.

Fortunately, this army has many soldiers and generals, including many virtuous ministers and brave generals.

As long as you calm down and look for it slowly, maybe there is still a chance to save the situation. If it really doesn't work, the worst that can happen is to choose someone else to replace him.

"What the Immortal Master said makes a lot of sense. This man remained calm in the face of danger and should indeed be given important positions. Shen Wei, you should go and find this man immediately. This general will personally summon him and reward him handsomely."

Zhang Liang tried his best to calm his inner panic and pretended to be calm and composed when he gave the order.

"Yes, father, I will go and find him right away."

Zhang Shenwei bowed respectfully in response, then turned and left.

However, the moment he turned around, a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.

After this incident, the soldiers in the rebel army were like frightened birds and could not fall asleep for a long time.

"You are Lou Shide, and it was you who repelled the Tang army's surprise attack!"

After a long time, Zhang Shenwei entered the battle, stood on his horse, looked down at the soldiers, and spoke proudly.

"I am the regiment commander Lou Shide!"

Lou Shide walked forward respectfully, without showing any aversion to Zhang Shenwei's attitude.

The military has a strict hierarchy, and it is common for superiors to treat their subordinates like this.

"You have made great contributions in resisting the enemy. Marshal Zhang has summoned you. Please follow me."

Zhang Shenwei looked at this general who was younger than himself, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Thank you, General!"

Lou Shide was also extremely happy, and all the previous fights were worth it.

If one does not have a strong political background, establishing military merit is undoubtedly the fastest way to get promoted.

At this moment, Lou Shide couldn't help but feel that the future was bright.

With a nervous mood, he climbed on the horse and followed Zhang Shenwei's pace.

"Zhang Shuai, Lou Shide has been brought here!"

In the blink of an eye, the group was brought to the central military tent.

"Come in, everyone!"

Zhang Liang's voice came from inside the tent in a slightly hurried voice.

Lou Shide is now like a life-saving straw to him.

This was only the first attack by the Tang army, but it made him so frightened.

Although he is cowardly and incompetent, it doesn't mean he is a fool.

On the contrary, he is very smart and good at using clever tricks to reap the benefits later.

This kind of thing of trying to seize the results from behind was done more than once or twice by him.

In the past, it was all done in secret, but now that the power is in hand, they can make profits openly.

That's his ability.

This is why he was able to rise rapidly to the top despite not having achieved extraordinary results on the battlefield.

If you are really good for nothing, you would definitely not be in your current position.

It's just that they are good at different things.

There are actually some tricks to telling tales, and if you're not careful, it can turn into slander.

Haven’t you heard that Gao Zongsheng was exiled to the frontier and demoted because he falsely accused Li Jing of treason, and he was back to the time before liberation.

Therefore, even whistleblowers have to bear extremely high risks.

The returns and risks are proportional.

Indeed, Zhang Liang has mastered the essence of this.

Seeing that Lou Shide came in and looked to be only in his early twenties, Zhang Liang couldn't help but flash a hint of suspicion across his face.

"It was you who stopped the Tang army's charge?"

Zhang Liang asked doubtfully, could it be that the person in front of him was also a young hero?

Or maybe I was too anxious. The Tang army was just like that.

"It is true that I led the army to stop the enemy before, but this is all within the general's responsibility, so I dare not claim credit for it."

Lou Shide replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

It was also the first time that he met the commander of this legion.

"Very good. You did not panic in battle, unlike other troops who lost their composure. This shows that you have extraordinary talents. This general would like to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant General in the army, and let you lead an army alone to fight against the enemy."

Zhang Liang spoke directly and frankly.

"Thank you for your trust, General. I will definitely not let you down."

Lou Shide was overjoyed. This improvement was even greater than he had imagined.

This is considered an exceptional promotion.

"Well, we are facing a powerful enemy. I hope you will continue to make contributions. I will not be stingy with your rewards."

Zhang Liang was delighted to receive Zhang Shenwei's nod. If he wanted to accomplish his great cause, he naturally needed the assistance of good ministers and brave generals.

Now he seems to have them all.

The counsellor was Cheng Gongying and the good general was Lou Shide.

It seemed as if it was God's will that when he was in trouble, wise and virtuous people came to help him.

At this moment, he was even more certain of what those words said, that he was the son of destiny.

However, his joy only lasted for a short while.

"General Zhang, it's bad. The rear army's granary was suddenly attacked and burned by the Tang army."

His adopted son Zhang Gang rushed into the tent in panic and hurriedly told him the shocking news.

"what?"

Zhang Liang jumped up from his seat in shock, his eyes wide open, and fell into a dilemma of being at a loss as to what to do.

When Zhang Liang's central army was in chaos, Li Dejian took advantage of the gap when the rear army rushed to support and launched an attack, burning the food and grass. In the entire camp, only Lou Shide remained calm.

"General Zhang, the most urgent task now is to block the news to avoid confusion among the troops."

Things were already unavoidable, and all Lou Shide wanted to do was to prevent the accident from escalating further.

"Yes, yes, Shen Wei, immediately find a way to control the news and isolate the rear army. Don't let any news leak out."

"Also, send people to collect food and maintain logistical supplies."

With Lou Shide's reminder, Zhang Liang also came back to his senses.

He has been with the army for many years and has seen many similar emergencies, and he can also command by following their example.

Having followed many generals in the Qin Palace for a long time, he has gained some experience.

It means that you are easily panicked when you are in a situation.

"Master Cheng, General Lou, what should we do next?"

Zhang Liang had used all three of his axe moves, and his gaze could not help but wander between the two men.

"I am not good at battle formations, so let's see what other arrangements General Lou can make."

Cheng Gongying shook his head and his eyes fell on Lou Shide.

"Tonight, the enemy launched surprise attacks on our front camp, middle camp, and rear camp in turn. It was obviously premeditated. All three camps suffered varying degrees of damage, especially the rear camp. All the baggage and food supplies were burned, and the morale of the entire army was severely affected."

"If we want to gain the upper hand in the subsequent attacks, we must restore morale."

"When the Tang army withdrew, I saw that they were not heading back to Chang'an City, but heading to the suburbs. In my opinion, today's attack will definitely not be the last. It seems that the Tang army wants to harass our army and keep us in a tense atmosphere, revealing a flaw that can be killed with one strike."

"As a result, our army is always in a passive situation. Let alone attacking the city, it is very difficult to protect ourselves under these disturbances."

Lou Shide was worthy of being a famous general. From the Tang army's offensive deployment this time, he was able to discern the Tang army's purpose.

Although he figured it out, how could he crack it?
"General Lou is very clear-sighted. Since he has seen through the Tang army's vicious plan, he must have a plan to deal with it, right?"

Cheng Gongying asked.

"We have a plan to defeat the enemy, but we still need General Zhang's cooperation."

"Since the Tang army wants to disturb our morale, we should not allow them to do so. There are very few soldiers in Chang'an City right now. Judging from the previous attack, the Tang army only has about a thousand people."

"We only need to allocate some troops and set up camp outside to separate the main camp and keep the enemy out. Even if they shout and drum loudly, their voices will not reach the enemy."

"If the enemy dares to take the risk of attacking, the outer camp can surround them and attack them from the front and back."

Lou Shide said that he was countering the opponent's moves.

"General Lou is brilliant. As long as the Tang army's generals are not fools, they will never dare to attack our camp again."

Cheng Gongying's eyes lit up, and many of Lou Shide's strategies were completely feasible.

"Haha! With General Lou helping me, why should I worry about not accomplishing my great cause?"

Zhang Liang smiled triumphantly, instantly revealing his ambition.

Hearing this, Lou Shide's face turned ugly.

From the beginning to the end, he thought that this was truly an army of justice, seeking justice for the former crown prince Li Chengqian.

But now it seems that this is not the case.

This is just the selfish desire of some people.

As for the Xueyantuo entering the Pass, they still don't know.

A lot of information was concealed.

"General Lou, do not be alarmed. A great turmoil has already begun. Now is the time to make achievements. Following General Zhang, you will surely achieve immortal merits."

Cheng Gongying was very observant and could see Lou Shide's hesitation at a glance.

Lou Shide's heart was beating in his throat. The other party had already made his point. If he didn't agree, there was a high possibility that he would not be able to leave the tent.

"Thank you General Zhang for your trust!"

Lou Shide bowed and said, now that he has boarded the pirate ship, he can't get off whenever he wants.

What kind of impact can a mere regimental commander like him have in such a war?

It means that Zhang Liang thinks highly of him, which is why he gave him such an official position.

Even if he has righteousness, he has no place to display it now.

Now he runs to the city of Chang'an, saying that he wants to turn from darkness to light. Do you think many people will believe him?

Maybe it’s a real military achievement.

"Okay, I will clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments. As long as you make contributions, I will reward you accordingly."

Seeing that Lou Shide was willing to work for him, Zhang Liang's previous depression was swept away.

The problems encountered now have all been easily solved by Lou Shide.

This is how people favored by heaven should be.

"General Zhang, if you have no other instructions, I will go down and make the arrangements first."

Lou Shide took his leave.

How could he not know the connection between them?

Now the soldiers of the three armies are still deceived. Once the news of rebellion spreads, how many people will be able to follow?
Lou Shide was well-read and proficient in both civil and military affairs. How could he not see the consequences of rebellion?
Although they have gained a certain advantage now, once the Tang Dynasty comes to its senses, it will be a disaster for these rebels.

In order to clear Li Chengqian's name, they still belonged to the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty.

But if Zhang Liang wanted to establish himself as the emperor, that would be considered rebellion.

The difference between the two identities leads to different ways of treatment by those in power.

It's okay if you are not reused. After the defeat, you will just be regarded as a surrendered soldier and will be reintegrated into the team. Even your official position will not be changed. You will still be responsible for commanding the previous organization.

But once you become one of the rebel leaders, the consequences of failure will be extremely miserable.

Of course, after success, the rewards are also extremely huge.

After all, he is a loyal minister.

Can Zhang Liang's current rebels win? Can they replace Li Tang's world?
Lou Shide naturally had the answer in his mind.

"General Lou, you have worked hard!"

Zhang Liang looked at Lou Shide and found him pleasing to the eye more and more.

In a short period of time, I adapted to the new role and started to make arrangements for myself.

Lou Shide lowered his head and bowed, trying his best to hide his expression.

He was feeling very conflicted at this moment.

Great achievements and great mistakes are right in front of us.

It depends on how he chooses.

"Father, you can't trust Lou Shide. It's very likely that this is a conspiracy by the Tang army to get him close to you and do something illegal."

Not long after, Zhang Shenwei returned and said solemnly.

Zhang Liang was startled, then raised his head and looked straight at Zhang Shenwei.

"Be cautious. To accomplish a great cause, one must have the assistance of wise counselors and brave generals. This has been the case since ancient times. As a father, I think Lou Shide is a brave general who is one in a million."

"Don't worry too much. How can you not be so grateful to me for my kindness?"

Zhang Liang seemed very confident and felt that Lou Shide had no reason to betray him.

As for Lou Shide, he was grateful for his kindness.

(End of this chapter)