Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 335: Yao Jin’s reputation was almost damaged

Shuozhou, on the northern foot of the Shanxi Plateau.

In the meeting hall of Shuozhou Prefecture, senior generals of the Ming Dynasty army gathered together and had in-depth and frank exchanges and fruitful discussions on how to resolve the current dilemma.

Hou Junji: "Alas..."

Li Dao Zong: "Weren't you just bragging? Why are you silent now?"

Hou Junji: "What do you know? I didn't say anything big. I was just trying to boost morale!"

Xue Rengui: “…”

Su Dingfang: "In fact, I am not so frustrated that my talent is not appreciated. It is not impossible for me to be a Wu Hou and patrol the streets for the rest of my life..."

The governor of Shuozhou said: "I surrendered to the enemy to save the people of Shuozhou from war. I am not a traitor. If His Majesty the Emperor attacks me, he will understand my good intentions."

↑The above is all the discussion content of the past hour.

Bingzhou fell at a lightning speed, and the Ming army, which had been winning all the way, suddenly fell into a passive position.

As mentioned earlier, Bingzhou is located right in the middle of Shanxi, with Luliang Mountains on the left and Taihang Mountains on the right.

Jinyang, the seat of Bingzhou, was of utmost importance. It was located in the core of the Jinzhong Basin, which was "two mountains and a valley", and controlled the passage between the north and south Taihang Mountains.

By losing Jinyang, the Ming army had almost lost its way to the south.

Although our motherland has beautiful mountains and rivers and a lot of open space, under the transportation conditions in ancient times, there were actually only a few routes for the army to march.

If you don't want to learn from Deng Ai's thrilling experience of high-altitude ropeless rappelling in Yinping, Jinyang is a hurdle that you cannot avoid no matter what.

However, there was another piece of bad news that made the Ming army more nervous than the loss of Bingzhou.

"According to the news brought back by the remnant soldiers of Bingzhou, they saw the banner of General Tiance flying in the Tang army's formation."

Li Dao Zong said in a muffled voice:
"Is this their strategy to confuse the enemy? Or..."

"It's the Emperor himself. Cheng Zhijie couldn't fight such a good battle."

Li Jing, who had remained silent, broke the silence.

A person's combat command style is actually highly personalized, just like his or her handwriting.

Without the need for signature or seal, an expert can tell at a glance who created this masterpiece.

Li Jing's words silenced the generals under his command who had been chattering just now.

Yes, the opponent is the General Tiance who once swept the world.

Facing such a terrifying opponent, who can guarantee that they will not lose?

Xue Rengui even suffered from PTSD. When he heard this famous name, he shivered as if he had the hiccups.

During the First Central Plains War, Emperor Li Shimin's outrageous actions really left him with psychological trauma.

Li Dao Zong nudged Hou Junji with his elbow and said in a low voice:

"Didn't you say you wanted to fight the emperor to the death? Now that the opportunity has come, why are you sighing?"

Hou Junji's mouth twitched:
"I... no, I just proposed a possibility, I... ah!"

As rebellious as he was, he didn't dare to bang his head on the table and yell when he was mocked by his colleagues:
"I'll deal with General Tiance!"

Li Shimin's prestige and deterrence in the eyes of people all over the world are so high.

"Your Majesty's feint attack... has it failed?"

Su Dingfang's voice was a little hoarse.

Although Emperor Li Ming did not treat people well, as far as Su Dingfang knew, his strategies had an almost 100% success rate.

Until I met Li Shimin...

"It's easy to deceive the world, but it's hard to deceive the emperor." Li Jing said with a wry smile:

"It was a great success that we were able to draw the emperor's attention to the Central Plains at the beginning of the war, freeing up our army to cross Taihang and occupy northern Shanxi.

"Your Majesty has done everything he can. It is our progress that is too slow. We should reflect on ourselves."

He was not trying to conceal the truth for the sake of his respected father. Li Ming's blackmail tactics did succeed in tricking Li Shimin into being involved.

They actually used the Central Plains, which is easy to attack but difficult to defend, as a pretext to tackle the tough bone of Shanxi, which is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Most people can't think of such a brilliant idea.

But, who is General Tiance Li Shimin?

It’s the father of Li Ming, the man with great imagination!

Although Li Shimin is getting older and has suffered from rheumatism, he is now in a state of low health.

But his acumen on matters relating to the war seemed undiminished by his illness.

Old Li guessed Little Li's idea faster than anyone else and quickly made corresponding arrangements.

Li Jing was not without efforts, but the old territory of Jin State with its vast mountains and rivers was too difficult to conquer, and it was impossible to make rapid progress.

The combined effect of both subjective and objective factors has led to the Ming army falling into its current dilemma.

"General, what should we do?"

Xue Rengui finally spoke, his voice trembling violently.

The young man was slapped hard by his old comrade when he was at the peak of his momentum, and now is the time when he is most confused.

Not just him.

Hou Junji, Li Daozon, Su Dingfang...the elite soldiers and generals of the Ming Dynasty all turned their attention to the commander-in-chief Li Jing.

In the whole world, only Li Ming can compete with Tian Khan in terms of grand strategy.

Then the only one who can compete with General Tian Ce on the battlefield is probably Li Jing, Duke Wei of Li.

He is the backbone of the Ming army. He is the courage that gives the soldiers the confidence to confront General Tian Ce, and he is also the last straw.

Huh... Li Jing exhaled lightly, supported himself on the table, stood up slowly, and said with ease:

"If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. The Tang army has recaptured Bingzhou, and we will fight back.

"You and I are both veterans of battles, and we all know that the battlefield is unpredictable. Even at Jingxing, Taihang, Han Xin used his weak troops to form a desperate battle formation and defeated the State of Zhao.

"Until the war is truly over, it is still unknown who is strong and who is weak, who is superior and who is inferior, who will win and who will lose."

Just a few simple words diluted the heavy atmosphere.

The generals regained their confidence.

Yes, war is a highly complex chaotic system, full of wrong decisions, poor command, accidental hits and unexpected successes. Anything can happen.

In many cases, the competition between the two sides is not about whose strategy is more correct, but who makes fewer mistakes.

It’s not realistic to fight with real swords and guns on the battlefield. God knows who will win and who will lose!
"So, instead of sitting back and discussing the truth, why don't we rush to the frontline and make an unprecedented contribution? What do you think?
"To show the emperor a sign of power is to let the majesty of Li Ming and the Ming Dynasty spread throughout the world, and let the people of the Tang Dynasty also loyally submit to us.

"Are you right, Hou Junji?"

Old Hou stood up immediately and bowed his hands neatly:

"I am willing to be the vanguard and personally learn how much of the General Tiance, who has been feared for decades, is left now!"

It sounds very arrogant, but it does boost morale.

"The last general is willing to follow the general to the death!"

Everyone stood up.

Li Jing nodded with satisfaction:

"I will be waiting for your victory report."

The generals filed out and rushed to the front line without hesitation.

The governor of Shuozhou felt that people’s joys and sorrows were not in common, he just thought it was noisy, and he found an excuse to escape from his former office.

In the meeting hall, only Li Jing was left standing quietly.

"call……"

He exhaled heavily again, sat back on the couch weakly, and stuffed a handful of orange cake into his mouth.

This posture is more like taking medicine than enjoying delicious food.

Facing Li Shimin, Li Jingyuan was not as calm as he had just appeared.

The entire battle in Shanxi has consumed a considerable amount of energy from Lord Wei.

This can be seen from the fact that he eats and drinks a lot every day but still becomes thinner day by day.

Commanding a large army in battle is not only a test of the commander's ability, but also a test of his physical fitness.

Large-scale military operations involve too many aspects to consider and are extremely stressful, which takes a huge toll on people's mental and physical health.

Every seemingly detailed action is related to the lives of thousands of soldiers and even the rise and fall of the entire dynasty.

Li Jing commanded with all his might in order to occupy as many key roads in Shanxi as possible and consolidate the defense of the occupied areas before Li Shimin discovered the true strategic intentions of the Ming Dynasty.

Yes, he knew that Li Shimin would discover their plan sooner or later, it was just a matter of time.

I just didn't expect the other party to react so quickly...

"Go ahead and hit them. If we don't really touch them, we won't know which is the egg and which is the stone."

…………

"Long live!"

"Long live General Tiance!"

"Long live His Majesty the Great Tang Emperor!"

Bingzhou, Jinyang City.

The atmosphere here is completely different from the solemn atmosphere in the north. After tasting the long-awaited victory, the Tang army swept away the haze and looked forward to regaining more lost territory.

Especially the former South Taihang garrison under Cheng Zhijie, their morale was extremely high.

In the past few months, they first stood guard in vain, and after being robbed by the Ming army, they had to bang their heads against the Bingzhou Fortress they had built with their own hands. They felt so aggrieved that it was hard to describe.

Only when His Majesty the Emperor came did they feel proud. With His Majesty's coming, the sky is clear!
"Jinyang is a good place..."

In Bingzhou Prefecture, Li Shimin was still as usual, half lying and half sitting leisurely on the couch, and said with deep emotion:
“The land of Jinyang is of extraordinary significance, as it is the place where our dynasty was founded.

"It was in this city that Emperor Gaozu rose up in rebellion, initiated an uprising and raised the banner of resistance against the tyrannical Sui Dynasty.

"And my beloved daughter was given the title of 'Princess Jinyang', which is enough to show the status of this city in my mind."

Generals such as Li Shiji sat upright and listened to the holy teachings respectfully.

Looking at his men's serious expressions, Li Shimin smiled and tried to straighten himself up.

"When I get older, I tend to express inappropriate emotions."

Li Shiji said with some complaints:

“Your Majesty, it’s freezing cold in the mountains, why do you insist on going to the battlefield in person?

"You can just sit back and wait, we will carry out your wishes."

The generals echoed:
"Yes, yes. The journey is very tiring and it is not good for your recovery."

Li Shimin shook his head slowly:
"I appreciate your kindness, my dear ministers.

"But apart from going to the battlefield, where else can I stay?
"In Chang'an? It's inevitable that the emperor will feel that we are taking over the throne.

"In Kaifeng? Kaifeng is the fief of the King of Wei, and the temporary palace is the former Prince of Wei's mansion. As soon as I step into there, I can't help but recall...

"Oh, forget it, let's not talk about him."

This confession was so desolate and straightforward that his subordinates didn't know how to respond.

Everyone bowed their heads in silence, or wiped their tears silently.

This is what it means when a hero grows old...

"Let's stop talking nonsense and talk about business--

"Hmm? Why does it seem like there's one general missing?"

Li Shimin glanced at him in confusion.

"Where's Cheng Zhijie?"

"Your Majesty~"

A rude and sad voice came from the door.

After a while, Brother Cheng Zhijie stumbled in, knelt on the ground, and said in a low voice:
"I am guilty of a crime that has led to the loss of a large area of ​​territory. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Li Shiji curled his lips slightly, and the expressions of the other generals also showed a lot of disdain and blame.

Before His Majesty came in person to support them, Cheng Zhijie and his troops were fighting like a mess.

Whether it was a battle of wits and courage with the air in the South Taihang Mountains, or a head-on ramming of the Bingzhou fortress, it was all unremarkable, even hilarious, with no discernible pattern at all.

Although the battle to recapture Bingzhou was fought beautifully in the end, it was ultimately your responsibility, Old Cheng, for forcing the Tang Dynasty to fight this war.

Everyone thinks that Lao Cheng is not capable and that they should do it themselves.

However, Li Shimin was quite generous and waved his hand casually:
"It was my strategic judgment that went wrong. I misjudged Li Ming's main attack direction. It's not your fault.

"In the battle of Bingzhou, your troops fought bravely and helped our army capture the city. I should reward you."

Cheng Zhijie was so moved that he almost cried and kowtowed heavily:
"Your Majesty's kindness, even if I die, I will never be able to repay it!"

Li Shimin smiled gently and said:
“You can serve your country on the battlefield, but you can’t die.

"You are my old friend, how can I bear to part with you?"

He really knew his old friend inside and out and knew that Lao Cheng was a talented general, but not a talented commander.

He should not be blamed for the loss of northern Shanxi.

As a general, Cheng Zhijie was quite qualified, and the soldiers under his command also held their breath and fought very bravely.

The more aggrieved you felt before, the more fierce the rebound will be now.

"Your Majesty..." The upright man Cheng Zhijie was really moved and cried, tears streaming down his face.

Li Shimin laughed and scolded:

"You are a bandit, instead of crying, why don't you use your brain to think about what to do next with everyone else?"

Li Shiji stood up, bowed, and said bluntly:
"Duke Lu has worked hard and made great contributions. You can just rest here and there. There is no need to worry about it anymore.

"The next battle will be led by me!"

"I want to be the pioneer!"

"I will be the rear guard!"

All the generals stood up one after another, their morale was high.

"It's great that you guys volunteered!"

Li Shimin was overjoyed to see his men so energetic.

"Our old friend Li Jing has now reached Shuozhou.

“Long time no see, I missed you so much.

"But he's old, so there's no need to bother him to come back and see us. We can just attack directly and go straight to Huanglong!"

The generals below the seat sang in unison:

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Li Shimin got the feeling and immediately began to verbally arrange the next strategy:

"Ashina She'er!"

Ashina She'er: "I will be here!"

Li Shimin: "You will lead the right army to attack Daizhou to the northeast and threaten the east of Shuozhou!"

Ashina She'er: "As ordered!"

Li Shimin: "Guo Xiaoke, Li Daliang!"

Two people: "I am here!"

Li Shimin: "You two will lead the right army to attack Fenzhou, and then go north along the Sanchuan River Valley in Luliang Mountain and directly attack the west of Shuozhou!"

They both said: "Yes, sir!"

Li Shimin finally looked at Li Shiji.

"You lead the central army, go up the Fen River, and attack Shuozhou directly."

Li Shiji took a step forward:
"Follow the order!"

Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction.

"I will personally coordinate and command all the troops."

The three armies advanced simultaneously, and the main force of the Tang army was slapped in the face. Li Shimin didn't know how he lost.

"Your Majesty, what about me?" Cheng Zhijie wiped his nose and looked at Li Shimin pitifully, like a hungry puppy.

Li Shimin smiled at him graciously and said:
"You have contributed a lot in the battle of Bingzhou. It is time to rest and prepare for the next battle."

The light in Cheng Zhijie's eyes dimmed immediately.

But the army is not a place for impulsiveness, so he could only obey.

"I... accept your order."

Li Shiji patted the shoulders of the brothers in Wagang Village:

"You don't have to worry, just take a good rest, I'm here for you."

Li Shimin's pride was beyond words.

"With my strategy and your talents as military commanders, we are invincible.

"May I wish you all success?"

The generals answered immediately:

"I will not disgrace my life!"

…………

A few days later.

Different time, same place.

Jinyang Bingzhou Prefecture.

Led by Li Shiji, all the generals knelt on the ground and cried bitterly:
"I am guilty of this, which has led to the loss of territory and the heavy casualties among the soldiers. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Cheng Zhijie, who was standing aside, looked embarrassed and didn't know what expression he should make.

I was so scared, I thought I was the only one who couldn't do this, but it turns out everyone is the same...

Li Shimin sat up on the dragon couch, with the corners of his mouth twitching constantly.

(End of this chapter)