The seventh year of Tiance, spring.

This is a day when troops should not be raised. The successive wars in the Central Plains have exhausted the national strength of the entire country. What's more, the Guanzhong War last year just ended, and spring is the season when everything begins to grow after the cold winter. If you want the country to recuperate, you must stop all activities that may destroy agricultural production - not to mention the rise of soldiers!

But Shi Jingtang still held a large army! Because he had a great title: to take back Yan Yun!

Yan Yun was "lent to the Khitan to collect taxes" (Shi Jingtang said), but now he wants to take back the country and take back his territory, which is a duty!

At this time, Yan Yun fell into the hands of the Khitan for a short time. The people of Yan and Zhao hoped that the country would be prosperous every day. Therefore, as soon as Shi Jingtang proposed this proposal in the court, the military generals spoke in unison and suppressed the voices of civil officials.

If you don’t have money, then raise it. If you don’t have food, then force it to be levied!

What is more important than the restoration of the land and the golden cup? Even if the people suffer for a while, they must take back Yanyun. Otherwise, when the Khitan changes his mind, he will attack Yan and Yunzhou from the Hebei Plain and Fenhe Valley, which have a higher terrain, but I don’t know how many people will die, how much blood will shed, and how much price it will cost!

Therefore, Shi Jingtang's order was quickly implemented, and even Feng Dao could not persuade him.

The army set out in three directions:

The first route, leaving Hebei, was the east route, and entered Youzhou. It was led by Du Chongwei, the commander of the guards' personal army. Du Chongwei was both a long-time general in the army and Shi Jingtang's brother-in-law. As the saying goes, both close and noble.

The second route, leaving Hedong, was the west route, and was preparing to enter Yunzhou. He was led by Shi Chonggui, the left-behind Taiyuan. Shi Chonggui was Shi Jingtang's nephew. His father died early, and Shi Jingtang adopted him as his adopted son. Hedong was Shi Jingtang's place of fortune, and Taiyuan was the core of the entire Hedong. After Shi Jingtang's troops were sent to Luoyang, he would hand over Taiyuan to him in charge. It is unknown whether the trust was found.

The third route still leaves Hebei, but the marching route is located between the two routes, which is the middle route. The established destination is Weizhou between Yan and Yun, as the connection between the east and west routes. The number of people and horses on this route is less than 10,000, but it is a cavalry. The core unit is particularly famous, which is a cavalry with three thousand white horses and silver spears, especially the main force of thousands of cavalry. It is a white horse. The commander Gao Xingzhou, and his father is Gao Siji, who is known as the "first gun in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms" in later Romance. Gao Xingzhou inherited his father's business and was famous, and was known as the first cavalry general in the Central Plains.

Unfortunately, the performance of the Sweat-Blooded Cavalry was too outstanding last year. It was to defeat the Khitan and almost capture the power of Hu Lord Yelu Deguang! Especially after the scholars of the Central Plains gradually recognized that Tiance was also China, they even suppressed Gao Xingzhou in terms of momentum. Because they were known as the Sweat-Blooded Cavalry, the storyteller was well-known. They called Gao Xingzhou's troops the "White Horse Silver Spear Corps", and gradually they were accepted by most people. Even the internal soldiers and generals of the White Horse Silver Spear Corps also accepted this title.

This name sounds very powerful, but with the sweat-blooded cavalry regiment in front of it, the title of the White Horse Silver Spear regiment has a bit of a clique with the tail of the horse, so Gao Xingzhou didn't say anything about his face, but he was very dissatisfied with the title in his heart.

Three groups of people, east and middle routes, eat in Hebei, far away from Guanzhong, and suffered a small impact in the Guanzhong War last year, and can barely support the two armies. The western route is dominated by the remaining troops in Taiyuan. From Taiyuan to Yunzhou, the distance is not far. If there is no long-term battle, the consumption of food will still be within a bearable level. This logistics supply plan is the result of Feng Dao's efforts. Even so, he still needs to transfer grain from Shandong to Hebei, from Henan to Hedong, and from Huai Si to Henan to make up for the food gap caused by the army's operations.

This movement, as the saying goes, touches the whole body, and the Central Plains is in a hurry. The people have not recovered from the trauma of last year's war and are once again trapped in a new round of suffering.

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The three armies advanced northward in different directions. After reaching Yanyun, Du Chongwei would guard Youzhou and Shi Chonggui would guard Yunzhou. If a major battle occurred, Shi Chonggui would be controlled by Du Chongwei.

When Du Chongwei set out from Luoyang, Shi Jingtang shook his hand in person and told him that the restoration of territory must be the most important thing to do when he went there, and the Khitan must meet the requirements as much as possible.

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When Du Chongwei set out, Cao Yuanzhong and Yelu Wuzhi also set out from Qinxi. Zhang Mai also held Cao Yuanzhong's hand and said, "When you go to Khitan, everything will be done by the camera."

At this time, Cao Yuanzhong did not understand the profound meaning of this sentence and asked: "If the Liao Lord's intention was different from our conditions, what kind of proposal could Yuanzhong make?" He was asking about his authority.

Zhang Mai said: "Our long-term goal is to unify the country, but we have to eat one bite at a time, and the road must be taken step by step. Sometimes we walk slowly but we go far. At present, Ganlong is in recuperation and cannot start a war. As long as we can maintain our current strategic advantages, stability for a period of time will be more powerful for us. When we accumulate strength and complete, then thunder will break out again."

Cao Yuanzhong nodded, but there was still a question in his eyes - he wanted to know his specific authority.

Zhang Mai pondered and said, "If Yang Yi and Xue Fu have the opportunity to meet and you have the opportunity to meet Yang Yi, Yang Yi, Xue Fu and you three will discuss the strategy of offense and defense in the north. As long as it meets our long-term goals, the advancement and retreat of the country thousands of miles away will be decided by the three of you together!"

Cao Yuanzhong said: "What about before that?"

Zhang Mai smiled and said, "Outside the areas that our army has occupied now, we can buy and sell as you want."

Cao Yuanzhong was overjoyed. The authority granted by this sentence was great! Zhang Mai did not ask him to take Yan Yun, which gave him a lot of room for movement. Of course, Cao Yuanzhong was not very ambitious. In his opinion, Yan Yun was won by just a few words. Although this great contribution was not as good as Yang Yi, he was afraid that Xue Fu would be defeated.

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Although Du Chongwei and Yelu Wuzhi set out almost at the same time, the speed of the army walking and the speed of the delegation walking were naturally completely different.

Cao Yuanzhong knew that Luoyang was also fighting for Yanyun, and Yelu Wuzhi was eager to return home. The two of them were united at this point. Anyway, Zhang Mai did not ask for any confidentiality restrictions on Yelu Wuzhi's actions. They simply rode straight to the Yellow River and then took a boat down the river. This time it was faster than when they came. They arrived in the north in a few days. They then took a horse and soon they fell down Ping'an City.

This time, Xue Fu did not let Yelu Wuzhi enter the city, and the entire Ping'an City was already in a state of half-war readiness. Yelu Wuzhi saw it, but pretended not to pay attention.

Cao Yuanzhong entered the city and gave a reward on behalf of Zhang Mai. Xue Fu said: "We should have a banquet to host a good hospitality for Brother Cao, but I think Brother Cao is not here now. Why not wait until the day of the task is completed and we will drink and congratulate you!"

Cao Yuanzhong smiled and said, "Okay!" He looked at the relaxed atmosphere around him, which was very different from the situation that seemed tense from outside the city, and said, "Is General Xue's appearance ready to go for Yelu Wuzhi to see?"

Xue Fu smiled and said, "I received a letter from the Marshal a day in advance. I knew that Brother Cao was going to join the Khitan to negotiate peace and negotiate peace. He was afraid of getting peace, so he deliberately acted as if he wanted to fight. Then Brother Cao would ask the Khitans for a price."

Seeing that Xue Fu was smiling, Cao Yuanzhong still frowned in his eyebrows. After asking Xue Fu to shut up others, he said, "Brother Xue, this time I entered the Khitan, how do you want me to cooperate with your strategy?"

If he wanted Xue Fu's military operations to cooperate with his negotiations, it would definitely arouse Xue Fu's disgust. This statement made Xue Fu feel happy, but Cao Yuanzhong still noticed that the lock between Xue Fu's eyebrows was not completely opened.

"Brother Cao just act according to the marshal's instructions. I will try my best to cooperate with Brother Cao's needs."

Cao Yuanzhong said: "Brother Xue, has something happened to the north during this period?"

Xue Fu pondered silently.

Cao Yuanzhong said: "Brother Xue, your war and my negotiations are cooperation between literature and military. If you refuse to say it clearly, how can you let me enter Liao?"

Xue Fu hesitated for a while, then lowered his voice and said, "There is something wrong with the sweat-blooded BMW."

Cao Yuanzhong was surprised and said, "What!"

Xue Fu sighed and said, "Come with me." He took Cao Yuanzhong out of Ping'an City and came to a hidden pasture at the Yinshan Mountain. This pasture was so big. Looking around, the green grass had sprouted, and thousands of sweat-blooded horses were raised freely under the hillside. Many herders were taking care of them separately. More than half of these shepherds were knights of the sweat-blooded cavalry regiment. The composition of the sweat-blooded cavalry regiment was quite special. Basically, they were both warriors and the shepherds who were most familiar with the habits of sweat-blooded cavalry.

As for the sweat-blooded BMW who was taken care of by them, even Cao Yuanzhong could see that he was mentally exhausted and had no energy. He was shocked: "Is it a horse epidemic?"

"It's not very clear." Xue Fu said: "Maybe it's because of the unacceptable environment, or it may be because the long-distance raid last year was too much. From last winter to the beginning of spring, the spirit of the sweat-blooded BMW has been worse than before. The specific reason has not been completely found out. According to my Dayuan animal doctor, it's best not to move around this year. After this disaster, you may be fine in the future. But if you force yourself to fight fiercely, you're afraid that the horses participating in the battle will most likely fall ill!"

Speaking of this, Xue Fu's eyebrows were locked even harder, and he sighed, "After winter last year, the road to Huangshui was blocked by ice and snow. In addition, there was a group of Khitan who threatened my flank in Yunzhou. At that time, I was unable to go north at that time, so I had already set the scheduled combat opportunity for this summer - I guess General Yang Yi would be the same. But now that this problem is happening, I am afraid that the sweat-blooded BMW will not be able to participate in the battle to encircle and suppress the Khitan on the Huangshui River."

Cao Yuanzhong knew why Xue Fu had no joy in his eyebrows and asked, "Has the news been covered up?"

Xue Fu said: "The sweat-blooded BMW has a problem is nearly one-third, and the coverage is too large. I don't know if other sweat-blooded BMWs are hiding in it. Although I have tried my best to cover it up, it is difficult to ensure that there are no clues to be leaked."

Cao Yuanzhong said: "If this is the case, then my negotiation strategy for Yan Yun's trip will have to be considered again."

Xue Fu said: "I think I should be tougher."

"tough?"

Xue Fu said: "The military strategy is not enough. If Brother Cao shows his timidity in front of the Lord of Liao, we will be afraid that we will be exposed to our guilt. Although the sweat-blooded horse cannot fight, other horse breeds are still enough to support the cavalry regiment. It is just that it has not been as fast as before and its combat power has been greatly reduced. I have more than enough to defend it, and if Brother Cao wants to win Yan Yun for a moment, it is afraid it will be difficult."

Cao Yuanzhong laughed and said, "Brother Xue is also proficient in diplomacy. If you are not a general of my Tiance Tang Dynasty and come to fight for this envoy, I, an idle person, have to give in."

Xue Fu laughed, but no matter how he smiled, he was a little reluctant. He was the prince of Dayuan, and the blood of the sweat-blooded BMW was heavier than his life. This kind of worry that came from the depths of his heart could not be disguised.

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It was the second day that Cao Yuanzhong returned to Ping'an City. He didn't say anything to Yelu Wuzhi. After the two met, they led their followers, and Xue Fu sent someone to escort them into Yunzhou. At this time, Du Chongwei passed by Qinzhou.

After passing the former site of the Great Wall, Yelu Wuzhi smiled and said, "Before this, I was a guest. When I arrived here, Brother Cao was a guest. I will definitely treat you well and make Brother Cao feel at home."

Cao Yuanzhong's face turned aside and said unhappy: "This place is the hometown of China! I am the master here! Brother Yelu, you are the guest! It's just that this place has been temporarily stolen by you!"

The Khitans next to him were unhappy when they heard this, thinking that it would be fine if you were arrogant and arrogant in Qin Xi, but you would dare to be so rude when you bow your head!

In the past, envoys from the Central Plains to the Khitan were often trembling. Because the Khitan was a clan of the simple and unreasonable situations, some occasions were not very reasonable. Although the killing of the envoys had never happened, it was difficult to guarantee that it was a common thing to bully. So when Sang Weihan entered the Khitan, he bowed his head like a dog. At this time, he saw Cao Yuanzhong who was casually crazy and was very uncomfortable.

In fact, this may not be because Cao Yuanzhong's courage is much better than Sang Weihan, mainly because the courage of the countries they rely on is different.

Yelu Wuzhi didn't blame him, but he laughed.

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The team had not yet entered Yunzhou. Han Deshu and Han Kuangsi had already led a group of civil servants to greet the city gate. Han Deshu had returned a few days earlier than Yelu Wuzhi, and he had made a trip to Luoyang. He made a lot of contributions and had already washed away the suspicion of Qin Xi's return and gained trust again. Although he did not hold a real position in northern Shanxi at this time, his status was already above Han Kuangsi.

After Yelu Wuzhi settled Cao Yuanzhong, he immediately held a meeting where only two Han and Xiao Xiali attended. Xiao Xiali was the leader of the military, Han Kuangsi was the leader of the Han affairs, Yelu Wuzhi and Han Deshu were both envoys, but at this meeting, they both had the most say.

Yelu Wuzhi kept asking about the situation in various places after he left. Xiao Jieli had no idea about the military layout of the enemy and us.

Han Deshu said: "The three armies of Shi Jin have already advanced, and the White Horse and Silver Spears in the middle have gone the fastest, but the Western Army was originally in Taiyuan, so it came the earliest. Shi Chonggui has now entered Yanmen Pass. He sent an envoy, meaning that we should give up Yunzhou as soon as possible so that they can take over the leadership."

Yelu Wuzhi sneered: "The original agreement was that he had held Tiance for us, and then we handed over Yan Yun. Now their army and horses have been sent, but they didn't mention attacking Tiance, and said they were going to take over Yan Yun. What kind of alliance is this!"

This sentence is vaguely blamed. Han Deshu said: "According to the meaning of my father, Yunzhou might as well give it to them first. Once they take over Yunzhou, they will naturally have to bear the pressure from Tiance." During this period, intensive communication has been restored between him and Han Yanhui, and he can better understand his father's strategic intentions.

Although Yelu Wuzhi is also a rare wise man in the Khitan tribe, the Khitans are Khitans, and their nature is like jackals. Even if they are determined to cede the land in exchange for strategic space, they still feel resistant to spit out the flesh in their mouths. Yelu Wuzhi was also affected by this psychology and sneered: "Reply to Shi Chonggui, they must send troops! I really want to take Yan Yun back without bloodshed? There is no such cheap thing in the world!"

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Han Deshu frowned slightly, but when he saw Xiao Xiali agreeing with Yelu Wuzhi's decision, he decided not to fight anymore. He asked Yelu Wuzhi about his experiences during this trip. Yelu Wuzhi didn't want to talk much at this moment, but said, "The tone on Tiance is very high. Ping'an City has entered a state of war readiness when I passed by, as if ready to go."

Xiao Xiali was shocked and said, "Is it possible that Xue Fuzhen would run to Linhuang Mansion regardless of the time and horsepower when the horse is not suitable for traveling far away? From Chilechuan to the edge of Huangshui, it was a thousand-mile raid. He was not afraid that his sweat-blooded horse worth a thousand gold was completely disabled?"

Yelu Wuzhi said: "The Han people's "The Art of War" says, 'There is a saying in "There is the real one, and the virtual one is the real one'. Before, Yang Yi used this strategy when he attacked Mobei. Now Xue Fu, I guess he used it in the opposite way."

"Use it the other way around?" Xiao Xiali asked.

Han Deshu said: "General Yelu said that Xue Fu actually didn't want to fight, but he deliberately acted like he wanted to fight?"

"Yes," Yelu Wuzhi said: "I want to pass by Ping'an City, and he must have known in advance. Since he knew I would arrive, if he really wanted to fight, he would open up the inside and tighten the outside. But when I passed by, he was very entertaining and looking ready to go. This was clearly for me to see. In addition, the sweat-blooded cavalry regiment may have hidden worries."

"Hidden worries? What kind of hidden worries?"

Yelu Wuzhi pondered and said, "I got a news while traveling west, it seemed that my sweat and blood BMW had changed into an epidemic."

The three people in the room were both surprised and happy: "The epidemic? Take it seriously?"

"It's hard to say." Yelu Wuzhi said: "But if the sweat-blood horse is really infected with the epidemic, many of Xue Fu's unnatural measures will make sense. As for the real situation, we have to continue to test Cao Yuanzhong's bottom line before we can find out. Let's not mention the sweat-blood horse. I think Zhang Mai's actions in Qinxi should be very cheerful."

"Great cheer!" Xiao Jieli was slightly shocked and said, "Will you attack at all costs?"

"No." Yelu Wuzhi said: "Since there are big plans, the plan will be longer, and when it is long-term, it will be more stable. So I guess, from now on, there should be a period of time when our Liao, Jin and Tang dynasties will enter a relatively relaxed period."

"Then how do we treat Cao Yuanzhong?" Han Deshu said.

Yelu Wuzhi said, "Just treat it with courtesy."

"What if he wants Yan Yun?" Han Kuangsi said.

"Yanyun is a piece of meat that we fished for Tang and Jin to kill each other!" Yelu Wuzhi said: "If it weren't for the fact that the sweat-blooded cavalry regiment needed to prevent the entry of Linhuang Mansion, Yunzhou needed to intimidate Xue Fu's flank to the north. It would be fine to give this place in the clouds to Tiance!"
To be continued...