Chapter 509 Mengjin
Three days after capturing Weihui, the King of Chu prepared to send troops to Mengjin. With Weihui captured, the gateway to the Central Plains would be wide open, and it would only be a matter of time before they attacked Luoyang after taking Mengjin.
However, since most of the imperial supply lines have now been restored, the King of Chu can only accelerate his attack and capture Luoyang before the reinforcements arrive, so that even if the pursuing troops arrive, they will be powerless to reverse the situation.
"Xiao Liu, tomorrow you will take 5,000 troops to search along the riverbank around Chenqiao Post Station to make sure there are no imperial soldiers lying in ambush on either side of the river, and keep an eye on our grain supply route and subsequent material resupply."
Lin Changning rose from his seat, stepped forward, and bowed to the King of Chu, saying, "Yes, Father."
The King of Chu looked at the three commanders at the table, then turned his gaze to Qin: "How is the situation in Shanxi?"
Old Qin stepped forward respectfully and said, "The Shanxi gentry have agreed not to send troops. Our people are stationed outside Yanmen Pass, so there's no problem. We won't be attacked from both sides."
The King of Chu nodded: "Tomorrow, Xiao Liu, after you have cleared out the remaining soldiers on both sides of the river, you will lead your men to Mengjin. Lao Zhao, you will lead your men to Yanjin early tomorrow morning. I presume the court will set up an ambush there. After you take over the granary, station 5,000 troops there to protect the granary and the supply route."
Commander Zhao nodded and clasped his hands in agreement, while Commander Qian looked expectantly at King Chu, waiting for the king to assign tasks. King Chu glanced at Commander Qian.
Without assigning any tasks or saying a word, Commander Qian looked expectantly at King Chu: "Your Highness, what about me? What about me?"
The King of Chu coughed lightly: "You stay here and wait until the two banks are cleared and it is confirmed that there is no threat to logistics and supply lines. Then await orders and guard Weihui."
Old Qian looked somewhat displeased, but the prince had given the order after all. He mumbled in his voice and said yes. The others went out to earn merit despite their illnesses, while he and the injured Qi Rong were left behind to guard the rear, which was truly frustrating.
The King of Chu immediately saw what Old Qian was thinking and raised an eyebrow.
“Old Qian, the importance of Weihui is beyond doubt. If we encounter setbacks at the front, Weihui will be a crucial checkpoint. If you can stay here and stop the imperial reinforcements, as long as we hold the city, the pressure on the front will be greatly reduced.”
A hint of shame flashed across Lao Qian's face: "I understand, Your Highness. Weihui is an important position, and I, Lao Qian, will definitely help you defend Weihui well. I, Lao Qian, also want to attack Mengjin..."
The King of Chu had considered bringing Lao Qian along, but the Weihui pass was too important. His second son was at the ferry crossing behind it, so even if the crossing was captured, there was still a general in charge. As long as the imperial reinforcements couldn't take Weihui in a short time, the war would be in their favor.
The King of Chu also considered leaving Lin Changning here to guard Weihui. Firstly, the child was injured, and he couldn't bear to let Lin Changning travel long distances with him again.
Secondly, Lin Changning is young but can be considered a fierce general, so staying in Weihui to defend the city should not be a problem.
However, this child has not been in the army for long and is still young. Weihui is an extremely important strategic location. Although he trusts Lin Changning, what if something unexpected happens? He would have no way to explain it to the princess's daughter. So he simply let Lao Qian stay in the rear to stabilize the base camp.
King Chu suddenly remembered Duke Ji, who had been captured by Lin Changning. He coughed lightly and said to everyone, "Wei Hui has been captured, and several treasuries have been seized. Today, while everyone is still discussing merits and rewards, let's take advantage of this opportunity."
After speaking, the King of Chu waved his hand, signaling the soldiers beside him to bring gold ingots and distribute them to everyone present. Old Zhao, holding the largest gold box, scratched his head and said somewhat embarrassedly.
"Lin Qianshi should be credited for capturing Weihui, since it was Lin Qianshi who captured Duke Ji alive. Only then will we have a chance to take down the people of the court."
Old Qian nodded in agreement: "Old Zhao is right. It was Lin Qianshi who was the first to break into the city. Although we are older and have more experience than Lin Qianshi, Lin Qianshi did make a greater contribution in this attack on Weihui. Your Highness, this..."
The King of Chu, of course, would not mistreat his own child. He smiled at the man and waved his hand.
"Take it. I have my own plans for Changning's reward. Effective immediately, Lin Changning, the Right Guard Vice Commander, is promoted to Right Guard Assistant Commander, leading 5,000 troops. Tomorrow, he will go to both sides of the river to collect the remnants of the imperial army and confirm the safety of the supply lines!"
Lin Changning quickly stepped forward and knelt on one knee: "Changning obeys!"
After everyone at the banquet had received their rewards, King Chu suddenly kept Lin Changning behind.
He looked at Lin Changning with a gentle smile and said, "Your father has other plans for your reward. He will bestow the title after the war is over."
Lin Changning nodded to the King of Chu, his face serious: "Father, I understand."
The King of Chu waved his hand: "How is the wound? Can you lead the troops to clear the area around the riverbank tomorrow?"
Lin Changning nodded without hesitation: "It's alright, Father. It won't affect our military campaigns."
The King of Chu looked at Lin Changning with a serious expression and said, "Okay, if your body can't hold on, just tell your father in advance and stay in Weihui to recuperate."
Lin Changning smiled gently: "Father, don't worry, I'm fine."
When King Chu heard Lin Changning say this, he gradually put aside his worries. In fact, there were people who could fill Changning's position, but he had some plans of his own.
Changning is a very good child, he likes him very much, his own daughter likes him too, and he has been thinking about nurturing him. So now he is thinking of taking advantage of the war to train this child properly.
In the future, Lin Changning will surely become a famous general, conquering cities and expanding his territory.
Therefore, the current idea is to suppress people's achievements. Old Qian and Old Qin are all destined to be granted the title of Duke. Changning is too young. Suppressing his military achievements will be more beneficial for his future development.
Otherwise, if there's nothing left to bestow titles upon or rewards upon, it won't work.
Lin Changning naturally understood that the King of Chu was suppressing his military achievements, either because he was preparing to bestow a great title upon him, or because there might be other arrangements for him in the future.
Lin Changning can accept either one.
After chatting with the King of Chu for a while, Lin Changning came out. Li Mingxiu, Li Mingde, and the other two were standing outside, talking and waiting for Lin Changning.
Li Mingxiu saw Lin Changning give someone a forced smile: "You're out?"
Lin Changning nodded and walked to where the three of them were standing: "Brother Mingri, what are you doing here?"
Li Mingxiu nodded: "Mingde and I will stay in Weihui with our father for the time being, while Mingxiao will go to war."
After saying that, he patted Lin Changning on the shoulder: "Don't take this reward to heart. Father must have other plans."
Lin Changning glanced at Li Mingxiu with some curiosity: "I'm from the province, big brother."
Li Mingxiao put his arm around Lin Changning's shoulder: "Don't rush the reward, your good fortune is yet to come."
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