Chapter 600: The Pacification of Sibao County (Part Two) [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Si Bao County and Shen Tang's team are indeed destined to be together.
The former Prefect of Sibao County, Yan Cheng, was Qi Shan's mortal enemy. In the end, Shen Tang crushed his brains, killing him. Now, the current Prefect has also provoked Shen Tang. Given Shen Tang's vengeful and protective nature, Qiu Cheng is destined to meet a bad end.
Chu Yao wasted five years of his life here.
Kang Shi came here to join in the fun and ran into Shen Tang.
Shen Tang forcibly abducted Gu Chi, a civilian, here.
Gong Shuwu's relatives from the Gong family were exiled here and perished when Xiaocheng was captured, leaving him all alone.
Tu Rong's grandparents and parents were buried here...
For many, the land of Sibao County carries too many unpleasant memories. Ironically, Xiaocheng fought to the death to defend the city back then, but now the declaration of war is a prelude to launching an attack... It has to be said, fate has a knack for dark humor.
Shen Tang then took another sip of hot soy milk.
He sighed, "Sibao County is really unlucky..."
Besides its capital, Xiaocheng, Sibao County comprised four other counties. During times of peace, this region was renowned for its four treasures and convenient transportation, ensuring that the common people lived a prosperous life. Among the border counties, it was considered one of the more comfortable.
When bad luck strikes, even drinking water can cause problems. Located between the former kingdoms of Geng and Xin, Sibao County has experienced countless ups and downs...
First, it was conquered by Zheng Qiao's troops. Before it could catch its breath, it was attacked by Yan Cheng, a city known for its sycophancy and inhumane officials. Yan Cheng used every means to plunder the people, turning the once peaceful capital into a brothel. Prostitution flourished, and the sale of people was rampant.
Then, the King of Zhi led his troops to besiege and massacre the city, further reducing its population. Yan Cheng's successor was incompetent and was predictably overthrown by Qiu Cheng. Perhaps as a "bottoming out" event, with Qiu Cheng in office, life for the common people became less difficult.
I can finally catch my breath.
This year, drought has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in a poor harvest.
For ordinary people today, living is a constant ordeal.
A wave of emotion washed over Shen Tang. She noticed Gu Chi giving her a meaningful look, so she pulled herself back from her reverie and turned to Chu Yao: "Among us, none is more familiar with Sibao County than Wu Hui. In your opinion, where should this battle begin?"
One more thing.
"In this battle, we are only allowed to win, not lose!"
She was determined to twist Qiu Wenyan's head off and use it as a football. If she didn't act ruthlessly, people would really think she was just a worthless wretch who only knew how to farm!
"Although I have some ideas, I dare not act on my own initiative." Chu Yao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I wish to recommend someone."
He had lived in Xiaocheng for many years, but due to his status and circumstances back then, he lacked intelligence. His familiarity with Sibao County was only slightly better than most. If this knowledge were to be applied on the battlefield, it would be insufficient, but they had someone by their side who could solve this problem.
Shen Tang asked, "Who is it?"
Chu Yao: "Formerly the garrison commander of Sibao County, Lord Yang."
For a moment, Shen Tang almost couldn't remember who this was.
"This person... well, he is indeed capable."
In a sense, Yang Gong could be considered a walking military map of Sibao County. As the former commander of several thousand elite troops stationed in Sibao County, he knew exactly where the defenses were weak, where attacks were convenient, and where ambushes could be launched...
He knew everything.
Some topographical maps, troop locations, and troop deployments are classified information and are never easily leaked. Outsiders who try to spy on them risk being arrested. But for Yang Gong, these are all easily accessible. There is no difficulty whatsoever.
"Where is he now?"
Shen Tang knew that Yang Gong was with her.
In the early stages of their business, when there was a severe shortage of military personnel, Yang Gong helped take on a lot of training work, piecing together a makeshift team. Later, after moving to Longwu County, they received support from Chu Jie's military unit, which finally eased their financial difficulties.
But we heard very little about him that year.
Chu Yao: "Currently, I am still in charge of the salt warehouse's entry and exit."
In the past two years, the smuggling of salt in Longwu County has become the government's largest source of income, with the salt fields and wells producing large quantities of high-quality refined salt daily. This not only allowed Shen Tang to repay the huge loan owed by Xun Zhen, but also saved a small amount for future war budgets. The government also had money to increase its investment in other infrastructure projects. Having tasted the sweetness of success, they naturally knew how profitable the smuggling of salt could be.
The selection of the person in charge of the salt depot is extremely cautious.
On a whim, Shen Tang chose Yang Gong.
Firstly, he was a loner with no relatives or friends to rely on; secondly, he was incapable of embezzling funds, was meticulous and serious in his work, and had a fiery temper that dared to criticize anyone; thirdly, some of the middle-ranking officers in the army were either his former subordinates or soldiers he had personally trained, and the salt depot's output was equivalent to their military pay...
How could Yang Gong bear to let these soldiers go hungry?
Shen Tang said, "Alright, quickly send someone to invite him here."
With readily available military maps, there's no need to send scouts to infiltrate Sibao County to gather intelligence; the troops can be mobilized and deployed immediately.
Yang Gong was still bewildered when he was invited over.
I don't know why Shen Tang is looking for him.
"I have met Mr. Shen."
He'd been living a leisurely retirement these past few years. The injuries he sustained in the battle of Xiaocheng, except for the irreversible destruction of his Martial Arts Pill Palace, had long since healed. He seemed to be in good spirits, and his appearance was only getting younger with age, his radiance understated. At first glance, he might be mistaken for a wealthy, idle man; only those with keen eyes could see the lingering murderous aura around him. This was no ordinary character!
Shen Tang cut to the chase, saying directly, "I invited you here today for important business. A while ago, Qiu Cheng of Sibao County sent troops to raid Nanyu County, looting the local granaries and massacring many civilians. The autumn harvest is over, and if this debt is not settled, I will make the world a laughingstock."
The rest is self-explanatory; Yang Gong already knows what it is.
He hesitated for only a moment.
He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I am willing to serve Lord Shen like a dog or a horse."
He and Shen Tang have a conflict.
But all of that is in the past.
Times have changed, and he has been under Shen Tang's protection for years, so he is immune to any trouble. It is only right and proper that he should help the other party when he asks. Yang Gong's cooperative attitude completely put Shen Tang's mind at ease, and he invited him to sit down.
The map of the council hall has been changed to that of Sibao County.
Seeing that Yang Gong's gaze remained fixed on the map, Shen Tang smiled and asked, "Is there something wrong with this map?"
Although the map looks rudimentary, it is the result of a lot of money and manpower. As soon as Yang Gong arrived, he saw many problems.
"There are indeed some problems."
Not only could Yang Gong point them out, but he also detailed the course of some mountains and rivers, and even clearly marked the possible locations where troops might be stationed. Although the prefects were different, the locations of military strongholds within each prefecture were all carefully selected and established after repeated deliberation, consuming considerable manpower and resources, and were not easily changed. The intelligence provided by Yang Gong, while not 100% accurate, was at least 90% correct.
The more Shen Tang looked, the brighter her eyes became.
In wars of this era, whoever seizes the initiative in information first has a 50% chance of winning.
(ノへ￣、)
Goodbye November, hello December.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement this month.
There will be a tough battle in December, and Shiitake Mushroom will strive to win!
(End of this chapter)
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