Traveling day and night, Wei Jing and his party returned to Anyang on the fourth night.
News from the Central Plains came one after another.
The disaster caused by the Yellow River bursting its dike further expanded, involving four states and eleven counties and kingdoms, the most severe of which were Jiyin County, Pengyue County, Liang State, etc., which had become a vast ocean. Hundreds of thousands of people fled in panic, and countless others drowned.
The land is covered with a thousand miles of marshland and people are suffering everywhere.
On the first day of February, Wang Ji, a native of Yuzhou, raised his arms and shouted, "I wish to perish together with Heaven!" Heaven refers to the Great Chu Dynasty. The imperial court won’t let ordinary people live, so let’s die together!
The desperate victims were the first to respond, and then the movement quickly spread in all directions. Many people rose up in rebellion wherever they passed. Led by Wang Ji, the indignant poor began to attack the officials and the gentry.
"According to the latest report, within ten days or so, the Zhenquan Army already claims to have 300,000 troops."
The place where Wang Ji started the uprising was Zhenquan County, so the rebel army was called the Zhenquan Army. It spread along the way and received responses along the way, and it is still continuing. There is no doubt that this will be the largest uprising since the founding of the Great Chu.
The situation changed rapidly. As soon as Wei Jing returned to Gaoling, he did not even take a rest. He immediately summoned everyone to discuss the matter.
He sat at the top of the chairperson's desk in the meeting room and looked around at the people below: "What do you think?"
As host and guest for many years, Ji Huan immediately understood. He stood up and said, "The chaos has come. If we want to protect ourselves, we must strengthen ourselves. Anyang is a small county. My lord, please think twice!"
"If you want to protect yourself, you must be strong. Well said!"
Wei Jing turned sideways and looked at the large map of the territory hanging on the left wall: "Anyang is indeed a small place and not enough to protect itself. What do you think?"
Those present today are all our people from Pingtao. Fan Ya and others who have He Hong’s influence are not present. The question and answer between the host and the guest were actually spoken to Zhuang Yan and Kou Xuan.
Zhuang Yan and Kou Xuan were both surprised and delighted. They never expected that the situation would change so suddenly and drastically. However, their lord was not a pushover and had the ambition to expand from the very beginning.
The two of them understood the Lord's ability. If, if...
The two of them were instantly overwhelmed with emotion. Zhuang Yan stood up first and said, "My lord, I think Yongchang County and Hanzhong County are very good."
"Yongchang County has open water and land routes, a dense population, and is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. If we have elite navy, we can go down the river to Jingyang Prefecture, and our momentum will be unstoppable!"
Since Wei Jing's first thought was about expansion, Zhuang Yan couldn't help but think more. He took a deep breath and said loudly, "There is also Hanzhong."
"Hanzhong is located in the upper reaches of the Han River, with vast and fertile land, and is known as a granary. It is backed by the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Bashan Mountains to the south, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. There are also six roads such as Ziwu and Fangling that lead to the northeast.
To the north is Guanzhong, where Sizhou and Luojing are located; to the east is Jingzhou.
On the territory map, Wei Jing's sight passed over Anyang, Yongchang and other counties and fell on the northern part of Yizhou.
Hanzhong has always been a battleground for military strategists and the most strategically important county in Yizhou.
He folded his hands on the table, and with his left hand he slowly turned the jade ring on his right thumb.
“Hanzhong is indeed excellent, but it is very far from Anyang. There are also Yiliang and Yongchang counties in between. I am afraid it will be difficult to reach it without reason.”
It was Kou Xuan who took over the conversation, and he fully agreed with Zhuang Yan's opinion. Although Hanzhong is a good idea, it is very difficult to implement. If we want to expand now, we have no choice but to send troops. However, Yizhou is still relatively peaceful at the moment, so we need a reason to send troops!
Otherwise, if you are not careful, you will become the first rebel in Yizhou and be wiped out by the whole army.
Kou Xuan shared Zhuang Yan's concerns, and his brows were also furrowed.
Wei Jing smiled slightly and said, "On the way back to Anyang, I have already written to Mr. He Er."
Write to He Hong?
What are you doing?
It's just a reason to send troops.
That’s right, as early as last year, Wei Jing had set his sights on Hanzhong County.
Now the great changes are coming with greater force and more ferocious than imagined, and what a coincidence that He Yun is seriously ill, he will probably not survive for long.
The fight between He Hong and He Xin is about to enter its most intense phase.
These two people were born and raised in Yizhou. Would they not know the importance of Hanzhong County?
Of course not.
Wei Jing sent messages to He Hong all the way, and he had informed the other party about He Yun's increasingly serious illness more than half a month ago.
He also told He Hong a secret: He Xin sent people to monitor the Yellow River embankment and summoned his confidants to discuss matters for several days.
The most recent letter was sent just after leaving Heyin. It was stated above that according to investigation, the content of the discussion in He Xin and others seemed to involve Hanzhong.
In fact, Wei Jing did not order anyone to monitor He Xin, and the so-called monitoring of the Yellow River embankment and holding meetings in Hanzhong could not be confirmed whether they really happened. But it doesn’t matter whether it is confirmed or not. If he needs it, He Xin will have it.
Zhuang Yan was a little worried: "My Lord, what if He Xin doesn't have this intention..."
If He Xin coveted Hanzhong, he would have sent a message to his followers in Gucheng to prepare first. But it is impossible that He Hong did not have any spies on He Xin's party. If He Xin doesn't cooperate, the plan will fail.
Wei Jing raised his lips slightly: "Don't worry, Wen Gui, He Xin will definitely covet Hanzhong."
He spoke with certainty, and Shao Qing nodded secretly. He Yun was almost dying of illness, and Hanzhong was of such great strategic significance that He Xin would have to be dead to be tempted.
Wei Jing then asked Ji Huan: "What's the news from Gucheng?"
"My lord, He Hong's group has been active. Although He Xin is not here, his followers are also active. To date, spies from both sides have been frequently entering and leaving Jinniu Road, with the most frequent visits being more than ten times a day."
Jinniu Road is the official road connecting Yizhou and Hanzhong County. Wei Jing had sent spies to Gucheng a long time ago, with the He brothers as the main target.
Wei Jing was certain: "It won't be long before He Hong will reply."
He specifically wrote a letter to He Hong to inform him of this matter, which was tantamount to recommending himself. And he himself demonstrated excellent military talent in the battle to capture Anyang County last year.
Given that Hanzhong could not afford to lose, it is self-evident what choice He Hong would make.
"What about Hanzhong?"
Ji Huan replied, "There has indeed been a civil riot in Hanzhong, and some have responded to the Zhenquan Army. A man named Xu Jin is the leader, and he has quickly gathered nearly several thousand people, and is now in the north of Ankang City."
This situation is actually not quite right. Hanzhong is surrounded by mountains and is basically not affected by the disasters in the Central Plains. It is also rich in grain and has always been quite stable. Ordinary people would not think of rebelling if they had food and shelter, so why did so many people respond to the Zhenquan Army in just one day?
The answer is that someone had been planning this for a long time and had been constantly guiding refugees into Hanzhong County.
This man is Wang Ji, the leader of the Zhenquan Army.
In fact, Wei Jing was quite familiar with the name Wang Ji. This person has devoted himself to the uprising for more than ten years and has gone through nearly ten major and minor events. The period may be as short as one or two months, with a thousand or eight hundred people; or as long as two or three years, with tens of thousands of people.
However, this man was cunning and had some skills. Every time the rebels were suppressed, he managed to escape successfully.
Xu Jin is his right-hand subordinate.
After Wei Jing learned about Shushui's attack on Sha, he sent people to the Central Plains to inquire about this person. Wang Ji is cautious and never reveals his whereabouts, but this man has quite a few followers, so it would be okay to look for them.
Hanzhong County is indeed a good place, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and it is independent. Wei Jing was still thinking about how to direct the opponent's attention over here, but he didn't expect that Xu Jin had already sneaked over.
Well, that was what they had in mind in the first place.
So there is no need for guidance, just monitor from a distance.
Of course, there is no need for Zhuang and Kou to know the above. They only need to know that Wei Jing has a long-term vision and has ordered people to keep an eye on Hanzhong early on.
There was a civil unrest, and He Hong had made all the arrangements, waiting for the east wind to arrive before sending out troops.
Zhuang Yan and Kou Xuan were sincerely convinced and said, "My lord is wise!"
…
After arranging all matters, big and small, such as food, fodder, weapons, etc., Zhuang Yan and Kou Xuan, who had received an important task, left in a hurry. Ji Huan and others were a little slower and returned immediately after the two men left.
The meeting continued, but it was not appropriate for Zhuang and Kou to be present.
Wei Jing turned his gaze back to the territorial map and said, "I want to take Yizhou first."
That’s right, Hanzhong is just the first step, his next goal is actually the entire Yizhou.
By taking over Yizhou, they would have the capital to fight for the world and gain a firm foothold. They would no longer need to be cautious and would not even be as concerned about revealing their identities as they are now.
Wei Jing's voice was not loud, but it hit people's hearts like a heavy hammer. Zhang Yong, Chen Qi and others couldn't help but show a little excitement on their faces.
After planning all this time, it is finally time to begin.
After calming down, Chen Qi asked, "My Lord, what about Prince Ji?"
Last night, Wei Jing had instructed Han Xi to inform several people about Prince Ji's plan to rebel.
Shao Qing knew: "Prince Ji has repeatedly summoned his advisers to discuss things behind closed doors, and the generals from his fiefdoms frequently go in and out of Prince Ji's palace. In about a month, he will raise the banner of rebellion."
Shi Liang sent a message back this morning, Wei Jing judged that there would be a rebellion within the month.
With Zhenquan's army in front and Prince Ji behind, it is foreseeable that the situation will get out of control.
Ji Huan said solemnly: "Take Yizhou, the sooner the better."
The more chaotic the Central Plains is, the more opportunities there are, but the prerequisite is that you have to free your hands first.
Indeed, Wei Jing nodded: "He Yun's illness is just right."
The same goes for Yizhou. If He Yun had not been ill, he would probably have to spend a lot more time and effort to create an opportunity.
…
When the meeting was over, it was already the evening hour and the night was shrouded in a thin layer of mist. The couple walked hand in hand along the familiar corridor towards the backyard.
"Hanzhong is a matter of great importance. He Hong would not order only one person to lead the troops there, right?"
Another war broke out, and it was a crucial turning point. Unlike Wei Jing who remained calm and composed, Shao Qing was a little nervous. She thought that if it were her He Hong or He Xin, they would probably transfer all their trusted county governors near Hanzhong over there.
A big, fierce battle.
Shao Qing let out a long sigh: "We have used up most of our makeup powder. We need to ask Yan Ming to process more thornwood juice tomorrow."
The juice of the thorn tree is one of the waterproof plant juices used to mix makeup powder. Shao Qing actually needs more than one kind, but Yan Ming knows it.
He is about to meet other county governors again. He has shaved his beard, but Wei Jing still has to put on eye makeup in the early stage. He needs to prepare more of this thing.
Wei Jing pushed open the door and nodded: "You are right."
Every second counts in capturing Hanzhong, so He Hong would definitely not let him go alone. He felt a little apologetic: "Ah Qing, I'm sorry for putting you through this."
Since eye makeup is required, Shao Qing must follow. Wei Jing had just returned from Luojing and had no time to rest when he had to rush to Hanzhong again. He frowned at having his wife suffer like this.
"What did you say?"
Shao Qing glared at him and said, "I think this is good."
After the couple washed up and went to bed, she put her arms around his neck and smiled, "You know me, I don't like to be idle in the backyard, I'm not tired at all, I think now is just right."
Participate in all major affairs, give full play to your abilities and contribute your strength, instead of being restricted and constrained by various reasons.
When Shao Qing said this, his eyes were bright and his face was radiant.
Wei Jing's mood also soared and he smiled.
"Aren't you tired then?"
“Not tired at all!”
Shao Qing asserted.
She held her head high and chest out, and spoke with great authority, but her height was a little short. Even though she was sitting on Wei Jing's lap, she was still a little shorter than him, so she quickly raised her chin to make up for it.
She was born beautiful, and her heroic and high-spirited appearance did not show much momentum, but had a different kind of charm, which made Wei Jing's heart itch. He coughed twice and asked, "Are you really not tired?"
“Not tired!”
After Shao Qing finished speaking, he suddenly felt dizzy and was thrown down on the quilt and pillow. A strong and heavy body immediately covered him.
"As long as you're not tired."
It's not tiring and I can do other things.
"Hey, hey,..." Why did the plot change suddenly?
Shao Qing protested, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she was blocked by her thin lips, and the flexible tip of her tongue went in.
She uttered a few "hmmmm" words and was quickly led astray.
I must settle accounts with this guy later!
She thought so vaguely.
…
In fact, after the fierce battle was over, Shao Qing completely forgot about it and fell asleep the next second after lying on the quilt and pillow.
The next day I had to hit him twice to make up for the loss.
Wei Jing didn't feel any pain at all. He just grabbed her white fist and kissed it, feeling very happy.
The couple was busy during the day and played around at night. They were preparing for the war while waiting for He Hong's reply.
He Hong's first reply letter arrived in Gaoling the next day.
Sure enough, in addition to expressing his high regard for the information provided by Wei Jing, he then made it clear that Wei Jing should speed up preparations for the war. The situation in Hanzhong was changing day by day, and it was expected that troops would be sent soon to quell the civil unrest. This matter was important, and he wanted to entrust it to Wei Jing and others.
It’s done. Everything is ready, only the east wind is missing.
However, the wait was not long before the east wind came.
Xu Jin was well prepared, and the Zhenquan Army gathered tens of thousands of troops within ten days and came on strong. The Hanzhong army, which had been comfortable for so long, could not hold on and was defeated in two battles in a row. Hanzhong was in chaos and the Hanzhong prefect Liao Fang hurriedly asked for help from Gucheng.
Shao Qing didn't know how the He brothers wrestled with each other. She only knew that on the eleventh day after He Hong's letter, the governor of Gucheng state came to Gaoling.
He ordered the governor of Anyang, Yang Ze, the governor of Donglin, Lü Jian, the governor of Yongchang, Cai Yu, and the governor of Yiliang, Zhou Peng, to march to Hanzhong immediately after receiving the order to help the governor of Hanzhong, Liao Fang, to quell the civil unrest.
At the same time, He Hong's second secret letter also arrived.
He ordered Wei Jing not to worry about the governor's order, and after arriving in Hanzhong, he only needed to take all available means to ensure that he and Lu Jian had actual control over Hanzhong County.
Yang Ze and Lu Jian are He Hong's people, while Cai Yu and Zhou Peng are He Xin's people. From this secret letter, it can be seen that the dispute between the Gucheng brothers has indeed entered its most intense state as the intelligence reports showed.
All available means?
very good.
Wei Jing raised his lip and said, "Order the East and West camps to gather at the parade ground and immediately recruit the troops."
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