Chapter 515 Promotion
At the banquet, Ma Yuan said: "Thanks to Brother Gongming and the military advisor's plan, otherwise, how could we have won so easily."
All the leaders nodded in agreement.
Lai Yong'er said, "Although the plan is good, it still requires the efforts of all brothers. Brother Gongming will give me a reward. I will return tomorrow. Brothers [Ironback Wolf] Cui Hao, [Sky-shattering] Yin Tai, and [Earth-drilling Ghost] Yin Chun will go with me to prepare to fight against another group of imperial troops. Brother Ma Yuan will still be in charge of Linzi City to wipe out the remnants of the imperial troops."
On the second day, Lai Yong'er and his group left the city and returned to Yidu. In Linzi, Ma Yuan was not in a hurry to go out of the city to wipe out the government troops. He only sent out scouts to find out where the government troops were staying.
The news of Gao Lian's defeat spread throughout Qingzhou in an instant. When the Qingzhou bandits heard it, their depressed spirit disappeared completely.
Zhao Zhen also heard that Gao Lian was defeated, so he summoned all the generals to discuss the matter while on the march.
After greeting, Zhao Zhen said, "Everyone, Gao Zhizhou of the northern route was badly defeated. I'm afraid that Yidu will be difficult to capture."
Hu Yanzhuo heard this and stood up and said, "Sir, we have been blessed by the court and should serve the country with all our loyalty. I am the commander of an army and have no merit, so I am willing to be the vanguard."
Zhang Qing also said, "General Huyan has been fighting for many days and has already won the battle by breaking the city. It was already decided the other day that I will be the vanguard. How can it be changed?"
Wei Dingguo and Shan Tinggui also stood up in a hurry and said, "Now is different from the past. Now the northern route has killed generals and destroyed the army, the court must be furious. Since we went to the battle, we have not made any achievements, but lost soldiers and generals. I am afraid that we will be severely punished. I hope the prime minister will allow us to be the vanguard and make meritorious contributions while serving our crimes."
Zhao Zhen saw that the three of them were eager to compete for merit, so he smiled and said, "You all have devoted your lives to the country. Go to Linqu today to rest for a day and wait for the angel's order. After that, we will go straight to the city of Yidu. When we get there, you will have to contribute."
Outside Linqu City, Zhao Zhen led a group of soldiers out of the city to welcome him. The person who issued the decree was Hou Meng, whom Zhao Zhen knew well. He brought the imperial edict into the city and set up the incense table in Longting.
Zhao Zhen and his generals knelt in a row facing north. After they finished their worship, Hou Meng stood to the left of the Dragon Pavilion facing south and read the imperial edict:
The decree said: "I respect the heaven and follow the example of my ancestors, and carry on the great foundation. I rely on outstanding people to maintain the great cause. Recently, there have been many alarms in the local areas, and the country has been in a state of little peace. Fortunately, Zhao Ze, the vanguard of the expedition to the Eastern Capital and the person in charge of suppressing bandits in the eastern part of the East Road, has traveled across mountains and rivers and made great contributions to suppressing the bandits. I really appreciate his help."
I have specially sent the Imperial Censor Hou Meng to bring the imperial edict and bestow gold, silver, robes, satin, and titles to honor your merits. In addition, because the powerful bandit Song Jiang has become an enemy in Shandong and occupied Qingzhou, and has not yet been razed to the ground, I have specially appointed Zhao Ze as the Recruiting Envoy to manage the army and the people and to be in charge of suppressing the bandits. Except for Gao Lian of Gaotang Prefecture, all other generals are under his control.
On the day the imperial edict arrives, you will lead the army and attack Qingzhou. You soldiers, work together and are loyal. If you succeed in pacifying the rebellion, you will be rewarded. You should respect it! Special edict.
April 8th, the second year of Xuanhe.
After reading the imperial edict, Hou Meng did not wait for Zhao Zhen and others to shout "Long live the emperor". He then took out the imperial edict, which was either an imperial edict or a warning. After reading it, all the generals bowed again to express their gratitude.
Hou Meng put down the imperial edict, smiled and walked up to Zhao Zhen and said, "Congratulations to the Minister of Recruitment, for your promotion and for having a beautiful wife."
Zhao Zhen said: "Your Majesty, I am only relying on the efforts of my brothers. Song Jiang has not yet surrendered, Qingzhou has not been pacified, and I still need your help. Now that Gao Zhizhou of the North Road has been defeated, I am afraid that it will take a long time to wipe out Song Jiang."
Hou Meng was shocked when he heard this: "What? Gao Zhizhou was defeated?"
Zhao Zhen nodded and informed Hou Meng of the news he had obtained.
Hou Meng took a breath and asked, "Any news about Gao Zhizhou and the others?"
"The Qingzhou bandits have not yet announced the killing of Gao Zhizhou and his men, so I guess they are not killed. Qingzhou is full of Qingzhou bandits, I'm afraid they can't hide anymore." Zhao Zhen said.
Hou Meng said: "The Minister of Recruitment can send someone to support..."
Zhao Zhen shook his head and said, "Yidu is blocking the way here, how can the army get through? I'm here..." Hou Meng heard this and sighed.
He said to Zhao Zhen: "Since this is the case, I cannot stay any longer. I will return to Bianjing and report to His Majesty."
Zhao Zhen urged Hou Meng to rest for a day before leaving, but Hou Meng refused and insisted on leaving.
Zhao Zhen had no choice but to have someone bring a tray of gold and silver to Hou Meng, and also give some silver to the escorting imperial guards.
After seeing off Hou Meng, Hu Yanzhuo and the others all came forward to congratulate Zhao Zhen. Among all the soldiers who went to the battle, only Zhao Zhen's group received rewards from the government. Except for Zhang Qing, who had just arrived from Dongchang Prefecture, the rest were reprimanded. Not only could they not be promoted, but they were lucky to keep their current official positions.
Now that Zhao Zhen has been promoted to the position of Pacifier, he is in charge of all the people. The Liangshan army is strong in men and horses and has made many meritorious services. Naturally, everyone wants to make meritorious services under Zhao Zhen, so that it will be worthwhile for them to fight in person despite the arrows and stones.
Zhao Zhen said to everyone: "Tomorrow we will send out troops and march straight to the city of Yidu. Zhang Qing will still be the vanguard, and the rest of the troops will gather together to transport food and supplies."
Everyone listened to the order and prepared.
On the second day, Zhang Qing went ahead, followed by Zhao Zhen and others.
Song Jiang had already found out everything about Yidu. Lai Yong'er and his men had also returned from Linzi. Soldiers and horses had gathered on the city wall of Yidu. There were 50,000 Qingzhou thieves fighting in the city, including 30,000 strong men and 14 leaders. Their troops and horses were in very good order.
Who are these fourteen people? They are the leader [Timely Rain] Song Jiang, the military advisor [Ghost Seer] Lai Yonger, the leader [Flying Lian] Huangfu Xiong, [Mugi Leopard] Di Lei, [Iron Arhat] Fatong, [Panhai Dragon] Qin Hui, [Mountain Bear] Zhao Fu, [Sea Stirring General] Zhao Gui, [Optimus Prime] Ren Yuan, [Ugly Scholar] Wanqi De. [Iron Back Wolf] Cui Hao, [Sky Collapse] Yin Tai, [Earth Drilling Ghost] Yin Chun, Ruan Zhaoer.
As for Zhao Zhen, he is not much inferior, and his generals and soldiers are no less powerful than the Qingzhou bandits.
Hu Yanzhuo, Zhang Qing and nine others had 11,000 soldiers and armored cavalry.
Zhao Zhen had four cavalry camps, 5000 archers, 2500 firearms camps, 2500 mountain camps, 2500 Guanghui and Deng Yuanjue, 2500 Zhao Xin, Gao Liangshi, and Hua Diao, and 2000 Li Ying and Shi En led people to patrol the rear. Including female riders, there were soldiers. There were also civilians transporting siege equipment, food and supplies. They rushed all the way to Yidu.
Zhang Qing went straight to the city and saw that Yidu was equipped with wooden cannonballs, crossbows, bows, ash bottles and gold juice. In addition, Yidu was a strong city with strong soldiers and horses. Zhang Qing only had 3,000 soldiers and horses, so he did not dare to challenge and slowly retreated to wait for Zhao Zhen's large army.
There was no further conversation along the way, and the army went straight to the city of Yidu.
After a day's rest, Zhao Zhen assembled his army and set up his battle array two miles away from the city. Zhang Qing followed his orders and led Gong Wang, the Tiger with a Flower Neck, and Ding Desun, the Tiger Shot with an Arrow, to challenge him.
On the Yidu city wall, Song Jiang saw a large group of soldiers and horses below the city wall and asked, "Military Advisor, do you want to go out of the city to fight?"
Lai Yong'er said, "Brother Gongming, look, Zhao Zhen is indeed a man of many talents. He has brought together many forces. There are 3,000 cavalry on each wing. The cavalry on the left must be Hu Yanzhuo. The cavalry on the right must be Liangshan. The artillery mounts in the formation must be the Liangshan artillery battalion."
"At that time, a soldier who escaped from Laiwu Prison once said that the Liangshan army fired cannons every day and the city walls were broken. With such a powerful weapon, it is impossible to defend the city."
"Fortunately, Zhao Zhen is used to being arrogant. Judging from the size of the army, he has less than 40,000 soldiers, less than half of what we have. He may not be able to capture the city. With Zhao Zhen's calculations, he will definitely not be willing to attack the city like ants. A stalemate under the city is our chance."
"Many of my brothers are skilled in martial arts. If they challenge us to a fight outside the city, we will accept it. Killing a few of them will boost morale. When Brother Ma Yuan clears out the remaining government troops and comes to reinforce us, we will have an even greater advantage."
(End of this chapter)
At the banquet, Ma Yuan said: "Thanks to Brother Gongming and the military advisor's plan, otherwise, how could we have won so easily."
All the leaders nodded in agreement.
Lai Yong'er said, "Although the plan is good, it still requires the efforts of all brothers. Brother Gongming will give me a reward. I will return tomorrow. Brothers [Ironback Wolf] Cui Hao, [Sky-shattering] Yin Tai, and [Earth-drilling Ghost] Yin Chun will go with me to prepare to fight against another group of imperial troops. Brother Ma Yuan will still be in charge of Linzi City to wipe out the remnants of the imperial troops."
On the second day, Lai Yong'er and his group left the city and returned to Yidu. In Linzi, Ma Yuan was not in a hurry to go out of the city to wipe out the government troops. He only sent out scouts to find out where the government troops were staying.
The news of Gao Lian's defeat spread throughout Qingzhou in an instant. When the Qingzhou bandits heard it, their depressed spirit disappeared completely.
Zhao Zhen also heard that Gao Lian was defeated, so he summoned all the generals to discuss the matter while on the march.
After greeting, Zhao Zhen said, "Everyone, Gao Zhizhou of the northern route was badly defeated. I'm afraid that Yidu will be difficult to capture."
Hu Yanzhuo heard this and stood up and said, "Sir, we have been blessed by the court and should serve the country with all our loyalty. I am the commander of an army and have no merit, so I am willing to be the vanguard."
Zhang Qing also said, "General Huyan has been fighting for many days and has already won the battle by breaking the city. It was already decided the other day that I will be the vanguard. How can it be changed?"
Wei Dingguo and Shan Tinggui also stood up in a hurry and said, "Now is different from the past. Now the northern route has killed generals and destroyed the army, the court must be furious. Since we went to the battle, we have not made any achievements, but lost soldiers and generals. I am afraid that we will be severely punished. I hope the prime minister will allow us to be the vanguard and make meritorious contributions while serving our crimes."
Zhao Zhen saw that the three of them were eager to compete for merit, so he smiled and said, "You all have devoted your lives to the country. Go to Linqu today to rest for a day and wait for the angel's order. After that, we will go straight to the city of Yidu. When we get there, you will have to contribute."
Outside Linqu City, Zhao Zhen led a group of soldiers out of the city to welcome him. The person who issued the decree was Hou Meng, whom Zhao Zhen knew well. He brought the imperial edict into the city and set up the incense table in Longting.
Zhao Zhen and his generals knelt in a row facing north. After they finished their worship, Hou Meng stood to the left of the Dragon Pavilion facing south and read the imperial edict:
The decree said: "I respect the heaven and follow the example of my ancestors, and carry on the great foundation. I rely on outstanding people to maintain the great cause. Recently, there have been many alarms in the local areas, and the country has been in a state of little peace. Fortunately, Zhao Ze, the vanguard of the expedition to the Eastern Capital and the person in charge of suppressing bandits in the eastern part of the East Road, has traveled across mountains and rivers and made great contributions to suppressing the bandits. I really appreciate his help."
I have specially sent the Imperial Censor Hou Meng to bring the imperial edict and bestow gold, silver, robes, satin, and titles to honor your merits. In addition, because the powerful bandit Song Jiang has become an enemy in Shandong and occupied Qingzhou, and has not yet been razed to the ground, I have specially appointed Zhao Ze as the Recruiting Envoy to manage the army and the people and to be in charge of suppressing the bandits. Except for Gao Lian of Gaotang Prefecture, all other generals are under his control.
On the day the imperial edict arrives, you will lead the army and attack Qingzhou. You soldiers, work together and are loyal. If you succeed in pacifying the rebellion, you will be rewarded. You should respect it! Special edict.
April 8th, the second year of Xuanhe.
After reading the imperial edict, Hou Meng did not wait for Zhao Zhen and others to shout "Long live the emperor". He then took out the imperial edict, which was either an imperial edict or a warning. After reading it, all the generals bowed again to express their gratitude.
Hou Meng put down the imperial edict, smiled and walked up to Zhao Zhen and said, "Congratulations to the Minister of Recruitment, for your promotion and for having a beautiful wife."
Zhao Zhen said: "Your Majesty, I am only relying on the efforts of my brothers. Song Jiang has not yet surrendered, Qingzhou has not been pacified, and I still need your help. Now that Gao Zhizhou of the North Road has been defeated, I am afraid that it will take a long time to wipe out Song Jiang."
Hou Meng was shocked when he heard this: "What? Gao Zhizhou was defeated?"
Zhao Zhen nodded and informed Hou Meng of the news he had obtained.
Hou Meng took a breath and asked, "Any news about Gao Zhizhou and the others?"
"The Qingzhou bandits have not yet announced the killing of Gao Zhizhou and his men, so I guess they are not killed. Qingzhou is full of Qingzhou bandits, I'm afraid they can't hide anymore." Zhao Zhen said.
Hou Meng said: "The Minister of Recruitment can send someone to support..."
Zhao Zhen shook his head and said, "Yidu is blocking the way here, how can the army get through? I'm here..." Hou Meng heard this and sighed.
He said to Zhao Zhen: "Since this is the case, I cannot stay any longer. I will return to Bianjing and report to His Majesty."
Zhao Zhen urged Hou Meng to rest for a day before leaving, but Hou Meng refused and insisted on leaving.
Zhao Zhen had no choice but to have someone bring a tray of gold and silver to Hou Meng, and also give some silver to the escorting imperial guards.
After seeing off Hou Meng, Hu Yanzhuo and the others all came forward to congratulate Zhao Zhen. Among all the soldiers who went to the battle, only Zhao Zhen's group received rewards from the government. Except for Zhang Qing, who had just arrived from Dongchang Prefecture, the rest were reprimanded. Not only could they not be promoted, but they were lucky to keep their current official positions.
Now that Zhao Zhen has been promoted to the position of Pacifier, he is in charge of all the people. The Liangshan army is strong in men and horses and has made many meritorious services. Naturally, everyone wants to make meritorious services under Zhao Zhen, so that it will be worthwhile for them to fight in person despite the arrows and stones.
Zhao Zhen said to everyone: "Tomorrow we will send out troops and march straight to the city of Yidu. Zhang Qing will still be the vanguard, and the rest of the troops will gather together to transport food and supplies."
Everyone listened to the order and prepared.
On the second day, Zhang Qing went ahead, followed by Zhao Zhen and others.
Song Jiang had already found out everything about Yidu. Lai Yong'er and his men had also returned from Linzi. Soldiers and horses had gathered on the city wall of Yidu. There were 50,000 Qingzhou thieves fighting in the city, including 30,000 strong men and 14 leaders. Their troops and horses were in very good order.
Who are these fourteen people? They are the leader [Timely Rain] Song Jiang, the military advisor [Ghost Seer] Lai Yonger, the leader [Flying Lian] Huangfu Xiong, [Mugi Leopard] Di Lei, [Iron Arhat] Fatong, [Panhai Dragon] Qin Hui, [Mountain Bear] Zhao Fu, [Sea Stirring General] Zhao Gui, [Optimus Prime] Ren Yuan, [Ugly Scholar] Wanqi De. [Iron Back Wolf] Cui Hao, [Sky Collapse] Yin Tai, [Earth Drilling Ghost] Yin Chun, Ruan Zhaoer.
As for Zhao Zhen, he is not much inferior, and his generals and soldiers are no less powerful than the Qingzhou bandits.
Hu Yanzhuo, Zhang Qing and nine others had 11,000 soldiers and armored cavalry.
Zhao Zhen had four cavalry camps, 5000 archers, 2500 firearms camps, 2500 mountain camps, 2500 Guanghui and Deng Yuanjue, 2500 Zhao Xin, Gao Liangshi, and Hua Diao, and 2000 Li Ying and Shi En led people to patrol the rear. Including female riders, there were soldiers. There were also civilians transporting siege equipment, food and supplies. They rushed all the way to Yidu.
Zhang Qing went straight to the city and saw that Yidu was equipped with wooden cannonballs, crossbows, bows, ash bottles and gold juice. In addition, Yidu was a strong city with strong soldiers and horses. Zhang Qing only had 3,000 soldiers and horses, so he did not dare to challenge and slowly retreated to wait for Zhao Zhen's large army.
There was no further conversation along the way, and the army went straight to the city of Yidu.
After a day's rest, Zhao Zhen assembled his army and set up his battle array two miles away from the city. Zhang Qing followed his orders and led Gong Wang, the Tiger with a Flower Neck, and Ding Desun, the Tiger Shot with an Arrow, to challenge him.
On the Yidu city wall, Song Jiang saw a large group of soldiers and horses below the city wall and asked, "Military Advisor, do you want to go out of the city to fight?"
Lai Yong'er said, "Brother Gongming, look, Zhao Zhen is indeed a man of many talents. He has brought together many forces. There are 3,000 cavalry on each wing. The cavalry on the left must be Hu Yanzhuo. The cavalry on the right must be Liangshan. The artillery mounts in the formation must be the Liangshan artillery battalion."
"At that time, a soldier who escaped from Laiwu Prison once said that the Liangshan army fired cannons every day and the city walls were broken. With such a powerful weapon, it is impossible to defend the city."
"Fortunately, Zhao Zhen is used to being arrogant. Judging from the size of the army, he has less than 40,000 soldiers, less than half of what we have. He may not be able to capture the city. With Zhao Zhen's calculations, he will definitely not be willing to attack the city like ants. A stalemate under the city is our chance."
"Many of my brothers are skilled in martial arts. If they challenge us to a fight outside the city, we will accept it. Killing a few of them will boost morale. When Brother Ma Yuan clears out the remaining government troops and comes to reinforce us, we will have an even greater advantage."
(End of this chapter)
