Chapter 253 Pei Xingjian leads the troops and directs the entire battle
Under the people’s wooden gaze, like a puppet.

The military commander couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, and after looking around, he continued speaking:
“You may think that this matter has little to do with us. However, have you ever thought about what will happen to us if Crown Prince Li Chengqian falls?”

“The land we have worked so hard to acquire will be ruthlessly taken back, and taxes will be increased once again!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the eyes of the people were instantly filled with deep panic.

Everyone’s face changed drastically, with different expressions, and it was obvious that they had been hit in a sore spot.

For a moment, exclamations and groans rose one after another from the crowd.

“What on earth should I do?”

“Yeah, what should I do?”

At this moment, everyone’s heart seemed to be tightly grasped by an invisible big hand. They were anxious like ants on a hot pan, but helpless.

However, despite being extremely anxious, he just stared with eyes wide open.

Faced with oppression from the powerful, they have long been accustomed to submitting to it.

There seems to be no other solution except to keep complaining about everything.

Because as long as the powerful have not forced them into a desperate situation, they will never dare to rise up in resistance.

This is the heartbreaking ignorance displayed by people living at the bottom of society.

This is also the reason why, since ancient times, a minority of people have been able to lead the majority.

The consciousness of resistance is weak.

“Now, this notice is for recruiting soldiers, but the recruits are all volunteers, without pay. Anyone who wants to join the army can go to the city to sign up.”

“His Royal Highness said that this is all he can do for the people. If the people do not want their land to be taken away and their descendants to be oppressed, then they should rise up and resist, take up their own weapons, and defend their own interests and dignity.”

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

With someone taking the lead, these people seemed to have found their backbone.

“Yes, report to the army. Our land cannot be taken away again.”

“We won’t agree!”

“join the army…”

At the city gate, countless people raised their farm tools and headed towards the city center.

As the recruitment notice was spread, similar scenes were played out in every city.

The people from the four regions who joined the army were enthusiastic and filled with righteous indignation.

When their own interests are harmed, they will give up their desire to watch the fun.

They all joined the army enthusiastically.

“General Pei, according to the recruitment statistics reported by various places, the number of people who volunteered to join the army has reached 300,000.”

Heichi Changzhi said that this had exceeded all of their expectations.

The 300,000 people he mentioned were all men capable of fighting, and almost included all the families in the four regions today.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince has won the hearts of the four provinces, so this is not surprising. Send out orders, and the troops of the other three provinces will be transferred to Liaodong one after another.”

“In addition, General Black Tooth, you will send another army north to pick up cattle and sheep as supplies for war preparation.”

Pei Xingjian commanded.

Now Li Chengqian has delegated all power, and the command of the war situation has been handed over to Pei Xingjian and Liu Rengui.

Supplies and personnel are seamlessly connected.

The people who were expected to become disaster victims in the spring also became military households.

Use work instead of relief, use the military instead of relief.

The control of this kind of major war situation is all-round.

“promise!”

Heichi Changzhi bowed and accepted the order.

“As for the arrangement of logistics supply personnel, generals, what do you think? Should we recruit new ones, or just gather them from these 300,000 people?”

Pei Xingjian looked at the remaining few people and said.

“Three hundred thousand able-bodied men is already the limit for the Four Paths. If more are conscripted, I’m afraid there will be no one left to farm the Four Paths.”

Liu Rengui shook his head and denied it.

Even if it’s three hundred thousand, it’s already too much.

With a population of several million, so many people were mobilized, which meant that almost all the men of military age in every family joined the army.

If the role is changed again, I’m afraid that all the elderly and women will have to take part in the battle.

“If we continue to requisition them, I’m afraid it will become a burden on the military.”

Cheng Chumo also denied it.

During the march, at least two-thirds of the food will be used to feed the logistics personnel.

“Speed ​​is of the essence in war. Since the generals agree that there is no need to conscript civilians anymore, I will give the order.”

Pei Xingjian did not drag his feet.

“Where is Liu Rengui?”

“The general is here!”

Liu Rengui stepped out.

“Before the troops move, the food and fodder must go first. You are to be in charge of the transportation and manage the government affairs of the four provinces and the military supplies for the war.”

Pei Xingjian nodded and said that among the current personnel, only Liu Rengui had the ability to take charge of the overall situation.

This position is extremely important and it determines the victory or defeat of the entire army.

“Yes, Liu Rengui will take your orders.”

Liu Rengui had no objection and stepped back immediately.

Managing local areas and coordinating the overall situation are what he is best at.

Leading the army and fighting on the front line can only be said to be his side job.

“Black Tooth Changzhi, listen to my orders. I order you to order three thousand elite knights to secretly cross the Liaoze and enter the Tang mainland, waiting for an opportunity to act. You are given the power to act according to the situation. In wartime, you can decide whether to obey the orders of the central army based on the form.”

Pei Xingjian continued.

He didn’t know much about Heichi Changzhi, but he had communicated with Li Chengqian in advance about all these military appointments.

Black Tooth Changzhi has the ability of a commander, especially in surprise attacks, and no one can match him.

That’s why Li Chengqian treated them specially and regarded them as a cavalry.

“Black Tooth Changzhi obeys the order!”

Heichi Changzhi couldn’t hide his joy on his face, and he was extremely excited. Even he himself had never expected that he could gain such special power and trust.

As a foreign general, being so highly valued, how could I not repay this kindness with my life?

Then, Pei Xingjian continued to issue orders:

“Generals Cheng Chumo and Cheng Mingzhen, listen to my orders! I order you to lead 10,000 elite soldiers to form a vanguard force. Once you are ready, march out from Liaodong Road.”

“Your mission is to clear all obstacles on the road ahead and go deep into enemy territory to spy on military intelligence. Remember, do not underestimate the enemy and advance rashly, but do not miss the opportunity to fight. If there is any mistake, you will be severely punished!”

“I obey your command!” Cheng Chumo and Cheng Mingzhen responded in unison.

At this time, Pei Xingjian was seen sitting on the city lord’s throne, controlling the dispatch and command of the entire army with a solemn expression.

He issued orders in an orderly manner, and each military task was assigned to the corresponding general.

Clearly define powers and responsibilities to maintain the relative independence of each military.

The young commander demonstrated extraordinary military talent and outstanding leadership, as if a bright new star was rising.

“I am in charge of the central army and will coordinate the overall situation. All soldiers must obey my orders. Military orders are as heavy as a mountain. Those who violate them will be punished according to military law!”

Pei Xingjian’s voice was sonorous and powerful, echoing in the hall, full of majesty.

“Yes, we will all obey General Pei’s orders!”

All the generals saluted and obeyed Pei Xingjian’s orders, and acknowledged Pei Xingjian’s position as the commander.

It is mid-March.

As spring returns to the earth and the ice and snow in the north melt, the Liao Great Wall is shrouded in war clouds.

More and more soldiers gathered here, and with a single order, they could invade Tang territory. A delegation appeared outside the Liao Great Wall.

It cannot be said that they were a group of envoys, but rather officials sent by the court.

“Now the court has sent officials here, probably to bring gifts to the new emperor.”

Cheng Mingzhen stood on the Liao Great Wall and looked down at the Tang Dynasty’s envoy team.

“The situation is tense right now. The arrival of the envoys is a good opportunity. Open the city gate and let them all in.”

Cheng Chumo waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to open the city gate.

As vanguard generals, the two arrived at the Liao Great Wall very early.

“If so, it could expose our military operations.”

Cheng Mingzhen seemed to be reminding him.

“Humph, since they set foot on this land, there is no hope of returning.”

“Let’s go down and meet the herald!”

Cheng Chumo snorted, and also wanted to get more information about the situation in the Tang Dynasty from the envoy.

“That’s not right! Why are there so many people in the border town? And they are all strong men.”

After entering the city, Gao Biaoren looked around and immediately discovered something wrong.

People only know that the Tang Dynasty had the strongest diplomat, Wang Xuance, but few people can remember Gao Biaoren.

In fact, Gao Biaoren was also a very powerful diplomatic envoy during the Tang Dynasty.

It is also known for its strength.

When he was on a diplomatic mission to Japan, he once made the Japanese emperor, Emperor Shumei, kneel down, showing his incomparable power.

During the Tang and Han dynasties, envoys from other countries were all sent to seek death. It can be said that they did so for an excuse to start a war.

If someone had died while on a diplomatic mission to other countries at that time, it would have definitely been recorded in history.

It is also the highest honor pursued by many messengers.

“Messenger, please, our general, come into the city to discuss!”

A group of soldiers came towards them and surrounded the envoys.

Obviously, he didn’t want Gao Biaoren to find out more information.

“Who are you, General? You are so rude. I am a minister sent by the court. How can I not come to greet you in person?”

In the past, he was always welcomed wherever he went.

Now that he had arrived in Liaodong, not only had he been turned away, but he had also been surrounded by soldiers. How could he not be angry?

“Riding horses is prohibited in the city. Please dismount quickly, or we will not be polite to you.”

The soldiers ignored Gao Biaoren’s words and pulled Gao Biaoren and his guards off their horses.

“You dare!”

Gao Biaoren shook off the soldier’s arm and strode forward, furious.

“Call your general over here, now! Immediately!”

Gao Biaoren shouted loudly, not afraid of these soldiers at all.

“I am an official appointed by the imperial court. How dare you treat me like this? You are really thinking the opposite.”

Gao Biaoren was still fearless and shouted loudly.

With the support of the Tang Dynasty, they are so arrogant.

However, he misunderstood the current relationship between the four Liaodong regions and the Tang Dynasty.

“The general said that when two armies are fighting, they will not kill the messengers. As long as the leader is not killed, anyone who disobeys orders can be killed.”

The military leader shouted, not giving any face
The mighty power of the Tang Dynasty does not work here.

“Who dares…”

However, before Gao Biaoren could finish his words, drops of warm blood splashed on his cheek, causing him to shiver.

Without any warning, the enemy soldiers suddenly rose up and killed people.

“The general also said that if you want to pass on a message, one person is enough.”

The leader pulled the frightened Gao Biaoren away.

He had never encountered such a situation in his diplomatic career.

All the guards of the delegation were surrounded and killed.

It may seem like a bad move, but it is actually intended to avoid accidents.

“General, the person has been brought here!”

In the city, Gao Biaoren was pushed into the hall.

“You are the leader of this city!”

Gao Biaoren was also a man who was used to big scenes, and he had come to his senses long ago.

“It is me, the general. Who are you and why do you want to come here to spy on my military power?”

Cheng Chumo scolded.

“Where did you come from, young general, to know my name? Hurry up and ask Li Chengqian to come out and receive my order, otherwise, there will be no room for recovery.”

Gao Biaoren replied arrogantly.

“How can you call the Crown Prince by his name? Do you really think I dare not kill you?”

Cheng Chumo slammed the table and said angrily.

It may not be easy to get more information from Gao Biaoren.

“If I were afraid of death, would I serve as a messenger? But you and others, the day of great disaster is not far away.”

Gao Biaoren was willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of righteousness.

Indeed, none of the Tang envoys was afraid of death.

“Li Chengqian wasted your majesty’s grace and was deposed from the crown prince position and demoted to a commoner. How can I not praise you?
“Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, he has granted amnesty to the whole nation. Out of consideration for the feelings of his compatriots, he has not only pardoned Li Chengqian’s past crimes, but also intended to grant him the title of prince. However, you have killed the guards of the envoys, which is a betrayal of the emperor’s great grace.”

Gao Biaoren accused.

“Bullshit, if it weren’t for you treacherous villains who slandered the prince behind his back, how could His Majesty be deceived?”

“We followed the Crown Prince to expand the territory, but you slandered us like this. What do you mean by the emperor’s grace? This is too much. If that’s why you came here, you can leave now.”

Now that he understood their purpose, there was no need to let them go and bother Li Chengqian.

“Who are you? Can you be Li Chengqian’s boss?”

“You know, it is because of your ignorance that the higher-ups are furious and blood is shed for thousands of miles.”

Gao Biaoren’s eyes widened. This was too careless.

If the mission goes wrong, he will also be held responsible.

Especially the sensitive area of ​​Liaodong.

“The superior is angry? Have you ever thought about what would happen if the inferior was angry?”

Cheng Chumo said suddenly for no reason.

“Come here, drag him away and keep him under guard. If you find him moving in an unusual manner, execute him on the spot.”

Gao Biaoren was horrified, this was a sign of treason.

“You are courting your own destruction!”

Gao Biaoren’s voice came from outside the hall and was already far away.

“General Cheng, do we need to report this matter to His Highness before making a decision?”

In Cheng Mingzhen’s opinion, Cheng Chumo’s actions were somewhat beyond his authority.

“Speed ​​is of the essence in war, so we can send a team back pretending to be messengers, trick them into blocking the city gates, and capture the city.”

Cheng Chumo raised the disc and seal in his hand and looked at Cheng Mingzhen meaningfully.

As for the incident targeting the Tang envoy, he acted as if nothing had happened.

(End of this chapter)