Chapter 180: Temporarily avoiding the edge
Zhao Jun was the prefect of Chenliu many years ago, and he had extensive connections in Yanzhou. Even after it became the main battlefield, his position as the prefect of a county was extremely important!

Therefore, Xu Yuan wanted to use him as a bridge to break through the last Chenliu County and completely conquer Yanzhou. In addition, the 200,000-strong army would join forces with the 100,000-strong Chimei Army to march north.

Li Yang’s troops from Yuzhou and the Northwest Army from Liangzhou will also set out immediately. By then, a three-way attack will be launched! With that small number of imperial troops, there is no way to turn the tide.

Moreover, he didn’t even need to do anything himself. He could just raise his arms and call on the new ministers, who would respond one after another and enter Chang’an without any effort.

The Han court had already made a plan. At that time, Guanzhong would be divided among the Chimei Army, and Liu Xiang would move the capital to Luoyang, making this place the new capital and Chang’an the secondary capital.

Wancheng is really not suitable to be the capital, and it is only a helpless move here.

If there is a choice, Yecheng is more suitable than there.

Zhao Jun was stunned for a moment, then readily agreed, “General, don’t worry about this. I will write a letter later to persuade them to surrender.”

“Wang Mang is a cruel man. In order to implement the new policy, he has killed countless people in recent years! He is determined to implement this unrealistic policy.”

“Now I am reaping the consequences. Why did I do that?”

He shook his head. If the other party did not insist on the reform, even if it was abolished, there would still be hope. At least he would not face such a situation where he was deserted by everyone and everyone wanted him to disappear.

Almost no one supports it.

Hearing the affirmative answer, Xu Hua smiled and said, “Then I’ll trouble you, brother. If our army can successfully capture Luoyang and destroy the Xinmang, you will be the first to achieve the credit!”

“It won’t be difficult to go further in the future.”

Zhao Jun also knew that the other party was just making empty promises, but he still agreed, “Then I’ll leave it to you, General.”

………

The Han army followed suit and continued to use this method to incite the generals of the Xinmang Dynasty to rebel, preparing to launch a rebellion in Chenliu City! Just like when Li Yang’s troops incited Zhang Cong to rebel in the past.

In one fell swoop, he captured the enemy general Wang Xun alive and took over Yanzhou.

Three days later in the early morning, Zhao Jun persuaded the new generals Chu Zhao and Zhang Feng on behalf of Xu Yuan. The two led their 4,000 troops to launch an uprising.

After Wang Xun learned about this, he hastily sent troops to suppress the rebellion. He never expected that these two people would also rebel.

The Xinmang Dynasty did not have any deep hatred towards Chu Zhao and Zhang Feng. They did not stop the new policy, but supported it wholeheartedly. They even gained Wang Mang’s respect and were regarded as role models because of this.

But the result is still the opposite!
“How is it?”

In the prefect’s mansion, Wang Xun said anxiously that the rebels had already gained strength and if they could not be wiped out in a short time, his reputation would be in danger.

“Alas…the several troops I sent over have all mutinied and surrendered to the enemy.” sighed the confidant.

Wang Xun looked ashen.

In May of the first year of the Yuan Dynasty in the Han Dynasty, tens of thousands of Han troops captured Chen County. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the Xinmang troops in the city surrendered one after another.

The main general Wang Xun then drew his sword and committed suicide for his country. This time Xu Yuan and Xu Min broke through the last obstacle, and the remaining counties surrendered without much resistance.

The defeated soldiers of the Xinmang Dynasty gathered in Guanzhong, probably numbering tens of thousands.

Half a month after Yuzhou was recaptured, Xu Yuan and Xu Min led an army of 200,000 to meet with the main force of the Red Eyebrow Army in Suanzao, and discussed together about heading north to attack Wang Mang. This plan had great potential, but Wang Mang seemed to realize that he could not hold on, and decisively withdrew his elite troops from Luoyang.

We must defend Hangu Pass with all our strength to maintain the territory of the pre-Qin period.

But even so, Luoyang, with its several natural barriers, is still easy to defend but difficult to attack, so it will surely take some effort.

Jujube.

The main generals of the Han army and the Red Eyebrow rebel army gathered here to discuss matters.

Now the morale of the two armies is high. After all, the army can be said to have won victory after victory and has marched all the way to Henan with thundering force.

But Zheng An, the leader of the Red Eyebrow Army, was extremely worried, because he had played almost no role in the attack on Wang Xun’s troops. He deeply realized how big the gap was between himself and the regular army of the Han court!
One hundred thousand people may not be able to defeat even ten thousand people. With such limited fighting power, can they still win the benefits promised at that time?
Zheng An had a question mark in his mind about this. Although this was something that both Emperor Han Liu Xiang and Prime Minister Han Xu Hua had promised, according to common sense, there would be no objection since it had been proposed.

After all, if they lower the price a little more, he would agree to it, so why should he be so happy?

But after all, money can move people’s hearts. This is Guanzhong. Even after being exploited by Wang Mang, it is still very rich. What’s more, Chang’an represents a greater significance.

Just give me the military and political power of this land? It’s unrealistic.

“Then we will need the general’s cooperation. Our army is not very familiar with Henan.”

Perhaps noticing the slightly changed expression on the other person’s face, Xu Min spoke with a smile on his face.

The court’s attitude towards the Red Eyebrow Army was still to win them over. He had already asked Xu Zhong for his opinion in advance, which was the court’s idea.

Don’t be against Zheng An, just give him what he deserves.

After the Xin Mang Dynasty was overthrown and the Han Dynasty was established, it was a time when reputation was needed. One could not go back on one’s word easily and had to keep one’s word, otherwise one would be laughed at by the people of the world.

Moreover, the imperial court would not suffer a loss by giving up Guanzhong. Now the area around Chang’an was in chaos, with countless bandits and rebel forces, and this was under the premise that Wang Mang had suppressed a large number of rebels.

Once Chang’an is captured, Guanzhong will become even more chaotic and it will be difficult for the imperial court to control it for a while. This is also the reason for moving the capital to Luoyang instead of continuing to use Chang’an.

The Chimei Army was the largest force in the old territory of the Xinmang Dynasty. It would not be a loss to give back to them the small part of relatively stable Henan in exchange for the chaotic Guanzhong. This mess could just be thrown to them.

Wait until the time is right and then find a way to take it back.

Xu Min also knew very well that even if he defeated Xinmang, he could not have 100% control over these territories, and the rebel forces would disappear.

Rather than risking offending powerful forces and going through great pains to wipe them out, it would be better to appease them.

Wait for the settlement later.

“That’s natural. I haven’t forgotten my promise.” Zheng An came back to his senses and said with a smile.

But the hidden meaning also implies that the other party should keep their promise and not abandon it.

“Well… please relax, General. We Han people have always valued sincerity and will never let the Red Eyebrow Army go up to die.”

Xu Min also said that he could rest assured.

“General, the reply from General Li of Yuzhou has arrived. He has reorganized an army of tens of thousands, claiming that 100,000 troops will be heading to Suanzao. It will arrive in about five days.”

The scout who delivered the message came in after reporting.

If the Han army conquered Chenliu, it would mean that the last obstacle had disappeared. They could directly attack Luoyang through Suanzao and then attack Guanzhong.

The next step is the final stage! If this is successful, the world will return to the Han Dynasty, and everything will go according to Xu Zhen’s expectations.

But if he failed, the two countries would return to a situation of confrontation. Wang Mang also realized the mistakes in his policies, abolished all reforms, won the hearts of the people, and made every effort to quell the rebellion.

Maybe I can make a comeback.

“Well… I’m fine with that.” Xu Min nodded. His idea was to gather the troops of Yuzhou and capture Luoyang first. Then, he would join forces with the troops of Liangzhou to attack Guanzhong together to increase the chances of success.

………

Changan.

After several months of efforts by the Xinmang court, the situation in Guanzhong had been basically under control. Most of the tens of thousands of rebels had been put down, and the rest were just bandits and remnants of the army, who were almost insignificant.

This allowed the imperial court to free up its hands to fully deal with foreign enemies.

However, the defeat in Chenliu once again brought the army’s morale, which had slightly improved, to the bottom, and the entire Chang’an was in panic.

No one had any expectations for the new dynasty and was ready to surrender to the Han army at any time. However, resolving some of the uprisings would not make the fence-sitters change their minds.

Traitors were always Wang Mang’s biggest concern. He offended too many people and in order to implement new policies, he even chilled the hearts of those who were loyal to him.

Snapped!
Wang Mang threw the things on the ground, his face full of anger.

Wang Xun’s defeat was not the main reason. The other party chose to sacrifice his life for the country when he was at the end of his rope, and he held the fort for a long time with the lead of 200,000 Han troops, which was already quite conscientious.

Even if Chenliu City was captured, he could not be blamed.

What really made Wang Mang angry and furious was the traitor Zhao Jun! Internal betrayal is the most painful.

It was not difficult for Zhao Jun to accept it. After all, it was the revenge for his father’s murder, so it was understandable that he could not swallow it. But he found it difficult to understand Chu Zhao and Zhang Feng’s behavior.

I have treated them well, so why should I become a traitor?
Moreover, Wang Mang knew that there were many such fence-sitters and traitors in Chang’an, but he just couldn’t do anything about them.

At a time when people are needed, rashly starting a killing will only make the situation more chaotic.

“Do you know the news of the fall of Chenliu?” Wang Mang calmed down and said quietly.

“We are deeply saddened.” The ministers pretended to be in pain.

Even if you have rebellious intentions in your heart, you still cannot show it on the surface. Otherwise, wouldn’t that be seeking death?

“Then tell me how Wang Xun was defeated,” Wang Mang said patiently.

The hall was silent and no one spoke.

“Well, since no one knows, I will tell you.” His tone was filled with anger, and everyone was frightened.

No matter how miserable he was, he was still the emperor who could easily kill millions of people! He was the kind of person who could decide his life or death with just one sentence. The rage of a sick tiger was still deafening.

“Zhao Jun, the governor of Chenliu stationed in the important town of Yongqiu, suddenly mutinied at the critical moment when the two armies were confronting each other and became a traitor who caused chaos in the country!”

“It was because of this man that General Wang Xun’s defense was breached. The Han army took this opportunity to slowly tear it apart. Eventually, 100,000 Han troops marched straight in, unstoppable, and attacked all the way to Chenliu City.”

Wang Mang’s voice became louder and louder.

“Chenliu was originally strong and would not have been conquered so quickly, and General Wang Xun would not have died for his country like this.”

“It was because of the traitors Chu Zhao and Zhang Feng that the Han army and the rebels joined forces and captured Chenliu in a short period of time! As a result, Wang Xun had no time to escape and had to commit suicide.”

“In addition, Zhang Cong of Yuzhou, because these three things show that half of the failure of my new army is due to the internal traitor. I will not allow similar things to happen in Guanzhong and Luoyang!”

Wang Mang snorted, “I will send an envoy in embroidered robes to investigate this matter! If anyone finds any correspondence with the Han army, they will be severely punished!”

“Don’t beg for mercy then. If you do, you will be regarded as an accomplice!”

“Your Majesty, we swear to be loyal to you until death!” The ministers hurriedly expressed their loyalty.

His Majesty is already angry, he must restrain himself in the future… many people thought to themselves.

But it is impossible to stop. This big tree is on the verge of withering, so it is better to find a buyer as soon as possible. At least, you can save your life and avoid being liquidated by the Han court.

Zhen Feng bowed and said, “Your Majesty, please calm down. Zhao Jun and Zhang Cong are just exceptions. I believe that there are still many loyal ministers in my new dynasty.”

“We still have nearly 300,000 troops. As long as we unite and face the enemy, we will surely be able to repel the Han army.”

“Hmm…” Wang Mang’s angry expression faded away, and he said in a deep voice: “You are right, but we still have to be on guard against traitors.”

He understood what the other party meant, which was nothing more than reducing internal friction and stabilizing those people first.

………

Five days later, 60,000 Yuzhou troops arrived at Suanzao on time. At this time, Li Yang had become a powerful figure ranked among the top five in this army, and his position was extremely important.

Soon, an army of 360,000 set out, advancing with unstoppable force, capturing several counties in succession and approaching Hulao Pass.

Zhao Jun proposed a plan to alienate the commander of Luoyang and the commander of Hulao Pass. Finally, Xu Yuan adopted the plan and Hulao Pass was captured five days later.

Close to the city of Luoyang.

The magistrate of Luoyang did not continue to resist as Wang Mang requested, but opened the city and surrendered in order to seek a good future in the Han court. In this way, the Han army easily recovered the lost land in Henan.

An army of more than 300,000 pursued the victory and attacked Guanzhong fiercely. This time they finally encountered decent resistance.

As the last land held by the Xinmang Dynasty, it certainly could not be treated so lightly, and the generals still had a certain degree of loyalty to the emperor.

Handsome tent.

Xu Min and Xu Yuan sat in the main seats respectively, and below them were the generals of the Han army, including Li Yang, Liu Xiu and others.

As the newly appointed governor of Runan and deputy commander-in-chief of the Yuzhou Army, Liu Xiu’s status was certainly not low. He had at least tens of thousands of people under his command, and he was considered a well-known figure no matter where he was.

“The Xinmang army is attacking fiercely. I plan to retreat temporarily and use Henan as a base to confront them.” Xu Yuan and the other two had already discussed it, and all they needed was the support of the generals.

“I have no objection.” Everyone said in unison.

It is indeed not wise to fight blindly in the enemy’s home turf. What’s more, since the two top leaders have agreed, what is the point of opposing it?

“I guess the Mang army will not just retreat like this. From what I know, they have been planning a counterattack.”

“They should gather their forces and take over Henan County first. Um… switch to a defensive position first, and then counterattack when the time is right.”

Xu Yuan thought about it and decided not to rush into a fight.

Then he divided the defense zones for the generals present.

Liu Xiu’s is in Gucheng, which is relatively forward and not very important. He is quite satisfied with this.

Life is the most important thing. We have already obtained the greatest benefit of Runan, so why go up and shout for war and killing? Isn’t it good to live a life of hooligans? Making merit is nothing more than a promotion in title.

It’s not very useful, so it’s actually pretty good.

(End of this chapter)