Chapter 1076: Getting Stronger with Fighting

Yanzhou in wartime is different from peacetime. Of course, any border area is different in wartime and peacetime, but Yanzhou is quite different from other places.

It was the end of spring plowing,

The whole Yanzhou was like a sophisticated war machine. On the official road, various supply teams appeared from time to time, escorting food and military supplies. In the fields, the elderly and children were busy, and the petty officials were also busy in the fields. There were also patrolmen wearing light armor, riding horses and patrolling everywhere, and anyone who committed a crime would be severely punished.

The large number of criminals who mined stopped mining. They all had a full meal and were taken out to do some infrastructure construction. They started to build roads in Suizhou and Xiazhou to assist in the transportation of materials and build other fortifications.

The people who were originally responsible for these tasks and the craftsmen under the state government, except for some who were responsible for the production, maintenance and maintenance of weapons, all took up swords and guns to guard the captured Xixia surrendered soldiers in Suizhou and Xiazhou, and suppress the Xixia people in the two places.

Unlike officials, the scholars with green cloth strips hanging around their waists acted as managers and could be seen everywhere in Yanzhou and the newly conquered Suizhou and Xiazhou.

It was the end of spring plowing, but there was a war again. All the younger people were mobilized to escort food and grass, or continue to work on the previous projects, and the women went to the battlefield. At this time, only the old, the young and the pregnant did not work. The old took the young to work in the fields and take care of the children. The schools were closed, and there were basically no idle people in Yanzhou.

The remaining local wealthy families and foreign merchants were all equally busy, and they even had to recruit people from other places to work. Because Wang Yan gave them a lot of orders, and even asked them to go out with the army to purchase, or trade with the people of Xixia, it was a great success.

And all the action orders of Yanzhou were issued from Suizhou.

Now Suizhou has been completely taken over, and Wang Yan is in charge and gives orders. With his strong personal ability and the mobilization ability of Yanzhou, which he has reorganized, the acceptance, stability maintenance, and governance of the newly acquired territory are all very smooth transitions.

In this regard, the scholars of Yanzhou have made great efforts. When they were rectifying the state affairs in the past, they were trained and proficient in business. They learned the way of doing things under Wang Yan's rule and formed a unified style of doing things.

To put it simply, I talk, you listen, and if you don't do it, I will deal with you. This is the so-called foreshadowing. He has already prepared the people to do things.

It was also under such guidance that the local wealthy families, criminal gangs, and some groups with relatively loud voices in Suizhou and Xiazhou were dealt with cleanly in a short period of time. They were all suppressed by the militia and worked hard to build the new Suizhou and Xiazhou of the Song Dynasty.

Wang Yan's actions were questioned by Zhao Zhen, the Political Affairs Hall, the Privy Council, government offices at all levels, Cheng Kan, and his subordinates. They all believed that it was extremely unwise to invest in Suizhou and Xiazhou now, but they should plunder them severely to subsidize the war funds.

This is because the whole Song Dynasty was afraid of fighting. The past experience of failed wars made them realize an important lesson: getting fat first is not considered fat. Zhao Zhen even sent eunuchs to reprimand.

In response, Wang Yan, the war criminal who provoked the war and was tacitly dubbed "the sinner of the Song Dynasty" by the whole Song Dynasty, wrote a letter to the emperor and issued the strongest voice of the times. Song inherited the grace of Han and Tang Dynasties, and Xia's land was all our old land. Now the old land that has been recovered was won by our soldiers with their lives, and there is no possibility of giving it up. If there is a slight loss, Wang Yan will put on armor and hold a sharp weapon, go to the battlefield to kill the enemy, and will not stop until he dies. After Wang Yan's death, there will be someone who will continue my ambition, and Xia will surely perish.

Then no one spoke, because Wang Yan's meaning was very clear. If the place he took over and governed was taken back, he would die.

As for subsidizing the war expenses by plundering the people, although a large amount of money can be recovered in a short time, it is too low-level.

Of course, robbing wealth is fast, but the wealth of some big families in these two places is just a drop in the ocean compared to the huge war expenses. Plundering the people here will not only fill the expenses, but also make this place an enclave, greatly increasing the difficulty and cost of management. It is even possible that a figure like Li Yuanhao will appear again. Wealth, after all, must be produced, that is solid.

But Wang Yan has his own ways to make money, otherwise why would he open up business and even bring merchants to fight in the war, just to make money from the war. He developed the market and collected taxes. On the one hand, he carried out large-scale construction in the two places, on the other hand, he stabilized prices to win people's hearts, and on the other hand, he collected taxes to recover funds.

Of course, in general, it must be invested. But it doesn't matter, he has applied for the right to mint coins. He does not print copper coins, nor does he use Jiaozi. He uses the anti-counterfeiting methods that his bank has developed long ago to issue new paper money and circulate it in Xixia. And it is mandatory that only the paper money he issued can be used for transactions.

First, there is no need to print money at such a high cost, second, his paper money is promoted, and third, he has also stolen a little bit of the power of the country. As long as it develops slowly, it will inevitably spread gradually. It's all good.

And the most important point is why Wang Yan wanted to take Xiazhou. Because as long as he took Xiazhou, Shizhou, Yinzhou and other places to the east of Xiazhou and north of Suizhou would be in his pocket. He could directly replace Fengzhou in Hebei and become the border area of ​​the three countries. He could open a market there and promote his paper currency.

As for why it is not implemented in other places, it is very simple. It is not easy for him to speak in other places. But he can say with certainty that the newly conquered land will listen to him, and it will be impossible not to listen.

He was sure that after this battle, he would continue to stay, because he was asked to clean up the mess, and he was not allowed to return to the capital with the power of winning the battle and expanding the territory. If he really returns to Beijing, no one would dare to think about the scene. It is really a tragedy in the world, and it will be absolutely miserable for officials.

After careful calculation, Wang Yan has been an official for five years, but there has never been a year without trouble...

On this day, Wang Yan was arranging affairs in the temporary government office in Suizhou, when Xiao Dongliang hurried in.

"Alang, Alang, Mr. Fan is here, he's five miles away."

Wang Yan, who was writing, kept moving and asked, "Is it just Mr. Fan?"

"There is also Di Qing, the supervisory eunuch sent by the government, and some other officials."

After Xiao Dongliang finished speaking, Wang Yan also stopped writing, picked up the porcelain folding fan at hand, unfolded it with a snap, flashed a few times, dried the ink manually, lifted it up, folded it in three, put it in an envelope, and removed it from the envelope. After taking some fire paint and sealing it, he summoned a small official and asked him to send someone to send it out. Then he took Xiao Dongliang and others out to pick up people...

"Long time no see, Zi Yan." Before Wang Yan could speak, Fan Zhongyan laughed and greeted him.

"I have met Mr. Fan." Wang Yan nodded, then looked at the old man with a broad frame and tall and thin body who was following Fan Zhongyan, "I have met Mr. Di."

Di Qing smiled and nodded: "I have heard of Wang Zhizhou's name a long time ago. When I saw it today, it is really majestic and extraordinary."

"Gong Di, thank you. Mr. Fan, Mr. Di, let's go in and talk about it later."

Fan Zhongyan shook his head and walked away with his hands behind his back: "After riding all the way in the carriage and hurrying on the road, everyone is about to fall apart. Let's take a walk."

"That's fine." Di Qing happily agreed.

He and Wang Yan immediately followed Fan Zhongyan, one on the left and one on the right, lagging slightly behind.

"Zi Yan, do you know why I am here?"

"Since students are hated by everyone, no one wants to be troubled by the students. Mr. Fan has close contacts with the students and has led wars here, so he is the best choice."

Fan Zhongyan nodded and said with a smile: "Don't I hate dogs just like you do?"

"It's different. After this battle, Mr. Fan will definitely return to the throne. I'm afraid it will be difficult for students to leave in a short time."

"So confident?"

"Must win!"

Wang Yan didn't say anything about defeat, so there was no need to say so. If they lose, both Fan Zhongyan and Wang Yan will end badly. This is one of the reasons for sending Fan Zhongyan here. Of course, this is an additional condition.

After all, as Wang Yan said, if Fan Zhongyan hadn't come, others would have been killed by Wang Yan before they were defeated, and that was true.

Di Qing nodded at the side: "I read the battle report. Wang Zhizhou used his troops quickly and caught him by surprise. Moreover, Zhong'e's troops were all elite and powerful. The remaining troops did not seek victory, but invincibility. With Wang Zhizhou and Zhong'e, With 20,000 troops in hand, we can't defeat Xia, but we can gain a large area of ​​land. I'm afraid it won't be a feint attack, but a real attack. Our Song Dynasty will be in danger."

"It's just a combination of vertical and horizontal alliances." Wang Yan said with a smile, "Yelü Zong is really about to die, but at the end of the strong crossbow, the national strength is not as good as when Yelu Longxu was, the internal strife is serious, we will not dare to raise troops to invade, it will be regarded as a feint attack, there is nothing to worry about. I The Song Dynasty is used to sending money, but this time it is not us who send money, it is Xixia who sends money."

Fan Zhongyan shook his head: "The variables are unknown, so don't be happy too early."

The group of people sat down to drink tea in the temporary official residence. Fan Zhongyan directly talked about serious matters: "How can I help?"

"I want the command of Yanzhou's troops and horses."

"Okay. Now you send people to transport Yanzhou's soldiers, horses, and food, so it's natural for you to command them. But you were right to be cautious and didn't reach out in advance, otherwise you would be in big trouble."

Wang Yan could coerce a traitor because he was a civil servant, his official position was high, and he had the power of the Xiang army. He chose Qingjian to take action. If he changed any of his generals, he would have to obey the authority urgently. Since he was prevented from doing so, If you can't raise troops according to Wang's words, you can only follow him and strengthen your strength.

But Wang Yanren didn't even go to the other armies, but he directly commanded the imperial army without orders from his superiors. That was a huge mistake.

But Fan Zhongyan was right. He took charge of the logistical supplies of Yanzhou's troops. Supplies rushed from other places were distributed in Yanzhou and escorted by Yanzhou officials and militia to ensure efficient operation.

"Of course the student knows, and he didn't even mention it to Cheng Kan." Wang Yan nodded with a smile.

Fan Zhongyan smiled, of course he knew about Lao Cheng, how miserable he was.

"How do you plan to fight this battle?"

"If nothing happens, we will keep fighting. The students are not ready to stop. Duke Fan and Duke know that before the war began, the number of cavalry under the students' command was only two thousand, but after more than a month, it was nearly five thousand. What Zhong E said at the beginning The army he led was only 17,000, but now there are 20,000. The extra troops are all soldiers and civilians from Xixia. They have been fighting for a long time and they are all elite. "

"Do the Xixia people dare to use it? Are they not afraid of being harmed?"

"Mr. Di, the lower officials treat them just like me, the Han people. Every family has their own land. If we are defeated in the Song Dynasty, they will have nothing. To win promotions and make money for others is to gain more acres of land for your own family. You understand this, how dare you not die?"

This is a political task, and Wang Yan's goal is to delay. The Song Dynasty certainly can't afford to delay, and Xixia can't afford to delay even more. But with the arrival of Fan Zhongyan, his power is greater, and he can afford to delay while fighting, and his power will become greater and greater. After all, he now commands a total of more than 50,000 troops in Yanzhou, and controls the political affairs of Yan, Sui, and Xiazhou. Of course, he hopes that it will be protracted.

If the war lasts for another year, he dares to drag the Northern Liao to fight together and fight it to the death.

"I have something unclear, and I hope that Wang Zhizhou can solve my doubts."

"Why should Di Gong be polite? Just say it directly."

Di Qing asked puzzledly: "I see that the general trend of the current war is with me, in Yanzhou, and in you, Wang Zhizhou. I don't seek victory elsewhere, I just seek not to lose. I can win by restraining the troops, and I can also gain something by taking steady steps. In this case, why did Wang Zhizhou write a letter to transfer me to lead the military affairs?"

This was the first time Wang Yan and Di Qing met, and they had never met before. Wang Yan subconsciously checked his face and found that he was in good health and could live for a few more years. However, Di Qing's death date was less than two years away. He was obviously depressed by the civil officials and died of depression.

Wang Yan asked with a smile: "Did Di Gong really not know?"

"Really didn't know."

Seeing Wang Yan looking at him, Fan Zhongyan smiled and shook his head: "All the way, the Han ministers have never asked me."

Wang Yan nodded and said to Di Qing, who was confused, "It was to save Di Gong."

Hearing Wang Yan's words, Di Qing was stunned for a moment, and then fell into a long silence, really silent.

He went from a criminal prisoner to today's Privy Councilor and became a military minister. Naturally, he was wise. He had already felt that his situation was not good. If it weren't for the rebellion of Nong Zhigao before, his troubles would have come.

He was somewhat fortunate to be transferred to Xixia this time, fortunately he escaped danger again. Of course, he understood that a warrior can only show his value in war.

But he never thought that Wang Yan asked him to come here just to save him...

Seeing him silent, Wang Yan smiled and said, "Our dynasty has always valued civil officials over military officials. Di Gong, a criminal, was promoted to Privy Councilor and was loved by the generals. No matter where he went, the generals would respond to him as long as they saw Di Gong. If he made more contributions, how would we place Di Gong? I'm afraid he would have to be made a king of a different surname. I think Di Gong must understand his situation."

"Of course I understand, but Di Qing never had any other intentions..."

"The crime of holding a treasure has nothing to do with Di Gong's intentions."

Di Gong sighed, "If this battle I am afraid that I cannot escape my fate if I win. "

"Do you think Fan Gong and Wang Yan are vegetarians?" Wang Yan asked back with a smile, and said, "After this battle, Di Gong will resign and return home, and take good care of his body so that he can be useful. In less than three years, Wang Yan will definitely start another war, and then Di Gong will definitely be reinstated. I know that Di Gong does not covet the power of the nobles, and is actually a loyal and patriotic general. What do you think of this arrangement?"

"Wang Zhizhou is a man of both civil and military skills, why do you protect me?" Di Qing did not doubt the ability of Wang Yan, a prefect, to protect him, a top military general.

"Mr. Di was in his prime, why did he become old? Mr. Di was so capable, it's a pity that he was killed for nothing. It's better for him to live a few more years and fight a few more battles that will be remembered for eternity."

Di Qing shook his head: "It's useless to say more now, let's talk about it after this battle."

"Okay. Mr. Fan, Mr. Di, have some tea." Wang Yan gestured, and the three of them drank tea.

Fan Zhongyan didn't stay in Suizhou for a long time. He came all the way from Yanzhou to investigate the people's sentiments. He almost knew the situation. Anyway, he admired him. Before he came, he had already made a decision. He would cooperate with Wang Yan in this battle. If Wang Yan was not sure, he would definitely not start a war rashly. He thought he was not as good as Wang Yan, so he simply took Wang Yan as the main person and he was in charge of the power as an assistant.

So the main purpose of coming here is to see Wang Yan. After all, there are always things that are not easy to put on paper, and they must be fully understood. Also let Wang Yan take a look at his body and feel his pulse.

After finishing talking and checking his body, he stayed overnight and left for the west the next day to take up his post. His and Di Qing's mission was to suppress the Xixia army over there.

The more enemies they could hold back, the better. If they could achieve some results, it would be even better.

In fact, Xixia had already lost the battle so far because they had no way to effectively solve the problem. The two sides, together, have reached 500,000 troops so far, and they are still increasing their troops.

If they put more troops in the west, they would not be able to take care of the east, and they would lose a lot of land and population, and many soldiers would be captured. But if they took care of the east, the battlefield on the west front would be miserable. The troops there were several times that of the east front, and the direction of attack was a straight line. If they attacked Xingqing Prefecture from all directions, the country would be destroyed.

Of course, the main reason for such a situation was Wang Yan. Of course, everyone wanted to form such a situation, but others did not have his ability.

If he was not there, the support would not be timely, the food and grass would not be timely, and the dispatch of all aspects would not be timely, and the elite would not die. How could the more troops there are, the stronger they will be. The front line, the rear, and the newly occupied territories are all top priorities. Only he has integrated all the forces and carried out political and ideological work.

However, Zhong Yan's level is also there. After all, he is the one who really leads the troops to fight. Although he follows the strategy set by Wang Yan and constantly adjusts it, Zhong Yan makes all the decisions on the spot. If he is not smart enough and his level is not good enough, he will be finished long ago.

It was Wang Yan who decided the general direction, and timely dispatched limited troops for support, counter-encirclement, logistics supply, political work, etc., plus Zhong Yan's wisdom, which formed the way to open the war on the eastern front battlefield.

Otherwise, with the current level of the Song Dynasty, it would still be beaten by the Western Xia, and the annual tribute would double after a battle.

Now Fan Zhongyan and Di Qing are here, they are more reliable than Lao Cheng, and Fan Zhongyan gave Wang Yan more power to dispatch more troops. Naturally, the war on the eastern front is getting better and better...

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