Chapter 149 Zhao Gao calls a deer a horse! Ye Wan is truly a good general in the world! (13)

At the end of November in the fifth year of the Qingli period, the Qing Kingdom reached Yangguan in Dingzhou.

Li Changan said to everyone, "Although the Western Qin State has a strong army and abundant food, it has a fatal flaw."

"The royal family of Western Qin is very weak, and all power is in the hands of the eunuch Gao Yao and the general Han Xin."

"The two of them can usually maintain harmony, but once there are internal and external troubles and changes in the country, their differences will definitely show up."

Ye Wan said thoughtfully, "Now that the northern barbarians are about to move south, we intend to move north, which is when they are under the greatest pressure."

Wang Qinian continued, "Then let's create some unexpected events for him. There should be turmoil in Western Qin."

Ye Wan frowned and said, "How about we create some unexpected events for them? Something that can expose their internal problems."

Gong Dian looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, but in the end he couldn't hold back.

"The greatest disaster for a country is the assassination of the emperor."

He and Ye Chong were exiled because of the assassination of the emperor, so the first thing they thought of was to assassinate the emperor.

Gong Dian continued, "Han Xin and Shang Shanhu have already gone north to resist the northern barbarians, and the eunuchs in the court are controlling the government."

"If the emperor died at this time, there would definitely be something interesting to watch."

Ye Zhong said, "However, according to the information provided by the Inspection Institute, the Emperor of Western Qin does not have much say in government affairs."

Gong Dian insisted, "The throne of the emperor is of vital importance. Once the emperor dies, the issue of succession will inevitably arise."

"Will Gao Yao and Han Xin have the same choice of successor? Or will these two have their own ambitions?"

Li Changan praised, "General Gong is worthy of being the commander of the imperial guards. He really hits the nail on the head about the affairs of the imperial palace."

He turned to Wang Qinian and said, "Wang Qinian, you go and do this yourself!"

Wang Qinian immediately responded, "I will obey the orders of the Grand Commander!"

Five days later, Wang Qinian arrived at the Western Qin Palace.

He came to Zhao Gao's room and knelt down quickly, "Disciple Wang Qinian, greetings to the teacher!"

When Zhao Gao saw Wang Qinian, he couldn't stop smiling.

"The New Year is here, get up quickly, get up quickly, we haven't seen each other for six years!"

Wang Qinian smiled and said, "Teacher is as handsome and handsome as he was six years ago!"

Zhao Gao cursed, "Nonsense, I can't be a hero even if I want to."

"Well, what instructions does Your Highness have?"

Wang Qinian said, "Your Highness's intention is to kill the Emperor of Western Qin, and then pretend that there is a quarrel between you and General Han."

"General Han is leading his troops outside. He is dissatisfied with the successor you have appointed, so he has taken control of his own army and threatened to purge you of your entourage."

"If this happens, Western Qin will be in civil strife, and Northern Qi will also try to take advantage of the situation. You will be forced to surrender to the Southern Qing army."

Zhao Gao laughed and said, "Great, supporting an heir that others do not accept is what I am best at."

"You finally came here once, so I will take care of the assassination of the emperor."

"I have learned a lot from cooking over the years. You should try my cooking skills."

Wang Qinian knew that this mission was very simple and Zhao Gao would help him with it.

half a month later.

Nanqing, Imperial Study.

Chen Pingping and Emperor Qing sat opposite each other, and Chen Pingping was telling about the strange things that happened in the Western Qin Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Yong sent Wang Qinian to assassinate the Emperor of Western Qin. The government and the people of Western Qin were shocked."

"Eunuch Gao Yao advocated for the enthronement of the ten-year-old prince so that he could control government affairs more easily."

"General Han Xin and General Shang Shanhu of the Northern Expedition had some complaints about this, but Gao Yao ignored their opinions."

"After the young prince ascended the throne, one day during a banquet in the court, Gao Yao ordered someone to bring an elk to the palace, saying it was a horse."

"Most of the ministers in the court said it was indeed a horse, but only a few said it was a deer."

Most of the ministers who spoke of horses were members of Luowang, who had rehearsed in advance.

However, there were also many ministers who were really afraid of Zhao Gao and really called a deer a horse.

Emperor Qing stared as he listened to this outrageous story, "And the minister who said the deer was killed by Gao Yao?"

Chen Pingping nodded, "That's right, kill them all, leaving no one alive."

Killing the royalists of Western Qin also prepared for Western Qin's overall surrender to Southern Qing.

"Han Xin and Shangshan Tiger were very angry about this and declared that they would purge the emperor's side and eliminate Gao Yao!"

"If the northern barbarians were not about to march south, perhaps civil unrest would have already broken out in Western Qin."

There was a hint of doubt in Emperor Qing's eyes. "But your previous intelligence from the Inspection Bureau said that Gao Yao and Han Xin got along very well and trusted each other."

It was precisely because of this information that Emperor Qing and Qin Ye felt that Western Qin would not be easy to defeat.

In fact, this information is absolutely true, and Emperor Qing and Qin Ye’s judgments are also very accurate.

Later, he called a deer a horse, and Zhao Gao and Han Xin became estranged. It was all a show to deceive people.

Chen Pingping smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty, people change. Han Xin just took over the military power, so he is naturally grateful to Gao Yao."

"Now that I have gained a firm foothold, I have my own ideas and I cannot bear the thought of Gao abusing his power."

"Without a wise ruler, a country cannot be strong!

Or is it because Xi Qin does not have a monarch as wise as Your Majesty!"

Emperor Qing said with some disdain, "I overestimated the eunuch Gao Yao's means and abilities!"

"But judging from what he has done over the years, he doesn't seem like such a confused person."

Chen Pingping analyzed, "Under the internal and external troubles, sudden changes will expose the hidden contradictions. His Royal Highness Prince Yong's move is very clever."

"After Northern Qi learned the news, it dispatched 100,000 troops to the border of Western Qin, ready to take advantage of the chaos to reap the benefits."

The territories occupied by Western Qin were originally vassal states of Northern Qi. Even if Li Changan could occupy half of them, it would be a great contribution to the expansion of territory.

Emperor Qing vaguely felt that Li Changan was about to make another great contribution.

Northern Qi, Imperial Study.

The Queen Mother and the young Emperor were listening to Wei Hua report the latest intelligence.

"Queen Mother, Your Majesty, Western Qin is facing internal and external troubles. Our 100,000-man army is already on standby at the border."

"The eunuch Gao Yao sent a letter, claiming that the Nanqing army was approaching, Han Xin wanted to establish himself, and Xi Qin could no longer hold on."

"He is willing to offer the capital city of Langya to Da Qi and restore Da Qi's status as a vassal state. He also hopes that the Queen Mother and His Majesty will forgive him for his past mistakes."

The Western Qin State rebelled against the Northern Qi State and defeated the Northern Qi army's multiple attempts to suppress it. Tens of thousands of Northern Qi soldiers died at the hands of the Western Qin army.

The little emperor asked, "How many Western Qin troops are there in Langya City?"

Wei Hua replied, "There should be 60,000 elite soldiers, 20,000 imperial guards, and 40,000 capital guards."

The young emperor analyzed, "The Western Qin army is very powerful, but this time it was attacked from both sides, and Gao Yao had no choice but to ask for surrender."

"But his 60,000 men cannot stop Han Xin's army of nearly 100,000. If Li Changan takes advantage of the situation again, he will surely die."

Wei Hua continued, "So Gao Yao invited me to send 100,000 troops into Langya City to help Xi Qin stabilize the situation and fight against Nan Qing and Han Xin." "Xi Qin was originally a vassal state of my Great Qi. Now that it is on the verge of danger, it is reasonable for it to ask for submission. I think it is acceptable."

Queen Mother Wei continued, "However, Li Changan's army of 100,000 is still eyeing Dingzhou covetously."

"Moreover, Li Changan is a sinister and shameless person. A thief never leaves empty-handed. He is extremely cunning. It is impossible for him not to take advantage of the situation to rob."

Queen Mother Wei gritted her teeth when she made her evaluation of Li Changan, after all, she herself knew it deeply.

But in Zhan Doudou's heart, she still admires and loves Li Changan.

"After we and Western Qin joined forces, we have 160,000 troops. Langya City is also a strong city. It is not wise for Li Changan to attack the strong city alone."

For a long time, even during the heyday of Emperor Qing, the Southern Qing army did not penetrate too far into the north.

Because it was too dangerous for an army to advance deep into the enemy's territory alone and it was difficult to supply food and fodder, the Qing Kingdom had no popular support in the north and it was difficult to replenish its troops.

Queen Mother Wei nodded and said, "Your Highness' words are not without reason, but I always feel uneasy. Why not listen to the ministers' opinions?"

At the court meeting the next day, to the surprise of Empress Dowager Wei, in addition to the original imperial party, many important ministers also agreed with the young emperor's opinion.

Even Changning Hou Wei Bi was confident that Li Changan would not dare to go north rashly. He was the empress dowager's brother and the father of Jinyiwei pacification envoy Wei Hua.

Luowang's development in Shangjing is more advanced than in the capital city of Nanqing. Changning Marquis Weibi is greedy for money and lustful, and is the key target of attack.

Coupled with the leverage he obtained on some important officials in the Jinyiwei government office, Luo Wang was able to threaten so many people to support the young emperor.

Finally, Queen Mother Wei made the decision to lead the army westward to Langya City and recover the Western Qin Kingdom!
Dingzhou, Yangguan.

Wang Qinian had just finished reading Zhao Gao's latest letter, and the generals in the tent fell silent for a moment.

Zhao Gao's letter stated that he was willing to cooperate with Li Chang'an to defeat the 100,000-strong army of Northern Qi.

Then the entire country of Western Qin surrendered to Southern Qing and became a vassal state of Southern Qing. This was a huge temptation.

At this time, in the military tent, in addition to the generals of the Ye family, another 50,000 generals of the border troops also arrived.

These generals are secretly led by Qin Yi, who is also an important figure of the second generation of the Qin family and the cousin of Qin Heng.

The opinions of most generals from the Ye and Qin families are relatively conservative.

"Grand Commander, our army has never advanced deep into the north. We might as well take advantage of the chaos to seize some cities in the southern part of Western Qin. This would also be considered a great achievement in expanding our territory."

"Western Qin was originally a vassal state of Northern Qi. If Western Qin and Northern Qi collude with each other, it will be very dangerous for us to advance alone."

"Even if Gao Yao sincerely surrenders, we will suffer a great loss if we have to fight a protracted war with the Northern Qi army's 100,000 troops blocking our way."

This time, it was the young and bold Ye Wan who expressed a different opinion.

"General, I believe that Gao Yao, a eunuch without an heir, must have no foresight."

"While he was communicating with us, he must have also been connected with Northern Qi. He was betting on both sides and waiting for the right price."

"Western Qin and Northern Qi fought several battles, and Northern Qi suffered heavy casualties. Gao Yao was also worried that Northern Qi would settle accounts with him, so he had no bias towards Northern Qi."

"As the northern barbarian tribes moved south, the elite cavalry of Northern Qi did not dare to move rashly. The 100,000 troops heading to Western Qin this time were mostly infantry."

Hearing Ye Wan's words, Ye Zhong's heart skipped a beat. Would this kid lead all the cavalry on a thousand-mile raid to intercept and kill the Northern Qi army?

"Ye Wan, what do you want to do?"

"The Daqing army has never penetrated so far into the north!"

Li Changan said disapprovingly, "I think what Ye Wan said is interesting. Please continue."

Ye Wan continued, "Grand Commander, the Northern Qi border troops have begun to march towards Langya City and are expected to arrive in about ten days."

"You can write back to Gao Yao, promising him a high position and generous salary, and allowing him to continue to control Western Qin after surrendering."

When Ye Wan said this, Qin Yi objected, "General Ye, this matter needs to be approved by His Majesty."

Ye Wan sneered and said, "When a general is on the battlefield, he may not obey the orders of the emperor!

By the time you finish asking for the decree, Western Qin will have been taken back by Northern Qi!"

"Speed ​​is of the essence in war, and opportunities are fleeting. If you hesitate, you will miss the chance!"

Li Changan watched coldly. After hearing Ye Wan's words, Ye Zhong was so anxious that he broke out in a sweat. Ye Zhong's face showed no change, and no one knew what he was thinking.

"I am the military commander of two states. Your Majesty has ordered me to destroy a country. There is no need to ask for permission for such a small matter," Ye Wan continued.

Facing his father Ye Zhong's fiery gaze, Ye Wan continued, "Please ask the Shadow Guards to spread rumors in Langya City."

"Let's say that Northern Qi is ready to liquidate Western Qin officials and generals, and has even thought about how to deal with each level. The main culprit Gao will be executed by slow slicing..."

"Then... please ask the Grand Commander to hand over all 50,000 elite cavalrymen of the Western Expedition Army to me and march a thousand miles to the outskirts of Langya City!"

"As long as we disrupt Northern Qi's formation, Gao Yao will definitely send Western Qin's army to help!"

"In this way, we can gain the allegiance of Western Qin and defeat 100,000 Northern Qi border troops!"

"This is a great achievement in expanding our territory, and it can also inflict heavy damage on our old enemy Northern Qi. Commander-in-Chief, we can't wait any longer!"

Ye Wan's words immediately aroused opposition from almost everyone.

"Taking into account the time it takes to transmit intelligence, the Northern Qi army has been on the march for several days. It is estimated that it will take three or four days to reach Langya City."

"Can you march a thousand miles in three or four days? It's too risky!"

"If we go deep into the enemy's territory alone and are targeted by Northern Qi and Western Qin, we will lose all 50,000 elite cavalrymen and it will be too late to regret it!"

"Grand Commander, this proposal is absolutely unfeasible!"

Ye Wan insisted on his own opinion and did not back down at all.

"It's no problem for Daqing's elite cavalry to travel 300 miles a day. There's more than enough time!"

"When Your Majesty launched the third Northern Expedition, the chances of victory were not as good as they are today!"

Ye Zhong said angrily, "Ye Wan, how dare you! You knew that His Majesty was defeated that time, and you almost died in the Northern Wei Dynasty!"

Ye Wan said firmly, "Father, you worry too much! This is a different time!"

"There is no Zhan Qingfeng in Northern Qi now, and there is not even Shangshanhu!"

"An orphan and a widow are not capable of anything. Their several defeats to Western Qin have already shown their declining trend!"

“If Your Majesty was not afraid of Grand Master Ku He, you would have led your troops north long ago.

The Northern Qi border troops are just a bunch of useless people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of profit!"

"If we don't fight now, when will we fight?"

Then, Ye Wan knelt down and said, "Grand Commander, if you miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it will be extremely difficult for Your Highness to conquer Western Qin again!"

"I beg Your Highness the Grand Commander to make a quick decision!"

Li Changan quickly made a decision on the dispute in the tent.

"Ye Zhong, you have a good son! Ye Wan is indeed a great general in the world!"

"Pass the order, quickly mobilize 50,000 elite cavalry from all units and transfer them to Ye Wan's command. Anyone who disobeys the order will be executed!"

"Ye Zhong will be the commander-in-chief, Gong Dian and Qin Yi will be the assistants. Lead the remaining 50,000 infantrymen to defend Yangguan Pass. If Yangguan Pass is lost, you will be beheaded!"

"Wang Qinian, order the five hundred Shadow Secret Guards to equip their war horses!"

"This time, I will go with General Ye on this surprise attack!"

(End of this chapter)