Meishan Su family, Su Yun is the most virtuous

Chapter 436 A loud drum does not need a heavy hammer!

Huanqing Road.

Gyeongju.

Zhang Yu stood in front of the map, studying the situation carefully. One was Western Xia in the north, and the other was Jingsai Army in the east.

Although the war near Chang'an has been in full swing recently, Zhang Qie's main attention is still on the Western Xia direction.

In Zhang Yu's view, the victory or defeat of the war near Chang'an was a family matter, but the Xixia in the north was a foreign race. As a border official, his main task was to resist foreign threats.

Of course, this is also because the internal trouble is caused by Su Yun, and Su Yun is one of our own.

Zhang Qie had very complicated feelings about Su Yun's rebellion.

On the one hand, he also felt that the Song Dynasty had too many internal problems, whether it was the system or the personnel, there were big problems everywhere.

In particular, the Song Dynasty had been mired in factional strife for decades, which had already plunged the dynasty into serious internal friction, and now it seems that the factional strife is still difficult to stop.

However, he did not think that Su Yun's rebellion was a good way to solve the problem. He believed that it would be difficult for Su Yun to overthrow the Song Dynasty.

Although the Song Dynasty was weak towards external forces, it was extremely cruel and effective in suppressing internal forces. If one wanted to successfully rebel within the Song Dynasty, it would be extremely difficult.

Therefore, Zhang Qie believed that Su Yun's rebellion would only bring great suffering to the people, so he did not quite agree with it in his heart.

But deep down in his heart, he probably didn't even know it himself, but he might have admired Su Yun for daring to rebel.

Therefore, although Huanqing Road borders Fuyan Road, his defense was mainly based on Western Xia, and he only symbolically deployed some troops in the direction of Fuyan Road.

However, it is also because Xixia has been making frequent moves recently.

The Xixia people were naturally aware of the war within the Song Dynasty. They were ambitious and naturally wanted to take the opportunity to bite off a piece of meat from the Song Dynasty. They have recently been gathering heavy troops and it seems that they are planning to take advantage of the situation.

Suddenly, there was the sound of galloping horses outside the tent. Before Zhang Qie turned around, the personal guard commander Chen Wang had already opened the tent curtain and said, "General Zhang, the scouts from Youzhou have sent back an urgent report. The Xixia military supervisor Wei Mingji led 30,000 Iron Harriers out of the Helan Mountains. The vanguard is less than a hundred miles away from Rouyuan Village!"

The little red flag marked on the map seemed to suddenly come alive and danced wildly before his eyes.

"Pass on my order. The seven villages around Qing will immediately enter level one alert."

Zhang Qie knocked his knuckles heavily on the Mubo Town on the map, "Order Li Yi to bring 5,000 divine arm archers to support Liyuan Fort and make sure to hold the Luo River ferry."

Before he finished speaking, there was a burst of hurried footsteps outside the tent. It turned out to be a secret letter delivered by the scouts from Fuyan Road.

"The Jingsai Army has breached Chang'an and Chang'an has fallen."

Zhang Qi was stunned.

At this time, Wang Shunchen came in from outside and said hurriedly: "General Zhang! Chang'an has fallen! Duke Wen Lu died when the city was broken!"

Zhang Qi raised his eyebrows, but was not surprised by Wen Yanbo's death.

Zhang Qi raised his hand and pointed at a chair, saying, "Feng De, sit down first."

Wang Shunchen saw that Zhang Yu was not surprised, and immediately knew that Zhang Yu already knew about this, so he sat down first and then said: "General Zhang, Chang'an has fallen, Fuyan Road has long been under the control of Su Ni, and our Huanqing Road has been cut off from the court and is now isolated.

And now Xixia is eyeing us covetously, our Huanqing Road is in danger, I wonder what plans Marshal Zhang has?"

Zhang Yu looked up at Wang Shunchen and suddenly asked, "Su Yun wrote you a secret letter, asking you to persuade me to surrender?"

Wang Shunchen was a little flustered by Zhang Qie's sudden question, and said, "General Zhang, I didn't... I was just concerned about our Huanqing Road..."

Zhang Qie chuckled, raised his hand to stop Wang Shunchen, and shook his head, saying, "Don't be nervous. Ju Zheng is my nephew's son-in-law. In terms of closeness, he is even closer to me than you are to him. If he can write to you, he can naturally write to me as well."

Zhang Qi let out a sigh of relief.

Wang Shunchen mustered up his courage and said, "General Zhang, Ju Zheng has already taken Chang'an. With the strength of the Jingsai Army, it is only a matter of time before he takes over the entire northwest. With Guanzhong as the foundation, he has already taken the first step to take over the world. If we help him together, maybe..."

Zhang Yu shook his head and said, "It's not that simple. The current situation is much more complicated than that of the Han and Tang dynasties..."

He wanted to say, 'Western Xia is now powerful, and the northwest is an area surrounded by wars. It will be difficult to hold on to it even if we take it down.' But he suddenly remembered that there were the Xiongnu in the Han Dynasty and the Turks in the Tang Dynasty. Compared with the Xiongnu and the Turks, the Dangxiang people were nothing.

Zhang Qie immediately closed his mouth and fell into deep thought.

Yes, Su Yun has already occupied Guanzhong, and now he has at least hundreds of thousands of troops. There are countless industries in Fuyan Road, creating countless wealth every day. He also has innumerable civil and military officials under his command. The Su Society has recruited a large number of talented people for Su Yun. It can be said that Su Yun's foundation is extremely solid.

Moreover, Su Xuehui has an extremely outstanding ability to persuade others. The Jingsai Army is a powerful army in the world, and Su Yun is a dragon among men with the demeanor of a great leader. With such strength, he really has the strength to dominate the world!
Yes, in terms of size, Su Yun is far behind the Song Dynasty, but the Su army is rising like the morning sun, while the Song Dynasty is already on the decline.

Decades of party struggles and turmoil have made the Song Dynasty extremely difficult. Now it is ruled by a young master, and the prime ministers are either despicable villains (Zeng Bu), pedantic scholars (Cheng Yi), or cowards with a few bones missing (Cai Jing), haha.

Zhang Yu is one of the smartest people in the world, and is not much inferior to his cousin Zhang Dun. Although he has been in the northwest for many years, he knows the true colors of the officials in the court very well, and naturally he is not optimistic about the future of the court.

If there were no people like Su Yun rising up in rebellion, it would not be difficult for the Song Dynasty to survive for another hundred years. But when talented people like Su Yun rise up in rebellion... hehe.

Zhang Qie already had a plan in mind, but was still a little hesitant.

The Pucheng Zhang family is not an ordinary family. When making this choice, he must consider the family’s situation.

He thought for a while, sighed slightly, and decided to wait and see.

After all, you are not alone. If you come from a big family, you can't do whatever you want.

Zhang Yu stood up and said to Wang Shunchen, "The Xixia people want to get involved in the northwest. Let's teach them a lesson."

Wang Shunchen stood up and said solemnly, "Yes!"

Whether to vote for Su Yun is a matter for the future. In the face of the interests of the country and family, everything else has to take a back seat.

When Wang Shunchen was walking out, he suddenly heard a bustling sound coming from the gate of the provincial government office. Wang Shunchen took a quick look and was a little surprised to see the imperial envoy's ceremonial guard appearing at the gate of the provincial government office.

Wang Shunchen was a little stunned for a moment, thinking that Chang'an City had fallen, and how the imperial envoy could have come from somewhere at this time. However, the arrival of the imperial envoy must mean something big, so he stopped immediately.

The imperial envoy's entourage came in from the door, and a young man in a red official robe got off the carriage. He glanced at Wang Shunchen who was standing aside with sharp eyes. The young man twitched his mouth, as if smiling, and seemed to have contempt.

Wang Shunchen followed Su Yun to the northwest, and had been in the army for many years. He had become much more stable. Seeing that the young man seemed to be contemptuous, he was not angry, and even bowed to him. The young man raised his hand and waved to Wang Shunchen. Wang Shunchen was a little surprised, but since he wanted to wave, he walked over, bowed again and said, "Imperial Envoy, what do you want to do for me?"

The young official looked at Wang Shunchen carefully. Wang Shunchen frowned slightly. This young man was really rude. Then he heard the young man laughing and said, "Are you Wang Shunchen?"

Wang Shunchen was even more displeased when he heard this. He was even more displeased when he heard this. He even mentioned his name, which was like a slap in the face. Wang Shunchen could not bear it any longer and laughed, "It is Wang."

Seeing Wang Shunchen's arrogance, the young man was not angry, but nodded and said, "He does have the temperament of a famous general. Come on, follow me to see Governor Zhang."

As he spoke, the young man walked inside. Wang Shunchen saw that the young man was rude and didn't want to follow him. However, he was really curious about why the imperial envoy came here, so after thinking about it, he raised his foot and followed him.

Zhang Qie probably heard someone's report as well, so he rushed out and happened to meet the young imperial envoy.

Zhang Yu's eyes fell on the young imperial envoy, and he bowed slightly, with a tentative tone: "I wonder why your majesty sent the angel here this time?"

The young imperial envoy chuckled, took out a bright yellow imperial edict from his sleeve, and said loudly: "Zhang Yu, accept the edict!"

Zhang Qie immediately straightened his clothes and knelt on the ground, followed by Wang Shunchen and others who knelt down behind him.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: Zhang Yu has been stationed in Huanqing for a long time, and has made great contributions. However, when Fuyan fell and Chang'an was destroyed, you did not rush to help with all your strength, which allowed the rebels to grow stronger.

Considering that it is not easy for you to guard the border, I will pardon your crime for now. I now order Zhang Yu to immediately reorganize the troops in Huanqing Road, quickly march eastward, recapture Chang'an, and wipe out Su Yun's rebellion.

If anyone slacks off, he will be severely punished! I decree this!"

Zhang Qi took the imperial edict with both hands, his forehead pressed to the ground, but his mind was filled with thoughts.

This decree came at a strange time. The imperial court was already unable to take care of itself, yet it still asked him to attack Su Yun. It was obvious that they wanted to use him to weaken both sides so that they could reap the benefits.

But the Western Xia army was approaching, and Huanqing Road was already short of manpower. How could it send troops to advance eastward?
He slowly stood up, carefully put away the imperial edict, and said with a smile on his face: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's trust.

However, the 30,000 Iron Harriers of Xixia have already approached Rouyuan Village, and the defense of Huanqing Road is tight. I hope that the angel can allow me to repel Xixia first, and then proceed to the east."

The young imperial envoy's face darkened and he sneered, "Is Governor Zhang trying to disobey the order? Xixia is just a minor problem, Su Yun is the real threat.

His Majesty has issued the order. If you delay, you will be disloyal!"

Wang Shunchen was furious when he heard this. He stepped forward and said, "The angel is wrong! The Western Xia army is coming with great momentum. If we don't stabilize our defenses first, once Huanqing Road is lost, won't the court lose another barrier?

If Xixia invades immediately, the consequences will be disastrous!"

"How dare you!" The young imperial envoy glared at him. "How dare you, a mere military officer, discuss state affairs here? Zhang Qie, take care of your subordinates!"

Zhang Qie frowned slightly, raised his hand to signal Wang Shunchen to leave, and then said to the young imperial envoy: "Angel, calm down.

I have no intention of disobeying your order, this is just the truth.

I hope the angel can report the plight of Huanqing Road to Your Majesty, so that I can help resolve the crisis in Xixia first."

The young imperial envoy snorted coldly: "The emperor ordered me to come here to supervise you military leaders who are delaying the battle with various excuses!

This is an imperial decree, nothing else. If you do not carry it out, this imperial envoy has the right to remove you from office on the spot, take you back to Bianjing, and ask the government to punish you. It's up to you to do it!"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and was about to leave.

At this moment, a scout came galloping over on his horse, jumped off his horse, and rushed into the yard, "Report! The Western Xia Iron Harriers are thirty miles outside Rouyuan Village and are launching a fierce attack on our village!"

Zhang Yu's expression instantly became solemn, and he looked at the young imperial envoy and said, "The angel has also heard it. The military situation is urgent, so I will order the troops to go out.

I hope the angel will rest in Gyeongju City for a while and wait for good news."

Without waiting for the young imperial envoy to respond, Zhang Qie strode towards the parade ground, followed closely by Wang Shunchen.

The young imperial envoy stood there with a gloomy expression, and then he shouted loudly: "Zhang Yu, disobeying the emperor's order is a serious crime!"

Zhang Qie ignored him and went straight to the parade ground to inspect the troops.

On the parade ground, war drums thundered, Zhang Yu stood on the platform, his eyes were like torches: "My fellow soldiers! The bandits from Western Xia have invaded our borders, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil!
Today is the day for us to defend our country! Li Yi, listen to my orders! Quickly take 5,000 archers to Liyuan Fort and guard the Luo River crossing!

Wang Shunchen, listen to my orders! You lead 3,000 cavalrymen, bypass the enemy and attack the Xixia's food and supplies!

The rest of the soldiers, follow me and charge straight to Rouyuan Village to fight the bandits to the death!"

"Yes!" The soldiers shouted in unison, their morale high.

Zhang Qie jumped on his horse, drew the long sword from his waist, and shouted loudly: "Let's go!"

The army marched towards Rouyuan Village in a mighty force. Amidst the flying dust, a life-and-death battle was about to begin.

At this moment in Gyeongju City, undercurrents were surging. The young imperial envoy looked at the receding army with a meaningful sneer on his face, and it was unknown what conspiracy he was planning.

There was also a young man beside the young imperial envoy, who whispered to him, "Brother Zhangfu, what should we do next?"

If there were people from Bian Jing who were familiar with the government present and heard the name Zhangfu, they would know that this young imperial envoy was Ni Yongzhi, a popular figure in front of the current emperor.

Ni Yongzhi smiled and said, "Zhang Yu's disobedience is a real fact. We don't need to frame him. We can just report it directly. Once it is reported, the officials in the court will naturally punish him.

In addition, we must quietly leak the content of our negotiations with the Xixia people, especially let Zhang Yu know that we will cede all the territories west of Lanzhou and Xizhou to the Xixia people."

Another young man laughed when he heard this and said, "Persecute him first, then tell him about the weakness and humiliation of the imperial court. I think he will know which side is worth joining, right?"

Ni Yongzhi smiled and said, "That should be enough. Governor Zhang is related to you by marriage, and the court has ignored him for a long time. I think he has been dissatisfied for a long time, but he has been forbearing until now because of the impact. Now he has been charged with disobeying orders, and with the matter of ceding territory, I think he should be able to figure it out."

The other young man laughed and said, "Then let's go directly to Xixia?"

Ni Yongzhi nodded and said, "Let's go. A loud drum doesn't need a heavy hammer. For such a smart person, just one tap is enough. Let's go to Xixia."

The imperial envoy's entourage came and left quickly, but in Gyeongju, rumors spread that the court was going to cede territory west of Lanzhou and Heezhou as a means of appeasement.

(End of this chapter)