My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 176 Gao Lang's Scheme
After nightfall.

Temperatures plummeted, February nights were very cold, and the temperature difference between day and night was extreme.

Gao Yu sat in his tent at a table, using stones he had picked up to represent the approximate locations of the various states.

"Dingzhou, Yanzhou, and Youzhou are already in chaos, and Jizhou and Yingzhou will soon be affected as well."

The three prefectures of Ji, Ding, and Ying can be considered as a whole. The jurisdiction of these three prefectures basically covers the entire Hebei Plain. The Hebei Plain is flat and rich, making it easy for the rebels to snowball their influence.

If Dingzhou is in chaos, it's only a matter of time before Ji and Ying prefectures follow suit. Geographically speaking, there are simply no natural defenses to be found there.

The reason why the rebels in the Six Garrisons were so determined to attack Yunzhong was not because they were stubborn or unaware that they lacked the ability to besiege the city.

Rather, it was because the terrain of Heng and Shuo prefectures was rugged, and they had to conquer cities like Yunzhong that were built on strategic terrain.

If they forcibly bypass Yunzhong and head south, they will be surrounded and encircled by the imperial army in coordination with the Yunzhong garrison.

However, there is no need to worry about this on the Hebei Plain. Bypassing the city walls, there is no need to worry about being surrounded. In such a vast plain, you can run in any direction.

“This time… the prince should join the rebels. With his reputation in Huai Shuo, he should be able to win over some people to stick together for mutual support.”

The concept of "xiangdang" (乡党) was an important social bond in ancient society, as people from the same place had a natural sense of closeness.

"Given his personality, he definitely wouldn't take the lead. He's probably under Xianyu Xiuli or Du Luozhou. We'll probably find out about him soon."

"In this rebellion, the Great Wei even neglected its southern border. This is the last armed force in the hands of the Great Wei court. If it is annihilated by the rebels... the Great Wei court will be dead in name only, existing in name but without the means."

Gao Yu is still living under someone else's roof, but every time he gets firsthand information from Erzhu Rong, he habitually reviews and analyzes what might happen next.

However, the speed of information transmission in ancient times was extremely limited.

The "first-hand information" that Erzhu Rong is conveying today may have already become second-hand or third-hand information.

Without firsthand observation on the front lines, it's impossible to stay informed about the latest developments. Therefore, utilizing information for a certain degree of review and deduction can help infer the current situation in other states.

the other side.

Erzhu Rong stared at the map for a long time, but still couldn't figure it out.

"Wanren, Tianguang... never mind."

Erzhu Rong wanted to ask some questions, but then waved his hand and gave up.

The Erzhu clan and their group were competent at leading troops in battle.

But none of them have the ability to make strategic plans based on the situation.

Why did Tianbao sigh?

Erzhu Zhao remained as straightforward as ever, showing no sign of Erzhu Rong's 'disappointment' with them. "If you want to ask for a plan, why not go and invite Gao Lang over?"

"Gao Lang, Gao Lang, in this army, in this Xiu Rongchuan, does the Erzhu clan or the Gao clan reign supreme?"

"Tianguang, how malicious your words are! Are you implying that Gao Lang harbors treacherous intentions? Are you suggesting that all the plans Gao Lang has offered to Tianbao these past few days have been false?"

Erzhu Tianguang opened his mouth, but didn't know how to refute it. Finally, he muttered unconvinced, "Hard to say."

"Then you come and give Tianbao some advice. Tell me how we should act from now on?"

"Naturally, we should recruit soldiers and strengthen our own power to await the changing times!"

"Alright, stop arguing."

Erzhu Rong's head was spinning from the noise of the two people, so he had no choice but to speak up and stop them.

Erzhu Zhao, however, was still defending Gao Yu, saying, "What a fine way to recruit soldiers and horses, what a fine way to wait for the changing times! Tell me, what exactly constitutes a changing timeline?"

"enough!"

Erzhu Rong slammed his fist on the table in extreme anger, and his piercing gaze silenced Erzhu Tianguang.

The atmosphere was somewhat somber, and Erzhu Rong was indeed feeling helpless.

Erzhu Tianguang's words were all repetitive and completely meaningless, while Erzhu Zhao's rhetorical question was indeed reasonable.

What kind of situation would be considered the right time to wait for the right moment to change?
If an opportunity is obvious to everyone, can it still be called a good opportunity?

How should we prepare and carry out recruitment and expansion to strengthen our capabilities?

These all require the right people to handle and coordinate. The most tedious and detailed tasks are the ones that truly test an individual's abilities.

"Talent! We're desperately short of talent..."

At times like these, Erzhu Rong's desire for talent becomes even more urgent.

Erzhu Zhao countered, "With a talent like Gao Lang, does Emperor Tianbao really suspect him to this extent?"

Erzhu Rong sighed and slowly said, "It's not a matter of suspicion, Wanren, Tianguang, Zhongyuan, you all need to understand one principle: listen to both sides and you will be enlightened."

"It's not that I don't trust Gao Lang, but everyone has selfish motives."

"Wanren, you always protect Gao Lang, isn't it because Gao Lang is your close friend, and you two will even become father-in-law and son-in-law? Tianguang and Zhongyuan are targeting you everywhere, isn't it because their relationship with Gao Lang is just so-so?"

"What I want is to have a few talented people around me who can advise me like Gao Lang. After listening to their plans and comparing them repeatedly, I can know which part of their plans is driven by personal interests and which part is entirely based on the overall situation. Only in this way can I listen to all sides and make a clear understanding."

"Alright, alright, you can all leave now. I'll think about it some more." Erzhu Rong waved his hand, then turned around and stared at the map in front of him, still deep in thought.

After a long while, he finally spoke, "Go and invite Gao Lang here."

The guards quickly brought Gao Yu to Erzhu Rong's tent. Erzhu Rong had already prepared fine wine and personally poured Gao Yu a full cup. He raised his cup with a smile on his face, saying, "The current situation is murky and unclear. I hope you can give me some guidance."

"Tianbao, you're too kind."

After finishing his drink, Gao Yu asked, "I wonder what scheme Tianbao wants me to undertake?"

Erzhu Rong bluntly asked, "What should I do now?"

Gao Yu answered without hesitation, "Recruit soldiers and horses to strengthen our own strength, and wait for the situation to change."

"How about something more detailed?"

Gao Yu then stood up and walked to Erzhu Rong's side, pointing at the map and saying, "Now, although Tianbao is the governor of Sizhou, Sizhou does not respect you. Tianbao's most urgent task is to unite Sizhou into one entity."

Erzhu Rong nodded. "And then?"

Gao Yu continued, "While integrating the forces within Sizhou, we will continue to send people to investigate the situation of suppressing the rebellion in Ji, Ding, and Ying prefectures. The court's biggest concern is the rebels in Ji, Ding, and Ying prefectures, and it has no time to attend to Sizhou. Tianbao can take over these two places now!"

Gao Yu first pointed to the due north of Sizhou, then to the east of Sizhou.

On the map.

These two locations, the one to the north is called Mayi, and the one to the east is Jingxing.

"If we can control Mayi and Jingxing, and then move south to control Bingzhou, the entire Shanxi region will fall into the hands of Emperor Tianbao."

Mayi is the northern gateway to Sizhou. If we can capture Mayi, then... the people of Heng and Shuo provinces to the north of Sizhou who want to move south will have to fight to the death for Mayi. This place is an extremely important fortress. The 'Siege of Baideng' by Emperor Gaozu of Han took place here.

Jingxing Pass has been a strategic location fought over by military strategists since ancient times. It is an extremely narrow pass in the Taihang Mountains and a vital passage between the Hebei Plain and the Jin region. Countless large-scale wars have taken place around this place since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the ground is littered with countless bones.

Jingxing Pass, along with Huguan Pass and Tianjing Pass, are collectively known as the "Three Passes of Shangdang". These two passes are located within Bingzhou.

Mayi is located within Shuozhou, while Jingxing Pass is located within Dingzhou.

The division of ancient states was carefully designed. If a perfect defensive loop could be formed by relying on mountains, rivers, and passes, then... mountains, rivers, or passes would definitely be assigned to other states to maintain balance.

For example, if Sizhou could control Mayi and Jingxing, it would be extremely difficult for the court to deal with any rebellion there. After controlling Mayi and Jingxing, it would be almost impossible for the court to attack Sizhou from the north or east. The court would have to fight from the south to the north.

These strategic passes on major transportation routes can be so disgusting.

The situation at Yu Bi City was similar. Wang Sizheng and Wei Xiaokuan's few thousand garrison troops were able to prevent Gao Huan's hundreds of thousands of troops from advancing an inch, forcing Gao Huan to fight to the death to take it. If he couldn't take it, he would be blocked in front of Yu Bi City.

Mayi and Jingxing were as important to the Jin region as the jade disc was to the Western Wei.

Under normal circumstances.

The imperial court would certainly not sit idly by and watch Erzhu Rong take these two key places with his troops, so it needed to rely on the 'help' of the rebels. If the rebels could hold back or defeat the imperial army that was sent to quell the rebellion, then the court would be able to achieve its goal.

Since the imperial court dared not offend Erzhu Rong, it could only turn a blind eye to his outrageous actions and swallow its pride, as long as Erzhu Rong did not openly raise the banner of rebellion. The court would even issue edicts to appease Erzhu Rong by satisfying his unreasonable 'demands'.

As Gao Yu spoke, he also observed Erzhu Rong's expression.

All his plans were aimed at enabling the Erzhu clan to further expand their power based on their current foundation, and to do so without taking too much risk.

A person's ambition changes according to changes in their current strength.

Did Erzhu Rong want to become emperor?

Who wouldn't want that?
However, given the current situation and the strength accumulated by the Erzhu clan, it is too early for them to ascend the throne and become emperor. Steadily strengthening their own power is the best strategy.

No one knew whether the imperial court could successfully quell the rebellion, and no one could predict what would happen in the process.

Under such circumstances, one should steadily improve one's abilities so that one can calmly deal with any situation.

Erzhu Rong remained expressionless, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, he smiled and said, "Hearing Gao Lang's words has enlightened me, but I still have a concern."

"If the imperial army fails to quell the rebellion and the rebels completely control the three prefectures of Ji, Ding, and Ying, or even more territory, wouldn't I be missing a golden opportunity?"

Gao Yu laughed.

"Does Tianbao really think the rebels can control these places?"

“The three prefectures of Ji, Ding, and Ying, as well as the prefectures further east, are places where Han Chinese elites gather. They will not easily surrender to the rebels.”

The powerful clans could simply stay within their own fortified villages and wait until the situation became clear before choosing sides.

Over the years, Han Chinese aristocratic families have developed a survival philosophy to protect themselves and prevent their families from declining in times of chaos.

Erzhu Rong quickly stood up and excitedly grabbed Gao Yu's hand, "With Gao Lang here, how can the Erzhu clan not prosper! When the Erzhu clan grows strong, Gao Lang will be credited with the greatest contribution."

Erzhu Rong actually had similar ideas, but he only had a general direction in mind. He couldn't do what Gao Yu did and list out every step in detail.

With a direction and an action plan, you'll know how to proceed.

"It took three generations of accumulation by the Erzhu family to have the strength to plan. Tianbao also had his own thoughts. I was just helping you dispel your doubts. How could I dare to take credit for it?"

"Gao Lang, there's no need for such modesty. Right now... I know what to do!"

(End of this chapter)