You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 83 It's Too Early to Establish a Separatist Government
Outside Youzhou City, inside the main camp.

Chen Shao stood on the observation platform, watching Pang Ge's retreating figure, lost in thought.

After the great victory at Youzhou, many of Chen Shao's subordinates from Yanzhou advised him to preserve the wealth and status he had already gained and to secure his current position and wealth.

Even though Brother Pang isn't hiding here, he's here today as a persuader. This kid speaks eloquently and uses flowery language, which is completely unlike his usual style.

Most likely, someone had already written it down, taught him to memorize it overnight, and then came to him to relay the message.

After all, Pang Ge had always been a hothead, so Prefect Chen wouldn't blame him no matter what he said.

Moreover, he was Han Shizhong's sworn brother, so he would at least have some influence over him.

The territory controlled by Yanzhou and Youzhou is not small at all.

Yanzhou is rich in mineral resources, including salt, iron, and pastures. Youzhou, in particular, has vast pastures and is famous for its warhorses and camels.

Moreover, there are many iron smelting workshops in Youzhou.

By occupying these two prefectures, relying on Hengshan Mountain, and with the Song Dynasty at our backs, we can attempt to establish a separatist regime.

However, after the division, they would face pressure from all sides and begin to do everything they could to protect themselves.

Without the support of the Song Dynasty and the assistance of the Western Army, it would be extremely difficult to advance further.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and Han Shizhong strode over, still with his signature loud voice. Every time Chen Shao heard him speak, he felt that the ancient story of Sun Ce drinking two generals to death was probably true.

"Prefect!"

"Han Wu, why are you coming to me instead of properly organizing your troops and preparing for battle?"

Han Shizhong laughed and said, "With the governor's words, I, Han Shizhong, am at ease!"

He had recently heard many rumors advising Chen Shao to start managing Yanzhou and Youzhou and to seek to establish a separatist regime.

Han Shizhong was afraid that Chen Shao would agree. His ambitions had been fully ignited by Chen Shao, and he would certainly not be willing to be confined to these two prefectures.

Upon hearing that he still intended to go on the expedition, Han Shizhong knew that Chen Shao had no intention of holding onto the two prefectures and remaining stagnant.

Chen Shao smiled. "What are you worried about? Are you afraid I'll become the king here?"

Backed by the Song Dynasty, they carved out a territory in the Northwest?
That sounds pretty cool.
But Chen Shao dared not do that, because a few years later, when the Jingkang Incident occurred, there would be a devastating catastrophe.

If we were truly confined to these two states, how could we resist the Jin army's attack? Would we become slaves to the Jin people?

If we don't become their slaves, the only outcome will be fleeing. The two prefectures are simply no match for the Jurchens.

At that time, only true heroes could save the situation.

If one were to truly establish oneself here and confine oneself to a position of power, only seeking the immediate wealth and fame, it would not be an easy task.

These two prefectures, backed by the Song Dynasty, inevitably have to compete for fame and profit with those cunning and treacherous officials of the Western Army. How could they possibly win against them?

Even if you manage to outsmart them and win by sheer luck...
There's also Tong Guan!

Following Tong Guan, there were also 'wise rulers and upright ministers' in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital.

Fighting these bastards is exhausting just thinking about it. Do you really want to indulge in a few days of separatist rule just before the Jin army arrives?

According to Chen Shao's original plan, the only way to defeat them was to step outside this circle and use another method!
Han Shizhong grinned widely, "Prefect, as you know, I, Han Wu, am straightforward and say what I mean. Just give the order, and I'll be your vanguard!"

“You’re not exactly straightforward,” Chen Shao laughed and scolded. “You look honest on the outside, but you’re full of bad intentions. Today you’ve already started to suspect that I’m going to shut myself off.”

In his haste, Han Shizhong was about to defend himself when Chen Shao waved his hand and said, "Alright, there's no point in saying more. Let's prepare for the expedition!"

Han Shizhong clasped his fists, hesitated for a moment, and thought to himself that the prefect was upright and honest, and he himself had a clear conscience, so he didn't explain anything. He had fought to the death on the battlefield, and the prefect naturally understood his thoughts.

After Han Shizhong left, Chen Shao continued to look into the distance.

Separatism?

These Yanzhou and Youzhou are probably not worthy.

If we could conquer the five prefectures of Dingnan, who knows?

The Northwest is known as a bitterly cold land, but that is in relation to the vast Central Plains.

As the saying goes, "The Yellow River brings a hundred harms, but it brings wealth to the Yi region." This area has fertile soil and abundant water resources. As long as there is less war and a wise ruler manages it, it will become a land of plenty beyond the Great Wall. Further west, there are boundless grasslands with lush pastures and abundant water, where cattle, sheep, and warhorses can graze. It can also trade with the Abbasid Caliphate, Persia, and India. If managed properly, it can become the Jiangnan of the Western Regions.

Moreover, in terms of terrain, the Hexi Corridor is a strategically important place and a place where heroes can display their talents. The Hexi Corridor is sandwiched by a single road, which is isolated for two thousand miles. It controls the western regions to the west and overlooks the Central Plains to the east. It is located on high ground and overlooks the Hexi Corridor and Guanzhong. It can be said to be able to advance or retreat as needed.
-
At the front, dozens of guards escorted Tong Guan as he strode toward the central command tent.

He was in an exceptionally good mood. He had just casually arranged this piece, intending for it to defend Yanzhou, which was already a great achievement.

Unexpectedly, he gave me a surprise, just like he did in Yokoyama.

"Immediately send people to help Chen Shao settle in Youzhou, and all military supplies must be provided in full." At this point, Tong Guan stopped and glanced at his trusted confidants. "I have always known that you will try to make a little extra money from these military pays. You are all my fellow townsmen, and I have never cared about it before, but this time do not deduct a single grain from my pay."

Several trusted confidants nodded repeatedly, expressing their loyalty and indicating that they would not delay Commander Xuan's important business.

In fact, Tong Guan was overthinking it. These were Chen Shao's key targets for bribery. They were given extra money and kickbacks from Chen Shao.

It's like using Tong Guan's things to buy Chen Shao's favor. The brothers won't skimp on Chen Shao's money, since he's everyone's benefactor.

Tong Guan, who had been governing the border for many years, was not someone to be trifled with. If someone were to embezzle too much of his money, there was a risk of being caught and publicly executed.

However, if Chen Shao were given a sufficient amount of supplies, his crime would be much less serious, and he would be much less likely to be caught.

After walking a while longer, Tong Guan finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, hands on his hips.

Tong Guan spent twenty years governing the border regions, and his dream of being made a king was becoming increasingly distant.

He feared that while he was campaigning against Liao, the Western Xia would cause trouble from behind, and the Western Army would also be restless, so he figured they wouldn't fight desperately for him.

Just then, things took a dramatic turn, and a rising star emerged from among his men.

He disrupted the balance between the two sides. As long as Chen Shao takes over the five prefectures of Dingnan, or surrounds Xia and Yin prefectures, Western Xia will have no ability to cause trouble for him and will be trapped in Xingqing Prefecture.

The Uyghurs and Tibetans will keep them busy enough.

For the Song Dynasty, the Western Xia and the Khitan were external threats.

Both the Western Xia and the Khitan considered themselves the legitimate rulers, while other remote tribes in the vicinity were considered barbarians.

The three dynasties of Song, Xia, and Liao each had their own barbarian tribes.
If Chen Shao manages to take over the five prefectures of Dingnan in one fell swoop, in cooperation with the Da Zhong and Xiao Zhong, it will break the backbone of Western Xia.

Even if we don't completely conquer it, but instead cut off the Western Xia from the middle and advance layer by layer using fortified villages, the Western Xia will just close their eyes and wait for death.

Having served the border regions for so many years and fought so many battles, Tong Guan could clearly see this situation.

Thinking of the Emperor in Bianjing, who was extremely eager to reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, Tong Guan once again felt the urgent pressure.

He needed to extricate himself from this mess in the Northwest as soon as possible. The campaign against Liao was a long-term plan, and he needed time to plan and prepare.

If possible, he still hoped to persuade Cai Jing to support his campaign against Liao and to use his abilities to help him raise the funds for the campaign.

That Tong Guan was willing to help him regain the position of prime minister.

Wang Fu was simply not cut out for this job. After taking office, apart from pretending to do some practical work at the beginning, he immediately started to embezzle money without restraint.

There's only so much wealth in the world. If you squeeze all the money out of your own pockets, what am I supposed to do when I'm attacking Liao?
I've heard that Jiangnan has been thrown into turmoil by Wang Fu and his men. If I really provoke the people of Jiangnan to resentment, I might have to expend a lot of energy to quell the rebellion.

This fellow, under the guise of serving the emperor, amassed a fortune in Jiangnan, but in reality, 90% of the treasures went into his private treasury, with only a small amount presented to Emperor Zhao Ji.

His bed was screened with gold and jade, and dozens of concubines slept "embracing the curtains." He also had three rooms filled with pickled yellow sparrows!

The most fatal thing is that this guy privately set up the "Jingfu Office" to manage border affairs, thus undermining the Privy Council and crossing Tong Guan's bottom line.

Although they had joined forces to bring down Cai Jing, at this point, Tong Guan didn't mind joining forces with Cai Jing again to drive Wang Fu out of power.

Even if it offended Liang Shicheng, he didn't care, because he was getting old and opportunities were becoming fewer and fewer.

He must seize these last few years to complete the great cause of conquering Liao, and not let this tremendous achievement slip away to others!

In that case, missing out on the title of king would likely leave him with regrets even in death.

Along the way, Tong Guan racked his brains, and only one thought remained:
Transport everything that can be transported to Chen Shao. If we can't make a breakthrough on our own, we must help him succeed.

northwest?

Do whatever you want, I'm leaving this place for the land of Youyan to fight for a royal title!
-
Although Chen Shao had already proven himself twice before.

However, his actions were so bizarre that before sending out troops, Lao Zhong cautiously dispatched scouts to check on the situation in Youzhou.

The scouts took a detour through Hengshan and arrived between Youzhou and Hongzhou. Before they even reached Youzhou, they encountered Chen Shao's vanguard on the way.

After receiving the report, Zhong Shidao had no more doubts. If he could, no one would want to destroy Western Xia more than him.

In mid-April, after sitting still for half a month, the Zhong family army finally started to get serious.

Yinzhou City is once again in dire need of help.

After weighing the options, the Xiangyou Military Command and the Left Wing Divine Valiant Military Command decided to focus on Yinzhou and send only 10,000 men from Xiazhou to support Hongzhou and Longzhou.

Yinzhou cannot be lost.

Otherwise, even if we manage to hold onto Longzhou and Hongzhou, it will be of no use.

Trapped in these two cities, if the Song army cuts off their supply lines and keeps them trapped for several months, they will have no choice but to surrender without a fight.

This time, unlike the attack on Youzhou, Chen Shao had prepared a variety of siege weapons.

Although his military campaigns never ceased, his attacks were rapid and his aggression was like fire.

However, troop mobilization, food and fodder reserves, weapons and ordnance, logistics and transportation, and intelligence gathering were all carried out without any neglect.

The drums beat loudly, and the banners fluttered in the wind.

Chen Shao once again led an expedition, his troops directly targeting the five difficult prefectures.

(End of this chapter)