"However, I would like to explain here. As many armor and equipment you buy, I want them to be used on your soldiers, and not on other tribes. If the official hears that the weapons we sold were obtained by our enemies, then my Da Zhao's army of hundreds of thousands will first pacify his tribe. ”

Zhang Yuanjing's cold voice made everyone move, and then they echoed it again and again. They themselves lack armor and equipment, so naturally they will not sell them to others. Besides, even if they had this idea in their hearts, they didn't dare to come up again at this moment.

Looking at the slight excitement on the faces of these tribal guards, Zhang Yuanjing secretly sneered: If you want to get my Da Zhao's armor and equipment, don't even think about it. What you have obtained is only the armor and equipment that I captured after the battle with the state army, and my Da Zhao can't use it. It was a good idea to exchange these obsolete supplies for horses, livestock, and Turkic captives as labor.

"Well, that's all there is to it, and when you get back, you are ready to exchange your own belongings, or your possessions, for the armor and equipment you need. Remember, the better the lord is, the greater the amount of armor and equipment you get, the more complete the variety, and the greater the power. Zhang Yuanjing's words revealed a hint of temptation.

Sure enough, several of the town guards had a hint of greed in their eyes, and their eyes rolled back and forth at the same time. They naturally understood what Zhang Yuanjing meant, which was nothing more than asking them to rob/plunder the northern tribes and seize their livestock, war horses and population. The harder you fight, the more you get, and the more support you get from King Zhao. At the same time, if you annex a tribe, your own strength will also grow.

"In addition, in order to commend you for your timely surrender to our lord, my lord has decided to start trade in all the ministries and increase trade. I think you need this very much. From now on, my Great Zhao's caravans will continue to march into your tribes and bring the necessary supplies to the various tribes. Of course, the furs accumulated by the tribes can also be sold at a suitable price with our Dazhao merchants, benefiting both parties. ”

"Your Excellency must also be extremely envious of the life of my Great Yan Kingdom, in the future, what I have in Zhao Land, you can also buy it. However, this requires a premise. That is, your tribe must follow closely behind King Zhao. Otherwise, I think, there are still many northern tribes who are willing to replace your deposits. There are also many who are willing to serve our Lord and take your place. Between the words, the tone suddenly became cold.

Several tribal envoys hurriedly expressed their loyalty to King Zhao to Zhang Yuanjing, and they also had a trace of fear for this Zhang Yuanjing in their hearts. In a few words, sweet dates on one side and a big stick on the other side, made them happy and worried.

"Guys, since I talked about the caravan, I have to explain some things to you first, so that you can cooperate."

Du Yan said repeatedly: "Lord Zhang, but it doesn't hurt to say it, we will naturally obey!" ”

"yes...... Mr. Zhang, but it doesn't hurt to talk about it! The rest of the people also said again and again.

Zhang Yuanjing said with a smile: "Your Excellency should also know something about my Great Zhao, and the merchants of my Zhao Land are protected by my Great Zhao Mansion. Therefore, when my Great Zhao caravan enters your realm, in addition to buying and selling fairly, we must also ensure their safety, so as not to cause bad things. Of course, caravans generally come and go with their own caravanserais, and employ guards with dart masters. It is also difficult to deal with it when it causes any bad trouble. ”

Du Yan Zhengse said: "Lord Zhang, don't worry, these caravans are not welcome to enter the tribe."

Under the circumstance that Zhang Yuanjing used his fortune to lure his family, all the tribes began to take the initiative to attack and conquer the large and small tribes in the north of each department. I have to say that with the support of Zhao Jun, these tribes have a lot less scruples. In addition, the Zhao army supported a part of the grain, grass and weapons at the end of last year, so that the various departments won the victory.

Not only that, but the current changes in the various ministries have also begun to spread gradually to the north. Everyone knows that those tribes that survived by relying on Da Zhao are now living a lot better. Some goods, which are usually rare, are now also beginning to appear in the southern provinces. As a result, some tribes who were unwilling to be oppressed and ruled by Xue Jian Khan had the intention to migrate south and attach themselves to the Zhao army.

For this situation, it is naturally what Zhang Yuanjing wants to see. Not only that, but he also vigorously preached the benefits of relying on the Zhao army among various tribes, and the consequences of being an enemy of the Zhao army. In addition, the Zhao army also took turns to the north and began to carry out sneak attacks on some tribes, forcing many small tribes to start moving north.

…………

Luoyang, the base camp of the Yongjun army.

Although there is also an emperor in the Luoyang Palace, no one takes this little emperor seriously. The civil and military officials also left. Of course, there are no longer a few left. However, these officials all took refuge in Situ Lei. Otherwise, I'm afraid that no one will pay attention to them, and even, even Yulu is dangerous to get. After all, the Yongjun army is not rich now, and the landlord's family has no surplus food......

For those officials who stayed, Situ Lei was both happy and afraid, and now, he was only afraid that he would be bored. These officials don't have much ability, and they still rely on the old and sell the old all day long, and they don't dare to do anything, so they let Yongjun do it. In the past, they could still show that King Yong Situ Lei obeyed the righteousness, but now, no one pays attention to these officials who are left behind and mingle with the thieves who kill the king. But Situ Lei could only keep them, and he couldn't get rid of them all at once.

"These old bastards, this king really wants them to go with the first emperor." His face was slightly yellow, and Situ Lei, who was slightly thinner than before, said gloomily.

Lin Shucheng said respectfully: "Lord Wang, don't pay attention to them. These officials are accustomed to fighting each other, and they have no ability, so the prince can ignore them. It's just that they also explained a problem, the position of the prince of the king really can't be hung like this. Now these idle officials are fighting, if it involves the dispute between the civil and military officials of the Yongjun, it will be ......"

Situ Lei said coldly: "This king is not dead yet!" These bastards can't wait for their Lao Tzu to die now, so they can't wait to get on top...... What are these old things fighting about? It's not like those bastards are making a move behind their backs. ”

Then he sighed again and said slowly: "You say, which of my unsuccessful sons can inherit my position?" Can I complete my career? ”

Lin Shucheng, Lin Shiwen and others were silent, about Wang Shizi's matter, this is Situ Lei's family matter. Especially Situ Lei did not show the slightest hint, and they would not directly mix with someone until they established someone's intentions. They are all smart people, and naturally they will not put themselves in danger. Once you say it, the consequences are unpredictable. Once a son of heaven and a courtier, Shui knew that the successor King Yong, would he attach importance to their talents?

Seeing that a few people didn't speak, Situ Lei also understood the truth. Then he smiled bitterly and said astringently: "The death of Emperor Xuanwu is the biggest mistake of this king." If it weren't for the sudden death of Emperor Xuanwu, how could Murong Cheng be used to cause this king to bear the name of killing the king? If it weren't for the fact that this king bears the name of killing the king. Why do you want to let these bastards rule one side in order to stabilize the state capitals? Hey......"

After settling down, Situ Lei continued: "What do you think of the situation that the envoy from Xuzhou said today? Should we join them and do something to Murong Cheng? ”

Lin Shiwen frowned, and said: "What the Xuzhou army envoy said, I still don't know whether it is true or not, and it is difficult to predict whether it is a conspiracy between the Xuzhou army and the Qi army." After all, this Situ Lei used the name of righteousness to conquer us in order to command the other princes to gain the moral upper hand. Theoretically, he shouldn't have done anything to the Xuzhou Army at this time. After all, when he moves like this, he loses his morality and righteousness. Not only that, but it will make him fall into infamy. ”

Lin Shucheng also nodded slightly, and said: "That's true, the situation reported by the Xuzhou Army is indeed unbelievable. However, it doesn't make much of a difference whether we take action or not. After all, if we want to act, we are also taking the initiative in Ningzhou and Yizhou. Moreover, it will still be after the war between the Xuzhou army and the Qi army. If they don't turn the other cheek, we just need to stick to the places. Therefore, we can reply to them and promise to join forces with them and attack from the rear of the Qi army. ”

Ling Xiao suddenly said: "Lord Wang, everyone, I think that Zhao Jun should also be involved in this. ”

"Huh? Tell me about it? Why is Zhao Jun also involved? Situ Lei's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice.

Ling Xiao said in a loud voice: "Lord Wang, if this Qi army and the Xuzhou army go to war, then we don't need to deal with the attack of the Qi army. That is, we are idle. So, what will we do when we are idle? One is to counterattack the Qi army, and the other is to counterattack the Zhao army. However, the Zhao army seized our annexed states, so it is more likely that we will counterattack the Zhao army and regain the lost territory. Coupled with the fact that the Turks are also ready to move, the chances of victory in our counteroffensive are also greatly increased. ”

"I think that Murong Cheng gained nothing in the hard battle last year, but Zhao Xun seized Bingzhou and Xiazhou, which made Murong Cheng jealous and dissatisfied, so that he could stop his actions against us and attack Xuzhou instead."

"In this way, one can take down his old enemy Xuzhou, and the other is that we can also make a move with Zhao Jun and let him sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight. Murong Cheng's abacus was indeed very good, but he chose the wrong ally. By virtue of its trade with the Zhao army, the Yanzhou army was able to quickly recover from the old wounds of the Great War between Fù and Xu Jie, and to be able to afford an army of nearly 100,000. And Murong Cheng's behavior of blackhanding down his allies could not make the Yanzhou army feel any benefits, and as for the post-war, let alone think about it. ”

Therefore, the Yanzhou Army immediately sold Murong Cheng, the villain. While telling the news to Zhao Jun, he and Murong Cheng pretended to join forces. And in order to prevent us from attacking the Turks, the Zhao army pulled us into the chariot of joining forces with the Xuzhou army to fight against the Qi army. ”

"We have received information that the Zhao army has begun to win over the Turkic steppe tribes, and at the same time is fighting back against the tribes that have submitted to Xue Wei Khan. The subordinates guessed that this should be a two-handed preparation made by Zhao Xun. Once we move, the Zhao army will counterattack us first, while allowing the Turkic tribes attached to them to resist. Don't forget, Zhao Xun has newly formed the Praetorian Guard of eight town armies. That's an army of 200,000, half of them veterans, enough to deal with any anomaly. ”

"Hiss......" Situ Lei, Lin Shucheng and the others all looked at each other, and they were all shocked by Ling Xiao's guess. Although he was shocked, Ling Xiao's guess was indeed extremely reasonable.

"This ...... Is the relationship between Yanzhou Jun and Zhao Jun so deep? and the Qi army teamed up to counterattack the Xuzhou army, which should have been promised a lot of benefits by Murong Cheng. In addition, the Xuzhou Army and the Tang Army had always been worried that the Yanzhou Army and the Zhao Army were too close, and joined forces to suppress them. This Yanzhou army has long been on fire, how could it give up this great opportunity? Lin Shucheng said puzzled.

Ling Xiao said with a smile: "Having said that, however, the master of the Yanzhou Army is not an ordinary person. In the past, he was able to break the alliance of the Tang Army, the Xuzhou Army, and the former Yanzhou Governor Xu Jie, and won a great victory, and also obtained the land of Yanzhou from the Qi army, which is a powerful lord. With his ability, how can he not see that if he joins forces with the Qi army to destroy Xuzhou, what good fruit can Ya have? ”

In addition, the benefits he received from Zhao Jun were extraordinary. If the Zhao army affects the trade between the north and the south in addition to the problem, I am afraid that the Yanzhou army will be weakened a lot. Therefore, when Qi Jun is not credible, selling the news to Zhao Jun is the most beneficial to him. ”

Sighing, Ling Xiao said again: "What puzzles me the most, and even worries me a little, is that the relationship between this Yanzhou Army and the Zhao Army is too deep, and moreover, the Yanzhou Army's defense of the Zhao Army is too low-level. In other words, the Yanzhou army didn't really care about defending the Zhao army at all. ”

"You must know that the Zhao army is located in the north of the Yanzhou army, although the Tang army has blocked part of it, but there is still a large part of the territory connected to the Zhao army and Jizhou. Aren't they worried about Zhao Jun going down? Why didn't the Yanzhou army guard against the Zhao army? These are the most worrying places. ”

Situ Lei also frowned, and he was also puzzled, and couldn't help but say: "Since you have said it all here, then, do you suspect that this Yanzhou Army has anything to do with the Zhao Army?" ”

Ling Xiao said in a deep voice: "My subordinates suspect that this Lord of the Yanzhou Army is not an ambitious person, or rather, he has seen his position clearly. He is investing, waiting for the real ruler to appear. In other words, whoever succeeds in the future, he will completely fall to whomever he wants. And at this moment, he believes that Zhao Xun's Zhao Jun is the most powerful. Therefore, he has now begun to favor Zhao Jun. It's just that he hasn't fully surrendered yet. ”

Situ Lei was silent for a while, and said slowly: "Zhao Xun...... At the beginning, it was because I fought with Murong Cheng and underestimated him that he grew rapidly and was difficult to coerce. Now, it has developed to play the role of the overlord of the land of the seven states. Although some of the three states were named by himself, this is also where Zhao Xun is powerful. How difficult it is to be able to seize the territory from the foreign tribe and stabilize it. I can't wait, it's not as good as it. ”

"It was a small look at the beginning, but now it has become our great enemy. But we watched him grow step by step to this day, but we couldn't suppress it. If one of my unsuccessful sons can be as powerful as Zhao Xun, I will be content. ”

"Ling Xiao, what you said is very reasonable, this Zhao Jun is also very likely to be involved. If the simple Yanzhou army acted in it, I was afraid that it would only contact the Tang army, the Xuzhou army and himself. ”

"Murong Cheng wants to obtain the land of Xuzhou, and he wants us to fight to the death with Zhao Xun, even if it is to bear the infamy of betraying our allies. And Zhao Xun saw that he couldn't get any benefits on the one hand, and on the other hand, he had to deal with the Turks. Therefore, let the weak Xuzhou army pull us up and carve up the land. You say, "How shall we choose?" Is it to Zhao Jun or Qi Jun? Situ Lei said slowly.

Lin Shucheng said in a deep voice: "The intention of the subordinates is to do something to Murong Cheng." ”

"Huh? Why? ”

Lin Shucheng explained: "Lord Wang, Zhao Jun is prepared, even if we act, we will not gain anything. In addition, we reached an agreement with Zhao Xun, so that we can now buy a lot of grain from Zhao Xun, and also alleviate the food shortage caused by the attack of Murong Cheng's coalition army. But once we started a war with the Zhao army, not only did we break the promise, but also cut off the possibility of trade. ”

"Secondly, the Zhao army has stationed nearly 200,000 troops in Bingzhou, although it is ostensibly forming a Praetorian Guard, but Shui knows if he is dealing with us? In the southern part of the state, about 70,000 troops were also stationed along the border. With all due respect, once we and the Zhao army start a war again, then it is very likely that the Zhao army in Bingzhou will cut off our connection with Liangzhou and even conquer Chang'an. The situation in Liangzhou is not very good, which is also caused by the Liangzhou rebellion at the beginning. Coupled with the conscription and tax increase in Liangzhou in recent years, once Zhao Xun raises troops, I am afraid that the situation in Liangzhou will soon be chaotic. ”

"The most important thing is that if we attack the prepared Zhao army, not only will we not gain anything, but it will also make outsiders think that we are in collusion with the Turks. When the time comes, the infamy on us will really be difficult to wash away. ”

"And if we attack Murong Cheng, it will be very different. First, it can take revenge for the siege of Murong Cheng last year, and it also allows the soldiers to vent. When the subordinates think about it, the morale of the soldiers must be greatly boosted. ”

Second, Murong Cheng didn't expect that he would be countered by the Tang Army, the Yanzhou Army, and the Xuzhou Army and fall into a quagmire. I didn't expect that we would have the right to fight back against his rear. ”

"The third is that most of the places under our jurisdiction are bordered by Murong Cheng, and it is much more convenient for the army to move. Moreover, we occupy a favorable position and are condescending, and we can gain a lot from attacking Murong Cheng. If possible, this battle could even say that Murong Cheng's Qi army collapsed in one fell swoop. ”

Situ Lei nodded slightly, and asked Lin Shiwen and the others, "What do you mean?" ”

Ling Xiao nodded and said, "The opinions of the subordinates are the same as those of Lord Lin, and the subordinates also agree to do something to Murong Cheng. Whether it's because of personal vendettas, but also because of interests. Attacking Murong Cheng is the best choice. ”

"Well, the army is still stationed in Liangguan on the surface, but the center of gravity has begun to shift to Yizhou, Ningzhou and Hanzhong. But it is also necessary to let Murong Cheng and the Xuzhou army and the Yanzhou army take the lead. Situ Lei made a final decision and said in a deep voice.