Five Dynasties River Mountains Fengyue

After the loss of Hexi in the Tang Dynasty, the Silk Road on land was no longer smooth, but it did not affect the sea.

In fact, as early as the Han and Tang Dynasties, there were merchants who came to the coast of the Persian Gulf to do business. During the Tang Dynasty, there were more exchanges, but they gradually stopped after the Anshi Rebellion.

Of course, there is a huge difference between this kind of voyage at this time and the later era of great navigation.

Although many people say that Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas have already started the age of great voyages, but in fact there is no essential difference between Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas and the Han, Tang, and Song voyages. Some people have already gone to the Persian Gulf and Africa to do business. up.

It's just that at this time the world's voyages were all along the coastline, and they didn't dare to go too far from the coastline. They often stopped at the shore to rest and replenish. is also like this.

The so-called grand voyage refers to crossing the ocean, sailing thousands of miles, and sailing on the sea for several months. This is completely different from the previous way of sailing.

If the Persians can come to the coast to do business at this time, they should take the route from Southeast Asia.

Shi Congyun was very interested, mainly Persian goods and technology.

It is impossible to build a car behind closed doors, especially in the development of science and technology. It is true that three cobblers are the best of Zhuge Liang. There are many people with many ideas, and there are always places to learn and complement each other. Three people must have my teacher. Between countries and nations Even more so.

Therefore, Emperor Shi was very interested in these foreigners. He mainly wanted to see those Persian ships and see what new technologies and ideas their ships had that the Great Qin Dynasty could learn from.

This is for the long-term consideration in the future. Emperor Shi thought of Liaodong and the Korean Peninsula in the future.

Whether Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty destroyed North Korea or Li Zhi destroyed Baekje, fighting across the sea and advancing both land and water is a very important tactic. To fight Liao and recover Liaodong and Liaoxi requires a navy.

So he immediately found Zhao Shijian and asked her to dictate a letter to Pan Mei, asking him to invite those merchants and their merchant ships to Daliang to meet him.

At the same time, let the last batch of troops withdraw to Daliang by sea.

As for Pan Mei, Shi Congyun asked him to be the magistrate of King Xing's Mansion, and the prime minister for Guangdong and Guangxi affairs. Lingnan has just been settled, and there are still many things to deal with. The follow-up also needs reliable people to guard temporarily.

At the same time, an imperial edict was issued to transfer Cao Bin back to the capital from Shu to serve as the deputy envoy of the Privy Council.

This is because Emperor Shi is already making preparations for the next Pingjiang River.

Among the generals, the handsome Wang Quanbin, Li Chuyun, Wang Shenqi, Si Chao, Xiang Gong, etc. Although they have fought with him for many years, they are all ruthless people who kill without blinking an eye. After all, they are generals from troubled times .

Only Cao Bin is the most benevolent one. He has fought many battles and led the army of Shu alone.

If he fights the Liao Kingdom, he will not let Cao Bin be the commander-in-chief, because Cao Bin is too benevolent, and if he is not in charge of the army, it may be counterproductive if he is not careful; but if he fights Jiangnan, Cao Bin is the ideal candidate in his heart, because Emperor Shi The last piece of land I don't want to destroy is Jiangnan.

He has made a reservation in his heart that in the future, Jiangnan will definitely be the main place for his tax revenue in the Great Qin Dynasty, and there are so many beauties in Jiangnan. He has been the emperor for so many years and has not been drafted. There are only more than 200 court ladies in the palace, most of whom are not young. Shouldn't we wait for Jiangnan to beat him down...

Naturally, Emperor Shi's careful thinking would not be understood by outsiders. What he said were far-sighted things. Over the years, both the common people and the officials felt that the official family was too hard and simple. It was a model for the world, and even the concubine in the harem could not stand it. Several times I persuaded him to choose a group of show girls.

They were all rejected by Emperor Shi's righteous words, "Back then Huo Qubing said, 'Why should the Xiongnu be a family before the Huns are destroyed', now that the world is not in peace, I don't have the heart to choose any show!"

He touched the civil and military of the Manchu Dynasty and the common people all over the world, and all the women in the harem thought he was a real man. Even the stubborn old man Fan Zhi rarely praised him as a model of a wise king through the ages, and said a lot of good things.

It's just that they are on the first floor, and Emperor Shi is on the second floor. He once wanted to draft a talent show, and let him choose the beauties from all over the world.

But then he suddenly realized that if there are many beautiful women nowadays, it must be Jiangnan, and Zhou Xian is a living example.

But now Jiangnan is not in his hands!Wouldn't it be a disadvantage for the candidate at this time...

So after thinking about it, he couldn't rush to choose if he was killed, and it would not be too late to take Jiangnan back first.

.......

Now that the Southern Han Dynasty has fallen, the resettlement of the Southern Han Dynasty has basically been completed.

Next, it should be logical to hit Jiangnan's idea.

However, Emperor Shi was not a brainless reckless man. He personally drew a mind map in his study, and generally divided the cutting of the river into three major modules.

The first is to handle international relations and ensure the stability of the external situation.

The second is internal preparation. It takes one to two years to prepare to ensure that the country can smoothly launch a large-scale offensive.

The third is a diplomatic offensive, to make Jiangnan as unprepared as possible and not to be suspicious.

.......

The first step is actually only the Liao Kingdom that is capable of interfering with the Great Qin in the surrounding area. It is guaranteed that the Liao Kingdom will not make trouble in the north when the army goes south, and the situation will be stabilized.

Emperor Shi thought about how to deal with it for a long time, and even consulted with his confidant ministers.

At the beginning, he thought that he would give in and comfort him, so that the Liao Kingdom would think that all was well. For example, Xiao Siwen didn't say that his daughter was ill and would not come to Daliang. He ignored the two letters of forgiveness, and now he simply wrote back to comfort him. Give him a good face, if Xiao Chuo doesn't come, don't come, let's make a move in order to be safe.

Luqiu Zhongqing immediately vetoed this idea, and suggested to him: "Officials, if they soften their words and make concessions, they may see a flaw, and then guess that something happened to us in the south, so they are too busy to take care of themselves, so they make concessions. This is not advisable.

But if it is too tough, it will be counterproductive. It is best to continue to be tough, but leave room for him, so that the Liao people will not notice the difference, and they don't know that we are going to raise troops in the south of the Yangtze River.

It's best to write back and tell Xiao Siwen that his daughter's official family is about to be settled, but if she is ill, she can postpone it for a year or two, and come back to Daliang when she recovers from the serious illness, otherwise she will be at her own risk.

In this way, he continued to be tough, put pressure on him, and gave him a grace, so that Xiao Siwen could continue to shirk, so as not to cause a bad situation. "

Shi Congyun agreed with his statement, and asked Luqiu Zhongqing to write a letter for him based on the idea that whoever proposes it will implement it. After finishing writing, he showed it to him.

In the second aspect, internal preparations are handed over to the Department of Housekeeping, Department of Duzhi and Dianqian, Department of Guards, Department of Secrets and the Ministry of Industry.

The second aspect is mainly three issues. First, the training and small-scale expansion of the imperial army are in charge of the Dianqian Division and the Guard Division.Second, the preparation of food, salaries and military supplies is the responsibility of the Department of Households and the Department of Duzhi.The third is how to cross the Yangtze River, the crossing plan and the preparation of technical means. This matter is in the charge of the confidentiality department and the Ministry of Industry.

Shi Congyun gave them one and a half years of preparation time, when he would personally conduct a comprehensive inspection of all aspects.

In this way, the goals are specific and clear, and a clear time schedule is also stipulated, which immediately makes all departments dare not neglect and become active in doing things.

As for the third aspect, to paralyze Jiangnan diplomatically, it can only rely on Emperor Shi himself.

Although Feng Yanlu and other envoys of the Southern Tang Dynasty paid tribute repeatedly, and said that if the Southern Tang Dynasty was loyal to the Great Qin State, Li Yu would treat him with kindness and filial piety, but Emperor Shi had already made up his mind. The Southern Tang Dynasty is an unchangeable national policy. No matter what they say, it will be useless to pay more tribute.

Even though he thought so in his heart, Emperor Shi was very polite to them on the surface, and he repeatedly emphasized with a smile that he understood Jiangnan's loyalty, so that they could live a good life in Jiangnan as long as they paid tribute on time and opened up business. In a big country that is reasonable, Shi Congyun is a reasonable emperor, and he is extremely benevolent and righteous. He will not send troops across the river for no reason.

Between the guests and the host, Feng Yanlu and other Jiangnan envoys laughed, and Emperor Shi also laughed, but there was a knife hidden in the smile, I don’t know how much they know......

........

Chapter 444, Diplomatic Offensive

"Feng Gong, how is the harvest in Jiangnan this year?" Shi Congyun held a luminous cup in his hand and took a sip of the grape wine.

The luminous cup was a tribute from the Southern Tang Dynasty, and the wine was sent from Guanzhong. He thought of the luminous cup of fine wine again, so he wanted to try something new.

Feng Yanlu changed the topic, "Your Majesty is very interested, the grape wine, the Luminous Treasure Cup, these are all treasures, I know a little about them..."

Shi Congyun waved his hand: "Speaking of business, these toys are just playthings, I'm not interested, just look at them casually."

Feng Yanlu looked embarrassed and could only bow his hands.

This is the resting pavilion in the imperial garden, with a radius of three zhang. It has only snowed in the garden, and the outside is thinly white. A few court ladies lit a stove in the distance, stewed mutton, and guarded the imperial army outside.

Shi Congyun is not interested in these things. How exquisite they are in the eyes of others is worthless in the eyes of Emperor Shi. He understands that Feng Yanlu probably has dealt with the playful Li Yu a lot, and wants to try out his hobbies. , so as to do what he likes, and better to fight for the Southern Tang Dynasty.

He put down the moonlight cup in his hand rather frankly, "These things are just small things, I just glanced at them out of curiosity, does Mr. Feng know what I like?"

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

Shi Congyun glanced at him, and answered without hesitation, "It's different, it's just a country and a beauty."

His voice was so decisive that Feng Yanlu was speechless when he heard the old man's body tremble.

Emperor Shi said with a warning tone, "Don't compare me with Li Yu, Mr. Feng is here to talk about business."

"Yes, the old minister is ignorant, please forgive me." Feng Yanlu clasped his hands, sweat dripped from his temples, "This year's harvest in Jiangnan is very good."

Shi Congyun nodded: "This way, I can rest assured. I am very satisfied with your yearly money this year. Hebei was hit by a disaster this year, so when I think of Jiangnan, I just ask."

Feng Yanlu didn't dare to speak anymore, probably because he was afraid that Emperor Shi would ask them to add tribute to them for the reason of the disaster in Hebei, and he couldn't explain to Li Yu when he went back.

The emperor understood his careful thought, but he didn't mean it, he just cared about it, and at the same time found a reason to send Feng Yanlu and other missions back.

At this juncture, he wants to appease Nantang, so that they don't know that he will launch an attack. At the same time, the whole Daliang is preparing for the attack from Nantang, a lot of military training, and army mobilization. As long as they are in Daliang, it is difficult not to arouse vigilance. .

"It's been several years since you guys have come to send New Year's coin tributes. Every year, Shangyuan, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and years ago will send gifts. As the emperor, the suzerain is a big country, and the state of etiquette, I naturally know that courtesy is reciprocal. I am going to give it to the Jiangnan king Prepare some gifts in return, firstly to exchange ceremonies, and secondly to show the world the close relationship between the two countries." Shi Congyun said sincerely.

Feng Yanlu was a little surprised, and immediately cupped his hands excitedly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking pity on the small country."

Shi Congyun raised his hand to make him flattened, and the maid over there came to tell him that the mutton had been stewed, so Emperor Shi and Feng Yanlu drank the hot mutton soup while asking questions.

"I am very satisfied with Jiangnan's performance over the years. As I said, what I want is the world, and beauties. Only when the world worships and is served by beauties can life be considered happy. That's why I like them." Emperor Shi said. He pointed to the young maids serving beside him. Hearing what he said, the maids blushed slightly and were a little excited.

"I like their service, but as the son of heaven, only beauties can serve me, and naturally I have to be served by the country. This is the reason why I don't take Jiangnan and don't conquer Wuyue. You have done a good job, respectful and straightforward. Very satisfied." Shi Congyun said very proudly, it seemed that in his eyes, Jiangnan and Wu Yue were like the maids serving him by his side.

The corner of Feng Yanlu's mouth twitched, and then he said, "That's my blessing in Jiangnan." Although the emperor of Qin in front of him was so arrogant and made him angry, the remaining worries in his heart were dispelled. People, probably will be like he said, as long as Jiangnan serves the dynasty wholeheartedly, he will not send troops.

In the following time, drinking hot mutton soup, both sides had their own thoughts, and talked about some light-hearted topics, such as what Emperor Shi loved to hear about Jiangnan, beautiful women in Jiangnan, etc.

While chatting, Feng Yanlu suddenly mentioned the late Zhou Zong's younger daughter, the younger sister of Concubine Shu Zhou Xian, and asked her how she was doing in Daliang.

Shi Congyun was taken aback, Zhou Xian's younger sister, Zhou Yuying, isn't that the Empress Xiao Zhou?

Then I was also puzzled. According to Feng Yanlu, Zhou Yuying sent Daliang more than a year ago, and judging from his statement, he wanted to seduce himself.

Emperor Shi was dumbfounded, huh?I thought too, where is Keren?

But he quickly realized what was going on. Zhou Yuying met her sister Zhou Xian first, and then stayed with her sister, but he didn't see her again. It is very likely that Zhou Xian was jealous and knew about him. Personality, don't want him to see his sister.

After figuring out the matter all at once, Emperor Shi didn't get too entangled, just coped with a few words.

......

Two days later, Feng Yanlu and other people from Nantang, under the escort of the Qin army, set foot on the road back to Southern Tang with Qin officials. The Southern Tang Mission was quite moved, and then hurried on the road.

It wasn't until a few days later that the Southern Tang mission was completely sent away, and the front reported that Feng Yanlu and others had entered the Yangtze River from the Huaihe River, the Emperor Shi was relieved, and ordered the preparations for the war with great fanfare to finally begin.

He also knows that most of the strategic deception in diplomacy has been completed now.

Soldiers who, deception also!

War deception is very important. He remembers that when the Northern Song Dynasty destroyed the Southern Tang Dynasty in the history books, when the Song Army crossed the river, the Southern Tang Army's long-term lack of preparation for the Song Army's attack, coupled with the deception of the Northern Song Dynasty's monarchs and ministers, led the Song Army's vanguard troops to the south of the river. Tang Jun thought it was a daily patrol, and prepared wine and meat as rewards. Unexpectedly, the Northern Song Army did not pay attention to martial arts and killed them, and took down the important town in one fell swoop.

The Northern Song army won a battle that was thought to require great sacrifice with almost no losses.

This is also the goal that Emperor Shi hopes to achieve through diplomatic paralysis and various means of public opinion. If there are fewer deaths, there will be fewer deaths. This is the foundation of a strong and sustainable country.

This kind of approach is a sneak attack, not talking about martial arts, but morality is a broad rule generally accepted by the same group, and it is fragile in itself. In comparison, the law is the bottom line, which is much lower than the moral requirements. War is the last resort to cross the bottom line, the last guarantee that determines life and death.

According to historical lessons, Emperor Shi was most afraid that during the war, his own side would become foolish by reading the Four Books and Five Classics, thinking that the opponent would also practice benevolence, righteousness and morality, or want to use moral criticism to defeat the enemy.

Fortunately, the current state of Qin has just come from the Five Dynasties. Many civil servants have experienced cruel wars and are not so stupid, such as Dou Yi, Lu Duoxun, Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Li Fang, Shen Yilun and other historical emperors in the court. All the civil servants have been on the battlefield and understand the cruelty of war.

So the next deployment will be much more convenient, and it can be used by many people.

First of all, he thought of Ludoxun, who was eloquent, so he was sent to the Southern Tang Dynasty as an envoy, and he was given a task to appease the Southern Tang Dynasty, making them think that the north would not send troops anyway, and at the same time try to be as close as possible Jiangnan monarchs and ministers have a good relationship.

If Jiangnan wants to send people to Daliang, he must inform the court in advance.

Full of confidence, Lu Duoxun took up this task.

Chapter 445, The Fate of a Woman

Preparing for a war, especially a war of annihilating a country, has never been an easy task.

After sending away the Nantang people, various departments have already started some preliminary preparations.

However, Qin officials have long been familiar with many tasks. From Houzhou to Daqin, there have been almost no interruptions in wars for more than ten years. Sometimes there are several battles a year, and when there are few, the interval is more than two years. He and civil and military officials have become accustomed to it.

This is inseparable from another point, that is, Emperor Shi's precise control of the cost and scale of the war, and his mediation of the diplomatic situation.

The Qin State seems to be in constant war, but many wars are fast in and fast out after complete preparations, and will not fall into fierce battles for a long time.

At the same time, there has never been a war on two fronts, and it has always relied on diplomatic mediation to ensure that wars will only be fought in one direction at the same time, and only some farmers will be expropriated.

Another important reason is that wars at this time are completely different from those in the past, and most of them are wars for profit.

On this point, Emperor Shi thought about it last night when he went to Zhou Xian to enjoy a full-body massage without dead ends. The parts of Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Huainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Shanxi, and Hebei that were fought before were all profitable wars. Cost control and prudent operation will bring great benefits.

This is completely different from the Qin and Han Dynasties. At that time, most of these places were wild lands. In addition to military occupation, immigration and development were required.

But now, they enjoy the convenience of the ancestors of the Qin, Han, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Sui, and Tang. Many places have been developed and conquered. They can collect taxes and recover blood when they occupy it, which greatly reduces the cost of conquest and control.

In fact, this is mostly the reason for the gradual expansion of the territory that was actually firmly controlled by the past dynasties of China. The development of the former dynasty provided great convenience for the firm control of the later dynasty.

Today, the areas they conquered and controlled are still subject to the benefits of the previous dynasties, and they can basically control them after conquering them, and let the people resume production, and the country obtains finances and taxes.

This is also an important reason why they have been able to control the cost of war for so many years, and they can live better even after years of war.

Emperor Shi thought about it, and then asked Zhao Shijian to write it down for him.

But once Jiangnan is defeated, he will lose money in many battles in the future. He will definitely fight north. If Youzhou and Liao Kingdom may still make a little money, then other places will definitely lose money. Therefore, in the long run, we need to plan ahead. .

At present, it is not so difficult to fight the material peace of the prosperous and enlightened Southern Tang Dynasty. The difficulty is a technical problem, how to let the army, a large number of logistics personnel, and materials cross the Yangtze River safely and efficiently.

The Privy Council has been discussing this issue. The Ministry of Industry and the Confidentiality Department said that they could try to build a pontoon bridge, but the Privy Council, the Guards Department, and the general military officer of the Dianqian Department said they were right.

In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the river is several miles wide, and the widest part is about ten miles. It is not comparable to other rivers. It takes a long time to row a boat across.