Chapter 236 Wei Yuan Wrote a Letter Entitled "General Strategy for Attack and Defense Against Xixia"

After Wei Yuan returned to the mansion, he sent someone to invite Yang Huairen.

The two talked in the study.

Yang Huairen already knew Wei Yuan's plan, and asked directly, "Does the emperor really want me to go to Weizhou?"

Wei Yuan said: "For the emperor, whoever is capable will be used."

"Tomorrow you will set up a challenge in the Danglu Army, and I will publicize your successive victories."

"You don't have to worry about the rest."

Yang Huairen nodded and said, "What should I do when I go to Weizhou?"

Wei Yuan said: "During the attack on Xia, find some available talents and place them in the border area between Weizhou and Xixia."

"The border army is concerned about the safety of the Central Plains. We do this not only for ourselves, but also for the long-term stability of the Great Zhou."

Yang Huairen said worriedly: "I'm afraid that the emperor will keep a close eye on me."

It is an unwritten rule that military generals secretly cultivate their own power in the army.

Just like the Zong family army.

After all, the military generals of the Great Zhou Dynasty were of low status, and their military power could be lost at any time. If they could not cultivate some talents for their own use, it would be easy for them to be stripped of their power.

A military general without military power would be at the mercy of others, wouldn't he?

Gu Yankai also cultivated his confidants in the past.

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "So what if we keep a close eye on them? We want to reform the border army for the sake of peace at the border. Didn't Fan Wenzheng use some of his own people to better control Yanbian? As long as we don't go too far, the government won't pursue it."

Yang Huairen clasped his fists solemnly and said, "I understand. Please rest assured, General Wei. If I really go to Weizhou, I will follow General Wei's orders."

He can reach this point today and is expected to revitalize the Yang family, all thanks to Wei Yuan.

Whatever Wei Yuan asked him to do, he thought it was his job.

As for what happened to the government, he believed that neither the Yang family nor the Wei family had the intention to rebel, and they were all loyal to the country.

The only difference is that one day, they don't want to be at the mercy of others, they want to have something to rely on to make a living, which is understandable.

After all, civil officials still pay attention to accepting disciples to pass on their legacy, and it is natural for military generals to cultivate confidants.

Wei Yuan and Yang Huairen talked for half the night, and no one knew what they talked about.

After the latter left, the former still did not leave the study, but stared at the paper on the desk in a daze.

After a long time, Wei Yuan wrote a few words: "General Strategy of Attack and Defense against Xixia".

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Guifen saw that he still hadn't rested, so she personally brought some midnight snacks to the study. She happened to see him writing furiously, and didn't dare to disturb him too much, so she gently put the food on the table and stood behind him.

He was aware of it, so he put down the pen for the time being and asked, "It's so late, why don't you rest?"

Zhang Guifen pinched his shoulders, trying to relieve his fatigue, "Didn't you rest too?"

Wei Yuan took the opportunity to hold her hand, "You are pregnant now, you should not be too tired, you should rest early."

Zhang Guifen shook her head, "I'm not that delicate."

As she said that, she also saw the words written by Wei Yuan, and was subconsciously surprised: "General strategy for attack and defense against Xixia? The court is going to use troops against Xixia?"

They are husband and wife, and even if she knows about the affairs of the court, he will not blame her for anything.

"It's possible, and the results should be out in the next few days."

Zhang Guifen frowned, "If we use troops against Xixia, wouldn't we have to appoint you as the commander?"

Now Xu Changzhi is far away in Daizhou, and many generals such as Zhang Fu are old. After thinking about it, the most suitable candidate to take charge is Wei Yuan.

If he really went, Zhang Guifen would certainly not be satisfied. After all, he was worried that the matter of Xixia would be difficult to end on the day the child was born.

But if the court had already made arrangements, she, as a woman, could only accept it.

Wei Yuan hugged her waist and said with a smile: "It's not a national war, why should I go in person? I plan to let Huairen go."

Hearing this, Zhang Guifen breathed a sigh of relief and said: "If you want to go, go, don't let my pregnancy delay the court's important affairs."

She was conflicted. On the one hand, she didn't want Wei Yuan to leave Beijing, and on the other hand, she was worried that it would affect his future achievements.

——

The next day, Yang Huairen took advantage of the soldiers' training period and stood on the stage to set up a competition.

And threatened that as long as the soldiers could survive thirty moves in his hands, they would all be rewarded.

If three moves were possible, thirty moves

would be a bit difficult.

The reason why Wei Yuan asked him to do this was to build momentum for him.

Just now, the emperor sent an order that Han Zhang, Zhang Fu, Wen Yanbo and others should go to the palace to discuss the matter of Xixia in the afternoon.

Before that, Wei Yuan summoned Gu Tingye.

Now that he has inherited the title of Ningyuan Marquis, it is only a matter of words for him to join the army.

After Gu Yankai's death, his parents and children need to observe mourning for three years. Gu Tingye has an older brother, so he doesn't need to worry about this matter.

In the main hall of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's Mansion.

Wei Yuan said bluntly: "I want you to follow Yang Huairen to Weizhou to attack Xixia, are you willing?"

Xixia?

Gu Tingye said excitedly, "The court is going to use troops against Xixia?"

Wei Yuan nodded, "Yes, but it will be a small fight. The purpose is to put pressure on Xixia and force them to stop selling armor to Liao."

Gu Tingye said, "If I can follow General Yang to Weizhou, I will definitely make great achievements. I hope Brother Wei will help me."

Wei Yuan took a sip of tea and smiled, "There is no rush for this matter. When you go back, just pretend you don't know about it. Wait for the right time. I will notify you in advance."

Once the war against Xixia ends, Yang Huairen will definitely not be able to stay in Weizhou.

Then who will control Yang Huairen's power in Weizhou? Gu Tingye is the perfect choice.

After he left, news came from Yang Huairen's arena. He competed with hundreds of soldiers one after another, without any defeat. All of them could not withstand thirty moves under his hands.

Wei Yuan specially sent people to publicize this matter.

Afternoon.

Wait for Zhang Fu and Han Zhang to go to the emperor's palace.

Wei Yuan specially waited for Wen Yanbo at the Xuande Gate entering the imperial city.

After a while, I saw Wen Yanbo's sedan approaching.

Wei Yuan immediately stepped forward to greet him, bowed and said, "Wei Yuan, the commander of the headquarters in front of the palace, has met Wen Xiang."

Hearing the sound, Wen Yanbo personally opened the curtain, looked at Wei Yuan, and asked curiously: "Is General Wei waiting here specifically for the truth?"

Wei Yuan nodded.

Wen Yanbo didn't say anything, but he slowly walked out of the sedan with the help of his servants.

The two were in tandem.

After entering Xuandemen, Wen Yanbo suddenly stopped and asked, "Is there something wrong with General Wei?"

He had never been familiar with Wu Xun.

Wei Yuan cupped his hands and said, "I heard that Prime Minister Wen wants Wu Kui to serve as deputy envoy to the Privy Council?"

Wen Yanbo was stunned and said, "General Wei seems to be interested in the position of deputy envoy to the Privy Council?"

Wei Yuan immediately shook his head and said: "This position has always been held by civil servants, and the subordinate officials are military generals. How dare you covet it?"

Wen Yanbo frowned slightly and stroked his beard: "What exactly does General Wei want to say?"

Time was running out, so Wei Yuan stopped asking him riddles and said bluntly: "Bao Xiaosu, the former deputy envoy to the privy council, resigned because he was ill at home. You went to Zazi several times and asked the officials to appoint Wu Kui as deputy envoy to the privy council. The officials always No response."

"The lower official speculates that the position of deputy privy envoy is very powerful, and the officials are worried that replacing an official with less qualifications than Mr. Bao will cause dissatisfaction among many generals."

"But if Wu Kui is recommended by my father-in-law to serve as deputy privy envoy, then this can be done."

Hearing this, Wen Yanbo's expression changed a little, and he said solemnly: "What do you want? In other words, how can the truth help you?"

Wei Yuan responded: "Today's discussion is about the officials and us discussing whether to use troops against Xixia and who should be sent as commander. I want to recommend Yang Huairen, but my qualifications are too young. If the minister of literature can recommend it, the officials Will definitely consider it.”

It's not like he never thought about asking his father-in-law to recommend Yang Huairen.

But for both the master and the disciple to recommend one person at the same time, there is some suspicion of nepotism.

It is certainly possible for master and disciple to jointly recommend this kind of thing in private.

But in such a serious discussion, it is inappropriate.

But by making an exchange with Wen Yanbo, all problems can be solved.

In Wen Yanbo's view, this political deal was all right, but Yang Huairen?

A young general who has never been on the battlefield and whose prestige is not as good as that of the Yanbian family, how can he be suddenly recommended as commander?

Need a reason.

Wen Yanbo said: "You are recommended without reason, so you are not afraid of the officials becoming suspicious?"

His usual method of dealing with political opponents is to "make things up". The court may be suspicious of you, and the officials may suspect you of being dishonest.

To put it harshly, it means sowing discord.

But the suspicion here is that he wanted a complete answer. Otherwise, it would be difficult to recommend Yang Huairen as commander.

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "This morning, the deputy commander of the Danglu Army, Yang Huairen, faced off with hundreds of generals in the army and won completely."

"Nowadays, it is said that Yang Huairen lives up to his reputation as a general of the Yang family."

Lack of identity? Yang Huairen is the deputy commander of the Danglu Army.

Lack of background? After the famous general.

Lack of ability? He won the duel with hundreds of generals and Wei Yuan had already told the officials that this man was good at using and training troops.

Lack of qualifications? So we need to use Wen Yanbo for recommendation.

Wen Yanbo thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to the palace together to meet the saint."

Hearing this, the corners of Wei Yuan's mouth rose slightly.

He knew it was done.

Arrive at the emperor's palace.

Several people were sitting in front of Zhao Zhen's bed.

Wei Yuan presented "General Strategy for Attack and Defense of Xixia".

He carefully studied Fan Zhongyan's management of Xixia, and also gained some insights from the battle between Di Qing and Xixia.

The so-called general offensive and defensive strategy for Xixia is nothing more than how to fight during the war, and what to do after the fight is over.

It can be summed up in four words: step by step.

It coincides with Fan Zhongyan's strategy against Xixia.

This general strategy also mentioned in detail the rectification of the border army.

That is to integrate the armies belonging to each department and designation, and unify training, appointment, and operations.

In addition, based on the enemy's small numbers, they have been harassing the Xixia border for a long time, and camped on the border. They advocated taking the initiative to initiate small-scale conflicts, that is, avoiding large-scale battles and attacking on a small scale. If they encounter most of the enemy's main force, they still use defense as the main force. host.

When the border becomes more abundant, they turn from defense to offense.

In order to prevent Zhao Zhen from noticing Wei Yuan's true purpose of running Yanbian, he also specifically proposed that the generals of the border towns bordering Xixia should be rotated every three years.

Trying to build it into a place that continuously cultivates generals for the Great Zhou Dynasty.

After Zhao Zhen read it, he circulated it to everyone and said slowly: "Wei Qing's summary is very detailed. What do you think?"

Wen Yanbo was the first to speak, "According to this general strategy of Yanbian, Xixia will not be in danger in at least ten years."

Han Zhang followed Fan Zhongyan in running Yanbian, so it was clear that Wei Yuan's general strategy was an innovation based on Fan Zhongyan's strategy.

At first, he was young and full of vigor, thinking that he had grown up, so he took the initiative to launch a large-scale campaign against Xixia, which led to his defeat and destroyed his years of hard work.

Since then, he has practiced Fan Zhongyan's strategy, which is to focus on active defense.

Now, seeing the general strategy written by Wei Yuan, how could he object? If he objected, he would be questioning Fan Zhongyan.

"I also think it is feasible."

"But the war against Xixia, how many troops to invest, who will lead the army, and what the result will be, still need to be discussed before it can be determined."

Han Zhang stated his position.

Zhao Zhen said: "I have discussed this matter with Wei Qing a long time ago. We can use the troops of the prefectures and cities in Yanbian. If there is a situation to expand the war, we will discuss it again."

"As for the person in charge, I am thinking about it. Do you have any recommendations? Let me hear it."

Once a war is absolutely launched, it is an unwritten rule to ask the literati to recommend suitable generals.

In the end, the emperor selected a general who could be of great use under the recommendation of everyone.

The candidate recommended by Han Zhang was Zhong Yan.

He was most familiar with Zhong Yan when he and Fan Zhongyan were in charge of Yanbian.

As soon as Han Zhang finished speaking, Wen Yanbo said:

"Your Majesty, I have a suitable candidate here."

"Before I entered the palace, I heard rumors that Yang Huairen, the descendant of Yang Wudi, was brave and unbeatable. Today, he fought with the generals in the army without any defeat."

Recommending Yang Huairen?

Zhao Zhen frowned slightly.

At this time, Wei Yuan suddenly smiled, trying to attract everyone's attention.

Wen Yanbo pretended to be puzzled and said, "Why is General Wei laughing? I heard that Yang Huairen is one of your generals. Does General Wei think that Yang Huairen is not up to the task?"

Wei Yuan hurriedly shook his head and said, "No, Minister Wen misunderstood."

"I laughed because the person recommended by Minister Wen coincides with me. Yang Huairen is up to the task."

Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and said, "Did General Wei also recommend Yang Huairen to the emperor?"

Zhao Zhen nodded and said, "Wei Qing did mention Yang Huairen to me. We will discuss this later."

Wei Yuan had done what he could and could not do, and could only leave it to fate.

No matter who was the commander, Gu Tingye had to go to Weizhou.

When Yang Huairen went, people from the court and the public would stare at him, and not many people would stare at Gu Tingye.

The relationship between the Wei family and the Gu family was already a shared honor and disgrace when Gu Yankai asked Wei Yuan to take care of him.

So, he could use Gu Tingye without any worries.

After everyone left the palace, Zhao Zhen was also thinking about whether he should use Yang Huairen.

Judging from the situation, Zhong Yan is the one who should be in charge.

However, Wei Yuan and Wen Yanbo both recommended Yang Huairen, and it was not easy not to use him.

After all, Zhao Zhen wanted to use Wen Yanbo to check and balance Han Zhang. If he did not take Wen Yanbo's advice on the use of troops against Xixia, it would be detrimental to the balance between him and Han Zhang.

After thinking again and again, Zhao Zhen made a decision.

Attack in two directions, one with Zhong Yan as the commander, leading 30,000 troops.

The other was led by Yang Huairen, still leading 30,000 troops.

Later, Zhao Zhen looked at the "General Strategy of Attack and Defense against Xixia" placed beside him and murmured:

"Wei Qing's talent is better than Di Qing."