Chapter 270: Tuotuo's army

The army of the Jiangbei province in Huainan and Jiangbei besieged Gaoyou Prefecture, but suffered a crushing defeat. This battle resulted in more than 100,000 casualties. The entire province's troops were extremely empty.

Yuque knew that it was difficult to stop Zhang Shicheng's army with the power of the province. This army had too powerful weapons, so he could only report to the court and send a large army to come. Gaoyou Mansion was on the canal line. Now that Zhang Shicheng occupied Gaoyou Mansion, the court would definitely attach great importance to it.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was on the west, knew that the provincial army had returned from Gaoyou Prefecture and began to move, and then went south from Chuzhou to capture Jiangpu. He was already across the river from Jiqing.

Zhang Yang was also secretly preparing for it. Although the battle was won, he also suffered a certain amount of casualties. He consumed a lot of lead bullets and gunpowder, and the base was stepping up production.

Since he had already broken up with the province, Zhang Yang no longer covered up and recruited troops again to double the team. The news of the great victory of Gaoyou Mansion has spread throughout the province. People in many places are waiting for Zhang Yang to rescue them, defeat the local tyrants, and divide the land so that life can be better. There are also many people coming to join the army.

Yangzhou City was trembling and waiting for Zhangyang's army to attack.

Zhang Yang did not want to attack Yangzhou City. The most important thing now is to seize territory and go to Jiangnan. The primary strategic location is Pingjiang.

Pingjiang is the granary of the entire Central Plains. Once Pingjiang is laid, it can have a stable source of food. Pingjiang has a large population and has a stable mass base.

However, everything has a premise, that is, the court does not send new troops to come, otherwise it will have to face huge pressure from the north. Liu Futong's Red Turban Army has lost most of its combat effectiveness under the siege of Li Siqi and Chahan Timur. If the court wants, it can free up its hands to deal with it at any time.

At this time, the intelligence personnel deployed inside the capital had already received Zhang Yang's task through the carrier pigeon: to find out whether the Tartars had signs of large-scale military use.

If they want to find out the background of the court, those intelligence personnel are not qualified at all. They cannot reach the upper class of the court. However, whenever the army is dispatched, there must be some preludes, such as food and grass dispatch, and military mobilization. They can also find some clues.

If you want to obtain more valuable information, you don’t have this ability yet. Although you can get close to Princess Minmin, she is a daughter’s house after all, and Tutuo cannot reveal major affairs in the court to a woman, even his precious daughter, it is not possible. Besides, Minmin must be on her father’s side.

Therefore, Zhang Yang sent someone to secretly protect He Zhaoyi. Although her business in Dadu has been very successful, once the news of her contact with her is known by the court, it may still be dangerous. At that time, if Tutuo knew that she had contact with her, he would probably not protect her. After all, she was a major concern of the court.

Zhang Yang was right. The incident in Gaoyou Mansion spread to the court, causing an uproar and a series of changes. The vast behemoth of the Yuan Dynasty, which eventually collapsed from prosperity to decline.

There were two rows of people standing in the Golden Palace at this moment, and they were tense and did not say a word.

Emperor Shun of Yuan sat on a high dragon throne, looked at the people below, and said, "After the Grand Tutor pacified Xuzhou sesame plums, the world has been peaceful. Why did such a big thing happen to the Huainan Jiangbei Province again?"

The ministers below were speechless, the world was peaceful? From the beginning of the Yellow River flood, when will the world be peaceful? They didn't know how to answer the noble emperor, as if his life was very peaceful and he was not engaged in court affairs at all.

Before, he wanted to recruit Zhang Shicheng and asked the province to deal with it himself. The court did not take the small Tsangsiya from Baiju Salt Field seriously. There were dozens of cases like that every year, and the court would not pay too much attention to it. However, unexpectedly, the other party became a climate and occupied Gaoyou Mansion!

It doesn’t matter to Gaoyou Prefecture. Now, the Red Turban Army has occupied many cities, Yingzhou, Haozhou, Xuzhou, etc., but those places do not have much strategic value. Gaoyou Prefecture itself does not have much value. The key is that Gaoyou Prefecture is next to the canal transportation!

In this era, transporting goods relies on carriages, and the loss in the middle was very large. Once it rained and snowed, it was impossible to walk. Water transportation was obviously not restricted. The loading quantity of water transportation was large and the cost was very low. Therefore, the canal transportation was related to the fundamentals of the court.

Especially most of the capital is in the north, and the grain production in the north is not enough to maintain its own consumption. The south produces abundant grain. It has always transported the grain from the south to the north by water. Otherwise, it would be more than 200,000 defenders in the capital, and they would have hunger in less than a month.

Obtaining Gaoyou Mansion was like pinching the neck of the court. Zhang Shicheng could cut off the canal transportation at any time and starve most of them to death.

This is something the court absolutely cannot tolerate.

"Emperor," said Hama, the envoy of the Xuanzhengyuan, saying: "With such a major mistake in the Huainan and Jiangbei province, Yu Que, the right prime minister of the province, should be immediately dismissed from office and investigated, and new officials should be sent to take office."

Yu Que is an official who took office again after Tuotuo implemented the new policy. Whenever Hama had the chance, he wanted to replace all these people and replace them with his confidants. The struggle between the two was already as powerful as fire. This time, he was even more righteous.

When Emperor Shun of Yuan heard this, he was indeed the case. He made such a big mistake and buried nearly 100,000 troops there. He must punish Yuque's crime!

"Your Majesty, you must not." Zuo Cheng Wugu Sun Liangzhen said hurriedly: "Master Yuque has been devoted to the province over the past few years. If it weren't for him, Guo Zixing's Red Turban Army would have been like Liu Futong, and would have been out of control. Master Yuque has made contributions to the court. Please think twice before you!"

The Right Prime Minister Wuliang Hatai also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, it is too early for us to hold the province accountable. After the rebellion is eliminated, we will investigate the responsibility of Lord Yuque. Now, let's discuss how to solve the problem of Gaoyou Mansion. Gaoyou Mansion threatens the safety of the canal transportation and must be resolved as soon as possible."

Wugu Sun Liangzhen and Wuliang Hatai were promoted by Tuotuo after Tuotuo regained their status. They knew that Yuque was a capable person, and Hama was now taking advantage of the situation, and the government was messed up by villains like Hama. When they heard Hama say he wanted to cure Yuque's crime, the two immediately stopped him.

Hearing the words of the two, Emperor Shun's face calmed down a little, "Then let him make meritorious service. So, how can we solve the Gaoyou Mansion's affairs?"

Now Hama stopped talking. It was okay to harm people in the court. If he really wanted to lead the army to fight, Hama was not that capable, and Hama was still waiting for an opportunity. He estimated that Tuotuo would definitely go to war.

Sure enough, Tuotuo came out and said, "Emperor, Xiao Xiao Xiao Zhang Shicheng, who did not know the power of the court, actually dared to rebel in Gaoyou Mansion, imprison the imperial officials, and be enemies with the court. His crimes are punished. I am willing to lead a million troops to personally conquer Gaoyou Mansion!"

The Grand Tutuo can be regarded as the highest official position among all people, with the first rank, silver seal, and Taoism to suppose Yin and Yang, and to rule over the country and command all officials.

As the pillar of the court, Tuotuo worked hard to govern, build the Yellow River, convert money and attract money over the years, not only civil governance but also military power, but also attacked the Sesame Li in Xuzhou, completely quieted down the Red Turban Army. In the court, Tuotuo was considered a celebrity of Emperor Shun.

Of course, compared with Hama, Tutuo is still a little worse. Tutuo is not as shameless as Hama. In order to please the emperor, he used any means to please the harem by using the *** court, which made all officials dislike him.

Hearing that Tuotuo was going to fight in person, Ru Zhongbai, the doctor of the Zuosi immediately stepped forward and said, "Emperor, now the Grand Master is full of affairs in the court. For the sake of the small Gaoyou Mansion, it is not worth letting the Grand Master personally fight in person. Otherwise, wouldn't it be too obvious that there is no one in our court?"

Both Zuo Cheng and You Cheng hurriedly dissuaded.

When Tutuo heard Ru Zhongbai's words, he was stunned. Ru Zhongbai was his best friend, and he would probably have some concerns when he opposed his personal expedition.

Hama said, "Master Taishi is good at fighting, and this time he will definitely return in triumph."

Those who agreed to escape from the army were the opponents. The officials looked at each other in a glance. Could it be that the two of them had made up? How could this be possible?

"My dear ministers, although Tuotuo's Grand Master is busy now, it is even more important to eliminate the troops of Zhang Shicheng, the rebels of Gaoyou Mansion. The autumn grain is about to come down. If Zhang Shicheng cannot be eliminated before this, and if he cuts off the grain transportation, most of them will be in a crisis of food cut off. Tuotuo's Grand Master will definitely be able to completely wipe out Zhang Shicheng with the remaining power of sweeping away sesame plums!"

Hearing this sentence, Ru Zhongbai's face turned pale. Since the emperor had issued an order, it could not be changed. The only thing that can be done is how to remedy it.

"I and the Grand Master are in charge of the world. There are many reasons in the world. I worry about their worries and let them work. I will definitely send you there." Although I left the Golden Palace, the emperor's words still sounded in Tutuo's ears.

Although he is everywhere, Tutuo firmly believes that man will conquer nature! He will definitely work hard to make peace in all directions.

After leaving the hall, Ru Zhongbai followed Tuo away until outside the Meridian Gate, and then whispered: "Master Tai Shi, please stay."

Tuotuo turned around and saw that it was Ru Zhongbai, and said a little displeased: "Why did you object to my personal expedition to Gaoyou Mansion just now? Are you afraid that I can't quell the rebellion of Zhang Shicheng?"

"Tai Shi, what the lower officials are worried about is not outside, but the disaster is caused by Xiao Wall!" Ru Zhongbai said earnestly.

Tuotuo heard something in Ru Zhongbai's words. Ru Zhongbai was promoted by himself and was loyal to him. He must have made sense for him to say this.

"Where are you talking about this?" Tuotuo asked.

"Master Tai Shi, now, the whole court is supported by the Tai Shi alone. If the Tai Shi leaves, who will handle all the government affairs?" Ru Zhongbai asked.

The so-called Three Dukes and Six Lords, the Grand Tutor has the greatest power. If the court today had not been supported by Tuotuo, the court would have been depressed long ago.

What Ru Zhongbai is most worried about is that once Tuotuo leaves, Hama will definitely jump out. When it comes to conspiracy, I am afraid no one can defeat Hama.

"This is simple. If I am not here, I will ask Ye Xian to act as an agent to handle government affairs." Tuotuo said.

Yeshen Timur is Tuotuo Timur's younger brother. He is the so-called brothers in war, father and son fight. Tuotuo has made plans and asked Yeshen to perform official duties on his behalf.

However, compared with Tutuo, Yesen is simply a mediocre talent. Compared with Tutuo, Yesen has neither the concept of the overall situation nor the ability to lead troops.

When the Red Turban Army had just revolted, the court sent several troops to wipe out the enemy, but they were all wiped out themselves. Tutuo was very brave and hit more than 300,000 elite soldiers in the court and was preparing to destroy all the Red Turban Army. However, he chose the wrong general and let Yesen lead the army.

The incompetent Yesian did not have the ability to lead the army, nor would he command the battle. The 300,000 army refused to leave when they reached Shahe, but asked the gods to worship Buddha. The Buddha did not bless him. He bombed the camp in one time and only brought back 10,000 troops, and the rest were trampled away. It became the only miracle in the history of Chinese war. Such "magnificent achievements" were precisely because of the "creation" of the strange general Yesian Temur.

From then on, uprisings everywhere were out of control. Moreover, the more far-reaching impact was that the troops taken away by Yesen were all direct troops of the court. From then on, the central government had to raise their own troops to suppress bandits, and they also valued the landlord armed forces, such as Li Siqi and Chahan Timur. In the end, the court lost its real power.

Later, Tuotuo personally led the army, killed the Sesame Li from Xuzhou, and severely attacked the Red Turban Army, and the situation settled down.

Yes, he was not bad, but he was incapable. Generally speaking, such a general was enough to shoot a hundred times. However, with Tuotuo's power, Yes, he was not punished and was also valued.

Compared to outsiders, Tutuo still believes in his own brother. However, this decision completely ruined Tutuo and the Yuan Dynasty.

When Ru Zhongbai heard that he had to act as an agent for government affairs, he made up his mind that even if he offended the Grand Master, he had to say it: "Master Tai Shi, do you think that with Lord Yeshen, can you suppress Hama?"

"So you are worried about Hama?" Tuotuo then understood what Ru Zhongbai meant and said, "Although Hama has some grudges with me, I won't cause trouble at this critical moment, right? Are you thinking too much, right?"

Tuotuo and Hama had a grudge. It can be said that there were great grudges and great grudges. At that time, Hama was determined to walk in Tuotuo's camp. Tuotuo was exiled, and Hama tried his best to get rid of Tuotuo's utilitary. Tuotuo could be used seriously, and Hama also made some contributions.

However, after Tutuo returned to the court, although he was deeply grateful to the Hama brothers and promoted Hama to the right prime minister of the Secretariat. However, Tutuo relied more on Ru Zhongbai, the left minister, which caused Hama to be unhappy. For other reasons, Tutuo changed Hama to the Xuanzhengyuan envoy and ranked third. So Hama had a grudge against Tutuo. In order to climb up, Hama began to curry favor with Empress Qi and Prince Ayushiridala, and by inducing Tohuantemuer to have a lust, he completely became a celebrity of Emperor Shun, and faintly opposed Tutuo.

However, Tuotuo always stubbornly believes that although Hama uses any means, he can still grasp this kind of big problem, right?

Ru Zhongbai didn't think so. Now, Hama has regarded Tuotuo as a thorn in his eyes. In the court, Hama is still afraid of it. If Tuotuo leads his army to fight, Hama will definitely blow the wind in Emperor Shun's ear every day. If there are too many times, Shun's Emperor will definitely be suspicious. At that time, a piece of imperial edict will be troubled. Although the army is in control, Tuotuo is a loyal minister and will definitely not violate the imperial edict and will only end up miserably.

Stay away from the center of power, absolutely not.

Although Ru Zhongbai thought this way, it was not easy to convince Tuotuo, because Tuotuo insisted on going to war to wipe out Zhang Shicheng and restore the safety of the canal transportation. Tuotuo was more concerned about.

"Taishou, if you leave like this, Hama will definitely slander the emperor. Moreover, Hama is also slandering the queen and the prince. If you leave, something big will definitely happen!" Ru Zhongbai also took the initiative and directly expressed his interests with Tuotuo.

"What should I do according to your opinion?" Tutuo asked. Although Ru Zhongbai's words were a bit unpleasant, Tutuo had naturally known that his knowledge was extraordinary.

"If the Grand Master insists on going, then you must deal with Hama and his group before leaving." Ru Zhongbai said.

"You go and discuss this matter with Yesen!" said Tuotuo. "I will appoint you as the censor of the Book and the Censorate, assist Yesen, and handle the affairs of these days when I am not here."

Although he hated Hama's actions, Tutuo had not thought of solving Hama. What the court needs most now is stability and unity. He didn't want any storm before leaving.

Looking at Tuotuo's back as he walked away, a hint of chill came out of his heart, a woman's kindness! No matter what angle he looked at, he was the person in Tuotuo's camp and the only one who was more sober. Once Tuotuo left, no one would be able to resist Hama. Hama, the grasshopper, will definitely make big moves!

Only by solving Hama can the Taishi leave with confidence. However, Ru Zhongbai had no other choice, so he could only discuss it with Yesen. However, he had no hope. Even the Taishi Tutuo did not see the dangers in it, so how could Yesen know again?

Sure enough, I also first thought that Hama had been kind to herself and never let go of her when dealing with Hama.

Tutuo didn't have time to pay attention to Ru Zhongbai. His most important thing at the moment was to raise troops.

The province gathered 150,000 troops to attack Zhang Shicheng, but was wiped out. Tutuo learned in detail about the situation and knew that the opponent's firearm was sharp, so if you want to defeat the opponent, you must start with the weapon.

Huihui cannons, crossbow beds, and these equipment must be available. In addition, most of the firearms of the court were allocated. The other party had firearms and they also had firearms. If the firearms were not convinced, they would not be able to kill Zhang Shicheng.

In addition to weapons, there are personnel. Tuotuo was determined to encircle Zhang Shicheng, so he had to have certain troops. He dispatched tens of thousands of troops from most capitals, and then transferred some troops from various princes. The garrisons of various provinces were also drawn. Even the troops from the Western Regions and Western Fans were seconded, gathering hundreds of thousands of troops, claiming to be a million.
Chapter completed!