NCCnovel Chapter 354: Border Guard King
Chapter 354: Border Guard King
Since Sima Yan was certain that the Dingxi Army was not his own direct force, he would naturally not easily send reinforcements to Dingxi.
The distance between Qingzhou and Dingxi is only 400 miles. If we march quickly, we will be able to arrive there in three days.
As early as five days ago, Sima Yan had received the order from the King of Qin.
However, he used the tactic of procrastination in an attempt to perfectly resolve this thorny contradiction.
However, at this time, the Qin Palace had already received the memorial from Dingxi County Magistrate Mao Yiheng.
In that memorial, Qian Dazhuang was praised unstintingly.
At the same time, the situation was clearly explained: if no reinforcements arrived after three days, the people of Dingxi City would be forced to flee to the inner city in search of survival.
Three days passed, but King Zhao Qin of Qin still had not received any military reports from Qingzhou.
"This really shouldn't be the case! I've already received the report from Dingxi, but why hasn't any military report come from Qingzhou Prefecture, which is even closer?" Zhao Qin stared at Kong Sijin, his face full of confusion and bewilderment, and asked anxiously.
"Your Highness, some things are already obvious. In order to gain the so-called voice in Chang'an, you transferred General Yan away, allowing the Sima family to take the dominant position in Chang'an's defense.
Chang'an today is actually in the awkward position of being sidelined." Kong Sijin spoke bluntly, even though he knew that his words might displease Zhao Qin.
Although Zhao Qin didn't like Kong Sijin's straightforward words, it was obvious that this was the case. Even though the words were harsh and unpleasant, he could only endure it helplessly.
"Then is it feasible to transfer Yan Ruxiang back to Chang'an?" Zhao Qin frowned and asked tentatively.
"Even if Yan Ruxiang is transferred back, how could the Sima family willingly hand over military power?" Kong Sijin analyzed calmly.
"What should we do?" Zhao Qin said worriedly with his head hung down and a look of sorrow on his face.
"Oh..." Kong Sijin sighed. He knew very well that this was not the time to stir up internal disputes and create chaos, otherwise it would only cause greater turmoil.
"Your Highness, at this moment, we can only offer the Sima family greater benefits, but only if they can successfully stop the Qiang army's fierce attack."
In the end, Kong Sijin could only give Zhao Qin this not-so-brilliant idea.
Facing a powerful enemy, we can only work together to resist foreign aggression first, and then think about how to resolve internal contradictions and problems.
"Then please invite Sima Ling here immediately and have him personally oversee this matter."
Zhao Qin had no choice but to accept his fate.
After all, at this critical moment, even the slightest change in Chang'an could lead to foreign enemies taking advantage of the situation and invading, and Qin would fall into a dangerous situation where no one could resist the enemy.
Sima Ling obtained authorization from Zhao Qin and was not only promised an official title and promotion, but also received more land as a generous reward.
After receiving these benefits, Sima Ling sent someone to deliver his own handwritten letter at an urgent speed of 600 miles, ordering Sima Yan to send troops to Dingxi for rescue as soon as possible.
at the same time.
Zhao Qin received another letter from Mao Yiheng. The content of the letter made him angry, but he could do nothing about it.
It turned out that the people of Dingxi had already fled the city because no reinforcements had arrived.
……
At this time in Dingbian, Li Weize sent Kan Laxian as the expeditionary general, leading an army of 100,000 and sophisticated weapons and equipment, and marching towards Dingbian City with great momentum.
When Zhao Hong learned of this information, he was full of doubts and couldn't understand why Liang State would send troops at this critical juncture.
Dingbian City is neither big nor small, the key is that it is an important strategic location.
For the Qin State, it was like a piece of chicken ribs that was tasteless to eat and a pity to throw away.
But for the Liang Kingdom, this place is a crucial bridgehead, and they have long coveted it.
Li Weize knew very well that Zhao Hong was the abandoned prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty. He was somewhat apprehensive if he openly used military force against the Great Zhou Dynasty.
If he used force against the prince again, or even killed Zhao Hong, he would probably be subjected to crazy revenge from the Great Zhou in the future.
So, just when the main force was about to arrive, the special envoy from Liang State came to meet Zhao Hong.
Inside the dock.
Zhao Hong personally received the envoy from Liang State.
"Just tell me, what exactly do you want to do by coming here?" Zhao Hong went straight to the point, with a hint of majesty in his tone.
The special envoy was stunned by Zhao Hong's question.
Obviously, Zhao Hong already knew about the Liang Kingdom's military deployment, after all, he deliberately included the word "they" in his question.
"I will respectfully address you as Your Highness. We have come here for two main purposes. First, we sincerely wish to embrace you as king; second, we hope to station troops in Dingbian."
The envoy said cautiously.
After hearing the envoy's words, Zhao Hong couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart, and thought to himself: What is the Liang Kingdom up to?
"Tell me in detail, how do you plan to do it?"
"It's like this. Every time our Liang merchants pass through Dingbian, they have to take a detour because it's the border. This wastes three to four days of travel. Furthermore, the northern route is in poor condition, and we often encounter robbers, resulting in heavy losses."
The envoy continued in a rhythmic voice, "We wholeheartedly support you in restoring your former throne as King of Yue, and hope that you can establish yourself as king in Dingbian.
Our garrison here will not exceed yours in total number, with the only condition being that both the merchant caravan and the local residents will enjoy equal treatment in the future."
Zhao Hong pondered for a moment, but still didn't quite understand the key difference, so he didn't rush to give an answer.
"Take Yi Yu for example. It was originally the territory of the Great Zhou, but now it has been developed into a free trade zone. Any tribe can come and settle there, and they will receive the same treatment."
The envoy explained the Yi Yu incident to Zhao Hong in a different way. Zhao Hong knew a little about this matter, but he was not sure about the specific details.
When Zhao Sheng established the Yi Yu Free Trade Zone, he reported it to the imperial court and the King of Yan, the land to which it belonged.
Only after obtaining permission can the specific operations begin.
What the Liang State envoy meant was that everyone should live in harmony and exist freely, make their own decisions on all matters, and that he, Zhao Hong, would become the supreme king here.
Zhao Hong felt somewhat delighted upon hearing this. He had become a commoner, yet the Liang Kingdom was willing to make him king. Wouldn't that mean he had both face and substance?
"It seems that this is feasible!"
"Oh, Your Highness, do you think this is feasible? Liang Nation's intention is that you will be the King of Zhenbian from now on, and we plan to carry out a large-scale expansion of Dingbian to include your palace and the existing county town."
"Ah? It's so large?"
After hearing the words of the Liang State envoy, Zhao Hong's eyes seemed to shine with brilliant light, and he seemed to see another bright road full of hope for himself.
Just that night.
Under Zhao Hong's warm hospitality, the special envoy signed an agreement with the Liang Kingdom on behalf of the Zhou royal family.
However, the seal on it was the Dingbian County Government's seal.
Luosang originally firmly disagreed with such an operation, but considering that it would not harm the interests of the people, he finally had to acquiesce to the fact that Zhao Hong became the King of Zhenbian.
After all, these are all disputes within the royal family. I am just a small and impoverished county magistrate. How can I care about so many things?