Chapter 11 Chapter Ten
On the morning of the third day when the Tang army captured Xiadu without bloodshed, Xie Shufang welcomed Li Jiancheng into Mingzhou City.
The car was driving slowly on the streets of Mingzhou.Li Jiancheng looked out of the car window. The efforts of the Tang army officers and soldiers made Mingzhou street market a little angry.People come and go as usual, a scene of stability.But the war-torn people are disheveled, disheveled and withered.Suddenly, Li Jiancheng's eyes fell on a little orphan. For some reason, this little boy was surrounded by a group of children beating and crying.
Li Jiancheng told the internal guards to go and inquire to find out; years of war left behind a large number of orphans, these orphans or fathers never came back after the war;These orphans wandered around without food or shelter, fighting for food when they saw it, and were often beaten. They were very pitiful.Li Jiancheng felt very sad when he heard that, so he got out of the car slowly, and asked a few old people who were sitting on the street basking in the sun, "Old people, you all received the food relief two days ago, right?"
A white-haired old man slowly got up, and replied: "Ah! Yes! It's thanks to the Emperor Tang! It's thanks to the crown prince coming to us! Otherwise, I don't know how many people will starve to death!"
When Li Jiancheng asked why these orphans were still starving, the old man told the truth: "The officials don't know something!... Those who have a family and a mouth can receive grain and rice. These street children have received grain and rice. There's no place to cook! Besides, they can't get any food!"
Li Jiancheng suddenly realized.The wheel turned slowly again, and a dark cloud appeared on Li Jiancheng's handsome face.Weak and naked orphans can be seen everywhere along the street, as well as those helpless, panicked, and absent-minded eyes.The prince's car stopped in front of a luxurious palace.Xie Shufang asked the prince to get off the car and rest.Li Jiancheng raised his eyes and said, "This is Dou's palace?... You can't live alone here. Just go to the state capital and choose a quiet courtyard. Enter the car."
In Mingzhou Mansion, Wei Zheng is cleaning up the household registration and documents of the state mansion with the old bureaucrats.Suddenly hearing the prince's car driving here, Wei Zheng and the old officials rushed to greet him.Wei Zheng was familiar with the situation in the state capital, so he hurriedly chose a quiet courtyard as the prince's resting place.Li Jiancheng stepped into the backyard and saw that there was a brook, you bamboos, a breeze, and a bright moon. The scenery was the most elegant, and he liked it very much.The internal guards immediately cleaned the courtyard.After old doctor Zhao and Xiumei packed up the medicine box and got out of the car, they bid farewell to the prince: "Your Highness, after a few days of recuperation, Your Highness's body has recovered, and the chest injury has gradually recovered. I have been away from home for a long time, and I also want to go back. Please allow us to go home!"
"Since you are so homesick, please go back. Thank you for your meticulous care these past few days." The prince smiled and signaled Wei Zheng to reward Dr. Zhao with a bounty.But Wei Zheng tried his best to persuade him to stay: "No, no, no! Mingzhou City has suffered from wars and hunger for a long time, and many people have been infected by diseases. The crown prince ordered me to take charge of Mingzhou's mansion. You have to listen to me. Now I ask you to continue to take care of it first. The prince is injured until he fully recovers, and the second is to understand the condition of Xingzhou and prevent it. Resolutely prevent and eliminate infectious diseases."
Dr. Zhao was not good at talking, so he blushed and couldn't argue with Wei Zheng to find a reason: "I'm mainly worried that the mother of the child is worried about us at home." Dr. Zhao finally found a reason.When Wei Zheng heard this, he laughed loudly: "You are such a sour master, I will immediately send them to live in the state..."
Li Jiancheng saw that Wei Zheng was quick in thinking and eloquent.Then he spoke to him: "The long-term wars in Shandong and Hebei have caused the people to be displaced. I ask you to immediately rescue the orphans and alleviate the poor, recruit refugees, reclaim the land, promote farming as soon as possible, and invigorate the commercial market."
Wei Zheng accepted the order gladly, and immediately ordered Dr. Zhao and Xiumei to walk around the streets to treat patients.After the starvation, the streets are full of people with yellow and swollen faces.Li Jiancheng also took to the streets with a few soldiers to observe the sentiments of the people.After the war, the orphans and vagrants are the ones who worry the most, wandering around, curled up in the wind and shivering.They found a disheveled girl sleeping on the rain-soaked ground, sick with a high fever.The orphan's terrified eyes stared straight at Li Jiancheng.Li Jiancheng squatted down and said gently, "Where is your home? Where are your parents?"
The orphan shook his head in confusion, tears streaming down his face.Li Jiancheng immediately ordered his soldiers to take the girl to Dr. Zhao so that he could take care of her.Why don't the local people adopt one or two of these homeless children?With this doubt, Li Jiancheng understood the reason.It turned out that many families also wanted to adopt those poor children.I just worry that when the child grows up, the parents will find it and claim it away.A few years ago, a family of two elders adopted an orphan, hoping that the child would grow up to live in retirement, but never thought that the child would be adopted by the child's biological parents.The two families of the child's biological father and adoptive father also fought a lawsuit in the government, and both sides had a quarrel.According to human nature, the blood of biological parents is thicker than water, and the nourishment of parents is greater than the sky.If the biological parents are not alive, that's fine.If the biological parents are found, the child will be taken away in all likelihood.Maybe it's very sad to fight a lawsuit.
Li Jiancheng returned to the state capital with this problem, but Wei Zheng said it out: "It's not difficult to say. From a logical point of view, children should be filial to their biological parents and responsible to their biological parents. If biological parents kiss again, there is no Fulfill the responsibility of nurturing. Parents are greater than the sky. When children grow up, they must first be filial to their parents and fulfill their obligations.”
In the lobby of Mingzhou Mansion, Wei Zheng issued the No. 1 circular of Mingzhou Mansion: "From now on, all orphans who are adopted by disasters, wars, etc., will not be taken away even if they find their biological parents in the future, and they can only become relatives. Anyone who adopts an orphan can go to the local county government to receive monthly supplementary food with the adoption document from the government."
Wei Zheng ordered the servants of the government to post this order everywhere and preach it everywhere.For a while, more and more families adopted orphans everywhere, but how could the government have so much food to subsidize them?Wei Zheng frowned and thought: The most important thing right now is to help the orphans and the poor, open up wasteland and grow food.To successfully implement his ideas, he needs the support of Prince Jiancheng.However, when Wei Zheng came to the backyard where the prince lived, Dr. Zhao brought back a troublesome problem.
"Actually, Dou Jiande, the king of Xia, who was born in poverty, also wanted to govern our people to become rich, but why do good ideas and good policies fail to be implemented?" Dr. Zhao said dissatisfiedly, "Today we are on a street. , saved more than 20 orphans. Those who had fever, vomited, were injured by beatings, and got sick from drinking dirty water. The orphans who were adopted back home were all healthier orphans. Those orphans who were sick and had a bad complexion, No one came to adopt them. Furthermore, the government didn’t have enough manpower to handle the adoption documents. After taking the orphans, they went to the government to apply for a certificate, and they waited in a long line... As a result, they couldn’t go through the formalities in a day or two. It will be difficult for the orphans in the 48 towns of the 9 counties. Now there is a strong wind in the autumn, and I don’t know how many orphans are sick, starving, and dying.”
Hearing Dr. Zhao's complaints, Wei Zheng seemed to have found the root of the problem: "Insufficient manpower! Yes, supporting orphans and helping the poor to open up wasteland and grow food. It's easy to say, but difficult to do. The main reason is that there are not enough manpower."
"What's the lack of manpower? We saw that the streets are full of people who have nothing to do. They are starving to death, sick and hungry. If there is no food, I think people will starve to death again!" Dr. Zhao dismissed it He glanced at Wei Zheng carefully, and muttered.
Wei Zheng asked the prince with a sad face to help him get at least 100,000 shi of grain and 30 million taels of silver in order to stabilize the current situation.The prince smiled and said, "The lonely family has no money or food to give you. The only things we can give you are decrees and measures. You have to find a way to solve everything."
Wei Zheng, who was quick-witted, started to get busy.He ordered Zhu Bo to draft documents and make 30 triangular flags.He also ordered the government servants to preach everywhere, summoned idlers, and came to the state capital every morning to lead the work and take care of the food.
This trick really works!Early in the morning, the sun had not yet come out.Homeless people, orphans, old, weak, disabled, rags, and broken legs from all directions slowly gathered here.The noise in front of the state capital became louder and louder.As soon as Wei Zheng, Chen Zhubo, and Zhang Bantou left the mansion, there was a rush of people.Wei Zheng remained silent, and stopped on the steps in front of the mansion.He said in a loud voice: "Okay! You guys heard everything clearly! Today, the government asked you to do serious things. After you have finished, I will take up your official position and run errands for the government. Now, we choose the young and strong as the villager. Chief, to be responsible for organizing orphan relief and land reclamation in various villages and towns. How to do it, Mr. Chen Bo will teach you later... Well, now, young and strong, stand in front of a row. Come here, yes, come forward and stand."
The crowd suddenly boiled, talking a lot.There were doubts, guesses... Anyway, after a while, only three, three, two, two people moved forward.Zhang Bantou led a few guards to the front of the crowd, and moved the weaker ones to the back row.Put 30 young and strong tramps forward.Wei Zheng nodded in satisfaction, and said loudly: "Okay! Team leader Zhang, send them the 30 three command flags."
Three small banners on one side were distributed to the hands of more than 30 young and strong homeless men.Wei Zheng said loudly: "Now, the government announces: the 30 of you holding the order flags are the chiefs appointed by our state government. From today onwards, you are the officials of the state capital. You must work for the government honestly. What should I do? I want you to go to the nearby villages and towns, take the order flags as certificates, bring these blank documents, and distribute them to the elderly, orphans, and people in those villages and towns, and let them adopt these poor orphans. This is what you are doing today. The first thing to do. Mr. Chen Bo—”
Chen Zhubo held a stack of documents and distributed a large stack of blank documents to each new village head.He stood on the steps and shouted: "New village chiefs, you pay attention. Now, you have thousands of blank documents made by the government in your hands. There are decrees on the adoption of orphans printed on them, and you distribute them everywhere. For those who adopt orphans, they are asked to explain the process of adopting children, and then fill in the paperwork as proof, and the government's household registration registers them. The government protects their interests. Anyone who adopts orphans, the state government exempts them from taxation for one year. Every year Silver subsidies were also issued.”
These new village chiefs themselves are homeless, poor people.Now they are very happy to hear that the government does things for the poor.Chen Zhubo took a pen and paper, and temporarily called a few people to help register and make a book for the new village head.
"Do you work for the government and take care of your food?" someone asked.After getting a satisfactory answer, the thirty homeless men blushed, trembled, and some of their feet were weak.It's like dreaming.Wei Zheng told Chen Zhubo: "You arrange for the new head of the village to have dinner now. After eating, you start to go to various villages and towns. Come back for dinner in the evening. The government will arrange housing for you. Continue to work tomorrow."
The sun shines on the double lions in front of the state capital, which looks particularly vibrant.Standing on the steps, Wei Zheng's face was full of red.The wind blew over in gusts.Under Wei Zheng's arrangement, each new head of the village freely selects 30 of his followers.Hu Shengwu, who turned from a homeless man into a new village head, happily stepped into a group of homeless men, shouting: "Gou Danzi, Wang Laowu, Xiaoshitou, Liushunzi, Zhou Shanwa, Dadunzi, Fatty. Follow me. "
A group of ragged and unkempt people stood up one after another.Everyone followed the new head of the village and came to line up in front of the mansion.Shouts, laughter, and curses filled the open space in front of the mansion.Wei Zheng looked at everything in front of him and smiled.He looked around, and there were some old, weak, sick and disabled people, but no one paid attention to them.Wei Zheng ordered loudly: "Listen clearly to the rest of the people. Except those who can't move. Anyone who can move, anyone who can wash rice, carry firewood, sweep the floor, and cook fire, all go to help make fire and cook. Make sure that the head of the village will have food and hot water when they come back at night.”
Crash——, the crowd surged.Some elderly people, women, and young homeless men with weak constitutions stood up one after another.Several servants led the group of old people and women, and they were busy assigning people to make a fire, collect firewood, wash rice, and set up pots.
Hu Shengwu, the head of the new village, held a triangular flag in his hand, and 30 other new heads, each with more than 30 attendants, went to various villages and towns to preach on opening up wasteland and growing grain.When you encounter a deserted village, make a mark and report back.
Wei Zheng also assigned Chen Zhubo to be responsible for compiling statistics of wealthy families in prefectures and counties.Deng Qifan, a down-and-out scholar who was temporarily invited, was responsible for sorting out and registering the documents reported by the new head of the village, especially the statistics of those uninhabited villages and wastelands.
It was getting late, and the crowd gradually dispersed.Only then did Wei Zheng feel a little tired.He secretly calculated in his heart, if it continues like this, in less than ten days, the one thousand shi food that His Highness the Crown Prince worked so hard to get will be exhausted.what to do?He is going to look for His Royal Highness again.
Under the flickering blue light.Li Jiancheng was holding a scroll and reading it softly.
Wei Zheng came in with a smile, sat by the bed, complimented him with admiration, and said, "Your Highness is really clever. After following His Highness's instructions, I have achieved amazing results in one day. As of tonight, a total of 9 counties and 48 towns have adopted children. There are more than 200 orphans. It has been verified that there are more than 130 deserted villages. The next step is to assign village chiefs to cultivate land in each deserted village and grow food."
Li Jiancheng's gaze was still on the book.Listen to Wei Zheng's excited voice.Li Jiancheng turned his face and said with a smile, "What are you looking for again?"Wei Zheng rolled his eyes for a moment, and said for a while, "Your Highness, in order to ensure the needs of those who cultivate the wasteland, the grain... can you help us to relocate some more? I will make up for it after the autumn harvest."
Li Jiancheng put down the book, his eyes flickered, and his tone was firm: "No! Mr. Wei, I have enough food for you. There are nearly 70,000 troops outside the city, and they are stepping up military training. The food must be guaranteed. This Don't be vague!" Li Jiancheng folded a corner of the book in his hand and laid it flat.Said softly: "You can actually do this. Mobilize some big families, businessmen, and rich people who want to be officials, and use some money to resettle refugees and build cottages. Your state government issues official documents and gives them One official position. Whoever can recruit a hundred people to cultivate land will be given a centurion; whoever can recruit a thousand people to cultivate land will be given a thousand commander. Similarly, anyone who can solve and resettle a hundred people will be given a nine-rank official For official positions, those who can solve and resettle the residences of 300 people will be given a regular eighth-rank official position, up to seventh-rank, regular seventh-rank, sixth-rank, regular sixth-rank and other official positions. Doesn’t this solve the temporary difficulty?”
Wei Zheng's short body immediately leaned forward and listened intently.A smile flashed on his face for a moment, but in a blink of an eye, his face was full of sadness again.He worriedly said: "Your Highness, if this is the case, then isn't there too many officials in the state capital and too messy? How to manage it in the future?"
"You! You are such a nerd. What is an official position? It is worthless to put it bluntly. But some people just want to be an official, and they are willing to use money and food to buy an official. Then we just get what we need!..." Li Jiancheng smiled indifferently, and said with a serious face: "Gujia allows your state government to appoint officials below the sixth rank. Anyone who works for Datang with due diligence is easy to say. If anyone is found to be corrupt and break the law, he will be severely punished. As for a Wanshi's food... the lonely family will find a way to solve it."
Wei Zheng understood, and when he returned to Mingzhou Mansion, he issued the second order: "Xingzhou has suffered from wars and turmoil for a long time, the land is barren, and the people are in dire straits. In order to promote farming and invigorate the commercial market, the government issued an order: Anyone who can recruit a hundred people to cultivate land will be rewarded. He will be a centurion; whoever can gather a thousand people to cultivate land, let him be a commander of a thousand.”
The new village chiefs are very happy. They all have the ability to recruit people who open up wasteland and farm land, and they can all be commanders.Only Hu Shengwu, the head of the new village, raised a question: How can those people who open up wasteland and farm land have no place to eat or live, how can they survive for a long time?
Wei Zheng smiled and signaled Chen Zhubo to announce the third circular: "...from great chaos to great rule, it is necessary for all wise and wise people to work together. In order to promote farming as soon as possible without delaying the farming season, we specially invite wealthy households, businessmen and wise and righteous people to help reclaim wasteland and refugees. Housing and agricultural tools for land reclamation production. For this reason, the government issued a decree: whoever can solve and arrange housing for 100 people and organize producers will be awarded the official rank of nine ranks by the government; whoever can solve and arrange housing for 300 people will organize production Those who are awarded the eighth-rank official position, until the seventh-rank, the seventh-rank, the sixth-rank, and the sixth-rank official positions."
After hearing the No. 3 Circular, the new village chiefs suddenly became depressed.If you want to recruit people to reclaim wasteland, they can do this.However, they have no money, no house, and no ability to deal with the housing, living, and work of the displaced people who have been recruited for reclamation.Deng Qifan reminded them to take official documents to find wealthy businessmen.The shrewd Hu Shengwu suddenly realized and understood: "I understand. Brothers, eat your food quickly and come with me."
Dozens of other new village chiefs also understood that the opportunity was at hand, and they set off with 30 followers.
Under the sky, barren hills and slopes.A red triangular flag is marching.Green flags with the word "Ken" fluttered in the wind.Groups of refugees who want to survive and eat are following and gathering.The villages that were once empty and deserted are now crowded with refugees who have gathered here.With the hope of survival, they went to open up wasteland and reclaim land, to develop that piece of stable life.Similarly, Hu Shengwu also came to a village with novelty and dreams, and found a rich family.Ask to see the rich man to talk about things.The rich man inspected the official document with the bright red pearl-sand seal of Mingzhou Mansion on it, and immediately beamed with a smile: "Okay! Okay! Just live in our village. Our village has few people and a lot of land, and a large piece of land has been left uncultivated. Just coming Reclamation." The rich man rolled his eyes: "But the refugees who reclaim wasteland live and eat. Give them tools. I can't give them for nothing!...Give me some official positions? When will I get them?"
"That's easy to say. You just arrange a few hundred people today. When I return to the state capital in the evening, I will fill in your official document." Hu Shengwu asked the rich man to write crookedly on the blank official document: "Guan Kuanfu" three Character.The rich man smiled and looked at it again and again, and waited until the ink on the official document was almost dry before handing it to Hu Shengwu.
"Oh!...This troubled world is really good! Being an official is like fun. Hehe...I finally have a chance to seal my wife and son!——Hey, let me tell you! Go forward, three miles away No, there are two or three villages that are not adjacent to each other, all of which are completely empty. Oh...that's called war! I said, you can put all those villages on my land, okay? Then Isn't my official position a great rank?" The rich man Guan Kuanfu blushed, waved with a smile, and happily ordered the housekeeper to take these refugees down to settle down.Tomorrow is a good time to reclaim the fields and grow crops.
A red triangular flag is marching.Groups of refugees, men, women, young and old, are following and gathering.Green flags with the word "Ken" fluttered in the wind.People working on land reclamation.Chop firewood and break ground.Land reclamation, pond digging, land plowing, leveling, and canal repair.The man threw away his tattered clothes, his bare back was dripping with sweat, and he had a smile on his face.The women also had eyes full of anticipation, serving tea and water to the man who was sweating profusely: "Come on! Drink some water before you do it!"
A bowl of thick potion was brought over, Li Jiancheng took it and drank it down.
The backyard of Mingzhou Mansion was quiet at night.The oil lamps in the room glowed orange-red.Xiumei smiled with flushed faces, and said to the prince, "Your Highness, your body has recovered. Congratulations!"
Li Jiancheng glanced at Xiumei, gently handed over the medicine bowl, and said sincerely: "Thank you so much!... How can I thank you for Gu?"
"Who wants you to thank me! My father always said that it is the duty of our doctors to cure diseases and save lives." Xiumei Mian smiled.She obsessively watched the prince's manners and conversations with a refined and elegant expression, and there was a strange sparkle in her young girl's eyes.Li Jiancheng asked with concern why Dr. Zhao hadn't been seen these days, and what happened to him opening a medical clinic?
Xiumei blamed Wei Zheng, that sour wife Wei Zheng sent my father on this errand... My father was almost exhausted.Coincidentally, Wei Zheng walked over and said with a smile, "Oh! Xiumei, are you talking ill of me behind my back again?"
Li Jiancheng smiled and signaled Xiumei to go down.Wei Zheng reported to the prince that 3,215 orphans were adopted in the whole state.76,313 refugees were resettled, and 651 mu of wasteland was reclaimed. ... Now the refugees have been resettled, and the orphans have been saved.Now the crowds from the four villages and the eight neighbors are increasing unabated, and they keep pouring in to participate in the land reclamation... This creates a big problem—there is not enough food, and there are no seeds.
Li Jiancheng, whose face was as calm as water, raised his eyebrows, and when he was about to speak, Xu Shiji and Xie Shufang came in.Li Jiancheng changed the subject: "Please sit down, everyone. Let's discuss the plan to appease you. Wei Zheng, you will not talk to you about the food in Mingzhou Prefecture. You can find a way... Maybe I can give you part of the seed grain later. But, Now, you have to do one thing as soon as possible. Aren’t there a lot of people coming from these four villages and eight neighbors? Well, you select 500 people from different prefectures and counties. We will start to pacify and appease the entire Xia Kingdom It’s over.” Li Jiancheng’s beautiful and calm face showed a hint of worry, and he said, “…Now, although the capital of the Xia Kingdom has fallen to Tang, Queen Xia ordered Qi Shanxing, Pei Ju and other officials to send official documents to the whole of Hebei and Shandong. However, it is only a nominal surrender. In fact, most of the prefectures and counties in Shandong and Hebei are still in the hands of the former generals of the Xia Kingdom. Do you have any good strategies?"
Wei Zheng had a sharp eye and suggested that Dou Jianwei, Lu Xiaokun and other remnants of the Xia army should be recruited to complete the appeasement work.Xu Shiji, who was sitting on the side, was worried: "Using the remnants of the Xia army to persuade the old bureaucrats to surrender will get twice the result with half the effort, but if they are not careful, it may be convenient for them to gather for rebellion..."
Wei Zheng tried his best to explain that most of Hebei and Shandong are righteous people who entrusted them with benevolence and morality, and they will never fail others.Li Jiancheng smiled lightly, and asked Wei Zheng to arrange discussions with Dou Jianwei and other generals of the Xia army.The scheming Wei Zheng stroked his thin beard and said thoughtfully, "I thought that I would arrange for them to see the orphans and the poor, land reclamation and farming near Mingzhou first, and then arrange to meet His Highness. Maybe would be more effective."
Li Jiancheng looked at Xie Shufang and Xu Shiji's words, smiled and nodded.
A few days later, Wei Zheng invited Qi Shanxing, Pei Ju, Dou Jianwei, Lu Xiaokun, Zhou Dahao and other old colleagues to visit the live broadcast of land reclamation, planting grain, adopting orphans, etc., and then met in the back hall of Mingzhou Mansion to discuss matters.Beforehand, Wei Zheng didn't say that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was coming, only that it was a meeting between friends.After Wei Zhengli let the old bureaucrats sit down, he said: "In the past few days, you have seen that there are more than 8,000 orphans left by the war, and now more than 6,000 orphans have been adopted on the streets and at the end of the village. Reclaim wasteland, plant Those who grow crops, you have all seen it with your own eyes. Do you think it is good or not? Please give some suggestions."
Dou Jianwei was stunned for a moment, and said: "It's very good to do this! The orphans are supported, and the people in Hebei and Shandong are endless; the land has food, and the people have a living. These are indeed more effective than King Xia's benevolent policies."
Wei Zheng said respectfully: "You Dou family passed on benevolence and virtue to your family. Not only the people of Hebei and Shandong respect you, but even His Royal Highness the Crown Prince respects you very much. I specially sent a memorial to the emperor to pardon the death of King Xia. I also invited the emperor to appoint officials to you. Nowadays, Hebei and Shandong have suffered from wars and turmoil, orphans are everywhere, and food is scarce. We must resume production as soon as possible, and promote the practices and experience of Mingzhou Prefecture to the whole region, so that orphans in Hebei and Shandong can be cared for, and the people will continue to be stable and prosperous. General Dou, you have to do a great thing to accumulate merit! His Royal Highness is a magnanimous saint. As you all know, the capital of Xia Kingdom has fallen to Tang, and the queen has ordered Qi Shanxing, Pei Ju and other officials to issue official documents to The entire territory of Hebei and Shandong was surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. But that was only a formal surrender in name. It was just a formality in the paperwork. In fact, most of the prefectures and counties in Shandong and Hebei were still in the hands of Xia Guoyuan's old bureaucrats. Prince Tang Please cooperate and appease the former Xia soldiers in Hebei and Shandong. Re-appoint local officials and implement new policies to enrich the people."
Dou Jianwei looked puzzled: "Oh! Lord Wei! Those generals of the Xia Kingdom, how can they listen to my words now? When King Xia was here, those generals also acted in the same way. .”
Lu Xiaokun and Zhou Dahao looked embarrassed.Qi Shanxing and Pei Ju hesitated to speak.Wei Zheng saw it, and said with a smile: "Let's do this. No matter how the soldiers of the original King Xia will treat you. However, we have surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, so we have to listen to the court of the Tang Dynasty. Now, the Tang prince thinks that your Dou family is benevolent. A man of virtue, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attaches great importance to protecting your Dou family, and entrusts you with a heavy responsibility. As the vanguard general of the pacification army, you will act with the pacification army. What do you think?"
Dou Jianwei pondered for a moment, then said: "Lord Wei, my family is very grateful to His Highness the Tang Crown Prince for his protection! As long as His Highness the Crown Prince speaks, I will die in repayment. But if I want to go and serve Tang Ting , as an official in the Tang court, I have no face to see my brothers and soldiers who died in battle. We would rather die of old age in the mountains and forests."
Wei Zheng thought for a while, and said: "You are a man of integrity! You are admirable! It doesn't matter if you don't want to be an official in the Tang court. As long as you can think about the people in Hebei and Shandong, that's fine!...His Royal Highness I’ve been waiting here for your words.”
Wei Zheng's words fell to the ground, and Li Jiancheng's gentle voice came from behind the screen: "Mr. Dou, for the happiness of the people in Hebei and Shandong, you must do your part!"
Dou Jianwei was stunned when he heard the words, and quickly turned his head and kowtowed: "The sinner, Dou Jianwei, thanked His Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty for not killing him, and thanked His Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty for protecting my Dou family!"
Li Jiancheng smiled modestly and chatted with everyone.Without the slightest bit of prestige.Wei Zheng stood up early and helped His Royal Highness sit upright.He pulled the chair to one side and sat down.After Li Jiancheng sat down, he smiled slightly at Dou Jianwei: "I have heard about the loyal and righteous people of the Dou family. I saw you today, which is really unusual. Well, I will order you to be the special envoy to appease the former Xia army general. Let the whole territory eliminate the military chaos as soon as possible and resume production.”
Dou Jianwei, Qi Shanxing, Pei Ju and others kowtowed: "Only His Highness's order is to be obeyed!"
Li Jiancheng summoned Xie Shufang, Xu Shiji, Duan Zhixuan, Lei Yongji and other generals in Mingzhou Mansion to discuss the plan of relief.Xu Shiji took out a geographical map.Wei Zheng hurried forward, and together with Xu Shiji, spread out the map in front of Li Jiancheng.Li Jiancheng smiled lightly, and swiped his slender and clear fingers: "No need! The terrain of the mountains and rivers, I have long been familiar with it."
Xu Shiji and Wei Zheng hurriedly put away the map and returned to their seats. On Li Jiancheng's handsome and quiet face, his sharp eyes swept towards Xie Shufang, and said, "General Xie, there are nearly 70,000 of our troops in Mingzhou, right? ?”
"Yes. After rigorous training, he is fully ready for battle." Xie Shufang said confidently.Li Jiancheng shook his head: "No! Except as a last resort, try not to use weapons lightly. Those who can defeat others without fighting are good people. Our soldiers and horses are only used as a high-pressure force and a deterrent. "The generals were speechless.Listen to Li Jiancheng's words: "Mingzhou Mansion has made great progress recently in pacifying the people and reclaiming wasteland, which is obvious to all the people in neighboring counties and counties. This is the best proof that our Tang Dynasty is still rich in the people and invigorating the commercial market. This time we appease the whole territory of Xia Kingdom, not Simple military affairs, in the final analysis, are political actions. Convincing the public with political achievements and making people live and work in peace and contentment is the greatest political strategy.”
This is how Prince Jiancheng spoke. He first clarified the general principles, and then proposed a specific action plan: "We will divide our troops into five groups, and we will lead 20,000 elite soldiers from the middle road to Liaocheng==Jinan-Weifang-Weihai; 10,000 soldiers marched from the north road to Wucheng-Leling-Zhanhua-Yantai; General Xie led 10,000 soldiers from the south road to Dingtao-Zoucheng-Zaozhuang-Rizhao; March to Handan; Duan Zhixuan led 10,000 troops to Cangzhou via Hengshui. Zhai Qing led 5,000 troops to protect food and defend Mingzhou Prefecture and the surrounding counties."
After Li Jiancheng issued the order, he pondered for a moment and said, "I would like to remind you. Each team must have two types of people to join. One is more than 500 people selected by Wei Zheng. The other type is accompanied by counselors who have the ability to manage local county and town affairs, select and appoint local officials immediately, and report to the court for record. Everyone, remember: this operation is based on military pressure to achieve political appeasement. Make all states, counties and towns in Xia Kingdom actually accept the order of Emperor Tang."
Lei Yongji and Duan Zhixuan opened their bright eyes wide.While listening, Xu Shiji took out the map again, and the generals squeezed over and crowded in front of the map to see the route of march.
A trumpet pierced the morning sky, followed by military music and drum horns.
After a long time, the drums of the passionate rush sounded.On the military training field in the northern suburbs of Mingzhou City, generals such as Xie Shufang and Xu Shiji stood in the forefront majestically.Wei Zheng took more than 500 selected refugees into the military training ground.Li Jiancheng rode on a tall maroon Turkic horse, scanning the footsteps of the more than 500 people with his sharp eyes.From the footsteps of the more than 500 refugees, it can be seen that at least half of them are from the military.With a smile on Prince Cheng Jiancheng's handsome face, Duan Zhixuan stepped forward and issued an order to line up.For a while, the military music and drums were quiet, but the more than 300 refugees looked around anxiously.
Li Jiancheng hurried forward and spoke loudly: "You have also seen the general trend of the world today. Our Tang Dynasty court is safe and happy for the people, and it is also rich for the people. You have also felt it for yourself. Opening up wasteland and growing food, isn’t it full of vitality?” All the refugees present nodded in agreement.Li Jiancheng raised his voice: "Look up, our Tang army, isn't it mighty and majestic?! Look at our grain, isn't it towering above the clouds?"
Li Jiancheng suddenly changed the subject and said threateningly: "However, some of you don't really want to live a peaceful life. You can tell it at a single glance. Most of you used to be soldiers and eat food. You still want to serve the remnants of Xia Kingdom Is the defeated general doing something?!"
Some refugees' faces began to turn pale; some refugees' foreheads secreted beads of sweat; some refugees' legs began to tremble...
Li Jiancheng smiled lightly: "You should know: King Xia has been captured by me, and Xia Kingdom no longer exists. The page of the past should be turned over. We want to rebuild our home and live a peaceful life. Your family, maybe Still under the control of the defeated generals of the Xia Kingdom, do you need to rescue your parents and wives? Do you need to save your own lives?"
The refugees with different expressions have only one voice at this moment: "Need!——"
The delicate and quiet Li Jiancheng's bright eyes stayed in front of the refugees.He said loudly and clearly: "The prince of the Tang Dynasty alone has the responsibility to appease the world. I want to relieve the suffering of the people in Shandong and Hebei who have suffered from the war. Now, I will give you a chance to save the lives of yourself and your family. Please do one thing. It's very simple. That is, every one of you is in a team of one hundred people, hold up a flag of surrender, and bring the propaganda documents of the Tang court. Before our army arrives, you will preach and read every village, town, county, and government along the way. Tell Xia The remnant soldiers and defeated generals of the country, as long as they are willing to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, the Tang government will be exempted from responsibility and will not be held accountable. Divide the land for reclamation, and live and work in peace and contentment."
silence.static field.After a while, many refugees looked flustered and chattered.Some refugees said: "My wife and children are still in the Xia army's barracks. If they know that I am like this, they will kill my wife and children. I will not go..." Some refugees said: "I am a bachelor, and I am not afraid of death. , that is... what if, when we preach in front, those Xia soldiers come to kill us?"
Xie Shufang couldn't help but make a loud voice: "Why are you so timid?! Didn't you see that our army is right behind you? Hundreds of you are organized into the vanguard battalion to move with our army. Do you understand?"
"Then why not directly attack and attack them?" said a bold refugee.Wei Zheng stepped forward and said peacefully: "We want to fight! That would be very simple. The king of Xia was captured and the capital of Xia has been occupied. How can a few remnants and defeated generals resist?! The Tang army has a lot of fine food and sweeps across the entire territory. Is it just around the corner? ?! The prince of the Tang Dynasty is a benevolent lord who appeases Hebei and Shandong by adopting political strategies instead of using military force, and avoiding bloody battles as much as possible. As the governor of Mingzhou Prefecture, I am also a local. From my heart, I don’t want to fight. Xia The country has been war-torn for a long time, and the people are in dire straits. If there is a war, there will be casualties. Whose parents don’t feel sorry for their children?! We tell you: I Mingzhou government’s efforts to save orphans and help the poor, open up wasteland and grow grain, etc. are all for the people. Government affairs are all the will of His Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty. It is the blessing of our people that His Highness the Crown Prince gave Rende in Hebei and Shandong! I implore everyone to obey the orders of the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty!"
Li Jiancheng reined in his horse and issued an order in a mighty manner: "All generals listen to the order: Gu orders you to lead your troops and horses, and set off with Gu to appease the entire territory of Shandong and Hebei."
Xie Shufang, Xu Shiji, and Duan Zhixuan said in unison: "The last general obeys the order! Let's go—"
Boom! ——Boom! ——Boom—the sky-shattering cannon sounded.The Tang army began to march.Li Jiancheng jumped on his horse and swung his whip, galloping forward.
The inner courtyard of Chang'an Taiji Hall was shrouded in darkness.
闪烁的灯下，一黑衣人取出一密卷。李渊接过，就灯光阅看，顿时眉头松展。李渊沉缓地转过身来：“义士！劳累您了，朕要重重谢您！”
“不必了。我们江湖中人，以义为重，不看名利。”黑衣义士道。
李渊沉思一会，问道：“朕素来很敬重江湖义士，也希望你们多为朝庭做事。……此前，朕委你组建黑衣卫，此事现如何？”
黑衣义士如实回答：“只有七八个人愿意参加。平时散在民间，用时再行召集。”
李渊点头，神情郑重地说：“代朕多谢他们。此前威城、铭州暗中护驾太子，居功甚大。朕为国家之重，为民之幸谢谢你们了！”
黑衣义士叩头：“不必了！小人们散漫江湖，均为义字。太子殿下重德爱民，仅救孤一项，功德千秋。我们山东河北江湖中人，绝对敬重于他。皇上尽管放心，我们黑衣卫暗中保护太子，不辞辛劳。”
李渊欣慰：“好！山东河北真多义士也！”忽然，李渊心有疑惑，脸上不悦地看着黑衣人，道：“朕赐你们金银不要，官位不要，那你们……想要什么？”
黑衣义士答道：“别无他求。只希民能安居，人有饭吃。不过……请皇上请赐我一块金牌，使我等自由出入禁宫，通报消息。上次威城太子重伤，小人冒死进宫报信，险些丢命……”
李渊泰然笑道：“好！朕特赐你们黑衣卫二块金牌。请善自珍用。我们大唐朝庭促进农耕，搞活商市，都是为了子民过上好日子。你们也看到了，太子在铭州一带开垦荒地，推行新政，很有生机！”
黑衣义士叩头，敏捷地退下。
李渊坐在灯下，沉思。从他脸上有些许笑容，看得出他的心情很轻松。李渊右手拢袖，再一次展开密条看看。看了又搓成一卷纸条。又展开，再看了一遍。李渊果断地送到烛火上烧掉。纸条化作一阵青烟飘荡……灯光闪动，居然可以看到李渊眼中有泪。李渊内心的声音：大郎啊！你在威城遇险，可让爹爹耽心了半个多月哟！……你可千万不要有半点闪失啊，我李家天下，全靠望着你啊！
李渊步履轻松地进入太极殿太华宫的后花园。户部尚书裴寂、兵部尚书任瑰、中书省尚书封德彝早已在此等候了。内待奉上香茶。李渊端起，吹了一口热气。呷了一口，香茶的香味泌入脾胃，李渊神清气爽。他欢愉地笑道：“呵呵……朕半月来，未曾开心！……今夜，特与三位元勋欢聚。来人，上茶。”
一杯杯清香的茶，上来了。飘浮的清香，令人精神爽朗。三位大臣猜圣上的喜事多半是因为南方李孝恭打了胜仗。只有裴寂笑道：“圣上之喜必定为太子殿下之所来也。”
李渊看看笑逐颜开：“确如卿等所言。今日之喜，确是来自大郎。此次大郎在夏国救孤济贫，开荒垦地，使民众欣喜而向往我朝。刚已得知大郎展开了夏国全境的安抚行动。大郎发政略为主，以军事为辅，哼！很好！很有超常的见解！大郎神机运筹，此次安抚夏国，仅只百骑人。转眼月余，却拥兵近七万，真是奇迹也！”李渊说到高兴处，一挥手：“来人，——摆酒，上菜。”
月夜光华之下，灯火相伴。君臣把酒尽欢，共议国事。任瑰、裴寂、封德彝三位大臣真是很久没见到圣上如此高兴了！李渊笑对裴寂道：“太子大军一动，你户部的粮草要及时跟上啊！”
裴寂连忙请圣上放心，臣等尽力筹措粮草军械，以保太子殿下七万大军充足。李渊脸色温和：“那好吧！裴公把粮草备足，及时运供，朕且无忧了！来，各位爱卿，请满饮此杯！为大郎早日安定河北山东全境，干杯！”
裴寂、任瑰、封德彝笑容满面，举杯。
安抚大军分几路同时进发。
李建成率主力唐军二万多人，一路策马扬鞭。由魏征精选出来的、熟悉当地州情况的一百多人的流民，组成了先锋营。先锋营的流民倒挂归顺大唐的黄色旗帜，在邓起凡的带领下，先行进发了。沿路各村、镇、县无人抵抗。有些夏军的散兵游勇脱下夏军的服装，扔在地上，回家种地去。有的夏军兵勇无家无口的，要求在大唐军队里当兵吃粮。邓起凡就收入先锋营。
黄昏时分，众将拥着李建成一行，出现在愧县城。邓起凡上前禀报：愧县原有夏军残部一千人在此。闻大唐安抚军到，望风而逃，成为一座空城。李建成从马背翻身下来，吩咐安抚参事高洪康留下，寻访各村、镇、县地方管理政务能人，委任其管理当地行政事务。并奏报朝庭备案。
高洪康参事请太子殿下一纸手令，方名正而言顺，取信于地方民众。李建成欣然挥笔，飞龙走蛇，手书一令：“大唐监国太子，安抚特使李，着高洪康、沈援考寻地方政务人员，委任管理地方政务。并奏报朝庭备案。此令。大唐武德年月。”
邓起凡看天色近晚，请太子入城安歇。李建成环顾四周，指点布营岗哨等事，然后步入愧县城府衙。
一条小河，弯弯曲曲。河水哗啦啦折向东流。
先锋营邓起凡跃马前行。一些流民停正在河边洗脸，喝水。倒挂的旗帜放在一边。
忽然见一探马飞来报，“邓统领，由此向前三里，是聊城也。有三千多夏军残部，跑进了聊城，不肯归顺大唐。”
这时，有流民队长吴战说自己有旧友在聊城，给我100精兵，换上流民衣服，混入县城。我有办法叫那三千残兵归顺大唐。思功心切的邓起凡连忙同意吴战带人于天黑前混进城去。吴战扯过“归顺”旗帜，裹在身上。计划到了城里，再突然亮出旗帜。吴战熟悉城内地形，约定众人说：“城南有一大水塘，靠北有一片树林，我们分头入城，在那里集中。”
众人明白，随吴战一起前行。暮色之中，一群破衣烂衫的流民，拄着竹杆，哼着民歌，三二成群地接近聊城。
夜色越浓，吴战一行进聊城多时，仍无音信传来。先锋营的邓起凡焦急不安。过了一会，有几条黑影子奔来。几个满头大汗的先锋营兵士急报：不好了，与吴战一起进城的几个兄弟被夏军将领抓住了！……大家分散入城后，吴战不知去向。
邓起凡正在焦急时，流民小山子，狗旦子回来了。狗旦子叫邓起凡快点连夜进城。小山子擦着汗水，喘息道：“吴队长已讲好了，夏军好多人都很高兴归顺大唐。我们还把归顺大旗给了夏军，扯在夏军的兵营里哩。只要我们的大队人马过去，保准有许多的夏军跑过来。”
邓起凡搞糊涂了：怎么先后二人回报的情况完全不同呢？
原来情况是这样的——分散入城的人，与吴战在城南的水塘边碰头后，吴战领着一群流民去找他的旧日朋友。经过一处民房时，正碰上几个夏军兵勇妇女。吴战带人一拥而上，控制了这几个夏军兵勇，要他们引路，直赴夏军营房。夏军兵营里，一群兵勇无聊地东倒西歪打天九纸牌，哟呵声音、喧哗声音传得老远。吴战一群人进了兵营后，一把扯开那面归顺大唐的旗帜。顿时，兵营乱轰轰地围来了一帮兵勇，个个露出惊讶的脸色，惶恐的眼睛。吴战高声地说：“你们夏王被擒，都城被占，现在，我们的军队已兵临城下。我救你们一命，快在自己的背后写上归顺二字，投降大唐的军队吧。”
一些夏军兵勇说，早就听说大唐的军队过来了，我们正不知道怎么办才好。打吧，肯定打不了，投降吧，当官的又不准。有的士兵劝吴战快点走吧，若当官的回来了，我们都不好办。
吴战态度很坚决：“怕什么？你们快点分头去告诉其他的兵士们，作好准备，今夜就打开城门，迎接大唐军队进城。小山子，狗胖子，你们快出城给邓统领报信。要他们连夜入城。”
就在这时，有外面的兵勇慌乱地跑进来说，当官的回来了。小山子，狗胖子转身就往外走。一些兵勇告诉他们，晚上城门已关。你们从城东的老树上爬过去。话音未落，只见五六个夏军将领满面酒气地进了兵营。郑大胖子军官打着酒嗝说：“我接到报告，有大唐的奸细在此，来人啦——给我抓起来。”
大多夏军兵勇没动。只有一部份兵勇围上来。吴战连忙示意小山子，狗旦子乘机溜了出去。
郑大胖子军官走到吴战的近前。呼一一下，拔出闪亮的刀，架在吴战的脖子上。阴笑道：“嘿嘿……巧得很咧！刚才，我们在北营，抓到了几个唐军的奸细，要我们归顺大唐。嘿嘿……那简直是作梦！”
事已至此，吴战也不多想了，他大声道：“你们想清楚了。我是来救你们的，为你们指条明道的。如果我死了，你们也活不了多久，大唐的军队今夜就来了。你们不为自己想，却也要为你们的父母妻子想想吧。夏国没了，你们的前途也没了。还不如一起投奔大唐，过得平安日子。你们为自己想想，也为这些弟兄们想想吧。降了吧！”
“投降？投降对我有什么好处？唐军也许可以宽大这些兵士，可是我们呢？唐军可以宽大我们吗？……再说了，我们也不愿意背主求荣！”郑大胖子摇晃着脑袋，说。
“呵呵……夏国没了，夏王擒了，你们哪是什么背主求荣啊！现在你们理所当然是要为自己的前程和兄弟们的性命着想啊。请看看大唐太子殿下请求皇帝赦免夏王的奏章，还有安抚特使窦建威等人的文书。你们都看看吧！”吴战和几个流民都掏出随身带进来的几卷文书，给夏军官兵看。
郑大胖子和夏军将领展开文书公告，边看边议论纷纷：哎呀！连窦建威都能得到朝庭的宽大，那我们还有什么样忧虑的呢？Yo! ——大唐还开垦荒地，还收养孤儿。这样子，还真是不错哟！那爷们也想回家过安生日子了。
夜风越来越大了。小山子、狗旦子站在邓起凡的面前，急切地讲了吴战进聊城的情况。邓起凡焦急地说：“我要去请示一下。”说着就翻身上马，扬鞭催马来到槐县城府。
清灯下，参事高洪康正在清理县府库册。李建成与二卫兵步入，李建成取出一纸，笑着递给高洪康，要他把这份手令印刷五十万份，三天内送到先锋营。高洪康连忙应承。这时，安抚先锋营将军陈震焦急进来。李建成看了一眼，见陈震的头上有汗，脸色焦急。李建成心里有几分明白。陈震正想张口说话，却见太子那修长、白晰的手指迎风一划，示意陈震暂缓汇报军情。太子不动声色，仍与高洪康聊了一会，才神情淡然地步出县府内院。
陈震紧紧跟上，焦急地汇报：“刚才得到魏征百里急报！徐圆朗探知铭州空虚，连日兼程，引兵来袭。”
“孤早作了预防，魏征多此一忧！”李建成轻松一笑。
陈震不解：“何处有兵，预防铭州？”
李建成从袖中取出一封事先写好的书信，递给陈震。要他即刻派人请将此信交于威城韦统领即可。陈震应声照办。李建成信步来到衙府前，正碰上前来报信的邓起凡。邓起凡连忙说先锋营已有200人晚间进入聊城，夏军残兵愿意归顺，请大军连夜进聊城。李建成听了，思索一会：夏境内兵无主帅，民心思安。我军无论是抚是战，全境均可指日而定。今夜既然已有先锋营200人入聊城，肯定会搅得他人心惶乱。then let's go!先入聊城，安定民心再说。想到这里，李建成大手一挥：“陈震听令：孤令你率5000兵马与先锋营即刻入聊城安民。副将周健听令，孤令你率万人连夜直趋齐州。不得有误！”
陈震、周健连忙领命，翻身上马。
聊城内，吴战趁着夜色，带几十个先锋营精兵点燃了夏军的几处空营房。邓起凡带先锋营连夜来到城聊城下，只见城内烟火冲天。陈震5000兵马已兵临城下。聊城四周，一片通明的火把。夜间的火把，将唐军的阵势喧染得非常壮观。城上几个夏军的守兵慌乱的神色。
邓起凡大声发令：“先锋营，一起呼喊——归顺大唐，降者免死！”
城外的唐军呼声如雷：“归顺大唐，降者免死！”
听得城外呼声如雷，吴战带着夏军残部扯起归顺大唐的旗帜，涌出营房。几个夏军将领被五花大绑。聊城东门率先打开。与此同时，聊城南门，也在吴战和归顺的夏军兵勇合力下，缓缓打开。
聊城门大开，唐军原地威立不动。夜风呼呼地吹着手中的火把，陈震立于马背之上，发布命令：“各牙将率一千人接收聊城四门防务，负责所属城区的治安维持。不得扰民抢掠。违者斩！进城！——”
四位牙将听令，分头奔向东南西北方位的四座城门。随军参事建议陈震立即入府衙发布安民告示。而陈震原地勒马不动，道：“我要在这里等人。你入府衙，速发布安民告示，以定民心。”
参军奇怪地问陈震要等谁？陈震笑：“奉太子殿下之命，等夏军俘虏。”
正说话间，邓起凡策马前来。身后，吴战押了几个被五花大绑的夏军将领。邓起凡请示如何处置所俘夏军将领？陈震拔出大刀，挑断了几个夏军将领身上的绑索。道：“归顺大唐，安居乐业，你们回家过日子去吧。”
几个夏军将领也面色惊讶！一夏军将领跪地叩头，并说：“齐州还有我们的兄弟，请允许我们去劝他们归顺大唐吧。好好回家去过安身日子吧。”
陈震欣喜：“好！那就给个立功的机会你们吧。邓统领，你率先锋营，与他们同去齐州。”
邓起凡立即听令，转身带兵下。suddenly.陈震催马追上来，交给一封书信。小声道：“太子殿下早已料事如神，特留书一封。”
邓起凡接过，就着火把的光亮，看太子手书：“邓统领，自左道插入齐州。天明相机入城，以定全城军民之心。”
邓起凡眉头一皱，奇怪：“陈将军，周副将率万余大军不是从南山道而去的吗？殿下为啥令我却向左道直入齐州呢？”
陈震不明就里，只好道：“且听殿下之计，速行为是！何必疑惑？！”
邓起凡不敢稍怠，立即传令先锋营出发。马蹄声声，夜风阵阵。一彪军马疾行，原来是太子李建成率三千精兵连夜行军。李建成料定周健率大队人马从南山道而进，人多路远，行军肯定慢。李建成则自己率偏师劲旅，行小道疾进，直入齐州。行不多时，就听身后传来急保的马蹄声。随军参事惊疑，李建成却淡然一笑，道：“孤料定是邓统领兵到，可传令邓统领的先锋营径直超前而去。即派人送信，速令北线的徐世勣、南线的谢叔方务必于三日内运送粮草各十万石但到齐州。”
参事遵令，即刻马蹄翻飞而去。夜风正劲。
上午已时。浩浩荡荡的万名唐军，已兵临城下了。周健在马背上，打了一个长长的呵欠。
探马瞪大了眼睛前来报告：“报！周副将，齐州城门大开，情形十分奇怪！似乎无夏军防守。”
“不对呀！齐州不是还有5000夏军残部守城吗？怎么会城门面大开？！再探再报。”周健莫名其妙。探马调转马头正要下，忽然有一飞骑到。周健定睛一看，惊讶：这不是邓起凡？ !他怎么先行到此？ !
邓起凡在马背上拱手笑道：“呵呵……昨夜属下与太子殿下，一夜急进齐州。现在，齐州已归我唐军所有啦！周副将，快快进城吧。”
“啊？！你们如何轻得齐州？！”周健大为惊讶。
邓起凡敬佩地道：“全仗太子殿下神机妙算。在聊城归顺的夏军俘虏中，有几个将领是齐州的旧属。殿下令属下率先锋营和这些个归顺的夏军将领，连夜急进齐州……”
“哦！太子殿下真神人也！”周健感叹着，策马入城。
原来，这一切都在李建成的筹划之中——
当清凉的晨光照在齐城上之时。夏军守将搓搓眼睛醒来，忽然发现一群流民涌了过来。吴战带着十几个流民扯起归顺大唐的旗子，高呼：“归顺大唐，安居乐业。”引来很多围观的人群。夏军守兵连忙上前拦住：“哎！——你们是做什么的？不准进城，不准进城。”
吴战毫不理会，继续举着大旗，带着流民呼喊着向前走。守军持枪抡刀相向，大吼再闹，爷就砍人了喽！吴战大声地说道：“你们往后看看！……砍人啊！我看你们还有几个胆？！”
守军回头，愣眼了！他们清楚地看到了窦建威、周大浩、陆小昆等几个知名的夏军将领，径直走了过来。窦建威沉着，不失威严地讲：“兄弟们，还认得我们吗？”
守军连连点头。陆小昆扔过一些文书要他们先看看这些文书、告示。夏军兵勇捡起看了看。
喃喃道：“夏王赦免死罪……收养孤儿……开垦荒地，种粮富民……哟，还有副帅窦建威的特使文书……”
周大浩直接了当地说：“现在，这里是大唐的天下，你们归顺大唐朝庭，安居乐业。你们快回家吧，多开垦荒地，种粮养家活口去吧。”
real? !守军一时愣住了。窦建威一挥手：“好了，这里没有你们的事情了，你们回家过日子去吧。”
守军如梦方醒，夏军兵勇一散而尽。
邓起凡率先锋营连夜抄小道直插齐州，清晨即到城下接守四城门防务。李建成入坐齐州府。周健随后跟进。李建成令周副将兵分二路，把徐世勣运到城北的粮食，分一半给聊城。同时把城南谢叔方运的粮食，全部运进城里来。分派兵士在四座城门前设点赈粮，不要再饿死人。
负责运粮到此的徐世勣、魏征前来叩见太子。李建成微笑着道：“远道运粮至此，有劳各位了！”随后，李建成笑，话锋一转，进入正题：“近来，安抚情况如何？”
徐世勣连忙汇报：“我们安抚行动才进行了三天，就已得到十七城，九个州府的归顺，末将以为，这不是偶然的。虽然我们也有些小的军事冲突，但，那都是不成规模的小军事抵抗。不足为虑。”
魏征信心十足地说：“这完全说明，大多数的民众是想安定的。夏军的残部军人也是想安定过日子的。也就是说，十天内完成收抚河北、山东已不成问题了。”说话间，魏征忽然皱起了眉头，苦着脸说：“河北、山东战乱已久，民不聊生，要想长治久安，必要使民有粮食得以生活与生存。而粮食目前是最大的问题。”
沉静的李建成放下手中的书卷，道：“孤近日思之，已有一个成熟的思路了。以借代赈，秋后