Chapter 13 8. Split End

In this century, the fate of the Chinese people is even more miserable than in the last (ninth) century.From the Anlushan Mutiny in the middle of the eighth century to the end of the ninth century, it lasted for 145 years; I have always believed that whether it is extremely certain or not, the crisis is the turning point, and the disaster will always pass. Unexpectedly, since the 1960s, China has fallen into a dark age until the 10th century. At the beginning of the tenth century, the long-ill Tang Dynasty finally perished.China was divided by separatist regimes, we call it the "Era of Minor Separation", which is the symmetry of the "Era of Great Separation".Second, the split period was shorter, only seventy-three years.In the era of the small division, five short-lived empires were established in the Central Plains, and eleven short-lived empires, short-lived kingdoms, or short-lived political entities were established in other lands, so it is also called the "Era of Five Dynasties and Eleven Kingdoms".Everywhere you look, nothing but war is still war; nothing but hunger is still hunger; nothing but killing is still killing.Emperors, generals and ministers are nothing but a group of wild beasts.

It was not until the Song Dynasty unified China in the 1970s that the people took a breather, but the territory was two-thirds smaller than that of the Han and Tang Dynasties. After the catastrophe, China will no longer be as glorious as before. 1. In spring, on the 10th day of the first lunar month, Guo Rong (Chai Rong, 35 years old), the emperor of the Later Zhou Empire (the capital of Kaifeng), discovered that water transport has been prohibited from collecting additional fees since the Later Jin and Later Han. "Depletion of grain", so that some officials in charge of water transportation were executed because many of the debts could not be made up.So it was ordered that starting from this year, one bucket of "grain donation and consumption" will be levied for each dendrobium.

Li Yiyin (Li Yixing), the commander (Jiedushi) of the Dingnan theater (headquartered in Xiazhou), also became the commander of the theater because of Zhe Dejian (Zhe Dejian was appointed as the commander of Yong'an, refer to May 1954), followed by My own status is equal, and I feel ashamed (the Li family has inherited Xiazhou since Li Sigong, refer to April 881, it has been 75 years, they are border bullies, and the Zhe family has just emerged ), so the road was cut off and the central envoys were not allowed to pass. On the 13th day of the first lunar month, Guo Rong (Chai Rong) discussed the matter with the prime ministers. The prime ministers agreed that: Xiazhou (Beibaichengzi, Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province) is an important border defense town, and the Li family has inherited the position of commander of the war zone for generations. The central government has always treated them preferentially and tolerantly.Fuzhou (Fugu County, Shaanxi Province) is remote and small, and whether it gets it or loses it has no effect on the overall situation.Therefore, it is suggested that you might as well appease Li Yiyin (Li Yixing) first, and hope that he will take care of the general situation.Guo Rong said: "For so many years, Zhe Dejian has devoted himself to fighting against the Liu family of the Later Han (the capital Taiyuan Prefecture). Why did he abandon him because of occasional difficulties? Moreover, Xiazhou only produces sheep and horses, and other items necessary for people's livelihood. , all rely on the supply from the Central Plains, if they cut off the relationship, what can they do!" So he sent the court attendant (official officer) Qi Zangzhen, carrying the imperial edict, to blame Li Yiyin.Li Yiyin apologized in fear.

2. On the 18th day of the first lunar month, the Houshu Empire (the capital of Chengdu) set up a mighty war zone in Fengzhou (Feng County, Shaanxi Province). On the 21st day of the first lunar month, the government of the Later Zhou Dynasty ordered the Royal Literary Attendant (Hanlin Bachelor), the Legislative Yuan (Zhongshu Province) and the Supervisory Yuan (Menxia Province) officials to recommend candidates for the county magistrate (order) and general affairs officer (record).When a new official is appointed, the name of the recommender must be indicated. If the recommender is corrupt and violates the law, the recommender will also be punished.

3. The Liao Empire (the capital of Linhuang Mansion) has repeatedly attacked the area north of the Yellow River since the Later Jin and Later Han. The lightly equipped cavalry rushed southward, as if entering the land of no one. , is equal to self-demolition of the gate, and robbers can break into the living room and bedroom at any time), the farmers in the Central Plains living on a plain are constantly being slaughtered and robbed, and the land is miserable.Someone pointed out: between Shenzhou (Shenzhou City, Hebei Province) and Hebei (Jizhou City, Hebei Province), there is the Hulu River (Fuyang River), which runs for hundreds of miles from east to west. If it is dug deep, it can restrict the Liao army from going south.This month (the first month), Guo Rong, Emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty (the second Sejong), ordered Wang Yanchao, the commander of Zhongwu (headquarters in Xuzhou), and Han Tong, the commander of Zhangxin (headquarters in Caozhou), to lead soldiers and civilians to excavate. Southeast of Shenzhou City) built a city and sent troops to garrison it.Guo Rong summoned Zhang Zangying, governor of Dezhou (Ling County, Shandong Province), and asked him about border defense issues. Zhang Zangying stated the geographical situation in detail, pointed out the key points of mountains and rivers, and suggested setting up standing troops separately, recruiting brave young people from the frontier people, and giving them generous treatment, and volunteered to be their commander-in-chief, ready to dispatch at any time.Guo Rong approved all of them, and Zhang Zangying was appointed as the chief commander of the border inspection and appeasement (the commander of the border inspection and recruitment department).Zhang Zangying took office for a few months, recruiting troops and gathering more than 1,000 people.Wang Yanchao and others once came out to inspect the progress of the city building project and were surrounded by the Liao army who suddenly appeared.Zhang Zangying led the newly established new army, galloped to rescue, and defeated the Liao army.Since then, the Liao army did not dare to cross the Hulu River, and the people in the south of the Hulu River were rested (the people in the vast land north of the Hulu River, until the border Waqiaoguan, are still exposed to the fear of imminent disaster at any time. They have no protection).

4. On February 1st, a solar eclipse. 5. Meng Renyi, King Kui (King Gongxiao) of the Later Shu Empire passed away (Meng Renyi is the younger brother of the Later Shu Emperor Meng Chang). 6. On February 23, Guo Rong, Emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty (Second Sejong), issued an edict ordering all civil and military officials to unreservedly point out political shortcomings or mistakes. I understand, but I can't fully understand your appearance. If you don't listen to your words but observe your behavior, if you don't look at your opinions but observe your loyalty, how can you find out the size of your body, the depth of your intelligence, and whether your position is appropriate? If I can’t adopt your suggestions, it’s my fault, if you ask for your suggestions but you don’t, whose fault is it?”

7. Li Jing (Xu Jingtong, 40 years old), the emperor of the Southern Tang Empire (the capital of Jinling Mansion) (the second emperor of the Yuan Dynasty), ordered Yan Xu, the deputy legislator (Zhongshu Shilang) and Yan Xu, who was in charge of the State Council (Zhishangshu Province), to be the deputy supervisor (Menxia Shilang), second-level real prime minister (Tongping Zhangshi). 8. On March 2, Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty set up the Jing'an Army in Liyankou (southeast of Shenzhou City, Hebei Province). Guo Rong often resents that since Huang Chao captured Chang'an in the 1880s, China has been disintegrated and torn apart in the past 80 years.After the victory in the battle of Gaoping (Gaoping County, Shanxi Province), Guo Rong suddenly gave birth to the ambition to unify China by force.Coincidentally, people from Qinzhou (northwest of Qin'an County, Gansu Province), which belonged to Houshu, came to Daliang (the city where Kaifeng Prefecture, the capital of Later Zhou Dynasty, Kaifeng City, Henan Province) presented a plan to restore the old territory, and Guo Rong accepted it.

9. Later Shu Emperor (second term) Meng Chang (Meng Renzan, 37 years old this year) heard that Hou Zhou was trying to recover the lost land (Later Jin fell, Jie, Cheng and Qin prefectures surrendered to Hou Shu, refer to 947 On the 9th day of the first lunar month; Fengzhou then surrendered, refer to April 20th, 1947), Zhao Jizha, the Royal Protocol Director (Envoy of Hakka Province), was sent to inspect the border defense.Zhao Jizha thought he was versatile in both civil and military affairs. After returning to Beijing (the capital city of Chengdu), he reported: "Han Jixun, commander of Xiongwu (headquarters in Qinzhou), and Wang Wandi, governor of Fengzhou, are not generals and cannot withstand powerful enemies." Meng Chang asked: "So, who can be the commander-in-chief?" Zhao Jizha recommended himself.

On March 27, Meng Chang ordered Zhao Jizha to be the chief officer (supervisor) of Xiongwu (headquarters in Qinzhou), and sent 1,000 elite central imperial troops to serve as his guard. 10. Later Zhou Emperor Guo Rong decided to expand the city because of the small size of Daliang City, where Kaifeng Mansion is located. In summer, on April 17, Guo Rong issued an edict ordering the outer city of Daliang to be expanded and moved outward, and first to insert boundary markers in the predetermined area.Prepare to start construction during the winter of this year when the farmers are free. Wait until the spring of next year (956) when farming will start, temporarily suspend work, and wait until winter to continue construction and gradually complete it.And it was ordered: From now on, folk cemeteries should be seven miles away from the boundary mark, and within the boundary mark, the county government will plan streets, warehouses, military camps, and land used by government agencies.The extra open space is for the people to build houses at will.

11. On April 18, Emperor Meng Chang of Later Shu ordered Wang Zhaoyuan, who was in charge of the Imperial General Staff Headquarters (Knowledge of the Privy Council), to inspect the cities on the northern border and review the border guards. 12. Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty said to the prime ministers: "I often think about how to govern the empire well, but I can't get the essentials. Even when I sleep and eat, I can't forget it. Since the Later Tang and Later Jin, Soochow (Southern Wu and Southern Tang), Bashu (former Shu and later Shu), Youzhou (Liao Kingdom), Bingzhou (Later Han) and other regions were isolated from the Central Plains and could not be unified. I hope that central officials will write "Being an Emperor is Difficult, and Being a Servant is Not Easy "On", and "Strategy of Expansion of Territory", one each, for my reference."

Wang Pu, director of the Audit Department of the Ministry of Justice of the State Council (Bibu doctor) presented a paper and said: "The reason why China fell apart and lost Soochow (Southern Wu and Southern Tang Dynasty), Bashu, Youzhou, and Bingzhou successively was caused by the collapse of government power and social order. Today, the real reasons for the failure must be explored in order to establish a track for reform. At the beginning, it was nothing more than the fatuous king, the evil subjects, the proud and violent army, the poor and poor people, the treacherous party was rampant inside, and the warriors were arrogant and crazy outside. All kinds of phenomena were small at the beginning, and gradually expanded later; they were appeased at first The cover-up, which gradually came to the fore, was out of control. If you want to reform, the most effective way is to do the opposite. "Promoting the capable and repelling the incompetent is the way to recruit talents. To show kindness and kindness to each other is the way to unite the hearts of the people. To reward the meritorious and punish the guilty is to make people responsible and loyal. Method. Abstinence from extravagance and strict economy are the ways to increase the country’s wealth. Collecting labor and labor according to the time of farming, and reducing land taxes and taxes according to the actual harvest are the ways to hide wealth among the people. When talents have gathered, politics has been on track, and wealth has been enriched, If the people have confidence in the government and use it properly, any great feat can be accomplished. "At this time, when the enemy discovers that we are bound to attack them, those who know their inside information will definitely be willing to be our spies; those who are familiar with their mountains and rivers and geography will definitely be our guides. Anyone who takes the initiative to seize must first seize what is easy to seize. The Southern Tang Dynasty is adjacent to our territory, and the border is almost 2,000 miles away. We attack the west, they guard the west, we attack the east, they will run east and west, and rescue everywhere. From the situation of their army deployment, we can find out their strength and weakness, and then avoid their main force and attack him for defense Weak places; avoid strong strongholds and attack weak points. It is not necessary to send out a mighty army to conquer, but only to harass by brisk troops to achieve the goal. Southerners are timid and cowardly by nature. We must mobilize the maximum force to help, and the army is dispatched again and again. It is inevitable that the people will be trapped in poverty and their financial resources will eventually be exhausted. If the other party does not deploy the maximum force, we will take advantage of their emptiness and seize it in one fell swoop. In this way, the states north of the Yangtze River, It belongs to us. If we seize the north of the Yangtze River, we will use their manpower and let us command it. The south of the Yangtze River is also easy to get. "After getting Jiangnan (Southern Tang), for Lingnan (Southern Han) and Bashu (Later Shu), just pass a military order to pacify them. After the unification of the South, the land of sixteen prefectures in Yanyun (refer to the tenth year of 936) January), will wait for the wind to return. If not, the Southern Expedition Army will be transferred to the Northern Expedition, just like a straw mat, which can be flattened in one roll. Only Hedong (Later Han) is an enemy who swore to be incompatible, and the kindness Integrity is useless, there is only one way to fight, and we should use a strong force to destroy them. However, since their defeat in the Battle of Gaoping (refer to March 1954), their strength has been exhausted and their morale has been depressed. They may not become our border troubles , so it might as well be the last target for annexation, wait until the world is peaceful, and then seize the opportunity to capture it with one attack. "Now, the soldiers are strong and the horses are strong, the weapons and armor are well-equipped, the military orders are like a mountain, and the generals are dedicated. After next year (956), they can be dispatched at any time. In the summer and autumn of this year, we should save food and enrich the frontier defense." Guo Rong happily accepted Wang Pu's suggestion. At that time, most of the civil and military officials were living in peace, and their opinions were rarely worthwhile.Only Wang Pu was full of energy, aggressive, deep and decisive in his strategy, and his planning and design were all in line with Guo Rong's wishes. Guo Rong respected his equipment.Soon, he was promoted to be a senior advisor of the Supervisory Council (Zuo Jianyi doctor), in charge of the special municipal government of Kaifeng, the capital (knowing Kaifeng government affairs). Guo Rong planned to take back Qin (Northwest of Qin'an County, Gansu Province) and Feng (Feng County, Shaanxi Province) two prefectures, looking for the commander-in-chief of the Western Expeditionary Army. Chenzhou) Commander Xiang Xun.Guo Rong ordered Xiangxun to set off together with Wang Jing, Commander of Fengxiang (Fengxiang Mansion, headquarters), and Zan Jurun (zan, sound zan), a native of Gaotang (Gaotang County, Shandong Province), Royal Protocol Director (Hakka Provincial Envoy). On May 1st, Wang Jing dispatched troops to direct at Qinzhou from Sanguan (southwest of Baoji City, Shaanxi Province). Guo Rong issued an edict, ordering temples and temples all over the country to be demolished unless there are plaques specially approved by the emperor.It is forbidden to shave monks and nuns without permission. Anyone who wants to become a monk must obtain the consent of grandparents, parents, uncles, and uncles.Only two capitals (Kaifeng Prefecture, Tokyo, and Henan Prefecture, Xijing), Daming Prefecture (Daming County, Hebei Province), Jingzhao Prefecture (Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province), and Qingzhou (Qingzhou City, Shandong Province) can set up shaving altars.It is forbidden for monks to sacrifice their lives (Xiao Yan, the first emperor of the Southern Liang Dynasty, sacrificed his life in Tongtai Temple, refer to March 527), cut off his limbs, refine his fingers (burn incense sticks on his fingers), hang lamps (the monks are naked, and they are covered with iron hooks). Hook the muscles of the whole body, hang a small lamp on each hook, fill it with grease, and light it with fire, commonly known as "burning the body lamp"), with clamps (feet and handcuffs) and other behaviors that are enough to confuse foolish men and women.Order the two capitals and the prefectures to compile a list of monks every year, and those who die or return to secular life will be canceled at any time.This year, there are 2,694 monasteries and temples across the country, and 30,336 have been demolished. There are 42,444 monks and 18,000 nuns. One thousand seven hundred and fifty-six people. Wang Jing, the commander-in-chief of the Western Expeditionary Army in the Later Zhou Dynasty, conquered eight camps including Huangniu (Huangniupu Town, Northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province) in a row. 13. On May 11th, Meng Chang, Emperor of Later Shu, ordered Li Tinggui, the commander-in-chief of Pinsheng Control Crane (commander of Pinsheng Control Crane City), and commander of Baoning (headquarters in Langzhou), to be the commander-in-chief of the Northern Army ( Commander of the battalion in the north); Gao Yanchou, the commander-in-chief of the Zuowei Holy Infantry (commander of the Zuowei Holy Infantry), was appointed as the commander (recruitment envoy) of the conquest and suppression, and the commander of Wuning (headquarters in Xuzhou) (empty title. This is At that time, Xuzhou belonged to Houzhou) Wu Yanke was Gao Yanchou's deputy, and Zhao Chongtao, the chief of the royal protocol (the envoy of Hakka Province), was appointed as the chief counselor (dujian). Zhao Jizha went north from the capital (Chengdu Prefecture) to Deyang (Deyang City, Sichuan Province). Hearing that the Western Zhou army had entered the border, he was terrified and did not dare to advance. Chengdu Mansion) face-to-face state affairs; on the one hand, send his family wealth, his concubine and maids back first. On May 20, Zhao Jizha rushed into Chengdu alone. The officials and people believed that the front line had failed, and the whole city was shocked.Meng Chang asked him about the military situation, but Zhao Jizha couldn't answer at all. Meng Chang was furious and imprisoned him in the General Procuratorate (Yushitai). On May 27, Zhao Jizha was tied up outside Chongli Gate and beheaded. 14. On June 3, Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty personally interrogated the prisoners in the imperial garden of the palace.The father and younger brother of Ren Mayu in Ruzhou (Ruzhou City, Henan Province) were both framed to death by the magistrates. They appealed repeatedly and were unable to redress their grievances. It was not until Guo Rong interrogated himself that the truth was discovered. People believed that Guo Rong was as wise as a god.Since then, there has been no head of local government who has not personally tried the case. 15. On June 5th, the Western Expeditionary Army of the Later Zhou Dynasty and Li Tinggui, the commander of the Northern Expeditionary Army of the Later Zhou Dynasty, fought in the east of Weiwu (northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province). Hu Li, the governor of the city and county, was captured alive by the Hou Shu army. On June 10, Emperor Meng Chang of Later Shu sent envoys to Later Han and Southern Tang from Xiaolu, planning to send troops from the three kingdoms at the same time to sanction Hou Zhou.Later Han Emperor (fourth Ruizong) Liu Chengjun (30 years old this year) and Southern Tang Emperor (second Yuanzong) Li Jing (Xu Jingtong), all agreed. On June 12, Later Zhou ordered Han Tong, the commander of Zhangxin (headquarters in Caozhou), to be the chief picket officer of the infantry and cavalry of the Southwest Front Army (Du Yuhou of the Horse and Infantry Army of the Southwest Camp). 17. On June 21, Liu Hongxi (Liu Sheng, 36 years old), the emperor of the Southern Han Empire (the capital of Xingwangfu) (the third Zhongzong), executed Liu Tong, the commander of Zhenzhou (Huizhou City, Guangdong Province) Hongzheng; so all the sons of the first emperor (Gaozu) Liu Yan (Liu Yan) died (only Liu Hongxi was left). 18. On June 25th, Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty ordered Zhang Mei, the president of the Imperial Academy of Literature (Hanlin Chengzhi), from Qinghe (Qinghe County, Hebei Province) to be the general of the right leader (the Eighth Army of the Guards). Presided over the Administration of the Central Finance Department of the Three Units of Management (Third Secretary of Power Inspection).At first, when Guo Rong was guarding Chanzhou (Puyang City, Henan Province), Zhang Mei was in charge of the property that the Guizhou treasury should pay to the Central Finance Office. Guo Rong sometimes begged him in private, and Zhang Mei always tried his best to supply.When the first emperor (Taizu) Guo Wei heard it, he was very angry, but he was afraid that he would hurt Guo Rong too much, so he only demoted Zhang Mei as the chief inspector of the infantry and cavalry in Puzhou (belonging to the Zhenning theater).Zhang Mei handled finances with precision and agility. At that time, few people could catch up, so Guo Rong handed over the financial power to him.Conquests from south to north, and military supplies are never lacking, all of which are Zhang Mei's contributions.However, when thinking about his actions in Chanzhou, I don't think he is selfless, just and loyal. In autumn, on July 1st, Guo Rong ordered Wang Jing and the commander of the Southwest Front Army's general expedition and suppression (and the recruiting envoy of the Southwest Battalion), and ordered Xiangxun and the general counselor of the soldiers and horses (the commander of the soldiers and horses).The prime ministers believed that Wang Jing and others had been in the army for a long time, there was no progress, and food transportation was difficult to supply, so they repeatedly suggested a truce.Guo Rong sent Zhao Kuangyin to inspect. After returning, Zhao Kuangyin emphasized that Qin, Feng and other states could definitely be captured, and Guo Rong agreed. On August 11, Jing Fan, deputy legislator (Zhongshu Shilang) and second-level real prime minister (Tongping Zhangshi), was dismissed from his position in charge of the three central financial units' management director's office (three divisions). Father died, and resigned from all official positions. Wang Jing, the commander-in-chief of the Western Expeditionary Army, defeated the Houshu border guards and captured 300 officers and soldiers. 19. On August 23, Emperor Mengchang of Later Shu sent a memorial administrator (General Envoy), in charge of the Imperial Staff Headquarters (Know the Privy Council), and Commander Yi Shenzheng of Wutai (Headquarters in Qianzhou) to the front line to give condolences Officers and soldiers, on the one hand, strictly supervised the battle. 20. Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty believed that the government had not minted money for a long time, and the folks melted the money to make utensils for daily use or cast it into Buddha statues, and the amount of money decreased. On September 1, Guo Rong ordered the establishment of a mint to mine copper mines and cast coins.It is stipulated that unless it is government legal items and bronze wares on military weapons, as well as temple bells, chimes, cymbals, gongs, etc., which should continue to be preserved, all other folk bronze wares and Buddha statues should be destroyed within 50 days. Pay the government, and the government pays the price.Those who still fail to hand over within 50 days will be sentenced to death if the weight is more than five catties, and those who are less than five catties will be convicted according to the amount.Guo Rong said to the attendant officials on the left and right: "You don't have to worry about me for destroying the Buddha statues. The Buddha persuades people to go up and influence all living beings. As long as you do good with your heart, you are worshiping the Buddha. Are those bronze statues really Buddha? And I have heard that , The purpose of the Buddha is only to benefit others, even the eyes and head can be donated. If giving my body can save people, I will not cherish my body." Sima Guang said: Like Guo Rong, it can be called benevolent, not loving his body but loving the people.Like Guo Rong, he can be called wise, not letting useless things interfere with useful things. 21. Li Tinggui, commander of the Houshu Northern Expedition Army, sent Li Jin, the commander-in-chief of the vanguard (commander of the vanguard capital), to station in Malingzhai (west of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province), and sent assault troops to pass through Xiegu (Taibai County, Shaanxi Province) , Stationed in Baijian (northeast of Fengxian County, Shaanxi Province); and sent troops from Tangcang Town and Huanghua Valley in the north of Fengzhou to cut off the grain transportation route of the Western Expeditionary Army in the Later Zhou Dynasty. In the ninth month of leap, Wang Jing, the commander-in-chief of the Western Expedition of the Later Zhou Dynasty, sent Zhang Jianxiong, a junior general, with 2,000 troops to Huanghua Valley (north of Feng County, Shaanxi Province), and another 1,000 people to Tangcang (Huanghua Valley northeast of Feng County, Shaanxi Province). South), controlling the retreat of the Shu army.Wang Luan, the administrator of the dyeing workshop (envoy of the dyeing house) of the Houshu court, led his army from Tangcang, and fought with Zhang Jianxiong's army in the Huanghua Valley of the Later Zhou Dynasty. The Houshu army failed and fled to Tangcang. Defeated, Wang Luan and his 3,000 soldiers were all captured; the Houshu army in Malingzhai and Baijian Town all collapsed;Han Jixun, the commander and supreme supervisor (and minister and envoy) of Houshu Xiongwu (Qinzhou headquarters), gave up Qinzhou and ran back to Chengdu (Chengdu City, Sichuan Province); City, weeks after surrender.And the Houshu reinforcements who came out of Xiegu also collapsed, and Cheng and Jie prefectures surrendered to Houzhou respectively.The people of Hou Shu were terrified.Zhao Yu was born in Chanzhou (Puyang City, Henan Province).Guo Rong planned to appoint him as the commander of the war zone, but Prime Minister Fan Zhi strongly opposed it, so he was appointed governor of Yingzhou (Zhongxiang City, Hubei Province). 22. On the 17th day of the ninth lunar month, all civil and military officials of the Later Zhou Dynasty entered the palace to congratulate the victory of the Western Expeditionary Army. The Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty raised his wine glass to pay tribute to Wang Pu and said: "The frontier is defeated, and the four states have returned to the territory (in fact, at this time Later Zhou's army only won Qin, Cheng, and Tier states; Fengzhou has not yet been conquered), it is your credit for recommending the commander!" On September 29th, Guo Rong had a meal with senior officials in the Long Live Hall, and said with emotion: "The temperature has dropped sharply in the past two days, and it is very cold, but I eat delicacies from mountains and seas in the palace. Sit here and enjoy the grace of God. I can't go to farm to eat, only to take care of the people by taking care of arrows and flying stones, so that I can barely calm my heart." In winter, on October 1st, Li Tinggui, the commander-in-chief of the defeated Houshu army, went to Shushu to ask for punishment. On October 8, Yi Shenzheng arrived in the capital Chengdu and also requested punishment.Later Shu Emperor Meng Chang forgave and no longer pursued. Meng Chang wrote to Guo Rong, Emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty, asking for reconciliation, calling himself "Emperor of Great Shu".Guo Rong was very unhappy with his self-promotion, so he didn't answer.Meng Chang became more and more frightened, so he recruited troops to hoard military rations at Jianmen (North Jianmen Pass, Jiange County, Sichuan Province) and Baidi (East of Fengjie County, Chongqing City) to prepare for guards.However, if more soldiers are recruited, the treasury will not be enough to spend.Only then did iron coins start to be minted and ironware was collected from the people, and the people suffered unspeakably. 24. Li Jing (Xu Jingtong), Emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty (the second Yuanzong), was gentle and docile, loved literature, and liked being flattered by others, so a large number of flatterers entered the government, and the political atmosphere became more and more corrupt day by day.Then he conquered Jianzhou (Min State. Refer to August 945) and defeated Hunan (Southern Chu. Refer to October 1952). He became more and more proud and had the ambition to annex the world and sweep the world.Therefore, every time there was a turmoil in the Central Plains, such as the rebellion of Li Shouzhen (refer to March 1948) and Murong Yanchao (refer to the first month of 1952), Li Jing would send troops to support him.They also sent envoys from the East China Sea to the Liao Kingdom and the Later Han Dynasty, and agreed to attack the Central Plains from north to south.At this time, the Central Plains continued to change dynasties, and there was no time to care about the Southern Tang. Previously, every winter was a dry season, when the water level of the Huaihe River was low and shallow, and residents on both sides could walk across the water.The government of the Southern Tang Dynasty often sent troops to guard the coast, which was called "Baqian" (from Huoqiu County, Anhui Province to Huangchuan County, Henan Province).Later, Wu Tingshao, the eunuch (supervisor) of the army in Shouzhou (Shouxian County, Anhui Province), believed that the era of confrontation among nations was over, and there would be no more battlefield wars. So they were all removed (wrong decision-making is the harbinger of decline, and the government of the next week should give Wu Tingshao a certificate of thanks).Liu Renshan, the commander of Qinghuai (headquarters in Shouzhou), opposed it with all his strength, but none of the officials in power in the central government would listen. 25. On November 1st, Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty appointed Li Gu as the field commander of the Huainan (Southern Tang territory south of the Huaihe River) vanguard task force (deployed in the former military camp of Huainan Road) and in charge of Lu (Hefei, Anhui Province) City), Shou (Shouxian County, Anhui Province) task force headquarters (and Zhilushou and other administrative affairs), ordered Zhongwu Commander Wang Yanchao to be his deputy, and led the Royal Guard Cavalry Commander (guard horse army commander) Han Lingkun, etc. Twelve generals launched an attack on Southern Tang.Han Lingkun is a native of Cizhou (Ci County, Hebei Province) Wu'an (Wu'an City, Hebei Province). 26. Bian River (flowing through the south of Kaifeng City, Henan Province) has collapsed since the end of the Tang Dynasty, and since the southeast of Yongqiao (Suzhou City, Anhui Province), it has accumulated into a huge filthy swamp.Emperor Guo Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty planned to attack the Southern Tang Dynasty. He first sent Wu Xingde, the commander of Wuning (headquarters in Xuzhou), to recruit civilian husbands, and built blockages along the old embankment. The east end reaches Sishui (a tributary of the Huai River).Everyone talked about it, thinking that it would be difficult to succeed.Guo Rong said: "After a few years, you can get benefits." On November 13th, Guo Rong discussed punishment and rewards with the left and right attendants.Guo Rong said: "I must do it: I will not punish others for being angry, nor reward others for liking." In the past, in the old city of Daliang, when residents built houses, they often encroached on the road surface, so that the streets were narrow, and few horse-drawn carriages could pass through them.Guo Rong ordered them all to be widened, the widest one being thirty paces, and the tombs in the old city were moved beyond the boundaries of the new city.Guo Rong said: "Recently, the expansion project of the capital has caused a great shock to the living people and the ghosts underground. If I hate and curse, I will bear it myself. One day, people will enjoy the results." Wang Jing, the commander-in-chief of the Western Expedition Army, surrounded Fengzhou, and Han Tong led a detachment of troops to build Guzhen (Hui County, Gansu Province) and block the reinforcements from Houshu. On November 14th, Wang Jing conquered Fengzhou and captured 5,000 officers and soldiers including Wang Huan, the commander of Houshu Weiwu (headquarters in Fengzhou), and Zhao Chongpu, the chief counselor (capital supervisor).Zhao Chongpu died of hunger strike.Wang Huan is from Zhending (Zhengding County, Hebei Province). On November 21, Guo Rong issued an order to pardon the captured soldiers of Hou Shu in the four prefectures of Qin, Feng, Jie, and Cheng. Those who are willing to stay will be rewarded with generous salaries. They hit the road.The imperial edict said: "In order to appease the hearts of the people and avoid violating human nature, the people of the four prefectures, except for the two taxes of land tax and house donation, will continue to collect all taxes and servants of the Houshu government, all of which will be cancelled." 27. When the army and civilians of the Southern Tang Dynasty heard that Zhou's army was about to go south, they were very panicked, but Liu Renshan, the commander of the Qinghuai River, did not change his expression and deployed defenses. As usual, people felt a little calmer.Emperor Li Jing of the Southern Tang Dynasty sent Shenwu (the Fifth and Sixth Armies of the Guards) to lead the army Liu Yanzhen as the field commander of the Northern Task Force (deployed in the northern battalion), leading an army of 10,000 troops to reinforce Shouyang (where the Shouzhou government is located) County); ordered Fenghua (headquarters in Jiangzhou) commander, Yao and second-level prime minister (Tongping Zhangshi · envoy) Huangfuhui to be the commander of the reinforcements (responsible envoy), and ordered Changzhou (Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province) militia commander (regiment training envoy) ) Yao Feng, as the general counselor of the support army (Ying Aid Dujian), led an army of 30,000 people and stationed in Dingyuan (Dingyuan County, Anhui Province).He also summoned Song Qiqiu, the commander of Zhennan (headquarters in Hongzhou), to return to the capital Jinling to discuss the sudden disaster together.He also ordered Yin Chongyi, the dean of the Imperial Academy of Literature (Hanlin Chengzhi), and the Minister of Finance of the State Council (Shangshu of the Ministry of Households), to be the Minister of Civil Affairs of the State Council (Shangshu of the Ministry of Officials) and in charge of the Imperial Staff Headquarters (Knowing the Privy Council). 28. Li Gu, the commander-in-chief of the Southern Expeditionary Army in the Later Zhou Dynasty, built a pontoon bridge on the Huaihe River and crossed the Huaihe River from Zhengyang (west Zhengyang·Southeast Huaihe Ferry, Yingshang County, Anhui Province) to the south. On December 10, Li Guzuo reported that Wang Yanchao defeated more than 2,000 Southern Tang troops at the city of Shouzhou (Shou County, Anhui Province). On December 15th, Li Gu reported again: Bai Yanyu, the commander-in-chief of the vanguard (commander of the vanguard capital), defeated more than 1,000 Southern Tang troops in Shankou Town (east of Shouxian County, Anhui Province). On December 22, Zheng Renhui, the commander of the Imperial General Staff Headquarters (private envoy) and supreme supervisor (and servant), Duke Han (Zhong Zhenggong), passed away.Guo Rong went to the mourning house in person to pay his respects. The attendants thought that the astronomical magician deduces that the current time is wrong. Guo Rong said: "The leader and subordinates have a great relationship, what is the time!" He went to the mourning house to cry and mourn, very sad. 29. Qian Hongchu (27 years old), the king of Wuyue Kingdom (the capital of Hangzhou) (the fifth king of Zhongyi), sent Chen Yanxi, the executive officer of the Marshal's Mansion (the judge of the Marshal's Mansion), to pay tribute to the Later Zhou Dynasty.Later Zhou Emperor Guo Rong ordered him to send troops to attack the back of Southern Tang. 1. In spring, on the 2nd day of the first lunar month, Guo Rong (Chai Rong, 36 years old), the emperor (Second Sejong) of the Later Zhou Empire (capital of Kaifeng), appointed Wang Huan as the right guard (the Sixth Army of the Guard) General, reward him for his refusal to surrender (Wang Huan is a general of Houshu, guarding Fengzhou and not surrendering, refer to November 1955). On the third day of the first lunar month, Li Gu, the commander-in-chief of the Southern Expedition Army, reported that more than a thousand people from the Southern Tang Army (the capital Jinling Mansion) were defeated in Shangyao (Shangyao Town, northeast of Huainan City, Anhui Province). On the 4th of the first lunar month, more than 100,000 farmers were recruited from Kaifeng Prefecture, Cao (Dingtao County, Shandong Province), Hua (Hua County, Henan Province), Zheng (Zhengzhou City, Henan Province) and other prefectures to build beams (the city where the capital Kaifeng Prefecture is located) outer city. On the sixth day of the first lunar month, Emperor Guo Rong (Chai Rong) of the Later Zhou Dynasty issued an imperial edict to attack the Southern Tang Dynasty.Order the director of the South Court of Palace Affairs (Xuanhui South Court envoy), the commander of Zhen'an (Headquarters Chenzhou) (Jiedu envoy) Xiang Xun, temporarily act as the left-behind chief of Tokyo (Capital Kaifeng), and order Duanming Palace Literary Attendant ( Duanmingdian Bachelor) Wang Pu served as the deputy stay-at-home chief, ordered Han Tong, the commander of Zhangxin (headquarters in Caozhou), to temporarily take charge of the Royal Guards' Pro-army Command (Quanjian Guards Division), and acted as the chief inspector inside and outside the capital (inside and outside the capital) inspection).He ordered Li Chongjin, commander-in-chief of the royal bodyguards (commander of the guards) and commander of Guide (headquarters in Songzhou), to lead the army to Zhengyang (west Zhengyang · southeast of Yingshang County, Anhui Province, on the west bank of the Huaihe River), and ordered Heyang (Headquarters in Mengzhou) Commander Bai Chongzan led 3,000 soldiers and stationed in Yingshang (Yingshang County, Anhui Province). On the eighth day of the first lunar month, Guo Rong set off from Daliang (the city where the capital Kaifeng is located). Li Gu, the commander-in-chief of the Southern Expedition Army, attacked Shouzhou (Shou County, Anhui Province), but could not conquer it for a long time.Liu Yanzhen, Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Tang Reinforcement Army, led the reinforcements and arrived at Laiyuan Town (the east bank of the Huaihe River in the southwest of Shouxian County, Anhui Province), 200 miles away from Shouzhou (the air distance between the two places is 25 kilometers). Hundreds of ships headed for Shouzhou, and were about to attack the pontoon bridge built by Hou Zhou's army.Li Gu was frightened, so he called all the generals to discuss and said: "Our army is from the north, and we don't know how to fight on water. If the enemy cuts off the pontoon bridge, the besieging army will be flanked and attacked, and everyone can't go back. It's better to guard the pontoon bridge with all your strength and wait for the emperor to drive." Guo. When Rong arrived at Yu Town (Yu Town in the southwest of Qi County, Henan Province), when he heard Li Gu's decision, he immediately sent eunuchs to stop him on stage horses.But when the eunuch arrived, the besieging army had already burned the food and fodder and returned to Zhengyang (Xizhengyang). On the 13th of the first lunar month, Guo Rong arrived in Chenzhou (Huaiyang County, Henan Province), and immediately sent Li Chongjin to lead an army to march straight to the Huaihe River. On the 17th day of the first lunar month, Li Gu reported: "The fleet of the Southern Tang Dynasty is advancing in the center of the Huaihe River. It cannot be hit by strong bows and stone cannons. If the pontoon bridge falls, the morale of the army will be shaken and they will retreat completely. Now, the enemy ships advance every day, and the Huaihe River The water level rises every day. If the emperor comes in person, if the grain road is cut off, the degree of danger is unpredictable. I suggest that your majesty stay in Chen and Ying (Fuyang City, Anhui Province) for a while. After Li Chongjin arrives, I will study with him. If you dare I am sure that the enemy ships can be defended and the pontoon bridges can be maintained. I will report it immediately. However, I think that if we are fully prepared for combat at any time, even if we retreat in spring, we will come back in winter. It's late." Seeing this, Guo Rong was very unhappy. 2. Liu Yanzhen, Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Tang Relief Army (refer to November 1955), has been rich and prosperous all his life, and has an arrogant attitude towards people. He has neither talent nor wisdom, nor does he understand military affairs. As many as hundreds of millions were used to bribe important people in power. Therefore, Prime Minister Wei Cen and others competed to praise him, thinking that his ability to govern the people was like Gong Sui (refer to December 1966), Huang Ba (refer to the previous In February 1955), the ability to command a large army was similar to that of Han Xin (refer to July 206 BC) and Peng Yue (refer to February 207 BC). Li Jing (Xu Jingtong) first appointed him as the commander-in-chief. Liu Yanzhen's subordinates, Xian Shilang and others, were all rough men with no resourcefulness but bravery.Hearing the news of Li Gu's retreat, he was overjoyed and led his army straight to Zhengyang (East Zhengyang·Zhengyang Pass, southwest of Shou County, Anhui Province).Liu Renshan, the commander of the Qinghuai (headquarters in Shouzhou), and Zhang Quanyue, the governor of Chizhou (Guichi City, Anhui Province), repeatedly persuaded him to stop. Liu Renshan emphasized: "Before your main force arrives, the enemy will start I ran away because I was afraid of your prestige, so why make a quick decision? If things don't go well, the big thing will be gone forever." Liu Yanzhen refused to accept it.After the army was drawn out, Liu Renshan said: "If he encounters the opponent, he will definitely fail!" So he increased the city's defense forces and put them on tight alert.General Li Chongjin of the Later Zhou Dynasty crossed the Huaihe River to meet him, fought in the east of Zhengyang (East Zhengyang), defeated the Southern Tang Army, beheaded Liu Yanzhen, captured Xian Shilang alive, killed more than 10,000 people, and their bodies lay on the road for 30 miles. There are more than 300,000 materials and weapons.At that time, the Jianghuai area (East China) had been in a peaceful and prosperous age for a long time, and the people were not used to war. Liu Yanzhen's defeat caused panic throughout the Southern Tang Dynasty. Zhang Quanyue led the defeated soldiers and fled to Shouzhou. The commander-in-chief of the left wing of the infantry and cavalry (the commander of the left wing of the horse).Huangfuhui and Yaofeng retreated to Qingliu Pass (northwest of Chuzhou City, Anhui Province).滁州（安徽省滁州市）州长王绍颜放弃城池，逃走。 3、正月十八日，后周帝（二任世宗）郭荣抵达永宁镇（安徽省阜阳市东南五十千米），对左右侍从说：“听说寿州已经解围，到城里逃难的农民，都各自回到各自的村庄，现在大军又到，势必再度逃到城里躲避。在长期围困下，他们只有饿死，想到这里，十分怜悯，应该先派使节前去各地向他们解释劝导，让他们安居乐业。” 正月二十日，郭荣抵达正阳（西正阳），命李重进代替李穀当淮南地区特遣兵团总征剿司令（淮南道行营都招讨使），调李穀主管寿州特遣政府（判寿州行府事）。 正月二十二日，郭荣到寿州城下，在淝水（东淝河）以北扎营，下令各路人马包围寿州，把架在正阳（西正阳跟东正阳之间）水面的浮桥，移到下蔡镇（安徽省凤台县）。 正月二十三日，征召宋（河南省商丘市）、亳（安徽省亳州市）、陈、颍、徐（江苏省徐州市）、宿（安徽省宿州市）、许（河南省许昌市）、蔡（河南省汝南县）等州民夫几十万人，猛烈攻城，日夜不停。南唐（首都金陵府）军一万余人，及水上战舰，驻扎淮河南岸，而在涂山（安徽省怀远县东南）之下扎营。 正月二十六日，郭荣命赵匡胤出动，赵匡胤率骑兵一百余人，攻击南唐援军大营，稍一接触，即行撤退，等到南唐追兵进入埋伏阵地，就在涡口（涡河注入淮河处·安徽省怀远县），大败南唐军，斩南唐总辅导官（都监）何延锡等，俘获战舰五十余艘。 4、湖南地区（南楚故土·湖南省），后周帝郭荣命武平战区（总部设朗州）司令官兼最高立法长（兼中书令·使相）王逵，当南方军团总指战官（南面行营都统），进攻南唐的鄂州（湖北省武汉市）。王逵率军东下，经过岳州（湖南省岳阳市），岳州民兵司令（团练使）潘叔嗣用最丰富的酒席招待，对王逵更是恭敬谨慎，可是王逵左右摇尾系统，有的乞求、有的勒索，纷纷向潘叔嗣榨取财宝。可是，潘叔嗣无论怎么供应，他们都不满足，这些不满足的人在王逵面前诬称潘叔嗣将要叛变，王逵愤怒，而且在脸色和谈话间，不掩饰自己的愤怒，潘叔嗣大为恐惧，心神不安。 南唐帝李璟（徐景通，本年四十一岁）听到湖南军队就要进攻的消息，命武昌战区（总部设鄂州）司令官何敬洙坚壁清野，把四郊农民，聚集到城里，准备长期抵抗。何敬洙不接受，反而派军铲除草木，开辟战场，说：“敌人来到，我跟全体军民，一块死在这里。”李璟（徐景通）对他称许。 5、二月三日，后周南征军兴筑下蔡浮桥完成，后周帝郭荣亲往观察。 二月五日，后周庐（安徽省合肥市）、寿（安徽省寿县）、光（河南省潢川县）、黄（湖北省黄州市）巡查官（巡检使）、元城（河北省大名县）人司超（司，姓），奏报说：在盛唐（安徽省六安市）击败南唐军三千余人，生擒总辅导官（都监）高弼等，俘获战舰四十余艘。 郭荣命赵匡胤急行军袭击清流关。南唐将领皇甫晖等，在山下筑阵，正跟后周先锋部队厮杀，赵匡胤率军从山后突然出现，皇甫晖等大吃一惊，立即退守滁州，打算砍断桥梁，固守城池。赵匡胤跨马冲刺，挥军蹚过河水，直到城下。皇甫晖说：“人，各人效忠各人的君王，可不可以等我们布好阵势，再行交战。”赵匡胤笑笑答应。皇甫晖整理好部队出城，赵匡胤前身趴下，一手搂住马颈，一手拿着武器，大声号叫，冲进敌阵，呼唤说：“我只杀皇甫晖一个人，其他的人都不是敌手。”一剑击中皇甫晖的脑部，皇甫晖栽倒马下，遂被生擒，同时生擒姚凤，攻克滁州。几天后，赵匡胤的老爹赵弘殷，担任骑兵副总指挥官（马军副都指挥使），率军于半夜抵达滁州城下，命人传话开门，赵匡胤说：“父子虽是至亲，可是，城门却是帝国的重要设施，不敢接受老爹的命令。” 郭荣派皇家文学侍从官（翰林学士）窦仪，整理清查滁州库藏，赵匡胤命亲信侍从索取绢绸，窦仪说：“你当初攻陷城池时，把库藏全部搬走，也没有关系。现在政府既经登记，就是国家财产，除非皇上诏书，不可以私自处理。”赵匡胤因此对窦仪十分敬重。郭荣命左金吾卫（卫军第十一军）将军马崇祚，代理滁州州长。 最初，永兴（总部京兆府）司令官刘词逝世时，遗疏推荐他的幕僚、蓟县（北京市）人赵普，很有才干，可以担当大事。正巧，克复滁州，宰相范质推荐赵普当滁州军事执行官（军事判官），赵匡胤跟他谈话，大为欣赏。当时，捕获强盗一百余人，应该立即斩首，赵普请求先经过审讯，再下判决，救活的占十分之七八。赵匡胤更觉得他是一个奇人。 赵匡胤的威名一天比一天高，每次出战，战马以及铠甲武器，都用很多彩带扎成的绣球装饰，耀眼明亮，有人说：“你这样做，是提供敌人一个明显的目标。”赵匡胤说：“我就是要敌人认识我是谁！” 6、南唐帝李璟派泗州（江苏省盱眙县淮河北岸）营门官（牙将）王知朗，携带皇家书信，前往徐州（江苏省徐州市）呈递，上写：“南唐皇帝敬上书后周皇帝，请求结束战争，恢复和平，愿以事兄长之礼侍奉大国，并贡献财货，作为军需。” 二月十一日，徐州把这封信呈报，郭荣不作回答。 二月十五日，郭荣命前武胜（总部邓州）司令官侯章等攻击寿州军港，把西北角堤防破坏，把港湾里的水引导进淝水（淮河支流东淝河）。 赵匡胤派人押解皇甫晖等，送到御营，皇甫晖伤势严重，躺在担架上晋见郭荣，说：“我并不是不愿尽忠故主，只因两国士卒的勇敢和懦弱，有明显的差别。我从前曾很多次跟辽国（首都临潢府）作战（皇甫晖是导致后唐一任帝李存勖灭亡的兴唐兵变男主角，后来，辽军入侵，投奔南唐，曾驻防瓦桥，有和辽军作战的经验），从没有见过这么强悍的战士。”接着极力称赞赵匡胤的英勇。郭荣把他释放，过了几天，逝世。 郭荣从情报上发现扬州（江都府·江苏省扬州市）没有戒备。 二月十六日，命韩令坤等率军奇袭，告诫他不可以伤害平民；对李姓皇家的坟墓，应派人会同李姓家属，一同守护。 李璟因国防军不断战败，恐怕亡国，于是采取和平攻势，派皇家文学侍从官（翰林学士）、国务院财政部副部长（户部侍郎）钟谟，国务院工程部副部长（工部侍郎）、皇家技术侍从官（文理院学士）李德明，携带称“臣”的奏章，前往后周南征军御营请求和解，并呈献皇家用具，及茶叶、药物，以及一千两重的金器和价值五千两的银器，以及绸缎二千匹、牛五百头、酒二千斛。 二月十九日，钟谟、李德明抵达寿州城下。二人以口才闻名于世，郭荣看出他们想用三寸不烂之舌，游说他撤军解围，于是在盛大军礼下接见，说：“你们的领袖自称是唐王朝李姓皇族的后裔（参考九三九年正月），跟别的国家不同，应该知道礼义。跟我们只相隔一条淮河，却从没有派过一个使节前来敦睦邦交，反而飘洋过海，跟辽国勾结，舍弃中华，侍奉蛮夷，礼在哪里？义在哪里？你们是不是想游说我撤军解围？我绝对不是战国时代六国那些愚蠢的君王，你们岂能使我回心转意？回去后告诉你们的领袖，快来见我，向我叩头道歉，保证平安无事。不然的话，我想参观一下金陵城（南唐首都·江苏省南京市），借用你们的国库，犒赏我的三军，到那时候，你们难道不会后悔！”钟谟、李德明浑身发抖，不敢言语。 7、吴越王国（首都杭州）国王（五任忠懿王）钱弘俶（本年二十八岁），派北伐军到南唐边界，等候后周帝郭荣进一步的指令。苏州（江苏省苏州市）武装部队屯垦区指挥官（营田指挥使）陈满，建议丞相吴程说：“后周大军南下，南唐全国震惊，常州没有戒备，我们可以夺取。”正巧，南唐帝李璟下诏安抚江阴（江苏省江阴市）军民，陈满告诉吴程说：“后周帝郭荣诏书已经到了。”吴程把这些话报告钱弘俶，请迅速派军出发，依照陈满的计划行事。另一位丞相元德昭说：“南唐是一个庞大帝国，不可以轻估，如果我们进入南唐国土，而后周大军不来，谁跟我们同心合力，怎么可能没有危险？不如姑且观望！”吴程认为机不可失，坚持立刻行动。钱弘俶终于采纳吴程的意见。 二月二十日，钱弘俶派衢州（浙江省衢州市）州长鲍修让、中营常备总指挥官（中直都指挥使）罗晟，直往常州。吴程对将领们说：“元丞相（元德昭）不打算出兵。”将士们大怒，传出话来说，他们准备攻击元德昭。钱弘俶把元德昭藏到王宫里面，下令逮捕散布谣言的人，叹息说：“大军刚刚出动，士卒就想攻击丞相，这不是好的兆头。” 8、二月二十二日，后周将领韩令坤率军悄悄抵达扬州（江都府·江苏省扬州市）城下。天将亮时（二月二十三日），派白延遇率骑兵数百人奔驰进城，城里居民还什么都不知道。韩令坤主力随后赶来。南唐任命的屯垦区司令（营屯使）贾崇，纵火焚烧官府民宅，放弃城池，向南逃走。东都（江都府）副留守长官、国务院工程部副部长（工部侍郎）冯延鲁，剃光头发，身穿袈裟，冒充和尚，躲藏在佛寺里，后周军士卒把他生擒。韩令坤安抚居民，使他们不受惊扰。 9、二月二十七日，湖南地区首领王逵奏报后周政府说：已攻下南唐鄂州（湖北省武汉市）长山寨（湖北省通城县南），生擒南唐将领陈泽等，押解后周政府。 10、二月二十八日，后周赵匡胤奏报说：南唐天长（安徽省天长市）军政总监（制置使）耿谦投降；俘获粮食草料二十余万。 11、南唐帝李璟派御花园管理官（园苑使）尹延范前往泰州（江苏省泰州市），把南吴一任帝（睿帝）杨溥的家属，全数护送到润州（江苏省镇江市。徐知诰把杨姓家族，由润州迁到泰州，参考九三九年五月）。尹延范因道路不太好走，又恐怕杨家暴动，于是把杨家男子六十人，全部屠杀；回京（首都金陵府）奏报。李璟大怒，腰斩尹延范。 12、后周韩令坤等，进攻南唐泰州，攻克，州长方讷逃奔金陵（江苏省南京市）。 13、南唐帝李璟派人携带蜡丸书信，向遥远的辽国求救。二月二十九日，身怀蜡丸的使节被后周静安军（李晏口·河北省深州市东南）基地司令（军使）何继筠捕获，押送御营。 14、后周命御前监督官（给事中）高防，暂代泰州州长。 二月三十日，吴越王（五任忠懿王）钱弘俶，派上军常备总指挥官（上直都指挥使）路彦铢，进攻南唐宣州（安徽省宣州市）；派罗晟率战舰停泊江阴。南唐静海绥靖区（江苏省南通市）军政总监（制置使）姚彦洪，率军民一万人，投降吴越。 湖南地区潘叔嗣集合他的部将宣告说：“我侍奉王大帅（王逵），仁至义尽，而今却听信谗言，猜忌愤怒。大军班师时，一定对我们攻击，我们不可以坐等死亡，你们能不能跟我一块西上？”大家同感愤慨，请求加入。潘叔嗣于是率领他们西进，直袭朗州。王逵得到情报，急回军追击，追到武陵（朗州州政府所在县）城下，跟潘叔嗣会战，王逵大败被杀。 有人建议潘叔嗣占领朗州，潘叔嗣说：“我只不过为了救命，怎么敢自抬身价，应该把统帅部归还周大帅（周行逢），他怎么不把武平（总部朗州）给我！”遂回岳州（湖南省岳阳市），派民兵司令部执行官（团练判官）李简，率武平文武百官前往潭州（湖南省长沙市）迎接武安（总部潭州）司令官周行逢。代表团告诉周行逢说：“必须把武安交给潘叔嗣！”周行逢说：“潘叔嗣杀害统帅，就应该灭族。唯一可宽恕的是，得到武平后不肯占为己有，而把它交给我。假如马上用他当战区司令官，天下人都会认为我跟他同谋叛逆，我用什么办法表明清白？现在暂时由他当作战参谋长（行军司马），等过了一年，再正式擢升。”乃命衡州（湖南省衡阳市）州长莫弘万暂代潭州州长，率大军进入朗州，自称武平、武安二战区候补司令官（留后），奏报后周政府，另行任命潘叔嗣当作战参谋长，潘叔嗣大怒，声称有病，拒不到差。周行逢说：“作战参谋长，我曾经干过，权力跟战区司令官相等，潘叔嗣仍不满意，难道还要杀我！”有人建议说：“不妨公开任命潘叔嗣当武安司令官，准备符节及斧钺（代表权威的装饰性武器），引诱他上钩，命他到统帅部举行就职典礼，不过是砧板上的一块肉罢了。”周行逢接受。潘叔嗣将要动身，他的亲友都劝他不要前去，潘叔嗣仗恃一向把周行逢当做兄长一样侍奉，二人感情又十分亲昵（参考九五二年九月），遂启程上路，一点也不起疑。周行逢不断派出使节迎接问候，沿途不断。潘叔嗣既到朗州，周行逢又亲自到郊外迎接，二人相见，叙述旧日友情，十分欢欣。等到潘叔嗣正式到统帅部晋见，还没有走到大厅，周行逢派人把他生擒，站在大庭前面，斥责他说：“你不过一个低级军官，从没有立过大功，王逵用你当民兵司令（团练使），一旦叛变，竟谋杀统帅。我因念及从前的友情，不忍心杀你，用你当作战参谋长（行军司马），你怎么敢违背我的命令，竟不接受？”潘叔嗣知道事情已无可挽回，请周行逢看顾自己的家属，遂被斩首。 17、三月一日，后周帝郭荣视察舰队，抵达淝水（东淝河）桥，亲自拿一块石头，拿到指挥部，供应攻城巨炮使用，随从官员跟着每一个人也拿一块石头过桥。赵匡胤乘牛皮小艇，深入寿春（寿州州政府所在县）护城河，城上南唐军用连发强弓（功能像是二十世纪的机关枪）射击，箭竿粗长，犹如房上椽柱，营门官（牙将）馆陶（河北省馆陶县）人张琼用自己身体保护赵匡胤，一枝射中张琼的大腿，痛昏过去，再悠悠苏醒，箭头深入骨髓，无法拔出，张琼吞下一大杯酒，命人敲碎骨头拔出，鲜血流好几升，而张琼神色跟平常一样。 18、南唐帝李璟命国务院右最高执行长（右仆射）孙晟，出任司空（三公之三），再派他跟国务院教育部长（礼部尚书）王崇质携带奏章，前往后周乞和，奏章上说：“自本（十）世纪最初十年以来，四海之内，分崩离析，有的割据一个地区，有的已经改朝换代。我继承老爹的事业，统治江南（长江以南），只因归鸦盘旋，还没有找到落脚之处（《诗经·五月》：“瞻乌爰止，于谁之屋。”）。一心攀龙附凤，龙凤却难以寻找（这是耿纯劝刘秀称帝语，参考二五年四月）。而今，天意有所归属，陛下的声威和教化，传播远方，我愿比照两浙（吴越王国）、湖南，奉行中央（后周）年号，谨守疆域。乞求陛下收回讨伐的命令，赦免我最后才臣服的罪行，准许下国（敝国）作陛下境外的臣属。陛下怀柔远方的恩德，还有谁能不顺服！”再呈献黄金一千两、纹银十万两、细绸二千匹。孙晟对冯延已说：“这次出使，应该你去（冯延巳是国务院左最高执行长，位在孙晟的右最高执行长之上）。然而，我如果推辞，辜负先帝（一任李昪）。”