Chapter 571 Chapter Seven: Ally with the Devil

Kou Zhong and Wang Xuanshu rode out of the palace together, and stepped onto Luoyang Paradise Street, feeling deeply moved. The proud soldier must be defeated. Wang Shichong's current momentum is entering its peak period. The main reason is to defeat Li Mi's Wagang Army and dominate Luoyang, the eastern capital in the core strategic position of the Central Plains.Secondly, he won the struggle of the small imperial court in the eastern capital and drove away the Dugu Clan, and now he forced Yang Yu to abdicate the throne to him.External troubles and internal troubles are all solved at once.

But his proclaiming himself emperor is not strategically smart, because it will make Dou Jiande feel disgusted and overthrow the joint covenant.However, it was the trend of the times. Because Lin Shihong, Liu Wuzhou, Liang Shidu, Li Yuan, Xiao Xian and other overlords all proclaimed themselves emperors one after another, if Wang Shichong held high the banner of "Yang Sui", it would be difficult to gain appeal.Wang Shichong, who had just defeated the Wagang Army, was in full swing, and with the instigation of Wang Xuanying and others, he couldn't bear it, so he took this wrong move.

At this time, the south of the Yellow River is all his Dazheng territory. If he can repel Li Tang's army and dominate the Central Plains, it is no wonder that his ambition conceals his reason, and he does not even pay attention to himself who has contributed to his current momentum. Inside. However, Kou Zhong was sure that if Wang Shichong and Li Shimin were allowed to fight in a decisive battle, Wang Shichong would definitely lose in the end. The reason for the failure is Wang Shichong's own personality. Although this person's superficial words are nice, the fact is that he is cunning and repetitive. .Dominated by such a personality, it is impossible for him to treat others with sincerity, and it is even more difficult for people to be willing to die for him.When meeting Li Shimin, who is open-minded and magnanimous, who knows how to use people well, the consequences can be imagined.Otherwise, if Qin Shubao and Cheng Yaojin's generation can compete to help him, it is really unknown who will win the deer.

Failure to reward his subordinates fairly for their meritorious deeds, not to mention the difficulty of expecting outsiders to join him, will force his subordinates to join the hostile camp. This is Wang Shichong's biggest mistake. People and horses galloped onto the Tianjin Bridge. Wang Xuanshu gave a dry cough, pulled Kou Zhong out of his contemplation to the reality in front of him, and said, "What is the young commander thinking?" Kou Zhong smiled wryly, "I'm wondering if the trip was in vain." Wang Xuanshu was taken aback and said: "Young commander, don't think so, didn't father just say that he appreciates you very much?"

Kou Zhong sighed: "I also appreciate Li Shimin, so what? Alas! Don't talk about these discouraging things anymore. Can I still live in the place where I went last time? That house is quite nice, and I love its quietness the most." What I want to ask most in my heart is the situation of Yang Gongqing?But even Wang Xuanshu, who had a crush on him, knew that it was not appropriate to ask hastily, otherwise if it came back to Wang Shichong, it would be no wonder that he did not doubt the relationship between the two. Wang Xuanshu agreed straight away: "There is no problem with this."

Kou Zhong hurriedly said: "I don't need anyone to wait on me. Yes! How are my old comrades here?" Wang Xuanshu happily said: "The two generals, Mr. Yang and Mr. Zhang, are currently in Luoyang. After I settle down with the young commander, I will inform them. They will be very happy to meet with the young commander again." Kou Zhong let go of his worries and secretly thought that as long as he saw Yang Gongqing, he would be able to fully grasp the situation in Wang Shichong's side. Then he would see how to turn things around and let Wang Shichong "tragedy win" this tough battle that will determine the fate of the world. .

Xu Ziling stepped into the courtyard of the Amorous House, and for the first time felt regretful about choosing the place to stay in the Amorous House, because there is no secret that the Amorous House has become a celebrity because of Hou Xibai.It was precisely because he came to the nest of passion that Houhou and Shi Zhixuan discovered that he had come to Chang'an, and the future situation was even more unpredictable. The quiet fragrance of a woman remained in the air, Xu Ziling recalled the charming scene of boating with Shen Luoyan on the river, sighed secretly, took off his mask, and pushed the door into the front hall.

With Shen Luoyan's moving back facing him, she looked out of the window and said softly: "My heart is very upset, and I want to find someone to relieve my boredom." Knowing that she mistook him for Hou Xibai, Xu Ziling walked slowly to about five feet behind her, and said calmly, "Why is Master Shen upset?" Shen Luoyan's tender body trembled, she turned around abruptly, and exclaimed in disbelief, "Ah! Ziling." She was as delicate and bright as before, showing undisguised surprise. Xu Ziling thought about turning around and leaving before entering the university, but he finally couldn't bear to be so ruthless to this married confidante.

Xu Ziling sighed: "It's my little brother. Is Junshi Shen upset because of Li Yang being broken? Oh! I'm also very upset." Shen Luoyan showed a thousand words, but he didn't know where to start. His beautiful eyes were full of emotions, which was extremely moving. It seemed that he was about to throw himself into Xu Ziling's arms, and he seemed to be trying his best to restrain himself. He suddenly lowered his head and said softly : "Ziling guessed wrong! Shiji successfully escaped from the siege when Liyang City was broken. The captured Princess Xiuning and Li Shentong were released for Dou Jiande under Kou Zhong's mediation. You can rest easy for the time being."

The four words "Temporary peace of mind" are remarkable, showing that this empathetic beauty has accurately grasped Xu Ziling's mood. When Xu Ziling heard that Li Xiuning was safe and sound, he immediately felt relieved, and frowned, "Then why is the military commander upset?" Shen Luoyan didn't turn her body away, her gaze focused on the beautiful scenery of the back garden outside the window, and she said softly: "I'm no longer a military advisor! Why do I still call someone a military advisor? Is it mean to even call Luoyan?" Xu Ziling smiled and said, "In our hearts, Luoyan will always be that beautiful military adviser."

Shen Luoyan smiled coquettishly behind his back, and said: "Beauty military commander, thank you for being able to shout, this title reminds us of Kou Zhong. I didn't misread him, he may be the only one who can defeat Li Shimin. " Xu Ziling smiled wryly and said: "But this will never happen in the Battle of Luoyang. Kou Zhong himself knows this better than anyone else, because we understand what kind of person Wang Shichong is." Shen Luoyan said disdainfully: "Narrow and deceitful, suspicious and false, it's hard to make a big deal." Xu Ziling said with emotion: "The eight words Shen Junshi are very apt to describe." Shen Luoyan turned around again, returning to her usual coquettish and charming posture, and said happily: "Seeing Ziling, all troubles seem to have disappeared, can you really ignore Kou Zhong's affairs?" Xu Ziling said dejectedly: "I don't know. My greatest hope now is that Kou Zhong can withdraw from the battle to attack the Eastern Capital in time, otherwise after Luoyang falls, it will be his turn and his young commander's next." Shen Luoyan's eyes sparkled with wisdom, and he said: "You are called caring and you are chaotic. Kou Zhong is so easy to deal with. To be more precise, it should be 'Heavenly Sword' Song Que. How can it be so easy to deal with. Once Song Que is provoked, no one will be able to predict the development of the situation." Xu Ziling was stunned and said, "Song Que will personally lead the troops to the battlefield?" Shen Luoyan glanced at him unhappily, and said slightly annoyed: "Why does Ziling think he can't? Li Shimin has always been of barbarian blood, and Song Que will never allow such a person to unify the world. It is a once in a thousand years to revitalize Han Tong The Li family is jealous of Kou Zhong, and even more afraid of Song Que." Xu Ziling said in surprise: "I only know that the Song family is rich and powerful in the south, but I don't know that they occupy such a pivotal position in the military." Shen Luoyan said: "If Kou Zhong is a natural and outstanding commander, Song Que is the most far-sighted military strategist in China and China. So he can stay on the sidelines until Kou Zhong, who suits his heart, rises up and expresses his support. Song Que is paired with Kou Zhong, one is good at planning the overall situation, and the other is an invincible commander on the battlefield, how do you think the Li family thinks about this?" After Shen Luoyan woke up, Xu Ziling began to look at Kou Zhong's great cause from another angle, and felt even more headache.No matter who wins or who loses, the impact on Middle-earth will be turned upside down, and no one can be alone. Shen Luoyan continued: "With Song Que's strength, he was able to suppress Lin Shihong even with Xiao Xian, which means that Song Que wants to preserve his strength and wait for the opportunity to fight for hegemony in the Central Plains. If Mi Gong can learn from him by a factor of 20, there will be no The defeat of the Weir Master, alas!" After Li Mi's tragic victory over Yu Wenhuaji, he immediately used troops to deal with Wang Shichong without waiting to recover, which was the main reason for his defeat. Shen Luoyan said again: "The Lingnan Army is mainly composed of bureaucrats, the folk customs are simple, hardworking and good at fighting, and they regard Song Que as a heavenly man. Although there are only more than 100,000 people, they are well-trained. With the financial support of the Song Clan, With a talent like Kou Zhong, even Li Shimin dare not easily claim victory, so you don't have to worry about Kou Zhong." Xu Ziling smiled wryly and was speechless, pondered for a while and asked, "The military commander still hasn't said what's bothering him?" Shen Luoyan's delicate body trembled slightly, she turned around slowly, looked at the blue and clear sky through the window, and sighed: "Isn't it because of a little love for the old master?" Xu Ziling's heart was shocked, she was actually upset about Li Mi, what was going on? Yang Gongqing, Zhang Zhenzhou, and Kou Zhong sat around the table in the hall. These two most famous generals under Wang Shichong's command were all handsome, so it can be seen that they were busy and busy, and it was rare for them to relax because of the upcoming war. Zhang Zhenzhou avoided gossip and said, "Young commander, do you know that Wang Shichong and Zhu Can are secretly allies?" Kou Zhong cried out, "What?" Among the heroes fighting for hegemony, the one with the worst reputation is the "King of Garuda" Zhu Can. Both he and his daughter are notorious people, and Zhu Can is even said to be a demon king who kills and eats meat.In recent years, Zhu Can's internal forces have risen, while his external forces have been oppressed by Xiao Xian and Du Fuwei. It is natural to find a backer. The question is why Wang Shichong took him in. This move is bound to lose people's hearts. Kou Zhongsheng felt that history was repeating itself. No matter how bad Zhu Can was, there were always tens of thousands of bandits under his command. No wonder Wang Shichong is so confident. Because Kou Zhong is in a different situation, Li Shimin is determined to destroy Wang Shichong, and he, Kou Zhong, must help Wang Shichong defend Luoyang and repel the great Tang army. Yang Gongqing shook his head and said: "I don't understand why Wang Shichong made mistakes again and again, and he recruited this fierce monster that everyone hates." Kou Zhong secretly thought that the younger brother understood, but it was not appropriate to say it out loud.Because Zhang Zhenzhou is not his confidant, it is not appropriate to let him know too many secrets. Judging from Zhu Can's style of work, he is most likely a person from the Demon Sect, and it is a matter of course for him to form an alliance with Wang Shichong, who has inextricably close ties to the Demon Sect. In fact, Wang Shichong's distrust of outsiders is also a characteristic of people in the Demon Sect. The same sect also suspects each other, let alone treat outsiders? Zhang Zhenzhou and Yang Gongqing spoke about Wang Shichong, but kept silent about Wang Shichong. They were not polite, they not only did not regard him as the emperor, but even more as if they did not regard him as the master. Zhang Zhenzhou lowered his voice and said: "Is the young commander coming here to help Wang Shichong deal with Li Clan's army?" Kou Zhong sighed: "It can be said that what is your plan, old man?" Zhang Zhenzhou said indifferently: "If you have any good plans, you have to be a monk for a day and hit the clock for a day." Both Kou Zhong and Yang Gongqing heard that his words were insincere, because with his shrewdness and courage, Wang Shichong broke his heart again, and they were not willing to accompany Wang Shichong to die together. Zhang Zhenzhou said again: "Under the current situation, what is the young commander's plan to recover?" Kou Zhongsheng was vigilant, thinking that if Zhang Zhenzhou descended to Tang secretly, and cooperated with Li Shimin to defeat Wang Shichong, now he would be spying on secrets.Shaking his head and smiling bitterly, he said, "Unless Wang Shichong is willing to hand over part of his military power, what else can I do?" Frowning, he asked, "How do you know that Wang Shichong and Zhu Can have a secret alliance?" Yang Gongqing said: "The news first came from within Zhu Can, saying that Wang Shichong recruited Zhu Can's team and worshiped Zhu Can as the general of Longxiang. Although Wang Shichong denied this to us many times, the 'Poisonous Spider' It is an indisputable fact that Zhu Mei came to Luoyang twice to see Wang Shichong, so we know that Wang Shichong is lying." Kou Zhong said: "Then Zhu Can will no longer be able to become a surprise soldier, at most he can only restrain part of Li Shimin's army." Zhang Zhenzhou snorted coldly: "Just looking at the transfer of Li Shimin's soldiers, we can see that his strategy is to block all traffic and grain roads outside Luoyang and isolate Luoyang. There are hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Luoyang, and they consume a lot of food every day. The granaries are all overflowing, and can only be expanded for half a year at most. So Li Shimin is right in the strategic territory." Yang Gongqing said: "Now it depends on whether Li Shimin has the ability to encircle Luoyang, and whether Dou Jiande will send troops to help. Therefore, the front line of Hulao is the most important, and there is no room for loss." Zhang Zhenzhou sighed: "The success or failure of Dazheng depends on how Wang Shichong allocates military power at tomorrow's meeting. If he is willing to use any of the three of us to Yuhulao, Li Shimin is likely to lose the battle." Yang Gongqing sneered and said: "Now that things are going on, if he still persists in his obsession and appoints his clan relatives, then he will kill himself." Kou Zhong was racking his brains after hearing this, so far he knows that tomorrow's military meeting is so important, whether Wang Shichong can retain the hearts of the generals with different surnames depends on the Ming Dynasty. Yang Gongqing said: "I haven't eaten since I woke up, and my stomach is growling with hunger. Why don't I go to the Dong's Restaurant at Qiaotou, Tianjin, to sacrifice my stomach and intestines, and wash the dust for the young commander by the way." Zhang Zhenzhou said apologetically: "I still have something to do, Mr. Yang will toast the Young Marshal two more drinks on my behalf!" Shen Luoyan sighed softly with Xu Ziling behind his back: "I still don't understand why Mi Gong descended to the Tang Dynasty, changed from the leader of the rebel army to the Tang Dynasty officials, and the 20,000 Wagang troops who entered the customs with him became the Tang Dynasty officials. The official army has completely changed the quality of the righteous army who was once admired by the world against the violent Sui Dynasty, and now he finally regrets it!" Then he turned around like a whirlwind and said, "What should I, Shen Luoyan, do?" Xu Ziling understood that Li Mi was not satisfied after entering the customs, he was conferred with several vain titles, but in fact he was dismissed as idle, but his general Li Shiji was put in important positions, how could he be happy? He said softly, "What can he do?" A bitter smile appeared on Shen Luoyanxiang's lips, and said: "Of course he thinks he can make a comeback." After a pause, he sighed: "Although Wang Bodang was titled General Zuo Wuwei in name, he also had a position but no power, so he had the idea of ​​injustice. He often told Mi Gong that Li Shiji was in Liyang, Zhang Shan was guarding Luokou, and the Central Plains The old troops loyal to Mi Gong are still numerous and powerful. At this time when Tang and Zheng are at war, as long as they leave Chang'an, go to Shandong, and recruit the old troops, they will surely create a new situation and revive the prestige of the Wagang Army. Alas! Loyal advice is harsh, I tried to persuade Mi Gong to give up this idea many times, but I still couldn't persuade him. What do you teach me?" Hearing Wang Bodang's name, Xu Ziling felt an unspeakable feeling in his heart, but since Sister Su passed away, the resentment for Wang Bodang's violation of Sister Su disappeared as soon as possible.Seeing Li Mi and Wang Bodang, two people who used to be all-powerful, have fallen into such a situation, it is still interesting to argue with them. Asked: "In the pass, how many people from the old department he came with are willing to follow him?" Shen Luoyan smiled wryly and said: "Even I don't want to follow him to perish. How many people do you think are willing to follow him?" Xu Ziling said: "Have you decided to draw a line with him?" Shen Luoyan said: "If I'm really such a heartless person, I don't need to worry about it now." Then she gave him a coquettish look and said, "I'm in a much better mood now, I shouldn't have told you about these annoying things. Yes! What's your business in Chang'an? You're not still devoted to the scrap metal in the so-called treasure." Right. After Li Yuan unearthed the untrue treasure, he let the batch of moldy weapons stay below, and now no one is interested in talking about Yang Gong’s treasure house, it’s just a joke.” Xu Ziling said: "I came to Chang'an to deal with one person. When things are settled later, can I give you the details?" He purposely spoke vaguely, not wanting to cause any complications. Shen Luoyan said disobediently: "He can startle our Mr. Xu, this person is definitely not an idler. I almost forgot to tell you one thing, your good friend Shang Xiuxun will come to Chang'an these two days, and Concubine Yin De is very special. Invited me to be her companion, I heard that Li Jiancheng is very interesting to her." Xu Ziling was startled and said, "What?"