Chapter 28 Li Mi's death

Li Mi has been Guangluqing for more than a month, and he feels that his life is a failure. I think that I have hung up books with horns, and Wagang has been called lonely. In terms of knowledge and merit, how many of the princes of the Li and Tang courts can outshine them?But now it has been reduced to the point of buying food and drinks for others, it is really bad. A few days ago, the imperial court held a large banquet, and Li Mi had to busy himself with his responsibilities.The anger in Li Mi's heart really surged higher than the fire in the imperial dining room in those few days. After the banquet, Li Mi complained to Wang Bodang.At that time, Wang Bodang had been appointed General Zuo Wuwei, but he was also dissatisfied with this position, so he urged Li Mi to say: "Everything in the world is under your control. Now Donghai Gong Xu Shiji is in Liyang, and Xiangyang Gong Zhang Shanxiang In Luokou (southwest of Gong County in present-day Henan), Henan soldiers and horses are still there, why bother to stay here any longer!"

Li Mi made up his mind to rebel against Tang, and left Chang'an to expand his ambitions.He said to Li Yuanshang: "I am honored and favored in vain. I sit in the capital and do nothing. Most of the heroes in Shandong are the former subordinates of my ministers. Please let me go to appease you. With the power of my Tang Dynasty, taking Wang Shichong is like picking up a stick from the ground. Grass!" Li Yuan also had this intention, and immediately agreed, but the officials all persuaded him: "Li Mi is cunning, and he is easy to rebel. Sending him now is like throwing a fish into the water or returning a tiger to the mountain. He will definitely not come back." !"

Li Yuan said with a smile: "The emperor has his own destiny, which is beyond the reach of a boy. Even if he betrays me, it is just like 'artemisia arrows shot into wormwood' (a folk saying in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, referring to useless wormwood made into useful arrows, but It is useless to sink into the grass). What's more, let him compete with Wang Shichong, and we can reap the benefits of the fisherman." On December 1st, Li Yuan personally held a farewell banquet for Li Mi and others.Accompanying him was Jia Runfu, Li Mi's former aide.Li Yuan kindly called them to sit beside him, served them some food, toasted them, and said: "The three of us drink this cup together to show that we are of one mind. I hope you will establish a good reputation and live up to my expectations. A big man Once the word is spoken, the price will not be exchanged. There are indeed some people who are firmly opposed to letting my brother go, but I treat my brother with a wholehearted heart, and no one can sow discord!"

Li Mi and Jia Runfu kowtowed to thank them.Li Yuan then ordered Wang Bodang to serve as Li Mi's deputy and set off together. Although Li Yuan was very calm in front of the officials and Li Mi, in fact he also had concerns. After all, Li Mi is not as simple as an Artemisia arrow. Although this young man is conceited, his conceit is not without reason.In the past, Wagang was just a little-known cottage, and it was just a mob armed with a group of unaffiliated bandits. However, it rose rapidly in his hands and became a separatist regime with extremely powerful combat effectiveness. The court of the capital and the army of the Sui Dynasty were in dire straits, and Li Mi became the leader of the alliance promoted by all the heroes for a time.Although this title is a lot of water, it is undeniable that Li Mi is indeed a talent with both literary and military skills, and he does have the capital to look down upon the world.Putting such a person back to the Kanto certainly shows Li Yuan's generosity and self-confidence as a sage monarch, but is there no risk in doing so?Isn't Li Yuan worried that Li Mi will make a comeback and revive?

No, Li Yuan admits that doing so is risky, but in the absence of obvious evidence that Li Mi really has the intention of rebelling, Li Yuan can only temporarily show his tolerance and unsuspecting side of employing people.Of course, at the same time, Li Yuan also took precautions.He did not ask Li Mi to take away all the old Wagang tribe, but ordered him to keep half of the tribe in Huazhou (now Hua County, Shaanxi Province), and only take the other half out of the customs. Among the people who accompanied Li Mi out of the customs, one person felt a strong uneasiness. This man is called Zhang Baode, and he is a long history under Li Mi's command.

The reason why he panicked in his heart was because he predicted that Li Mi would rebel during this trip.And now that he has returned to Tang with all his heart, he no longer wants to be a grassroots bandit in exile, let alone suffer with Li Mi when he is defeated.So Zhang Baode quickly presented Li Yuan with a personal letter, listing many reasons and revealing many inside stories, but there was only one conclusion - Li Mi must betray. Looking at this secret performance, Li Yuan regretted it. He admitted that the ministers were right - this is indeed letting the tiger go back to the mountain, and it is likely to cause endless troubles, but Li Mi has already walked out of Tongguan, what should I do?

Li Yuan's first reaction was to call Li Mi back, but he was worried that doing so would force him to turn back early.After much deliberation, Li Yuan had no choice but to issue an imperial edict to comfort Li Mi, ordering him to return to Beijing temporarily and accept another mission; let his tribe move forward slowly, and catch up with the tribe after Li Mi accepted the mission. However, Li Yuan's tactic of delaying the attack could not fool Li Mi. At this moment, Li Mi has reached Chousang (now north of Lingbao City, Henan Province).After receiving the edict, he sneered and said to Jia Runfu: "The edict sent me out of the customs, and then ordered me back for no reason. The emperor himself said that some people firmly opposed my going out of the customs. It seems that he has listened to the provocative words. If I go back now, I will definitely die. It is better to attack Taolin County (now northeast of Lingbao City, Henan Province), collect its soldiers and food, and cross the Yellow River to the north. When the news reaches Xiongzhou (Yiyang County, Sui Dynasty, today’s Yiyang County, where the Tang Army is stationed) West of Yiyang County, Henan Province), we have already gone far away. As long as we can enter Liyang, great things will happen, what do you think?"

Jia Runfu looked at Li Mi and suddenly had an ominous premonition. He had a premonition that Li Mi's defeat was imminent. Jia Runfu said: "The name of the emperor corresponds to the picture prophecy, and the world will eventually be unified. Now that Duke Ming has surrendered, how can he have another heart? Besides, generals such as Shi Wanbao and Ren Gui are stationed in Xiongzhou and Guzhou (Xin'an County in Sui Dynasty) , today’s Xin’an County, Henan Province), we mobilize in the morning, and their army will arrive at night. Even if Taolin County is conquered, how can the army gather for a while? Once it is declared a rebellion, who else is willing to accept it? For Ming’s sake, it is better to accept the edict for now In order to show that there is no dissenting will, in this way, the provocative words will calm down. The matter of going to Shandong should be discussed in a long-term way."

Li Mi was furious: "The Li Tang court has no intention of reusing me at all, how can I bear it? As for the prophecy, I have the same chance of fulfillment as Li Yuan. Now he doesn't kill me, let me go east, this is enough to prove that the king is not dead Even though according to the Tang Dynasty, Shandong belongs to me in the end, it is a gift from God, why don’t I take it? Instead, I have to bind my hands and surrender to others? You are my confidant, and you have such an idea. With one heart, I have no choice but to kill you before leaving!" Jia Runfu burst into tears immediately, choked up and said, "Although Duke Ming should prophesy, the current situation is not the same as in the past. Now that the country is divided, the strong will prevail, and Ming justice is in exile. Who will listen? Besides, since the execution of Zhai Rang , everyone has said that you have abandoned your kindness and forgotten your roots. Who is willing to hand over the army in your hand to you today? They are worried that you will take away their military power, and they will fight against each other. Once they lose power, how can they have a place? Who would be as outspoken as I am? I hope Duke Ming will think about it carefully, lest the great fortune will be gone. As long as you have a foothold, why would Runfu regret his death?"

Jia Runfu's words are actually loyal words, and his judgment of the situation is not inaccurate. However, at this moment, Li Mi is already a gambler with red eyes.He just wants to put all his eggs in one basket and get all his money back. With a swipe, Li Mi drew out his saber again. This time Li Mi didn't swing the knife at himself, but at Jia Runfu. Another person quickly hugged Li Mi. It was still Wang Bodang. Under Wang Bodang's pleading, Li Mi let Jia Runfu go.On the same day, Jia Runfu fled to Xiongzhou where the Tang army was stationed.Wang Bodang also believed that Jia Runfu's analysis was reasonable, so he tried his best to dissuade Li Mi.But Li Mi couldn't listen to anything.In the end, Wang Bodang said only one sentence: "The ambition of a righteous man will not be changed by life and death. The public will not listen, and Bodang should die with the public! I am afraid that my death will not benefit the public."

Li Mi didn't say anything, and then hacked and killed the envoy sent by Li Yuan, and his tragedy was doomed. December 30th, the first year of Wude (618 AD). The old year is about to pass, and the new year is about to begin. So much has happened this year.The most important of these are the death of Sui Yang Emperor Yang Guang and the birth of the Tang Dynasty.And at the end of the year, what will happen? Li Mi will tell us the answer soon. In the early hours of the day, Li Mi sent someone to inform the magistrate of Taolin, saying that he had received the emperor's edict and was going to return to the capital temporarily. Please allow his family to stay in the county for a few days.Taolin county magistrate of course welcomed.Li Mi immediately selected dozens of warriors under his command, asked them to put on women's clothes, cover their heads with veils, and hide their knives under their skirts, pretending to be wives and concubines, and accompanied Li Mi into the county.A moment later, Li Mi led them out suddenly, occupied the county seat, and then coerced the local soldiers, went straight to Xiong'er Mountain, and marched eastward along the dangerous road; Zhang Shanxiang, the governor of the city, ordered him to send troops to respond. General Shi Wanbao of Tang Youyiwei who was stationed in Xiongzhou said to his deputy Sheng Yanshi: "Li Mi is a brave thief, and he has Wang Bo as his assistant. Now that he is determined to rebel, his momentum may be difficult to resist." Master Sheng Yan said with a smile: "Please give me a few thousand troops, and I will definitely cut off his head." Shi Wanbao asked, "What's your plan?" Master Sheng Yan smiled slyly again: "Soldiers never tire of cheating, so I have nothing to say." Afterwards, Division Sheng Yan led his troops to the southern foot of Xiong'er Mountain ahead of Li Mi, and immediately blocked the main road. He ordered the archers to ambush on the high ground on both sides, and the infantry to ambush in the mountain stream. Attack." A general asked: "I heard that Li Mi was going east to Luoyang, but the general went into the mountains. Why?" Master Sheng Yan said confidently: "Li Mi said he was going to Luoyang, but he actually planned to go straight to Luoyang without anyone noticing. Go to Yizhou and go to Zhang Shanxiang. If the thief enters the valley first and our army pursues from behind, the mountain road is narrow and difficult for us to attack. He only needs to send a general to the rear to block us and escape calmly. Now we occupy first Once you get to Taniguchi, you will definitely be able to capture him." When Li Mi led the crowd to Xiong'er Mountain non-stop, he thought he was out of danger, so he slowed down, crossed the valley slowly, and just entered Sheng Yanshi's ambush circle.Master Sheng Yan took advantage of the favorable terrain and launched a sudden attack, cutting them off in the middle.The head and tail of Li Mi's troops couldn't look at each other, and they collapsed immediately. Death came so unexpectedly!On this freezing winter afternoon, in this snow-covered mountain stream, a hero who once galloped across the Central Plains and commanded all directions finally took the last step of his life. The world is so big that there is no room for him anymore. Li Mi saw Tang soldiers surrounding him from all directions. The Tang soldiers got closer and closer, and Li Mi could even hear their heavy breathing. Once the fortune will meet, the posthumous posthumous name will be passed down through the ages.It is a shame to be a hero in the world. Li Mi looked up at the sky, something instantly blurred his eyes. Tang Bing raised his knife, a cold light flashed, and Li Mi's head flew off his shoulder.There were also some liquid balls that flew away from Li Mi's eye sockets at the same time. That is tears. A few unshed tears. When Li Mi died, he was only thirty-seven.Wang Bodang stood by Li Mi's side from beginning to end, and was killed together. A few days later, the heads of the two were passed to Chang'an. For Li Yuan, this is no different from a New Year's gift - the first gift received in the first New Year when the dynasty was established. Li Yuan quickly forwarded this congratulatory gift to someone. Xu Shiji. Strictly speaking, it should be said to be Li Shiji.Because as early as more than a month ago, Li Yuan had already given him the imperial surname. At that time, Li Mi entered the customs and returned to the Tang Dynasty. Xu Shiji still possessed Li Mi's old land, but he did not belong to it, and he had no plan to stand on his own.Wei Zheng, who accompanied Li Mi back to the Tang Dynasty, was not valued by Li Yuan, so he recommended himself and was willing to go to appease Xu Shiji on behalf of the court.Li Yuan then appointed him as Secretary Cheng and sent him to Liyang to persuade Xu Shiji to surrender.Xu Shiji immediately agreed.But his attachment method is different.He said to Chang Shi Guo Xiaoke: "The people and land here belong to the Duke of Wei. If I dedicate it to the Tang Dynasty in my own name, it is tantamount to taking advantage of the defeat of the lord to invite my own merits and wealth. I deeply appreciate this." I am ashamed. Therefore, I decided to make a list of counties, household registrations, armies, and horses under my command, and give it to Duke Wei, who will present it himself." Then Xu Shiji sent Guo Xiaoke to Chang'an with the list. Li Yuan heard that Xu Shiji's envoy had entered the court, but there was no report to submit to the court, only a letter to Li Mi, he was very surprised, so he summoned Guo Xiaoke.Guo Xiaoke explained Xu Shiji's original intention. After hearing this, Li Yuan was very impressed and said: "Xu Shiji does not violate morality and does not ask for credit. He is a pure minister!" He immediately bestowed the imperial surname on Xu Shiji. At this moment, when Li Shiji saw the head sent by the Chang'an envoy, grief hit him irresistibly. Li Shiji faced the north, kowtowed and wept for a long time, and finally went to the court to request that Li Mi's body be buried together with his body.Li Yuan then ordered someone to transport Li Mi's body to Li Yang.Li Shiji and his followers all put on mourning clothes, held a grand funeral ceremony for Li Mi with the ceremony of emperor and minister, and buried him at the south foot of Liyang Mountain (now Dayong Mountain in the southeast of Jun County, Henan Province). As Li Yuan said, Li Shiji is worthy of being a pure minister. But it is such a pure minister who has never been trusted by Li Mi.Even when the army was defeated at Mangshan and had no other way out, Li Min would rather surrender to the Tang Dynasty than to go to Liyang. This is a major mistake and a great regret.If he had been able to go to Liyang regardless of past suspicions, and be honest with Li Shiji and help each other, then there might still be great things to be done.Even if he couldn't defeat Li Yuan in the end, at least he wouldn't be defeated so soon; even if he was going to be out in the end, he wouldn't be accused of "surrendering and rebelling" and tarnish his reputation for a lifetime. However, there are no ifs in history, only results in history. When the sun shone on the earth in 619 A.D., Li Mi's tomb quickly grew green grass. The white clouds change, time goes by, and the world is still chaotic and noisy. Can the Tang Dynasty, which rose up from the ruins of the Sui Dynasty, successfully wipe out the heroes, pacify the universe, and rebuild a new empire with peace, order and authority? Li Yuan and his son are full of confidence in this, but their opponents don't take it seriously. The Sui Dynasty lost its deer, and the whole world pursued it! The game is still in progress...