Qin Official

At the beginning of March, Wang Ben was seriously ill and could not leave the Wancheng base camp. He could only stay in the curtains. Even patrolling the military camp had to be done by his subordinates.

Scouts and messengers from the south and north came in and out of the shogunate constantly, and Wang Ben would often receive them in person, concerned about the battle situation thousands of miles away. Every day, the old general would ask a few questions when he woke up.

"How is the situation in Danyang?"

"Is there any news from Ao Cang?"

Wang Ben knew very well that the state of Qin had reached its most dangerous moment, and its life hung on a thread, hanging on the outcome of the two places!

Let’s talk about Danyang (Xichuan, Henan) in the south first. In late February, the frontline generals reported that the rebel Dongmen Leopard Division, which was attacking Hanzhong, began to give up attacking Nanzheng and instead came east to attack Yunguan (Hubei). Yun County) as a base to launch a fierce attack on the Danyang area!

At the same time, the Northern Expeditionary Army of 70,000 to 80,000 people in Xiangyang and Fancheng on the front also began to press northward under the banner of Heifu and Han Xin, hoping to seize Rang County (Deng County, Henan Province).

"Danyang was originally the land on the right side of Chu, a land full of vast valleys and rivers, mountains, forests, and valleys. However, its land spans Shang and Luo in the west, and Jing and Chu in the south. It has high mountains and deep waters, and is known as land and sea. Since ancient times, those who want to visit Wuguan must use this place as their gateway!"

At that time, Wang Ben's staff unanimously believed that Heifu wanted to take advantage of Feng Quji and Gongzi Gao'an's severe decline in morale of the Qin army to capture Danyang in one fell swoop, open Wuguan, and threaten Xianyang.

Don't underestimate the impact of that case. From last month to the present, more than ten of the Feng family's disciples and personal guards who were on the front line and were forcibly saved by Wang Ben have chosen to defect. They left their posts without authorization and joined the Northern Expeditionary Army. After all, Heifu has done enough in the drama, and not everyone can see through that he is the "culprit".

Everyone said: "Marquis Tongwu, we must not let the rebels capture Danyang, otherwise, Wuguan may not be protected, and the battle of Lantian may happen again..."

The Battle of Lantian was the biggest crisis of national subjugation since the founding of the Qin Dynasty. At that time, King Huai of Chu was angry that Zhang Yi had deceived him, so he sent out all the troops to recapture Danyang, defeated Wuguan, and captured the "Shang Yuzhi" that Zhang Yi promised but did not give. Land", and then marched to Lantian - a place only more than a hundred miles away from Xianyang!

This frightened King Qin Huiwen into a cold sweat. He mobilized all the men in Xianyang to defend against the enemy. Fortunately, he was able to repel the Chu army without any danger...

Sima Cuo's great-great-grandson and general Sima Yang was even more worried: "At that time, the Qin State was fortunate to have the heroic leader of King Huiwen inside, who calmly responded and dispatched troops. Outside, Zhang Yi ran around to cut off Chu's reinforcements. There were more troops in the army. King Wu, Lord Yan, Sima Cuo, etc. are brave and good at fighting, so they can narrowly defeat the Jing people."

"But now..."

He didn't say it explicitly, but Wang Ben and his staff knew it.

How to describe the current emperor and courtiers? In one sentence:

Above the temple, rotten wood serves as an official, and between the palaces and majesties, animals eat and drink. As a result, the arrogant people are raging in the government, and the servile and servile people are in charge of the government!

In short, with the chaos in Xianyang, if the rebels are allowed to invade Wuguan at this time, will it not be popular and cause chaos? It’s doubtful whether they can organize a decent resistance. If Heifu’s main force entangles Wang Ben’s army in Nanyang again and prevents them from returning reinforcements, something big will happen!

Everyone agreed, but Wang Ben on the sickbed rejected their views.

"Heifu has always been as cunning as a fox in his military use. He uses what he thinks is real and what he thinks is weak. He shows what he can do and what he can't do. He shows what he can't do when he is using it. He shows what is far away when he is close. He shows what is close when he is far. I see what he really wants to attack. Not Danyang, not Wuguan, but Hanzhong!"

"If I guess correctly, Heifu himself will be in charge of Xiangyang and Fancheng, while Hanzhong will send another general who can take charge of his own affairs, either Zhao Tuo from Bajun, or perhaps, Han Xin who became famous in that battle!"

Just like a few months ago, he made a risky move against Han Xin and returned to the south via Danyang. This time, Wang Ben also set the tone for this battle against all opinions.

Wang Ben drank the medicine and gave instructions: "Let the reinforcements from Guanzhong not come to Nanyang, or station in Wuguan, or go to Hanzhong for reinforcements."

"The main force of our army marched to Rangxian and Xinye to confront Heifu. Sima Yang led a partial division to station in Xixian County (Xixia County, Henan), and gave up Danshui County (Siwan Township, Xichuan, Henan), trying to let the rebels east Let the Menbao Division seize it, and then we will see if they dare to cross the hundreds of miles of mountains and approach the Wuguan Pass!"

"If Heifu really dares to take such a risk and let Dongmen Leopard go deep alone, our army's chariots and cavalry can cut off its retreat, cooperate with the soldiers in Guanzhong, and annihilate it under Wuguan!"

If he wants to directly capture Danyang and enter Wuguan without taking Rang County, the army's supply line will inevitably be very long. As long as Heifu dares to play this way, Wang Ben will be able to take advantage of the Northern Army's many chariots and cavalry and beat the rebels to pieces!

After speaking, Wang Ben took a sip of the medicine and grinned.

"It's so bitter!"

Although he could not go to the front line in person, Wang Ben learned the lesson from the last time and told Sima Yang'er who was ordered to go to Danyang. He couldn't wait to tell him every detail he could think of.

While the battle was fierce at the front, Wang Ben was also dragging his sick body behind, sleeping early and night, adjusting his strategy based on the battle situation reported back from each scout.

Fortunately, all this was not in vain. On the fifth day of March, Sima Yang came back with news that after the rebels captured Danshui County, they pretended to march towards Wuguan for a while, but hesitated and returned to Danshui. Gone to the South Bank!

Everyone was immediately overjoyed and said:

"Marquis Tongwu knows things like a god!"

But Wang Ben just shook his head and sighed: "Sure enough, after Han Xin's defeat, Hei Fu will not give me any chance to annihilate his main force, or even a partial force."

The staff were convinced, and a few days later, the good news from the north made them admire Tongwu Hou even more.

"Our army was in Aocang, and we defeated the Chu army's vanguard, killed its general Xiang Sheng, and beheaded five thousand soldiers!"

Everyone was overjoyed and congratulated each other, but Wang Ben shook his head in disappointment:

"Hei Fu is still here, and so is Xiang Ji..."

…

Using the same strategy of luring the enemy, the black thieves in the south were smart and refused to move forward, while the thieves from the Six Nations were stupider. After the victory, they advanced arrogantly and rashly, resulting in a big failure in Aocang.

Although they did not achieve much results, Wang Ben stabilized the already shaky situation between the north and the south.

Although only temporarily.

Under such circumstances, the visitors from Xianyang Palace, dressed in embroidered clothes and riding fat horses, entered Wancheng gracefully.

The visitor smiled broadly and congratulated Wang Ben for winning both battles, but Wang Ben remained expressionless. He only said that he was ill and did not bow to greet him. After coughing for a while, he only asked one question.

"May I ask your envoy, Zhao Gao, if he will be executed?"

The visitor smiled a little ugly: "Marquis Tongwu, Your Majesty has re-investigated Feng's case thoroughly. Zhao Gao... Zhao Gao has been removed from the position of Lang Zhongling by Your Majesty."

Wang Ben frowned: "So, he hasn't been executed yet?"

"The case has twists and turns, and there are gangsters driving a wedge between the monarch and his ministers. Your Majesty wants to let Marquis Tongwu return to Xianyang, and then slowly investigate..."

"Let me go back to Xianyang?"

Wang Ben burst into laughter. The reason why the three armies were able to withstand the attacks of the rebels and bandits from the Six Nations was because he was on the front line. If he returned to Xianyang, who would be in charge of the 200,000 troops in these counties?

This recall is full of conspiracy.

Wang Ben felt a little bitter in his mouth. I wonder if it was the medicine he just swallowed, or the taste of complete disappointment?

The visitor was a little panicked and hurriedly explained: "This recall is not just about how to deal with Zhao Gao. Your Majesty needs to discuss it with the Taiwei and the Prime Minister. There is another important matter."

He quickly handed over the imperial edict, hoping that Wang Ben would turn his anger into joy after reading it!

But after Wang Ben read the edict, he became even more furious.

"Conquer the rebels and restore the king of Guandong!?"

The old general stood up quickly, rolled the edict into a ball, and tried hard to control the anger in his heart. At the same time, he could feel the severe pain in his chest and the hot blood rushing up his throat!

"Today..."

Wang Ben squeezed out those words from between his bloodshot teeth.

"Are you going to betray the First Emperor's will!?"

…

"In the third generation, the emperor founded the country, the princes established their families, the ministers set up side chambers, the officials had two sects, and they were dear to each other and honored them. Although thousands of people praised them, this was private to the whole world!"

"The Qin Dynasty is different. It takes the law as its teaching and officials as its teachers. Rewards are not private to relatives. The clan is not allowed to belong to the family without merit. The princes and princes are common people. The first and foremost soldiers in Guizhou can be listed in the court for their achievements in farming and war. This is The world is public!"

"Today, we are fighting endlessly, so that we can have princes and kings. Laizong Temple, the world was initially settled, and the country was reestablished. This is to build soldiers. It is not difficult to seek peace and quiet for them! The discussion of feudalism, prefectures and counties, and the discussion of Tingwei yes!"

"Therefore, I will not seal my children, but divide the world into thirty-six counties, and the counties will have guards, lieutenants, and prison guards!"

After reciting the long paragraph above, Gantang said to Wang Ben, who was lying quietly with his eyes closed: "Marquis Tongwu, this is the edict issued by His Majesty to abolish feudalism and establish counties more than ten years ago."

"It's great to be young."

Wang Ben showed a wry smile: "I racked my brains, but I can only remember a rough idea."

Although, the First Emperor still turned this world into a private world, one person's world...

But this concept of abolishing feudal counties and counties is very clear!

"Yes, it is the wish of the First Emperor. Therefore, his descendants cannot be kings, let alone with different surnames. At that time, the reason why the First Emperor hesitated not to adopt Fusu as his heir was because he was worried that Fusu would be poisoned by Confucianism and Mohism and abandon Legalist politics. Following the old path of the Yin and Zhou Dynasties. In the end, Hu Hai was chosen to inherit the throne because he was proficient in laws and regulations and would obey his father's orders and not act recklessly."

But now that the bones of the First Emperor are still cold, his successors have completely forgotten the late Emperor's last words!

"If the First Emperor knew what Hu Hai had done, I'm afraid he would regret it and just make him the crown prince." Gantang said silently in his heart.

Wang Benze said: "The First Emperor is right. To reestablish a country is to establish an army. Isn't it difficult to seek peace and quiet for it? Now that there is chaos below, your Majesty does not fix the internal affairs, but expects to establish another king to quell the rebellion. It’s like drinking poison to quench your thirst!”

He was a little angry.

"Furthermore, two generations of my father and son fought fiercely for the Qin Dynasty for decades, overcoming obstacles and wiping out the five kingdoms."

"Wang Ben, using his old and broken body to support the sky, is he trying to be crowned king before he dies?"

"I want to live up to my father and the First Emperor!"

"But now, how come today..."

Wang Ben was extremely disappointed.

But no matter what, Hu Hai is still the emperor and his son-in-law.

So Lao Wang Ben scolded another person.

"This edict must have been issued after the Prime Minister and the imperial censor reviewed it. Li Si was a strong supporter of the county system at that time. For this reason, he did not hesitate to fall out with Wang Wan in court!"

Gantang spoke at the side: "Yes, Li Cheng said that years ago, that is why the enfeoffment will make you weak, and the counties will be strong. Although your majesty has unified the country now, if you divide more than half of the world into feudal states, how can you know that a hundred years later, your descendants will be different?" Do you want to do something about the Zhou Dynasty?"

"At that time, the First Emperor also praised Li Si, Li Si, for writing another volume of good articles that can be spread throughout the world."

He whispered: "Prime Minister Li, you have changed..."

"No!"

Wang Ben sneered: "Li Si, you have never changed!"

"Li Tonggu was such a cunning and cunning rat. He would try to figure out what the emperor wanted to do. From banishing guest books to unifying the six kingdoms, he was named God, abolished feudalism, and collected poems and books."

"And now, for the sake of the new emperor's hot-headedness, he has followed the evil example and wants to invalidate all the words he said and wrote back then!"

Having said this, Wang Ben suddenly realized.

"I was wrong."

"I've been wrong all along!"

"Zhao Gao is not the only traitor in the court!"

"The Chehou of Great Qin, the leader of hundreds of officials, Prime Minister Li, is no longer a pure minister!"

Gantang was horrified, and for a moment, Wang Ben suddenly felt inexplicably sad for himself.

Han Feizi once said that if you shoot with one hand, you will be silent even if you shoot with one hand!

From this point of view, he, Wang Ben, was running around, fighting in the north and south, struggling to support himself, and it was really hard to stand alone!

Wang Ben staggered, looked up to the sky and smiled, and for a while he burst into tears.

"Lieutenant..." Gantang was afraid that Wang Ben would faint again, so he wanted to step forward to help him.

Wang Ben waved his sleeves: "I have nothing to do. Just wait outside. Don't worry... I can't die. At least for now, I can't fall down."

Gantang was worried and stayed outside, coming in from time to time to take a look. He saw the crumbling bean lantern and the old general with disheveled hair sleeping in his clothes behind the curtain.

Wang Ben lay like this for a long time, staring blankly at the ceiling of the tent, muttering to himself in a voice that only he could hear.

"Your Majesty, you still can't bear it. You would rather have the public outcry than kill Zhao Gao, right?"

"You still believe the slander and want to relinquish my military power and call me back, right?"

"Li Si only cares about himself, not the country, and doesn't care about the chaos in Xianyang, right?"

"The three monarchs and ministers even think that I am a good old man Feng Quji? Can I be deceived if I am loyal?"

Wang Ben stood up slowly, staggered forward, and reached for the sword he had placed on Lan Qi.

"Any way to fight."

"It must be based on political victory!"

"They thought they could flood hundreds of thousands of people to death in Daliang. Wang Ben had already dirty his hands and was reviled by everyone in the world..."

"In order for the Great Qin State to continue, do you really dare not do what Yi Yin and Zhou Gong did!?"