Since May, all the counties in Bing County have been bustling with activity. The summer harvest is of utmost importance, as after harvesting the wheat, there is also summer planting. During the busy farming season, men, women, young, and old all need to work in the fields, guarding against rain and locusts, not daring to delay for a moment.
However, in the provincial governor’s mansion, the primary focus is not on farming but on the nearby You County.
Ever since the Xianbei cavalry entered Ji County, the situation became tense. As the bandits were gradually eradicated one by one, the northern regions of Ji County, including Changshan, Zhongshan, Gaoyang, and others, fell into the hands of Wang Jun. Especially the capture of Changshan, which opened up the road from Ji County to Bing County. If Wang Jun wished, he could immediately lead his troops south, invading Bing County.
Would Wang Jun attack Bing County? Of course! In the current situation where the two commanders had already turned against each other, war was only a matter of time.
Surprisingly, this time came even faster than expected. The news of Sima Yue and Guo Xi’s war spread like a soaring owl, instantly reaching Jinyang.
“Wang Pengzu is about to mobilize his troops,” Zhang Bin spoke up.
This was the best opportunity to launch an offensive. With Sima Yue facing internal strife and being unable to spare any forces, the central government’s control was bound to further decline. At this moment, launching an attack on Bing County would raise no objections. When Sima Yue finished dealing with the rebellion, he would likely be too weak to punish the two commanders fighting each other, allowing the victor to take over the other’s territory.
With such a golden opportunity, would they not attack Bing County and instead help Sima Yue against Guo Xi?
“If Wang Pengzu invades the heart of Bing County, the major aristocratic families may give rise to chaos,” Sun Li, standing nearby, said in a deep voice. “This battle must be limited to the area around Leping!”
Sun Li had been serving as an auxiliary official in Bing County for quite some time, but he officially joined Liang Feng’s camp after the issuance of the modified Tuntian Order. This amended order caused quite a stir in Bing County, with over ten thousand runaway slaves reported. What made the Tuntian Order most effective, however, was the emergence of officials like Sun Li, who came from a noble background but were relatively poor compared to the traditional aristocracy.
Not every aristocratic family owns an endless expanse of fields and villas. In fact, many noble families, especially those of high lineage, hold prestigious titles but lack assets, sometimes falling behind certain wealthy commoner families. Without money, how can one afford to maintain servants? So, when the major aristocratic families swallowed up the hidden households, they could only stare blankly, gaining no benefits.
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However, although these people lacked wealth, they had just gained power through their appointment as provincial officials. Sun Li proposed a strategy, providing rewards to officials by approving the reclamation of fields and the number of troops stationed in each county. He understood better than anyone the ambition of this emerging class to climb the social ladder and applied this mindset to the fullest.
Once this strategy was implemented, government orders flowed smoothly, astonishing everyone. On one side were newly appointed bureaucrats eager for achievements, and on the other were suffering commoners desperate to survive. Could they not easily reach an agreement? However, doing so would inevitably offend a large number of aristocrats. Sun Li’s position changed. With Sun Li’s joining, the provincial governor’s mansion in Bing County became entirely Liang Feng’s private team.
Sun Li’s words prompted Zhang Bin to nod slightly, “Wang Jun comes from the Taiyuan Wang family. If he wins several battles in the upcoming conflict, Taiyuan might change. Wang Pengzu’s intention in this battle probably isn’t annexation but rather applying pressure. It’s best to capture Leping, and then attack the two counties of Xinxing and Yanmen. This way, You County and Bing County can be connected seamlessly. With this, they can exert pressure on Si County. Plus, with the chaos in Taiyuan, Shangdang is where the Lord’s foundation lies. He probably prefers to force the Lord back to Shangdang, facing the Xiongnu army alone.”
In a war, the most crucial aspect is the intention behind the actions, especially in a conflict involving regions of this scale. What does Wang Jun want? Essentially, land, population, and a desire for Luoyang. This contradiction had already manifested itself since the rise of the rebel forces in Bing County.
Previously, with Bing County facing chaos and most of the population migrating to You County, Wang Jun gained considerable manpower, fueling his ambition for dominance. However, as Bing County gradually stabilized, and the name of the Buddha Child rose to prominence, the direction of the refugees immediately shifted. This wasn’t an issue for just one or two individuals. To absorb thirty to forty thousand refugees annually, what kind of assimilation capability was that? Adding to the conflict over Dai Jun, the two counties of Ping Shu and Guang Chang belonging to You County also experienced a reverse migration of population. How could Wang Jun allow this development to continue?
Therefore, at the moment when the Lord refused cooperation, Bing County became a stumbling block that must be removed!
In the face of this situation, what were the Lord’s sought-after goals?
“Entering Jingxing from Changshan can reach Leping. The first line of defense should be set up at Shang’ai. Then, buffer zones can be established in Leping County and Zhan County. Shangdang and Taiyuan will station troops to wait. In the early stages of this major battle, the focus should be on solid defense, enticing the enemy to advance deeply. Once the enemy forces are fatigued and bogged down, General Yi will be ordered to march from Ji County, attacking their rear! This battle is not only for establishing authority but also an excellent opportunity to annex Ji County and press against You County!” Zhang Bin stated without hesitation.
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Liang Feng needed a victory in a major battle more than Wang Jun did!
The rise of Bing County had only happened within the last couple of years. Despite successfully repelling the Xiongnu several times, stabilizing the situation, and reclaiming the two counties of Xinxing and Yanmen, most people still didn’t view this shattered and devastated land, even high-ranking families, as significant. That’s why the court dared to repeatedly interfere in personnel arrangements in Bing County. The Bing County aristocrats affected by the reclamation decree also might have some unsettling thoughts.
Once the You County troops achieved victory, even without approaching Taiyuan, thoughts of defection would stir among both large and small aristocratic families. Having a native-born high-ranking individual from Bing County govern the province would clearly be more in line with the interests of the aristocrats.
And if Liang Feng won? If he won to the extent that even someone like Sima Yue wouldn’t dare to lightly provoke him, commanding the 100,000 iron cavalry of You County? Those noble families would immediately turn into house dogs, submitting themselves to Liang Feng. Sima Yue would also reevaluate this rising Bing County, offering him treatment similar to or even better than what Wang Jun received.
This battle was the pivotal conflict that determined the survival or demise of Bing County!
How could Liang Feng not understand the significance of this battle? Nodding slightly, he asked, “How many troops are stationed for the garrison and the provincial army now?”
“We have nearly 40,000 garrisoned troops, 20,000 provincial army soldiers, and an additional 20,000 from Shangdang Commandery. In total, we have 80,000 troops,” Duan Qin answered swiftly.
The significant increase in garrisoned troops was a result of the reclamation decree. However, a small portion had just finished training and hadn’t seen the battlefield yet, so it was not advisable to deploy them in a crucial battle. The provincial army was under the command of officials affiliated with the court, such as Linghu Sheng. While they were well-suited for defense, they lacked some offensive capabilities. The core force was undoubtedly the Shangdang Commandery troops. Trained by individuals like Yiyan, Zhang He, and Sun Jiao, they were elite troops considered an extension of the Liang family’s forces. They were completely loyal to Liang Feng and possessed formidable combat strength.
“Transfer the commandery troops to Leping Commandery. Linghu Kuang and Tian Yin will each lead 10,000 provincial army soldiers, and 10,000 garrisoned troops will jointly defend. The remaining troops will stay to guard Shangdang and Taiyuan, preparing for any possible Xiongnu raids,” Liang Feng ordered.
Facing the threat from You County is not enough; they also need to guard against a potential sneak attack from the Xiongnu-Han confederation in their rear. However, the defenses of Shangdang City have been reinforced over the past two years and are no longer easily breached by any adversary.
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With a force of 40,000 well-trained soldiers, how many troops will Wang Jun dispatch to attack Bing County?
Liang Feng slightly tightened his fist, “This battle allows no room for failure. It’s time to test the edge of Bing County’s military prowess!”
One side sharpened its weapons and honed its horses, while the other prepared for battle. Like a massive millstone, they stirred along the Taihang Mountains. Half a month later, the 80,000 troops entered Changshan Commandery, crossed the narrow Jingxing, and entered the territory of Bing County.
All mountain passes had two entrances and exits. Wang Jun took control of the entrance to Changshan after conquering Changshan Commandery, but the exit should still be in the hands of the Bing County army.
The commanding officer Wang Chang, leading the troops this time, thought they would engage in a major battle along the mountain passes and had made extensive preparations for it. However, to his surprise, there was not a single enemy soldier encountered.
“It seems like Bing County is afraid of the might of our army,” Wang Chang said, stroking his beard.
In this campaign against Bing County, the commanding officer had spared no effort. Not only did he send out most of the troops from Ji County, but he also mobilized 30,000 elite cavalry from Ji County. With so many troops, along with the labor force of Fanyang, externally claiming to have a force of 100,000 troops was a conservative estimate. With only half of this force back then, they swept through Ye City and breached Chang’an within three to five days. What could a mere Leping Commandery offer?
“Pass the order: attack Shang’ai first! Duan Shizi, this time you might have to act as the vanguard,” Wang Chang said to the Xianbei warrior beside him.
Duan Jilu was the son of Duan Wujian, the son-in-law of Wang Jun. He was also a brave general among the Xianbei troops. This time, the Xianbei cavalry was led jointly by him and his brother Duan Wenyang. It was evident that Wang Jun attached great importance to the battle in Bing County.
Looking at the not particularly tall city walls in front of him, Duan Jilu nodded, “Commander, rest assured, this city is no bigger than a palm; it will be easily taken.”
In fact, Duan Jilu didn’t think much of Bing County. When they took Ye City back then, it was as fragile as paper and fell within a day. Similarly, Chang’an took only three to five days to conquer. The Xianbei cavalry roamed freely in the Jin state and had not encountered any worthy opponents. The failure to attack Dai Jun earlier was a source of deep shame for him, and it also exposed him to the fierce combat capabilities of the Tuoba tribe. From this, he inferred that when Bing County defeated the Xianbei of the Bai tribe and repelled the Xiongnu-Han confederation, there might have been assistance from the Xianbei on the sidelines. With such a military force, how much stronger were they compared to the ordinary Jin army?
And abandoning Jingxing is a clear proof. Before the mighty Xianbei army, they didn’t even defend the best-positioned Jingxing, showing a complete lack of courage!
However, even with a sense of disdain, Duan Jilu didn’t take any chances in military matters. Only after the entire army exited the Jingxing, set up camp, and took a break did he order his trusted general, Duan Moji, to lead twenty thousand soldiers and advance towards Shang’ai.
Shang’ai, located beside Jingxing, was a city that could serve as a military outpost, similar to Huguan in Shangdang. However, to their surprise, this city was not tightly sealed. Beneath the city walls, there was actually a military camp set up. Why weren’t these soldiers from Bing County, like others, huddled within the city for defense? Setting up a formation outside the city, were they planning to engage in an open-field battle with them?
A scornful smile appeared on the corner of his lips. Duan Moji waved his hand and coldly commanded, “Form up and crush that military camp for me!”
Since May, all the counties in Bing County have been bustling with activity. The summer harvest is of utmost importance, as after harvesting the wheat, there is also summer planting. During the busy farming season, men, women, young, and old all need to work in the fields, guarding against rain and locusts, not daring to delay for a moment.
However, in the provincial governor’s mansion, the primary focus is not on farming but on the nearby You County.
Ever since the Xianbei cavalry entered Ji County, the situation became tense. As the bandits were gradually eradicated one by one, the northern regions of Ji County, including Changshan, Zhongshan, Gaoyang, and others, fell into the hands of Wang Jun. Especially the capture of Changshan, which opened up the road from Ji County to Bing County. If Wang Jun wished, he could immediately lead his troops south, invading Bing County.
Would Wang Jun attack Bing County? Of course! In the current situation where the two commanders had already turned against each other, war was only a matter of time.
Surprisingly, this time came even faster than expected. The news of Sima Yue and Guo Xi’s war spread like a soaring owl, instantly reaching Jinyang.
“Wang Pengzu is about to mobilize his troops,” Zhang Bin spoke up.
This was the best opportunity to launch an offensive. With Sima Yue facing internal strife and being unable to spare any forces, the central government’s control was bound to further decline. At this moment, launching an attack on Bing County would raise no objections. When Sima Yue finished dealing with the rebellion, he would likely be too weak to punish the two commanders fighting each other, allowing the victor to take over the other’s territory.
With such a golden opportunity, would they not attack Bing County and instead help Sima Yue against Guo Xi?
“If Wang Pengzu invades the heart of Bing County, the major aristocratic families may give rise to chaos,” Sun Li, standing nearby, said in a deep voice. “This battle must be limited to the area around Leping!”
Sun Li had been serving as an auxiliary official in Bing County for quite some time, but he officially joined Liang Feng’s camp after the issuance of the modified Tuntian Order. This amended order caused quite a stir in Bing County, with over ten thousand runaway slaves reported. What made the Tuntian Order most effective, however, was the emergence of officials like Sun Li, who came from a noble background but were relatively poor compared to the traditional aristocracy.
Not every aristocratic family owns an endless expanse of fields and villas. In fact, many noble families, especially those of high lineage, hold prestigious titles but lack assets, sometimes falling behind certain wealthy commoner families. Without money, how can one afford to maintain servants? So, when the major aristocratic families swallowed up the hidden households, they could only stare blankly, gaining no benefits.
Advertisement
AD
However, although these people lacked wealth, they had just gained power through their appointment as provincial officials. Sun Li proposed a strategy, providing rewards to officials by approving the reclamation of fields and the number of troops stationed in each county. He understood better than anyone the ambition of this emerging class to climb the social ladder and applied this mindset to the fullest.
Once this strategy was implemented, government orders flowed smoothly, astonishing everyone. On one side were newly appointed bureaucrats eager for achievements, and on the other were suffering commoners desperate to survive. Could they not easily reach an agreement? However, doing so would inevitably offend a large number of aristocrats. Sun Li’s position changed. With Sun Li’s joining, the provincial governor’s mansion in Bing County became entirely Liang Feng’s private team.
Sun Li’s words prompted Zhang Bin to nod slightly, “Wang Jun comes from the Taiyuan Wang family. If he wins several battles in the upcoming conflict, Taiyuan might change. Wang Pengzu’s intention in this battle probably isn’t annexation but rather applying pressure. It’s best to capture Leping, and then attack the two counties of Xinxing and Yanmen. This way, You County and Bing County can be connected seamlessly. With this, they can exert pressure on Si County. Plus, with the chaos in Taiyuan, Shangdang is where the Lord’s foundation lies. He probably prefers to force the Lord back to Shangdang, facing the Xiongnu army alone.”
In a war, the most crucial aspect is the intention behind the actions, especially in a conflict involving regions of this scale. What does Wang Jun want? Essentially, land, population, and a desire for Luoyang. This contradiction had already manifested itself since the rise of the rebel forces in Bing County.
Previously, with Bing County facing chaos and most of the population migrating to You County, Wang Jun gained considerable manpower, fueling his ambition for dominance. However, as Bing County gradually stabilized, and the name of the Buddha Child rose to prominence, the direction of the refugees immediately shifted. This wasn’t an issue for just one or two individuals. To absorb thirty to forty thousand refugees annually, what kind of assimilation capability was that? Adding to the conflict over Dai Jun, the two counties of Ping Shu and Guang Chang belonging to You County also experienced a reverse migration of population. How could Wang Jun allow this development to continue?
Therefore, at the moment when the Lord refused cooperation, Bing County became a stumbling block that must be removed!
In the face of this situation, what were the Lord’s sought-after goals?
“Entering Jingxing from Changshan can reach Leping. The first line of defense should be set up at Shang’ai. Then, buffer zones can be established in Leping County and Zhan County. Shangdang and Taiyuan will station troops to wait. In the early stages of this major battle, the focus should be on solid defense, enticing the enemy to advance deeply. Once the enemy forces are fatigued and bogged down, General Yi will be ordered to march from Ji County, attacking their rear! This battle is not only for establishing authority but also an excellent opportunity to annex Ji County and press against You County!” Zhang Bin stated without hesitation.
Advertisement
AD
Liang Feng needed a victory in a major battle more than Wang Jun did!
The rise of Bing County had only happened within the last couple of years. Despite successfully repelling the Xiongnu several times, stabilizing the situation, and reclaiming the two counties of Xinxing and Yanmen, most people still didn’t view this shattered and devastated land, even high-ranking families, as significant. That’s why the court dared to repeatedly interfere in personnel arrangements in Bing County. The Bing County aristocrats affected by the reclamation decree also might have some unsettling thoughts.
Once the You County troops achieved victory, even without approaching Taiyuan, thoughts of defection would stir among both large and small aristocratic families. Having a native-born high-ranking individual from Bing County govern the province would clearly be more in line with the interests of the aristocrats.
And if Liang Feng won? If he won to the extent that even someone like Sima Yue wouldn’t dare to lightly provoke him, commanding the 100,000 iron cavalry of You County? Those noble families would immediately turn into house dogs, submitting themselves to Liang Feng. Sima Yue would also reevaluate this rising Bing County, offering him treatment similar to or even better than what Wang Jun received.
This battle was the pivotal conflict that determined the survival or demise of Bing County!
How could Liang Feng not understand the significance of this battle? Nodding slightly, he asked, “How many troops are stationed for the garrison and the provincial army now?”
“We have nearly 40,000 garrisoned troops, 20,000 provincial army soldiers, and an additional 20,000 from Shangdang Commandery. In total, we have 80,000 troops,” Duan Qin answered swiftly.
The significant increase in garrisoned troops was a result of the reclamation decree. However, a small portion had just finished training and hadn’t seen the battlefield yet, so it was not advisable to deploy them in a crucial battle. The provincial army was under the command of officials affiliated with the court, such as Linghu Sheng. While they were well-suited for defense, they lacked some offensive capabilities. The core force was undoubtedly the Shangdang Commandery troops. Trained by individuals like Yiyan, Zhang He, and Sun Jiao, they were elite troops considered an extension of the Liang family’s forces. They were completely loyal to Liang Feng and possessed formidable combat strength.
“Transfer the commandery troops to Leping Commandery. Linghu Kuang and Tian Yin will each lead 10,000 provincial army soldiers, and 10,000 garrisoned troops will jointly defend. The remaining troops will stay to guard Shangdang and Taiyuan, preparing for any possible Xiongnu raids,” Liang Feng ordered.
Facing the threat from You County is not enough; they also need to guard against a potential sneak attack from the Xiongnu-Han confederation in their rear. However, the defenses of Shangdang City have been reinforced over the past two years and are no longer easily breached by any adversary.
Advertisement
AD
With a force of 40,000 well-trained soldiers, how many troops will Wang Jun dispatch to attack Bing County?
Liang Feng slightly tightened his fist, “This battle allows no room for failure. It’s time to test the edge of Bing County’s military prowess!”
One side sharpened its weapons and honed its horses, while the other prepared for battle. Like a massive millstone, they stirred along the Taihang Mountains. Half a month later, the 80,000 troops entered Changshan Commandery, crossed the narrow Jingxing, and entered the territory of Bing County.
All mountain passes had two entrances and exits. Wang Jun took control of the entrance to Changshan after conquering Changshan Commandery, but the exit should still be in the hands of the Bing County army.
The commanding officer Wang Chang, leading the troops this time, thought they would engage in a major battle along the mountain passes and had made extensive preparations for it. However, to his surprise, there was not a single enemy soldier encountered.
“It seems like Bing County is afraid of the might of our army,” Wang Chang said, stroking his beard.
In this campaign against Bing County, the commanding officer had spared no effort. Not only did he send out most of the troops from Ji County, but he also mobilized 30,000 elite cavalry from Ji County. With so many troops, along with the labor force of Fanyang, externally claiming to have a force of 100,000 troops was a conservative estimate. With only half of this force back then, they swept through Ye City and breached Chang’an within three to five days. What could a mere Leping Commandery offer?
“Pass the order: attack Shang’ai first! Duan Shizi, this time you might have to act as the vanguard,” Wang Chang said to the Xianbei warrior beside him.
Duan Jilu was the son of Duan Wujian, the son-in-law of Wang Jun. He was also a brave general among the Xianbei troops. This time, the Xianbei cavalry was led jointly by him and his brother Duan Wenyang. It was evident that Wang Jun attached great importance to the battle in Bing County.
Looking at the not particularly tall city walls in front of him, Duan Jilu nodded, “Commander, rest assured, this city is no bigger than a palm; it will be easily taken.”
In fact, Duan Jilu didn’t think much of Bing County. When they took Ye City back then, it was as fragile as paper and fell within a day. Similarly, Chang’an took only three to five days to conquer. The Xianbei cavalry roamed freely in the Jin state and had not encountered any worthy opponents. The failure to attack Dai Jun earlier was a source of deep shame for him, and it also exposed him to the fierce combat capabilities of the Tuoba tribe. From this, he inferred that when Bing County defeated the Xianbei of the Bai tribe and repelled the Xiongnu-Han confederation, there might have been assistance from the Xianbei on the sidelines. With such a military force, how much stronger were they compared to the ordinary Jin army?
And abandoning Jingxing is a clear proof. Before the mighty Xianbei army, they didn’t even defend the best-positioned Jingxing, showing a complete lack of courage!
However, even with a sense of disdain, Duan Jilu didn’t take any chances in military matters. Only after the entire army exited the Jingxing, set up camp, and took a break did he order his trusted general, Duan Moji, to lead twenty thousand soldiers and advance towards Shang’ai.
Shang’ai, located beside Jingxing, was a city that could serve as a military outpost, similar to Huguan in Shangdang. However, to their surprise, this city was not tightly sealed. Beneath the city walls, there was actually a military camp set up. Why weren’t these soldiers from Bing County, like others, huddled within the city for defense? Setting up a formation outside the city, were they planning to engage in an open-field battle with them?
A scornful smile appeared on the corner of his lips. Duan Moji waved his hand and coldly commanded, “Form up and crush that military camp for me!”
