Chapter 512: Hearts Hidden Behind the Belly

These days, Huangfu Weiming, who is stationed in Ye City, is feeling very uneasy.

On one hand, he anxiously awaits the war between Hedong and Guanzhong, fearing that Ji Ge might suddenly die, his power be absorbed by Li Chang, and he would profit for nothing.

He repeatedly weighs sending troops versus waiting, worried that a single misstep would lose everything.

This anxious waiting feels painful.

On the other hand, Huangfu Weiming is also very dissatisfied with the battle situation in Beizhou and Jizhou.

Fang Chongyong leads a detachment, traversing four or five Hebei prefectures, without meeting any enemy!

Those unaware of the inside story would think Huangfu Weiming is made of mud, unable to handle such trivial matters!

If it drags on, it will shake his subordinates' confidence in him.

Thus Huangfu Weiming readjusts his deployment, moving troops from the interior of Youzhou eastward to block the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's route.

He also orders the garrisons in Mingzhou, Dingzhou and other places defending against Hedong's imperial troops to converge on Beizhou and Dezhou, concentrating overwhelming force to try to encircle Fang Chongyong and the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army within Cangzhou's borders.

For this, Huangfu Weiming removes the underperforming An Shouchong from his post for investigation, and establishes a dedicated secretariat, appointing the valiant General Zhang Zhongzhi as Grand Commander of the Anti-Rebellion Command, overseeing all matters of the encirclement of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army.

Honestly, mobilizing such a large effort for a single detachment seems a bit "out of his proper business"; in a sense, he simply overestimates Fang Chongyong.

In theory, Huangfu Weiming shouldn't act like this, but only he knows his own suffering. His actions also have unavoidable grievances.

The generals under Huangfu Weiming are divided into many factions.

The Youzhou faction from the Youzhou fief, the Pinglu faction from the Pinglu fief, the Guanzhong faction with connections in Guanzhong, the Jizhou faction composed of forces from southern Hebei prefectures, and so on.

The relationships among these groups are not simple competition; they are interwoven, both cooperating and vying for power.

Only the Guanzhong faction is Huangfu Weiming's direct line and trusted confidants; the others merely claim to support Li Wan's rise, treating Huangfu Weiming as a co‑ruler.

They have a degree of independence; for example, the Youzhou general An Shouchong, if he hadn't repeatedly lost on the front lines, Huangfu Weiming would have had no excuse to deal with him.

To maintain such a complex and massive network of relationships and balance the distribution of interests, Huangfu Weiming needs absolute authority and the ability to command large armies; he must be the strongest fighter!

At least that's how outsiders see it.

If he can't even handle a rogue detachment causing trouble in the heartland of Hebei, what right does he have to be the leader?

This sword hangs over Huangfu Weiming's head; he cannot feign deafness.

It must be said, Fang Chongyong's recent moves truly broke Huangfu Weiming's defenses.

That night, just after dusk, Huangfu Weiming received news from Zhang Xiu: An Shouchong suffered another crushing defeat, has been taken to Ye City, and is awaiting interrogation in prison.

The incident was unexpected yet also understandable; since An Shouchong had previously performed poorly in battle, another defeat was normal.

However, the battle report sent by Zhang Zhongzhi was more interesting; he wrote that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is extremely fierce, composed of the best elite troops from the border forces, and when they probed them, the enemy fought one against ten, making them very hard to deal with.

Therefore he suggested that his side bring a large army to follow them, and let the troops from Youzhou, Dingzhou and other places gradually merge to form an encircling ring.

Once reinforcements from all directions are in place, a single surge can launch a general attack and surely strike down in one blow.

To show his resolve, Zhang Zhongzhi decided to rename himself "Li Baochen", sharing the emperor's surname to demonstrate loyalty, and vowed not to stop until the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army is taken.

Although puzzled by why Zhang Zhongzhi suddenly changed his name, Huangfu Weiming still admired this Grand Commander's determination and plan. He waved his hand and dispatched a batch of supplies from Liyang to Beizhou to support Li Baochen's campaign.

Such a large‑scale grain movement clearly indicates that the previous plan to move south into Henan has been abandoned. After capturing Luoyang, they intend to seize the grain stored in Hanjiacang.

Now the rebel forces in Hebei are divided into three groups, and the interior of Youzhou has been completely emptied.

The largest group is concentrated in the Liyang area, commanded by Li Guiren; they have abandoned the plan to move south to Bianzhou, but still intend to attack Luoyang via Henei.

The second group has not yet gathered, but its designated assembly point is Cangzhou; the various armies will converge there for a joint strike to encircle the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army.

The third group is the Hedong Shi Siming unit; he leads his own army independently and does not accept Huangfu Weiming's direct command, making it semi‑independent.

Huangfu Weiming's arrangement aims to focus on the outcome of the clash between Ji Ge and Li Chang; once they fight to the death, the Hebei rebels will first seize Luoyang, then take Chang'an!

Thus gaining legitimacy in one stroke!

"Bring An Shouchong here."

After reading the battle report, Huangfu Weiming was in high spirits and instructed Zhang Xiu.

The latter obeyed and, after a short while, An Shouchong was brought to the study.

Compared with when he left, An Shouchong now has a tangled beard, blood‑red eyes, and looks completely spiritless. His armor and weapons had long been removed; now he wears a simple hemp robe, only slightly cleaner than a beggar's.

He looks at least ten years older.

"I once had great expectations for you, but this is how it turned out, alas!"

Huangfu Weiming looked at An Shouchong and shook his head in disappointment.

If it weren't for Li Baochen's report that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army could fight one against ten, An Shouchong would now likely be on the execution block, taken by Huangfu Weiming to be used as a flag sacrifice for military law.

Of course, Li Baochen's original intention was not to save An Shouchong, but to pave the way for his own actions.

If the battle report had belittled the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army as worthless, how could he later make a point on the battlefield?

Unexpectedly, this move saved An Shouchong's life.

Huangfu Weiming is not a harsh man to his subordinates; otherwise he couldn't gain support for promotion. Since Li Baochen said the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army could fight, An Shouchong's situation is understandable.

"I, the lowly, apologize, my lord; that Fang Qing is too cunning, impossible to guard against. I was defeated, betraying your trust, death penalty, death penalty!"

An Shouchong knelt on the ground, weeping and repeatedly bowing in thanks.

Huangfu Weiming hurriedly helped him to his feet.

"Fang Qing now commands few troops, but his military experience is rich; he once fought a great battle against Tubo, sweeping the Western Regions, so he cannot be treated as an ordinary man.

You will return to Fanyang as the Fanyang training officer, responsible for recruiting new soldiers, forming a unit of your own, awaiting deployment."

Huangfu Weiming gave An Shouchong the task of recruiting troops back in Youzhou.

In truth, this is equivalent to being sidelined—a typical "death penalty can be avoided, but a living penalty is hard to escape."

But the newly recruited troops, can they compare to the border forces of the Youzhou fief? An Shouchong was clearly displeased!

He quickly knelt and pleaded: "I do not seek to command a unit alone, only wish to follow the Grand Commander and obey, to repay your kindness!"

Retreating to the second line, leading a small unit is like a garnish, or serving as deputy to the main force.

Both options have their own merits.

However, in terms of promotion opportunities, it is clear that the latter can more easily make a name for himself.

Huangfu Weiming heard this and pondered for a long while.

Now is the time to employ people; it would not be improper for An Shouchong to join the force attacking Luoyang.

A military commander's authority hinges on whether he "leads an independent army." If he merely serves as a deputy or auxiliary general, his role is at most to offer advice and follow orders, remaining subject to others.

Thinking of this, Huangfu Weiming gave a slight nod and said, "Very well, then serve as a deputy general under Li Guiren's command."

Huangfu Weiming values talent, and in the end he did not kill An Shouchong outright.

"Thank you, Grand Marshal; I shall spare no effort in slaying the enemy and fight to capture Luoyang."

An Shouchong, his face alight with excitement, clasped his fists and saluted Huangfu Weiming.

"Go then."

Huangfu Weiming waved his hand casually, clearly not taking the matter to heart. His thoughts now centered on who between Ji Ge and Li Chang would win or lose.

If this move is correct, half of the world's affairs will be settled.

There must be no mistakes!

……

Anling City in Dezhou lies on the left bank of the Yongji Canal; the county seat is modest, and the Hebei rebel army's field forces are not in the neighboring prefectures.

Fang Chongyong led the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army northward along the canal; when they reached Anling County, the magistrate opened the city gates and surrendered without hesitation.

It was not that the magistrate refused to resist, but such resistance, tantamount to suicide, was meaningless.

The magistrate held little authority, had to heed local gentry, and earned a meager salary. For such a post, risking one's life was not worth it.

Rumors had long claimed that the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army did not slaughter indiscriminately, surrendered obediently, and caused no trouble; why make things harder for themselves?

Fang Chongyong did not linger either; he let the original Anling County staff continue their duties, but still followed the old practice of opening granaries while distributing weapons to the surrounding populace.

Just as Fang Chongyong planned to lead troops to Ba Qiao Town in Dongguang County, Cangzhou, to seize supplies, Li Baocen sent a trusted aide via the waterway with a letter.

Enclosed was a battle plan map showing the Hebei rebel army encircling and annihilating the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army!

That night, in the main hall of Anling County's yamen, Fang Chongyong conferred on military matters with the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army's senior generals.

When they saw the letter, all of Fang Chongyong's subordinate commanders were stunned!

Li Baocen supplied them with the Hebei rebel army's deployments; what does that mean?

"Jiedushi, could this be a trap?"

Che Guangqian asked with a puzzled expression.

If the deployment map is genuine, their situation is perilous, for the Hebei rebel army's Gao Miao detachment has already entrenched in Changlu County, a strategic town of Cangzhou, beside the canal, waiting to strike.

Changlu's importance does not stem from its geography but from the Changlu Salt Field, which since the Han dynasty has supplied salt to all of Hebei.

Salt from the Changlu Salt Field is shipped via the canal throughout Hebei, forming a vital economic artery.

Without hesitation, Gao Miao seized the salt field with his troops, prioritizing protection of a key resource. It undeniably aligns with military doctrine.

Thus it also suggests that Li Baocen's map is very likely authentic!

"Rest assured, as long as he changes his name to Li Baocen, he will certainly not pursue our total extermination."

Fang Chongyong let out a cold, sneering laugh.

He Changqi, being involved, also went with Fang Chongyong that night to Chongxing Temple.

He brushed it off, saying, "You didn't see how Li Baocen that night was…"

He Changqi tried to continue, but heard Fang Chongyong hiss, "Enough, you understand the gist, that's all."

He looked around and asked the others, "According to this map, four columns of troops are encircling us; what do you think?"

The group fell silent; claiming there was no pressure would be false.

Earlier they were indifferent because Huangfu Weiming had not taken serious action, so the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army was still wreaking havoc in Hebei.

Now Huangfu Weiming shows no restraint, and Che Guangqian's party instantly feels immense pressure.

Li Baocen commands over twenty thousand troops, the largest force.

Gao Miao's auxiliary detachment blocks the essential canal route with ten thousand soldiers.

Two more columns are on forced march, one led by Ashina Chengqing. He is a Turkic tribal chief; when Huangfu Weiming raised troops, he was considered a "resource‑bringing recruit."

Li Baocen does not know how many troops Ashina Chengqing brings; in any case, he follows orders selectively.

The final column, commanded by Hebei rebel warlord Tian Qianzhen, numbers only five thousand, is the farthest away, and poses the smallest threat.

Beyond these four columns, the Huihe's "outside maneuver" cannot be ignored. To prepare for attacks on Luoyang and Chang'an, Huangfu Weiming has heavily bribed Yeh Hu of the Huihe, ordering him to lead troops from the steppe into Youzhou, awaiting opportunity.

Although this force is Huangfu Weiming's contingency for seizing the world, it is possible that the Huihe, inflamed with zeal, will send an auxiliary detachment to assist in besieging Fang Chongyong.

It should be noted that back then, Fang Chongyong in the northern frontier and Hedong repeatedly slapped the Huihe's face, swelling it.

If Yeh Hu of the Huihe recalls this incident and sends cavalry on a rapid raid across the Hebei plain, Fang Chongyong would have no recourse.

If one is lenient in estimating the enemy, this becomes a five‑column encirclement, and the situation is no better than the Red Army's Long March.

"All of you, go think over a plan; we set out for Ba Qiao Town tomorrow."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand wearily and said that he now felt truly lacking a strategist on his side.

After the generals departed, he went to the yamen's signing room, spread a large sheet of paper, and wrote a letter to Li Baocen.

Could the previous deception truly make Li Baocen utterly convinced?

Fang Chongyong thought not necessarily; given enough time, Li Baocen would inevitably grow suspicious.

Thus the situation must be gradually strengthened, dragging the opponent deeper step by step.

After much deliberation, Fang Chongyong decided it was time to draft a "Longzhong Dialogue" for Li Baocen.

He wrote in the letter: Hengzhou, Dingzhou, Yizhou, Zhaozhou, Shenzhou, and Jizhou are densely populated, fertile lands, historically the foundation of kings and hegemonies. Emperor Guangwu secured these regions, and only then attained the realm.

Today the world's situation is ever‑changing; should there be upheaval in Guanzhong and Hedong, Huangfu Weiming will surely seize Luoyang and Chang'an. Yet his control of these places would be temporary, as many troops of the Shuo‑fang army and the Hexi Longyou forces have yet to arrive in Guanzhong. If Shi Siming captures Hedong, he will also establish his own rule there.

Failing to take Hedong, he will retreat to Youzhou and establish his own base.

The lands of Henan, the Two Huais, and Jiangnan are not places that will simply submit just because you say so.

There may still be many twists among them.

And once Hebei's troops pour into Luoyang and Guanzhong, Hebei will inevitably be left empty. At that point, you can take the aforementioned six provinces as a base, establish your own state, obey orders but ignore proclamations, and recruit soldiers and purchase horses while awaiting the opportunity.

Never obey an order to enter Hedong, Luoyang, Guanzhong, and the like; those places are whirlpools—once you go in, there is no future.

After finishing the letter, Fang Chongyong examined it repeatedly, felt there was no problem, then sealed it and handed it to his personal guard, sending him on a trip to Beizhou Qinghe to deliver the letter personally into Li Baochen's hands.