Chapter 341: The Jingchu Land

Yinzhou Fleet.

Speeding along the whole way.

Traveling by Waterway is indeed much faster than by land. Watching the high mountains and steep ridges receding rapidly behind him, Liu Zheng could not help but think of Li Bai's verses.

"The monkeys on both banks cry incessantly, the light boat has already passed ten thousand mountains."

The Yinzhou Fleet certainly cannot be counted as a light boat, but it is still very fast.

These ten massive "light boats" have already been shuttling along the Han River for several days.

The Han River is the main channel for this Waterway.

The Han River is also called the Han Shui; in ancient times it was called the Mianshui, and together with the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Huai River, it is collectively known as the "Jiang, He, Huai, and Han." The Han River has a total length of 1,532 kilometers, and in terms of length, it is the largest tributary of the Yangtze River.

Its source is at Zhongshan in Ningqiangxian (subordinate to Hanzhongshi, Shaanxisheng, formerly known as Ningqiang), located between the Qinling and Micangshan in the southwest of Shaanxisheng, and then it flows southeast through the Hanzhong and Ankang cities of the Qinbashandi in southern Shaanxi. Afterward, it enters Exi!

Here, it is already the territory of Jingchu, the domain of the Prince of Xiang.

It then flows north past Shiyan into the Danjiangshuiku, and after exiting the reservoir, it continues to flow southeast, passing cities such as Xiangfan and Jingmen, then all the way to Yong'an, until it reaches Jiangzhou!

It can be said that the latter half of this Han River is basically within the borders of Jingzhou.

Of course.

Because Liu Zheng's Liangzhou army was nominally dispatched to reinforce Chuan Shu, he is considered to have a legitimate reason for his expedition, and it is justified, having the endorsement of the imperial court.

As long as he does not take the initiative to attack, these Jingzhou armies will not necessarily intercept him.

In fact, at this time, everyone knows.

The conflict between the two sides will break out completely at Yong'an. So there is simply no need to get entangled halfway. The Prince of Xiang's army of one hundred thousand is already waiting for Liu Zheng at Yong'an.

"The Jingchu Waterway connects the whole world; it truly lives up to its reputation!"

Throughout this journey, Liu Zheng has been expressing such sentiments.

As one of the most important cultures of Huaxia civilization, Jingchu culture is actually quite brilliant on the Jingchu land, surpassing Chuan Shu by a great deal. After all, when Chuan Shu was still inhabited by uncivilized barbarians, Jingchu culture had already begun to sprout and flourish.

Archaeological discoveries show that as early as several thousand years ago, humans were already living and multiplying on the Jingzhou land, creating the brilliant Qujialing culture and Shijiahe culture.

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, bronze smelting technology, Cast Iron forging technology, silk weaving and embroidery technology, and lacquerware craftsmanship were all at the world's leading level.

Lao-Zhuang philosophy, Chu Ci Literature, and music and dance also ascended to the halls of ancient world civilization.

In the former Chu capital of Jinancheng and its surroundings, there are 5 ruins of Chu cities, 73 sites of Chu culture, and more than 800 large stone tombs, including the burial sites of 18 kings of Chu. During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang called Jingzhou, "To the north it occupies the Han and Mian, its profits reach the South Sea, to the east it connects to Wu and Kuaiji, and to the west it communicates with Bashu; this is a land of strategic importance."

The terrain of Jingzhou is flat, the climate is mild, rivers crisscross, and lakes are scattered like stars. There are 92 rivers with a basin area of more than 100 square kilometers, and the Yangtze River flows through this region for 453 kilometers.

Therefore.

These people of Jingchu have an absolute sense of pride when facing the "barbarians" of Chuan Shu.

Xie Zhen laughed from the side: "Jingzhou is a place where the nine provinces intersect; its prosperity and development go without saying. However, this is also a place that military strategists must contend for. If... if the world is not at peace, Jingzhou is hard to stabilize!"

Liu Zheng also nodded.

Xie Zhen still has quite a bit of insight.

Relatively speaking, the geographical location of Chuan Shu is actually more suitable for building high walls, storing grain, and delaying the claim to the throne. This is why Liubei was able to divide the world into three, while Liubiao could not. One must know that this Liu Jingsheng was no mediocre person back then; he entered Jingzhou with a single horse and stunned the world. Yet, the geographical location of Jingzhou destined it for years of war, with a weary populace and an empty treasury, with Caocao to the north, Eastern Wu to the east, and Chuan Shu to the west.

Wanting to recuperate and build up strength was basically impossible.

Now is a time of peace, so it is still fine.

If the chaos of the world were to begin, this Prince of Xiang would certainly be exhausted from running about.

This is also why the successive Princes of Xiang of Jingchu have always had a special fondness for the Chuan Shu land and have constantly harassed it.

Because only by taking Chuan Shu can Jingchu be considered to have a secure rear. With the almost inexhaustible grain and fodder support of Chuan Shu, Jingchu could remain in an invincible position.

"It seems that this Yong'an will be a fierce battle."

Liu Zheng laughed heartily.

This Prince of Xiang will absolutely not allow Yong'an, this gateway to Chuan Shu which has been in his hands for several years, to be handed over to others!

Xie Zhen said with worry: "Second Brother, the Jingzhou navy cannot be underestimated. If General Qin is blocked over there, then we..."

Liu Zheng understood what he meant.

If the great battle at Yong'an continues and Qin Zhangfeng is blocked, then Liu Zheng's Liangzhou navy will truly enter a dilemma. Why? The simplest point is grain and fodder!

The Liangzhou navy belongs to long-range warfare, and logistics and supplies are difficult to sustain. For this army of one hundred thousand to set out, the consumption of grain alone is not a small number.

And as for the land of Yong'an, they have already penetrated deep into the Jingchu land.

If a great battle between the two sides breaks out, the Prince of Xiang will certainly cut off the grain supply from the direction of Liangzhou or Hanzhong.

In this way, if they cannot take Yong'an in a few days, these one hundred thousand Liangzhou naval troops will become a lone army cut off from food; how could they talk about combat effectiveness? At that time, I am afraid they would be shut inside and beaten like dogs by this Jingzhou army.

Hearing this, Jiang Xuan laughed loudly from the side: "His Highness the Crown Prince, no, King of Shu, there is no need to worry about this. With my Qin Dage there, Shuzhou can be taken in three days!"

Just yesterday, Liu Zheng had already announced to the world that the legitimate heir to Chuan Shu, Xie Zhen, was on his side and that they had already sworn an oath as brothers of different surnames.

And he announced to the world that Xie Zhen had officially inherited the title of King of Shu.

In this way, no one could stop him from entering Shu.

That is to say, now this Longyan has two Kings of Shu: one is Xie Zhen, and one is Xie Yang. In the end, of course, only one can remain, and as for who it is, that will depend on whose wrist is stronger.

"Three days?"

Xie Zhen gave a bitter smile.

Regarding this, he did not hold an optimistic attitude. The thousand-year-old city of Shuzhou has experienced many wars and has long since been built into a wall of bronze and iron. Not to mention that there are still thirty thousand imperial guards; even if there were ten thousand people defending the city, it would be extremely difficult for Qin Zhangfeng's army of sixty thousand to break through in three days.

Just at this moment.

A Scout suddenly came to report.

"Young Master!"

"Responding to Xie Yang's request for aid, an army of two hundred thousand Southern Barbarians has already set out for Shuzhou!"

"What?"

Several people were simultaneously jolted into alertness.

Liu Zheng's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Good!"

Although this was already within his plans, he had not expected this Xie Yang to be unable to sit still so soon. However, this was also understandable; after all, Jiangzhou was four days away from Shuzhou even by forced march. It seemed the fighting prowess of the Liangzhou Army had already terrified Xie Yang, and he absolutely would not allow any accidents to occur.

Therefore, he needed a large army that could arrive to reinforce him on time.

Seeking reinforcements from the Barbarian.

In this way, the charge of Xie Yang colluding with the Barbarian would be truly confirmed.

"This unfilial son, unfilial son!"

Xie Zhen stood to the side, his face full of righteous indignation. It was unclear whether this "unfilial son" was something he was cursing himself or if he was cursing on behalf of his father. Colluding with the Barbarian to invade was equivalent to treason. It disregarded the lives and safety of the common people!

However...

Upon second thought, Xie Zhen became anxious again.

These 150,000 Barbarian troops, although mostly uneven in quality, were still a terrifying fighting force.

In this way, with Shuzhou coming to reinforce, how could Qin Zhangfeng attack the city?

If Shuzhou did not fall.

Liu Zheng's side would become an isolated army with no supply of grain and fodder.

How could this be broken?

He looked at Liu Zheng anxiously.

Liu Zheng, however, was not in the least bit anxious, laughing, "Brother, calm yourself."

"This was already within Liu Zheng's expectations."

"But..."

"Brother must know, the Barbarian will take four days to arrive; furthermore, given the Barbarian's history of lax military discipline and failure to obey orders, I fear it would be no easy feat for them to arrive in five days."

"Yet, General Qin can attack the city in two days."

"What if..."

"What if we could take Shuzhou City on the very day we attack?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Zhen was stunned on the spot.

What are you saying?

On the day of the siege, take Shuzhou?

No...

Is your Liangzhou Army always this confident?

At this time.

Inside Jiangzhou City, the stench was overwhelming.

A living Hell; this had already been a living Hell for over two months. Those 300,000 Barbarian acted as if they had arrived in a living Heaven; once they breached Jiangzhou, they indulged in debauchery and slaughtered the innocent.

Accustomed to eating raw meat and drinking blood, where had they ever seen such a prosperous city?

"Hahahaha, these Chuan Shu women are just so fair and tender!"

"Refreshing!"

"Damn it, if I weren't worn out, I'd definitely be going at it with both hands today!"

Groups of Barbarian, reeking of alcohol, swaggered through the streets.

The entire Jiangzhou was in a state of ruin, devastated and scarred.

The common people lived in fear every day, their crying never ceasing. Men were dragged off to be forced laborers, building fortifications, while women were wantonly bullied by these Barbarian...

When had the land of Chuan Shu ever suffered such a war?

"Oh Heavens, oh Longyan! Are you just going to ignore us people of Jiangzhou?"

The Powerful Clan and scholars in the city were all complaining bitterly, feeling utterly desperate.

"What are you howling about! Shut your mouths, all of you! Don't you see who has come? Hmph, can't you see the situation clearly? Quickly, quickly, welcome the Grand Chief!"

Just then, a fat man dressed in brocade robes barged into the Chen Family, a Powerful Clan of Jiangzhou City, acting under the guise of the Barbarian's power.

The Chen Family was instantly thrown into chaos.

The elder of the Chen Family pointed angrily at the fat man: "Wenyang, you lackey, do you sleep soundly?"

Slap!

Before the words were finished, Wenyang walked over and slapped the elder across the face, scolding angrily: "Old thief, you don't know what's good for you! If it weren't for me, your Chen Family would have been gone long ago, understand?"

"Come, come, Grand Chief, this is the Chen Family; the number one Beauty of Jiangzhou is the daughter of the Chen Family!"

This Wenyang, after the Barbarian breached the city, had become the number one lackey of the Barbarian, commonly known as a traitor. He scavenged for beauties in Jiangzhou for the Barbarian Grand Chief Agutuo in exchange for his own safety and status.

Agutuo had dark skin, a fierce look like a bear, a strange hairstyle, and two large "earrings" hanging from his earlobes; his body was covered in tattoos, and even his face was covered in various tattoos.

At a single glance, one could tell this person was no good.

Hearing this, Agutuo laughed: "Good, good!"

Then he said in broken Mandarin: "Bring... her to me!"

"Yes!"

In an instant, the Chen Family was filled with wailing and miserable screams.

Just then, a subordinate came to report.

From the Shuzhou side, a request for reinforcements!

Upon hearing this, Agutuo's eyes instantly lit up.

Go to Shuzhou?

Hahaha, good!

They had already looted just about everything within the borders of Jiangzhou; since Xie Yang had given him the opportunity, he would kill his way all the way to Shuzhou to see what that world-renowned Land of Abundance and its Beauties were really like...

With a single order.

The Southern Barbarian army shouted and hollered, and just gathering took two hours.

At this moment.

Inside Jiangzhou City, in a certain corner.

A person in black quietly watched all of this.