Chapter 269: False Prophet

Inspecting the defense along the river at the beginning of each year has almost become a regular schedule for Li Yuanhui, just like the annual vehicle inspection.

In fact, it was not easy to visit all the important places under his jurisdiction in less than a month. He was on the road almost every day.

But Li Yuanhui was very afraid that he would slack off, and he was even more worried that You Yu would be lazy and cause his subordinates to slack off, so he did it himself.

He would feel at ease only after he personally checked the weapons and food stored in various places, as well as the mental state of the soldiers, and had a clear idea of ​​what was going on.

In this inspection, Li Yuanhui brought not only the 500-odd cavalry led by Luo Shixiang and several aides, but also all the people brought by his uncle.

These people had gone through a lot of trouble on this trip with Li Yuanhui, which was even more tiring than the journey from Guanzhong to Jianghuai.

However, considering that the general himself was also in the team and was always in high spirits, he led everyone to travel through wind and rain and sleep in the open air.

These talented people from prominent families naturally did not dare to complain and just gritted their teeth and persevered.

Li Yuanhui also directly let them serve as staff members to participate in supervision and test them at any time.

And classified these people.

Those who are proficient in archery, horse riding and shooting and have extraordinary courage will go to various camps in the army.

He was a man of steady character and thoughtful conduct, so he went to the prefectures and counties to serve as an official.

Those who are familiar with military strategies and good at planning can serve as staff and participate in military affairs.

Some were sent directly on the way, and in the end, only three people followed Li Yuanhui back to Hefei.

Gao Kan of Bohai Gao family was a brave and resourceful man. He served as a secretary in the General's Office.

Yu Zhining, a native of Gaoling, Jingzhao, was born into a wealthy Xianbei family. He was the cousin of Yu Zhongheng and served as a secretary in the General's Office.

The official position of Zhonglang was first established in the Warring States Period and retained in the Han Dynasty. Its rank was equivalent to six hundred stones. In the Qin and early Han dynasties, it was called Langzhongling. Later, it belonged to Guanglu Xun and was commonly called Zhonglang.

Their job was to manage the carriages, cavalry, and gates, and to serve as the emperor's guard and attendant.

Initially, they were divided into three categories: Chariot Officer, Household Officer, and Cavalry Officer. The chief officers were Chariot Officer, Household Officer, and Cavalry General. Later, the distinction was gradually eliminated. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, in addition to the three offices, they were also divided into Huben and Yulin Zhonglangjiang.

Cao Wei still had the General of the Central Army. Later, there were the Assistants of the Central Army, who served as the generals' staff.

Li Chunfeng, a native of Yong County in Guanzhong, was intelligent and studious since childhood. He read widely and was particularly proficient in astronomy, calendar, and mathematics. He worked as a recorder.

After entering the city, these people went straight back to their residence and fell asleep with their pillows on.

I was not woken up until dinner time.

The three of them ate together in the cafeteria, and they all looked a little tired.

"It's been more than a month, and I can finally live a peaceful life in Hefei." Yu Zhining held the rice bowl and felt relieved. Although he was a Xianbei, he was the most famous among the three. He was not as good at archery and horsemanship as the Han people.

Li Chunfeng said: "Brother Yu, I'm afraid we may not be able to stay in Hefei for too long."

Yu Zhining said with a smile: "Brother Li, did you calculate a hang?"

Gao Kan at the side continued: "What's the big deal? It's just that there are fewer troops stationed outside the city. I'm afraid some of them were deployed in advance."

Li Chunfeng said helplessly: "Brother Gao is right, Brother Yu, I have said this many times, Sikong must be joking, I have only been practicing Taoism since childhood, and I am proficient in numerology, calendar and some astronomy. How can I have the ability of fortune-telling and face reading?" At this, Yu Zhining and Gao Kan both laughed.

Perhaps because he was a Taoist priest, General Li Yuanhui often asked Li Chunfeng some strange questions on the road, such as good and bad luck, wind and rain, dragon veins, etc.

Li Chunfeng had to explain that he only knew a little about astronomy and geography, and he didn't have the ability to predict good and bad luck or read faces and tell fortunes.
This made Li Yuanhui's face full of suspicion and vigilance.
Li Chunfeng was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Fortunately, Li Sikong did not blame him for this and let him follow him as a secretary.

"Speaking of which, although Sikong is young, he personally inspects all matters, no matter how big or small. He really has the style of Wu Hou."

During this day's trip with Li Yuanhui, Gao Kan witnessed with his own eyes the hands-on approach of this commander-in-chief, and only then did he realize that there is no false reputation behind this great figure.

At the young age, he was able to use the land of several counties to suppress the Eastern Wei, which could only look at the Yangtze River and sigh, without getting an inch of land north of the river. At the same time, he resisted Wagang in the east, spied on the Central Plains in the north, and controlled the Yangtze and Han Rivers in the west. He was like a hero.

Yu Zhining also echoed, "Brother Gao's words make sense. Although Li Sikong is not as brave and fierce as General Erfeng, he is cautious and well-planned. Although he seems to have not won any major victories in the past few years, he has successively taken Yuzhang, Jiangxia, Pei and other counties into his possession. The area under his jurisdiction has increased from the three counties when Li Sikong first arrived in Jianghuai to six counties now. But I don't know if he can achieve success in the Northern Expedition this year. What do you think, Brother Gao and Brother Li?"

Li Chunfeng said: "I am not good at military strategy, so I dare not speak rashly about the use of troops, but if I must say it, it will naturally be a victory at the first battle."

"Brother Li, is this fortune-telling?"

"Ha ha ha ha."

Several people laughed immediately.

After laughing, Gao Kan made a serious analysis: "In fact, what my dear brother Chunfeng said makes some sense. The Northern Expedition should be successful. First, Lou Cheqi and Murong Zhengnan only have tens of thousands of soldiers, and they were defeated by the Duke of Dunhuang last year. The Jianghuai army still has the remaining power after the battle of Ruxu, and the morale is high when fighting against the Northern Army."

"Secondly, Yuzhou is in ruins and full of bandits. The northern army's food and fodder all rely on Luoyang for transportation. The Jianghuai region has abundant food and fodder, and the Yingshui and Rushui rivers can transport food to the north. If the war drags on for a long time, Luoyang will consume a lot of food transportation, and there will be complaints in the court, urging them to fight quickly."

"The only advantage of the Yuzhou Northern Army is probably the Louchaqi and Murong Zhengnan, who are more experienced than Li Sikong."

"Besides, Hebei has already lost control, Luoyang will definitely hinder Yuzhou!"

Gao Kan spoke eloquently, summarizing his views and predictions on the direction of the war, and even the possible problems that might exist on both sides.

The only advantage of Yuzhou is that Lou Jushi and Murong Dedeyu's combat experience is completely overwhelming compared to Li Yuanhui.

In addition, whether it is the resources that can be mobilized or the morale of the two armies, the Jianghuai side has the advantage.

Yu Zhining said: "Brother Gao's words are very insightful. I admire them. But did you forget to mention someone?"

Gao Kan laughed when he heard this, "Brother Yu, are you talking about Li Yaoshi, the governor of Runan, who defeated the 100,000 elite troops of Wagang with 20,000 new troops last year?"

Yu Zhining nodded: "That's right. I think that compared to Lou Cheqi and Murong Zhengnan, this Li Taishou is the biggest enemy of Sikong. He is good at using the weak to defeat the strong, and has the style of Han Bai."

Gao Kan nodded and said, "Brother Yu is right, but this Li Taishou wants to guard against the westward advance of Wagang. Although Sikong did not mention it, the elite troops of Jianghuai should be advancing along the Rushui and Yingshui rivers this time. If Li Yaoshi wants to join the battle, Chen and Liang will be left empty. Then Liu Yuanqing of Pei County can take Suiyang of Liang County along the abandoned Yellow River Road. By then, Li Sikong, the Duke of Liang County, will be worthy of the name."

Yu Zhining clapped his hands and said, "Brother Gao has extraordinary knowledge and a great temperament. I'm afraid he can become a general in the future."

Gao Kan quickly said modestly: "Brother Yu, you are too kind. I am just talking about military affairs on paper. If I can become a general, then Brother Yu will probably be one of the Three Dukes in the future."

At this time, Li Chunfeng suddenly clapped his hands and said jokingly: "My two friends, you two sound more like Taoist priests than I do."

"How about you go and tell Li Sikong's fortune next time?"

(End of this chapter)