The Red Mansions

Chapter 1615 Gao Yong: The Gao family raised an army to fight against the traitor Jia, and they are

Chapter 1615 Gao Yong: Their Gao family...raised an army to fight against the traitor Jia, they are a family of loyal heroes!

September 13, the first year of Jianxing

Xie Zaiyi, the third-class Duke of Liao in the Han Dynasty, with the support of Sichuan chieftains and foreign generals, broke into Jianmen Pass and put down the rebellion in Bashu.

In this battle, the Gao brothers died, and King Chen Ran of Wei died in the chaos.

With the capture of Jianmen Pass, the rebellion in Shu was basically put down, except for Gao Yong's 20,000 Shu troops heading to Chengdu Prefecture and Liang Wang Chen Wei escaping from Jianmen Pass.

Xie Zaiyi walked quickly into the government office. At this moment, night was falling and lanterns were hung on the eaves. The lights were dim, illuminating the jade steps of the eaves, casting a cool light and shadow.

Xie Zaiyi sat down behind a lacquered wooden table and asked, "Have the casualties of each unit been counted?"

"Go back, Duke. The inventory has been taken." At this moment, a broad-mouthed and burly general came forward and spoke.

Xie Zaiyi raised his sword-like eyebrows, his eyes flickered, and he said loudly: "Send people to hunt down Chen Wei. Has the body of Wei Wang Chen Ran been collected?"

The general's face became solemn, and he clasped his hands and said, "Duke, the body has been collected and placed in the coffin."

Xie Zaiyi nodded and said in a deep voice: "After all, Chen Ran is a royal family. Although he has committed treason, the materials used for his coffin should not be too hasty."

When the general heard this, his face became serious and he bowed in response.

Xie Zaiyi paused for a moment, and said to the clerk beside him, "Come here, prepare the pen and ink. I want to write a report of victory to the court."

Jianmen Pass was breached, the Gao brothers were both killed, but Chen Yuan was captured alive, the King of Wei died in the chaos, the King of Liang fled, and the rebellion in Shu was completely put down.

However, it will still take some time to deal with the aftermath. The Gao family has been governing Sichuan for twenty years, and their local factions and influence should be gradually eliminated in order for the imperial court to govern Sichuan in the future.

In addition, there were the Sichuan chieftains and foreign generals. These people turned against the Gao family and, in theory, they had made contributions and should be rewarded. However, the subsequent reform of the chieftain system was a national policy for the long-term stability of the southwestern border.

Thinking this, Xie Zaiyi sat down at the desk and began to write.

……

……

Just as Xie Zaiyi recaptured Jianmen Pass, Chen Wei, accompanied by dozens of Shu army officers, fled along the Jinniu Road towards Chengdu Prefecture.

At this moment, the moon is at its zenith. The moonlight in early autumn is somewhat cold and bright. In the extremely cold wind, the trees sway constantly, bringing with them an endless sense of desolation.

The general beside Chen Wei said to the King of Liang who was riding on the saddle, "Your Highness, the brothers have been running away all night. They are tired and need to rest."

Chen Wei was in a sad mood. He responded and got off the horse.

At this moment, the surrounding Shu army soldiers also got off their horses one after another, fell to the ground exhausted, took off the feather helmets on their heads, and their cheeks were covered with beads of sweat the size of soybeans.

Although it was early autumn, I was still sweating profusely after fleeing all the way here in a hurry.

Chen Wei's eyes were blank, his face full of sadness.

Not far away, officers and soldiers of the Shu army stared at Chen Wei with some hostility in their eyes, and several officers began to whisper to each other.

Chen Wei was currently immersed in grief over his brother's passing and was unaware of anything.

At this moment, Liang Wang Chen Wei suddenly looked at the officers and soldiers of the Shu army who had gathered around him, and was startled. He hesitated and asked, "What are you going to do?"

"Your Highness, we have been deceived by the Gao family and have done things that are against the court. Now we can't return home. Your Highness, please have mercy on us and use Your Highness as a stepping stone to advance your career and hand you over to the court to absolve us of our sins." At this time, one of the middle-aged officers looked at King Liang Chen Wei and spoke.

Seeing this, Chen Wei couldn't help but reveal an inexplicable fear under his thick eyebrows that were as cold as a sharp sword, and shouted in a deep voice: "What are you going to do?"

No matter how much psychological preparation one has made to sacrifice oneself, when faced with a life-and-death crisis, one will always have an instinctive fear.

At this moment, several generals looked at each other and shouted, "Come here, tie him up!"

Immediately, several generals stepped forward, tied up Chen Wei, and held King Liang's shoulders tightly, preventing him from moving.

King Liang Chen Wei was stunned for a moment, but did not struggle, and his face was unexpectedly calm.

Soldiers from all directions rushed forward, held down Chen Wei's arms, and looked for ropes to tie up King Liang Chen Wei.

Chen Wei closed his eyes slightly, and at this moment, he looked calm, which was inconsistent with his usual irritable temperament.

In other words, there is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.

The next day, a streak of dawn appeared in the eastern sky, and a large number of Shu army officers and soldiers escorted Chen Wei to surrender to the Han army in the Beijing camp that was chasing Chen Wei.

At noon when the sun was high in the sky, Xie Zaiyi, who was at Jianmen Pass and was in charge of post-disaster affairs, received news from the front line.

At this moment, Xie Zaiyi was giving orders to the military generals, preparing to send troops to Chengdu Prefecture, and then, together with Jia Yun in Chengdu Prefecture, he would attack the Shu army together.

Xie Zaiyi put down the military register in his hand, raised his eyes and asked, "Has Prince Liang been captured?"

"Duke Liao, the person has been captured." At this moment, the general on the side spoke up.

Xie Zaiyi's face became serious, and he said in a deep voice: "Keep him under good care and take him to the capital."

Upon hearing this, all the generals present agreed.

Xie Zaiyi was silent for a moment, then looked at one of the officers and said in a deep voice, "Commander Zhao, you will stay at Jianmen Pass while I lead the main force to Chengdu Prefecture to suppress the Gao family's rebels."

Upon hearing this, the commander of the Guyong Camp, whose surname is Zhao, became serious and clasped his fists in agreement.

After Xie Zaiyi finished speaking, he began to gather the soldiers of the Beijing camp and prepared to go to Chengdu City to provide support.

……

……

Chengdu Prefecture, Government Office——

Jia Yun was now seated behind a lacquered wooden desk, flipping through a blue-covered book, looking at the military preparations in Chengdu Prefecture.

As time passed, the situation in Chengdu gradually stabilized, or in other words, the authority of the imperial court was re-established.

Not long ago, Jia Yun integrated the original officers and soldiers from Shu and mixed them with the 5,000 soldiers from the Beijing camp, totaling nearly 20,000 people, to guard the city of Chengdu.

This number of troops is almost the same as the number of troops under Gao Yong who is leading his troops back to attack Chengdu.

However, because the defense method was more advantageous, it was not an easy task for Gao Yong to recapture the Chengdu city.

"General, a pigeon has been sent for a letter." At this time, a Jinyi guard wearing a flying fish uniform, holding an embroidered spring sword, entered the hall from outside and looked up at Jia Yun.

Jia Yun's face became solemn, his eyes were burning, and he said in a deep voice, "Read it."

At this time, the Jinyifu guard said, "General Jia, the Duke of Liao has already captured Jianmen Pass, the Gao brothers died in the battle, and the King of Wei has died in the chaos."

Jia Yun was surprised and asked, "Jianmen Pass was breached?"

The captain of the Jinyifu Guard said, "It was the city that was captured yesterday."

Jia Yun looked thoughtful and said in a deep voice, "Spread this news to Chengdu."

With 5,000 soldiers and horses controlling the entire Chengdu city, although the court had already initially established a great victory in quelling the rebellion in Shu, Jia Yun was still a little worried.

Because the number of soldiers and horses led to control Chengdu Prefecture was too small this time, only 5,000, and it was all thanks to Jia Yun's use of the prestige of the court in recent days, as well as the fait accompli of capturing Chengdu Prefecture.

When Gao Yong led 20,000 troops to attack the city, Jia Yun became even more worried.

But it is different now. Jianmen Pass has been breached and the Gao brothers have died. Now I am afraid that the Shu army besieging Chengdu Prefecture outside the city will no longer listen to the orders of the Gao family, and will turn against them and return to the embrace of the court.

This is momentum!

Jia Yun pondered for a moment, then said excitedly, "Wait a minute, spread the news outside the city and ask the Shu army outside the city to surrender. As long as they surrender, the court will severely punish them except for the Gao family, and the rest will not be questioned! Anyone who presents the head of the third son of the Gao family will be promoted to a higher position by the court!"

"Yes." The officer from the Jinyi Palace bowed and responded, then turned and left.

Jia Yun stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, his handsome face showing an expression of joy.

Once Jianmen Pass was breached, the rebellion in Shu was completely quelled, and other places in Sichuan could be conquered almost by just a single order.

After returning to Beijing, he will be rewarded according to merit, and he should be the first to be awarded for this battle!

In the camp ten miles outside the city of Chengdu——

In the commander's tent, Gao Yong was wearing a chain mail and no helmet, staring at the hanging map in a daze.

He had led his army outside the city of Chengdu three days ago, but the army was surrounded outside the city of Chengdu and at this moment, there was no progress.

As time passed, some undercurrents began to emerge among the Shu army's generals.

At this moment, Yan Zhen, a trusted officer of the Gao family, came forward and reminded, "Third Master, in two days, the dry food that the soldiers brought with them will run out."

Gao Yong asked, "What about the grain and fodder transportation in the direction of Jianmen Pass? In addition, have the prefectures and counties along the way provided grain and fodder as usual?"

"Third Young Master, the prefectures and counties along the way made excuses, saying that there was no grain or fodder stored in their treasuries." Yan Zhen said with a grim look on his face.

Gao Yong said angrily: "What a bunch of fence-sitters!"

He must have seen that the Gao family had lost power and started to think of rebelling against the imperial court. This is really outrageous!

"Third Young Master, the wind direction in the camp has been a little strange recently. Several guerrillas from the Yongwei Camp were discussing something in private in the barracks on the West Hill yesterday. It didn't look like a good thing." Yan Zhen said worriedly.

Gao Yong's face was as calm as water. He said, "Have someone keep an eye on it. Speed ​​up the siege in the next two days and take down Chengdu."

After thinking for a while, Gao Yong said in a deep voice: "Pass on my order. As long as Chengdu is captured, each soldier will be rewarded with 50 taels of silver, and officers will receive corresponding rewards. I hope you will fight to the death for the elders of Sichuan!"

You can't be stingy with the money at this time, otherwise, these generals may turn against you.

Yan Zhen nodded, took the order and strode away.

Gao Yong stood up and paced back and forth. Compared with Jia Yun's cheerful pace, his face showed anxiety.

If Chengdu Prefecture could not be captured, I am afraid that Jianmen Pass would not be able to be defended either, because as time went on, the morale of the soldiers would be low and they might turn against the court and surrender.

At this moment, hurried footsteps were heard outside the military tent, and then Yan Zhen ran into the military tent quickly, looking terrified, and said, "Third Master, something terrible has happened."

Gao Yong frowned, feeling something was wrong, and asked quickly, "What's the big deal?"

Yan Zhen said, "Third Young Master, people from the imperial court outside the camp said that Jianmen Pass was breached, the eldest and second young masters were killed, and the imperial court's troops will reach Chengdu Prefecture in the next two days."

When Gao Yong heard this, his mind buzzed, his face turned pale, and his eyes showed worry. He asked, "What's going on?"

The eldest brother and the second brother...are already dead?

Gao Yong was shocked, his face turned pale, and he felt a huge grief in his heart.

Yan Zhen looked dejected and said dejectedly, "Third Master, Jianmen Pass has been breached. It's over. Everything is over."

Gao Yong's heart sank to the bottom at this moment, and he began to think about what would happen next.

Once Jianmen Pass was breached, it basically announced that Bashu had been completely pacified by the imperial court.

Yan Zhen was silent for a moment, then gave a warning and said, "The soldiers are all discussing this matter. Third Master, I'm afraid that the generals in the camp are going to mutiny."

Gao Yong said in despair: "It's unstoppable now."

Yan Zhen said in a hurry: "Sir, the situation is hopeless and nothing can be done. I will escort you to escape."

"The world is so big, and it's all the imperial court's territory. Where else can I escape to?" Gao Yong said melancholy, with a feeling of sadness welling up in his heart.

In order to support the Han Dynasty, the Gao family rose up in rebellion and fought against the traitor Jia. They are truly loyal and brave!

Yan Zhen raised his eyebrows and looked at Gao Yong intently, and was silent for a moment.

After this incident, the Gao family was completely finished.

Gao Yong hesitated for a moment, and finally made up his mind, saying, "Pack up and leave the camp."

He is the only one left in the Gao family now, so he needs to remain useful and avenge the Gao family.

Yan Zhen said: "Please wait a moment, sir. I will go and prepare it right away."

However, before Yan Zhen left the military tent, at this moment, bursts of noise from soldiers making a commotion were heard from outside the tent.

"Don't leave Gao Yong!"

"Capture the third son of the Gao family and surrender to the court immediately!" At this moment, the general's shouts rang out outside the tent.

Afterwards, a large number of military officers and soldiers gathered around and engaged in a fierce battle with Gao Yong's personal guards.

"Ping ping pong pong..."

With the clash of weapons and the sound of muffled groans and shouts of killing, the guards loyal to the Gao family all fell in a pool of blood after being killed by the Shu army officers.

At this moment, Gao Yong closed his eyes slightly, listening to the shouting and killing outside. He couldn't help but think of his brother, and his heart was filled with grief.

The soldiers will mutiniate in order to make a living, and I'm afraid he will follow his brother's footsteps soon!

After a while, the Gao family guards stationed outside the central military tent finally couldn't hold on anymore. A large number of Shu army officers and soldiers, holding goose-feather knives, rushed into the military tent and surrounded and killed Gao Yong.

"Mr. Gao San."

Gao Yong stared at the leading general and asked sternly, "Lieutenant General Tian, ​​you were promoted by my father. Are you going to be ungrateful and harm me?"

Tian Qi looked ashamed, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Third Master Gao, we have families and children, and we are all in Chengdu. If Jianmen Pass had not been breached, the brothers could still fight with the Gao family, but now that Jianmen Pass has been breached, we are in a state of complete defeat. Third Master, the situation is hopeless."

"Yes."

All the generals present echoed in unison.

Gao Yong looked at the officers of the Shu army. Familiar faces from the past came into his sight. Gao Yong couldn't help but close his eyes, a feeling of sadness of being abandoned by his friends and relatives welling up in his heart.

"Okay, my Gao family has been in charge of Sichuan for more than ten years, and we will not let you go down the evil path." Gao Yong said, and drew out the sword from his waist and placed it across his neck.

Yan Zhen's expression suddenly changed, and he said hurriedly: "Master, no!"

"Since you brothers want to take my head to seek credit and reward, I will oblige you. And please don't forget to burn some incense for our Gao father and son during the Qingming Festival." Gao Yong said in a sad tone, and he exerted force with the Longquan sword in his hand. Suddenly, streams of blood spurted out from his neck.

"Third son..."

At this moment, the mutinous officers and soldiers of the Shu army around them saw this scene and couldn't help but exclaimed in surprise.

The Gao family father and son have been in charge of Sichuan for nearly twenty years, and it can be said that they have influenced almost an entire generation. If Jianmen Pass had not been breached, the situation would have been irreversible and the officers and soldiers of the Shu army present would not necessarily have mutinied.

Now all three brothers of the Gao family are dead. If Gao Zhongping is counted, the entire family will be wiped out, and their end is tragic.

The generals present couldn't help but show a look of worry on their faces.

Yan Zhen was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Tian Qi, you guys did a great job!"

The leading officer, Tian Qi, showed an unnatural look on his face and said, "General Yan, collect the body of the Third Young Master. We will leave first."

As he spoke, a large number of Shu army officers and soldiers came out of the military tents, reorganized their troops, and prepared to surrender to Jia Yun in Chengdu Prefecture.

Chengdu City, Governor's Office——

In the spacious and elegant hall, people are crowded together.

Jia Yun was meeting with a group of local gentry and prominent families in Sichuan, many of whom were retired bureaucrats from Sichuan who were now helping Jia Yun to calm the situation in Chengdu.

One of the middle-aged gentlemen with an elegant face said, "General Jia, when will the Duke of Liao come to Chengdu?"

Jia Yun said, "The Duke of Liao has been on his way these days. According to his schedule, it will probably take only three to five days."

Another old man with gray hair and an old face coughed. He was Qiu Yuanchang, the former governor of Sichuan. He asked, "General Jia, I wonder how the court dealt with the civil servants who betrayed the country? They were deceived by the Gao family and Zeng Shuhong and had no choice. Will the court settle the score with them later?"

When Jia Yun heard this, he felt a little strange.

He is truly an old fox in the officialdom, and he knows that the court will most likely settle the score with him later.

At this time, a general walked into the hall quickly, his rough face showing a look of joy. He said happily, "General Jia, the Shu army outside the city raised a white flag to our army and mentioned that Gao Yong, the third son of the Gao family, had committed suicide."

When Jia Yun heard this, he was overjoyed and said, "Come on, everyone, let's go to the city gate tower and take a look."

When the Shu gentry in the hall heard this, their hearts were slightly moved.

The third son of the Gao family committed suicide, so the rebellion in Shu was completely settled?

After Jia Yun finished speaking, he, accompanied by his personal guards, looked toward the top of the city wall of Chengdu.

Not long after, a large group of gentry followed behind him and climbed up to the top of the Chengdu city wall.

At this moment, Jia Yun stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the Shu army camp in the distance. He saw the Shu army officers lined up under the city wall, and a white flag had been hung in the camp.

The Shu army seemed to have surrendered completely.

Xie Zaiyi was the Duke of Liao, a title conferred upon him by the King of Chu at that time. He used the word "Liao" to intentionally disgust the protagonist, but he forgot about the title at the end and wrote it as the Duke of Ying. The beginning was changed to the Duke of Liao, so there is no need to correct the mistake.