"But, can I do it?"
Although Han Mo's words had reassured him a lot, the thought of leading thousands of people to fight on the ocean made him feel a bit uncertain.
"Mr. Shao has already completed the most difficult part for you. You only need to continue executing the strategy designated by the gentleman, and others will be at your disposal!"
"I won't force you on this. After you finish this cup of tea, if you are unwilling, then I will pretend I never said anything!"
After looking deeply at Huang Linghe, Han Mo suddenly said with a light laugh.
"This..."
Hearing Han Mo say this, Huang Linghe's breathing immediately slowed by half a beat.
Almost instantly, his mind began to race.
This matter was a huge opportunity for both him and the Huang family.
"I can give this opportunity to the Qian family. I believe the Qian family will not hesitate at all. However, when we first met at the Zhuangyuan Building, you were the first to welcome me. I must ask you this once! There is only one chance. Whether you can seize it depends on yourself!"
After pouring Huang Linghe another cup of tea, Han Mo smiled and raised his teacup.
Among the major families now, only their Huang family had the most thorough support for Han Mo. Moreover, Han Mo greatly admired Huang Linghe's foresight and methods, which was why he approached him first.
But if he himself did not accept, Han Mo would naturally have to settle for the Qian family!
"Thank you, sir, for your favor. You have already said so much. If I still don't accept, then I would be too insensible!"
After taking several deep breaths, Huang Linghe stood up, came before Han Mo seriously, and bowed deeply to him.
"Very good. Go back and make arrangements first. Three days later, depart with the fleet!"
"Yes!"
Huang Linghe left. Han Mo began to write again. That night, in the backyard of the Mingzhou City Commandery Prefect's office, nearly a hundred carrier pigeons took to the sky, flying in all directions.
On June 13th, Tong Guan, the Commissioner of Military Affairs for Shaanxi, Hedong, Xilui of Hebei, and Dongluji of Hebei, finally led his troops to Taiyuan City.
"Your Excellency, you are handing over Hebei to Tan Zhen like this. What if something happens in Hebei..."
Looking at the majestic Taiyuan City before him, Wang Anzhong felt increasingly uneasy.
"What are you afraid of? The Jin people's movements are currently unknown. Hedong is safer than Hebei!"
More than twenty days had passed, but whenever he thought of the performance of the Changsheng Army that day, Tong Guan instinctively recalled Tan Zhen's suggestion.
Although the Changsheng Army was powerful, in the end, they were all surrendered troops. Betrayal, once it happens, will happen again!
He had been too arrogant and too trusting of his own judgment before, so he had not listened to any words that were unfavorable to Guo Yaoshi.
However, after directly expelling the Jin envoy with one sentence this time, he had reflected on many things himself.
For example, the threat theory of the Changsheng Army proposed by Tan Zhen!
In the entire Hebei region, apart from the Changsheng Army, there were no other capable troops. The elite Western Army troops by his side might be able to fight, but if they were sent out, Tong Guan himself would be at the mercy of others.
In order to change this situation, he had no hesitation in discarding Tan Zhen, the Deputy Commissioner of Military Affairs, to Hebei at all costs.
He personally led his troops to Hedong, preparing to exchange his ordinary imperial troops with the elite Western Army troops.
"Your subordinate, Zhang Xiaochun, the Commissioner of Military Affairs and Pacification for Hedong, greets Your Excellency!"
As the two were speaking, Zhang Xiaochun, who had been ordered to greet them, rode his horse to meet them.
"Lord Zhang, you have managed Taiyuan City well. I see that these soldiers are all very strong. When I return to the capital, I will certainly petition the Emperor on your behalf!"
Glancing at the soldiers behind Zhang Xiaochun, Tong Guan immediately began to applaud his own idea.
If he had hundreds of thousands of such troops under his command, why would he fear not being able to defeat the Jin people!
"Thank you, Your Excellency!"
Hearing Tong Guan's words, Zhang Xiaochun immediately sensed a bad omen.
Could this old man be here for his soldiers!
Taiyuan is an important strategic town in the northwest, with a crucial geographical location. Whether defending against the Western Xia, the Khitan, or the potentially emerging Jin people, it is an important bridgehead.
Such a strategically vital place naturally requires heavy troops to guard it.
Since he took office, he had put in a lot of effort to train such a brave and fierce team.
If Tong Guan directly took them away with a single word, what would happen to Taiyuan City?
"Your subordinate has prepared a banquet for Your Excellency in the city. May I request Your Excellency to proceed into the city?"
Although Zhang Xiaochun was not very fond of Tong Guan, the difference in their status and position dictated that he still had to do what was required and observe the proper etiquette.
"Since that is the case, then let the army set up camp!"
After hearing Zhang Xiaochun's words, Tong Guan nodded in satisfaction. Even if he wanted to snatch his soldiers, there was no rush for that.
"Yes!"
After acknowledging, Zhang Xiaochun led his men to escort Tong Guan, and they majestically entered Taiyuan City.
——————————————————————————————
After the banquet dispersed, Tong Guan directly stayed in the posthouse prepared for him by Zhang Xiaochun in the city.
As soon as Zhang Xiaochun returned to his study, his son Zhang Ji pushed open the door and entered.
"Father, this old scoundrel seems to have come prepared. His entourage has been subtly inquiring about the number of soldiers in the city all night!"
"It seems the rumors are true!"
Hearing his son's words, Zhang Xiaochun's expression immediately became grim.
This was not good news!
A place like Taiyuan, without a strong force, could the Commissioner of Military Affairs and Pacification for Hedong sleep soundly?
"You mean the court is again drawing troops from the Western Army?"
After confirming that they were alone, Zhang Ji lowered his voice and asked.
"Otherwise? But how many Western Army troops are there left to draw from?"
Thinking of this matter, Zhang Xiaochun felt a wave of frustration.
Tong Guan wanted to attack Liao, so he immediately drew 50,000 Western Army troops. Now the war was going poorly, and 30,000 of those 50,000 Western Army troops were lost.
Zhao Zhen wanted to quell the rebellion and again drew 30,000 Western Army troops. After the war was over, apart from those consumed, the remaining soldiers were directly assigned to the Imperial Guard by a stroke of the Emperor's pen.
Although the Western Army was the most powerful force among the Song Dynasty's troops, their strength came from years of training and constant conflict with the Western Xia and Liao people.
It was fine to draw a portion, but the quality of the "gentlemen soldiers" who were added to replenish them after the withdrawal was extremely poor.
Now, before the new army was trained, if they were to draw troops again like this, how could the remaining "gentlemen soldiers" cope with the complex situation in the northwest?