12dz Chapter 33 Dong Zhuo withdraws from Hulao Pass? Countdown to relocating the capital to Chang'an
Chapter 33 Dong Zhuo withdraws from Hulao Pass? Countdown to relocating the capital to Chang'an
As the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Luoyang's status was self-evident.
However, the capital of the Western Han Dynasty was not Luoyang, but Chang'an.
When Wang Mang usurped the Han throne, he destroyed the Western Han dynasty.
It wasn't until several years later, when Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu re-established the capital in Luoyang, that the Eastern Han Dynasty was finally founded.
Therefore, there has always been a nursery rhyme in the Luoyang area and the Guanzhong area where Chang'an is located.
As the saying goes, "There's a Han man in the east and a Han man in the west."
Even though Luoyang became the capital of the Han Dynasty, the important strategic value of Chang'an could not be ignored.
The nursery rhyme came to Li Ru's mind, and he added a new line to the end of it:
"Only when the deer enters Chang'an can this difficulty be avoided."
Soon, he dispatched his spies to spread the nursery rhyme throughout Luoyang.
Another two days passed.
Dong Zhuo's desire to retreat was growing stronger.
Just then, Fan Chou walked in from outside and reported:
"Report to the Prime Minister!"
"A nursery rhyme has recently become popular in Luoyang."
Dong Zhuo asked curiously:
"It's just a nursery rhyme, is there anything special about it?"
Fan Chou immediately told Dong Zhuo the nursery rhyme.
After hearing this, Dong Zhuo exclaimed in shock:
"Is this nursery rhyme perhaps hinting at something about this old man?"
"Quickly call Wenyou over."
Soon, Li Ru strode in.
Upon hearing Fan Chou report the news of the nursery rhyme to Dong Zhuo, Li Ru smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting:
“Father-in-law, we cannot believe all nursery rhymes, but we also cannot completely disregard them.”
"Right now, Ma Teng, Han Sui, and others are approaching Guanzhong."
"Although Niu Fu defended Tongguan, his troops had suffered heavy losses."
"Moving the capital to Chang'an is indeed a wise decision!"
"Upon learning that you, Father-in-law, have moved the capital to Chang'an, Ma Teng and Han Sui will surely be terrified and dare not advance further."
"The bandits from Guandong will also stop in Luoyang and will not march towards Chang'an."
Dong Zhuo still hesitated and said:
"But if I retreat now, won't Luoyang fall into the hands of those villains?"
Li Ru's smile gradually turned sinister, and he said, word by word:
“Father-in-law, there is no need for us to leave the entire Luoyang to them.”
"Leaving only ruins will suffice!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo was greatly shocked!
How do you turn a city into ruins?
The quickest way is to burn the city down!
"This……"
"Wenyou, what should we do with all the gold and silver treasures in Luoyang?"
Li Ru responded:
"Naturally, we'll take them all with us."
"As for those things that are worthless, just throw them away."
Dong Zhuo hesitated.
Li Ru then offered his advice:
“Father-in-law, after we retreat into Chang’an, we are not without a chance to fight back.”
"Given the nature of those petty villains in Kanto, without you, Father-in-law, as a major enemy, they will soon descend into civil war."
"When they're all battered and bruised, Father-in-law, you can lead your army back and take Luoyang with ease!"
"My father-in-law, who occupies Chang'an, can fully demonstrate the power of Western Qin."
"And those petty scoundrels in Kanto are not even as good as the six eastern countries!"
"Why can't my father-in-law win?"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo's face immediately lit up with a smile.
Li Ru is absolutely right.
In terms of combat effectiveness alone, Dong Zhuo's army is currently the best in the world in terms of overall quality.
Like the elite soldiers of the Qin state in ancient times, they were extremely brave.
However, Dong Zhuo had more bargaining chips than the Qin Dynasty did.
after all.
Emperor Liu Xie was not to be left to the warlords of Guandong by Dong Zhuo.
The young emperor Liu Xie had no choice but to flee to Chang'an with Dong Zhuo.
But clearly, Li Ru overlooked one point.
Dong Zhuo had been corrupted by wine and women and was no longer the brave warrior of Xiliang he once was.
If we go to Chang'an, we might not be able to see anything in a short time.
However, given enough time, the Xiliang army, from top to bottom, from Dong Zhuo to ordinary soldiers, will no longer have the ambition to advance eastward.
Li Ru clearly overestimated the extent of Dong Zhuo's corruption.
In an effort to persuade Dong Zhuo to move the capital to Chang'an, he even went so far as to add a new line to the original nursery rhyme.
Unfortunately, all their painstaking efforts will ultimately lead to the demise of the Xiliang army!
……
Following Li Ru's advice, Dong Zhuo quickly began arranging the relocation of the capital.
First came the gold and silver jewelry; Dong Zhuo took as much as there was, practically sweeping everything away.
Then came Emperor Liu Xie and all the civil and military officials, whom Dong Zhuo also took away, leaving none alive.
The civil and military officials were not fools.
People like Wang Yun, Yang Biao, and Cai Yong had all realized that Dong Zuo's behavior was extremely abnormal.
When would someone bring their whole family and luggage with them?
However, there is always a time when they might have to run away!
In an attempt to test Dong Zhuo, several officials, led by Yang Biao, advised him against moving the capital.
But once Dong Zhuo has made his decision, how can they possibly change it?
Apart from Yang Biao and a few other officials from high-ranking backgrounds, all the remaining officials who offered advice were imprisoned by Dong Zhuo.
Now, all the civil and military officials were completely obedient.
Although they were born into prominent families, most of them had servants and soldiers.
But compared to the ferocious Xiliang army, their household guards and private soldiers were simply no match.
In just three days, Dong Zhuo had moved most of the valuable things that could be moved from Luoyang.
The next step was to arrange the relocation of the capital.
The first group to be sent away were undoubtedly Emperor Liu Xie and his entourage.
Dong Zhuo dispatched Fan Chou to escort Liu Xie, leading the elite Flying Bear Army (the ace of the Xiliang cavalry) to pass through Hangu Pass and head towards Chang'an.
Followed by.
That was Dong Zhuo's main force.
To deceive others.
Dong Zhuo deliberately led his army to withdraw from Hulao Pass at nightfall.
Only a few thousand defenders were left there to die.
The grain, supplies, gold, silver and jewelry, and other materials were prepared a few days ago.
Therefore, there were not many setbacks during the retreat.
The allied forces, having already ceased their attack on Hulao Pass, were unaware of the true situation within the pass in the short term.
Only after a scout reported back to Yuan Shao did he immediately convene a meeting of the various warlords.
The various lords quickly arrived at Yuan Shao's main tent.
Just as Yuan Shao was counting the number of people and preparing to speak, he suddenly noticed that the seat next to him, which belonged to Cao Cao, was empty.
Where did Mengde go?
When Yuan Shao asked them questions, all the warlords shook their heads.
"Report!"
"Cao Cao's army has already set off for Hulao Pass!"
Upon hearing the messenger's report, Yuan Shao abruptly stood up and rebuked him:
How could Mengde be so reckless?
"We haven't even determined whether that old scoundrel Dong Zhuo is bluffing us yet, so how can he make his move first?"
While saying these words, Yuan Shao was extremely anxious inside.
Others might not know what kind of personality Cao Cao had, but did Yuan Shao not know?
Cao Cao dared to lead his troops directly towards Hulao Pass, which meant he was absolutely certain that Dong Zhuo had indeed retreated from Hulao Pass!
at this time.
Several more sentries arrived from outside the camp, bringing new news!
……