In the Confucius Temple in Mangdang Mountain, Zhou Qingzheng summoned all the leaders to discuss the matter of capturing Xiaoxian and seizing material resources.

Although Mangdang Mountain is not high, its strategic position is very important. As the only mountain range on the eastern Henan plain, the Hu people looked down on it, but it was the best hiding place for the rebels, and it was more convenient to attack the surrounding county towns from all directions.

The rebel army under Zhou Qing had grown to seven or eight thousand people, especially Yao Liu from Huaidong, who brought nearly three thousand people. Zhou Qing only saw the appearance, movement and spirit of Yao Liu's subordinates, and knew that these were experienced veterans.

Zhou Qing didn't know why Yao Liu brought so many people to defect to Masayoshi Son, and there was doubt. However, he had been together for so long and had been together for several times. If it were the spy of the Hu people, Zhou Qing would have been destroyed long ago and gradually regarded Yao Liu as his real brother.

"Brother Yao, there are more than 30,000 Hu cavalry in Xuzhou City and more than 20,000 infantrymen. Let's go to Xiaoxian, which is very close to Xuzhou. If one is not good, you will be trapped in Xiaoxian. I think it's too risky. It's better to go to Yongcheng in Huaidong. It's Sun Masayoshi's territory. There are no cavalry and the defenders are only three or two thousand. Even if Sun Masayoshi's army comes, we have time to retreat to Mangdang Mountain."

Yao Liu smiled and said, "Yongcheng has few people, but there are few people and few supplies, but it is not enough for nearly 10,000 people to eat and use. We are all Han people, so we can't steal the things of our compatriots! Xuzhou is the most important hub of Jingdong Road. I have inquired about it. The supplies in Xiaoxian are not comparable to those in Yongcheng. As long as it succeeds, it will be enough for us to use them for several years. Commander, you have many brothers in Xuzhou City. As long as the news is timely, there should be no big problem. Besides, there are still internal supporters in Xiaoxian, so let's fight quickly."

Zhou Qing frowned and said, "The Hu people's Eagle Hunt Guard is very active on Jingdong Road. It is said that many Han people have joined in as traitors, resulting in the loss of many brothers recently. Mangdang Mountain has more than 100 miles from Xiaoxian. Our army is easily discovered when it is dispatched. Once the cavalry in Xuzhou comes out, it is likely to be intercepted on the road. I am still waiting to see. It is said that Pu Jinzhong from Yangzhou has an attempt to attack north. At that time, the cavalry in Xuzhou will move, and then we will have great confidence. Let's persist in Mangdang Mountain."

Seeing that Zhou Qing always disagreed, Yao Liu lowered his head and thought for a while before he said to the other commanders present with a serious expression: "I have some secret matters that need to be reported to the commander separately, so you can avoid it first."

Yao Liu was the second in commander, with outstanding military achievements and high prestige. Seeing that Zhou Qing had no intention of opposing him, they all obediently went out, leaving Zhou Yao and the other two left in the temple. The temple was large and empty, so they were not afraid of anyone eavesdropping.

"Grand Commander, I will say in advance that my real name is Yao Dingshan. I am the deputy commander of Huaidong, the governor of the Pacification Department under the command of King Yan. The governor is heroic and heroic, quite strategic and brave. He is a real hero against Hu. The upper level of the governor's enemy situation department attaches great importance to it. I specially sent me to contact the governor. If you hide it, I hope the governor will not be surprised."

Zhou Qing was silent for a moment and said, "Today, Your Highness King Yan is the leader of the world to expel the Tartars. It is my honor to be valued by King Yan. I also know the order of King Yan. It is indeed the greatest and last hope of our Han people, and we know the best of our Han people. Everyone should be at ease with them. I admire and admire Your Highness King Yan very much. Since Brother Yao has explained his identity today, I understand that I, Zhou Qing and thousands of brothers under my command, are willing to serve Your Highness. Brother Yao, we have been together for so long, you know that I am not a lie."

Yao Dingshan relaxed and said with a smile: "If I hadn't understood these, I wouldn't say these words today. The Yan Prince's Mansion has already issued a military order to appoint the Grand Commander as the deputy commander of the Xinyang Army, the commander of the Xuzhou regiment camp, and I am the deputy commander. Soon, a large number of military equipment soldiers will come from Yongcheng, Suzhou, and the Xuzhou regiment camp will be rapidly expanded to more than 20,000 people. Commander Zhou, our Xuzhou regiment camp has a great responsibility and will play an extremely important role in the near future. I hope the commander will not let down the trust of your highness."

Zhou Qing was overjoyed, but he said in confusion: "Sun Masayoshi Son may have some action with such a big mobilization! Could it be that he just watched the Xuzhou regiment camp grow stronger and threaten him?"

At this time, Yao Dingshan looked solemn and said seriously: "Commander, now you are also the chief general of the army that fights independently. I have obtained the consent of the two Li Da Commanders of the Enemy Information Department of the Punishment Department. Some top secret matters can be told to the commander now, but some things must be said in front. Except for you, I know what I said later, you cannot let others know, because the impact is serious. If it is leaked, it will have very serious consequences against Hu Daye, and even lead to major failures. The Punishment Department has special means to prevent it. I hope the commander understands it."

Zhou Qing also became nervous and nodded quickly.

"At the end of this year, Hu Chief Li Chongshan will lead a large army south to Kaifeng and concentrate the main force against the King of Yan. General Sun Masayoshi's true identity is the commander of the Xinyang Army, which His Highness personally enthroned. The champion general is the secret responder who has been deployed for several years. He is ready to launch a fatal blow to Li Chongshan at critical moments and completely recover the Han area of ​​the Central Plains south of the Yellow River. Therefore, General Sun Masayoshi cannot be exposed now. But the enemy of Jingdong Road must know that our only powerful rebel army exists, dispersing the enemy's military strength, which not only reduces the positive pressure on His Highness to the west, but also focuses on us. His defense of General Sun Masayoshi has declined. At critical moments, the Xinyang Army will do its best to solve the main force of Jingdong Road, attack Li Chongshan from the east, and drive the Hu people across the Yellow River. This is also the real reason why I have always insisted on attacking Xiaoxian, which is close to Xuzhou."

Zhou Qing was shocked at first, then blushed and excitedly clenched his fists and said excitedly: "So that's it. Your Highness is indeed a great hero who is beyond the world. He has far-sighted thinking. Now it's time to restore the Central Plains. Long live the King of Yan!"

Yao Dingshan still said seriously: "Don't be too happy too early for the commander. In this way, we will be under great pressure. We will face nearly 100,000 troops from all sides. There is a possibility of the entire army being destroyed at any time. The commander needs to use all his strength to deal with it. Even with the secret support of the Xinyang Army, it is still very dangerous to send troops to participate in the attack on us on the surface. I hope the commander will be mentally prepared."

Zhou Qing calmed down, but said firmly: "I still have many old friends in the counties around Xuzhou, including Xuzhou City. I used it at special times, of course I don't need it now. Implementing Your Highness's strategy is the most important thing. I will immediately call them to meet up. With the support of General Masayoshi Sun, we will fight a few big battles during this period, not putting one city and one place first, and guerrilla warfare around Xuzhou and threatening Xuzhou. Mangdang Mountain will serve as the last base and risk-averse place to strengthen defensive fortifications. Brother Yao, since the order of Your Highness came, the Han people on Jingdong Road have been highly confident. Before the end of the year, I will also have the confidence to expand our Xuzhou regiment camp to more than 30,000, and will have the strength and strength to cooperate with Your Highness and General Masayoshi Sun."

"It's good that the commander has confidence. After the Xiaoxian County is over, we will immediately go west to attack Yongcheng. I will coordinate with General Sun Masayoshi, so that there will be more circumference space around Mangdang Mountain, and it can even pose a certain threat to Kaifeng Prefecture, which can be trained in the east and west, and can also mobilize the enemy to achieve strategic goals."

The two of them held each other's hands and laughed loudly, both of them were full of confidence.

In June 245, Zhou Qing's army raided Xiaoxian, seized a large amount of supplies, quickly evacuated and disappeared. Xuzhou was shocked. When the army from the east and west roads of Beijing came out to encircle and suppress the enemy, Zhou Qing appeared on Huaidong Road again and easily captured Yongcheng County.

By August 245, according to the news of the Eagle Guard, Zhou Qing's military strength had reached more than 30,000 people, and he moved to Pei County north of Xuzhou. Pei County surrendered without fighting, and his momentum became even stronger. The entire east-west road of Beijing was in a mess.
Chapter completed!