Chapter 148: Attempting to Establish Separatist Rule.

About the disbandment of the army composed of palace guards, soldiers, and servants, both sides have remained deadlocked.
Niu Chang and others have repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving this army, as it plays a crucial role in stabilizing Chengdu and even the situation in the two regions.
Eventually, there were even subtle hints in the words that Wei Gao had some ill intentions...
Wei Gao was equally resolute in his attitude, while at the same time reaffirming to the literary and military figures present that he had enough strength to stabilize the situation in Chengdu.
As for the situation between the two Chuans, there is no need to worry unnecessarily.
Chengdu has already been captured, and the leaders of the rebels like Liu Bi and Duan Zizhang have been executed or captured. The remaining enemy forces are not worth worrying about at all.
On the other hand, Wei Gao also bluntly pointed out that the army and horses that Niu Chang and others value so much are nothing more than a ragtag group, with a highly complex composition of personnel, and there is a high possibility that there are spies and infiltrators among them who are loyal to Liu Bi faction.
The retention of this military force poses a greater threat to the stability of Chengdu than the benefits it can bring.
Weigao did not want to strain his relationship with the officials in the Central Sichuan on the first day of taking over Chengdu. He controlled the tone of his speech and always wore a smile on his face.
As the debate deepened, the smile on his face became more pronounced.
However, observing from the sidelines without actively participating in the argument, Yang Sheng, Zhang Lu, and others, with the advantage of being outside the situation, could discern a hint of impatience under Wei Gao's smile.
Although Yang Sheng is not sure to what extent Wei Gao will endure, one thing is certain: once the two sides really fall out, even with the temporary gathering of troops and horses, Nie Chang and others will never be opponents of Wei Gao.
真到了那一步，只会将成都甚至整个两川拖入万劫不复的深渊。
谁也不能对抗朝廷。
事实上，杨盛起先也存着与牛敞相仿的心思——川人素有排外的传统。
When Pei Mian, the predecessor of Gao Shi as the military governor, first entered Sichuan, he encountered significant resistance, and it took a considerable amount of time to barely stabilize the situation.
As a person from Sichuan, Yang Sheng is no exception. If it is possible, he still hopes that Sichuan will be fully controlled by people from Sichuan.
However, unlike Niu Chang and others, Yang Sheng is more familiar with Yang Cuo and tends to think more reasonably and far-sighted when thinking about problems.
Over the years, the power structure in Xichuan has experienced ups and downs, with the previous leaders either dead or imprisoned.
Seeing an opportunity, people like Niuchang have the intention to support Gao Kan, the only ten-year-old son left by Gao Shi, following the story of Zhang Wei, the son of Zhang Xiancheng, taking over the position, in order to seize the power in the region.
For them, the Tang Army that could potentially disrupt their dominant plan is nothing more than a thorn in their side.
And Yang Sheng's greatest hope is for Xichuan to restore peace as soon as possible.
Therefore, so far, he has been able to maintain a calm mind and only be an onlooker.
Zhang Lu and others who share similar ideas as Yang Sheng regard him as their guiding beacon.
Similarly, they did not interrupt.
Just as the stalemate continued, Gao Chongwen came to the office of the military governor and deliberately reported loudly to Wei Gao.
Out of Li Kang's troops, more than three thousand people fled and disappeared, while the remaining seven thousand people either died or surrendered. Li Kang himself was forced to surrender by Gao Chongwen.
Yang Sheng and Zhang Lu, who are familiar with Liu Bi and Duan Zizhang's plan, were shocked by this news, and Niu Chang, who designed this plan, was so astonished that he could hardly speak.
Since Chengdu's defense was completely in the hands of Liu Bi before, with Duan Zizhang's constant vigilance, Yang Sheng and others did not have a chance to inform Wei Gao in advance.
Until chaos broke out in the city and the East Gate was controlled, Yang Sheng only then sent out several messengers to urgently invite Wei Gao to lead the troops into the city.
And from the beginning of the planned scheme, Niu Chang had the intention to use Li Kang to weaken Wei Gao.
It is not clear whether it was intentional or not, but the messenger did not inform Wei Gao about the possibility of Li Kangjun's counterattack.
This means that Wei Gao completely saw through Liu Bi or Niu Chang's plan on his own.
Upon seeing this, both Yang Sheng and Zhang Lu couldn't help but take a closer look at the rough-looking young general in front of them.
Meanwhile, the usually conceited Niu Chang never imagined that his carefully planned strategy would be exposed, and was even a little annoyed after being shocked.
Finally, the stalemate was broken by Yang Sheng.
He was determined not to see another war break out and was the first to speak up, expressing his willingness to reclaim his own troops and household servants. Zhang Lu and others followed suit.
Seeing the general trend of the situation difficult to reverse, even Niu Chang and several others could only give up reluctantly.
After gaining control of the four gates of Chengdu and the key areas within the city, Wei Gao immediately ordered the posting of notices to reassure the people and stabilize their hearts, and also sent letters inviting Yang Sheng, Zhang Lu, and others to surrender the surrounding states and counties of Chengdu.
At the same time, he also ordered his spies to immediately send letters to contact the armies on both the Central and Southern routes, informing them of the victory of capturing Chengdu.
"Chengdu has been taken." With uncontrollable joy, Yang Cuo raised the silk book in his hand and said loudly.
After a moment of silence, the handsome tent was instantly swallowed up by cheers.
Although it was expected beforehand, when everyone heard the news that Chengdu was captured, they couldn't contain their excitement. They all waved their arms, clapped their hands, and celebrated together.
Like a raging wildfire, the news of capturing Chengdu quickly spread, from inside the camp to outside, from one battalion to another.
Soon, thunderous cheers and jubilation resounded throughout the heavens and the earth.
Taking Chengdu means something that everyone is quite clear about.
This battle can now be counted down from today.
After a while, the calm was restored in the tent, but the excitement on everyone's faces remained.
"How are Yang Wu'an, Liu Bi, and Duan Zizhang, the traitors?" Han Cheng asked anxiously.
"Liu Bi has already committed suicide and been executed, while Duan Zizhang and others have been captured..." Yang Cuo handed the silk book to Han Cheng.
"Good, good, good!" Han Cheng hurried forward, quickly skimmed through the silk book, and his eyes flickered with joy as he exclaimed three times, "Good."
"Gao Gong's great revenge will finally be achieved!" As the silk book passed to the hands of others for reading, Han Cheng had already regained his composure. He pondered for a moment and said, "Of the three main culprits, only Bai Mao Lin remains. This thief has no way to retreat now, but we must beware of his possible escape to Tubo."
Yang nodded slightly.
Perhaps it was the news of Chengdu's capture and Liu Bi's execution that relieved Han Cheng of his worries, and he completely regained his calmness. This fully displayed his true qualities as a famous general in Sichuan. The sharpness in his gaze even made Yang secretly astonished.
Chengdu is a storage site for half of Xichuan's grain and logistics. Bai Maolin, Xiao Pei, and Huang Qi's forces completely rely on Chengdu for supplies.
Chengdu changing hands is not just about losing a base for grain and logistics, but also means that this battle has completely lost hope for forces like Bai Maolin and Xiao Pei.
As long as this message spreads out, their military strength will collapse without fighting.
Huang Qi and Xiao Pei, although they rely on Liu Bi, they are not the main culprits after all, as long as both Yang Cuo and Han Cheng can show a certain degree of tolerance.
Most likely, they have switched to the other side.
But Baomaolin is different. He is one of the three main culprits along with Liu Bi and Duan Zizhang, who killed Gao Shi, instigated internal unrest in Xichuan, and led Huang Qi into Sichuan. If he falls into the hands of Han Cheng, it would be fortunate for him to die quickly.
In a hopeless and impossible-to-surrender situation, Baimao Lin's only way out is to desert the army and go into hiding.
I had pondered over this point for a long time before realizing it, but I didn't expect Han Cheng to react so quickly.
"Yang Wu'an, I have an unpleasant request..." Han Cheng hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"General, do you want to capture Bai Maolin?" I looked up at him.
"Exactly!" Han Cheng nodded vigorously.
Xichuan Army Camp.
With a heavy thud, Baomaolin slammed the table, his face turned pale, and he sternly rebuked, "Rumors, rumors... Since you also know it's just a rumor, why didn't you order your soldiers to keep silent, but instead personally participated in spreading it. How did you become the head of this garrison?"
A military Sima knelt under the tent, with a look of fear and even a slight tremor in his body.
In the past two days, there have been many rumors circulating in the army led by Baimaolin that Chengdu has fallen and Liu Biye has been executed.
These rumors have had a significant negative impact on the already demoralized soldiers of Baomaolin Army.
The military sergeant happened to be overheard by Baomaolin when he was discussing these rumors with others.
"Bring someone in and throw this idiot out. Behead him according to military law!" A trace of severity flashed in his eyes as Bai Maolin ordered mercilessly.
The military sergeant looked at Bai Maolin in disbelief, and his face instantly turned pale.
Two soldiers approached.
One of them gripped his arm and dragged him outside.
Knowing that death was inevitable.
In despair, the military commander screamed recklessly, "Baomaolin, don't think you can hide the truth. Chengdu is lost, this battle can't be won. General Han only wants your life, but you are dragging your brothers to die with you! You killed General Gao, you treacherous scoundrel, ah...!"
With a scream of despair, the furious cursing abruptly ceased.
The generals in the tent looked at each other, afraid to utter a word.
Bo Maolin was in a fit of anger, and anyone who didn't know their place might end up in the same fate as that military marshal.
"Chengdu has plenty of food and a strong fortress. Even if it is surrounded by a hundred thousand troops, it can hold out for a year or longer, let alone the enemy only has a few thousand raiding forces. Now, the military of various states and counties are all reinforcing Chengdu, but if we rush back, we can annihilate those few stubborn enemies in one fell swoop."
Bai Maolin's sharp eyes swept over the generals, and said in a deep voice, "Those rumors must be spread by Yang Cuo to disturb our army. There is no need to pay attention to them at all. From now on, if I hear anyone gossiping in the army, they will be severely punished."
"Yes!"
After the crowds of generals left the tent, Bao Maolin removed his cold expression and stared blankly at the map on the table.
He wasn't as composed as he appeared in front of others. In fact, Bao Maolin himself had no idea what to do.
Who can be sure that the enemy cannot unexpectedly capture Chengdu with their mysterious tactics?
On the other hand, what worries Baomaolin even more is that the Tang Army behind them is closely following, only thirty miles away, and they can catch up within three hours.
Given the current situation, if we fight, we will definitely lose.
Paomaline also tried to set up ambushes to defeat the enemy, but the alert Tang army did not give any opportunities.
"What should I do?" murmured Paomaline, and for the first time, the thought of escape flashed through her mind.
As Chengdu gets closer and closer, the nightmarish news is gradually confirmed that Chengdu is indeed lost, undoubtedly!
Almost overnight, Bai Maolin lost control of his 15,000 troops under his command.
These soldiers are no longer willing to follow Bai Maolin into a war that has no hope, and some even want to capture Bai Maolin and surrender to the Tang Army and Han Cheng.
Realizing the situation was irretrievable, Bai Maolin decisively chose to go into hiding.
After discovering the disappearance of their commander, a few officers also understood what had happened and, after a serious discussion for half a day, ultimately surrendered and relinquished their weapons.
两日后，萧沛率军向路嗣恭请降。
又数日，被张镒紧随追，同时遭柏良器所率千余无前飞军无休无止骚扰的黄琦，在得到杨盛地亲笔劝降书后，无奈地向张镒请降。
Yang Cuo led the army to the outskirts of Chengdu, where Wei Gao, Gao Chongwen, Meng Long, Yang Sheng, Zhang Lu, and other civil and military officials from Sichuan met them ten miles outside the city.
Gao Shi's only remaining son, Gao Kan, was also among the crowd greeting them.
After exchanging pleasantries, the group entered Chengdu city.
Among the nearly fifty thousand troops who came with Yang Cuo, the Chu army under Han Cheng and Bai Zhenjie occupied the city directly, while the Tang army, under Yang Cuo's insistence, only stationed outside the city.
This arrangement is made precisely to appease the people in Sichuan.
The people in Sichuan are conservative and xenophobic, so it won't be easy for them to accept the imperial court as the authority in a short period of time.
If the Tang army were to enter the city at this moment with the stance of a victor, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among certain officials and scholars in Sichuan.
In terms of strength, Yang Cuo naturally has nothing to fear from them.
However, if the relationship with these officials really sours, it is likely to cause a mutual distrust between the officials from Xichuan and the imperial court.
In this way, even if we forcefully take control of Xichuan, we will only obtain a powder keg that could explode at any moment.
To subjugate Xichuan, the use of force is secondary, while winning over their hearts is crucial!
Given the current situation, the military generals in the Xichuan region have already established a good relationship with the Tang Dynasty.
Even Han Cheng, who is known for being "stubborn", is gradually changing his attitude.
By comparison, the situation of the scholars in Sichuan may be more complicated.
According to the continuous reports from Wei Gao in recent days, Yang Cuo has roughly grasped the situation.
The scholars in Sichuan can be roughly divided into three factions.
Part of them have a favorable impression of the Tang army. They welcome the court's rule over Xichuan, such as Meng Yi. Another group rejects the court and the Tang army as they want to solely control Xichuan, led by Niu Chang. Other scholars, led by Yang Sheng and Zhang Lu, are somewhat in between and have not shown a clear preference yet.
The first two factions only account for about one-tenth to one-eighth, while the majority of the scholars in central Sichuan belong to the middle faction.
And what I, Yang Cuo, need to do is to try my best to win over the scholars from the middle faction.
To avoid the recurrence of the previous situation once the army leaves.
Do not use force to intimidate others, it is the first step to win over the scholars in Sichuan.