Southern Ming Rebel Army

Chapter 597: Annan Surrenders

Han Xiong was overjoyed when he learned that Yang Dafu had agreed to leave the city. With this back and forth, the situation in Annan might usher in a critical turning point. He immediately issued orders to the three armies, enforcing strict military discipline and reorganizing armaments to let people see the power of the Qian army.

Han Xiong had no intention of arresting Yang Dafu at the banquet. The problem of Annan could not be solved by simply arresting Yang Dafu. If he did so, it would inevitably make the local people's impression of the court worse, which in turn would allow the court to control Annan's policy and increase the variables.

Soon, Yang Dafu arrived at the military camp accompanied by his guards. Han Xiong personally led the generals out of the tent to greet him. Han Xiong walked forward with a smile on his face, bowed and saluted, saying: "General Yang came here because he trusts me, please come into the camp!"

Yang Dafu quickly returned the greeting and said, "You are so polite, Duke. How dare I not come when you invite me so warmly?"

Han Xiong led the way and invited Yang Dafu into the central military tent. At Han Xiong's command, the guards brought in plate after plate of dishes.

Han Xiong and Yang Dafu sat down as host and guest respectively. Han Xiong raised his glass and said, "General Yang, it is a great honor to meet you today. But the army has banned alcohol, so today we can only drink tea. Come, let me offer a glass to you first." After that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Yang Dafu also raised his cup and responded, "General Han is generous, Yang respectfully accompanies you."

Han Xiong was chatting and laughing, and casually talked with Yang Dafu about interesting things in the army and the situation in the world. He did not mention any serious business at all, as if it was just an ordinary gathering between old friends.

After a while, Han Xiong got to the point, his expression straightened, his eyes piercing as he looked at Yang Dafu, and said, "General Yang, I have a great time talking to you today, but I still have a question in my mind that has been on my mind for a long time, so I am taking the liberty to ask you now.

With your talent and strategy, you must have great ambitions to maneuver in Annan. I don't know what your intention is. Do you want to occupy Annan and establish your own hegemony? Or do you want to be loyal to the court and lead your troops to submit to it? I hope you will speak frankly. "

Han Xiong's question was too straightforward, which made Yang Dafu a little embarrassed. He didn't say that he wanted to achieve hegemony in Annan. Yang Dafu hesitated for a moment and said, "Duke, I am just a warrior, how can I have such great ability? I will do whatever the court arranges, without hesitation!"

Han Xiong laughed, looked at Yang Dafu, and said, "General Yang, I have a suggestion. Of course, if General Yang has any objections, you may as well speak up."

"I dare not, I dare not, Duke, please speak."

Han Xiong said: "Although General Yang now occupies Thang Long City, there are many people with evil intentions in the newly occupied city. In addition, Zhang Daoying and Luo Chengyao still have their own troops. If General Yang wants to use Annan as a base, it may not be easy."

At this point, Han Xiong carefully stared at Yang Dafu's face, and seeing that he did not react, he continued: "So, if General Yang uses Shenglong Mansion as a means of advancement, then the title of Duke will be easily obtained, and he will be rich and powerful for generations. What is there to doubt?"

Yang Dafu was somewhat tempted after hearing Han Xiong's words. It would be best if he could become the ruler of a country. However, he might not be able to become the ruler of Annan, and if he was not careful, he would die and his clan would be wiped out.

Yang Dafu wanted to become the ruler of Annan, and the most important part of that was for Emperor Qianchao to confer the title on him. He would then use the righteousness of the emperor's conferment to make powerful factions from all sides submit to him. But from what Han Xiong said, Emperor Qianchao was afraid that he no longer had this intention.

As for being a nobleman in the Qian Dynasty, it should not be a problem for him to enjoy wealth and honor for two hundred years, not to mention the rest.

For Yang Dafu, Shenglong City is indeed a good place, but if he firmly rejects Qian Dynasty's request, he will probably face Qian Dynasty's attack, and he may not be able to defend it.

Yang Dafu laughed and said to Han Xiong: "Your Majesty, what you said makes sense, but this is a big deal, and I still need to discuss it with my brothers."

Seeing that Yang Dafu did not refuse on the spot, Han Xiong nodded and said, "Of course, General Yang can go back and think carefully, and then give me a reply."

Later, at the banquet, the two sides stopped talking about serious matters and instead talked about some interesting things.

In the afternoon, Yang Dafu took the lead in proposing to return to Thang Long City, and Han Xiong did not stop him. Instead, he personally escorted him out of the camp.

After Yang Dafu returned to Thang Long City, he walked straight into the mansion and dismissed his attendants. The room was silent and only his footsteps echoed in the room.

He walked slowly to the desk, sat down, and fell into deep thought, weighing whether to resign.

"Should I surrender?" Yang Dafu muttered to himself, his brows furrowed, his face full of confusion.

If he surrenders to the Qian Dynasty, the benefits are obvious. He will definitely be awarded a noble title. After surrendering, his own safety will be guaranteed, his family's wealth will continue, and he will be able to return home in glory and bring honor to his family.

But after surrendering, he would inevitably be controlled by others, and everything he had worked so hard to seize would disappear in an instant. Therefore, Yang Dafu felt a little unwilling.

Thinking of this, Yang Dafu couldn't help but sigh, "It is difficult to surrender, and it is also difficult not to surrender!" He stood up and paced back and forth in the study.

At this time, a personal guard reported outside the door that Wu Wenxian came to ask for a meeting.

Yang Dafu let him in, and soon Wu Wenxian walked in hurriedly.

As soon as they met, Wu Wenxian said bluntly: "General Yang, Han Xiong's meaning is very clear, what is General Yang's plan?"

Yang Dafu looked at Wu Wenxian and asked, "Then in your opinion, should we surrender or not?"

Wu Wenxian chuckled and said, "If it were me, I would surrender."

After he finished speaking, Wu Wenxian saw Yang Dafu's expression change, so he changed his tone and said, "Of course, I know my own strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to using troops to fight, I am naturally not as good as General Yang. If General Yang feels that there is an opportunity, then we will destroy the 60,000 Qian troops under the city. At that time, let alone pacifying the south, even if we march north and seize Nanjing, it will be no problem."

"Stop talking bullshit."

Listening to Wu Wenxian's nonsensical words, Yang Dafu also knew what Wu Wenxian was thinking. Not only Wu Wenxian, but even he himself did not have the confidence to defeat the Qian Dynasty army under the city. Even if they were defeated by chance, the Qian Dynasty was powerful, and it would not be difficult for them to conquer Annan again, not to mention once, twice or three times was possible.

Yang Dafu pondered for a long time, then sighed and said, "Forget it. Since the Marshal passed away, we are no longer united. Besides, the northern defense line is gone. How can we stop it?"

Hearing this, Wu Wenxian complained in his heart: "What about the northern defense line? It was you who gave the order to abandon it. You had to go south and fight Yan Keyi to the death."

At this moment, Yang Dafu said in a deep voice: "Call the generals and discuss surrendering to Daqian!"