Xiangyang is the most important city in the Han River Basin and has been a place that military strategists have fought for since ancient times.

After Zhu Youlang decided to attack Xiangyang, he immediately sent a sentry cavalry to investigate near Xiangyang.

Judging from the information obtained, there were at least 10,000 Qing troops stationed in Xiangyang, twice that of Yiling.

The distribution of troops is enough to show Hu Quancai's attention to Xiangyang.

If the Ming army attacked for a strong attack, it would be unwise. Zhu Youlang and Li Dingguo and other generals discussed it and decided to siege the city first and cut off the connection between Xiangyang and other cities in the Han River Basin.

If the army is invaded by the plan, it is the best if the army can be defeated without fighting.

The Ming army immediately spread news that Yiling and Yunyang had been conquered, and persuaded the Qing army in Xiangyang to present the city and surrender.

The purpose of this move was to interfere with the morale of the Qing army.

Even if the Qing army did not surrender immediately, the soldiers' mentality would have changed greatly.

It's like planting a seed that will sooner or later take root and sprout.

As long as there was a split within the Qing army and there was a disagreement, the Ming army would have a chance.

After all, Yiling and Yunyang have learned from the past, and the people of Xiangyang may not necessarily support the Qing army.

Surrender is indeed an option in this case.

Of course, this will take time. Zhu Youlang decided to wait for two or three days, and if there is no result, he will start to attack the city.

He could only wait for so long at most, and if he continued to waste the Qing army's reinforcements, he might be transferred to arrive.

Zhu Youlang is racing against time now. He will be able to take Xiangyang earlier and attack Jiangling with confidence.

...

...

After seeing the Ming army's letter of persuasion of surrender, Han Zhaonian, the general of Xiangyang, immediately wanted to burn it.

Damn, he actually persuaded me to surrender! I am entitled to the salary of the Qing Dynasty and become an official of the Qing Dynasty. Can you give me what the Qing Dynasty can give me?

He had already delivered the letter to the brazier, but hesitated after he was about it.

This is a way out. Does he really have to block the way out with his own hands?

Although he was entitled to the Qing Dynasty, he had to consider himself.

Is it really worth it to trap yourself to death in order to guard a city?

Perhaps he can get a title of loyalty and wise, but he cannot be used as a food, so what should his wife and children do?

Now that the Ming army has surrounded Xiangyang, Han Zhaonian roughly estimated that there were at least 100,000 Ming army.

One hundred thousand to ten thousand has exceeded the balance of offense and defense ratio.

As long as the Ming army really wants to fight, they can win Xiangyang even by relying on their lives.

In other words, the Qing army will definitely be defeated, but it is nothing more than a matter of time.

Han Zhaonian did not think that his ability to command troops was stronger than that of Li Dingguo, nor did he think that he had Zhuge Liang's strategy.

If you really fight, you will definitely not be able to escape the fate of defeat and death.

Just for a false name, this is not worthy of being.

Maybe you can try to talk about it first?

What if the negotiation is done?

He could make some concessions, and if the Ming army could choose to withdraw, all problems would be solved.

But Han Zhaonian will not leave any handle.

If the matter is exposed, he will turn against him immediately and will not admit it even if he is beaten to death.

After all, it is unfounded to say anything, and even the court cannot do anything to him without evidence.

So who should talk about it?

This person must be Han Zhaonian's confidant and would never betray him. After thinking about it, Han Zhaonian decided to choose his brother-in-law to be the envoy.

His brother-in-law is named Zheng Kui, who is very stimulating and smart.

Han Zhaonian admired him very much and kept him by his side to do things, which was also considered an aide.

Han Zhaonian is very confident in Zheng Kui.

Do it as soon as you say it!

Han Zhaonian immediately sent someone to find Zheng Kui, and soon Zheng Kui came to Han Zhaonian.

"See General."

Although Zheng Kui is just in his early twenties, he is tall and burly, completely different from the image of a weak scholar in ordinary people.

"Oh, Zheng Kui, you told you that you just call me brother-in-law."

Han Zhaonian stepped forward and patted Zheng Kui on the shoulder, and said with a smile: "It's all a family, don't be so disgusting."

"Yes, brother-in-law."

Zheng Kui didn't insist, and shouted as Han Zhaonian said.

Han Zhaonian was very satisfied.

Although Zheng Kui is young, he understands the worldly ways very well.

Don’t say what you shouldn’t say, don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask.

"Zheng Kui, how do my brother-in-law treat you on weekdays?"

"My brother-in-law treats me very well. Not only does he keep me by his side, but he also lets me handle various government affairs."

Zheng Kui said very seriously.

"Then my brother-in-law is in trouble now, can you help me?"

"What's wrong with my brother-in-law? Just give me instructions if you have anything."

"Hey, this is the thing. The Ming thieves led their troops to harass Huguang. They just captured Yunyang and Yiling not long ago."

Han Zhaonian deliberately stopped and let Zheng Kui digest it.

"Now the Ming thief is invading Xiangyang again. Brother-in-law, I have already made the plan to die, but my brother-in-law is afraid that your sister and you will be hurt, so he wants to see if there is any other way."

"Does my brother-in-law want to ask for peace?"

"Shh!"

Seeing Zheng Kui saying so loudly, Han Zhaonian was shocked and hurriedly went to close the door.

Fortunately, there were only the two of them in the room, otherwise it would be ok if someone heard this.

"It's not about seeking peace, it's about negotiation."

Han Zhaonian emphasized: "The two sides set up their respective conditions to negotiate, and everyone was happy when the negotiations came. If the negotiations were not reached, the fight would start."

Zheng Kui thought to himself, isn’t that still asking for peace?

The Ming army is in a big way and still negotiates, so what's the point.

The basis of negotiation is that both parties have sufficient strength to sit down and find a plan that both parties can accept.

And now the Qing army is obviously the weaker side.

Why did Mingjun negotiate with you if he could get something with his hand?

Unless Han Zhaonian takes the initiative to seek peace.

Zheng Kui's mind was running rapidly. After thinking for a long time, he asked tentatively: "What are you thinking about brother-in-law? What is the bottom line?"

"Of course, the Ming thief cannot break the city. We can provide what they want..."

In Han Zhaonian's opinion, as long as the Xiangyang city is not destroyed, the court will not be punished.

As for less money, it doesn't matter at all. Just find a reason to get it over.

"Since that's the case, you must have to go to the Ming army alone. Have you thought about it?"

Han Zhaonian patted Zheng Kui on the shoulder and said, "Brother-in-law thinks you are very suitable."

Zheng Kui was stunned when he heard this.

When it comes to this, why do you ask him to refuse?

He swallowed and spat, forced a smile and said, "It turns out that the thief is extremely cruel. If I go here..."

"Phhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Han Zhaonian knew that Zheng Kui was going to bargain, so he blocked his mouth first and said, "You are the messenger, what's there to be afraid of? If the Ming army hurts you, I will definitely fight to the end!"

Zheng Kui had no choice but to nod.

"Then I'll try it."

"Do it well, brother-in-law is optimistic about you!"

Han Zhaonian squinted his eyes and said slyly.

...
Chapter completed!