Ten days later, a huge carriage team appeared at the Songzhou border. The carriages were tightly covered and no one knew what was hidden inside. They were mighty and slow, and the drivers were all young people, dressed as ordinary people like lower-class servants.
I can't see the depth, but my eyes are calm, restrained, and extraordinary.
There are dozens of people behind the convoy, the horses are majestic, and everyone is capable.
At first glance, it looked like a caravan. There were no company flags on the carriage. It came to a stop just a stone's throw away from the border gate. Someone on the wall shouted loudly: "Who is here? Stop and check."
In front of the motorcade, an imposing man stretched his bow and set an arrow. Documents were tied to the arrows. The big bow was fully drawn, and he shot out with a "whoosh" sound. The arrow was like a meteor, and it shot steadily on the wall stacks. It entered the city wall seven inches, and the arrow tail buzzed.
Buzzing and trembling.
The shouting sergeant was startled. He was about to give the order to fight when he saw a document on the arrow. He quickly pulled out the arrow, carefully removed the document and glanced at it. His face changed drastically and he shouted: "Don't act rashly, wait until I come back." He immediately rushed away.
Go down the city wall and go straight to the city guard's mansion.
Without further payment, the city gate was opened, the main street was under martial law, the shops were closed, and no common people were allowed to approach. A middle-aged general rushed out on horseback, approached and looked at the archery man: "Who are you?"
"Yes, Xue Rengui has met the general, and my young master is behind." The person who came was none other than Xue Rengui.
The other party hadn't heard of it, but he didn't dare to neglect it. He came back politely and rushed to the back of the caravan.
Qin Huaidao was astride a war horse with white hoofs and crows, and his weapons and armor were on the spare war horse beside him. He saw the person coming and did not move. He waited for the other person to come forward and looked at him for a few times. He didn't recognize him. The other person came up and looked at Qin Huaidao for a few times. After carrying his luggage, he asked: "But
Lord Qin, in person? I am the general of Xia Songzhou, Xue Zhi, courtesy name Shanzhi, and my father, Xue Wanche."
"It turns out it's an old friend." Qin Huaidao smiled and threw a jade identity plaque.
The other party took it for inspection, and after confirming that it was correct, he exchanged it with a bit more surprise and kindness: "My father often writes about Mr. Qin in letters. He praises and highly praises him. If you need anything, please give me your instructions."
"You're welcome, the mission is urgent."
"I understand, I understand. The general has already received the secret order. Please follow the general into the city." Xue Zhi said quickly, turned his horse's head, and took the lead in leading the way into the city.
The convoy started again and followed into the city.
The people in the city were driven away, and the main street was deserted. Even the soldiers under martial law were ordered to lower their heads and were not allowed to raise their heads for a second glance. The confidentiality work was still in place. The motorcade passed through the city along the main street and exited from the other side.
Xue Zhi reined in his horse and said enthusiastically: "My lord, the general will be sent here and wait for your return. If you need help, just give the order. My lord, follow this road for more than ten miles and there will be a river.
Thirty miles downstream along the river there is a hidden canyon where the large army is resting and waiting for the general."
"Thank you, Lord Guard."
"I don't dare to take it seriously. I wish you a triumphant victory."
Qin Huaidao said goodbye to the other party and left. The dirt road was difficult to walk and he could not walk fast. Fortunately, it was wide enough and did not affect the movement of the carriage. Until the afternoon, a small team suddenly appeared in front of him to block him. Each of them was holding a repeating crossbow, their eyes were cold and stern, and they were full of murderous intent.
It's extraordinary at first glance.
A school captain stepped forward and shouted: "Who is coming?"
Xue Rengui did not move and shouted sternly: "What are you?"
"This place is under martial law and no passage is allowed. Go back," the captain shouted.
"Lord Protector Qin is here, please let your general come over."
The other party did not reply after hearing the report and left in a hurry.
Qin Huaidao came forward and saw that the army was still on high alert and did not relax even a little bit because the captain left. They were looking at him with murderous intent. It could be seen that the leader was very good at running the army. He couldn't help but look forward to it. Li Eryi
He never revealed who was leading the army, and Qin Huaidao couldn't ask more questions.
After waiting for a while, a young man galloped over on horseback and shouted from a distance: "Haha, Mr. Qin is really here, making me wait."
Qin Huaidao looked at the other party, and he really knew him, but he was not familiar with him. His name was Duan Zan. His father, Duan Xuanzhi, was the general of Youwei and was granted the title of Duke of Baoguo. Duan Xuanzhi was the first to raise an army with Li Yuan. He was strict in running the army and fought bravely. Later, he was defeated by Li Yuan.
2. The evaluation "has the style of Zhou Yafu", which shows that he has good strength.
Duan Xuanzhi spent most of his life guarding the west and fighting against Tuyuhun. He was most familiar with Tuyuhun. His son Duan Zan has always been with Duan Xuanzhi. It is said that he has learned the true story and is like his father. No wonder he was sent by Li Er.
They are all born in martial arts, so they are naturally close to each other.
Qin Huaidao smiled and said: "I didn't expect that the Holy One would order your general."
Duan Zan rushed up and said excitedly: "I am very excited after receiving the order. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. I can't wait for it to come. I plan to go to Chang'an to inquire. Fortunately, my lord is here, but we must distinguish between public and private affairs.
Sir, please take care of Hu Fu."
Seeing that the other party was doing business, Qin Huaidao clearly understood the importance and immediately felt a little more favorable. He took out the tiger talisman and handed it to him. The other party took it and took out the other half from his arms. They matched each other tightly and returned the tiger talisman to Qin Huaidao.
A little more solemn: "The last general Duan Zan has met your Excellency."
"General Duan, you're welcome." Qin Huaidao returned the courtesy.
Previously, it was a meeting between acquaintances. Showing the tiger talisman meant taking over the army. There are differences between the upper and lower ranks in the army, and the hierarchy is strict. You can no longer joke. Qin Huaidao pointed at Xue Rengui and introduced: "This is Xue Rengui, my eldest brother."
Duan Zan understood in his heart that he must be a confidant who can be introduced like this. He didn't dare to make excuses, so he solemnly clasped his fists: "I have met Mr. Xue Langjun."
"General Duan is polite." Xue Rengui returned the greeting.
Duan Zan looked at Qin Huai and said: "It's getting late, please move to the camp."
The convoy moved again, moving forward along a narrow canyon overgrown with weeds. Soon the front suddenly opened up, and there was a piece of flat land. The tents were neatly arranged. Countless people were on patrol around the camp. Smoke was everywhere in the camp, and they were cooking.
Many people saw the motorcade approaching and stopped to talk.
The convoy soon arrived at the Chinese military tent. The guards dispersed their vigilance and prohibited any approach. Qin Huaidao signaled Xue Rengui to follow, entered the Chinese military tent, and sat down at the main seat. Xue Rengui fought behind him to act as a guard.
"Is there a map of Tubo?" Qin Huaidao got straight to the point.
"Yes, it's not very accurate." Duan Zan said quickly, pulling out a map from a pile of debris.
Qin Huaidao looked at the map and pondered. It was indeed very simple. He only specified where the mountains were, where there was water, where there were passes, where there were garrisons, what the mountains were like, how dangerous the passes were, how many garrisons there were, etc. He didn't know anything about it, but it was better than nothing.
Find the location of the Tubo Royal City.
It is far away from the camp to Tubo, and it takes several days to get there. How to avoid it is a problem. Qin Huaidao watched for a moment and asked bluntly: "Is there a way to avoid the passes and blockades along the way and reach the Tubo royal city directly?"
"Go directly to the Tubo King's City?" Duan Zan was startled. What kind of strategy is this? You are too brave. You can't seek death like this. But from the moment the tiger talisman is revealed, Qin Huaidao is the commander of this army, so he can only do so unconditionally.
He obeyed and said quickly: "Sir, I have never been there. I am only familiar with the border. It can go deep for a hundred miles at most. I am not sure how to reach the Tubo King's City without being exposed."
Things will be difficult if no one knows the route. You can't just kill each pass one by one, right?
It's cool to crush them directly, but it's too difficult, and 10,000 troops are simply not enough.
Qin Huaidao knew how much of Tubo territory there was, and it was impossible for the Tubo army to set up defenses everywhere. If they stayed at night and set out during the day, and specifically chose uninhabited places, they might be able to do it, but the marching speed would be slow.
However, it is better to go slow than to fight!
With a calculation in his mind, Qin Huaidao continued to study the map, hoping to find a feasible route. Suddenly, he thought of a problem. Tubo Mountain has a wide range of highlands, but little water. People cannot live without water. As long as they avoid the water source, it means avoiding the defenders.
Even if you accidentally encounter the Tubo army along the way, they will just be stragglers who will be silenced.
Searching according to this idea, Qin Huaidao gradually sketched a rough route on the map, asked Duan Zan to draw it lightly with a pen, handed it to Duan Zan, and said at the same time: "If we take this route, what are the problems?"
"This area is full of high mountains. There is a lack of water and food. The biggest problem is that it is easy to get lost. The mountains in Tubo are similar. If you are not familiar with the direction and cannot find the direction, you will be trapped to death."
"What else?" Qin Huaidao asked, only the direction, that's not a problem.
Duan Zan thought about it carefully and said: "There are high mountains and dangerous roads along the way, and we almost avoid the passes. The possibility of encountering the Tibetan army is not high, and even if we encounter it, there will not be many. If you can avoid it, avoid it. If you can't avoid it, the problem is to silence them.
It’s not big. Apart from direction, water and food, the rest is disease. Once you catch wind and cold, it’s very troublesome. Other problems are not big.”
"Wind and cold are not a big problem. This time I brought a large amount of liquor, which can heal injuries and keep out the cold. I have a way to solve the direction problem. The only thing left is water and food, which is not a big problem. This time I have to fight to support the war, and I encountered many kills along the way.
, to prevent exposure. During the war, there is no room for kindness. However, to ensure nothing goes wrong, everyone cut bamboos overnight to carry clean water. The water must be boiled and allowed to cool before being loaded. The army will set off after dawn. Is there any problem? "
"There is a civil war in the camp. How will supplies be arranged?" Duan Zan asked.
Qin Huaidao understood what Duan Zan really wanted to ask, thought about it, and said: "There are many barren lands in Tubo, where not even a blade of grass can grow. It may not be possible to feed the war horses on the way forward, but they must be brought along to save energy and they can be killed if necessary."
Don't feel bad if your horse is hungry, this battle has a lot at stake."
Once the general order was given, it could not be taken back. Duan Zan respectfully accepted the order and left.
That night, Qin Huaidao studied the map in the Chinese military tent until late at night, and finally fell asleep beside the campfire. The village guard team guarded the carriage outside the Chinese military tent, resting in batches, and did not dare to be careless. There were too many supplies in the carriage.
important.
Early the next morning, the army set off after breakfast. They all had one man and two horses, one horse to ride and one horse to carry supplies. The supplies were mainly arrows. There was no way to replenish them when they went to Tubo, so they had to bring enough at one time.
Qin Huaidao took the carriage ahead and disguised himself as a caravan. Before setting off, he specifically visited Lu Dongzan and got the voucher and a letter. Of course, he found an excuse to sell liquor to supplement the damage caused by the barbecue bar being smashed. If Lu Dong was allowed to
Zan knew he was leading troops to attack Tibet, so he would never agree.
In order to make the excuse realistic, Qin Huaidao specially took Lu Dongzan to the barbecue restaurant to see the bombing scene. Lu Dongzan also knew the liquor brewed by Qin Huaidao and didn't think much about it.
With Lu Dongzan's vouchers and letters, we can deal with it if we encounter trouble. Of course, we must not go through the main road. The caravan can get through, but the army cannot.
Songzhou is later known as Songpan County. It is located in the northeastern part of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. It is mountainous and has abundant water and grass. You don’t have to worry about war horses chewing their heads. The farther west you go, the more desolate it becomes. To ensure that the horse power can be sustained, the forage carried by the army is not fed at the beginning.
When resting in the middle of the journey, let the soldiers lead the horses to graze.
The army went all the way west. Because it avoided the main road, the terrain was steep and steep. There were steep peaks and narrow valleys everywhere. The walking speed was not fast and it was difficult, but it was also safe. No one often came to the poor mountains and rivers. As for the carriage, these three days
It was made in a hurry, using bearings and anti-vibration steel plates, and it is very strong.
After dark, the army hid in a steep canyon, killed several war horses that had sprained legs and couldn't use them anymore, stewed wild vegetables and divided them among themselves. No one was half full, and they were all crowded together without taking off their clothes or armor.
Drowsily fell asleep.
Duan Zan arranged for sentries to come over and saw Qin Huaidao sitting in the carriage with his eyes closed and concentrating. He asked with concern: "Sir, some people who came here are still out of breath and worried about something happening. The adaptability training place for the army is not as high as here."
"Have a rest for one night, and if it still doesn't work, send it back." Qin Huaidao warned. He looked around and combined with the experience of later generations, he felt that the altitude of his location was about three thousand meters, and the mountain was at least five thousand meters. He added: "It's not suitable for normal.
, If you can survive tonight, there won’t be much of a problem tomorrow.”
"Really?" Duan Zan's eyes were full of doubts, but he didn't ask any more questions.
"Believe me, pass on the order and let everyone relax. The more nervous you are, the faster you breathe, and the more air you need, the easier it is to have an accident. The more relaxed you are, the better. As long as everyone follows the instructions, nothing will happen." Qin Huaidao warned.
Duan Zan didn't understand the principle, but he knew that Qin Huaidao would never talk nonsense, so he immediately went to deliver the order.
"Have any of our people experienced any reactions such as difficulty breathing?" Qin Huaidao looked at Xue Rengui.
Xue Rengui ran to inquire, and came back soon and said: "A few are dizzy, let them try to relax."
Qin Huaidao nodded. High reflexes vary from person to person. There is no way to force this kind of thing. This night is very important. If you get through it, there will be nothing to do later. If you can't get through it, you will have no choice but to return.
The army gradually became quiet, and even the war horses began to rest.
The cold moonlight fell down and fell on the resolute faces of the soldiers. It was quiet and peaceful. Various insects chirped in the distance, one after another, endlessly.
A gust of cool wind blew up, picking up the withered grass, fluttering and falling in the canyon. Qin Huaidao picked up a piece of withered grass and looked up at the sky. There were many stars and a bright moon in the sky. It didn't look like it was going to rain, so he waited a moment.
Two hours later, Duan Zan hurried over and said happily: "Sir, after brothers relaxed their breathing according to your method, their condition has improved a lot. They no longer have headaches, but there is still a little bit of dizziness."
"The dizziness is just a mild high reaction. As soon as you wake up, your body will adapt. It's not a big problem. The terrain behind the road is higher. Let's walk slower. Let's wait for two days and then wait for the army to fully adapt before marching. What do you think?
"
"It's all up to you, sir. Thank you for your sympathy." Duan Zan said gratefully.
"We are all brothers who fight together. There is no need to be so polite. Once you get to know me, you will know my character. I don't care about trivial matters. As long as I stick to my principles, I will be easy to talk to." Qin Huaidao said politely.
"My father mentioned in his letter, Sir, I am not afraid of death, nor are the soldiers. There is a question I have always wanted to ask, but it is difficult to ask. Having said that, I would like to ask you boldly, what are our chances of winning this battle?"
Duan Zan's face became serious as he said this. Ten thousand soldiers are going out to fight. How can we not be worried?
Qin Huaidao did not answer immediately. As a soldier, how could he not know what everyone was thinking? No one was afraid of death if they dared to follow him. Those who were afraid of death had made excuses to stay during the selection process, but no one wanted to die in vain.
"Gah——"
A mountain eagle flew overhead, adding a bit of vitality to this wild and desolate wilderness.
Qin Huaidao pointed to the passing mountain eagle and said: "The eagle is the overlord of the sky and has no natural enemies. Do you know why?"
"Because the more ferocious wolves, tigers and leopards cannot fly."
"Yes, what if we were a group of eagles attacking from the sky?"
"How is this possible? How can a person fly into the sky?" Duan Zan questioned, not knowing Qin Huaidao's battle plan.
When the time came, Qin Huaidao didn't want to reveal it, but Duan Zan had to calm down and continued: "When we attacked Goguryeo, someone asked the same question. At that time, I said 60% to 70%, but no one believed it. Now I tell you, the army
Our goal is not to destroy the country, but to force it to surrender. This goal is not difficult, and I am 70 to 80 percent sure of it."
"So high?" Duan Zan still didn't believe it. Ten thousand people forced a powerful kingdom to surrender. It wasn't that he didn't believe it, but that he couldn't believe it. It was impossible to do it.
Qin Huaidao smiled, showing a strong sense of confidence: "Look, you don't believe it. They didn't believe they could capture Goguryeo back then. Let's do this. I'll give you a guarantee. If you can't do it, withdraw immediately. And, if you can't do it, you can't do it.
You decide, I won’t force it, okay?”
"this……"
Duan Zan was a little tempted. He got the initiative. At least he could withdraw when the battle situation was unfavorable without having to fight to the death. But after thinking about it, this was enough to prove Qin Huaidao's confidence and assurance. With a thought in his heart, he asked: "My lord, I am not the last general to question it. Really?"
This matter is too big and has never happened before. The general has little talent and little knowledge, and has no chance of winning. Since the Lord said it can be done, the general will risk his life. However, the morale of the army..."
"You don't have to risk your life. Believe me. As for the soldiers, you can tell everyone that if the battle goes unfavorably, I will lead the hundred or so people around me to the rear to cover everyone's retreat. I will never break my promise. Otherwise, brothers can shoot cold arrows, even
Just hack me to death, but if anyone dares to disobey, don't blame me for my ruthless military law."
"Please rest assured, Sir, I run the army strictly and ensure that no one dares to disobey orders." Duan Zan said solemnly, chatted for a few words, and left in a hurry.
Xue Rengui watched the other party move away from a distance and whispered: "Young Master, this general?"
"Did you see it?" Qin Huaidao asked, and saw Xue Rengui nodded and smiled. He was indeed a military god. He was born for the battlefield. He found the feeling as soon as he came. He explained in a low voice: "It is normal for General Duan to be worried. It would be strange not to be worried.
, and he came to inquire on behalf of the soldiers, and the soldiers were not at ease."
"No wonder the young master made a promise. The morale of the army will be stable. If there is another big victory, the morale will be higher and there will be no fear." Xue Rengui said with a low smile.
"That's right. After this experience, I may have the opportunity to get you a military position. How about joining the army in the future?"
Xue Rengui hurriedly said: "If you don't go, I will follow the young master for the rest of my life. I will earn money and fight wars. I don't have to worry about it, let alone the intrigues of the court. I will live a simple and comfortable life."
"Can't you be the commander-in-chief of the three armies and leave a name in history?" Qin Huaidao asked, feeling that Xue Rengui was misled. Isn't there a military god missing in history?
"I take it for granted, but it doesn't make sense. During the period of following the young master, I have seen through it and realized some truths. I am not suitable for fighting in the court. If there is no one in the court, I will be used as a sword for the rest of my life.
, even if you become a marshal, it may seem like a good thing, but what will happen in the end? Luo Tong is far away, and Wei Guogong is close by. One has been frustrated all his life, and the other has been tired all his life, how can he feel free to follow the young master? "
"You can see clearly, go to sleep." Qin Huaidao gave a wry smile and ended the conversation, but he made up his mind that he had to fight for Xue Rengui if he had a chance. The military god could not be lost.
Early the next morning, the army continued westward.
It was not until noon that the leading scouts received news that a small grassland appeared ahead, as well as a lake, dozens of tents, and a large number of cattle and sheep.
Qin Huaidao stepped forward to check. The tent was white, smoke was curling up from the kitchen, shepherd dogs were barking, children were playing, and a group of cattle and sheep were grazing freely in the distance. It was such a peaceful scene, a paradise in the world. I couldn't bear to kill him and screamed.
Duan Zan came and warned: "Assign a hundred people to disguise themselves as bandits, kill the guards, and loot a group of horses and sheep to use as military rations, especially the horses. Our war horses are not suitable for high mountains and can only be reduced to pack horses. We have to rob them."
use."
The horses and sheep grazing were far away from the tents, and only a few people were guarding them. The women and children couldn't bear it, but the army also had to eat, and Ci could not control the troops.
Duan Zan nodded and said with some worry: "If I don't kill them all, will their whereabouts be exposed?"
"Definitely, but it doesn't matter. If a hundred people are sent out, they will only think that they are disguised by some tribe that cannot survive, or they are directly suspected of being robbers. It is not a big problem. After receiving reinforcements, the army will bypass the grassland in front and continue on its way along the mountain road.
Yes, go ahead and do it cleanly." Qin Huaidao warned.
Duan Zan was a pure soldier and did not have the heart of the Holy Mother. He immediately selected a hundred elites, took off his armor, walked around with weapons, lurked close, and suddenly launched an attack. After shooting several herdsmen, the team was divided into two.
, one part drove a herd of cattle and a herd of horses towards the mountains, while the other part stayed behind.
The Tang army had never entered the hinterland of Tubo. The herders lived leisurely and unsuspectingly, and were no match for the well-trained Tang army. The herdsmen living by the lake came to help after hearing the news. After several people were shot dead, they did not dare to continue the pursuit.
After beating the horse and fleeing back, the soldiers did not pursue him. They stepped forward and picked up the arrows, leaving no trace behind, and quickly retreated.
The large forces gathered together and continued westward with the captured horses and sheep.
Upon hearing this, Qin Huaidao robbed more than two hundred sheep and dozens of horses. There were a few horses, but the sheep were enough for everyone to eat for a few days. He waited a moment and told Duan Zan who came to report: "Leave one team behind."
Monitor and shoot those who try to report the news. If they do not move, do not kill indiscriminately. It is more beneficial to our army to delay for a day. After dark, follow the traces and return to the team."
Duan Zan heard that it made sense and hurried to make arrangements.
The large army moved forward slowly and gradually disappeared behind the undulating mountains.