The east courtyard was used by Qin Huaidao as a private workshop. The steam engine was humming and running, driving a simple lathe. Qin Huaidao was skillfully processing artillery shells. He was sweating profusely and never rested. In the battle of Yangguan, he almost emptied the artillery shells. He produced a few shells these days. , but it’s far from enough.
At this time, Luo Wu hurried in and stopped nearby, not daring to get close.
After a while, Qin Huaidao took out a finished shell casing from the lathe, placed it on the shelf next to him, then picked up a rough blank for processing, and asked: "It's not lunch time yet, why are you here?"
"Uncle, something big happened."
"Um?"
Qin Huaidao was stunned. Hanzhou was operating normally. It was impossible for anything major to happen. The big thing Luo Wu would think was definitely not a small one. He put down the blank and looked at Luo Wu.
Luo Wu hurriedly explained: "I just received news from Feige, the steward of Jia, that the Holy Emperor has gone mad and has withdrawn to Chang'an. Xu Shiji requested protection for him and the families of his close associates, and was willing to bring the surviving troops to come over."
A short sentence reveals too much information.
Qin Huaidao's expression changed and he shouted: "Quick, map."
Luo Wu quickly took out the map from his arms, Qin Huaidao stepped forward quickly, spread the map on a table, his eyes quickly fell on Hezhou, then moved to the line of the Great Wall, and said in a deep voice: "General Xu is still holding on to the Great Wall. , he is a hero who resisted the Turkic army moving south, but Hezhou?"
"General Xu is a hero. There are some weird things in Hezhou. OK, why did the Holy Spirit lose his mind and go crazy? There must be something going on here." Luo Wu agreed.
After thinking for a moment, Qin Huaidao said sternly: "There are only two possibilities. One is that Tuyuhun won the battle, and the Holy Sage was out of breath, and he was furious for a moment. The other is that Tubo killed him and turned around. For some reason, the Holy Sage breathed a sigh of relief. If we don’t come down, we have to retreat to Chang’an.”
"What causes the madness?" Luo Wu asked curiously.
"It's caused by rapid fire attacking the heart and blood rushing to the top of the head."
"That's it!" Luo Wu suddenly realized and agreed: "That must be a defeat, and it's not a small one. The Holy Sage is very angry. Tuyuhun has been attacking Hezhou for many days without success. It shouldn't be them. It's most likely Tubo. Didn't they arrive? Are you in Yuanzhou? Why not just go east to Chang'an instead of fighting back?"
Qin Huaidao didn't know either, and stared at the map in deep thought.
Although Qin Ling was not a mediocre person, why did he miss the chance to attack Chang'an and fight back instead? Is there a reason why he had to do it? What could it be?
Gradually, Qin Huaidao's eyes fell on the north of the Great Wall. Suddenly a flash of light flashed and he said: "I understand, the Tubo wants the Turks to attack Chang'an first, and then they will be defeated after both sides are defeated. It's a good plan."
"The Turks are not stupid, why would they attack Tibet first to gain advantage?" Luo Wu asked in confusion.
"Because the Turks had to fight. The right army was defeated by us, and the rear defense was unstable. It was too late for the Turks' main army to come back for reinforcements. There were only two options. One was to capture Chang'an, and the other was to notify the country to strictly defend and prevent us from sneak attacks. , only by capturing Chang'an will the Turks be qualified to challenge Tibet and aspire to dominate the world."
Luo Wu suddenly realized and said: "They are not good things. As for Qinling, they only need to capture Hezhou, Taozhou and Lanzhou to attack Chang'an at any time. But if the Turks don't capture Chang'an, they will run for nothing." The losses were heavy, so the Turks must attack Chang'an, and Tubo can be the oriole. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit retreated quickly. If it falls into the hands of Tubo, the situation will become increasingly unpredictable. What should we do?"
"Instruct the military to prepare for war and dispatch troops in ten days!"
Qin Huaidao punched the map with a murderous look in his eyes.
"Follow the order!" Luo Wu was overjoyed when he heard that it was time to fight and left in a hurry.
Qin Huaidao looked at the map of Huaiyuan and wondered whether Xu Shiji could hold on to the end. But Hanzhou's foundation was too weak. He had only recuperated for a month, and his combat effectiveness was limited. Sending troops after ten days was the limit. No matter how early he was, it would not be enough to prepare, especially for artillery shells. One person
The production speed cannot be increased.
But there is no way, I only have a lathe, and the person I am not skilled in teaching it is a waste of time.
The next moment, Qin Huaidao picked up the rough blank, fixed it on the lathe, and started processing it again.
…
Military Department.
Li Jing and Cheng Yaojin were drinking tea and chatting happily.
Luo Wu hurried in, cupped his fists and saluted: "Wei Guogong, Lu Guogong, and the King of Han ordered the military to start preparing for war and send troops in ten days."
"Who will be attacked, who will go, and how many troops will be mobilized?" Li Jing asked, becoming more energetic.
"That's right, I have to be the vanguard no matter what you say this time." Cheng Yaojin's eyes also shone.
Luo Wu directly ignored him. How could the young man feel embarrassed when his grandfathers were still so belligerent? He replied: "The two princes, the King of Han did not say anything, they are probably returning to aid the imperial court. After receiving the news, the Holy Spirit was disappointed."
Crazy, we have withdrawn from Hezhou to Chang'an."
"What, Your Majesty?"
The two were shocked, exchanged glances, and their faces became gloomy.
Although there is hatred and resentment in my heart, after all, we have fought side by side and created the huge Tang Dynasty. There are still feelings. I didn't expect that I would get heartbroken?
For a moment, the two of them didn't know what to say, and they didn't notice when Luo Wu left.
After a while, Li Jing regained his composure and said: "Cheng Heizi, Chang'an will be in chaos. When the crown prince ascends the throne, it will be another world. Without the Holy Emperor, it may not be able to withstand the attack of the Tubo army, let alone the Turkic army. Xu Shiji's talents are
You know, as long as the logistics keep up and there is no shortage of troops, it will be no problem to block it, otherwise, it will be difficult!"
"The prince will not seek death, right?" Cheng Yaojin asked in surprise.
"It's hard to say that the prince doesn't know how to fight. There are always people who will jump out to seize military power and take over the defense. Who else in the court except Xu Shiji and Li Xiaogong can stop the Turks? Maybe the King of Han thought of this, so he couldn't wait to prepare for the war. No matter what, do your best.
Just do your part." Li Jing smiled bitterly.
"How are you going to prepare for the war? No matter what, my eldest son has to go." Cheng Yaojin reminded.
Li Jing did not answer and closed his eyes in deep thought.
In his mind, one by one generals flashed through their abilities, character, conduct, etc., and they were screened one by one. Combined with the current situation in Hanzhou, he had a candidate in his mind. He suddenly opened his eyes and solemnly said: "There are fifty thousand soldiers in Khotan. Stay here."
It is a hidden danger and we need to send troops to guard against it. All of them must be recruited."
Cheng Yaojin agreed: "It makes sense. Although Khotan has surrendered, people's hearts are unpredictable. Without 50,000 soldiers, they are just like toothless tigers. Our army does not need to send heavy troops to guard against it. It can be mobilized. Anyway, the main Turkic force is not here."
, the rear is empty, it would be good if we don’t attack them, they don’t dare to invade, how do you plan to distribute it?”
"The two armies of Luo Zhang and Fang Yiai are currently at the division level. They were expanded to the army level. Their troops were recruited from Khotan. Prince Zhega of Khotan was granted the title of division commander and was incorporated into Luo Zhang's army. Duke An Guo was granted the title of commander of the Yumen Pass garrison.
In command of the clan soldiers under his command, Cheng Chumo was also promoted to the commander of the Dunhuang garrison. He recruited 10,000 surrendered troops for road construction. It was not enough to draw from the Khotan army to make up for it. Combat strength will be formed within ten days. What do you think?"
"Can!"
Cheng Yaojin agreed with all his heart. The eldest son would be the commander of the army and be in charge of tens of thousands of troops. What else could he be dissatisfied about?
As for the second and third sons, they should not be too greedy, whether they hold the position of deputy commander, not to mention that the younger sister is also leading the female army. Cheng Yaojin understands the essence of self-preservation and will give up when he sees a good opportunity.
Li Jing glanced at Cheng Yaojin and did not point out that they were all brothers of life and death for many years. Those who can help will naturally help, and continued: "Tiao Luo Zhang, Fang Yiai, Cheng Chumo, An Guogong and Luo Ying's special forces are accompanying them.
With more than 100,000 troops, Luo Tong, Su Dingfang and Xue Rengui stayed behind in Hanzhou to prevent any unexpected events."
"Okay, nothing will happen to Hanzhou." Cheng Yaojin agreed.
Seeing that Cheng Yaojin had no objection, Li Jing picked up his pen and started writing in a hurry.
Until dusk, Li Jing finished writing the strategy for preparing for the war. He estimated that Qin Huaidao would return to the Han Dynasty Palace for dinner at this time, so he and Cheng Yaojin hurried there to have a meal on the way.
When the elders came over, He'er and Li Xueyan naturally welcomed them warmly.
At the dinner table, Qin Huaidao took over the preparation strategy and looked at it carefully. Everyone was silent and waited patiently.
Not long after Qin Huaidao finished reading, he put the strategy aside, looked at Li Jing and said, "Shibo, why don't you fight on two fronts? You can be more courageous."
"What do you mean, send all the troops to attack the Turks?"
"It's also a way. The Turks would never expect us to attack suddenly, not to mention that their main force is not here, so they have a great chance of winning." Cheng Yaojin agreed.
"No, what I really didn't expect was Tubo!"
"You want to fight Tubo?!"
Li Jing and Cheng Yaojin shouted almost at the same time.