The night was dark, without any light from the stars and the moon. The city of Beiping was quiet, except for the occasional watchman's shout.
Suddenly, the sound of horse hoofs pierced the night sky, startling the barking of the housekeeper's dog. Above the street, galloping horses rushed towards the palace. Everyone who jumped off the horse held their chest high and walked steadily. Several servants were waiting.
Outside the palace gate, after General An Weiguo, the deputy commander of the Forbidden Army, entered the palace, he secretly thought to himself that the only thing left was Zhu Shuai from Hedong.
The soldiers and horses from various ministries gathered under Beiping City really gathered most of the generals in the Northern Han Army.
It's just that Bodaoling, where Zhu Biao is stationed, is more than thirty miles away from the capital. I'm afraid it will take a while longer. He frowned and kept rubbing his hands. The eunuchs kept looking at the other end of the imperial street.
The sound of hoofbeats was rapid, and five horses came galloping towards the palace gate. They stopped steadily in front of the palace gate. The leading knight jumped off, and then a soldier of the Imperial Guard stepped forward and took the reins. The servants took a closer look. He was not the most dazzling horse in the Northern Han Dynasty today.
Who is the star Zhu Biao? After verifying his identity, Zhu Biao immediately entered the palace, and under the guidance of the eunuch, he quickly walked towards the Jiangwu Hall. After a while, he caught up with An Guowei who was one step ahead.
The two walked side by side. An Weiguo looked at the servant in front and whispered: "Zhu Shuai, I'm afraid Yanzhou is not the same." Zhu Biao is from Yanxi, and that is the cautious place of the Zhu family. No wonder he wants to follow Zhu Biao
said
Zhu Biao nodded silently. Just before the chamberlain conveyed the king's urgent summons, he had received news from Zhu Ming's men one after another that Xiao Zhongming had been defeated three days ago and Yanping County had been lost.
"After traveling two hundred miles a day, General Xiao is too impatient."
On the other side of the Luoming River, the leading troops of the Zhao army were already in and out. Yanzhou had definitely fallen! Fortunately, he had already led his troops there, although he only led 80,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers.
The imperial capital actually had contact with the Hu people. When Zhu Biao received the urgent military information and immediately led his troops back to Hedong, Hu Qi, who had always avoided fighting, appeared.
The cavalry group of more than 600,000 people overwhelmed the leaders of Luozhou and Hezhou, and in one fell swoop pinned down the military commander's troops in Luozhou and Ye Fuheng's troops in Hexi.
Hedong is the least threatened. Among the four counties in Hedong, Anze County, only Pingchuan and Shanyang counties are located to the north of Luohe River, which is the opening of Hedong. All other places are south of Luohe River and are affected by Luohe River.
With the best protection of a natural barrier and Zhang Bangyan's water patrol department, Hedong, which has more than 100,000 soldiers left behind, can be said to be impregnable.
But isn't the imperial court now planning to establish a new county in the north of Hexi and Luobei in the northeast of Hebei? At this time, Hexi and Hedong were put on the fire.
Millions of displaced people, countless masonry, materials, food, farming tools, and iron tools. If all of these were 'swallowed' by Hu Qi, the Northern Han Dynasty would suffer too much loss and would be no less than the previous disaster caused by Uwetuo.
So much so that most of the Tang Army's military strength in Hedong was spent on this. Zhu Biao could only lead 80,000 infantry and cavalry to Peiping, including 50,000 from the Hedong Army!
"Jiangjin must increase its troops. Otherwise, once the Zhao army crosses the river, Jiangjin will not be safe. When the Zhao army's north and south routes merge, half a million troops will attack Peiping. You must have an idea in your mind." An Weiguo is worthy of being called "Jiangjin"
A veteran on the battlefield, although he is older and has been in the forbidden army in recent years, his judgment of the battle situation is still very accurate.
Besides, now outside the city of Peiping, the only people who can lead troops to attack Jiangjin without letting anyone have any chance are Zhu Biao and his powerful Hedong army.
"Don't worry, old general, I know the importance." Zhu Biao responded. He didn't want to defend Jiangjin. With 80,000 troops in hand, he was afraid that Mao would
Although such a war would appear to be so disparate in the eyes of outsiders,
When the two of them arrived outside the Military Academy Hall, all the military chiefs gathered in Peiping had already arrived. There was one man who was less than thirty years old. He was slightly shorter than Zhu Biao but appeared to be thin. He was wearing a crimson official robe and stood solemnly without saying a word.
Compared with other officers around him, this man is more aloof and less respectful. He is the new 'representative' sent by the King of Tang Dynasty - Guan Yanmei
When they saw An Weiguo and Zhu Biao, everyone stood up to say hello. Only Guan Yanmei, who was aloof and arrogant, lightly cupped her hands. Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows. He was indeed as arrogant as Ai Gou, the brother-in-law of the Tang Dynasty! After cupping his hands, a man stood beside him.
No one talked to him, and he seemed to disdain it.
At this time, the eunuch passed the edict, and Ji Yun ascended to the palace. When Ji Yun was on top, the generals saluted, and the palace fell into silence for a while.
Ji Yun was at the top, looking down at the bottom with an expressionless face. Zhu Biao was someone he didn't like to see very much, but the honor of the Northern Han Dynasty was almost won by him alone. Looking at Yun Zheng standing solemnly behind him, he
Although this cousin is also a rising star in the military, he is really very different.
His expression slowed down a little, and he sighed before saying anything. He said in a rather helpless tone: "The land of Yanzhou is out of control. Occasionally, there are isolated cities, which cannot help the overall situation. The lonely king heard that Zhao Jun has begun to move. It is very likely that there will be two attacks.
Attack Jiangjin from a flank, like this, what can we do?"
As soon as his question came out, no one answered him. Seeing this, Ji Yun could only continue: "When the country is in crisis, all the ministers are the trusted ministers of the lonely king and the pillars of the Han Dynasty. There is no need to worry about it. There is no harm in speaking directly.
If you have suggestions that can stop the enemy, retreat them and protect the country, the lonely king will not hesitate to reward him."
After he finished speaking, Yun Han stood up, and everyone looked at him. Yun Han looked solemn, and bowed to Ji Yun: "Your Majesty! In my humble opinion, Yanzhou cannot be defended, and Jiangjin is in danger. Send elite troops and strong generals to supplement it as soon as possible."
Defense, otherwise if Jiangjin is lost, Anzhou will be shaken, and the Zhao army will be able to march all the way along the river to Peiping."
"There are less than 200,000 soldiers in Peiping. How to divide the troops? Is there any other way?"
"Otherwise! Your Majesty, Jiangjin City is tall and strong. As long as a strong army is stationed in the city, it can greatly contain the Zhao army's north and south routes. There is still room for action in the northwest of Anzhou and the area directly north of Linzhou.
If there are several counties holding strong positions there, the Zhao army's food routes will be blocked and supplies will not flow smoothly. The lone army will penetrate deep into the city. They will have to fight to a decisive battle. The king is determined to resist the war. There are hundreds of thousands of troops left in Beiping City and the people all over the city are holding on. How can it be easy for the Zhao army to conquer the city?
By then, the division's veterans will be exhausted and the fortified city will be trapped, and the morale of our army will be low. How will our army know that we can't turn defeat into victory?" Yun Han did not explain the strategy of retreating the enemy, but such words would also make Ji Yun feel high.
After hearing this, Ji Yun did not express his position clearly, but asked: "If the Zhao army encircles Jiangjin without fighting, and crosses the river to the east, how can they resist it?"
Yun Yi flashed out, seeming to be well prepared for this, and replied neatly: "If the siege of a city is inside but not outside, just like the defenders of the city will be dolphins and dogs, then the force of the troops outside the city can besieged like the defenders of the city."
For dragons and tigers, even an army five times larger cannot be stable.
What I am concerned about is that if there is a loss in Jiangjin and Jiangjin, Beiping is in danger, Jiangjin is not lost, and Beiping is as safe as a heavy mountain."
A silent sneer appeared in Zhu Biao's heart
On the second day of August, Zhu Biao led his army to Jiangjin City
On the fifth day of the lunar month, Ji Yun issued an edict to promote Zhu Biao to the military governor of Anzhou, taking full charge of Anzhou's military affairs. Cai Jueshen, Ma Mao, Yunhan, etc. all had part-time jobs, and all of them had great names. They were either the chief governor or the imperial edict. In comparison, Zhu Biao
Although Biao was the first to issue the imperial edict, his position was absolutely inferior. In the edict of more than a dozen people, Yun Zheng was promoted to the second deputy governor of the Forbidden Army without knowing it. The first was An Weiguo.
At this time, Zhu Biao had already arrived in Jiangjin County. After receiving the edict, he did not say a word.
He just ordered Yang Yanzhang and Gao Xie to lead their respective headquarters to Yiqing County, southeast of Jiangjin County, and Anyang County, across the river to the north.
At the same time, we gathered remnant soldiers and brave warriors from all over the country, recruited sailors, gathered ships, and contacted the Qingjiang Gang...
On this day, on the post road in the northwest of Yiqing County, there was an endless stream of people, men, women, old and young. Everyone had a sad look on their face, and they were carrying packages of different sizes in their hands. Many people were also pushing carts or livestock.
The Zhao army is coming. Although they will not be as vicious and cruel as the Hugo, but think about the Han army that entered the Zhongshan Kingdom. Those who can walk and escape should still run or escape. Therefore, countless people are like moving ants.
Flee to the east along the official road
When we reached a fork in the road, everyone went to the left and no one went to the right because the fork on the right turned to the northwest.
"Old man, why are people walking to the left but not to the right?" In the crowd, a big man asked the old woman next to him. This man was about thirty years old, wearing a dark gray straight jacket, and he was very neat and tidy.
Although he was also carrying a package, he looked fierce. He didn't look like a refugee, but more like a wanderer.
The old woman glanced at him and said casually: "Looking at your tone, you are not from Jiangjin, are you?"
"Oh, how did my mother-in-law find out? My ancestral home is Jiangjin Yiqing, but my parents moved to Quzhou when they were young. When I was thirty, I only came here a few times. This time it was also because the war in my hometown was about to start, so I returned to my hometown.
I’m here to visit my relatives,” the man replied with a smile.
Hearing this, the old woman secretly praised her heart. It was such a loving moment that she could still think of her relatives.
"More than ten miles from that place, we will turn to the northwest. Now that everyone is going east, who will go back?" the old woman replied.
After hearing this, the man inadvertently glanced to the right. There were two roads, and the one that turned to the right seemed to be more eastward. Oh my god, it turned to the northwest. The big man knew that no wonder he would be hit by an old woman.
See through words
"But I see there are still traces of carriages and horses on the road to the right?"
The old man shook his head to express his ignorance. Just when the big man was disappointed, he heard a man's voice behind him: "They said there was an army passing by, but I don't know if it is true or not. After all, no one would go to see the excitement at this time, right?"
As soon as the man heard this, he turned around and saw five or six strong men looking at him from a distance of ten steps behind him.
About an hour later, there were fewer and fewer pedestrians on the road. The big man just appeared from the roadside, looked around, came to the fork in the road, and stared at the official road to the right.
"Are you going or not?" I don't know when, five or six men gathered behind him. It seemed that they were all smart and capable people.
The big man did not answer, but left the post road and went directly into the forest. The remaining few people looked at each other for a while, followed closely, and disappeared into the small woods beside the road in an instant. This group of people had a flexible figure.
After walking through the woods for about seven or eight miles, we came to a large tent-like earth slope. As soon as we stepped onto the top of the slope, the man walking in front suddenly dwarfed himself. Several people behind him were still stunned, and he turned back.
Turning around, his face darkened: "Squat down! Someone is coming!" He stuck his head out and looked north, and saw a group of Han soldiers patrolling past with long guns and waist knives.
"Let's go, come on" someone shouted
"Mo Pan" had a stern look on his face, a pair of eagle eyes circling around, just like a wild animal hidden in the grass still waiting for an opportunity to attack its prey. Sure enough, a moment later, another group of Han soldiers passed by, good guys, they were indeed in formation.
, there are foreshadowings laid, looking at such strict vigilance, there must be a big fish!
After waiting for a while, there was no more movement. The big man at the head looked around, then stood up and waved his hand back and said: "Let's go up the slope, but be careful!" The others did not answer and followed him without saying a word.
, even breathless
Climbing up the earth slope, looking down from a high position, you can have a panoramic view of the scenery of more than ten miles below the mountain. A small river is winding and circling, flowing from west to east. It is already sunset and dusk. The surface of the river is sparkling and eye-catching.
These people had no time to enjoy the beautiful sunset at dusk, so they left two of them to watch the wind, while the others moved to the west. Looking far into the distance, they could see that surrounded by the water in the bay, a Han army camp had been set up with thousands of horses loose.
Running or standing, eating grass or drinking water, one almost feels like one is on the grassland outside the Great Wall.
"Liu Tou! The location is here..." A voice came from behind. He was holding a map in his hand, but the big man turned around and stared at him fiercely. He quickly looked down and did not dare to say anything.
"It seems that there is only one battalion, it doesn't look like a county soldier or a country warrior," the person on the left questioned.
The big man nodded slightly. If the soldiers from the county were brave, how could they have such tight security? There was a small team patrolling six or seven miles away from the camp. Those seemingly scattered patrols actually greatly blocked the secrets of the people.
It is recommended to get closer to check carefully, but the big man is silent. It is good to check more carefully, but if the whereabouts are leaked and the other party is alerted, it will not be good.
When he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a slight sound behind him. The big man's heart was shocked. He suddenly turned back and saw that there were many trees and grass, but the trees were still the same. There was nothing strange about them.
"What's wrong?" asked the companion next to him
"Didn't you listen?" the big man asked back.
The friends all shook their heads, and the big man paused, feeling that he was a little nervous. When he was about to turn around, his face suddenly tightened: "Where is the person!"
Where is the person? What person? The rest of them looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what he meant. But just for a moment, everyone felt a chill in their hearts, and their doubtful faces turned to be covered with a layer of frost. Where is the person who is letting out the wind?
Fang Mingming left the two of them to look out, but why was there no trace at this moment? It was not dark yet, could it be that he saw a ghost?
"Me!" Someone pulled out a short knife from his sleeve like a magic trick.
"Stop!" the big man shouted sharply, his beast-like eyes blazing with light, and he kept shooting in the mountains and forests. At the same time, he also pulled out a short knife from his body without leaving any trace and held it in his hand. "Let's go down together -"
Both of them disappeared without a sound. Going down alone would be like sending a sheep into a tiger's mouth. They raised their hands to signal everyone to go down the mountain. The five of them each held weapons and walked on guard down the slope for a while, but there was still no sign of the two companions.
, for a moment, I felt that the dusk scene became extremely sinister.
The few people were cautious and walked slowly down. Apart from the rustling of fallen leaves under their feet, they could no longer hear any other sounds. But the more this happened, the more uneasy they felt. Even if they were killed by a wild animal and then eaten, there would be nothing left.
Just a few pieces of fur, where is the person?
There was a sudden flutter above the head, which made these people almost scream! But when they looked closely, they saw a wild bird fluttering its wings and flying away! Damn beast, but it came to amuse your grandpa! He was so angry that he almost twisted his nose.
"Where did you guys come from? Where are you going?"
Just when the five people breathed a sigh of relief, a voice suddenly sounded, which made the five people's hearts suddenly tighten. They saw a person, who appeared out of nowhere and blocked the way. He was about thirty and five feet long.
Five to six inches tall, wearing a gray short coat and holding a knife in his waist, he was staring at them intently.
Seeing that he was dressed like this, I expected that he was not a soldier. The leader put away his dagger, took a few steps forward, clasped his fists and said: "You are polite, good man. We are escorts who have escaped from Yanzhou. We are going to the south to seek refuge and we don't know the way. We are lost."
Direction, I wonder who the hero is..."
Before he could finish his words, the other party had already waved his hand and said: "Stop talking nonsense, hand over your equipment and follow me -"
Listening to his tone, there was no doubt that some of the companions behind the big man were about to commit murder, but they were stopped by him. He clasped his fists again and said with a smile: "We really didn't mean to disturb your place. Please forgive me. There are some little guys around me."
If you have money, give the hero a bowl of wine to eat.”
"Liu Tou, are you possessed by a demon? He is just one person, even though he has three heads and six arms, we are not afraid of him!" his companion whispered.
But the big man turned a deaf ear and waited for the other party's reply. The man in short clothes and carrying a knife sneered and said: "We are all sensible people. I advise you to hand over your weapons and let us capture you without mercy."
Speaking of this, there is no point in pretending anymore. The big man took out the short knife again, stared at the other person's face and asked coldly: "What will you do if I say no?" As soon as he finished speaking, there were many stars in the forest.
Behind the big tree, a series of figures suddenly appeared. At a glance, there were more than ten or twenty people.
Just as those people stepped out, one of the five people surrounded moved! As soon as he moved, a roaring sound came from the sky! Then there was a muffled groan, and the man fell to the ground and took a closer look.
A short arrow was shot into his left chest and heart. He was lying on the ground, convulsing, and even the gods could not save him.
The big man looked around and saw that they had been surrounded. Among the opponents, seven or eight people were aiming with powerful crossbows, and another one was still loading crossbow arrows. Obviously, his two brothers who were on the lookout had also been killed or beaten by them.
Fainted
"What should I do?" a companion asked in a low voice, with panic in his tone.
It's definitely not possible to fight head on. If you fight with long and short weapons, you won't be afraid at all. But the opponent is actually equipped with a powerful crossbow. If you rashly show off your cruelty, you will not be able to get a good deal. Crossbows are too troublesome. Although they are expensive to make, they are better than bows.
Much more deterrent
"If you dare to resist again," the man in gray clothes and carrying a knife said in a cold tone, "Kill him on the spot!"
Listening to the other party's tone and looking at the other party's preparations, it is likely that they encountered the Han army or even the soldiers from the nearby military camp. Thinking of this, my heart palpitated and I immediately threw away my dagger.
"What are you..." the companion lost his voice.
"I'm afraid we may encounter Han troops, so don't act recklessly! Remember, we are escorts from Yanzhou! We are going to take refuge in the south!"
The military camp is indeed the size of a battalion, and they are all elite soldiers.
Seeing the Han army with bright swords and guns, fierce aura, strict discipline and well-behaved behavior, this was his only feeling when the big man was escorted into the camp.
When he arrived at a tent, the man in gray clothes and carrying a sword ordered him to wait outside. Not long after he stepped into the tent, he led a man out and saw this man. The throbbing in the big man's heart became even more intense, as if he was frightened like a natural enemy.
All four people immediately held their breath.
Xing Tianxiao's eyes cut across the faces of the four people like knives
"Where are you from and where are you going?" After looking at several people one by one, Xing Tianxiao asked.
"I have already answered before, we are escorts from Yanzhou and have taken refuge in the south." The big man had a good heart. Although his breath was a little short, his tone was still calm.
"What's your last name? Where are you from?"
"The villain's surname is Zhou, his double name is Tianyi, he is the fourth eldest in the family of masters, and his ancestral home is Xinping County, Yanzhou." He listened to this answer with a smile, and did not express his position. He asked a few others, and the other three also answered.
Very smooth
"Since you are a bodyguard, how can you not know the way? How can you sneak into the military camp and take a peek? What are you looking for?"
Zhou Tianyi was still calm and said calmly: "We are not good at learning and only dare to walk between Yandong and Yanxi. We have rarely been to Jiangjin. It is understandable that we don't know the road. The general uses this to regard our brothers as spies."
, it’s too... unreasonable to explain.”
Xing Tianxiao sneered: "What a mouthful! But maybe you don't know who I am?"
"Dare you ask your name?"
"You have a good intention, but you have forgotten that, at this stage, would a mere escort be as steady and unhurried as you? Besides, I, the son of the Han family, will not be as courageous or as forceful as you think.
, but fled south to avoid it, and could even die of shame."
"Finally, let me tell you that my surname is Xing, and I also have a double name - Tianxiao, one of the top ten gold medal catchers in the six gates of the original imperial court, caught you, this little mouse. Do you think Mr. Xing will miss you?"
After the soldiers took the person down for torture, Xing Tianxiao walked to the general's tent in the military camp with a frown: "General Yang, the scouts have caught a wave of rats. It seems that the Zhao army is coming..."
On the eighth day of August, Zhao Jun's North Route forwards arrived at Nanjia County, Luozhou, and Guo Ming came down again to persuade him to surrender. However, what he said had already been published on the surrender document that was announced to the world long before Zhao Jun sent troops. It has been more than half a month now.
, it has become an uproar. Everyone knows that the governor of Nanjia County cursed Guo Ming at the city gate for betraying his ancestors and betraying his country for glory. Guo Ming was furious.
On that day, the Han army came out of the city to fight because all those who came were Zhao's 50,000-strong army, not the main force.
The Nanjia County general joined the army in Shachao when he was young. He was skilled in bow and horse. He was experienced and experienced. He first used a powerful crossbow to defeat the enemy's fierce flames, and then used all his elite troops to send cavalry to the Zhao army to attack. Nanjia County's formation was almost scattered.
However, in times of crisis, the commander-in-chief would fly into the army and shout to serve the country. The soldiers often regained their fighting spirit and died in front of the formation. The two armies of Zhao and Han fought fiercely for a long time, evenly matched, and each lost thousands of men and horses.
Zhao Jun Yang Guangsheng was furious and led a large army to attack the prefect. Seeing the serious situation, he rushed to the front line regardless of his own safety. The county general took the lead bravely and took the lead. He was injured in several places and still refused to retreat. Nanjia County was indestructible for a while.
At this time, a captain of the Yandong defeated army gathered in Nanjia County felt timid when he saw the Zhao army in great glory. He was frightened and thought it was unstoppable. He persuaded the prefect to abandon the city and escape. Naturally, the prefect did not listen and exempted him from taking him.
A lieutenant in the army returned to the army and fled for profit. After the incident was exposed, he even took the risk and led hundreds of cronies to disrupt the army, so that the whole city was in chaos. The prefecture general was shocked and sent troops to suppress it.
Although the suppression was suppressed before dawn the next day, the confidence and morale of the Han troops in the city were greatly reduced and they were no longer as tenacious as before.
In the next two days, the big houses in the city were unstable, and the soldiers were not interested in fighting. People were panicked for a while, and then one night the city gates were opened, and the Zhao army came in. The prefect general led his troops and fought hard until he died without knowing whether Nanjia City Gate was attacked.
It's broken, but someone is still attacking the city
The fall of Nanjia directly led to the great earthquake in the Beiping court. When Ji Yun heard the news, he couldn't eat a grain of rice or drink a drop of water all day long, so that he looked haggard and in a trance.
Because the Zhao army after occupying Nanjia can not only make persistent efforts to capture Yuming, directly across the river from Beiping City, but also can relax and no longer need to consider the threat of Luozhou, the threat of Luo Mingjiang Naval Camp, and the North Road
The main force went south and took the horse directly to Jiangjin
