Every time the war drum sounds, it means that a war of gunfire is approaching. Rivers and mountains weep with blood, and people are displaced. It has never stopped since ancient times.
On the city wall that has stood for a hundred years in the wind and rain. Baihao City stands tall and majestic. Eyes as black as night look at the bottom of the city... There are 40,000 soldiers of the most powerful country in Zhongzhou. They are in cold clothes and iron armor, and their swords and halberds are bright. They are lined up in an orderly manner. A look of pride is etched on the face of every soldier.
The Xiaozhao Kingdom, which has become a vassal state and has a sparse population, does it have the strength to resist the Yao army? In this battle, the defenders led by the Bai family are not favored after all.
"The enemy's general is called Wei Huan. He is a young general trained by the Yao Kingdom in recent years. He is decisive in his actions. His style is mainly focused on strong attacks. His actual combat experience is relatively rich among the young generals of the Yao Kingdom. Look at their frontline troop formations. All three routes are covered. The cavalry is taking the lead. It seems that they want to attack directly." The deputy general who had followed Baihaocheng for several years stood beside him and told him about the situation of the distant army.
Bai Haocheng remained calm. He raised his finger and pointed at a point in the distant military formation below the city: "It's the Huilong Formation. It's on the left. It's on the right. Just break the weakest point of the shield soldiers. Our army doesn't need to come forward to fight. Send the order to the crossbowmen. Set up a powerful crossbow with a fire tail. As soon as the shield soldiers enter the attack range, fire crossbow arrows. Chen Hu and Liu Wu, commanders in chief, each lead a thousand light cavalry to outflank them from both sides. Only clear the remaining troops. Do not pursue."
Lieutenant General Bai Haocheng never doubted Bai Haocheng's command. As expected, less than three moments after the order was given, the distant army's screams and screams could be heard faintly.
"You are young after all. In the end, you are still an armchair scholar general. If the opponent only has this strength, it will not be difficult to defend the capital." Under the hazy sky, a gentle smile showed on his peaceful face. The bright silver armor seemed to make people dare not look directly at it. A dazzling sign. Bai Haocheng turned sideways and looked at the tallest building in the city: "By the way, someone is watching Qi Ge..."
"Watch what I do. I won't run to the other side and throw myself into a trap."
Bai Haocheng was interrupted before he could ask the question. Bai Qige, who was supposed to be in the palace, appeared in front of her in plain clothes. Her long hair was tied behind her head. She looked dashing.
"he's gone."
Bai Haocheng didn't mention his name. But Bai Qige knew who he was talking about. He lowered his head and smiled without any surprise: "Sure enough, I couldn't escape the eyes and ears of my second brother. Chen Jing left early. It's not good for anyone to find out. Now he doesn't have it." Military power. I can only watch whatever orders are given from the other side. I will probably drink and sleep when I go back." Seeing that no one around them questioned the conversation between the two, Bai Qige approached Bai Hao City slightly and lowered her voice: "The food and grass of the distant army are protected in the center of the army. It is not easy to attack by surprise. However, there is a group of troops escorting the cannons that have not arrived yet. If they can avoid the sight of the distant army, they can intercept it from the rear. They will have one less weapon to attack the city."
"This is easy to handle. Just let Xu Canjun make a plan and send out manpower. The sneak attack on grain and grass has to be abandoned. The opponent has a large number of people and is heavily guarded. Even if the sneak attack is successful, many of our soldiers will be killed. It is not worth taking the risk. ." After making arrangements easily, he took action. Bai Haocheng pulled Bai Qige to the edge of the battlements. He pointed at the distant flag of the distant army that was swaying under the city. "Qige, you see, this is the result of the removal of the commander-in-chief of His Royal Highness. Now the commander of the distant army is Wei Huan was inexperienced and young and energetic. He only wanted to win a quick victory. He organized his troops mainly for the offensive. Unfortunately, he had plenty of momentum but lacked experience. The flaws in the tactics of the remote army were fully exposed. If this continues, the battle will last more than a month. A war of attrition will not be a problem. And it is definitely not us who will suffer."
Bai Haocheng's words and movements were extremely natural. However, Bai Qige finally cared about his previous words and deeds. She retracted the held hand without any trace.
It is normal for siblings to hold hands when they are young. But they have grown up. It is strange to be so close. Although Bai Qige is not a stickler for details, she does not want Bai Haocheng to have the slightest misunderstanding, especially with Yi Chenjing. After leaving sadly.
Thinking of Yi Chenjing's leaving figure before dawn, Bai Qige felt a little sad.
There was no argument, no farewell. Yi Chenjing was very quiet when she left. She even seemed a little indifferent.
That's what he always does when he makes up his mind to do something but doesn't get support. It's not an exaggeration to say that he is like a child who likes to lose his temper. Bai Qige understands his temperament, so she doesn't worry too much about it. Anyway, he has already agreed. He will not risk making fearless sacrifices. For this war that should not have spread, perhaps this is the only thing that can make Bai Qige feel at ease.
Just as Bai Haocheng said, the seemingly powerful and chaotic attack of the distant army did not achieve any results at all. In addition to increasing the number of casualties for three consecutive days, they were not even able to get closer to half an inch of land. While the 40,000 soldiers lamented that Bai Haocheng used his troops like a god, They couldn't help but feel a little discouraged. Even the frustrated ones privately clamored to run away and not become the next victim of the reckless general.
Yi Chenjing saw the gloomy atmosphere in the army and heard the complaints in his ears. Although he was happy to see the Bai family leading the army to defend the city, the groans of the wounded soldiers and the sobs in memory of their comrades made him unbearable. .
"If this continues, it will only increase casualties. Who taught you to exchange the flesh and blood of soldiers for victory?"
"There's no way to fight without killing someone. There's no dynasty that didn't cost tens of thousands of lives to win. Your Highness the Crown Prince is no longer the commander-in-chief. Please don't interfere with the general's decision. This is also the emperor's intention."
Faced with Yi Chenjing's rebuke, Wei Huan used Yaohuang's unshakable backer as a shield. Yi Chenjing had no way to refute. She could only watch as he gave random orders and put the soldiers in danger again and again. His destiny is as big as the sky. Even though he is a prince, he has to bow his head. This is a place in the military where everything is decided by the general.
Among about 40,000 soldiers, only Qiao Erhe was traveling with him.
"During the day, I saw the princess standing at the top of the city from a distance. She seemed to be stronger than during the Northern Expedition. She was also very energetic in her clothes. I don't know if she saw me." There were only two people in the tent. Qiao Erhe With a longing look on his face, he was not moved by the noise outside at all. "Will Your Highness be going to see the Crown Princess in the near future? I also want to go with you..."
Yi Chenjing shook his head. There was no hint of joy in his smile: "As soon as the war started, the war was chaotic. How could I have a chance to see her. I would like to take this time to return to the imperial capital. It would be best if I could persuade my father to take back his life. .If not, at least there will be a chance to explain the situation here. If Wei Huan continues to mess around, most of the 40,000 soldiers will be lost."
Thinking of the carloads of corpses being carried back to the camp, Qiao Erhe shuddered. His throat grumbled, and his eyes dimmed a lot: "This battle was so boring. Many people died but I don't know why. If I had If you have the opportunity to see the emperor, you must tell him loudly. Just say that the princess is a good person. She will never defect to the rebels and betray the country. I am willing to guarantee it with my life."
The prince's words had no effect. What could a little soldier do? Yi Chenjing did not dampen Qiao Erhe's enthusiasm. He poured a cup of freshly boiled liquor and drank it. He immediately made him choke and cough again and again.
"No wonder Qi Ge has such a good drinker. Zhaoguo's wine is really powerful." He wiped the wine stains from his lips with a wry smile. Yi Chenjing changed to sipping slowly in small sips and poured a glass for Qiao Erhe. "Er He. Regardless of whether Wei Huan agrees or not, I have to go back to the imperial capital in the next two days. If Wei Huan makes any confused decisions again while I'm away, you can go find General Bai. You can smuggle information or help him capture Wei. Anyway, we can no longer let Wei Huan do whatever he wants. The remaining soldiers have lost their lives in vain." He raised his hand and waved it in front of Qiao Erhe's stunned face. Yi Chenjing showed a helpless smile: "Don't worry. .This is not considered surrendering to the enemy..As you said, no one knows why this battle is fought. In this case, why bother to add dead souls to a meaningless victory? Afterwards, you can go to Qi Ge and be her follower. A servant or a bodyguard. Anything is fine. As long as you can protect her for me."
Qiao Erhe thought for a while. He seemed to taste the loneliness in Yi Chenjing's words. He shook his head with red eyes: "Your Highness, don't say that. It sounds unlucky. You are going to grow old together with the princess and give birth to a lot of little princes." .It doesn’t matter that I’m guarding the princess for His Highness. I’m not afraid of accusations of treason or anything like that. Anyway, my eldest brother is gone. I’m the only one left in the family. Wherever the princess is, that’s my home. Anyone can scold her as she pleases.”
"I feel relieved with your words." He patted Qiao Erhe's shoulder hard. Yi Chenjing raised the wine glass and drank it down in one gulp. The strong wine burned her chest and caused burning pain.
What he hates most in his life is handing over his beloved things to others. However, in just three years so far, he has entrusted Bai Qige to others three times. The first time was Ning Xizui, and the second time was Bai Haocheng. But this time it was Qiao Erhe. Every time, he was helpless and could only watch her suffer.
Perhaps, he doesn't have the ability to protect Bai Qige at all. He is just a worthless waste.
Self-mockery appeared at the corners of the lips. Before the smile could dissipate, a panicked announcement suddenly came from outside the tent: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the Emperor's decree has arrived."
"Why panic? Just take the order."
Yi Chenjing had long since given up his expectation of Emperor Yao's awakening. Hearing that there was an imperial edict, he could not cheer up. He sat down lazily; the soldiers outside murmured to someone. Then a clear voice sounded: "Seventh brother is getting more and more helpless. Rules. Why don’t you come out to receive Father’s imperial edict?”
Boom. The small stove that was burning charcoal to drive away the moisture was knocked to the ground. As soon as the red charcoal touched the wet ground, it immediately made a hissing sound and gradually went out.
Surprise and anger were intertwined, turning into complex expressions on his handsome face. The knuckles of his clenched fists were green and white, but not as green as his face. After fighting openly and secretly for so many years, Yi Chenjing could naturally tell who the voice belonged to. And this person The appearance also means that there is some conspiracy going on in secret. It is related to him, and it is also related to Bai Qige.
The curtain was raised. The graceful figure finally stepped inside the tent. The smile on his face was no different from before. He seemed gentle and elegant, but was hiding something sinister.
"Seventh brother, are you surprised that I am the one who came to convey the imperial edict? That's right. I haven't seen you for a long time. I am afraid that seventh brother has almost forgotten that my brother is still alive."
"If you were dead, I would still remember you better."
Yi Chenxuan was indifferent to Yi Chenjing's indifferent ridicule. He put one hand behind his back and suddenly threw the imperial edict on the short table. A sinister smile appeared on his thin lips: "Seventh brother will accept this gift first. Father.
I'm waiting for your reply whether you want to protect Bai Qige or the crown prince... Of course, I'm also looking forward to it."