When the morning sun rose, the atmosphere of panic and restlessness had already enveloped the entire city.
Information about the battle near Qiantang Gate in the west was faintly transmitted. The fire in the north of the city seemed to be still spreading, but it was still in a huge chaos. It was not known whether the army was fighting with the people in the city, or whether it was the army and Fang La who had sneaked into the city.
They were deployed in a melee, and due to the spread of this chaos, conflicts of various sizes occurred all over Hangzhou. People were panicked and had no place to turn.
As one of the most important and symbolic cities in the south of the Yangtze River, Hangzhou has not suffered from war since the establishment of the Wu Dynasty. Even if the situation in the south was chaotic earlier, Fang La and others fought in Shezhou, Wuzhou and other places.
At that time, due to the tight defense of the Wude camp here, everyone also understood the significance of Hangzhou. At least for the people who had lived in Suzhou and Hangzhou for a long time, the sense of crisis of the war was as if it were a world away. For this reason,
When they learned that Fang La's men were coming to kill them, the nightmare became a reality overnight. At this time, every household in the city was suddenly confused.
At this time, Hangzhou was prosperous, and there were a certain number of Forbidden and Xiang troops guarding the city, but they were mainly under the control of Wude Camp. Due to the earthquake these days, the main military strength of Wude Camp had also gathered, and there were about 1,000 troops guarding the city inside and outside the city.
There were about 30,000 people. As soon as there was chaos at Qiantang Gate in the west, the army immediately retracted, closed the gates on all sides, sounded the alarm, resisted the enemy, and began to suppress the chaos in the city.
The army is not insufficient, and the Wude Battalion guarding Hangzhou at this time is well-supplied and its combat strength can be guaranteed. In the chaos that started in the morning, Ning Yi and others in Taiping Lane refused to defend their position except listening to the chaotic development.
Outside the alley on my side, it was impossible to clearly understand the direction of the matter. People on the street were anxiously waiting for some definite news. Some people came to ask Ning Yi what he could do at this time.
In the end, Yi just waved his hand and asked his cook to go back and cook breakfast.
The war is fierce and dangerous. When such things are close at hand and there are not enough resources at hand, Ning Yi may not have much backbone. At this time, the fire is spreading in the north of the city. Recalling the appearance of Yuan Dingqi when he came yesterday
, was beheaded by someone this morning. It must have been Fang La's deployment that took advantage of the chaos to enter the city early. It's hard to say exactly how many there were. At this time, we can only temporarily believe in the combat power of Wude Camp and wait for more.
The news comes and the trend becomes obvious.
Of course, what needs to be done is not just waiting for something as simple as waiting. At this time, it is time to summarize what you can do.
Have porridge in the morning.
Various sounds still came from all over the city, and the buzzing was annoying. Ning Yi and his family were sitting in the yard eating breakfast. There were still people coming and going in panic on the streets outside, but at this time, the security unit still regarded the streets as their main concern.
Lord, no one really dares to go out of Taiping Lane. After all, no one knows whether they will encounter people sent by Fangla into the city. Ning Yi thought for a while and then ordered Dongzhu to prepare the carriage. Everyone on the side was shocked by his words.
Decided to be frightened, Xiaochan's eyes widened: "Gu, uncle, what are you going to do..."
"Nothing..." Ning Yi was about to explain, when Deputy Fangzheng also came in from outside the courtyard. It turned out that soldiers from the Wude Camp had just come over and ordered everyone on the street to strictly guard their homes and not to run around at will. At this time, someone
Some Fang bandits are inciting chaos in the city, and the Wude camp is encircling and suppressing them to prevent those bandits from taking advantage of the opportunity.
The deputy Fangzheng said again, according to people from the Wude Camp, the people here were well prepared for the rebellion near Qiantang Gate in the west. At this time, they had already kept the enemy at bay. Although the other side wanted to attack the city wall,
There is a breach, but it will definitely not be taken advantage of, so that the people in the city can rest assured. Listening to the momentum in the morning, this thing seems to be true. After all, there are still capable people in Hangzhou. If the city wall collapses, they will not be prepared at all.
They didn't do anything. It seemed that the officers and soldiers also deliberately showed their flaws to lure people into taking the bait. But the bandits who entered the city were able to create such a big momentum. I'm afraid they didn't expect it.
Ning Yi was somewhat reassured about this, but the officers and soldiers could not fully believe it, and they still had to do what had been decided. He told his deputy Fangzheng that he would go out later, and took out the Wude camp from yesterday
After giving him the command token and giving a few perfunctory reasons, he nodded, and then went to inform others that Taiping Lane was under martial law.
After the deputy chief left, Xiao Chan was so anxious that she almost cried: "Uncle, where are you going? Those bandits have entered the city. What should I do if I encounter them?"
Ning Yi said softly: "Go visit the Qian family, do some things, and then see if we can get a boat. It's no longer possible to take the canal to the north, but there are still sea boats to the Qiantang River to the east..."
"It won't work, it definitely won't work at this time, and there are bandits outside..."
"Give it a try. Don't forget that your uncle is also a brutal bloody massacre. We are all people in the world. Don't be afraid. I will be back soon." Ning Yi comforted her with a smile, and then hugged her with one hand.
In front of him, he patted her on the shoulder. There were many family members around at this time, but his action was natural and natural. Xiaochan was confused for a moment, and could only vaguely hear Ning Yi mumbling to himself.
: "Give it a try and your bicycle will turn into a motorcycle..."
After just hugging him, he let go of Xiao Chan. Su Tan'er looked at him from the opposite side, but she didn't care about Ning Yi hugging Xiao Chan. She just walked aside with Ning Yi for a moment, and then she whispered: "Xiao Chan
You're right, at this time, the sea ship is probably..."
"I know." Ning Yi nodded and replied in a low voice, "Sailboats can leave the city, but there are definitely not many. At this time, I estimate that the people at the dock are already full, and there is no hope for us to go there. But the government side
As long as there is still a little hope, I will never let the ship leave, otherwise people will only become more chaotic, and it will definitely be a way out of staying. I am prepared with both hands. If it really comes to the point of escaping, I must find a way to do it.
When some places come out, you, Wen Fang Wen Ding, Chan'er, Juan'er, Xing'er... Wude camp is prepared, the city will not be broken too soon, I must find Qian Xiwen as soon as possible. Not only the sea ship, we also need to be a third party
Prepare."
"Then the others..."
"I will try my best, but if I am really killed..." Ning Yi thought for a while, "I can only give priority to you."
Su Tan'er squeezed his hand and nodded: "...Mr. Husband, come back quickly. I'm here to watch."
Ning Yi nodded, and then Dong Zhu hitched up the carriage. Ning Yi had no intention of letting him drive the carriage. There was a possibility of danger outside at this time, but it was estimated to be small. However, after thinking about it, he moved two more cans of gunpowder and put them in the carriage.
Got on the carriage and drove out of the alley.
Along the way, many streets and alleys along the way were already tightly guarded by the people. The riots still occurred in the area in the north of the city where the fire spread, but from a distance, the most important thing was that they were suppressed. It seemed that at this time,
It turned into small strands and spread around. It was quite far away from here, and it should not be able to extend for a while. However, after walking for a while, I saw that some streets and alleys were not sticking to their own places, but seemed to have organized a certain number of nursing homes.
, Minzhuang came out with weapons, looking like he was going somewhere. He met several groups of such people in a short time. Ning Yi lowered his head in the carriage and thought for a moment. When he met another group, he leaned over,
Take out the token.
When one of the leaders saw the token, he was a little doubtful for a while, but after all, Ning Yi didn't look like a gangster, and said: "Someone told us to guard our neighborhood before, but after a while, there was another military master.
Come on, let’s send some people to help defend the city and gather at Xichun Bridge. Those who don’t obey will be dealt with by military law. Who do you want us to listen to for this kind of thing!”
Ning Yi separated from this group of people. After a while, he met another group of people who seemed to be heading in a different direction. However, they said that a herald had asked them to gather in Gumao Lane. The person was covered in blood and spoke harshly.
Holding the Yamen's token, the people here naturally didn't dare not listen. Ning Yi took a breath and asked the group to go back and guard the door of his house. This group of people probably believed Ning Yi's words and started to rush back.
I'm afraid there are a lot of similar things happening in the city at this time. Although Ning Yi saw some clues for a while, he had no time to care about it and went all the way to Qian's house. At this time, the Qian's house also collapsed a lot.
A large number of guards were guarding the Qian family's courtyard. However, after Ning Yi called someone to pass the news, he was received by Qian Xiwen immediately.
On the side of the Qian family's ancestral home, the house where Qian Xiwen originally lived was not destroyed by the earthquake, but a shed was set up in the yard at this time. When Ning Yi was led over, the old man was sitting in the shed.
Drinking tea on a chair in the room. Since the courtyard wall was shattered, you could see the smoke and dust in the sky in the north. Seeing Ning Yi coming over, Qian Xiwen stood up and smiled, and then put down the tea cup on the table.
It seemed that the old man was quite calm, and he was somewhat approving of Ning Yi coming to see him at this time, and ordered his servants to bring him tea.
"Li Heng, sit down. The place is simple, so don't be polite. Although the house over there hasn't collapsed, the younger members of the family have been worried. Seeing that an old man like me can only live in a straw hut. But having said that, the wall collapsed and there is a strong wind at night.
Come here, it’s quite cool, you’re having a hard time over there, right?”
Ning Yi saluted him: "I came here this time to ask the defender of the city and hear Mr. Qian's opinion."
Qian Xiwen nodded: "You offended the Lou family at the Liqiu Poetry Club. Although there was an earthquake later, you did not come to see me, which shows that you knew what happened. The fact that you came here as soon as possible shows that you are not just arrogant. I understand.
It’s good to cope with it, know how to advance and retreat, and have a bloody spirit.”
At this time, the servant served Ning Yi a cup of tea. Qian Xiwen raised his tea cup and gestured to the north: "I am a scholar, so I have no idea what happened today. However, I just found someone to ask.
After the earthquake, the Fang bandits took the opportunity to seize the city, and the army was well prepared. The Fang bandits at Qiantangmen suddenly launched an attack, but the first wave of offensive had been completely defeated. Li Heng, if you ask me about the war, I can't say
, but the people I asked were somewhat confident, although... the fire also surprised them, and many conditions in the city at this time showed that many Fang bandits had indeed entered the city. However, if there was an offensive outside the city,
Unfortunately, if the entire city is surrounded by enemies, they won’t be able to remain in chaos for long.”
Ning Yi nodded: "So, the army has confidence."
Qian Xiwen took a sip of tea and waited for a moment: "Since you are responsible for your work, you have to be responsible and speak up. Everyone has confidence, but if there was no earthquake, the situation would be much better."
"Mr. Qian is also confident?"
Qian Xiwen laughed and shook his head: "I told you, I am a scholar, it is difficult to say, and I cannot say it. However, Li Heng can ask this question, and there are some things that I will not shy away from when it comes to Siyuan.
.In the war to the west, Wuwei and Wusu, the two armies and the Fang bandits occasionally had victories and defeats, and they would be rewarded with great victories when something happened. However, in the military and political circles, they deceived the superiors and concealed the truth. To say how credible this person's statement is, I still believe it.
You have to see for yourself. To be honest, although Wuwei Wusu was not defeated, the Fang bandits were not necessarily hurt. On the contrary, the momentum was getting bigger and bigger. This time he attacked Hangzhou, which was an important town for many years.
I basically believe that the Wude Camp was able to hold Hangzhou without the war. But in my decades of life, I have seen many things. If anything goes wrong... this is something I don’t want to think about..."
The old man lowered his voice, not because of any confidentiality: "Wude camp is said to be elite, but it has not fought for many years, and there is no precedent for defending the city this time. This is a disadvantage. Fang La's side may not be that powerful, after all.
They are people who don’t have enough to eat...I have never been involved in war, but Siyuan once lamented that no matter how powerful he seems, he may not be the victor..."
After all, Qian Xiwen is not someone to be fooled. If you win the siege, you will win. If you lose, countless families will be destroyed. Although he thinks he should win, he is still sober in his heart after all. Ning Yi heard what he said
After finishing, he raised his head and said: "Junior, I'm taking the liberty. If there is an accident to the sea port in the south, you should be able to leave, right?"
"Well, the army has been prepared, and those ships have been seized early, but unless the city is broken, they will not move. There are not many ships at sea, and the number of people who can leave is limited. Once they start to leave, at the port,
There will definitely be a mutiny.”
"When the time comes, this junior wants seven places, and there will be a generous reward for this matter."
"Seven is a bit too much." Qian Xiwen smiled, "But yes, I will give you the voucher later. But I will not leave by boat. If the time comes, I can fight out with the defeated army."
"Thank you. I'm just preparing for a rainy day. This junior has family members, and Mr. Qian also has family members. He doesn't want anything to happen to them. Oh, when I came here, I discovered something..."
Ning Yi told Qian Xiwen about the situation he encountered when he drove here. Qian Xiwen frowned and Ning Yi said: "Although Fang La has been in trouble not far to the west, this earthquake happened together, and within seven days, they cooperated internally and externally."
, started to attack the city, I think it is a bit fast. Those refugees who come here will not be real refugees. They have to gather here slowly and try not to show their flaws. Most of them must be bandit soldiers who have been selected in advance. And the order is sent to the city.
, also has its own mechanism. It is not impossible to spread false news, but it will also be difficult. They reacted so quickly, setting fires while spreading different news everywhere. I don’t know if there are other things in the city...
"
"It is true that some people are causing trouble near the Phoenix Gate, and the city wall there has also collapsed. The Wude camp has sent people to guard the city, but there are no signs of siege outside." Qian Xiwen interrupted, and then said, "Li Heng continued."
"That is to spread suspicious soldiers everywhere, and cooperate with the offensive outside the city to make the Wude camp as exhausted as possible. To bloom everywhere, the people who come in must be good people, and they are so good at it. I think they must have started planning before the earthquake. Fang La went to
When you come to Hangzhou, you must have made preparations beforehand, and then encountered an earthquake midway through the implementation..."
Qian Xiwen was stunned for a moment, and then sighed: "This...is the right time..."
"I hope Mr. Qian will inform the people responsible for the city's defense as soon as possible about this matter. The person who planned these things is very powerful, and he must have entered the city. Otherwise, the city will not be able to respond well. If this person can be found, it may be possible to alleviate the pressure inside and outside the city a little.
The pressure." Ning Yi paused. After all, he was too unfamiliar with the city of Hangzhou. It was enough to just remind the other party. "In addition, I hope Mr. Qian can give me a talisman."
"What command talisman?"
"I want to convince the wealthy merchants and various martial arts escort agencies in the area near Taiping Lane. There are enough soldiers in the city at this time, so there is no need to recruit them immediately to defend the city. But if there is an emergency, they are needed, or everyone
When it comes to escaping, I might be able to make the situation better. As for sea ships, after all, there are fewer ships and more people, so I want to do something within my power to leave a third way."
Qian Xiwen looked at him for a while, thought about it, and smiled strangely: "People who can be appreciated by Duke Qin are not simple, I know that, but there is something I have always wanted to ask Li Heng.
What exactly is Liheng good at?"
Ning Yi thought for a while, and after a while, he raised his hands and said, "I wrote the disaster relief plan last year. It's hard to say the rest."
After Qian Xiwen listened, he nodded slightly, then opened the drawer and took out some talismans.