Chapter 715: The Long World, Prelude to the War (Part 2)
The snow melted and the ice disappeared, the river surged, and all the poplar flowers had fallen in the Jiangnan area. Countless corpses were gradually rotting with spring mud in the wild fields on both sides of the Yangtze River, and beside the post roads. After the Jin people came, the war was endless, but in the late spring and early summer of this year
, the Jurchen army, which failed to capture Zhou Yong and others as expected, will eventually withdraw its troops.
The total number of the Jurchen's Eastern Route Army that went south was about 100,000, while the Jin army that crossed the Yangtze River and wreaked havoc for several months was composed of more than 18,000 troops, led by Jin Wushu, divided into three groups. Originally, the Jin troops
Wu Shu's opinion and contempt for the Wu Dynasty: "Five thousand tiger and wolf soldiers are enough to destroy them." However, because the Wu Dynasty royal family ran too decisively, the Jin people still sent out three troops at the same time south of the Yangtze River to attack the city and seize the territory.
At the beginning of April, the three armies returning to the division gathered in the direction of Zhenjiang.
In the past six months, the Jurchens have been devastated. Whether it is south of the Yangtze River or north of the Yangtze River, the assembled troops are basically unable to compete with the Jurchens in frontal combat. Later, they became frightened of the Jurchen troops and knelt down when they saw the enemy coming to kill them.
There were also many people who surrendered, and many cities opened their doors to welcome the enemy, only to be plundered, burned and killed by the Jurchens. At the moment when the Jurchens were preparing to return north, some troops quietly gathered from nearby.
Prince Junwu had quietly sneaked into the vicinity of Zhenjiang. When he saw traces of the Jurchens from a distance in the countryside, there was unconcealable fear and anxiety in his eyes.
But the so-called man "can only support you to the death." This was a joke Ning Yi made in a joking manner a few years ago. Now, he can only support you to the death.
The Yangtze River was in flood season, and every ferry on the river had been destroyed and burned by the Wu Dynasty army led by Han Shizhong. A large number of wooden boats that could be gathered were destroyed at the entrance of the canal to the Yangtze River, blocking the way back from the north.
Shipping route. In the past six months, millions of people died under the ravages of the Jin soldiers in the south of the Yangtze River. However, their only failure was driving large ships into the sea to try to capture Zhou Yong's troops.
Northerners are not good at water stations. For Wu Dynasty people, this is the only weakness that can be found at present.
The army led by Han Shizhong had already assembled more than ten large ships on the river, which had been prepared for a long time. On the bank of the Yangtze River, Yue Fei's remaining and expanded subordinates, as well as other troops originally secretly supported by Junwu, were also nearby.
Preparations were completed quietly. Soon after, the Battle of Zhenjiang began.
The large ship on the river blocked the Jurchen canoe fleet's attempt to cross the river. The ambush in Zhenjiang caught the Jin soldiers off guard for a moment. Knowing that Jin Wushu had been ambushed, he did not panic, but he was not willing to fight with the ambushes here.
The Wu Dynasty army directly launched a frontal battle. The army and the fleet fought and retreated along the way, killing and wounding more than 200 people, and turned along the waterway into the swamps near Jiankang.
This place is known as Huangtiandang.
In order to cross the river, the Jurchens could not abandon their fleet of mostly light boats and gather in this puddle. The large ships of the Wu Dynasty could not come in to attack. After that, the southern troops guarded the exit of Huang Tiandang. On the northern river, the Wu Dynasty
The fleet defended the Yangtze River, and the two sides clashed several times. Wushu's small boats were ultimately unable to break through the blockade of the larger ships.
To the north of the Yangtze River, in order to prepare for Wu Shu's return to the north, Wan Yanchang ordered the Eastern Route Army, which was still north of the Yangtze River at this time, to capture Yangzhou again. After unfavorable results, they transferred to Zhenzhou. After seizing the city, they tried to cross the river, but they were eventually mobilized.
The navy of Wu Dynasty blocked the river.
The Wushu army was trapped in Huangtiandang for more than 40 days and almost ran out of food. During this period, they tried to persuade Han Shizhong to surrender several times, but they were all rejected. It was not until late May that the Jin Dynasty received advice from two surrenders from the Wu Dynasty and dug through an old road near Jiankang.
Canal, and then row out on a calm day. At this time, the big ships on the river need sails, and the small boats can use oars. During the battle, the rockets fired from the small boats set the big boats on fire. The Wu Dynasty army was defeated and burned to death.
, the drowned people were not counted, and Han Shizhong only led a small number of subordinates to escape back to Zhenjiang.
The reed flowers were swaying and the river was leisurely. As corpses and shipwrecks floated on the river, Jun Wu sat on the water bank of Zhenjiang and was lost in thought for a long time. During the past forty days, there was a moment when he vaguely felt,
He could comfort his deceased prince consort with a victory in the battle, but in the end, it all came to nothing.
But soon after, the morale of the army in the south was boosted. The Jurchens' bold words of searching the mountains and seas were not realized during the six-month delay. Although the places where the Jurchens passed were almost full of blood, they could not actually implement them.
After several years of tragedy and humiliation, people finally gave the Jurchens the embarrassment of being besieged for more than forty days.
The people of the Wu Dynasty, who had regained their mood a little, began to spread the word to the world and vigorously publicize this "Huang Tiandang Victory". The sadness in Jun Wu's heart was hard to suppress, but in fact, since last year, the pressure of the Wu Dynasty's demise has been hanging over Jiangnan.
, I finally got a breather at this time, and I can only start from now on for the future, starting from scratch.
While the "Huang Tiandang Victory" was being promoted intensively in the south, a large number of slaves and gold and silver captured by the Jurchens were still being transported north of the Yangtze River to the Kingdom of Jin. The turmoil in the south of the Yangtze River was following the Jurchens.
It faded away after leaving, but in the Central Plains, the tentacles of the Jurchens have begun to tightly cover this large area.
Resistance still exists, but large-scale rebels have begun to be squeezed out of their living space by various surrendered armed forces. Small-scale resistance is carried out everywhere. However, with nearly a year of uninterrupted suppression and killings,
The rolling blood and heads have slowly begun to teach people the reality that the situation is stronger than the people.
This summer, Liu Yu, the prefect who took the initiative to betray Jinan, ascended the throne in Daming Mansion. Under Zhou Ji's "legitimacy" name, he became the "Da Qi" emperor guarding the south for the Jin Kingdom. All forces south of Yanmen Pass were under his control.
In the Central Plains, a large number of forces, including Tian Hu, paid homage to it.
Regarding the northwest area where Lou Shi was killed and the Jurchen West Route Army was defeated, the Jurchens did not say much in court except for a few simple speeches - such as asking Zhou Ji to write an imperial edict to denounce it. But in the Central Plains
The earth, the will of the Kingdom of Jin, is tightening its grip on this place day by day, and is holding it to death...
In the Central Plains, the Daqi regime, with the assistance of the Jurchens, continuously launched attacks to wipe out the resistance forces within the territory. At the same time, with the determination to kill a thousand wrongdoers without letting one go, they hunted down the surviving members of the Wu Dynasty clan, and a large number of conscriptions began.
With an edict from Liu Yu, all adult men in the territory of "Daqi" were recruited as soldiers. At the same time, taxes that were several times higher than before were suppressed. In order to seek money, the army was under Liu Yu's
Under the instruction, they began to excavate the tombs of clan members of the Wu Dynasty. From Henan to Bianliang, the tombs of the emperors of the Wu Dynasty and the ancestral graveyards were all excavated...
In the south of the Yangtze River, the Wu Dynasty's regime got a breathing space, and in the process of going backwards in the north, it desperately began to stabilize its position.
In the northwest, the peaceful scene continues. Spring comes and summer comes, and then summer gradually passes. In the valley of the Xiaocang River, in the afternoon, Qu Qing was talking to a group of young people at the blackboard in the classroom.
Write down the slightly blunt word "war": "...To discuss war, we must first discuss what the word human is!"
"Since ancient times, why are humans human? What is the difference between humans and animals? The difference is that humans are smart and wise, they can farm, they can herd sheep, they can weave, and they can make what they want, but animals cannot
Yes, sheep will eat grass when they see it, and tigers will hunt sheep when they see it. What if there is no more grass? There is no way. This is the difference between humans and animals. Humans can...create."
"Then what is war? Two people, each holding a knife, risking their lives and the next few decades on this knife. You die and I live. The dead person has a steamed bun and a bag of rice.
People took it away. Just for this bag of rice and this one steamed bun, they killed and robbed them! Is there any creation in the process?"
"In the past two or three years, we have won several battles. Some people, young people, are very proud and think that winning the war is the most powerful thing. This is nothing. However, they use war to measure everything.
Speaking of the Jurchens, they are said to be heroes, they cherish each other, and they feel that they are also heroes. Recently, Mr. Ning specifically mentioned this matter, and you are totally wrong!"
"The Jurchens killed all over the world. They went to the Central Plains and to the south of the Yangtze River, grabbing everything they could, killing people, and taking people into slavery. Did they create anything in this matter? Farming? Weaving? No, just
When others have done these things, they go and rob them. They have become accustomed to the sharpness of swords and guns. They can rob everything they want. One day, if they rob and kill all over the world, what will be left in the world?"
"When they only remember the knife in their hand, they are no longer human. To risk their lives with beasts to protect the things we create is a hero. Only creating things without the strength to protect them is like a human being.
If you meet a tiger in the wild, you can't beat it. It's useless to tell God that you are a kind-hearted person. You will die unjustly. But those who only know how to kill people and rob other people's buns are beasts! You want to be like beasts?
In the same row!?”
The voices in the room occasionally came out generously. Qu Qing was originally a general, and later he was basically used as a staff officer and political commissar. During the battle at Xuanjia'ao, he lost three fingers on his left hand and was stabbed in the leg. He ran away
It was a little inconvenient at first. After returning, I temporarily led the troops to teach and no longer participated in heavy training. Recently, ideological education on the differences between Xiaocanghe and Jurchens has been going on, mainly among some young soldiers in the army.
Or do it among new recruits.
Ning Yi's words were naturally the most provocative, but after participating for a while, Qu Qing had become proficient.
After the lecture, it was evening. He went out of the room. In the valley, some training had just ended. Soldiers were all over the mountains and plains. The black star flag was flying not far away. Smoke was already rising in the sky. Qu Qing saluted the soldiers and said goodbye.
At that time, Mao Yishan and Zhuo Yongqing came over from a short distance, waiting for him to say goodbye to everyone.
"You've finished training, go have a meal." Qu Qing said to the two of them.
"Hou Wu asked us to call you. His wife has prepared a meal for you today. Let's go to his place to eat." Mao Yishan said with a smile, "Crazy Luo will come over later."
"Ha, that's fine."
"How was this class...?" Mao Yishan looked at the class. He was a little scared about this place. Ideological education classes can't be tolerated by rough people.
"It's almost done, take your time."
"Actually, I think Mr. Ning is right." Zhuo Yongqing, who became a combat hero by killing Wanyan Loushi, has now been promoted to squad leader, but most of the time, he still seems a little shy, "Just now
When I was killing people, I also thought that maybe people like the Jurchens were real heroes. But when I think about it carefully, it is different after all."
"When they first started the uprising, it was true that they were heroes, but now... if they dare to come, just kill them!" Qu Qing's eyes were cold. These days, the situation in the northwest has been terrifyingly quiet, Xiao Xiao
Around Canghe River, as far as the eye can see, various fortifications are being built non-stop, craftsmen are non-stop making weapons, and training soldiers are constantly interspersed near Xiaocang River, all the way to the mountains of Luliang Mountain
Everything is being prepared for the next collision.
On the dark eve, many people in this lonely corner also had a bold and unyielding will, and had heroic and great dreams. While chatting like this, they went to Hou Wu's home, although speaking of it, everyone in the valley
Everyone is a brother, but after the experience in Xuanjia'ao, these five people have become extremely close friends. They occasionally have dinner together to enhance their relationship. Luo Ye even accepted Hou Wu's son Hou Yuanyong as his disciple.
Teach him writing and martial arts.
The rays of the setting sun dyed the valley a bright yellow, and soldiers, either in groups or in groups, were making their own noises in the valley. On the hillside, Ning Yi walked towards the yard. The wind was strong in the evening, and the sheets were drying in the yard.
The wind made a sound. Yunzhu, who was wearing a white dress, put away the quilt and smiled with Xiao Ningji who was running around. The laughter seemed warm in the sunset.
After defeating Yan Loushi last year, Hongti and Jin'er became pregnant one after another. Now everyone lives here - except for Xigua, who has been leading the Ba Dao camp to work somewhere - after things in the valley have settled down step by step, Ning Yi
He didn't seem too busy. He could come back often to spend time with his family and children, chatting and talking casually. In this summer, on starlit nights, they would spread out their mats in the foothills to enjoy the cool air.
While playing leisurely.
Ning Yi always thinks of the small terrace of Jiangning Bamboo House. Tan'er has never experienced such a time. During those times, she was always busy, taking care of the business at home and dealing with the relationship with the second and third bedrooms.
Occasionally chatting with Ning Yi in the courtyard at night was her only moment to relax. When she heard Ning Yi talk about this, she became a little jealous. Yunzhu continued to play the piano for everyone to listen to. However, Jin'er was pregnant and could no longer
Danced.
The moonlight was clear, and under the moonlight, the music of Yunzhu was softer and warmer than before, which made people feel relaxed. He talked to them about the past and the future, and probably talked about many things. Ever since Jiangning City was destroyed
When the news came, several people who shared the same memory inevitably felt a little regretful. The witness of a certain memory has passed away after all. The world has changed greatly, and so has life. Even though they are still with each other.
Together, but... parting may come soon.
After being pregnant, Hongti would occasionally appear anxious. Ning Yi often walked with her outside, talking about Lu Liang in the past, talking about Grandpa Liang, talking about Fu Duanyun, talking about such and such past events, their acquaintance in Jiangning,
Yunzhu went to assassinate the general and was seriously injured. Speaking of that night, Ning Yi forced Hongti to stay and said to her: "Whatever you want, I will get it, tie it with a bow, and deliver it to you."
…”
"Before I came here, I wanted to figure it out slowly. But now it seems that it will be a long time before the world is at peace, and... Luliang will probably suffer as well."
"We are husband and wife. When you give birth to a child, I can accompany you..."
"There is a turning point. What I said... I will not break my promise this time."
Just like every time he faced a dilemma before, Ning Yi would also be nervous and worried. He just knew better than others how to struggle out a possible way with the most rational attitude and choice, but he was not an almighty god.
He occasionally thought of the floating city that seemed to be built on the water, of Tang Mingyuan whose memory had gradually become blurred, of Qingyi, A Kang, and Ruoping. Now, in front of him, there were clearer faces, his family.
Tan'er would act strong in front of him, gritting her teeth behind her back and trembling slightly.
Yunzhu would bury the passionate love in her heart in silence, hug him, smile but shed tears quietly. That was her worry.
Xiaochan would clenched her fists and cheered him on, with tears in her eyes.
Jin'er would cry to him openly and unscrupulously until he felt that not being able to go back was an irreparable sin.
Hongti will be by his side, facing life and death with him.
As for the watermelon in the distance, that round face that looks childish will probably smile boldly, saying that life is so joyful and death is so hard.
The children will ask him what war is, and he will tell them the difference between protection and destruction. With the children nodding in understanding, he promises them inevitable victory...
He thought of the dead, Qian Xiwen, Lao Qin, Kang Xian, and the warriors who had awakened from ignorance and paid their lives in Bianliang City and the northwest. He used to not care about anyone in this era, but
Stained in the world of mortals, the weight finally fell.
Alas, this era...
****************
In the south of the Yangtze River, the new court has gradually become orderly. Groups of far-sighted people are working hard to stabilize the situation in the south of the Yangtze River. They are taking advantage of the process of the Jurchens digesting the Central Plains to breathe hard and make painful innovations. A large number of refugees have also returned.
In the second month after the influx of people from the Central Plains and the arrival of autumn, Zhou Pei, Junwu and others received news from the Central Plains that could not be widely publicized.
On the seventh day of August in the third year of Wu Jianshuo, Da Qi State gathered an army of more than 200,000, led by General Ji Wenkang. Driven by the Jurchens, they advanced into the Luliang Mountains.
This was something that all forces had anticipated. Its eventual occurrence made everyone watching have mixed feelings. It was the subsequent development of the situation that truly shocked, stunned, and amazed everyone in the world.
And it palpitates the heart, making many people feel excited and generous when mentioning it, and also feel uncontrollably sad...
On the evening of the tenth day of August this year, before the 200,000-strong army approached the Luliang Mountains, a brutal fight suddenly broke out on the edge of the Xiaocang River. The Chinese Black Flag Army, which had come from the Xiaocang River, faced off against 20 soldiers.
Thousands of people launched a surprise attack. That night, Ji Wenkang's army blew up the camp, and more than 200,000 people rushed forward. They were chased and killed by the Chinese army. More than 10,000 enemies were killed, and their heads were stacked on top of each other in the fields outside the mountains to form a spectacle. This is
This extremely fierce conflict kicked off the three-year brutal attack and defense in the Xiaocanghe area... (To be continued.)