Some soldiers who were waiting for Yang Hao at the mouth of the valley immediately cheered when they saw that he had returned safely. However, due to fatigue and hunger, the cheers were too weak and were completely suppressed by the tsunami-like shouts of the armies on both sides outside the valley.
As soon as Mrs. Ma saw Yang Hao arriving, she hurriedly stepped forward to take the dog from his arms. She cried and was about to kneel down. Yang Hao panted and said: "Don't be polite, hurry up and enter the valley."
He said to Bisu: "Go and see if the grain trucks have arrived. If they arrive, tell them to enter the valley quickly and distribute the fried rice to satisfy everyone's hunger first. I'll check the situation here." Bisu agreed hurriedly and started from there.
Sister-in-law Ma held the dogs in her arms and led them into the valley in a hurry.
The mouth of this valley is a bell mouth facing the southeast. Because the area outside the mouth of the valley is a sloping high slope, and then there is a flat river, so the river turns to the south as soon as it leaves the mouth of the valley. After the river comes out of the valley, it follows a B-shape, and the motorcade moves along the river.
Come, and the terrain ahead is higher, so they will not be discovered by the Khitan cavalry who are concentrating on fighting the Song army directly in front, and can enter the valley.
At this time, the convoy had just turned into the valley. Along the way, they used the two empty carts of fried rice to quickly distribute it. The people and soldiers each had a handful of fried rice and swallowed it with the river water. No matter what the Khitan people were fighting outside, now
Even if someone came straight to his head with a knife, he had to swallow this mouthful of fried rice first. Seeing the chaos in the valley, Dong Shiliu rolled his eyes and quietly retreated while no one was paying attention.
Luo Kedi and Helongcheng, Xu Haibo hurriedly discussed while swallowing the fried rice, and several generals discussed and walked back, hoping to see the battle between the two sides. At this time, Ding Hao was lying on the slope, looking down.
.
In fact, the infantry-based arms may not be invincible against the cavalry-based arms. If they are in mountains, canyons, and swamps, they may still have the upper hand, but in the plains and wilderness, they will definitely suffer some losses.
.In particular, they have a fatal weakness against the enemy cavalry, that is, it is difficult to pursue them if they win, and it is difficult to escape if they are defeated. Therefore, the Song army camp basically adopted a defensive posture at this time to drain the enemy's energy. Only they concentrated on the cavalry on the right wing.
Before the battle, they rushed up and joined the Khitan cavalry in a melee just outside the valley entrance. Their intention to protect the people in the valley was very obvious. The infantry phalanx, after withstanding the violent impact of the enemy cavalry, began to advance step by step, towards
The cavalry army advanced. This march was very slow. They had to maintain a dense formation of spears during the slow march in order to offset the Khitan's cavalry advantage.
Under the command of the Chinese army, the left-wing cavalry brigade of the Khitan cavalry walked in an arc and launched an attack on the flank of the Song army's formation. The right-wing cavalry clung to the Song army's cavalry team, intending to destroy the Song army's only mobile force.
However, the Song cavalry relied on the rock wall of the valley on one side and the vanguard spear array on the other side. The contact area with the Khitan cavalry was limited, so it did not appear defeated for a while.
With the fierce fighting, the battle formations of both sides were shaken, and the battlefield area began to expand. Some rangers on the edge of the battle formation began to spread to both sides, approaching the valley. When Luo Ke's enemy arrived at the mountain pass, only
Arrows filled the sky, fighting shook the sky, and the troops surged like huge surging waves. Although they seemed chaotic, they actually had their own rules.
Luo Kedi observed for a while and said: "The enemy and we have rushed to engage in battle. Although they have hastily set up their formations, each has its own shortcomings. If this battle is commanded by me, with the speed at which the enemy can change the direction of attack, we will have such a huge battle formation.
You will suffer a certain amount of losses."
Yang Hao saw that the Song army's formation remained motionless under the impact of the surging enemy cavalry. Each battalion, large and small, had its own rules and regulations, and could slowly advance to launch a counterattack. However, the Khitan cavalry was like a flood in the Song army's camp.
People were pouring in and out of the gap left, but they were still unable to break in. It was clear that the Song army had the upper hand, so I couldn't help but ask in surprise.
Luo Kedi said: "When fighting on the plains, the enemy's cavalry takes advantage of the location. Although our army is still neck-and-neck with the enemy at present, when the number of soldiers is equal, no matter which part of the enemy's army is severely damaged,
The rest of the cavalry can quickly make up for the omissions, and our army is all infantry. However, if one battalion falls, the other battalions can only abandon their troops and cannot go to help. If the battle continues like this, there is a risk of cannibalization.
one.
The official army had no contact with us. The sudden appearance of the official army should have broken out from the mountains and turned back to the Central Plains. However, the Khitan people had learned the news and used cavalry maneuvers to detour and block them in front of them. The official army also
Unexpectedly, we would suddenly appear. In a hurry, we could only place the Song formation of our army in the center as a preparation. The cavalry, which had dealt heavy losses to the enemy at the critical moment, was placed on the flanks to cover our retreat. The Khitan people obviously also noticed this change.
Eliminating our cavalry will be their breakthrough point."
Yang Hao followed his good deeds, but he was not willing to show off the art of war and talk about the use of troops with the general of the imperial court. He immediately asked: "General Yi, what should we do?"
"Withdraw! Only by getting rid of this big burden of ours can the government calmly face the enemy."
"Withdraw? To the west or south?"
"Go west, along the valley. Go south, on the side of the Khitan military camp. The Khitan only needs to divide a thousand-man team out, and we will be completely unstoppable."
Yang Hao struck with his fist and shouted: "Let's go then. Hundreds of thousands of troops are buying us time. The opportunity is fleeting. There is no time to delay. Let's get on the road immediately."
At this time, Dong Shiliu led his horse and quietly retreated to the mouth of the valley. He jumped on the horse before anyone was prepared and galloped away. In his panic, he did not turn around and follow the B-shaped river route, but rushed straight up the high slope.
.As soon as they passed the high slope, they saw Khitan cavalry all over the mountains and plains, galloping over like wolves and tigers.
After they charged for a long time, the formation became somewhat scattered and began to slowly spread to the two wings. Some of the cavalry had already rushed up the slope. At this time, even if Dong Shiliu was walking along the river, they were condescending and could not hide it from their eyes.
Not to mention rushing in front of you like this.
Dong Shiliu was horrified, shook his hands urgently, and shouted: "I am not the Song Army, I am not the Song Army."
The general gave an order, and the war between the enemy and us has begun. At this time, the Khitan soldiers only have the enemy and us in their eyes. No one cares about who he is. As soon as Dong Shiliu appeared, "swish, swish" the carved feathers broke through the air, and he was in chaos.
The consequences of the arrows piercing his heart, chest, ribs, and even forehead were hit by several arrows. He fell off his horse like a thorn, and Khitan iron hooves as big as a bowl trampled over his body, heading toward the guard at the mouth of the valley.
The Song Army's cavalry hurriedly outflanked them.
Luo Kedi and others rushed back to the valley, urging the people who had just drank water and eaten a handful of fried rice to cheer up and continue on their way west. Many people were extremely tired on the one hand, and ignorant on the other. They only thought that the two armies were fighting outside.
, no one will come to bully ordinary people like them, let you shout and shout, but they just refuse to get up.
At this time, Yang Hao's three hundred yamen officers came in handy. They rushed into the crowd with their teeth and claws, deceiving, bluffing, and scaring, with iron chains and whistle sticks flying in their hands. They were extremely skilled in beating people. They looked fierce and beat.
It was painful, but it was not a vital part. I saw them rushing into the herd like tigers. In a short time, many young and old were thrown into the car by them, and many young and strong people started fighting like cattle and sheep and dragging dogs to death, ignoring others.
The common people led these people and rushed deep into the valley.
These common people have a herd mentality, and no one moves. Even with swords and guns at their necks, many people don't see the danger. Now that someone moves first, they start to get scared, and other soldiers shout and urge, so they also shoot.
Then, as the vanguard troops driven away by the police patrols moved deeper along the valley...
It was getting dark, and a crescent moon climbed into the sky, illuminating the dark valley.
Piles of bonfires were set up in the valley, and many people ate two bowls of fragrant rice porridge. After being banned from eating any more, they still felt a little greedy when they looked at the carts of food.
Fuyaozi directed a few people to cook the medicinal soup on the large pot set up. God had mercy on him, and finally he did not cause another uncontrollable plague to this fleeing army, but most of the soldiers and civilians were already in extremely poor physical condition.
, some people even got sick of one kind or another. Since the medicinal materials Fuyaozi took were for treating plague, some of them were naturally good for replenishing qi, replenishing deficiency, and strengthening the body. So he picked them out and cooked them into a medicinal soup for everyone to take.
Generally speaking, everyone looks good. Although they are still in rags, they have food in their bellies and are not panicked. Most of the people are like grass that has wilted after a long drought and is suddenly refreshed by a night of drizzle.
Got the spirit.
The dog lay in his mother's arms, holding her hand and swallowing the bitter medicinal soup in small sips. It was a small soup that Fuyaozi had prescribed for her. She said that after drinking it, she would be alive and kicking tomorrow, otherwise it would be like this
Uncle Yang Hao, who was very sick, must have been worried about her, so that the dog was willing to take the medicine so obediently. Otherwise, how could she swallow such a bitter medicine.
People were sitting in small groups, talking about the joy of surviving the disaster. The most talked about thing was the girl who Yang Qin sent to rescue the dog today. What these people cared about most was not how heroic Yang Hao's behavior was in front of the two armies.
But what he saved was just a small commoner child, a commoner named Gou'er, whose life was as cheap as a dog's.
The dignified imperial envoy risked his life and died for a common man. This was what they cared about most. Because they were common people, they naturally felt the same way. They wished that all the officials in the world could be like Imperial Envoy Yang, who loved the people as their own sons, so the words of praise were
He said it without hesitation.
Sister-in-law Ma held the dog in her arms and fed her medicine while telling the people around her calmly about how Yang Hao rushed back to the front of the two armies on his own to rescue the dog. The dog lay in her arms,
With his big eyes flashing, he listened to his mother's explanation, and the medicinal soup in his mouth didn't seem so bitter anymore.
Cheng Dexuan hugged his knees and sat behind the crowd, smiling as he listened to Mrs. Ma's story. He was once well-dressed and well-groomed, but now he was no different from an ordinary beggar, with ragged clothes and unkempt hair. Although he was not far away
Even with the gurgling river water, he didn't even wash his face.
When Yang Hao left, he originally arranged for soldiers to watch him, restricting his freedom, which was like a house arrest. However, when the fleeing team hurriedly fled into the valley from the front of the two armies, it was completely chaotic, and the soldiers guarding him were also overwhelmed by the huge army.
The crowd dispersed and he has not been found until now.
After listening to Mrs. Ma's words, everyone even praised her with admiration. Cheng Dexuan echoed, with a flame of jealousy burning quietly in his eyes. Hearing that some people said that after escaping, they would make an umbrella for all people, and gave Yang Qinchen the card of virtue.
, Cheng Dexuan suddenly interjected: "If it weren't for Yang Qinchen, tens of thousands of us would have turned into withered bones. We should be grateful to Yang Qinqi. It's just that I don't have much money, and when I get to the place where I live, I'm afraid I won't have the money to make a living for the people."
Umbrellas and virtue cards are here to send to Yang Qincha. Besides, Yang Qinchao has gone through many hardships along the way. Once he leads us safely into the Song Dynasty, he will definitely respond to Beijing as soon as possible to meet the officials. If Yang Qincha has made such a great contribution, the officials will definitely be promoted.
Those who have been promoted, we still don’t know when we can see the Imperial Envoy again. In my opinion, after An arrives at the Song Dynasty, we can kowtow to Yang Qin Envoy, say long live, and wish Wujiang, that’s all.”
From the Spring and Autumn Period until the early Han Dynasty, auspicious words such as "Long live" and "Long live forever" were only auspicious words, and did not specify what grade of talents could be used. It was not until Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty that they became an official exclusive for the emperor.
However, the popularization of folk culture is not very good, so the spoken language has not changed.
At the end of the Tang Dynasty, people in some places visited each other during festivals and congratulated each other with Long Live. There were many people who named Long Live among the people. Sometimes in the countryside, women could be seen standing at the door with their hands on their hips and shouting: "Long live, long live!"
You little bastard, hurry up and go home for dinner. Long live his father, go find your bastard son!"
Even in the Song Dynasty, when places like Lizhou, Guangnan and other places set off firecrackers on New Year's Eve, the people also clapped their hands and shouted long live. The word long live was truly known to everyone as the emperor. It was only after the Song Dynasty's culture was highly popularized.
.Therefore, these villagers did not feel any difference after hearing this. Instead, they clapped their hands and praised, and they all agreed.
However, when friends from the same hometown meet each other during the festival and shout "Long live Long live" and shout "Long live Long live" at the firecrackers on New Year's Eve, are they really the same as tens of thousands of people bowing to one person at the same time and shouting Long live? These are really the same.
Xiaomin just wanted to express his gratitude, but he didn't think about the reason behind it.
When Cheng Dexuan saw that his plot was successful, he quietly withdrew from the crowd with a somewhat sinister smile while they were not paying attention...
At this time, Yang Hao was taking a bath in the river. Even though it was a midsummer night, the clear spring in the stream was still a little cool, but he was very particular at this time. He washed himself from head to toe, and then walked naked to the shore to pick up his clothes.
Come and put it on, pull up your long hair, and pull off a piece of cloth to tie it tightly.
Luo Kedi strode over. He had already finished bathing. He had food in his belly and took a refreshing bath. He was back to the image of a handsome young general. His waist was straight.
The sword at his waist was also polished, showing off his brilliance and heroic spirit.
"Master Yang."
"General Luo, have the sentries been posted?"
"It's done. The general will set up two police posts five miles away. If there is any news, he will report back." Luo Kedi smiled bitterly and said: "These police posts are just better than nothing. If the Khitans are really obedient, they will chase after them."
Come, even if they have time to report, we have no time to escape. I only hope that the officials can inflict heavy damage on the Khitans. This is the Song Dynasty after all. Although there is no strong reinforcements around, the Khitans would not dare to come.
If we wait too long, if they are defeated, they will flee in a hurry, and we may be able to escape."
Yang Hao shook his head slightly and said: "General Luo, my views are somewhat different from yours. In that bloody battle outside the valley, if the Khitans had won a big victory, I guess they would not have pursued them, but would have gone straight to pursue the defeated Guan army.
In order to expand the results of the war. On the contrary, if the Khitans were defeated or had not taken any advantage from the officials, I am afraid... they would not let us go. They mobilized their troops and came to the Song Dynasty. If the officials could not take advantage
If they find it easy and they can no longer eliminate our immigrant team, then what do they do?"
When it comes to fighting, Yang Hao is not as good as Luo Kedi. When it comes to political opinions, although Yang Hao has never heard of any high officials before, once he is in the situation, he can see more clearly than Luo Kedi. After listening to Yang Hao's remarks,
Luo Kedi couldn't help but said in astonishment: "I originally hoped that the Khitans would suffer a big loss at the hands of the officials. But let me tell you, only if the officials suffer a big loss can we be safe?"
Yang Hao smiled bitterly and shook his head. It was really inconvenient to talk about this kind of topic. He then asked: "Have you found Mr. Cheng?"
Luo Kedi said: "We just found him, and Cheng Qin is now in a very embarrassed state. He is bathing in the river downstream. I have arranged for soldiers to 'take care' of him again. But it seems that he is more peaceful now, and his expression is less tense."
I have some complaints."
Yang Hao said calmly: "Whether he complains or not, I don't care so much anymore. At the beginning, Yang was desperate and disobedient because he was thinking about the future of these hundreds of soldiers and civilians. Now, as long as we all reach Song Dynasty safely,
That is a huge achievement. Even the officials will not care about my sin of stealing the knot, for fear of where he will come from."
Luo Kedi hesitated for a moment and said: "My lord is upright and upright, and this will be revealed to the sun and the moon. However, Lord Cheng is a close confidant of Lord Zhao of Nanya, and Lord Zhao is the younger brother of the current emperor. Lord Yang, I will have something to say at the end, no.
Know when to speak and when not to speak.”
"you say."
Luo Kedi said sincerely: "Sir, in the officialdom, friends are used to share blessings. If they are not supported by you, belong to the same group, or are like-minded political friends for many years, when it comes to political disputes between you and other officials, Most of them have to sit back and watch. What's more, the opponent's backers are really scary. And Mr. Yang, your officialdom is not only shallow, but you don't have any political friends. So... it's better to make an enemy than to make a friend. Even if you can't become a friend, if you can eliminate it, His hostility is worse than being enemies with each other.
Mr. Yang, before, your political differences with Mr. Cheng were related to the lives and deaths of tens of thousands of people, even if you didn't want to offend him. But now that Xixiang has become an unchangeable fact, it seems that... Mr. Yang can try to ease the relationship with him.
?”
Yang Hao was slightly moved after hearing this: "General Yiluo, how can I repair my relationship with him?"
Luo Kedi said: "Mr. Yang, we might as well harmonize with him in private. When we get these tens of thousands of people safely to the place and return the decree to the Holy One, we will take credit for it. We might as well take him along. Then we can seize the knot.
Naturally, he never mentioned it. With generals like us here, the fact that he accepted your favor cannot be hidden from others. How can he have the nerve to embarrass you again? Even if he embarrasses you again, he has lost his morality first, and he will definitely
Be despised by the officials. Mr. Yang must not underestimate the opinions of the officials. Once people treat you like a villain, it will be difficult to make close friends. At that time, he will be isolated by the officials.
But if you insist on being his enemy now, that will be different. Regardless of whether you are for the sake of the people or not, now you are the first to seize his sword and cut off his king's life. He insists on traveling eastward because the Holy One wants to move the people to the Central Plains.
Therefore, even if the officials accuse him of being stupid, they will never execute him. In the Song Dynasty, there are few ministers who are easily executed except for the crime of treason. The most they can do is banish him. With Lord Zhao of Nanya around, there is no need.
How long will it take for him to be reactivated? At that time, he will be your political enemy for the rest of his life. Why should Master Yang have to fight for a moment? The gains and losses will be discussed in the end. I believe you will understand naturally."
"Huh?" Yang Hao smiled happily and said: "General Luo, Yang only thinks that you are a brave and invincible man with a silver spear, but a martial artist. I didn't expect that you have such a delicate mind and understand so much about the way of being an official.
So transparent."
Luo Kedi laughed and laughed at himself: "Although the last general is a military man, my father is a civil servant. My father has survived through the Tang, Jin, Han, Zhou, Song and Five Dynasties. He is known as the eternal pine in politics. Xiao Luo has been influenced by his ears and eyes, so he can inherit more or less."
Yang Hao heard what he said was interesting and couldn't help but hold hands with him and laugh.
Fuyaozi was busy boiling medicine and making soup. It was already late at night when all the medicine soup was distributed. He walked randomly among the people sleeping in piles here and there. Somehow, he found Mrs. Ma and her daughter.
Where he was, the old man sat down on the ground, beat his thigh and said, "Hey, little girl, don't you get energetic at night? Why, you are so sick today that you can't hold on any longer."
The dog rested on his mother's lap and seemed to be sleeping. When he heard what he said, he woke up immediately. She snorted and said: "No, no one is talking to me, and I don't dare to disturb Uncle Yang Hao.
He must be very tired, it's boring to be here alone."
As she said that, she turned over and sat up, touched her forehead and said, "But the bitter medicine soup made by the Taoist priest is really effective. I am already seven to eight points better."
Fuyaozi smiled complacently and said: "That's natural. The medicine prepared by the old master is said to be an elixir by others, but when it reaches the mouth of a little girl like you, it becomes a bitter soup. It's really a waste of my efforts."
Gou'er made a face at him and said with a smile: "It's already miserable, can't you tell me?" She held her chin and thought for a long time with her big eyes flashing, and suddenly said: "Grandpa Taoist, today... Gou'er was thrown in
I left it alone on the way, it was Uncle Yang Hao who took the risk and rushed to the battlefield to save me."
Fuyaozi smiled and said: "Well, this matter has spread, and the old Taoists have also heard about it. This monster...ah! This Yang Hao, hehe, he does have a compassionate heart."
Gou'er solemnly said: "So, Grandpa Taoist, you must teach me magic."
Fuyaozi was stunned: "What does this have to do with teaching you spells?"
Gou'er said seriously: "My father said that if you receive someone's kindness from a drop of water, you should repay it with a spring. I received someone's kindness from a spring. How can I repay you if I don't learn some skills?"
Fuyaozi touched his nose and said with a dry smile: "Well, you are just a girl and not a man, so you don't need to be so serious."
Gou'er said: "How can it be done? You must repay a favor. Grandpa Taoist, can you teach me the magic?" After that, she came over and beat Fuyaozi's legs flatteringly: "Grandpa Taoist, you must be tired.
The dog beats your legs. The dog knows that Grandpa Taoist is a good man, and you must not bear to let the dog down."
Fuyaozi smiled bitterly and said, "You kid, my Taoist heart has actually been moved by you."
He touched the dog's head, looked up at the crescent moon in the sky, and said leisurely: "If he is poor, he will be good for himself, and if he is rich, he will help the world. You are a little kid who knows how to be grateful and righteous, and always has the heart to repay. Old Taoist
Well, the old Taoist realized the truth in his sleep, was chaotic and inactive, took care of himself, and was not snobbish. He called himself an outsider, but he couldn't get away from the rewards of worldly things. Compared with a little kid like you, I really feel guilty."
Fuyaozi stroked his beard and smiled and said: "The old Taoist said that you don't need to pester me anymore. The old Taoist will accept you as my little disciple. This time, do you understand?"
Gou'er was overjoyed: "Thank you, Grandpa Master, then... from now on, Gou'er will be your apprentice."
Fuyaozi laughed and said: "What a great master. This is the first time a disciple of the old Taoist calls me that. Hahaha. From now on, you will be the grandson of the old Taoist disciple."
When dawn was about to break, everyone was in a deep sleep, and the valley was so quiet that it seemed as if no birds had woken up.
Fuyaozi, who was sleeping soundly with his chin on his head, suddenly twitched his ears slightly, opened his eyes wide, and two rays of light flashed like cold electricity. He turned over and sat up. When he saw the sleeping dog lying on his lap, his eyes changed.
It becomes softer again.
He gently lifted the dog's head, placed a large smooth stone under her pillow, touched her hair, and said with a smile: "Little girl, even if you call me Grandpa, a Taoist priest, I will protect you no matter what."
It’s just that I have been clean from the worldly affairs for decades, so I will make an exception for you, kid.”
He stood up in a daze and rushed towards the road he had come from, five miles away. Two sleepy-eyed police sentries in the canyon vaguely seemed to see a figure. When they took a closer look, the empty valley was silent.
No one has ever come before.
Fuyaozi is like strolling in the courtyard, riding the wind for ten miles, with smooth blood and high spirits. He can't help but sing loudly: "I love to sleep, I love to sleep, not lying on a felt, not covered with a quilt. A stone pillow, a coir raincoat covering the ground."
The north and the south are sleeping, and the east and west are sleeping. The thunder and lightning are smashing the mountains, the sea water is falling in the sky, the dragon is shouting, ghosts and gods are frightened, I am sleeping soundly when I am dead. I am thinking about Zhang Liang, and I am thinking about Fan Li. I talk about Cao Cao, and stop talking about Liu Bei.
Two or three gentlemen, just fighting for a little leisure time. Fighting like me, looking into the breeze, among the white clouds at the top of the mountain, spreading their brows, unbuttoning their bellies, and taking a nap! No matter what, the jade rabbit rises in the east and the red wheel falls in the west. Hahaha
, little Hulu child, disturbing my dreams, Taoist priests flicked their sleeves, went and went, hid their swords and weapons, and spent the rest of their sleep..."
The sound of fuyaozi is ethereal and endless, and a pair of hemp shoes are stepping on green grass and pebbles, or clear water and clear waves, and the big sleeves are fluttering, just like an immortal.
Ahead, the sound of hooves is like thunder, the Khitan cavalry has arrived!