After Meng Ao's funeral, Jing Jun was officially promoted to the commander of the capital cavalry. Since he now joined Lu's family, all the important military officials gave their strong support for Lu Gong's sake.
Wu Guo, Zhao Da and Zhou Liang were the deputy, which made Du Qiqing a prince-king system. Unlike Du Wei, the two parties of Lu Buwei and Miao Du restrained and competed with each other.
Of course, if Lu Miao colludes, that's a different matter.
However, due to Xiao Pan's discerning appreciation, the Eighteen Iron Guards became the leader of his guards, and his status was greatly improved.
Huan Qi was still responsible for the training of the reinforcements. Meng Wu and Meng Tian arranged for their father's funeral and immediately led their troops to attack Wei to avenge the Wei people for joining the joint army.
Basically, the Qin State still adopted the strategy of making friends far away and attacking closely, which was to appease the three kingdoms of Chu, Qi, and Yan, and only use troops against the three Jin states.
Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to take leave and returned to the ranch with Teng Yi and his family. They practiced swordsmanship and riding and shooting every day. During their free time, they traveled around the mountains and rivers and had fun with children. They were very satisfied.
As spring passed and summer came, I returned to Yinlong Villa and received a letter sent by Qin Qing.
It turns out that this beautiful lady has set a return date and will return to Xianyang in early autumn. Although there is no word about love in the letter, the love is overwhelming. It can be seen that this beauty is highly cultivated, which makes Xiang Shaolong, a rough man, fall in love with her even more deeply.
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Tao Fang kept bringing news to the ranch.
Lu Buwei returned to Xianyang and went to Bashu again, which was very confusing.
Miao Du and Queen Mother Zhu Ji also returned to Xianyang. Miao Du's attitude was even more arrogant. He even ignored Changping Lord, Wang Ling and other important ministers. He took Zhu Ji out for everything. Xiaopan could only endure it.
Guan Zhongxie fought several victorious battles in Korea and was promoted to general, vaguely replacing Meng Ao's position.
But of course the prestige and real power still fall short.
The Mengwu brothers won consecutive battles in Wei Yi and captured the Wei people's Chaoge. Their reputation was greatly enhanced and they became the rising stars of a new generation of generals.
What worries Xiang Shaolong the most is that Wang Chi fell into the trap and sent troops to attack Zhao's Shangdang while Li Mu moved to Qi. Xiang Shaolong only hoped that the people sent by Xiaopan could warn Wang Chi in time, otherwise he would be attacked from both sides and the situation would be bad.
Extremely.
Just when he was worried, bad news came at the end of May. Wang Chi was defeated by Li Mu in Shangdang. Wang Chi died on the spot. Wang Bi and Yang Duanhe led the remaining troops to retreat to Shangchuan.
The thing Xiang Shaolong least expected finally happened.
Lu Buwei succeeded in his conspiracy again.
And Xiang Shaolong's happy life has come to an end.
When Xiang Shaolong flew to Xianyang Palace on horseback, he felt gloomy and gloomy.
Since Lord Xinling led the five-nation coalition to defeat the Qin army outside Handan City sixteen years ago, the Qin people have never had a general like Wang Chi die on the battlefield. The huge blow this time is really difficult.
Make an estimate.
When Xiang Shaolong came to Zhai, Wang Ling, Li Si, Lord Changping, Miao Du, Wang Wan, Cai Ze and other ministers were waiting outside the door to be summoned by Xiaopan.
Wang Ling's eyes were red, and his whole figure seemed to have aged for several years. Xiang Shaolong could clearly feel his age and decay, which was a feeling he had never felt before, making him very uncomfortable.
He greeted Xiang Shaolong and said in a low voice: "The Crown Prince refused to see us, and only said that he would wait until you come before talking. I think you should go in and see the Crown Prince first, and then call us in."
Miao Duxian was eavesdropping and said angrily: "This is the time for everyone to discuss it carefully. How could the prince lock himself up and let me and Shaolong go in together?"
Everyone looked disgusted.
Xiang Shaolong patted Miao Du's brow and said in a deep voice: "Let me go in and inquire about the situation on your behalf. The prince's mood is our current mood, and everyone should understand it."
No matter how tyrannical Miao Du was, he did not dare to offend Xiang Shaolong for the time being. He gave up his mind and said, "We are waiting here, but it is time for the Queen Mother to come."
When Xiang Shaolong heard that he carried Zhu Ji out within a few words, he felt disgusted and went into his room.
Xiaopan stood with his back to the door and facing the window, motionless.
Before Xiang Shaolong could speak, Xiaopan said calmly: "Our people should go a little late and teach the traitors to succeed in their vicious plan."
Xiang Shaolong did not expect that Xiaopan was not only not at all sad, but also much calmer than usual. He was speechless for a moment.
Xiaopan turned around, smiled slightly and said: "I just gave the order, asking Cheng Qiao and Du Bi to lead their troops to attack Shangdang immediately. When the master goes out later, I can tell them that I suddenly died because of my grief over Wang Chi's death."
If there is an acute illness, Miao Du will definitely send Mao Jiao to find out the truth in the name of treating the disease, and we can use Mao Jiao's mouth to deceive Miao Du."
Xiang Shaolong was shocked and said: "Did Lu Buwei really collude with Miao Du?"
This is something that has never been said before in history.
Xiaopan sneered and said: "The Queen Mother wants me to make Miao Du the Marquis of Changxin, the same level as Lu Buwei, but Lu Buwei doesn't object. Master, what is going on?"
After a pause, he continued: "I wanted to summon Wang Jian back several times, but they were all blocked by Lu Buwei and Miao Du. Without the Queen Mother's permission, as a ruler, I can't do anything. Now our army is being restrained.
In the territory of the Three Jin Dynasties, in addition to the three major armies, Xianyang only had reinforcements, with a total strength of only 120,000 people. It was unable to conquer Chengqiao and Du Bi, so it had to fake illnesses to lure them to attack, and then let the master deal with them.
There is no alternative to this."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "The prince has really grown up."
Xiaopan looked up and sighed: "Since my mother was killed, everything has been forced out of me. There is no human reason left."
Xiang Shaolong sighed with him and walked out of the room. When everyone gathered around him, Xiang Shaolong said dejectedly: "The prince is ill."
Xiaopan's "sickness" lasted for three months and was left to Zhu Ji for treatment in the morning.
Xiang Shaolong and Huan Qi made a major effort to recruit troops and increased the number of reinforcements to 50,000. They drilled outside Xianyang City all day long and established Qiao Donglai's imaginary march route to consolidate defensive measures and communication systems.
When the snow melted, the news came. Cheng Qiao heard the news that "Brother Nai" was seriously ill. Not only did he disobey the order and not attack the Shangdang, he also negotiated peace with the Zhao people, and secretly gathered 150,000 troops with Du Bi.
Passing through the cities along the way, we rushed to Xianyang.
Chengqiao's rebels first arrived in the north of Xianyang by boat before sneaking to Xianyang.
Xiang Shaolong has been paying close attention to their movements and mobilized 20,000 cavalry and 50,000 reinforcements overnight to ambush Cheng Qiao's army at a predetermined ideal location.
In addition, a smoke screen was released, saying that Xianyang's army had arrived in Qicheng for exercises.
So when the news came that the overseas Chinese army was approaching, the entire Xianyang City was shaken.
Xiaopan was really about to lie down on the couch at this time. Only Changping Jun, Li Si and other close confidants knew what was going on.
Both Miao Du and Zhu Ji seemed at a loss, indicating that they did not know that Cheng Qiao and Du Bi would openly rebel.
Lu Buwei is still hiding in Bashu, so that people don't know what he is planning. In short, it won't be anything good.
The chaotic situation in Xianyang will naturally be reported to Cheng Qiao and Du Bi by Xianyan, making them even more underestimating the enemy.
This is no wonder for them. Who would have guessed that the future Qin Shihuang would know that they would rebel as early as four months ago?
To deal with a general like Du Bi who is accustomed to fighting, it is simply impossible to ambush and make a surprise attack somewhere. This is because he must have a vanguard, and only after he is sure that there is no problem in the way forward, the main army will advance later.
But Xiang Shaolong has his own clever plan.
He divided the army into two, with Huan Qi and Jing Jun leading an army of 20,000 people, and deployed them in a hidden place outside Xianyang City.
He and Teng Yi led the remaining 50,000 elite troops and hid in a dense forest far away from Cheng Qiao's marching route, waiting for their prey to arrive.
The weather was good that day. Cheng Qiao's vanguard troops arrived a hundred miles north of Xianyang City. Since they heard that the defenders would not leave the city to meet the enemy and were only prepared to defend the city, neither Cheng Qiao nor Du Bi specially stepped up their guard.
At this time, Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi were in the grass on the top of a slope, looking at the spectacular enemy force passing by five miles away, looking like a long snake.
Teng Yi said with a smile: "If Lu Buwei knew that Chengqiao was marching into Xianyang under the banner of 'crueling Lu Mu and saving Brother Wang', he would be so angry that he would vomit blood and die."
Xiang Shaolong carefully observed the opponent's grand military appearance, with bright armor, fluttering flags, and orderly troops. He shook his head and said: "I think Lu Buwei had guessed that Cheng Qiao was not well-raised, so he deliberately wanted to use Cheng Qiao's hand to get rid of the crown prince.
With us, we will also get rid of Miao Du and the Queen Mother. Then he can recall the two armies of Guan Zhongxie and the Meng brothers and kill Cheng Qiao and Du Bi in one fell swoop. Then he can sit on the throne himself."
Teng Yi laughed and said: "The third brother knows this traitor better. When it comes to playing tricks, no one can be his opponent except the third brother."
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "It is correct to say that Lu Buwei Fei is the Crown Prince's opponent this time."
Teng Yi sighed: "He finally grew up."
At this time, Zhou Liang led the Eagle King to report that the enemy's rearguard finally passed by.
Xiang Shaolong knew that the time had come, so he gave an order, and all the cavalry dispatched, using the cover of the dense forest to cover up the enemy's tail.
They calculated very accurately that when the enemy took a break to light a fire and make food, it would be the moment when their encirclement would be completed.
As expected, Cheng Qiao's rearguard troops were completely unaware of the enemy attack. They actually set up camp on a hillside, right on the official road to Xianyang. Both sides were covered with lush green woods. Tens of 50,000 people were densely packed on the top and slopes of the slopes.
foot.
Just before they had a chance to set up a lookout post at a high place, Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi's approximately 50,000 elite cavalry arrived silently along the forest.
Xiang Shaolong is a man who has received strict military training and knows that there is no room for kindness in the situation at hand. Therefore, he made up his mind and issued an order to annihilate the enemy. Taking advantage of the dusk, he surrounded 50,000 enemy troops.
Then wait for the opportunity to attack.
When the east was white, the enemy got up and started moving around, talking and laughing noisily while preparing breakfast.
Xiang Shaolong gave an order, and with the sound of beating drums, 50,000 elite cavalry rushed out from the dense forest and launched an all-out attack.
This turned into a massacre with little resistance.
The enemy threw down his rice bowl and ran for his life in a hurry without even having time to lead his horse.
After several attacks, the rearguard troops collapsed early, and everyone was running for their lives on foot.
The defeat of the rearguard immediately involved the main force of nearly 90,000 Chinese troops. They were about to return to the division for rescue. Huan Qi and Jing Jun each led 10,000 elite cavalry and attacked the vanguard from the left and right. Cheng Qiao's army was attacked from both sides and was in chaos.
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Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi attacked from behind with the force of breaking a bamboo. As soon as they made an impact, Cheng Qiao's army immediately fell into crazy chaos.
Cheng Qiao and Du Bi were the targets of public criticism, and were surrounded by thousands of personal guards.
Xiang Shaolong, armed with the treasured sword of a hundred battles, led the way into the enemy formation and beheaded Du Bi with his own hands. At the same time, following Xiaopan's instructions, Cheng Qiao was executed on the spot, eliminating this scourge.
Xiang Shaolong suffered only more than 10,000 casualties in this battle, which can be regarded as an extremely brilliant achievement.
Forty thousand of Cheng Qiao's rebels were killed, and the remaining eighty thousand who could not escape surrendered.
Xiang Shaolong didn't send someone to report the victory to Xiaopan until the next morning.
Xiaopan was overjoyed and personally led his people to express condolences to the army.
That night I stayed in Xiang Shaolong's handsome tent.
After the meal, Xiaopan was in high spirits and climbed to a high place with everyone to enjoy the magnificent and mysterious beauty of the wilderness under the moonlit night.
The future Qin Shihuang was so excited that he laughed and said, "Who will kill Pu Hu for me?"
When Xiang Shaolong heard the word "kill", he immediately thought of Shanrou who was far away in Qi State, and his heart was shocked, so he dared to answer.
Jing Jun, Teng Yi and Huan Qi looked at Xiang Shaolong immediately, but he did not speak and remained silent.
Wang Ling took a step forward and snorted: "Let the veteran handle this matter."
Everyone, including the small crowd, was stunned.
Wang Ling has been in extremely poor health recently due to grief over Wang Chi's death. He may not be able to cope with the hardships of just the march.
Moreover, Pu Hu had a huge power in Tunliu and would never surrender to capture. In addition, he had close ties with the Zhao people. Therefore, although the matter seemed easy on the surface, it was actually far from simple.
Wang Ling has not been on an expedition for many years, so the request this time has the intention of avenging the king's teeth.
Xiaopan regretted it greatly, but Wang Ling's words had already been spoken. If he refused, he would think he was old, which would be the greatest insult to the Qin people.
Xiaopan could only pretend to be happy and said: "Then I will take General Wang as the commander-in-chief and General Huan Qi as the deputy-commander. You can start your journey."
Wang Ling and Huan Qi hurriedly knelt down to receive the order.
Xiaopan said solemnly: "The success or failure of this battle depends on whether it can be fought to a conclusion. Kill Pu Hu by surprise. Otherwise, if he is allowed to rely on the strength of his garrison and the support of the Zhao people, it will be extremely difficult."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Xiang Shaolong felt more and more that the future Qin Shihuang was talented and capable, and he knew things like a god. But what made him better than himself was that he only cared about interests and had no regard for benevolence and righteousness. Only such a hard-hearted person could do this.
In the war years, he became the overlord of the world.
Back at the commander's tent, Xiaopan went to talk to Xiang Shaolong alone.
Xiaopan smiled bitterly and said: "I am very worried about Wang Ling, fearing that he will not be able to withstand the pain of the war."
Xiang Shaolong knew that he blamed himself for not agreeing first, so he sighed and said, "What do you want me to do?"
Xiaopan sighed: "Even if I blame anyone, I dare not blame you, master. When I came here on horseback, I thought about completely wiping out the two parties of Lu and Mu in one fell swoop when I returned to the master. When Lu Buwei came back,
, just execute him on the spot at the city gate, it will be over once and for all. Master, do you think this plan is feasible?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "This is a risk. First of all, our division is unknown, and the two parties of Lu and Mu are too involved. The total number of generals in the two houses alone is 20,000. There are definitely a lot of people to be killed. Let's take care of it.
Zhongxie and other leaders are out, and the imperial guards are in their hands. In addition, Puhu is still the root of the problem. Our troops in Xianyang are even more insufficient. The prince should think twice."
Xiaopan said distressedly: "I also know that now is not the right time, but do I really have to wait until after the crowning ceremony? Not to mention that I have to wait for more than two years. Now I feel that two days are too long."
Xiang Shaolong said: "Those who achieve great things must be able to endure. If Lu Buwei gets wind of the news, with his influence and means, he might be able to rebel against Bashu, which would be a blessing to our Great Qin. Not to mention he should have enough
It is better to be prepared than to fight for the throne with Cheng Qiao when he succeeds in his rebellion. Therefore, if we take action at this time, Qin will definitely be in chaos."
Xiaopan nodded in agreement, pondered for a while and then said, "How can we bring Wang Jian back?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "Before the Crown Prince's coronation ceremony, the Crown Prince is about to take over the power, and no one dares to object to the Crown Prince's order. At that time, a secret edict can be issued, and this matter can be accomplished."
Xiaopanlong's eyes flashed coldly and he said: "That's it. I want Wang Jian to come, so the traitors won't know about it. Then I will teach them to look good."
Xiang Shaolong was silent for a while, then suddenly whispered: "Xiaopan, I want you to promise me, Xiang Shaolong, something."
Xiaopanlong's body was shocked. Since entering the Qin Dynasty, Xiang Shaolong called himself Xiaopan for the first time and called himself Xiang Shaolong.
There were deep emotions in Xiaopan's eyes, and she nodded and said, "Master, please speak, Xiaopan is listening."
Xiang Shaolong said solemnly: "No matter what happens in the future, you must still treat the Queen Mother kindly."
Xiao Pan was stunned for a moment, thought for a while, and said decisively: "How dare Xiao Pan disobey the master's instructions, but this promise is only limited to the mother and queen, and no one else is included."
Xiang Shaolong knew that he was determined to kill the two children Zhu Ji had for Miao Du. He also knew that it would be difficult to interfere in this matter, so he smiled bitterly and said: "What a good prince."
Xiaopan moved closer, put her arms around his shoulders, hugged him vigorously, and said excitedly: "Master, please don't leave Xiaopan, okay? Don't you want to see Xiaopan unify the world and achieve an unprecedented feat?
?”
Xiang Shaolong hugged him tightly with his backhand and said sadly: "Master must leave, and you must annihilate all records about him so that he will not leave traces in history. This is a destined fate. Even if
If I don’t teach you to do this, you will do it eventually.”
Xiaopan walked away a little in shock, looked at him blankly and said: "How could it be like this? I would never do this. No one should forget the master's great achievements."
Xiang Shaolong calmed down, grabbed his generous shoulders and said: "Since we first met Zhao Gong, I, Xiang Shaolong, have always regarded you as my son. I have watched you grow up and become the most powerful person in the world.
Overlord, the joy in my heart is really indescribable. But it is precisely because of this relationship that I must leave you. On the one hand, I have fulfilled my wish for your mother and raised her son to be successful. On the other hand, it is also the pursuit of
My own life and ideals. Only after I leave can you completely cut off your previous relationship with me and let go of pursuing your dreams. Do you understand? We can no longer discuss this matter in the future."
Xiaopan's pair of long eyes turned red, like a child admiring his father, he lay on his broad chest and said nothing more.