Li Ji originally thought that after he told Li Mu about Zhang Xun's possible plot, he would go to talk to Zhang Xun or make some preparations. But Li Mu did not. He did nothing and everything was as usual. It seemed that he had not dealt with this matter.
Keep things in mind.
I kill people every day, scatter money, play with gunpowder and hot-air balloons, and ask some questions about Dingxiang New City, looking very contented. I seem to have forgotten that the pass over the Camel Valley is almost dug out, and the war is about to break out.
Already.
Finally, the sentinel came to report that the Turkic vanguard had dug a path into the mountain. Although it was not as wide as before, it could still pass the carriages and horses. The Turkic cavalry passed through one after another. At this time, the ending could not be taken into consideration, so it was a good time to attack.
If it was Li Ji who made the decision, he would definitely not miss this opportunity, but now Li Mu is holding Shang Fang's sword. Before Li Shimin's imperial edict deprived him of power, he was the supreme commander of the Tang army.
When Li Ji came to Li Mu's tent, Hou Junji had already arrived. Apparently, the sentinels he sent had also received the news.
"Want to fight?"
Li Ji did not waste any nonsense and asked directly. In the current situation, all sides are in emergency, and it is impossible for the imperial court to send reinforcements in a short time. If the Turkic army is not inflicted heavy losses and forced to retreat before all the Turkic armies pass through the Camel Valley, then all the Turkic armies will be defeated.
After passing, the Tang army, which only numbered 50,000, would definitely not be their opponent.
"Wait a little longer, wait one night,"
"What are you waiting for?"
Li Mu did not answer, grabbed Shang Fang's sword and waved it, Li Chongyi's iron tower-like body blocked in front of Li Ji and Hou Junji. Seeing this, the two retreated helplessly, each arranging their troops and preparing for tomorrow's battle.
.
Li Siwen also received the news and hurried to Li Mu's tent. The past few days of searching his house had allowed him to regain some confidence. At least he could do this well and was no longer considered a waste. Seeing his father walk out angrily
, Li Siwen was puzzled and asked when he came in: "Brother, why does my father seem unhappy?"
"Because I delayed the military plane."
"Ah?" Li Siwen's eyes widened and he said: "Brother, you know that you will delay the military plane, so why do you still delay the military plane? Is it possible that you are a spy of the Western Turks?"
"Bah!" Li Mu spit out the foam. Li Siwen quickly dodged it and said with a smile: "You can't spit on me now. Are you kidding me? Brother, what's going on?"
"I am also betting." Li Mu sat up straight and said seriously: "I already found out when I was in Camel Valley. This time the Turks are advancing eastward. Not counting the old, weak, women and children, there are hundreds of thousands of people who can fight.
.There are not only 100,000 people. Seven or eight out of ten Turkic people can draw a bow and shoot arrows. They are called 100,000, but it must be counted as 130,000 or 150,000. And we only have 50,000 people. How can we be our opponents?
?”
Li Siwen said in confusion: "So shouldn't we take advantage of their unstable footing and rush over? Should we wait until they all pass through the Camel Valley before setting up a battle array? Wouldn't this be a big loss?"
"No, I didn't want to fight at all." Li Mu sighed and said: "I have calculated that even if we were surprised and gave the Turks a severe blow, we would not be able to hurt their roots. Five out of 100,000 people died.
Thousands, which is still twice as much as us. Until new reinforcements from the court arrive, no matter how we fight, we will lose, so my plan is, since we can't defeat, we won't fight. I'm waiting for a variable,
We can't wait for this change, so we turn around and run away. Gaochang, Zhangjiazhai, Luotuo Valley, these places are not needed, and we will defend Dingxiang City with all our strength."
"As long as we isolate the enemy troops outside Dingxiang City, we will win."
Li Siwen was even more confused and asked: "Brother, where do we win?"
"Behind the Western Turks is a vast desert. When we evacuated, we adopted the method of fortifying the walls and clearing the country, not leaving even a grain of food for them. How long can the dry food they brought themselves last? And behind us is the Tang Dynasty! There is a steady stream of food.
Even if this process is very difficult, they can persist better than those Turks. When the time comes, we will compete with each other to see who can carry it. I don’t believe that I, Li Mu, can’t get food and grass with my methods!”
Li Siwen nodded, he believed this. Li Mu may not be the best in fighting, but he is definitely the best in making money. How did he know that Li Mu's confidence was based on the fact that Li Chongyi had destroyed Lin Yi and Zhenla?
Under the premise, although Linyi and Zhenla are far away from Chang'an, there are land and water routes that can pass them. As long as they are ruthless and organize a large caravan, the food problem is not insurmountable.
But it is still difficult to do all these things, but that is all a story for another day. Li Mu is betting on one thing now, he is betting on one of his intuitions.
"Report——"
Li Siwen was still going to speak when someone suddenly came to report: "I am reporting to the Marquis that Zhang Xun, the magistrate of Zhangjiaji, wants to see you."
Li Mu's face brightened, he smiled, and said: "Please invite my father-in-law quickly... No, I will go and greet you personally!"
…
Li Mu brought Li Siwen and Li Chongyi to greet him at the door. When Zhang Xun saw Li Mu coming, he quickly got off his horse and wanted to salute. Zhang Tianai was watching from a short distance away. How could Li Mu dare to accept his salute?
While bending down, she grabbed his arm and said with a smile on her face: "My son-in-law was going to visit his father-in-law, but he didn't expect his father-in-law to come. It's really a shame that my son-in-law came here."
"The Marquis is really too humble. The Marquis is young and promising, and he has a high and powerful position. Being able to like my daughter is a blessing that my daughter has cultivated for three lifetimes. After all, there is a difference between superiority and inferiority. How can a lower official be deposed for personal reasons?
Sir, you have ruined your etiquette."
"My father-in-law is too restrictive. My son-in-law is a junior, so he should——"
Zhang Tianai saw the two of them arguing and refusing to go inside. He couldn't bear it any longer. He came over and said, "Dad, he is your son-in-law. Why should I give in? You are not in good health and the wind is strong. Come into the tent and talk."
."
Zhang Xun was about to say something when he was interrupted by Li Mu: "Yes, yes, hurry up and enter the tent." He glanced at Li Chongyi and Li Siwen and said, "Siwen, please go down and set up a banquet. I want to have a good drink with my father-in-law.
Serve a few drinks. Zhongyi, guard the door, no one can disturb you, even the two generals, let them wait a moment, I will go and explain later."
The two responded, and Li Mu pulled Zhang Xun into the tent. The guests and hosts sat down and exchanged greetings again. Zhang Tianai was happy to see that Li Mu treated Zhang Xun with courtesy, and she felt even happier when she saw that the two of them got along well.
Walking between her husband and father, her face is full of smiles.
Little did she know that her husband and father had their own thoughts at this moment. After a while, the banquet was brought in. Zhang Tianai wanted to take a seat, but was blocked by Zhang Xun.