The Liang family celebrated their victory with gongs and drums, and Liang Yundao also generously gave Guo Song a hundred taels of gold as a reward. Guo Song gained a lot from his trip to Lingzhou. The gold alone was two hundred taels, which was equivalent to two thousand taels of silver.
But the celebration was short-lived. That night, the beacon tower in Lingzhou City was lit, which meant that Xue Yantuo's cavalry had reached Fengzhou.
The tense atmosphere before the war hung over Lingzhou City.
Duan Xiushi could no longer wait for reinforcements from the imperial court, so he quickly mobilized his troops and sent generals. He ordered Lingzhou Captain Zhao Yunlun to lead a thousand soldiers to Xiazhou, and together with Xiazhou's 500 state soldiers, they monitored every move of the party members.
Duan Xiushi had written to Chief Dangxiang yesterday, telling him clearly that as long as he sends troops to Lingzhou, no matter what method he uses or for what purpose, he will be regarded as a rebellion by the Dangxiang people by the court.
At the same time, the eight wealthy families in Lingzhou City were gathering their children and young militiamen. Although there were only 6,000 regular Shuofang troops in the city, the eight wealthy families were able to assemble 30,000 militia soldiers to join the Tang army in the war to defend their homeland.
.
Other old, weak, women and children collected valuables and hid in the inner castles of various wealthy families. Even the guest house where Guo Song lived was crowded with more than a hundred old people. Guo Song had to move to Liang Wu's study to live temporarily.
Early the next morning, two soldiers invited Guo Song to Duan Xiushi's temporary command tent. Guo Song knew that what Duan Xiushi wanted him to do was about to be revealed.
The commander's tent is located in the north city, and the military camp outside the city has been moved in. The soldiers are particularly busy, carrying bundles of arrows to the top of the city. Hundreds of ox carts transport a large number of rolling logs and stones from outside the city, and they also carry
Go up to the city head.
Guo Song was led in front of a large tent. The soldiers went in to report. After a while, they came out and said: "Commander, please come in!"
Guo Song walked into the tent and saw Duan Xiushi discussing something with Chief Shi Li Hui. Seeing Guo Song coming in, Duan Xiushi quickly waved, "Master Guo, please come here!"
Guo Song stepped forward to salute the two of them, but saw a map of Shuofang placed in front of their table. Duan Xiushi pointed to the bend of the Yellow River on the map and said to Guo Song, "Do you know this place?"
Guo Song nodded, "This is the entrance to Zhongtao. The Yellow River branches here and flows out for hundreds of miles before converging again. It's like a rope. It's an extremely rich and fertile land."
"Every time Xue Yantuo invaded the south, this was their logistical center. Their food and supplies were all here."
Guo Song suddenly understood, "The envoy wants to attack the logistics center of Xue Yantuo's army?"
Duan Xiushi smiled slightly and said: "This is a plan we have been brewing for many years, but it has never been implemented. The main reason is that the conditions are not mature, but this year the conditions are mature."
"Your Majesty, do you want me to complete this task?"
Duan Xiushi nodded slowly, and Li Hui beside him quickly added: "Of course you are not the only one, but you are the most important. We will organize a team of thirty people to go north, including outstanding children from major families. This martial arts competition and riding and shooting
The competition is largely about selecting talents who want to go north."
"Guo Song, you shouldn't have any problems, right?" Duan Xiushi asked.
Guo Song nodded silently, "This is what we agreed in advance and is our deal."
After a pause, Guo Song asked doubtfully: "I think a Shuofang army scout should be sent for such a dangerous task. Why should civilians come forward? They may not have this ability."
"Then you are underestimating them. They have been fighting in the city with their fathers since they were young. Everyone is brave and good at fighting. Maybe their martial arts skills are a little worse, but their courage in facing the enemy is by no means inferior to you. What they need now is credit.
, with merit, they will be able to transform from reserve generals to official Shuofang Army generals, and the imperial court does not recognize the merit of the militia in assisting in the defense of the city, so this expedition is an opportunity for them to become regular generals through meritorious service."
I'm afraid the real reason will come later. Guo Song nodded, "I understand, then when will we set off?"
You can discuss the specific departure time yourself, but I hope we must leave within three days."
After finishing speaking, Duan Xiushi said to the outsider: "Come in, two generals!"
I saw two young generals of the Tang army walking in from outside the tent. They knelt down on one knee and saluted, "See the Jiedushi, see the long history!"
"General Li, General Lin, please rise!"
Only then did Guo Song recognize them. They turned out to be the Lin family's foreign aids Li Ji and Lin Tai. When they put on armor, they looked like completely different people.
Duan Xiushi smiled and introduced to Guo Song: "You should know them. Li Ji is the scout captain of the Shuofang Army, and Lin Tai is also the scout brigade commander. They are both the best scouts of the Shuofang Army. This time Li Ji serves as the captain, and Lin Tai
Tai is the deputy."
Duan Xiushi said to the two men again: "Although Guo Song performed well in the riding and archery competition, he is not a reserve general and is not subject to the constraints of Shuofang's army. Instead, he is participating in the operation as a private expert specially hired by me. The ignition plan for this operation was provided by Guo Song.
Implementation, do you understand?"
"I understand the humble position!"
"You go and discuss it in detail! If you need anything, just ask."
Li Ji nodded and said to Guo Song, "Master Guo, please come with us!"
The three people left the commander's tent. Li Hui watched the three people leave and asked with a little worry: "Is it appropriate for Guo Song to be responsible for the ignition plan?"
Duan Xiushi pondered for a while and said: "I sent people to Kongtong Mountain to get to know his details. This man has great courage, strategic planning, and extremely high martial arts. Moreover, he burned down the Yunxiao Sanqing Palace built by the late emperor and committed a major crime. He wants to get away with it."
, this operation must succeed."
"I see, I'm really looking forward to it."
.........
Li Ji and the others came to a big tent. Guo Song glanced at Lin Tai's legs and asked with concern: "Is Brother Lin's injury serious?"
"The scabs have scabbed over today. It's not a big problem. Thank you for your concern, dear brother."
The three of them sat down in the tent. Li Ji handed a list to Guo Song, "This is a list of thirty people. Mr. Guo is also among them. Take a look first."
Guo Song took the list and saw his own name at a glance. He was not on the list, but placed alone next to it, which showed that he was special in this team.
In the list, he saw the names of Liang Wu and Liang Wen, as well as Guo Jiang and Guo Qiang. Basically, there were two from each family. The people at the back of the list were more scattered, including foreign aid from various families, and Guo Chongqing was also there.
And Duan Sanniang was actually among them.
But the last name stunned Guo Song. It turned out to be Shi Tong. Was there any mistake?
"General Li, what's going on with Shi Tong?"
"He was recommended by the Shenjian Martial Arts School and is a candidate. There is no problem with his qualifications."
"I'm not talking about whether he is qualified or not. His martial arts skills are not high and he is only sixteen years old. Can he undertake such a dangerous task?"
There was no expression on Li Ji's face, and he said calmly: "Age is not a problem, there are people younger than him. Duan Sanniang is only fifteen years old, and she is the only daughter of the Jiedushi. Even she participated, why can't Shi Tong?"
?”
Next to him, Lin Tai quickly added: "Brother Guo Xian misunderstood. Those who participated in this operation do not necessarily need to be highly skilled in martial arts. We have inspected Shi Tong. He is very good at cooking and knows some medical skills. This is exactly the logistics I need."
Talent, and he is very willing to participate and has already submitted a letter of commitment."
"What commitment letter?"
Li Ji said coldly: "Participate voluntarily, life or death is up to you!"
Guo Song was speechless. He nodded after a while and said, "Okay! I have no objection to the list. When will we set off?"
Li Ji glanced at him and said, "Tonight!"
...........
Guo Song's heart felt like a knot of hair, and he hurried back to Liangjiabao. The gate of Liangjiabao was in a mess. Dozens of women were trying to enter the fort with large and small bags, but they were stopped by the guards, who repeatedly explained to them.
They could only carry small bags with them, but the women refused to do so, and everyone got into a quarrel.
Just then Liang Wu came out. He saw Guo Song and rushed to greet him, "Guo Song, you are also on the list!"
"When did you know?" Guo Song asked.
"I just found out. Daddy told me. I still don't know when to set off?"
"Leave tonight!"
Liang Wu was shocked, "I haven't prepared anything yet! I have to go back and prepare quickly."
"Wait a minute, I have something to ask you."
Guo Song grabbed him and whispered, "Did you know that Shi Tong is going too?"
"I just learned that there are four people coming to Liangjiabao this time. Although he represents the Divine Sword Martial Arts Hall, he is also a member of the Liangjiabao family."
"Do you think he can go?"
Liang Wu laughed, pulled Guo Song aside and said, "Don't take this mission so dangerous. In fact, it only takes ten people to go there, and the other twenty people are going to be gilded.
Why does Duan Sanniang also want to go? It's because the Shuofang Army is planning to build a female army of 300 people. If Duan Sanniang goes, she can prepare for her regular status and she can command this female army.
Lin Feng originally wanted to go, but she was seriously injured. This opportunity was a pity. Shi Tong was able to get this opportunity because it was highly recommended by the Excalibur Martial Arts School. The owner of the gym is his father's sworn brother. This opportunity
It is very important to him. Once he becomes a regular employee, their family will be in a good position."
Guo Song sneered, "It's like the enemy's logistics camp has no one to guard it."
Liang Wu was silent for a moment and said: "Let me tell you this, the danger is there, but it is only borne by the ten of us and has nothing to do with other people. You understand, right?"
Guo Song shook his head, "You think things are too simple. Once you are in danger, no place is safe. Forget it, I am a soft-spoken person and I am too lazy to say anything. I will go to Shi Tong and let him think about it again.
"
"Go ahead! I have to go back and prepare quickly." Liang Wu turned around and hurried back to the castle.
Guo Song was very upset. It was obviously a very dangerous thing, but it was like traveling. Every family had to take advantage of it. If he hadn't had a deal with Duan Xiushi, he would never have participated in such an action.
Guo Song just wants to complete the deal quickly and fly away. He really doesn't want to be involved in such nonsense anymore.
Guo Song came to Shi Tong's house, but Shi Tong was not there, but he saw his mother, Fat Aunt, sitting in the yard wiping tears. Shi Tong had just had a big argument with his mother, slammed the door and left. Fat Aunt was flustered for a moment and didn't know what to do.
What can I do.
"Auntie, is Shi Tong here?" Guo Song asked at the door.
"Ah! It's Mr. Guo, come in quickly."
The fat aunt couldn't help wiping her tears again and said: "He had a quarrel with me just now, and I don't know where he went. He wanted to participate in some very dangerous action. I didn't let him go, so he quarreled with me and said he would rather fight.
I don’t want to be looked down upon by others all my life.”
Guo Song sighed in his heart, Liang Wu was right, this opportunity was too important to Shi Tong, and he really couldn't be persuaded.
"Mr. Guo, are you going too?" Fat Aunt asked.
Guo Song smiled bitterly, "Of course I want to go too!"
The fat aunt plopped down and knelt down in front of Guo Song, crying and begging: "Mr. Guo, I am only a child. If something happens to him, I won't survive. Please save his life no matter what!"
Guo Song hurriedly said: "Auntie, get up quickly. Don't worry, I will definitely protect his safety and let him come back safely!"