son-in-law

chapter 665

It was already night, and the wind and snow gathered around Xiacun, blending with the light of the bonfire.

After the resentful army withdrew from here, the surrounding area was once again under Xia Cun's complete control.The war just stopped this morning, but all kinds of things did not show signs of coming to an end at this time. The initial carnival and excitement, and the joy of surviving the dead had already faded temporarily. Inside and outside the camp, at this time Surrounded by all kinds of things.

"...The first victory in the battle, I know that everyone is very tired, and I am also tired, but at the meeting just now, General Qin and Mr. Ning have decided to withdraw the camp tomorrow and reinforce the capital. You must convey this matter well... "

In the lighted hut, the middle-level generals of the Xiacun Army were having a meeting. The news delivered by the chief Pang Luan was not easy, but even after a busy day, these officers, each with hundreds of people under their command, were still busy. cheer up.

"...In ten days of continuous fighting, Guo Yaoshi was defeated. Everyone knows the situation of everyone. But the capital is in danger, and the news that came out this afternoon is already clear. Mr. Xiaozhong has put all his eggs in one basket and went straight to Zongwang's formation! He is Knowing that Zongwang's siege battle has already come to an end. If Zongwang's army suffers any casualties, it will be difficult to continue to attack the capital. Mr. Xiaozhong has attracted Zongwang's attention, but now, the army in the capital cannot go out of the city to rescue! With a radius of dozens of miles, we are the only soldiers that can fight!"

"At today's meeting, Mr. Ning has already emphasized that the battle of the capital is basically over and over by the time Guo Yaoshi retreats! This is our victory!"

In the light of the fire, Pang Liu'an waved his hand: "But the end only means that the overall situation remains unchanged, and most of the capital has been able to hold on. But in this battle, will we really win? Tens of thousands of Jurchens were killed, and they drove straight in and out. As far as I am facing the capital, I have broken the city several times! Outside the city of Bianliang, I have defeated hundreds of thousands of troops in a row! Forced them back, and now we can barely do it, but even if they are forced to retreat, so what? He will come back in the future , can I block it?"

"Brothers, General Qin and Mr. Ning, I have said today that no matter what the results of today's battle are, there will be another decisive battle between the two countries in the future. This is a life-and-death battle to destroy the country. Among this battle, the most important What is it... a person who can fight!"

Pang Liu'an paused, and looked at the generals: "We in Xia Village, General Long and others who came here for rescue, and Mr. Xiaozhong who dared to fight the Jurchens. Those who we can rely on It's not those smart people who shrink back after seeing the big picture, but these brothers who overcome difficulties! Everyone, the Jurchens only have the power to go back safely. The battle between our army and Guo Yaoshi has already Quenching it into a knife, pulling out the camp to join the Jurchen army tomorrow, whether to fight or not, is an act of seeing blood. When the Jurchens come back in the future, you will be the mainstay of this country. How happy it is to hunt the world... ...These things, you must bring to the brothers under your command."

Not long after the order from above was issued, it was still fermenting, but for many soldiers in Xia Village, they were more or less awakened.A big victory, for the soldiers of Xia Village at this time, is an unbearable weight, because such victories are really too few, and they have experienced such difficulties and tenacity.

Although there are celebrations and carnivals at noon and night, not many people simply immerse themselves in joy after eating and drinking with their stomachs open.Before this, after all, everyone here has experienced too many defeats and seen too many deaths of their companions.When death becomes the norm, people will not be surprised by it. However, when the option of immortality appears in front of everyone, questions about why they died and lost will start to emerge.

For the army in the world at this time, there will be such a feeling after the war. I am afraid that this is the only one. In a sense, this is also because of Ning Yi's guidance over the past few months.Therefore, after the victory, there are some who are sad and some who cry, but of course, among these complex emotions, joy and heartfelt personality worship still account for a lot.

The image of Ning Yi and Qin Shaoqian with one article and one martial arts, the strategy of the article, the decisiveness of the martial arts, plus the black cavalry from Luliang Mountain, the large number of green forest people under Zhuji's command, and various unique abilities, these things all have a clear The symbolism, in this army made up of motley troops, is very easy to imprint on the hearts of everyone.

After a big meal, Mao Yishan went to the wounded barracks to see some brothers he knew. When he came out, he saw Qu Qing greeting him.For the past few days, this veteran veteran who has been in battle for many years has always given him a calm and somewhat depressed feeling. Only at this time, he has become a little different. In the wind and snow, his face is full of joy. easy smile.

No soldier would take the snowstorm in front of him seriously.

After chatting for a few words, Qu Qing gave him a stone: "Stop wandering, go back and sharpen your knife."

"Huh?" Mao Yishan was stunned for a moment, and then he also understood, "Tomorrow, will we still fight?"

"It may not be tomorrow, and there may not be another battle, but there must be a confrontation with the Jurchens. It is best not to fight, and to fight is not to be afraid. We just need to be prepared."

This afternoon, when offering sacrifices to dragon fennel, even though everyone was tired, they were full of enthusiasm.Not long after, there was news that Zhong Shizhong and Zong Wang were facing each other.After visiting a group of brothers who were wounded but still rejoicing for victory, Mao Yishan, like some other soldiers, was somewhat mentally prepared to confront the Jurchen, and even faintly had a bloodthirsty desire.But of course, longing is one thing, and really wanting to do it is another. Mao Yishan also knows that even the soldiers who have not entered the wounded barracks are exhausted from the ten days of fighting.

However, if the above speaks, it must be sure, and there is nothing to think about.

The two were on the mountainside at this time, chatting a few words while looking down the mountain.The camp gate of Xia Village actually seemed a bit lively, that's because a few groups of people had come over since not long ago, all of them were from other troops near Bianliang, which made people feel a little disturbed.One thing came to Mao Yishan's mind, and he asked, "Brother Qu, you used to be...in which army did you actually serve as an officer?"

Qu Qing's martial arts skills are not low, and he has rich combat experience. He can clearly see the development and changes of many situations on the battlefield. Mao Yishan has already seen it.Seeing that he was in a good mood today, I asked him out.Qu Qing looked down the mountain, but he was not annoyed by this question. After a while, he smiled: "Being an official...is worse than being a soldier."

"Then... Brother Qu, if this battle is over, will you and I go back to our respective troops?"

This sentence was asked by Mao Yishan after hesitating for a moment. After asking, Qu Qing also fell silent, but not long after, looking at the excitement at the camp gate, he frowned and snorted coldly , did not speak again.

It was less than a day after the Battle of Xiacun, and it only started in the evening. Since then, envoys from various armies near Bianliang have come over one after another. These people, or the high-ranking and famous , There are martial arts practitioners, and there are also military generals who once held official positions in Wu Ruiying and were recruited by Chen Yanshu and other senior officials after the defeat.These people came one after another, on the one hand, to congratulate Xiacun's great victory and praise Qin Shaoqian and others for their invaluable achievements; On the occasion of the great victory, the morale was high, so as to solve the siege of the capital together.

And the arrival of these people also asked a question on the sidelines: at the beginning, due to the defeat of the various armies, the various parties gathered and routed the troops, and everyone's arrangement was disrupted, but it was an expedient measure. Is it possible for these soldiers with different formations to return to the original formation?
The problem of the chaotic formation of soldiers may be difficult to solve for a while, but the placement of generals is relatively clear.For example, in the Xiacun Army at this time, He Zhicheng was originally under the command of He Chengzhong of the Wuwei Army, and Pang Lingming, Mao Yishan's chief, was a general under the command of Chen Yanshu of the Wusheng Army.At this time, such middle-level generals are often responsible for the stragglers under their command.The question of the soldiers can be vague, and these generals can only be regarded as "seconded" at the beginning, so when can they bring the soldiers back with them?
Xiacun's side is sloppy about such issues.But compared to the usual slowness and clumsiness when facing the Jurchens, the reactions of everyone on all sides at this time are sharp and quick.

Who can talk about things at this level, who would be a real waste?
****************
Beijing.

Coming out of the imperial city, Qin Yuyuan went to the Ministry of War to deal with a bunch of things at hand.When we left the lobby of the Ministry of War, the wind and snow were blowing, and the desolate city lights were covered by the wind and snow.

On this day, the Jurchens suspended their siege.According to the news from various quarters, during the previous long suffering, a ray of optimism has emerged. Even if the Jurchens win a big victory outside the city, and then turn around to attack the city, their morale will already be two and three. And exhausted.All the princes in the court have already felt the possibility of peace talks. Although the defense of the capital cannot be relaxed, due to the cessation of the Jurchen offensive, they finally got a moment of respite.

It's just that for Qin Yuyuan, many things will not be reduced because of this, and even because of the next possibility, the things to be prepared have suddenly become more pressing.

Whether it is war or peace, the follow-up things will only be more cumbersome.

"...Go to Suanzao Gate."

After instructing the attendants around him in this way, after getting into the carriage, the old man also read some news that was reported by the oil lamp in the carriage.In the past few days of the war, there have been countless casualties. Tens of thousands of people have died in Bianliang City, which has created a huge war weariness. Soaring prices and disordered public order are already happening. Women and children who have lost their families , The crying of the old man continued day and night, and such movements could be vaguely heard all the way from the Ministry of War to the city wall.And the problems caused by these things will eventually be collected in the hands of the old man, turning into huge problems and pressure that ordinary people cannot bear, and pressing on his shoulders.

When he reached the devastated Xin Suanzao Gate, the old man just put down his work, got out of the car, leaned on his crutches, and walked slowly towards the city wall.

There are bonfires and tents for heating around, soldiers and wounded gathered, and many people will look over here.The old man was thin, and he waved away the attendants who wanted to come to help him. While thinking about something, he walked towards the city wall with a cane. He didn't look at these people, including the wounded, and the sorrow of the family members who died in the city. Or, these days, the elderly are mostly indifferent and ignore them.When he got to the high stairs, he didn't let anyone help him. Instead, he walked up the stairs slowly while thinking about things.

The dilapidated city wall was filled with a bloody smell, the wind and snow were rushing, and in the night, the Jurchen barracks could be seen with dim lights, but it was pitch black in the far distance.The old man looked into the distance for a while, when a group of people and torches came, the old man at the head saluted Qin Yuyuan in the wind and snow, and Qin Yuyuan saluted towards that side.The two old men bowed silently in the wind and snow.

After a while, the old man on the other end opened his mouth, which is a kind of teacher's way.

"Hearing what happened in the palace today, Prime Minister Qin asked to send troops for his younger brother. Master Dao is very grateful."

"..." Qin Yuyuan silently and heavily cupped his hands.

Over there, Zhong Shidao straightened up: "It's just that this gratitude is selfish. Yu Gong, Shi Dao is just like other gentlemen, and he doesn't agree with Qin Xiang's idea. The capital is in danger, and the strength of the troops in the city has bottomed out. He rushed out of the city, but was caught The Jurchens were defeated one by one. If the Jurchens put all their eggs in one basket and attacked the city again, our side would only be more and more stretched. This is what the right minister said... oh..."

Both parties are extremely intelligent and humane people, and there are many things, whether they say it or not, it is the same.During the Battle of Bianliang, Qin Yuyuan was in charge of logistics and all mundane affairs, and did not intervene much in the war.It is exciting to see the troops coming from the Zhongshi division, but when the Jurchens change direction and attack with all their strength, it is impossible for the capital to send troops to rescue. This is also something that everyone knows.Under such circumstances, the only person who spoke out fiercely and wanted to fight the Jurchens with his last strength to save the seed master was Qin Yuyuan, who had always been safe, which was beyond everyone's expectations.

So much so that at the Golden Luan Hall today, apart from Qin Yuyuan himself, even the left minister Li Gang, who had always been his partner, raised objections to this matter.The matter of the capital is related to the survival of a country, so how can people put all their eggs in one basket?
What's more, regardless of whether the seed masters are dead or alive, it seems that there is hope for the end of this war.Why bother to grow such branches outside the festival.

The court ceremony lasted for a long time, and in the end, it just ended with Qin Yuyuan offending many people and making no achievements.After the discussion was over, the old man dealt with the government affairs, and came here again. As the elder brother of the teacher, although the teacher expressed his gratitude to Qin Yuyuan for his righteousness, he also felt that he could not send troops for the current situation.

"It's just... Prime Minister Qin, Zhong doesn't understand, you know exactly what the outcome of this meeting is, so why bother..."

In the wind and snow, Zhong Shidao and Qin Yuyuan walked to the city wall together, looking at the darkness in the distance, the fate of the Zhong Shi who didn't know where to go, and sighed softly.

……

"...Qin Yuyuan, an old dog, is acting strangely today."

In the imperial study room, after writing a few words, Zhou Zhe put down the brush, frowned, took a breath, then stood up and walked around.

"Du Chengxi, what do you think he is going to do..."

In the room, Du Chengxi, who was originally watching his heart, was shocked: "The Holy Majesty said earlier that the right minister is a talent from heaven, and what he thinks in his heart, I really can't guess."

"Hmph, a talent of the heavens." Zhou Zhe smiled with his hands behind his back, and then withdrew his smile, "Qin Yuyuan is a man with deep plans, and he knows all the right and wrong ways. He is really powerful. What a ghostly idea, the joints must have been opened before the court meeting. Only this time, hmph, such an idea was put forward, so that Li Gang did not stand on his side. letter."

Du Chengxi hesitated for a moment: "Your Majesty is wise, it's just that... this servant thinks, maybe it's because of a turning point in the battlefield that he just showed up today, and the right minister wants to open up the joints, but the time is too late?"

"Huh? You old dog, did you take his money to speak for him?" Zhou Zhe glanced at Du Chengxi.Du Chengxi was so frightened that he knelt down to plead guilty, and Zhou Zhe waved again.

"Get up, I'm just joking. Even if you take the money, it's okay. Could I still be bewitched by you?" He paused, "It's just that you're thinking about it wrong. If you don't have enough time, knowingly force you It is useless to support Qin Yuyuan, of course, he will not even open his mouth. He is fighting with the officials today. In my opinion, he must be aware of the awkward position. He is afraid that someone will settle accounts in the future, and he wants to make enemies and let power go! This old dog is scheming and knows that sometimes It's a good thing to be scolded by others and reprimanded by me, but how can I not see through such means...heh..."

He smiled, and that smile lasted strangely on his face for a long time, and then he didn't know whether he was chewing or reminiscing, and said a few words in a low voice: "Hey... Xia Village's great victory..."

Amidst the murmurs, someone came to announce that Li Yan had arrived.

"Announce him in."

Zhou Zhe said, and walked back behind the desk.

Not long after, Li Wei, the minister who was in charge of negotiating with the Jurchens out of the city last time, came in.

……

"...war is not the same as politics."

The wind and snow hit the city wall, and the pale beard and hair trembled in the wind and snow, and they were covered with frost.

Qin Yuyuan reached out and touched the frozen bloodstain on the girl's wall: "Over the years, I have tried to discuss with people what is the most important thing in the war. In Xiacun, I partnered with Youzi, named Ning Yi, who used to love Qiqiao the most. Skills, like to study the science of things, like to study firearms. Outsiders discuss wars, they often care about the tactics, what is in front, what is behind, and how to deal with a specific place. However... when you meet the Liao people Jurchens and Jurchens are useless, because my dynasty values ​​civility over martial arts, hundreds of thousands of troops have no fighting spirit, and tens of thousands of people beat them to pieces..."

The old man paused and sighed: "Brother Zhongshi, literati are like this. When arguing with others, you must choose one of the two. In fact, everything in the world cannot be separated from the word of the mean. Civil and martial arts are capable; galloping but not stretching, civil and martial arts cannot be done. One sheet and one relaxation are the way of civil and martial arts. But stupid people are often unable to distinguish. The old man seeks safety in his life, but above major events, all he does is risky. Up to now, brother Zhong Shi, do you think that even if I survive this time by chance, the Jurchens will not come here next time?"

Master Zhong said: "There is a lesson from this time, as long as we learn from it in the future, we will work hard now, and everyone in the court..."

"Brother Zhong Shi said it lightly." Qin Yuyuan smiled, "Several 10 people were defeated outside the city, and 10 people died in this city. If these 10 people are like this, there will be millions and millions of people. , It is also meaningless. What is the truth of this world, what are the problems of the court and the army, are there few people who can see clearly? In the world, what is lacking is never those who can see clearly. What is lacking is the courage to shed blood and dare to die The battle of Xiacun was the same reason. Before the departure of General Longhui, he invited everyone widely, but few people responded. It is said that Chen Yanshu once prevented people from joining, and Longhui was defeated in the battle. Yan Shu is so smart! However, if the dragon fen hadn't aroused everyone's blood, the battle of Xiacun might have been defeated. What's the use of smart people? If the world is full of such 'smart people', when things come to an end, everyone will die. If you keep silent and retreat, knowing how dangerous it is, and feeling disheartened, then Xiacun and Bianliang don’t need to be beaten, and millions of people are just slaves to pigs and dogs!”

"It's just that they are smart, but they are really smart, that's not the case." The old man shook his head, "Now, what do I lack? To prevent the next golden man from going south, what is missing? It's not from this capital city." The crowd of one million is not the hundreds of thousands of troops outside the city. It is the 1 people in Xia Village, the 1 people who died under the knife led by General Long Hui, and the [-] people who were led by Mr. Xiaozhong. There are more than [-] Jurchen soldiers. Brother Zhong, without them, the millions of people in our capital cannot be counted as human beings..."

Master Zhong was silent there, Qin Yuyuan looked at the darkness in the distance, and his lips trembled: "I may not understand the war, but I just hope to use the power of the city to restrain the Jurchens as much as possible so that they cannot attack Mr. Zhong with all their strength. When Xiacun's army pulls out their camp, and then confronts the Jurchen army, the capital may come forward to negotiate a peace, or they will be able to preserve their vitality. With these people, there will be the seeds of facing the Jurchen next time. If you let Mr. Xiaozhong stand outside the city The whole army is wiped out. In the next big war, who will dare to rescue the capital with all their strength? The old man also knows that this is a risk, but how can he know that there will be no disaster in the future? A little money..."

"... Prime Minister Qin has a good heart, Master Dao... On behalf of my brother and all the disciples of the Western Army, thank you." After a while, Master Zhong bowed again and saluted.The old man's face was sad, on the other side, Qin Yuyuan also took a breath, and returned the gift: "Brother Zhong, it is the old man who thanked the Western Army on behalf of the people in this world, and it is the one who can't help the Western Army..."

He sighed, and after a while, Zhong Shidao laughed.

"Actually, Prime Minister Qin may have been over-concerned." He said in the wind, "Brother She also seeks to be safe when he uses troops. This is how he behaved in the battle of Xixia. Even if he was defeated, it would be no problem to lead his subordinates to escape. In fact, Prime Minister Qin needn't worry about him."

"Oh, really." Qin Yuyuan replied, "Haha... I hope so."

On the city wall, the tired two men looked into the distance, and many soldiers on the wall also looked into the distance.Snowflakes were flying in the darkness, and because the torches were not brightly blown by the wind, they couldn't see each other's faces. On the face of the old man Qin Yuyuan, there were tears streaming down in the darkness. I think it's because of the strong snow wind on the city wall...

In the Jinluan Palace, Zhou Zhe had already given Li Yun his orders.

"...For the peace negotiation, Prime Minister Zuo really wanted to go there in person. After thinking about it, you have already dealt with Zongwang, and you are more tactful than Prime Minister Zuo. This time, I promise you to act according to the opportunity. At this time The Western Army led by the division is being pursued by Zongwang, I don't want the Western Army to suffer too much damage, you accept the order and leave the city quickly. This Wanyan Zongwang should also know the truth of accepting as soon as it is good!"

***************
North of Bianliang City, Wuzhangling.

In the middle of the night, the wind and snow froze everything in the world.

On Wuzhangling, there was a bonfire burning. Thousands of people were gathering on the cold mountain top. Since there were not many firewood around, there were not many fires that could be raised. Soldiers and horses gathered together, cuddling in the wind and snow to keep warm.

In the distance below the mountain, the fire light cruises, because of the messenger who searches for the soul in the dark.

Not long after, there was a sound of shouting and killing, and the snow wind swept across the mountain. The soldiers cheered up and were alert to the enemy attacking in the dark, but soon after, they discovered that it was just the enemy's scheming at night.

In a small tent in the center of the camp, an old man with a bandage on his body that was still oozing blood opened his eyes and listened to the sound.

"The person asking for help... rushed out..."

"Rush out, rush out..." said the old lieutenant general Wang Hongjia who had been by his side for many years.

"Don't stay here, beware of being surrounded, let everyone go quickly..."

"Yes."

Wang Hongjia agreed in this way, and after a while, he went out from this small tent, and a general with serious injuries came over: "The Jurchens have cut off the way around..."

……

"...The way of the Western Army has been completely cut off by our army."

Outside Wuzhang Ridge, in the temporary camp, scouts rushed over and reported the situation to Zongwang.Only then did Zong Wang get off his horse, untied his cloak and threw it to his followers: "Alright, surround them! If they want to break out, cut another piece off for me! I want them all to die here!"

After this day's battle, the Western Army persisted for most of the day under the onslaught of the Jurchens before collapsing.Most of the division led the way to escape, but in fact, Zongwang's anger at this battle had all been poured on this desperate Western army. When the Jurchen cavalry launched an all-out pursuit of the Western army, Xi The army's main formation had no chance of escaping smoothly. They were interspersed and cut all the way, and those who were alone were all slaughtered. In the end, they were forced to the top of the mountain.Both sides stopped.

Not long after, someone came again.

"Report to Commander-in-Chief, there is an envoy from Bianliang out of the city, and it is the Wu Dynasty man who came to negotiate last time. The Emperor Wu Dynasty..."

"kill him."

"...want to negotiate peace with us."

"Oh? Then don't kill him, bring him here."

"Yes."

"Let him watch me kill these people... then talk to them!"

……

Bianliang.

Late at night, in a small room near the city wall, people who came in from outside the city saw the old man.

"You kind..." Several young generals with blood on their bodies knelt down, and some even cried when they saw the old man coming over.

Zhong Shidao brought hot water, walked towards them, and patted their shoulders: "Got it, got it..."

"Chong Shuai, Mr. Zhong, he was trapped in Wuzhang Ridge..."

"Got it, got it, Cheng Ming and the others are one step ahead of you, they already know, drink some hot water to warm up..."

"Commander Zhong, will the imperial court send troops..."

"I said I got it!" The old man's voice was stern for a moment, and then he said, "I will take care of the next thing. You can eat something later, and meet Cheng Ming and the others. Someone will arrange for you to heal and live Down."

"Such a handsome..."

Several people were taken away shortly. In the room, Zhong Shidao sat on a chair, looking at the slightly shaking candles not far away.Not long after, the soldiers came over and reported to him that his companions had settled down. Mr. Zhong nodded, "Go down."

"Yes." The soldier replied, and when he was about to walk to the door, he looked back. The old man was still just sitting there blankly, looking at the light in front of him. ..."

"...There is no possibility, so don't be annoying."

Zhong Shidao replied, thinking of Qin Yuyuan and what they said at the top of the city earlier, in the light of the oil lamp, the old man quietly closed his eyes, his wrinkled face trembled slightly.

……

The next morning, Wuzhangling.

The snowstorm stopped.

The teacher came out of the tent.

Although he is called Mr. Xiaozhong, he is not young anymore, with white hair all over his head.He was seriously injured yesterday, but he still put on the armor at this time, and then he stepped on the horse and grabbed Guan Dao.

Soldiers gathered towards him, and many of them were frozen to death last night and could no longer move at this time.

"Brother will come over soon." The seed teacher ignored the dead soldiers and said to Wang Hongjia, "Follow me to break through!"

Wang Hongjia said: "Yes."

In Bianliang City, Zhong Shidao stood at the top of the city, looking at the seemingly endless snowfield in the distance.

Where he could not see, the seedling division rode their horses and swung their knives, rushing towards the Jurchen cavalry.

In Xia Village, the army marched out of camp.

In the small room in Bianliang City, Xue Changgong opened his eyes, and what he smelled was the smell of medicine in his nostrils, and his body was tightly wrapped.Turning her head slightly, a woman was also lying there on the small bed next to her. Her face was pale, her breath was weak, and she also smelled like medicine—but after all, she was still breathing—that was He Leier.

Not long after—he didn't know how long—someone came and told him that he was going to negotiate peace with the Jurchens.

The wind and snow outside the window had stopped. After experiencing such a long, hellish haze and snow, they finally saw the dawn for the first time...

(End of this chapter)