Rebel

"Brother Ao, Brother Ao..." When Huai Xin came again, Gu Ao was dozing off. He only opened his eyes when he heard the voice, walked to the gate, Huai Xin handed the food to Gu Ao, and lowered his voice The voice said: "As I said before, Tian Rong has tested many low-level generals these days, and they are all displeased with Mr. Lu's actions. If brother Ao makes trouble, they will never be enemies."

"...How about Ye Xiongguan and the soldiers?"

"Right now, Juncheng Ye is still working hard for brother Ao to get out of the prison. At this very moment, it is inconvenient for brother Ao to reveal his intentions to him..."

Gu Ao nodded: "Where is the coalition army marching now?"

Huai Xin said, "It's about half a month's journey before we reach Hanzhong."

"Time is running out..." Gu Ao frowned slightly, paced back and forth in the cell, Huai Xin said in a low voice, "It's just that Tian Rong visited Mr. Lu these few days and was very happy to flatter him."

"Oh?" Gu Ao stopped in his tracks, his eyes lit up slightly, "Tian Rong also opened up the situation with Mr. Lu?"

Huai Xin nodded, "Exactly."

Gu Ao thought for a while, then said in a low voice: "The meaning of Ye Xiongguan is that he hoped that I would be able to take over the post of military command again. But Mr. Lu was determined not to give up this matter, and it took so long. It seems that this plan does not make sense. .Since Tian Rong and Mr. Lu can talk, I have a plan to see if it works."

"Brother Ao, please speak."

"You can let Mr. Lu cut off my post of military command, and I will return to Caoye as a commoner."

Huai Xin slightly raised her eyebrows: "Brother Ao means..."

"The situation is urgent, and I can't take care of that much. If Hanzhong is breached, everything will be impossible to talk about. As long as I can get out of the prison, the next thing will be easy to plan."

"I understand."

Gu Ao said: "This matter should not be delayed, let Tian Rong make it happen as soon as possible."

"it is good."

While Gu Ao and Huai Xin were conspiring in prison, an uninvited guest ushered in outside a seemingly ordinary house on the border between Hanzhong and Qianzhong.With a few light horses, he galloped quickly across the rice fields in the surrounding fields, raising waves of sand and dust.Before the man came to the house, he got off his horse, exposed half of his beard under the bamboo hat, gave a slogan and then entered the house.

"My lord, I'm late." The visitor took off his hat and cloak, and strode into the inner room. Someone behind him gently closed the door.

Yu Junfan sat on the front seat and pointed to another vacant seat next to the table: "Uncle Ye, sit down."

Ye Xiongguan nodded, walked to the vacant seat with wind under his feet, turned around and sat down, leaned back in the chair, and sighed heavily: "Mr. I can no longer rashly report to Young Master Lu. My lord, you have to make up your mind!"

Yu Junfan pushed the teacup in front of Ye Xiongguan, and said slowly: "...inheriting my father's behest and doing my best for the world's 'peaceful people' is what I have been thinking about and doing all these years. Before, I asked But you, don't be as straightforward as Lu Taishou was when he was there. It's just because the poor family can't stand any turmoil. I'm afraid that Mr. Lu will turn his anger on you and dismiss you from the position of the county magistrate. There is no chance of turning around. The so-called inadvertent move, the whole game is lost."

"Then what are you waiting for, my lord? Gu Ao, I have taken a closer look at him. He is quick-witted when marching. He does not lose money when he is facing a big festival. He has courage when he is in danger."

"The more this is the case, the more we can't be turbulent in vain; now the invading enemy is not far from Hanzhong."

"What is the master's plan?"

"I have sent a secret envoy to see King Jiangqu, and I will be back soon."

"Well, everything will be arranged by the lord."

"I will see Mr. Lu again soon. After all, we have known each other since childhood and are friends. When the time comes, we will obey my orders."

"understood."

Under Tian Rong's mediation, Lu Dequan finally agreed to Gu Ao's proposal to return to Caoye as a commoner, after all, this proposal was much better than Ye Xiongguan's proposal.On the day Gu Ao was released from prison, many Hanzhong officials and generals came to see him off.Gu Ao bid farewell to them one by one, a few followers, a few brothers, a group of horses and horses, Gu Ao has no official status, and soon galloped to the foot of Chulong Mountain.

I saw the sun slanting to the west in front of me, and the golden light shone on the rural villages. The cattle and sheep in the alleys gradually returned to the sheds. The old man and the children sat on the ridge of the field singing songs, and the crutches and bamboo baskets leaned gently on the side of the stone. Closed, the women came back together to wash the rice...

Gu Ao rode a horse and stood there.

This place was originally a barren field, but I built it like this by myself.

Chen Jiang was beside Gu Ao and asked, "Brother?"

Dian Bushi was on the side, also looked at Gu Ao's face, then at the scene in front of him, and suddenly sighed: "Back then, the king of Ming Dynasty did not do this."

Gu Ao stared at the front for a long time before waving his whip again: "Go, go home!"

When the setting sun was about to fall to the other side of the mountain, in the twilight of the sun, Gu Ao's parents, everyone in Tianjiazhuang, and Gu Ao's brothers, all came to the intersection of the village to welcome Gu Ao.

Mr. Tian stood in front, his obese body had lost a whole circle of weight due to the long-term journey, vaguely showing the taste of a healthy and well-fed middle-aged man, Ergou looked at Gu Ao riding a horse from afar, stretched out With a long neck, Tian Xiaoniu next to him kept looking up and asked him: "Which one is the big brother? Quickly point it out to me!" Her enthusiasm earned Ergou an impatient pat: "Are you annoyed?"

Tian Song and Tian Bai got together, pointing from a distance: "Oh, that's Gu Ao, right?" After getting an affirmative answer, they couldn't help saying, "I haven't seen him in nearly ten years, but he looks so handsome now!"

Gu Ao got off his horse, Gu Ben didn't care that he was blind, he trotted towards Gu Ao, grabbed Gu Ao's shoulder, and burst into tears.He is old, and he seems to be half shorter, otherwise, why is the son in front of him so tall?

"Father..." Gu Ao's eye sockets couldn't help swell, Gu Ben patted Gu Ao's now strong back fiercely, and cried, "Ao'er!"

Gu Clan hugged Gu Jiang long ago, couldn't hold back his tears, and came to Gu Ao, sobbing, tears fell on Gu Jiang, Gu Jiang twitched his calves, wanting to cry, but Gu Clan pointed at Gu Ao Gu Jiang said: "Come, come, call Daddy!"

The people from Tianjiazhuang also gathered around, Tian Song was fat and thick now, he came to Gu Ao and said: "Oh, Gu Ao, do you still recognize me?"

Gu Ao laughed and said, "Why don't you recognize him? The eldest and second son of the Tian family, you two haven't seen each other for a long time."

Tian Bai also laughed: "It's been a long time!"

Er Gou was clamoring to see Gu Ao, but now when they meet, he stands far away.Maybe it's because of Gu Ao, now there is a demeanor that he has never seen in the mountains, which shocked him; maybe when he was a child, he never found that Gu Ao was born so handsome and handsome, now seeing him, Er Gou suddenly felt ashamed... He looked down at his calloused hands and the cloth shoes with exposed toes, and couldn't move for a while.

It was Gu Ao who came towards him: "Is it Ergou? After all these years, your appearance has not changed."

Ergou blushed for a moment, and ran away in a hurry.When Tian Xiaoniu saw Ergou run away, she also screamed and ran away.

The sun fell, and the whole earth seemed to be covered with a layer of mist.But not far away, a bonfire was lit immediately. The fire was more than ten feet high, extremely majestic and warm, and brought a lot of warmth to the countryside where the sunset was at the end of the day.

Gu Ao looked up, but saw Huai Xin sitting there by the high platform where the bonfire was burning, as if he had noticed Gu Ao's gaze, he waved his hand gently.

"When we were in Rongdi, my parents used to do this." Huai Xin pointed to the dancing fiery red.

Gu Ao nodded, today, he was immersed in the joy of reuniting with his family and old friends.

When the night of laughter is over, the cruel reality is still ahead.

Early the next morning, Gu Ao called Huai Xin, Chen Jiang, Dian Bushi and others to discuss countermeasures.The ancient army has been transferred to the front line.Although Gu Ao is not in command of the army, but Chen Jiang and other chiefs of staff are still in office; according to the order issued by the county, today the camp is going to be deployed to defend the various passes in Hanzhong, and names that Dian does not know are also accompanying the generals of the army .As soon as Chen Jiang and other students from the Chen family left, the responsibility for the management of Tian Luli, the lower village of Longshan, fell to the side. Gu Ao ordered Tian Rong, who had rushed back last night, Fang Xingye, to bring Tian Song and Tian Bai to familiarize themselves with Hanzhong affairs and prepare to take over the management. .

Seeing the army going out, Er Gouzi quarreled in front of Gu Ben to go with him, but when Gu Ao heard the news, Er Gou stood aside and raised his head, turned his face to one side, and stopped talking.Gu Ben explained Ergou's intention to join the army to Gu Ao, Gu Ao smiled and said, "What's so difficult?" He asked Chen Jiang to take Ergou out of the camp together, and Ergou said to Gu Ao before leaving: "You wait for me!"

Gu Ao smiled, "I'll wait."

Er Gou carried the knife and left, Gu Ao told Chen Jiangdao: "Give him a better knife."

"Yes."

At the same time, the Regent Yongchi led Jiangqu King, Jibei King, Ruyin King, Guangping King, and Julu King's coalition army of more than [-], known as a million, to pass Wuguan in mighty force, passing through Shangyong, All the way to Hanzhong!

On the road, the flags are all over the sky, the soldiers are solemn, shoulder to shoulder, the drums and horns are heard, the momentum is huge, the military appearance is pruned, and this is the case... The coalition forces crossed the Fenshui River, fearing dragons and snakes, cavalry ahead , like a galloping horse!

Yongchi led the horse 'Wuzhi', whose head was lowered under the steel cone, standing proudly on the top of the mountains. Looking down, the army of the five kings at the bottom of the mountain can be seen at a glance.

The black-haired horse spit out hot air from its nose, and its wild and restless body was restless in the restraint of the bridle. Yong Chi straddled the horse. He was dressed in a maroon red war robe and his eyes were bright and piercing. His gaze was cast into the distance.

——The fertile Hanzhong Plain!

Looking at the scene in front of him, Yong Chi raised the corners of his mouth slightly.He held the hilt of the sword tightly in his hand, but at this moment he couldn't help feeling that he was also holding the whole world in his palm.

That's right - aristocratic family, poor family, which one doesn't bow down to him?

Regarding the destination of the march, Yong Chi narrowed his phoenix eyes, and lightly spit out four words from the corner of his mouth: "You can get it at your fingertips!"

Yongchi's team kept attacking Hanzhong all day long, and Guao, who lived in seclusion at the foot of Chulong Mountain, also discussed countermeasures with Huaixin in his house day and night.Gu Shi occasionally brought some food, and the two ate and discussed the situation while eating.Now the army that originally belonged to Gu Ao has already gone to the front line under the order of the county city, but Gu Ao has established another kind of connection with them.

As the commander-in-chief of Hanzhong, Lu Dequan, although he has the power to dispatch troops, he can never accurately determine how to dispatch troops and how to use them in a battle. , Discussed in detail with Huai Xin how to deploy strategies to defend against the enemy.

The confrontation of the vanguard troops in front soon began, and the battle reports came out of the houses at the foot of Longshan one by one.Lu Dequan personally led the army to set up camp on the plain between Shangyong and the gate of Hanzhong, preparing to intercept the road and attack the invading enemy.Gu Ao's Bingjia guards were scattered, guarding Jiange Pass and many other checkpoints.

Ye Xiongguan suggested many times to order Lü Dequan to lead his army back to the mountains next to the gate of Hanzhong, and wait for work with ease, but Lv Dequan refused.

"Is there no news from Mr. Yu?" Gu Ao asked today.

Huai Xin said: "So far, he hasn't broken his face with the family, and Yong Chi's conquest has never mentioned Bashu. In my opinion, it's not that Mr. Yu has no news, but he doesn't dare to gamble. He is giving himself a way out."

"Leave him alone, what's going on now?"

Now, Lu Dequan in the front is taking the few remaining cavalry in Hanzhong to intercept the vanguard of the coalition forces.It is said that after three days of fierce fighting in the field, Lu Dequan finally returned with a bloody victory under the guard of the generals.It was said to be 'victory' because it repelled the attack of the Pathfinder forward, and it was said to be 'miserable' because the 2 people in the battalion were almost wiped out.

Lu Dequan entered the big tent with injuries all over his body. With red eyes, he yelled at the commander of his subordinates: "...Come on! Call me another three thousand soldiers and horses, and I will kill the generals! It is the people of these aristocratic families who have carried their backs!" Father, I am going to avenge my father!"

There was no words in the tent, Lu Dequan said angrily: "Speak!"

Only then did You Bingtong take a step forward and said, "My lord, how can there be three thousand soldiers here now? In yesterday's battle, the defenders were killed and wounded. Now there are only two thousand wounded soldiers left to rest. Eight hundred old and weak soldiers." As he said that, the soldier commander knelt down in front of Lu Dequan: "My lord... let's retreat...why show off for a while? Hanzhong is surrounded by mountains, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and there are many barriers. If they dare to come in , dragged them to death...Young Master..."

"You all don't understand..." As Lu Dequan began to pace anxiously, he said angrily: "You all don't understand! Do you know what it means to keep the enemy out of the county? My father has worked hard for more than ten years, and finally Hanzhong is run like this, the sound of chickens and dogs is heard, and neighbors look at each other... Let me tell you, I will not give up an inch of land! You... Are you the guards of Hanzhong? You let me watch the family break me The defense of the poor family is called luring the enemy to go deep? Are you still subordinates of the poor family?"

Seeing that Lu Dequan was angry, another army commander also took a step forward and said, "My lord, my lord! Let's fight and retreat, and guard the pass! Just as the second lord said, hide in the wild and send out surprise soldiers! Hanzhong is dangerous on three sides. There is a lot to do! My son..."

"You...you...you..." Lu Dequan had blue veins on his forehead, and pointed at the two with trembling fingers, "you just listen to that ignorant man who fled? When did he say that? When did he tell you? of?"

One of the army commanders said: "Second Young Master said that a long time ago! Hanzhong defenders know what Second Young Master said! Although he lives under Chulong Mountain now, he cares about the situation of the battle every day, and often sends letters to cheer up the generals..."

The other military commander was also moved and said: "Yes, yes... a while ago, General Dian defeated the left vanguard of the coalition army in the battle of horns in the right army. Besides..."

"Come here..." Lu Dequan gritted his teeth before he finished listening, and said: "You guys refuse to obey my orders, talk about military affairs, and don't transfer troops! What crime should I have?"

"Young Master, Young Master! Where are you going to find the Three Thousand Soldiers now?"

"Anyone who doesn't follow the order to deploy troops will be killed!"

The defenders of Hanzhong had just thrown their heads and shed their blood in the battle of the vanguard in the middle of the coalition army. Now they have just returned to the camp. What awaits them is not the reward for their military exploits, but the butcher's knife of their own people.Their blood drifted away, and the smell of blood drifted from the front of the formation to the enemy's formation, and filled all the defenders in Hanzhong County.

Yong Chi looked at the battle report in the big tent, and was very satisfied with the fact that the coalition forces were in full swing. After leaving the battle report, he smiled mockingly: "Zhuzi!"

I saw that the battle report clearly stated that the three soldiers who followed Lu Dequan to guard the gate of Hanzhong were unjustly killed before the battle-the army's morale was broken!

The vanguard of the coalition army commanded by Yongchi got the news, and the starry night struck, and Lu Dequan led his men to flee like a gallop.

The gate of Hanzhong is wide open.

At the same time, Aihong flew all over Hanzhong. For a while, the entire county was shaken, and everyone felt chilled.Gu Ao who was at the foot of the Dragon Mountain also received the letter at this time, Huai Xin asked beside him, "How is it?"

Gu Ao stood up, put on his battle armor, and said to Huai Xin: "The time has come."

Huai Xin was taken aback, quickly picked up the carved dagger that was put aside, and handed it to Gu Ao.This sword was a gift from Father Huai, and later Gu Ao handed it to Mei Jun, and when Mei Jun left, it was hung on the wall again, with the letter 'Farewell, I hope you cherish it' attached to it.Since then, it has been taken back by Gu Ao and worn around his waist.

Gu Ao took the sword, Huai Xin trotted out the door, and immediately went to find someone to lead Gu Ao's horse.

The next time they came out of Longshan Mountain, there were two hundred young men from Tian's family gathered. They were all selected by Gu Ao and Huai Xin these days, and they practiced as an army in the village on weekdays.

At this time, Gu Ao ordered to issue swords to everyone, and with all their gear ready, a group of people rushed to the county city in the starry night!

The moonlight was alluring, during the march, everyone held up torches in their hands, the team lined up shoulder to shoulder, winding in the mountains, Gu Ao looked back, as if seeing a fire dragon entrenched in the wild!

Out of the Dragon Mountain, the momentum lives up to its name.

The march was very fast, and the strong wind cut the face.

Along the way, Hanzhong garrison troops from all walks of the county's central pass, whenever they saw it was Guao, they all switched on and let them go.Some people even led the crowd to join the team, bowed to Gu Ao and said, "Second Young Master!"

There is no customs clearance nameplate, and no passing documents, but the team gathered more and more, and rushed all the way to the county town!

The torches stretching for several miles illuminate the night sky and people's hearts.

On the county tower, Tian Rong appeared in the night, he waved to Gu Ao, Gu Ao nodded, Tian Rong then said a few words to the guarding general beside him, the gate of Hanzhong County is now open!

The army with torches poured into the county like a flood, and the neighing of war horses sounded scattered, and the steps of the people were heavy, knocking on every stone step, echoing on the streets of the city.

At the same time, troops supporting Gu Ao came from all directions upon hearing the news, and fifty thousand soldiers entered the city one after another, gathering in the county mansion for a while.They enshrined Gu Ao in the center and surrounded the county mansion.

"Second son!"

"Second son!"

"Second son!"

Everyone's voices sounded one after another, and behind Gu Ao were countless torches, burning brightly like the illuminated sky!

The soldiers of the county guard stood there quietly, and Gu Ao gently raised his hand, signaling that he would stop speaking behind him.The shouting behind him gradually subsided, Gu Ao got off his horse, walked quickly to the door, and said to the guard: "I'll wait, I want to see Mr. Lu."

As soon as the words fell, a member of the Yu family stepped out of the door.Gu Ao took a closer look, and found that this person was the one who was sent by Yu Junfan to accompany him to travel around the counties.Nayu Family Tribute walked up to Gu Ao, bowed and said, "Second Young Master, please come in to discuss business, you are not allowed to bring troops and armor."

As soon as the voice of that song fell, several military commanders behind him shouted loudly: "Let the eldest son come out! Let the eldest son come out!"

Huai Xin also got off the horse at this time, the flames illuminated his slender outline, which looked hazy in the dark night, he took a step forward, grabbed Gu Ao and said, "Brother Ao! There is deceit!"

Gu Ao turned around and looked at thousands of pairs of eyes staring at him behind him. In the dark night, they were lit brightly by the flames.

Gu Ao said in a loud voice: "I came here today for Hanzhong, for a poor family, not for the safety of one person, I will go inside to see my brother! Wait for me!"

Huai Xin looked anxious, Gu Ao took a few steps forward to enter, Huai Xin gritted her teeth, stretched out her arms to grab Gu Ao's clothes: "...Brother Ao, Brother Ao...you can't go in..."

"I came here in a dignified way, so naturally I will enter in a dignified way."

Huai Xin tightly held the sleeves in his palm, and did not let Gu Ao enter. Gu Ao lightly held Huai Xin's hand, and said in a low voice, "If I go in and die, you will command everyone for me. If Hanzhong cannot hold it , you can lead your army northward out of Tianshui to fight against the army.”

"Brother Ao..."

Gu Ao said, "I'll come when I go."

Huai Xin was still unwilling to let go, Gu Ao pried open Huai Xin's palm lightly with a little force, the narrow sleeve fell from Huai Xin's fingertips, Gu Ao turned around and followed the Yu family trilogy, entered the gate of the county mansion.

The door closed behind him with a bang, solemn and dull.It seemed to separate the hustle and bustle of the rustling soldiers outside, as well as the bloody gale between the blades.

In the county mansion, the wind blew past, and under such a dark night, it seemed that there was still the tranquility of a leaf falling to the ground.

Gu Ao walked through the corridors and pavilions following the trilogy of Nayu's family. He observed the surroundings calmly.Is the swordsman hiding under the green shade of the pavilion?

Finally came to the Inner Hall of Yizheng, Na Yu Family Tribute stopped in front of the door, and made a 'please' gesture to Gu Ao.The silent servants on both sides opened the door respectfully for Gu Ao.

Gu Ao stepped in, and the candlelight in front of his eyes was bright and majestic, shining on the resplendent decoration inside.

... The entire lobby was quiet and silent, yet empty and very cold.There was only one person leaning sideways in the chair, unable to see his face clearly, only the bright candle was shining, casting a long shadow on his body.Gu Ao approached step by step, the footsteps echoed in the hall, Yu Junfan didn't raise his head, nor looked at Gu Ao, Gu Ao asked, "Where is Mr. Lu? I heard that he will return after defeat."

Yu Junfan tapped the armrest with his fingertips, looked ahead, and said softly, "I just met Mr. Lu."

Gu Ao couldn't help lowering his voice: "What about others?"

Only then did Yu Junfan raise his eyes and look at Gu Ao: "...I have known him since I was young, but unfortunately, I have never been able to say anything, and the words are not speculative, but after all I recognize him as a friend." , Yu Junfan sighed, stood up, and walked slowly step by step to Gu Ao's side: "I know, he has been thinking about revenge since Lu Taishou passed away... just now he came back from a serious injury, distraught, I told you He said, it was Yong Chi's men who were chasing him, since he wanted revenge, why not rush back? After listening to my words, he raised his sword, took some people with him, and left."

Yu Junfan's gaze was quiet, and Gu Ao looked at the person in front of him slightly in a daze. Yu Junfan showed a wry smile: "At this time, the front may have sent back the battle report of Mr. Lu Yusha."

As soon as the words were finished, there was a sound from outside the door—"Report—" A member of the Yu family stepped in quickly, took out the book in the bamboo tube neatly, and presented it to Yu Junfan. Yu Junfan only glanced at it, and then Sighed to Gu Ao: "If you seek benevolence and get benevolence, how can you get resentment?"

The Yu family song had already retreated, and Yu Junfan clapped his hands twice. At this time, several waiters came out from both sides, and carefully opened the cabinet in the middle of the lobby. Gu Ao opened his eyes wide for a moment, and saw a A king's suit

——Black forged silver pattern, seven dragons chasing the sun, dragon pattern trimming, cicada shirt and Lin belt,

Under such a bright candlelight, it looks precious and arrogant.

Gu Ao was stunned for a moment.

How can he not see...

The king's clothes didn't fit Lu Dequan's figure at all, but the height was just right for his figure!

Before Gu Ao came back to his senses, several maids came to Gu Ao's side, knelt at his feet, and skillfully untied the riding boots he was wearing, while other maids stepped forward to untie Gu Ao's belt, and gave Gu Ao Pulling off the outer armor, others put on the royal robes and carefully brought them to Yu Junfan.

Yu Junfan held the royal robe with both hands and let it hang down with a shake. He came behind Gu Ao and put the royal robe on Gu Ao himself.

Gu Ao lowered his head, watching Yu Junfan stretch out his hands and gently straightened his clothes, tied his belt, and stroked the hem, his skin accidentally touched, Yu Junfan raised his eyes and looked at Gu Ao.

Gu Ao asked: "Young Master Yu, how long have you been planning?"

Yu Junfan's gaze was under the bright candle, a little unpredictable, as clear and shallow as mist, and as deep as night, he looked at the rolling dragon pattern embroidered on Gu Ao's chest, raised his hand for Gu Ao Ao straightened his collar, and lifted Gu Ao's loose hair. Gu Ao held Yu Junfan's hand and looked at him: "I'm asking you something."

"...As long as you." Seeing that Gu Ao did not let go, Yu Junfan smiled again: "Maybe longer than you."

At this time, someone held out a golden crown, and Yu Junfan put it on for Gu Ao himself. His bodies were so close and his chests were close to each other. When he smelled Yu Junfan's breath, Gu Ao thought to himself, "He is also a man, but why is it so annoying?" Why can't you figure it out? Yu Jun Fandi put on the hat for Gu Ao, and smiled: "Han King Hall, don't you go outside to see your servants?"