Taiping Lie 389. Calculations in the Deployment Map

Yao Ji was embroidering in Mu Yang's tent. A figure quickly entered the tent. Yao Ji was startled and looked up with caution. She was relieved when she saw the person. She asked with some worry, "Why are you here?"

The person who came was Qin Feng. Qin Feng was wearing ordinary Chu army uniforms, with only a little modification on his face. People who knew him well would not be unrecognizable, but people who were not familiar with him would find it difficult to see his true face at a glance. Qin Feng glanced at Yao Ji on the couch. She had taken off her gorgeous and beautiful clothes, and was only wearing a simple green dress and a white fox fur cloak. Compared with the previous dazzling appearance, she was more delicate and gentle.

Qin Feng's cold eyes warmed up slightly, and he smiled faintly: "Don't worry, there are no outsiders outside." Yao Ji nodded. She also knew that the guards near this tent were the secret guards of the Mohist Army and the Qilin arranged by Qin Feng, so she didn't have to worry about being discovered when she talked to Mu Lie. Knowing that Qin Feng would not suddenly appear in her tent for no reason, Yao Ji put down her sewing, stood up and asked: "But what else?"

Qin Feng said, "General Lu and the princess are almost here, but General Lu's troops were blocked by the Chu army 200 miles away. Mo Jingli just ordered Mu Yang to lead 100,000 troops to reinforce them. He intends to wipe out General Lu's army in one fell swoop." Yao Ji frowned slightly and said, "Where is the princess?" Qin Feng said, "The princess should have taken another route. I'm leaving the barracks to meet the princess. You will have to take care of everything in the Chu army camp."

Yao Ji nodded and said, "Don't worry. By the way." Yao Ji took out a hairpin from her head and put it in Qin Feng's hand, saying, "This is the Chu army's defense map. I saw it from Mu Yang. Be careful."

Qin Feng raised his eyebrows, twisted the hairpin gently, and the hairpin split into two halves, revealing a tiny paper roll in the hollow in the middle. Qin Feng took out the paper and read it, wrote down what was drawn on it, and threw the paper roll into the charcoal basin beside him. Then he restored the hairpin to its original shape, gently pinned it on Yao Ji, and said lightly: "The gold hairpin is too dazzling in the army, and it is easy to be discovered. But... you can give it to me later."

Yao Ji couldn't help but blush. Although she was already over 30 years old, the snow-white fox cape still made her face look slightly rosy and beautiful. Yao Ji turned aside and said calmly, "Go quickly and be careful."

Qin Feng was not in a hurry. He just looked at Yao Ji thoughtfully and asked, "Are you worried about me?"

Yao Ji was stunned for a moment, and finally sighed and said: "After this matter is over, if we are both still alive... I will give you an answer."

It was the first time that Qin Feng saw Yao Ji being so straightforward. Although there was no clear answer, it was also the first time that Yao Ji gave a positive response to her feelings. Not wanting to force him any further, Qin Feng whispered, "Don't worry, we will all be alive. I'm leaving first." After saying that, he turned around and slipped out of the tent.

Yao Ji was lost in thought as she stared at the empty tent. She shouldn't have been thinking about these issues at this time, but she was lost in thought. In fact, she had understood a long time ago that Mu Yang might be the beautiful dream in every woman's heart, but Qin Feng was more like the one who could give women security and loyalty. With Qin Feng's status in the Ding Palace and in front of the Ding Princess, he could have any kind of beautiful woman he wanted. Why would he wait for a woman like her who was over 30, old and had given birth to a child? But compared to Mu Yang in the past, Yao Ji was even more reluctant to ruin Qin Feng.

"Yao Ji." Mu Yang came in from outside and was stunned for a moment when he saw Yao Ji standing in the middle of the tent in a trance. He asked softly, "Yao Ji, what's wrong?" Yao Ji narrowed her eyes slightly, a trace of determination flashed across her eyes, but a faint smile appeared on her lips. She shook her head and said, "Nothing, just random thoughts, is there something wrong?"

Mu Yang said apologetically, "I'm going to lead the troops to the battle. If there's anything, you can send someone to find father." Although the old Marquis Mu Yang was very unhappy that his son took a woman and a child with him, even Mo Jingli, the emperor and the commander-in-chief, didn't say anything, so the old Marquis Mu Yang naturally wouldn't say anything. Besides, Mu Lie was his only grandson after all, so even if he was unhappy, he would still take care of him.

Yao Ji nodded and turned to walk inside. "Do you need me to pack anything for you?"

Mu Yang held her and said, "No, it's not far. They will be back in a few days. Just take good care of Lie'er, Yao Ji... When this northern expedition is over, the emperor will definitely reward you according to your merits. Then I will ask the emperor to give you the rank and title of imperial consort. I won't have to worry about you and Lie'er being wronged anymore."

Yao Ji slightly pushed away Mu Yang's embrace and said lightly: "As long as Lie'er is safe and sound, I don't need any rank or title." Mu Yang smiled faintly, thinking that she was refusing because she was embarrassed, and didn't take it to heart.

"Even if you can't be gone for a few days, you should still bring some clothes. It's still very cold in the north." Yao Ji turned aside to pack her things. Seeing that she insisted, Mu Yang stopped arguing and walked aside with a smile to look at some official documents.

After a while, Mu Lie came in and saw Mu Yang and hurried forward to salute. "Father, shouldn't they tell him that he is going to the war?" Mu Lie asked curiously. Mu Yang picked him up and put him on his knees, smiling, "Yes, father is leaving tonight. Lie'er must listen to mother." Mu Lie nodded and said, "I understand."

Mu Yang was very happy that his son, who never liked to be approached, sat on his lap obediently. He simply took Mu Lie away to read the official documents, but he didn't notice that the eight-year-old child in his arms was staring at the documents in front of him. Every time Mu Yang turned a page, Mu Lie's eyes would flicker and he would carefully write down what he saw.

"Old Marquis." The guards outside the door saluted in unison.

Mu Yang raised his head and saw the old Marquis Mu Yang coming in from outside. He quickly stood up and said, "Father." The old Marquis Mu Yang naturally saw Mu Yang holding Mu Lie reading the official documents just now. He frowned slightly and said, "We will go to war soon. How can we not be prepared yet?"

Mu Yang smiled and said, "Yao Ji is packing things. Everything is ready. Don't worry, father." Old Marquis Mu Yang nodded and said, "That's good. Lu Jinxian is a famous general of the Mohist Army. You must be careful." Mu Yang looked at his father in confusion. It was not his first time to go on an expedition. Moreover, his father had just said the same thing once in the big tent. "Father, but...is there a problem?"

Old Marquis Muyang shook his head and said, "Nothing. I'm just... a little worried about you." What Old Marquis Muyang didn't say was that he had always had a bad feeling since he left for the expedition. But at this time, his son was about to leave, so he naturally couldn't say such unlucky words.

Mu Yang understood and laughed loudly, "Now that our army has taken the upper hand, my son will lead the troops to intercept Lu Jinxian. Even if we cannot win a complete victory, there will be no danger. Don't worry, father."

Old Marquis Muyang didn't understand what he was worried about, and could only think that he had more worries as he got older, so he nodded. Yao Ji came out with the packed gifts, and was also startled when she saw Old Marquis Muyang. She leaned forward slightly and said, "Old Marquis."

Old Marquis Muyang nodded. Although he had some complaints about Yao Ji's status, because she had a son named Mu Lie, Yao Ji had behaved more decently than Sun Shi, the first wife, and Old Marquis Muyang could not show any disrespect to her. He just ordered: "After Yang'er goes to the battle, you should take Lie'er with you in the tent and take good care of him. Don't let him wander around casually."

Yao Ji nodded obediently and said, "Yao Ji understands. Please rest assured, old marquis."

Mu Lie stood beside Mu Yang and said very obediently: "Grandfather, Lie'er will listen to mother's words."

The old Marquis Muyang nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave. When he reached the door of the big tent, he turned back to look at the desk where Mu Yang had been sitting and said, "Don't bring back official documents and battle reports in the future."

After seeing off the old Marquis Muyang, Mu Yang said goodbye to Yao Ji and Mu Lie before leaving with the gifts Yao Ji had prepared. In the tent, Mu Lie and Yao Ji stared at each other for a long while, and Yao Ji frowned and asked, "Did Marquis Muyang find out?"

Mu Lie's face wrinkled up, and after thinking for a while, he said, "Probably not. He probably thinks that Mu Yang's family will not live in a good place after putting those things." Even if the old Marquis Mu Yang was smart, he would not doubt a grandson who was only eight or nine years old. If the old Marquis Mu Yang had discovered his identity, he would not have just given a few simple reminders.

Yao Ji nodded and said, "In short, it's better to be careful."

"I know, don't worry. By the way... I just saw a few ambush locations of the Chu army. I'll draw them and you can have someone send them to General Lu later."

"good."

When Mu Yang left the Chu army camp that night, a secret letter also flew to where Lu Jinxian was.

After Ye Li said goodbye to Lu Jinxian, he led 200,000 soldiers and horses to bypass the narrow shortcut and go south from the official road. After two or three days of rapid march, they arrived not far from the Chu army and set up camp there and did not move forward. This disappointed Mo Jingli, who had been waiting there for a long time. He naturally hoped that Ye Li would lead the troops to fight the Chu army directly. In this way, Mo Jingli would have at least 80% confidence in defeating the Mo family army.

In the Mohist Army camp, Qin Feng, who had come out of the Chu Army camp, also appeared here. After not seeing each other for several months, the people around Ye Li were still very familiar with Qin Feng. Yun Ting even stepped forward and touched Qin Feng's shoulder without any hesitation and said with a smile: "Commander Qin is really elusive. After not seeing him for several months, he suddenly appeared on the battlefield again. Tell me quickly, where have you been these few months?"

Qin Feng had always been by Ye Li's side. The last time Ye Li came back from Jiangnan, Qin Feng had disappeared. The Mo family army was not completely uncurious, but it was difficult to ask because the princess might have sent him on an important mission. Now that Qin Feng was back, Yun Ting naturally wanted to know the first-hand news without hesitation.

Zhuo Jing and Lin Han knew the truth, but they were also very curious. They were naturally curious about Qin Feng's personal problems. Ye Li had many subordinates, but the most special one was Qin Feng. Because he was not only the personal guard appointed by Prince Ding to protect the princess, but also the leader of Qilin. He had been with Princess Ding for more time than Zhuo Jing and others who were originally Princess Ding's secret guards. And the people who had the deepest friendship with him were naturally Zhuo Jing, Lin Han and Wei Rui.

Ye Li smiled faintly, glanced at Yun Ting and said with a smile: "If you have any questions, you can ask them in private. Qin Feng, what's the news in the Chu army?" Qin Feng nodded and said in a deep voice: "Reporting to the princess, the prince of Zhennan, Lei Tengfeng, appeared in the Chu army camp the day before yesterday and has not left. In addition, two days ago, Mo Jingli sent Mu Yang to lead an army of 100,000 to intercept General Lu. And Mo Jingli himself, I'm afraid he has already set up his formation and is waiting for the arrival of the princess."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly, "Lei Tengfeng?"

Qin Feng nodded and said, "That's right. Lei Tengfeng is in the Chu army camp, and Mo Jingli doesn't treat him well. Lei Tengfeng is also very obedient and rarely raises any opinions. But it's a bit strange that he hasn't left." Ye Li thought for a while and asked, "What did Lei Tengfeng say?" Qin Feng said, "Lei Tengfeng said that he was ordered by the King of Zhennan to go and wait for Mo Jingli's orders. But Mo Jingli would never let Lei Tengfeng get in touch with the military power of the Chu army, so he has been sidelined there. Not allowing him to do anything, naturally he can't control anything. However, Lei Tengfeng himself doesn't seem to mind at all."

Ye Li thought for a moment, frowned and said, "Send someone to check whether Lei Tengfeng has brought his troops here."

Qin Feng was slightly startled, and said: "Princess, what you mean is that Lei Tengfeng might secretly bring troops here, wanting to wait for the Mo family army and the Chu army to be defeated and then sit back and reap the benefits?" After all, on the surface, Lei Tengfeng did not bring a single soldier to the Chu army. But this does not mean that he cannot place troops nearby. Ye Li shook his head and said lightly: "It is not necessarily possible to sit back and reap the benefits, but it is possible to seize the opportunity and take advantage of the fire."

Qin Feng nodded and said solemnly: "Please rest assured, Princess. I will definitely find out Lei Tengfeng's purpose. Princess, this is the Chu army's defense map that Yao Ji got." Qin Feng presented the map in his hands. Ye Li took it and looked at it, frowning and asked: "Is it credible?"

Qin Feng said: "I have sent people to check it out, and it is mostly credible."

"Most of them?" Ye Li raised her eyebrows with interest. Qin Feng said, "The deployment map is real, but... some parts are half true and half false. Mo Jingli does not trust the generals around him. Including the Muyang Marquis' Mansion." Qin Feng could understand this. After all, the Mo family army failed because of this and almost caused the destruction of the Dingwang Mansion. Although the incident had nothing to do with Mo Jingli, Mo Jingli would still learn from his lessons, not to mention that Mo Jingli's own suspicion was no less than Mo Jingqi's.

However, Mo Jingli probably didn't expect that Qin Feng didn't use the defense map directly after getting it. Instead, he used the time when Ye Li hadn't arrived yet to send Qilin to draw cards for these locations one by one.

Ye Li looked at the map in her hand, which was only the size of a handkerchief and was covered with various densely packed symbols. The black one was the map Qin Feng had originally taken from Yao Ji, and the red words and symbols on it were added or crossed out after Qin Feng's research. She handed the map to Zhuo Jing, and soon, Zhuo Jing returned a brand new defense map to Ye Li.

Ye Li took a look, put the map down and asked, "Do you think this is complete?"

Qin Feng thought for a moment, shook his head and said, "The Chu army has 800,000 troops, but I think that with Mo Jingli's obsession and hatred towards the Mo family army, there may be more than this number. But from the deployment map, it is less than 600,000. I think... Mo Jingli may have hidden a killer mace."

"Mo Jingli has grown a lot." Ye Li smiled. In order to deal with the Mo family army, Mo Jingli did everything he could, and he even made so many changes to the defense map, which was far beyond the intelligence Mo Jingli usually showed. Can this be considered an extraordinary performance?

"If you were Mo Jingli, where would you most likely hide the 200,000-plus troops?" Ye Li asked.

Qin Feng lowered his head to think, and Yun Ting beside him also stretched his neck to look, curled his lips and said: "If I were Mo Jingli, I would use these 200,000 troops to deal with the palace. If I can defeat the princess... even if General Lu breaks through the blockade later, he will become a lone army deep in the enemy's territory and be trapped on all sides. Moreover... if Mo Jingli defeats the princess in one battle, it will be very good news for the demoralized Chu army, and it will also severely hit the morale of the Mo family army and Ding Wangfu."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Yun Ting has indeed grown a lot stronger."

Yun Ting was about to retort that even a fool could think of this, but then he thought, if he said that, wouldn't that make him just like a fool? He could only chuckle and say, "Master taught me well."

Ye Li looked at the map in front of her, pointed at three places on the map and said, "Here, here, and here. What do you think?" Lin Han said, "If that's the case, our army will be surrounded by the mountains as soon as we leave Hangu Pass. Add to that the troops led by Mo Jingli Ming, and we will be surrounded by at least 300,000 soldiers. But... does Mo Jingli have this idea?" What if they thought too highly of themselves, and Mo Jingli didn't expect that they would end up scaring themselves.

Qin Feng said, "Even if Mo Jingli doesn't have it, the old Marquis Muyang will have it." Qin Feng has been in the Chu army camp the longest, and naturally knows a lot about the old Marquis Muyang, who is now the most valued by Mo Jingli and is also the most capable fighter in the Chu army. Character does not represent ability. Even though many generals and ministers of the Great Chu despise the character of the old Marquis Muyang, no one can deny his ability.

Yun Ting shrugged and said, "If we want to surround them from both sides with General Lu, we must leave Hangu Pass. Even if there are 300,000 troops ahead, we have to go. We can't retreat now." Maybe his master has already wiped out the ambushed Chu troops and reached the destination. By then, it will be those of us who took the flat road who are late, which will not be a good thing.

Ye Li held her forehead and thought for a while, then chuckled and said, "Yun Ting is right. If we go too late, it will harm General Lu." After hearing what Ye Li said, Yun Ting also became a little anxious, "Princess, what should we do? How are we going to survive here?"

Ye Li thought about it and had a plan in mind. She said in a deep voice: "Yun Ting, you lead 150,000 troops to attack Hangu Pass."

"Ah?" Yun Ting was shocked and looked at Ye Li with some worry. Was the princess too anxious? Although Hangu Pass is not a border fortress, it is the most famous ancient battlefield in the Central Plains. It has been a battleground for military strategists since ancient times. It is also known as the first pass in the Central Plains. This is why Lu Jinxian wanted to take a shortcut. If both sides set up a confrontation in front of Hangu Pass, let alone 150,000 people, even 500,000 people may not be able to break through Hangu Pass in just a few days. Now that it is known that Mo Jingli has set an ambush here in advance, I am afraid that his few people will not be enough to fill the teeth of the Chu army.

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "I'm not really asking you to force an attack, just pretend to force an attack and don't let people suspect you."

Yun Ting reacted quickly and asked, "Princess, where are you going?" Since the princess asked him to lead the army to feint, the trap must be to cover up the princess's true intention. Ye Li smiled and said, "Buddha said: It cannot be said."

Yun Ting suddenly became depressed, and looked at Ye Li eagerly and said, "Princess, I know you are going to do something fun, can't you take me with you? I will do anything for you!" Every time the princess sneaked out, she would do something earth-shattering, which made Yun Ting envious and jealous of Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing and others.

Ye Li looked at him with a half-smile and said, "Now the only ones who can lead troops in the army are you and me? Which one of us does General Yun intend to let stay?"

Yun Ting was stunned. If the princess didn't go, then what fun would it be? But if the princess went... then he couldn't go.

Ye Li raised her hand and patted Yun Ting's shoulder and said with a smile: "You are also very important here. How much we can do depends on how long you can hold back the Chu army without being discovered. If you succeed, I will personally go to General Lu to ask for your credit."

Hearing this, Yun Ting immediately became alert. Yun Ting had just become a disciple. During the past few days of marching, he took time to read Lu Jinxian's handwriting and was full of admiration for this new master. He was worried that he had no achievements to show off in front of his master. After hearing Ye Li's words, he immediately perked up and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Princess, I promise that I will not interfere with your important matters!"

Ye Li nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good, go ahead."

"Yes, I'll take my leave!" Yun Ting bowed and took his leave, then went out to count his troops.

Inside the tent, everyone couldn't help laughing as they watched Yun Ting rush out like the wind. Lin Han said with a smile, "General Yun is almost thirty, right? He is really... true to himself."

Ye Li couldn't help but smile. In fact, Yun Ting is not young, although he is the youngest among the famous generals in the world today. Although he has fought hard in the Mohist Army in recent years, the Mohist Army lacks many of the intrigues in other armies. Yun Ting has a cheerful personality and is a confidant of Princess Ding, so he naturally gets along well with the people in the Mohist Army. Even though he is almost thirty years old, his temperament is still as cheerful and straightforward as usual.

Qin Feng looked at Ye Li and asked, "Princess, Yun Ting has restrained Chu Jun and Mo Jingli, what should we do?"

Ye Li smiled and said, "Let's... go hunting."