Chapter 107 "Are we going to win?"
Xun Xun strangled the steamed bun mother to death.
The old woman struggled desperately, pulled out a sharp gold needle from her hairpin and stabbed it hard into the carotid artery on the side of Xun Xun's neck.
It turned out that Mom had some skills, and she didn't show as much trembling and staggering as she appeared, but the hairpin was knocked off, and Xun Xun strangled her neck madly, and Mom was strangled to death. That horrified and ferocious old face no longer had the kindness of the past.
Xun Xun's head and face were covered in brown-red blood, and he looked horrible. He sat on the ground, laughing hoarsely.
The basin fell to the ground with a clang, and the young male and female servants screamed in fear and crawled and rolled to escape.
Xun Xun interrupted him and asked coldly, "...What did she tell you?"
Xun Xun had chosen these two servants from the pawnshop after arriving here. The male and female servants exchanged a look of trepidation, saying, "Mo Mu has instructed that if she dies, we should go to the Changsheng Temple in the east end and add a Yin Lantern to her."
Xun Xun: Hehe, are you delivering a message?
He laughed like a madman and smashed everything in the yard to pieces. The big red persimmons were thrown to the ground one by one, leaving not a single one.
He ordered his confidants to drag Mo Mu's body in and place it on the bed. Then the male and female servants pretended to be sick as usual.
Xun Xiao locked himself in the small room for a long time. When he came out, his eyes were bloodshot and his expression was faintly scary, as if he had been frozen, but his expression had calmed down.
He instructed his confidant to stay here to deal with the matter of Mo Mu, and he returned to the Songcheng stronghold that day.
After Xun Xun had cleaned up and mopped up the mess repeatedly, he took his men and headed straight to the Jianyou Jiedushi Mansion as planned. After meeting with his "good brother" Zhou Yunwen, he spent two days to handle the matters concerning the release of military equipment from the warehouse.
After staying for a day, they passed Linlu Pass and returned to the Beirong camp in the center of the Yannan Plain.
There were brown and yellow pointed-roof tents stretching for nearly a hundred miles. The Beirong soldiers, each with a long braid and wearing a left-side-lapel military uniform, pointed riding boots and a curved sword on his waist, were either on patrol or sitting in the tents with the curtains drawn, chattering loudly or softly.
Huyan De is indeed capable. He has restored the morale of the entire Northern Rong army. The entire Northern Rong army has recovered from the last defeat. The eyes of those Northern Rong soldiers have regained their greed and desire for the rich land and countless treasures and women of the Central Plains Han people.
He is very good at understanding people's hearts. He rewards ordinary cavalry with glittering treasures. It is quick, concise and effective, and more useful than any nonsense.
Xun Xun couldn't help but sneer in his heart.
The journey felt both familiar and unfamiliar. I originally felt the warmth and kindness of my compatriots, but at this moment, I only felt the shadows of their tents, baring their fangs and claws, covering the sky and the earth.
He soon arrived in front of the king's tent. The royal blue curtain embroidered with gold thread was lifted, and Hu Yande came out with a big smile. "Ana, you're back?"
"Is Jianyou's problem resolved?"
Huyan De wore a navy blue robe, embroidered with golden patterns of colorful leaves, suns, and moons, a brilliant golden hue. His two long braids were tied back at the base, hanging down on either side of his shoulders. A large gold earring, encased in a red envelope, adorned his left ear. Huyan De was thirty-eight years old, with a brisk gait and a powerful voice. His royal blue robe framed a tall, muscular figure.
He laughed heartily and, as he always did, gave Xun Xun a big hug.
The chest beneath the royal sapphire robe was shaking. Huyan De's laughter and movements were extremely familiar, and his words and expressions were intimate and caring, impeccable. However, looking at Huyan De's face under the light, it felt terrifying, like a wild beast with its dark mouth open.
Xun Xun also smiled. He hugged Hu Yande tightly. Hu Yande asked him with concern: "Ana, how are your injuries?"
Xun Xun said, "It's all right now."
Huyan De asked Xun Xun if he had eaten. When he learned that he had not, he immediately ordered someone to bring up the food, and told him to eat well. He also specifically asked for an extra dish of mutton and milk soup, showing his care and concern.
The hot meal arrived soon, and Huyan De also called the Left Wise King An Hanshu to come over. The three of them talked about the war while eating, and also called the guards to serve at the table.
Hu Yande watched Xun Xun drink up all the mutton and milk soup, then smiled with satisfaction and said, "Look, your face has become much whiter."
Hu Yande frowned and looked accusing: "We brothers still want to sit on this great Han country and enjoy the prosperity together, how can you do this?"
Hu Yande said, "You must rest well during this period of time. How about this? I'll let Minde help you for a while. Is that okay?"
Previously, Huyan De did not agree with Xun Xun going to Jianyou before his injury was healed, but Xun Xun insisted on going.
Asking someone to help him was the same old story, but Xun Xun only then realized that Huyan De had mentioned this matter many times.
But this time, he agreed.
Xun Xun hesitated for a moment and nodded: "Okay then, big brother."
"Are you short of people over there?"
Hu Yande's eagle eyes reflected the light, and when Xun Xun nodded, he clearly felt it was a little brighter. The smile lines on his lips suddenly became bigger and more real.
At this moment, he was truly happy.
These extremely subtle micro-expressions are absolutely undetectable without insight, just like Xun Xun in the past.
But once you know all the inside story, it becomes so obvious and glaring to the extreme.
…
Hu Yande ordered a meal, and after the meal, he quickly asked Xun Xun to rest.
Xun Xun's identity was concealed, and his tent was located on the edge of the Beirong central army. Wang Sheng came back a day earlier than him, and when he returned to the tent, the latter was already there.
"Okay, you can finally take a good rest."
Wang Sheng chattered on and on as he changed the medicine and bandages. Xun Xun lay down on the camp bed. Wang Sheng packed up the old and new bandages and medicines. He could clearly hear his joy. "Ezhen, don't worry. I will definitely cooperate well with Minde and won't let you worry."
Xun Xun smiled and said, "Of course I'm relieved."
He lowered his eyes to hide his sinister look. How could Wang Sheng and Min De not cooperate well?
Dusk was falling and there was no light in the tent. In the dim light, the sound of Wang Sheng walking back and forth and packing up could be heard. After Xun Xun fell asleep, he quickly lifted the curtain and went out.
Xun Xun was not actually asleep. He lay silently on the camp bed. As night gradually fell, he did not move. In the darkness, his teeth were clenched so tightly that he could taste the fishy smell of rust on his tooth roots gradually spreading.
He screamed madly and tearfully, wanting to violently tear everything apart and mash it into a paste, but in reality, he just clenched his fists tightly, digging his nails deep into the rough palms, without moving or making a sound.
Not long after Wang Sheng went to hand over the work to Min De, his other two confidants, Chen Jie and Zha Gen, came in through the curtain.
The night was dark and all was silent. Xun Xun slowly opened his eyelids. His expression was calm yet terrifying. He said in a hoarse voice, "We are all going to die. When he has pried all the people off our hands," and when we are no longer of any use, "that will be our death."
With Wang Sheng around, no wonder, Huyan De should know exactly how many people he has.
Shouldn't he be thankful that he has been trying his best and doing everything himself? Otherwise, Wang Sheng would have taken control of everything from him long ago.
Xun Xun sneered. He was like a lamb that was raised with its eyes blindfolded. Its bone marrow was knocked open, its tendons connected to each piece, and its blood and even its brain marrow were sucked out. What was he supposed to do?
Xun Xun sneered coldly: "He's dreaming!"
The hoarse voice sounded like a demon from hell.
Hu Yande is ambitious and wants to occupy the Central Plains?
Daydreaming!!
Even if he dies, he will drag this hideous wolf to hell!
Let's go to hell together!!
Xun Xun suddenly sat up and said, "Chen Jie, pass it on to Gu. Whatever Xie Ci wants to do, I can help him!"
In that instant, his emotions surged, and his face became extremely ferocious.
…
The autumn wind was blowing across the mountains and plains. Just as mid-August was approaching, Gu Wan received the long-awaited appointment from Xun Xun.
The two met on an unnamed wild embankment by the Weishui River.
Wherever Gu Wan went, he brought Xie Zi and a dozen other people with him, but Xun Xun came alone.
Xun Xun was wearing a hooded robe that blended in with the gray and yellow color of the wilderness. He had lost a lot of weight, and his cheekbones were prominent. His aggressive and sharp eagle eyes and hawk nose could not dispel his gloomy and sinister look.
If Huyan De collapsed in front of him and said that Xun Xun would madly bite off his flesh bit by bit, Gu Wan would believe it.
Without any further ado, both parties quickly reached an agreement.
Xun Xun left quickly, and his tall brown and yellow figure quickly disappeared in the Mid-Autumn fields.
Gu Guan, Xie Hai and others stood on the embankment, watching Xun Xun walking farther and farther away. They disappeared behind the long yellow grass, looked at each other, and Gu Guan smiled, "Yeah!"
They excitedly high-fived each other!
Gu Wan's smile faded, and he was eager to try, "Okay, let's go back!"
The group quickly turned around and rushed back to the Yanhuishan camp.
…
There was the thud of military boots hitting the ground and flags fluttering in the wind. Xie Ci turned back from the front army and quickly walked into the middle tent.
His trusted civil and military officials, including Qin Xian, Chen Yan, Su Zhen, Kou Wenshao, He Yuanfang, and Lin Yin, were all waiting here.
As for how they should march and deploy their troops to defeat the Northern Rong army in one fell swoop after Xun Xun gave a clear answer, they had actually discussed it repeatedly during this period and had reached a highly consistent opinion.
In fact, the preliminary preparations are already underway.
Outside, there were sounds of people breaking camp and setting up camp, but inside the big tent, there was a faint sense of excitement.
A large, meticulously drawn map of the Yannan Plain was unfolded, and everyone gathered around it. Xie Ci, wearing black armor and a blue cape, stood at the front and center. He pointed, "This is Maweichuan, where two rivers meet. It's the most suitable place for terrain conditions!"
Even with Xun Xun's internal and external support, the 600,000-man Northern Rong army was still a formidable force. Every detail had been discussed and pondered over repeatedly. Qin Xian interjected, stating their conclusion: "If the battlefield moves to Maweichuan, we have a 70% chance of defeating and annihilating the Northern Rong army before the end of autumn!"
This was the pre-war estimate, which was quite high considering the fierce Beirong cavalry.
One hundred percent, even if the God of War were alive, he wouldn't dare to make such a prediction.
The plains are plains, and Maweichuan is the battlefield where they can find the most disadvantages for the Beirong cavalry.
Maweichuan is located in the upper northern part of the plain. More than 300 miles to the east is Shoutai Mountain, a branch of Taihang Mountain. To the north is the Yanshan Mountains. More than 200 miles to the northeast is the West Gate of Yehuling, where the northern Rong invaded.
The Taihang Mountains intersect with the Yanshan Mountains, extending into countless branches and raised rolling hills. The landform is very complex, which is also very good for writing articles.
The vast majority of the army occupied by the Northern Rong cavalry had smoke, fog, and fire arranged in advance. Once the horses lost control, even partially, the situation of the battle would take a sharp turn and the outcome would be decided in an instant.
They chose a location called Wangguling. Tung oil and gunpowder were being secretly transported, and Wangguling was also making arrangements.
Anyway, as long as it can be done, there is a 70% chance that this battle will completely defeat the Northern Rong and prevent them from invading again for decades.
However, from Maweichuan to Shoutai Mountain, Xun Xun's cooperation is required to be extremely high, and secretly guiding the direction of the Beirong army is by no means an easy task.
Xie Ci thought for a moment, then quickly picked up his pen and wrote a letter to Xun Xun.
Xun Xun's reply came back quickly, and it was concise and to the point: As long as you have the ability to lead them to Maweichuan, you can do it!
Every word seemed to wring out the smell of scarlet blood.
…
As a result, the battle on the plains soon broke out and quickly became intense.
Both sides had rested for over half a month, and the fatigue of the battle had gradually faded. The Northern Rong army hadn't shown any signs of attacking the Yanhuishan camp; they weren't stupid, and certainly wouldn't leave the plains.
But the imperial army could not stop, because winter was coming soon and it would be difficult to fight in winter. They absolutely could not allow the Northern Rong to escape into the city and spend the winter, allowing the Northern Rong to further take root in the north.
The Northern Rong ignored the imperial army's call for a joint attack. Instead, they divided their forces and slowly moved eastward. Meanwhile, their siege equipment was transported south to Quzhou in the east.
With the three cities of Quzhou, Huanzhou and Chenzhou, Beirong has formed a complete strategic depth.
So this war was bound to start no matter what. When Xie Ci learned that the Northern Rong had divided their forces and headed east to Quzhou, he immediately ordered the camp to be broken up, and the million-strong army headed straight for the Northern Rong army.
Hu Yande immediately withdrew his troops and suddenly turned towards the imperial army.
The Yannan Plain was filled with smoke and a great battle was about to break out.
The fighting started again on August 16 and quickly intensified.
With repeated detours and advances and retreats, the intensity of the plain battle was far greater than that of the mountain battle. The frontal charge one after another almost shook the entire southern Yan plain.
Xie Ci tried his best to control the situation, and finally, on August 25, he successfully moved the battlefield to Maweichuan.
The undercurrent is surging and ready to explode!
…
On the night before the imperial army set out, Li Yi had already sensed the scent of the final battle.
"It's finally here."
Tian Jian, Tian Qing, Tang Fen, Ren Baizhi, Wei Changqing and other seven or eight of Li Yi's most trusted generals and counselors sat together. They repeatedly examined the map. Finally, Tian Jian pointed at the map and said, "My lord, I think the change should be in Maweichuan!"
Li Yi carefully examined the entire map and he also thought it was Maweichuan.
"We have made all the necessary preparations."
Now, let’s see who has the better move between him and Xie Ci!
Li Yi leaned back and slowly turned the white jade ring in his hand. Hopefully, he could successfully defeat Xie Ci in the final battle!
His eyes, like bright stars, narrowed down, and were sharp and captivating.
August 25th finally arrived.
It was just nightfall when we arrived at Maweichuan.
In the dark night, amidst the roar of battle, Li Yi looked into the distance. He suddenly turned back and ordered, "Send a message to Gao Wei and Tang Xianwang, tell them to be prepared and listen to my orders at any time!"
He gave orders to the guard commanders Li Qixun and Qi Yan, his close confidants, and even Tian Jian and the others were not there.
Li Qixun and Qi Yan's hearts trembled. They knelt down and said in unison, "Yes!"
The two men stood up and retreated one after another. They looked around, changed their armor, and quickly headed towards the Qingzhou Army and Heyang Army.
While Xie Ci was gathering the imperial army, Li Yi was not idle either. He had actually gathered Gao Wei and Tang Xianwang under his command!
Under the combined forces, undercurrents surged, and the entire imperial army was split into two. Without anyone knowing, Li Yi was almost on par with Xie Ci.
When the Northern Rong were defeated, he had to catch them off guard and deal with Xie Ci!
Otherwise, there will be endless troubles.
As long as he can deal with Xie Ci, the world will be his.
The wind was strong on the plain, and the river wind was blowing across the battlefield filled with smoke. Li Yi was wearing black armor and a purple cape. His tall and slender body was covered in blood and he was holding a long sword. His back and handsome profile covered with blood scabs were solemn and sharp.
Standing behind him was Yu Manzhen.
There were also civil officials in the army, such as Tian Jian and others. Yu Manzhen had always followed them. After that incident, she refused to give up her advantage and gritted her teeth to continue following them as they traveled north and south.
Yu Manzhen's heartbeat was a little faster. She held her breath and asked, "Are we going to win?"
This "we" refers to the imperial court's combined forces, and also to themselves.
Li Yi placed the long sword in his palm and wiped the remaining blood on the blade with the black gauze palm guard. He turned around and smiled: "If I can successfully kill Xie Ci, then I can."
On a late autumn night, the river breeze was chilly, and amid the rumbling sounds of battle, Li Yi's voice was not loud, but very clear.
After he finished speaking, he turned and walked out of this natural temporary trench.
Yu Manzhen was petite and not as tall as Li Yi. In the night, she lowered her head slightly and only the top of her head could be seen.
The long brown and yellow thatch rustled and swayed. Li Yi went out. In this small trench, only she and her guards were left.
Yu Manzhen stood at the front. The breathtaking smile on her face faded. She pursed her lips and thanked her hero.
From her previous life to this life, he was the only one who saved her from danger and the silver-armored hero she looked up to like a mountain.
But she knew very well that the situation had now reached a point where she had to make a choice between two options.
If Xie Ci is not defeated, Li Yi will be defeated.
She clenched her fists tightly, her mind in turmoil for a moment.
She didn't say anything.
…
Li Yi smiled.
After getting out of the trench, he climbed back on his horse, took the water bag and filled it half with cold water, took a quick bite of half a dry biscuit, and then gave the order to rejoin the battle.
Let’s defeat the Northern Rong first.
As long as Beirong remains undefeated, the second opportunity will not appear.
As for Yu Manzhen, he was not afraid to talk about it. He knew that Yu Manzhen was selfish, so even if the army on the other side was led by her uncles, she would never reveal a single thing.
His interests are her interests.
Li Yi let out a long sigh. Although the young couple had their share of unpleasantness, he still hoped that Yu Manzhen would be crowned queen smoothly without any complications.
Li Yi shook his head and stopped thinking about anything else. His eyes were sharp, everything went well!
"drive!"
…
On this dark night of late autumn, the smoke of gunpowder billowed, shaking the earth.
The entire imperial army was tightly connected in a line, and the bloody battle with the Northern Rong army had reached a fever pitch.
The open fighting and the undercurrents all reached their peak at this moment!
The author has something to say:
Tomorrow, we will know whether Beirong was defeated or not, whether Li Yi’s plot against Xie Ci was successful or not, and Feng Kun, scratching his head, should be out tomorrow too.
As for Gao Wei and Tang Xianwang, the reasons will be explained later in the plot.
Here I come, the shorthand outline is a little late, so here it is! Ah~ See you tomorrow, babies! (づ￣3￣)づ
Finally, I have to thank "Fuji Frosted Glass" for throwing the mine! Pen refills~
^
And to all the big darlings who have given Wenwen love, a kiss!!
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