Chapter 122 Love Side by Side; Xie Ci's Troubles and the Fields
On February 15th, the world-renowned Battle of Huangtianchuan ended with a great victory for Xie Ci's army.
In the darkness of the night, the roar of battle rolled across the wilderness like muffled thunder, dark and unknown but shocking.
After Xie Ci's army completely gained the upper hand, the entire southern army finally broke into three parts. One was the Fanyang army that included Tang, Gao and the five major families and quickly retreated to Pengcheng Xiaoshan King Li Yi; the other was the uncle and nephew Luo Zhi who retreated earlier than Li Yi; and the last was Zhu Zhaopu who was pushed to the front by both sides at the same time.
After dealing with Zhu Zhaopu and the Jingnan Army, Xie Ci pondered for a moment and then quickly chased after Luo Zhi and his nephew.
Uncle and nephew Luo Zhi were terrified by Xie Ci. After the Poor People's Vanguard Army, they completely lost confidence in defeating Xie Ci and their mentality completely collapsed. They came with great vigor and arrogance, but returned in fear. They hurriedly led 200,000 southwestern troops on their own warships and fled westward along the Rao River upstream. The other part of the army, which had insufficient warships, went around Tianhuangchuan and headed south to Hongjiang Plain.
But the Songcheng Minshui line is already in Xie Ci's hands.
At this point, it became clear how strategically foresighted Xie Ci was. He had long anticipated this move by the Luo Clan of the Southwest. The Southwest Army was blocked along the Songcheng and Minshui lines. Xie Ci divided his forces into two groups, personally leading one, and pursued the Southwest Army through the Yunmeng Lake and the Hongjiang Plain. He then encircled and surrounded the enemy, advancing both by land and sea. He quickly routed the unmotivated Southwest Army, burning over 60% of its warships and completely disintegrating the army's position. The Luo Clan uncle and nephew surrendered, and the Southwest Army either fled or surrendered.
By daybreak, the battle was coming to an end, and Xie Ci ordered his troops to be recruited and the battlefield cleaned up.
At this point, the poor situation that made Xie Jun angry from top to bottom and stretched his financial limits was completely broken.
After incorporating the remaining warships of the Jingnan and Southwest armies and the surrendered soldiers that Xie Ci agreed to incorporate, Xie Ci's army will have more than one million troops and more than 200,000 naval warships.
However, Xie Ci did not need to do these things personally, and he instructed Chen Yan and Lu Liang to do it. He immediately led the army back to Tianhuangchuan and stationed in the Dongyuan and Yishui areas of Yizhou, which were close to Pengcheng.
At this point, his army will completely enter the Jiangdong Plain behind Tianhuangchuan.
Passing along the towering mountains, the mountains south of the Yangtze River had a beautiful green hue, looming in the mid-spring mist. When Qin Yong was halfway there, he suddenly pointed ahead and said happily, "My eldest sister, no, the people Qin Sima just sent said that General Gu and the others are over there!"
General Gu, I’m talking about Gu Wan.
Gu Guan just held a title in the army, but everyone was now convinced of this General Gu, including the oldest veteran generals such as Qin Xian and the original court generals Huang Zongxi and Zhang Shen.
Xie Ci immediately looked up.
On the top of the towering green mountain, there is a huge stone platform like a screen standing proudly at the highest position of the rising mountains. It is indeed the best viewing point.
Xie Ci's eyes never left that spot. As the army marched slowly, he looked up in surprise for a while, gave a few instructions, and rode away from the center of the army.
The sturdy black warhorse roared like thunder, just like every time he galloped towards her, and this time was arguably the most eagerly anticipated. They had been separated for over two months, and except for a brief encounter when she infiltrated the Southern Army camp, this was the longest they had ever been apart.
It was also the time when the most things happened and when I experienced the greatest ups and downs and difficulties.
He knew she was there, and they had always fought together, but it was still different from before.
Xie Ci took the lead, followed by his guards and personal troops like thundering drumbeats.
As Xie Ci moved up, he had more and more guards and personal followers, but he was so skilled and bold that he left them all behind.
Xie Ci led Xie Yun and other guards up the mountain. As soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, they ran into Gu Wan and his group who had finally come down satisfied after seeing the sight.
The first to come down was Yin Luo. This time he mobilized a lot of the people that Feng Kun had previously placed in Jiangnan. Now that the matter was over, he went to deal with the aftermath.
The tall and thin figure in black tights jumped down from the forest path sandwiched between lush green mountains and black rocks as swift as a whip.
The two sides met head-on.
Xie Ci stopped immediately and clasped his fists. "Since I came south, Brother Yin has helped me many times, especially this time. I am extremely grateful."
Whether it was Madam Dou or the internal and external coordination, the people left behind by Feng Kun in the past played a very crucial role.
Otherwise, Gu Wan's side would definitely not be so smooth as flowing water.
Many people may be harmed, and even she herself may be in danger.
Thanks to Feng Kun and Yin Luo.
Yin Luo still had that calm and proud demeanor, looking down at others with a cold expression: "Don't thank me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have stayed to help you."
Whether it was him or Feng Kun, the Zhenwu Army had done their utmost to express their gratitude.
It is his right to do it, and it is not his obligation not to do it. If he wants to do it, he will do it, and he does not need any thanks.
Well, he was a little annoyed by Xie Ci's attitude of thanking him on behalf of Gu Wan.
Gu Wan didn't need him to thank her instead.
His thanks could not represent Gu Wan's.
Xie Ci, however, was not unhappy at all. Instead, he subconsciously felt happy and clasped his fists again: "No matter what, thank you, Brother Yin."
Yin Luo did not comment. After saying this lightly, he flew down in a flash and disappeared in the lush jungle at the edge of the battlefield in two or three steps.
Xie Ci and Xie Yun and others behind him stepped aside, and Xie Ci watched Yin Luo and his men leave.
But his attention soon drifted away from that.
Because he heard the sound of horse hooves.
With the clatter of feet, Gu Guan and the others descended the mountaintop, returned to the middle of the mountain, led their horses, climbed on them, and slowly walked down the rugged path in the forest covered with lush grass.
She was talking and laughing, her tone still full of joy and excitement. The sound of horse hooves had a light and fragrant smell, like slowly pushing away the grass and trampling wild flowers. She walked slowly down the woods. She was riding a big brown horse, wearing a dark black short brown Hu clothing, and her small riding boots were stained with mud. She came out from the forest path through the flowers and bamboos. She was indescribably strong and beautiful, like a young green bamboo, with a figure full of tenacity and strength, and a pair of long legs as beautiful as a deep butterfly.
The sound of horse hooves could be heard, and Gu Guan took the lead and was the first to emerge from the woods.
When Xie Ci turned around, he saw this scene. Gu Guan had already seen him, and his lips curled up, revealing a smile that was extremely bright.
The forest was moist and the afternoon sky was clear. Her face was fair and her smile was like the sudden appearance of spring sunshine.
Xie Ci suddenly smiled, a big smile, and shouted, "Wanwan!" and galloped over there on his horse.
Gu Guan laughed heartily and replied, "Thank you!" He also kicked the horse's belly and jumped off.
She was like a fairy in the woods, shaking Xie Ci's soul, and many emotions that had not been expressed due to the war suddenly burst out.
——God knows how much pressure Xie Ci has been under during this period. On the one hand, he absolutely cannot advance against the unarmed poor people. On the other hand, the passive situation in the war makes him extremely angry and constrained.
The final situation was solved by Gu Wan.
The solution was very beautiful, without any problems.
He led his army across the battlefield at a gallop, and all the soldiers no longer had even the slightest concern.
Gu Wan is really amazing!
She is powerful, Yin Luo is also powerful, but in the final analysis, Gu Wan is still powerful.
She can make Feng Kun send troops and people to her. This is her ability. Is Feng Kun such an easy person to get along with?
As for Yin Luo, apart from the people Feng Kun said to send Gu Wan, he had almost mobilized the entire Jiangnan population.
This is Gu Wan’s ability.
One of Gu Guan’s personal charms.
As for Yin Luo, it is just one of her abilities.
She specifically planned the entire Poor Vanguard Army's breakout, from investigation to execution to final success.
She is so bright that she looks like a star in the sky!
Xie Ci galloped towards the mountainside, his emotions surging. Someone took half of the burden off his shoulders and shared it with him.
Go hand in hand and walk side by side.
She understood his ideals and his persistence, and his ideals were also her ideals. The two of them walked hand in hand, galloping on horseback.
It is a great honor to meet her and join hands with her.
Xie Ci had always known that he was lucky, but he had never felt it so deeply as at this moment.
The two of them galloped towards each other on horseback. Gu Guan was playful. She stretched out her hand and waved to Xie Ci. The sound of horses' hooves was urgent and fast. Who would have thought that when they got close to each other, Xie Ci actually jumped up, and his handsome blue velvet cloak fluttered in the wind. He pounced directly on her horse's back, facing her.
Gu Guan smiled, a huge smile on her face, and laughed out loud.
The two smiled and hugged each other tightly at the first moment.
Their arms crossed, she didn't mind the hardness of his armor, and he didn't mind her sweat. They both took a deep breath and only smelled the familiar scent of each other.
Very safe and very sweet.
Xie Ci took a deep breath. This was the person he loved. She was so strong. She was an oak. She was never a trumpet creeper.
——Ever since the plum blossom letter, the two of them had learned a skill without any guidance, and would occasionally include love letters in secret reports.
Xie Ci really missed her very much. In his heart, he was actually very unhappy with her words: "If love lasts forever, it doesn't matter if we are together day and night."
When it comes to love, he is such a vulgar person. What's wrong with him only loving to be together day and night?
Then Gu Wan chuckled and copied a poem "To the Oak Tree" for him.
If I love you.
On your road of endless struggle.
I don't want to be that climbing trumpet creeper.
I must be a kapok tree nearby.
Standing with you as a tree.
roots, clenched in the ground;
Leaves touch each other in the clouds.
Every time the wind blows by, we stand side by side.
I love you deeply, and I also love the land beneath your feet.
This poem seems a bit out of place now, but until this moment, Xie Ci finally realized how beautiful this emotion and relationship of sharing half the pressure is.
At this moment, he really felt a shudder of being touched in the soul. The person he loved had always been slender, strong and beautiful.
There is only one girl like her in this world, and he is so lucky to have her.
The feelings seemed to be ingrained in his bones, engraved inch by inch in the depths of his soul. He hugged her and whispered in her ear: "Wanwan, I love you."
He loved it so much, but no matter how he described it, it could not fully express even a fraction of the feelings in his heart.
He really loves her so much.
Gu Wan chuckled, she opened her five fingers and matched them with his. His palms were rough, but fortunately there were no wounds.
It can be seen that this battle was truly beautiful and perfect.
She was very satisfied.
What he said was so sweet.
Gu Wan smiled, and she whispered, "I love you too."
Xie Ci's eyes suddenly curved with a smile, and those cold, blood-stained eyes suddenly became soft, crystal clear, and beautiful, as if overflowing with sweetness.
The two smiled at each other, and touched their foreheads. Xie Ci then pushed his saddle, did a beautiful turn, and landed behind Gu Wan's saddle. He took her reins and said, "Gee—"
The big brown horse leaped up, and the two men and horses merged into one, smiled at each other, and Xie Ci and Gu Wan rode on the wind, leading their men and horses to gallop towards the center of the battlefield.
The billowing smoke of last night has gradually faded away, and the spring breeze is sweeping across the fields, with the sound of horses' hooves clattering and clothes fluttering freely.
…
A day later, Xie Ci led his army to the Dongyuan and Yishui areas of Yizhou, and the troops arrived a hundred miles away from Pengcheng, blocking all the important waterways and passes.
The southern army was left with only the Fan Yang, Gao Tang, and five major family armies under Li Yi, who were vaguely surrounded by him, totaling about 400,000 men.
Pengcheng, this Pengcheng is not that Pengcheng. The Pengcheng that Xiang Yu lived in had long been renamed Xuzhou. Later, with the development of history, Jianzhou, an important town on the south bank of the Yangtze River in the previous dynasty, was officially designated as Pengshui County. After the founding of the Wei Dynasty, Jianzhou was officially renamed Pengcheng.
This ancient city, which has existed since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, has been expanded several times and is now one of the famous cities in the south. It is an important military node in the south. It has a huge city wall, high walls and deep moats. It has stood tall and majestically through wind and rain.
The 400,000-strong army was able to completely escape into Pengcheng, and the city defenses had been completely taken over by the army. The city gates and important passes on the waterways were firmly guarded, and the three heavy iron fences on the waterways had all been lowered.
But compared to the joy of Xie Ci and Gu Wan, Li Yi at this moment was not happy at all.
Today is the second day since Li Yi retreated into Pengcheng. The city defenses have been arranged and inspected one by one. He was so busy that it was dusk the next day, and the military reports from the front line gradually stopped.
The battle situation was not much different from what he expected.
Li Yi sat quietly alone in the large study of the Governor's Mansion for a long time, until a gust of evening wind blew in and the door creaked open. Li Qixun outside immediately held the door shut and fixed it with something.
Only then did Li Yi come back to his senses.
It was already dark, and a drizzle was falling in the south of the Yangtze River. The lingering spring rain had finally arrived.
After the rain came, many soldiers breathed a sigh of relief, because it was not a good time to attack the city when it was raining, which meant that there would be at least a truce period of at least ten days to half a month, or as short as three to five days.
Li Yi also knew this.
He stood up and went out to the corridor. The misty spring rain fell heavily, and the color was moist and tender. This was the unique weather color of the misty rain in the south of the Yangtze River.
Li Yi stood there for a long time, then suddenly he walked quickly into the rain, left the governor's mansion, got on his horse, and went to a place.
He turned onto the long central street that ran straight from north to south, and headed east along the densely packed houses. Finally, he arrived at an area called Qingshi Lane deep in the heart of East City, where many wealthy businessmen gathered. He walked to the end of the lane, dismounted, stood for a moment, climbed the steps, and pushed open the half-worn black door of a mansion.
This is a large house with five courtyards, owned by Li Yi. Since he redeemed it ten years ago, he sent his family to guard the house.
The family was an old family member and was already dressed. He just didn't know if Li Yi had time to summon him. Unexpectedly, the door suddenly opened and the old servant was a little surprised: "Master?"
Li Yi nodded slightly, but his eyes did not leave this semi-old and quiet house, whose decorative paintings in the corridors and halls gave a glimpse of its former prosperity.
This is his grandfather's mansion.
His grandfather was one of the wealthy businessmen in Jiangnan, and his surname was Bai.
Li Yi was very familiar with Pengcheng. He had stayed here for several years when he was a child, and his footprints were found in almost every place inside and outside the city.
After my father was convicted, he was not convicted during the first year or so when his accomplices were being purged. He was sent to the Bai family in Jiangnan and hid there for nearly a year.
The former is the best time in Li Yi's life.
Just under the veranda to the left of the main hall, he still remembered that when his grandfather held his hand, he would curiously ask his grandfather, "Why did you try to get Governor Zhao demoted?"
At that time, Zhao Renrang, the governor of Pengzhou, had always had conflicts with the Bai family. After taking office in Pengcheng, he suppressed the Bai family in many ways, and his reasons were all impeccable. However, Bai's grandfather found a way to induce Governor Zhao to make a mistake, and finally had him demoted to a remote countryside in southern Jing.
Little Li Yi knew about this matter. He didn't think there was anything wrong with Governor Zhao's order, so he asked.
Under the first lintel, painted with winding grape branches, Grandpa Bai stood at the steps, holding his little hand as he walked inside, saying, "How can we bear the loss we are facing? Regardless of our status, we must rely on our ability."
Since Zhao Shixi is stubborn and unyielding, let him go to the Southern Wilderness Mountains to clean up the mess.
At that time, the Bai family was one of the second-tier big families in Jiangnan. The only difference was that they came from a merchant family and could not climb into the first tier.
At that time, Grandpa Bai was full of vigor and ambition, and he was ready to take charge of everything.
Grandpa Bai accidentally funded Li Chun, the Prince of Xiaoshan, and helped Li Chun in times of crisis. After that, after much effort, a marriage alliance was made. Li Chun was trustworthy and kept his promise, so he refused the emperor's marriage and married his eldest daughter to Li Chun as the princess.
Grandpa Bai was a businessman. That was the most successful investment of his life, but also the most failed investment of his life.
Because his son-in-law was Li Chun, the King of Xiaoshan, Bai Daxing, he became a scholar among the nephews of officials and gentry, but in the end his family was raided and uprooted because of the Li Chun case.
This ancestral home in Pengcheng was redeemed by Li Yi ten years ago after he returned to Beijing and heard that the Grand Tutor had helped him regain his title.
Today, he has also understood the intentions behind many of his grandfather's actions, and his mood is complicated.
Standing in this familiar, half-old mansion, he stood quietly for a long time, until the drizzle wet his cloak and armor.
Dusk completely enveloped the entire city. The dark eaves and tiles of the numerous roofs rose and fell. In the distance, at the end of the sight, soldiers stood on patrol on the East City wall, and the flickering yellow light of the fire sticks formed a line.
Li Yi stood there for a long time. Behind him followed Tang Fen, Sheng Boyong, Yuchi Lin and other civil and military officials. The latter two came to report matters, but because it was raining, the matter was not so urgent. Li Yi was lost in thought, so he stopped and waited.
Finally, Li Yi turned around and suddenly asked, "Do you think we can still win?"
At first, I led my army south, but I didn't expect it to end like this.
It was finally time to retreat to Pengcheng.
Nearly half of the 900,000-strong army has already gone.
In fact, Li Yi's Fanyang Army is now an elite force, and in just one year, it has grown to 300,000 soldiers.
It’s really amazing.
But in today's war situation, it is no longer a good idea.
After leaving Zhu Zhao, Pu Luozhi and his nephew, the anger that burned his heart and lungs subsided a little, and Li Yiren seemed to have regained some of his former self.
The dark purple collar of his inner garment, the silver-white heavy armor, and the blue velvet cloak were once stained with blood, making the color darker. In the twilight, the tall bridge of his nose and the outline of his face could be vaguely seen. Between heaven and earth, there was a drizzle, and Li Yi's tall and slender figure stood silently in the middle of the huge courtyard.
But all he got in response was silence.
After a long pause, Tang Fen gritted his teeth and said, "Lord! We are willing to live and die with you!!"
Yuchi Lin shouted fiercely, "Even if we are defeated and die, with the depth of Pengcheng and our military strength, we can still tear off half of Xie Ci's flesh and blood!"
"What are you afraid of? I'm not afraid!!"
"right!"
“We are not afraid!!”
The people around Li Yi were very loyal. For a while, shouts of hatred were heard all over the place!
Li Yi took a deep breath: "Okay!"
Well said!
His eyes flashed fiercely: "I will live and die with you all!!"
If you fail, you will die!
"Okay, let's go back!"
Li Yi was the first to quickly walk out of the Bai family's old house, leaving behind this house that carried countless joys and complex emotions of his childhood, and got on his horse.
Leave on a fast horse.
…
However, after returning to the current Southern Army Center, Pengcheng Governor's Mansion, Li Yi first met Zhu.
The families of the generals and captains of the Fanyang Army retreated with the army, and Li Yi's wife was naturally among them.
After Li Yi quickly walked around the gate, the first thing he heard was Zhu's heart-wrenching scream, "You bastards! Slave! Let me go! Let me go, do you hear me—"
Among Li Yi's wives, the most prominent one is of course Zhu Qiuwen.
Zhu, who had always been arrogant and domineering, ordering everyone to be polite and even bow before her, now had her hair disheveled and her hairpins about to fall off. Her light red crabapple skirt was in disarray from her struggle and tearing, and even the hem of her gauze skirt was torn in several places. Her hair was disheveled, and she looked like a madman.
She was hysterical. As soon as she arrived at the backyard of the governor's mansion, she rushed to the large study in the front yard to see Li Yi.
Li Yi was not there at the time, so she rushed to the mansion gate and wanted to ride her horse to the city wall.
Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards Lin Zhun stayed behind and of course would not allow her to rush out. Lin Zhun, contrary to his usual silence, directly ordered his men to fork her back.
Several guards immediately stepped forward and arrested her. Zhu was shocked and angry, struggling, screaming and cursing, which was extremely harsh and unpleasant to the ears. Lin Zhu turned a deaf ear to her. She kicked and rolled on the ground, and several guards dragged her arms and dragged her back to the backyard.
But Zhu's voice was extremely sharp and penetrating, reaching the backyard directly. Li Yi heard it as soon as he came back. Lin Zhu stepped forward and reported what had just happened in a low voice.
Li Yi told Yuchi Lin and others to go into the study first, and he turned and walked towards the hanging flower gate in the backyard.
The blue cloak was soaked and took on a deep indigo color, the silver-white armor was shiny and solemn, and the knee-high thick-soled military boots landed on the ground with a loud clang, and the steps were quick and heavy, getting closer and closer from the end of the corridor.
The layouts of government offices and mansions were mostly similar. Li Yi found the way to the hanging flower gate very accurately. He walked swiftly with a cold expression, and his actions were without hesitation, showing no sign that he was entering the backyard for the first time.
Li Yi's appearance made all the voices stop abruptly, and the tall figure with a stern face in silver-white and blue appeared behind the threshold.
Zhu paused for a moment, then screamed, broke free from the guards' hands and rushed forward!
She was extremely conceited, cursing and struggling fiercely. Her hair was disheveled like a mad woman, her delicate makeup smudged, and her sweet face no longer had any trace of coquettishness. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she rushed over to grab Li Yi's arm, not even bothering to let Li Yi drag down those damned guards and beat them to death. She hurriedly asked, "They said that the Jingnan Army was completely wiped out in Tianhuangchuan, and my father died on the spot. Is that true?!"
This was a very big deal. Rumors had already been circulating on the way to Pengcheng. Some even said that Li Yi used the Jingnan Army as a scapegoat to resist Xie Ci's army so that they could retreat smoothly into Pengcheng.
No matter which piece of news it was, Zhu couldn't believe it. Her beautiful eyes were bloodshot as she stared at Li Yi's cold, angular and handsome face, holding her breath.
Li Yi glanced at Lin Zhun. It turned out that a woman had dragged on for so long. Lin Zhun lowered her head.
Li Yi withdrew his gaze, neither happy nor angry, and said calmly: "The Jingnan Army was in a bad position at the time. Zhu Zhaopu sacrificed himself to cover the rear and meet Xie Ci's army."
Zhu Qiuwen's head buzzed, and in that instant, her hands and feet turned cold with shock and anger. Her eyes were bloodshot: "Impossible!!"
Zhu Qiuwen's voice suddenly rose, her face changed, and she blurted out.
Li Yi couldn't help but laugh. He chuckled twice in a hoarse voice, and his cold eyes suddenly fixed on Zhu Qiuwen's eyes, and in an instant, he said sharply: "How can it be impossible?!"
Are you so sure that Zhu Zhaopu would not sacrifice himself to cover the rear?
They are indeed father and daughter.
The daughter knows her father well.
Li Yi sneered, so he was very sure of this. If it weren't for his clever move, Zhu Zhaopu would be as determined as he was to push the Fanyang army forward to resist Xie Ci's army.
Perhaps if necessary, Zhu Zhaopu would not hesitate to take his head and surrender to Xie Ci, if Zhu Zhaopu could do it.
Of course, whether Xie Ci will accept it is another matter.
Li Yi narrowed his eyes slightly. His gaze was icy cold at that moment. This was a side of him that Zhu and her ilk had never seen before. It was a condescending, inert look. Zhu was horrified, and for a moment, she lost her voice. She stared at Li Yi, her chest heaving violently, her struggles and screams gone. She subconsciously stumbled back two steps.
Li Yi did something he had wanted to do for a long time.
He glanced at Li Xun, whose eyes were covered at the end of the corridor. With a "clang" sound, the long sword was unsheathed, and with a lightning-like sound, an ear fell off.
It's the left ear.
The sword blade passed by Zhu's left ear. The sharp and thin blade made Zhu feel less pain than usual. It was as if she was stung. Her ear felt cold, half of her face was covered in blood, and her bloody ear fell to the bluestone floor with a "click".
She lowered her head and stared blankly for a long while, then suddenly reached out to cover her left ear, feeling hot and stinging.
Zhu screamed heart-wrenchingly.
But the next moment, her mouth was covered tightly and she couldn't utter a word.
This time, the guards had lost their last bit of scruples and easily captured her. They grabbed her with their backhands, dragged her into the depths of the woods, and locked her in a small courtyard at the end.
If it weren't for the inappropriate time now, Li Yi would have killed Zhu right now.
Without disturbing the other female members of the family, Zhu was quickly dragged in.
The ear had been kicked and stepped on, and was stained with blood, sticking alone to the edge of the bluestone and mud.
Yu Manzhen and Li Xun stood at the end of the stone corridor, looking exhausted. Their nannies, maids, and guards were carrying bags on their backs and had just arrived today.
Li Xun had been settled in Jiangnan a long time ago. Li Yi was afraid of any changes, so he gave Li Xun's guards the power to make decisions on any changes early on.
The original captain of the guards discussed with Li Yi's new trusted guards, and hurriedly escorted Li Xun out of his residence in Ningzhou and headed for Pengcheng.
Yu Manzhen was also brought along.
She happened to see this scene.
Zhu was dragged away covered in blood. Li Yi took one last look at Li Xun, and then turned and walked away quickly, along with her behind Li Xun.
The dark blue velvet cloak drew a cold arc, and the rustling sound of Zhu's struggle could still be faintly heard.
Li Xun moved slightly and asked in a low voice: "...Mom, what's wrong?" The little girl was timid, and Lin Zhun had quickly instructed people to clean up the ears and the bloodstains.
Yu Manzhen said softly, "It's okay. There was a big rat up ahead, and we've already killed it."
She felt a kind of painful pleasure in her heart, and she coaxed her daughter gently, took down her hand that was covering her eyes, squatted down and straightened her collar with a smile, then stood up and took her little hand and walked towards the hanging flower gate.
But in his heart he sneered at Zhu.
She just sneered and suddenly felt confused. Zhu's end was extremely satisfying, but what about herself?
It's not much better.
No one wins.
She had come here once and made all the calculations, but she still hadn't figured out why it turned out like this.
Suddenly I had a feeling that the white earth was so pale.
Just like her two lives.
Yu Manzhen suddenly couldn't laugh anymore. She suppressed the sarcastic smile on her lips and stood there in a daze. The slightly cold mid-spring wind was blowing. She suddenly couldn't tell where she was or which way to go. An indescribable feeling of confusion came over her heart.
She stopped walking unconsciously until her daughter's little hand tugged at her, "Mom~"
Yu Manzhen lowered her head, and her daughter's fair little face looked up at her. Her black eyes were still a little shy and timid, but she relied on her whole heart and held her hand and snuggled up to her side.
The small body with body temperature was warm and alive. Yu Manzhen came back to her senses, but her eyes suddenly felt hot.
No matter what, her daughter is still alive and well, and she has found a way out for her.
So did her parents and family.
Just like this, starting over has meaning.
Although, she still didn't understand why she left like this.
Yu Manzhen took a deep breath, suppressed the sudden heat in her eyes, smiled, and nodded at the little girl, "Good girl, be good."
She took her daughter's hand and walked towards the Chuihua Gate. The backs of the two, one big and one small, soon disappeared into the depths of the tree-lined path.
…
On February 17, Xie Ci led his army to Dongyuan, Yizhou.
Compared with the previous tension and excitement, this march from south to north can be said to be the most leisurely.
The army set up camp to guard the important waterways and land routes and passes. They were busy and morale was high, occasionally punctuated by the soldiers' chatter and the captains' laughter and scolding.
At this time, Xie Ci and Gu Guan had already let go of the reins and were riding their horses slowly along the Yishui River.
At the end of February in the south of the Yangtze River, the grass is lush and the birds are singing. There are weeping willows everywhere and earthen embankments covered with wild grass and wild flowers, and the sight is gradually filled with the color of tender green.
The flood season has just arrived, but the water in Yishui River is still very clear, and a pool of jade-like color flows slowly to the northeast.
Xie Ci came here not only to personally inspect the land and water environment in the Pengcheng area, but also to spend time with Gu Guan.
The love is sincere and passionate. This winding love will flow in the lives of the two people for a lifetime, and will always be so sad, lingering and full of love.
In front of others, it was fine. But behind others, Xie Ci's eyes were filled with love that could melt Gu Wan. In fact, it was not expressed very intensely, but it was lingering, with a blink of an eye and a glance back, tender and silent.
The two were inseparable and met again after a long separation. They left the army and simply rode together, chatting and laughing in low voices, and let their horses go in the lush fields and riverbanks.
We walked and looked around all the way, and finally arrived at a high hill east of Bashan. Clear water flowed by our feet, and looking up, we could see the first water gate of Pengcheng, the Shizhacheng.
Further ahead is Pengcheng, the most important military city in the south of the Yangtze River on this vast alluvial plain.
Where Li Yi’s army is now.
It must be said that Li Yi was quite capable. "Pengcheng, nestled against the mountains and facing the water, straddles the throat of the north-south and east-west waterways. Its heritage spans over a thousand years, and its walls are high and its moats deep."
Xie Ci looked at the faintly visible Shizha City in the distance, and the faint outline of the majestic city beyond. He said, "If he holds Pengcheng, Li Yi can really hold out for a while."
Gu Wan couldn't help but laugh. A desperate fight? For Li Yi, this should be a chance to turn defeat into victory, right?
She also looked for a while, then turned back to look at him: "What about you?"
Xie Ci now has broad shoulders and a thick back, with smooth and firm arm muscles. She can't even wrap her hand around his forearm, it's still far from enough. His chest muscles are bulging, his waist is tight and narrow, he is very tall and agile, and he has long been a real big man.
Now he is holding the reins behind her, his chest and arms are full of strength and security, with both iron-blooded masculinity and tenderness.
At this moment, when discussing military affairs, his tenderness was somewhat restrained, and his handsome face with clear edges and corners looked a little solemn.
He is so handsome that it makes people's heart flutter.
Gu Guan's eyebrows curved, she was a little curious: "What if, if you were in Li Yi's current position?"
Li Yi was fighting stubbornly, but what if Xie Ci was the one who took over? Could he turn the tables?
Xie Ci couldn't help but smile. Green mountains and clear waters surrounded him. There was a calm confidence between his eyebrows, which came from his deep understanding of his own abilities. He said, "Then I may not lose."
"On the contrary," Xie Ci said firmly, "the situation is set, the Northern Army will win!"
It’s just a matter of longer or shorter time.
Now we are no longer constrained by food and supplies.
Xie Ci is not conceited, he is confident and he has no doubt that he can do it.
In Xie Ci's opinion, the overall situation has actually been determined now.
What he needs to think about now is how to annihilate Li Yi and the main force of the Fan Yang army while minimizing casualties and other losses.
“This is indeed a bit tricky.”
Li Yi is not easy to deal with, and neither are the Fanyang Army and Pengcheng, who are very loyal to him.
Xie Ci never hid anything from Gu Wan, so when he brought it up, he told her about his troubles in detail.
Those handsome sword-like eyebrows were furrowed in worry, and he looked very troubled indeed.
Gu Wan couldn't help but chuckle. She deliberately said, "Hey, don't you want to make the Battle of Pengcheng an epic battle?"
Xie Ci participated in several battles that are sure to be recorded in history, including the Battle of Zhongdu, the Battle of Beirong, the Battle of the North and South Crossing the River, and the Battle of Tianhuangchuan.
As the saying goes, everyone is mortal, but one should leave behind a loyal heart to shine in history. The ancients attached great importance to this.
But then again, in fact, when one reaches a certain political position, this is also the case in later generations.
Two Pengchengs, two extremely beautiful legendary battles that can serve as unprecedented examples in history.
Another highlight in the history of the Chinese nation was enough to put a beautiful end to Xie Ci's military campaigns, complete his legendary life, and start his political career.
Thank you for not wanting this?
Xie Ci was surprised: "What do I need this for?"
Would he sacrifice more soldiers for this mere posthumous reputation? God knows how difficult it would be to restore the damaged battlefield!
If he really cared about this, there wouldn't have been so many constraints before, right?
She did it on purpose!
Xie Ci was annoyed and glared at her sideways, then reached out and tickled her armpit.
Gu Wan dodged quickly with a flick of his wrist. She laughed heartily, clamped her arms, and looked at him smugly: "Have you thought of this?"
Xie Ci smiled slightly: "I actually have some idea."
He pulled the reins and turned the horse around: "Come on, I'll take you to see someone."
In the battle of Tianhuangchuan, Xun Xiao and Qin Guan captured an unexpected person.
As soon as Xie Ci got the news, he immediately had an idea. After asking quickly, he ordered the news to be suppressed.
The people have been sent to the small town of Ming County in the north.
I'll go and see him right away. If everything goes well, I'll release him immediately.
Gu Wan was very smart. In fact, the reason she brought up this topic was because she had also thought about this direction. She thought to herself, "Who?"
Xie Ci smiled and said, "In the fields."
Two words that are concise and to the point, very clear and crisp.
Damn it!
Gu Guan laughed out loud. Those two really thought alike, didn’t they?
Xie Ci and she were in sync. He raised his eyebrows in surprise: "You thought of him too?"
Gu Wan laughed: "Yes, didn't Feng Kun send me people before? Besides Gongsun Jian, there are several others."
She was still wondering whether she should try to contact Tang Fen and others in the field?
The two looked at each other, and Xie Ci couldn't help but burst into laughter. His mellow laughter lacked the crispness of a youth, but was extremely rich.
He was extremely happy, his laughter seemed to be flying in the wind. He probably couldn't find any other personal matters that could make him so happy.
With the clatter of horse hooves, they suddenly turned a corner and headed back towards the camp, facing the rustling river wind.
The author has something to say:
"To the Oak Tree" and "Crossing the Zero-Ding Ocean" are from Shu Ting and Wen Tianxiang respectively.
Ah Xiu is back! My baby is much better now, but she's still in the hospital, primarily due to extensive burns on her chest and abdomen. She's recovering well since surgery, and the period of greatest vulnerability to infection is finally over. Burns heal slowly, and the doctor said some scarring may remain, but with scar removal spray and future growth, it can be removed.
Overall it's good.
Ah Xiu and the little one thank you all for your concern! Thanks for the folk remedy, too, but we rushed them to the hospital right away so they didn't get used. Ah Xiu and the little one give the older babies a huge kiss!
Love you guys~
Come on, Xiu! Hey, see you tomorrow~ (づ￣3￣)づ
(I'm trying to update at noon recently, but there may be delays, but I will definitely update daily. Bugs are fixed at night. If I update during the day and see an update reminder at night, it means I'm fixing a bug! Ah~)
Finally, thanks to all the babies who voted for mine! Pen refills pen refills~
Wenjiujiujiu threw a grenade
Fuji Frosted Glass threw a mine
An unknown squirrel spirit threw a mine
^
And to all the big babies who watered the plants, give me a kiss, muajujuju! (*^▽^*)
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