Defeating King An was the first step in the Eastern Expedition.
As soon as Wei Jing gave the order, all the ministers were excited and stood up in unison, solemnly bowing their hands: "We will obey the order of our lord!"
There were loud responses, shaking the beams and pillars. Wei Jing then called out the names one by one and arranged the pre-war tasks. Everyone responded promptly and left.
The high atmosphere was inspiring. After the last person, Zhuang Yan, left as ordered, Wei Jing looked at his wife, with only guilt in his eyes.
"Ah Qing, I'm sorry."
His wife was less than two months pregnant, but he decided to lead his army into battle. If the war goes smoothly, it may take one or two months. If there are obstacles, it may take three to five months or even longer.
He felt extremely guilty.
The couple went back to the house hand in hand. Wei Jing was no longer as solemn and resolute as before. He frowned and said softly, "You are pregnant, but I..."
He couldn't continue. He held his wife's hand tightly, and covered her abdomen with his other hand. He was anxious and ashamed: "I..."
"What?"
Shao Qing smiled and raised his hand to cover the back of his hand: "You are the commander of an army, you should put the opportunity first."
I was pregnant but had to be separated from my husband temporarily. To be honest, I definitely felt lost.
But Shao Qing tried hard to overcome the loss.
This is not a peaceful time, and apart from the children, they have many other things to bear.
Self-preservation, revenge, the stability of the territory, and even the lives of millions of soldiers, and so on. A good opportunity for war is hard to come by, and its impact on subsequent situations is chain-like.
Shao Qing was not a woman in the backyard who was closed to the outside world. She had been mentally prepared and adjusted herself. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, "Why can't you tolerate me?"
In fact, since he can't be with me, he must feel just as lost as I do.
"You fought hard outside, all for us."
The rear is safe and secure from wind and rain, all thanks to his military achievements. Shao Qing snuggled into his arms, one hand around his narrow waist, and said softly: "I'm afraid it will only take a few months at most. We will wait for you at home."
She pressed his big hand covering her belly with her other hand, raised her face and smiled softly: "But our little one will miss his father too, you have to go home before he is born."
At the end, she teased him, blinked her clear almond-shaped eyes at him, wrinkled her nose playfully, and gave him orders in a pretentious manner.
"I will follow Madam's orders!"
Such laughter and scolding dispelled the guilt and self-blame in Wei Jing's heart. He became happy and said hurriedly: "When he is born, I will definitely be with you."
Her thoughtfulness and tenderness filled his heart with tenderness, and he hugged her tightly around his waist and abdomen: "I will be back as soon as possible, not until he is born."
"You don't have to worry."
Shao Qing pressed his cheek against his left chest, listening quietly to the strong heartbeats inside. She did not forget that a few inches below his heart, there was a new scar the size of an elm seed.
This scar had almost made his heart stop beating. Shao Qing gathered his clothes tightly. She didn't want to say anything unlucky before the battle, so she just whispered, "Don't make me worry."
Her only request was to return safely.
Wei Jing understood, he bent down and kissed her: "Well, I know, I won't let you worry."
He wants to grow old with her, so how can he not be cautious?
But he felt that caution and hard work were not in conflict, and he would do his best to come back as soon as possible to accompany her.
…
Under Wei Jing's order, the troops stationed in various places after the war set out and rushed to Pingcheng in an endless stream.
A tense atmosphere immediately filled the air above this ancient city.
The lights in the meeting hall of the county magistrate's mansion were on all night long, as discussions on war strategies, food and fodder transportation, soldiers, baggage, etc. continued until late at night for days on end.
On September 20th, General Wei Jing swore an oath and offered sacrifice to the flag in the southern suburbs, then led an army of 350,000 straight to Lingling.
…
It was the end of the Yin month and the beginning of the Mao month. The cold wind of late autumn was howling and the sky was still dark, but the Pingcheng County Magistrate's Mansion was brightly lit.
The armored guards equipped with swords and spears were waiting outside the main gate of the county governor's mansion. Shao Qing fastened the last Qilin-patterned lock on Wei Jing's Ming Guang armor.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her reluctance, took a step back, and said with a smile: "My husband will win this battle!"
"good!"
I have said many words of reluctance to leave in recent days, but when the time comes, I still feel reluctant to leave. Wei Jing responded, but was unable to move his feet and turn around immediately. He lowered his head and stared at her for a long time until Han Xi outside the room urged him in a low voice.
"Wait for me, A-Qing."
After Wei Jing finished talking to his wife, he squatted down and whispered to the child who was still in the mother's womb: "You and your mother are at home. Remember to listen to your mother and don't be naughty. Do you understand?"
He held his wife's waist with both hands and gently kissed her belly through the clothes: "Dad will be back soon."
Wei Jing took a deep breath, stood up, and strode away.
…
Flags covered the field, spears and halberds were like a forest, and when the black mass of army marched forward, even the ground shook slightly.
Sun clasped his hands together and said, "Your Highness is invincible. You will surely win this battle."
"Is the war going to start again?"
The low-frequency vibration seemed to be able to shake people's hearts. Meng was a little uneasy: "Didn't they just have a big battle? How come they are fighting again so soon?"
War always makes people nervous. Sun comforted them, "Your Highness has left 70,000 soldiers, and Pingyang has 40,000 soldiers, so we can be sure that there will be no danger."
She changed her mind and realized that Meng lost her youngest son in Quyang County. Quyang was also a battlefield this time, so it was inevitable that Meng would feel uneasy.
But there was nothing Sun could do, and it was not good to pick on someone's scars, so she could only comfort him with a few more words.
Meng forced a smile.
Back in the house, Meng said to her daughter, "I am only worried about Ngapoi."
Worried about her little son who was not around.
Mrs. Meng was anxious. She paced back and forth for several times before she reluctantly sat down. She looked at the clock and urged her daughter, "Didn't you and General Fan have an appointment in the afternoon? It's almost time. Hurry and pack up."
Fu Yun quickly agreed.
The meeting place has always been Jinquan Temple. When Fu Yun arrived at the lotus pond in the back mountain on time, Fan Tian, who had just arrived, hurried to greet her.
After being alone together for so many times, he was not as prone to blushing as he was at the beginning, but when he saw Fu Yun, his eyes were still sparkling: "Are you in a hurry, Yunniang? It doesn't matter if you go slower, I'll wait."
She had a bright smile, revealing a row of white teeth.
Fu Yun glanced at him. Was he in a hurry? There was a thin layer of sweat on Shenqiu's forehead. He had probably just taken off his armor and rushed over on horseback.
She was slightly startled, then came back to her senses and said, "Hmm," "The army is leaving today." She asked, "Aren't you escorting Niangcao? How come you still have time to come?"
I've been busy in the military lately, so I have to accommodate Fan Tian's schedule for dates.
The afternoon sun was warm, and the two of them walked slowly along the lotus pond towards the osmanthus forest in the autumn breeze, with the maids and old women following them tacitly from a distance.
Fu Yun was quiet and seldom took the initiative to talk to him. Fan Tian was very happy. He looked around and lowered his voice and said, "I'm going to Anshan Pass. I need to start slowly."
Wei Jing formulated a strategy of fighting both real and fake, so the transportation of grain and fodder naturally could not leave any loopholes. Therefore, Fan Tian and several others who were responsible for a large amount of supplies received an order to set out one day later, march slowly and be on standby at all times.
"Anshan Pass?"
"Um."
Fan Tian felt guilty: "I have to leave tomorrow, I'm afraid it will take several months to return."
I can't accompany her anymore.
The tall, handsome, young man lowered his head with a guilty look on his face, and glanced over with a look of deep reluctance.
Maybe he really likes her and wants to marry her?
Suddenly, this thought came to her mind. Fu Yun's nostrils twitched, and she suddenly said in a hoarse voice, "I've been tossed around in this chaotic world, and I'm afraid I'm not as good as you imagined!"
She didn't know why she suddenly said this, but as soon as she said it, some chaotic scenes immediately flashed before her eyes. She clenched her fists, clenched her teeth, and her breathing became rapid.
Fan Tian practices martial arts and has a keen sense of observation, so how could he not know? He immediately looked up and said anxiously: "I know!"
His brother and parents had already told him what needed to be analyzed, and they had even speculated on the worst possible scenario. And tell him that if he has any reservations, he can just decline without hesitation. The lord is not a narrow-minded person, his attitude is gentle, and the Fan family can protect him.
But Fan Tian truly loved this quiet and gentle girl. He felt sorry for the suffering she had endured and was willing to spend the rest of his life comforting her.
If you ask him why, he doesn't know, but he never forgot her the first time he saw her.
After finishing speaking, Fan Tian felt that what he said was wrong, and said hastily: "No, you are very good, you are very good in my heart, I..."
Fu Yun regretted blurting out a sentence that exposed her own scar. She subconsciously resisted listening to Fan Tian's answer. The unbearable memories in her mind became more and more turbulent, painful and chaotic. The warm autumn sun shining on her body was like a blazing flame. Gradually, she could no longer hear Fan Tian's words.
"...I, I want to go back."
"Okay, okay, I'll take you back!"
…
Although Pingyang County in the rear was peaceful and tranquil, the front line in Lingling was on the verge of breaking out.
Upon receiving the news that Wei Jing's army was marching south, King An immediately led his troops to Lingling.
"He actually started a fight so quickly!"
They set up camp at night. The lights in Prince An's tent were brightly lit. Prince An, who was sitting at the head of the group, clenched the secret report he had just received in his hand, raised his head, and had a sinister look on his face.
Guo Huai, Chen Ang and other ministers all had their brows furrowed, and the atmosphere in the tent was heavy.
In fact, the King of Qi started the war too quickly, bringing with him 350,000 soldiers. Even though the King of An had been busy recruiting new soldiers in the past few months, he only had more than 200,000 soldiers under his command.
Tens of thousands of soldiers had to be left in the two counties of Hanshou and Quyang. At most, Prince An could only lead an army of 180,000 to fight, and some of them were new recruits who had never seen blood.
In this battle, we were completely at a disadvantage.
Of course, it is not uncommon for a smaller force to defeat a larger one, but they are facing the King of Qi, who is known as the "God of War".
Guo Huai sighed and said, "If the war breaks out again next year, we have the advantage of being the landlord and may not be afraid of him."
Yes, everyone thought that since the King of Qi was so seriously injured, there was a high probability that the war would start next year. Then, we still have enough time to recruit soldiers and train the army. Unexpectedly, he came here as soon as he recovered from his injury.
"When two men meet on a narrow road, the bravest will win."
The one who spoke was Wei Xu. He said slowly, "Everyone, a cowardly army will be defeated."
“That’s right!”
Prince An's expression straightened up, and he said solemnly: "You are the leaders of our army, you should set an example and boost morale!"
Everyone was shocked and immediately said solemnly: "I will obey your orders!"
The atmosphere in the tent suddenly changed, the depression was swept away, and it became tense and full of fighting spirit.
Wei Xu nodded and asked King An: "Tomorrow evening, we will arrive at the west of Lingling. But should we set up camp sixty miles south of Nanluo as originally planned?"
A powerful enemy is attacking. Since we received the report, we have discussed the battle strategy repeatedly and it was finalized yesterday.
All cities and passes along the western border of Lingling need to recruit reinforcements. But among them, Nanluo City was the most difficult to defend. Everyone agreed that this must be the key point for King Qi to attack, and the focus of defense should be here.
Therefore, according to the battle strategy agreed upon yesterday, Prince An’s army would set up camp towards Nanluo City so that they could arrive in time when the battle broke out and resist the enemy’s attack.
But now, after hearing Wei Xu's question, Prince An shook his head and said, "After careful consideration, Nanluo may not be the target of the rebel king."
He slowly crumpled up the secret report in his hand, and pointed at the map on the table with his other hand: "Anshan Pass is only about 200 miles away from Nanluo City. It can be reached in one night. If the enemy attacks in the middle of the night, even if our army has scouts, it will not be able to reinforce in time."
"Once Anshan Pass is breached, the gates to Lingling will be wide open."
Prince An threw down the crumpled paper ball in his hand and said, "I think the main camp should be moved seventy miles south. Leave 30,000 soldiers in secret so that they can be used as reinforcements in case of emergency."
Send another person to keep an eye on Anshan Pass and report back if there is any movement. Even if the enemy really launches a surprise attack, they will be able to hold out until a large number of reinforcements arrive.
Wei Xu frowned slightly: "It's quite standard. Although both sides have lost a little advantage, it can be considered to be able to take care of both sides."
The mediocre battle strategy would actually be disadvantageous when a strong enemy attacked, but King An insisted and the plan was finalized.
…
"Prince An's camp has been set up, one hundred and thirty miles south of Nanluo City."
Wei Jing unfolded the letter and read it, then passed it to everyone to circulate. Ji Huan stroked his beard and said, "The main camp is only one day away from Nanluo, Juyang, Tongguo, Anshan Pass, etc. It seems that Prince An is very cautious."
The camp was close to the center point, but it was still more than a hundred miles away from Anshan Pass. Without prior preparation, it would be impossible to send reinforcements in time.
It does not affect their virtual and real combat strategies and plans of night raids.
"All the generals, listen to my orders!"
Wei Jing immediately ordered: "According to the original battle plan. Move out of camp tomorrow and divide the troops into two groups to attack Nanluo and Anshan Pass. Nanluo is clearly strong but secretly weak, so withdraw the troops at night and immediately rush to support Anshan Pass and attack it in the dark!"
"Under command!"
…
The next morning, Wei Jing's army marched out in a mighty force and split into two groups, one large and one small. The large group headed for Nanluo City, and the small group headed for Anshan Pass, and they each launched an attack.
Although the battle at Nanluo was a feint, in order to prevent the enemy from spotting the flaws, the attack on the city was extremely fierce.
The enemy was not defeated, so at night they sounded the retreat warning. The Wei Jing army, which should have retreated to its own camp to rest, suddenly changed direction halfway and hurriedly marched south.
At four o'clock in the morning, the night was dark and the army arrived at Anshan Pass. Wei Jing looked at the dark pass from afar and gave the order in a deep voice: "Chen Qi and Fan Ya, attack the city head-on; the rest of the generals, follow me to attack Yaozikou!"
Yaozikou is the farthest of several gaps near Anshan Pass. The road is difficult to travel and relatively narrow. If the garrison is insufficient, it will be the place with the weakest defense.
Wei Jing led his army to the scene in one breath and immediately ordered an attack.
But who would have thought that as soon as the vanguard army approached quietly, the Yaozikou would immediately light fire sticks and hear the heavy sound of military boots hitting the ground. Archers holding arrows quickly arrived, and swooped down from a high position.
Our army was caught off guard and suffered a great loss. There were screams of pain. Zhang Yong was startled and shouted loudly: "Raise your shields!"
The shield soldiers immediately stepped forward, blocked the rain of arrows, and launched an attack.
The shouts and cries of war shook the sky. Our army stabilized itself in time and launched a fierce attack. By dawn, the defenders of Yaozikou were already showing signs of collapsing.
Our army's morale was greatly boosted, and they were about to take the pass in one fell swoop. Unexpectedly, at this moment, to everyone's surprise, there was a sudden commotion, and new enemy troops kept pouring in from the mouth of the kite.
Zhang Yonghu's eyes widened: "My lord! The enemy has reinforcements!"
Wei Jing also saw it.
First, there was the prompt response of the defenders of Anshan Pass, and then there was the enemy reinforcements that came much faster than expected.
He said calmly: "It seems that our army's plan to attack Anshan Pass at night has been discovered by Wei Ping in advance."
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