Chapter 93 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
She whispered to the emperor, "Brother, although the enemy is small in number, their fighting power is extremely strong. They are obviously elite troops."
The emperor nodded, his eyes stern. "Indeed, these people are well-trained and are definitely not ordinary rebels. It seems that the person behind this has invested a lot of money."
The battle lasted less than half an hour, and the enemy army was completely routed. The black-clad general, seeing the situation was not good, turned to flee, but was shot in the back by an arrow from the emperor, and fell off his horse.
The emperor rode forward and looked coldly at the general lying on the ground. His tone was icy: "Tell me, who sent you?"
The general's mouth was bleeding, and his eyes were filled with resentment: "You...don't even think about getting any information from me!"
The emperor sneered and waved his hand to signal the soldiers to take him away: "Take him back and interrogate him strictly."
After the battle, the emperor immediately ordered the entire army to rest and sent scouts to investigate to ensure that there were no more ambushes ahead.
Zhang Xiaojia walked up to the emperor and asked in a low voice, "Brother, what should we do next?"
The emperor's eyes were deep and his tone was firm: "Keep going and return to the capital as soon as possible. I will find out who is behind this rebellion."
Zhang Xiaojia nodded, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Brother, no matter what happens, I will stay with you."
The emperor smiled slightly and patted her head: "Okay, let's go back to the capital together and put down the rebellion."
The army set off again and galloped towards the capital.
When you arrive at the three-way intersection of the post station, the road leading directly to the capital has a landslide. On the left, you will encounter the 50,000-strong army of Yucheng, and the right side will be very good.
The spy hurried back with a report: "Your Majesty, the road leading directly to the capital is blocked by a landslide, making it impassable for the army. On the left is the road from Yucheng to the capital. A 50,000-strong army from Yucheng is approaching, and we'll encounter them along this route. The spies on the right haven't returned yet, but we'll need to take a two-day detour."
Yao Yanwen stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, although the Yucheng army is large, I am familiar with the terrain. I can lead the elite troops to attack from the side roads. Taking them by surprise, we may be able to break through in one fell swoop."
The emperor's eyes were deep, and after a moment's hesitation, he said slowly, "Yan Wen, how sure are you?"
Yao Yanwen cupped his hands and replied, "Seventy percent. Although the Yucheng army is large, its morale is low."
The emperor nodded, his tone firm: "Okay, as you say. I believe you. But leave two thousand cavalrymen for me."
Yao Yanwen quickly assembled his forces, left two thousand cavalrymen to the emperor, and led his elite troops quietly towards Yucheng and the capital.
The emperor, Zhang Xiaojia and the remaining troops stopped in front of the post station and watched the cavalry led by Yao Yanwen go farther and farther away. In the flying dust, the cold light of iron armor flashed, and the neighing of war horses gradually dissipated in the wind.
The emperor stood there for a long time, his eyes deep, as if he could see the flames of war and turmoil in the capital through the distant mountains.
He suddenly turned around, his tone calm but with a hint of urgency: "Have you explored the right side?"
The spy knelt on one knee and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, the spies from the right have not returned yet. The journey is long, and it may take some time."
The emperor frowned slightly, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then asked, "The road leading directly to the capital is blocked by landslides, making it impassable for a large army. But can two thousand cavalrymen pass through?"
The spy thought for a moment and then replied firmly, "Your Majesty, the cavalry can pass with light equipment. However, the road is dangerous, so proceed with caution."
Upon hearing this, the emperor's eyes flashed with coldness, and he had already made a decision. He knew that although Yao Yanwen had led his troops to hold back the Yucheng army on the left, if the rebels were also ambushed on the right, that would be the situation he most hated—the rebels had formed a siege, and the capital was in imminent danger. He had to rush back to Kyoto as soon as possible to take control of the central government in order to stabilize the situation.
With this thought, the Emperor suddenly turned around, his eyes as sharp as torches, his voice loud and firm: "Comrades, follow me back to the capital! Take the road that leads directly to the capital, attack from both sides, and wipe out the rebels!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The soldiers answered in unison, their voices shaking the sky.
Zhang Xiaojia stood aside, her brow furrowed, hesitant to speak. She knew the emperor's decision was irreversible, yet a tinge of unease remained. She opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing, silently tightening her grip on the reins.
The emperor turned to look at her, his tone gentle but unquestionable: "Jia'er, wait for me at the post station. I will come to pick you up after I put down the rebellion."
Zhang Xiaojia's eyes flashed with stubbornness when she heard this. She didn't answer, but suddenly jumped onto her horse, flicked the reins, and the horse neighed and rushed out like an arrow, heading straight for the dangerous road leading to the capital.
When the emperor saw this, he was stunned at first, then he shook his head and smiled bitterly, his eyes full of helplessness.
He shouted an order: "All troops, listen closely and follow closely. Make sure to protect Princess Jing!"
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers responded in unison. Their hooves thundered, dust flew up, and the army rushed towards the steep mountain road like a torrent.
The emperor led two thousand cavalrymen, following closely behind Zhang Xiaojia, and set foot on the mountain road which was extremely steep due to landslides.
The mountain road was narrow, with steep cliffs on both sides. Occasionally, gravel would roll down, making a dull sound. The soldiers moved forward cautiously, and the horses would neigh anxiously from time to time.
Zhang Xiaojia led the way, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Her heart was filled with concern for the capital. She couldn't retreat at this moment; she had to fight alongside the emperor.
The emperor rode his horse to catch up with Zhang Xiaojia and walked alongside her. He glanced at her, his tone filled with both blame and concern: "Jia'er, you're too impulsive. This road is full of dangers. You shouldn't go alone."
Zhang Xiaojia smiled slightly, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes: "Brother, I know you are worried about me, but I am worried about you too. The situation in the capital is unclear, and I can't let you face danger alone. Let's go home together. Mother and the prince are waiting for us."
The emperor's heart warmed, and his tone softened. "Okay, let's go home together. But you have to promise me that when you encounter danger, you must obey my command."
Zhang Xiaojia nodded: "I promise you."
The two continued on their way, the mountain path becoming increasingly precipitous. Suddenly, a strange noise came from the front. Zhang Xiaojia immediately reined in his horse and looked ahead warily. The emperor also quickly waved his hand to signal the entire army to halt, his eyes grimly scanning the surroundings.
"There's an ambush!" Zhang Xiaojia whispered, and she quickly rode in front of the emperor.
The emperor nodded slightly, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and his tone was cold and steady: "All troops are on alert and ready to meet the enemy!"
The soldiers quickly raised their shields, spears stood up like a forest, war horses stamped their hooves restlessly, and the air was filled with a tense atmosphere that was about to break out.
However, at this critical moment, countless dark shadows suddenly emerged from the cliffs on both sides.
Zhang Xiaojia's heart sank suddenly, and his fingers subconsciously pressed on the iron whip at his waist.
However, the next second, her movements paused - those dark shadows did not shoot arrows as expected, but quickly jumped down from the cliff, their movements as agile as cheetahs, and they landed almost silently.
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