Xuanyuan Po pondered for a moment and then said: "Now our Qinhuai Army and the Dongqi Navy are both in a situation of insufficient logistics, but in comparison, our army is in a more dangerous situation. The Dongqi Navy is crisscrossing the waterways, and it can advance or retreat. , and even if both sides of the Huai River are fortified and clear, the Huai River stretches from the East China Sea to the Qinling Mountains, and it is impossible to guard against it from beginning to end. Without the navy to stop it, the Dong Qi navy can do whatever it wants on the Huai River, and it is absolutely impossible to completely cut off the supply of food and grass. . On the contrary, my Qinhuai Army, although it has captured the land of three counties, it is probably an exaggeration to say that it has controlled the three counties."
Qi Ning nodded and said: "What Lieutenant Xuanyuan said is absolutely true. The Northern Han Dynasty has been fighting with Da Chu for decades. Although the people on the Huai River line have suffered from the Han army, the Northern Han Dynasty must also have attacked our army. It is quite resentful that regaining the people's hearts will not happen overnight. However, our army is short of food and fodder. If we have to requisition food from the local area, it will inevitably arouse greater anger from the local people. If our army is always worried about food and fodder, then it will not be able to compete with the Han army. The confrontation will become weaker."
Wei Shutong sighed: "While the three armies have not moved, food and grass must go first. This is the best policy for military strategists. In fact, I also know that the Qinhuai Army is in a difficult situation. If the people of Eastern Qi really join forces with the Northern Han Dynasty to attack our army from both sides, The situation of our army will be even more dangerous."
Qi Ning knew from the beginning that the attack on Dong Qi was just like the attack on the northwest. Any mistakes would definitely lead to extremely serious consequences.
After capturing Dong Qi, although Linzi was captured, escaping Duan Shao was already a mistake in the eyes. The Donghai Navy was defeated by the Dong Qi Navy, completely giving control of the waterway to the Dong Qi people. This This further aggravated the seriousness of the situation.
The nearly 100,000 troops of the Qinhuai Army are stationed in Dingtao, which is located in the hinterland of the Northern Han Dynasty. Naturally, they consume a huge amount of food and grass every day. They may be able to survive in a short period of time, but if they are unable to break through Liang County and their retreat is cut off, As time goes by, it is likely to collapse without a fight.
As Wei Shutong said, once the Eastern Qi and Northern Han people reach a reconciliation and attack from both sides, the Qinhuai Army will face an extremely dangerous dilemma. If the Qinhuai Army is defeated, the Chu State will most likely be in ruins.
The Qinhuai Army is the main force of the Chu State. Once these troops and horses are lost, the Chu State's slight advantage over the Northern Han Dynasty will be gone. The possibility of the Northern Expedition to unify the world is extremely slim.
Moreover, Qi Ning has not forgotten that Ksitigarbha is ready to make moves in the Chu Kingdom. No one knows what kind of big moves will be made next.
The Chu State is indeed in a dangerous situation of internal and external difficulties. If there is a slight mistake, the consequences will be disastrous.
"If we want the Qinhuai Army to turn the crisis around, we must solve the problem of logistical supply." Qining said with a serious expression: "And if we want to solve the logistical problem now, we must solve the problem of the Dongqi Navy."
Wei Shutong shook his head and said: "My lord, the Dongqi Navy is the most powerful navy in the world today. Our Donghai Navy has a large number of people, and the warships are not weak, but after a water battle, The entire army was almost annihilated. This shows that the Dongqi Navy is really difficult to deal with. That Shentu Luo is the best naval general in the world, almost unbeatable on the water." He smiled bitterly: "If you want to deal with the Dongqi Navy, We are also over-aware but under-powered.”
"Waiting for them to cut off their own food and grass and collapse, it will undoubtedly control the lives of the 100,000 soldiers of our Qinhuai Army in the hands of Shen Tuluo." Qining sneered: "If the Dongqi Navy never collapsed due to the problem of food and grass, then Our Qinhuai Army will only face defeat, so we must not sit still and wait for death."
Xuanyuan Po immediately said: "What the Duke said is true. We must not wait for Shentu Luo to be defeated."
Wei Shutong said: "Does the Duke have any good ideas?"
Qi Ning pondered for a moment before saying, "This is a serious matter, and we need to consider it carefully."
"My lord, Duan Canghai and Ban Yun are guarding the northwest side, and Tongguan is also under our control, so there shouldn't be any big problems." Comrade Wei Shu said: "The emperor is most worried about the Qinhuai Army now. I'm waiting to discuss with the Duke, I wonder if the Duke will go to the northwest or return to the capital?"
Qi Ning glanced at Xuanyuan Po and then said: "It seems that I still have to go back to the capital. Mr. Wei, please help prepare the carriage and dry food on the road. We will leave early tomorrow morning."
"The Duke doesn't look very good." Wei Shutong said, "Why don't you rest for two days and wait until your body is well rested before setting off?"
"I can't wait any longer." Qining stood up and shook his head: "You go and help prepare first."
Although I had already bought a carriage before, it was only purchased in a small town after all. The horse's foot strength was really average. The real good horse was always on the side of the Governor's Mansion.
Wei Shutong didn't dare to say anything, so he handed over his hands and retreated.
"My lord, you will return to the capital tomorrow." Xuanyuan Po thought for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "I have to go to Huai River for a humble visit."
"Oh?" Qi Ning said without any surprise, "You don't want to assassinate Shen Tuluo, do you?"
Xuanyuan Po's face changed slightly, his eyes were full of surprise, his lips moved slightly, but he didn't say anything. However, Qi Ning turned his body slightly, leaned closer and said, "This method of yours is actually exactly what I thought just now." .”
Xuanyuan Po said: "So the Duke also has this plan?"
"If Shentu Luo is not eliminated, the Dongqi Navy will not be able to solve it." Qining sneered: "If the Dongqi Navy cannot solve it, the Qinhuai Army's food routes will not be clear."
Xuanyuan Po solemnly said: "That's right. The food route cannot be delayed. Every day it is delayed increases the threat to the Qinhuai Army. Therefore, after much deliberation, I can only assassinate Shentu Luo."
"Shentu Luo wouldn't have thought that he has become a thorn in the side of my great Chu." Qining clenched his fists and whispered: "He must have guessed that we might send people to assassinate him, so he must have been prepared to deal with it. It will not be easy to assassinate him."
Xuanyuan said: "I will go to Huai River first to find out the movements of the Dong Qi navy, and then find out the details of Shen Tuluo, and then formulate an assassination plan."
"Shentu Luo is on the water, and his own martial arts are very good." Qining said: "Even if you find a way to find him, it will not be easy to stab him with a knife."
Xuanyuan Po nodded and said: "Shentu Luo was born in a family of military generals. He not only learned the art of war and strategy since he was a child, but also practiced diligently. He indeed has extremely superb martial arts."
"To assassinate him, you must succeed with one blow. As long as you miss once, it will be difficult to assassinate him again." Qining said: "I will secretly go to Huai River with you this time. If the situation permits, we will discuss the assassination plan together." plan."
Xuanyuan Po was startled and immediately said: "My lord, the son of a rich man cannot sit down in the hall. How can you, with your noble body, participate in such a dangerous thing? Just leave this matter to the humble official, who will definitely come up with a perfect plan."
"It's not that I can't trust your Shenhou Mansion." Qi Ning sighed: "The Shenhou Mansion is gone, and now the Shenhou Mansion is headed by you. I respect you as Senior Brother. Senior Brother, let me ask you, if you have not lost your inner strength, can you Are you sure you can defeat Shentu Luo?"
Xuanyuan Po thought for a moment and then said: "I have never met this person. I only know his identity and background. The fourth junior brother has been lurking in Dong Qi. I know this person quite well. He once sent a secret report to the Shenhou Mansion. , inform Shen Tuluo’s martial arts cultivation. According to the fourth junior brother, Shen Tuluo’s martial arts is not inferior to mine. If we face each other head-on, I may not be his opponent.”
Qi Ning said: "You are not absolutely sure to kill him even if your internal strength is not lost. What's more, your internal strength has not been restored now, and it is even more impossible to carry out this task."
Xuanyuan Po said: "Although a humble position is not possible, you can find assassins in secret. Assassins do not need to have high martial arts skills to assassinate, but they must seize the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow."
Qi Ning knew that there was indeed such a type of assassin in the world who specialized in this kind of business. The Shadow Mouse he had conquered was a master of assassination. He nodded slightly and said: "This matter must not only be secretive, but also must be done quickly. I will accompany you to Huai River. , just in time to help you restore your inner strength along the way."
Xuanyuan Po said: "The Duke knows how to restore my internal strength?"
"Like you, I have received Ksitigarbha's Acupoint Sealing Technique." Qi Ning did not hide it: "Senior Li taught me how to break the Acupoint Sealing Technique before he died. I have this experience and can help you try it. .”
Xuanyuan Po stood up and cupped his hands and said, "Thank you so much, Lord, for your help." Then he added, "What about the arrangements for Gang Leader Xiang and Xiaodie?"
"Of course they can't follow us." Qi Ning said, "I have my own arrangements for this matter."
Whether the assassination of Shen Tuluo is successful or not will have two consequences for the situation of the Qinhuai Army. It is not that Qin Ning does not believe in Xuanyuan Po's strength, but this time the opponent is not an easy person. Once the assassination fails, it will inevitably cause extremely serious consequences. Serious consequences, so this assassination plan must be foolproof.
Moreover, Qining was not just thinking about assassinating Shen Tuluo.
After leaving the Governor's Mansion, Qi Ning went to the inn alone and met Xiang Baiying. Xiaodie was taking care of Xiang Baiying. When he saw Qi Ning coming back, he felt happy. After Qi Ning sat down, he said: "Uncle Xiang, how are you feeling?"
Although Xiang Baiying was seriously injured, after the incident, he seemed more peaceful, "It's nothing serious, you don't have to worry. Thanks to Miss Xiaodie for taking care of her these days, thank you for your hard work."
"No... no!" Xiaodie said hurriedly: "You are Xiao Diao... the Duke's uncle, that is, my uncle. It is the junior's duty to take care of the senior."
Qining smiled and said: "Xiaodie is right, Uncle Xiang, we are all your descendants, and it is our duty to take care of you."
"Xiaodie said you want to go to the northwest?" Xiang Baiying said: "National affairs are important, you can go and don't worry about me. There is a branch of the Beggar Clan here, so just hand me over to someone from the Beggar Clan."
"Uncle Xiang, I might go to Huai River." Qi Ning said softly: "I'm going to ask the governor's office to arrange for someone to escort you to the capital first, but you never like to deal with people from the government, so I came here to discuss it with you first. one time."
Xiang Baiying shook his head and said: "There is no need to trouble the government. With my current situation, I don't actually need to worry too much." After a slight pause, he said: "The Beggar Gang is the number one gang in the world, with hundreds of thousands of members. If If I cannot choose a successor leader with both ability and political integrity, then it will be my fault for causing harm to the Beggar Clan. Therefore, while I can still do something, I will first choose a successor leader and pass on the position of leader of the gang. "Raising his hand to wave, he said to Qining: "Come here!"
Qi Ning stood up and approached, held Xiang Baiying's hand, Xiang Baiying thought for a moment, and then said: "At the time of crisis, I asked you to act as the leader of the gang, but you are the Duke of the imperial court after all. If you are allowed to lead The Beggar Clan will inevitably make things difficult for you."
Qi Ning said: "That is also an expedient measure. Now that Uncle Xiang has come out, you will naturally be responsible for taking charge of this beggar gang."
Xiaodie looked a little stunned at the side. She didn't know that Qining had been the leader of the Beggar Clan. When she learned from Xiang Baiying, she felt quite unbelievable and thought about what happened to Little Diao'er in the past two years. Not only did he become the Duke of the country, but he also became the leader of the Beggar Clan