Aspirations for Nation and Beauty

Chapter 19: Section 5 Transactions

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After the battle, the city walls were covered with corpses of soldiers from both the enemy and ours. Xiao Tang had already sent organized civilians to carry the wounded down for treatment. At the same time, some logistics personnel also began to clean up the battlefield on the city walls with the help of the common people. Engineers With the help of ordinary people, we also took the time to repair some damaged areas. Watching corpses being carried down one after another, Wu Feng couldn't help but think of a poem in his mind: "One general succeeds and ten thousand bones wither." Due to extreme mental stress or physical fatigue, many soldiers relaxed when the enemy's retreat horn sounded. They all fell to the ground paralyzed, and some even fainted. Wu Feng also felt a little tired. This was something he had not felt in many years. It was mainly due to too much psychological pressure. While checking the situation of each department, he arranged for his subordinates to seize the opportunity to rest. He also tried to relax and relax. His master taught him to relax and relax. It is the way of civil and military affairs. Only those who know how to rest can work better -

After counting the losses, a total of 7,082 people were killed and 7,529 wounded, including 1,355 seriously injured. Just one day of fighting caused the loss of more than one-third of his combat effectiveness. It seems that in the following days of fighting, more than 8,000 recruits will inevitably be pushed onto the battlefield. But the enemy's losses were at least three times that of our own. Only after experiencing such a fierce battle, our soldiers will truly become qualified warriors -

Luobei camp. Kurdo, Ge Ya, and Hasian sat in the tent with gloomy expressions, "It seems that the enemy's combat effectiveness is quite strong. We have all underestimated our opponents, and the commander is also a veteran, but we have not Without any information from the other party, we are lagging behind in this regard." As usual, it was Ha Xian who spoke first. "Have we counted our injuries?" Kurdo looked at Ge Ya. "We have finished counting. 12,658 people were killed in battle, 5,543 were seriously injured, and minor injuries are not counted." Ge Ya replied. Sighing softly, Kurdo felt a little headache. His intuition was that if this battle continued, there would be no satisfactory result. There was a serious shortage of infantry, an extreme lack of siege equipment, and the opponent seemed to have no hope at all. Without the intention to take the initiative, the superior cavalry on one's side will not be used at all. It is unrealistic to return to the territory to recruit or deploy infantry and siege equipment. But if you want to withdraw your troops back in disgrace, let alone Geya. He Haxian would never agree, even I find it a bit difficult to accept -

"Geya, what do you think?" After thinking about it, Kurdo was still a little undecided, so he had to ask Gea and Hasian for their opinions. "I think that although the enemy is very tenacious, the number will definitely not be large, otherwise our attack will be frustrated. If they suddenly come out of the city to attack us, our losses will be even greater. So my opinion is to continue to strengthen the attack tomorrow. I estimate that the enemy will also have a difficult time now, just competing with who is more resilient. I will not I believe that our three mighty Eastern March warriors leading an army of 100,000 people will not be able to capture even a small Qingyang City." Ge Ya is still full of confidence. "Hasian, what's your opinion?" Kurdo looked at Haxian again, "Well, we do have certain difficulties now, but if we go back in despair, our tribe will definitely laugh at us, and the general will also laugh at us. It's hard to explain. However, you are the coach, so it's up to you to decide." Haxian's tone was obviously not as firm as Ge Ya's, and he seemed a little hesitant. Kurdo pondered for a while before making up his mind, "Then we will spend another two days concentrating our strength to attack. What Geya said makes sense. Although we are in difficulty, the enemy will not be much better. It depends on who can survive first." live."-

On October 16th and October 17th, they launched an overwhelming and crazy attack for two consecutive days. After the Luobei people paid a huge price, the Wufeng side could no longer support it. The city wall in the southwest corner had collapsed in several places. Facing the wild attack of the Luobi people, it blocked the enemy's charge entirely with flesh and blood. Almost all the available power has been used. If we persist, we will only let the unarmed people go. Looking at the corpses and wounded soldiers everywhere, Wu Feng also felt a little exhausted. Of the more than 8,000 new recruits, only less than 4,000 were still fighting. In addition to the more than 3,000 veterans who were still fighting, it might be difficult to hold on even tomorrow. . Wu Feng walked among the soldiers, encouraging them and chatting with them with great interest. The soldiers who were originally very nervous and tired all relaxed -

I came to the west city head again and looked at the people who were busy repairing the city wall. It was of no use. Such simple repairs could only sustain one charge. Liang Chongxin, Liang Chongxin, it depends on your performance now, all hopes are pinned on you. Wu Feng looked northwest and thought silently -

At this time, Liang Chongxin had no idea of the difficult situation in Qingyang City. He led three squadrons of cavalry to quietly ambush near the Luobei people's logistics supply point about thirty miles behind the Luobei camp. Since the Luobei people are mainly cavalry, they have a particularly large need for fodder. In order to prevent enemy fire attacks, Cuerdo set up a grain and fodder supply point thirty miles behind his camp and sent 5,000 soldiers and horses. garrison—

Liang Chongxin has been lying in wait in the woods here for three days. Three days ago, the scout discovered the enemy's food and grass supply point, so he led nearly 600 cavalry to lurk here. However, the enemy's defense was very tight and the force was several times larger than his own, so he never had a chance. Liang Chongxin admired his boss's accurate judgment very much. He remembered that Wu Feng warned him before leaving, either to succeed in one fell swoop or to wait for the time to come. The enemy has transferred troops from here twice in the past two days. Now there are only about 1,000 garrison troops here. The time has come. It is estimated that Qingyang City will also be in some difficulty. The victory or defeat depends on this -

Taking advantage of the dark sky in the evening, Liang Chongxin led 600 cavalrymen to muzzle the horse with a bit, then wrapped the horse's hoof with a thick cloth, and quietly rushed towards the target. When he saw that he had reached the camp, Liang Chongxin shouted: "Brothers, rush with me!" Along with the thunderous sound of iron hoofs, rockets were flying all over the sky. These were specially made rockets with yellow phosphorus on the arrows, which could spontaneously ignite. They immediately caused a fire in the supply station. Fire. There are piles of fodder everywhere. Once attracted, it is impossible to extinguish them. Coupled with the ensuing unknown number of enemies sneak attack on the cavalry troops, the unprepared Luo Pi soldiers suddenly became a mess. For a moment, the fire snakes Thick smoke billowed from all directions, and the imperial cavalry that followed took advantage of the situation to cover them up. The Luobei soldiers were unable to resist at all and just fled for their lives. In an instant, this extremely important logistics supply station for the Luobei people was wiped out -

Luobei camp. The mood of Kurdo, Ge Ya, and Hasian is obviously much better than two days ago. After two consecutive days of fierce fighting, the enemy's resistance has been obviously weakened. Looking at the current situation, it is only a matter of time before Qingyang City is conquered. question. However, Cuerdo always felt that something was wrong. The enemy commander could tell that he was not an ordinary person. He must also know what the result would be if this continued, but so far there was still no movement from the opponent. It seemed that he wanted to fight with the city. Coexistence is dead. If this is the case, you have overestimated your opponent's wisdom. Seeing that Kurto was a little uneasy, Geya and Haxian, who were chatting and laughing, couldn't help but feel a little strange, "Kurdo, what's wrong with you?" Geya asked first. "Oh, it's nothing. I just feel a little uneasy in my heart. I always feel like something will happen." "What will happen? The enemy has been surrounded by us like iron barrels in the city. I have ordered all the ministries to We are all on strong guard to prevent the enemy from breaking out, just waiting to catch the turtle in the urn. In fact, it is better for the enemy to break out. We can take advantage of the situation to chase and kill, and it will be easier to win. Moreover, the intelligence also shows that no reinforcements have been sent to the surrounding Tanghe Empire territories. They are just They are alone, and when the time comes, I will make them die without a burial place." After speaking, Ge Ya was already gritting his teeth. After all, the hard battles in the past few days have caused heavy losses to the Luobi people, which has exceeded the losses of the Western Expedition with the Empire. The more than 200,000 troops suffered a lot of losses in the battle. "Yes, now the enemy has been firmly trapped in the city by us, and there is no external aid. I think they can only be captured this time. Kurdo, have you been working too hard these days? Wait until the city is captured. It's easy to choose a few beautiful women among the prisoners." Ha Xian, who was always cautious, also seemed more optimistic. "I hope so." Kurdo really couldn't think of anything else that was wrong -

Just when the three of them were looking forward to the arrangements after breaking the city, a soldier who stumbled in broke their illusions. "Report to the general, there seems to be a fire in our rear!" Looking along the opened tent curtain, you can see that half of the sky dozens of miles behind the camp has been reflected red. It can be imagined that the fire below has burned into red. What, and the direction is exactly where one's own food and grass supply point is located. For a moment, the three people in the big tent were stunned. You looked at me and I looked at you. Even Ha Xian's originally dark face became a little pale -

"What a cruel method, what a deep scheming." Cuerdo murmured these two sentences. He was able to ambush this strange force five days before his side discovered them. He had to admire the other commander. With his foresight and scheming, his mind is rapidly thinking about countermeasures. Now is no longer the time to think about how to attack the city. How to bring these tens of thousands of men back decently has become a top priority. If you are not careful, you will be It is possible that the whole army will be wiped out here. "Ha Xian, how much food and grass is there in the camp now?" "It's only enough for tomorrow morning. It was supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning as planned, but now... I would have known that the food and grass convoys sent back to the territory would be delayed by a few days. "The march from here to the nearest place in our own territory that can supply food and grass will take at least five days under normal circumstances. If it is a forced march, it will also take three days. And I don't know how many people can do a forced march of three days without food. arrive? If you want to leave, you have to leave tonight, otherwise there may not be many people left when you get home. Seeing the bright and dark expression on Kurto's face who was making secret calculations, Ge Ya and Ha Xian did not dare to disturb him. For a while, the only sound of the three people's heavy breathing was heard in the big tent. Just retreating like this overnight will definitely not be able to hide it from the enemy. If the enemy still has the strength to take the opportunity to pursue, I am afraid the result will be very unfavorable, but that's all -

Having made up his mind, Kurdo immediately issued an order for the entire army to pack up immediately, and at the same time strengthen their vigilance and prepare to withdraw their troops overnight. He asked Geya and Ha Xian to go down quickly to arrange their arrangements. Geya was still a little unwilling, "Kurdo, can we? We will fight to the death tomorrow, if we can capture the city...", "There is no chance on the battlefield. I am afraid that all the soldiers in the army know about the fire just now, so how can they still raise their fighting spirit." Kurdo replied in a calm tone. "Ge Ya, execute the order." Ha Xian also understood the current situation and urged Ge Ya. "Report that the enemy forces in the city have sent a negotiator and they have arrived at the gate of the camp."—

"Rather than saying it was a deal, it would be more appropriate to say it was blackmail." Excerpted from "Quotations of Imperial Celebrities" -

Xiao Tang, filled with excitement and admiration for Wu Feng, stepped into Kurdo's handsome tent with relaxed steps. After seeing the fire behind the enemy camp, Wu Feng immediately summoned Xiao Tang, Cui Wenxiu, Mu Lige, and Lu Man to discuss. When Wu Feng put forward his idea, everyone found it a bit strange, but under Wu Feng's explanation, Everyone thought they could give it a try, and Xiao Tang volunteered to go to the enemy camp as an envoy. Wu Feng was a little worried about his safety, but after Xiao Tang's strong request, he finally agreed -

"The three above must be the famous generals Kurdo, Geya, and Hasian. I am Xiaotang. Today, as an envoy from the Qingyang City Army of the Tanghe Empire, I have heard about these three names for a long time, and I just got one today. See you." The faces of the three people at the main seat were all a little ugly. The impatient Geya was about to have an attack, but with Kurdo's look in his eyes, he finally endured it. "Mr. Xiao, I'm Kurdo. I'm here late at night. What can I say?" Kurdo calmed down and asked in a calm tone. "Oh, I came into the camp just now and saw the general's subordinates packing their bags. It seems that the general is planning to return home overnight?" Xiao Tang still had a smile on his face, as if he was an enthusiastic old friend who was caring. Friends who are about to travel far. "We don't have to go around. Let's make it clear what Mr. Xiao's intention is in coming here." Ha Xian couldn't help it anymore. "Okay, hurry up, I am here today to make a deal with the three of you here on my master's orders." Xiao Tang said calmly. "Tell me about it." Kurdo, who was sitting in the middle, was also a little strange. "My lord's opinion is to ask the three of you to leave 20,000 surplus war horses in your camp for us. My lord will definitely repay you." "What did you say? Who is your lord? How dare you say such words? I It seems he was frightened out of his mind by the war." Ge Ya couldn't bear it anymore and stood up. Xiao Tang was still smiling, but he showed his disdain for Ge Ya's words. Kurdo stopped Ge Ya from continuing to speak with a stern look, and replied calmly: "Oh, this deal seems to be quite big. What price are you prepared to pay?" Ha Xian said to the other party. I was very angry about this seemingly unreasonable request, but I thought that the other party was not a lunatic. Since I said this, there must be something to rely on, so I also wanted to hear the other party's conditions. "There must be no food and grass in the general's camp now, and the journey back is long. It will probably take three or four days to get to the next food and grass supply point. My family is willing to provide your army with food and grass for three days, and promises to wait until your army retreats. I promise not to take advantage of the situation." Xiao Tang calmly put forward his own terms. Kurdo's eyes stayed on Xiao Tang, "What if we don't accept this condition?" "Oh, it doesn't matter, just pretend I didn't say it and let it go. But I believe the three generals will understand the reason. , will eventually agree to this deal." Xiao Tang shrugged coolly. "What if we want five days of food and grass?" Kurdo's eyes were fixed on Xiao Tang's face, trying to find any flaw in Xiao Tang's face. Xiao Tang's mind raced, "Of course, if you keep 30,000 war horses." After pondering for a long time, Kurdo nodded with difficulty, "Okay, we agree. We will complete the deal tonight." Ge Ya jumped up, "No, I never agree." "I am the coach, and I am responsible for the decisions I make." Kurdo answered loudly. Ha Xian also nodded slowly, "I agree with Kurdo's opinion. Mr. Xiao, please go back to the city to report and prepare." Seeing that the matter was done, Xiao Tang didn't say much, nodded and said: " Okay, I'll see you later." -

As soon as Xiao Tang left the tent, Ge Ya couldn't control himself anymore and roared like thunder, "Kurdo, Ha Xian, are you two crazy? Why did you agree to such blackmail?" Kurdo turned his back and did not answer. , he understood Ge Ya's mood. The war horse that he had worked so hard to cultivate was sold at a low price for just a few kilograms of grain and grass. It should be said that it was not even a low price. "Gaya, calm down. If you don't accept it, tell us that we only have one meal of food and at least three days of travel left. How can these tens of thousands of people go back with so many wounded soldiers? What if? If the enemy attacks us again when we are half-dead from hunger, can we withstand it?" Ha Xian patiently persuaded the angry Ge Ya. "Geya, be more open-minded. If the war horse is gone, it can be tamed again, but if the warrior is gone, it cannot be grown in a day or two." Kurdo said quietly. "Then the enemy would be so kind and not know how to take the opportunity to eliminate us?" "Then they have to think about the consequences of losing everything." Kurdo answered with a strange look of murderous intent and pride on his face -

The transaction went very smoothly. The Luobi people left 20,000 war horses as agreed, and Wufeng also gave the other party three days of food and fodder in accordance with the agreement. Before leaving camp, Kurdo asked Xiao Tang, "What is your lord's surname?" "My lord's surname is Li Wufeng." "Li Wufeng, Li Wufeng." He chewed over and over again this memory that he would never forget. Name, "I would like to send this message to you, Mr. Li, for a gentleman to take revenge. It will not be too late in three years. We Luobi people will definitely use our blood to wash away this shame." Kurdo said word by word. "General Cuerdo, Mr. Li also appreciates the general's talents. Why do we have to meet each other in war? I really hope that the next time we meet, we can have a good time." Xiao Tang replied with a sincere smile.