Before the third day, something happened that night that shocked Xue Wanche.
At that time, Qin Mubai refused Xue Wanche's proposal to go to a restaurant in the city for dinner. Instead, he ate a simple meal and drank some wine in the post house, and the two discussed some military matters.
At this moment, Hou Junji came to visit Qin Mubai.
Xue Wanche clicked his tongue and exclaimed: "It's really here! Incredible!"
"It's nothing strange. I know very well what he is thinking. No matter how hard you try to disguise it, it's all in vain." Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Come, please invite Hou Sima to sit down and prepare a seat."
Hou Junji came in, looked at Qin Mubai and Xue Wanche from side to side, neither saluted nor greeted him, just stood in the hall abruptly, and said flatly: "If the Governor returns to Lanzhou, can you take Hou with you?"
"Okay." Qin Mubai agreed without hesitation.
"That's it, Hou Mou takes his leave." After cupping his hands, Hou Junji turned around and left.
Xue Wanche was startled, and immediately showed displeasure and wanted to stop Hou Junji. Qin Mubai waved his hand to stop him and allowed Hou Junji to walk away.
"This person is so disrespectful and rude!" Xue Wanche gritted his teeth and said, "When he entered the hall, he didn't even care about the most basic etiquette. He neither addressed him nor bowed. He was just like a barbarian!"
"A real man doesn't stick to trivial matters, so why worry about it." Qin Mubai said with a nonchalant smile, "Every day, hundreds of people bow to me, what's the point? Hou Junji is an upright and fierce person, and he can't be hypocritical and polite. If he treats someone with courtesy and respect, he respects that person from the bottom of his heart."
"Why did he go to Lanzhou with the young marshal?" Xue Wanche asked curiously.
"If it were me, I would do the same thing." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "If one day you had to have a heart-to-heart exchange with someone, General Xue, who would you choose?"
"Of course it's someone I know very well and trust." Xue Wanche replied without thinking.
"That's it?" Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Judging from Hou Junji's current situation, he doesn't dare to make any decisions easily anymore. The slightest move on his part may endanger his life or even It's a family. To me, it's just a new general in Lanzhou; but to him, it's a matter of life and death. He doesn't know me at all, so how can he exchange lives with me? Going to Lanzhou is just to get close to me and get to know me.”
"So that's it!" Xue Wanche suddenly realized and said, "It seems that Hou Junji is not as frustrated and lazy as he seems on the surface! He can think about it so carefully, which shows that he has his own plans in his heart. A person who has given up his mind, It’s impossible to do this.”
"So I said that Hou Junji is not resigned, he still has great ambitions." Qin Mubai turned the wine glass and smiled playfully, "He is like a tiger locked in a cage. Even so. Even if he falls asleep, he will not turn into a cat. As for when he wakes up, it depends on who opens the cage! "
Xue Wanche nodded thoughtfully and said, "But the person who opens the cage may become the owner of this tiger, or he may be the first to be eaten by him!"
Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "I'm willing to give it a try."
Two days later, Qin Mubai left Liangzhou and called Hou Junji before leaving.
"Is the Governor going back to Lanzhou?" Hou Junji said lukewarmly.
"There is no rush to return to Lanzhou. I want to go to Dafeichuan first to review the army there and inspect the defense." Qin Mubai said, "Senior brother, if you wish, you can go together."
"Go and go, I don't care." Hou Junji said calmly, "I have been expelled from the master's door long ago. Don't call me senior brother. Besides, I can't reach that high level."
"Then I'll invite you, Hou Sima." Qin Mubai smiled and said nonchalantly, "We'll set off in half an hour. Please prepare."
"Hou is alone and has nothing to prepare. He can leave at any time." Hou Junji said, "If the governor agrees, I would like to take two maids and concubines with me who can wash clothes and boil water for me."
"It's up to you." Qin Mubai agreed casually.
Hou Junji smiled coldly and said: "Female family members or prostitutes are not allowed to accompany the army. As a general in charge, don't you know this? Why do you indulge me so much?"
Qin Mubai glanced sideways at him and sneered: "Rules and laws are only used to restrain the majority of people, not everyone. And you can be one of those few people. I am happy, how? Sample?"
Hou Junji was obviously surprised, but he immediately covered it up, smiled sarcastically, and said, "You do have some tolerance and some human touch. You are better than Li Jing in this regard."
"Rules are dead, people are alive. And rules are made by people." Qin Mubai said calmly, "As long as I don't touch the bottom line and violate major principles, I'm easy to talk to."
"Stop talking nonsense and leave quickly!" Hou Junji said coldly and stopped talking.
Qin Mubai gathered the Hundred Cavalry Guards and left Lanzhou with Hou Junji to inspect the Dafeichuan Military Region.
For several days along the way, Hou Junji rarely spoke. He traveled the same route with Qin Mubai and his soldiers, ate and slept together. He seemed like a superfluous figure, never talking to anyone and being lukewarm towards Qin Mubai, as if he was always aloof.
Qin Mubai was also very calm and rarely took the initiative to talk to him, leaving him to watch quietly and coldly. He knew that although Hou Junji was taciturn and independent, he had been paying close attention to and observing him. Qin Mubai's words, deeds, and actions all fell in Hou Junji's eyes.
Qin Mubai never dared to look down upon people like Hou Junji. They have been in the military for half their lives in troubled times, their bodies and minds have been tempered by blood and fire, and they have met countless people. There is no doubt that the city has a deep and sophisticated vision. In front of such a person, any pretense and pretense are in vain. His insight and judgment will be far beyond his imagination.
Just like when facing Emperor Li Shimin and his father Qin Shubao, don't lose your sense of proportion because of being clever. Be natural and casual, treat each other sincerely, just do these eight words.
Along the way, Hou Junji said less than ten sentences. Qin Mubai didn't know what kind of evaluation he had in his mind, and he didn't want to know. After all, forceful melons are not sweet. If you really have no relationship with him or do not have the leadership skills and personality charm to convince him, even if he reluctantly agrees, it will not last long, or he may have ulterior motives.
In this case, it is better to let nature take its course.
Dafeichuan has arrived.
The camp is in good order, and the troops are in good spirits. Compared with when it was first built two years ago, it has improved a lot.
"Xue Wanjun's ability to manage the army is indeed not bad." Qin Mubai said with emotion.
Hou Junji smiled coldly: "That's all."
Qin Mubai glanced at him and asked with interest: "Looking at this tone, Hou Sima has a lot to say about General Xue's camp layout?"
"What can we say about the Grass Chicken Formation?" Hou Junji sneered, "A soldier can only lead a soldier with this kind of camp formation, so he is only qualified to defend against the Tubo barbarians. This camp formation is called 'Feng Hou Hold'" If he encounters a general who is familiar with the art of war, he can defeat his formation with three thousand cavalry. "
"Can you?" Qin Mubai asked.
Hou Junji grinned tit-for-tat and said provocatively: "How about giving you three thousand cavalry to try?"
"There are 40,000 soldiers here." Qin Mubai said seriously, "There is no joke in the army. If you can't break the formation, what will happen?"
"Please behead my head." Hou Junji threw these four words lightly, turned his face away, and said no more.
Qin Mubai took a deep breath and waved his hand: "Come here, please bring General Xue Wanjun. The whole army will be tidied up, and three thousand cavalry will be ordered, and Hou Junji will lead the army to break the camp."
The hundreds of cavalry soldiers next to them were a little frightened. It was almost an impossible task for three thousand cavalry to break through the camp of 40,000 troops. Although Hou Junji is a famous battlefield veteran, his opponent Xue Wanjun is also extraordinary. How could he break the formation so easily
However, Qin Mubai's military order had been issued, and the Baiqi guards had to go to the military camp to invite Xue Wanjun and convey Qin Mubai's military order.
Xue Wanjun was surprised and happy when he heard that Qin Mubai suddenly arrived in Dafeichuan. But when he heard such a strange military order, he couldn't help but change his expression: "When did the young commander become such a childish person? Let Hou Jun gather to destroy my camp and fight his own people, no matter which side wins or loses, it is not good after all!" "
Baiqi, who was delivering the order, could only smile bitterly and said, "The young commander has his own opinions on how to act, and we cannot figure it out. Since he has given the military order, please carry it out, General Xue!"
Xue Wanjun could only grit his teeth, with a look of dissatisfaction and annoyance on his face, and said: "Then execute the military order - Hou Junji, this bastard, really bullied me too much! If it weren't for the young marshal and thousands of soldiers How can I, Mr. Xue, stand up after fighting for this face in front of me? - Come on, beat the drums and gather the generals, organize the troops!"
The large camp with tens of thousands of soldiers was suddenly in full swing. The three armies were standing with purge flags, as if they were preparing for battle. The three thousand cavalry ordered by Hou Junji were all counted, and Xue Wanjun personally led them out of the camp and came to Qin Mubai.
Xue Wanjun rode out and ran forward. He glanced at Hou Junji coldly, then bowed to Qin Mubai with clasped fists: "Young Marshal! The troops and horses have been reorganized, please give the military order!"
Qin Mubai nodded and said: "Leave the three thousand cavalry to Hou Junji, and you can return to camp and prepare to defend against the enemy."
"What should we do if there are casualties?" Xue Wanjun gave Hou Junji a hard look and said in a deep voice.
"Hou will bear the responsibility." Hou Junji glanced back at him without hesitation and said coldly, "Are those who are marching and fighting still afraid of death and injury? If you, Xue Wanjun, are afraid of death, just stay here with the young marshal to watch the battle; you belong to If the soldiers are afraid of death, they will go home to nurse their children."
"You!... Hou Junji, don't bully others too much! If you lose when you are young, I don't see how you can save your face! - Young Marshal, I will go ahead and get ready to return to camp!" Xue Wanjun glared at Hou Jun angrily After gathering a few glances, he rode back.
Hou Junji looked at Xue Wanjun's back, sneered again and again, and said: "Can such a shield-breaking formation be able to stop me, Hou Junji? Not to mention three thousand elite cavalry, with such a desolate formation, I am five hundred Mo Dao." You can break it with your hands! Xue Wanjun is brave and resourceful. He is not capable of being a handsome man on his own. He is just a reckless man who charges into battle!"
"Don't speak big words too early." Qin Mubai smiled lightly and said, "Hou Sima, I know that you have been in the army for many years, and you are skilled in the use of soldiers and horses. You are also deeply impressed by the true legacy of your mentor Wei Gong. No matter whether you are fighting with horse, fighting with foot, or rushing forward, You are not weak in a confrontation. Qin has not studied under his master for a long time, but he is also familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of this camp's formation. Ordinary things are more extraordinary. Hou Sima, you have to be careful."
"Hmph!" Hou Junji sneered again and said, "Fenghou holds his fortress formation, and the weak point is Xunda. If an elite division suddenly breaks in from Xunda position, his army will be defeated. I don't need to make a surprise attack this time. , I will use my regular troops to attack and enter from Xunmen. The governor can inform Xue Wanjun that Hou should retreat fifteen miles to the north and lead his troops to enter from Xunmen in half an hour!"
After that, Hou Junji reined up his horse and left without wearing any armor. He took out a spear in his hand and took the three thousand cavalry away.
Qin Mubai couldn't help but shook his head and laughed, "It's indeed crazy. But Hou Junji, Hou Junji, this formation where the Queen of Wind controls the base and camp was laid out by me myself. How could I not know about such an ordinary formation?" What are the advantages and disadvantages of the law? If your three thousand troops break through my 40,000 soldiers and horses, I, Qin, will kill you with a piece of steamed bun!"
Half an hour later, a drum and horn sounded in the army to warn the enemy.
As a rule, at this time the army should be ready with swords unsheathed and arrows cocked. However, the 40,000-strong army that had just been assembled dispersed and returned to their respective camps, as usual, without the tense atmosphere of half a lifetime of fighting.
Fifteen miles away, Hou Junji immediately raised his gun and looked at the camp in the distance with a sneer.
"Xue Wanjun has great ambitions but little talent; Qin Mubai has little vision. Today, Hou will let you open your eyes and know what war is!"
In the camp, where Xun was standing at the stockade gate, two rows of thick gates like carved castle walls were opened, revealing pieces of bright red cloth and silk inside. Hundreds of sergeants stepped forward in unison and pulled apart the cloth one by one, revealing the long, black and cold barrel of the gun, pointing proudly at the sky.
Qin Mubai stood in front of the row of red cannons with his hands cut behind his back, his mouth raised in a playful expression.
Xue Wanjun said with itching teeth: "Hou Junji is too frivolous. Young Marshal, I don't want to kill my brother with a red cannon."
"He retreated fifteen miles, which shows his contempt for us." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "When you rush within ten miles, fire a hundred cannons to let him know why I can use two hundred men to recapture Dafeichuan. Let him know that in this world, besides cavalry and infantry warfare, there is also artillery warfare!"
"Just what I wanted!"
Hou Junji took the lead and charged forward. After a few months, Hou Junji could not help but feel excited as he once again galloped on the battlefield with a horse and a spear. Although it was not a serious fight, it was like a hungry wolf smelling the strong smell of blood. All the fighting spirit in his bones was aroused, and his pride and wildness burst out together.
Under his leadership, three thousand cavalry galloped over like wind and lingering clouds.
Three thousand soldiers and horses broke through the 40,000 formation. This was an impossible task. But in Hou Junji's eyes, this was as ordinary as killing chickens and chopping vegetables. Marching and fighting is like holding a picket of vegetables, it has almost become his instinct.
"Soldiers are not numerous but fine, generals are not brave but strategic. Xue Wanjun, Qin Mubai, you are too underestimating me, Mr. Hou!" Hou Junji muttered to himself, facing the biting wind, the corners of his mouth pursed. A sneer of ridicule and aloofness.
The cavalry was moving very fast, and they were almost able to see the camp in a blink of an eye.
At this moment, balls of dazzling red electric light suddenly appeared in mid-air, accompanied by billowing black smoke, pouring down from the sky and covering the ground. Immediately afterwards, a deafening rumbling sound shook the sky and the earth!
Just three to five miles in front of the cavalry group, a landslide broke out and rocks flew, as if the mountain had collapsed! It was as shocking as the mountain!
Hou Junji, who was moving forward with full fighting spirit, was almost startled. He hurriedly reined in his horse and exclaimed: "Did the earth move?!"
Looking back, he saw that the three thousand cavalry behind him were actually a stone's throw away from him. It turned out that they had all stopped long ago. All the soldiers showed fear on their faces and stopped moving forward. They were panic-stricken, confused and trembling!
"What's going on? What's going on?!" Hou Junji shouted in shock and anger, "What happened in the front? Why are you stagnant? Retreating in the face of battle is a violation of military law and severe punishment! Xue Wanjun Are you bringing troops like this?”
A military academy patter came over immediately, patiently bowed his hand to Hou Junji, and said: "General Hou, you don't know something. This is the red-clothed Shenwu cannon of Dafeichuan exerting its power. Don't say it is a human body. , Even gold, iron, and jade will be shattered into pieces under its rumbling power! ... We, brothers, would rather be punished by military law and at least save our bodies, than be stupid and go to pieces to pieces!"
"What did you say? What bullshit red-clad divine cannon?!" Hou Junji yelled angrily, took off his riding crop from the saddle and whipped the military academy angrily, "Come forward! Come forward with me and charge to kill!"
The military academy neither dodge nor resist. Instead, he stood on his horse and allowed him to whip him. He just looked at him coldly and said sternly: "There are no cowards among the soldiers trained by Marshal Qin and General Xue. The last general He is not afraid of death, but he must die with value! Since General Hou is the commander-in-chief of the three armies, how can he let his brothers jump into the fire pit alive? If General Hou wants to kill the last general, he will do it no matter what. , I will never allow the brothers behind to take a step forward!"
"Boom - boom!"
Another row of artillery blasted down, the heaven and earth shook, and thick smoke billowed in front, like a volcano erupting in reverse.
Hou Junji trembled all over, turned his head and stared at the billowing smoke, his face turned earth-colored, and he was dumbfounded.
After three rounds of bombardment, everything fell silent, leaving only the roaring east wind, rolling up black smoke and dust.
Hou Junji stood on his horse, looked ahead and murmured to himself: "It turns out that the weakest point is defended by such magical artifacts... Hou Junji, Hou Junji, you have really wasted your life. You are still so frivolous despite your age! ... Sanlang of the Qin family, it is not you, Sanlang of Qin, nor Xue Wanjun who is opening my eyes, but I, Hou Junji, the frog in the well!"
After riding alone for a few miles, Hou Junji saw craters one after another, with many residual flames and a strong smell of gunpowder smoke.
Imagining these cannonballs falling on him, Hou Junji had to shake his head and closed his eyes, "No matter how superb the tactics are, no matter how brave the soldiers are, what can they do in the face of such heavenly power?"
The sound of a bunch of horse hooves sounded in the distance, and a lone horse came up. Hou Junji took a closer look and saw that it was Qin Mubai.
He couldn't help but move his eyes a few times, with a hint of embarrassment on his face, and stood still.
Qin Mubai came over immediately, looking at Hou Junji with a natural expression, without saying anything, just staring at Hou Junji making him uncomfortable.
"You win." After a while, Hou Junji spat out these three words, his face was a little ugly, but his eyes were still unruly, and he said coldly, "Victory and defeat are common things for military strategists. You... you are really better than mine. Unexpectedly, he can be called the king of surprise soldiers. Hou Mou is convinced that he will take this life as he pleases."
"Ha!" Qin Mubai chuckled indifferently and said, "You must win only if you can afford to lose. Hou Junji, you do have the demeanor of a general. I still have use for your life, so I will leave it to you for safekeeping for the time being. ”
Hou Junji's mind suddenly lit up and he said: "I once heard that you used this type of mysterious artifact to beat the spirits of the Tibetan soldiers and horses stationed in Dafeichuan, and then used hundreds of people to regain this place. ?"
The actual facts of the Battle of Dafeichuan in the past and the existence of the red cannon are high-level military secrets, and not many people know about it. It's not surprising that even a high-ranking officer like Hou Junji only knows about scale claws.
Qin Mubai smiled lightly and said: "To be specific, it was two hundred artillerymen that recaptured Dafeichuan. However, two hundred artillerymen alone cannot do this. It's like the killing blade only has that shallow edge. However, without the blade, handle and the power of wielding the sword, the blade is completely useless. Do you understand what I mean
"You want Hou to be the blade and hilt of your sword?" Hou Junji stared at Qin Mubai and said.
Qin Mubai nodded and said: "A foot is short, an inch is long. The red cannon is not invincible. Otherwise, the Tibetan flag would not be flying on the snowy plateau now. We must charge forward and destroy the enemy." To take out the city, we have to rely on the Tang Dynasty's infantry, cavalry and horses.
Hou Junji stared at Qin Mubai with a pair of falcon eyes without blinking. He suddenly sneered and shook his head: "Hou's life is yours, but this does not mean that I will sacrifice my life for you."
Finally, he solemnly added, "I don't agree!"
"It doesn't matter, one day, you will agree." Qin Mubai patted the saddle with a riding crop and smiled nonchalantly, raised his finger and pointed in the direction of the military camp, and said, "Go back to the camp, good wine and meat are ready. Just now The rumbling sound of cannons is regarded as a salute to welcome us!”
Hou Junji took a long and dull breath, then patted his horse and stepped forward without saying a word. He caught sight of Qin Mubai from the corner of his eye, and he seemed to be saying to himself: "I admit that you won, but I did not lose. If there is anything else that surprises me or shocks me, just use it."
"Are you surprised? Are you shocked?" Qin Mubai laughed and said, "Then I did win."