Late at night, the Dafeichuan military camp, which had been bustling all day, gradually returned to peace. There are about 100,000 troops in the whole army. There are households in and out of the camp and the fortresses. The orders are strict and the military regulations are strict.
Only three days after arriving in Dafeichuan, even Hou Junji, who had always been taciturn, aloof and aloof, had to admit publicly, "Generals are the soul of the army. Don't tell me how cleverly the camp is laid out. Qin Mubai alone Come, the spirit of the whole Dafeichuan is completely renewed. This boy has indeed gained a bit of Li Jing's true heritage."
In the back courtyard of the handsome tent, Qin Mubai was half lying on the military couch, holding a copy of "The Jade Tent Sutra" in his hand. The sound of dripping from the copper pot next to him could be heard, and the candlelight flickered and shadowed.
Above the incense niche, there are two large copper urns scattered high and low, with a spiritual tablet on each side, which contains the ashes of Qin Shubao and Yao'er respectively.
The curfew has been going on for too long, but Qin Mubai has not been able to sleep at all today. In the past year or two, he thought to himself that he had experienced a lot of storms and waves. Although he could not say that he had tempered his mind to the level of Mahayana, he was at least very calm.
But today, I feel a little upset.
After all, some things can fool everyone, but you can't fool yourself either.
Regarding the war in front of him, Qin Mubai assessed the situation. If he didn't use some "extraordinary means", he wouldn't even have a 30% certainty of victory.
However, what kind of "extraordinary means" can come in handy
He has an army of 100,000 people, and half of them are recruits who have been recruited just because of their bravery. Such a person is not afraid of tigers when he is born, and he can charge for a while with just his blood and is not afraid of death. Maybe it is possible to create Some miracles. However, this kind of army that lacks actual combat training is also the most likely to be defeated thousands of miles away and lose its armor. |
In addition, what we are facing now is not an ordinary person. Gar Qinling is a famous general of the moment, and he almost represents the power of Tubo.
There are nearly 300,000 Kunlun cavalry. Not to mention anything else, just 300,000 horses rushing over can kill half of the people in Dafeichuan alive.
It is almost impossible to kill the old master with just one punch with pure bravery. If miracles happened so easily, they wouldn't be called miracles.
"Bah!"
The "Jade Account Sutra" was thrown onto the desk by Qin Mubai with one hand, making a sudden sound.
With a deep breath, Qin Mubai walked to the two copper urns, lit two sticks of incense and offered them to them.
"Father, you have a spirit in heaven, can you give me some advice on how San Lang should fight this battle?" Qin Mubai frowned and murmured to himself, "Half of the 100,000 Tang army were new recruits. They were short of soldiers, food, and armor. Facing this, Three hundred thousand Tubo and Kunlun cavalry, this situation is like a mantis fighting against a chariot. But I still have to block this chariot. Is Saburo stupid enough to do it, or is he already crazy? "
Closing his eyes and concentrating, his mind naturally reflected the scene before Yao'er's death. I clearly remember that at that time, Yao'er, who had been blind for several years, was suddenly able to see. Before she died, she said that if Qin Mubai met a stupid woman who could only play the pipa and did nothing in the next life, she would be her...
Let’s listen to the wind of the Western Regions and smell the smell of the East China Sea...
"When Master Qingshan told the story of cobwebs, dewdrops and grass, I could still tell the story clearly from a bystander... But when I was really caught up in the situation, I couldn't help myself." Qin Mubai caressed Yao'er's urn. , sighed, "It turns out that only when you lose it, can you understand what cherishing is!"
"Report—"
A shout from the primary school disciple interrupted Qin Mubai's contemplation.
"speak."
"The patrol officers outside the village captured three women who were suspected of being spies!"
"The spy is a woman? Is she a Tibetan?" Qin Mubai asked.
"No... After a little questioning by my subordinates, the person who came here refused to tell me his name. He only said that he was an old friend of the young marshal. He came here to visit because he had something important to do! I didn't dare to make a decision, so I came to report."
Qin Mubai frowned and thought to himself: Three women, my old friends? Could it be Wu Meiniang, Chen Yan and Princess Gaoyang? -impossible! How could my guards not know them? Besides, Princess Gao Yang might have come here in a daze, but Wu Meiniang and Chen Yan would never do such a stupid thing. Besides, if Gao Yang came with two maids, how could she be polite with her personality? He must have barged into the camp without any scruples to look for me.
Who could it be
"Bring people here. Be careful not to alert too many people."
"promise!"
Not long after, the soldier brought three women, all dressed as night travelers, with black high-collared cloaks covering their heads and faces, which looked quite mysterious. Qin Mubai was surprised when the first woman came in, looked around, and gently lowered her cloak to reveal half of her face.
"Get out!" Qin Mubai shouted to the soldiers, "No one is allowed within three feet of the handsome tent!"
"No!" The pawn was also surprised. He didn't know who had come to make the young marshal so nervous, so he hurriedly accepted the promise and went out.
The three women all took off their cloaks. The weather was still a little hot now, and all three of them were dripping with sweat and their temples were wet.
"I have met Her Highness the Princess." Qin Mubai suppressed his temper and stepped forward to pay homage. However, he could not hide the anger in his eyes and gave the two women behind him a fierce look.
The visitor is actually Princess Wencheng Li Xueyan!
The other two women who came with them were the only two female officers among the Hundred Cavalry, the Tantai sisters!
The Tantai sisters were a little panicked by Qin Mubai's glare, and hurriedly knelt down to beg for mercy, "Young Commander, please forgive me!"
"Mubai, please calm down. You only blame me for everything. I forced them to escort me all the way." Li Xueyan hurriedly stood between Qin Mubai and the two girls and said softly.
Qin Mubai let out a long snort, unable to contain his anger anymore!
He turned around and sat on the handsome chair, and slapped his hands heavily on the armrests of the chair, "How can I calm down my anger!!"
The Tantai sisters trembled all over and knelt with their heads on the ground, not daring to get up. Li Xueyan's face also turned a little pale. She had never seen Qin Mubai so angry in front of her!
"Your Highness, you won't tell me that the imperial court asked you to come, or the prince asked you to come, right?" Qin Mubai said in a deep voice with his eyebrows furrowed.
"No." Li Xueyan could hold her breath, pursed her lips, looked directly at Qin Mubai and said, "I came here secretly on my own, and my father didn't even know about it. I only told my sister Gao Yang before leaving. Princess, she sent Sister Tantai to escort me all the way."
"Gao Yang, you are still so reckless and ignorant! It's not enough to mess around with you, but I also help you to mess around!" Qin Mubai couldn't get rid of his anger, and he slapped the armrest hard again.
"Mu Bai, don't get angry in a hurry. I know that war is nothing but a child's play. This place is extremely dangerous and I will cause you a lot of trouble. But, how about you please listen to me and make a decision after a few words?" Li Xueyan remained calm, Chanted softly.
Qin Mubai pondered for a moment, barely suppressed his anger, glanced at the Tantai sisters who were still kneeling on the ground, and said: "Get up! - Princess, please tell me if you have anything to say. After you finish speaking, I will send someone to take you back immediately. Don’t stay in Lanzhou for a moment.”
"If the young marshal still insists on sending me back to Lanzhou after listening to my words, then I will definitely have nothing to resist and nothing to say." Li Xueyan said lightly.
Qin Mubai raised his eyelids slightly and nodded: "Then please sit down, princess, and explain slowly. First of all, let me state that the military camp is not like any other place. There are orders and no mercy here, even if the emperor's relatives arrive at the military camp Among them, you must only obey the general's orders. If you have offended me, please forgive me."
"Mubai, you are cheating on me..." Hearing these official words, Li Xueyan stared at Qin Mubai, feeling a little surprised and a little disappointed.
"Your Highness, unless you are in the military camp, Qin is always a person who is easy to talk to and easy to get along with. It is your duty and there is no other intention!" Qin Mubai said with a straight face.
"Okay, I understand..." Li Xueyan slowly sat down in the guest seat, frowning slightly, sorting out his emotions.
"What does the princess want to do when she comes to the front line of Dafeichuan?" Qin Mubai said directly.
"I want to visit Qizong Nongzan or the Garqin Mausoleum." Li Xueyan replied.
"Impossible!" Qin Mubai said firmly, "If this is the purpose, you can leave now."
"Mubai..." Li Xueyan whispered with frowning eyes.
Qin Mubai's face was as cold as ice and he was unmoved. He shook his head with a "no negotiation" expression.
"Okay, Marshal Qin!" Li Xueyan took a deep breath and said, "I know you think I am very unreasonable now, and you even hate me. But I beg you to listen to what I have to say."
"I am listening."
"Actually, I've always wanted to ask the Young Marshal a question - what have you been insisting on all these years and what is the purpose of everything you have done?" Li Xueyan asked.
"What... why?" Qin Mubai was a little confused.
"For example, in this vast battle in front of you, the power between the enemy and us is so disparate, and your situation is so difficult, why do you still face the difficulties without regrets? Originally, you could have enjoyed your life in Chang'an Live a carefree life as a prince, "What are you doing for that?" Li Xueyan said.
Qin Mubai was silent for a moment, speechless.
for what
He had asked himself this question more than once. From the day he entered the official career, he has been asking himself, what is his pursuit, what is the purpose of everything he does... It seems that all his actions are always so involuntary, and are often forced step by step by the situation. Moving forward is difficult and confusing.
But it was only after the bad news about his father came that Qin Mubai truly understood what he needed, what he wanted to do, and what he was insisting on!
Two very clichéd words - ideal!
For world peace and human progress
Qin Mubai's ideal is definitely not so vague and "great and upright". His ideal is superficial but specific - that is, defeating the Gar Qinling, conquering Tubo and sweeping the Western Regions, fulfilling his father's long-cherished wish and ending his life's regrets!
This is not only the ideal of the deceased Qin Shubao, but also the ideal of Qin Mubai, the son of Qin Shubao who is still alive!
Talking about being famous in history, being loyal to the emperor and serving the country, shining on the lintel of the family, and being praised by future generations are all empty words like clouds!
Seeing that Qin Mubai was silent, Li Xueyan bit her lips and said, "Young Marshal, we can deceive anyone, but we cannot deceive ourselves. Everyone has his own persistence and ideals. For this, we will pay any price. Your Majesty, Mr. Qin Shubao, is not only the model of a hot-blooded man in the world, but also my idol, Li Xueyan, just because he sacrifices his life for justice without any regrets or regrets. To put it bluntly, the young commander is in Xueyan's heart. , has always been a good man who is upright and the object of my admiration. From the time when my father-in-law passed away and you shouldered the heavy burden of Lanzhou, your status in my heart was unparalleled and almost surpassed that of my father. The reason is simply that the young commander has the courage to persist and pursue his ideals. Such people are worthy of admiration!"
"What do you want to say, Your Highness the Princess?" Qin Mubai asked.
"Young Marshal should know that Xue Yan has never been good at compliments. He only talks about what is in his heart." Li Xue Yan said, "Is it true that in this world, only men are allowed to be talented, but women are not allowed to have ambitions?"
"Princess, you want to say that your ideal is to marry far away from Tibet and civilize the Hu people, so as to resolve the war between the two countries?" Qin Mubai smiled a little coldly and a little jokingly.
Li Xueyan felt his heart tighten, as if he had been stabbed by a cold, sharp dagger.
"Young Marshal... don't be sarcastic to me." Li Xueyan took a deep breath to calm down and said, "As the saying goes, people have their own ambitions and cannot be forced. Xueyan can respect your and your father's ambitions, so why should the Young Marshal look down on him so much? I?"
"I didn't mean that." Qin Mubai said coldly and hard-heartedly, "I just want to remind the princess that people can have ideals, but they must be aware of current affairs. Do you think your so-called ideals under this situation? And ambition, is there still room and opportunity to display it?”
"You may not succeed if you try, but you definitely won't have a chance if you don't try!" Li Xueyan pursed her lips tightly and frowned, saying word by word, "I will never give up! Just like the young marshal will never give up. Feichuan withdraws its troops!”
"Sorry! I won't withdraw my troops because no one can stop you; but just because you don't give up doesn't mean no one can stop you." Qin Mubai turned away from looking at Princess Wencheng and clapped his hands, "Come here!"
We must prepare to capture Princess Wencheng and force her back to Lanzhou!
"Wait a minute!" Suddenly, Princess Wencheng stood up suddenly, her sleeves flashed, and a dagger was placed at her neck!
"Ah-" This scene happened so suddenly that even the Tantai sisters were a little surprised and screamed in fright.
Qin Mubai's eyes widened in shock, and he saw the dagger placed on Li Xueyan's neck, as if it had already cut blood marks, and a thin trace of blood slowly flowed down along the blade.
"What are you doing?" Qin Mubai said calmly, still remaining calm.
"Young Marshal, I know that I don't have the power to restrain a chicken, and I don't have the power to kill people invisible with words and swords. However, no one can stop me from killing myself, right?" Li Xueyan's always gentle and watery eyes have never been so firm as now. , even a little decisive.
"Yes." Qin Mubai said, "But does it make sense for you to do this?"
"Yes." Li Xueyan said firmly, "Throughout the ages, many people have died as martyrs, and there is no shortage of Xueyan."
"What you call 'Tao' is a crooked way. It doesn't matter if you don't die... Come here, put down the knife slowly, and say what you have to say."
"Stop!!" Li Xueyan suddenly scolded and tightened her hands again, the blood marks on her neck deepened and blood flowed out.
"Princess, be careful!" The Tantai sisters were frightened.
"Okay, please speak up... I won't come forward." Qin Mubai was a little worried. The woman in front of me has always been gentle and submissive, but she didn't expect to be so stubborn and strong on the inside... a typical example of being soft on the outside and strong on the inside! Once such a person makes up his mind, he can really do anything.
"Young Marshal wants to say that the 'Tao' I adhere to is a crooked way, but I don't accept it." Li Xueyan said, "Young Marshal destroyed the stronghold and killed people, but it is the right way; Xueyan only wants to save a few people in the world and suffer less. Poor orphan and widowed mother, how can this be so evil?"
Qin Mubai was speechless for a moment!
"Xue Yan has said more than once that in my eyes, the Tang people and the Tubo people are all living beings born from father to mother. They all have parents, wives and children. Who is really willing to leave his hometown and stay away from his parents to marry far away? Tubo? My ideal is that there will be fewer wars in the world, less people will die, and more people will be able to enjoy civilization and live in peace. "Xue Yan, with the knife on his neck, looked at him with eyes like lightning. Qin Mubai said.
"Your ideal is not wrong in the first place." Qin Mubai turned around with his hands cut behind his back and said in a deep voice, "But right now, it is not suitable."
"If you ask me, it's just and appropriate!" Li Xueyan insisted, "The reason why Tubo brazenly fought against the Tang Dynasty was for three reasons. The first was to compete for hegemony in the Western Regions; the second was to regain Dafeichuan and avenge the previous defeat. The third reason is that the Tang Dynasty is not sincere in granting the marriage."
"Since you know it, why bother talking about it again?" Qin Mubai said, "The conflict between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo has become irreconcilable and must be resolved through war. The marriage grant was an excuse in the past, but now it is even more of an excuse."
"No, that's not necessarily the case." Li Xueyan said, "The current situation is that after the defeat of Gaochang, the Tang Dynasty has withdrawn from the struggle for hegemony in the Western Regions. Isn't the young commander just sitting on the sidelines and watching, letting the Tubo and Turks fight to the death? Furthermore, Dafeichuan was originally the territory of Tuyuhun and belonged to neither Tubo nor Tang Dynasty. It was unreasonable for the two families to fight back and forth. In this case, there was still a prerequisite for peace, so why not return Dafeichuan to Tuyuhun for the time being. Tubo and Tang Dynasty will stop fighting? If this can be done, the marriage issue can be brought up again, and the two sides can stop fighting. "
"You are too naive!" Qin Mubai shook his head and sighed, "Your Highness, military matters are not as simple as you think!"
"I know!" Li Xueyan still said without putting down the dagger, "But why don't you let me go to Qizong Nongzan or Galqin Ling once and tell them the rest of my story? - Even if it’s a delaying tactic! Marshal, you must know how fragile Lanzhou is right now! If this battle continues... what are your chances of winning?"
"There is no need for a delaying strategy. It is impossible to use such a strategy to deal with heroes like Qizong Nongzan and Gar Qinling." Qin Mu gritted his teeth and said, "Right now, the only thing I have left is to fight against the odds. There is no need to mention the road or anything else.”
"Young Marshal, you may not succeed if you try. If you don't try, you will definitely have no chance... Please think twice!" The dagger in Li Xueyan's hand sank two points more, and a dazzling blood mark appeared on his pink neck.
"Young Marshal, please promise the princess first! If you go down two more points, something big will happen!" the Tantai sisters exclaimed in shock.
"No! If he agrees, he agrees sincerely, don't be perfunctory!"
"Even if I agree, it will be the result of your threat. Why bother?" Qin Mubai frowned.
Li Xueyan lowered her eyebrows, closed her eyes, bit her lip, and said softly, "I'm sorry, Mu Bai... I don't want to be so willful and unreasonable in front of you. It's just like if an imperial edict suddenly comes down asking you to withdraw your troops, you won't retreat either. ... I remember you once said to Princess Gao Yang, 'If you act wild, I will accompany you with wine.'
"Young Marshal, please promise...this knife, knife!..." Sister Tantai's voice almost changed.
Qin Mubai turned around, shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Just this once!"
"Thank you, Marshal!"
Li Xueyan threw the dagger and knelt down to thank him. The Tantai sisters hurriedly stepped forward to help.
"Princess, please go down and have a rest so that you can heal your wounds... I need to carefully arrange the meeting with the enemy chief to ensure that it is safe before it can be carried out. The princess can no longer rush or threaten me." Qin Mubai said with his back to Princess Wencheng.
"Well... Xueyan understands the current affairs. At the same time, he also believes in the young commander even more. He is a man who keeps his word and will never break his promise."
"Princess, please..." Qin Mubai took a long breath, helpless.
Li Xueyan and the Tantai sisters had left, leaving a trace of bright red blood in the room, which was still dazzling.
"What evil have I committed?" Qin Mubai pressed his forehead and shook his head in distress, muttering to himself, "Li Xueyan, are you really doing this just for... world peace and human happiness? Ideals? You actually talked about ideals with me, I quit fucking a long time ago!”
"We have to find a way to send this thorny head back to Lanzhou. Now she is in more trouble than ten Gaoyangs put together! - The two armies are facing each other desperately and they are doing some performance art. Isn't this adding chaos!"