When the civil and military officials of Hedong decided to retreat, they naturally had some plans.
That afternoon, outside the city of Taiyuan, Li Cunjin, one of the Thirteen Guardians, rode out of the city on horseback and went straight to challenge Zhou Dewei.
Zhou Dewei was not afraid at all. He rode his horse and swung his hammer to meet the enemy. Military generals were warlike, and this was even more so in the late Tang Dynasty.
The two fought for hundreds of rounds, but there was no clear winner. Then, Li Si'en, a fierce general from Hedong, rode out again and continued to challenge Zhou Dewei. The two fought for nearly a hundred rounds until the sun set in the west and the sky was filled with colorful clouds. Only then did they stop fighting and return to the camp.
Now, starting from the second day, An Jinjun, Xue Atan, Xue Tieshan, Li Cunxian and others successively challenged Zhou Heizi to a fight. Zhou Dewei fought battle after battle, becoming more and more courageous. In addition, with his extraordinary endurance, he almost accepted every fight and never backed down.
It seems that the strength of these famous generals in Hedong is just so-so. Almost all of them fought fiercely with Zhou Dewei, but it was evenly matched. It seemed that it would be difficult to defeat Zhou Heizi with personal bravery alone.
The fighting in the north of the city was continuous and the atmosphere was heated, which attracted countless lieutenant generals, deputy generals, and captains of the Heshuo Army to gather here. On the one hand, they wanted to watch the excitement; more importantly, they wanted to be prepared for any accidents and rescue Zhou Heizi in time.
At the same time, upon hearing that a war might break out in Taiyuan, countless people in Taiyuan fled to Fenzhou with their families.
The soldiers of the Heshuo Army could not stop the fleeing civilians, and since they refused to listen to their persuasion, they could only let them go. Little did they know that among these people there were countless family members of Hedong's civil and military officials, and even themselves.
By the time Zhu Li stabilized Jingxing and asked Gao Siji and Ji Kui to guard the place, he returned to Tianmen Pass with Ren Yuan, who he had persuaded to surrender. By the time he arrived at the city of Taiyuan, three days had passed.
During these three days, Zhou Dewei enjoyed fighting very much. Even his martial arts skills improved significantly. He was enjoying it.
At this time, Huo Qing had already defeated Wang Xingshen, went to Lanzhou, and led his troops to attack Shizhou directly; Lu Fengxian also captured Cheng Huaixin alive, and after returning to Tianmen Pass, he and Zhu Li came to the city of Jinyang together.
On the city wall of Taiyuan, An Jinjun, Xue Atan, Xue Tieshan and others who were responsible for bluffing and delaying Zhou Dewei, as soon as they saw Zhu Li's flag, they entered the Heshuo camp. They slipped away without saying a word, without any hesitation.
The person that the Hedong generals feared was Zhu Li. If only Zhou Dewei led 40,000 people to attack Taiyuan, not to mention that they still had nearly 10,000 palace guards available, even if they didn't have so many, they would gather their guards and young and strong men to fight Zhou Dewei to the end.
But if Zhu Li comes to Jinyang in person, the situation will be different. Zhu Li is the ruler of the Thirteen Prefectures of Heshuo. His arrival represents the will of the Thirteen Prefectures of Heshuo. Even if they lose soldiers and generals and go to defeat Zhou Dewei at all costs, it will be useless. It will only allow more Heshuo troops to enter Taiyuan. In this way, their losses will be even more serious.
Judging the situation, withdrawing from Taiyuan and preserving strength is indeed the best option.
Without Li Keyong in Taiyuan, even if the Hedong generals fought desperately to resist Zhu Li's attack, it would be Li Keyong's helpers who would be lost. No one with a brain would choose to use elite civil and military forces to confront the Heshuo army led by Zhu Li.
What's more, Zhu Li's busy days were not in vain. He stabilized Tianmen Pass, captured Jingxing Pass, captured prisoners, and incorporated them into the army, all of which were fruitful.
Now, the Heshuo Army under the city of Jinyang has more than 60,000 palace guards alone and more than 30,000 Yue cavalry. With nearly 100,000 troops, they are besieging Taiyuan. The result is self-evident.
But this careful preparation was doomed to be in vain. When Zhu Li ordered the attack, the armies on three sides launched at the same time and rushed towards Taiyuan City like a tide. Only then did they realize that something was wrong. The Heshuo army was only the first wave of attack, and they firmly occupied the top of the city. Then Taiyuan City was broken. Is this possible
With a grim face, Zhu Li, along with Lu Fengxian, Zhou Dewei, Ren Yuan and others, rode into Taiyuan. Where could they find a single hair of the Hedong general? Not to mention hair, there was not even a shadow of him.
"They escaped." Lu Fengxian glanced at Zhou Dewei, then looked at Zhu Li carefully, and spoke weakly.
Without him saying anything, Zhou Dewei also realized that something was wrong. He had obviously fallen into the Hedong people's trap and was enjoying it.
What does it feel like to punch cotton with all your strength? At least you will feel uncomfortable and suffocated.
However, Zhu Li did not blame Zhou Dewei. He used his troops prudently and in accordance with the art of war, which was impeccable.
It was not his fault, but the general of Hedong who was stationed in Taiyuan and the leader of Hedong were too courageous. They abandoned the ancient city of Taiyuan as they pleased. Who could have predicted it? Zhu Li did not expect it anyway.
"Fengxian, Dewei"
"My subordinates are here"
"My subordinates are here"
"You two lead 20,000 Yue cavalry and 20,000 palace guards, each with a horse, and chase them immediately. Catch as many as you can." Zhu Li said in a deep voice. Those who escaped were all important figures in Hedong. How could Zhu Li be willing to let this happen
"Yes." The two of them immediately bowed and accepted the order.
Lu Fengxian, Zhou Dewei, Mo Hegao, Mo He, Gai Hong and others all took action, immediately assembled their troops and chased all the way south. It had been three days and no one could guarantee that they could catch up, but Zhu Li was unwilling to give up, so they could only do the best they could.
When the army entered the city, the people who remained in Taiyuan, no matter what their attitude towards the Heshuo army was, dared not show their heads. The long streets were empty.
Zhu Li looked at the empty street with a dazed expression. This was the reality. For the people in the war, if they encountered such a thing, who would dare to rush around
But at this moment, a group of five figures slowly appeared on the long street.
The first one was a man in a white robe, with a Jinxian crown on his head, deerskin boots on his feet, a feather knife in his bare hands and a black steel whip on his waist. He was like the moon, adding to her charm; his eyes were like stars, adding to her brilliance.
Seeing those eyes, Zhu Li's heart melted.
When we met, we glanced at each other and were speechless.
After many years of separation, we finally meet again.
I once fantasized about the countless greetings and words of confession after meeting each other, but when I saw her, they all turned into a foolish stare.
At this moment, in Zhu Li's eyes, there is nothing else except Yiren.
Finally he saw her. At this moment, the sky seemed even bluer, and the flowers, plants and trees around him became greener. Although it was early autumn, he felt as if he was in the bright spring sunshine.
There is an ancient poem that says: "... ... If love between two people is long-lasting, why would they care about being together day and night?" But Zhu Li was thinking, if they were together day and night, why would she worry about it
Looking at the other person's face, Zhu Li could no longer look away. He didn't even notice such an outstanding person and such a handsome man like Zhao Zilong. He really didn't see him.
Just like that, he rushed to Yuchi Jin like the wind, stretched out his hand tremblingly, wanting to touch the other's cheek, but before he touched her skin, he retreated again. He was afraid, he was afraid that this was a dream, a dream that could not be touched.
What if this beautiful dream is shattered due to his recklessness
If that was the case, he would rather just look at the other person like this, even if it was for a thousand or ten thousand years, just keep looking at him like this, until the world changes and the rocks crumble.
Yuchi Jin was also inexplicably excited, and the infatuated desire that touched her heart appeared again.
The first time it appeared was when the two met.
It was this pair of pure eyes without any impurities that instantly made her
The one who had captured her heart reappeared again. Four years had passed, but why was she still so moved and nostalgic
She was in the cycle of reincarnation, letting the years pass by;
She lived in the mortal world, letting time erode her beauty;
Wasting time in the crowd, condensing thoughts;
What we want is not a BMW, nor sweet words;
The only expectation is the ripples in my heart when he looks at me.
And now, she has waited for it. His eyes have not changed, and his heart remains the same.
"Go home, it's a mess outside." After hesitating for a long time, thousands of words flashed through his mind, but when they came together in the end, there was only one simple and gentle advice.
"Yeah." Yuchi Jin nodded gently. She had thought of countless scenes of their meeting, and she had also thought about how to face Zhu Li's questions.
But when they met again, he didn't ask, so she naturally didn't have to face it.
As long as your heart remains unchanged, everything is indifferent.
Seeing Yuchi Jin agreed, Zhu Li naturally walked to her side, but suddenly he felt someone blocking his way, so he turned to look at the other person. This glance made his heart almost skip a beat.
I saw a man in a white robe, holding a silver spear and a long sword on his waist. He was as handsome as jade and extraordinary. Standing together with Yuchi Jin, they were simply a perfect match made in heaven.
Zhu Li’s appearance was not bad, but compared to the man in front of him, the other person was miles better than him. It was impossible for Yuchi Jin not to be nervous when seeing such a man standing next to him.
But before he could ask, the Classic of Mountains and Seas suddenly appeared in his mind, and a magnificent sound like a huge bell rang out: "Zhao Zilong, the reincarnation of the heroic spirit Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun was an ever-victorious general of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. He was dignified, self-sufficient, and courageous. He was sometimes known as the "perfect general". His heroic spirit was unyielding and appeared in the world to help the people. His heroic spirit has returned to the mountains and seas."
The reminder from the Classic of Mountains and Seas sounded at the right time, which made Zhu Li feel relieved.
Zhao Yun, just hearing this name makes people feel relaxed, let alone worried.
This is a general who is extremely fierce, loyal, prudent, both civil and military, and has impeccable character and appearance. He is truly a rare hero in the sky and unparalleled on earth. There is no reason for Zhu Li to worry about him.
At this moment, Zhao Zilong was staring at Zhu Li without blinking. Under the influence of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Zhu Li felt extremely close to Zhao Zilong, and Zhao Zilong's impression of him was naturally not bad. At least with just one glance, he was sure that Zhu Li would be the good master to whom he would be loyal all his life.
"Zhu Li, you haven't met your brother yet. He is my sworn brother. He captured He Huihu alive and killed Kang Junli with a spear. He has made great contributions to Heshuo without us knowing. You must treat him well." Yuchi Jin spoke at the right time and praised Zhao Zilong.
Even without Yuchi Jin's support, Zhu Li would still value Zhao Zilong. What's more, Zhao Zilong is Yuchi Jin's sworn brother. As long as the two of them get together, Zhao Zilong will naturally be Zhu Li's sworn brother. The husband and wife are one and the same.
"My dear brother, Zhu Li greets you." Zhu Li immediately bowed and paid his respects with a sincere attitude.
"General, you can't do that." Zhao Zilong didn't expect Zhu Li to bow as soon as he said so. He quickly moved away and stepped forward to help the other person up.
"Hehe, no need to be polite, brother. We are only talking about personal friendship now, regardless of official business. Sooner or later, he will have to call me brother." Yuchi Jin looked excited and didn't even realize the deep meaning of his words.
"That's right. We are only talking about our private friendship now. When we return to Heshuo, I will marry Jin'er. As her brother, you will not be able to escape sooner or later." Zhu Li agreed happily.
"Humph." Zhu Li said it so bluntly, and it was exactly what the girl wanted. The girl was rarely hypocritical and snorted, "Did I say I wanted to marry you?"