After the Mid-Autumn Festival, it was Shen Wen's seventeenth birthday, and Shen Xiang's nineteenth birthday. This is simply Yang's nightmare, Shen Xiang has become a real old girl, and Shen Wen is developing rapidly in that direction. Not to mention inviting some band to celebrate Shen Wen's birthday, Mrs. Yang didn't even want to make a bowl of noodles to show it off. She wished everyone would forget about Shen Wen's birthday and pretend that Shen Wen would not grow up.
However, Shen Wen didn't understand Yang's bitterness at all. On his birthday, he smiled and said to Yang: "Mother, my yard looks very old, should I ask someone to repair it?"
Yang's heart sank, and she said with a hint of fear: "Wen'er, you won't live long, don't repair anything." Doesn't it mean that you will live here for a long time and never get married? !
Shen Wen blinked, as if he didn't want to argue with his mother, suddenly smiled and looked at the old lady and said: "Since my yard is old, grandma's yard must not be new, right? Renovate? Make grandma happy?"
The old lady laughed: "Wen'er is really filial!"
Mrs. Liu, who was in charge of the house, bowed her head quickly: "I'm sorry grandma, I didn't think carefully. I haven't repaired the yard in these years. Now that the famine is over and the villages are rich, they can really repair it."
Mrs. Yang was happy that Mrs. Liu accepted the allusion of "unfilial piety" in the old lady's words for her, and hurriedly said: "That's right! Find someone to clean it up, so that the year will be better."
The old lady waved her hands slightly: "Why is it so troublesome..." But her tone was not firm at all, she obviously agreed.
When it came time to renovate the old lady's yard, the old lady not only didn't think it was troublesome, but also stayed at the construction site every day, pointing east and west at any time. She said that the wall of her small courtyard was about to collapse, so someone built another layer on the outside. The roof was a little leaky, and thick tiles were re-laid, and a few more rooms were built. She said that she wanted to use it as a small kitchen and Shen Qiang would come back in the future. You can spend the night in your own yard at any time... Anyway, there are a lot of requirements. What was originally only intended to be painted and repaired has become a large-scale reinforcement and renovation project. Dozens of people have worked for three months to complete the project, which made Yang secretly slander the old lady. The older you get, the less sensible you become.
Zheng Qian is not interested in the decoration of the old lady's yard, what he cares about is Shen Wen's attitude towards him.
After that "meeting", the insider in the Hou's mansion conveyed the news that Second Miss Shen's expression was unstable that night, and she seemed to be moved. Zheng Qian also felt that he had left an impression on Miss Shen Er. As soon as he left, Miss Shen Er stopped shopping and walked back immediately. Looking at her gait and movements, she was a little stiff, which must be caused by shyness and embarrassment. Sincerely. Zheng Qian was very happy, but he still felt that it was not enough. He had to gain the trust of Second Miss Shen as soon as possible.
The urban construction of Yancheng was finally completed. The iron-cast gate frame replaced the iron-wooden gate in the past. Several roads in the city were wide and straight, leading directly to the important points of the city wall. Fortresses were built inside the main gates, as if the worst Intention: It can block the enemy when breaking the gate, and the lost city inside the north gate is the most complete defense system, but not many people can enter it.
Ji Wenzhao called the Lost City a place where flies stick to it: There will always be people who want to find out, piecemeal, hundreds of people are arrested, and they all go to work as quarryers and transporters, which can be regarded as compensation for their labor.
According to reports from horse scouts near the border, Beirong's army is increasing day by day. It should be more than 200,000. It is impossible to accurately estimate the number of people, and most of them are cavalry.
In the Chinese army, Ji Wenzhao said to the Marquis of Zhenbei: "The Beirong army has assembled, and there have been many wars since ancient times in the Spring and Autumn Period. Please, Lord Hou, write to the court to declare the danger."
The Marquis of Zhenbei has been stationed at the border for many years. Seeing the gathering of the Beirong army again, he was a little numb, but he said to Shen Jian: "Send the memorial to the emperor, saying that war is inevitable. It's the same old saying. I hope the court will support it."
Shen Jian had already become the right-hand man of the Marquis of Zhenbei, from the drafting of the memorial to the mobilization of the army, everything was done by him, so he nodded in agreement at this time.
Ji Wenzhao added: "Master Hou, I don't know how many memorials have been written, and there probably won't be any reaction this time."
The Marquis of Zhenbei sighed: "For five years in a row, the imperial court has been unable to help. Although the harvest is good this year, but in a hurry, I am afraid that it will not be able to raise much military supplies."
Ji Wenzhao said solemnly: "Master Hou, the strength of our army is worrying. There are no more than 150,000 soldiers capable of fighting, of which no more than 50,000 are elite, and even less cavalry, less than 10,000. Ten thousand, and most of them are cavalry, our army has no chance of winning. At this time, we should find someone to inform the people at the border that the war is coming, our army will be defeated, and let the people withdraw southward as soon as possible."
Zhenbeihou shook his head: "My Shen family's army has been stationed here for more than a hundred years. I have never said that I am invincible, so how can I be timid without fighting?! Since ancient times, the death of literature and the death of martial arts, if the Beirong invades, our Shen family army will definitely fight to the death!"
Ji Wenzhao said sternly: "Master! I, Ji Wenzhao, dare not boast. I should be the number one player in the world at this moment in the game! Fighting on a chessboard is like a battlefield. I claim to be well versed in the art of warfare: fighting to the death is never the goal. The ultimate victory is! If retreating can make our army win, then we must retreat one after the other when the battle begins!"
Zhenbeihou was stunned by Ji Wenzhao, frowned and said: "You just said that our army has no chance of winning. Since we are bound to lose, we must fight to the death."
Ji Wenzhao shook his head and said, "If you fight to the death with Beirong's division, you will be defeated, but if you follow my strategy and retreat without fighting, you will still have a chance of victory."
Shen Jian smoothed things over and said: "Master Ji is right. If the Shen family's army is finished, there will be no resistance in the interior. The Beirong will come here in one go. It is feasible for our army to avoid it first, save our strength, and fight again."
Zhenbeihou frowned and said to Ji Wenzhao: "Although the Ji Junshi is capable, he has never really fought a battle after all."
Ji Wenzhao bowed his lower body and said: "Master Hou, it depends on you and the Shen family's army to fight the war. I am just offering advice. If the Beirong gathers troops, as many as 400,000 to 500,000, and the cavalry is concentrated, when they pass through the border, they must not be blocked. Otherwise, the Shen family's army will suffer heavy losses. Facing a strong enemy, if you want to win, you must first retreat, occupy the town, lower its morale, and consume its troops in order to counterattack in the future. Marquis, please deploy your troops immediately so that they can fight back in time. retreat."
Zhenbei Hou frowned and pondered, and after a long time said: "First find out more about Beirong's situation. If Beirong is really powerful, we will discuss it later."
Ji Wenzhao breathed a sigh of relief, and said some military affairs before leaving the main hall with Shen Jian. The two arrived at Shen Jian's side hall, Yan was buried in a pile of papers, and Zhang Ding was sitting outside the door.
Ji Wenzhao asked Yan in a low voice, "Have you done everything you should do?"
Yan Shi nodded: "I still have to finish it up, I always want to see it again."
Ji Wenzhao nodded, and said in a low voice: "It is said that we are almost ready, but the strength of the enemy and us is so different, I always feel uneasy. After all, this is not a win-win situation."
Shen Jian laughed in a low voice: "Where can I be 100% sure? When the time comes, I still have to work hard."
Yan nodded and said, "It must be a fight, and I will fight with you."
Shen Jian frowned, and when he was about to speak, Yan said, "I'm going to that mountainous area again, and I will ask General Shen to accompany me. It will take about ten days."
Shen Jian also knew that he was in charge of the Chinese army now, if he kept running out of the city, it would not only delay the daily management of the army, but also attract the attention of others. Ji Wenzhao is already the chief adviser, and it would not be appropriate for him to leave for a long time. On the contrary, Yan's humble staff and military adviser is very suitable for doing some hidden things. I can only follow Yan's family and send a letter to Shen Yi.
Yan's soon entered the mountainous area with Shen Yi's soldiers again, and made the final arrangement on the mountain ridge.
Although she lived on the mountain for more than ten days and had people do everything she could think of, she still felt that it was not enough. But she couldn't spend any more time, and had to go back to the city. When they left, it was getting late, and a few snowflakes suddenly fell in the northern sky, and winter was coming.
Then, in less than half a month, there was a heavy snowfall. Although there were a few warm days after the snow, the snow had melted, but the cold wind was blowing right after, and it was biting colder than in previous years.
On the border, the soldiers of the Shen family army began to tell the people to move south. Because it is close to the border, there are often wars, and the folk customs are tough. Many people make a living by hunting. The people in this area have been closely related to the Shen family's army for a hundred years. This is the first time I heard that the war is coming. The Shen family's army asked the people to go south to avoid the limelight. The people were very puzzled. Minyong, protect your village. But some timid civilians began to leave their homes and go south.
In the far south, there are scattered people heading north. Zhang Yunming divided some well-trained volunteer soldiers into small groups and went first. He commanded 20,000 people to start packing all kinds of weapons and preparing chariots and horses, and waited for the border to start fighting, and he went to the capital under the banner of fighting against the enemy. Several contact routes and checkpoints arranged by Marquis Pingyuan have all been put in place. The hundreds of pigeons trained have been taken to the border and wine cellar.
Outside the valley near the wine cellar, a large group of people stretched their necks to look at the south exit of the valley. Among these people were old Taoist priests and young Taoist priests.
The old Taoist gave all the refined things to Zhang Yunzheng, and Zhang Yunzheng set off a few firecrackers in the wild, saying that he would try it on the cliff, and asked someone to drill a hole in the mountain wall, and then left and right the valley mouth. They are guarded and no one is allowed to approach. Zhang Yunzheng climbed up the cliff by himself, stuffed the bundled tube into the hole, lit the fire, and ran up the mountain with light work.
Everyone waited below for a long time, and just when they started to get impatient, they heard a loud bang, and a cloud of dust rose from the cliff, and everyone ran away with their heads in their arms, only the old Taoist was dumbfounded, and was in a daze.
When the dust dissipated, everyone saw that there were several big rocks falling in the middle of the valley mouth under the cliff.
Zhang Yunzheng came over and said to Rose and the others: "Dig the hole deeper next time."
Rose complained: "That would have to swing the sledgehammer many times!"
Zhang Yunzheng stared: "Don't eat if you don't shake it!"
Rose murmured: "Some people just run errands when they eat, why do I have to do heavy work when I eat?"
Yulan next to her was insinuated, and said with a smile: "This is retribution! Who made you so lazy in the past ten years, and didn't do any work!"
The other one came over and said, "Young master, it's better not to blow up the rocks, we have to transport grass, wood and wine barrels to the valley, and it's not convenient to walk."
Zhang Yunzheng nodded: "Okay, let's stop blowing up now..."
The old Taoist came over and asked with lingering fear: "This... this... is the gunpowder I refined?"
Zhang Yunzheng immediately shook his head: "Of course not! I prepared it! What you refine is at most the raw material."
The old Taoist was full of worry: "This... this... At the beginning, she said that she didn't want to hurt people..."
Zhang Yunzheng said, "Of course it's not for hurting people! It's for blasting stones."
Old Taoist ink: "Really won't hurt people?"
Zhang Yunzheng pouted: "Do you want to save your junior brother?"
The old Taoist hurriedly asked, "Of course I need to be saved, how can I save it?"
Zhang Yunzheng talked in the ear of the old Taoist for a long time, and the old Taoist stared: "This is also okay?!"
Zhang Yunzheng said: "Of course! Then you run to Pingyuanhou's Mansion and just say you are friends of Second Young Master Zhang! Alright, I'll send you back to Beijing." He called a few people over loudly and ordered them.
The old Taoist looked melancholy, and walked back with the young Taoist. The little Taoist asked in a low voice: "Master, are you worried that you won't be able to do it?"
The old Taoist shook his head in confusion, and said to the young Taoist: "It stands to reason that it should be successful...just..." He stopped.
The little Taoist asked, "Just what?"
The old Taoist sighed, "Your uncle will hate me to death."
The little Taoist didn't care anymore: "If you hate him, you can hate him. Wouldn't it be enough if you saved his life? Let's pay off the debt and leave, and never see him again."
The old Taoist looked at the young Taoist: "You know how to be lazy!"
The little Taoist said loudly: "How can this be lazy?! Brother Zhao said, thirty-six tricks..."
Because the old Taoist saw the explosion just now, he felt inexplicably uneasy, and raised his hand to hit the young Taoist: "Still sophistrying sophistry!"
Although the little Taoist screamed, he was too stupid to run away.
The next day, the old Taoist priest and the young Taoist priest followed the sergeants to the capital, carrying big bags and small bags, so they don't have to worry about being looked down upon when they go back this time.
----------------
When it was cold, Shi Helin in Yancheng shrank his neck in pain and dressed like a ball. He wanted to go back to the south and go to Su Chuanya's place. Here, Duan Zeng is doing well. There is a small medical clinic in the city, and there is a training class in the barracks. Many people already call Duan Zeng "Master"!
But he felt that he shouldn't go, because he heard that there was going to be a war. As a doctor, he should stay no matter how afraid of the cold, but...
Shi Helin sat in confusion while watching Duan Zeng give the patient his pulse. Duan Zeng handed the written prescription to the patient, and said in a bad tone: "If you don't take the medicine according to my prescription this time, go to someone else to see it again." Don't take medicine, don't come to see me again! I don't have time!"
The man kept bowing, "Don't dare, dare not!" Then he said embarrassingly: "Well, Mr. Duan... I have no money..."
Duan Zeng waved his hand impatiently: "Go, go! I'll just come and help when I have something to do in the future!"
The man was over forty, but he was bowed by Duan Zengxun, bowed and retreated.
Seeing Duan Zeng's arrogant tone, fully grown up, Shi Helin was both proud and melancholy...
When Duan Zeng saw the man go out, he turned to Shi Helin and said, "What are you thinking here? It's cold, go prepare your luggage and leave!"
Shi Helin sighed: "When fighting a war, you need a doctor..."
Duan Zeng snorted: "But I definitely don't need you! You will faint at the sight of blood, isn't it enough to cause trouble? Who will be saved then? Is it you or the wounded soldier?"
Shi Helin shouted: "How can you attack my shortcomings like this? Is this the attitude towards foster father?"
Duan Zeng rolled his eyes: "Why is it an attack? I'm just telling the truth! You should go to Xiaoya's place. It's over here. I'll go find you."
Shi Helin pouted: "But I... want you to go with me..."
Duan Zeng suddenly said: "How is it possible?! I am a military doctor now! The barracks are full of disciples and grandchildren, and we have to finish the battle..."
There was a knock at the door, and Duan Zeng said without looking back, "I won't watch it today! Come back tomorrow if it's not an emergency."
Someone shouted outside: "I am Yan Junshi, it is an emergency!"
Duan Zeng said, "Come in."
Yan walked in with a smile: "Wow, you have a good temper!" Saluting Duan Zeng and Shi Helin
After Duan Zeng returned the gift, he said, "I've always had a bad temper! Is it an emergency? Come, I'll give you a pulse!"
Yan shook her head lightly, and whispered to Duan Zeng, "I'm not here to see a doctor, but to ask for someone from you."
Duan Zeng said: "I don't have anyone, why didn't you tell me earlier?! The current 100 people have already been settled..."
Yan stared: "What kind of friendship are we?! You still dare to push my business? Besides, this matter is very important, I want a reliable person."
Duan Zeng was disdainful: "It's fairy dance again! I understand!"
Yan Shi laughed, and Shi Helin said, "Why don't I go?"
Yan looked at Shi Helin and said seriously: "Where we are going is going to fight..."
Duan Zeng interrupted: "Then my adoptive father can't go! He faints when he sees blood."
Yan shook her head hastily: "No, no, no! There's a lot of blood!"
Duan Zeng sighed: "I'll go with you!"
Yan Shi was happy: "Great!" But immediately worried: "What about the things in the city?"
Shi Helin said, "I'll help him teach those soldiers."
Duan Zeng looked at Shi Helin in disbelief: "They all want to talk about trauma..."
Shi Helin said: "Isn't that easy? Just talk about it! It doesn't smell like blood. I can teach them how to make a plaster to stop bleeding..."
Duan Zeng nodded and said, "That's great! I'm too lazy to talk about medicine, my adoptive father will help..." He hesitated again: "Then how can the adoptive father go south? The weather will get colder and colder."
Shi Helin looked dejected: "I won't go south."
Yan said: "Don't worry, Yancheng will evacuate the residents soon, and there will be soldiers escorting you at that time, you can follow them."
Shi Helin stammered: "I want to..."
Duan Zeng frowned: "Is it about to start?"
Yan Shi nodded: "It will be soon."
--------------------
Concubine Xue Gui finally got a message that the emperor would come to her for dinner.
She once read in the book that if a woman is opened the door of desire, she will be out of control. She used to scoff at it, thinking it was just an excuse for debauchery. But now, she really understood what it meant.
She was only seventeen years old when she entered the palace, and she had always been in awe of the emperor, never really relaxed, and always kept a clear mind to observe the emperor's likes and dislikes. In this situation, naturally, one cannot enjoy any fun, but just show satisfaction and gratitude according to the various teachings. Only when she is with the prince can she really enjoy the beauty of the room! This kind of shock is so powerful, every time she collides with the prince, she will linger on it for several days in a row, thinking about it repeatedly, unable to calm down. And after a while without seeing the prince, she felt empty inside, as if there was only a piece of skin left in her entire torso, clamoring for the prince to fill her flesh and blood. She was sleepy every day, and couldn't help but want to see the prince again.
Her state of mind fluctuated between the joy of seeing the prince and the torment of not seeing the prince. How many times she lamented in pain: going through this, one day will be the end...
Now, the end is near, right
Concubine Xue told her grandmother who married her into the palace: "You write a menu, the emperor likes light, not too greasy, just have bird's nest or white fungus in it. Let me have a look." Why do you design food with your mind? Now when she thinks of that old man who is nearly fifty years old, she feels sick! I don't want to be with him for a day! Thank goodness he doesn't like intercourse now, otherwise Concubine Xue Gui wondered if she would show her feet.
Grandmother went to take orders, Concubine Xue took out the jade box with the purse, sat down in front of the desk, and opened the jade box. She gently took out the purse, and then took out the paper bag from the purse, carefully unfolded it like a small spoon, found another piece of paper, wrapped it up, and put it aside. She rewrapped the original paper bag, with a smile on her lips—what does it mean to have a good understanding? Just now, I was sad that the emperor was not sick, and my lover sent me the medicine powder! The human body will not lie, the prince will go all out for her, and she also has infinite tenderness... She must have a deep relationship with the prince, and the body and mind are so harmonious...
Concubine Xue raised her hand to grind some ink, took out small letters, and drew an incense burner and a crescent moon on the paper bag: July 7th, burn incense and worship the moon. When they first met, this date should be remembered for a lifetime.
When the emperor arrived, Concubine Xue Guifei dressed neatly and gorgeously, and greeted the emperor with a smile.
The emperor was very relaxed. Usually there is nothing to worry about. Taoist Mao recently told him that the key to health preservation in winter is to nourish the kidneys and prevent the cold. To nourish the kidney is to protect the essence and protect the capital, and the most important thing is not to have sex. He didn't expect Concubine Xue to come here, but it has been more than a month since Concubine Xue held the harem for him, organized a grand Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, and she had to organize the grand banquet, so the emperor came to have a look. Concubine Xue Gui consoled her.
The emperor saw Concubine Xue's lustrous eyes, and looked at him half-way, thinking that Concubine Xue was shy, and said with a smile: "It's been a long time since I haven't seen my concubine, my concubine's complexion is really fresh, she must be well-maintained, she should treat her well." Let me tell you." He took Concubine Xue Gui's arm smoothly.
Concubine Xue Gui was startled when she heard this, and then her body froze again when she was touched by the emperor, but she immediately relaxed, and said with a coquettish smile: "Your Majesty is joking, how can a concubine look as good as His Majesty? Your Majesty looks like, His face is red, and he is full of energy."
The emperor may be old, but now he likes others to say that he is healthy, so he laughed, ignoring the momentary stiffness of his subordinate Concubine Xue, thinking that it was Concubine Xue who hadn't seen him for a long time and was too nervous.
The dinner was very light, including shrimp and winter melon soup, stir-fried shredded pork, etc. The dessert after the meal was white fungus, wolfberry and lotus seed soup, which was served in a small silver bowl.
Concubine Xue Gui smiled to the emperor and said: "This is specially prepared by the slave family for the emperor. I stared at the stove for an hour. Tremella nourishes the heart and lungs, lotus seeds clear fire and detoxify, add a little honey, eat after meals, nourish the liver and protect the stomach." , the emperor must try it." Saying that, he brought a bowl to the emperor. The emperor is very picky about his diet now, so he is naturally tempted to hear these benefits. It seems that Concubine Xue Gui really values health preservation, and her good complexion may be due to her particular diet. Seeing that the small soup bowl was originally made of silver, he stretched out his hand to take the silver bowl in Concubine Xue Guifei's hand, and picked up the silver spoon that had just eaten the soup and stirred it well.
He ate a few mouthfuls and felt that it was indeed sweet and delicious, so he ate a few more spoonfuls until the silver bowl bottomed out, and the bright white silver bowl did not change color.
The emperor had dinner, and Concubine Xue Gui happened to ask a few details about the banquet, and the emperor said he was leaving. Concubine Xue Gui forced herself to imagine the emperor as a prince, showing a bit of reluctance but reserved and generous. The emperor now puts the most emphasis on self-care, so naturally he would not stay for her, and got up after saying a few more words.
Concubine Xue Gui respectfully sent the emperor all the way to the gate of the palace, and when she saw the emperor walking away, she let out a sigh of relief. Her legs and feet were trembling, and she almost couldn't walk back to her dormitory. She was supported by the grandmother, and as soon as she entered the dormitory, she immediately lay down on the bed—who would have thought that pretending to like someone would become so tiring! Plus poisoning, the pressure is too much, right? !
Difficult the first time, then relatively easy later. When the emperor comes again, Concubine Xue Gui is not so nervous anymore.
----------------
As soon as the twelfth lunar month enters, dripping water turns into ice.
The Beibei army gathered a large army, and the sum of the number of horses reported back was more than 500,000.
This is the first time Zhenbeihou has faced such a powerful Beirong army, and he has to admit that Ji Wenzhao is right - if he fights to the death with the Beirong army at this time, the entire Shen family army will definitely be wiped out. Of course he didn't know that in his previous life, he didn't have Ji Wenzhao by his side, knowing that he had no hope of winning and could only fight to the death. Now, Ji Wenzhao said that there is still a chance of winning after retreating, so he decided to follow Ji Wenzhao's advice.
The Marquis of Zhenbei summoned all the staff of the Chinese army and said solemnly: "All the scouts from all walks of life have reported that the Beirong soldiers are on display at the border. They claim to be in the millions, but in fact about half of them are about half of them. But even so, they are three times the strength of our side. It seems that They will definitely break out in the near future, what do you think?"
He looked at Ji Wenzhao, and Ji Wenzhao knew Zhenbeihou's intentions, so he stood up immediately and loudly said his suggestion of withdrawing troops. Naturally, other staff members objected. Some said that such a blow to morale would be too great, some said it would disappoint the emperor, and some said it was a disguised form of surrender... Of course, Ji Wenzhao fought with the Confucianists like he had been beaten with blood. All kinds of opinions were refuted one by one, and finally Zhenbei Hou saw that the time was ripe, and raised his hand to signal: "I have listened to everyone's opinions, and I think what Ji Junji said is reasonable. Now we can't confront the enemy, we should save our strength first, and withdraw immediately."
Some military advisers objected again, and Ji Wenzhao said: "Your Majesty has an order, so don't stick to your own opinions. If the Beirong raises troops, half of the army will be cavalry, and the action must be swift. Now that the military affairs are urgent, they must be dispatched immediately..." As he said that, someone rushed in and reported: "Master Hou, General Shen led his troops to rob the wealthy merchants a hundred miles away from Yancheng, and sent troops to escort food into the city."
Zhenbeihou was startled and was about to get angry, Ji Wenzhao clapped his hands and said, "Okay!" Without waiting for others to say anything, Ji Wenzhao said loudly to Zhenbeihou: "Although General Shen's move is a bit rude, but at this moment, the enemy is suppressing the situation. Defense against the enemy is paramount! Our city’s military supplies are not rich. If we don’t store them in time, we fear that the Beirong will besiege the city in the future, and the food in the city will run out. However, all the memorials fell into the sea and were useless. General Shen’s move is beneficial to the overall situation, please be considerate of the Hou Ye. If someone comes to complain about grievances, the Hou Ye will take care of it and file a case as much as possible, and wait for the war. It is enough to make proper compensation in the end. If there is no one, don't pursue it for now, and punish General Shen later."
Someone interjected: "But it's such a nuisance..."
Ji Wenzhao said: "Now it's more than just disturbing the people. Lord Marquis, please issue an order to withdraw the troops, but they must stay day and night, and at the same time fortify the walls and clear the fields. Don't leave food for the Beirong, and order the people along the border to evade as soon as possible!"
Zhenbeihou gritted his teeth and said: "Okay, let's pass the order like this. First write down the military stick to General Shen, and wait for someone to complain, and then accept it according to law! If necessary, write down the IOU and promise to return it in the future."
Ji Wenzhao thought to himself, what else should I return? The food had been stored long ago and was waiting for Shen Yi to pick it up, but he said verbally: "Of course, it should be returned."
Zhenbeihou looked heavy and helpless, but finally nodded.
Shen Yi's "robbing" was no small matter, he actually "searched" more than 100,000 shi of grain and various supplies, and the soldiers transported them into the city day and night with chariots, horses and manpower.
From the next day, the main force of the Shen family's army along the border quietly withdrew their troops in batches in the face of the imminent launch of the Beirong army, and took advantage of the dark night to march towards Yancheng.
Now that the people on the border heard the news of Bei Rong's million-strong army pressing down on the border, they finally understood the seriousness of the situation. Fortunately, they were reminded a while ago and made preparations. Now they fled with their families one after another, and some joined the Shen family army.
At the same time, Yancheng began to evacuate the population. Veteran chiefs went door-to-door to persuade the residents to go south to avoid disaster. They took ten families as a unit and were escorted by soldiers to go south and southeast, at least five hundred miles away. . In the southwest direction, tens of thousands of retired soldiers separated like a fan, sorted out the villages and towns, and asked the people to prepare to evacuate, fortify the walls to clear the fields, go into the mountains to hide, and leave no grain behind. It can be said that the war has not yet started, and the wind and the trees are already full of soldiers.
Due to the lack of post stations, these actions were transmitted slowly. When they reached the capital in the future, they arrived at the same time as the news of Bei Rong's large-scale attack. Only those who were interested noticed the time difference of about a month.
Although Zhenbeihou ordered the withdrawal of troops, as a military general, he always felt that it was shameless to do so, so he talked with Ji Wenzhao in private.
Zhenbeihou asked: "Do you really think that if you withdraw into Yancheng, you will have a chance of victory?"
Ji Wenzhao said calmly: "My Lord, the fortifications of the city have been completed. Except for the north gate, the other city gates have been replaced with cast iron gates. All kinds of weapons are ready, which can completely resist the siege of the army." The so-called cast iron The city gate was built according to Shen Wen's design. The door frame is made of iron, with a triangular bracket connected to the ground, and the door panel is made of cast iron lattice, leaving a space in the middle that only one person can pass through. If the door is closed, it cannot be completely smashed open with a giant log, only the thick plank in the middle of the iron grid can be knocked down, and people have to come in through the grid one by one, and cannot rush in together.
Zhenbeihou nodded to Ji Wenzhao: "Ji Junshi has a long-term vision and can predict the enemy's opportunity to build fortifications. It should be Zhuge's rebirth."
Ji Wenzhao said with arrogance: "Xiu Ming dare not call himself Zhuge, but if Bei Rong comes, Xiu Ming will never let them take Yancheng!"
Zhenbei Hou relaxed a little. Thinking of confronting hundreds of thousands of Beirong troops in the vast plains and mountains, even if the Shen family's army were all desperate, they would not be able to stop the Beirong's invasion. If it really follows Ji Wenzhao's arrangement, even if he can't turn defeat into victory, if he can persist for a while, the mainland will be somewhat prepared. He finally fully approves of Ji Wenzhao's thinking.
In the city, Erguan Yan was holding a large stack of rosters in his sleeves, and just entered the yard when he heard someone chasing after him shouting: "Second Officer Yan!"
When Yan Erguan turned around, he was the head of the village, surnamed Chen. Yan Erguan, his wife, and Ji Yan lived there. Chen Lichang came to the door, asked about the background of his hometown, and recorded his name and surname. Li Chang Chen was about the same age as Yan Erguan, and his arm was weak. It seemed that he had been injured, but this did not prevent him from doing things seriously. Later, the second official Yan became his boss, Li Zhang Chen was always a little bit unconvinced—how could a literati from the mainland take care of them, retired soldiers
He entered the door and said to Yan Erguan, "Yan Erguan, you know that your husband and wife are visiting relatives, and it is time to leave the city."
The second official Yan shook his head and said, "Don't fool me, the people in charge don't have to leave. I'm in charge of the list of people in the city, and I don't have to leave. Besides, my... son is a military adviser!"
Chen Li said in his heart, how could you go through the back door and become our leader! She pursed her lips and said, "Even if you don't leave, then your wife has to leave too! And that little lady, the 'Ten Family Team' going south tomorrow can bring a few more people, they should follow along. "
After hearing this, Er Madam Yan hurried out of the room, bowed to Li Chang Chen, and said proudly, "I won't leave either, I'm helping to build the wounded care and support center in the city, why not?" It was my eldest nephew Ji Junshi who ordered the women left in the city to cook for the soldiers, and my niece was with me, she is the wife of Ji Dajun!"
Chen Lichang's expression was unhappy: "Don't engage in nepotism at this time! There is going to be a war, it's not a joke! The war is ruthless! The official looks like a scholar, and his wife is a girl, let's go."
Yan Erguan was beating drums in his heart, his scalp was numb, but he still said: "No, I can't go, I... my relatives are here, why don't you go?"
Chen Lichang said: "I sent my wife and children away. I was a soldier in the past, and I have always been under Lord Hou. Once a soldier, I will always be a soldier in this life. I have to participate in the war no matter what. It is different from officials. .”
Yan Erguan said: "Why is it different, I also want to join the war!"
Chen Lichang shook his head and said: "The officials are just joking. When the war is raging, the officials can't do anything, and they can't even leave. It will drag others down instead."
Yan Erguan was unhappy: "I won't drag others down, the worst is death, there are trees and wells in this yard, I can walk no matter what..."
Yan Shizheng rode his horse to the door, turned over and got off the horse, almost cried when he heard this, swallowed hard his tears, tied the horse, entered the courtyard gate and said with a forced smile: "What are you talking about? How can it be so bad!"
Yan Erguan said with some pride: "Look, my... son, Yan Junshi!"
Mrs. Yan saluted Li Chang Chen, and Li Chang Chen said a little embarrassedly: "Master Yan, you don't persuade your parents? Oh, and there is also Mrs. Ji."
Ji Yan in the back room said loudly: "Thank you, head of the house, I am also someone who has to go out to do things, so I won't go."
The head of the village said to Yan: "Mr. Yan, take a look, what should I do? I will report to the higher authorities that there are old women left in my area. This is considered incompetent!"
Yan Erguan was a little angry: "How can I be an old man?! I'm probably younger than you! You are a real person. Just now you said that I was a burden, but now you say that I am an old man, and I will not leave. Yes! I am in charge of household registration, if I tell you something, you should still listen to me... "
Li Chang Chen looked at Yan, and Yan said to Yan Erguan, "Father..."
Yan Erguan waved his hand: "It's winter, I don't want to walk! It's been agreed a long time ago, we'll stay here!"
Second Madam Yan also nodded and said, "That's right, it's been decided a long time ago."
Yan's mind is full of lawsuits now, and he really needs someone, so he can only say to Chen Lichang: "You write as Yan Junshi's parents and Ji Junshi's wife, and the higher-ups will accommodate you."
Li Chang Chen finally showed some admiration to Yan and said: "It seems that Army Division Ji and Army Division Yan think that we will definitely win."
Yan smiled and said to his father: "I'm looking for someone who can play the gong and suona. He should be in good health. Of course, he can't be a spy! Dad can tell the village chiefs..."
Li Chang Chen immediately said, "I can play the suona!"
Yan Erguan finally found a chance to retaliate, and said to the chief: "How can you do it? Look at your shoulders, you can't even lift them!"
Yan Shi also said: "It's not just bragging in the city. It's going to meet the enemy. The sword is ruthless."
Li Chang Chen hurriedly said: "I'll go, I'll go, I've fought against Lord Hou in the past, so I won't panic!"
Mrs. Yan turned around and closed the courtyard door, and said in a low voice to the second official Yan and Li Chang: "Then please help me find someone for this matter, father and Li Zhang, fifty to a hundred people, the people must be very reliable, and Yan is the best." The original residents of the city. Once you make a decision, go to the vicinity of this house. You need to bring your own copper gongs and suonas. You don’t need drums. , and you can cook and eat some hot food..." Yan's explanation was so detailed that Chen Lichang's eyes would straighten up... Finally, Yan finally said: "You are always on call, and you have to go when you say you want to go."
Yan Erguan said: "Okay, I will prepare the man for you!"
Chen Lichang said: "No wonder people say that fighting brothers is like fighting with father and son."
Yan Erguan raised his chest: "Of course! Dad's is the most reliable, isn't it?... um... son?"
Yan Shi nodded and said, "I'll leave it to my father, I have to leave quickly." After saluting, she left the courtyard and walked away with the sound of horseshoes.
The relationship between Chief Chen and Yan Erguan immediately turned into a cooperative relationship, and his attitude was different. Chief Chen said: "I know several chiefs, and they are all dead friends. They are definitely not spies. I can find them." them."
Yan Erguan touched his beard with his hands and said: "If you really want to go to the battlefield, you should be younger. Your dead friends should be as old as you, right? They can't all be old people. Finally, find someone who is about thirty years old, otherwise when the time comes Mistake."
Li Chang Chen said, "I'm actually only thirty-five, and I just look old."
Yan Erguan glared at him: "Who are you lying to?!"
Li Chang Chen had no choice but to say: "Well, they're not that young... But they can't all be young. What if they get flustered?"
The second official Yan said: "Well, there are no more than ten people for those in their forties, thirty for those in their thirties, and twenty for those in their twenties..."
Li Chang Chen nodded again and again: "I listen to you!"
The second official Yan warned: "Oh, you are the head of the village. After you leave, the affairs in this area must be entrusted to the right person. The other head of the village are also..." Chief Chen knew that Yan's nagging was from the beginning. Where did it come from.
After a few days, according to the order, more than 60 young and strong people rested near the house of Yan Erguan with ringing gongs, golden cymbals and other things, waiting to be summoned.
When Yan returned to the courtyard of the Chinese Army, she saw the old carpenter who helped her build the mechanism on the mountain waiting for her. Mrs. Yan hurriedly took the old carpenter to a place where no one was around, and asked, "What's the matter, old man? Is there not enough money?"
The old carpenter shook his head and said, "I want to take people to the mountain over there."
Yan shook her head and said, "No, it's freezing and snowy, it's too cold, you're old, the wooden hut over there won't be too warm."
The old carpenter insisted: "What I made myself, I want to try it myself. I made seven places, and I found seven people, one is my eldest son, two are my apprentices, and three relatives, They should all be reliable. I know what those things are for, and now that Bei Rong is here, it’s time to use them.”
Yan Shi became serious: "Is this really what the old man wants? This is a matter of life and death." She originally planned to let the students of Yan Jing Academy take the soldiers, they knew the location, but the old carpenter might be more reliable.
The old carpenter nodded: "Of course! My youngest son is reluctant to part with the things he carved. There are too many to transport. He wants to stay in the city. He has bad eyesight and can't escape. I can't let Bei Rong come over."
The old carpenter spoke lightly, but Yan Shi almost choked, she calmed down a bit, and then said: "If you go, you must bring warm things and food, and wait until you see the fireworks I set off."
The old carpenter nodded and said, "I understand."
Yan said: "Wait until the police signal is raised before going, don't go early to suffer from the cold."
The old carpenter shook his head and said, "We will leave when we are ready, we can't miss it."
Yan Shi warned again: "Don't freeze!"
The old carpenter nodded and said, "Thank you, the military commander, for thinking about it. We have sheep felt to keep out the cold." After saying that, he saluted and left.
Seeing the serious old carpenter go away, Yan Shi turned her head and saw Shi Helin walking hurriedly with a large bag of things in her arms. Yan Shi called him: "Mr. Shi, why haven't you left yet?"
Shi Helin stopped: "Uncle Yan, I really want to leave, but I just can't! There are a lot of things to be busy every day! I can't finish it..."
Yan said: "Mr. Duan, don't worry about it. Mr. Duan is here. You should leave quickly."
There were tears in Shi Helin's eyes: "I want to leave, it's so cold here, I can't sleep well, but I really can't go: my legs don't listen to me, I always run to the barracks... No, I Gotta get frostbite cream, it's been so cold this winter..." He turned and walked away.
Yan Shi looked at his back and clenched his fists.
Half a month later, there was news that the Beirong army had crossed the northeast border.