"Shi Zang, Zheng Qiao is fighting with the coalition forces..."
Chen Tang led her elite troops to defeat the enemy from behind, and just as they joined forces with the troops from Cunshan City, she suddenly said this.
Xie Qi was confused for a moment: "When did it happen?"
Chen Tang's expression was calm: "Just now."
Xie Qi: “???”
He pulled out a few strands of his neatly trimmed beard.
The distance between Aoshan County and Cunshan City quickly appeared in his mind. The fighting had just started over there, so how could the lord here know about it
Just as Xie Qi was thinking that Chen Tang had some means to communicate with the coalition headquarters in real time, Gu Chi's eyes fell on the top of his master's head. To be precise, it was the helmet she was wearing. The helmet with a delicate and majestic shape had piled up without knowing when.
Gu Chi secretly complained in his heart, it was raining at the moment, and the lord could react so quickly, probably because he smelled something
Emmm…
It is indeed fresh and hot (*/ω＼*)
In an instant, Gu Chi felt a subtle sympathy for his master, and found a bamboo hat to put on her. Chen Tang's face was darker than the dark clouds above his head. He couldn't help laughing: "Ahem - Master, think positively about everything, we won't lose."
Once Kang Shi creates trouble, the lord will know it in real time.
Just like this time.
If the lord had not been unlucky again and was visited by bird droppings falling from the sky, they would not have known that the coalition forces and Zheng Qiao's side might have already started a war. If they rushed over at this time, it would be hard to say whether they could catch up or not. Even if they did, they would easily make things difficult for others.
When Jiang Sheng saw Chen Tang's expression.
He knew what happened without Chen Tang saying anything.
The whole time, Xie Qi was left alone, silent and confused.
No, I neither saw the lord use the power of words, nor did I see the messenger coming, so how did everyone know
Xie Qi was really curious, but he was not familiar with the others and didn't know their personalities. He was afraid that he might offend someone if he spoke rashly, so he sent a secret message to Ning Yan to seek answers.
He clearly saw that the corners of Ning Yan's mouth seemed to twitch uncontrollably, and he asked with a little trepidation: Is it a secret that cannot be passed on to others
If it is a confidential information, it is not appropriate to try to spy on it right after joining. At least you should wait until you truly gain their trust.
Ning Yan responded in secret: No.
After hearing this, Xie Qi waited patiently for the secret to be revealed, and then he heard a very absurd, pitiful and funny truth.
Ning Yan: It's purely because of Kang Jishou. Once his scholarly ways are activated, the lord will be implicated and have frequent bad luck. For example, spraining your ankle when walking, getting stuck in your teeth when drinking water, getting bird shit on your head when going out... Even so, it's not bad if used well.
For example, sending a message.
Kang Shi also knows his own limitations. Under normal circumstances, he would not use his literary skills without authorization, unless he encountered a strong enemy or needed to send a message to Chen Tang. Before Chen Tang set out, he asked Kang Shi to be cautious, reduce his presence as much as possible, preserve his strength, and push any tasks that required him to take the lead to other scapegoats. It was impossible for Kang Shi not to remember, so this time he should have sent a message.
The bad luck did not last long, which confirmed this guess.
Chen Tang called everyone together for a brief meeting.
The content of the meeting was whether to rush over.
They were unsure how long the battle between the coalition and Zheng Qiao would last, and whether the two sides would win or lose. If they went in time, there was a certain probability that a divine army would descend from the sky, but there was also a certain probability that they would encounter Zheng Qiao's elite troops. The troops of the two sides were not of the same level. If they lost both the lady and the troops in the end, wouldn't they lose everything? However, it was impossible to keep the troops still.
After discussion, Chu Yao and others chose a compromise.
They want to go to help, but they don't necessarily have to engage in head-on confrontation.
Jiang Sheng suggested setting up a maze.
Chen Tang: "A maze?"
Jiang Sheng nodded: "Yes! Regardless of who wins or loses between Zheng Qiao's troops and the coalition forces, the dragon-slaying game has reached this point, and the process of this battle is bound to be tragic. The morale of the troops on both sides has dropped sharply. At this time, whichever side's morale collapses will undoubtedly lose."
How to completely destroy the morale of Zheng Qiao’s troops
Jiang Sheng mentioned the "dowry" brought by Xie Qi.
No one knows the location of Zheng Qiao's granary better than Xie Qi. They don't even need to launch a sneak attack on the granary. They just need to set fire to the area near the granary and then spread the news of the fire under the pretext of Zheng Qiao's troops. It will inevitably become the last straw that breaks the camel's back.
Xun Zhen also said: "Xian Deng is right. Zheng Qiao's elite troops are all in the Miaojiang battlefield at the moment, so the rear must be empty. Shi Zang also said before that the more than 10,000 troops sent by Zheng Qiao were to delay us, not to annihilate us. This shows that his troops are already stretched."
Zheng Qiao's rear was short of troops, so he was helpless against the enemy soldiers who sneaked into his territory and could only passively defend.
Why don't they take the opportunity to make a big fuss
Low risk, high reward!
Chen Tang's heart was beating wildly.
She immediately made the decision: "Okay, let's do it!"
But Chen Tang didn't expect that things would go so smoothly, and the time difference was so precise. The arson of the granary would lead to the defeat of Zheng Qiao's troops. When she received the news, she slapped her thigh and said, "Chase, don't let the heads run away!"
She didn't even care about the national seal in Zheng Qiao's hand.
The national seal may disappear, but the head must be taken.
Because the morale of Zheng Qiao's troops was gone, the defense in Qianzhou was like a paper lake, and the coalition forces basically did not encounter too much resistance and gained a lot, but Zheng Qiao never caught it. Not only that, the other side let the coalition troops fly.
Chen Tang was also one of the people being kite-flyed at the beginning. He was afraid that his head would fall into his hands. He chased for half a day like a headless fly to no avail, cursing: "Damn it, was Zheng Qiao an ace shooter in his previous life? How can he be so good at kite-flying?"
According to the intelligence provided by the captives, although Zheng Qiao was doomed, he was still protected by powerful warriors. Even if the coalition forces set up a dragnet in Qianzhou, he might be able to escape with the help of the generals.
Once he runs away, all the efforts of killing the dragon will be wasted.
At this moment, Ning Yan's words gave everyone hope.
She said, "Maybe I know where Zheng Qiao is going."
Chen Tang's eyes lit up: "Where? I'll be there soon!"
Ning Yan showed an embarrassment. She said, "It will take too long to lead troops to that place. If I go with the vanguard, I am afraid I can't deal with the brave warriors around Zheng Qiao. So, can I ask Wei..."
Her idea was for Wei Shou to try his luck with them.
Even if you don't win the bet, you can still get out of it safely.
Unexpectedly, Chen Tang said without saying anything, "I'll go."
Ning Yan suddenly opened her eyes wide: "My Lord, no!"
Chen Tang said: "I don't have the national seal with me now. Even if we get close, Zheng Qiao won't be able to find us. He has experts protecting him. It will be dangerous for you, Xiandeng, and Yuanyuan to go deep into the enemy's territory alone. No, you must take me with you!"
She is the lord, doesn’t she have this privilege
Chen Tang felt that pursuing Zheng Qiao with his troops would make him too conspicuous.
Acting alone may give you more freedom and mobility.
Jiang Sheng immediately expressed his opposition.
A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.
How can my lord take such a risk
Chen Tang asked back: "Did the coalition forces seize the initiative? Don't worry, I won't die! I value my life more than anyone else."
Zheng Qiao turned Qianzhou upside down with only his remaining troops.
"Yanqing, you are the only one left by my side now."
A young man in plain robe pushed open the wooden door with both hands.
The two wooden doors had not been opened for many years, and no one had taken good care of them. Over the years, they had already decayed. When the door was pushed open, a groan like an old man about to die was heard. After opening the door, the young man saw that there were weeds growing behind the door, and the weeds and vines were growing wildly under the rain. Zheng Qiao looked at the layout of the courtyard that was both familiar and unfamiliar, and a little bitterness rose in his heart.
The bitterness is not strong, but lingering and torturous.
Qi Cang followed Zheng Qiao across the threshold and carefully scanned the layout of the courtyard, fearing that there were enemies hiding in the dark. This small courtyard is located deep in the mountains. Although it is small in size, the layout is exquisite and elegant. Zheng Qiao stepped over the overgrown weeds, walked through the bamboo corridor, crossed the bamboo courtyard, and came to a bamboo house full of spider webs and dust. Zheng Qiao stood outside the bamboo house, looking dazed.
Suddenly, he turned his head and called out, "Senior Brother?"
Qi Cang looked over with caution in an instant.
There was no one in the corner at the end of the sight, only a withered plum tree was waiting quietly: "Did the king hear anything?"
Qi Cang knew that Zheng Qiao was not mentally normal. When he got sick, he would hear all kinds of noises and see strange visions...
Zheng Qiao looked carefully for a long time and then looked away.
He said, "I just heard my senior brother calling me."
Qi Cang said: "Yan Xingning is dead."
Zheng Qiao smiled bitterly and said, "It's not him."
Qi Cang: “???”
The king has other fellow disciples
His gaze was too direct.
Zheng Qiao said: "The teacher has many students."
He pushed open the door of the bamboo house. Due to the structure of the house, the air inside was not stuffy, but it was filled with an unspeakable smell of decay. He bent down subconsciously when he entered, and when he saw the rotten cloth curtain above his head, only half of it was left, he sighed softly.
"This is where he taught. It was also the place most desired by students of Xin Country back then. It has just been abandoned for many years."
Now it has become a habitat for weeds and animals.
The roof of the whole bamboo house had collapsed a little, and there were many tilted bamboo eucalyptus leaves placed in the room, and some of them had pens and inkstones lying around. Zheng Qiao walked around the bamboo house and pointed at the bamboo curtains that had become untied and rotten.
"There used to be a lotus pond outside."
Qi Cang is a rough man and cannot say anything exquisite.
He said dryly, "It's quite interesting."
Zheng Qiao smiled a rare smile, which was different from his previous hidden madness and cruelty. Qi Cang had served Zheng Qiao for so many years, and this was the first time he had seen such a thing. He asked, "My Lord, is there anything funny about this?"
"The lotus pond was dug by the students as punishment."
How can punishment not be punishment
Copying books was a punishment, and digging a lotus pond was also a punishment.
Zheng Qiao remembered that when he was less than ten years old, he was often bullied because of his status. He was not the type to remain silent when being bullied, so he often quarreled with others and was naturally punished.
He had a sullen face and was carrying a bamboo basket on his back. The basket was not big, but it was filled with mud, and the thick rope was digging into his shoulders. He was full of dissatisfaction, but he had no choice but to follow a few older classmates and go down the mountain with one foot deep and one foot shallow.
"The teacher only had people build this bamboo house at first."
Qi Cang's mouth twitched slightly: "Then the rest..."
"It's a punishment for the students."
Qi Cang: “…”
"In spring, I brew tea; in summer, I listen to the lotus; in autumn, I watch the chrysanthemums; in winter, I enjoy the snow... Those were the happiest years of my life." But I can't go back. "I was young, so the teacher arranged for me to sit in the front. Here, this is the seat..."
The bamboo eucalyptus had not yet been covered by the collapsed roof.
Zheng Qiao bent down and groped under the bamboo eucalyptus.
He took out two muddy and dusty stone carvings, a bird and a fish. The bird was lifelike, as if it could flap its wings and fly high in the next second, and the fish was also waving its tail, as if it could swim far away in the water if Zheng Qiao let go.
He murmured, "They are still there."
Kacha —
A slight noise sounded so harsh in the bamboo house.
Qi Cang turned around and stood in front of Zheng Qiao. As a 16th-class Great Master, he could naturally wave his sleeves and send out a burst of energy to blast away the scoundrels in the dark. However, this place has a different meaning to the king, and it can't withstand the slightest tossing.
"who?"
"Get out!"
Qi Cang threatened.
jingle-
There was a crisp sound of jade colliding, and a pair of shoes appeared behind the bamboo screen, followed by a piece of robe. Looking up, he saw a hand with distinct knuckles and fair skin resting on the hilt of the sword. Zheng Qiao looked at the person clearly and seemed surprised.
"Senior sister?"
The person who came was Ning Yan.
After shouting out, he realized something was wrong.
Ning Yan withdrew the words that concealed her aura, and a refreshing literary aura flowed around her body, with a familiar Wen Xin seal on her waist.
Is this person Yan Xingning or Ning Tunan
Zheng Qiao stood there, clenching and unclenching his hands in his sleeves.
My brain, which was not working very well to begin with, almost froze.
He asked, "Who are you?"
Why do I have the face of my senior sister and the seal of my senior brother
Ning Yanyi looked at Zheng Qiao with a complicated expression.
"Zheng Qiao, why do you come to disturb the peace here?"
She was just guessing with a fluke mentality, but she didn't expect to really meet Zheng Qiao. She thought she would be eager to draw her sword when she saw Zheng Qiao, but when she secretly listened to his conversation with Qi Cang, her mind also emerged with the carefree days of studying.
I have been holding it back until now.
Zheng Qiao stared at the Wen Xin monogram on Ning Yan's waist.
"Are you really Ning Tunan? Senior Sister Ning?"
He was sure that the last time he threatened Ning Yan to bring her daughter into the palace as a hostage to threaten Yan An, she was still an ordinary person.
Zheng Qiao wanted to step forward, but Qi Cang stopped him.
"Lord, they still have some people. Come out!"
There are three other people in secret, one of whom is an acquaintance.
Wei Shou looked at the atmosphere between the two sides and it didn't look like they were going to fight right away, so he chuckled. Qi Cang's face was as dark as ash at the bottom of a pot. The second person was a middle-aged scholar with an unfamiliar appearance, and the third person was a handsome young man.
When the young man smiles, the whole room is filled with light.
Zheng Qiao stared at it for a while and then laughed.
The smile was the madness that Qi Cang was familiar with.
However, he said something shocking: "Shen County Magistrate is so courageous."
His intuition told him that the person in front of him was Chen Tang, whom he had never met before, and the other party's response confirmed his guess.
"Tu Nan and the others are coming over, so I'm worried about coming to hold them accountable. If I don't even have this much courage, then I'm too weak." Chen Tang crossed his arms and said, "Besides - wealth and honor are sought in danger."
Chen Tang didn't expect to see Zheng Qiao in this situation. They asked themselves, she is much more beautiful than the rumors say, with natural beauty and a sense of brokenness, plus that ruthlessness...
It is beautiful, but also very dangerous.
Zheng Qiao narrowed his eyes dangerously, and spoke with natural sarcasm: "I remember that I gave you a big gift before. Can't such a huge fortune satisfy County Magistrate Shen?"
Chen Tang said shamelessly: "Human greed is like a snake swallowing an elephant. It is indeed impossible to be satisfied with just a little bit of profit."
"So, I'm here, right?"