〖On October 6, the seventh year of Longsheng, the chief general of the Xuzhou camp, Pei Yun, went south from Bian and Si and attacked Sikou.
— "Zizhi Tongjian·Yongji III"〗
On October 5th, in the large camp of Chuzhou in Huaidong, the night was dark, but there were cheers and laughter in the central army tent, singing and dancing were peaceful. The dancer was dancing gracefully, the light gauze clothes, and the faintly exposed snow-white skin made the drunk generals in the tent and the sergeants guarding outside the tent stunned, and the corners of their mouths drooled. Luo Louzhen, who was sitting at the top, hugged two beautiful girls aged 16 or 17 from the left to the right. From time to time, he looked up and laughed. The two girls smiled and poured wine and vegetables for him. When his lips crossed the wine, Luo Louzhen refused to come, and he was drunk and beat the beat to the dance music. Few people could notice. In fact, his eyes only occasionally passed over the dancers. Luo Lou really had no interest in these women who were picked by others, and most of his attention was on those generals. Several high-level generals were also accompanied by beautiful girls, while those middle and low-level generals put all their thoughts on those gorgeous dancers. Luo Lou really smiled proudly. He has a handsome appearance and strong martial arts. The only thing he doesn't have is the talent in military strategy. In power and position, he lost a lot of thought, using money and beauty to win over those arrogant generals, and those really talented generals were squeezed out by him, so as not to jeopardize his status. Relying on the beauty of money and the military power in his hands, the Chuzhou camp is a monolithic one, at least ravaging Huaidong, and no one can stop it.
Luo Louzhen was a little self-aware at the beginning. He knew that if he was compared with the Lu family who had been in charge of the family for generations, his foundation was too shallow. Although he knew Shang Weijun's intention to support him in dealing with the Lu family, he never dared to really offend the Lu family. In addition, he just controlled Huaidong firmly and obeyed Shang Weijun. Shang Weijun also knew that the Lu family should not be taken lightly, so Luo Lou really wanted to live in Huaidong. As for Dayong's threat, he was originally concerned about it, but there was no movement for seven or eight years. In addition, he was surrounded by villains who were good at touting. .
Just when Luo Lou really felt a little exhausted, a personal soldier hurried in and said, "General Qi, General Lu has a letter."
Luo Lou really said lazily: "What can I do? Let the messenger come in."
The soldiers glanced hesitantly at the rotten scene in the tent, and did not dare to raise any objection. General Lu Can was the most powerful general in Southern Chu, and Luo Louzhen ignored his messenger so lightly. It was really rude. The general is extremely strict with the army, and it would be inappropriate for the envoy to see such a scene, but the personal soldier knew that if he said it, he would most likely be punished by Luo Louzhen, so he had to lead the envoy to enter. See.
After a while, the messenger strode in, and when he saw the scene in the tent, his eyes froze. He gave a military salute and said, "Last General Lu Qun, at the order of the General General, send a letter, and ask General Luo to check it." A young sergeant who came in behind him remained motionless and saluted.
Luo Louzhen waved his hand, and a personal soldier stepped forward to take the letter and presented it to Luo Louzhen, Luo Louzhen laughed when he saw it, and said: "The general is too worried, this is not eight or nine years ago, now I am The army occupies the middle of Jianghuai and Shu, and there are natural dangers in the Yangtze River. It is whimsical that the Yong army wants to come and go as before. The general's intention is to lead the general. Please report back to the general. I don't dare to slack off. As for what the general said in the letter, this general understands, but when it comes to reinforcements, it's not necessary. I, the 70,000 people in Huaidong, can't deal with the attack of the Yong army? "
The messenger was the general of the Lu family. Seeing Luo Louzhen's remarks being lukewarm and contemptuous, he couldn't help but start from his heart. The young sergeant beside him gently pulled his shirt. , the messenger endured his anger and said: "In this case, please return the book to the general, and let the last general bring it back."
Luo Louzhen impatiently said to a scribe above the banquet: "Huang Shenjun, you write a letter to the general for me, and let him take it back when you're done." After speaking, he pointed at the messenger with a very arrogant and rude demeanor. This time, the young sergeant's expression also changed, and murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
After taking the book back, the messenger and the young sergeant turned around to leave the tent, and until they left the gate, they still heard the sound of misty music from the camp, the young sergeant said coldly, "You have to tell daddy if you let Luo Louzhen go back. Guarding Huaidong, Yong Jun will definitely drive in, let Daddy prepare to clean up the mess."
Lu Qun sighed: "Young general, rest assured, the general has long known that Luo Lou is really a person. This time we came here to spread the message just to do our best, and the general will have a solution for the following matters. Shouchun, the general Shi Guan who guards Shouchun is strict by nature, the general's order is to ask you to arrive before the 12th day, if you violate the order, I'm afraid he will hit you."
The young sergeant couldn't help but his expression moved slightly, and he restrained the urge to touch the tortured place. He had just been tortured by the military and rode for a few days, which was not a good feeling.
At this time, in the Chuzhou camp, Luo Louzhen expelled the envoy, and he was very excited. Seeing that the generals at the table were already itching, he laughed and said: "Forget it, the singing and dancing have been enjoyed, all the generals have fun together." This is what the generals have been waiting for for a long time. Seeing Luo Louzhen walking out of the tent with the support of two girls, a general who could not bear it for a long time rushed towards a dancer. When the senior generals walked out of the tent with their gorgeous maids in their arms, a lewd voice came from the central army tent, which was supposed to be dealing with the important affairs of the military aircraft.
Luo Lou returned to his sleeping tent with great satisfaction. After a lot of fussing, he fell into a drowsy sleep. Just after the third watch, a personal soldier suddenly ran in and said, "General, the messenger of the Prime Minister asks to see you." Luo Louzhen, who woke up from his sleep, broke out in a cold sweat. Although he said that it was human nature to act on the scene, if Shang Weijun's messenger saw him in such a state and went back and said a few words, he would definitely fall for Xiangye. In terms of face, his power and wealth are all given by Shang Weijun, and he married Shang Weijun's niece, so he would never dare to offend Shang Weijun. He quickly asked the personal soldiers to hide the two girls in another camp, washed his face with cold water in a hurry, and went to greet the envoy in person. However, the messenger ignored Luo Louzhen's body full of alcohol and the aroma of rouge pollen. After handing Shang Weijun's handwriting to Luo Louzhen, he left in a hurry.
After opening the letter, Luo Louzhen just felt as if a basin of cold water was poured from the head. It was clearly written that the Yong army might invade Huaidong recently, so he should keep the Huaisi mouth firmly, not to fight in waves, and to retreat from the enemy.
In fact, when Shang Weijun wrote this letter, he still didn't think it was possible that the Yong army would make a large-scale southern expedition. In the past seven years, the Yong army has been self-sufficient, which made Shang Weijun have an illusion. Coupled with the backing of the Yangtze River, compared to the shock of the past, Shang Weijun now completely believes that the 400,000-strong army of Southern Chu can keep half of the Jiangnan region. The idea of is deeply ingrained, not only him, but also the officials of Jianye, and most of them are not wary. Because Shang Weijun not only did not agree with Lu Can's letter, but even had disgust.
A few days ago, Shang Weijun had already been aware of Lu Yun's disappearance for many days. Even Shang Weijun knew most of what Lu Yun had done in Chang'an. He originally wanted to take the opportunity to blackmail Lu Can and further seize military power. However, all his confidants advised him that there was no conclusive evidence for this matter, so he might as well put it on hold until he got the evidence of Lu's collaborating with the enemy, so Shang Weijun just increased his surveillance on Lu's. However, if Lu Can hadn't stayed in the Jiangxia camp next, he could hardly move a step, kept silent about the politics of the Southern Chu Dynasty, and even Lu Yun was sent directly to the camp, Shang Weijun would definitely write something about this matter.
In Shang Weijun's opinion, since Lu's and Chang'an have secretly communicated with each other, and if Dayong really intends to go south this year, the two confidants of Lu Yun and Lu Can will not be able to return safely from Chang'an. To save others, even he will leave Lu Yun to coerce his father, so Lu Can's alarmist talk is mostly for the purpose of fighting for military power. Even now, the Yong army is attacking under Jiameng Pass. In Shang Weijun's view, it is nothing more than a deterrent. After all, the tribute issue has indeed lost Dayong's face, and unlike Jianghuai Jingxiang, Jiameng Pass has been there over the years. Although there was no war, it was not very peaceful. Besides, maybe Yu Mian was ordered by Lu Can to falsely spread the military situation. What's more, the current main force of Southern Chu, Jiamengguan Yumen's 30,000 men and Xiangyang Rongyuan's 50,000 men, plus Jiangxia camp and Jiujiang camp each with 60,000 people, a total of 200,000 people are directly under Lu Can. Under the control, although the 50,000 defenders in Huaixi were not under the jurisdiction of Lu Can in name, the main general Shi Guan was a general promoted by Lu Xin and had always respected Lumen. In favor of Lu Can, the remaining 60,000 forbidden troops are not strong enough. If there is no Huaidong army of 70,000, it is not impossible to change the dynasty.
However, for the sake of prudence, Shang Weijun still wrote a letter to Luo Louzhen. After all, it is good to be prepared. With the geographical advantage of Huaisikou, if the Yong army really attacks Huaidong, it should not be a problem to stop the Yong army's offensive. , He also specially reminded Luo Louzhen that if he wins the Yong army, he must not pursue it, so as not to anger Dayong and provoke the attack of Dayong's entire army, then it will be a victory and a defeat.
Luo Louzhen naturally didn't know Shang Weijun's original intention. On the contrary, because he still had some understanding of Lu Can's ability, coupled with Shang Weijun's power, he immediately believed the news that Yong Jun might go south. He thought about it. For a long time, Dayong Huainan Jiedu envoy Pei Yun sat in Xuzhou, originally aimed at Huaidong more, from Xuzhou Shunbian and Si, the first to bear the brunt of his own Chuzhou camp. Thinking of this, he said angrily: "Where is the general's letter, where did you throw it away, bring it to me quickly."
Some of the personal soldiers hurriedly presented the letter that Luo Louzhen had abandoned. Luo Louzhen opened the letter with trembling hands, and soon saw the paragraph that he cared about the most.
"Defending the river must first guard the Huai, and Huaidong is represented by Chuzhou, Sizhou, and Guangling, and can cover Yangzhou and Liyang. If the two places are lost, the construction industry will be in danger. General Daying Township Chuzhou, Beiying Town Sizhou , Nanying Town Guangling, the Huai Sikou is already worry-free, only Sikou is the key point for Sishui to enter Huai, on the side of Chuzhou, the Yong army goes south, if it does not pass through Sikou, there is no way to invade Chuzhou. If the general listens to my words and divides the heavy forces into Sikou, it will be possible to keep Huaidong safe."
After reading the letter, Luo Louzhen shouted: "Immediately raise the tent, raise the tent, this general is going to transfer troops."
The guard said in shock: "General, Vice-General Zhou, Huang Canjun, and all the generals, all of them are drunk and not awake."
Luo Louzhen frowned anxiously and scolded his heart, but he also knew that he was the culprit. After thinking for a while, he said, "Go to Sun Dinglai." He raised the sleeping tent, and said loudly, "Let's go soon." The personal soldiers went crawling. That Sun Ding was a talented general, but because of his upright temperament, he repeatedly offended Luo Louzhen. Luo Louzhen demoted him from a general to a captain, but Luo Louzhen still has some eyesight. Knowing that this person is talented, he will always He was not expelled from the Huaidong Army, but he just ignored him, and sometimes even comforted him a few times. When it came to a critical moment this time, he naturally thought of this person.
After a while, Sun Ding came to see him. This man was less than 30 years old. He was handsome in appearance, not like a figure in Jiangnan. He had only been in Huaidong for a few years and was depressed, so he looked cold and entered the tent. Lou Zhen turned a blind eye to the smell of alcohol on his body, bowed and saluted, "Sun Ding knocked down to see the general, please order me."
Luo Louzhen said calmly: "This general will give you 5,000 people, and you will immediately lead the army to Sikou, take over the defense there, and beware of the invasion of the Yong army."
Sun Ding was stunned. He was a school captain and could only lead a thousand people. How could Luo Louzhen give him five thousand people
Luo Louzhen said again: "The matter is urgent, this general will promote you to the position of partial general for the time being, and after we find out the movement of the Yong army, this general will report to the court and let you match your name."
After hearing this, Sun Ding understood that it must be the Yong army who had made a move. Luo Louzhen remembered himself when no one was in the battle, but he didn't mind. Although he is envious of the virtuous, but there are some advantages, that is, his military exploits were taken away by him, at least the position of the general cannot be escaped. So Sun Ding immediately commanded the order, and ordered 5,000 sergeants out of the camp. One battalion of these 5,000 sergeants was led by him and had always been strictly trained. The other four battalions were barely usable. With 5,000 men and horses, Pixing and Daiyue went to Sikou. Because Luo Lou really ignored Sikou, there were only 500 people stationed there. If the Yong army invaded, there would be no possibility of holding it. Sun Ding thought of this, and he was also very anxious, and hurried to Sikou.
Near Sikou, you can already see the barracks of the Nanchu army here. It was dawn, and it was bleak. Sun Ding first ordered his personal soldiers to inform the commander of the Sikou garrison. He saw that the personal soldiers were patrolled by outside the camp to watch the night. The sergeant stopped the cross-examination, and Sun Ding suddenly frowned, and doubts arose in his heart. Originally, if it was a garrison place, it would be most reasonable to have sergeants patrolling the night, but Sun Ding knew that the current guard of Sikou, Hu Duwei, was a man who was greedy for life and feared death, and his military discipline was very loose. In addition, Dayong has never done anything in the past seven years. This person will never come to this dangerous place. If it is his camp, with the ability of his own confidant, I am afraid that no one will find out when he walks to the camp gate. Looking at the Sishui and Huaishui not far away, and then at the silent and fortified camp, Sun Ding suddenly had a strange idea. He gently passed down the military order and asked the sergeants to arrange the armor and weapons, and then brought a dozen of them by himself. A personal guard with excellent martial arts walked slowly towards the camp gate.
Before reaching the camp gate, a handsome young man in a long uniform came hurriedly with five or six sergeants, greeted Sun Ding and said, "You are Mr. Sun Commander, right? Our commander suffered from the cold yesterday, and we can't do it now. Get up, my subordinate Tian Cheng has been ordered to come to greet the Captain."
Sun Ding's eyes fell on the young man. There was no problem with his accent, clothing, and speech, but he felt a chill in his heart. If Duwei Hu had such talents, he would be very fortunate. The expression on his face is a kind of arrogance and self-confidence. It is by no means the numb and dazed look that can be seen everywhere in the Huaidong Army. More importantly, this young man has a faint bloody aura, which Sun Ding will never ignore. of. He took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible: "In that case, please lead the way."
The young man turned around and was about to start when Sun Ding suddenly drew his sword and slashed. Then he fell down, very fast, but when his back was less than a foot off the ground, it suddenly stopped, as if he was stuck on the ground. "Zheng!" With the sound of the sword, Sun Ding was shocked and took a step back. The young man had already escaped the control of his sword, and the other sergeants spread out a little, surrounding Sun Ding and a few personal guards.
Sun Ding sighed and said, "It's a good-style iron plate bridge, which is an authentic secret of Shaolin. Your Excellency, who is under the command of General Pei Yunpei, the military governor of Huainan?"
The young man raised his eyebrows and said loudly, "Since you see through it, I might as well say it bluntly. I am Du Lingfeng from the White Clothes Camp, and General Pei is my uncle."
Although Sun Ding had expected it long ago, he still looked miserable. The Baiyi Camp was created by Pei Yun himself. People in the arena are often unruly and unaccustomed to military regulations and national laws. The campers were very lightly restrained, and they only needed to inform Pei Yun that they could disarm and return to the field. The people in this camp are all above the first-class level, and at most there are only eighteen people. Because of Pei Yun's identity, most of them are outstanding children of Shaolin or other famous schools. If they appear, it means that Pei Yun is against Sikou. It is imperative. These people must have been ordered by Pei Yun to secretly remove the Sikou defenders and prepare to meet the Yong army to go south. Sun Ding was very bitter.
But Sun Ding was also an excellent soldier after all. He immediately figured out one thing. Since Du Lingfeng deliberately lured him into the camp, it means that the Yong army is not strong enough here, so he still has a chance to return to Sikou. Thinking of this, Sun Ding raised his arms and shouted, "Kill!"
Following his shouts, the Southern Chu army attacked the barracks. After the handsome young man broke himself up, he returned to the barracks. Hundreds of people poured out of the barracks, lined up to meet them. Against the five thousand enemy troops, they dared to line up. , Sun Ding also admired it in his heart, but it would be better if they didn't leave the camp. He only needed to surround the barracks and use fire attacks to win.
With the shouting, the two armies started a bloody battle. Both sides knew the importance of Sikou. No one hesitated. , the remaining 4,000 were basically unfamiliar with battle formations and their martial arts skills were not good enough to be of any use. Although the enemy troops were few, they were all brave and good at fighting, and even more so, Du Lingfeng was extraordinarily brave in martial arts, killing several warriors of Southern Chu in a row. Sun Ding was worried that the Yong army reinforcements were coming, so he couldn't help frowning. After thinking about it, he called out two hundred sergeants from his own battalion and asked them to shoot arrows at the periphery. These sergeants are familiar with water warfare, and bows and arrows are naturally not weak. In this way, Yong's army gradually became weaker. When urging the sergeant to prepare to destroy this Yong army. The surrounded Yong Jun suddenly cheered loudly. The voice was getting louder and louder, as if it was coming from a distance. Sun Ding was startled and looked up. The sky was already turning white. The boats are against the river, and the banner on the bow of the boat is fluttering, and there is a big "Pei" on it.