The Grandmaster Strategist

Chapter 22: Construction fell

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Just when I was forcing a confession in the secret room, Jianye City had already arranged for defense, and Shang Weijun even ordered to arrange for the defense of the city, although the news of the lord's escape was deliberately spread, so most of the forbidden troops in the city lost their fighting spirit. Weijun ordered the killing of hundreds of "spies" who spread rumors in a row, which barely stabilized the military's morale. Shang Weijun has been in charge of the government for a long time, so the generals of the forbidden army are willing to obey, but the 50,000 forbidden army is not enough for defending the city. This made Shang Weijun very embarrassed. Later, he had to drive the young men in the city to fight in the city. When the army of Dayong's outpost arrived, Jianye City was ready to fight.

The next day, when the morning sun in the east just showed the clouds, in the dawn that just broke, more than a thousand sturdy knights in black clothes and black armor moved from far to near, and a black general led by Tima stood on a hillside, far away. Looking at the majestic Jianye City from a distance, the other knights dispersed and disappeared in a moment, leaving only the black-clothed general and a dozen guards. The faint sound of the horn, the black-clothed general took the horn handed over by the guards, and the sound was piercing and passionate, and the defenders in the city felt extremely nervous and wanted to scream, although the defending generals kept on screaming. Shouting, there are still exclamations from time to time, but the Yongjun knights in the distance stand silently, and after a while, the sound of the earth shaking violently is heard in the distance, and tens of thousands of horses' hooves trample the ground. The sound made people's ear drums hurt. In a moment, thousands of black armored knights poured out from the horizon. At first, they could be seen in groups of three or five skirmishers. Within a few miles of Yecheng City, you can clearly see the process of gathering them into a dense and orderly battle line from hashing. Then the battle formation was divided, and a golden-armored knight walked out slowly. He was wearing a black cloak. Behind him, a guard knight waved a banner with a line of blood-red characters on it: "General Tiance Li ". At the moment when the flag was unfolded, the distant and heroic horn sounded everywhere in the torrent of iron armor.

A forbidden soldier who knew the text and hyphenation squinted at the flag and sighed: "General Weiyuan Li, it is really King Yong who is here, I heard that he is the most powerful prince of Dayong, we can really defend Jianye. What?" A newly recruited sergeant next to him asked anxiously, "Isn't it said that King Yong led the army, why is it General Weiyuan?" The forbidden army rolled his eyes at him and said, "What do you know, Weiyuan? General is the official position of Lord Yong, and King Yong is his title. I heard that the flag of King Yong has always been the flag of the general. Some people say that it is because King Yong thinks that the general was killed by him with one knife and one shot. Attention, there is also a golden dragon flag, which is a flag that can only be used after camping or winning a battle." The recruit said enviously: "Brother, you know a lot." The forbidden army said proudly: "Of course, I attacked Shu back then. We saw King Yong's army when we were in the kingdom, and we were allies at that time."

"Crack, snap." There were two sounds of whipping flesh, and the forbidden soldier fell to the ground with a scream. Everyone looked back and saw an officer of the supervising team staring at him, the officer said sharply: " How dare you disturb the morale of the army, if it weren't for the enemy, this officer would have taken your life first." The forbidden soldier quickly got up and said, "The villain dare not, the villain dare not." The Imperial Guard spat out the blood in his mouth, cursed in a low voice, and turned his head to look down at the city.

Standing on the city wall, Shang Weijun looked at the brave enemy troops under the city, thinking in his heart that although the enemy was brave, there were only 20,000 people. If he could go out of the city to meet the enemy and catch King Yong, wouldn't it be possible to solve the crisis? Thinking of this, he whispered to the deputy commander of the forbidden army beside him: "There are only 20,000 enemies, can we fight?" The deputy commander replied: "We don't have cavalry, so it's better to defend the city." Shang Weijun frowned. At this time, the enemy troops outside the city shouted and shouted for battle. Shang Weijun ordered not to leave the city. Just prepare the Sakura Rolling Stones and wait for the enemy to attack the city.

Looking at Jianye from a distance, Li Zhi smiled lightly and said, "I don't think they dare to leave the city."

Sima Xiong, the commander-in-chief of the personal guard beside him, asked, "Your Highness, we only brought cavalry, how should we attack the city?"

Li Zhi smiled and said: "Don't worry, I'm not going to use cavalry to attack the city. Although Jianye is strong, it's a pity that the army's heart is slack. I have already arranged the internal response. Today we can just take a look here. By the way, I think, we The troops sent out will gain something."

Sima Xiong said with a smile: "Yes, His Highness said that the monarchs and ministers of Nanchu might escape beforehand, so they arranged for General Chen and the others to intercept the pursuit first, and the spies came to report, then Zhao Jia really escaped first, if we tied their lord Under the city, I wonder if they will surrender obediently?"

Li Zhi said: "The ability to capture their lord depends largely on luck, not relying on it, or thinking of a way to seize the city is more important. If that Shang Weijun is not skilled in military affairs, our spies really can't arrange an internal response. It is difficult for those who are brave and good at fighting to gain a foothold in Jianye, this is an ancient legend, our Dayong Guards are all selected warriors from the army."

Sima Xiong disapproved: "Although the Imperial Guard is elite, it is far worse than His Highness's personal guard. Although it is because the Crown Prince rejects our people to join the Imperial Guard, who does not know that it is a thousand miles to become His Highness's personal guard. A warrior of one."

Li Zhi smiled slightly, but did not refute. His 3,000 iron cavalry guards were all battle-hardened warriors, and the 20,000 people he brought this time were the guards expanded on the basis of the personal guards, and they were far more elite. Far better than Dayong's forbidden army, let alone Nanchu's army.

On this day, Li Zhi only ordered people to show off their power under the city, but Shang Weijun did not dare to fight, and the Southern Chu army was even more depressed. At dusk, Li Zhi ordered to rest in the camp ten miles away from Jianye. Shang Weijun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Li Zhi retreat and returned to the prime minister's residence. He planned to let Concubine Shang take the prince to escape first. Was it too timid to wake up, thinking about whether to pick them up tomorrow, and ate something indiscriminately, Shang Weijun and his clothes fell asleep in the study, but he slept unsteadily and woke up several times from nightmares. In his sleep, Shang Weijun woke up suddenly, he wiped the cold sweat on his forehead, and then he heard shouts and scolding from far and near, he sat up, the door was pushed open, a The family rushed in and saw that he was awake, and shouted in horror: "Sir, it's not good, the forbidden army in the city has reversed." Shouting, some people shouted "the enemy has entered the city", some people shouted "the lord of the country has run away, what are we doing with our lives", most of the words can't be heard clearly, but some people are yelling, some people are shouting inflammatory words , Shang Weijun's heart is as cold as ice. At this moment, he saw fires start to start everywhere in the city, the flames soaring into the sky, Shang Weijun stared blankly at the firelight, mumbling not knowing what to say.

At this time, the defenders of Jianye West Gate were attacked, the city gate was opened, and Yong Jun's iron cavalry entered the gate. The streets and alleys of Jianye were soon filled with iron cavalry in black clothes and black armor. , their arrival is like a ghostly terrifying, the streets are full of people shouting horses neighing, the Nanchu army began to flock to the west gate, trying to drive the enemy out, but under the brutal killing of the Yong army, they were quickly defeated. , The remnants of the defeated soldiers all over the street began to flee for their lives, and even the remnants of the army began to break into the houses to kill and plunder. Jianye City, trembling and moaning in the blood and fire.

After dawn, the Yong army who controlled Jianye City began to rectify the order in the city. All the surrendered Nanchu troops were driven to the camp outside the city and imprisoned. The robbery troops were killed and their heads were hanged for public display. All the civilians were killed. After receiving the order to stay behind closed doors, the fire was also put out under the command of Yong Jun. Then Yong Jun, who controlled the city gate and the key points in the city, began to interrogate the residents in the city. All officials of the Nanchu royal family and third-rank or higher were arrested. The prison was waiting to be dealt with, and the others were ordered to temporarily close the door and were not allowed to go out. Shang Weijun wanted to escape while the chaos was taking advantage of the chaos, but was captured by the Yong army. At this moment, he was being held in the Heavenly Prison. All the other Chu soldiers who dared to resist were beheaded.

At noon, Li Zhi entered the city. Looking at the blood-stained streets, Li Zhi smiled and said, "If it weren't for the incompetence of Nanchu's monarchs and ministers, there would be no reason to take Jianye so easily." Sima Xiong looked around cautiously and replied. Said: "His Royal Highness, the ministers have been rewarded, there are only some palace maids and eunuchs left in the palace, the concubines sent by our Dayong are still there, but those princes have been taken away, and neither the concubine Shang nor the prince are in the palace. , after investigation, it may be Shang Weijun who sent them away."

Li Zhi thought for a moment and said, "Those Yongnv, you send someone to ask, if you want to go back to the country, let them prepare, if Zhao Jia catches it, let them continue to serve Zhao Jia, if not, arrange it. They went home respectively. Shang Weijun is Concubine Shang's father, and it is very important. He must not be allowed to commit suicide. Take good care of him and take him back. The other Nanchu officials don't need to worry about them. them."

The two were walking slowly, when a horse came galloping forward. The knight approached and reported, "General Chen's scout has reported that Zhao Jia has been captured."

Li Zhi said in surprise: "I caught it, where is it?"

The knight said: "General Chen personally led people to pursue them. According to the intelligence from the inside, they were captured in one net. General Chen reported that the three thousand forbidden troops were scattered and wiped out by us. All the royal families were captured, and Zhao Jia was captured. It is estimated that tomorrow. It can be escorted to Jianye.”

Li Zhi ordered: "Send the order to General Huang and ask him to bring someone to support him. We must bring Zhao Jia back to Jianye safely."

After that, Li Zhi smiled and said: "Finally accomplished the mission, if we can't catch Zhao Jia, our trip will be in vain. Sima Xiong, do you remember what I told you, I'm a little worried, you go there in person immediately , make sure it's safe there."

Sima Xiong only obeyed the order and ordered his deputy to protect King Yong well. He ran away with doubts. Long before entering the city, King Yong ordered him to send someone to a place in the northern suburbs and protect it closely. He vaguely knew that That man was an official of Southern Chu, but for some reason His Highness regarded him as more important than anything else.

After arriving in the northern suburbs, Sima Xiong saw the small Zhuangzi from far away, surrounded by more than a hundred knights, and the water was blocked. Sima Xiong came closer and saw the three words "Zangyun Zhuang" written on the plaque of the Zhuangzi. , Although Sima Xiong is only rough in writing and ink, he also thinks that those words are very elegant and elegant. He rode his horse to the front, and Captain Duan, who was guarding the gate, greeted him and saluted with his saber. Sima Xiong asked, "How is the situation?"

Colonel Duan replied, "General, after we surrounded this place, only one child came out to ask what was going on. I only replied that it was King Yong's military order, and he went back. After that, there was no movement inside."

Sima Xiong shook his head suspiciously. He didn't know why King Yong did this, and he even asked himself to come and speak for him. He got off the horse and knocked on the door. Not long after that, a handsome young servant of fifteen or sixteen opened the door, looked at him calmly and asked, "May I ask, what is your order?"

Sima Xiong said: "Sima Xiong, the last general, has come to see Mr. Jiang Zhejiang by order of His Royal Highness King Yong."

The little servant smiled and said, "General, please come in."

As the servant walked into the Zhuangzi, Sima Xiong felt at ease in his heart. Although this Zhuangzi is not big, there are also several pavilions and pavilions. Between the pavilions, there are flowing springs, or vines, pine and bamboo, which are fresh and elegant. The servant walked briskly and led Sima Xiong along the bluestone path, and in a moment he arrived at a small pavilion hidden in the green bamboo forest. Standing in front of the pavilion door was a handsome young man with a bit of gloom. He smiled and looked at it. Looking at Sima Xiong, he said: "General, my son should have personally greeted him, but he is a scholar of Southern Chu, so it is inconvenient for him to lower his rank to welcome him. I would like to ask the general to forgive him."

Hearing this man's voice, Sima Xiong felt a chill at first, then awe, and immediately grabbed the sword at his waist. This man was elegant in appearance, but his voice was soft and shrill. Sima Xiong was around King Yong all the year round, and he knew that there was only one type of person. such characteristics. He asked suspiciously, "Who are you and why are you here?"

A cold light flashed in the man's eyes, and he said, "The servant Li Shun was originally a servant in the Nanchu Palace, because he was on good terms with Lord Jiang, and he was impatient with fighting in the palace, so he got out a few days ago and waited by the son's side. , made the general suspicious."

Sima Xiong nodded suspiciously and said, "Please take me to see Lord Jiang."

Li Shun turned around, opened the pavilion door, and asked Sima Xiong to enter. Sima Xiong glanced at him again and walked into the small pavilion. At a glance, he saw a gentle and handsome young man sitting behind a desk, looking at himself lightly. On the desk in front of him, there was an open book and some manuscripts. On the pen stand, he seemed to be writing something before he came.

When Sima Xiong saw this young man, he suddenly remembered the man he had met before. Three years ago, in the middle of Shu, he had seen him in the camp. At that time, he had come with Prince Nanchude, and he had also met with him. His Royal Highness King Yong had a secret conversation for a while, and then at the farewell banquet, this young man forced the King of Shu to death with a song "Break a Time", but unfortunately I only remember that this person is Counselor Jiang, but I don't know that the person I came to see today is Mr. Jiang. he.

He reflexively gave a military salute, a man he admired in private, although he still didn't quite understand why the King of Shu would commit suicide after listening to his music. He respectfully said: "The last general Sima Xiong, who is the commander of King Yong's personal guard, has come to greet the gentleman according to His Royal Highness's decree. His Highness said that he is busy with military affairs today, and would like to visit him at night, and I hope that he will meet him. "

I said indifferently: "Jiang is a grass-roots citizen now, and it's like house arrest, what qualifications does he have to refuse His Highness King Yong's visit, but he doesn't know what crime he committed in his lower body, and Jiang was only a fourth-rank servant when he was an official. Read, I heard that only the third rank and above will be imprisoned, why should I, the former fourth rank, also be imprisoned?"

Sima Xiong said embarrassingly: "Sir Jiang is serious, His Highness is very caring for Mr., and he is really worried that Mr. will be disturbed by the chaotic army, so he sent someone to protect him, please don't take offense, Mr. Don't blame us rascals."

I smiled slightly and said, "Since the general is here, Xiao Shunzi, pour a cup of tea, and ask the general to sit here."

Sima Xiong hurriedly said: "Sir, don't be too polite, the last commander would dare to disturb Mr. If it is convenient, please prepare a wing room as you like, so that you can handle military affairs."

I glanced at him and said, "Pirate Li, you take this general to the guest house to rest." Thief Li walked out from behind me, gave Sima Xiong a salute, and said, "General, please come with me."

Sima Xiong glanced at the little book boy who he had barely noticed just now, said goodbye to me and left.

I smiled slightly and said to myself, "It's no wonder that His Royal Highness Prince Yong is named Dongyu, and a personal guard commander is so well-mannered and knows how to advance and retreat."

Xiao Shunzi said in a low voice, "I didn't expect King Yong to pay so much attention to you. Let's see if we should leave now."

I shook my head and said, "Sooner or later, the world will belong to Dayong. If I leave like this, I will inevitably become a criminal. Let's wait for him to clarify."

Li Zhi came to the Chu Palace and ordered all the palaces to be closed. He only reserved a side hall for his office. While dealing with military affairs, he waited for news from Princess Changle. Fortunately, a personal guard came to report and said : "His Royal Highness, Her Royal Highness Princess has returned safely and is waiting outside the palace."

Li Zhi was overjoyed and said as he walked towards the gate of the hall: "Changle, Changle, are you here?" Following his shout, a girl in plain clothes ran towards him from outside the hall. He hugged his sister's delicate body, He smiled and said, "Huangmei, you have finally returned to the second brother's side. From now on, you don't have to be afraid of anything. By the way, where's the person who escorted you, where is Liang Wan?" Princess Changle's eyes flashed with horror With an expression on his face, he said, "Brother Huang, Sister Liang is crazy, and the others are outside." Li Zhi frowned and said, "Tell them to come in."

Following his voice, more than a dozen big men dressed in commoners and described as haggard walked in. The two people at the back dragged the crying Liang Wan. When they saw King Yong, their eyes flashed with relief. Kneel down and bow down. Li Zhi got them up and asked, "What happened, what happened to Liang Wan."

The big man at the head said: "His Royal Highness, Liang Wan took refuge with His Royal Highness Prince, and it was the decision of the head of Fengyi."

Li Zhi's expression turned cold. He had already guessed this matter, but he did not expect Fengyi's sect master to be so arrogant. He asked, "How did you know that, and what happened to Liang Wan."

The big man thought to himself, if he continued talking, he would probably say something he shouldn't have said. If that terrifying person really became His Highness's enemy because of this, then the situation of the embattled His Highness would be even more critical. , my subordinates in the south of the Yangtze River dare not forget the cultivation of His Highness, and today's matter is a last resort, please take care of the villain's family." After that, he drew his saber and swung it to kill himself. When he drew his saber, the guards in the palace thought they were going to stab and were about to stop him, but who knew that he would kill himself. Li Zhi was so horrified that he was about to ask the others again, but they all said in unison: "Please take care of your family on your behalf, Your Highness take care." After saying that, they committed suicide with a knife, and blood flowed across the hall for a while. Princess Changle screamed, hiding her face and daring to look back.

Li Zhi was puzzled. He stared blankly at this strange scene, not knowing what to say. I asked Princess Changle, but Princess Changle only knew that her people were kidnapped, and she was not hurt in the slightest. Soon after, she and these spies were released, but Liang Wan went crazy, and she asked those spies, but she All were silent. After listening to Princess Changle's answer, Li Zhi was even more confused, what happened