It was already night, and the wind and snow gathered in the Xia Village area, converging with the light of the bonfire. ︾
After the resentful army evacuated from here, the surrounding area was again completely controlled by Xia Village. The war just stopped this morning, but all kinds of things, by this time, showed no signs of coming to an end. The initial carnival and excitement, and the joy of the rest of his life have temporarily faded. Inside and outside the camp, at this time being surrounded by all kinds of things.
"... The battle was just beginning, and I knew everyone was tired, and I was also tired, but when the meeting was just now, General Qin and Mr. Ning had already decided to set up the camp tomorrow and reinforce the capital. You should convey this matter well..."
In the small shack with lights on, the middle-level officers of the Xia Village Army were having a meeting. The news delivered by the chief officer Pang Luan was not easy, but even after a busy day, these officers, each with hundreds of people under their command, were still there. Energized.
"... After ten consecutive days of fighting, he defeated Guo Yaoshi. Everyone knows the situation. But the capital is in danger, and the news from this afternoon has already been clear. Zongwang's siege battle has also come to an end. If Zongwang's army suffers casualties, it will be difficult to continue to attack the capital. Mrs. Xiaochong has attracted Zongwang's attention, but now, the capital's army cannot go out to rescue! Fangyuan For dozens of miles, we are the only soldiers who can fight!"
"Today's meeting, Mr. Ning has emphasized that the battle of the capital is basically over and over when Guo Yaoshi retreats! This is our victory!"
As soon as the fire lit up, Pang Luan waved his hand: "But the end only means that the overall situation remains unchanged, and most of the capital has been able to defend. But in this battle, have I really won the battle? Tens of thousands of Jurchen were killed, and they drove straight in and killed. As far as I am facing the capital. I have broken the city several times! Outside the city of Bianliang, I have defeated hundreds of thousands of troops in a row! Forcing them back, now we are just barely able to do it, but even if we are forced to retreat, what will happen? He will make a comeback in the future. , can I stop it again?"
"Brothers. General Qin and Mr. Ning have said today that no matter what the outcome of today's battle is, there will be another decisive battle between the two countries in the future. This is a battle to destroy the country. In this battle, the most important thing is What... is a man of war!"
Pang Liu settled down and looked at the generals: "It's like me from Xia Village, like General Long and others who came to rescue them. It's like Xiao Zhong Xianggong who dares to fight against Jurchen. We can rely on others. , not those smart people who shrank after knowing the overall situation, but these brothers who made progress despite difficulties! Ladies and gentlemen, if the Jurchen wants to go back safely, only this battle has the strength. Our army and Guo Yaoshi have already fought. Quenched into knives, tomorrow will pull out the camp to join the Jurchen army, or fight or not. All are actions that see blood and start. When the Jurchens come back tomorrow, you will all be the mainstay of this country. It will be more fun than hunting the world... You will bring these things to the brothers under your command."
The order from above was issued soon, and it was still fermenting, but for many soldiers in Xia Village, they were somewhat enlightened. A big win. For the soldiers of Xia Village at this time, there is an unbearable weight, because such victories are really too few, and they have experienced such difficulties and tenacity.
There are celebrations and carnivals at noon and at night. But after opening their stomachs to eat and drink, there are not many people who are simply immersed in joy. Before this, everyone here had experienced too many defeats and had seen too many deaths of their comrades. When death becomes the norm, people will not be surprised. However, when the option of immortality appears in front of everyone, the question of why one would die and lose would begin to emerge.
For the army in the world at this time, it would be the only one that would feel this way after the war. In a sense, it was also because of Ning Yi's guidance over the past few months. Therefore, after the victory, there are some who are sad and some who cry, but of course, in these complex emotions, joy and personal worship from the heart still account for a lot.
The images of Ning Yi and Qin Shaoqian, the combination of literature and martial arts, the operational planning of the text, the decisiveness of the martial arts, plus the black riders from Lu Liangshan, the large number of green forest people under the command of Zhuji, and various distinctive skills, these things are all clear The symbolic nature of the army is very easy to imprint on the hearts of everyone in this army that is put together by a motley crew.
After a big meal, Mao Yishan went to the wounded barracks to see some brothers he knew. When he came out, he saw Qu Qing greeting him. Over the past few days, this old soldier who has been in battle for many years has always given him a calm and somewhat depressed feeling. Only at this time, it has become a little different. In the wind and snow, his face is full of joy. Easy smile.
No soldier would take the snowstorm in front of him seriously.
After a few chats, Qu Qing gave him a stone: "Stop walking, go back and sharpen your knife."
"Huh?" Mao Yishan was stunned for a while, and then he understood, "Tomorrow, you still have to fight?"
"It may not be tomorrow, and there may not be another battle, but with the Jurchen, there must be a confrontation. It is best not to fight, to fight, and not to be afraid. We just need to be prepared."
This afternoon, when the memorial ceremony was held for Long Fen, even though everyone was tired, they were still full of enthusiasm. Soon after, there was news that Master Zhong and Zong Wang were facing off against each other. After visiting a group of brothers who were still rejoicing in victory despite being wounded, Mao Yishan, like some other soldiers, was already mentally prepared to be right with the Jurchen, and even had a faint desire for blood. But of course, it's one thing to want to do it, it's another thing to really want to do it. On Mao Yishan's side, we know that even the soldiers who haven't entered the wounded barracks are exhausted from the ten-day battle.
However, if the above speaks, it must be sure, and there is nothing to think about.
The two were on the mountainside at this time, chatting a few words while looking down the mountain. The camp gate of Xia Village was actually a bit lively, because a few groups of people had come here not long ago, all of them from other troops near Bianliang, which made people a little upset. Mao Yishan thought of one thing and asked, "Brother Qu, in which army did you actually serve as an official?"
Qu Qing's martial arts are not low, and he has rich combat experience. He can clearly see the development and changes of many situations on the battlefield. Mao Yishan has already seen it. Seeing that he was in a good mood today, I asked. Qu Qing looked down at the mountain. But he wasn't annoyed by this question. After a while, he smiled and said, "Being an official... It's better to be a soldier."
"Then... Brother Qu, if this battle is over, will you and I go back to our respective troops?"
This sentence was asked by Mao Yishan after hesitating for a moment. Qu Qing was also silent, but not long after, looking at the lively scene at the camp gate, he frowned, snorted coldly, and didn't speak any further.
It was less than a day after the Battle of Xia Village, and it only started in the evening. From this time, the messengers sent from the various armies around Bianliang came one after another. These people. Or some of the other armies were high ranking, prestigious, and martial arts generals, as well as military generals who once held official positions in the Wu Rui camp and were recruited by Chen Yanshu and other senior officers after their defeat. These people came one after another, on the one hand, to congratulate Xia Village on the great victory, and praised Qin Shaoqian and others for their unparalleled achievements; Taking advantage of this victory, morale was high. To solve the siege of the capital together.
The arrival of these people also asked a question from the sidelines: at the beginning, due to the great defeat of the various armies, all parties gathered and routed their troops, and their placement was disrupted, but it was an expedient measure. Is it possible for these soldiers with different organizations to return to the original organization
The problem of the chaotic formation of soldiers may be difficult to solve for a while, but the placement of the generals is relatively clear. For example, in the Xia Village Army at this time, He Zhicheng was originally under the command of He Chengzhong of the Wuwei Army. Mao Yishan's chief, Pang Lingming, was a general under Chen Yanshu of the Wusheng Army. At this time, such middle-level generals are often responsible for the skirmishers under their command. The question of the soldiers can be vague. These generals can only be regarded as "secondments" at the beginning. So, when can they bring their soldiers back
Xia Cun's side is sloppy on such issues. But compared to the usual slowness and clumsiness in the face of Jurchen, the reactions of all parties at this time were sharp and quick.
Who can talk about things at this level, who would be a real waste
****************
Beijing.
After coming out of the imperial city, Qin Siyuan went to the Ministry of War and dealt with a lot of things at hand. When leaving the military hall, the wind and snow were mixed, and the desolate city lights were hidden in a snowstorm.
The Jurchen suspended the siege on this day. According to the news from various quarters, in the previous long ordeal, a glimmer of optimism has appeared. Even if the Jurchen wins a big victory outside the city, and then turns around to attack the city, its morale has already declined. And exhausted. The princes of the court had already felt the possibility of peace talks. Although the defense of the capital could not be relaxed yet, due to the cessation of the Jurchen offensive, they finally got a moment of respite.
It's just that for Qin Siyuan, many things will not be reduced because of this, and even because of the next possibility, the things to be prepared for have suddenly become more pressing.
Whether it is war or peace, the follow-up things will only be more complicated.
"... go to the sour jujube door."
After instructing the people around him like this, after getting into the carriage, the old man read some news that came up with the help of the oil lamp in the carriage. In the days of the war, countless casualties have been lost. In Bianliang City, tens of thousands of people have died, resulting in a huge war-weariness. Soaring prices and disordered law and order are already happening. Women and children who have lost their families , The old man's cries kept coming day and night, and such movements could be vaguely heard all the way from the Ministry of War to the city wall. And the problems transformed by these things will eventually be brought into the hands of the old man, turning into huge problems and pressures that ordinary people can't bear, pressing on his shoulders.
Arriving near the devastated Xin Suanzaomen, the old man just put down his work, got out of the car, and walked slowly towards the city wall with a cane.
There are warm bonfires, tents, soldiers and wounded gathered around, and many people will look towards this side. The old man was emaciated, and he waved away the entourage who wanted to come and help him. While thinking about things, he walked towards the city wall with a cane. He did not look at these people, including the wounded, and the sadness of the deceased family members in the city. These days, the old people are mostly indifferent and ignore them. When he reached the high stairs, he didn't let anyone help him, but he slowly walked up the stairs while thinking about things.
The broken city wall was filled with blood, and the snowstorm was abrupt. In the night, you could see the dimly lit Jurchen military camp, and it was pitch black in the distance. The old man looked into the distance for a while. A crowd of people and torches came over, and the old man at the head bowed to Qin Siyuan in the wind and snow, and Qin Siyuan bowed over there. The two old people bowed to each other wordlessly in this snowstorm.
After a while, the old man on the other end opened his mouth, it was a kind of teacher.
"I heard about the incident in the palace today, and Qin Xiang asked to send troops for his younger brother. The teacher is grateful."
"..." Qin Siyuan cupped his hands silently and heavily.
Chong Shidao stood up straight: "It's just that this gratitude is out of selfishness. Yugong, Shidao, like all the masters, does not agree with Qin Prime Minister's idea. The capital is in danger, the troops in the city have bottomed out, and they rushed out of the city, but they were caught The Jurchens were defeated by each. If the Jurchens made a desperate attempt and attacked the city again, our side would only be more stretched.
Both are extremely intelligent and humane people with many things going on. In fact, to say it or not to say it is the same. During the Battle of Bianliang, Qin Siyuan was in charge of the logistics and all the mundane affairs, and he didn't get involved much in the war. It was exciting to see the troops coming from the divisions, but when the Jurchen changed direction to besiege and kill with all his strength, it was impossible for the capital to send troops to rescue. This is also something that everyone knows. In such a situation, the only voice is fierce. The person who wanted to use the last remaining strength to fight against the Jurchen, but the one who saved the next generation was actually Qin Siyuan, who was always safe, was beyond everyone's expectations.
So much so that in the Golden Palace today, in addition to Qin Siyuan himself, even the left minister Li Gang, who had always been his partner, raised objections to this matter. Beijing affairs. If it is related to the survival of a country, how can people be desperate
What's more, no matter whether the breeder is dead or alive, this war seems to have hope of ending. Why bother with this kind of branch.
A ceremony lasted for a long time. In the end, it only ended with Qin Siyuan offending many people and making no achievements. After the discussion was over, the old man dealt with the government affairs, and came here again. As the elder brother of Master Chong, although Master Chong expressed his gratitude to Qin Siyuan for his righteousness, he also felt that he could not send troops for the current situation.
"It's just... Prime Minister Qin, Chong doesn't understand. You know what the outcome of this council will be, so why bother..."
In the snowstorm, Chong Shidao and Qin Siyuan walked to the city wall together, looking at the darkness in the distance, the fate of the master Chong, who did not know where to go, sighed in a low voice.
…
"... Qin Siyuan, an old dog, acting today is really strange."
In the imperial study, after writing a few words, Zhou Zhe put the brush down, frowned and took a breath, then stood up and walked away.
"Du Chengxi, what do you think he is doing..."
In the room, Du Chengxi, who was originally watching his nose and heart, was shocked: "The sage said earlier that this person from the right is a genius, and what he thinks in his heart, the servants can't guess."
"Hmph, a talent from heaven." Zhou Zhe smiled with his hands on his back, and then restrained his smile again, "Qin Siyuan is a man with a deep conspiracy, and he knows all the right ways. He is really powerful. What a foolish idea, the joints must have been opened up before the court meeting. Only this time, hum, put forward such an idea, so that Li Gang does not stand on his side, and if there is no fraud, who is there? letter."
Du Chengxi hesitated for a moment: "Your Majesty Shengming, it's just... This servant thinks, could it be because the battlefield turned around that it was revealed today, and the right minister wanted to open up the joints, but it was too late?"
"Huh? You old dog, speaking for him, did you take his money?" Zhou Zhe glanced at Du Chengxi. Du Chengxi was so frightened that he knelt down and apologized, and Zhou Zhe waved again.
"Get up, I'm just joking. Even if you receive the money, it doesn't matter. Could it be that I'm still bewitched by you?" He paused, "It's just that you're thinking wrong. It is useless to support, Qin Siyuan will naturally omit even opening his mouth. Today, he is arguing against the ministers. When I think about it, he should have noticed that he is in an awkward position. It's a good thing to be scolded by people and reprimanded by me, but it's just such means, how can I not see it... hey..."
He smiled, and that smile lasted strangely on his face for a long time, and then he didn't know whether he was chewing or aftertaste, and whispered a few words: "Hey... Great victory at Xia Village..."
In this murmur, someone came to report that Li Hao had arrived.
"Announce him in."
Zhou Zhe said, and walked back to the back of the desk.
Not long after, the minister who was in charge of negotiating with the Jurchen last time came in.
…
"… war is not the same as politics."
The wind and snow hit the city wall, and the pale beard and hair trembled in the wind and snow, all covered with frost.
Qin Siyuan reached out and touched the frozen blood on the female wall: "Over the years, I have been discussing with others. In the war, what matters the most. In Xia Village, he partnered with the inferior son, named Ning Yi, who used to love Kit Qiao the most. He is good at pondering the study of things, and he is good at studying firearms. While outside scholars are debating, they are often concerned about the method of warfare, what is in front, what is behind, and how to deal with it in a specific place. However... When encountering Liao people, Jurchens are of no use, just because my court puts more emphasis on literature and less on martial arts, hundreds of thousands of troops have no will to fight, and tens of thousands of people have been beaten to pieces..."
The old man paused. He sighed: "Brother Chong Shi, this is the case with literati. When arguing with others, you must choose one of the two theories. In fact, everything in the world cannot be separated from the word "moderate". Not open, civil and military are not. One piece and one relaxation is the way of civil and military. But stupid people are often unable to distinguish. The old man seeks safety in his life, but it can be above major events. All actions are adventurous, until now, the kind Brother Shi, do you think that even if I survive this time, the Jurchen will not come here next time?"
The master said: "There is a lesson from this time. Just learn it from now on, and make every effort to govern it, everyone in the court..."
"Brother Chong Shi said it lightly." Qin Siyuan smiled, "Hundreds of thousands of people were beaten outside the city, and 100,000 people died in this city. These hundreds of thousands of people are like this, there are millions, millions of people. , is also meaningless. What is the truth of this world, what are the problems of the court and the army, are there few people who can see clearly? In the world, what is lacking is never people who can see clearly, what is lacking is the one who dares to shed blood and dare to die The battle of Xia Village is such a reason. Before setting off, General Long Hui invited everyone widely, and there were few people who responded. It is said that Chen Yanshu once blocked people from joining them. Long Hui was defeated in the battle. Yanshu is so clever! However, if Long Hui had not stirred up the blood of the people, the battle of Xia Village would have been defeated. What is the use of smart people? Silently retreating, knowing the danger and disheartened, then Xia Village and this Bianliang don't need to be beaten, and millions of people are all pigs and dogs slaves!"
"To say that they are smart is just a little smart. The real smart is not like this." The old man shook his head. "Now I am facing the court, what is missing? To stop the next Jinmen from going south, what is missing? Not from this capital. The crowd of millions is not the hundreds of thousands of troops outside the city. It is the more than 10,000 people from Xia Village, the more than 10,000 people who died under the sword led by General Long Hui, and also by Xiao Zhong Xianggong, who dares to fight with The more than 20,000 Jurchens rushed into the battle. Brother Chong Shi, without them, our capital city of millions would not be considered human..."
Chong Shidao was silent there, Qin Siyuan looked at the darkness in the distance, his lips trembled: "The old man may not understand the war, but I just hope to use the power in the city to contain the Jurchen as much as possible, so that he can't attack Xiao Chong Xianggong with all his strength. Come to the Xia Village army to pull out the camp, and then confront the Jurchen army. The capital will come forward for peace talks, or you may be able to preserve the vitality. With these people, there will be the seeds of the Jurchen next time. At this time, if you let Xiaozhong Xianggong outside the city The whole army is wiped out, and in the next war, who will dare to rescue the capital with all their strength? The old man knows this is a risk, but the cause of today, how can we know that there will be no disaster in the future? A little bit of capital…”
"... Qin Xiang is well-intentioned, the teacher... On behalf of the younger brother, and on behalf of all the disciples of the Western Army, thank you." After a while, Chong Shidao bowed again and gave a salute. The old man's face was desolate. On the other side, Qin Siyuan also took a breath and bowed back: "Brother Zang Shi, it's the old man in this world who thanked the Western Army, and I'm sorry that the Western Army is..."
He sighed, and after a while, Chong Shidao laughed aside.
"Actually, Prime Minister Qin may have been overthinking it." He said in the wind, "My brother-in-law acts with military force, and he always seeks to be safe. If he can't fight, he's the next best thing. Most of the way back is well thought out. In the Western Xia War, he is such a party. Even if he is defeated, he will lead his subordinates to escape, and there is no problem in thinking about it. In fact, Qin Xiang does not need to worry about him. "
"Oh, really." Qin Siyuan replied, "Haha... I hope so."
On the city wall, the two tired people looked into the distance, and the many soldiers on the wall also looked into the distance. Snowflakes were fluttering in the darkness. Because the torches were not brightly blown by the wind, they couldn't actually see each other's faces. Tears flowed down the face of the old man Qin Siyuan in this darkness. This kind of expression appeared on the old man who had always been indifferent and resolute. I think it's because the snow wind is too strong on the city wall...
In the Golden Palace, Zhou Zhe has already given Li Xi an order.
"... For the peace negotiation, Zuo Xiang really wants to go there in person. After thinking about it, you have dealt with Zong Wang after all, and you are more slicker than Zuo Xiang. This peace negotiation allows you to see the opportunity. The Western Army is being pursued by Zongwang. I don't want the Western Army to suffer too much damage. You accept the order. Get out of the city quickly. This Wanyan Zongwang should also know the truth of accepting it as soon as it is good!"
****************
North of Bianliang City, Wuzhang Ridge.
In the middle of the night, the wind and snow froze everything between heaven and earth.
On Wuzhang Ridge, a bonfire is burning, and thousands of people are gathering on the cold hill. Since there is not much firewood around, there are not many fires that can be raised, and soldiers and war horses gather together. Snuggle up in the snow to keep warm.
In the distance below the mountain, the fire was cruising, because of the messengers who searched for souls in the dark.
Not long after, there were shouts of killing, and following the snow wind and swept the mountain, the soldiers cheered up and were alert to the enemy attacking in the dark, but it didn't take long. They found that it was just the enemy's scheming at night.
In a small tent at the very center of the camp, the old man with bandages and bleeding opened his eyes. Listen to this voice.
"The person who asked for help... rushed out..."
"Rush out, rush out..." said Wang Hongjia, an old lieutenant who had been with him for many years.
"Don't stay here, beware of being surrounded, let everyone go quickly..."
"Yes."
Wang Hongjia agreed, and after a while, he went out from the small tent. A general with serious injuries came over: "All around have been cut off by the Jurchen..."
…
"...The route of the Western Army has been completely cut off by our army."
Outside Wuzhang Mountain, in the temporary camp, the scouts came and reported the situation to Zongwang. Zong Wang just got off from the horse. He untied the cape and threw it to the followers: "Alright, surround them! If they want to break through, cut another piece for me! I want them all to die here!"
After the day's battle, the Western Army persisted for most of the day under the onslaught of Jurchen, and then collapsed. Zhongshi led most of them to flee, but in fact, Zongwang's anger at this battle had already been poured out on this desperate Western army. The army's main formation had no chance of escaping smoothly. They were cut all the way, and those left alone were slaughtered. In the end, they were forced to the top of the mountain. Both sides stopped.
Not long after, someone else came.
"Reporting to the commander, the Bianliang side has an envoy out of the city. It is the person from the Wu Dynasty who came to negotiate last time. The emperor of the Wu Dynasty..."
"kill him."
"...I want to negotiate with us."
"Oh? Then don't kill him first, bring him here."
"Yes."
"Let him watch me kill all these people... talk to them again!"
…
Bianliang.
Late at night, in a small room near the city wall, people who came in from outside the city saw the old man.
"Hey kind..." A few bloody teenagers knelt down, and someone saw the old man who came over and even cried.
Chong Shidao took the hot water, walked towards them, and patted their shoulders: "I know, I know..."
"Chongshuai, Xiaozhong Xianggong, he is trapped in Wuzhangling..."
"I know, I know, Cheng Ming and the others are here before you, I already know, drink some hot water first to warm up..."
"Chong Shuai, is the imperial court sending troops..."
"I said I got it!" The old man's voice was stern for a moment, and then he said, "I will handle the next thing, you guys have something to eat later, meet Cheng Ming and the others. Someone will arrange for you to heal and live. Down."
"So handsome..."
Several people were taken away soon. In the room, Master Zhong sat on a chair and looked at the slightly shaking candles not far away. Soon, the personal soldiers came over and reported to him that the companions had settled down, and the master nodded: "You go down."
"Yes." The soldier replied, and when he was about to go to the door, he looked back. The old man was still just sitting there in a daze, looking at the lights in front of him. …”
"... If there is no possibility, don't be disgusting."
Chong Shidao replied, thinking of Qin Siyuan in his mind, and of what they had said at the head of the city. In the little light of the oil lamp, the old man quietly closed his eyes, his wrinkled face trembled slightly.
…
The next morning, Wuzhang Ridge.
The snow has stopped.
The breeder came out of the tent.
Although he is called Xiao Zhong Xianggong, he is not too young, and his head is full of white hair. Yesterday he was seriously injured, but at this time he was still wearing his armor, and then he mounted his horse and grabbed the sword.
Soldiers gathered towards him, and there were many people who were frozen to death last night and could no longer move.
"My brother will come here." The masters ignored the dead soldiers and said to Wang Hongjia, "Follow me to break through!"
Wang Hongjia said: "Yes."
In Bianliang City, Chong Shidao stood at the head of the city, looking at the seemingly endless snow field in the distance.
In a place he could not see, the breeder dashed towards the Jurchen cavalry with horses and swords.
Xia Village, the army pulled out the camp and set off for expedition.
In the small room in Bianliang City, Xue Changgong opened his eyes and smelled the medicinal smell in his nose, and his body was tightly wrapped. Turning her head slightly, a woman was also lying on the cot next to her. Her face was pale, her breathing was weak, and her whole body smelled of medicine—but there was still breathing after all—that was He Leier.
Not long after—he didn't know how long—someone came to tell him that there was going to be a peace with the Jurchen.
The blizzard outside the window has stopped, and after experiencing such a long, hellish haze and blizzard, they finally saw the dawn for the first time... (Please search Piao astronomy, better and faster!