When the morning sun rose, panic and restlessness had already enveloped the entire city.
News of the battle near Qiantang Gate in the west came in. The fire to the north of the city seemed to still be spreading, but it was still in great chaos. It was unknown whether the army was fighting with the rioting citizens in the city, or whether the army was fighting with Fang La's troops who had snuck into the city. Due to the spread of this chaos, conflicts of various sizes were occurring in various parts of Hangzhou. Everyone was in a state of panic and had nowhere to go.
As one of the most important and symbolic cities in Jiangnan, Hangzhou had not suffered the flames of war since the establishment of the Wu dynasty. Earlier, even though the situation in the south was chaotic and Fang La and the others were fighting in Shizhou, Wuzhou, and other places, everyone understood the importance of Hangzhou because the Wu De Camp had a tight defense here. At least for the people who lived in Suzhou and Hangzhou, the sense of danger from the chaos of war was like the distance between heaven and earth. Because of this, when they learned that Fang La's troops were coming, their nightmares became reality overnight. At this moment, every household in the city was suddenly somewhat dumbfounded.
At this time, Hangzhou was rich and populous. There were a certain number of imperial soldiers and prefectural troops stationed here, but they were mainly under the control of the Wu De Camp. Because of the earthquake these days, the main military force of the Wu De Camp had already gathered here. There were about thirty thousand soldiers stationed inside and outside the city. When the chaos at Qiantang Gate in the west arose, the army immediately pulled back, closed the city gates, sounded the alarm, resisted the enemy, and began to suppress the chaos in the city.
It was not that there were not enough soldiers. Furthermore, the Wu De Camp stationed in Hangzhou was well-supplied and could guarantee their battle strength. In the chaos that had begun in the morning, Ning Yi and the others in Taiping Alley could only listen to the development of the chaos and defend their alley. They had no way of clearly understanding the direction of the matter. Everyone on the street was anxiously waiting for some definite news. There were also people who came to ask Ning Yi what they could do at this time. In the end, Ning Yi could only wave his hand and have his cook go back to cook breakfast.
The war was dangerous. When this kind of thing was right in front of them, and they didn't have enough resources at hand, Ning Yi didn't have much of a backbone. At this time, the northern part of the city was on fire again. Recalling Yuan Dingqi's appearance when he came here yesterday, he was beheaded this morning. Fang La's troops must have entered the city during the chaos, but it was hard to tell how many of them there were. At this time, they could only temporarily believe in the Wu De Camp's battle prowess and wait for more news to arrive so that the situation would become more obvious.
Of course, what he needed to do was not something as simple as waiting. At this point, he had to summarize what he could do.
Have porridge in the morning.
All kinds of sounds still came from all over the city, buzzing and disturbing. Ning Yi and his family sat in the courtyard and ate breakfast. There were still people coming and going in panic on the streets outside. However, the security units still mainly focused on the streets at this time. No one really dared to go out of Taiping Alley. After all, no one knew if they would run into people sent by Fang La into the city. Ning Yi thought for a while, then ordered Dong Zhu to prepare the horse carriage. Everyone at the side was shocked by his decision. Xiaochan's eyes widened. "Young, young master, what are you doing …"
"Nothing …" Ning Yi was about to explain when the deputy chief came in from outside the courtyard. It turned out that a soldier from the Wu De Camp had come over just now. He ordered everyone on the streets to guard their homes and not to run around. At this time, a portion of Fang La's bandits were stirring up trouble in the city. The Wu De Camp was encircling and suppressing them to prevent those bandits from taking advantage of this opportunity.
The deputy chief said again. According to the people from the Wu De Camp, they had long been prepared for the trouble near Qian Tang Gate in the west. At this time, they had already kept the enemy outside the gate. Although the other party wanted to break through the breach in the city wall, they would certainly not take advantage of it. This reassured the people in the city. Listening to the commotion in the morning, this matter seemed to be true. After all, there were still capable people in Hangzhou. If the city wall had collapsed, they would not have not taken any precautions. It seemed that the soldiers had also purposely revealed a flaw to lure people into the trap. On the other hand, the bandits who had entered the city were probably the ones who had not expected them to make such a big commotion.
Ning Yi felt slightly more at ease because of this. However, the soldiers could not completely trust them. Things that had already been decided still had to be done. He told the deputy chief that he would be going out for a while later. He took out the Wu De Camp commander's token from yesterday and gave a few perfunctory reasons before the other party finally nodded. Then, he went to inform the others that Taiping Alley was under martial law.
After the deputy chief left, Xiaochan was so anxious that she looked like she was about to cry. "Son-in-law, where exactly are you going? Those bandits have already entered the city. What if you run into them?"
Ning Yi said softly, "I'm going to visit the people from the Qian family and do some things. Then, I'll see if we can get a boat. We can't use the canal in the north, but we can still get a boat from the Qiantang River in the east …"
"No, definitely not at this time. Moreover, there are bandits outside …"
"Just take a gamble. Don't forget that your son-in-law is also a cruel and bloody butcher. We are all people of the pugilistic world. Don't be afraid. I'll be back very soon." Ning Yi smiled and comforted her. Then, he pulled her in front of him with one arm and patted her shoulder. At this time, there were many family members around them. However, his action was very natural and natural. Xiaochan was also stunned for a moment. She could only faintly hear Ning Yi mumbling to himself, "Take a gamble. A bicycle becomes a motorbike …"
After just a hug, he let go of Xiaochan. Su Tan 'er looked at him from the opposite side. She did not mind that Ning Yi was hugging Xiaochan. She only walked slightly to the side with Ning Yi before she said softly, "Xiaochan is right. At this time, I'm afraid that the boats …"
"I know." Ning Yi nodded and replied softly, "The boats can leave the city, but there definitely aren't many. At this time, I reckon that the docks are already full. There's no hope for us to go there. But as long as there is a little hope, the government will never let the boats leave. Otherwise, the people will only be more confused. That will definitely be a backup plan. If it really comes to the point of escaping, I must find a way to get some places. You, Wen Fang, Wen Ding, Chan 'er, Juan' er and Xing 'er … Wu De Camp is prepared. The city won't be breached too quickly. I must find Qian Xiwen as soon as possible. Not only the boats, but we also need to make preparations for the third option. "
"Then the others …"
"I will try my best. But if they really kill their way in …" Ning Yi thought for a moment, "I can only take care of you first."
Su Tan 'er squeezed his hand and nodded, "… Husband, come back quickly. I will watch over here."
Ning Yi nodded. After that, Dong Zhu set up the carriage. Ning Yi did not intend to let him drive the carriage. At this time, there was a possibility of danger outside, but it was not big. But after thinking about it, he moved two cans of gunpowder and put them on the carriage. The carriage left the alley.
Along the way, many of the streets and alleys along the way had been tightly guarded by the people. The riots were still happening in the northern part of the city where the fire was spreading, but from afar, they could feel that the riots had been suppressed. At this time, it seemed to have turned into small waves and was spreading in all directions. That side was quite far away from here, so it should not be able to spread for a while. However, after traveling for a while, he saw that some streets and alleys were not firmly guarded. It seemed that a certain number of guards and citizens had come out with weapons in their hands, as if they were rushing somewhere. In a short period of time, he encountered quite a few groups of such people. Ning Yi lowered his head and pondered for a moment in the carriage. When he encountered another group, he leaned over and took out the token.
When the leader saw the token, he was a little doubtful. But after all, he saw that Ning Yi did not look like a bandit. He said, "Someone told us to guard our own neighborhood, but after a while, a military officer told us to send some people to help guard the city and gather at Xi Chun Bridge. Those who do not listen will be punished according to military law. Who do you want us to listen to this kind of thing!"
Ning Yi separated from this group of people. After a while, he met another group of people who seemed to be going in a different direction. They said that a messenger had asked them to gather at Gu Mao Alley. That person was covered in blood. His words were strict and he held the yamen's token. Naturally, the people here did not dare to disobey. Ning Yi took a deep breath and asked this group of people to go back and guard their homes. This group of people should believe Ning Yi's words and began to rush back.
At this time, there were probably many similar things happening in the city. Although Ning Yi could roughly see some clues, he did not have time to care about it. He went all the way to the Qian Family. At this time, many of the Qian Family's houses had collapsed. A large number of the Qian Family's guards were guarding the vicinity. However, after Ning Yi sent someone to pass on the message, he was immediately received by Qian Xiwen.
At the Qian Family's ancestral home, Qian Xiwen's original house was not destroyed by the earthquake. But at this time, a shed had been built in the courtyard. When Ning Yi was led over, the old man was sitting on a chair in the shed drinking tea. As the courtyard wall had collapsed, from here, one could see the smoke and dust in the northern sky. Seeing Ning Yi coming over, Qian Xiwen stood up and smiled. Then, he put down the teacup on the table. It seemed that the old man was quite calm. He was also somewhat approving of Ning Yi coming to look for him at this time. He ordered the servants to pour tea.
"Liheng, sit. The place is simple, so don't stand on ceremony. Although the house over there has not collapsed, the younger generation in the family has been worried. They see an old man like me living in a straw shed. But then again, the wall has collapsed, and the wind blows over at night. It's quite cool. You don't have a good time over there, do you? "
Ning Yi bowed to him. "This time, I came over to ask about Sir Qian's opinion on the defense of the city."
Qian Xiwen nodded. "Li Qiushi will tell you that you offended the Lou Family. Although there was an earthquake later, you did not come to look for me. This means that you know what to do. Today's matter, you came at the first instance. This means that you are not simply arrogant. You know how to deal with it, know when to advance and retreat, and have courage. This is very good. "
At this time, a servant served a cup of tea to Ning Yi. Qian Xiwen raised his teacup and gestured to the north. "This old man is a scholar. I have no idea about today's matter. However, just now, I found someone to ask. After the earthquake, the Fang Bandits took the opportunity to seize the city, and the army was prepared. At Qian Tang Sect, the Fang Bandits suddenly launched an attack, but the first wave of attacks had been completely defeated. Liheng, if you ask me about the war, I can't say. However, the people I asked have some confidence. Although … the fire surprised them, and the situation in the city now shows that many Fang Bandits have entered the city. However, if the attacks outside the city are not effective, and the whole city is surrounded by enemies, they won't be in chaos for long. "
Ning Yi nodded. "In that case, the army is confident."
Qian Xiwen took a sip of tea and waited for a moment. "Since I am in charge, I have to be responsible. As for speaking, everyone has confidence. However, if there was no earthquake, the situation would be much better."
"Old Qian also has confidence?"
Qian Xiwen laughed and shook his head. "This old man said that this old man is a scholar. It's hard for me to say, and I can't say. However, since Liheng asked this question, it's because of Siyuan. There are some things that this old man won't avoid. In the war in the west, the Wuwei and Wuji armies occasionally have victories and defeats against the Fang Bandits. If there's anything, they report it as a great victory. However, the military and political circles are deceiving their superiors and subordinates. As for how trustworthy this person's words are, this old man still has to see for himself. To be honest, although the Wuwei and Wuji armies haven't suffered a great defeat, the Fang Bandits haven't suffered much either. Instead, their momentum is growing. This time, they attacked Hangzhou. Hangzhou is an important city that hasn't been in war for many years. I believe that the Wu De Camp can defend Hangzhou. However, I've lived for decades and seen many things. If there's a chance … this is something that I don't want to think about … "
The old man lowered his voice. It wasn't because of any secret. "The Wu De Camp is said to be elite, but they haven't been in war for many years. This time, they're defending the city without any precedent. This is a disadvantage. Fang La's side might not be that powerful. After all, they're people who don't even have enough to eat … This old man has never been involved in war before. However, Siyuan once lamented that no matter how powerful they seem, they might not always be victorious … "
After all, Qian Xiwen wasn't someone who could be easily fooled. In a siege battle, victory was victory. If they lost, countless families would be destroyed. Although he felt that they would probably win, his heart was still clear. After listening to him, Ning Yi raised his head and said, "Junior has been presumptuous. The ships in the south should be able to leave if there's an accident, right?"
"Yes. Since the military is prepared, those ships have been detained long ago. However, unless the city is breached, they won't be moved. There aren't many ships, and the number of people who can leave is also limited. Once we start to leave, there will definitely be a mutiny at the port. "
"At that time, Junior wants seven places. This matter will definitely be rewarded generously."
"Seven is a little too much." Qian Xiwen smiled. "But it's fine. This old man will give you the proof later. However, this old man won't leave by ship. If that happens, I can also fight my way out with the defeated army. "
"Thank you. It's just to prepare for a rainy day. This junior has family, and so does Sir Qian. I don't want anything to happen to them. Oh, when I was coming over, I discovered something … "
Ning Yi told Qian Xiwen about the situation when he drove the carriage over. Qian Xiwen frowned. Ning Yi said, "Although Fang La has always been not far from the west, after the earthquake, they started to attack the city from the inside and outside in seven days. I think it's a little too fast. Those refugees who came over can't be real refugees. They have to slowly gather here and try their best not to give themselves away. Most of them are definitely selected bandits. Moreover, the city has its own mechanism for passing orders. It's not that it's impossible to pass fake news, but there will be a certain degree of difficulty. They reacted so quickly. While setting fire to the city, they also spread different news everywhere. I don't know if there's anything else in the city … "
"There are indeed people causing trouble near the Phoenix Gate. The city wall there has also collapsed. The Wu De Camp has sent people to guard it heavily, but there are no signs of an attack outside." Qian Xiwen interrupted, then said, "Liheng, continue."
"Then they're planting soldiers everywhere to coordinate with the attack outside the city to make the Wu De Camp exhausted. To spread flowers everywhere, the people who came in must be experts. Moreover, they've controlled it so well. I think they must have started planning even before the earthquake. Fang La must have made preparations before coming to Hangzhou. Then, halfway through the execution, they encountered an earthquake … "
Qian Xiwen was stunned, then sighed. "This … is really the right time …"
"I hope Sir Qian can inform the person in charge of the city's defense as soon as possible. The person who planned these things is very powerful, and he must have entered the city. Otherwise, the city wouldn't be able to react fast enough. If we can find this person, we might be able to slightly reduce the pressure inside and outside the city. " Ning Yi paused. After all, he was too unfamiliar with Hangzhou City. It was enough to just remind the other party. "Also, I hope Sir Qian can get me a token."
"What token?"
"I want to go and convince the rich merchants near Taiping Alley, as well as the various martial arts schools and escort agencies. At this time, there are enough soldiers in the city. There shouldn't be a need to immediately recruit them to defend the city. But if there's a need for them, or if everyone wants to escape, I might be able to make the situation better. As for the seagoing ships, there are fewer ships and more people. I want to do something within my power and leave a third option. "
Qian Xiwen looked at him for a while and thought for a while. Then, he smiled with a strange expression. "I know that a person who can be appreciated by Duke Qin is not simple. However, there's something I've always wanted to ask Liheng. What is Liheng good at? "
Ning Yi thought for a while. After a while, he cupped his hands and said, "I wrote the disaster relief strategy last year. As for the rest, it's hard to say."
Qian Xiwen listened and nodded slightly. Then, he opened the drawer and took out some seals.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
