The snow melted and the ice melted. The great river surged and the poplar flowers in Jiangnan had all fallen. Countless corpses were scattered in the fields on both sides of the Yangtze River and beside the post roads, gradually rotting in the spring mud. After the arrival of the Jin, the flames of war never ceased. But by the end of spring and the beginning of summer, the Jurchen army, which had failed to capture Zhou Yong and the others as expected, had to withdraw.
The eastern army of the Jurchen south numbered about a hundred thousand. The Jin army that had crossed the Yangtze River and wreaked havoc for several months was led by the Golden Crow Technique and divided into three groups of more than eighteen thousand. Originally, the Golden Crow Technique had viewed the Wu dynasty with disdain. "Five thousand tigers and wolves are enough to destroy them." But because the Wu dynasty's imperial family had fled too decisively, the Jin still sent out three groups of troops south of the Yangtze River to attack cities and seize territory.
At the beginning of April, the three returning armies gathered in the direction of Zhenjiang.
In the past six months, the Jurchen had been as easy as breaking dry weeds. Whether south or north of the Yangtze River, the gathered armies could hardly match the Jurchen in a head-on battle. In the end, the Jurchen army was terrified and many of them knelt down and surrendered when they saw it coming. Many cities opened their gates to the enemy, only to be plundered, burned, and killed by the Jurchen. Just as the Jurchen was preparing to return north, some troops quietly gathered from nearby.
Crown Prince Jun Wu had already sneaked into the vicinity of Zhenjiang. When he caught a glimpse of the Jurchen in the distance in the countryside, his eyes were filled with unconcealable fear and unease.
But as the saying goes, "Men can only hold on to their last breath." This was a joke Ning Yi had made several years ago in a joking manner. Now, he could only hold on to his last breath.
The Yangtze River was in flood season. Every ferry along the river had been destroyed and burned by the Wu dynasty army led by Han Shizhong. Most of the wooden boats that could be gathered were destroyed at the entrance of the canal to the Yangtze River, blocking the route back to the north. In the past six months, the Jin army had wreaked havoc in Jiangnan and millions of people had died. But the only thing they had failed to do was to send large ships into the sea to capture Zhou Yong's troops.
The northerners were not good at water. For the people of the Wu dynasty, this was the only weakness they could find.
The army led by Han Shizhong had been preparing for a long time. More than ten large warships had already been assembled on the river. On the shore of the river, Yue Fei's remaining subordinates, as well as some other troops that were secretly supported by Jun Wu, had also quietly finished their preparations. Soon after, the battle of Zhenjiang began.
The large ships on the river blocked any attempt by the Jurchen light boats to cross the river. The ambush around Zhenjiang caught the Jin soldiers off guard. Knowing that they had been ambushed, Jin Wushu did not panic, but he was also unwilling to fight the Wu dynasty army head-on. Along the way, the army and the boats fought and retreated, resulting in more than two hundred casualties. Following the waterway, they turned into the swamps near Jiankang.
This place was known as the Yellow Tiandang.
In order to cross the river, the Jurchen could not give up on her fleet of light boats. They gathered in the swamps and the Wu dynasty's large ships could not enter to attack. Later, the army in the south blocked the exit of the Yellow Tiandang. On the north, the Wu dynasty's fleet defended the river. The two sides clashed several times, but Wu Shu's small boats could not break through the blockade of the large ships.
To the north of the Yangtze, in order to support Wu Shu's return to the north, Wanyan Chang ordered the eastern army, which was still north of the Yangtze, to take Yangzhou and then Zhenzhou. After seizing the city, they tried to cross the river. But in the end, they were blocked by the Wu dynasty navy.
Wu Shu's army was trapped in the Yellow Tiandang for more than forty days and almost ran out of food. During this time, he tried to persuade Han Shizhong to surrender, but was refused. It was not until the end of the fifth month that the Jin received the advice of two Wu dynasty surrenders. They dug an old canal near Jiankang and set out on a windless day. At this time, the large ships on the river needed sails, while the small boats used oars. During the battle, the small boats shot out fire arrows and set the large ships on fire. The Wu dynasty's army was defeated. Countless people were burned and drowned. Han Shizhong only led a small number of his troops back to Zhenjiang.
The reeds swayed and the river flowed. Corpses and wrecks floated across the river. Jun Wu sat on the shore of Zhenjiang, lost in thought for a long time. In the past forty days, there had been a moment when he vaguely felt that he could use a victory to comfort his dead grandfather. But in the end, it was all for naught.
But not long after, the morale and morale of the army in the south rose. The Jurchen's grand words of searching the mountains and scavenging the seas did not come true in the last six months. Although the places that the Jurchen had passed had turned into rivers of blood, they were still unable to occupy the area. Not long after, Zhou Yong would return to take charge. What's more, after years of tragedy and humiliation, they finally gave the Jurchen the embarrassment of being trapped for more than forty days.
Slightly recovered, the people of the Wu dynasty began to spread the word to the world, wantonly publicizing the "Yellow Skies Great Victory". Jun Wu found it difficult to suppress the sorrow in his heart. But in reality, since last year, the pressure of the Wu dynasty's annihilation that had enveloped Jiangnan finally had a breather. As for the future, it could only begin now and walk from the beginning.
While the south began to publicize the "Yellow Skies Great Victory", to the north of the Yangtze River, a large number of slaves and gold and silver that had been captured by the Jurchen were still majestically being transported into the Jin Kingdom. The turmoil in Jiangnan was fading with the Jurchen's departure, but in the Central Plains, the Jurchen's tentacles had already begun to lock down a large area.
Resistance still existed, but the living space of the armed forces of the armed forces that had surrendered was constantly being squeezed. Small-scale resistance was carried out everywhere, but after nearly a year of continuous suppression and killing, the rolling blood and heads had begun to slowly teach people the reality that the situation was stronger than the people.
This summer, the magistrate of Jinan, Liu Yu, who had taken the initiative to betray Jinan, ascended the throne in the Daming Mansion. Under the name of "orthodoxy" by Zhou Ji, he became the emperor of the "Great Qi" who defended the south for the Jin Kingdom. All the forces south of Yanmen Pass were under his control. In the Central Plains, a large number of forces, including Tian Hu, submitted to him.
As for killing Lou Shi and defeating the Jurchen's Western Army in the northwest, the Jurchen did not say much in the court except for a few simple speeches, such as asking Zhou Ji to write an imperial edict to denounce them. But in the Central Plains, the will of the Jin Kingdom tightened its grip and locked it down day by day …
In the Central Plains, the political power of the Great Qi, with the help of the Jurchen, continued to attack and wipe out the resistance forces in the territory. At the same time, with the determination to kill a thousand innocent people, they searched for the surviving members of the Wu dynasty. A large number of conscription began. An imperial edict from Liu Yu conscripted all the adult men in the "Great Qi" territory as a source of soldiers. At the same time, taxes that were several times higher than before were suppressed. In order to seek money, the army, under the instruction of Liu Yu, began to excavate the mausoleums of the Wu dynasty's relatives. From Henan to Bianliang, the mausoleums of the Wu dynasty's emperors and ancestors were all excavated …
In Jiangnan, the political power of the Wu dynasty had a breathing space. In the process of reversing the trend in the north, they desperately began to stabilize their position.
In the northwest, the peaceful scene continued. Spring passed, summer came, and then summer gradually passed. In the valley of the Little Cang River, in the afternoon, Qu Qing wrote the word 'war' on the blackboard in the classroom to a group of young people, "… If we want to discuss war, we must first discuss the word 'man' and what is it!"
"Since ancient times, why are humans human? What is the difference between humans and animals? The difference is that humans are smart and have wisdom. They know how to farm, herd sheep, weave cloth, and make whatever they want. But animals don't know how to do that. Sheep eat grass when they see it, and tigers hunt sheep when they see it. What if there's nothing left? There is no way. This is the difference between humans and animals. Humans can … create. "
"Then what is war? Two people, each holding a knife, throwing their lives on the line, throwing their lives on the line, throwing their lives on the line for the next few decades. It's a fight to the death. The one who dies gets a bun, a bag of rice, and the one who lives takes it. For this bag of rice, this steamed bun, they kill people and rob them! Is there any creation in this? "
"In the last two or three years, we have won several wars. Some people, young people, are very arrogant. They think that winning a war is the most amazing thing. This is nothing. But they use war to measure everything. When they talk about the Female Enlightened Masters, they say that they are heroes and appreciate each other. They feel that they are also heroes and heroes. Recently, Mr. Ning has specially mentioned this matter. You are all gravely mistaken! "
"The Female Enlightened Masters killed all over the world. They went to the Central Plains, to Jiangnan, and robbed everything they could. They killed people and captured people as slaves. In this matter, did they create anything? Farming? Weaving? No, it's just that other people did these things, and they robbed them. They are used to the sharpness of knives and spears. They can take anything they want. One day, they will rob all over the world and kill all over the world. What will be left in this world? "
"When they only remember the knife in their hand, they are no longer humans. To protect what we have created, to risk our lives against the beasts, that is what a hero is. Only creating things but not having the strength to protect them is like a man meeting a tiger in the wild. You can't beat it. Even if you tell God that you are a kind-hearted person, it is useless. Even death cannot wipe out your crimes. And those who only know how to kill people and steal other people's steamed buns are animals! Do you want to be on the same level as animals?! "
The voices in the room occasionally came out. Qu Qing was originally a general, but he was used as a staff officer and political commissar. In the battle at Xuan Family Gorge, he lost three fingers on his left hand and got a knife in his leg. It was a little inconvenient for him to run. After he came back, he temporarily taught the soldiers and no longer participated in the heavy training. Recently, the ideological influence on the difference between Little Cang He and the Female Enlightened Masters had been carried out, mainly among the young soldiers and new recruits.
Ning Yi's words were naturally the most provocative, but after participating for a period of time, Qu Qing had become familiar with it.
After the class, it was evening. He walked out of the room. In the valley, some training had just finished. The soldiers were everywhere, the black flag fluttering not far away. Smoke was already rising into the sky. When Qu Qing saluted the soldiers and said goodbye, Mao Yishan and Zhuo Yongqing came from not far away and waited for him to finish.
"You have finished training. Go eat." Qu Qing said to the two.
"Fifth Hou told us to call you. His wife made a good meal today. Go eat at his place." Mao Yishan smiled. "Lunatic Luo will also go later."
"Ha, that's good."
"This class … how was it?" Mao Yishan looked at the class. He was a little nervous about this place. Crude people couldn't stand ideological education classes.
"It's about time. Take it slow."
"Actually, I think Mister Ning is right." Due to killing Wanyan Loushi, Zhuo Yongqing, who had become a war hero, had already been promoted to squad leader. However, most of the time, he was still somewhat bashful. "When I first killed him, I also thought that maybe someone like the Female Enlightened Master was a true hero. But after thinking about it, they are different. "
"When they first rose up, it was not wrong to say that they were heroes. But now … if they dare to come, we will just kill them!" Qu Qing's eyes were cold. Over the past few days, the situation in the northwest region had been terrifyingly quiet. Around the Little Cang River, as far as the eye could see, all kinds of fortifications were constantly being built. The craftsmen were constantly making weapons, and the soldiers were constantly training near the Little Cang River, all the way to the mountains of Mount Lu Liang. Everything was preparing for the collision that was about to happen.
On the eve of darkness, many people in this lonely corner also had unyielding and unyielding willpower. They had heroic and great dreams. As they chatted, they went to Fifth Hou's house. Although everyone in the valley was a brother, after the experience at Xuan Jia Ao, the five of them had become especially close friends. Occasionally, they would have a meal together to improve their relationship. Luo Ye had even accepted Fifth Hou's son, Hou Yuanyong, as his disciple, teaching him words and martial arts.
The light of the setting sun dyed the valley a bright yellow. There were groups of soldiers in twos and threes, as well as groups of soldiers, making their own noises in the valley. On the hillside, Ning Yi walked towards the courtyard. The evening wind was strong, and the sheets that were drying in the courtyard fluttered in the wind. Yunzhu, who was wearing a white dress, was putting away the sheets as she laughed with Xiaoning, who was running around. Their laughter seemed warm in the setting sun.
After defeating Wanyan Loushi last year, Hongti and Jin 'er had become pregnant. Now everyone was living here, except for Watermelon, who had been leading the Tyrant's Saber Camp somewhere. After everything in the valley had settled down, Ning Yi did not seem too busy. He could often come back to accompany his family and children, chat, and chat. In this summer, on a starry night, they would also spread out mats at the foot of the mountain, enjoying the cool air while playing leisurely.
Every time Ning Yi thought of that small balcony in the bamboo building in Jiangning, Tan 'er had never experienced such days. During that time, she was always busy, busily taking care of her family's business and managing the relationship with the second and third branches. Occasionally, she would chat with Ning Yi in the courtyard at night, and that was the only time she could relax. Now that she heard Ning Yi talk about these things, she felt a little jealous. Yunzhu continued to play the zither for everyone, but Jin' er was pregnant and could no longer dance.
The moonlight was clear, and under the moonlight, Yunzhu's zither music was softer and warmer than it had been in the past. It made people feel at ease. He talked to them about the past, talked about the future, and talked about many things. Ever since the news of the fall of Jiangning City, the few people who shared the same memory inevitably felt a little regretful. After all, the witness of a certain memory had passed away. The world had changed greatly, and so had their lives. Even though they were still together, separation might not be long in the future.
After becoming pregnant, Hong Ti occasionally appeared anxious. Ning Yi often walked with her outside, talking about the former Lu Liang, Grandpa Liang, Fu Duanyun, and all sorts of past events. They met in Jiangning, and Hong Ti was seriously injured when she tried to assassinate that general. Speaking of that night, Ning Yi forced Hong Ti to stay and said to her, "What do you want? I'll get it, tie a bow, and send it to you …"
"Before coming here, I wanted to take things slowly. But now it seems that there is still a long time before the world is at peace, and … Lu Liang is most likely going to suffer. "
"We are husband and wife, and after we have a child, I can accompany you …"
"There is a turning point. What I said … I will not go back on my words this time."
Just like every time he faced a difficult situation, Ning Yi would also be nervous and worried. He just knew better than others how to use the most rational attitude and choice to struggle out of a possible path, but he was not an omnipotent god.
Occasionally, he thought of the floating city that seemed to be built on water, of Tang Mingyuan whose memories were gradually blurring, of Qing Yi, Ah Kang, and Ruoping. Now, in front of him, there were more clear faces and family.
Tan'Er would put on a strong front in front of him, but behind his back, she would grit her teeth and tremble slightly.
Yunzhu would bury the passion in her heart in peace, hugging him with a smile, but quietly crying. That was her worry.
Xiaochan would clench her fists and cheer him on, with tears in her eyes.
Jin'Er would cry unscrupulously and frankly for him to see, until he felt that not going back was a sin that could not be redeemed.
Hongti would be by his side, facing life and death with him.
As for Watermelon in the distance, that childish round face would probably laugh heroically, saying, "What joy is there in life, what suffering is there in death."
And the children would ask him what war was, and he would tell them the difference between protection and destruction, and as the children nodded, he would promise them an inevitable victory …
He thought of the dead, Qian Xiwen, Old Qin, Kang Xian, and the ignorant warriors who sacrificed their lives in Bianliang City and the northwest. He used to not care about anyone in this era, but after being stained by the mortal world, he finally lost his weight.
Alas, this era …
*****
In Jiangnan, the new imperial court had gradually become orderly. Groups of insightful people were working hard to stabilize the situation in Jiangnan, taking advantage of the process of the Jurchen people digesting the Central Plains to make reforms. A large number of refugees were still pouring in from the Central Plains. In the second month after autumn, Zhou Pei, Jun Wu, and the others received news from the Central Plains that could not be publicized.
On the seventh day of the eighth month in the third year of Wu Jianshuo, the Daqi Kingdom gathered more than two hundred thousand troops, led by General Ji Wenkang, and under the command of the Jurchen people, they advanced to Luliang Mountain.
This was something that the various powers had expected a long time ago. It had finally happened, and it caused all the spectators to have complicated feelings. Moreover, the development of the situation afterwards truly caused everyone in the world to be shocked, astounded, amazed, and fearful. It caused many people to feel excited when they mentioned it, and they couldn't help but feel sorrowful and ashamed …
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