"... Five years ago, I was transferred to the Tan Prefecture Zhizhou. When I arrived at the capital, I was summoned by Master Mei after the poetry meet. The old man told me that the Miao Territory was in great trouble and had many problems. He advised me to be cautious. At that time, the battle at the Small Cang River had just ended and the Black Flag Army was greatly weakened. However, after three years of war with the Jurchen, they displayed a tenacity that shocked the world. "
"... The Miao Territory originally belonged to the Black Flag Army's Tyrant Blade faction. Previously, they followed Fang La and started the Yongle Rebellion. After that, they kept a low profile until the battle at the Small Cang River started. In the fifth year of Jianshuo, Tyrant Blade's main force moved west in preparation for the Black Flag Army's escape to the south. Other than their family members, there were less than ten thousand soldiers left in the Miao Territory. Even so, I never underestimated them … Unfortunately, the development did not go as I expected. Ji Sun's worry was not with Zhuan Yu, but with the Xiao Family … "
Juling County. Autumn was approaching, and the garden was filled with golden hues. In the most expensive restaurant in the county, a woman was playing an elegant tune. A middle-aged official in his forties was holding a wine cup and talking to a burly and boorish-looking general. There was an occasional hint of self-mockery in his words, but his tone could be considered very sincere.
"... After I was transferred to the Tan Prefecture, I cleaned up the military affairs and made friends with all sides. I also inquired about the Miao Territory and set a plan to first seal and then exterminate them. However, in the eighth, ninth, and tenth years of Jianshuo, I sent out troops five times. At least eighty thousand soldiers were mobilized, and at most two hundred thousand soldiers were mobilized. However, in the end, the ones who held me back … were the people around me."
The middle-aged official slowly waved his hand. "Three years! Five times! Every time, I returned without success. Here, I said I wanted to fight. In the southwest, all sides started to discuss business. After the business was done, they started to cause trouble in private and took away people. They all thought that they had taken advantage of Mister Ning. I have suffered, but I did not slack off … In the ninth year of Jianshuo, Brother Zhu, you let me down in the summer. "
The boorish general opposite him raised his glass. "Let's drink."
"... Enough, let's drink."
The two clinked glasses. The middle-aged official's face was red as he poured more wine. "I know that I, Yin Zhangxia, am here to persuade Brother Zhu. With your personality, you will look down on me. However, you and I are both officials of the Wu dynasty. I am the governor of Tan Prefecture, so you should be under my control. Unfortunately, the Wu Dynasty is already at the end of its tether. Everyone has their own ideas. It doesn't matter. I came here today as a friend. If Brother Zhu wants to listen to me, then so be it. "
The official named Yin Zhangxia's words reeked of alcohol. The Tanzhou of the Wu Dynasty was later known as Changsha City. It was also where the Jinghu South Road was located. As the Governor of Tanzhou, he was one of the highest officials in the provincial capital. Juling was only a small county near Tanzhou. Nominally, Yin Zhangxia was in charge of it. Yin Zhangxia said these words under the influence of alcohol. The military officer surnamed Zhu raised his cup and apologized, "Official Yin is too serious. I will punish myself with three cups, three cups."
"Let's drink together." Yin Zhangxia drank three cups of wine with the other and slapped the table. "Just now, I said … if Brother Zhu looks down on me, it is no big deal. The Black Flag Army said I am a traitor. What is a traitor? Those who oppose them are traitors? Brother Zhu, I am also a Han. I am an official of the Wu dynasty. I am a parent official in charge of Tan Prefecture. I … lost a move in chess, I admit it! I have been in charge of Tan Prefecture for five years. I have more than fifty thousand people under my command, but I have never attacked Miao territory. No one listens to the reason, I admit it! "
He waved his hand. "After dealing with them for so many years, I underestimated their battle power! They came out in June and attacked Changsha as they pleased. They attacked Linxiang as they pleased. The city's defenses were a mess, and someone even opened the gates for them. I also admit it. The world has changed. The Chinese army is strong, the Female Dao Masters are also strong. We have been left behind. We have no choice but to accept it. But what is next? Brother Zhu? "
Yin Zhangxia tapped the table. "In June, Chen Fan and the others attacked. They said they wanted to kill me as a sacrifice to the flag. I had no choice but to hide. Everyone nearby said they wanted to ally with the Black Flag Army to resist the Jin. Pingjiang's Yu Daya wanted to immediately go to the southwest to see Mister Ning. In Pingjiang County, they said Mister Ning is a saint. Xiangxiang and other places also said they wanted to support the Black Flag Army. Unfortunately, in August, things are different."
"Brother Zhu, in June, I abandoned Changsha and Linxiang and hid. In August, I began to come out. Everywhere responded and began to oppose the Black Flag Army. Do you think I have this kind of rallying power?" Yin Zhangxia shook his head. "I am insignificant. Brother Zhu, to tell you the truth, the people of Xiangxiang are valiant. They dare to stand at the forefront of the world. I am just an outsider, I cannot move you. What truly moves you are the people outside … "
As he spoke to here, he sighed. He looked out the window of the restaurant.
Beyond the small courtyard, he saw the gray and dark streets of Ju Ling. Ju Ling was the location of Liuyang in the future. It was not a big city at the moment. At a glance, it did not look prosperous. Even so, there was a quiet atmosphere among the passersby. Sunlight shone through the gaps in the trees. Leaves withered and yellow. Insects chirped. Beggars rested by the roadside. Children ran past …
Yin Zhangxia said, "In August, Wanyan Xiyin of the Jurchens has already given the order to attack Jing Hu. Guo Baohuai, Yu Gusheng, Li Touhe … the three armies add up to almost two hundred thousand men. They will be the first to arrive. Next, there will be hundreds of thousands of troops. Behind them, there is also the Jurchens General Yin Shuke. They have attacked Linan and made some adjustments. They are now on their way here. Brother Zhu, what do we have here? "
He laughed sarcastically, "This batch of black flags from Miao Jiang is slightly weaker than the batch from Little Canghe. More than ten thousand men came out to occupy Changsha and Linxiang. They are in the limelight. Next, hundreds of thousands of troops will come. If they cannot win, they will return to the mountains. Even if they have the courage to fight to the death, those who stand on their side will not survive. The northwest of that year is still a barren land. "
The general surnamed Zhu nodded and said, "Yes, it's not easy."
"Moreover, Wanyan Xiyin of the Jurchens is different from the two princes in the east." Yin Zhangxia drank a cup of wine, "The founding generals are the most difficult to deal with. They are not like Zong Fu and Zong Bi who drive people to war. Instead, they have long set the rules of reward and punishment. Those who can win and make meritorious contributions will get land, people, weapons and cannons. What are they hinting at? One day, they will go to the north. At that time … Brother Zhu, let me say something rebellious. Everyone in the south, the Female Zhenren will be happy to see everyone split the land and confer the title of king. This is the best for them. Everyone is unwilling to fight for the Jurchens. Fight for themselves or fight for the Wu dynasty … To be honest, everyone can still fight. "
The general opposite drank a mouthful of wine, "Does this count as fighting for the Wu dynasty?"
Yin Zhangxia stared blankly at the cup in his hand. After a moment, he picked up the wine pot and drank a few cups. In a low voice, he said, "Brother Zhu, this doesn't count, but the current situation … What do you want everyone to say … The former Emperor abandoned the city and left. Jiangnan suffered a crushing defeat and surrendered. The new Emperor has the heart to pull himself together. This is great. A few days ago, there was news that Wanyan Zongfu was defeated in Jiangning. But after that, no one knows how to escape … Brother Zhu, let everyone rise up and attack Jiangning. Kill the Jurchens. Do you think … it is possible?"
He shook his head, "Jiangnan has knelt down. More than a million people surrounded their crown prince and attacked. On the west side of Jiangnan, hundreds of thousands surrendered. The most prosperous area of the Wu dynasty has been taken advantage of by the Jurchens. Who wouldn't want to go all out and fight? I was in Tanzhou for a few years and also wanted to go all out against Miaojiang … This world is like this. A few days ago, I went to Pingjiang to see Yu Daya. Do you think I convinced him? He saw long ago that since the Jurchens came, tens of thousands of people in Pingjiang, hundreds of thousands of people, all have to die. Brother Zhu, that is the common people outside. "
"If it wasn't for this gang of Black Flags, everyone wouldn't have died. The Jurchens wouldn't have treated this place as a thorn in their side. Ten thousand Black Flag troops, Brother Zhu, a million people will be buried with them. The common people are innocent. "
Yin Zhangxia said this with tears in his eyes. The rough-looking commander of the prefectural army, Zhu Jing, stood up and looked out the window at the scene outside. He muttered to himself, "Yes, ten thousand people against a million people …"
"It's not just the lives of those ten thousand people." Yin Zhangxia sat at the table and ate. He wiped his face with a hand. "It's also the lives of a million innocent people. From Yu Daya in Pingjiang to Lou Xian in Miluo, and then to Liu Qusheng, everyone has decided to hide. Brother Zhu, only Juling is left on the east side. You have ten thousand people under you, plus forty to fifty thousand people in Juling. Once Guo Baohuai and the others come, they won't be able to stop them … Of course, I'm just saying how powerful they are. Brother Zhu, look at the common people outside. Let them die for the Black Flag bandits? My heart is not willing. "
The rough-looking Zhu Jing pressed his hands on the window sill. He frowned and looked into the distance. He didn't speak for a long time. Yin Zhangxia knew that his words reached the other's heart. He pretended to casually eat the dishes on the table to suppress the nervousness in his heart.
In June, when Chen Fan attacked Changsha and Linxiang, Yin Zhangxia's first reaction was naturally to counterattack. Who knew that the Huaxia army would pass through the mountain passes in a few days. He didn't even have time to find out who betrayed him before the city gates of Changsha and Linxiang were opened. When Linxiang was breached, it was night time. It was said that the bandit leader Chen Fan brought his men to kill him and wanted to take his head. Yin Zhangxia ran away in a panic with disheveled clothes. After that, he hid outside for two months and didn't dare to show his face.
In August, Wu Qi, who now held a high position in the small imperial court of Linan, wrote a letter to him. Only then did he dare to come out and lobby all sides. At this time, the Perfected Woman's power was overwhelming the Tan Zhou. Because the Huaxia army's power was too small, they couldn't completely unify the surrounding forces. Many people were afraid of the million troops that could come at any time. When Yin Zhangxia came out to lobby, both sides hit it off and decided to stay out of the conflict between the Perfected Woman and the Huaxia army as much as possible.
Even if they couldn't completely stay out of it, they had to at least find a way to survive for the tens of thousands of innocent people under their rule.
Right now, as long as he persuaded Zhu Jing to give up Ju Ling, the road to the east of the Tan Zhou would be completely open.
He had indeed fulfilled his responsibility as the ruler of the Tan Zhou.
That was what he thought.
In the sunlight outside the window, the fallen leaves were about to disappear.
The general called Zhu Jing looked out of the window and was silent for a long time.
"Lord Yin, you grew up in Jiangnan, right?"
"My ancestral home is Suzhou," Yin Zhangxia said.
"When the Central Plains fell, I killed pigs in Bianliang." The general, who had a rough appearance and was slightly plump in stature, looked at the autumn scenery outside and said quietly, "Later, I followed the others to flee to my hometown and began to serve as a soldier. I've seen the scene when the Central Plains fell, how millions and tens of millions of people died. Lord Yin was fortunate to live in Jiangnan. "
"... When searching the mountains and seas, I also saw how people died... Therefore, I can't let their deaths be worthless."
"Yes, they must die a worthy death." Zhu Jing punched his fist into his palm. "I killed pigs in Bianliang, and even then, I had to befriend people from both sides. Sometimes, I even had to fight with my life on the line with a knife. There's a saying in the underworld, 'If one isn't ruthless, one can't stand stably'. That makes sense... It's been ten years since the Central Plains fell. Lord Yin's words today really made me understand that even if I hide in a small place like Ju Ling, the scene of millions of people dying tragically back then has finally caught up."
The corner of Yin Zhangxia's eye twitched. "... Brother Zhu, this... can still be avoided..."
"Lord Yin, why do you always think of ways to avoid the Han people?"
"You... this is a dead end, this is not something you can do alone..."
"Two years ago, I destroyed Shuangqiao Village. That village was located in the mountains, easy to defend and hard to attack. In these two months, I cleaned it up. If I can't defend Ju Ling, I will bring people into the mountains and, like you said, Miao Jiang, I will endure until I die."
Zhu Jing turned his head. This man with a quiet name and rough appearance had a crazed look in his eyes that made him feel afraid. Yin Zhangxia stood up. "You, you are..."
"Yesterday, Chen Fan brought troops and asked me to borrow a path. What he said made sense. If the army is like before, they will never be able to defeat the Female Enlightened Masters. The Black Flag Army did not force Yu Daya and his group to join us because it would be useless even if they did. Only those who can stand at the front when the world is in a desperate situation can be brothers. "
Zhu Jing's mouth revealed his white teeth. "General Chen is a true hero. You are crazy, I admire you. I, Zhu Jing, not only want to join, I will not care about any of the thirteen thousand men I am guarding. In the future, they will all be trained and reorganized by the Chinese army. Lord Yin, you came here today and said so much. You are so stingy. I will let you die in peace. "
"Chen Fan, you..." Yin Zhangxia's mind was in a mess. He could come here personally because he had received trustworthy information and guarantees. Who knew he would encounter such a situation. He took a deep breath and calmed his chaotic thoughts. "Chen Fan asked you to borrow a path... why is he borrowing a path, and where is he going..."
"Like you said, Yu Gusheng and Guo Baohuai are about to arrive. General Chen is going to welcome them."
"He only has ten thousand men. Even if he takes Changsha and Linxiang, it won't be enough. How can he send troops..."
"Haha, you're right, Master Yin. He only has a little more than ten thousand people. What's the point of guarding two cities? Is he waiting for a million soldiers to arrive? Did you see that, Master Yin? The Huaxia Army is full of lunatics. If Chen Fan hadn't borrowed my way, I wouldn't have been able to make up my mind to capture you and sacrifice you …"
Sunlight shone through the window. The dust in the air seemed to be suffused with an ominous aura. The music in the room had already stopped. Yin Zhangxia looked out the window. There were people walking in the distance. He calmed his mind and tried to make his eyes look righteous and serious. He knocked on the table.
"You guys are crazy. It doesn't matter if you don't care about your own lives. What about the tens of thousands of people in Ju Ling? What about the millions of people in Tan Zhou and Jinghu South Road? How dare you bring them to their deaths! What right do you have to do such a thing! "
His voice was deafening. Zhu Jing looked at him and licked his lips.
"So, if they don't want to, they have to pick up a knife and think of a way to kill me. There is no second way in this world."
*****
There was smoke rising from a small village in the distance. Red leaves fell from the top of the mountain. A big monk with a broad figure and a kind face walked up the mountain along a small path in a cloak. He greeted a few people at the campsite in the mountains.
The people waiting for the fat monk at the campsite were Zhuo Yongqing and the injured Qu Qing. As soon as he saw the fat monk, Zhuo Yongqing's expression became a little unfriendly. "Feng, how dare you come here! I just found out that you were the one who sold us out on Yu Daya. Why didn't you discuss such a big thing in advance!? "
"Calm down, Hero Zhuo. I heard that Boss Qu was injured. I brought the best medicine." The fat monk looked kind. He took out a bag of medicine from under his cloak and presented it to Zhuo Yongqing as a tribute. Zhuo Yongqing subconsciously took it. After taking it, he felt that something was wrong. It was not good to lose his temper.
Since the beginning of the year, dozens of special agent teams killed their way out of the southwest. Zhuo Yongqing's side received the most attention and was the most special. A team led by Qu Qing and Zhuo Yongqing walked in the open. At the same time, there would be one or two teams supporting them in the dark. Feng Zhen, nicknamed "Honest Monk", was a famous intelligence peddler in the Jingnan and Jiangnan areas. In the past nine months, he had secretly supported Qu and Zhuo and helped to trick many people. The relationship between the two sides was good, but there would occasionally be emergency situations.
Feng Zhen smiled. "The situation was urgent. There was no time to discuss in detail. Yin Zhangxia's people had secretly contacted Yu Daya many times. Yu Daya was moved. I had no choice but to go with the flow and arrange for the two of them to meet. Didn't I immediately inform people about Yu Daya sending troops to chase after you? There was no danger. I knew that with Brother Qu and Brother Zhuo around, nothing would happen. "
"Nothing would happen. If we reacted a little slower, they would surround us. Three thousand, no... four thousand against two hundred! Even if we reacted, we would have already fought more than a thousand... "
"It's only a little more than a thousand. It's not a big deal. It's not the first time you've encountered such a situation, Brother Zhuo … Listen to me, listen to me. I can't do anything about it. Yin Zhangxia is quite vigilant and timid. If I don't give him some benefits, he won't take the bait. I matchmade him with Yu Daya. Next, it will be much easier to organize his itinerary. A few days ago, I arranged for him to meet Zhu Jing. If I'm not wrong, this guy walked right into the trap and is now captured. "
"... Is Zhu Jing reliable?"
"He should be the most reliable in the Jing lake area. Deputy Commander Chen has also asked about Zhu Jing's situation. Speaking of which, he borrowed the road from Zhu Jing yesterday. He should not be far from us now..."
Feng Zhen said in a low voice and pointed behind the foothills. Zhuo Yongqing frowned. "Yu Gusheng and Guo Baohuai are not far from us. There are about a hundred thousand people in total. How many from Deputy Commander Chen's side?"
"About seven or eight thousand," Feng Zhen said with a smile. "That's why I'm here to pass the order. It's time to meet up according to plan."
They bowed to each other. Zhuo Yongqing turned his head. The setting sun was shining on the mountain stream with smoke curling up from the chimneys. The villagers who lived and worked in peace and contentment probably could not feel anything. He looked at Qu Qing and touched the still painful wounds on his body. For the past nine months, the two of them had been taking turns to be injured. But this time, the mission was finally changing from a small scale battle to a large scale gathering.
"Finally, they are going to fight." He exhaled and said that.
*****
They are going to fight... This kind of thing was not felt by the army along the way.
The sky gradually darkened. Yu Gusheng led more than 45,000 people from the Yuanwu Peak Battalion to camp early in the mountain. After stepping into the boundary of Jing Lake South Road, the army began to slow down. On one hand, they moved forward steadily. On the other hand, they were waiting for the arrival of Guo Baohuai and Li Touhe's army.
After nightfall, Yu Gusheng patrolled the camp with his son, Yu Mingzhou. As they walked, the father and son discussed the military strategy. As the eldest son of Yu Gusheng, Yu Mingzhou, who had been determined to lead troops since he was a child, was 21 years old this year. He was tall and had a clear mind. He had been regarded as the unicorn of the Yu family since he was a child. At this time, the young general was wearing a suit of armor and had a long saber at his waist. He talked with his father with fervor and assurance.
Compared to Yu Gusheng, who had spent his entire life in the rotten military system of the Wu Dynasty, the young Yu Mingzhou had encountered both the worst and the best of times. Even though the world had fallen, the status of martial artists had gradually risen. Yu Mingzhou no longer had to be like his father, who had to do things for the sake of scholars for his entire life. At this moment, Yu Mingzhou's every movement was filled with vigor and vigor, displaying an expression that his father, Yu Gusheng, was most satisfied with.
"In this attack on Tan Zhou, according to your son's thoughts, there is no need to cross the line of Pingjiang and Juling. Even though in Tan Zhou, we have the advantage in numbers and the surrounding areas have succumbed to us, but against the Black Flag Army, a motley crew of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands may not be able to secure victory. For now, the first to arrive must do their best not to be defeated one by one. We must draw in the surrounding forces, stabilize the front line, and slowly advance..."
"In order to account to the Female Zhenren at the back, I will prepare a report on this matter. Father, it would be best if you can hand it to the Goddess of Grains. The Goddess of Grains is a hero of the time and will definitely understand the necessity of this strategy. Of course, on the surface, she will definitely urge us. At this time, our troops, Master Guo, and Master Li's troops have already formed a line, and the nearby troops have already been reorganized... "
"Actually, there are some other considerations in this as well. Even though the world has fallen, there are still many people who are loyal to the Wu dynasty. Even though we have no choice but to start a war with the Black Flag Army, according to your son's considerations, it is best not to become the first army to see blood. Don't make it seem like we are in a hurry to throw our lives away for the Female Zhenren. In this way, many things in the future will be easier to discuss... "
The autumn wind was pleasant, the bonfire burned. Yu Gusheng nodded from time to time at Yu Mingzhou's words. After he had patrolled the main camp, he was full of praise for his son's steady style of managing the camp. Even though they were still far from Tan Zhou, as a general, he should always be cautious and pay attention to everything. With a son like this, even though the world had fallen, he felt more or less comforted.
...
While Yu Gusheng was patrolling the army camp, Chen Fan was resting with his men in the dark of the mountain. He was in a depression on the mountain wall, holding a fire lighter and reading the report he had just received.
Ji Qianer came in from the outside with a small bag filled with rations. "How is it? Are you really planning to go there tonight? Isn't it a bit rushed? "
"When I was young, Master told me that if you know yourself and your enemy, you will never be defeated." Chen Fan passed the report and the fire lighter to his wife in exchange for the bag of rations. He was slightly dazed for a moment, his expression was strange.
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