Yang Ling and Madman Zhao's troops had clashed with each other in Hebei, and it was often one of them coming and the other leaving. There were no major battles, and the soldiers would hide in the crisscrossing mountains when they were cornered, and escape before they could be surrounded. Hence, there was no great victory for either side.
Madman Zhao seemed to be content with the status quo. He did not attack Nanyang, Runing, Ruzhou, Guide, Kaifeng, and other major cities. He only wandered around the surrounding counties and focused on taking down some mountain strongholds.
These strongholds were not the strongholds of bandits or bandits. They were the temporary strongholds that landlords and nobles would gather their entire families and bring all their assets into the mountains to avoid the disaster. Such places were easy to attack and there were plenty of resources available.
A tycoon could easily organize a team of a few thousand servants and guards, and the wealth they accumulated was unimaginable. As long as they could destroy a stronghold, the amount of food they could get would be enough to support the food needs of Zhao Sui's army of fifteen thousand soldiers for nearly a month.
As usual, the soldiers were mainly composed of chariots and infantry with very little cavalry. This made Madman Zhao feel at ease. As long as there was no cavalry and he did not initiate a decisive battle, Madman Zhao would not be able to deal with him.
Yang Ling was also able to keep his composure. Before the White Shirt Army made their final move, the main force of his cavalry, which had been temporarily assembled and trained for assault, would not reveal themselves. He would not reveal his trump card until the very last moment. He was waiting for Madman Zhao, but Madman Zhao was waiting for Yang Hu and Liu Liu. It was almost time for their appointment.
Yang Hu and Liu Liu finally decided to move. They headed south. The further south they went, the more unsuitable they were for their cavalry. Not only were the roads uneven, there were also mountains and rivers, or even paddy fields. Their advantage in battle had completely disappeared.
They did not have the ability to take down cities with abundant provisions. Their supplies could not keep up, which led to the exhaustion of their soldiers and horses. Now, there were only half of their warhorses left, which seriously affected their mobility and morale. They were in a hurry to find a way out. Therefore, when Mu Yun and Liu Hui brought back the news of Madman Zhao splitting up to take Nanjing by land and water, they immediately nodded in agreement.
On the 25th of September, Yang Hu and Liu Liu suddenly split up to attack Hukou. Yang Hu led the first army along Fanyang Lake to search for boats, while Liu Liu and Liu Qi headed straight for Hukou County, which was a strategic location that guarded the entrance to the river from Fanyang Lake.
According to Yang Ling's orders, the cities along the river were heavily guarded. The Six Ministries of Nanjing sent officials to supervise the battle. The one guarding the mouth of the lake was the Imperial Messenger Peng Ze. Battle cries rang out incessantly since dawn. Fresh blood was smeared all over the dilapidated city walls. Although the White Coat Army's siege equipment was simple and crude, Hukou County was not a large city. The city walls were low and the bricks and stones had aged severely. It was difficult for them to withstand the crazy attacks of the Ringing Horse Army.
Arrows rained down from both sides, filling the sky. Groups of White Uniform bandits shot at the top of the city wall. The soldiers on the city wall had three cannons that were relatively outdated, and they occasionally shot out roaring flames. However, such slow firearms were far more effective in intimidating the enemy.
The White Coat Army used ladders, flying hooks, and battering rams to repeatedly organize waves of attacks. Under the cover of mounted archery, the people who hid under the hastily created spray jars pushed with all their might towards the city wall. The huge and sturdy spray jars were smashed by the rolling logs and stones of the defending soldiers on the city wall. However, the densely packed pillars underneath still held up the thick and heavy roof.
There were eight to ten people under each spray jars. They were all chosen warriors with great strength. Once they reached the bottom of the city wall, they used iron hammers, crowbars, and pickaxes to smash, dig, and scratch the city wall with all their might. The ancient bricks and stones of the city wall shattered and fell down.
One of the spray jars was burned through by the boiling oil. The escaping Ringing Horse Army soldiers were immediately shot dead by sharp arrows from the top of the city wall. However, the White Coat Army's even crazier rain of arrows also shot up the city wall. Immediately after, a new spray jar drove up the city wall. Some of the spray jars were strangely shaped. It was impossible to tell their shape. They were completely made from the beams and bed boards of residential houses.
Although Imperial Messenger Peng was a scholar, seeing the ferocity of the White Coat Army attacking the city, he held a long sword in his hand and stood like a nail on the city wall. However, his expression did not change.
"Reporting ~ ~ ~, Master Peng, Garrison Officer Yue has died in battle."
Imperial Messenger Peng pointed his sword at the ground and said in an awe-inspiring voice: "The garrison officer has died. The deputy garrison officer has died. The deputy garrison officer has died. Why did you rush over to report a funeral? Even if you want to hold a funeral, you have to first defend the city. Go back and tell the soldiers guarding the city that as long as the people live, the city will live. As long as the people die with the city, they must defend to the death! "
The junior colonel responded and staggered back. His thigh was dripping with blood. It was unknown whether he was shot by an arrow or stabbed by the bandits who attacked the city wall with flying hooks. He had not bothered to bandage his wound.
Imperial Messenger Peng secretly sighed. The Yangtze River was tens of thousands of miles long and there were countless cities and passes. Since the White Coat Army attacked from Fuliang, he had the responsibility to defend this place. Although this small county might not be able to stop them, there was no time to complain. The only thing he could do was to die in battle and not escape. Peng Ze could only fulfill his duty as a martyr.
Beside Peng Ze, there were a few guards who stood solemnly like javelins. They were all stupefied and silent. This morning, they had seen many deaths. Regardless of whether it was a soldier or a general, life was worthless now. Whether it was a garrison officer or a soldier who died, they were no longer moved.
Another torrential rain of arrows shot up the city wall. Immediately, two shield-wielding soldiers rushed forward. With a series of 'du du' sounds, the arrows were nailed into the shields.
A man dressed as a bailiff rushed over, "Master Imperial Messenger, Magistrate Wang has been shot by a stray arrow. He is unconscious!"
Peng Ze rushed over to take a look. Magistrate Wang was lying down on the wall. His shoulder and chest had been shot by an arrow. The arrows had penetrated deep into his flesh. It was obvious that he would not survive. "Carry him down!" Peng Ze clenched his teeth and peeked down from the arrow mound. Suddenly, he saw a person standing at the bottom of the city wall. He was pointing and talking. There were a few people beside him who were listening to his orders.
Occasionally, arrows were shot down from the city wall. They were either blocked by his subordinates or knocked away by a swing of the sword in his hand. Peng Ze's eyes lit up. He quickly said, "Guards! Guards! Bring the crossbows here. Quick, bring all the long-range crossbows here! "
In a short while, more than ten crossbowmen and their assistants who were fighting on their own carried big crossbows and rushed over. Peng Ze pointed at the person at the bottom of the city wall and said, "This person must be the leader of the rebels. Gather all the crossbows and shoot at him. I want to see how he can dodge!"
The crossbowmen listened to the order and rushed to the arrow mound. They opened the crossbows and placed the arrows on the bowstrings. They aimed at the few people who did not care about the guards on the city wall and were getting closer and closer to the city wall.
Under the order, more than ten featherless arrows let out a ghostly cry and left the bowstrings at the same time …
The Ringing Horse Army that was attacking the city fell one by one. To prevent the nearby prefectures and counties from hearing the news and coming to their aid, they had to take the lake mouth as soon as possible and release the boats into the river.
Commander-in-chief Liu Liu led his son Liu Zhonghuai to personally attack the city. Liu Qi was holding the line in the middle of the army and was anxiously pacing around. Yang Hu walked over with a shiny saber on his back. The tassel of the saber fluttered on his shoulder. Coupled with his majestic body and one eye, he looked very fierce.
"How is it, Brother Qi? You still haven't taken the lake mouth?" He asked anxiously.
Liu Qi gritted his teeth and laughed sinisterly. He said, "Don't worry! The soldiers can't hold out for another hour. The south wall is almost done. How are things on your side? "
"Hehe, don't worry. Both sides are working together. We've looted no less than five hundred boats of all sizes. It's enough for our brothers who don't have war horses to ride on."
Liu Qi was overjoyed. At this moment, Liu Hui stumbled back and cried, "Brother Qi, Brother Qi, something bad has happened. Brother Six and Xiao Huaizi have died in battle."
Liu Qi and Yang Hu were shocked. Liu Qi was stunned for a moment. He leaped forward and grabbed Yang Hu's clothes. He shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about? How could Brother Six die? How could he die? "
Liu Hui cried, "Brother Six went to the west of the city to supervise the battle. He was hit by the crossbow at the top of the city wall. Xiao Huaizi went to save him but was also shot to death."
Liu Qi let go and shouted. He suddenly pulled out his saber and shouted, "Motherf * cker, wait for me to attack the city wall and kill all the dog officials in the city …"
Just as he said this, there was a cheer from afar. Then there was a loud crash. Dust and smoke flew into the sky. Countless horse bandits cheered.
Liu Qi raised his saber and looked in that direction. He asked in confusion, "What happened?"
"The city wall has fallen. The city wall has fallen." When he heard the faint cheers, Liu Qi jumped up and said happily, "The city wall has fallen. Follow me into the city. We'll kill all the dog officials and avenge Brother Six!"
A broken section of the city wall collapsed. The ecstatic Horse Bandits cheered and swarmed into the city along the collapsed wall. The guards in the city also pounced towards the collapsed wall. Thousands of soldiers crowded around the small broken section of the city wall and fought a bloody battle. The sound of weapons clashing could be heard.
Liu Qi and Yang Hu brandished their sabers left and right. Wherever they went, it was as if waves were surging. Heads, limbs, flesh, broken sabers, and spears flew everywhere. The soldiers were defeated and began to retreat into the city.
By the time Imperial Messenger Peng arrived, he could no longer control the retreating soldiers. He held his sword and was pushed back by the retreating soldiers. His voice was hoarse and out of tune.
No one paid attention to him. He wanted to kill the general to establish his authority. But there were defeated soldiers everywhere. Who was he going to kill for? While he was lost, a man in a white robe that was stained with blood rushed to him. He raised his saber that was covered in blood. The moment Imperial Messenger Peng's head flew up, he saw that the man only had one eye. It was as ferocious as a demon!
* * *
"Who knows how to sail a boat? Who knows how to sail a boat? Motherf * cker, stand up for father! " Liu Hui wrapped a white cloth around his head to show his filial piety. He shouted at the top of his lungs for a long time before some soldiers hesitantly stood up. Some even whispered, "Seventh Master, we are all northerners. Not many of us know how to sail a boat. I know a little. When I was young, I followed my grandfather to the bay to catch fish."
Another said, "I have been by the Yellow River. I know how to steer the boat."
Liu Hui was overjoyed and said, "That's fine. You will sail the boat. It doesn't matter. The river is flowing with the current. As long as the rudder is set correctly, it will be fine. The soldiers do not have the river navy patrolling. We will go with the current and kill our way to Nanjing."
Everyone on the lake knew how to swim. Yang Hu was obsessed with seizing the boat. He did not realize that his men were all landlubbers. The boatmen had already slipped into the water when they saw the opportunity. Those who could not escape in time were all killed by Yang Hu's men. There were no boatmen to use.
This group of half-baked boatmen were forced to do something beyond their abilities and were given the task of being sailors. Liu Hui said to Yang Hu, "Hu 'zi, I'll leave the warhorses of the entire army to you. I'll take these 20,000 people by water, and you can take the rest by land.
There are many passes on land and it will be difficult to travel. But you don't have to care about them. The soldiers have always been divided into different groups. They will sweep the snow in front of their door. There is no need to fight. As long as we rush through, they will not bother us. You have to get to Nanjing as soon as possible and cooperate with them in seizing the city … "
In a carriage behind them, Mu Yun coughed hoarsely. Li Yeyin frowned. Seeing that there were no outsiders around, he said quietly, "Dali, your condition is getting worse. If you continue to travel with the army, it will be very dangerous."
Mu Yun put his hand on his chest and gasped for breath. "Uncle, I know. Besides … they did not listen to my advice. They gave up Shaanxi and took Jinling. That is asking for trouble. Even if they really take Nanjing, I am afraid they will not be able to hold on. I don't think they can hold on for long.
Yesterday, I received news from my father that King Ning has obtained the power to control the troops in Jiangxi. Our Xiang army in the north has also been organized. Liu Liu, Yang Hu, and the others have more or less used up. Let's go to Nanjing first. If the situation is not good, I will find a chance to leave on the road and find my father to treat me. I will leave this place to you. If things are not good, abandon them and leave. Let them clean up this mess themselves. "
Li Yeyin looked around alertly as he nodded slightly.
On the shore, Yang Hu listened to Liu Qi's orders and smiled. He thought, "Liu Liu has just died and Lao Qi is already using his status as the boss to order me around. Hey, marching and fighting a war still need horsepower. Now the warhorses are all mine. When we take Nanjing, who will be in charge will depend on whose fist is harder. Now that disaster is imminent, I will temporarily bear with you. "
He cupped his hands in salute and said respectfully, "Yes, Brother Qi, rest assured. I will immediately reorganize the troops and attack Nanjing!"
Liu Qi nodded with satisfaction. He carefully stepped on the treadmill and boarded the largest ship. He shouted, "Set sail! Set sail! "
In this mess, ships of all sizes, including merchant ships, pleasure boats, pleasure boats, and even flat bottomed sand boats and small fishing boats, could be seen turning in the water under the control of this group of landlubbers who did not know how to swim. Finally, they slowly left the shore and swayed toward the center of the river.
The river flowed eastward. The ships entered the center of the river and began to move along the river. Their speed became faster and steadier. Liu Qi was overjoyed. He led 20,000 horse bandits along the river and left in a mighty manner.
Yang Hu also mounted his horse and led less than 20,000 cavalrymen to attack Southern Zhili by land.
Yang Ling was in Runing. After hearing the news from both land and water, without Yang Ling saying anything, Miao Kui, Xu Tai, and the others said in unison, "How dare they! They want to take Nanjing!"
Yang Ling carefully looked at the map according to the news and said, "I thought they would rush to Shaanxi. I didn't expect them to take Jiangnan. In the short term, taking Jiangnan is indeed more beneficial than Shaanxi, but can they establish a foothold there?"
Xu Tai frowned and said, "Duke, could it be that Madman Zhao is trying to create a diversion again?"
Hearing this, Yang Ling also pondered. After thinking for a while, he pointed at the map and said, "Go south. They have suffered a lot and will never go south. Where is the way out? The first is to take Shaanxi and Guanzhong to develop. The second is to return to Hebei and Shandong to linger on. The third is to take Jiangnan. This is the most risky move, but it will have the greatest impact.
From Madman Zhao's performance at Mount Zhongtiao in Shanxi, he is opportunistic and likes to take risks. His personality must have a great impact on his decision. Especially the fact that Mount Zhongtiao was surrounded on all sides, it has greatly increased his confidence. He may not be afraid to take Nanjing. If he fails, it is also possible to take Guanzhong to the west. "
Yang Ling sighed and said, "In order to prevent the White Coat Army from escaping to Jiangdong and destroying Ming Destiny's grain warehouse, Southern Zhili and Zhejiang have already gathered a large number of troops. It is enough to deal with their attack, so there is no need to worry too much. The soldiers in Henan and Shaanxi must guard the fortresses and be ready to fight at all times to prevent Madman Zhao's sudden attack.
The White Coat Army will advance to Nanjing along both land and water. Pass down the order, immediately summon the naval warships to go up the river and stop Liu Qi's army from the east. On the land side, give up the strategy of defending the land and fight separately. Wherever Yang Hu passes, as soon as his army passes, immediately destroy the bridges and block the roads. Gather all the garrisons and follow suit. Set up defenses step by step and coordinate with the north to form a tight encirclement. "
Yang Ling put his hands together and said, "Let the tiger enter the cage! Take advantage of their weakness in water battles and use the advantages of the soldiers to defeat them in one fell swoop. On the land side, tighten the encirclement and force him to fight a head-on battle. "
Xu Tai cupped his hands in acknowledgment. Yang Ling had announced the battle plan. The specific implementation measures would be formulated by him, a veteran of hundreds of battles. Yang Ling said again, "Pass down the order. Deputy Commander of Southern Zhili and Chief Military Officer of Nanjing Defense, Zhou Dean, heavily guard the city and do not move. He only needs to defend the city and not give the White Coat Army a chance to attack. That will be a great achievement."
"Madman Zhao …" Yang Ling nodded and said with a faint smile, "Whether it is a feint or a real attack, he will definitely cross the river east. Xu Tai, Jiang Bin, your cavalry will play a big role this time. Let's follow him across the river. Destroy them in the river east.
I will order all the ships on the other side to sail over. All the boards on the water must be sunk. At the same time, summon the navy to patrol the river. However, most of the imperial court's tax revenue depends on the sea trade. They have to be responsible for the safety of the sea border. The number of naval warships that can be transferred is limited. Furthermore, the Yangtze River is too big. They can only patrol the important parts of the city and cannot watch over everything. Eunuch Miao, the defense of the periphery of Jiangbei will depend on you. "
The Yangtze River was like a snake. It was so long, where could they not reach the shore? To really defend against the Yangtze River was as difficult as ascending to heaven. However, all the ships on the other side had moved over here. In addition, the imperial court's army was constantly harassing them. Did they still have the time to build ships?
Miao Kui's task was the easiest. There was no great achievement to speak of in this matter. Compared to Xu Tai and Jiang Bin following Yang Ling to cross the river, it naturally could not be compared. Therefore, Miao Kui was disappointed but did not dare to show it. He could only cup his hands and agree.
After Yang Ling finished giving his orders, he let out a long sigh and said slowly, "The White Coat Army will be handled by the four provinces of Southern Zhili, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Hu Guang. We... only need to keep a close eye on Madman Zhao! Let him cross the river and then... close the door. "
※ ※ ※
Liu Qi led five to six hundred ships of all sizes and assorted types all the way down the river. The navy, which had received the urgent military order, also sent six warships. The old general Peng Shaosha personally led them up the river and aggressively welcomed them.
Although the large groups of pirates on the East Sea were gone, the small groups of pirates could never be eliminated. In order to encourage the coastal people to trade, especially since the civil strife in Ming Destiny, the merchants of the small countries were a little worried. They were worried that they would be in danger after traveling thousands of miles. The task of escorting the navy was very difficult.
Peng Shaosha was old and had never been sent to the sea. The old man was so idle that his arms were uncomfortable. When he heard about the mission to suppress the bandits, he immediately volunteered to lead the fleet to help. In order to show that he was not old, Old Shark came up with the idea of carrying a pair of tiger claws and a big bucket of rice. He was prepared to perform the ultimate skill of "Old Lian Po, but still a rice bucket" for the Commander. Bai Zhongzan did not know whether to laugh or cry. He could only send him out.
Liu Qi went down the river with the current while Peng Shaosha went up the river with the wind. The two ships traveled very fast. Although there was news from land scouts that Liu Qi had five to six hundred ships, Peng Shaosha only laughed when he heard the types of ships. The navy of Ming Destiny was the most tyrannical. In the whole world, even the most regular navy was no match for them. The White Coat Army was like wolves and tigers on land, but they were like chickens and dogs in the water. What was there to be afraid of?
The old man was in high spirits and was ready to use the White Coat Army as practice. He wanted to savor the blissful taste of robbing and taking revenge. Unfortunately, Liu Qi's side made a mistake. Old Shark Peng gathered all his strength and rushed upstream with all his might. He wanted to give Liu Qi a few cannons and blow up the motley boats. Unexpectedly, when he was about to reach Taiping Prefecture, he saw the river full of corpses and overturned broken ships. There was no trace of the opponent he expected.
It turned out that Liu Qi had smoothly passed Anqing. When the fleet had just reached Taiping Prefecture, it was not peaceful. A strong wind suddenly rose on the river, causing the waves to surge. Some of the small boats collided with each other and capsized. Once the valiant riders entered the water, they sank faster than lead and had no strength to resist.
The strong wind grew stronger and stronger. The waves on the river surged violently and the huge waves reached the sky. Liu Qi's big boat was almost blown over. By the time the half-baked sailors hurriedly steered the boat to the shore and abandoned it, half of the five to six hundred boats had capsized and the number of Ringing Horse Bandits drowned in the river was uncountable.
Some of the boats saw the huge waves surging toward the sky and were momentarily muddle-headed. They actually raised their sails. As a result, the small boats were flipped upside down by the strong wind. The bigger boats were also blown away by the strong wind and collided with each other. They either smashed other people's boats or damaged their own boats. The valiant bandits on the boats could only watch helplessly as the boats sank bit by bit. They clung onto the sides of the boats in a daze but could do nothing about it.
Some of the bandits who knew how to dog paddle because their boats were close to the river when they sank were able to rely on their good physical strength to do so. With great difficulty, Liu Qi gathered the remnants of the scattered soldiers on the shore. After a hasty count, there were less than eight thousand of the twenty thousand soldiers left. Some of them did not even have weapons. Most of the siege equipment on the boats, including the three cannons from Hukou County, had also sunk into the river.
Liu Qi was overcome with grief and cried while looking at the river. Liu Hui and the others tried hard to persuade him but to no avail. At this time, the officers and soldiers of Taiping Prefecture and the officers and soldiers of Anqing Prefecture who had chased them along the river attacked them. How could they fight with morale and morale? Liu Qi's hair was disheveled. He raised his broadsword and led the remnants of the soldiers in defeat.
Li Taibai had once lamented here, "Life is not satisfactory in the world, the Ming Dynasty will make a small boat with loose hair." Liu Qi's hair was disheveled and the boat capsized. He had never fought such a cowardly battle before. Finally, he escaped to Mount Cuiluo which was next to the Yangtze River. This place was close to Nanjing and there were many soldiers stationed everywhere. The officers and soldiers who heard the news took the opportunity to beat the drowning dogs and gradually forced the demoralized Ringing Horse Army to Caishi Ji at the western foot of Mount Cuiluo.
To the north of Caishi Ji was a river with rugged cliffs. Leaning against a dangerous wall, it barely managed to block the attack of the officers and soldiers. Liu Qi had just regained his composure and was preparing to raise the morale of the soldiers and break out of the encirclement in one go when he heard a deafening rumble behind him. Everywhere in the forest, there were explosions and screams.
Liu Qi climbed up the cliff to take a look. He saw six battleships lined up in the middle of the river. Amidst the roars of the cannons, there were balls of fire and thick smoke. Explosive shells exploded everywhere on the small mountain peak where more than eight thousand people were gathered.
Liu Qi was in a daze for a long time. He then looked at his two subordinates who were holding their bows and staring blankly at the huge battleships in the middle of the river. He then looked at Qi Yanming and Liu Hui who were beside him with ashen faces. He suddenly roared, "Let's go! We can't just sit here and wait for death. Let's kill our way out! Even if Yang Hu's cavalry is slower, they should be here by now. Let's break out of the encirclement and find Yang Hu! "
* * *
It was a desolate scene outside of Li Shui City. Corpses littered the official road and the fields on both sides of the road. The stench of blood attracted countless flies and mosquitoes which flew here and there without avoiding people. Han Bai tightly held a saber that was already missing its edge and was covered in blood. He leaned against a tree that was nailed with a few arrows and gasped for breath. Every time he coughed a few times, blood would seep out from the corner of his mouth.
There were many corpses around him. Some belonged to the officers and some belonged to the White Uniform Army. There was an arrow nailed to his shoulder. The sharp wolf fang arrowhead had penetrated deep into his bone. There was a half-foot-long saber wound on his chest. Blood had already dyed his white clothes red.
Yang Hu, accompanied by a group of bodyguards, hurriedly came over. When he saw Han Bai's miserable appearance, he immediately rushed forward and pulled him into his arms. He anxiously called out, "Han Bai, Han Bai …"
This was his brother who had followed him for many years. He had always been loyal and devoted. Even though he couldn't bear to see Shandong turn into a flooded country and had secretly reported the news to Red Lady to stop Yang Hu's action, but when he saw Han Bai's current appearance, Yang Hu still couldn't help but tear up. He tightly hugged Han Bai to his chest.
Hearing his brother's call, Han Bai slowly opened his eyes. He stared at Yang Hu for a while with disregard, then he bitterly smiled and said in a low voice, "Brother Hu, this time … it's different. The officers and soldiers … defend resolutely, attack … attack decisively. The closer we get to Nanjing, the more ruthless the officers and soldiers fight. Our winged cavalry fiercely approached, but the route of retreat … is … is completely blocked. Completely blocked!"
He used all his strength to hold Yang Hu's hand tightly. With great difficulty, he said, "Brother Hu, we … did not force our way here. They … they let us come here. Nanjing is a trap! Just like Jinan City, it is a big cake that Yang Ling drew for us. It is a trap! Don't go, don't go. Brother Hu, don't jump into it. Take advantage of the fact that … the officers and soldiers have yet to surround us. Cross the river to the north and return to Mount Taihang. We still have … a slim chance of survival. "
Yang Hu angrily said, "What nonsense are you talking about? Recuperate well. You are my vanguard general. We still have to conquer and rule the world together. Why are you saying such depressing words? Nanjing is right in front of us. Madman Zhao will take the north route, Liu Qi will take the water route, and we will join forces. With three routes, we will definitely be able to take down Nanjing. As long as we take down Nanjing, we will be able to raise our prestige. We will be able to get a lot of money and food to recruit soldiers and buy horses. "
Han Bai bitterly smiled. Blood continuously seeped out from the corner of his mouth. "Brother Hu, don't blame me for saying such depressing words. Cough, cough, cough. I have long understood that conquering the country is not the same as fighting for hegemony in Jianghu. We are brave and courageous. In front of thousands of troops, what can we … resist?
The world has never been a place for people like us to sit on. Yesterday, I clearly felt that why did Mu Yun escape? I felt that we had no way out. Ten thousand of us are mountain bandits. Even if we gather a million people, we are still … mountain bandits. "
"Bullsh * t!" Yang Hu was so angry that his single eye was wide open. If it weren't for the fact that Han Bai was so heavily injured, he would have already slapped him. "What's the use of that short-sighted thing who only knows how to flatter others in the army? He left without saying goodbye. I have one less burden. We will advance with the entire army. As long as we break Nanjing, you can see what happens then. Heh … Han Bai? Han Bai! "
Han Bai could no longer answer him. His two eyes were wide open, but the light in them had completely disappeared. Yang Hu silently put down Han Bai's body. Around him were Li Yeyin, Yi Chenfeng, and a few other trusted generals. All of them were silent.
Yang Hu stood up and said sternly, "Since ancient times, which one of the people who won the world didn't go through hardships and narrowly escape death? Heroes emerge from the wilderness. We are heroes. We will not be a wilderness our entire lives.
All troops, get on your horses. We will continue to advance. No matter who stands in our way, we will resolutely eliminate them. The more the soldiers stop us, the more it proves that they are afraid of losing Nanjing. We must get to Nanjing as soon as possible and complete the encirclement with Madman Zhao and Liu Qi. "
Yi Chenfeng said, "Big Brother, as soon as we enter South Zhili, there are endless battles. The soldiers are obviously exhausting our strength. They want to exhaust us. The entire army is already exhausted. Should we rest for a while before continuing?"
"No, we must hurry to Nanjing as soon as possible. If we want to rest, we'll rest in Nanjing." Yang Hu raised his voice and shouted at the tired soldiers who were scattered around. "Brothers, we're unstoppable in the river, north and south of the Yangtze River. Even the court's most elite Northern Army can't do anything to us. Why should we be afraid of the sheep soldiers of Jiangnan?
Follow me, we will fight our way into Nanjing. There are many famous families in Nanjing. There are many merchants and mountains of gold and silver. Within ten miles of Qinhuai River, there are countless beautiful women. Once we take down Nanjing, each of you can occupy a large house with countless treasures and beautiful women to enjoy. Brothers, follow me! "
Money and beautiful women mobilized the soldiers. They had long heard of the legend of beautiful women on the Qinhuai River. Jiangnan was the richest in the world, and Nanjing was the richest in Jiangnan. They also knew this very well.
The soldiers' eyes were red. No one knew whether it was because of the killing or because they were lured by the gold, silver, and beautiful women. They let out wolf-like howls from their throats and waved their steel knives. They urged their exhausted warhorses to leave behind the corpses on the ground and continued to charge forward. They rushed towards their hope: Nanjing. They rushed towards the gold-consuming cave, the pit where people were buried.
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