The chaotic battle was over. The battlefield was littered with corpses and blood flowed like a river. The soldiers who had just calmed down from the fierce battle were tiredly cleaning up the battlefield. They moved the corpses together and put away their weapons.
Yang Ling looked at the towering city of Nanjing in front of him and let out a long sigh of relief. Nanjing had not been lost, but the White Coat Army was completely defeated. They had been completely defeated. Jiang Bin came to Yang Ling with a murderous look on his face and said loudly, "Duke, there are more than five thousand corpses of the Ringing Horse Bandits. The remaining bandits have broken out of the encirclement and fled to the Shooting Sun Lake area. Should we immediately pursue and annihilate them?"
Yang Ling looked around. After a long journey and continuous fighting, the soldiers were exhausted and their eyes were listless. Yang Ling shook his head and said, "They have nowhere to go. The river is blocking their way to the west, the armies of Jiangxi and Huguang are advancing to the south, and our armies are advancing to the north. To the east, Zhejiang is already heavily guarded. They have nowhere to retreat."
He walked to Jiang Bin's side and patted him on the shoulder. He said softly, "The horses are fighting with all their might. Our soldiers are still lacking in terms of fighting spirit. We will have to rely on the local troops to surround them. If we want to annihilate them, we will have to rely on our cavalry to hold them back. Pass down the order. Order all the troops to form an encirclement around Shooting Sun Lake. Before noon tomorrow, everyone will enter their respective defensive areas.
He looked at the sky that was as red as blood and said, "Zhou Dean is brave and good at fighting. He is good at attacking and defending and is familiar with the terrain here. Let him help with the arrangements."
"Yes!" Jiang Bin accepted the order and left. After a while, he returned with Xu Tai and two baihu. Xu Tai's face was heavy. When he saw Yang Ling, he cupped his hands and said, "Duke, Zhou Dean has died in battle!"
"What?" Yang Ling was shocked. Right now, the armies were too chaotic. The battle had just ended, and everyone was gathering their troops. Some of the generals had not even had the time to pay their respects to their commander. Yang Ling really did not expect that Zhou Dean, who was strictly ordered to defend Nanjing and not go to battle, would die on the battlefield. He asked anxiously, "When did he go to battle?"
His eyes fell on the two bloodied baihu. Yang Ling calmed down and asked, "You are Zhou Dean's subordinates? How did Zhou Dean die in battle? Tell me quickly. "
A baihu licked his dry lips and cupped his hands and said, "Duke, my lord heard that Yang Hu's army was defeated and was worried that the culprit would escape. Therefore, he led three thousand soldiers out of the city to assist in the search. They intercepted Yang Hu in a small village and killed him …"
"Yang Hu is dead?" He composed himself and said, "Go on. Did Zhou Daren receive a serious injury in the fight with him and died …?"
The baihu pursed his lips and said with a strange expression, "Four of Zhou Dean's bodyguards sacrificed their lives to stop the enemy. Zhou Dean took the opportunity and killed the bandit Yang Hu. Yang Hu was unharmed, but … but when Zhou Dean returned, he heard that Yang Chaohu was attacking the city. He immediately led his troops and blocked the female bandit's way back.
Yang Chaohu wanted to fight Zhou Dean alone. Zhou Dean saw that the enemy had three thousand cavalrymen and our spear formation could only stop two of their charges. In order to delay the Ringing Horse Bandits and wait for reinforcements, he agreed to fight. But who would have thought … who would have thought that Zhou Dean would die in the hands of Yang Chaohu. "
It was another big news. Yang Ling had received too many shocks in a row. He was stunned for a long time before he said with difficulty, "Red Lady killed General Zhou?"
The night breeze blew, carrying with it the smell of blood. Yang Ling was at a loss. "When the imperial court wanted to enlist them, they refused. Now that they have been utterly defeated, there is no reason for the imperial court to enlist them again. But at this time, she killed a general of the imperial court … Red Lady, how can I protect you? You have taken revenge, you have finally had your revenge! At the same time, you have also embarked on a path of no return … "
"High Duke? High Duke? "
Yang Ling came back to his senses and said disinterestedly, "Take good care of General Zhou's body. Let's put the coffin away for the time being and enter the city." Zhou Dean had made a great contribution in killing the enemy chief, and Nanjing City was safe. He had died in the battle. The law of the country was nothing more than human feelings. No one would pursue the crime of him leaving his post without permission.
As they walked into the city, Yang Ling asked Xu Tai in a low voice, "How are our casualties?"
"Uh …" Xu Tai hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, "Our casualties are relatively heavy. More than nine thousand people died and countless injured … Like a cornered tiger fighting for its life, its momentum is especially fierce."
Yang Ling nodded and asked calmly, "How are the casualties of the cavalrymen?"
"Fortunately, the total number of casualties is less than thirty percent. Our combat power is still there, but the Ringing Horse Bandits have suffered even more. They only relied on the morale of the mourning soldiers and the arrival of reinforcements. They could not communicate with each other. It seemed that there were soldiers on all sides, but there were loopholes everywhere. As long as we rest and reorganize, we will follow the strategy of annihilating Yang Hu's army and surround them from all sides. With the momentum of Mount Tai crushing an egg, we will definitely be able to complete this battle! "
The two walked side by side. Since Zhou Dean was dead, the arrangement of the deployment had to be handed over to Xu Tai. Yang Ling ordered him to discuss the details of the encirclement with the local generals. After everything was arranged, Xu Tai hurriedly left. Yang Ling led his bodyguards into the city gate. Someone on the military road shouted, "High Duke! High Duke! "
Yang Ling raised his head and saw Ma Ang running down excitedly. Ma Lian 'er was also dressed in white and was surrounded by the White Shirt Army. There were only arrows being shot randomly at the top of the city wall. No one dared to lie down there and take a closer look. He still did not know that his sister had been captured. At this moment, when he saw his brother-in-law, Ma Ang was elated.
In this place, it was not convenient for Yang Ling to talk about his personal identity. He only called, "General Ma!"
Ma Ang excitedly cupped his hands and said, "High Duke, it was dangerous today. The White Bandits disguised themselves as the convoy of the wealthy Xu Jing of Jiang Yin and entered the city. Luckily, my sister was outside the city and saw something was wrong. She shot an arrow at me to warn me. That was how I managed to close the city gates in time and exterminate the bandits."
He did not want others to take his credit. The first thing he did when he saw Yang Ling was to tell him about his great credit. Yang Ling was shocked when he heard this. He hurriedly pulled him to the side and asked anxiously, "Big Brother, what about Lian 'er? Is she okay? "
Ma Ang smiled and said, "Don't worry High Duke. Before I made my move, I signaled for her to leave early. She must have entered the city and returned to the residence."
Yang Ling hurriedly said, "I can't rest assured without seeing her. No, I have to go back to the residence to see …"
Ma Ang saw that Yang Ling cared so much about his sister and was even happier. He hurriedly called over two bodyguards and ordered them to take High Duke back to the residence. He hurriedly said to Yang Ling, "Guan Shoubei has gone to patrol the North City. I have to go to the South City to see the situation. I will explain the defense clearly and then return to the residence."
Yang Ling hurriedly said, "No, official duties are important. You cannot leave your post. The bandits being exterminated is just a matter of the past few days. After the rebellion is quelled, we can slowly reminisce about the past." He paused and said, "Zhou daren has died in the line of duty. The defense will be handled by you and Guan Shoubei. This is a serious matter and cannot be neglected."
Ma Ang was stunned, "Zhou … daren is dead?"
Ma Ang hurriedly furrowed his brows and suppressed his eyebrows that were about to fly up. The corners of his mouth that had curled up also pressed down hard, "The Ringing Horse Bandits deserve to be killed! Zhou daren was loyal to his duty and killed the enemy bravely … "
He saw Yang Ling's face was dark and hurriedly said, "Then High Duke should go back to the fu to see Lian 'er. You can rest assured about the defense of Nanjing."
Seeing Yang Ling leave in a hurry, Ma Ang happily ran up the city wall. Looking at the battlefield that was still being cleaned outside the city, he hurriedly went to the South City.
※ ※ ※
"He's not back yet?" Yang Ling was stunned, his face turning pale in an instant.
Chu Ling saw his expression and couldn't help but panic, "Miss, she … what happened to her?"
This was an elegant courtyard. Even though it wasn't large, it had pavilions, small bridges, and flowing water. It was arranged properly and was elegant to the smallest detail. In front of a corner of the red building, Chu Ling, who had hurriedly come out, had just seen Yang Ling when he asked her if Miss was in the fu. She knew that there had just been a great battle outside the city. Seeing Yang Ling's demeanor, as intelligent as she was, she immediately knew that the situation was not good.
Yang Ling stood where he was, his face bewildered. Now that there was chaos, Lian 'er was only a young girl, where could she go? If she had gone to the other city gates to call in, she would have gone to the top of the city wall to send a message to her brother. At least, she would have returned to the fu. If she was captured, after the great battle just now, would the White Shirt Army not find it cumbersome to bring a captive?
Yang Ling panicked. No, it must have been that when she went to the other city gates, the city walls had received the warning and closed the gates. She would return to the fu in a while. As Yang Ling thought this, he anxiously turned his head and ordered, "Stick Hammer, immediately go to the top of the city wall and tell Xu Tai to find out where Lian 'er is. You also go, bring all the bodyguards and horses. You must find Lian' er as soon as possible. If there is any news, immediately report back!"
Big Stick Hammer saw Yang Ling's stern expression and hurriedly responded. He took the people and hurriedly left.
"What to do? What to do? " Yang Ling anxiously paced around. He wanted to personally go search but he didn't know where to go. What if Lian 'er came back at this time?
Yang Ling's heart felt like it was frying oil. He kicked a flower pot that was planted on the side of the path. It fell with a 'clang', shattering into pieces. "Red Madame! You stupid woman who doesn't know right from wrong. If anything happens to Lian 'er, I won't forgive you! I won't forgive you! "
Yang Ling was so angry he was breathing heavily, his eyes red.
At this time, a childish voice said, "Who are you? My flower, you bad person! "
Yang Ling suddenly turned his head. He saw a little girl with pink makeup. Her hands were holding a bright red apple. She stood by the door and stared angrily at him with a pair of round black eyes.
Yang Ling unconsciously walked over and slowly squatted down. The little girl was very cute. She had a pair of beautiful eyes and seemed to have the charm of Lian 'er. She looked warily at Yang Ling and pouted. Seeing Yang Ling stretch out his hand, she immediately ran towards Chu Ling. Sticking to her thigh, she pointed at Yang Ling and said, "Auntie, beat the bad person!"
Yang Ling's nose felt sour. He tried to relax the lines on his face and gently said, "Pan 'er, be good, don't be afraid. I'm not a bad person, it's daddy!"
The little girl looked in shock at him. A thread of puzzlement flashed through her round eyes but she didn't make a sound.
Chu Ling picked her up and pressed her face against hers. She said, "Pan 'er, he's your daddy, he really is your daddy. Auntie told you before, daddy can ride a big horse and take you to play, and buy a lot of good food for you. Quick, call daddy."
Yang Pan 'er turned her head and said, "Auntie, find Niang, Niang is back."
Yang Ling's eyes were misty. He slowly stood and said in a light voice, "Daddy will definitely find Niang for you. Pan 'er, be good and stay with auntie. I'll go now."
Yang Ling didn't know where to go to find Lian 'er, but he really couldn't endure waiting in the fu for news. He hurriedly walked out of the main gate. A guard led him in. Yang Ling was about to pull the saddle and mount the horse when Liu Da Bang Chui's voice suddenly came from afar, "Duke, Duke, this person says he knows Miss Ma's whereabouts."
Yang Ling turned his head and saw Liu Da Bang Chui accompanying a young master hurriedly walking over. Yang Ling immediately let go of the reins and went over. He asked repeatedly, "Who are you? You know Lian 'er's whereabouts? "
He didn't recognize this young master Guan whom he had met once before. Young master Guan also didn't recognize this Duke. He hurriedly said, "Miss Ma really hasn't returned to the fu? This is bad. We just rescued a guard with broken ribs outside the city. According to him, Miss Ma was captured by the white-clothed bandits on the way to escape. He didn't see Miss Ma being killed or captured with his own eyes, but the white-clothed bandit leader's horsemanship and martial arts are all top notch. Miss Ma is most likely dead. "
When he said this, he was about to cry. Suddenly, his eyes rolled and he remembered an equally important matter. He stammered, "You … you are Duke Wei? Why did Duke come to the Ma fu? Miss Ma … she … "
Yang Ling calmly said, "Thank you for sending the news. I, am Lian 'er's husband!"
Under Young master Guan's dumbfounded gaze, Yang Ling turned and mounted the horse. He suddenly shouted, "Follow me out of the city. If she's alive, I want to see her. If she's dead … I want to see her corpse. Find Lian 'er for me!" As he spoke, he whipped the horse and galloped ahead.
The guards hurriedly mounted the horses and galloped away. Young master Guan opened his mouth and ate a mouthful of dirt. His face was ashen. "No wonder the rumors say that Miss Ma is the exclusive property of some powerful person. So … so it's true, and she is the great Duke Wei."
It was pitiful. There was no hope for this infatuation in this life. Young master Guan carried a broken heart and left dejectedly with his head down.
Yang Ling swept out of the city like a gust of wind. He galloped like a madman. Everywhere he went, he would stop and ask for information from the scattered soldiers that were moving around. He only calmed down when he had made a circle around the city and it was completely silent outside.
Standing at a crossroads, Yang Ling looked around blankly. The guards silently reined in their horses and followed behind him. The torches in their hands flickered in the wind. Looking around, it was a patch of darkness dozens of feet away. The stars in the sky were dim, just like his heart.
Lian 'er still hadn't returned. It looked like she was really dead. But why couldn't he even find her corpse? She was a young girl. If she fell into the hands of the Ringing Horse Bandits at the end of their road … Yang Ling shuddered at the thought.
From afar, a fire dragon suddenly appeared. The sound of horse hooves galloping swiftly came. Although it was unlikely that the White Bandits would appear here again, Liu Da Bang Chui led a dozen of his guards and galloped forward. The two parties collided and galloped forward together. The person in the lead was Jiang Bin.
The news of Duke Wei's order to search for Ma Lian 'er had spread throughout the three armies. Moreover, Duke Wei had personally rushed out and did not return until late at night. As long as one was not an idiot, everyone would know the relationship between him and this girl. How could the generals let go of such an opportunity to serve him? They sent out their men to search but there was no news at all. Jiang Bin settled down the troops and led his guards out of the camp to search. At this time, he coincidentally met Yang Ling.
Seeing Yang Ling, Jiang Bin galloped forward and said angrily, "Duke, there is no need to rest tonight. Send out the troops immediately and annihilate the Ringing Horse Bandits at Shooting Sun Lake. Perhaps … we can find Miss Ma's whereabouts."
At the end of his sentence, his voice weakened. Obviously, he also thought that even if the White Cloth Army didn't know about the relationship between Ma Lian 'er and Duke Wei, the consequences of such a beautiful young girl falling into the mouths of angry tigers and wolves would be unimaginable. Even if she was found, it would be even more unbearable and difficult to face.
Since yesterday, they had been pursuing and fighting all the way. Although Yang Ling didn't personally take action, he was already physically and mentally exhausted. After this setback, he was extremely anxious. His heart had already chased to Shooting Sun Lake. At this time, after hearing Jiang Bin's words, Yang Ling didn't even think. He opened his bloodshot eyes and said sternly, "Mobilize the three armies, break camp tonight and attack Shooting Sun Lake!"
"Yes!" Jiang Bin was overjoyed. He turned his horse around and left.
Yang Ling led his guards back to the city. Not long after, all the garrisons inside and outside the city gathered at the command yamen. Xu Tai and Jiang Bin rushed into the inner chamber first. They saw Yang Ling silently facing the wall. Both of them quickly lightened their footsteps and approached him. They said softly, "Duke, all the generals have arrived, please give the order!"
After a moment of silence, Yang Ling opened his mouth and said, "Go back!"
Both of them were startled, "What?"
Yang Ling said slowly, "All the armies heading north have yet to arrive. The army outside the city has been fighting Liu Qi, Yang Hu, and Madman Zhao since yesterday morning. They are exhausted and did not even have a few mouthfuls of food. If we don't give them a night of rest, when they arrive at Shooting Sun Lake, they will be a group of exhausted soldiers without any combat strength. Moreover, the enemy is waiting for them at ease. How can we fight?"
Xu Tai said anxiously, "Duke, Miss Ma …"
Yang Ling interrupted him and said sadly, "I know. I can't wait to grow wings and fly to Shooting Sun Lake to annihilate the White Bandits. But I can't pay the price of casualties for my own selfishness. Besides, if we go now, I'm afraid … it's already too late! "
Xu Tai and Jiang Bin quietly put their hands down and did not say another word.
Yang Ling suddenly turned around and went to the main hall. He saw that there were many battle generals in the hall. Even though all of them looked tired, they were all wearing armor and had swords strapped to their ribs. The torches on their bodies reflected the cold glints of light on their armor.
As soon as they saw Yang Ling come out, all the generals stood at attention, their spurs clanging loudly. Yang Ling cupped his hands together and said in a clear voice, "Generals, our army has been fighting for two consecutive days. Especially the armies from Southern Zhili. Following Yang Hu and Liu Qi's armies, they have been constantly changing their attacking positions. Using foot soldiers, they have crossed mountains and ridges, they have taken boats and crossed rivers to intercept the cavalry. For two days, they have not had any food or water and are exhausted. Advancing through the night is due to Duke's lack of consideration. Generals, it's better for you all to return to your camps and treat your wounded soldiers. Let them have a good rest. Tomorrow morning, we will pull out our camp and launch the final attack! "
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