In the biting cold wind, the sound of military sticks being knocked down could be heard.

Zhang Li and Yan Peng were soaked in sweat due to pain.

However, he never shouted out from the beginning to the end, he just endured it in a muffled voice.

It is a material that can be made.

Guan Ning saw it, and he didn't think there was anything wrong with being scheming.

In this troubled world, how can we survive without some calculations? The key lies in how to use people.

Under this power, I believe they will be even more awe-inspiring.

Only when it is hard-earned will we cherish it.

After a while, all fifty military sticks were beaten.

Both of their faces turned pale.

But he still endured the pain and prepared to get up.

"Don't move."

Guan Ning came to them and said, "I hope you can remember the pain you have suffered today and follow me wholeheartedly."

This is a double entendre. How could they not understand it given their intelligence?

"Subordinate...remember this."

The two of them agreed and then fell into a coma.

He must have endured it to the limit.

"Someone, take them in to recuperate."

Guan Ning arranged for people to carry them back carefully, and his army officially entered Sicheng.

Instead of using a single soldier, they gathered an army of nearly 40,000 people, which was truly a great victory.

The army settled down.

Guan Ning also learned some things.

When Zhang Li and his men captured Sicheng, they also adopted the same strategy as Guan Ning.

After collecting the weapons and equipment, let the former defenders leave.

However, some people voluntarily stayed, thus expanding the army to 35,000 men.

However, the main generals of the garrison were detained by them, especially the garrison general Han Ming, and they suffered a lot of abuse.

In fact, it is understandable.

It was Han Ming who ordered not to let them enter the city, so he felt resentful.

"This Han Ming comes from a noble family and has no abilities. He just comes here for melee combat."

Yan Peng and Guan Ning reported some situations.

They woke up in the evening, and Guan Ning personally gave them some medicinal wine to express their condolences.

Hit a stick and give me a sweet date.

He was very skilled in this kind of operation, which is the so-called way to control his subordinates.

These two are indeed masters of stratagem.

They let a group of people go and at the same time placed their own people among them.

The next city is called Jiangcheng, which is actually a county town.

After all, there are only so many big cities that can be defended, so we can only settle for the next best thing.

There are 20,000 troops stationed in Jiangcheng, and they are also garrisoned by members of the Northwest Army.

What is very interesting is that most of the people who left Sicheng were from the Tianxiong Army.

Because what happened to Yan Peng and Zhang Li in Fancheng spread, there was a conflict between the two armies.

Just like we didn't let them into the city this time, there was this reason.

"We have already conquered half of Yiju. Yu Wenxiong will definitely know what's going on here soon. In order to control the conflict, he will definitely order the forced withdrawal of troops, so the people you placed there will play a role."

Guan Ning also had to sigh.

Zhang Li opened his mouth and said: "There are people I know well among the Jiangcheng garrison. I have arranged for them to contact each other privately. Maybe we can win over them and work together with them inside and outside."

"good!"

Guan Ning said: "The principle I have always adhered to is that we will not fight if we can. After all, we belong to the same country, so why should we kill each other?"

"Your Majesty is benevolent and righteous."

Yan Peng said: "The imperial court is very unpopular now, and it always arouses resentment wherever you go."

"Right."

At this time, Zhang Li said: "There is a family named Liu in Sicheng. The Liu family is a wealthy local family. They do a lot of business and are very prestigious."

"Because they had many business dealings with Guan's firm, the family suffered a lot. Fortunately, the Liu family has some connections in Sicheng. They gave a lot of property to local officials and were able to live with it for the time being. Is this Guan's firm related to you?"

Zhang Li came from the Northwest Army and was not familiar with the situation.

"The Guan's firm belongs to my family."

Guan Ning didn't expect to meet an acquaintance here.

He knew that the Liu family was mainly engaged in grain, silk and cloth business. The Liu family had a close cooperation with the Guan family, and a lot of grain was transported to the north through them.

Guan Ning once met Liu Haiyu, the head of the Liu family, in Beijing.

However, Liu Haiyu has always been in poor health and has been taking medicine all year round.

The Liu family has always been managed by his daughter Liu Fei, who is quite famous and has both talent and beauty.

Meeting him in Beijing left a deep impression on him.

Recalling these things, Guan Ning asked: "How is the Liu family now?"

The Liu family's suffering had nothing to do with him.

Before he rebelled, the Guan family business sold its properties and retreated, which made Emperor Longjing furious.

He began to engage in continuous sitting.

Family firms that had cooperated with Guan's firm were also questioned.

The Liu family is one of them.

"Not very good."

Zhang Li said: "After being investigated, Liu Haiyu, the head of the Liu family, was arrested and died in prison soon after. After that, the family's wealth was dispersed and they were barely able to survive. Only Liu Haiyu's daughter Liu Fei was struggling to support him."

"After Han Ming was stationed in Sicheng, he accidentally saw Liu Fei's beauty and became interested in possessing her."

"Is it done?"

Guan Ning's face darkened.

"It didn't work."

At this time, Yan Peng spoke again: "It was only two days ago that this happened. Liu Fei had a strong temper and refused to die. Han Ming also wanted to play tricks. He arrested the Liu family and wanted to kill them one by one. He wanted to force them to

Liu Fei obeyed and only killed one, and we took Sicheng..."

Guan Ning breathed a sigh of relief.

He asked strangely: "How do you know these things?"

Zhang Li whispered: "We found out when we arrested Han Ming and saw that Liu Fei was very beautiful..."

"You also have evil thoughts?"

Guan Ning's face darkened slightly.

"No, no."

Zhang Li said hurriedly: "We are preparing to dedicate Liu Fei to you. She just told us these things and wants to see you."

"Where is she?"

"Jindu, you take the prince there."

Zhang Li arranged for someone.

"You guys have a good rest."

Guan Ning gave a few instructions and then left.

This can be regarded as meeting old friends.

He met Liu Fei twice and had a very deep memory.

Because of his beautiful appearance and business talent, even Qian Dafu highly praised him.
To be continued...