The night wind whistled, and Qin Xiao said: "It is not suitable to stay here for a long time, Captain, let's go to Jiayuguan first."

"Are you going to Kyoto?" Han Yunong understood immediately.

Qin Xiao nodded and said: "The only thing we can do now is rush to Kyoto as soon as possible and report the rebellion in Xiling to the imperial court."

Han Yunong nodded slightly and said nothing. The others urged their horses to go east.

By dawn, we were already a hundred miles away from Turtle City.

On the way to Jiayuguan, Qin Xiao explained in more detail what happened in Fan County. When he mentioned Dapeng's assassination of the general, Yuwen Chengchao looked sad, but Han Yunong understood: "My lord, you have tried your best to do what you should do.

Everything. People's hearts are separated from each other. Fan Ziqi has planned it many years ago. You are also a victim, so there is no need to feel guilty. Since the general handed over the Tiger Wing Sword to you, he believes that you will be able to help the imperial court regain Xiling."

"Yes, eldest son, in order to save the general, you risked your life, and you are brave and resourceful. It is really admirable." Du Hongsheng sighed: "No matter who it is, I will not blame you for this matter.

Go up."

Yuwen Chengchao received comfort from these two people and felt a little at ease.

Han Yunong originally planned to rush to Woye Town quickly to send a message to the Changsheng Army. He learned that Qin Xiao had sent three night crows to go there. He praised Qin Xiao for his proper handling and decided to follow Qin Xiao to Beijing together with Du Hongsheng.

The two of them came to Beijing together, and Qin Xiao was even more happy.

Du Hongsheng was originally an official sent by the imperial court and was quite familiar with Kyoto, while Han Yunong was a veteran who had followed the general for many years. His connections in the capital were certainly not comparable to those of Qin Xiao and Yuwen Chengchao.

The four of them traveled non-stop and finally arrived at Jiayuguan on this day.

Jiayuguan Pass is known as the most powerful pass in the Tang Dynasty. It is a natural moat in the east of Xiling. There are many piers and platforms in the pass. There are 29 piers and platforms in total. They are criss-crossed to look at each other and exchange information. Each pier and platform is equipped with post camels, stage horses, food and accommodation,

There are many needs such as salary accumulation, iron shop, carpentry shop, etc. In addition, each pier has a certain number of defenders.

From the top of the wall, you can clearly see the Qilian Mountains.

The largest pier, located at the most dangerous point of exit, is Jiandun, which is the heart of Jiayuguan. It consists of the inner city, the outer city, Luocheng, Wengcheng, moats and huge stone walls on the north and south wings. There are three lines of defense inside and outside.

, with canyons cutting through the mountains and dangerous slopes forcing the way, it is easy to defend but not easy to attack. It can also be said to be the throat of the western part of the Tang Dynasty.

There are three thousand princes in Jian Dun, and they are heavily guarded.

Qin Xiao had never seen Jiayuguan in his life. He had only heard that Jiayuguan was the most powerful pass. Today, when he saw it with his own eyes, he realized that this pass was more majestic and stronger than he thought.

He suddenly understood why the Tang Dynasty had focused all its attention on southern Xinjiang in recent years but ignored Xiling.

Even if the Wutuo people really captured Xiling, it would be even more difficult to advance eastward. The natural chasm between Xiling and the Tang Dynasty was not bragging to stop a hundred thousand cavalry.

As long as this pass is in hand, even if Xiling is bloody, it will not spread to the pass.

The defenders at Jiayuguan Pass had obviously received news of the incident in Xiling. After all, Turtle City had been captured by the rebels, and it was impossible for them to know anything here. Therefore, the heavy gates of the pass had been closed, and the defenders on the top of the city were ready.

On the way, several people were afraid that wearing Deathwing Cavalry armor would be misunderstood by the pass defenders, so they discarded their armor early in the morning.

Arriving at the pass, Han Yunong urged his horse forward and shouted loudly toward the city: "I am Han Yunong, please speak to General Zhang."

Han Yunong had already said on the way that Zhang Rang, the guard of Jian Dun, had a close relationship with General Black Feather and was also a loyal and brave general.

Although the city was extremely high, Han Yunong was very energetic and his voice could be heard clearly by the guards above.

"Who is Han Yunong?" The guard at the top of the city said to the people below: "General Zhang has an order to seal the pass. No one is allowed to enter the pass."

"I am reporting military information to General Zhang. It is extremely urgent. If I miss the military information, can you afford it?" Han Yunong said sternly.

There was silence at the top of the city for a while, and soon someone said: "You guys wait."

After waiting for a long time, I finally saw a general coming to the city battlements. After a few condescending glances, Han Yunong waved and said, "General Zhang, I am Han Yunong."

"It turns out to be Brother Han." Guard Zhang Rang finally saw it clearly and ordered his men to open the gate of love and let a few people in. As soon as Qin Xiao and others entered, the defender quickly closed the gate. Qin Xiao watched.

Inside, my heart felt a little chilly.

Jiayuguan Pass is closed and no one is allowed to enter. If a war breaks out in Wutuo and people enter the pass to escape, they may not open the gate easily.

"Brother Han, I haven't seen you for many years. How are you doing?" Zhang Rang had already come down from the top, and said with a smile: "By the way, the general came out of seclusion, how are you doing recently? A few months ago, the general came out of seclusion and stayed here.

One night, I talked with the general all night long and learned a lot."

Han Yunong also handed over his hand and said: "General Zhang, can you find a place to talk?"

Zhang Rang said hurriedly: "Please come quickly!"

There are many residences built in the thick walls of Jiayuguan Pass, where the defenders guarding the pass can live. Zhang Rangzi had a spacious residence and invited a few people in. When he saw that many people were tired from work, he asked him to prepare wine and food.

send over.

There was a fire inside, and it was as warm as spring.

Han Yunong didn't waste any time. He gave a general summary of the incident that happened in Xiling, and asked Yuwen Chengchao, who had experienced it personally, to add some more. Zhang Rang was still smiling at the beginning, but when Han Yunong finished speaking, his face was already livid, and he punched

He smashed it on the table and said angrily: "What a bullshit prince, the Xiling family must have randomly found a puppet to serve as their banner. They actually killed General Black Feather, I...I will never spare them."

Qin Xiao saw that Zhang Rang's anger came from his bones, and felt a little relieved. He knew that Zhang Rang's attitude represented the attitude of most people in the military. As long as the military became angry and the imperial decree came, it would definitely be

As powerful as a tiger.

"General Zhang, not all the Xiling family followed the rebellion." Han Yunong immediately said: "The Yuwen family is loyal to the court. This eldest son Yuwen risked his life to protect the general."

Zhang Rang knew that he had made a mistake, so he bowed his hands to Yuwen Chengchao and said, "Young Master, I am a rough man and I speak without restraint. Don't be surprised."

"I don't dare." Yuwen Chengchao said: "But Li Tuo has soldiers and horses, and the Xiling family does not dare to disobey in order to protect themselves. Most of the Xiling family still have to be under their control. Now Xiling has almost fallen into their hands.

, if the imperial court strikes quickly before they have a firm foothold, they will be able to get twice the result with half the effort, but if the delay is too long and they sit firmly in Xiling and want to conquer again, it will not be easy."

Zhang Rang said: "My lord, with all due respect, although Xiling is a vast land, it has a small population. It will not be difficult for the Tang army to deal with the rebels after they leave the border."

"General Zhang, the Xiling rebels may be easy to deal with, but the Wutuo cavalry are much stronger than that group of rebels." Qin Xiao finally said: "We suspect that Li Tuo is backed by the Wutuo people, and they have even secretly reached a certain agreement.

kind of agreement."

Zhang Rang's body was shaken and he immediately asked: "Li Tuo took refuge with the Wutuo people?"

"This is just our conjecture." Qin Xiao said: "Thousands of Wutuo cavalry have gathered outside Kunlun Pass, but they did not act rashly."

Zhang Rang's face became solemn, and Han Yunong said: "We guess that Li Tuo was wary of the imperial court and would quickly send troops out, so he reached an agreement with the Wutuo people. The Wutuo people secretly sent troops to enter Xiling quietly and prepare to ambush the Tang army.

But this is just our guess, we don’t know yet what their real intention is.”

Zhang Rang clenched his fist and sneered: "Back then, the Wutuo people burned, killed and looted in Xiling. This was a shame for us as soldiers. I really look forward to fighting them to the death on the battlefield. The Wutuo people once knelt down to the Tang Dynasty. I, the Tang Dynasty

I have always been kind to them, but I didn’t expect that their wolfish ambitions would feed them, and in turn bite us. Such wolves, if we don’t teach them a lesson, they still don’t know the military power of the Tang Dynasty.” After thinking about it, he said again: “I

Immediately send someone to Kyoto to report this matter."

Han Yunong said: "That's good, a few of us are also going to Kyoto."

"Don't worry, I'll send a fast horse to report. You guys can rest here for a day before setting off." Zhang Rang said, "I'll send someone in disguise to go to Xiling to inquire about the situation there."

Han Yunong said: "It is naturally necessary to send people out to inquire about the military situation, but we also have to go to Kyoto as soon as possible, and we cannot delay."

"In this case, I won't leave you alone." Zhang Rang called his subordinates in and ordered them to prepare dry food and water needed for the journey. He also said: "I received reports a few days ago that Turtle City was captured by the rebels, but what is the specific situation?

I don’t know either. As a precaution, we ordered the pass to be blocked and sent people to get information, but the spies have not returned yet. Since there is a rebellion and the court learns of it, it will naturally mobilize troops to put down the rebellion. The general’s revenge is

You must repay it.”

Yuwen Chengchao said: "I hope so!"

Zhang Rang glanced at Yuwen Chengchao, a trace of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, but he didn't say anything.

After several people had a hot meal and had enough to drink, they took the dry food and water prepared by Zhang Rang and left Jiayuguan without stopping, heading towards Kyoto.

Entering Jiayuguan is the territory of Yongzhou. It will take about ten days to cross Yongzhou quickly. After arriving at Tongguan, go down the Luoshui River and enter the Gyeonggi area within a few days.

The other three were just fine, with excellent physiques, but Du Hongsheng was just a civil servant. The long and bumpy journey was difficult for his body. Fortunately, Han Yunong was considerate of Du Hongsheng's health, and would find a place to rest at night, and set off before dawn every day.

They continued like this for seven or eight days and were about to arrive at Tongguan. At dusk that day, Du Hongsheng suddenly rolled off his horse. The three of them were surprised and stopped their horses in a hurry. Du Hongsheng struggled to get up and waved his hands: "It doesn't matter, let's

.....Let's continue on our way." As soon as he finished speaking, his body softened and he slumped down again.

Starting from Turtle City, it was a bumpy ride for more than ten days. Although he would find a place to recuperate at night, Du Hongsheng couldn't bear the intensity of the journey.

Han Yunong saw that Du Hongsheng's face was pale, his eyes were dull, and there was cold sweat on his forehead. He stretched out his hand to explore his forehead, and felt it was like burning. He frowned and said: "My lord is sick. You can't go on your way anymore. You must see a doctor first."

Give him a doctor."

"No, I can hold on." Du Hongsheng was afraid of delaying the schedule of several people, so he shook his head and said: "You don't need to worry about me. I really can't leave. You go to Kyoto first."

Qin Xiao looked around and saw what seemed to be a village in the southeast corner. He said, "Captain, there is a family over there. Let's go over and let Mr. Du rest for a night and see if he can recover tomorrow. If he rests for a night,

You can go on your way, we will continue walking tomorrow, but if it doesn’t work, we will ask if there is a county town nearby and send Mr. Du there to settle him down."
Chapter completed!