Chen Ziang packed his luggage without saying a word. At this moment, a rough voice came from behind him.
"Why did you come back just now? We have been waiting for you for a long time!"
Turning around, I saw two people entering the camp. One was tall and had a smile on his face. He was his colleague Guo Yuanzhen.
The other man was short and stocky, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a beard as short as a halberd. He looked to be in his forties, but was actually only one year older than him. He was another colleague of his, Wang Xiaojie.
He was the one who spoke just now.
Guo Yuanzhen was slightly startled when he saw Chen Ziang's pale face and said, "What's wrong with you?" He glanced at the things in his hands and frowned, "What are you packing your luggage for?"
Wang Xiaojie glared and said, "Could it be that your kid lost to the two of us in the last exam and wants to pack up and run away?"
Chen Ziang took a deep breath and said: "Brother Guo, Brother Wang, I have some urgent matters at home. I'm afraid I have to leave the military camp. Let's meet again when we have a chance..."
After saying that, he was about to walk out of the camp.
Wang Xiaojie grabbed her.
"Fart! You don't look like you are in an emergency, you are clearly encountering difficulties! Tell me what is going on quickly, and we will help you solve it. Don't act like a bitch and say goodbye to life or death!"
Chen Ziang's heart was filled with anger and frustration. He couldn't bear it anymore and shouted: "Solve it? It's easy for you to say. How to solve it? No one can solve it!"
Wang Xiaojie sneered and said: "What kind of man can you be if you shrink back when you encounter a pit? Forget it, get out of here. With your temper, you will be a deserter even on the battlefield!"
Chen Ziang was furious and punched him with his backhand.
Wang Xiaojie deliberately provoked him and screamed: "Oh, you dare to attack me. Have you forgotten that you cried for father and mother when I beat you last time?"
She turned sideways and raised her foot to sweep towards his lower body.
The two immediately started punching and kicking each other, and Guo Yuanzhen watched the fight with his arms folded, his eyes fixed on Chen Ziang's face.
The two are equally skilled in martial arts, Chen Ziang is more skilled in fists and kicks, and Wang Xiaojie is stronger.
After a stick of incense, the two of them separated, holding their knees and panting.
Wang Xiaojie smiled and said: "My fist has not softened. Why did you say such soft words just now?"
After Chen Ziang vented his anger, he regained his composure and understood Wang Xiaojie's good intentions. He sighed and said:
"Not being able to go to the battlefield with you is the biggest regret in my life. You two, take care."
Seeing that he had made up his mind to go, Wang Xiaojie hurriedly blocked the way and said to Guo Yuanzhen: "Lao Guo, don't you usually have a lot of ideas? Why don't you even fart at this time?"
Guo Yuanzhen put down his hands and said slowly: "Brother Chen, do you know why we have been waiting here for you?"
Chen Ziang shook his head.
Guo Yuanzhen said word by word: "The commander-in-chief issued a military order this morning, and our court will use troops against Japan in early February!"
Chen Ziang was shocked all over and clenched his hands into fists.
Guo Yuanzhen continued: "General Hou also said that the commander-in-chief cannot leave Beijing, so he plans to establish a 'combat department' and select fifty outstanding talents from the battalion and appoint them to join the army."
"The commander-in-chief will convey his strategic intentions to the operations department, and then they will rush to Yangzhou to assist the Yangzhou Navy in completing the operation!"
Wang Xiaojie's eyes were shining and he said: "Our reserve camp also has five places. The three of us are the top three in the reserve camp. We can't miss this opportunity!"
Guo Yuanzhen saw that Chen Ziang kept his head lowered and could not see his expression, so he said again:
"I heard that after the new year, the Shenhuo Camp's new weapons will be tested. As long as you are selected to join the army, you can go to the Imperial City to watch!"
Wang Xiaojie's face was full of excitement and he said: "It is said that this new weapon is more powerful than gunpowder. I, Mr. Wang, must see it with my own eyes!"
Chen Ziang trembled all over and raised his head, but there was no trace of blood on his face.
"Brother Guo, Brother Wang, I...I..." His body softened and he fell to the ground.
Guo and Wang were both shocked and hurriedly carried him to a wooden bed.
Guo Yuanzhen pinched Chen Ziang's body with his thumb for a while, and Chen Ziang slowly woke up.
Seeing the concerned eyes of the two people, he opened his mouth to speak, but then he was startled.
If he told the situation to two people, it would only harm them, so he kept his mouth shut.
Wang Xiaojie said impatiently: "Oh! You should tell me quickly. Even if we can't help you, it's okay to listen, right?"
Chen Ziang remained silent and did not answer.
Guo Yuanzhen stared at him for a moment, as if checking his true thoughts.
After a long while, he said: "Brother Chen, I can tell that the problem you encountered is very difficult. You are afraid of hurting us, so you don't want to speak out, right?"
Chen Ziang's cheeks were red and his expression was excited.
Guo Yuanzhen knew that he had guessed correctly and said again:
"Although our abilities are limited, we can ask General Hou for help. He has always been interested in the three of us. As long as we go to him together, he won't stand still."
Wang Xiaojie shouted: "That's right! Although Hou Heizi usually has a stern face, he is actually a sharp-tongued person and will definitely help!"
Chen Ziang shook his head and said in a hoarse voice: "We cannot harm General Hou."
Guo Yuanzhen was shocked and said tentatively: "Then you can go to General Han. He always cares about the reserve camp the most."
Chen Ziang still shook his head.
Wang Xiaojie shouted: "What kind of trouble did you get into? Although General Han is only the lieutenant general, he is the commander's confidant. Even he can't help you?"
Guo Yuanzhen touched the bridge of his nose and said with a wry smile: "Brother Chen, could it be that the commander asked you to leave?"
Chen Ziang was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.
Guo Yuanzhen's eyes lit up and he said: "Then why don't you go to the marshal? As long as you express your ambitions, the marshal may not help you!"
Chen Ziang said: "Can't..."
Wang Xiaojie said loudly: "Fart, are there any problems in Chang'an City that our commander cannot solve?"
Chen Ziang smiled bitterly and said, "I can't go find him."
Guo Yuanzhen sighed and stopped talking.
Wang Xiaojie said angrily: "I think you are a coward! You are afraid of this and that! You must be afraid of death before you want to leave. Lao Guo, let's go. This kind of coward will only hinder us on the battlefield."
Chen Ziang said angrily: "Who said I'm afraid of death!"
"Then why don't you dare to go to the commander? The most you can do is die. Since you are not even afraid of death, what else is there to be afraid of?"
Chen Ziang was startled and thought to himself: "Yes, since I'm not afraid of death, I might as well confess everything to the King of Zhou!"
With a sudden change of heart, he stood up and said, "I'll go find the commander right now!"
Wang Xiaojie was overjoyed: "This is a good brother, we will accompany you."
The three decided to go find Hou Yanjing first.
Hou Yanjing was originally a general of Zuowuwei Lang. He followed Wu Chengsi in the Battle of Liaodong and was promoted to a general of Zuowuwei Zhonglang.
After the reserve camp was established in the Xitu camp, Wu Chengsi put him in charge of the reserve camp.
The reserve camp is located in the southwest corner of the entire Xitu camp, and Hou Yanjing's camp is located in the northeast of the reserve camp.
When the three of them arrived at the tent, they saw Hou Yanjing eating noodles in the tent.
He glared at the three of them and said with a straight face: "You three are not going to train, so what are you doing here? If you complain about the bad food again, get out of here!"
Wang Xiaojie grinned and said: "No way, we have all heard that the national treasury is in trouble, and there is nothing we can do to save money!"
Hou Yanjing snorted, looked at the three of them sideways, and said, "Then what are you doing here? If you have something to say, say it quickly, and if you have anything to say, let it go!"
Wang Xiaojie said: "General Hou, the three of us have something to ask of you today."
Hou Yanjing stuffed the dough into his mouth in a few mouthfuls and said angrily: "I knew something was wrong. But first of all, if you come to me to complain or want to transfer to the regular army in advance, then there is no need to say anything!"
Guo Yuanzhen said in a deep voice: "No, the three of us want to see the commander-in-chief."
Hou Yanjing stood up abruptly, walked up to the three of them, and said in a deep voice: "Why do you want to meet the commander?"
Chen Ziang said: "I want to see the commander-in-chief. I have something important to report to the commander-in-chief."
Hou Yanjing knew that Chen Ziang had served as an official under King Pei and had a good reputation in Chang'an City, so he was always polite to him.
"I can pass the message for you, but I can't guarantee whether the commander will see you or not."
The three of them raised their hands together and said, "Thank you, General Hou!"
"Okay, come with me quickly. The commander may have returned to the city by this time. Let's go there and try our luck."
The three of them followed Hou Yanjing and walked all the way towards the Chinese army camp.
When he arrived outside the commander's tent, he inquired and learned that Wu Chengsi had not left the camp yet.
Hou Yanjing asked the three of them to wait outside, and after announcing the situation, he entered the camp alone.
There were only two people in the tent. Wu Chengsi was sitting behind the handsome desk, lowering his head and writing something. Feng Wu was sitting by the brazier, holding a pineapple with a dagger and roasting it on the brazier.
"General Hou, do you have anything to do with me?" Wu Chengsi put down his pen and raised his head and asked.
Hou Yanjing said: "Commander, Chen Zi'ang from the reserve camp wants to see you and says he has something important to report to you."
Wu Chengsi was secretly shocked. Chen Ziang was a spy sent by Wu Mei. Why did he suddenly ask to see him?
"Let him in."
Not long after, Chen Ziang entered the handsome tent.
Every time Wu Chengsi saw this person in the past, he always had a smile on his face. When they met today, he found that his face was pale, his expression was uneasy, and he seemed very uneasy inside.
Wu Chengsi thought: "My aunt's relationship with me has been getting better and better recently. If he wouldn't do anything detrimental to me, why does he look like this?"
Asked: "Chen Zi'ang, what do you want from me?"
Chen Ziang gritted his teeth, knelt on the ground and said, "His Royal Highness King Zhou, I...I..." took a deep breath and said, "I'm here to apologize to you!"
"What's the crime?"
Chen Ziang was heart-broken and said, "I...I actually entered the Xidian camp under the order of Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother."
After saying that, he kowtowed to the ground, his heart pounding.
Wu Chengsi stared at him silently, and after a long time, he slowly said: "I have known this for a long time."
Chen Ziang raised his head suddenly and said in shock: "You know?"
Wu Chengsi did not explain, but raised his eyebrows and said: "What I want to know now is why you took the initiative to tell me this matter? Is it an order from the Queen Mother?"
Chen Ziang said anxiously: "No, no, Her Majesty the Queen Mother ordered me to leave the military camp. I...I want to stay in the military camp and follow you to the battlefield to kill the enemy! So...so..."
Wu Chengsi secretly thought that Wu Mei took the initiative to let Chen Ziang leave because he was afraid that he would find out Chen Ziang's identity and affect the relationship between the two!
Then I thought: "Of course this is because I rescued her some time ago and restored her trust in me. It is also because I hold military power and she needs my support."
He had always had a clear understanding of Wu Zetian and knew that every word and deed she said had a political purpose.
Looking at Chen Ziang at the bottom of the stairs, he sighed secretly.
"Chen Zi'ang, since you are the Queen Mother's son, you should know her temper. Even if I help you plead for mercy, she may agree for a while, but she will never forgive you for your betrayal!"
Chen Ziang's face turned pale and he said: "I understand, but as long as I have a chance, I want to try it. At worst, I will be killed by you or the Queen Mother, it is better than continuing to live in the conspiracy!"
Wu Chengsi nodded secretly and said:
"I like that you have this kind of consciousness. Well, you go back first, and I will think of a way to allow you to stay in the military camp without offending the Queen Mother."
Chen Ziang was overjoyed and kowtowed heavily: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"
He raised his head and said: "The Queen Mother asked me to leave the military camp today. Then I will go back to the city first and wait for your news in the city!"
"No! If you leave now, it will be troublesome to bring you back. Just let me think about it. By the way, stop kneeling and get up."
Chen Ziang stood up and looked at Wu Chengsi pacing back and forth in the tent, his eyes following his figure.
After a long while, Wu Chengsi stopped and said slowly: "Please tell me in detail about today's meeting with the Queen Mother."
Chen Ziang agreed and told everything about today without hesitation.
At the end, he added: "Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother secretly has a huge internal bodyguard of spies, led by an old palace maid, and I am one of the spies."
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "You go back to the camp now. Before you leave the camp, write a strategy for fighting against the Tubo Kingdom and give it to Hou Yanjing. The rest will be left to me."
Chen Ziang said loudly: "Yes! I will write this policy carefully!"
Wu Chengsi smiled slightly and said: "Go."
Shortly after Chen Ziang left, Wu Youji hurried to the commander's tent, his face full of excitement.
"Second brother, that fire...the artillery is so powerful. It is incredible that it can shoot the iron ball so far!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said, "Have you also visited Shenhuo Camp?"
Wu Youji complained: "You only took Han Cheng and Russell to see it in the afternoon, and you didn't take me. I had to go and see it myself."
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "You don't belong to the Xitu Camp. I have to wait a long time to inform you. How can I take you there?"
Wu You said: "Then you should quickly transfer me to the Xitu Camp. I don't want to stay in Jinwu Guard anymore!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "There is a general vacancy in the Youjinwu Guard. Originally, I wanted to recommend you to the post. Since you want to go west to attack the camp, let's forget it."
Wu Youji was not fooled and hummed:
"Second brother, don't think I don't know. You have recently planned to set up eight general positions in the Xidu Camp. I want to be the general of the Xidu Army, not the general of the Jinwu Guard!"
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and said solemnly:
"Lao Wu, the current situation in the court is unstable, and the Jinwu Guard is far more important than the Western Army. Especially the Youjinwu Guard, I haven't fully controlled it yet. You can't leave at this time."
Wu Youji was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said: "I understand, I understand, you are worried about King Yin!"
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "He has just entered Jinwu Guard and has no foundation. We cannot give him time to establish himself in Jinwu Guard."
Wu Youji raised his head and said, "Second brother, I promise you, but you have to let all the old men under me come with me."
"That's natural, I will upgrade each of them to one level!"
Wu Youji smiled and said: "When I went to Youjinwu Guard, I must have eliminated that boy Li Dan!"
It was already halfway through Youshi, and the two of them returned to Chang'an City together.
Along the way, Wu Chengsi asked about Wu You and the situation in Liaodong.
Some time ago, Wu Chengsi sent him to Liaodong to inspect the situation in Liaodong governed by Liu Shenli and Pei Xingjian.
Wu Youji said: "General Pei has wiped out all local forces in the Andong Protectorate! I have visited incognito, and people's livelihood everywhere is recovering."
"He also used highly respected local people to assist the court officials in governing the place. He even personally visited a famous Confucian scholar in Goryeo and invited him to come out and assume an important position."
Wu Chengsi nodded and asked, "Where is Liu Shenli?"
"It didn't go well for him. Because there were many Tang people who migrated there, the Khitans often clashed with the Tang people, and the local officials were all very busy."
Wu Chengsi thought: "Liu Shenli is a military general after all. He is not as good as Pei Xingjian in both civil and military affairs. Letting him manage the Khitan people may not be his specialty."
But then I thought about it, it’s only been a year, and it’s not easy to get results quickly.
And there is no better candidate at hand, so it is better to observe for a while.
"What are the recent developments in the countries surrounding Liaodong?"
"The Shiwei people have had some bad blood with the Xi people recently, and small conflicts often break out between the two sides. There is no movement from the Turks. General Pei said that the Turks are further integrating themselves."
Wu Chengsi nodded. The Turks should now try their best to survive without taking the initiative to stir up trouble, and secretly regain their strength.
As long as there is a change in the Tang Dynasty, we will take the opportunity to break away from the Tang Dynasty and become independent!"
Wu Youji continued: "Zorong of Mo Brown has been making great moves recently. He has annexed many small tribes around him and has the momentum to unify Mo Brown. General Pei said that Zuorong is very ambitious and needs to be on guard."
Wu Chengsi said: "I remember that there are two other major tribes in Mo Brown, one is called Bodu tribe and the other is called Baishan tribe. Both of them are at odds with Zuorong."
Wu Youji smiled and said: "Second brother, you and General Pei thought of going together. He said that the leaders of the two groups had come to him, hoping that the Tang Dynasty would stop Zuorong from annexing the surrounding small tribes."
"What did General Pei say?"
"He said that the imperial court could send a special envoy to Zuorong to ask him to stop his expansion. Zuorong will definitely refuse, and then the imperial court will stop all support for him and support the other two Mo Brown tribes!"
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "I will go find my aunt tomorrow and send a special envoy to Mo Brown."
Wu Youji's face suddenly became solemn and he said: "Second brother, before I left Liaodong, General Pei asked me to do something. I just left the military camp to help him deal with this matter."
"What's the matter?"
"It's about Goryeo. In the past six months, Silla has been attacking Goryeo. Originally, the Goryeo army could still hold on under the leadership of Le Bo.
But starting from October, General Liu Renyuan sent people to remind General Pei that the Japanese had formed an alliance with Silla again.
Sure enough, on October 5th, 100,000 Silla and Japanese allied forces attacked Cheorwon Fortress. Loeb led 50,000 Korean troops to defend for a month. In the end, Cheorwon Fortress was breached, and Loeb led more than 10,000 remaining troops to retreat.
Mother City'."
Wu Chengsi's heart trembled and he asked, "The Koreans can't stand it anymore?"
"General Pei predicts that if our government does not intervene, the entire Goryeo will fall into the hands of Silla within half a year!"
Wu Chengsi frowned: "Only half a year?"
"Yes! General Pei said that it would take at least one year for him to be ready for war, so he sent an emergency report to the Ministry of War, hoping that the imperial court would come up with countermeasures as soon as possible."
He snorted and said coldly: "But the Ministry of War has not given any countermeasures for a long time. He was very worried and sent several more reports, but there was still no reply from the Ministry of War."
Wu Chengsi thought about the time, and Pei Xingjian sent a report to announce the time. The ceremony had just ended, and the Ministry of War should be able to handle it.
Then he asked: "Then when you went to the Ministry of War to inquire, what did they say?"
"They are full of excuses. Le Shangshu said that he has ordered several officials from the Ministry of War to draft a plan, but the Ministry of War has been too busy recently, and those officials have not had time to finalize it."
Wu Chengsi said in a deep voice: "Go to the Ministry of War tomorrow and ask Le Shangshu to change someone to handle this matter. A solution must be come up within three days! It turns out that several officials asked him to handle it."
Wu Youji said with a cold face: "Second brother, it's hard to escape the blame for Lesihui!"
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and said slowly: "Now that the new emperor has just succeeded to the throne, the government is unstable and it is not appropriate to deal with ministers. Please note this in advance."