272 Public opinion and the only way to repay the king's kindness is to fight to the death
Perhaps it is precisely because of this that Xiao Tianzuo has a detached mentality, and he fully understands the principle of "the rabbit will die and the dog will be cooked".
After Da Qian unified the world, he sealed the country with a gold seal and left without saying goodbye.
Xiao Tianzuo's life is very embarrassing now.
This is not because of the major disasters this year, but it has always been the case.
Obviously, this military general is not good at making money.
He is very honest and never embezzles money; he is also very honest and never forms parties for personal gain.
Therefore, after losing his official position, he was not rich.
When Zhao Lingfeng found Xiao Tianzuo for the first time, he bluntly said that he wanted to ask him to come out of the mountain, go south to put down the rebellion of the feudal lord, and go north to resist the invasion of the Jin Kingdom.
However, Xiao Tianzuo refused.
Zhao Lingfeng did not give up.
Because Zhao Lingfeng knew that in today's world, if there was anyone who could defeat the two vassal kings who had experienced hundreds of battles and the tiger and wolf warriors under them, it would be this person in front of him.
…
…
In the south, the war between the vassal king and Da Gan was already in dire straits, with Da Gan losing several battles in a row.
In the north, the 800,000-strong army of the Jin people fought fiercely with the Zhenbei Army on the border, vowing to engulf the Central Plains.
War breaks out all over the world.
The Zhenbei secret guards learned a lot of information from it and guided the trend of public opinion——
Nowadays, the Daqian court only focuses on the civil war with the southern vassals, but completely ignores the invasion of foreign enemies from the north.
Only the King of Zhenbei used his power to resist the southern invasion of the entire Jin Kingdom.
People's hearts are gradually turning northward.
But the power of the Zhenbei secret guards alone cannot fully maximize public opinion.
Staff member Qingsi began to propose to King Zhenbei——
"Your Majesty, in order to better control public opinion and get more support, Qingsi is going to lobby Jixia Academy."
"...There are all the great Confucian scholars in the world gathered there. Among them, there are many masters of Confucianism and Taoism who can speak the law."
"...Now that the world is in turmoil, Confucianism pays attention to the Central Plains theory, so it is even more important to speak out and contribute to the Zhenbei Army to resist foreign enemies."
King Zhenbei felt that what Qingsi said was reasonable.
He agreed to Qingsi's proposal.
In order to protect Qingsi's safety, he asked Yan Weiyu to accompany Qingsi to Jixia Academy.
Thank you Qingsi.
Then, he set off with Yan Weiyu.
…
After bidding farewell to the teams of Qingsi and Yan Weiyu, King Zhenbei continued to pay attention to the situation in the north.
The land of Hexi.
Yuwen Hu had already assembled his army at Yumen Pass, intending to regain the occupied lands in Hexi.
Under the command of Yu Wenhu, the Daqian army made smooth progress and has successively taken back several state capitals.
On the northern border.
The two armies confront each other.
There are many fights.
In recent years, Wanyan Lingxu has reformed the military system of the Jin Kingdom and promoted many capable generals and confidants.
For a time, even though the Zhenbei Army had many outstanding generals, it was difficult to gain an absolute advantage.
The war continues.
Many border fortresses were breached.
But of course, more northern Xinjiang people fell.
The entire war is currently in a stalemate.
The King of Zhenbei originally planned to use the strong fortifications built over the years on the border to defeat the vigor of the Jin army in northern Xinjiang.
Outside Yanmen Pass, the largest stronghold is a fortress city - Dingbei City.
Taking Dingbeicheng and Yanmen Pass as a line, there are countless fortresses surrounding them.
The border fortresses are extremely strong, and they are like horns to each other. There is also a large army stationed here to control the north. Even if the northerners have the numerical advantage, it is basically impossible to break through.
The northern Xinjiang people's rapid offensive some time ago only captured some border strongholds and fortresses that were originally planned to be abandoned in the strategic plan.
The King of Zhenbei and the generals around him stood in front of the sand table map at the same time.
Zhu Gongqi, the commander-in-chief of the army, pointed at the sand table and analyzed to King Zhenbei——
"Your Majesty, judging from the above analysis, the decisive battle between us and the Northern Xinjiang people should be in Dingbeicheng."
"Right now, General Yan and his son Yan Xiao are leading their troops to garrison Dingbei City. Dingbei City is tall, has sufficient troops, and is impregnable."
"...Think about it, when the Jin army really breaks through all the border fortresses and reaches the foot of Dingbei City, they will definitely be able to look at the city and sigh."
The other generals also agreed with Zhu Gongqi's speech.
They all planned to defeat hundreds of thousands of Huqi from the Jin Kingdom in Northern Xinjiang under Dingbei City.
King Zhenbei quietly stared at the layout of the enemy and our military forces on the sand table map.
He only felt that it was impossible for Wanyan Lingxu to fight exactly according to the predictions of his general.
Because, if her intentions could be guessed by others, she would not be Wanyan Lingxu.
While he was thinking, suddenly a military sentry cavalry shouted an urgent report from outside the camp.
The faces of the generals suddenly became serious.
Zhu Gongqi stepped forward directly to receive the urgent report from the sentry rider...
It was a letter written in blood, and it didn't even have time to be sealed with an envelope. It looked like it was written on white cloth with a bitten finger.
Zhu Gongqi took it over and before he presented it to King Zhenbei, he saw the handwriting and his expression changed drastically.
"Your Majesty! Dingbeicheng..."
Zhu Gongqi looked at King Zhenbei, his expression was distorted, a little frightened and unbelievable.
Finally, Zhu Gongqi looked around and quietly approached King Zhenbei.
He retreated from the generals, swallowed, made great determination, and then continued in a low voice: "...Your Majesty, Dingbei City has been lost."
"Old General Yan Tiange was defeated and died."
As Zhu Gongqi spoke, he presented the blood letter to King Zhenbei with both hands.
That was written by Yan Tiange at the last critical moment. There is only one sentence -
[Dingbei City is destroyed, and the general is incompetent, so he can only fight to the death to repay the king's favor.]
King Zhenbei's always stern and solemn face suddenly changed for a moment when he saw the blood book.
But then, King Zhenbei calmed down again.
He did not intend to hide the news from the generals in the tent, but directly informed everyone of the news that "Dingbei City was destroyed and Yan Tiange was defeated and killed."
After he finished speaking, all the generals present were silent.
Of course, King Zhenbei knew that Yan Tiange was one of the most senior generals in the army, and his death would definitely have a huge impact on the morale of the army.
But it is absolutely impossible to hide this kind of news at this time.
Moreover, the defense system outside Yanmen Pass in the north is centered on Dingbeicheng.
Dingbeicheng was lost, and the remaining fortresses were like isolated islands.
"Wanyan Lingxu, she deliberately launched a large-scale attack on the border fortress to create the illusion of a steady attack. In fact, she secretly took a risk and took Dingbeicheng directly."
"...However, Dingbei City is far away from the core of the major fortresses, and General Yan personally leads the Zhenbei sergeants to garrison it."
"...How did Wanyan Lingxu capture Dingbei City?"
King Zhenbei had constant questions in his heart.
But he knew that Dingbeicheng's status was of vital importance.
Without it, the entire fortress outside Yanmen Pass will be useless, and the troops stationed there will be dead.
Therefore, it must be taken back immediately!
Without any time to delay, King Zhenbei immediately ordered -
"Make food at the third watch and set out at the fifth watch."
"...I will personally lead the army to recapture Dingbei City! Revenge for General Yan!"
…
The soldiers were very quick and the army marched out overnight.
On their way north, King Zhenbei's army met Yan Xiao, the son of Yan Tiange.
He was originally stationed in Dingbeicheng with Yan Tiange, but now he was leading the defeated army to Yanmen Pass.
Judging from Yan Xiao's appearance, he had gone through a bloody battle. His helmet was missing, his bun was messy, his scarlet cloak was broken, and his armor had many knife marks.
When he met Wang Jia, he knelt down and apologized with tears -
"The final general is incompetent. He and his father failed to guard Dingbei City, and Dingbei City was lost!"
"...The reason why the general is still alive is just to use his sinful body to bring the remaining brothers back."
"...Now that I can see the king, I am willing to die!"
Yan Xiao burst into tears and burst into tears.
The troops he led back behind him also knelt down to apologize.
The King of Zhenbei rides proudly on a war horse, wearing a large and thick black python suit, making him look calm and intimidating.
He looked at Yan Xiao and asked calmly——
"What exactly is going on in Dingbeicheng?"
King Zhenbei's words did not contain any rebuke, he just asked quietly.
"It's Wanyan Lingxu!"
Yan Xiao immediately raised his head and continued to answer——
"Wanyan Lingxu personally led the army. I don't know what method he used, but he quietly bypassed the border front line and appeared outside Dingbei City like a ghost."
"...There are spies from Northern Xinjiang in Dingbei City. They open the city gate at night and lure people from Northern Xinjiang into the city."
"...My father led his army into a fierce battle with the Northern Xinjiang people who were several times his own. He was exhausted and defeated, and died at the hands of Wanyan Lingxu."
Yan Xiao couldn't help but burst into tears again as he spoke.
When the King of Zhenbei heard this, he was silent for a moment and then got off his horse.
He patted Yan Xiao on the shoulder without saying anything more or blaming him.
"General Yan's remaining army will be led by you, Yan Xiao."
"...You go north with me to avenge the old general and your father."
After the king of Zhenbei said this, he mounted his horse again and led the army northward.
Yan Xiao was stunned on the spot. After getting up, he quickly regained his energy and led the army back to the team.
The king of Zhenbei stood on a high place and overlooked the march of the army.
He suddenly thought——
"General Yan, who was also a first-rate general in the Zhenbei Army, died at the hands of Wanyan Lingxu."
"Back then, the murderous and warlike King Donghu also died at the hands of Wanyan Lingxu."
"...Thinking about it this way, Wanyan Lingxu is probably stronger than before. I just don't know how strong he will be."
King Zhenbei led the army northward.
On the way to Dingbeicheng quickly, another military report came——
"General Longxiang, led the Longxiang Battalion to attack in a roundabout way, defeated the Northern Xinjiang West Route Army, personally beheaded the head of Tuoba Wei, the king of the Northern Xinjiang West Branch, and presented it to the king!"
He is a soldier of Li Mieling's Longxiang camp.
King Zhenbei was riding on a war horse, his voice maintained the majesty that a king should have, and he spoke in a slow tone——
"He bravely conquered the three armies and recorded his first meritorious service. He conferred Longxiang General Li Mieling as the Champion Marquis and granted him the title of Ten Thousand Households."
"Also, pass Tuoba Wei's head to the three armies."
After saying this, a knight picked up Tuoba Wei's head with a spear and galloped on horseback, shouting the king's order and announcing to the three armies.
The King of Zhenbei hoped to boost morale in this way.
At the same time, I hope that the death of Yan Tiange will turn into a mourning force and use the fastest and most violent attack to recapture Dingbei City.
…
Dingbei City is a military city, located outside the traditional farming land. Except for the garrison and the traveling caravans, there are basically no residents.
Next to countless corpses.
People in northern Xinjiang are celebrating enthusiastically with liquor, food, and bonfires.
Celebrating the most milestone victory in so many years.
The city of Dingbei is destroyed, and the journey south to the north is just around the corner.
The Northern Xinjiang army, which was already blindly following the Queen Mother, was now even more determined and their morale was high.
Wanyan Lingxu, on the other hand, is not so leisurely and relaxed.
She had already learned about the death and defeat of Tuoba Wei, the Khan of the Western Academy.
Wanyan Lingxu climbed up and stood in front of the city tower.
She was wearing a Northern Xinjiang gemstone armor, looking down at this uncanny military city, it really looked like a fortress castle armed to the teeth.
Come to think of it, if it hadn't been for a late-night surprise attack and the internal fraud to open the city gate, and capture such a strong city, there would have been a river of blood.
"Queen Mother, are you worried?"
Wanyanfen, the king of the South Courtyard, appeared, and he followed Wanyan Lingxu to capture the city.
Wanyan Lingxu glanced at the South Campus King and said slowly——
"I heard that Yanbei City is the most fortified city in the world. The Dingbei City in front of me is just an unknown city."
"...But such an unknown city is already so daunting. So, I don't know how long our Jin army will have to fight against Yanmen Pass, Yanbei City, and even Jinling City."
When Wan Yanfen heard this, he explained very patiently: "Although there are many cities in the Central Plains, they are just imaginary numbers."
"... Just like capturing Dingbei City, many fortresses on the northern border will be isolated and helpless."
"...As long as Yanbei City, the core of the Northland, is captured, the Northland will definitely be in chaos. By then, the other cities will not be able to hold on for long, so there is no need to worry about the failure of the big thing."
Wan Yanfen said.
In fact, most of his remarks were based on Wanyan Lingxu's meaning.
Even he himself was surprised that he had always been dissatisfied with Wanyan Lingxu in the past.
But since the last time the wolf clan Shen Yupei pretended to be himself and failed to invade the Jin Kingdom, Wan Yanfen began to gradually realize the terrifying power of the woman in front of him.
No wonder Wanyan Lie would obey this woman's instructions so much.
Because basically at every decision-making moment, this woman made the right choice.
Wan Yanfen thought - maybe she is really the reincarnation of the legendary female war goddess from Northern Xinjiang.
He is the being who is destined to lead the Jin Kingdom southward to the Central Plains.
"I'm very happy when you say that." Wanyan Lingxu felt the evening breeze on the tower. She smiled slightly and continued to ask: "...how is the relationship between us and Lu Minghui?"
Wan Yanfen lowered his head slightly when he heard the words and responded respectfully——
"To the Queen Mother, Lu Minghui reported last time that he had convinced the descendants of the underground demons to come out of the ground and attack Yanbei City."
"Well. Then we will attract as much power as possible under King Zhenbei here and stay away from Yanbei."
Wanyan Lingxu said to herself.
Suddenly, she changed the topic, "...Wan Yanfen, when do you think King Zhenbei will come here?"
Wan Yanfen thought for a while and replied: "Soon."
"...Maybe it will take seven days, maybe it will take five days."
"If you want me to tell you."
Wanyan Lingxu speculated, she clenched her fist slightly, "I guess... it will be tomorrow!"