273 The First Battle of Dingbei City and the Great General of Soldiers and Horses
The next day.
Morning light.
Less than twenty-four hours after the fall of Dingbeicheng.
The Zhenbei army, commanded by the King of Zhenbei, had already appeared outside the city.
This kind of marching speed is unique in the world.
Even the bloodstains of the tragic and fierce battle on Dingbei City the night before can still be clearly seen now.
The army in Zhenbei was about to set up camp on the spot and encircle the city.
What was unexpected was that the Northern Xinjiang army suddenly came out of the city to fight.
But it is true.
The people of Northern Xinjiang are not good at defending the city, and they have never had the concept of defense in their minds.
They are confident in their nation on horseback.
They are arrogant that any enemy in the world will be wiped out under the iron hooves of their galloping horses.
It is indeed not a good idea to let a large number of Northern Xinjiang warriors dismount and defend the city.
Take the initiative to attack while the enemy is not yet firmly established.
It can also be regarded as a strategy that is very suitable for the Huqi in Northern Xinjiang.
This is naturally a dream for the Zhenbei Army.
In just a few days, several border fortresses in the north have changed owners and fallen into the hands of the Jin Kingdom in Northern Xinjiang.
There is already a long and smooth road between the Jin army and Dingbeicheng.
If the siege of the city really begins, perhaps the Zhenbei Army will still need to face the enemy's constant arrival of large amounts of backup.
Leaving everything to this city to fight is a good thing to cut through the mess quickly.
…
…
The siege expected by the senior generals of the Zhenbei Army did not begin.
With the sound of the trumpet in Northern Xinjiang, the Jin army had already launched its first rapid attack.
The Zhenbei Army also immediately formed a formation to fight back.
A fierce and fierce battle broke out between the two sides.
In the midst of a fierce battle.
Various generals from the two armies took turns taking part in the battle.
Fierce fighting continued.
The king of Zhenbei rode on horseback and stood under the banner of the Chinese army. He saw Wanyan Lingxu defeating many generals of the Zhenbei army.
King Zhenbei really did not expect that the Queen Mother in front of him was really as invincible as the legendary female war goddess.
Obviously, I underestimated the other party.
But, similarly, the other party also underestimated himself.
When King Zhenbei picked up his spear and decided to take action, the situation on the battlefield became clear instantly.
Hu generals were defeated and died one after another.
The Jin army couldn't avoid it.
Wanyan Lingxu had no intention of fighting, and she quickly ordered the withdrawal.
Dingbeicheng was recaptured by the Zhenbei Army.
This is a good thing.
But when Zhenbei's army entered the city, it was discovered that most of the archery towers on the walls of Dingbei City had been destroyed.
Some city walls even suffered huge collapses that were difficult to repair in a short period of time.
The ordnance and grain stores in the city's warehouses were all looted.
There was no trace of burning, it had been completely emptied.
Very strange.
The space for receiving the ring is extremely limited.
Other mechanisms related to the space system will definitely not be able to take away so many things.
King Zhenbei was thinking, how did Wanyan Lingxu take away so many things in a short period of time?
I couldn't think of an answer at the moment.
However, Dingbeicheng cannot be discarded casually.
Otherwise, a large number of territories and fortresses outside Yanmen Pass will lose their strategic significance.
King Zhenbei ordered an inspection of the city to be on guard against possible secret passages left by the enemy.
At the same time, orders were given to repair the city wall and arrow tower.
But the army has not yet had time to officially start repairing the city wall.
It's just that a sentry rider suddenly came to report——
"All armies from the Jin Kingdom in Northern Xinjiang are heading towards Dingbeicheng."
The generals were suddenly stunned.
The King of Zhenbei smiled upon hearing this.
He seemed to understand Wanyan Lingxu's intention...
It seems that the previous analysis of the generals in the army is correct - the place for the decisive battle is right here in Dingbeicheng!
King Zhenbei thought.
He actually made preparations before coming.
The leading generals of the Zhenbei army had received the news as early as the day before yesterday and were heading towards Dingbei City.
The unknown Dingbeicheng is destined to be recorded in the annals of history in the next few days.
…
Northern battlefield.
The two sides in the North began to gradually expand their war strength around Dingbeicheng.
A decisive battle begins.
In the land west of Hexi, Yu Wenhu recovered a lot of lost territory. He became somewhat complacent and even prepared to capture and kill Wanyan Lie.
As for Wanyan Lie, he thought that Jiao Bing's plan was completed and was also preparing to deal with Yu Wenhu.
Southern battlefield.
The allied forces of the vassal kings successively captured the city and fell into the ground. The Dingnan Army and the Pingxi Army have joined forces in Nanzhou. There is only the last barrier to eliminate the state from Jinling.
The situation is extremely critical.
Great work.
Zhao Lingfeng, the prince of the prison country, invited Xiao Tianzuo to come out for the second time.
This time, Zhao Lingfeng came to visit with the seal of the general, a large number of soldiers and horses, and a large sum of money.
Xiao Tianzuo's house is just a thatched house in the mountains. Although it is extremely simple, it does have a mud yard and a homemade fence.
The person who opened the door for Prince Zhao Lingfeng was Xiao Tianzuo's wife.
A rather beautiful and charming woman, nearly middle-aged, dressed simply.
Thinking about it, it must be Mu Ying, the wife of the great general who was a world-famous female general at that time.
This time, faced with Zhao Lingfeng's request to come out, Xiao Tianzuo still refused.
He did not accept any gifts brought by Zhao Lingfeng, and asked his wife Mu Ying to see off the guests, thus "driving" them out in disguise.
Zhao Lingfeng had a headache.
What troubled him even more was the frequent reports of defeats coming from the southern battlefield.
The situation in the north is pretty optimistic now.
But the troops of the southern vassal kings were already heading straight towards Jinling.
However, Zhao Lingfeng was not discouraged.
He is already prepared to visit this place three times.
When Zhao Lingfeng came out of the field and was about to leave, Mu Ying found him privately.
Mu Ying accepted the heavy gifts and also took the general's seal for Xiao Tianzuo.
Zhao Lingfeng was a little stunned.
Mu Ying said bluntly, "A civilian woman will persuade my husband to serve as a military general on behalf of His Royal Highness."
Zhao Lingfeng was stunned for a moment, but he immediately reacted.
"The whole world and all the people in the Central Plains are entrusted to the hands of General Xiao and Mrs. Mu!"
Zhao Lingfeng said and immediately bowed his head.
Mu Ying quickly supported Zhao Lingfeng and said, "This is not for the sake of conquering the world, nor for the people of the Central Plains. This... is just for my husband's unfulfilled wish."
Zhao Lingfeng was a little confused.
But Mu Ying has left.
When Mu Ying returned to those thatched houses with the general's seal, Xiao Tianzuo was working alone in the mud yard.
However, there was no one around, and he was doing farm work, when suddenly...
Use a hatchet as a matching knife,
Using a shoulder pole as a spear,
While dancing with guns and knives, a storm suddenly surged, and everything around seemed to be one with it.
The autumn wind keeps falling leaves, as if there is a whirlwind surrounding it.
When the swords and guns stop, everything will be settled.
Xiao Tianzuo found that he was no longer what he used to be, and he couldn't help but sigh that he was getting old too.
A feeling of loss arose in his heart.
His wife Mu Ying appeared at the right time and stepped forward.
Xiao Tianzuo saw Mu Ying and was slightly shocked when he realized that he had just seen him dancing with a gun.
Back then, the reason why Xiao Tianzuo suddenly retired was not because he was as aloof and could see through everything as outsiders thought.
On the contrary, Xiao Tianzuo wanted to become a general respected by thousands of people since he was a child.
But after meeting Mu Ying, the latter knew that being with a king is like being with a tiger.
Mu Ying hoped that after the world was settled, Xiao Tianzuo could leave the court with her, live in seclusion in the countryside, and live an ordinary life like men farming and women weaving.
but……
Obviously, after decades of extremely dull life, even Mu Ying herself couldn't stand it anymore.
She had never known that farming and weaving was more difficult than fighting on the battlefield.
Mu Ying began to regret that she had dragged Xiao Tianzuo to live in seclusion for the sake of that unrealistic and overly idealistic dream, causing him to lose his life goal.
Now, the world is in chaos again.
Zhao Lingfeng, the Crown Prince of the Supervisory State, personally came twice to invite Xiao Tianzuo to come out of the mountain. She had no reason to let him get trapped in Tianlong anymore.
Mu Ying looked at Xiao Tianzuo, and she finally broke the silence and said -
"For me, you gave up your position as a general, gave up your title as a prince, and lived such a hard and impoverished life. Have you never regretted it?"
"I...as long as you are here, I will never regret it." Xiao Tianzuo said firmly.
"But..." Mu Ying's eyes flashed with tears when she heard this.
She suddenly stepped forward to hug him and cried loudly: "...But, I regret it!"
Xiao Tianzuo was stunned on the spot for a moment.
…
When Zhao Lingfeng, the Crown Prince of the Supervisory State, came to visit for the third time, Xiao Tianzuo and Mu Ying were no longer dressed in tattered clothes, but had once again put on the elegant clothes of the past.
This time, they agreed to Zhao Lingfeng's request to go out.
Mu Ying prepared a fire to burn these thatched houses.
But Xiao Tianzuo suddenly stretched out his hand to stop him and said——
"I still remember your words back then. After peace returns to this world, I am still willing to come back here to farm with you."
Mu Ying was a little stunned.
Then, feeling moved and ashamed, she threw the torch in her hand.
In front of the burning thatched cottage, Mu Ying turned to look at Xiao Tianzuo.
There was vicissitudes of life in her eyes, and she said, "I'm sorry, husband,"
"...I no longer want to be a peasant woman, and I no longer envy the so-called mediocre life."
"...This time, after the world is settled, I want to be the general's wife!"
Xiao Tianzuo was stunned, then smiled.
"Mu Ying, no matter what you want to do, I will be with you."
Prince Zhao Lingfeng and his entourage silently witnessed everything before them.
On the way back to Jinling.
Xiao Tianzuo began to gradually learn from Zhao Lingfeng about Daqian's current remaining military strength——
"Your Highness, I wonder how many Tiangan Army and Earth Kun Army there are now?"
"It's claimed to be full of 40,000 men, but in fact it's only half of it. There are probably less than 10,000 men capable of fighting."
"...Moreover, they have already been engaged in the southern battlefield, with more defeats and fewer wins. The major armies of the border army were all beaten to pieces by the coalition forces of King Pingxi and King Dingnan."
Zhao Lingfeng said, feeling a little guilty.
Xiao Tianzuo rode on the war horse and said nothing for a long time.
Finally, he sighed and said helplessly: "The evil master is treacherous and harming the country."
Zhao Lingfeng asked Xiao Tianzuo what he thought should be done to calm down the current chaos?
Xiao Tianzuo thought for a moment and said -
"In today's world, King Zhenbei's thoughts and intentions are the most important."
"...If King Zhenbei follows the example of King Pingxi and recruits Tibet for aid, and lets the Kingdom of Jin go south, I'm afraid that not only will Daqian be in danger, but the entire Central Plains will fall under the iron heel of the Kingdom of Jin."
Zhao Lingfeng heard this and said: "General, don't worry, the King of Zhenbei will not rebel. He understands the righteousness and is now working for the Central Plains to defend the Jin Dynasty from foreign enemies."
"...I have already issued an edict in the name of the Crown Prince of the Supervisory State and headed to the Northland, promising that I will never reduce the vassal status to the King of Zhenbei."
Xiao Tianzuo looked serious, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent and righteous, but a piece of edict does not necessarily guarantee that the King of Zhenbei will have the right intentions."
"...It is impossible that the coalition of vassal kings in the south did not extend an olive branch to King Zhenbei."
Zhao Lingfeng heard this and murmured: "There are some of them."
After Xiao Tianzuo heard about it, he was not surprised.
Zhao Lingfeng continued, "According to the secret report from the secret door, King Pingxi and King Dingnan made a private agreement with King Zhenbei to divide the world into three parts."
"...As long as King Zhenbei goes south to send troops, the north of the Yangtze River will be ruled by King Zhenbei."
"One third of the world?" Xiao Tianzuo suddenly laughed inexplicably, "...these two southern vassal kings really have such a strong tone."
Zhao Lingfeng was not so relaxed at all.
He looked at Xiao Tianzuo and said deeply: "General, Daqian's fate now rests entirely on you!"
"Your Highness, please rest assured."
"...Old minister, I will definitely work hard until my death."
Xiao Tianzuo said sincerely, but suddenly the topic changed, "But I have one more thing to say, veteran."
"General, it's okay to say so." Zhao Lingfeng handed over his hand.
Xiao Tianzuo continued -
"Although the vassal rebellion is critical, it is not the root cause after all. The real problem lies within Jinling City."
Xiao Tianzuo said and stopped as soon as he clicked.
"...It is useless to say more. After the army is assembled and set off for the expedition, the army's weapons, equipment, supplies and food will all depend on His Highness the Crown Prince!"
"Don't worry, General!" Zhao Lingfeng clasped his fists.
His eyes flashed with determination.
"All the root causes of problems in Jinling City can be left to Lingfeng to deal with."
"...I just hope that the general will return in triumph as soon as possible."
…
The thirty-eighth year of Qianyuan.
The middle of the first lunar month.
The first battle between the Zhenbei Army and the Jin army took place in Dingbei City, and the Zhenbei Army retook Dingbei City.
However, the main armies of the Jin Kingdom soon came back one after another, with the intention of besieging the Zhenbei Army in Dingbei City.
Hexi Yuwenhu once again led his troops to attack, intending to drive Wanyan Lie's partial division out of Daqian territory in one fell swoop, and even planned to encircle and destroy his troops.
Within the same month.
The southern vassal kings allied their forces to attack Jinling's last barrier - Chuzhou.
Xiao Tianzuo, a former military general from the Shangzhu Kingdom, was invited by Zhao Lingfeng, the prince of the Prison Kingdom, to come out again.
Xiao Tianzuo summoned a new army in Jinling. With his legendary reputation many years ago, he quickly gathered more than 30,000 young people with lofty ideals, and retired veterans who had followed Xiao Tianzuo in the past continued to join the new army.
His son Xiao Gu'an, who had been traveling for many years, learned that his father had returned to the mountains and formed a new army in Jinling, so he came thousands of miles to join him.
The southern front was in constant danger.
Early February.
Xiao Tianzuo, his wife Mu Ying, and his son Xiao Gu'an led the newly trained army from Jinling to assist Chuzhou. Along the way, they continued to receive soldiers who had been defeated from all directions on the front line. By the time they reached Chuzhou, they had 70,000 soldiers.