Under Bai Yutian's order and persistence, Zhang Ci led 80,000 people to rescue Xiao Li.
At the beginning, there were a total of 200,000 soldiers in Xishengzhou City. Bai Yutian was very confident and prepared to contain the Shanu Kingdom army in Xishengzhou.
But now, they have suffered two defeats in succession. At this time, there are only 20,000 people left in Xishengzhou City.
"Chu Xue, I'm a little worried." Bai Yutian said to Zhao Chuxue in the main hall.
At this time, there were only two people in the hall, Bai Yutian and Zhao Chuxue.
Bai Yutian asked everyone to go out, except Zhao Chuxue.
Zhao Chuxue, Dian Wei, Xiao Li, Jing Ling, etc. are all people whom Bai Yutian can trust absolutely.
But now, except Zhao Chuxue, no one is around.
"Chuxue doesn't understand military politics, but I will always believe in Your Majesty." Zhao Chuxue said with clasped fists.
She admires and trusts Bai Yutian from the bottom of her heart.
"Besides, it's not a desperate situation now." Zhao Chuxue added, "As long as Jing Ling can capture Jie Yu, we can turn defeat into victory."
Zhao Chuxue was right. The key now is how they can survive the remaining days.
There are currently only 20,000 defenders in Xishengzhou City, and Shanu Kingdom may attack the city at some point.
"There should be a traitor among us." Bai Yutian said in a deep voice.
Zhao Chuxue raised her head with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Xiao Li's military skills are superb. He leads an army of 80,000 people. Even if he is attacked by a surprise attack, he will never suffer such heavy casualties."
The enemy could only have an army of 120,000 to 30,000 at most, and judging from the loss of Xinhuantuo, the number of the army of Shanu that attacked Xiao Li might be even smaller, that is, an army of about 100,000.
The difference in numbers between the two sides was not very large, and Xiao Li was not even able to resist.
"Furthermore, when Xiao Li leads his troops, he will never take unfavorable terrain unless necessary so that the enemy can be easily defeated."
Bai Yutian made a lot of preparations, but he was not prepared for such a disastrous defeat by Xiao Li.
Taking ten thousand steps back, even if Xiao Li failed, it would never be possible for him to suffer such heavy losses.
"I even suspect that they have even grasped Jing Ling's movements. That is the most terrifying thing."
Bai Yutian finally said what he didn't dare to say just now.
The current situation is very dangerous, but as long as Jing Ling's mission is successful, they can turn defeat into victory, so Bai Yutian doesn't want to bring up this matter to damage morale.
Zhao Chuxue was shocked. Jing Ling only led two thousand soldiers and relied on being unaware of them. Once discovered, they would escape death.
"Your Majesty, are there any doubters already?" Zhao Chuxue asked.
Bai Yutian shook his head, "Except for you, Dian Wei, Jing Ling, and Xiao Li, I have doubts about everyone."
"Now that An Chuhe is dead, he is no longer suspected. I don't know who the remaining people are."
An Chuhe was a general, second only to Xiao Li in status. He was the highest general killed in the Zhenxi Army since its establishment.
In the Zhou Dynasty, the highest position of a military commander was that of the Grand Governor or Marshal, who could command a military camp. Below them were generals such as Deputy Governor, Grand General, Full General, and Side General.
Except for An Lan Yingyao, all previous resolutions were attended by at least generals above the rank of general.
These people have all participated in the war against Shanu Kingdom and can be trusted. Moreover, Dianwei has also investigated them and found that there is nothing unusual about them.
If these people are not traitors, could it be An Lan Yingyao?
However, they have no way to investigate now.
Zhao Chuxue frowned in thought and suddenly said: "Your Majesty, if I think about it carefully, I remember something."
"What's up?"
"After we had a meeting that night, I went out and saw Zhao Zhen. He was smiling foolishly in the direction of the Great Zhou Kingdom. His eyes were empty, as if his soul had been drained out."
"When I went to call him, he quickly recovered and said he was distracted just now. Since he didn't find anything, I didn't pay attention."
After hearing Zhao Chuxue's words, Bai Yutian couldn't help but frown and began to analyze.
"By the way, Zhao Zhen is from Qizhou City. He seems to be the Zhao family in Qizhou City." Bai Yutian suddenly remembered and said.
Zhao Zhen was originally the deputy governor of the Shenji Camp, and was promoted by Bai Yutian. He originally helped Bai Yutian control the Shenji Camp.
But later, due to serious problems in Shanu Kingdom, Bai Yutian had to send Zhao Zhen out.
And Zhao Zhen is not from Tailin City, but from Qizhou City.
The Zhao family in Qizhou City is the original family of Zhao Zhen.
Bai Yutian had almost uprooted the Zhao family due to Han Tie's case. The family fell apart and was reduced to the second or third-rate aristocratic family in Qizhou City.
There are many aristocratic families in the Great Zhou Dynasty, some of them are nobles who were enfeoffed in the past, such as the Gu family, the Qiao family, etc., and some are local powerful or powerful families passed down from generation to generation, such as the Lin family.
The Zhao family was originally very powerful and was in charge of the Han Iron Mine of the imperial court. As a result, it can now only be regarded as a second- or third-rate family.
"Could Zhao Zhen betray Zhou and become a traitor because of these things?" Bai Yutian murmured to himself.
He remembered the first time he conquered the Shannu Kingdom, Zhao Zhen took the initiative to volunteer and was willing to enter the rear of the Shannu army to cut off the food route, laying the foundation for their victory.
In the recent war, Zhao Zhen, together with Yu Liang and An Lan Yingyao, killed Shi Chen.
Could this person be a traitor?
"Chu Xue, send a message to Zhang Ci and tell them to be careful about Zhao Zhen." Bai Yutian ordered.
Zhao Chuxue answered loudly, but when she was about to walk out, she was stopped by Bai Yutian.
"I asked you to stay alone, so naturally I have something to tell you."
Bai Yutian walked to Zhao Chuxue and patted her shoulder.
"In the coming time, I will personally direct the battle."
"If anything happens to me, you must try your best to break out. After returning to Tailin City, you will make the queen's child the crown prince and rule the Great Zhou Dynasty in the future."
Bai Yutian took out a piece of jade seal from his body and handed it to Zhao Chuxue. This was the jade seal passed down from generation to generation by the emperors of the Zhou Dynasty. When he was in Xiangcheng, Bai Yutian used the yellow robe and the jade seal to prove his identity.
Holding the jade seal, Zhao Chuxue is equivalent to possessing Bai Yutian's token, and can pass on Bai Yutian's news from generation to generation.
"Your Majesty, even if Chuxue fights to the death, he will ensure that Your Majesty leaves safely." Zhao Chuxue looked a little panicked and quickly knelt down and said.
Bai Yutian's tone made her a little panicked. Zhao Chuxue had not been with Bai Yutian for a long time, but she had been completely impressed by Bai Yutian and was completely loyal to Bai Yutian.
She did not take the jade seal, but escorted Bai Yutian away on the promise of her life.
"This is an order. Don't you all listen to me?" Bai Yutian scolded angrily.
Seeing this, Zhao Chuxue had no choice but to take the jade seal.