Yuan Xiang mentally slapped himself several times before finally saying, "Since Madam Chang is concerned, I will send someone to contact the brothers in Luoyang City and ask them if they have any news about the Governor."
Chang Sui Ning nodded.
As soon as Yuan Xiang stepped back, Xiao Min came up.
After the two talked about their respective matters as usual, Commander Xiao looked at the soldiers practicing on the deck not far away, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Can Xiao ask Madam Chang a question?"
Chang Suining said "hmm": "Indeed not."
Coach Xiao: "What?"
Chang Suining: “I didn’t have an eyeliner, so I did deceive Coach Xiao.”
"..." Coach Xiao's expression suddenly changed. Although he didn't mean to ask this question, he couldn't help but feel scared when he heard Chang Suining admit it clearly.
Fortunately, Xu Zhengye really left Jiangdu and attacked here. If Xu Zhengye had not come, but he and Chang Sui Ning secretly led their troops out of Huainan Road, once Huainan Road was lost due to lack of troops, that would be
The grave crime of beheading.
Seeing his reaction, Chang Suining couldn't help but ask: "Isn't General Xiao going to ask this?"
"No..." Xiao Min's expression was a bit complicated: "Before coming, Xiao was also vaguely aware of it."
After all, when Mrs. Chang talked about the "eyeliner" at that time, she seemed too impromptu, as if she was throwing out perfunctory words on the spot to stop his mouth and reassure him...
And the improvisational acting skills that General Chang was forced to agree with were actually not very clever.
Chang Sui Ning exclaimed: "General Xiao is really insightful."
Seeing the look of wonder and admiration in the girl's eyes, Xiao Min coughed slightly and almost choked on his own saliva.
He wanted to say, "No," but he heard her praise her very seriously: "The courage is also incomparable."
Faced with this compliment, Xiao Min was not modest. He admitted that he was somewhat courageous and had the ability to recognize people, especially the latter.
Chang Suining smiled at him and said, "Thank you so much, General Xiao, for trusting me and knowing that my words were deceptive, but for being willing to take the risk and lead the troops out of Huainan Road with me."
"It's because Mrs. Chang's past actions are worthy of Xiao's trust and risk." Xiao Min said: "Since General Chang has approved the matter, how can Xiao have any reason to question it?"
General Chang Da has won more battles than he has beaten his son at home.
In front of General Chang Da, he is a younger brother, no, a younger brother among younger brothers, or simply a younger brother among younger brothers.
General Xiao believes that as long as he always recognizes the fact that he is the younger brother among younger brothers and maintains this awareness, he will not make any big mistakes. This is the first-class life experience he has accumulated.
If he follows closely in the footsteps of his predecessors, but still makes a big mistake and capsizes the ship, then that is a matter of bad luck and there is nothing he can do about it. On the bright side, if he had done it himself, perhaps the result would have been even worse?
General Xiao, who is good at introspection, never tries to question or complain about those who are better than him.
Facts have proved that sincerity is very useful, so much so that Chang Sui Ning found out his conscience for a rare moment: "But I still have to apologize to General Xiao. It is always wrong to lie to others."
"But didn't Mrs. Chang give Xiao a huge 'apology'?" Xiao Min said, pointing to the south with a smile.
That is the direction of Xu Zhengye's army.
Nowadays, there are countless accusations from outside, and the imperial court is also holding people accountable. They are blamed for Xu Zhengye leaving Jiangdu and attacking Luoyang.
But it was impossible to imagine those voices of accountability. They had secretly arrived in Bianshui ten days ago and had been waiting for Xu Zhengye here for a long time.
The hurried pursuit behind him was just an illusion to confuse Xu Zhengye and everyone else.
Pursuing him in embarrassment is false, but asking you to put yourself in a urn is true.
Now, in this place where Luoyang's safety is concerned, they are the ones who have the upper hand, not Xu Zhengye.
"This battle has not been decided, so it cannot be used as an apology." Chang Sui Ning said.
Xiao Min smiled and said: "Then we will wait until this battle is won."
"Okay." Chang Sui Ning also smiled: "Then I have to fight and win this battle."
Then he asked: "So, what question does General Xiao want to ask me?"
"Xiao wants to ask... General Chang and Madam Chang ignored the court's repeated urging and insisted on refusing to start a war in Jiangdu, just to wait for Xu Zhengye to come here?"
"yes."
"Xiao, can I ask the reason for doing this?"
Xiao Min can probably guess some of it, but at this moment he wants to hear the complete intention and layout, even if it is just to understand the way of fighting and to discuss and learn.
"There are two reasons." Chang Suining put his hands on the fence and looked at the growing dusk and the soldiers who had finished their training: "Yangzhou and Jiangning have natural barriers as barriers, and our numbers are not enough to guarantee victory.
, if we want to attack by force, even a year and a half may not be able to shake Xu Zhengye’s foundation.”
"If the attack cannot be taken for a long time, the imperial court's face will inevitably suffer, which will only encourage the arrogance of the Xu family's rebellious army. However, those officials who are firmly above the imperial court disdain to listen to the explanation. They will only think that the army is spending a huge amount of money and food, but it is too late.
It is really a big mistake to take it too late and fail to return to Jiangdu, which will bring disgrace to the imperial court."
Xiao Min frowned slightly when he heard this. He knew that this was the truth.
Especially now that the national treasury is empty, those officials have been forced to donate family funds to support the war. Those who have spent money naturally feel that they have more confidence to accuse them.
"More importantly, if we ignore the natural dangers and attack for a year, our soldiers will suffer casualties of at least 30%." Chang Sui Ning said: "There are 170,000 soldiers, and 30% means 50,000 lives."
She looked at the soldiers who were returning to the cabin one after another after the training, and said: "As soldiers, they can die, but they must not die in vain, and it is best not to die."
They were not her soldiers. They belonged to the imperial court and the empress. But now that she was their chief instructor, she could not risk their lives to fight an "uneconomical" war.
Xiao Min was a little stunned for a moment.
He had thought about many reasons for the Chang family's father and daughter to plan like this, and he had guessed all the military strategies he could think of. However, all the unpredictable military strategies suddenly became overshadowed by this sentence at this moment -
You can die, but you can't die in vain. It's better not to die.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Once this battle starts, there will be no possibility of stopping the two sides. It will be difficult for Xu Zhengye to leave Jiangdu by then, so the fight must not start before." Chang Suining continued.
Said: "This place is more suitable for starting a war than Jiangdu. Not only can we fight quickly, but it can also greatly improve our chances of winning."
She said: "Although we are not comparable to the elite navy, we have not relaxed our practice of water warfare these days, and we are still stronger than the temporarily recruited army under Xu Zhengye's command."
"Yes." Xiao Min said: "Thanks to Mrs. Chang's foresight, she stepped up her practice of water warfare long before the Lantern Festival."
He also looked at the soldiers. Every soldier was practicing diligently every day.
As for rivers like this one, which are convenient for hiding traces, Mrs. Chang has chosen no fewer than ten places.
Therefore, their warships are far more than the dozens nearby, but are scattered and arranged.
In addition, they have sentries set up at each important road and have been closely monitoring the movements of each river section.
In other words, this seemingly calm Bianshui River is actually under their control at all times.
"In addition to our combat capabilities, we can take advantage of the opportunity and use our unique tactics to minimize casualties." Chang Suining looked at the river: "One more thing is also very convenient..."
Xiao Min listened attentively throughout the whole process, and now he couldn't help but look at her after listening to her words, not hiding the look of asking for advice in his eyes.
"After killing the enemy, just throw the body into the water to save the need to clean up the battlefield." Chang Sui Ning said: "Just use it to feed the fish. The fish in Bianshui will eat meat to celebrate the New Year this time."
Knowing that she said this deliberately to ease her mood, Xiao Min was silent for a moment before nodding: "...Yes, the entire fish in Bianshui and their descendants must be grateful for Mrs. Chang's kindness."
"Well, it can offset the sin of killing." Chang Suining let go of his hand holding the fence and turned back to the cabin: "Okay, it's time to get ready for bed."
In order to hide their traces, they rarely lighted lights at night. Except for night patrols, everything had to be done during the day, so they rested very early.
When the darkness of night rises above the water, this area of the world falls into a deep sleep, with no sign of being disturbed by human beings at all.
…
The weather cleared up for three consecutive days, and Xu Zhengye finally led his army to move forward.
They were ready to leave, which meant that the pursuers behind them were on their way again, so they couldn't delay.
During the more than ten days when he was trapped in the heavy rain, Xu Zhengye was anxious and discussed the next march route with his staff again and again, and finally decided to attack Bianzhou by water.
This is the fastest, most feasible and the shortcut with the least resistance.
The lack of experience in water warfare in the army cannot be ignored, but they incorporated the surrendered troops from Yangzhou and Jiangning, among which there were many soldiers who were good at water warfare. Xu Zhengye also had them train the army before deciding to come to Luoyang.
Moreover, they have the most superior warships and weapons in Jiangning, which are far superior to Bianzhou.
There are only tens of thousands of Bianzhou defenders, so even if they are all sent out to intercept them on the waterway, there is nothing to fear.
As for the Xuance Army outside Luoyang City...
No matter how intimidating Xuance's army was, as far as Xu Zhengye was concerned, since he chose to come to Luoyang, he was naturally not so naive as to think that he could capture Luoyang without any effort.
What he was doing was the most risky thing in the world. How could he retreat just because there was Xuance's army ahead? If he retreated when he saw danger, he would not be able to raise any more troops. He could just go back to the countryside to pick up dung.
Since ancient times, who has become a great businessman who has not fought his way through bloody battles one after another?
What's more, there are still pursuers in the rear, and it's not easy to retreat.
And if he faced 70,000 Xuance troops and fled without fighting, he would become a laughing stock in the world.
And from Xu Zhengye's point of view, even if they face Xuance's army, the outcome is not certain.
As far as he knew, the person leading the Xuance Army this time was Li Xian. Xu Zhengye was not familiar with this person and had reservations about his ability to lead the army for the time being. But what is certain is that this person is definitely not as good as Cui Jing.
There are many noble clans in Luoyang City who have been secretly in contact with him, and can cooperate with him internally and externally when necessary...
Therefore, the current plan is to quickly capture Bianzhou, use Bianzhou as a camp, and then plan to capture Luoyang!
Xu Zhengye stepped onto the ship's deck, his scarlet cloak fluttering in the wind.
After traveling on the waterway for two days, Xu Zhengye received a secret message from Luoyang City, saying that Li Xian had no intention of sending troops to Bianzhou. From the current situation, it seemed that he intended to stick to Luoyang.
Xu Zhengye laughed: "It seems that he is a rat who is looking forward and backward!"
Some staff also made fun of him: "Is this Korean gentleman also like Li Yi?"
"I don't care whether he is capable or not, what is his intention?" Xu Zhengye looked forward, with a look of determination in his eyes: "If he doesn't come, then I will take over Bianzhou first."
Rows of warships moved forward slowly on the water, like swords cutting through waterways, with battle flags with the word "Xu" fluttering in the wind, with a majestic momentum.
…
"……Not coming?!"
Hu Lin, the governor of Bianzhou, turned pale when he heard the news from Luoyang.
Xu Zhengye has led his army to Bianshui River and is attacking Bianzhou!
General Li Xianli was unwilling to send troops to support Bianzhou. The reason was that they were ordered to stick to Luoyang to ensure that Luoyang was safe. They could not leave without permission until the situation of the war was unknown.
This statement is certainly not wrong.
It is said that there is Xu Zhengye's internal support in Luoyang City. The situation is unpredictable and one should not be careless.
But the city of Luoyang is too valuable to lose. Isn't Bianzhou worth mentioning?
Their soldiers are also living human lives, and the people in their city are also the people of Dasheng!
Hearing the anger of the officials below, Hu Min raised her hand to stop them from talking anymore.
There is no use saying more at this moment.
"The gentleman surnamed Li from the capital really looks down on our little Bianzhou!"
"If you don't come, you won't come. You really think you are nothing!" A general stood up and said angrily with red eyes: "Without them, I can still defend Bianzhou!"
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "Let's go, follow me and order troops to kill the enemy!"
Seeing her subordinates leave angrily, Hu Lin clenched her fists and closed her eyes. For a moment, she suppressed the sadness, anger and unwillingness in her heart.
The holy command for them to "die" in Bianzhou is an order from the emperor, and the ministers should obey it!
After a while, Hu Lin also stood up and immediately asked someone to wear armor and sword for him.
When he was about to lead people out of the governor's mansion, he suddenly heard the cry of a girl behind him.
"Dad, where are you going!"
Hu Lin immediately stopped. This was his youngest daughter, and he loved her the most. No matter how busy he was every day, he would always go and hug her.
But at this moment he didn't even dare to look back.
He was afraid that if he turned back, his tone would be gone, leaving him no longer brave enough to go out, and thus he would become a deserter who resisted the decree.
"Don't be afraid, Qimei, dad will be back soon..."
Hu Lin's eldest daughter chased after her, hugged her crying sister, and softly comforted her.
However, when she looked at her father's back, her eyes were filled with tears of fear and anxiety, and she bit her lip tightly, not daring to fall.
Hu Lin suppressed tears from the corners of her eyes, crossed the threshold resolutely, mounted her horse and left.
…
"Refuse to send troops?"
Chang Sui Ning frowned slightly, Li Xian's appearance as a teenager flashed through her eyes. She tried to get an impression of Li Xian from her memories, but there was too little.
Although the two were cousins in the past, they didn't have much contact.
But what she can be sure of is that this person is definitely not Li Yi's generation.
At this juncture, the safety of Luoyang will not be left in the hands of useless people tomorrow.
Since you are not a cowardly and useless person, if you are unwilling to send troops to assist Bianzhou at this time, you have ulterior motives.
"Yes, regarding the matter in Bianzhou, it is said that this person is using an excuse to wait for the Governor to come, or for instructions from a saint..." Yuan Xiang mentioned the word "Da Governor", and his eyes were full of worry at this moment.
By now, they could conclude that the Governor had encountered an accident on his way to Luoyang.
As for what the specific accident was, it was not yet certain, but when he thought of the worst outcome, Yuan Xiang felt breathless and felt unprecedented panic and uneasiness.
If the Grand Governor is safe, he will supposedly send a message to him...
"We are marching outside. Since he is the commander at the moment, he has the right to take advantage. If we ask the saint for instructions on everything, what else will he do?" Chang Suining's tone was cold: "He wants to be a fisherman in the rear and take advantage of it.
Bianzhou's blood will give you a foolproof chance of winning."
The opponent may not necessarily watch Bianzhou fall, but with such an attitude, even if they take action, they will wait until Bianzhou is bleeding into a river, the battle is invincible, and both the Xu army and the army are defeated, and then come forward to "turn the tide".
"This person is really ruthless in his actions." Yuan Xiang asked Chang Suining for instructions: "Do you want my subordinates to send a message to the brothers in Luoyang City to ask them to send troops? I remember that Mrs. Chang has the bronze talisman of the Grand Governor here.
——”
"No, if you disobey the coach's orders, you will be used to make a fuss about it later."
Chang Sui Ning said: "Besides, how can we let this person get the advantage and credit in vain?"
When she first heard that Xuance Army was coming to Luoyang, she thought it was unnecessary, but after all Xuance Army was her own child, and she didn't mind giving half of the credit to them.
But now it seems that Li Xian is not so lucky.
Does Bianzhou really need Li Xian to protect him?
If she and Xiao Min were not here today, it might be necessary.
But at this moment, she doesn't need or allow a vicious villain to take away the credit that belongs to her and her people.
She will protect Bianzhou.
In Chang Suining's own opinion, those voices calling for guilt outside said that she was not unjust.
Xu Zhengye was indeed provoked to come here by her, so she had the responsibility to protect Bianzhou and Luoyang. If someone was killed or injured in Bianzhou this time, it would be her fault and responsibility. She would plead guilty without anyone else asking her to blame.
But since she dared to lure the jackal here, she was sure to kill the jackal and not give the jackal a chance to hurt anyone.
Therefore, she will definitely guard this place.
This time, she will make sure that Xu Zhengye never comes back.
As for Li Xian, who just wants to be a fisherman——
"Since you like waiting behind so much, then let him wait."
Chang Suining walked off the building boat and hurried to see Xiao Min. He said to Yuan Xiang: "In addition, send more people to find out the whereabouts of Governor Cui as soon as possible."
Now, she has changed from being a little worried about Cui Jing to being very worried about Cui Jing.
No one wants to see something happen to their friends, especially very important friends.
Putting aside the word "best friend", Cui Jing is also an extremely rare general. There is only one in this world every hundred years. At this time when the country is shaken, Dasheng must not lose Cui Jing again.
She also doesn't want to lose Cui Jing, whether as a friend or otherwise.
Now, she doesn't need him to do anything for her, she just needs him to come to see her safely.