Early the next morning, when the sky was just bright, Tian Ding was ready to leave Yangguan and head to Pengcheng.
In Yangguan, the general Qi Cheng, as well as the deputy generals Wuhe and Yangsu, also came to see Tian Ding off in person.
"There is news from Wei. I heard that Bai Yan has led troops to Pengcheng. I am worried about the war. Master Tian Ding must be careful when he goes to Pengcheng."
Qi Cheng said to Tian Ding.
As Qi generals, Qi Cheng and Tian Ding are naturally old acquaintances. Therefore, Qi Cheng also understands that after learning that Qin general Bai Yan is from Qi, it is impossible for Tian Ding, who aims to strengthen Qi, not to meet Bai Yan.
Yan.
As for Tian Ding's temper, Qi Cheng didn't bother to persuade him.
"I heard that Bai Yan only led three thousand cavalry and hurried to Pengcheng..."
Tian Ding nodded after hearing Qi Cheng's words. Before he could speak, he heard the sound of Yangsu coming from behind. Tian Ding stopped and turned around to look at Yangsu.
When Yangsu saw Tian Ding's gaze and everyone was looking at him, he glanced at him.
"The guard general of Pengcheng is the famous Chu general Huang Ye. According to the news, Huang Ye has at least 30,000 elite Chu troops under his command. They are all members of the Huang family in the past and have followed Huang Ye all year round."
Yangsu said.
What Yangsu said was very simple. The guard of Pengcheng was Huang Ye, and there were 30,000 elite Chu troops in the city, while Bai Yan only had 3,000 cavalry. Yangsu couldn't figure out what Bai Yan's intentions were even if he tried hard to think of it.
What about attacking the city? Only 3,000 men. In Yangsu's eyes, even if Bai Yan were given 30,000 men, Bai Yan might not be able to capture Pengcheng where the elite Chu army was garrisoned.
But if he wasn't heading towards Pengcheng, then why did Bai Yan lead three thousand riders southward?
"This is absolutely true!"
Qi Cheng saw Tian Ding's gaze and nodded. Qi Cheng, like Tian Ding, could also hear some emotions towards Bai Yan in Yangsu's words. Qi Cheng was not surprised by this.
Although it has been known that Qin general Bai Yan is from Qi, Yangsu was born in the Yang family, one of the oldest clans in Qi. For almost a hundred years, the Yang family has had generals and is a family of military generals, so there is no doubt about Bai Yan
, Yangsu, who was born in the Yang family, is proud and arrogant, and will inevitably make secret comparisons.
"Except for the three thousand cavalry, are there any other changes in the Qin army?"
Tian Ding frowned slightly when he heard Qi Cheng's words.
You must know that Surabaya is right next to Pengcheng. Now Tian Ding's purpose is not to kill Bai Yan, but to use the fake tripod to drive a wedge between Bai Yan and Ying Zheng, forcing Bai Yan to leave Qin.
After Tian Ding received the letter from the Jing family of Chu State, he immediately went to personally arrange for all the old noblemen in Qi State who had seen Jiuding to secretly arrange to go to Qin State.
The reason was that after Bai Yan sent the fake tripod to Xianyang, these old men, as well as the old people who had seen Jiuding in other places, would stand up and identify Jiuding as fake.
But right now, Bai Yan only dispatches three thousand cavalry to Pengcheng. What does Bai Yan want to do?
"There is no news of any changes!"
Qi Cheng shook his head.
Although Qi Cheng did not understand why Bai Yan only led 3,000 horses to Pengcheng, Qin Cheng had been inquiring about the Qin army in other places and had not seen the Qin army going south.
When Tian Ding heard this, he turned his head and looked at Tian Sui calmly.
Tian Sui, who was wearing Qi's armor, saw his father's reproachful eyes and knew that it was his fault, so his eyes were a little dodgey, because he had returned to Linzi before and had just returned to Yangguan with his father. Regarding all the news now,
As of now, nothing is known.
"Father, it's getting late!"
Tian Xian followed his father Tian Ding and said to his father.
Tian Xian had no good impressions of Qi Cheng, Yang Su, and Wu He. In Tian Xian's eyes, Qi Cheng was mediocre, Yang Su was weak, and Wu He was an incompetent general. The reason why Qi became what it is today
This situation is because there are too many Qi generals like the three people in front of me.
"No matter what Bai Yan's purpose is, he has to go to Pengcheng this time!"
When Tian Ding heard the third son's words, he turned his head, raised his hands to Qi Cheng and said, "It is imperative for Tian Ding to go to Pengcheng. He must see Bai Yan no matter what."
"Okay! Master Tian, be careful!"
Qi Cheng nodded and returned the courtesy.
At Yangguan City Gate, under the gazes of Qi Cheng, Yang Su, Wu He, and Tian Sui, Tian Ding and Tian Xian were about to get on the carriage and leave. Suddenly, three Qi soldiers in the distance hurriedly rode toward them on war horses.
He came galloping towards the city gate.
See the situation.
Tian Ding and Tian Xian looked at each other, and they were keenly aware that something seemed to have happened again. Thinking that they were going to Pengcheng this time, they left in no hurry to see if there was any news or changes.
A Qi general beside Yangsu stepped forward under Yangsu's instructions.
soon.
When the three cavalrymen came to the city gate, they quickly reined in their horses. Seeing that all the generals were behind them, they immediately dismounted and hurried to Qi Cheng, not even caring about everyone else.
This scene made everyone around, including Tian Ding, Tian Xian, Wuhe and others, and all the Qi generals, seem to have a premonition that something was really happening.
And in the eyes of everyone, the leading cavalryman swallowed his saliva and faced Qi Cheng with a panicked expression.
"General! General, it's bad, Qin General Bai Yan has captured Pengcheng!"
The cavalrymen raised their hands and reported.
As soon as these words came out, all the surrounding Qi generals, including Wuhe, Yangsu, Qi Cheng, Tian Sui and others, and even Tian Ding, all changed their faces, looked shocked, and looked into each other's eyes.
, are all unbelievable.
"impossible!"
Yangsu was the first to step forward hurriedly, pointing at the cavalryman with an indignant look on his face.
"This is absolutely impossible. Qin general Bai Yan only has 3,000 cavalry, and Pengcheng guard Huang Ye has 30,000 elite Chu troops. How can Bai Yan capture Pengcheng?"
Yangsu asked sharply. The meaning of this sentence was to say directly that the three people in front of him were lying about military information and should be executed according to law.
"General, this is absolutely true!"
Naturally, the leading cavalryman heard what Yangsu said and quickly turned to kneel down to Yangsu. His expression was pale, but under his horrified eyes, he still said that Bai Yan had captured Pengcheng.
The other two cavalrymen also nodded.
See the situation.
Not to mention that Tian Ding and others have realized that the three cavalrymen probably did not tell lies. Even Yangsu's face became paler, his eyes were full of doubts and disbelief, and his whole body shook from time to time as if it were absurd.
Shake his head.
"Impossible. How did Bai Yan capture Pengcheng with only 3,000 men?"
Yangsu was still murmuring. He couldn't even think of how three thousand cavalry could seize the place with Huang Ye and 30,000 elite Chu troops guarding the city. Even if Bai Yan was given 50,000, Bai Yan wouldn't be able to capture it.
It is possible to capture Pengcheng.
Moreover, how long has it been since Bai Yan led the cavalry southward!!!
During this period, there was still a distance between these three soldiers who sent the news about Pengcheng to Yangguan...
Yangsu couldn't understand, but looking at the appearance of the three soldiers, Yangsu had a premonition that the news should be true. However, the pride in his heart made Yangsu not want to admit it.
"Three thousand cavalry captured Pengcheng!"
Qi Cheng looked at the three cavalrymen at this moment, and his whole mind was shocked. Looking at Yangsu's dazed look, Qi Cheng finally looked at Tian Ding, who also looked shocked.
"This time, Lord Laotian will persuade Bai Yan to return to Qi no matter what!"
Qi Cheng didn't say a word, but after learning the news, he turned to Tian Ding and said such solemn instructions, which was enough to show how much Qi Cheng valued Bai Yan at this time.
After counting Bai Yan's achievements in detail, and now watching Bai Yan capture Pengcheng, which was guarded by 30,000 elite Chu troops, with only 3,000 cavalry, Qi Cheng was shocked by Bai Yan's tactics of leading troops. Such
People must not stay in Qin.
What's more, Bai Yan is from Qi, so he must be brought back to Qi.
Next to the carriage.
Tian Ding looked at Qi Cheng's appearance and slowly recovered from the shock. After returning the gift to Qi Cheng, he glanced at Zhongzi Tian Sui who was in a state of confusion, then turned around and got on the carriage, although he didn't know what means Bai Yan used.
, using only 3,000 cavalry to capture Pengcheng, which was heavily garrisoned, but since Bai Yan had already captured Pengcheng, he had to get to Pengcheng as soon as possible.
Tian Xian saw his father getting on the carriage, and then he saluted all the Qi generals, then turned around and got into the carriage with his father.
Inside the carriage.
Tian Xian thought of General Qi Cheng's words just now and felt helpless. He looked at his father and found that his father had not yet informed the King of Qi that Bai Yan was his father who drove him out of Qi.
Although his father had arranged for his brother Tian Cong to be in Linzi, pretending to be looking for him, the King of Qi couldn't wait to hear about Bai Yan. He might not be able to keep this matter secret for long. He hoped that during this trip, his father would be able to fulfill his wish and persuade Bai Yan to return to Qi.
.
………………
Qin State.
Xianyang Palace, in the main hall of the palace, Ying Zheng is discussing political affairs with hundreds of civil and military officials.
"Your Majesty! The Qin State has been fighting for years. Farming has been reduced sharply, and grain harvests have been halved. Guanzhong and Bashu have emptied their treasuries. Now they are attacking Wei. I am worried that there will be disasters due to drought in the coming year!"
An elderly official from the Taicang Order stood in the center of the hall and reported to Ying Zheng.
The official's words triggered a lot of noisy discussions among civil and military officials.
"Your Majesty, I second the proposal! Today, the Qin State should rest and recuperate with its people. Within three years, there should be no more wars or wars! In this way, the Qin State will not damage its foundation!"
An official hurriedly walked out of the line of officials and stood in the center of the hall, bowing his hands in front of Ying Zheng and saying a salute.
In the main hall.
Ying Zheng was wearing a black royal uniform and was listening to His Highness' officials' advice on the throne, his expression unchanged.
In fact, Ying Zheng also knew that since ancient times, there has been a certain number of Qin farmers and Qin people who farmed and fought. Once the wars were too frequent, the Qin people who farmed and fought would be killed and injured due to the casualties of the Qin people.
A sharp decrease in the number will lead to a food crisis and even lead to massive famines the following year.
Throughout the past few years, the annexation of Han, the destruction of Zhao, the attack on Yan, the quelling of rebellion, and the defeat of Wei were all mobilizing all the power and inventory of the Qin State. Ying Zheng also knew that the Qin State indeed needed to recuperate and recuperate.
But recalling that before, Bai Yan took the initiative to attack Chu for the first time. Bai Yan had accompanied Ying Zheng, so Ying Zheng understood Bai Yan's character. If Bai Yan hadn't been sure, he would never have taken the initiative to say to him that he wanted to attack Chu.
On the one hand, the people of the Qin State need to recuperate, otherwise there will be a famine the following year. On the other hand, Bai Yan's request to attack Chu and Ying Zheng also understand that if he does not attack Chu now, let alone Bai Yan loses this opportunity, Bai Yan will lose his chance in the future.
Yanke is still confident that when Chu State stabilizes, it will probably be more difficult for Qin State to attack Chu State again.
The number of soldiers and horses of Chu State is not much less than that of Qin State.
"Your Majesty, it is a matter of great importance to the country. I believe that now that the two prime ministers of the Qin State, the Left Prime Minister, has gone on a mission to the Qi State, I should order the Right Prime Minister to return to Xianyang to preside over the affairs and discuss the important affairs of the Qin State together!"
While Ying Zheng was thinking, he saw an official standing up and admonishing the Highness.
Almost immediately after this official stood up, several more officials hurriedly stood up to second their opinions.
When Ying Zheng saw this, his eyes were already a little impatient. He was about to speak when he suddenly saw a palace guard running into the hall hurriedly outside the hall.
"Report, Your Majesty! Good news! General Bai Yan has captured Daliang, and the Wei clan and officials of Wei have all left the city to surrender to Qin!"
Your Highness, the palace guards hurriedly reported to Ying Zheng, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in their hands.
Following the palace guard's words.
In an instant, all the civil and military officials in the palace hall started making noises. Everyone looked at each other in confusion. After learning that Bai Yan was planning to flood the beam, everyone had a hunch that the beam might not be able to resist Bai Yan.
Yan.
However, even if they were mentally prepared to hear the news that Daliang City had been destroyed and that all Wei officials had left the city to surrender to Qin, everyone was still in a daze.
Especially those officials who secretly laughed at Bai Yan's plan to attack Daliang that it would not be easy. They were waiting for Bai Yan to attack without success for a long time and prepared to write a letter to Ying Zheng. Now they are even more pale and at a loss.
Look at each other.
Bai Yan really destroyed the Wei State, and he also destroyed the Wei State for the Qin State at no cost at all in a way that no one expected.
"We really destroyed Wei!!"
"The Kingdom of Wei was really destroyed by Bai Yan!!!"
At a glance, all the civil and military officials were talking about it.
"good!!!"
In the main hall, Ying Zheng's excited voice sounded.
Those Qin officials who were hostile to Bai Yan looked up at Ying Zheng. After seeing the joy and excitement on Ying Zheng's face, their whole faces began to show hesitation. The young Bai Yan was already a lieutenant general.
, and now that Wei has been destroyed, I don’t know what Ying Zheng rewarded Bai Yan.
What's more, Bai Yan was deeply favored by Ying Zheng, and now that he has committed the task of destroying the country, the higher Bai Yan's status will be in the future. They dare not imagine that Bai Yan will retaliate against them in the future for their previous actions.
As some officials pondered.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Ying Kan took the lead from among the civil and military officials, passed by Li Si, Wang Wan and others, and came to the center of the hall, raised his hands to Ying Zheng and congratulated him.
Following Ying Kan's words, all the civil and military officials came to their senses and hurriedly knelt on the ground together to congratulate Ying Zheng in the main hall.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!!"
The voices of civil and military officials rang out in the hall, and bursts of neat congratulations came and went.
Bai Yu naturally saw this scene. At this moment, Bai Yu noticed the expressions of those officials and felt extremely happy.
Suddenly.
Bai Yu noticed that an official glanced at him, and then saw the official stand up and come to the center of the hall.
At this moment, not only Bai Yu, but also Wang Jian, Li Si, Wei Liao and others, as well as all the officials, noticed the official's behavior.
"Your Majesty! I have something to report to you!"
The official saluted Ying Zheng, and then ignored the gazes of the officials. This thirty-year-old Chu official raised his head and looked at Ying Zheng.
"Your Majesty! I heard by chance that General Bai Yan is from Qi!"
When the official said this, he turned his head and looked at Bai Yu in the distance.
"I don't know why General Bai Yu kept hiding it from the king before! And tell the world that General Bai Yan is a descendant of the Bai family?"
The official looked at Bai Yu and asked.
"Qi Ren?"
"What? Bai Yan is from Qi???"
"How is it possible? Bai Yan is actually from Qi!"
Following the official's words, all the civil and military officials in the hall looked left and right with surprised faces, all caught off guard by the news.
Is Bai Yan from Qi?
"I already know this!"
In the main hall, Ying Zheng glanced at Bai Yu and spoke, telling the civil and military officials that he had always known about this matter.
Following Ying Zheng's words, the news was undoubtedly true, and all the civil and military officials in His Highness were shocked.
Bai Yan is really from Qi, and Ying Zheng has always known it!!!
this……
In the center of the hall, the official who had just stood up to question Bai Yu did not expect Ying Zheng to actually know about this matter, so he looked at Ying Zheng in surprise.
"I didn't know that the king knew about it, so I ask the king to forgive me!"
The official bowed his head quickly and saluted.
However, upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Chang Wenjun, Wei Liao, Li Si, Wang Wan, and even Ying Kan all looked at Ying Zheng in surprise.
Ying Zheng not only knew that Bai Yan was from Qi, but he also entrusted Bai Yan with important responsibilities and treated Bai Yan with great respect and trust!!!
Behind this, they had to think more.
"Bai Yan is from Qi!"
Li Si and Wang Wan looked at each other calmly, then turned their heads and looked at Bai Yu among the generals. Seeing Bai Yu's unsurprised look, Li Si and Wang Wan were filled with doubts.
Qi people!
In other words, Bai Yan was not originally a person with the surname Bai.
"Jiuding!!!"
Suddenly, Ying Zheng's doubtful voice came from the main hall. Li Si and Wang Wan came to their senses and turned to look at Ying Zheng. Then they saw Ying Zheng looking at the bamboo slips announcing the victory, his brows furrowed, his eyes full of surprise.
.
"Jiuding?"
Wang Jian, who was standing at the head of the line of generals with Wei Liao and Chang Wenjun, recalled what he had just heard Ying Zheng say, and turned his head in surprise to look at Chang Wenjun beside him.
Ying Zheng was looking at the good news from Daliang, but now, Lord Changping was in Daliang. When the good news came, he at least counted the treasures of the Daliang palace and reported them together. Therefore, Wang Jian wanted to know if Lord Changwen knew anything.
However, what surprised Wang Jian was that Chang Wenjun shook his head and indicated that he didn't know. When Wang Jian looked away, Chang Wenjun thought of his brother's plan. As long as Bai Yan ordered people to take back Jiuding, he would secretly raise doubts in Xianyang.
The sound of 'coincidence'.
"I heard that someone saw Jiuding in the Sishui River!"
From the main hall, Ying Zheng's voice came.
Seeing Wang Jian's gaze, Ying Zheng in the main hall did not hide anything and directly told Wang Jian and others about Jiuding.
Hearing Ying Zheng's words, not to mention Wang Jian, Wei Liao looked surprised when he heard Ying Zheng's words. Even Li Si, Wang Wan and others in the distance also looked astonished.
"Jiuding? Didn't you say that Jiuding has never been found?"
"That's right! Jiuding fell into the Sishui River fifty years ago and has never been seen again. Someone actually saw Jiuding in the Sishui River!"
"The Nine Cauldrons are in Surabaya, I'm afraid Chu will not hand them over!"
In the main hall, some other officials became agitated after hearing Ying Zheng's words and hurriedly talked to each other.
"Jiuding!"
Ying Zheng was on the throne, looking at the news inside the bamboo slips. His excited expression just now due to the news of Wei's demise slowly calmed down, and then he looked thoughtful.
Ying Zheng naturally knew the meaning of Jiuding, and also understood how important Jiuding was to Qin.
Only with Jiuding can the Qin State occupy the world's righteousness, which means upholding the destiny!
But looking at this bamboo slip, Ying Zheng saw that Jiuding was in Surabaya. Ying Zheng was a little worried. Firstly, he did not know whether Jiuding was true or false. Secondly, Bai Yan only brought 3,000 cavalry to Pengcheng. If Jiuding was discovered by Chu
The country or Qi country gets...
Ying Zheng is not afraid that the Nine Tripods are in the Sishui River. As long as he really sees the tripod in Surabaya, it will one day belong to Ying Zheng. Even if he sends 100,000 or 200,000 people to salvage it, it will not stop Ying Zheng from being determined to get the Nine Tripods.
But what Ying Zheng is afraid of is that once Jiuding is hidden again!
……………………
Under the scorching sun and scorching heat.
After several days of running around, Tian Ding and Tian Xian finally arrived in Pengcheng as they wished. As soon as they entered Pengcheng, they saw that Pengcheng was busier than before.
"Are there any scholars going to stop the sacrificial tripod today?"
"It should be gone. People have been there every day these past few days. How many people have died already!"
"Hey~ In the eyes of those scholars, even if they die, they don't want Bai Yan to sacrifice the tripod... What, someone is going to stop the tripod?"
There were endless discussions outside the carriage, and Tian Ding and Tian Xian, who were sitting in the carriage, roughly guessed what they were hearing.
At this time, Tian Ding was finally relieved. Although he did not expect that Pengcheng would fall into Bai Yan's hands so easily, but fortunately, everything developed as expected. Bai Yan had already obtained the fake tripod and was preparing to sacrifice it in Pengcheng.
After the tripod was sacrificed, it was sent to Xianyang.
"Xian'er, you will go to the city later to investigate the movements of the Chu army. My father and others will immediately send a letter to the Chu State, so that the Chu army can gather a large army as soon as possible and send troops to recapture Pengcheng. The scholars in the city are still there.
Stop Bai Yan, because my father is worried that something will happen if it is too late! First, force Bai Yan to send Jiuding to Xianyang immediately!"
Tian Ding turned to Tian Xian and told him.
It is said that Tian Ding is wily and scheming, and Tian Ding should be much more careful when dealing with fake tripods. Although it is not known how many Qin troops are in the city now, Tian Ding still hopes that the Chu State will send an army early, whether it is to attack Pengcheng or not.
At least Bai Yan must be forced to send Jiuding to Xianyang first.
"I'll go find out later, kid!"
Tian Xian nodded. Tian Xian also had old friends he knew in Pengcheng. It would not be difficult to go and find out.
Turning his head and reaching out to gently lift the curtain, Tian Xian looked outside the carriage at the busy streets of Pengcheng. He recalled the scene when he met Bai Yan in Yingchuan. Now that they were about to meet again, Tian Xian couldn't help but look forward to it.
After all, this time he already knew that Bai Yan was from Qi!