The affairs in the Yinfeng Pavilion, from beginning to end, Cheng Li has never taken it to heart.

It is true that for hundreds of years in the Central Plains martial arts, the "Two Sages, Seven Swords, Eight Families and Ten Gangs" have been the pillars of the righteous path, and for ordinary people in the rivers and lakes, the head of the Seven Great Sword Sects is almost equivalent to the status of a god in the sky, high above and not to be insulted.

However, Cheng Li is by no means comparable to ordinary Jianghu people.

Eradicate the Lei family in the Thunderbolt Hall in the south of the Yangtze River, destroy the Pai Sect, unearth the glazed treasures, and make enemies of the god descendants inherited from the mythological era long ago, and even participated in the annihilation of the thirteen wings of the desert realm, and witnessed the earth-shattering scene of how the 100,000 army was completely buried in an instant......

Today, Cheng Li's ability, mind, and vision have far surpassed the level of the head of the Seven Great Sword Sects. What Huashan Kunlun, what Emei Qingcheng. If Cheng Li wanted to kill them, he could do it anytime and anywhere. At most, it's just a slap in the face, or the difference between two slaps.

What Cheng Li really cares about now is still the widows. This includes not only the Wakos stationed in Fairy Town directly opposite, but also the other Wakos.

Previously, on the way to Yangzhou, Cheng Li led the Yulin Army and fought with many small groups of Japanese robbers one after another. Know yourself and know your opponent, and win all battles. Of course, everyone understands such a simple truth. So in addition to killing the enemy, he also caught a lot of live mouths for interrogation.

Therefore, Cheng Li was able to know that this time the Fusang Kingdom sent a total of 150,000 troops. It is divided into five roads: front, back, left, right, and middle. The 30,000 soldiers and horses on each road were led by five great princes of Fuso, including Sanada, Oniwa, Kyogoku, Tachibana, and Date.

In addition, there are 3,000 "kamikaze battalions", which are led by the military god Heigoro Nobutsuna, independent of the Five Route Army. Although the number of people is the smallest, the combat effectiveness is likely to be higher than that of the five-way army.

The five armies are each responsible for attacking different areas. The Japanese who are currently attacking Yangzhou City belong to the former army. The leader is Sanada Takibing, known as the first brave general of Fuso. Its deputy general was the wise general who had assisted Toyotomi Taiko to win the world.

Both courage and wisdom. The 30,000 soldiers and horses of the army ahead are by no means easy to match. Even though Cheng Li used the method of night attack and won a battle with surprise troops on the front line of Tanjiazhuang, this does not mean that the strength and weakness of the two sides have reversed.

Quite the opposite. This time, Fusang sent troops, in addition to mobilizing the five major princes in the country, there were also many small princes. These petty princes were not included in the regular establishment of the 150,000 Fuso army, and the Fuso shogunate, which was ruled by Ishida, was at most responsible for sending them to the Central Plains by boat, but not for their food, grass, ordnance and other expenses, and everything had to be borne by themselves.

On the other hand, these small princes of Fusang can go around to plunder in the Central Plains. The people and property obtained only need to be handed over to Ishida for power, and the rest will be all owned by himself. In other words, it is equivalent to a profitable business. As long as you are diligent, you can almost make a profit without losing money.

The number of these small princes is not very large, and there are only a few hundred people in the sky. But if you add up all the sand into a tower, the amount is also very considerable. The "Seven Guns of the Reed Name" that was killed by Cheng Li before was the strongest of these small princes.

After the first battle of Tanjiazhuang, the former army of the Japanese invaders turned into a state of restriction and defense, and constantly strengthened the defense of the garrison fairy town. But at the same time, the small groups of pirates scattered all over the place are constantly moving in the direction of Fairy Town. Now under the command of Sanada Taki, the general of the former route army, no less than 40,000 troops have been gathered. Not only did he fully recover, but he was even stronger than before the first battle of Tanjiazhuang.

And that's not all. According to the information returned by the spies, the army on the left side of the Japanese who had been ashore in Fujian seemed to be coming all the way in the direction of Yangzhou. Once the front and left armies converged, the number of the Japanese army would increase to 70,000, and possibly even 80,000.

But at the same time, the total number of troops in Yangzhou City was only about 5,000 people, which was not enough even 10% of the number of the other party. If the two armies were to fight, the Japanese would have easily broken the city. No matter how powerful Cheng Li is, he can't fight against 80,000 Japanese robbers on his own.

At least, it is impossible without the use of the "ultimate weapon". However, the "ultimate weapon" designed and manufactured by the Holy King Fu Xi is a real glazed treasure, and it is the last trump card against the Divine Descendants. It is absolutely unusable unless it is forced to do so.

However, according to the original plan, Bai Yujing will send another 70,000 troops, led by the Duke of E and the Duke of Lu, as follow-up support. Therefore, Yangzhou only needs to delay for a period of time and wait for help. There is no need to confront an army of 80,000 just based on a motley army of thousands of good and bad.

However, those who are not in the world are often eight or nine times out of ten. If something is likely to be bad, it is often likely to be that bad.

On the seventh day after the night attack of Tanjiazhuang, Cheng Li was in the courtyard of a temporary residence in Yangzhou City, instructing Guan'er to practice the trick of "Heavenly Jedi Destroying the Great Purple Yang Hand". Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door like a drumbeat.

Serving by Guan'er's side, one of the ten evil gods of the Demon Temple, the bald man Copper Zhonggang who ranked at the end of the five guards, walked over quickly to open the door, but saw that outside the door was the Yangzhou Thorn Shi Yamen, a cronie entourage of Li Thorn Shi's side.

The entourage of this cronie was full of anxiety, and arched his hand: "On the order of Lord Assassin Shi, I came to ask to see Yan Guogong." There is an emergency military situation. Please Yan Guogong immediately go to the Assassin's Mansion to discuss important matters with Lord Assassin. ”

Tong Zhonggang said, "Wait." He turned around and came back and reported to Cheng Li to know. Cheng Li immediately stood up and ordered Guan'er to stay and work hard. He hurried out and told his confidant to lead the way.

The cronie didn't take the main road, as if he was afraid of being discovered, and took Cheng Li to those remote side streets and alleys. Sneaky, but like a thief. Cheng Li asked, and the cronie said that it was deliberately ordered by Li Tingshi, and asked Yan Guogong to forgive Yunyun.

Cheng Li faintly felt bad in his heart, so he stepped up. After about half a burnt incense time, he walked into the Thorn Mansion through the back door. Then he was introduced all the way by the cronies into Li Tingshi's study.

In the study, there is not only Li Tingshi, but even Qi Jiliang. In addition, there was a stretcher on the ground next to it, on which lay the wounded man covered in a white cloth. Even though he was dressed very securely, the smell of blood continued to come from his body. Apparently extremely badly injured.

Cheng Li strode over and greeted Li Tingshi, Qi Jiliang and others. Then ask exactly. Li Tingshi smiled bitterly and arched his hand to Cheng Li, telling the reason for inviting Cheng Li to come over and meet secretly.

It turned out that the injured person belonged to the henchmen of the Duke of Eguo. The Duke of E and the Duke of Lu led the imperial army and traveled all the way east to Laizhou, Shandong. He was about to go south along the road to Yangzhou for support. But at this time, the two armies of the right and rear roads of the Japanese also landed in Jiaozhou, Shandong, and happened to collide head-on with the imperial army.

Both sides were caught off guard, and a fierce battle broke out.

Originally, the Great Wei army had also fought against the Japanese Kou thirty years ago. Although the Japanese were brave, they were far inferior to the Great Wei army in terms of swords, guns, clothing and other equipment. Coupled with the lack of cavalry in the Wakos. If they were equal in number, they would never be able to match the elite army of the imperial court.

But as soon as the two sides fought, the two of them, E Guogong and Lu Guogong, found that this was not the case at all. Although the equipment of the Japanese is still rudimentary, the number of masters in the Japanese has suddenly increased a lot. Once a Japanese warrior is seriously injured and dying, he will suddenly burst out with extremely powerful power, and it is no problem to be ten or even hundred.

As a result, the Great Wei army lost its budget. In the end, he could only fight with the Japanese and lose, and both sides suffered heavy losses. In the case that they could not distinguish the winner from the loser, they had to withdraw their troops and retreat thirty miles to rest on the spot.

After the war, the imperial army led by the Duke of E and the Duke of Lu died more than 30,000 people, and almost all of the rest of the soldiers were wounded. The army is in a half-crippled state. In a short period of time, it is no longer possible to continue south, so I can only stay in place to recuperate and recuperate.

The Duke of E and the Duke of Lu felt helpless, so they had no choice but to send their cronies south to report to Cheng Li. But on the way, the team of 500 people who reported the news was attacked by the Japanese invaders many times. Heavy casualties. As a result, there was only one person left who could break through the siege and enter Yangzhou City to report the news.

Shocked by the bad news, Cheng Li couldn't help but be moved. He frowned, walked over to the wounded man, and asked again. Thankfully, the injured man was still conscious, despite being severely injured. Even though he speaks weakly, and speaks very slowly. But word by word, word by word, it also explained the ins and outs of the matter clearly.

Wait until the wounded man has finished telling everything. Cheng Li nodded at this time and told him to recuperate with peace of mind. Li Jianshi immediately waved his hand and ordered his subordinates to carry the wounded man down. Then he said with a sad face: "Yan Guogong, what do you think of the current situation?"

Cheng Li nodded and said, "What this person said should be credible." As far as I know, the warriors of the Wako have mastered a martial arts method called Bamen Dunjia. Once used, it stimulates its own potential and greatly increases its strength. Although you will most likely die after exhausting your potential, it is very convenient to use it to die with the enemy. The reason why the imperial army fought with the Japanese invaders was probably because of this reason. ”

Li Tingshi was shocked and said: "If you say that, we will have no reinforcements in the future." But the Japanese on the other side are gathering more and more. Yan Guogong, what can I do about this?"

Cheng Li looked back at Qi Jiliang. Ning said in a condensed voice: "Captain Qi, what do you think?"

Qi Jiliang has obviously been thinking about this issue for a long time. He said slowly: "The imperial army under the command of the Duke of Eguo and the Duke of Luguo, and the army on the right and back roads of the Japanese Kou, broke out in Jiaozhou, Shandong. We can receive this news, and so can the widows in Fairy Town.

So now, Yangzhou City has a strong enemy outside, and there are no reinforcements inside. If I were a general of the Japanese Invaders, then it would be obvious that I would never give up this great opportunity, and I would definitely take the opportunity to launch an attack. ”

Li Tingshi was taken aback, and said in a trembling voice: "That...... What should I do then? Yangzhou has only a few thousand soldiers and horses, and it can't resist it no matter what. ”

Qi Jiliang said in a condensed voice: "I really can't resist it." Therefore, the last general is foolish, since he can't be defeated, he has no choice but to outwit it. ”

Cheng Li said in a condensed voice: "How should I outwit it?"

Qi Jiliang said slowly: "I think back then, the three kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu competed for hegemony. Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu Han, made a northern expedition, but because Ma Tan lost the important place of the street pavilion, Sima Yi, the general of Wei, was able to lead the army to drive straight forward and approach the west city where Zhuge Liang was located.

At that time, Zhuge Liang had no generals around him, only more than 2,000 old and weak soldiers. If Sima Yi attacked the city, he could go down with one blow, and Zhuge Liang would never be able to resist it.

But Zhuge Liang arranged an empty city plan and scared Sima Yi away. The so-called teacher who does not forget the past and the future, the last general thinks that this empty city plan can be borrowed now. ”

Cheng Li shook his head and said, "I'm afraid not." Back then, Zhuge Liang was able to scare Sima Yi away with an empty city strategy, because Sima Yi was suspicious, and he came from afar, and he didn't know Zhuge Liang's reality or reality.

But now, the Japanese are in Fairy Town, and it is far from Yangzhou City. The two sides have been facing each other for so long, and each other's reality has been clearly understood by the other party. How can we put up any more empty plans?

What's more, this empty city plan can only temporarily scare Sima Yi away. When Sima Yi came back to his senses, Zhuge Liang still had to run away immediately. But now, we can't run away at all. So I'm afraid the empty city plan is useless, right?"

Qi Jiliang was confident and said: "Sun Tzu's Art of War has clouds: soldiers, treacherous ways. Therefore, it is possible to show that it cannot be used, to use it but not to show it, to show it far and to show it to be near, to lure it with profit, to take it from chaos, to attack it unprepared, to surprise it, and this soldier will win. Ha, aren't these words just the guiding light right now?"

Cheng Li said in a condensed voice: "It seems that Captain Qi has already come up with a good idea. ”

Qi Jiliang said: "I have an idea." But it's also very risky. If it were possible, the Admiral would not be willing to do so. Unfortunately, we have no choice in this situation. ”

When Li Tingshi heard that there was a way, he immediately received amnesty. Urged: "Captain Qi, if you have any good ideas, hurry up and say it." Even if you have to take a risk, it's better than sitting back and waiting. ”

Qi Jiliang sighed: "Lord Thorn Shi is right, this is indeed the truth. Yan Guogong, don't be afraid to tell the truth, in fact, whether my strategy can succeed or not, in the final analysis, must fall on Yan Guogong. ”

Cheng Lijaw said: "I guess that's the case." So, what do you need me to do?"

Qi Jiliang said in a deep voice: "First of all, you need to ask for reinforcements. Whether there are reinforcements or not, and how many reinforcements can be available, is the key to the matter. If I don't invite reinforcements, then my idea can only be delayed for a little longer. ”

Cheng Li shook his head and said, "But in Baiyu Jingzhong, a natural disaster just happened. Being able to send 70,000 reinforcements south is already the limit. In a short period of time, it is impossible for the imperial court to have spare strength to send reinforcements. ”

Qi Jiliang said: "Although the imperial court can't do it. But outside the imperial court, there is another force. It is the rivers and lakes. Yan Guogong, aren't you born in the rivers and lakes, why have you forgotten this force?"

Cheng Li frowned and muttered, "Jianghu...... Yes, I did ignore it. If it is the power of the rivers and lakes...... Hmmm......"

After thinking for a long time, Cheng Li finally nodded slowly. "Very good. I will immediately contact the power of the rivers and lakes. ”

Qi Jiliang's face showed joy and said, "But it must be fast." Because the Japanese army will attack at any time, we don't have much time. ”

Cheng Li took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Okay, I understand." So, if we get reinforcements, then what do we do next?"

Qi Jiliang said: "It depends on how long it takes for reinforcements to come to Yangzhou City." ”

Cheng Li said categorically: "Within three days, reinforcements will arrive!"

Qi Jiliang said happily: "If there are reinforcements arriving within three days, then the next thing will be much easier." On the surface, we are planning to empty the city, but in fact, we invite you into the urn. Another brick throwing, the sound of the east and west. Hehe, I'm not afraid that those would-be robbers won't take the bait. ”

Cheng Li's jaw said: "So now, what should we do first?"

Qi Jiliang turned to face Li Tingshi, hugged his fists and said, "Now, it's time for Lord Tingshi to come forward." ”

————

As the saying goes. There are two places in the world that cannot be kept secret. The first is in the Qinglou. The second is in the government. In these two places, there are many people and many ears and eyes. If you say a random sentence, I don't know how many people will see it and how many people will hear it. And then quickly spread the word to the hundred, but where else can there be any secrets?

The same is true today. The imperial army was near Jiaozhou, Shandong, and encountered another large group of Japanese invaders. The two sides fought, and finally both sides were defeated. The imperial army suffered heavy casualties, so they had to rest on the spot, and they could no longer come to Yangzhou to support, and they didn't know where the news leaked. However, in just one morning, it has spread all over the streets and alleys of Yangzhou.

The Japanese invaders besieged the city, and the people in Yangzhou City were already panicked, and they were frightened overnight. It is all supported by the news that "reinforcements will arrive in the imperial court soon". In addition, a few days ago, Cheng Li led the Yulin army to attack Tanjiazhuang at night, and defeated 5,000 Japanese with 300. This made the hearts of the people in Yangzhou City a little calmer.

But now, all of a sudden, there is bad news that there are no reinforcements. Hundreds of thousands of people in the entire Yangzhou city were shocked.

So all of a sudden, some people wanted to desperately escape out of the city, some people frantically purchased food and all kinds of daily necessities everywhere, some people took the opportunity to hoard strange things, and some people jumped up and down in tandem everywhere. The entire Yangzhou city has become like a pot of boiling gruel, and the chaos is beyond measure.

At the critical moment, it was the assassin's mansion that made a move. Li Tingshi personally led the officials in the palace to go to the streets to suppress everywhere. Wherever there is chaos, he runs to it. These officials want to go into battle, and it will never be possible. But there are many of them, and they are dressed in official uniforms, picking up water and fire sticks and scolding indiscriminately, but there are very few people who can not be afraid. came and went, and the chaotic situation in the city was brutally suppressed.

At the same time, the two generals called "Yulong Qihu" by the people of Yangzhou City, Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang, also withdrew the 3,000 Xiang troops stationed in Jiangjiazhuang, plus 1,000 Minzhuang.

Cheng Weibo, the deputy general of the Yulin Army, who led the 1,000 Yulin Army to assist in the defense, was helpless and had to withdraw his troops together. Otherwise, there would only be a thousand feathers left, and it would be difficult to speak alone. If the Japanese invade the country, will they have to be annihilated?

Cheng Weibo returned to Yangzhou City and immediately reported to Yan Guogong. Yan Guogong immediately took the case, and then he was furious, so he went to the Assassin's Mansion to meet with Li Tingshi.

Although they spoke behind closed doors, Yan Guogong's angry and loud questioning had already spread far away, and many of the subordinates in the Assassin's Mansion had heard it. Then, Yan Guogong was full of anger, gritted his teeth and slammed the door, not only the people in the Assassination Mansion, but even outside the gate of the Assassination Mansion, many pedestrians on the street could see it clearly.

And that's not all. Next, Yan Guogong actually went to the Xiangjun garrison again and had a heated argument with Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang. Although the barracks are not as good as the streets and alleys, the barracks also have to go outside to purchase food and all kinds of daily necessities. Therefore, the content of the dispute between Yan Guogong and the two lieutenants is still known to many people.

But it turned out that Yan Guogong believed that Yangzhou City must not sit still, and was determined to lead the army to attack again, draw a gourd in the same way, and make another night attack. Most of the Japanese invaders did not expect it, and they would definitely be recruited. As long as the first battle is successful, the Japanese will definitely be defeated, and the crisis in Yangzhou will be solved.

But Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang thought that this plan was too risky. If you win, you win, that's good. But if it fails, it will also be a big defeat.

At that time, Yangzhou City will no longer have a single soldier available, and if the Japanese want to attack the city, Yangzhou City will not be able to resist it at all. Then the hundreds of thousands of ordinary people in the city can only be slaughtered and plundered by the Japanese invaders. Between victory and defeat, there was no room for maneuver, so the two lieutenants were always hesitant.

But Yan Guogong refused to give up. The first day I couldn't convince the two lieutenants, and the next day I came again. The next day I still can't, and I come back on the third day. The third day still doesn't work, and the fourth day ......

No one could have imagined that on the fourth day, Yan Guogong would not waste his lips and tongue at all. The three of them said a few words in the big tent of the Chinese army, and suddenly, Yan Guogong roared angrily. Immediately afterwards, Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang each let out a miserable scream. In the big tent of the Chinese army, there was no movement.

The people waiting outside the big tent of the Chinese army, hearing this scream, couldn't help but tremble in horror, guessing in every possible way, but also not daring to believe that things would develop to such a bad point. But in a moment, I saw Yan Guogong open the curtain of the tent and strode out. He was also carrying two round things in his hand.

I saw that all the commanders, military horses, Yamen generals, hundred generals and other large and small officers of the Xiang army gathered outside the tent and waited tremblingly. Cheng Li snorted coldly, threw it casually, and threw the two round things in his hand at the feet of the officers. When everyone looked at it, they were shocked and exclaimed, "Captain Yu!

It turned out that these two round things turned out to be the heads of Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang! The facial features on the bloody and blurred heads were distorted, and it was obvious that at the moment of death, they were full of horror and disbelief. At the same time, all four eyes were wide open, and they refused to close them no matter what. When it really lives up to its name, it doesn't blink to death.

Cheng Li said calmly: "I will go south by the holy decree to preside over the major anti-Japanese affairs, and I have the right to deal with it at the right of time." Those who do not listen to orders are regarded as rebellion, and they can be cut first and then played. Yu Dayou and Qi Jiliang used it selfishly for their own purposes, delaying the military plane, and they deserved death. General Ben beheaded these two people by holy order, who will not accept it?"

As he spoke, Cheng Li's eyes were like knives, and he glanced at the many officers present. All the officers were silent one by one, knelt down one after another, and prostrate in front of Cheng Li, where did anyone dare to say more than half a word?

Cheng Li nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good." Then the people will obey the order and immediately return to the camp to prepare. At the beginning of this evening, the whole army attacked Fairy Town. If you don't succeed, you will become a benevolent!"