Tong Yan was caught, and the black cauldron made the rebel Xiang Xuan carry it, and what Zhao Yu had to do next was to try his best to get himself out and put all the blame and fault on Tong Yan, a dead man.

Of course, in fact, Tong Yan is not dead at this time.

After thinking for a while, he sent someone to summon Wang Xun and Zhang Qi, the soldiers of the Liangcheng Army.

A moment later, Wang Xun and Zhang Qi came to Zhao Yu's Chinese army barracks together, with a look of anxiety.

"Zhou, Zhou Duwei ......"

Looking at Wang Xun and Zhang Qi, who were worried, Zhao Yu smiled secretly in his heart.

If he wants to put all the blame and fault on Tong Yan, he will count on these two people.

While smiling secretly, Zhao Yu deliberately said in a heavy tone: "Two, I have written a battle report on the ambush of our army and the murder of Tong Duwei by the rebels, and sent someone to send it to General Xue......"

"Battle Report ......"

Wang Xun and Zhang Qi's faces suddenly turned pale.

During this period, Wang Xun looked at Zhao Yu in disbelief, and said uneasily: "Captain Zhou, you ......"

As if guessing the thoughts of the two, Zhao Yu lowered his voice and said, "Such a big thing, do you two think you can live in concealment?" ”

As he spoke, he stood up, walked to the door of the barracks, glanced outside, and said in a salty and nonchalant manner: "If I am not mistaken, the Taiyuan cavalry has already told General Xue about this before me......"

Wang Xun and Zhang Qi were stunned.

They also knew that the Zhou Lieutenant in front of them couldn't order those Taiyuan cavalry.

"That'...... Then the two of us will ...... What do you think? Zhang Qi said bitterly.

Zhao Yu glanced back at Zhang Qi, and said to himself: "For such a big matter, General Xue will definitely come here in person, and I will be charged to wait...... Although I promised you two to help each other as much as possible, but in the end, how will General Xue be released......"

As soon as he heard this, Wang Xun immediately panicked.

After all, if the Zhou Duwei in front of him truthfully told the General Xue, and the General Xue learned that it was caused by their greed for merit, then how could they still have a chance to live?

He hurriedly pleaded: "Captain Zhou, can you ignore us......"

Zhao Yu spread his hands, so he said in embarrassment: "Zhou will naturally not ignore the two, but this is very difficult, everyone knows that the two are too impulsive and do not fall for the rebels' tricks...... If General Xue can get up then, how do you ask me to answer? ”

"But...... But......" Wang Xun looked shocked.

At this moment, Zhang Qi whispered beside him: "What if this is Captain Tong's order?" ”

"Captain Tong's order?"

Wang Xun glanced at his colleagues, and his eyes shone with hope.

That's right, their Tong Du Lieutenant has been killed by the rebel general Xiang Xuan, as long as all the responsibility is put on this Tong Du Captain?

Although Tong Duwei was not kind to them in the past, Tong Duwei was dead after all, and they wanted to live, presumably Tong Duwei would not mind.

Thinking of this, Wang Xun also looked at Zhao Yu with expectant eyes.

"Huh."

Looking at Zhang Qi, whose face was tense and his expression was a little gloomy, and then at Wang Xun, who was full of anticipation, Zhao Yu smiled secretly in his heart.

He summoned Wang Xun and Zhang Qi over just to further confirm the matter of 'Tong Yan's greed for merit', so that he could be removed from the responsibility of this matter?

Of course, in order to prevent being seen through by Wang Xun and Zhang Qi, and even falling into the handle, Zhao Yu couldn't easily agree to this matter, he wanted Wang Xun and Zhang Qi to continue to beg bitterly.

Thinking of this, he still kept a straight face even though he was wearing a mask, and whispered with a little displeasure: "Do you want Zhou to lie about the facts?" ”

"Don't dare."

Zhang Qi heard the dissatisfaction from Zhao Yu's tone, and hurriedly explained: "It's just that it is also true that Tong Duwei ordered the two of us to march quickly to pursue the rebels, if Zhou Duwei is really willing to save the lives of the two of us, and say a few kind words for the two of us when General Xue is responsible, I will be grateful." ”

"Hmm......"

Zhao Yu pretended to hesitate, and paced back and forth in the barracks with his hands behind his back for a few steps, only then did Wang Xun and Zhang Qi say: "How many people know about Captain Tong ordering you two to march quickly to pursue the rebels?" ”

"You should know about this." Wang Xun said in surprise.

"Of course I do." Zhao Yu glanced at Wang Xun, frowned and said, "But if I testify alone, General Xue may not believe ......"

Hearing this, Zhang Qi hurriedly said: "The guards around the two of us can testify to this matter." ”

"In this way, it seems that there is a chance to convince General Xue ......"

Zhao Yu looked at the corner of the barracks with his back hand.

Seeing Zhao Yu's behavior like this, Wang Xun and Zhang Qi glanced at each other, immediately stepped forward, clasped their fists and whispered: "If Duwei Zhou can save the lives of the two of us today, the two of us will never forget." ”

Hearing this, Zhao Yu turned around, looked at Wang Xun and then at Zhang Qi, and nodded slowly: "That's it, since I have promised you the two of you, I will naturally do my best." …… But I advise you not to try to deceive General Xue. If the two of you listen to my advice, you two only need to tell the truth when they intermediate, and prove that it was Tong Duwei who ordered you to pursue the rebels in a hurry, and Zhou will try his best to complete the rest for the two of you. ”

"Thank you, Captain Zhou."

Wang Xun and Zhang Qi hurriedly hugged their fists and thanked them.

Seeing this, Zhao Yu waved his hand, and then continued: "With Zhou for the two Yuanquan, this matter should not be a big problem......

He glanced at Wang Xun and Zhang Qi, and the second half of the conversation came to an abrupt end.

He originally wanted to solve the problem of 'Tong Yan's corpse' together, but after careful consideration, he suddenly felt that now was not the time.

At least after Wang Xun and Zhang Qi confirmed in front of Xue Ao that 'Tong Yan is dead', and at that time, there is no need for him to speak, Wang Xun and Zhang Qi will solve this matter for you - of course, they will definitely not be able to solve this matter, because they are destined to not find Tong Yan's body, and these two people have to ask him for advice when they turn around.

"I'm getting better at these kinds of intrigue......

Zhao Yu secretly laughed at himself, after all, subjectively speaking, he had always looked down on those conspiracies.

In the next two days, the Jin army led by Zhao Yu was busy camping five miles away from the city, while the rebels were resting in Xianping County to recuperate, and at the same time sent people to contact friendly troops in Weishi, Yanling and other counties to prepare to retreat together, so the two sides were at peace.

At the same time, at the crossing of the big river north of Liangcheng, Xue Ao was waiting with a team of guards next to the bridge where he led his army to cross the river that day.

Not long after, as far as Xue Ao could see, a huge army faintly appeared.

"Here we are." Wei Bi, who was beside Xue Ao, reminded in a low voice.

Xue Ao nodded and continued to look ahead.

A moment later, the army in the distance slowly approached, and it was not difficult to see that the soldiers in this army were holding high the banner of the word 'Jin', and the flag in the center was a tiger flag.

This tiger flag is amazing, and the flag is also painted with the symbol of the Jin royal family'Dayyang', which is the military flag of Chen Zhong, the Taishi of the Jin Kingdom, the Daytime Tiger Flag.

In addition to the direct royal family of the Jin Kingdom, Chen Zhong Chen Taishi is the only important minister in the Jin State who can tattoo the sun on the banner, which is his unique honor, and it is also the power given to this Chen Taishi by the previous emperor of the Jin Kingdom.

However, it was not Xue Ao's father-in-law Chen Taishi who led this army this time, but his brother, the later general Wang Yan.

"Second brother."

"Old Five."

A moment later, Xue Ao and Wang Tan met along the river, smiling and greeting each other.

It turned out that the reason why Xue Ao did not pursue the main force of the rebel army led by Chen Miao with Zhao Yu and Tong Yan was to wait for his brother Wang Tan.

After some greetings, Xue Ao smiled but Wang Yan said, "Old Five, how many troops do you bring to help me?" ”

Wang Tan stretched out five fingers and said with a smile: "Fifty thousand." ”

"So little?" Xue Ao frowned.

"Less? My father and eldest brother handed over 30% of the army to me......"

"Sancheng?" Xue Ao was stunned, puzzled and said, "Didn't you say that Handan raised 500,000 troops?" ”

Wang Tan explained with a smile: "How can there be 500,000, scaring people, 150,000, my father's army is 100,000, and there are 50,000 Handan troops." ”

Xue Ao seemed to think of something, frowned and said, "Is it because of the lack of grain and grass?" ”

"Ahh

Wang Yan sighed melancholy and said: "Last year, the big rivers in Dongjun and Pingyuan flooded, flooding millions of acres of fields downstream, coupled with the rebellion of the rebels south of the big river, how much grain was confiscated by the imperial court last year, it would be good to send 150,000 troops to the battle...... Probably, on the way, the counties will have to borrow a batch of grain and grass. ”

"Yes."

Xue Ao also nodded wistfully.

He also felt that in the past few years, there have been many natural and man-made disasters in the Jin Kingdom, which is not a good thing.

After chatting for a few words, Wang Tan Ke Xue Ao said: "Don't talk about this, what about the rebels?" ”

Xue Ao chuckled: "With me sitting in Liangcheng, the rebels have repeatedly failed to attack, and they have already had the intention of retreating, and suddenly two days ago, the rebels separated and disintegrated, first the Jiangdong rebels fled to the east, and then, Chen Miao also led the rest of the army to evacuate south...... I guess that most of the rebels in Hebei have the eyes of the rebels, and they learned the news that the old man 'raised 500,000 troops to suppress thieves'. ”

After a pause, he said again: "I sent Li Meng to pursue the Jiangdong rebels, and I sent Zhou Hu and Tong Yan to lead the army to pursue Chen Miao......"

Wang Tan nodded, and did not continue.

Half an hour later, Xue Ao took Wang Tan and Wei Bi back to Liangcheng first, preparing to enter the city to set up a banquet to catch his brother's wind.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the city, Xue Ao received an urgent letter, which was sent by Li Meng, the governor of Henan, from Kao County.

Seeing the contents of the letter, Xue Ao's face changed slightly.

Seeing this, Wang Tan was puzzled and said, "What's the matter, second brother?" ”

I saw a bit of solemnity on Xue Ao's face, and said in a deep voice: "Li Meng sent someone to send an urgent letter, saying that he led the army to pursue the Jiangdong rebels and chased them all the way to Kao County, however, the rebels were nowhere to be found......

From the side, Xue Ao's lieutenant general Wei Bi heard this, and said with a slight change in his face: "The Jiangdong rebels have never fled east? Is it ......?"

"Ahh

Xue Ao nodded and sneered: "It was put on the table." …… The Jiangdong rebels set up a suspicious formation, and it seemed that they were withdrawing eastward, but in fact they were trying to lure our army into dividing their troops to pursue...... If nothing else, most of the Jiangdong rebels turned south halfway to Kao County and joined up with Chen Miao's rebels again. ”

Thinking of this, he immediately ordered the two guards: "You two will go to Kao County immediately, and ask Li Meng to lead the army to Xianping." ”

Although he also knew that this time and again, Li Meng's Henan army might not be able to surround Xianping in time, but he could only do this - he couldn't let nearly 50,000 Henan troops have nothing to do in Kaoxian, right?

From the side, Wei Bi quietly waited for Xue Ao to give an order, and then he said: "If the Jiangdong rebels really went to Xianping halfway, then Zhou Hu and Tong Yan are afraid that they will ......."

"Hmm."

Xue Ao nodded solemnly, and immediately turned his head to Wang Tan and said, "Fifth brother, my brother originally planned to set up wine in the city to catch the wind for you, but now that the situation is in danger, my brother owes you this wine first." ”

As soon as he heard this, Wang Tan guessed that the elder brother in front of him was probably going to Xianping to join Zhou Hu and Tong Yan immediately, and hurriedly said: "Second brother, let's go, when the rebels are defeated, it's not too late for me to drink together." …… The younger brother here, after resting for half a day, immediately went to Xianping to meet the second brother. ”

"Okay." Xue Ao nodded, and then turned his head to Wei Bi and said, "Wei Bi, you and the fifth child together, I will go to meet Zhou Hu and Tong Yan first." ”

"Yes." Wei Xuan clenched his fists and took the order.

After the order, Xue Ao only brought a few dozen cavalry, and immediately went straight to the direction of Xianping.

On the way, he met a detachment of Taiyuan cavalry.

As Zhao Yu guessed, after learning that he and Tong Yan were ambushed by the rebels, Dong Dian and Zhong Liao, the second generals, sent this cavalry to Liangcheng to report the matter to Xue Ao.

From these cavalrymen, Xue Ao was shocked and angry when he learned that Zhou Hu and Tong Yan were ambushed by the rebels.

Shockingly, the bad premonition in his heart really came true, Zhou Hu and Tong Yan really suffered a defeat, and even, that Tong Yan also ended up with an 'unknown life and death' - when Dong Dian sent the Taiyuan cavalry, Zhao Yu had not yet gone to Xianping County to 'confirm' Tong Yan's death.

As for anger, it is nothing more than Zhou Hu and Tong Yan who were greedy for merit and reckless, so that they fell into the trap of the rebels.

On February 20, it only took a day and a half to take Xue Ao with dozens of cavalry from Liangcheng to the area of Xianping County, and got in touch with the Taiyuan cavalry wandering around the local area, and then under the guidance of these Taiyuan cavalry, he came to Zhao Yucai's camp that he had built for two or three days.

"So fast?"

When he learned the news of Xue Ao's arrival, Zhao Yu was also taken aback, and hurriedly led the generals out of the camp to greet him.

Unexpectedly, without waiting for Zhao Yu and the others to come out to greet them, Xue Ao entered the camp with the dozens of cavalry and met Zhao Yu and his party halfway.

"General Xue."

When he saw Xue Ao, Zhao Yu hurriedly stepped forward to salute.

In the past, Xue Ao would basically politely reply 'Captain Zhou', even if he called Zhou Hu, it meant closeness, but today, the general of the Che Cavalry had a stiff face, which made people see at a glance that he was in a bad mood.

"Where's Tong Yan?"

After looking at Zhao Yu a few times, and then at the people behind Zhao Yu, Xue Ao said coldly.

"He didn't get my battle report?"

Zhao Yu was a little surprised in his heart, and said cautiously: "Please go to the barracks first, and then report in detail." ”

"Lead the way."

"Yes."

A moment later, Zhao Yu took Xue Ao to his barracks.

After entering the camp, Xue Ao sat down on a stool next to a table in the room, immediately looked at Zhao Yu with a frown, and said again: "Where is Tong Yan?" Why don't you see him? ”

Hearing this, Zhao Yu hugged his fists and said in a low tone: "General Hui, a few days ago, Captain Tong and Captain Tong were ambushed by the rebels, and Captain Tong was unfortunately killed by Xiang Xuan, the general of the rebels. ”

"What?!"

Xue Ao was shocked when he heard this, and couldn't help but widen his eyes.

Tong Yan...... He's dead?

"Bang!" He angrily slapped the table next to him, only to hear a bang, and the table, which was not very sturdy, immediately collapsed.

Rao is Zhao Yu also subconsciously lowered his head.

Xue Ao glared at Zhao Yu angrily, and said, "What the hell is going on?!" ”

Seeing this, Zhao Yu told Xue Ao about the ambush that day, and did not add a word of falsehood - just concealed it.

After learning what had happened, Xue Ao became more and more angry.

To be honest, Tong Yan didn't die, he didn't really care, he cared that Zhou Hu and Tong Yan were ambushed by the rebels and suffered huge losses.

Besides, forget that Tong Yan, Zhou Hu in front of him shouldn't have fallen for the rebels' shoddy tricks to lure the enemy.

He angrily reprimanded: "You two only had 20,000 troops at that time, but the rebels had nearly 60,000, and nearly 60,000 rebels were caught up by your 20,000 troops. …… How stupid are you and Tong Yan to fall for the rebels' tricks?! ”

"......" Zhao Yu lowered his head and didn't say a word, letting Xue Ao vent his anger.

Because he knows that with Xue Ao's character, the more you justify, the more it will arouse his anger, so it is better to admit your mistakes honestly.

Sure enough, after a fierce fire, Xue Ao finally calmed down gradually.

I saw him frowning and said to Zhao Yu: "Zhou Hu, tell me what the hell is going on, with your intelligence, you should definitely not fall for such a crude trick as the rebels." ”

At this time, Zhao Yu hugged his fists and said in a low voice: "On that day, Captain Tong ordered a hurry to chase the rebels, so that when I realized that the situation was wrong, the front army had fallen into the trap set by the rebels......"

"Rush to the rebels on a march?!" Xue Ao said angrily with a straight face: "A hundred miles and the one who is interested in the benefit of the general, fifty miles and the one who is interested in the army is half to the end, as far as I know, you are also a person who has read the art of war, and you don't even know this truth?" ”

“……”

Zhao Yu was deliberately silent for a long time, and then explained in a low voice: "I also persuaded Tong Duwei at that time, but Tong Duwei was bent on defeating the rebels, and he captured the thief leader Chen Miao and dedicated it to the general, so he ......."

He deliberately only said half of it, but he believed that this was enough to pin Tong Yan on the charge of 'greedy merit'.

Sure enough, Xue Ao, who heard this, had a little anger on his face again, and subconsciously raised his hand to slap the table, only to find that the table had been smashed by him, so he had to put his hand down again.

"It's just stupid!"

After scolding, Xue Ao said in a deep voice: "Are Tong Yan's Wang Xun and Zhang Qi still alive?" Call them over! ”

"Yes!"

Zhao Yu hugged his fists, walked out of the barracks, and sent someone to summon Wang Xun and Zhang Qi.

After a while, Wang Xun and Zhang Qi came to the tent.

I saw Xue Ao coldly glance at the two of them, and said in a deep voice: "You two will tell me about the ambush that day, 1510, if there is half a lie, I will never forgive!" ”

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Wang Xun shook his head again and again, and then told Xue Ao the original events of the day, which was the same as what Zhao Yu said.

And Zhang Qi also swore on the side: "We are just following the orders of Captain Tong, and the sergeants and soldiers of the army can testify on this matter." ”

Hearing this, Xue Ao had a general idea of the ambush of Zhao Yu and Tong Yan by the rebels that day: Obviously, that Tong Yan was trying to please him, did not listen to Zhou Hu's persuasion, and insisted on ordering the whole army to rush after the rebels, resulting in Wang Xun and Zhang Qi, who obeyed his orders, fell into the trap set by the rebels.

Thinking about it like this, the culprit came out, it was that damn Tong Yan!

Greedy for merit, killing himself is not counted, but also more than 5,000 Liangcheng soldiers, it is simply innocent!

Thinking of this, Xue Ao felt a little guilty about being angry at Zhou Hu just now, and said to Zhao Yu with a little apology: "Zhou Hu, the responsibility this time is really not you, I was angry at you just now, you don't care." ”

"The general is serious." Zhao Yu hugged his fists and said in a heavy tone: "Although it is not me, but the lowly position is also responsible, if the lowly function convinces Tong Duwei ......"

"Okay, okay, don't say that kind of thing." Xue Ao waved his hand and sneered: "How many fools who are greedy for merit can listen to persuasion?" …… What about Tong Yan's body? Did you get it back? Or was it taken by the rebels? ”

Wang Xun shook his head and said, "Haven't found Tong Duwei's body yet?" ”

"Still haven't found it yet?" Xue Ao frowned: "What do you mean?" ”

Seeing this, Zhao Yu came forward to explain: "That's the case, in order to prevent being thrown off by the rebels, we don't dare to delay for too long, so in a hurry, we haven't found the body of Tong Duwei for the time being......"

"Hmm." Xue Ao nodded abruptly, of course he wouldn't think Zhao Yu had done anything wrong.

Compared with finding Tong Yan's body, it must be more important to continue to contain the rebels and prevent them from taking advantage of the opportunity to escape.

Thinking of this, he said nonchalantly: "Then continue to send people to find it, but the top priority is to trap the rebels...... Zhou Hu, are the rebels still in Xianping? ”

"Finally got over ......"

Seeing that Xue Ao finally stopped chasing after Ke Tongyan, Zhao Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, and replied with his fists clenched: "Yes." …… After the rebels withdrew to Xianping that day, there was no movement until ...... Speaking of which, the lowly official was about to report to the general, and a day earlier, General Koto had once again joined up with the rebels here. ”

"Sure enough."

The pupils in Xue Ao's eyes shrank, and he said in a deep voice: "When I came, I received an urgent letter from Li Meng, he told me that there was no trace of the Jiangdong rebels in the Kao County area...... But there is no need to worry, Li Meng's nearly 50,000 Henan troops, as well as the 50,000 troops led by my fifth child, are all on their way to Xianping at this moment, and there is still an army led by my old man, as long as we can nail the rebels to death in Xianping, the rebels will definitely be defeated! ”

"Is it finally coming, Chen Zhong, the Taishi of the Jin Kingdom......

Zhao Yu's heart sank.

From the very beginning, he concluded that the real opponent of the righteous master was that Chen Taishi.

As long as this Chen Taishi has not been defeated, it is impossible for the righteous master to defeat the Jin Kingdom.