2-in-1. Sorry for the delay. That's all for today. ）

A few days ago, Lin Jue had sent scouts to search for the news of a convoy of supplies and grain that the Great Zhou had compensated the Liao State in the vicinity of Xijin Prefecture. Lin Jue's original intention was to find the convoy that had entered the territory of the Liao Kingdom from Bazhou not long ago, but this convoy moved very quickly, and when the scouts tracked down their news, they had already entered the Xijin Mansion. However, the night before the capture of Zhuozhou, the scouts of the Luoyan Army discovered that the convoy from Xijing to Xijin Mansion was larger than the previous convoy.

The discovery of this convoy gave Lin Jue's plan to seek to attack Xijin Mansion after capturing Zhuozhou had a fulcrum. There is also the possibility of success. In fact, attacking Zhuozhou was not Lin Jue's goal, Lin Jue's purpose in coming to Bazhou this time was to plot against Ma Qingshan, Han Gang and others, destroy the peace between the Great Zhou and the Liao, and disrupt the Liao's wishful thinking. Lin Jue could not allow the Liao people to use the fear and stupidity of the Great Zhou to achieve his various defeats, nor could he allow Lu Zhongtian to attack Yang Jun's old subordinates in order to be able to control the army.

Lin Jue needed to expand the strength of the Luoyan Army to deal with the complicated situation, but relying on recruitment and training alone seemed too slow and unrealistic. He had to dig up the corners of the existing army of the Great Zhou, and he had to dig up those elite generals and soldiers with combat ability, which was much faster than recruiting soldiers and horses and then spending time training.

The purpose of attacking Jinfu was naturally to make the Liao people have to distract themselves from the south and destroy the peace agreement reached between the Great Zhou and them. And the other purpose is actually obvious, Lin Jue wants to let Ma Qingshan and Han Gang, the soldiers and horses, make things bigger, make them completely unable to turn back, and force them to choose to join the Luoyan Army. Moreover, if he can take Xijin Mansion, it will also prove his ability, so that these generals and soldiers who think that the Luoyan Army is the Luoyan Army will understand that the Luoyan Army is the force to save the Great Zhou, and let them be convinced.

In short, the capture of Xijin Mansion was of great significance, so Lin Jue made several sets of plans, but in the end, the plan of seizing the city by infiltrating the Xijin Mansion was the most suitable plan for Lin Jue at the moment. Because there are still more than 50,000 Liao troops stationed in Xijin Mansion, and there is a scheming commander like Han Desui to defend it, I am afraid that a forcible attack or other immature plans will definitely not achieve the goal. If more than 1,000 elite guards of his own battalion of soldiers and horses mixed into the city and blossomed from the city, the probability of success would be greatly increased.

However, in the current situation, it is even more difficult to get into the Sejin Province. The news of the capture of Zhuozhou will soon reach Xijin Mansion, and Xijin Mansion will immediately be on alert, and the city will block the entry and exit, and want to sneak into the city, and it is to mix more than 1,000 people into the Luoyan Army, which is almost an impossible task. With this in mind, finding a way to blend in is key. What Lin Jue wanted was to disguise the soldiers and horses who were escorting supplies to infiltrate the Xijin Mansion, and Lin Jue believed that only in this way could he be the only way to get in.

Therefore, after discovering the convoy from Xijing Datong Mansion to Xijin Mansion, Lin Jue was very happy in his heart, which was also the reason why he was eager to lead his troops and horses to leave on the day of the breakthrough of Zhuozhou City. After crossing the Sanggan River, they spotted the convoy in the afternoon of the next day, but Lin Jue was not in a hurry, and he could not attack in the daytime with great fanfare. The crux of the problem is that he must kill all the Liao troops escorting the convoy, and there must not be a single fish that slips through the net, otherwise, even if he captures the convoy, he will not be able to use this to infiltrate Xijin Mansion, because the news will leak, and going to Xijin Mansion will be a self-defeating net.

Lin Jue patiently waited for the convoy to set up camp, and patiently waited until the second watch before leading the army to take a look. Wrapped the horse's hooves in cotton cloth, it approached the land of Lixu before it suddenly launched an attack, breaking through the camp with lightning speed, and annihilating more than 500 Liao troops. This battle fully demonstrated the strength of the cavalry of the Guards Battalion, they did not drag the mud and water at all, and it took less than half an hour from the charge to the start of the battle to the total annihilation of the enemy soldiers. At that time, all the generals performed their duties, from the periphery of the guard to the internal cleaning of the battlefield and the removal of corpses, etc., all in an orderly manner, showing a well-trained soldier and horse and the extremely high combat quality of the generals in his army. The goal was fully achieved.

……

In the cold late autumn morning, the morning sun sprinkled the frost-covered rugged official road. The long convoy began to set off, and the silence of the mountains was broken by the sound of the snort of the horses and the neighing of the horses and the shouts of the coachmen. Soon after, the convoy slowly drove along the official road and left the slope where the camp had been held last night.

Everything seems to be the same as when the convoy arrived here yesterday evening, the only difference is that the mission of the convoy has changed at this time, and the more than 500 soldiers and horses protecting the convoy have also been vacated, and they are no longer the helpless Liao army before. The more than 500 Liao soldiers had slowly rotted in the dense forest next to the official road, turning into food for wild beasts and nutrients for trees and weeds.

The speed of the convoy was not fast, and it was only fifty or sixty miles away from Xijin Province, and according to the normal speed of travel, it should have arrived in the early afternoon. However, the convoy seemed to be deliberately delaying, and it was not until the sun set that it arrived outside the southern city of Sijin Province.

Outside the southern city of Sijin Province, the bare stone floor looks empty and desolate, and although months have passed since the great battle that shocked hundreds of thousands of people, the traces of that great battle can still be seen everywhere, showing the tragedy of the great battle of that day.

In the wilderness outside the city, a collapsed and damaged catapult

Scattered into piles of rotten wood and ropes. Near the city wall, the wreckage of dozens of skyscrapers that burned down still stands in the setting sun, dragging a long lonely shadow. Between the gravel and grass on the ground, there are many white bones and terrible skeletons with black holes, in that battle, countless soldiers died under the city, the Liao people obviously did not do much cleaning, only cleaned up the corpses in the area near the left of the official road, and the corpses in the rest of the place were left to them to decay and decay in the wilderness, being eaten by wild beasts and crows and vultures.

Lin Jue and the others rode their horses slowly through the wilderness under the city, looking at the desolate and terrifying scene in front of them under the sunset, and couldn't help but sigh. Although Lin Jue did not personally experience that battle, although several months have passed, seeing the scene in front of him can still make people feel the tragedy of the siege battle that day.

The walls of Xijin Mansion are still tall and majestic, and they have basically returned to their original appearance compared to a few months ago. You must know that when Yang Jun led his army to attack this city, the continuous and uninterrupted attacks and the bombardment of catapults destroyed all the defensive measures on the three city walls in the south, east and west of Xijin Mansion, and even all the battlements were destroyed. At that time, the city was called devastated. But now, Han Desui spent many days driving the people and soldiers and horses to repair the city wall and other defensive measures day and night, and basically restored to its original appearance.

The Xijin Mansion that is now presented in front of Lin Jue and others is still majestic and sturdy, tall and majestic, and it is still the strongest city in the south of the Liao Kingdom. The collapsed gatehouse on the southern gate has also been rebuilt long ago, and it looks more brand new and solid. The city gate suspension bridge, which was burned by Ma Qingshan with fire oil that day, was also replaced. The only evidence that can be seen from the destruction of the city that day is that the fire burned the entire wall in front of the gate to a jet-black color, and some of the rammed earth near the gate was burned into a glazed shape. This makes the south gate of Xijin Mansion more majestic and solemn, and at the same time, it is also more mottled by weather.

"Brother Lin, there's news." Ma Bin had just rushed over from the rear, with excitement on his face.

"Oh? Ma Qingshan: Where have they been? Lin Jue's gaze withdrew from the tall city in front of him, and he turned his head and asked.

Ma Bin said in a deep voice: "They are already thirty miles away, and it is expected that the troops will be in the city at the beginning of the shift." ”

Lin Jue turned to the head of the city and nodded slowly, "Then we should also enter the city." Brothers, cheer up and do great things. ”

Everyone's expressions became nervous and serious, Lin Juece took the lead, the convoy rumbled, and headed for the South City Gate.

The Liao army at the head of the city had already seen this convoy stretching for several miles, and the soldiers of the Liao army were like facing a great enemy, and they bent their bows and arrows to prepare for the enemy. It's not that they are nervous, but the news that Zhuozhou was captured a few days ago has already spread to Xijin Mansion, so the Liao army in Xijin Mansion immediately became nervous. Han De, the king of the Southern Courtyard, ordered the soldiers to be vigilant at all times, and had already reported the matter to the imperial court, preparing to assess what had happened and get an explanation from the Great Zhou court. Therefore, the entire province of Sijin is on high alert. When such a convoy appeared under the city, it was naturally impossible not to be wary. The entire Sijin Prefecture had already blocked the gates of the city a few days ago to prevent accidents.

"Who is coming, and what are you doing? Don't come close, otherwise, you're welcome. The soldiers of the castle tower shouted loudly to warn the caravan of horses that had reached a distance of a hundred paces below the city.

Lin Jue rushed out, raised his hand and shouted, "Don't let go of the arrows, your own people." We were the guards and horses of Xijing, escorting the convoy of materials, grain and grass compensated by the Great Zhou Dynasty to Zhongjing for delivery. I am Xiao Quan, the deputy general of the cavalry of the left wing battalion of Xijingwei, and I was ordered by the commander of Xijingwei to escort the convoy. Tonight, I will go into the city to rest and replenish dry food and water. Please open the gates and let us in. ”

When the defenders of the city heard this, they immediately breathed a sigh of relief, it turned out to be the Da Zhou convoy escorting the compensation materials. During this time, there have been two groups of convoys passing through Xijin Mansion, this one is from Xijing Datong Mansion, no wonder it came so late.

However, in extraordinary times, the city gate guards did not dare to take it lightly. So he shouted: "Is there an official waist card?" Take a look. ”

Lin Jue had already prepared, took out the official documents and waist cards found from Xiao's body, and ordered someone to ride a horse to the city gate. Waist cards and official documents were tied with arrows and shot to the tower. The guards at the head of the city took it down and identified it, so they were relieved. However, he still refused to open the gates, because he needed to report to the top. In extraordinary times, whether to allow the escorted convoy to enter the city requires Han Desui's approval.

"Wait, let's report, we need the personal permission of King Han of the Southern Courtyard to open the city gate." The guard shouted, took the things and went down to the city to report to Han Desui's palace.

Lin Jue was helpless, so he had to wait under the city. Little by little, the sun is setting in the west, the jackdaws are flying hoarsely in the cold sky, the twilight is four, and the birds are returning to their nests. The starlight in the solemn sky had slowly appeared, and there was a bleak and lonely place around.

Everyone hesitated, and Ma Bin began to worry.

"Brother Lin, if you haven't opened the door for so long, have you seen through our identity? I have some foreboding. ”

Lin Jue frowned and thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "There shouldn't be any problems, we've done it very secretively." The Liao army escorted was all killed, didn't Zha Hui, who I promised to spare his life, also be cut by you? Who else can leak the news? ”

Ma Bin smacked his lips and said, "Yes, it shouldn't be."

Leaking the wind is. Maybe it's because I'm overthinking. I do have some concerns. ”

Lin Jue said: "Don't think nonsense, at this moment, the arrow has to be fired, if you are flustered, won't these coachmen be even more distracted?" You have to be indifferent and don't create a tense atmosphere. ”

The horse soldier nodded hurriedly, and suddenly looked around abruptly and said, "The weather is so cool, hahaha." ”

Everyone was startled by him and looked at him in amazement. Lin Jue also looked at him speechlessly, and said in his heart: I told you to relax, but I didn't want you to talk awkwardly, this pretending to be relaxed is too obvious.

At this moment, the shouts of the Liao soldiers came from the already dark and indistinguishable city: "Deputy General Xiao, King Han has an order to allow you to enter the city." The convoy was inspected and entered the city one by one, and it was not crowded. Otherwise, you will be killed. ”

Lin Jue was overjoyed and said: "Thank you, thank you, please open the city gate, we are tired and tired, and we really want to enter the city immediately to rest." ”

Orders were heard from the top of the city, and soon the drawbridge creaked down, and the closed gates slowly opened. Hundreds of soldiers came out with lanterns and torches, and more than a dozen wooden horses were placed at the gate of the city, leaving only a path that was a few feet wide, and the tall Liao army gatekeeper waved his hand and shouted: "Come in." ”

Lin Jue sighed, waved his hand and commanded in a deep voice: "Enter the city." ”

The chariots and horses slowly walked across the drawbridge and arrived at the city gates. The first car was driven by the old man who took the lead in expressing his willingness to be driven by Lin Jue. The old man was obviously a little nervous, and his voice trembled slightly, and his movements were a little deformed. But if you don't listen carefully, it's not easy to discern.

The old man drove the first chariot to the passage between the horses, and was about to whip the mules and horses to the city gate, when suddenly a dozen spears lay in front of the carriage. The Liao army guard standing on the side shouted: "Someone, lift the tarpaulin, and check the goods on the car." ”

All the cars are covered with black tarpaulins to protect against rain. Naturally, the inspection requires a tarpaulin, which is normal. But hearing his voice, Lin Jue and the others' faces changed.

Several Liao soldiers came forward to uncover the tarpaulin, and the old man who was driving the car stiffened and stayed on the wheel, not daring to move, and unable to speak. Once the tarp is revealed, the secrets of the car are revealed.

"Hahaha, where is the need for such trouble? This brother, this cart is full of food and supplies, and the paperwork list is all written. Are you really going to uncover the tarpaulins and inspect the bags? Wouldn't that have to be checked until this time next year? Brothers must be tired to death. This cart is just food. If you don't believe me, I'll show you. Lin Jue laughed and stepped forward, stretched out his hand and pulled out the scimitar at his waist, and stabbed it hard into the tarpaulin. With a stabbing sound, the scimitar pierced the tarpaulin and pierced the sack inside. Lin Jue pulled out the scimitar and brought out a large piece of rice and sprinkled it on the ground.

"Look, it's just rice. Why bother? Lin Jue smiled and pointed to the rice scattered on the ground.

The general thought for a moment, waved his hand and shouted, "Just use his method to stab each car a few times." ”

The Liao soldiers shouted their promises and stabbed them in the car with scimitars. This chaotic stab frightened everyone's faces pale. Lin Jue hurriedly smiled again: "Don't don't, a few brothers are doing this, can I still travel long distances in this car?" It's all stabbed, and the road is bumpy to Dading Mansion, and it's not all leaked. It's almost done, isn't it okay to spot check a few cars? When we were in Datong Mansion, we all checked it in person, but in fact, we didn't have to check it again. ”

The leader of the Liao army guarding the gate shouted: "What are these words? You checked that it was in Datong, but it is not Datong here. Naturally, we want to check ours. It's also about doing things according to the rules. ”

Lin Jue stepped forward and smiled and said in a low voice, "Brother, give face." If it is too much to go to Zhongjing Road, I think it is my escort who is full of self-theft. We are all brothers, so why bother brothers? If it all leaks, I'll have to repack the bag, which can be a lot of trouble. These two ingots of silver, brothers, take them to buy some wine to drink, and raise your noble hands, it is convenient for you, and it is convenient for us. It's getting dark, so why bother here. ”

The general frowned a little after listening to the first half of the words, and was about to say, 'It's my business'. But suddenly two ingots were stuffed into the palm of his hand, and when he looked down, he saw that it was two large ingots of silver, estimated to be as many as a dozen taels, and immediately flipped his wrist, and the silver did not enter his sleeve.

"That's it, I can check it casually, they are all my own brothers, so I naturally believe that the brothers of Datong Mansion have already checked it. It's dark, and it's cold, and these brothers have come from a long journey, and it's strange and hard. It would be right for them to rest earlier. Just find a few and check it. The goalkeeper immediately changed his tone and raised his hand to command.

The soldiers were eager to do so, so they moved away and let the convoy into the city. , only symbolically stretched out his hand and hit the sack on the car a few times, which can be regarded as an inspection.

Lin Jue smiled and thought about the gatekeeper and said: "Brother is interesting, next time my brother goes to Datong on business, go to the left wing camp to find me Xiao Quan, Xiao will be hospitable." Good wine and good food will entertain you, and I will take you to visit our famous red light courtyard in Datong at night. ”

"Hahaha, don't dare, don't dare, it's a joke." The general laughed and waved his hand.

Lin Jue ordered the coachman to speed up, and hundreds of cars rushed in, and in less than half an hour, all of them entered the Xijin Mansion.