When the team of emperor's envoys who set out from Chang'an went straight out of the Yumen and finally came to the forefront of the Han army in Dunhuang, it was the day of the Chinese New Year's Eve.

This is one of the most solemn and longest-standing festivals of the Chinese nation. It is impossible to know exactly when it originated and why. It is an important node, marking that the bitter cold is about to pass and the spring breeze is about to blow.

Although they were on the battlefield, all the soldiers of the Han army had no way to go home and reunite with their loved ones. However, because of the encouragement of the victory of the Lian Zhan, the Han army camp centered on Dunhuang City was still filled with a joyful atmosphere.

At this time, the situation in the Western Regions has gradually become clear, although the Persian army still has as many as three or four hundred thousand, occupying an absolute advantage in numbers, they no longer dare to take the initiative to attack. The king of Persia didn't know what he was thinking, his base camp was in Wuwei County, where hundreds of thousands of troops were entrenched, but he had no intention of retreating.

Wuwei and Dunhuang are less than 100 miles apart, and the area in between has become a battlefield for the rangers and scouts of the two armies to strangle each other. In this more than half a month, the iron rider flew feathers, the meteors were fluttering, and there were many brave men on both sides who stained the yellow sand with blood here, and their souls returned to the grass and trees.

The cruelty of war is never an understatement that can be won with a wave of the hand. One will be a success! The loyalty and enthusiasm buried behind these few words can never be truly understood by those who have not been on the battlefield.

Even if it is Yuan Zhao, although he tries his best to give full play to his ability and wants to avoid the casualties of the Han soldiers as much as possible, he is a man and not a god after all. Heroic martyrdom, horse leather shroud, green mountains are everywhere, loyal bones are eternal! This happens almost every day.

The confidence of the final victory is unquestionable in everyone's heart. However, in the face of the endless Persian legions, any warrior understood that it was not so easy to swallow this behemoth in one gulp.

At the stage of stalemate between the two armies, any relevant military intelligence becomes extremely important. Perhaps the opportunity for victory is in an instant, when the fighter comes, only a real famous general with keen observation and overall control can take advantage of the situation and become a great success in a battle.

The scouts of the Han army, who had been dispatched countless times, were also for this goal, risking their own lives, and always closely watched and observed the movements of the Persians. Because they all knew very well that Yuan Zhao would personally study and analyze this military intelligence, and then make military strategic arrangements accordingly. And this is what they are most proud of.

If you are in Chang'an at this time, it should be a matter for every household to prepare to celebrate the New Year, right? The young men, riding fast horses, were swarming across the bridge, leaving their carefree and happy figures wherever they passed. In Chang'an City, it should be crowded with people purchasing. Now in the prosperous age, there must be no more sorrow and sorrow ......on everyone's face.

Thinking of this, the young sergeant of the Han scout team, who was riding over a sand dune, sighed quietly. He muttered in a low voice to the squad leader who was walking in front.

"I really miss the wine in Chang'an City! If you can take a sip today, you can taste the arrival of the New Year! It's just a pity that it is difficult for the army to ...... as desired. ”

They're on this team

There were ten people in total, and the leader was as young as the captain. It's just that he stroked the knife with his right hand, and his left arm was empty, but it was Jiang Sheng who was rescued by Yuan Zhao after escaping death and returning to Yumen Pass. When he turned back on his horse, he could see that there was a lot more fortitude between his eyebrows than before.

"Don't think about wine. Even Yuanhou, I have never seen him drink in the army. We did a great job this time, and if we can get a compliment from him when we go back, it will be the greatest reward. ”

Hearing him say this, the others nodded their heads one after another. This time, their team went out to bypass the place where the Persians were entrenched in Wuwei County, went to the Western Regions of Zhangye and Jiuquan, and once again contacted the royal families of these countries who had been poisoned by the Persian army, and obtained their clearest pledge of allegiance to the Han Dynasty. In this way, if the time is ripe and the war resumes, the Persians' back route will basically be blocked.

Their team of scouts needed to rush back and report these extremely favorable situations to Yuan Zhao to Yuan Zhao. Therefore, at this time, he was about to leave the control of the Persians and was about to rush back to the Han army garrison in Dunhuang. In everyone's heart, there is a feeling of excitement.

The young sergeant was probably indeed homesick, and he was silent for a moment as he looked at the yellow sand with no trace of green. Then he asked again with curiosity.

"Boss, I heard that you didn't die in the last catastrophe, and you were blessed by misfortune, and you got the promise of Yuanhou to follow him to do things. Moreover, outside the Jade Gate Pass, he personally cut off the head of the Persian marshal...... With such an opportunity, why risk your life to continue to serve as a scout like those of us? ”

Jiang Sheng glanced at his left arm, and he laughed silently. In fact, he had heard many people ask him this question, but he had never answered it positively. Today may be because it is a special day, but he is in a good mood. So I am willing to confide in these brothers in life and death.

"Yuanhou saved my life, and I really benefited a lot from the short days that I was by his side...... And I remember the clearest words he ever said, and I will never forget them. ”

The rolling sand dunes were nearing the end, and the horses' hooves were walking on the yellow sand, and the wind poured into their armor from their necks, and they felt a chill attack on their bones. Everyone listened carefully to the words of Yuan Zhao relayed by this scout who had made great achievements.

"Yuanhou said that from the day we stepped on the war horse and determined to defend this country, our lives were closely related to it. And, most importantly, each of us finds our place. Don't look at what position you hold, but what you have the ability to do! From generals to soldiers, there is no difference when it comes to safeguarding national security and honor. That's why I re-chose the battle position that is most suitable for me, the Great Han Scout! ”

There was no pride in Jiang Sheng's expression, let alone any element of self-boasting. This is what he said in his heart, and it was the one he had been infected with from the person he had determined to follow for life.

The eyes of everyone in this small group of scouts showed envy and admiration. For such a simple and great ambition, there is no need for words of praise. They all clenched their fists and followed their squad leader steadfastly forward.

"But don't worry, everybody. I can guarantee that the Marquis will never treat any of his brothers in the army badly...... We hurried back to see what was in store in the camp. New Year's ...... Hehe! ”

Jiang Sheng's expression was relaxed, and the others laughed too. Turning the sand dunes ahead, riding the horses

You can return to the Dunhuang camp in half an hour. I thought that maybe I would be able to eat a steaming meal soon, and maybe there would be a special improvement in the meal. And they were all eager.

However, no one expected that the unexpected always came at the most relaxing time. Jiang Sheng, who had experienced brutal fighting, was the first to smell the breath of danger. His face changed suddenly, and his right hand had quickly drawn his knife.

"There is an enemy! Prepare for battle. ”

Others were taken aback. Sensing that there was a murderous attack not far from the left, he hurriedly looked over, only to see hundreds of Persian warriors running in a semicircle, rushing down the slopes of the dunes.

The situation is grim and there is no room for much thought. Obviously, this was a Persian cavalry that strangled Han scouts in the staggered area between the two armies. Jiang Sheng immediately made a decision, and ordered to accelerate the retreat immediately. The only end of desperate life is death. And it is not an easy task to escape from these dozens of times the enemy riders.

"Everyone alternately covers, no matter who it is, the one who has the last chance to escape with his life must bring the Western Regions intelligence in our hands to Yuanhou!"

Jiang Sheng shouted hoarsely. There is infinite sadness in his heart, even if everyone fights for their lives today, it is already the greatest luck to be able to protect one or two escapes. And the others...... It is likely that he will be buried here on the day of the upcoming New Year.

Persian warriors who have already discovered their prey will never give up easily. In the 100-mile area between the two armies, most of the terrain was undulating with sand dunes. And hunting the enemy in the middle of this is what the Persians like to do the most.

The dozen or so Han people ran fast. But that's okay, after such a long journey, they want to escape home, it's wishful thinking!

Hundreds of Persian warriors shouted and chased after the outflank, and the two sides got closer and closer. They were very sure that with one more breath, where the iron hooves stepped on, they would be able to chop these Han scouts into meat sauce.

However, almost without warning, countless crossbow bolts were fired from behind the opposite dunes. The supreme power of the Han nine-armed chain crossbow finally made the arrogant Persian rangers suffer.

The wind is blowing, and the banner is hunting. Jiang Sheng and his brothers, who were panting violently, suddenly reined in their horses, and when they looked at the undulations of the sand dunes on the right, they suddenly froze together.

After a round of crossbow arrows, the hundred cavalry of the Han Dynasty came out, and the Xueliang war knife exuded a dazzling light. And the one who calmly commanded them on a white fox sable fur was giving a cruel order.

"It's always bad to kill people for the New Year. However, since it is a Persian, it is ...... Kill them all! ”

Then, he waved his hand in this direction. Facing the warriors who saluted with the highest courtesy, there was already a warm smile on their faces.

"Welcome home. Let's go, let's go back to the camp together...... Happy New Year! ”

"History of the Han Empire: The Family of the Yuan Duke" Volume 3: "It is the year, the Persian army is powerful, and the Yuan Gong Tun Dunhuang." On Chinese New Year's Eve, the public feast was prepared, and the soldiers went out of the camp to welcome the soldiers who returned late...... At the right time, the envoy of Chang'an also came, awarded rewards, and enjoyed the camp to celebrate the New Year. The generals of the Yuan Gong are aware of the details, and the soldiers are willing to die for it, not accidentally! ”

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