Chapter 3 East Gate (Sankami)

The results of the battle damage were quickly counted. In the contact just now, a total of two and a half brigades of Xiang Yong entered the battle, killing 30 people and wounding 17 on the spot. The rogues suffered the loss of being too short of their weapons when they tried to climb over the wooden fence, and 49 people were stabbed to death, and countless were evacuated with wounds.

Judging purely from the comparison of the number of enemies and losses, the results of the first battle of the villagers were very good. It's just that their number is only a thousand, and the number of enemies is immeasurable! This stark numerical contrast makes anyone not optimistic, including Cheng Xiaojiu, who pretended to be calm. But he had no way to reverse this passive situation, and could only try to find some of his own advantages to boost the morale of the army.

"They don't have ballistas! There are no battering rams and ladders either! Pointing to the firelight in the distance, Cheng Xiaojiu shouted loudly. The three things he said were all weapons for breaking the city recorded in the war books, and without these heavy equipment, the walls of Guantao County would have been able to last for a long time. It's a pity that the villagers don't have the slightest idea of ballistas and ladders, and just squat next to the corpses of their companions and cry in a low voice. These honest batons finally remembered their fear now, and finally understood that the original three buckets of rice were not easy to eat.

"What are you crying for, isn't the enemy retreating? They didn't even wear armor, so they couldn't beat us at all! Dong Zhushu tore his throat and roared loudly. This is another comforting piece of news, as the training and equipment of the rogues are just as bad as the village warriors. The bamboo bow and bamboo arrows improvised by Guantao County could not penetrate a single layer of pigskin at all fifty steps away, but they also caused a lot of trouble to the rogues. More than a dozen of the corpses lying outside the fence were first wounded by the feathered arrows. In a panic, the injured were almost helpless and were poked to death by the villagers.

The villagers were still crying silently, but they still refused to put down the spears that had been lubricated by blood. They're no longer a baton! Cheng Xiaojiu's heart flashed, and he suddenly remembered what his father had said to him back then: Only soldiers who have seen blood are real soldiers. Looking at it again, he carefully found a completely different temperament in the villagers. It was a looming murderous aura, like the difference between before and after a knife was opened. Although it can be called a knife, the effect after cutting it out is like mud.

"Han Gesheng, Duan Qing, Jiang Bailing, the three of you take the brothers to retreat and rest first, and change the people from other brigades to come up!" At this time, it would be irresponsible to everyone to continue to be weak. Cheng Xiaojiu glanced at the Xiang Yong beside him again, and ordered the names of several team leaders.

"Yes!" Han Gesheng and Duan Qing led the order loudly. Jiang Bailing looked behind him cautiously, and suggested in a low voice: "Lord Changshi, are you going to the county venerable to inform you!" My lord, he has been watching us, and it is estimated that he has been waiting for the results of the battle for a long time! ”

"This is just the first wave of temptation!" Cheng Xiaojiu frowned and responded. The situation on the battlefield is changing rapidly, and if everything has to be retreated to the rear and ask for instructions, the battle will be even more difficult. Despite this, he decided to accept the other party's suggestion, thought about it, and added in a low voice, "But it's good to let the adults know." At the very least, the merits of the brethren will be carefully documented. You guys lead the team to be on guard here, and I'll go ask for credit for everyone! ”

When the villagers heard this, their sobs immediately became quieter. Lin County Commander had promised everyone when recruiting the township warriors, and there would be another reward in wartime. Kill the enemy, and the reward is calculated according to the head. The corpses outside the fence are strewn with pillows, and if the county magistrate is willing to abide by the promise, it is estimated that everyone will be able to share an additional amount of wealth.

Cheng Xiaojiu sighed, hesitated, and stated in advance: "If there is a bounty, the brothers who died in the battle will take the lion's share." The living brothers divide small heads. There are old and young people in everyone's family, and no one should lose anyone. ”

"That's, that's, don't worry!" Jiang Bailing nodded again and again, urging Cheng Xiaojiu to hurry up and ask for a reward from Lin County.

"Be careful!" Cheng Xiaojiu gave another mother-in-law advice, turned around and ran down the remnant wall.

When the battle on the ruined city was fierce just now, Lin Xian Ling was already anxious to become an ant on a hot pot. He didn't have the slightest confidence in his heart to defend the pavilion with more than 1,000 villagers, but if he took the lead in escaping without firing an arrow, no matter whether Yang Xuangan's rebellion succeeded in the future, or His Majesty the Emperor returned from Liaodong, he would not give him good fruits to eat. Therefore, the result of the first encounter is extremely important to him, and will directly affect his subsequent decisions!

Seeing Xiao Jiu running towards him with a face full of blood, Lin Deen's heart immediately "chuckled". In front of everyone, he didn't dare to lose his identity, so he had to meet him calmly and asked in a low voice: "The thief has retreated?" What about the loss of the brethren? What about yourself? Didn't get hurt again, did you? ”

"Tell your lordship!" Cheng Xiaojiu stood firm and responded loudly, "Thirty of our troops were killed, nineteen were lightly wounded, and no one was seriously injured. Nearly 50 enemies were killed on the spot and hundreds were wounded. The thief is not strong and has temporarily retreated! ”

"Good, good, brothers!" Lin Xian Ling nodded again and again, and a stone in his heart fell to the ground. Cheng Xiaojiu can lead people to repel the enemy's first attack, and he can repel the enemy a second time. The rogues have never had a long life, and if they retreat after losing money, they will be able to get along with anyone.

The people around them were also excited to hear this, raised their weapons in their hands, and asked to go to the city again to kill the thieves. Cheng Xiaojiu glanced at it, and suggested before Lin County Ling made a decision: "Lord Qiqi County!" The night was too dark, and Zhang Jin said that he was only testing on a small scale. It was suggested that the first wave of brothers should be withdrawn to rest and recuperate, while the other teams would take turns. After sunrise tomorrow morning, maybe our army will face a real fierce battle! ”

"Alright, alright, just do what you say." Lin Deen now sees how Cheng Xiaojiu is pleasing to the eye, and readily agrees to the other party's request. Taking out a token prepared in advance from his sleeve, he shook it to everyone first, and then commanded loudly: "This county will hand over the dispatch power of the three regiments and one brigade to you." If there is any disobedience, you can deal with it yourself, and you don't need to tell the county! ”

"Lord Xie trusts!" Cheng Xiaojiu bowed gratefully. "My subordinates have another request, I hope your lord will fulfill it!"

Lin County Ling smiled and said, "Say, if you have any requirements, just put them forward, and the county will approve them!" ”

"The brothers laid down their lives to kill the enemy. Please give an order to compensate the war dead to boost morale! Cheng Xiaojiu clasped his hands into fists and asked loudly.

"That's nature!" Lin Xianling was not a very stingy person, and besides, he didn't have to take this money out of his pocket himself. "The county has been prepared. Go and tell the brethren that each of the living will be rewarded with fifty dollars a day, and that those who die in battle will be given two hangings. Kill one enemy, and the prize money is half hanged. Cash on the same day and never default! ”

As soon as the words fell, there was a cheer all around. Especially those Xiangyong who didn't have their turn to go up to fight just now, they didn't have any concept of blood and death in their hearts, and their excited cries were full of regret, as if they had just missed a rare opportunity to make a fortune.

"We will also participate in the war, we will wait for the reward to be halved, and we are willing to go to the city to kill the enemy!" For the third time, the machete-wielding warriors shouted for battle.

"Thank you folks for your love!" Cheng Xiaojiu hugged his fists four times, "Please wait for the villagers to cheer for the villagers tonight." Tomorrow morning, there will be a chance for everyone to show their skills! ”

With that, he held up the token handed over by the Lin County Order. Divide the brigades of Xiangyong who have not yet participated in the battle under the command of Jiang Bangxian, Li Laojiu, and Dong Zhushu into two shifts, and each shift puts two hundred spearmen and one hundred archers. Rotate with the defenders of the city in order. He also called Wang Ermao, who was standing aside and cowering, and ordered in public: "You and Team Zhou are leading the Tianshu Brigade to patrol the wall to prevent Zhang Thief from sending people to climb the city from several other directions. If there is a mistake in the other city gates, don't come back to see Lord Lin, find a place to wipe your neck by yourself! ”

"Little Brother Jiu!" Wang Ermao was so moved that he wanted to shed tears. The more he pondered just now, the more he felt that he couldn't stand Cheng Xiaojiu, and he thought that after Xiaojiu suffered a loss, he would definitely not treat himself as a brother like before. didn't expect Cheng Xiaojiu to take his ugly state of being paralyzed by Zhang Liang seriously. still arranged for him to do an errand that was both safe and profitable.

Cheng Xiaojiu stretched out his hand and patted Ermao's shoulder, "Go ahead, don't delay the matter of the county lord." The safety of the elders in the county is on our shoulders! ”

These words were said with great righteousness and awe-inspiring, and all listeners were moved. The people scrambled to make way for a passage and watched Wang Ermao and Zhou Lihu go away. When the brothers of the Tianshu Brigade were far away, Cheng Xiaojiu resolutely turned around and saluted Lin Xian Lingshen: "Please control the overall situation here to thwart the enemy's prestige!" ”

With such a beautiful and safe arrangement, Lin Xianling was of course extremely satisfied. Immediately nodded slightly, and ordered with a smile: "You can go and pay attention to your own safety." Everything else is left to the official, and the official will ensure that you have no worries! ”

As long as the adults are satisfied! Cheng Xiaojiu didn't say anything, but he saw a lot of things clearly in his heart. Just now, Jiang Bailing repeatedly urged him to report the results of the battle to the county commander, just to remind him not to take the identity of the marching chief Shi seriously. This is the Guantao County Ya, not a big manager. The long history of this thing sounds majestic, but there is no corresponding establishment in the yamen. Therefore, it is necessary to ask for instructions and report the same place, so as not to cause misunderstandings up and down, and it will be difficult for everyone to do it in the future.

"What, are you still worried? Say it together, and the county will call the shots for you! Lin Xian Ling saw Cheng Xiaojiu's solemn face, patted him on the shoulder, and asked with a smile.

Cheng Xiaojiu shook his head, trying to make a relaxed appearance, "No! Prepare to go to the city on a lowly position, and the thieves may come in an instant! ”

With that, he turned around and walked back to the battlefield for tonight. The scenes that should be explained have been explained, and all the places that can be noticed have been noted. If you still find fault with others in doing so, you have to accept your fate. Speaking from the heart, it is far more difficult to deal with these officialdom things than to deal with the rogue outside the city. When dealing with the attack of the outcasts outside the city, although he was also panicked and scared, his heart was not so empty. And when facing Engonglin County Zun and a few colleagues who seemed to be smiling, he always felt that his feet were not steady, as if he was walking on a single-plank bridge.

The feeling of thorns in his back was quickly replaced by another tension, and as soon as he returned to the fence wall, Zhang's men began a second round of attack. This time, the rogues mobilized a large number of archers to carry out long-range strikes against the villagers in the dark, shooting up and down the wooden fence full of white feathers.

With the experience just now, Cheng Xiaojiu coped with it much more calmly. With the help of Zhang Xun, Zang Dapeng, Sun Ji and several other powerful teams, the villagers quickly hid in a corner that the rogues could not see. As soon as the enemy's torches approached, the archers immediately fired back at the light, shooting the rogues to the ground.

The siege sequence was on the verge of collapse before it could get close to the walls, and the leader of the rogue roared loudly. Through various means, this man finally drove his minions to the base of the city wall. Before he could put his arm on the remnant wall, countless broken bricks and tiles smashed down again.

"Ahh If that person dies under the city wall, it means that everyone has half a penny of income to share. As they reckoned in this way, more stones of varying sizes and weights flew down from the shadows, provoking more violent screams and more angry shouting. The first, the second, the third, countless minions with blue noses and swollen faces poked their heads out from the edge of the ruined city, and before they could fight, they had already lost three points.

"End guns, the first team end guns, stab along the gap in the fence!" Cheng Xiaojiu's command was much clearer than the previous round of fighting, and if he didn't listen carefully, he couldn't hear the slightest panic at all. More than 100 new brothers stepped forward quickly, stabbed the tassel guns in their hands with their eyes closed, and smelled blood in their nostrils.

"I killed, I killed!" Some timid townsmen shouted in panic. Without waiting for Cheng Xiaojiu to scold, immediately a team member reminded loudly: "One and a half hanging, quickly pull out the gun, don't delay your efforts!" ”

The red spear tassels were quickly recovered, and they didn't know whether they were splashed with the blood of the enemy or the blood of the robe halfway, and they looked as delicate as flowers in the dim light of the fire. The second captain, the gunner, quickly stepped forward to fill his position, and stabbed the tassel gun out of the fence by sticking to the gap left by the brothers in the first row. "Half a penny, half a penny!" They muttered viciously, comforting themselves without a teacher. The stomach turned over the river, but he did not hesitate to start.

The second wave of enemy troops retreated faster than the first, leaving at least thirty corpses in front of the fence. That means fifteen pennies. On the head of each participant, you can get fifty pieces of flesh. The villagers silently recited their fair share of the bounty, forcing themselves to forget their fear of death and the grief of losing their companions. There are only six Xiang Yong who unfortunately died under the knives of the minions in this round, but they can already be seen. The pension of two hangings of money is enough for the old and young in the family to live for at least a whole year. Counting the commission of the thieves, the sum is already more than all the income they earn from carrying a few summer bags on the dock.

The opportunities to make a fortune are endless! The third wave of rogues was killed under the ruined city in a blink of an eye. This was followed by the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves. The villagers passed two rounds in a blink of an eye, and each of them increased their income by more than 100 yuan. But new opportunities to make a fortune are still endless, and they are so tired that they are panting.

After an hour, the villagers didn't have the heart to count how much money they could make tonight. The tassel of the gun stuck to the barrel of the gun, and the ash pole in his hand slipped so that it was almost impossible to grasp. "One hundred and fifty, one hundred and seventy, one hundred and eighteen, one more round, and tomorrow I will go to the restaurant to eat meat!" Only the team leaders and their leaders mechanically reported the total amount of copper coins that the brothers in their teams had received on average. In order to motivate the morale of the people who are getting more and more depressed.

Only by living and persevering through tonight can we have the opportunity to bring home the high reward with our own hands, and can we see the long-lost smiles on the faces of my wife and children again. The concern for his family and the instinctive pursuit of wealth firmly tied the footsteps of the villagers. They were beaten several times by the rogues who came up like a tide and faced collapse, but several times they beat the enemy under Cheng Xiaojiu's organization and fled first. "The thieves can't support it, after this round, you can go back to the barracks to get the money!" Brigade leaders, team members hoarse, over and over again spread the news that victory was just around the corner. The final victory was delayed, and the sun was the first to shine through the night in the southeast.

The sky was lit up in the midst of a fierce battle, and no one inside or outside the city noticed when the torches began to darken. When the first rays of sunlight broke through the dark clouds of the morning and fell onto the earth, all the combatants were stunned. It was the first time they had seen an enemy with whom they had fought for the middle of the night, and their hairs stood on end with horror by each other's faces and the horrific images on the battlefield. In just half a night, more than 300 corpses lay outside the ruined city, and blood splattered the entire ruined city, moistening every inch of the earth as red as fire.

Under the sunlight, the fiery red earth jumped, stabbing people's eyes. The villagers could hardly believe that the legendary bandits who ate people's hearts and livers looked exactly like themselves. The same calloused hands, the same sad face, the same back slightly hunched by the years. If it weren't for a fence separating them from each other, they would almost have thought that the corpse lying outside the fence was themselves.

Even so, no villager took the initiative to put down his spear. They could no longer put down their weapons, and at the end of the bloody road leading to the city wall, they could see the large camp that Zhang Jin's army had hastily set up. After a whole night, the number of people in the camp was still too large to count. Among them, there were many old men with gray temples and children who had just grown to four feet tall, holding knives one by one, slowly forming a formation at the camp gate. They didn't have breakfast, and their breakfast was in the city of Guantao.

Either the old people and children in their own families are killed by these people, or these old people and children are killed. Now, the villagers have no other choice.

And this killing, however, has just begun.

Alcoholic's note: I worked overtime today and couldn't write a book. Corrected these typos. Ten years of inventory, please vote for the homeland, and thank you.