"Why?" Luo Cheng heard himself asking, but his mouth was clearly not open. Since the day of the defeat, he has been wanting to know the answer, and now that the answer is in front of him, he can't let himself accept it.

The Tiger Horse Iron Horse, which once terrified the Turks, coupled with tens of thousands of Youzhou elites who were as young as themselves, came with the momentum of thunder, but finally ended up with a feather and a feather. In terms of combat experience, the Boling Army is not on the same level as the Youzhou Tiger Ben at all. In terms of armor and equipment, there is no team in the world that can compare with the Youzhou Tiger Ben. In terms of personal bravery, those who stayed in Boling were old, weak, sick and disabled, while the soldiers of Youzhou were in their prime. In terms of commander's talent, Li Zhongjian's deployment is not invulnerable, on the day of the decisive battle, Luo Chengdu had seen countless flaws, but unfortunately he could not grasp a chance.

In front of the desperate and bloody Boling soldiers, all those flaws can no longer be called flaws. Luo Cheng commanded the talents of Youzhou to pounce, but he couldn't bite the flaw. Li Zhongjian kept adjusting the deployment, and every step was clearly seen by Luo Cheng. But the rapid change of Bolingjun made him unable to keep up with the beat, and he could only watch the defeat press on his head, but he was powerless to hide. Until the end, Luo Cheng clearly understood how he fought his way out of the encirclement alone. It was Li Zhongjian who deliberately let him go, in order to give Luo Yi, the king of Youzhou, a reason to withdraw with dignity, and the two sides didn't have to fight to the death. It was precisely because he understood the reason why he escaped alone that Luo Cheng did not go north and go home after breaking through the siege, but walked along the official road to the south alone, aimlessly to the south, and then to the south.

In the wind and snow, he was ready to sleep in the wilderness where no one could find him, completely forgetting all humiliation. But Dou Hongxian appeared at this time, and kindly saved him and took him to the mountains to heal. Luo Cheng knew that his illness could not be cured, but he couldn't bear to disappoint the other party, so he was at the mercy of the red line. It wasn't until today, when he talked to Cheng Mingzhen, that he suddenly realized that his heart was still alive, and he was so unwilling.

Cheng Mingzhen, there are only a few thousand people under his command, but Hebei Haojie is helpless, why can the "thieves" with big heads of officials and soldiers survive in the cracks? Why defeat one opponent after another who seems to be much stronger than him? The reason is actually very simple, as simple as the reason why the Youzhou army returned with a feather. "Guarding the world, guarding danger is better than guarding morality!" The words of the ancients have long been made clear. The displaced people from all over Pingen owe Cheng Mingzhen a favor, and they all regard this place as their last refuge, so that thousands of troops are killed, if they just sweep in a hurry, how can they shake the foundation of the Zhaozhou army. In the past few years, only the people have fled in, and the six counties of Boling, where no people have fled, are the last happy land in the eyes of the local people, and whoever dares to take it away will inevitably arouse the wrath of the strong men.

Sitting on the horse, the weather around him was warm and cold, but Luo Cheng was sweating profusely. After muttering for an unknown amount of time, he suddenly bowed down on the saddle and bowed with his fists, "It is the luck of Luo's three lives to meet Brother Cheng today." ”

"Luo Gongzi is serious!" Cheng Mingzhen wanted to push thanks, but suddenly thought that the background behind Luo Cheng might have something he needed to use in the future, smiled, and said in a low voice: "Today you and I hit it off at first sight, if Luo Gongzi doesn't think Cheng is high, just make a friend." Why be so polite? ”

"It's Brother Luo Gao Pancheng!" Luo Cheng straightened up from the saddle and shook his head with a wry smile, "Brother Cheng respects Luo today because of Luo's family background. And Luo respects Brother Cheng today, but because of Brother Cheng's skills and achievements! If so......"

"Brother Luo, don't we talk about this? Just as we don't have these things behind us, two wandering travelers meet each other, look at each other well, and make friends, how about it? ”

"In that case, Luo Cheng sees Brother Cheng!" Luo Cheng bowed his hand again.

Cheng Mingzhen bowed to him, and then returned the favor, "According to my appearance, I must be older than you." So, how about calling you Brother Luo for the rest of your life? ”

"Brother Cheng alone!"

"Let's go, Brother Luo, go to my house for a drink!" Cheng Mingzhen laughed and pointed to the empty road ahead to invite.

The two laughed, and their mood was extremely comfortable. It was just Dou Hongxian who dropped the cuckoo to catch up, and when he saw the two of them suddenly laughing so happily, he blinked a pair of watery eyes and asked, "What are you laughing at, you guys, what's so funny!" ”

"I fell in love with Brother Cheng, just like Cuckoo and you!" Luo Cheng explained with a smile, his eyes were no longer as cold and empty as before, but regained the warmth of life.

Dou Hongxian saw the changes in Luo Cheng's body very obviously, it can be said that she has boiled countless good medicines for Luo Cheng in the past few months, and there has never been a pair of medicines that have a good effect as Cheng Mingzhen appeared today. After smiling and following the silly music for a while, she suddenly had a heartbeat, tilted her head and suggested: "I remember that when Brother Cheng fell in love with Brother Wang, he bowed to him." Today, since Brother Luo and Brother Cheng are also in love, why not become brothers of the opposite sex! ”

"Well, that's a good idea!" Cheng Mingzhen and Luo Cheng affirmed in unison, but they looked at each other and smiled, and said one after another: "The two of us, hehe, let's not pick up people's teeth!" ”

"That's right, the fellowship of gentlemen lies in the heart, so why stick to the form?"

Dou Hongxian didn't understand for a long time, blinked a few times, and asked with a smile: "Why did you both drop your schoolbags, more than anyone else?" Still don't want me to know what you mean? ”

"The identities of the two of us should not be sworn as brothers. But the two of us can be good brothers! Luo Cheng glanced at her with pity and told her calmly.

Seeing that Luo Cheng said it so bluntly, Cheng Mingzhen didn't hide it from Dou Hongxian, thought about it, and explained with a smile. "Luo Gongzi will definitely return to Youzhou one day. And one day, I might put my armor back on. If you accidentally meet, you will talk about business first, and then talk about private friendship. If you don't hunt in the wild in this life, you'll be good friends all the time! ”

"Hunt in the wild, what does it mean to hunt in the wild!" Dou Hongxian still didn't quite understand, frowning and pondering. Suddenly, she understood the smiles of Cheng Mingzhen and Luo Cheng, and was stunned for a moment, and a heavy cloud appeared in her eyes.

The cuckoo just happened to chase after him, and saw two big men talking and laughing, while a little girl was drooling beside her, and couldn't help but hug her indignantly, "What are you two doing?" How did the red line provoke you! ”

"We didn't do anything!" The two big men shouted in unison. The two of them were talking happily just now, and they really didn't notice the feelings of the others.

Hearing that someone spoke for him, Dou Hongxian felt more and more aggrieved. I couldn't help but have a sour nose, and tears crackled down my face. She didn't want to be seen as a joke, her legs ** mount, the wind rushed forward, and in an instant, everyone regret and confusion were left behind.

"Isn't it funny that two big men are bullying a little girl?" Du Juan was afraid that something would happen to Dou Hongxian, so he threw down a word of complaint and hurriedly chased after him. Luo Cheng and Cheng Mingzhen were left, one didn't know how to explain, and the other didn't know how to comfort, so he could only stare at the horse silently.

After a long while, Cheng Mingzhen said curtly: "Jing's temper is really a little worse, Master Luo must not take it to heart!" ”

"Heroines on horseback, as they should be. If everyone is like a weak willow in the wind, let the man not live! Luo Cheng grinned and responded with a wry smile. I don't know if I'm talking about the cuckoo or the red line.

Cheng Mingzhen sighed softly and closed his mouth again. From Dou Hongxian's eyes looking at Luo Cheng, he had already noticed that the girl had a deep affection for Luo Cheng. However, Luo Cheng never saw the clue to Dou Hongxian. It may be respectful, maybe a little indulgent and fearful, but the only thing that is certain is that it is very different from how I felt about the cuckoo back then. The difference is wider than that of the Zhangshui River during the autumn flood.

"For more than a month at the beginning, Hongxian never mentioned to me that he was Dou Jiande's sister!" After walking forward awkwardly for a while, Luo Cheng took the initiative to provoke the conversation.

"Although she was born in the green forest, her mind is always as pure as ice!" Cheng Mingzhen frowned and responded in a low voice. Although he didn't want to promote this marriage, he always maintained the dignity of the people of Lvlin in his heart.

"I didn't mean that!" Luo Cheng suddenly became also very sensitive, and raised his voice to explain. "My father has long been unrestrained by the imperial court, and in my eyes, your General Cheng is similar to me."

"Yes, you Youzhou has betrayed the court a long time ago, and after all, I haven't eaten the court here. Cheng Mingzhen said secretly in his heart, and the expression on his face slowly regained its softness. But he still didn't want to get involved between Luo Cheng and Dou Hongxian, because he really didn't know what to say. If he was to call the shots, he would rather Hongxian's fiancée be Wang Fubao than Luo Cheng. First, Dou Hongxian and Wang Fubao had a marriage contract in advance, and they should not be treacherous. Second, Wang Fubao has such a complicated background behind him, and he can live a down-to-earth life when he marries the red line. But if Dou Hongxian marries Luo Cheng, it is difficult to guarantee whether this family affair will be opposed by Luo Yi and Dou Jiande, and secondly, even if the two get married, it will be a political bond between King Changle and the governor of Youzhou, and it will definitely not bring any happiness to the two.

"She's a rare good woman!" Luo Cheng, who didn't get a response, continued to sigh faintly, "Luo doesn't dare to say that there are countless people, but I have also seen many women from different backgrounds. A woman like her, who is both down-and-out and generous, but knows cold and warm, is the first time she has met her in her life. When Luo woke up from the wind and snow and saw her for the first time, he knew that he owed her in this life! ”

How do you say that? Cheng Mingzhen still didn't ask for a voice, but his eyes still showed a little puzzlement when he looked at Luo Cheng. This boy has no choice in terms of appearance and martial arts, but he doesn't match his words when he speaks. After talking so much nonsense in one breath, whether he has affection for Dou Hongxian or not, he has not explained it clearly at all.

"But Luo is the son of the general manager of Youzhou after all, this fact cannot be changed!" Grinning at Cheng Mingzhen, Luo Cheng's smile became more and more bitter, "In the past few months, every time I think about this, I can't be at peace in my heart. I want to mention it to the red line, but I'm afraid to look into her eyes. Unexpectedly, today, I inadvertently pierced this layer of window paper! ”

"Actually, it's not that complicated!" Cheng Mingzhen heard that his mouth began to be bitter, and he couldn't help but change his mind again, and explained with a smile. "Maybe this marriage can also lead to the two joining forces!"

"That would only hurt the red line!" Luo Cheng smiled and shook his head slightly. "You don't know my father at all. Hehe, it is estimated that with your abandonment of martial arts and literature, you may not know Dou Jiande very well. Forget it, how much you owe is also owed. If she really wants Luo to repay it in the future, Luo has no choice but to thank him with his life! ”

"Hehe, I really let Brother Luo say it, I'm a little rich and safe." Cheng Mingzhen shrugged and deliberately diverted the topic elsewhere. Since Luo Cheng didn't plan to marry Dou Hongxian, he didn't have to follow it. He was already ignorant of the relationship between men and women, and whether it was for him, Wang Fubao or Dou Jiajun, Luo Cheng's initiative to withdraw was not a good thing.

"Brother Cheng, don't misunderstand, I'm not laughing at you. In the troubled times, I am afraid that there are very few people who can know advance and retreat like Brother Cheng. Luo Cheng was afraid of causing a misunderstanding, so he hurriedly added something. How many heroes have lost their heads because of a trace of obsession, and in the end they still blame people for making people, but they don't want to think about whether they have the capital to win the championship! How can it be like Brother Cheng, retreat to one side, and look at the situation outside......"

Cheng Mingzhen had goosebumps on his body when he heard this, and hurriedly interrupted, "Yes, brother's mouth, whether it is boasted or damaged, it is a fight with your skills!" ”

"Tell me the truth, shouldn't friends be honest with each other?" A few digressions were torn apart, and Luo Cheng's face slowly returned to its original calm appearance.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Cheng Mingzhen would never have believed that it was the same person who was trapped by love just now. In his heart, he couldn't help but improve his evaluation of the boy in front of him, slashed in the air with a horsewhip, and said with a smile, "If you are honest, you should tell me when your Youzhou Tiger Ben will go south next time, and which way to go, so that I can prepare in advance." Otherwise, as soon as your brother Luo comes, I will run away without even having the strength to support my brother, and your face may not be bright! ”

"I wish I wouldn't be able to fight bloodlessly!" Knowing that Cheng Mingzhen was joking with himself, Luo Cheng responded with a grin. "This piece of land has cost so much of your effort, brother, and it's a pity to break it. It is better to leave it to me obediently, so that the people will not suffer! ”

"Think beautifully!" Cheng Mingzhen spat at the ground, and scolded with a smile, "Believe it or not, I'll tie you up right now and send it to Lord Dou for credit!" ”

"Then you're not human inside or out." Luo Cheng shook his head with a smile, "With the current strength of Lord Dou, he is definitely not willing to make a feud with Youzhou." If you send me over, he will treat me as if he were a guest and then send someone to escort me home. ”

"Also, the tiger between Youzhou and here is probably what Prince Dou is most worried about right now!" Cheng Mingzhen thought about it and nodded in acknowledgement.

The reason why he knew Luo Cheng's identity and dared to lead the other party to Ping En'en was mainly because of this reason. For the current Dou Jiajun, the threat of the Youzhou Tiger Ben is far less serious than that of the Boling Jingjia that is close at hand. Li Zhongjian is not only the general of the imperial court, but also the son-in-law of Li Yuan in Taiyuan, if he wants to show favor to either of the previous two parties, Dou Jiajun is undoubtedly the best choice to give gifts.

Secondly, Cheng Mingzhen did everything possible to get Luo Cheng to his own home, and there was another consideration. Among the people he knew, the other party was the only general who had fought against Boling Jingjia and survived. No matter how miserable the defeat was, his understanding and experience of the Boling Army and Li Zhongjian could provide reference for the Zhaozhou battalion.

"I'm afraid, it's useless to worry!" Hearing the mention of the person he wanted to forget the most, Luo Cheng suddenly grabbed the mount and sighed slowly.

Cheng Mingzhen just wanted to test Luo Cheng's feelings for Bo Lingjun just now, but he didn't expect to cause such a big reaction from the other party. Quickly took the mount and asked loudly, "What's wrong with the brother?" Uncomfortable? ”

"Nope!" Luo Cheng shook his head slightly, and then grinned in response, "Let's go, go to your place to rest for a few days, and I'll tell you slowly." ”

"Brother, don't be surprised, for the one in the north, I have always been unsure!" Knowing that the other party would be able to see his intentions just now sooner or later, Cheng Mingzhen simply admitted it calmly.

"Brother Cheng doesn't ask, I'll tell you too." Luo Cheng smiled miserably, his eyes full of desolation, "Actually, since I lost the battle, all I think about every day is how to get this debt back." Your territory is in front of the horses of the six counties of Boling, for others, I should tell you about Li Zhongjian's true strength! ”