After Zhao implemented Hufu cavalry shooting, Zhao Junyong was surrounded by Zhao Gu, Zhao Xie, Zhao Yunshu, Fei Yi, Li Dui, Tian Buli, Sima Wangzu and other civil and military ministers, as well as Zhao Xi, Niu Qian, Le Yi, Zhao He, Zhao Yuan and other rising stars. There are also diplomatic ministers such as Li Yan, Fu Ding, Qiu Li, Zhao Jue, Wang Ben, and Lou Zhuan. The state of Zhao was strong in military force and politically clear.

The whole state of Zhao unanimously supported Zhao Junyong's decree, and took advantage of the chaos between the three kingdoms of Qi, Han, Wei and Chu, and the state of Qin fell into civil strife. Zhao launched a major military campaign against Zhongshan.

The most crucial battle that decided the fate of Zhao and Zhongshan.

This attack on Zhongshan was not a small test like the previous two times, but to give Zhongshan a fatal blow and eliminate the enemy's living army. Zhao Yong wanted to completely defeat Zhongshan through this battle, and make Zhongshan Kingdom have no strength to counterattack Zhao for several years.

For Zhao Yong, this battle was not only a huge decisive battle against Zhongshan since he implemented Hufu cavalry shooting. It was also a battle to prove whether he was right to promote Hufu cavalry shooting.

In this battle, he can only win, not lose!

In order to formulate a set of thorough and rigorous combat plans, Zhao Yong summoned many civil and military ministers to gather in Zhao Palace to discuss for five days. After some heated arguments and consultations. The consensus was reached.

Zhao decided to use more than a third of his forces to attack Zhongshan. In this battle, Zhao did not seek to destroy Zhongshan, but to severely damage the main force of the Zhongshan army, so that Zhongshan could not recover for several years. Therefore, Zhao Yong concentrated the most elite chariots of Zhao State, infantry soldiers who could attack and defend, and the first new type of iron cavalry owned by the princes of the Central Plains.

Zhao Yong issued an edict, on the one hand, he ordered the great Sima Xu Qian and Zuo Sikou Li Dui to be responsible for raising the grain and grass for the army, and on the other hand, the people scattered all over the Zhao State who could recruit and fight well and have the talent of generals, regardless of military merit and status, were all recalled to Handan of Zhao State. Zhao Junyong personally strictly assessed and selected the appropriate commanders.

In order to prevent the princes, interfere in the internal affairs of Zhao. Zhao Yong asked Zhao Yunshu to sit in Jinyang and look at Qin and Han. Zhao Xie sat in Shangdang County and looked at Han and Wei. Zhao Gu sat in Daijun and monitored Beihu and Yanguo. Gongzi Cheng and other members of the clan sat in Handan, holding on to the national capital, while monitoring the state of Qi and paying close attention to the melee between Qi and Chu.

Three days later, Zhao Yong ordered the general in Congtai Palace.

The North Route Army was divided into two routes, one was Zhao Xi commanding Hu and 60,000 soldiers and horses. The other route is Niu Jian commanding the newly recruited 30,000 iron horsemen. The Northern Route Army advanced from north to south, and the two armies attacked Danqiu, Huayang, and Ouzhisai. The Northern Route Army converged in Quyang and pointed at the capital of Zhongshan State.

Zhao He led 10,000 troops to Kuchengyi, harassed the rear of Zhongshan Guoda, and contained and dispersed the forces of Zhongshan State. On the one hand, it is preparing for the military operations of the southern and northern armies, and on the other hand, it is ready to attack the Zhongshan country of Turin Shou at any time.

The Southern Route Army was divided into three armies: left, center, and right. The right army was led by Zhao Yuan, the left army was led by the newcomer Xu Jun, and the Chinese army was led by Sima Wang. Zhao Yong led the left, center, and right armies, with 80,000 foot soldiers, 8,000 chariots, 50,000 iron cavalry, and a total of 150,000 troops, from south to north, attacking Shiyi, Fenglong, Dongyuan, Fangfang and other hinterlands of Zhongshan.

This battle is the most critical decisive battle between Zhao and Zhongshan, and also between Zhao Junyong and Zhongshan Wangzi.

Zhao Yong gathered Handan, Jinyang, and Dai three counties, a total of 250,000 troops, divided into three directions, south, north, and west, and attacked Zhongshan Guofa fiercely. Three sharp swords, straight into the Zhongshan country Turin Shou.

In order to achieve victory, Zhao Yong summoned Wencheng's military generals and constantly scrutinized, drilled, and marched routes. And the counterattack factors of Zhongshan are also taken into account. Through the efforts of everyone, an impeccable battle plan was finally formulated.

On the second day, Zhao Yong asked Zhao Xi, Niu Qian, Zhao He and many other generals of the Northern Route Army and the Western Route Army to rush back to Daijun to convey combat orders. And agreed with the northern and western armies that ten days later, the three armies would attack Zhongshan together.

Before the expedition, Zhao Jun wore plain clothes and went to the temple to worship his ancestors and divinate the stars. If the divination result is auspicious, you can go on the expedition. If the divination result is fierce, it is not advisable to go on the expedition. Zhao Yong led the minister of civil and military affairs to the temple to worship the ancestors of the Zhao family.

Zhao Yong picked up a wine bottle, faced the spiritual position of the ancestors of the Zhao family, and said in a humble tone: "The widow is willing to inherit the ambition of Jian and Xiang, open up the land of Hu, and strengthen the prestige of our country." In a few days, he will personally lead a large army to the north to attack Zhongshan and wash away the shame of the first monarch being trapped in the city. Zhongshan is a problem in the heart of our country, and it must be eliminated. The widow personally led the troops to the battle, which was to completely relieve the trouble of Zhao Guo's henchmen. If you don't break Zhongshan, you will never return to China. If the ancestors have spirits, please protect the widows and conquer them smoothly. ”

Zhao Yong tilted the wine bottle in his hand, and the wine in the bottle fell to the ground dripping.

After the ceremony, Zhao Yong turned around and nodded at the ceremony and said, "Let's start!" ”

Yin Gao ordered people to dance to communicate with the gods, and there were words in their mouths. Yin Gao threw the tortoise shell in his hand into the ground and divined the hexagram. Zhao Yong saw that Yin Gao saw the hexagram, and his expression became more and more solemn.

Yin Gao interpreted the hexagram and said with a solemn expression: "Your Majesty, the hexagram is displayed." The tortoise is unlucky, it is a great evil, and it is not conducive to the conquest. ”

When the ministers heard this, they were terrified. How can people fight in the sky, and dissuade Zhao Junyong from quitting the war.

"Before King Wu cut down the merchants, he also looked for a master to divinate the hexagrams. The hexagram shows that it is a great murderer, and it is not appropriate to send troops. Everyone was afraid and did not want to go on the march. Military advisor Jiang Shang said that marching and fighting depends on time, place, and people, how can you rely on ghosts and gods. Regardless of everyone's opposition, King Wu adopted Jiang Shang's opinion and sent troops to sing. In the first battle of Makino, Zhou won and Shang was defeated. The king burned himself to death. King Wu destroyed Shang and replaced him as the master of the world. Fei Yi saw that the king listened to what he said, and saw that the minister's fear gradually eased, and said: "The sage once said that the son is silent and the power is confused. Our country is united, how can it not break the principle of Zhongshan. We have been waiting for this moment for more than 20 years, and we will have to wait. The king, the minister fights. ”

Several ministers listened to Feiyi's words and did not believe in ghosts and gods, and also seconded the proposal: "The minister seconded the proposal." ”

As the tide of voices surged, the minister was not worried about the ghosts and gods, and echoed: "The minister seconded the proposal." ”

Zhao Yong saw that the ministers were not afraid and retreated because of the ghosts and gods, but worked together and united as one. In order to strengthen his prestige, Zhao Yong raised his tone and said: "The period of attack will never change. If you don't break Zhongshan, you won't return south. ”

The ministers shouted, "Long live the king, long live the Zhao country." ”

Another day later, a comet anomaly appeared in the sky over Handan, Zhao State. Yin Gao is good at the astronomical calendar, carefully scrutinized, there is a military disaster, it is a great omen. When everyone saw the vision, they all thought that it was Zhao Guo's move and angered the heavens.

In the face of one unlucky omen after another, many ministers were not firm in their will, and they retreated and came to dissuade Zhao Junyong from quitting. In the face of everyone's words, Zhao Junyong did not change his original intention, his will was firm, and he still did not change his decision to go on the expedition. If there is really a mandate of heaven, he will use his own hands to break the mandate of heaven. King Wu did not believe in the Mandate of Heaven, and raised troops to the east to conquer Yin Shang and establish the foundation of the Zhou State for hundreds of years. How could Zhao Yong miss the great opportunity to attack Zhongshan because of the Mandate of Heaven.

Zhao Yong was not angry and arrogant, and shouted: "The ancestors of the Zhao family surnamed Ying do not believe in the mandate of heaven and dare to disobey the heavens, so that the Zhao family surnamed Ying can survive in a desperate situation and be a prominent prince." The widow does not believe in the destiny of heaven, but only in his own hands. The date of the expedition has been set and will not be changed. If you don't break Zhongshan, you will never return south. ”

Zhao Junyong's words suppressed the people who were reluctant to retreat. The ministers who dissuaded Zhao Yong from Handan of Zhao State became fewer and fewer day by day. Later, no one dissuaded Zhao Jun from quitting the army.

Three days later, Zhao's army set out.

The first morning sun shot into the Congtai Palace in Handan, Zhao State, and the square of Congtai Palace Nuoda was crowded with people. The army had already lined up for Zhao Jun to review. Eight thousand chariots are in the center, and flags are fluttering. The foot soldier is behind, majestic and mighty. The two wings are the new type of iron cavalry tempered by Zhao Yong himself. As the first drum stopped, Zhao Yong stood on a high platform wearing battle armor, looking down on the three armies.

For a while, the drums sounded and the trumpets sounded. The officers and men of the three armies are all in armor and holding sharp blades. In the sunlight, the blade glows brightly. Zhao Yong looked at his mighty army, his blood was surging, his fighting spirit was excited, and he swore that "if you don't break Zhongshan, you will never withdraw your troops." God bless the widow, God bless Zhao Guo. ”

The soldiers of the three armies shouted: "Long live the king, long live the Zhao country." ”

According to etiquette, after taking the oath, Prince Zhang will hold the helmet and personally put it on Zhao Yong's head. Zhao Yong saw that the crown prince Zhang had been dressed all his life, and his expression was mighty, and he did not reduce his year, and asked: "Zhang'er, send my father on the expedition." Why are you dressed in military uniform? ”

Prince Zhang did not avoid Zhao Yong's majestic eyes, and replied respectfully: "The child has not been in battle, and he is willing to go on the expedition with his father." ”

Zhao Junyong asked, "What do you want to do?" ”

Prince Zhang replied: "The child wants to bend his bow and shoot Hu." ”

Prince Zhang's words were beyond Zhao Junyong's expectations. Prince Zhang's courage and courage are ninety percent similar to him back then. The more Zhao Yong looked at it, the more satisfied he became, and nodded with a smile and said, "Our family surnamed Zhao has always been able to fight well and be fearless of life and death. You are the crown prince, you don't want to live in a high-rise building, enjoy wealth, and you don't want to fall into the Zhao family's bones. It's good that you have the courage to do so, and as a father, you should also let you go out to see and experience. ”

Prince Zhang thought that his father would reject his request, but he didn't expect that his father would happily agree, and looked at him with admiration. Prince Zhang's immature cheeks instantly welled up with joy, and he hurriedly said: "Thank you for your success." ”

Since he is letting Prince Zhang go out to practice, he can't take it with him. Zhao Yong thought about it and felt that it would be more appropriate to hand over the crown prince chapter to the Sima Wang clan. First, Sima Wang's family and him are like brothers, with deep friendship and loyalty. Second, the prince chapter is also watched by Sima Wang, and it is also easy to control.

Zhao Yong smiled and said, "Sima Wang, the widow will hand over Zhang'er to you." ”

Sima Wang's family saw how trusting the prince was when he handed over the crown prince to him. Sima Wangzu also understood that the prince entrusted the prince to him in order to let the prince establish military merits and establish supreme prestige in the Zhao State as soon as possible.

Sima Wangzu said: "Your Majesty, the minister is willing to be the deputy general and assist the prince in attacking Zhongshan." ”

"Uncle Sima, this is my first time on an expedition. There are many things that I don't understand about conquest, and I don't know how to march and fight. I have not made military merits, I cannot serve the people, how can I be the main general. Prince Zhang Nian hurriedly said: "Uncle Sima, you are still the chief general of the Chinese army." I'm willing to learn from you. ”

Zhao Yong saw that the prince was thoughtful, and his words and deeds were also courteous, and he appreciated him a little more.

Sima Wangzu hurriedly said: "Prince, there is always a first time in life. Whoever is born will march and fight. At the age of fifteen, the king dared to use the power of a country against the princes. At the age of sixteen, he led the army north to attack the Yan State and defend the territory. As the saying goes, the tiger father has no dog son. The crown prince inherited the courage and courage of the king, and he will be able to lead a large army to conquer Zhongshan. ”

Prince Zhang naturally heard the deeds of the young heroes of the monarch's father. In his heart, he also longed for the feat of personally leading the army and attacking the Hu people in the north. However, he was afraid that he would accept the position of the chief general and spoil the country's major affairs. Prince Zhang looked at Sima Wang, and then looked at Zhao Yong, not knowing how to respond.

Seeing that Prince Zhang was hesitant to accept it, Sima Wangzu hurriedly said: "Prince, you are the main general, and the minister is the deputy general, so it was decided." ”

Zhao Yong saw that Sima Wang's family was trying to establish his son's prestige, and he sincerely apologized. I also saw that Prince Zhang was a young man, but he was obedient and reasonable, and he was calm in trouble. Zhao Yong smiled and said, "Zhang'er will listen to your Uncle Sima." ”

Seeing that the monarch's father had already spoken, Prince Zhang did not push back, and said humbly: "Thank you, Uncle Sima." Zhang Er did not go through a battle formation, and it was also the first time to march and fight, and he asked Uncle Sima for more advice. ”

Sima Wangzu said with a smile: "Prince, when you are in battle, don't you think I'm nagging. ”

Zhao Yong smiled when he saw it: "Zhang'er, things on the battlefield should be more listened to your Uncle Sima." When your Uncle Sima was eighteen years old, he led twenty-eight horsemen alone and rushed into the camp of the Yan army and defeated the commander of the Yan army. A few months ago, he personally led the iron cavalry to attack Lin Hu in the north, captured King Lin Hu alive, and forced King Lin Hu to surrender to my Zhao State. You can't be complacent and arrogant just because you're a prince. On the battlefield, you can't be arbitrary. ”

Prince Zhang's eyes were full of admiration, and he said sharply: "Oh." ”

Zhao Yong looked at Gongzi He Dao: "He'er, you come to wear a helmet for your father." Send my father on the expedition. ”

"Whoa." When Gongzi saw that the last time Prince Zhang wore a general helmet for Zhao Yong, he was excited. Unexpectedly, on this expedition, Zhao Yong asked him to wear a general's helmet. Gongzi He's face was overjoyed, his demeanor was decent, he personally put on a helmet for Zhao Yong, and saluted: "Son, I wish the monarch's father and the prince's brother a victorious victory and a triumphant return." ”

Zhao Yong advised: "After the monarch leaves, study and practice martial arts, and don't waste it." ”

Childe He said: "Huh." ”

Meng Yao stared at Zhao Yong affectionately, and said softly: "Husband, I'm waiting for you to return as soon as possible." ”

"I'm going to have to work hard for you again." Zhao Yong turned around, pulled out his long sword, sent it forward, and shouted: "The soldiers of the three armies obey the order and go to battle." ”