After a while, a middle-aged man was brought to Duan Lang and the others. The man's clothes were covered in dust, and the shoes on his feet were torn. It seems that it has been a long way.

"Who are you in Xia Duan Lang?" Duan Lang asked.

The middle-aged man hurriedly clenched his fists and said, "General Duan, Gu Zhanshu, who is in the secret office of Xia Dafeng City, received a letter from the Harrier Eagle in Kyoto seven days ago, and there is urgent military affairs to report to the adults. ”

"Dafeng City? Dafeng City is not close to here, how do you know that I am in Wuliang City? Duan Lang looked at the other party cautiously.

"Back to the general's words, since the invasion of the Nanping army, the southern capital of Daxia has almost been looted. My Dafeng City is located in a remote area, so I escaped the catastrophe. General Duan swept through the enemy army and occupied Wuliang City, and His Majesty has notified the major capitals of the world of this merit. Although my Dafeng City is remote, I have also received the good news that General Duan has captured the enemy army. Gu Zhanshu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

Duan Lang's eyes narrowed slightly, "As far as I know, the Nanping army has cut off the north-south passage, how did Kyoto learn about me?" Could it be that there are still secret offices of your Investigation Division around Wuliang City? ”

Gu Zhanshu bowed slightly, "General Hui, as far as the lower officials know, most of General Duan's battles in Wuliang City are transferred from Lidu City. ”

"Ben will ask you, where is General Liu Shenyu at present?" Duan Lang asked deliberately.

"Lord Hui, Liu Shenyu is not a general, he is the admiral of my Investigation Division. Perhaps, the adults are mistaken. ”

Duan Lang nodded slightly, confirming the identity of the other party, "Say, what's the matter with finding General Ben?" ”

"General, I received a secret letter from the Investigation and Defense Department three days ago, and it was a dispatch order from the Ministry of War. Since the military department could not convey instructions to the general, the Investigation Division was asked to do it on his behalf. Gu Zhanshu said, took out a very thin bamboo tube, stepped forward and handed it to Duan Lang.

As soon as he heard that it was to convey the instructions of the Ministry of War, Duan Lang breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Although he didn't have any likes or dislikes for Emperor Yuning, in this situation, Duan Lang still hoped that Emperor Yuning would be able to hold out for a few more months.

Duan Lang took out a roll of fine paper from the bamboo tube, which was densely covered with handwriting. Duan Lang took a closer look, and his face couldn't help but show anger. In the secret letter, he actually blamed Duan Lang for sticking to Wuliang City, not going north to Huining City to attack the Nanping army from behind, and even vaguely complained that Duan Lang was suspected of delaying the fighter. The secret letter ordered Duan Lang's army to arrive behind Huining City before the 27th of this month, and cooperate with Yan Facheng's army to attack on both sides and take Huining City in one fell swoop.

Duan Lang closed his eyes slightly, and the following payment was actually to convey the order of the prince Dezhang. Dezhang went out on behalf of his father, and as the commander of the world's soldiers and horses, he said that he could give instructions to Duan Lang. But the battle situation changed so quickly, and they gave orders indiscriminately without knowing anything, which made Duan Lang very angry.

Duan Lang didn't say anything, but handed the paper roll to Zhang Ruming. When Zhang Ruming saw it, he immediately scolded angrily.

"Dezhang, this bastard, they themselves still complain about Lao Tzu's army. Paralyzed, the brothers desperately blocked the 100,000 army in Xining, and that bastard still thinks that we are sticking to Wuliang City? Duan Lang, don't pay attention to that bastard, if you have the ability, let them do it yourself in Great Xia Huining City. ”

Gu Zhanshu couldn't help but shudder when he heard this, it was enough to scold Prince Dezhang, and even Emperor Yuning scolded him, which was a big crime to kill his head. Liu Xusheng and others also took the roll paper and browsed it one by one. After reading it, everyone's faces were gloomy, and their eyes looked at Duan Lang.

Duan Lang looked at Gu Zhanshu and said, "This order, my army can't carry it out, the Sky Survey Army is good at pursuit warfare and mobile warfare, if you let everyone give up their war horses to attack the city, the combat effectiveness will be reduced by half." In addition, we don't have siege equipment, and even if they are ready, it will take time for the guards to get used to it. Gu Zhanshu, please ask the Investigation Division to tell the prince immediately, just say that I can't act as ordered. ”

When Gu Zhanshu heard this, he immediately felt like he had eaten a bitter gourd, "General, I'm afraid that after returning to Dafeng, it will be too late." ”

Zhang Ruming said angrily, "Then you deserve it, let that bastard of Dezhang fight by himself." His Majesty said at the beginning that our Sky Survey Army does not have to follow anyone's orders, they look for whomever they like. ”

Duan Lang thought for a while and said to Cui Zhiliang, "Zhiliang, take Gu Qianhu down to rest first." As for whether to go or not, let's discuss it again. ”

Gu Zhanshu also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he was not allowed to rush back to Dafeng City overnight, he would be very lucky. Otherwise, if the message is really delayed, maybe the responsibility will be put on his head. Anyway, the above instructions have been sent to Duan Lang, and it is their business whether to go or not.

As soon as Gu Zhanshu left, everyone gathered around. After all the gossip, almost no one advocated a strong attack on Huining City.

Duan Lang was also a little embarrassed, "I said that you can't just talk about it, but you have to pass on a message to General Yan Facheng." In case he still thinks that we are in the back, once there is a mistake in command, it will be the entire people of Daxia who will be unlucky in the end. ”

"Then what can I do, if you have the ability, you can let Da Fei deliver the letter." Zhang Ruming muttered.

Duan Lang smiled bitterly, "Da Fei is not omnipotent, except for familiar people, it can be recognized. For strangers, Da Fei can't pass it on. ”

Fang Yan's heart moved, "Lang, let Da Fei go back to the capital to find Li Jianshan, and Da Fei can arrive in one day and night." Litsu Castle has a secret office of the Detective Division, and they will have their own way of passing the news to Kyoto. Although we turned a corner, we could let General Yan know our intentions within the agreed time. ”

Duan Lang's eyes lit up, this is a good idea. Don't look at the entire Sky Survey Army, no one likes Prince Dezhang, but for the sake of the overall situation, Duan Lang must pass the news to them. In the siege battle, Duan Lang will definitely not fight hard against his brothers, but he can put up a position and contain a part of the enemy army.

Duan Lang wrote a detailed letter to Li Jianshan, firstly to explain the situation here, and secondly, to pass on the battle report here to Kyoto. In any case, the Sky Survey Army has lost nearly 2,000 people in the battle so far, and has repelled 100,000 troops in Xining, and the court has to give an explanation.

Duan Lang did not drive to Huining City, there were still many wounded and injured war horses in the military camp, and the army also needed to be completely repaired.

In Wuliang City, the old governor Chen Tian also returned to his homeland with the fleeing people. These days, they are frugal and even eat grass roots and bark to satisfy their hunger. Fortunately, there were 3,000 city guards to help everyone, and there was no starvation to death.

Zhou Wu led people to keep changing the well water, until there was no problem after testing with a few sick horses, and then it was finished. In order to prevent someone from destroying again, the old governor Chen Tian gathered the people to guard the wellhead separately. Several wells in the camp were guarded by special guards.

It only took two days and one night for Da Fei to return from Lidu City. This time, Da Fei also brought back the Harrier Eagle that was originally left for Fang Yan's use. In this way, the task of going back and forth to the capital city in the future can be handed over to the Harrier Eagle.

Da Fei brought back Li Jianshan's receipt, and this reply letter made Duan Lang and others find it very interesting. They didn't expect that Delong, the Seventh Prince, was actually entrusting Li Jianshan to contact Duan Lang, and was also asking Duan Lang to send troops to Blue Lake City.

Before the Seventh Prince left Beijing, he sent people to the capital city as soon as possible. Delong knew that Li Jianshan must have a way to contact Duan Lang, and as the prince, he also wanted to break through the north-south passage before the crown prince.

In the palace, Fang Yan personally cooked a few side dishes, and several people gathered around the table and began to discuss the next step.

"Duan Lang, it seems that Delong is working hard with Dezhang, do you think we can help?" Zhang Ruming asked.

Liu Xusheng looked at it and said, "Lord Shangguan, if we help Delong, it will be a violation of Prince Dezhang's command." Nominally, His Majesty is in command of the expedition, but in fact it is Prince Dezhang who controls the power, and even the military department acts according to his orders. ”

"Cowardly, he's a fart. It's best that this bastard is destroyed by others, and let's directly support Delong to take the throne. Duan Lang, it's up to you to decide. Zhang Ruming said disdainfully.

Duan Lang put down his wine glass and looked at everyone, "Everyone, since we passed the desert, we have experienced several big battles. But in any case, this army of soldiers and horses is his own brother, and we generals can't jump into it while it's a fire pit. Whether it is Dezhang or Delong, even if Emperor Yuning personally orders it, it depends on the situation. It is not easy to build this 30,000-strong army, and I can't afford to lose it. Let's not talk about who to support, what do you think is still lacking in our army at present? ”

Zhang Qifeng said, "Duan Shuai, we don't have a source of reserve soldiers, although the brothers can fight and fight, but there will always be losses in every encounter." This is not the way to go, and I think we have to build a reserve force. ”

"In addition, infantry battalions and offensive and defensive battalions must be established. Otherwise, in the face of the city in the future, we can only walk around. Huang Zhi added.

"Duan Shuai, if we want to improve our Sky Survey Army, we must also set up a military medical officer, as well as a skilled craftsman who repairs equipment."

Everyone put forward suggestions one after another, and Duan Lang remembered them one by one. After everyone finished speaking, Duan Lang said, "It seems that this battle cannot be ended in a short period of time. I have a suggestion for everyone to discuss. Our soldiers and horses are not hundreds or thousands of rangers, but tens of thousands of troops. Therefore, it is necessary to have its own territory. I am going to use Wuliang City as a base and recruit troops on the spot. In the future, 10,000 troops will be stationed here for a long time, and everyone will train newcomers in rotation. When the training is almost over, then blend into the team of veterans, and use the old to bring the new to the battlefield for training. As for the military medical officers and logistics~. ”

Speaking of this, Duan Lang looked at Zhang Ruming, "Old man, I'll leave this aspect to you and Fang Yan." ”

"No problem, when I go back, Lao Tzu personally trained a group of people, I dare not say anything about serious illness, and bruises are absolutely no problem."

"Good! The task of training newcomers was handed over to Zhang Qifeng. Qifeng has experience in defending the city in Yushan Pass, and currently trains the three thousand patrol soldiers in the city first. ”

"Duan Shuai rest assured, you can see results in a month."

Duan Lang arranged tasks, including recruiting civilian skilled craftsmen, and those who could improve their combat equipment would be rewarded heavily.

After the arrangement, Duan Lang led the topic to the two princes, "Brothers, including Huining City and Blue Lake City, I am ready to send troops over." After all, this war is about opening up the main road between the north and the south, and it is very important to the entire war situation. ”

"Duan Shuai, but our cavalry can't attack the city at all." Zhou Long said.

Duan Lang waved his hand, "It's not to attack the city, but to wait for the army to take the city, and let's follow the retreating men and horses of the Nanping army and kill them all the way." If neither side has taken the city, then we will clear their supply lines on the periphery. Don't look at the grain and grass that the Nanping army has looted in many cities in the south, they will always run out. ”

"Yes, the food and drink of one or two hundred thousand troops is not a small number, and if it is blocked for two months, the city will be self-defeating." Cui Zhiliang said.

Duan Lang thought for a while, "Tomorrow, let's separate and get closer, Xu Sheng will lead Huang Zhi and Wang Fuzhong's left and right cavalry camps, as well as Zhou Wu's scout camp, to the side of Blue Lake City." I took Zhiliang and Zhou Long and Zhou Hu to Huining City, and Qifeng stayed behind in Wuliang City. ”

"I'll say it first, I'll follow you." Zhang Ruming said with a drooping face.

"Lao Zhang, don't you want to train medical officers, let's stay in Wuliang City." Duan Lang persuaded.

"It's not bad for this month, I have to follow anyway. This time, I thought about it, so I took the chariot you brought back, and I was in a group with Miss Fang, and I promised not to drag you back. ”

Zhang Ruming shrewdly pulled an alliance, and when Fang Yan heard it, she nodded secretly. If Zhang Ruming didn't say it, she would be really embarrassed to speak.

Duan Lang scratched his head and looked at Fang Yan. Fang Yan hurriedly said, "I think what Brother Zhang said is very right. ”

Duan Lang smiled bitterly, "Okay, then follow me." ”

Zhou Long and the others all snickered, Zhang Ruming's eyes widened, "What are you laughing at, Lord Ben is no worse than you in battle." Don't say anything else, if you want to talk about scolding before the battle, none of you are Lao Tzu's opponents. ”

"Yes, yes, my lord is mighty." Zhou Hu smiled and arched his hand.

After the discussion was completed, it was decided that the pluck would be opened tomorrow. Duan Lang originally wanted to go to Blue Lake City to help Delong, but he was afraid that after Huining City was broken, Liu Xusheng would not be able to deal with Prince Dezhang. Originally, Duan Lang didn't plan to take Zhang Ruming and Fang Yan into battle, but when he thought of Prince Dezhang's face, it was just right for Zhang Ruming to deal with him. If Delong really dared to say something unpleasant, Duan Lang believed that Zhang Ruming would be able to spit out his old blood angrily.

The soldiers and horses of Wuliang City began to divide their troops to attack, and Duan Lang and Liu Xusheng each led 9,000 cavalry to Huining City and Blue Lake City. At this time, Mo Kun, the division of the Nanping army, did not go to these two places to join the army, they made a detour to the east for more than 300 miles, and went directly to Yiming City. This city is not large, but it is a necessary place on the eastern route to Shuangfeng Mountain. Moreover, there was no garrison defense in the city itself, and the people in the city basically fled as soon as the army arrived.

In the palace, Mo Kun wrote two letters, "Come and order General Hu to send someone to hurry up and present them to Yang Fakui and Zhao Pingdu respectively." Tell the two commanders that they must act according to the plan of their division. Otherwise, military justice disposes. ”

A lieutenant agreed, took the letter and hurried out. Mo Kun was thinking in his heart, he was also analyzing where Duan Lang would go for help. Now that the battle situation has changed, Mo Kun must let Nanping's 200,000-strong army evacuate safely. Otherwise, the gains and losses of sending troops to Great Xia this time will outweigh the losses.

Mo Kun thought about it and wrote a letter again. This letter was written specifically to Zhao Li, Marquis of Xining. He wanted to warn Zhao Li that if he retained his strength and held back, the Nanping army would completely withdraw from the land of Great Xia. Anyway, after plundering so many cities, more than a dozen carts of gold and silver alone have been transported back, which is enough to compensate for the loss of this war. Mo Kun wanted to force Zhao Li, Marquis of Xining, to show his hole cards, he didn't want Zhao Li to use the Nanping army as his shield.

The southern part of Great Xia was turbulent, and the eyes of the rulers of the world were all focused on this war. At this time, the bright moon of the Northern Ming Dynasty was completely opposed to the imperial brother Taitai tassel.

It is said that there is no geographical boundary between West Vietnam and Beiming, and the relations between the two countries are quite harmonious. In particular, Western Vietnam and Northern Ming had a common enemy, that is, the arrogant Moro State.

The envoy of the West Vietnam handed over his credentials, and he was also surprised and surprised to learn that the West Vietnam was going to attack the Moro Kingdom. However, the Western Yue wanted their army to press into the border pass and contain the main army on the Northern Ming side of the Moro Kingdom. Originally, Yutai Hongshi didn't want to do this, but Xiyue's promise made him a little tempted.

After consulting with the ministers, he was half in favor and half against. But the prince Yutai tassel is trying his best to support the army to press in. However, this resolution was strongly opposed by Tantai Mingyue and many generals.

In the palace, the crown prince Yutai Tassel looked at the indecisive Yutai Hongshi, and persuaded, "Father, my sister is a woman and child after all, if we miss this opportunity, we will not only offend Xiyue, but when the Moro Kingdom comes to breathe, I am afraid we will have to fight head-on." Nanping and Daxia are examples, sometimes they are too tolerant, but they feel that Beiming is easy to bully. What's more, once Xiyue goes to war with Moro, the war horses of the Northern Ming Dynasty can be increased by several prices. Moreover, the Northern Ming Dynasty was only pressed in by a large army, not an army to go to war. Father, this kind of good thing, it's a pity to miss the opportunity. ”

Yutai Hongshi was a little undecided, "Tassel, Mingyue's prestige in the army is not low, if she takes the lead in opposing it, I'm afraid those generals will also support her." My father is very old, and it is better to be safe in some things. My father always felt in his heart that the timing of this westward coming was a little strange. At this time, Bactria was at war, and if you wanted to make a profit, the best place should be Bactria instead of the Moro Kingdom. ”

"Father, even if they target Great Xia. As long as we can get a piece of the pie, why not. ”

"Tassel, don't forget that we just signed an alliance with Great Xia, if Xiyue really faces Great Xia, our approach will be a bit treacherous. As a future monarch, you must focus on the overall situation and not be limited to immediate interests. ”

"Father, it is precisely because of the overall situation that the sons and daughters are concerned about the overall situation that they advise you to pass the border in the art of war. Think about it, our Beiming is sandwiched between two big countries, and you have been worrying and worrying about the border between the two countries for so many years. This time the war in Great Xia was enough to make them suffer a lot. Even if the West Yue takes advantage of the fire to rob, he is not afraid, the West Yue is bigger, and the threat to the Moro State is greater. On the contrary, we Beiming can just sit on the benefits of fishermen. ”

The three-inch tongue of the tassel finally moved the Hongshi. But in the face of his daughter Tantai Mingyue, as the lord of the country, Tantai Hongshi is also a little embarrassed. He knew that no matter how he persuaded him, he was afraid that Tangtai Mingyue would not agree.

"Tassel, I'm afraid Mingyue, this girl won't agree. If she takes the lead in opposing it, my father will probably have to consider the opinions of those generals. ”

"Father, if you trust your son, you will have a plan for your son."

"What's the strategy?"

"Father, you are worried that those generals will follow your sister in opposition. If my sister doesn't show up during this time, Erchen believes that no one will take the lead, and they won't be able to become a climate. ”

Yutai Hongshi was stunned for a moment, "Don't appear?" What do you mean. ”

"Father, the emperor is angry and rude. Erchen's intention is to put his sister under house arrest for the time being. Of course, it won't hurt my sister's hair. As long as the army sends troops, then the retainers will apologize to their sisters. ”

Yutai Hongshi's eyes narrowed slightly, and he hesitated for a long time without speaking. Yutai Tassel immediately knelt down and said, "Father, for the sake of the future of my Beiming, my son is willing to bear all the responsibilities." ”

Yutai Hongshi thought for a while and sighed, "Tomorrow, my father will go hunting in the east for a while. Above the court, you are in charge. ”

"Thank you, Father!"

Yutai Tassel was secretly happy in his heart, his father left the capital, and everything here was up to him. As for Yutai Mingyue, the prince tassel is ready to immediately send troops to house arrest.

The envoy of the West Vietnamese learned that the Tassel Prince had agreed to send troops, and that night, he released a carrier pigeon. The Western Vietnamese army had already gathered at the border pass of Great Xia, just waiting for the Northern Ming to contain the Moro Kingdom, and they immediately sent troops to Great Xia.

The Great Xia year was unfavorable, and Emperor Yuning not only became weaker and weaker, but he never dreamed that at a critical time, Xiyue would also have to insert a knife.