Above the Great Xia court, people gradually calmed down from the clouds of war. These courtiers found that the war was not as out of control as they imagined, and whether it was Xiyue or Nanping, they did not advance to Bactria Kyoto. This brief lull made those literati and writers in the court and China fall into a delusion. Some courtiers even believed that Prince Hong was personally in command, and it would not be long before the millions of heroic troops of Great Xia would drive the enemy army out of the border in West Vietnam.

For this kind of childish fantasy, Fan Cheng and some other insightful ministers were deeply uneasy. Great Xia was in danger, but there was nothing they could do to change this outcome. In desperation, Fan Cheng was sad and angry, and asked Delong to resign on the grounds of physical discomfort.

Inside the Fan Mansion, the servants and their families packed up their salutes and prepared to leave Kyoto. Looking at the deserted mansion gate, Fan Cheng couldn't help but feel a little sad. He has been an official in Beijing for more than 20 years, and when he left, he didn't even see him off.

Fan Cheng sighed slightly, there is nothing to be nostalgic for in this Kyoto. Those who can see the situation are pretending to be deaf and dumb, and those who can't see the situation are flattering there. Leave early, and save yourself trouble.

Just as Fancheng was about to leave Beijing, he ushered in an uninvited guest. Fan Cheng looked at the visiting stranger strangely and asked.

"Who are you? If you are here to cast the door, you can go back, the old man has already resigned, and he can't help you. ”

"Lord Fan, the little one is on the order of my family Duan Shuai, and I am here to find you." The strange man said.

"Duan Shuai?" Fan Cheng was stunned, "Which Duan is handsome?" ”

"Generalissimo Duanlang of Lidu City."

Fan Cheng was shocked, looked around, and asked in a low voice, "Are you Duan Lang's person?" ”

"Yes, you should know Zhou Guangji Uncle Zhou, the little one who has been following Uncle Zhou."

Fan Cheng nodded, he knew that this person should be the shadow man who stayed in Kyoto, "Come to me at this time, I'm afraid the old man won't be able to help you." ”

"Don't misunderstand, adults, the little one has been waiting for this moment on the orders of Duan Shuai. Duan Shuai of my family said that once Lord Fan resigned, he would immediately come to the house to tell him. Lord Fan's hometown is from Yixiang City, which is the only way for Blue Lake City to go north, and it will definitely be invaded by war. Therefore, my Duan Shuai suggested that Lord Fan go to Melan City. ”

"Melan City? Jiang Zhuming's territory? Fan Cheng was stunned.

"Yes, Melan City is strategically located, and it is a big city that avoids two fronts. As long as Lord Fan's family goes to Melan City, Lord Jiang Zhuming will arrange it properly. ”

Jiang Zhuming looked at the shadow man suspiciously, "Jiang Zhuming is Yu Ban's proud protégé, you said that Duan Shuai of your family asked me to go there?" ”

"Lord Fan, rest assured, Jiang Zhuming and my Duan Shuai are friends and not enemies. This was only after the adult resigned, and Duan Shuai let the little one know. ”

Fan Cheng's eyes widened in surprise, at this moment, he seemed to understand something, "What a Duan Lang, Jiang Zhuming and others shout every day to return to the soldiers and horses, it turns out that they are all acting for Delong." You kid tell me the truth, Duan Lang must have a motive in arranging this, let's be straightforward, what does he want the old man to do? ”

The shadow man clasped his fists and said, "I really don't know this little one, it should be my family's Duan Shuai who remembers the old love, and is afraid that Lord Fan will suffer from the disaster of war." ”

"Come on, Lao Tzu didn't believe that Duan Lang had such good intentions. Okay, then I'll go to Melan City and ask Jiang Zhuming in person. The old man has been busy in the past few years, but he has been kept in the dark, and he has to let the old man live to understand. ”

The shadow man clasped his fists and smiled, "It's okay, I believe that after the adults go, they will get a satisfactory answer." Lord Fan, don't send the small ones, say goodbye. ”

Fan Cheng sent the shadow away, and the depression in his heart became smoother. Fan Cheng is not a fool to be able to sit in today's position, and after a simple analysis, he was immediately taken aback by Duan Lang's layout. Yu Ban's disciples are all over Great Xia, and Delong has been blinded by their acting skills in the past few years, and he has not started to clean. If these disciples really take refuge in Duan Lang, when the time comes, I am afraid that half of the country will turn against the court. In order to verify his idea, Fan Cheng decided not to go back to his hometown Yixiang City, and went directly to Molan City to find Jiang Zhuming.

Fan Cheng didn't know that all these decisions were arranged in advance by Tai Mingyue. Not only him, but even Pang Gang's family was properly settled. Fan Cheng and Pang Gang were both important ministers of the two dynasties of Great Xia, and when the war was in danger, Tangtai Mingyue also needed them to stand up and cheer for Duan Lang.

Fan Cheng's departure did not cause any waves, and Delong wished that these thorns would leave early, so that he could not be out of sight and out of mind. Compared with Delong when he was a prince before, Delong's three-year imperial career completely blinded him. He could no longer listen to these harsh admonitions, but felt the flattery deeply. Since ancient times, Ming Jun has been surrounded by strong ministers, and without Geng's straightforward advice, it is easy to sink in sycophancy. This act of betraying the righteous ministers allowed Delong to completely extinguish the hope of Great Xia.

Winter went to spring, and when it was warm and cold, Prince Hong's soldiers and horses officially started a fight with the Nanping army. In several tragic battles, the two sides staggered in the area of Blue Lake City, winning and losing each other. However, in terms of battle damage, Prince Hong's army suffered heavy losses due to novice engagements. However, fortunately, there were many soldiers and horses in the court, which did not let Mo Kun continue to push north.

Opposite Blue Lake City, in the middle of the court camp. The old prince was wrapped in animal skins and listened to Zhao Deguang's battle report. After talking about the news of the battle, Deguang said worriedly.

"Uncle, our army has lost nearly 200,000 horses, and if we continue to fight like this, I'm afraid we will have to let Your Majesty recruit troops."

Prince Hong raised his eyes and looked at Deguang, and said calmly, "Deguang, our army of 600,000 has lost one-third of it in less than two months. It seems that the loss is very heavy, but have you noticed that these immature faces have shown a rare murderous aura. That's enough, this king wants not a flock of sheep, but a pack of hungry wolves that can bite each other. ”

"Tokumitsu understands his uncle's intentions, but this kind of battle damage is very demoralizing in the army. Moreover, His Majesty has repeatedly asked if there is any result of the war, and I am afraid that the court needs a big victory to stabilize the people's hearts. ”

Prince Hong waved his hand, "In terms of the results of the battle, the military department Chu Ti will make up some of them, let them consider these things." ”

"However, according to the news from the Heavenly Prison Academy, all parts of Great Xia actually quickly learned about the battle situation here. The news of the heavy casualties of our army, I don't know how these capitals learned about it? ”

"Hmph, the Heavenly Prison is all useless things, compared to the previous Investigation and Defense Division, it is not as good as a pig and a dog at all. Report to Emperor Delong, and target those who spread rumors everywhere ~ kill! Prince Hong said coldly.

While the two were talking, the veteran Sun Gang walked in, clasped his fists and said, "Marshal Qiqi, the other party is lined up outside the city again, can you fight?" ”

"No, continue to hang out the no-battle card, set up a horse rejection array, and dispatch crossbowmen to take strict precautions."

"No!" Sun Gang didn't say much, and immediately withdrew after receiving the order.

Deguang looked at Prince Hong, "Uncle, we have been avoiding the war, will the other party see anything?" ”

"It doesn't matter, even if Mokun Yang Fakui sees that there is a problem, he will not launch a general attack for a while. That Mokun is very shrewd, and if he is not sure of winning, he will never fight his old book. ”

Deguang nodded, thought for a while and said, "Uncle, according to the calculation of time, Zhu Wenjun and Feng Zhun's army are also about to arrive." ”

Prince Hong's gloomy face finally showed a smile, "It's almost these two days, and when the time comes, we will let the court see the results they want." ”

As early as ten days ago, Prince Hong secretly ordered Zhu Wenjun and Feng Zhun to lead 100,000 horses and horses to leave the camp and go to Huining City at night. They were going to make a detour from Huining City to the back of Blue Lake City and directly attack the grain and grass army in Nanping. As long as the supply line of Nanping is cut off, it is bound to force the Nanping army to deal with it on both fronts and fronts. When the time comes, Feng Zhun and Zhu Wenjun will lead the war to Wuliang City. Prince Hong can't just let Duan Lang sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight, he must be dragged into the war. And this kind of thinking is also in line with Mo Kun's meaning. During these days, Mo Kun was looking for an opportunity to pull Duan Lang into the quagmire of war.

In the Blue Lake City, Mo Kun stood on top of the city and looked at the Great Xia Dynasty camp from afar. These days, Prince Hong has been hanging up the war-free card, and Mo Kun doesn't believe that he is afraid of being beaten. Facing the old fox of Great Xia, Mo Kun found that although Prince Hong was not brave enough, he was unusually calm. For a wise man like Mo Kun, he is afraid that the other party will remain calm and unchanging. As long as you dare to fight, Mokun has a chance to catch your weaknesses. But Prince Hong laid out the formation, and the reserve soldiers and horses pressed the formation strongly, no matter how fierce the forward fought, he would not send a single soldier to come forward to support. Once the forward soldiers and horses withdrew into the formation, Mo Kun's army could only retreat.

Mo Kun watched for a long time before returning to the marshal's mansion in the city. As soon as Mo Kun arrived at the Shuaifu, he saw the commander of the scout battalion come to report.

"Marshal Qiyu and the military advisor, the scouts who stayed in Huining City found that about 100,000 soldiers and horses in Great Xia had just entered. Apparently, they are trying to attack my logistical supply lines. ”

When Yang Fakui and Mo Kun heard this, the two of them hurriedly checked in front of the marching territory.

According to the direction of the scout, the two of them observed, and Yang Fakui pointed to the three forks leading to Yiming City and Blue Lake City and said.

"Master Commander, the supply line is the lifeline, and a large army must be sent to stop it. At present, there is no grain and grass in the rear to escort, and superior forces can be drawn up to eat this army in one fell swoop. ”

Mo Kun's eyes flashed, "Yes, you must send someone to stop it." However, this is a perfect opportunity, and the men sent out must not be defeated. ”

"What?" Yang Fakui was stunned.

Mo Kun said, "Hasn't Yang Shuai always been worried that Duan Lang and Daxia will join forces and copy our back road one after the other? took advantage of this opportunity to pull Duan Lang into the battle formation in one fell swoop. ”

Mo Kun said, pointing to the marching territory, "Come and see, the three forks leading to Yiming City and Blue Lake City, not far to the south is the passage to Guxin County." Duan Lang has already deployed troops and horses in Fulin County, Guxin County, and we can lead the troops of Daxia to Guxin County. There is only a lonely city gate building there, there is no danger to defend at all, and Duan Lang's army is bound to go out of the city to fight. ”

"Strategist, what if Duan Lang joins forces with the court army and destroys our men and horses?"

"Yang Shuai, the soldiers are on a dangerous path, and the relationship between them must be clear in order to decide on the next plan. If the two sides do not fight, it means that there is indeed some kind of secret agreement between Great Xia and Duan Lang. We must change our plans, and even if we retreat to the double closure mountain again, we cannot be surrounded by both sides. Once the two families go to war, the little face between them will be completely torn apart. When the time comes, it will be difficult for Duan Lang to live in Wuliang City and rob while the fire is burning. ”

"Master Advisor, it's a bit dangerous to do this. It is even said that when our soldiers and horses retreat to Guxin County, they will be attacked by armies from both sides. Yang Akui said worriedly.

"Even if you lose 20,000 or 30,000 people, it's well worth the risk. Moreover, I am ready to let Hu Tianzhuang lead his troops forward. ”

"He? This bastard has courage and no strategy, and Ben Shuai thinks it is more appropriate to change someone. ”

"No, no, no, Hu Tianzhuang is afraid of Lidu City, which is a heart disease left a few years ago. But for the soldiers and horses of Great Xia, Hu Tianzhuang has always been fearless. This time, let him fight with Great Xia with real swords, and then retreat to Guxin County. For Hu Tianzhuang, it can be regarded as a meritorious service. ”

"Then if Guxin County sends troops to intercept it, wouldn't Hu Tianzhuang want to annihilate the whole army?"

"On the way to Guxin County, in addition to the dense forest, there is a swamp wasteland, once you encounter the Guxin County to send troops to intercept, you can retreat to the mountains and forests to hide. If you are really chased and beaten by the other party, this is also providence. ”

"Strategist, this is a dangerous move, if the two of them don't fight us, will we lose men and horses in vain?"

"To fight or not, as long as the real cooperative relationship between the two of them can be found, it is worth losing some soldiers and horses."

"That~ how many people are you going to send?"

"30,000 horses, less will not work, more ~ this army and division cannot afford to lose."

After Mo Kun finished speaking, he looked at Yang Fakui seriously. Yang Fakui also stared at Mo Kun, the two sides looked at each other for a long time, and Yang Fakui said silently.

"You are a soldier and horse commander, you decide on the planning, and order me to do it. Once there is responsibility, Ben Shuai will resist. ”

Mo Kun looked at Yang Fakui with satisfaction, "Don't worry, this military division is plotting the entire Great Xia, and a small loss can be exchanged for the clarity of the overall situation, which is very critical to the entire strategic layout." If there is any responsibility, this army division cannot shirk its responsibility. ”

"Good! It depends on the plan of the military division. ”

The two of them made a plan and immediately passed on Hu Tianzhuang, who was waiting for the crime. Mo Kun informed Hu Tianzhuang that he would lead an army of 30,000 to the three forks in the direction of Huining City. Once you encounter the Great Xia army, you must kill them fiercely, and you must kill them before you can retreat to Guxin County. Mo Kun secretly arranged it, and Hu Tianzhuang immediately led the order to wear the crime and make meritorious service and went to the direction of Huining City.

In Huining City, Zhu Wenjun and Feng Zhun led 100,000 soldiers and horses to stay in this abandoned city.

Zhu Wenjun looked at the marching diagram and said, "Lord Feng, according to the decision of the war agenda, tomorrow's army will go straight to Blue Lake City. Let's use the cavalry advantage to clear the outer military station of Blue Lake City first, and then retreat to the direction of Yiming City to cut off their supply lines. ”

Zhu Wenjun said and put away the sketch, it is said that this is already a matter decided by the army, and there should be no change.

Feng Zhun smiled coldly, "Lord Zhu, we won't go to Blue Lake City tomorrow, but directly attack Duan Lang's department in Guxin County." ”

Zhu Wenjun was stunned, "Lord Feng, what do you mean by this?" You must know that if you make a mistake in changing the things decided by the military council, you will have to bear the military law. ”

Feng Ming smiled slightly, and took out a letter seal from his arms, "Zhu Wenjun listened to the order, I was ordered by the generalissimo Prince Hong, and after attacking Guxin County, I would retreat to Yiming City." ”

"Secret order?" Zhu Wenjun was stunned.

"Yes, the prince is worried that there are Duan Lang's spies in the army, so nominally we are harassing the Nanping army from the rear and cutting off their supply lines. Actually, the prince wants us to attack Duan Lang's department in Guxin County. Even if Duan Lang wants to retaliate, as soon as his army moves, it will inevitably contain the movement of the Nanping army. This war cannot be fought only by the two of us, and we must pull the food into troubled waters. Feng Zhun said.

When Zhu Wenjun heard this, he immediately understood Prince Hong's strategic intentions after a little thought. No wonder they were assigned to carry out this mission, after all, Zhu Wenjun and Feng Zhun were both hostile to Duan Lang. Let them lead their troops, and there will never be any strong objections.

On the road leading to Huining City, Hu Tianzhuang led an army of 30,000 to rush desperately. He never expected that the soldiers and horses of Great Xia did not need to be lured by themselves, and they actually took the initiative to lead the troops to Guxin County.