Nanping invaded, and Emperor Yuning prepared for war under internal and external troubles. The chaos in Great Xia also shook the other three kingdoms. Don't look at the three kingdoms of Xiyue, Moro and Northern Ming who were not involved in this war, but no one wanted to let one dominate. The five countries under heaven hinder each other to maintain balance, and once one country sits large, it will inevitably threaten other countries.

The Great War was about to begin, and Xiyue did receive a secret letter from the lord of Nanping, as Fang Jiye had predicted. Encroaching on the vast territory of the northwest of Great Xia has been a long-cherished wish of the Western Yue Kingdom for many years. If you take advantage of the chaos in Great Xia to storm the Landu City, you can at least share the pressure of the Nanping army. However, there was still the Moro country behind the Western Vietnamese, and they did not dare to act without permission.

However, if this opportunity was missed, Xiyue was also unwilling. In order to let the Northern Ming contain the Moro Kingdom, Xiyue sent secret envoys to prepare to spend a lot of money to buy off the prince of Tangtai. As long as the Northern Ming Dynasty pulls down the border of the Moro State with heavy troops, the West Vietnamese can draw troops to help Nanping. When the time comes, he will secretly help the Marquis of Xining with the troops of the two countries, and take the opportunity to take advantage of the rivers and mountains of Great Xia.

In Kyoto, Great Xia, after the discussion of the Jinluan Palace, it quickly counterattacked the invasion of Nanping. Duan Langfang Jiye and others returned to the northwest, and Ma Ruzheng also returned to the northern camp. In Kyoto, it was announced that the emperor of the world was personally in charge, the prince was recruited on behalf of his father, and the Kyoto camp raised troops to the south.

In the warm pavilion of Jinluan Palace, a pot of high-quality charcoal fire makes the pavilion warm as spring. Emperor Yuning and Yu Ban sat cross-legged on the meditation couch face to face, with a coffee table in the middle. The two of them didn't look like kings and ministers, but like a pair of old men in the twilight of their lives.

"Yu Aiqing, to be honest, I sometimes envy you." Emperor Yuning said lightly.

"Your Majesty, the minister is a person who is about to enter the ground, what do you envy?" Yu Ban also picked up the teacup.

"You're a lot older, but you're tougher than me. I envy you, there is still a lot of time to lay out the future of Great Xia. But I'm already running out of candles. ”

Yu Ban smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty, when you were still the crown prince, the minister felt that the future of Great Xia belonged to you. Compared with you, the other princes lack that calmness and decisiveness. But at that time, Chen was still very confident that he could control the overall situation. This self-confidence even lasted until a few days ago. When all the dust receded and revealed his true face, the minister realized that he had just dreamed a big dream. ”

Emperor Yuning also laughed and said, "No, no, no, in the midst of the fight between you and my monarchs and ministers, we also always remind me not to underestimate the enemy." Great Xia can have this situation, and I really have to thank you for it. ”

"Your Majesty, if it weren't for this invasion of Nanping, I'm afraid you and I would never have spoken as frankly as we did today."

"Yes, between father and son, the king and the minister, the fight is not out of line. People often say that when eating in a pot, there is always a time when chopsticks touch chopsticks. But at present, the foreign enemy is smashing the pot and breaking the stove. If you want to keep the guy who eats, you have to huddle the chopsticks in a ball. Yu Aiqing, it's not that I can't trust you, it's just that for the king, I must draw a bottom line for monarchs and ministers. Dezhang lacked experience in governing the country, and the other emperors had lost their edge. If I don't put some constraints on you, do you think I can leave with peace of mind? ”

"Your Majesty, aren't you afraid of a split situation in Great Xia? A few years later, who would dare to guarantee that the Seventh Prince is not the second Marquis of Xining? If His Majesty really wants the prosperity of the Zhao family, there should not be such a layout. ”

Emperor Yuning shook his head, "If it were other emperors, of course I wouldn't do this, but Xiao Qi is different. His body is bone, and it would be very good if he could last for more than ten years. I am ashamed of their mother and son, and it can be regarded as a comfort. ”

"Your Majesty, aren't you worried about the gradual growth of the capital city?"

"What, are you still afraid of that Shangguan Xuanwu?" Emperor Yuning smiled.

"Him?" Yu Ban snorted, "It's just a clown jumping off the beam." ”

"Hahahaha~." Emperor Yuning laughed heartily, he asked Shangguan Xuanwu to tease Yu Ban, and he really made him a bag. However, Emperor Yuning also knew that Shangguan Xuanwu was a rotten wood and could not be carved.

"Yu Aiqing, are you worried about that Duan Lang?" Emperor Yuning put away his smile and looked at Yu Ban seriously.

"Yes, this son, the minister always feels that there is a dangerous aura. And at a young age, he has actually experienced such a powerful elite in a short period of time, does Your Majesty know what this means? Yu Ban looked at Emperor Yuning solemnly.

"Oh? What does it mean? His foundation is innocent, nothing more than hard work. Emperor Yuning said deliberately in hiding.

"Your Majesty, some people are born with wolf nature, maybe he doesn't know a few words, but he takes heaven and earth as a teacher and thinks quickly. This kind of person is a good person if he controls it well, and once it gets out of control, it will be a disaster for my Great Xia. In addition, even if the military department formed a cavalry of 30,000 troops, including soldiers' equipment and daily training logistics and salaries, it would take at least one to two years to complete. Duan Lang has been formed in such a short period of time and has formed a combat power, doesn't Your Majesty feel terrible? What's more, he is also Fang Jiye's future son-in-law. ”

Emperor Yuning was silent for a long time with the teacup, of course he knew the power involved. But now, Emperor Yuning can only take one step at a time, hoping to end this war as soon as possible, so that Duan Lang can be taken under control. However, Emperor Yuning felt that time was running out, and he knew that this battle would never be resolved in a day or two. When the time comes, either Duan Lang's men and horses will be exhausted in the battle, or they will continue to grow. Emperor Yuning only hoped that his body could hold on to the last moment.

Emperor Yuning put down the teacup, "Yu Aiqing, if you want to say that the entire Great Xia can still control the overall situation, except for me, it must be you." I have a request, I wonder if Aiqing can grant it? ”

Yu Ban was stunned for a moment, and hurriedly clenched his fists, "The minister doesn't dare, Your Majesty just said." ”

Emperor Yuning's face was solemn, "Yu Aiqing, if I drive west before the end of this war, I hope Aiqing can do something for me." Because of this matter, only Yu Aiqing can complete it. ”

Yu Ban was shocked in his heart, hurriedly got off the meditation couch, and asked, "Your Majesty's words shook the heavens and the earth, although it was a precaution, but the minister~ did not dare to accept the order." ”

As soon as Emperor Yuning said this, Yu Ban immediately understood his intentions. However, Yu Ban had a lot of concerns, and he didn't want to accept this will.

Emperor Yuning was stunned, nodded slightly, and said softly, "I understand your worries and hardships. Wei Dong~. ”

"The old slave is here." Wei Dong hurriedly walked in.

Emperor Yuning glanced at Wei Dong, "Yu Aiqing, today I passed down the message in front of Wei Dong." If he rides the crane west before the war, when the reward is great after the war, if the capital city has a great merit ~ he will be killed. This matter may make Aiqing infamy, but for the sake of my Great Xia Jiangshan, I~ please. ”

Wei Dong was shocked when he heard this, and Yu Ban also hurriedly knelt down, hesitated for a long time before saying ruthlessly.

"The minister ~ will never give up, but the minister feels that for the sake of the stability of the country, Fang Jiye can not be left either. Your Majesty, this is not that the ministers are jealous of the virtuous, once the soldiers and horses of the capital city are strong in the war, the two of them must not stay. Even if they risked their rebellion, they would have the two beheaded in Kyoto. I hope ~ Your Majesty's grace. ”

The muscles on Emperor Yuning's face trembled, "After the war, as long as you keep a meager business for Xiao Qi, other things~ I am ready." ”

"Minister~ Thank you, Lord Longen."

Yu Ban's forehead was slightly sweaty, and Wei Dong was even more frightened and didn't dare to speak. This oracle made Yu Ban and Wei Dong feel like a boulder in their hearts. After all, killing heroes after the war is risking your life. And this oracle is not written down, which means that Emperor Yuning has got rid of his infamy. If one is not good, Yu Ban will even become the public enemy of the entire Great Xia. But Emperor Yuning knew that in addition to Yu Ban, the six major members of the six departments could not do it together. Emperor Yuning also hoped that he could hold on to the end and control the overall situation, but he knew that he might not have this opportunity.

In the west of Great Xia, on the official road on the side of the Fengluan Mountain Range, more than a dozen war horses galloped day and night, Duan Lang put aside Zhang Ruming and Fang Jiye early, and rushed back to the capital as soon as possible. War is not a child's play, and a moment earlier may save the people of a city from the scourge of war.

At the time of parting, Fang Jiye warned Duan Lang that no matter what the battle situation was, he must come back alive. Moreover, Fang Jiye also promised Duan Lang that after he crossed the desert, he would send thousands of soldiers and horses led by Fang Yan to assist Zhang Ruming in garrisoning the capital. Regardless of whether the Nanping army could cross the desert or not, they had to do everything they could. In case a small group of soldiers and horses sneak up on the capital city, at least they won't panic.

Duan Lang hurried back to Lidu City, and the people of Lidu City at this time had not yet received the news of Nanping's invasion, and the streets were still peaceful and prosperous. When Li Jianshan heard the news, he was immediately startled. The Marquis of Xining deviated from his ancestral foundation and led foreign enemies to invade, which would have to bear infamy for generations. It seems that Xining Hou is also going to fight against the water, and if he doesn't succeed, he will become benevolent.

Duan Lang only used half a day to do a good job of mobilizing in front of the station and distributing equipment. In the face of an army of 30,000, Duan Lang asked everyone to leave behind all the heavy armor and chariots, and all of them turned into light cavalry camps. All he wanted was speed, and everything that hindered the speed of the march was thrown away.

"Duan Lang, the 30,000 army has all crossed the desert, don't you leave a logistics supply team?" Li Jianshan asked worriedly.

"No, just collect twenty taels of horses and horses, and bring enough food and grass for each person for fifteen days, as well as the water used. There is a big fly guide, and you can also replenish the water source on the way. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is not the monsoon season, and it is expected to be able to cross out in more than ten days. ”

"What will you eat when you go out?"

"In the desert, everyone saves money and eats, so they should be experienced. After going out, if Wuliangcheng and the surrounding county governments have not been occupied by the Nanping army, they will be supplied from the local area. If it has already been occupied, it is just time to fight down and feed the war with war. ”

Li Jianshan's face changed when he heard this, "You are simply taking it by force, aren't you afraid that the people of Daxia will give our army in Lidu City a name." ”

"Scolding is much better than surviving under the enemy's iron horse."

Li Jianshan shook his head, he knew that this would be very beneficial to the march. But the people of some cities were unlucky, there was not much food, and the army of 30,000 was swept away, and I don't know how many people would starve to death.

Duan Lang couldn't care about it so much, if he really waited for the logistics supply grain and grass team to move forward together, the entire army would be delayed. They went deep into the enemy's Forte, and if they were besieged by the Nanping army, the consequences would be unimaginable. Duan Lang can't lose a big one because of a small one, even if it is a slight forcible seizure, he must ensure that the army shuttles between the enemy's various teams like a fish swimming in water.

Duan Lang ordered the pigs to be slaughtered and the sheep to be slaughtered, so that the army could be repaired for one night. Tomorrow will begin to be the messengers of hell, either alive or dead.

That night, Zhou Guangji came to the camp. Knowing that Duan Lang was going to cross the desert and enter the rear of the enemy army, Zhou Guangji was also very worried. But the matter has come to this point, and Zhou Guang remembered that he did not persuade anything.

Zhou Guangji was carrying a long spear, and the entire body of the spear was wrapped in cotton cloth. Zhou Guangji took off the wrap and handed the spear to Duan Lang.

"Duan Lang, this is the Xuantie sent by Lao Qi from Beiming some time ago, I added a little cold essence to it to create a spear. Your sword is for melee, not for immediate combat. Charging into battle isn't like close combat, you can't do it without the right weapon. Back then, our shadow artist was in the Two Realms Mountain, and he suffered a loss from weapons. This gun was tailor-made for you, so I didn't expect it to be used so quickly. ”

Duan Lang took the spear, the handle of the spear was carved with patterns, the head of the spear and the handle of the gun were integrated, and the blood groove of the head of the spear was full of cold light. The guns and spears in the army are all wooden poles, one is toughness in confrontation, and the other is flexible to use. Duan Lang's gun is made of overall black iron, and it is very heavy to start. Duan Lang waved it happily a few times, which was right for him. This year's weight-bearing training has made Duan Lang's strength skyrocket. Moreover, Duan Lang's most accustomed killing action is assassination, plus he has also practiced the gun formation for a period of time with the black armor guard, and Duan Lang is very proficient in picking, stabbing, splitting, and hanging guns.

"Uncle Zhou, now that the world is in turmoil, the intelligence of various places is very important. Da Fei must follow my army, and I'm afraid it won't be able to go both ways. If there is any urgent news, just ask Fang Yan to contact me with a harrier eagle. ”

"Well, don't worry about Lidu City, Azhu will also go south in a few days, maybe he can help you. Stinky boy, take care of yourself. Zhou Guangji looked at Duan Lang worriedly.

"Don't worry, Uncle Zhou, we got a soft armor in Beiming, which was originally worn by Shangguan Xuanwu, and now it is also on me. Safety-wise, I'll take care of myself. ”

Zhou Guangji looked at Duan Lang with satisfaction, from Nanning to the present, the time period of Lang in a year has changed very much. The times create heroes, and Zhou Guangji didn't expect Duan Langqi to respond to the situation and turn from obscurity to become a ranger general in Great Xia. However, Zhou Guangji also knows that behind the honor is the responsibility and mission. It is even said that he will die on the battlefield.

Tomorrow, the army will go on the expedition, and Zhou Guangji will not dare to delay Duan Lang's rest. After all, it is no ordinary march to cross the vast desert. The reason why the soldiers and horses of Great Xia did not dare to cross was because they were worried that the lack of water on the way would cause a mutiny in the army. A sip of water can decide a person's life and death, and no one cares about the level of official position in order to survive. Either as soon as Duan Lang said that he was crossing the desert, he shocked the commanders of the three major battalions, because they couldn't believe how many logistics vehicles could guarantee the water supply of the 30,000 army for more than ten days without losing their way. Especially the cavalry, the dehydration of the war horses is simply unimaginable.

Early the next morning, the camp of Lidu City sounded the horn of assembly. The horses neighed, and in a short time the team was assembled. Duan Lang rode a black white-hoofed Beiming good horse, with the Xuantie spear behind him. Looking at the mighty army, Duan Lang didn't say anything, what should have been said was said at the mobilization meeting yesterday, and Duan Lang waved his sword.

"Let's go!"

The 30,000-strong army was neat and orderly, and Zhou Long's forward battalion was the first to come out, and two brand-new banners were raised. When the wind blows, three big characters appear on one side ~ Survey Army. On the other handsome flag, there is a fiery red word 'paragraph' embroidered.

Li Jianshan led the officials and people in the city to stand on both sides of the road and raise their eyes to see each other. This is not an experience, everyone knows that war comes with death. 30,000 Erlang crossed the desert, and when he came back, no one could say how much was left.

"Brother Duan, take care!" Li Jianshan clenched his fists and said.

"Brother Jianshan, take care of Lidu City, and I'll leave it to you here." Duan Lang clenched his fist from his horse.

"In triumph, I invite you to drink."

"It's a deal!" After Duan Lang finished speaking, he rode his horse and ran towards the team.

The 30,000-strong army left the capital city in a mighty way, and as soon as they arrived in the wilderness, the advantage of the light cavalry's rapid movement was immediately reflected. Duan Lang and Liu Xusheng walked last, and they followed more than two dozen civilian carriages, which could not go fast. Three days later, the team assembled at the edge of the desert, Duan Lang let the brothers eat openly, the carriage was also filled with grain, grass and water, and the army officially entered the vast desert.

has experienced training in the desert, whether it is a soldier or a commander, he has not shown fear of the desert. Da Fei circled in the air, and Duan Lang ordered the battalions to reduce food and water, and try to continue the water source on the carriage as much as possible.

In a short way, after a journey of more than ten days, 30,000 troops walked out of the desert in the shortest distance and fastest time under the guidance of Da Fei. Perhaps the Nanping army did not expect a team to wear out here, and there was no fortification at the edge of the desert at all. It is not even said that there is not even a scout of Nanping Kingdom.

Looking at the familiar wilderness and mountain forests, Duan Lang suddenly remembered the scene when he and Fang Yan walked out of the desert for the first time. That time, they were hunted down and killed by the people of Xiangguofu, and they revisited their hometown, but they became fighting for the rivers and mountains of Great Xia.

"All the horses are repaired in situ, Zhou Wu, and the scout camp go to investigate, and be sure to find out the details of the surrounding situation."

"No!"

Zhou Wu agreed, and with a wave of his hand, more than thirty scouts who had changed into civilian clothes immediately stepped out on horseback.

Duan Lang was not in a hurry to move forward and walked out of the desert, the most important thing was that the war horse needed to cultivate. What's more, without finding out the enemy's situation, Duan Lang didn't dare to attack rashly.

After a day of repairing, in the evening of the next day, Liu Xusheng, who had finished counting the war preparation materials, came to Duan Lang's small tent. The commanders of the battalions arrived, and Zhou Wu's first scouts also brought back news. Everyone sat on the floor and began to study how to fight the first battle.

"Duan Shuai, the grain and grass are only enough for one meal tomorrow." Liu Xusheng reminded.

Duan Lang nodded and did not speak, Zhou Wu said, "The scout has come to report that Wuliang City has been occupied by the Nanping army. However, there were not many soldiers and horses in the city, and it seemed that it had already advanced eastward. In addition, Bushan County on the west side of Wuliang City has been found to be stationed more than 10,000 Nanping troops. It seems that it should be a logistics supply team. ”

As soon as Zhou Wu said this, everyone's eyes suddenly lit up, and Duan Lang smiled, "Look, Nanping has prepared grain and grass for us." Just right, let's try the knife with these 10,000 people. Although the brothers have gone through hard training, many of them have never really been on the battlefield. Tomorrow, let's eat this team first. ”

"General, 10,000 people, just hand it over to our forward battalion." Zhou Long took the initiative to ask.

"Boss Zhou, what do you think, when Lao Tzu killed the enemy in Yushan Pass, you kid hadn't touched the sword yet. Duan Shuai, this first battle is handed over to our firearms battalion. Zhang Qifeng hurriedly said.

"Commander Zhang, as soon as you go to the firearms battalion, we will still eat a fart, and we will all roast our beards. Duan Shuai, let's go to the heavy armor camp. Now that the brothers have changed into light riding equipment, they can't hold down the war horses. Zhou Hu also said.

Duan Lang pressed his hand, "Don't worry, you guys will fight." Tomorrow, the forward battalion will attack, the left cavalry battalion and the right cavalry battalion will be outflanked on both sides, and the heavy armored battalion will be delayed. As for the firearms battalion, let's wait until the attack on Wuliang City to contribute. ”

After Duan Feng finished arranging, some of the commanders were happy and some were dull, but everyone knew that this was just the beginning, and the whole battle had just begun.

The 30,000 soldiers and horses were repaired for two days, and the horses basically recovered their physical fitness. Early the next morning, Liu Xusheng ordered all the grain and grass to be distributed, so that people and horses could be fed.

In the morning, fifty miles west of Wuliang City, Bushan County. A grain and grass escort officer of the Nanping army was counting the looted grain and grass materials and arrows. This batch of supplies is about to go north and be escorted to Zhao Pingdu, the commander of the second army.

"Hurry up and load the car, rub something." A few soldiers beat the people who were loading the carts.

Bushan County was ransacked, and some of the civilians who had not had time to flee were captured and used as coolies loading trucks. In the face of the vicious Nanping soldiers, the people dared to be angry and did not dare to speak, and they could only be at the mercy of others in order to survive.

At this moment, a soldier on the watchtower suddenly shouted in surprise.

"General, there's a big army coming from the west."

The escort officer was stunned for a moment, and asked nonchalantly, "Ximeon?" Which general's centaur is it? ”

In his opinion, at this time, there would be no troops in the vicinity of Wuliang City at all, and if there was a large army, it would definitely be his own people.

"It seems to be a ~ patrol ~ sky patrol army on the battle flag."

"Sky Surveyor?" The escort officer was stunned for a moment, wondering if there was a survey army in the sequence of the Nanping army.

At this moment, only listening to the sound of 'whoosh', the Nanping flag on the flagpole next to the gate of the camp was pierced by an arrow, making a tearing sound.

"Not good! It's the enemy army, blowing the horn~! ”

The escort officer's face changed greatly, the Great Xia soldiers and horses around Wuliang City had already been defeated, and he didn't understand where this Sky Survey Army came from.

Outside the camp, Zhou Long restrained the war horse. Huang Zhi and Wang Fuzhong's left and right cavalry camps outflanked both sides, and immediately surrounded the camp. Zhou Long was not in a hurry, since Duan Lang let the brothers try the knife, he couldn't annihilate the other party at once. Give them time to buffer so that the fight is enjoyable.

After more than a dozen breaths passed, Zhou Long felt that the other party was almost assembled, and the war spear in his hand was raised. All the guards behind him had a fierce look in their eyes.

"Brothers~Kill!"

Zhou Long grabbed the horse under his crotch and quickly rushed towards the gate of the camp.