In Kyoto, the air is filled with the smell of imminent gunsmoke. The people in the city dragged their families and their mouths to the north gate, begging the officers and soldiers to open the gate and let them leave. Only there was no garrison outside the North City Gate, which was their only passage.

No one dared to open the city gate without permission, and if it weren't for the tight guard of the law enforcement team, even these city guards would want to escape. They didn't know who they were fighting for, and their homes left the court one after another to join Duan Lang. Today, Kyoto seems to be an isolated city. The royal emperor, who was originally high, has become less sacred, and no soldier is willing to fight for such an emperor.

Above the court, all the courtiers were like headless flies, inquiring about all kinds of news. In particular, the news that Prince Hong had ascended the throne of Dekuguang in Yixiang City reached Kyoto, which made these courtiers stunned and a little at a loss. Many courtiers have even smelled the breath of the country.

In the Quiet Pavilion, Delong lay on the couch with a pale face. Ma Ruzheng died in battle, and Liu Shuguang returned defeated, completely cutting off Delong's idea of peace. Going around and around, not only did the enemy not retreat, but Delong was infamy. Not only that, but even Prince Hong openly betrayed him. You must know that Prince Hiroshi represents the great power of the imperial family, and even in Kyoto, there are beginning to be voices of opposition.

Delon sat up persistently, knowing that he must not fall at such a moment. Otherwise, when you open your eyes again, you may see the gates of Kyoto open from the inside.

Delong looked at the chief manager Liu Zhi and asked with a breath, "What is the movement on the courtier's side~?" ”

Liu Zhi trembled and bowed down and said, "Back to the master, Lord Xiangguo and Lord Chu are suppressing the ministers in the court, so the master doesn't have to worry. ”

Delong was silent for a moment and asked, "Can Zhang Liancheng be there?" ”

Behind the screen, Zhang Liancheng, the first of the eight iron guards, suddenly flashed, "Master, the slave is here." ”

Delong looked at Zhang Liancheng and said coldly, "I order you to hold the sword of Shang Fang, quickly lead the palace guards, and confine all the royal families in the capital from entering and leaving the palace." If there is a person who resists the decree ~ behead! ”

Zhang Liancheng knelt on one knee, "The slave obeys the order." ”

Zhang Liancheng took the sword of the imperial gift and led the palace guards to quickly go to the various mansions of the royal family. As soon as he left, Delong immediately asked Liu Shuguang to enter the palace. Don't look at Liu Shuguang's defeat, now Delong can only trust him. Since there is no hope of peace, DeLong must prepare for the worst. Once Kyoto fell, he had to let Liu Shuguang protect the retreat to the northern camp station. Fortunately, the north gate is still vacant and can be evacuated at any time. As for the courtiers in Kyoto, Delong didn't have the heart to think about them.

Outside of Kyoto, Lu Mu and Mo Kun each guarded the east and west gates. Judging from the position, it seems that Duan Lang has divided them in two and separated them. However, after discussion, Mo Kun and Lu Mu deliberately set aside two city gates in the north and south. No matter where Duan Lang camped, strategically speaking, he would be caught between the two of them.

However, several camps opened their positions, and no one had the intention of making a move. Whether it was Mo Kun or Lu Mu, they were both on the sidelines, and neither of them wanted to risk fighting the first battle. The soldiers and horses of Nanping and Xiyue did not move, and Duan Lang had to be in a state of silence. What's more, the current situation is very favorable to the three of them. This layout has cut off the entry and exit of grain and grass in Kyoto, and even if there is no garrison outside the north gate, all three parties have sent scouts, and once the grain and grass convoy appears, it will be contested. If this goes on for a long time, it will inevitably force Delong to take the lead.

In the Luoxi Plain, Deguang's army was also marching slowly. Before leaving the city, Deguang gave a speech to all the soldiers. Don't look at him being put on the throne by Prince Hong, but Deguang himself understands that this throne is not justified. Only by withstanding the test of war may be recognized by all the people of the world.

Seeing that it was not early, Deguang ordered to set up camp and sent scouts to keep a strict guard.

In the military tent, Deguang ordered someone to call the veteran Sun Gang, in addition to Sun Gang, there was also Fan Jiachang to follow him.

Deguang looked at Sun Gang and asked, "General Sun, the army will arrive in Kyoto in one day." I don't know if General Sun has any suggestions for the next step of the battle? ”

The veteran Sun Gang hesitated for a moment and asked, "Qi Qi Ping'an Hou~ Oh no, Qi Qi Your Majesty, I don't know which side Your Majesty is going to attack first?" ”

Deguang smiled bitterly, "Old general, the army is outside, you and I still call you a general." When the foreign invaders enter Kyoto, I will pay tribute to my ancestors and become the emperor of Great Xia recognized by the world. ”

The veteran Sun Gang clenched his fists, "If the big man can have this determination, the last general believes that the big man will definitely become my Great Xia generation of Ming Jun." ”

Deguang waved his hand, "This is too early, before leaving Yixiang City, my uncle warned Deguang that no matter how big the territory is in the future, even if it is a city, a county, or a conquest of the four seas, we must maintain a humble and cautious heart." There must be no suspicion between monarchs, ministers, and generals. Harmony between kings and ministers is the peace of the world. General Sun, no matter where I go in the future, I Deguang will definitely listen to his outspoken words and be courteous to Corporal Xian. At the time of the crisis in Daxia today, I hope that the general will give him full support. ”

"Don't worry, as long as the handsome can be trusted, Sun Gang will not hesitate to go to the soup."

"Okay, with the general's words, Deguang believes that he will restore the majesty of my Great Xia. Old general, the march and battle are far inferior to you, where to go in the army, you can dispatch. Deguang looked at Sun Gang sincerely.

Sun Gang was quite moved in his heart, he didn't expect that at his age, he could still get the favor of the new monarch. Although the emperor Deguang is a little unorthodox, after all, he is the emperor who ascended the throne under the witness of Prince Hong. To know Prince Hong's prestige in the Great Xia Empire, it is the pillar of the sea. What's more, it is rumored that Delong's hidden illness has broken out, and I am afraid that even if Deguang does not ascend the throne in Yixiang City, this throne will be his.

Sun Gang perked up and said, "Since the commander can be trusted, then the general can speak out." ”

"General, please."

"Dashuai, according to the scout's report, the current layout of West Vietnam and Nanping is like this. Come and see. ”

Sun Gang said, walked to the front of the marching territory, pointed to the two city gates and said, "Xiyue laid out the east city gate, and Mo Kun controlled the west city gate. And the south gate between them was trapped by Duan Lang's army. In this way, if we go straight to the past, we will have to face Duan Lang's army. If you take a detour, no matter which side you fight, to be honest, you have no chance of winning. Therefore, the last general suggested that it was better to send envoys to join forces with Duan Lang to fight the enemy, which was the best choice. ”

Deguang was slightly stunned, his brows furrowed and he pondered. Before leaving the city, Prince Hong repeatedly told him that he must listen to the opinions of the generals, especially the veteran Sun Gang, who is currently a leading figure in the army, and his opinions are very important. If it weren't for Prince Hong's body, he would have wanted to follow the army. But now Sun Gang suggested joining forces, which made Deguang a little embarrassed.

"What's the matter, Da Shuai doesn't want to join forces with Duan Lang?" Sun Gang looked at Deguang's embarrassed appearance and couldn't help asking.

"No, no, at the moment the strength of our army is indeed limited, as you said, it can be said that it is not an opponent of either side. Moreover, Duan Lang played the banner of crusading against foreign criminals, if he attacked them, it would also make the world laugh and spurn. Therefore, the general's advice is the best policy. However, there are some things that are ~ very difficult. ”

Sun Gang was stunned, "What, Dashuai is worried about Duan Lang?" ”

Deguang sighed slightly, "Duan Lang is not friend or foe with us, and he has long been branded as a rebel by Great Xia. Don't look at him saving the prince, in fact, he is trying to win the hearts of the people. What's more, once he joins forces with Duan Lang to fight the enemy, how should he be treated in the future? Is it a battle, or is it a reward? If he were to be rewarded, would he agree? ”

Sun Gang said, "Dashuai, the situation is different, and you must not stick to the rules. In the current situation, if we don't unite with the Lidu City, we have no hope at all. In the face of foreign enemies, the commander should take the initiative to contact all forces to appoint him. Not to mention Duan Lang, even if it is Kyoto, the last general thinks that he should give it a try. After all, the blood is connected, and the great enemy should be united with the outside world at present. When the foreign enemy is driven out, whether it is peace or war, it is our own business, and I believe that the people of the world will support Dashuai. ”

"But~ Even if Ben Shuai agrees, Duan Lang may not agree. Don't forget, he's a strong soldier now. ”

"If the marshal can be trusted, the last general is willing to go to the camp of Lidu City and discuss with Duan Lang in person. If he doesn't agree, then he will risk his life to go to Kyoto, and urge Kyoto to put aside his prejudices for the time being, and be sure to work together to find a glimmer of life. The veteran Sun Gang said solemnly.

Deguang thought for a while, "Okay, then trouble the old general to run early tomorrow morning, Deguang is here waiting for your news." ”

"There is no need for tomorrow, the war is currently ongoing, and the last general will go to Kyoto overnight. It is estimated that at noon tomorrow, you will be able to arrive at the camp of Lidu City. ”

"Then ~ hard work general."

Sun Gang did not delay, and left as soon as he said he would. Deguang's humility and open-minded attitude made the veteran Sun Gang very satisfied. If Deguang can keep it, he feels that he is a king who can be assisted.

As soon as Sun Gang left, Deguang hurriedly wrote a detailed letter, ordering Fan Jiachang to return to Yixiang City overnight to ask Prince Hong's opinion. Regardless of Prince Hong's current health, as long as he lives for one day, Tokumitsu will have to ask for his consent to join forces with him.

Just after noon the next day, Sun Gang, who had galloped all the way, finally came to the camp of Lidu City tiredly.

"What people, dismount!"

Sun Gang was immediately surrounded by several guards, who held their guns and cautiously stared at the old man in the general's armor. In fact, five miles away, Sun Gang was discovered by the patrol guards. It's just that he single-handedly let it go on purpose.

Sun Gang looked at the camp flag hanging high, snorted and said, "Tell Duan Lang that the old man Sun Gang is here." ”

"Sun Gang?" The guards patrolling the hunt were stunned, of course they had heard of Sun Gang's name.

"You wait, I'll report it." After one of the guards finished speaking, he quickly ran into the camp.

In less than half a pillar of incense, the camp gate was opened, and Yan Fa walked out with a red face.

"Old grandson~ don't come unharmed." Yan Facheng said with a smile.

"Is that you? Hmph, do you still have the face to see me? Sun Gang looked at Yan Facheng with disdain.

"Why, with a fake emperor, this temper has grown. Sun Gang, in front of me Yan Facheng, you are not qualified to put on a show. Duan Shuai asked me to greet you, if you don't want to go in, then okay, please go back. Yan Facheng put his hands behind his back and looked at Sun Gang with a smile.

"You~ Okay, you Yan Facheng, I ran all the way, and you want to drive me away without even giving me saliva? Don't even think about it, don't entertain Lao Tzu with big fish and meat, I'm not leaving. ”

"Haha, this is the Sun Gang I know, and I Yan Fa pretended to be a big-tailed wolf, and he has a fart. Let's go, let's talk in the tent. ”

The two said, Yan Facheng led Sun Gang to the big tent of the Chinese army. In addition to Duan Lang in the tent, Tangtai Mingyue and Zhang Ruming are all there. Originally, Duan Lang left Zhang Ruming in Chengyang Mansion, but this guy said that he had to follow everything, there was no way, Duan Lang could only let Li Jianshan stay in Chengyang Mansion temporarily.

As soon as he saw Sun Gang, Zhang Ruming couldn't help but joke, "Shout, isn't this General Sun." Why, was kicked out by Prince Hong? Don't be afraid, you will follow this Heavenly Master in the future to ensure that you have food and drink. ”

Sun Gang glanced at Zhang Ruming embarrassedly, facing this sharp-toothed and sharp-mouthed skinny master, he didn't dare to fight. What's more, since the acquaintance of Yushanguan, Zhang Ruming's identity has always been high, and Sun Gang is somewhat afraid in his heart.

"Shangguan Heavenly Master, I was not driven out by the prince, but on the orders of my family Deguang Marshal, I came to discuss important matters with Duan Lang."

Duan Lang smiled, "General Sun, we are also old acquaintances, when we were in Yushan Pass, if General Sun didn't bear to order an attack, I'm afraid that I, Duan Lang, would have been wiped out long ago." If there is something to sit down and say, General Sun please. ”

Yutai Mingyue bowed slightly, which was regarded as a hello. As for Sun Gang's intentions, she can almost guess a thing or two. In the past two days, Mingyue and Duan Lang have also been analyzing the development of the situation, Lu Mu and Mo Kun are not easy to provoke, Duan Lang and Mingyue are having the intention of joining forces. Sun Gang's appearance is in line with the hearts of the two. What's more, Tai Mingyue didn't want Delong to stay on the sidelines, and was planning to send someone to meet Delong. Moreover, she and Duan Lang discussed the candidate. In any case, it is necessary to let several sides consume troops and horses at the same time, so as to balance the direction of the battle. Otherwise, the soldiers and horses of Lidu City will be consumed too much, and it will be difficult to dominate the future situation. Tangtai Mingyue would rather not fight, than fight all the family foundations.

Sun Lang ran all the way, unceremoniously drank a few bowls of tea, and directly explained his intention.

"Duan Lang, all of you here, the strong enemies of Nanping and Xiyue have been killed under the city of Kyoto. In any case, this Kyoto is a sacred place in the hearts of my people in Great Xia, and it must not be trampled on by foreign criminals. Don't forget, you have the blood of my Great Xia nation flowing in you, and when the national disaster is at hand, we must first let go of each other's prejudices. Only by joining forces to resist the enemy can there be hope of driving out the foreign invaders. Sun Gang looked at everyone anxiously.

Mingyue said with a smile, "General Sun, don't forget, my husband was sentenced to be a rebel by the Great Xia Emperor. For the soldiers and horses of our Lidu City, it is incumbent on us to kill the foreign invaders, but to join forces with you, is this Zhao'an, or is it an equal? ”

Sun Gang's face was stunned, "There is a difference between monarchs and ministers, how can they be equals?" ”

"Who's who's who? Who is who's minister? ”

"Of course it is~." Sun Gang paused and stopped.

Looking at the ridicule in Mingyue's eyes, Sun Gang gritted his teeth, "Mingyue Military Division, let me ask you, do you want to defeat the Nanping and Xiyue armies?" If you don't want to, leave right away. Even if you leave me Sun Gang, I won't say anything. Since he came, the old man put life and death out of the way. ”

Duan Lang said, "General Sun, it is incumbent upon me Duan Lang and my brothers to kill the foreign criminals. But there are some things, and I, Duan Lang, also want to give the world an explanation. Otherwise, everyone still thinks that I, Duan Lang, was abandoned by Delong, and as soon as Deguang ascended the throne, he took the initiative to take refuge. ”

Sun Gang sighed and said, "To be honest, the old man can't be the master of the dispute in this regard. But as long as you are willing to join forces to kill the foreign criminals, I believe that the people of the world will welcome it with both hands. As for other matters, let's discuss them when we get rid of the foreign invaders. ”

"Then a coalition has been formed, who is the main one in terms of troop and horse dispatch?" Zhang Ruming asked.

"This~ can be discussed in detail."

Sun Gang no longer insisted on focusing on Deguang, and he knew that Duan Lang would definitely not agree to such words.

Tantai Mingyue said, "General Sun, if you want me to say, it's better to be like this." It's okay to join forces, but they can fight separately. For example, if we go to attack Nanping Mokun, you will attack Lu Mu. They will have no time to defend each other, and they will be able to defeat one of them. ”

When Sun Gang heard this, his face suddenly darkened, fighting like this is no different from not joining forces. Because Sun Gang knew that their army would not be able to defeat either side if they fought alone.

"Mingyue Military Division, if you say this, isn't that no different from not joining forces. My army of Elephant City could have fought like this. ”

"No, the difference is huge. If you don't join forces, if you attack one, the other will help. In that case, the two of them could eat you. But now, you don't have that concern at all. Mingyue said.

Sun Gang gritted his teeth and said ruthlessly, "Let me tell you the truth, relying on the soldiers and horses of Yixiang City alone, I'm afraid ~ I won't be able to take one of them." Even if we fight fast and retreat, we can't afford to lose. ”

Yutai Mingyue smiled slightly, "General Sun, who said that you fought alone?" Don't forget, there are still 200,000 soldiers and horses in Kyoto. If the two of you join forces against one side, our division believes that we will win. ”

"What? Let Delong~ join forces with us? Sun Gang looked at Yutai Mingyue in surprise.

Duan Lang nodded and said, "Yes, the great enemy is current, as a member of the Great Xia nation, everyone has the responsibility to fight against foreign invaders. We can't fight in a bloody battle, so let's wait and see from Kyoto Castle. ”

"But~ I'm afraid Delong~ won't agree."

If he doesn't agree, he will abandon the subjects of the world. There is no need to fight this Kyoto city, and I am afraid that the people of the city gate will also burn down Delong's palace in anger. Yutai Mingyue said.

Looking at everyone's eyes, Sun Gang smiled bitterly, "Okay, then the old man will be cheeky and break into Kyoto." As long as Delongken puts aside his prejudices and fights the enemy together, even if he kills the old man, it will be worth dying. ”

Duan Lang raised his hand, "No need, I'm afraid General Sun can't bear this errand, but there is someone who is very suitable." ”

Sun Gang was stunned, "Who?" ”

Duan Lang looked at Zhang Ruming and smiled slightly, "Our holy Lord Shangguan is the most suitable person. ”

"Me?"

Zhang Ruming was stunned, he didn't expect Duan Lang to let him enter the city to persuade Delong. You must know that Delong at this time is more like a vicious dog that has been driven crazy, once he can't help the anger in his heart, there is no return.

"What, you're scared?" Yutai Mingyue asked deliberately.

Zhang Ruming's eyes widened, "Just kidding, my sacrosanct divine envoy, can I be afraid of him?" Isn't it just to persuade Delong to join forces against the enemy, I'll say. If this kid dared to agree, Lao Tzu asked the gods to come down to earth and kill him with a thunderbolt. ”

Tantai Mingyue secretly winked at Duan Lang, "Okay, there's Master Lao Shangguan to run." I don't know how many people you need to protect Lord Shangguan? ”

"Humph!" Zhang Ruming pouted, "No, this Heavenly Master will enter the city alone, and no one in Kyoto dares to be disrespectful to Lao Tzu." ”

Under the bewitchment of Duan Lang and Tangtai Mingyue, Zhang Ruming stubbornly pretended to be righteous and awe-inspiring. Duan Lang ordered someone to set up a banquet, everyone and Sun Gang finished eating, Zhang Ruming with seven points of wine, rode on a war horse and swayed towards the gate of Kyoto.

Seeing Zhang Ruming's staggering appearance on the horse, Duan Lang asked uneasily, "Yue'er, can you really be sure that it will be okay?" ”

Tantai Mingyue shook her head, "You can only be sixty percent sure, if Delong is really crazy, then it's hard to say." ”

Duan Lang's face turned cold, "If something happens to Lao Zhang, I will set foot in Kyoto and wipe out the royal family." ”

Mingyue gently shook Duan Lang's hand, signaling that he didn't have to worry, Mingyue believed that Zhang Rumingji had his own natural appearance and should be able to complete this task.

Zhang Ruming burped three steps, hating to fall off the horse. Don't look at how hard he has always been, in fact, he is also very timid in his heart. But since I agreed, I have to pretend to be stubborn.

"Paralyzed, is it better for Lao Tzu to be hard or soft? Duan Lang, you bastard, don't think that Lao Tzu can't see the two of you singing double reeds, and deliberately provoke Lao Tzu into the city. Wait for Lao Tzu to go back and see how I clean you two up. ”

Zhang Ruming cursed in his heart and came to the city gate.