Huining City was burned to ruins, and Zhao Pingdu, the commander of the Nanping army, also evacuated Blue Lake City. The direction of Zhao Pingdu's withdrawal is also Yiming City, and it seems that Mo Kun is going to join forces and concentrate superior forces to retreat to Shuangfeng Mountain.

Liu Xusheng's side did not fight with the enemy, and the other party also sent a longbow formation to pass by Liu Xusheng's soldiers and horses. There was only a confrontation between each other, and no one took the initiative to attack. Fortunately, there was no ambush on the side of Blue Lake City, and Ma Ruzheng led the army to successfully take over Blue Lake City. Although Zhao Pingdu did not set traps and ambushes, Blue Lake City was also looted, and all that was left was the broken eaves and walls.

Duan Lang immediately revised a letter and ordered Liu Xusheng to immediately return to Wuliang City to assemble and stand by. And the harrier eagle Xiaobai was also released by Duan Lang to Lidu City. Duan Lang told Li Jianshan that even if he gathered the people of the whole city, he would have to defend the capital city. There are also 5,000 soldiers and horses sent by the western battalion, as long as they can hold out until they return.

Outside Huining City, Duan Lang and Zhang Ruming walked into Yan Facheng's camp. Through Da Fei and Xiao Bai, Duan Lang and the others knew the battle situation in and around Blue Lake City well. But Yan Facheng and Prince Dezhang are still waiting for news over there.

"Yan Shuai, His Royal Highness the Prince, I'm here to say goodbye to you." Duan Lang clenched his fists and said.

"Farewell? Where are you going? Yan Facheng looked at Duan Lang strangely.

Duan Lang hesitated for a moment and didn't hide it, "We are going to ~ Hijri Capital." ”

When the prince Dezhang heard this, he immediately said angrily, "What, the war is raging here, you actually want to flee back to the capital city?" ”

Zhang Ruming's eyes widened, "How do you speak, what do you mean to run back?" ”

"Avoiding the war and withdrawing from the war zone without authorization is not what a deserter is."

"Afraid of war? Lao Tzu's Sky Survey Army went up to the Heavenly Division, down to a horseman, and in the face of tens of thousands of troops, they dared to fight with a sword. We go back, of course, there are more important things. Besides, what is the meaning of unauthorized evacuation, our Sky Survey Army only listens to His Majesty, and no one else has the right to give orders, and Your Royal Highness Dezhang is not even a commander, let alone worthy of giving orders to my Sky Survey Army. Zhang Ruming reprimanded unceremoniously.

Yan Facheng frowned, and immediately said angrily, "Don't make any noise, Duan Lang, why do you want to withdraw to Lidu City." ”

Duan Lang glanced at Prince Dezhang unhurriedly and said, "Yan Shuai, I just received news from Lidu City, Xiyue has already invaded our border passes, and our Sky Survey Army must rush back. Otherwise, the capital city will be lost, and the opponent's soldiers and horses will approach Kyoto. ”

"What?"

At this moment, even Prince Dezhang opened his mouth in shock.

"Where did the news come from, and why didn't I receive a notice from the Ministry of War?" Yan Facheng hurriedly asked.

Duan Lang handed over the secret letter from Li Jianshan, "The notice from the Ministry of War may arrive soon, this is the news from Li Jianshan, there should be nothing wrong." ”

Yan Facheng took it and opened the small paper scroll, and Prince Dezhang also stretched out his head, and after the two of them read it, their faces couldn't help but change. Although Li Jianshan said that he was in Lidu City, he was after all the commander of the Treasury Department of the Ministry of War, and such news would never be said nonsense.

Yan Facheng's hands couldn't help but tremble a little, Daxia was now not only fighting on both sides, but also the Marquis of Xining was still standing still. The soldiers and horses in the world are basically mobilized, if it is really like Duan Lang said, once the Western Vietnamese army breaks through the capital city, it will be close to Kyoto.

"Duan Lang, what about the person who delivered the letter, I have something to ask him." Yan Facheng said.

"Yan Shuai, we are ~ Flying Pigeon Biography." Duan Lang could only tell a lie, and he couldn't tell Yan Facheng that the harrier eagle he domesticated was far more clever than the Investigation Division.

Yan Facheng was right to think about it, if he sent someone to deliver the news, I am afraid that the official document from Kyoto would have arrived a long time ago. This time, not only Yan Facheng, but even Prince Dezhang had nothing to say. After all, the only one who dared to cross the desert was Duan Lang's army.

Duan Lang immediately gathered his team and began to return to Wuliang City. Duan Lang didn't dare to delay, when they returned to Wuliang City, Liu Xusheng's team had already arrived a day earlier. To Duan Lang's surprise, the Seventh Prince actually followed him to Wuliang City.

The army returned, and the people of Wuliang City went out of the city to greet them under the leadership of the old governor Chen Tian. Zhang Ruming waved his little hand and immediately told everyone the good news of 'repelling' the Nanping army. Knowing that the Nanping army had withdrawn to the area of Yiming City, the people cheered even more. This time, they can rebuild Wuliang City with peace of mind.

The Seventh Prince, Delong, looked at Duan Lang and Zhang Ruming, and hugged his fists slightly, "Duan Lang, farewell that day, I didn't expect General Duan to make great achievements, it's really gratifying." ”

"Your Highness the Seventh, why didn't you follow the army to stay in Blue Lake City, why did you come to Wuliang City?" Duan Lang looked at the Seventh Prince Delong strangely, and said in his heart My army is about to be launched, how can I have time to take care of you.

The Seventh Prince, Delong, smiled bitterly and said, "If you don't come back, I'm going to chase you to Huining City." ”

"What, something?"

The Seventh Prince, Delong, nodded slightly, Duan Lang looked at the people who greeted him, made a simple arrangement, and went to the mansion with the Seventh Prince.

When he came to the mansion, Zhang Ruming got off the chariot and patted the Seventh Prince on the shoulder with a big grin, "Delong, your complexion is much better than before." If you want me to see, you can just become the emperor. Your third brother Dezhang, that bastard, how Lao Tzu looks at him is not pleasing to the eye. ”

The seventh prince Delong rolled his eyes, and said in his heart that his father is still on the throne, what are you talking nonsense. However, Zhang Ruming's proposal was very much his appetite.

"Lord Shangguan, my father is tough, let's be courtiers~ Let's be a little shy of talking." The Seventh Prince Delong said helplessly.

"You lied to the ghost, just your father's body bones~ Okay, don't talk about it, anyway, Lao Tzu wants to smoke him when he sees Dezhang. If Dezhang really ascends the throne and becomes the emperor, Lao Tzu will support the army and stand on his own. Zhang Ruming said nonchalantly.

The Seventh Prince frowned, dare to say such a rebellious thing to his face? Duan Lang waved his hand, "Ignore him, this guy eats too much and talks nonsense." But seriously, I almost got into trouble with your third brother in Huining this time. ”

"Oh? And such things? The Seven Princes suddenly came to their senses.

Zhang Ruming even said about the quarrel with Prince Dezhang in Huining, and the Seventh Prince was secretly happy in his heart when he heard it, and he had already left Zhang Ruming's rebellious words behind him just now. He wished that the third brother Dezhang would completely offend Duan Lang and these people, in the eyes of the Seven Princes, Duan Lang and the others were definitely not things in the pool, and he would definitely become the pillar of Great Xia one day. It's just that the third brother's vision is too small, and his mind is too narrow-minded, so he can't see that Duan Lang is a rare piece of jade. After experiencing the war and the carving of time, the Seven Princes believe that this piece of jade will eventually be dazzling.

"Your Highness the Seventh, what happened when you followed Xusheng and them to Wuliang City?" Duan Lang asked.

The Seventh Prince looked around, and there were only three of them left in the hall, and even Fang Yan went back to prepare.

"Duan Lang, Lord Shangguan, pass on the secret decree of the father."

After the Seventh Prince finished speaking, he looked at Duan Lang and the others. It is said that under normal circumstances, as soon as a courtier hears the word secret decree, he will definitely kneel down immediately to accept the decree. But Duan Lang and Zhang Ruming looked at the Seventh Prince with wide eyes, as if they were waiting for the following, and they didn't mean to kneel at all.

The Seventh Prince smiled bitterly, and then said, "When the Blue Lake City was confronting the enemy army, I received a secret order from my father. Duan Lang, maybe you don't know it yet, the Xiyue army has broken through the Two Realms Mountain and is in Landu City to set up a battle with General Fang Jiye. ”

Speaking of this, the Seventh Prince Delong paused slightly, waiting to see the shocked expressions of the two. only to find that the two of them were like wooden stakes, staring at him motionlessly.

"I said, you two ~ aren't surprised to hear the news?" The seven princes were a little speechless, and said in their hearts that this is still a courtier of Great Xia. Even ordinary Li Min will jump up when he hears the news.

Duan Lang and the two looked at each other, and Zhang Ruming said, "We have known about this for a long time, so continue." ”

"Uh~ no wonder. Well, my father ordered you to return to Lidu City immediately, and you must hold on, and you must not let a single soldier from Xiyue cross Lidu City. In addition, my father also ordered me to lead 100,000 soldiers and horses gathered in each capital city to make a detour to the capital city to meet you. Perhaps, I will be a month slower than you. ”

Duan Lang let out a sigh, "We were planning to cross the desert tomorrow, but I didn't expect Your Majesty to think of it too." It just so happened that the Seven Princes were going to make a detour from Kyoto to Lidu City, so they would bring more grain and grass and equipment to defend the city. We are quick to speed up, and it is estimated that we will be able to cross the desert in about 15 days. When the time comes, let's meet in the capital. ”

"Duan Lang, the national crisis is at hand, my father asked the two of them to stick to the capital city, and they can handle anything by themselves according to the situation. Now the main soldiers and horses of Great Xia are pressed on this side to fight against Nanping and Xining Hou, and there are no troops to adjust in the west. Even if I bring 100,000 soldiers and horses, they can only serve as a reserve force, and their combat effectiveness is very different from yours. The Seventh Prince said with sadness.

As soon as I heard Emperor Yuning actually use the word 'please', it was enough to show that the current situation in Great Xia was very crisis. If any of these two theaters cannot resist it, it is very likely that they will face the danger of losing their country.

Duan Lang clenched his fists solemnly, "Your Highness the Seventh, please tell Your Majesty that as long as Duan Lang still has a breath of air, he will never allow the Xiyue barbarians to step through the capital city." Even if it is for the people of my capital city, I will swear to protect it to the death. ”

"There is a general's words, Delong represents the people of the world, General Xie Duan." The Seventh Prince, Delong, bowed solemnly.

"Hey~ And me, forget it, Lord Ben has always been magnanimous and doesn't care about you." Zhang Ruming pursed his lips depressedly.

The battle situation was urgent, and Duan Lang did not dare to delay, so he immediately convened all the commanders to discuss the matter. Many of the commanders who had just learned the news were taken aback. There is still no eyebrows in the battle situation here, but I didn't expect another war to break out on the west side. It seems that Daxia is really a bit unfavorable this year.

After arranging the commanders, Duan Lang summoned the old governor Chen Tian and others again. If the army wants to leave, it must explain the situation to others. However, Duan Lang did not inform everyone that the war would start in the west, in order to appease the people, Duan Lang only said that the army was about to march to Shuangfeng Mountain early tomorrow morning. The old governor Chen Tian didn't think much about it, after all, Duan Lang's army was not here to defend the city, but to kill the enemies of Nanping and drive them out of Great Xia.

Early the next morning, the Sky Survey Army left Wuliang City with more than a dozen carriages and horses captured from Zhao Zhuofeng in Xining. The Seventh Prince, Delong, was also escorted by a hundred city defense guards and went to Blue Lake City.

In Kyoto, Great Xia, Zhu Wenjun, the squire of the forbidden and military department, frequently entered the palace in the past two days. At the moment of foreign enemies, Emperor Yuning and Yu Ban, the two monarchs and ministers, have no estrangement, and if they continue to fight, they may face the danger of losing the country. The two old foxes can only join hands now to appease the people of the world. Even for the displaced people who fled from the war zone, Yu Ban also sent people to give the greatest care. At the very least, these people must not be allowed to starve to death on the streets. Otherwise, stirring up a civil uprising will make matters worse for the court.

In the warm pavilion, Zhu Wenjun, the squire of the military department, presented the latest battle report to Emperor Yuning, "Your Majesty, Huining City has won a great victory." According to the latest battle report, Prince Dezhang inspired the soldiers of the whole army to fight for a day and night, and finally took Huining City. In the fierce battle, the officers and men of our army fought bravely and killed more than 18,000 enemies. However, Yang Fakui, the commander of Nanping, set fire to the city when he evacuated, and the army also lost a lot of grain, grass and supplies. The most important thing is that Huining City ~ was burned to the ground. ”

Emperor Yuning listened to it and did not move, but Yu Ban's cheeks trembled, Huining City is a big tax city, if Huining City is rebuilt, this burden is not light.

Zhu Wenjun continued, "In Blue Lake City, General Ma and His Royal Highness the Seventh also led the men and horses to take the city. Although the results of the battle on his side were not great, fortunately the city was saved. ”

After Zhu Wenjun finished speaking, his eyes looked at Xiangguo Yu Ban. Yu Ban arched his hand and said, "Your Majesty, the minister thinks that now he can tell the world." ”

Emperor Yuning nodded silently, for the victory of the Southern Twin Cities, Emperor Yuning could not see a trace of joy on his face.

"Yu Aiqing, about the war in the west, how are you going to let me tell the world?"

"Your Majesty, the minister has drawn up a proclamation document and is about to submit it to His Majesty for review." Yu Ban said, taking out a copy of the fold from his sleeve pocket.

Emperor Yuning waved his hand, "Let's talk about it." ”

"No!"

Yu Ban agreed, opened the fold, and said briefly, "My Great Xia army is powerful and powerful, and it swept away the army of Huining and Nanping, the second city of the Blue Lake. The two groups of people and horses took advantage of the victory to pursue, and the expulsion of Nanping and Xining Zhao Li rebels was just around the corner. In addition, the Western Vietnamese barbarians took advantage of the fire to rob and harass us in the western part of Daxia. Fengtian carried it, and ordered Fang Jiye, the commander of the western battalion, to lead his troops to kill the thieves and calm the country. Chin this! ”

After Yu Ban finished reading, he looked at Emperor Yuning cautiously. Emperor Yuning showed a hint of a smile, but this smile was a helpless bitter smile. The proclamation document is short and concise, although it can deceive the people of the world, even the central government. But the real situation can't be hidden from a few of them.

Especially on the side of Huining City, at the same time that Prince Dezhang reported, Yan Facheng also sent a secret report to Emperor Yuning. As the commander of the Kyoto camp and the absolute trust of Emperor Yuning, he will certainly not hide the actual situation. The two cities were obviously evacuated on their own initiative unscathed, but to inform the world that it was a great victory, Emperor Yuning felt a little ridiculous. However, this kind of announcement to Emperor Yuning was also a last resort.

"Two Aiqing, now that the national crisis is at hand, I have no soldiers to adjust in Daxia. Once the Western Vietnamese army divides its troops to bypass the Landu City and take the Lidu City, how should I defend Kyoto? Emperor Yuning looked at Zhu Wenjun seriously.

As a soldier of the military department, he has an unshirkable responsibility to protect Kyoto. But there are no soldiers in his hands, which makes Zhu Wenjun a little embarrassed. It's hard for a good woman to cook without rice, so she can't even send out the forbidden military camp and the Kyoto city defense camp.

Seeing that Zhu Wenjun was a little hesitant, Yu Ban said, "Your Majesty, the minister thinks that it is imperative to issue a conscription order to all capitals. In times of great calamity, an army of 300,000 was temporarily recruited. Presumably, it is not a problem for Landu City and Lidu City to stick to it for two or three months. These strongly-armed youths, who have been urgently trained for two to three months, can also come in handy. ”

Zhu Wenjun hurriedly said, "Lord Xiangguo is right, grinding the gun in battle, and he can only make this decision." As long as there are 300,000 soldiers and horses, they can be deployed in the area of the lower pass. The terrain is difficult to defend and difficult to attack, and even 300,000 farmers can hold off hundreds of thousands of enemy troops. ”

"In my world, let alone collecting 300,000 troops, what is the difficulty of millions. However, after the solicitation, how to supply the financial resources. Emperor Yuning looked at Zhu Wenjun and said.

Zhu Wenjun was stunned, this is a difficult problem, even if the military salary is not paid in the face of the national disaster, these 300,000 people must eat. What's more, weapons, armor and combat equipment, these things are fully equipped, which is not a small amount. If you don't have even the most basic weapons, you can't go to war with a burning stick.

Yu Ban pondered for a while, gritted his teeth secretly, and said, "Your Majesty, the courtiers in this world are either rich or noble, and the ministers are not talented, so they can take the lead in donating half of their family property to prepare for war." I believe that if the ministers take the lead, other courtiers will follow. ”

Emperor Yuning sighed and shook his head, "If you really want to do this, I am not only ashamed of Aiqing, but also of my ancestors." Unexpectedly, my Daxia actually reached the point where Jun Wenchen borrowed money. ”

"Your Majesty, the mansion will not be finished, and the courtiers will not stand up at this time, and they will wait for when. If it is inconvenient for His Majesty to come forward, the minister~ can do it for him. Yu Ban got up and said.

Emperor Yuning pondered for a moment, "Okay, then do as Aiqing said." However, I will take the lead. A few days ago, I had already cut my money, and I couldn't help but let Aiqing carry this black cauldron. Tomorrow morning, I will cut my clothes and reduce food and lead by example. ”

Zhu Wenjun hugged his fist with emotion, "Your Majesty can still be like this, why am I afraid of these small attacks." ”

Emperor Yuning looked at Zhu Wenjun and said solemnly, "Zhu Aiqing, Xiangguo and I will raise silver taels for you, but the way to use soldiers still depends on Aiqing." ”

"The minister ~ will not give up his death, and will use the head of the item to ensure the safety of Kyoto." Zhu Wenjun knelt down and confessed his determination.

After the three of them finished discussing, Yu Ban and the two left the palace. Emperor Yuning closed his eyes slightly, considering the development of the entire battle situation. Emperor Yuning was not very worried about the matter of the silver two, he just said this, just to arouse the determination of the courtiers to resist the enemy. Emperor Yuning knew that these courtiers had solid furniture, and even if the Yu Ban clan gave everything they had, they could support an army of 300,000. What's more, the palace also contains secrets left by successive kings. It's just that these secret treasures Emperor Yuning doesn't want to use them, after all, there is no real danger of destroying the country. If it were to be there, the secret treasure would have been used to buy borrowed soldiers from other countries.

Emperor Yuning analyzed the entire battle situation, if Nanping really retreated to the side of Shuangfeng Mountain, it would give Great Xia a chance. As long as the Shuangfeng Mountain is guarded, neither Nanping nor Xining Hou will be able to enter the Great Xia Forte. On the contrary, it was the Xiyue side that became Emperor Yuning's biggest worry. After all, Han Pingzi was famous back then, and it was only one step before he defeated the Two Realms Mountain. If it weren't for the chance encounter he had in the Liangjie Mountains back then, I'm afraid that at least a quarter of the territory of Great Xia would have been swept away by Xiyue.

In the western part of Daxia, Fang Jiye deployed layers of heavy troops in the area of Landu City. He didn't expect the defense line of the Two Realms Mountain to be crushed so quickly, and without that natural defense line, Fang Jiye could only open his formation to fight against it. If he retreated to defend in the city, Fang Jiye knew that Han Pingzi would definitely divide his troops to bypass the city and go straight to Forte. At present, there are only 5,000 soldiers and horses sent by him in the capital city, and Fang Jiye knows very well that Li Jianshan will not be able to defend it at all.

Fang Jiye put on a position, but he didn't dare to take the initiative. Instead, he used an army of 200,000 to contain the other side and prevent the other party from having the idea of dividing his troops. However, Fang Jiye still underestimated Han Pingzi. When Han Pingzi attacked Great Xia, Fang Jiye was just a member of the army. Not to mention that the current West Vietnamese army has more than 100,000 troops in Fang Jiye, even if it is the same strength, he still dares to divide his troops and go straight to the Great Xia Fudi. War is plunder, and only by attacking and plundering can we be worthy of war. Just after Han Pingzi launched a round of offensive, more than 70,000 West Vietnamese cavalry troops broke through the flank defense line and rushed directly to the capital city.

Fang Jiye was shocked, but he didn't dare to pursue with the same forces. Facing the world's famous general Han Pingzi, Fang Jiye could only concentrate 200,000 troops to block Han Pingzi's remaining soldiers and horses from advancing eastward. As for Lidu City, Fang Jiye could only pray that Duan Lang would return quickly, so that he could arrive at Lidu City one step earlier and defend the city without losing it.

Once the West Vietnamese army arrived first, Fang Jiye did not dare to imagine how serious the consequences would be. Even if Duan Lang met them outside the city, Fang Jiye felt that Duan Lang's 30,000 cavalry would have no hope of victory in front of an army of 70,000 or 80,000.