"You were not yet born, and you do not know what it was like. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ｂｉｑUｇE。 infoAt that time, my Cui clan went south, abandoning the hometown, how sad? More than a dozen uncles of my Cui family chose to fight to the death because they couldn't bear this humiliation. Within a few days, there were more than a dozen mourners in the family, and even the longevity materials could not be prepared. How can you imagine that? But even so, Emperor Wu was indifferent, ignoring my Cui clan's contribution to the Tang Dynasty, and urging us to go south within the specified time. This is the good thing their Li family did to our Cui family. After your grandfather crossed to the south, he burst into tears every time he thought of this, and his old man often warned me to see the true face of the Li family. To this day, his Li family wants my Cui family to work for them, but what will happen to us in the future? Nobody knows. I am deeply wary of them, so I will never be overjoyed at Li Mao's will, let alone rush to it. Cui Daoyuan said word by word.

Cui Yuanbo and others have not heard of this family history. But I have heard some from the other elders in the family, and they were not born when the Cui family moved south, so it is difficult to empathize. But at this moment, hearing their father tell that story in person, and looking at Cui Daoyuan's painful expression, they really understood some of the sinister and desperate situation at that time.

"What does the old man mean is that our Cui family is going to disobey the will of the new emperor?" Cui Yuanrong said.

Cui Daoyuan shook his head and said, "My Cui family can promise on the surface, but don't do anything that goes against the holy decree." It's not that the yang is against the yin, but that the situation is not clear. ”

"Even people like Wang Yuan, who are thought to be going to cause trouble in the future, can't we do it?" Cui Yuanping said.

Cui Daoyuan said coldly: "No." Whether Wang Yuan has the intention of rebellion, who can know? At least for now, he must not be provoked. This Wang Yuan has no bad deeds, in fact, without him, the Tang Dynasty would not be able to support today. It should be said that his contribution to Datang is unparalleled. As for saying that he has the intention of rebellion, there is no basis for this matter, in the old man's opinion, it is just that Wang Yuan is too strong, and the soldiers and horses in his hands are too strong, so he is just jealous. The high bird is exhausted, and the good bow is hidden. The cunning rabbit dies, and the lackeys cook. The Li family was afraid that there was a huge threat next to their bedside, so they wanted to get rid of this knot in their hearts. But if they have the ability, they will be in addition to Wang Yuan, why should my Cui family wade into this troubled water? My Cui family wants to remain neutral, and now none of us can offend or help each other. Wang Yuan may be an ambitious person, but how good can Li Mao be? After using my Cui family, who can guarantee that his Li family will not treat my Cui family like before. You must know that my Cui family is strong, but it is also a threat in the eyes of their Li family. ”

Cui Yuanbo said in a deep voice: "What my father said is very true, we don't have to wade into this troubled water. We should wait for the situation to develop, and when the situation is clear, it is not too late for us to act. Anyway, whether it is the struggle for the throne between the Li family brothers, or this Wang Yuan's rebellion in the future, our major families in Jiangnan will always be invincible. As soon as we make a move, we will turn the situation around. That's when we took the absolute initiative. ”

"Yuanbo said well, Yuanbo, you have finally opened your mind, and the old man is very pleased. Yuan Ping Yuan Rong, you have to learn more from your brother, although he is a little confused in small things, but he is not confused in big things at all. Remember what I say today, and don't come nonsense. Especially in the current situation, the rebels will arrive in Yangzhou in a few days, and no matter how bad it is, this Wang Yuan is also here to defend Yangzhou for us and protect the foundation and industry of several major families in the south of our Yangtze River. At this point, we can't do anything to him. Cui Daoyuan stroked his beard and said in a deep voice.

"Can Yangzhou hold on? I don't believe that Wang Yuan has such a ability. The old man couldn't help but have too much confidence in him. Cui Yuanping muttered.

"Shut up, do you think it was a whim for the old man to hand over the defense of Yangzhou to Wang Yuan? After knowing his identity, even if I decided to let him take full charge of the defense of Yangzhou, it was not because of anything else, but because he was Wang Yuan, who had won all battles. No matter what kind of person this person is, his achievements are obvious to all, and I can't think of anyone in Yangzhou City who is more qualified to be in charge of defending the city than him. The old man can't think of himself, let alone a few of you. Cui Daoyuan shouted.

"Okay, okay, what the old man said is right, let's not talk?" Cui Yuanrong smacked his lips.

"Qingshi Grinder, no matter how you say it, it doesn't make sense for you, and I don't have the energy to talk to you, but you remember one thing for me, no one is allowed to act rashly under the current situation, otherwise I won't be able to spare you. Let's go back and rest, I'm tired, too. Cui Daoyuan leaned heavily on the back of the chair and waved his hand tiredly.

Cui Yuanbo and the others had to get up and salute and leave, and left the study. Cui Yuanbo was walking to the door, and suddenly heard Cui Daoyuan say: "Yuanbo, you stay for a while, I have something to tell you." ”

Cui Yuanbo hurriedly turned around and came back, stood respectfully in front of Cui Daoyuan and saluted, "What do you have your father's orders?" ”

Cui Daoyuan pondered for a long time and said: "Ruoyu girl waited under the city gate all day today, and sent Wang Yuan several meals, and she has been waiting for Wang Yuan to return home together at night. Something is wrong. Could it be that she really likes this Wang Yuan? ”

Cui Yuanbo hurriedly said: "Is there such a thing? The son didn't know. ”

Cui Daoyuan sighed: "You are a father, you don't know what you're making trouble all day long?" What your daughter is thinking, you are afraid that you don't know anything. I followed those officials all day long, and spent all day drinking in the fireworks and willow alleys of Yangzhou City. ”

Cui Yuanbo blushed and said, "Son...... The son knew he was wrong. ”

Cui Daoyuan frowned and said, "You are also in your forties, can I still teach you a lesson for these things?" But you don't have to go too far, and your mind must also be used on family affairs, otherwise one day I will kick my legs and leave, and all the affairs of the Cui family will be pressed on your shoulders, how will you decide at that time? If you don't handle it properly and ruin the future of my Cui family, do you have to let me die blindly? The current situation is chaotic, and the world will not know how turbulent it will be in the future, and if you want to control the big ship of the Cui family, you can't learn it by eating flowers and drinking and listening to music. ”

"Father, the son understands, and the son must change his ways." Cui Yuanbo sweated on his forehead and apologized repeatedly.

"Well, I know you don't like to hear these words, so I won't say more. But now you have to do it. If the girl is really unclear with this Wang Yuan, it is not a good thing. Although I may not agree to Li Mao to let Ruo Ying be his concubine, I can't let Ruo Ying make any jokes. Wang Yuan is very scheming, if he stains the innocence of Ruomei girl, this matter is not only as simple as the reputation of my Cui family is damaged, but when it reaches Li Mao's ears, it will be a deception. You have to understand the feast of this. ”

Cui Yuanbo was shocked and said: "My son understands, so my son will scold Ruo Yu and prohibit her from following Wang Yuan." This Wang Yuan, his son also plans to let him move out of the house and arrange to live in the Yanyun Pavilion near the left side of the North City, what do you think of the old man? ”

"It's fine. It's okay to let him move out. But you have to tell Ruo Yu well, don't say it too explicitly, just click to the end. If the girl is very smart, she will understand what we mean. Cui Daoyuan said softly.

……

The next day, Wang Yuan went to the north gate to lead the Yangzhou army and people to prepare for the defense of the city. There are so many things to do, and the materials and manpower are extremely limited, which gives Wang Yuan a great challenge. Wang Yuan has also been used to spending a lot of money in recent years, and the Shence Army under the command has almost everything, and the weapons and armor to defend the city and attack the city are all first-class, and the number is also very large.

When defending Tongzhou at the beginning, although there were fewer soldiers and horses than Shi Siming's, there were definitely a lot of powerful defense equipment. There are not only bed crossbows and remote crossbows that can be erected at the head of the city, but also a large number of Shenwei cannons are erected in the city, which also plays a huge role in blocking the rebels from attacking the city. Not to mention the hundreds of elephant cavalry that could charge out of the city and slaughter.

Even without these siege equipment, the weapons and armor in the hands of the Shence army are first-class. Not to mention anything else, just talk about the bow and crossbow necessary to defend the city. The defenders of the Shence Army are equipped with bows and arrows, and there are tens of thousands of strong crossbows and strong bows, and when defending the city, within two hundred paces, strong crossbows and strong bows can be fired. Entering a closer distance, it can shoot arrows with the whole army, and the firepower is extremely powerful.

The defense of the city is also very adequate, the arrow tower fortifications are readily available, and the soldiers are all brave soldiers who have experienced a hundred battles. The accumulation of various factors led to the great victory of the Tongzhou rebel army.

However, the current situation makes Wang Yuan feel that it is difficult for a clever woman to cook without rice. It's like a rich boy who is accustomed to eating delicacies from the mountains and seas and wearing silk and satin, and suddenly enters a very poor house with four walls. The armament of this Yangzhou City is really poor, there are only more than 10,000 soldiers and horses, not to mention, the weapons and armor are still lagging behind the Shence Army.

Their bows and arrows were ordinary wooden ones, and they had a range of less than a hundred paces with a full string. Even so, the number is pitiful. There are only 3,000 soldiers and horses in the entire Yangzhou City, equipped with bows and arrows. This was a disaster for the defenders. In addition to this, the quality of the soldiers is also worrying. The Yangzhou soldiers in the world of flowers and flowers are inevitably contaminated with some bad habits in the land of fireworks. On weekdays, I haunt the fireworks and willow alleys, and do some things that are hard and enjoyable. Over time, it naturally has a great impact on morale. If you walk in the gentle countryside, you will have less courage on the battlefield. Therefore, in Wang Yuan's view, many soldiers are weak, their eyes are full of fear, and they are definitely unqualified soldiers.

However, with all the materials at hand, it is useless to complain. What Wang Yuan could do was to boost their morale as much as possible, and at the same time find a way to make up for these shortcomings. Wang Yuan spent the morning and led hundreds of soldiers to run through the eight warehouses of Yangzhou Mansion, and finally pulled out more than 3,000 bows and arrows from the horns. With these 3,000 arrows, there is twice as much firepower to defend the city. In addition, in the arsenal of the government office, Wang Yuan also turned out more than 20 dismantled bed crossbow accessories. Even Shen Zifang, the Taishou of Yangzhou, didn't know that he still had these things in his warehouse. Wang Yuan was glad that they didn't use these as firewood to burn the fire, so he brought people to assemble thirteen bed crossbows. With these thirteen bed crossbows, it added a slight chance to the success of defending the city.

There was no arrow tower at the head of the city, so Wang Yuan could only let people use mud and stone to temporarily build some platforms higher than the city wall. This is done not only to increase the firepower of the wall, but also to make full use of the space of the wall. It was unrealistic for more than 10,000 people to crowd on the narrow walls of Yangzhou, not to mention that the rebels were likely to attack only within four or five hundred paces around the city tower and the canal, in which case all the troops would not be able to be fully defended. These makeshift platforms can then make the most of the limited forces.

As for whether these soldiers in Yangzhou can withstand the test of this doomed and tragic battle, Wang Yuan cannot have a quick way. But Wang Yuan believes that good soldiers are trained on the battlefield. Once you go to the battlefield, you will either pee your pants in fright, or you will become a bloody man, there are only two possibilities. Wang Yuan knew that there would be people who were so scared that they peed their pants, but he also knew that someone would inevitably become a bloody person. Where there are warriors, there are cowards, that's for sure. Wang Yuan doesn't need everyone to be warriors, he only needs half of them to be warriors, and there is hope to support them for a few days.

After a busy day, in the evening, under the afterglow of the sunset, the city and the city have changed. Sandbags had been used to raise the low battlements at the top of the city, and the one-man tall bunker was enough for the soldiers to dodge the rebels' dense arrows. Countless rolling logs and stones were carried up the city walls, and piles were piled up to form the shape of small hills. On the city wall, every twenty or thirty steps, a simple arrow tower rises. The so-called arrow tower is a platform made of earth and stone and paved with thick wooden planks. Dozens of archers can be footed on it, as a supplement to the defensive strength of the city walls.

Over the huge opening of the canal into the city, the suspension bridge was reinforced with thick ropes wrapped in mud to form a huge suspension bridge. The planked deck is piled with a large number of stones and rolling logs. On the outward side are a number of door panels that serve as shield shelters, which are also a fire prevention measure that can block the rocket once it is fired, and after the door panel burns, the rope is cut and the door panel filled with rockets can be plunged into the river.

All in all, the defense of the entire northern city wall at the head of Wang Yuan has done what he can do, and in the limited resources and time, Wang Yuan can only do this. The rest of the things can only be tested by actual combat, or handed over to God's favor.

Wang Yuan did not expect such a city defense to be able to stop the rebel attack forever, and the lowest expectation in Wang Yuan's heart was to hold out for three days after the siege began. Because three days after the rebels arrived in Yangzhou, their 3,000 personal guards cavalry should have arrived. Although these 3,000 cavalry could not turn the tide of the battle, the arrival of these 3,000 men would definitely pose a huge threat to the rebels' back, which would play a huge role in turning the tide of the situation. Moreover, these 3,000 people are enough to be worth the more than 10,000 defenders of Yangzhou City, whether it is combat experience or weapons and equipment, it is all a cloud of mud.

Before sunset, Cui Daoyuan, Shen Zifang, Cui Yuanbo and other Yangzhou officials came to the city. Under the afterglow of the setting sun, everyone witnessed the great changes in the upper and lower suspension bridges of the city walls, the upper and lower rivers, and the left and right sides. These people were amazed. In just two days, under Wang Yuan's dispatch, the defense of the north of the city has changed greatly, which is simply incredible.

After seeing Wang Yuan's handwriting, everyone's previous worries about Cui Daoyuan's handing over the defense of Yangzhou to Wang Yuan suddenly disappeared, but they didn't think that Wang Yuan was very capable, but they also admired Cui Daoyuan's vision.

"Captain Wang, I didn't expect you to do this, the old man admires it very much. Yangzhou City has not been in war for a long time, and what it lacks is not a star. However, you can see this effect in just two days, which shows the ability of Captain Wang. Of course, Cui Daoyuan did not hesitate to praise him, and smiled at Wang Yuan.

Wang Yuan shook his head and said, "Cui Weng Mo wants to say this, the preparations here are very crude and cramped, and I don't know if I can withstand the attack of the rebels." But due to the limitations of his ability, he can only go so far. ”

"Captain Wang's ability is certainly surprising, but what the official admires more is Cui Weng's vision. To tell the truth, Cui Weng was going to hand over the matter of defending the city to Captain Wang yesterday, and the lower officials and colleagues were still not at ease. But now the lower officials have to admire Cui Weng's old and spicy vision. Sure enough, the ginger is still old and spicy. ”

Shen Zifang wasted no time in stepping forward and gave a high hat just right. The officials also echoed each other, praising Cui Daoyuan for his old vision and good use of people.

Cui Daoyuan waved his hand and said, "You should praise Captain Wang, how did it become the credit of the old man?" The old man just thinks that Captain Wang is a person in the Shence Army, who has experienced many actual battles, and knows how to defend the city better than us people. Sure enough, Captain Wang didn't teach us to be disappointed. ”

The officials hurriedly said: "Captain Wang is naturally also good, and I also admire it." ”

Wang Yuan felt very bored, these people obviously rejected him, not because of anything else, but because he was just a small captain. There's no point in slapping yourself on the back. If you do it well, you should do it, and if you don't do it well, I'm afraid that you have already begun to point fingers. But Wang Yuan didn't care about this, he had experienced too many turbulent waves, how could Wang Yuan care about the snobbery of these people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I can't afford your compliments, and to be able to make such preparations in two days is also the result of everyone's concerted efforts. It's not my job. Besides, what has been done so far is not enough. Wang Yuan waved his hand and smiled.

Cui Daoyuan said: "It's already done very well, I don't know how many times better than the old man expected." No wonder people say that the Shence Army led by Wang Xiangguo has won all battles, and Captain Wang, a captain in the Shence Army, can have such ability, let alone the middle and senior generals in the Shence Army. The old man of Wang Xiangguo's skills can't even imagine, I'm afraid that he has the ability to penetrate the heavens and the earth to command you talented generals. Hehehe. ”

Cui Daoyuan smiled, and Cui Yuanbo and other people who knew Wang Yuan's identity on the side also had their eyes flickering, and they tacitly laughed dryly.

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "Cui Weng said that he was laughing, my Wang Dashuai is not a god, but he is just a little resourceful, and we people have only learned some combat from him." ”

Cui Daoyuan stroked his beard and smiled: "Fur?" The fur is so powerful, if Wang Xiangguo comes in person, then it will be worth it? Hehe, all in all, Captain Wang proved that the old man's vision is good, and the old man handed over the city defense to you for scheduling, it seems that he did the right thing. In any case, no matter whether Yangzhou City can be defended or not, you, Captain Wang, have done your best. ”

Wang Yuan said: "Cui Weng, Yangzhou City must be defended, and this must be firmly believed. I was about to discuss with Cui Weng whether I could mobilize some troops and horses from the left to strengthen the defense of Yangzhou City. For example, if troops are transferred from Jiangning, they can arrive by water in two or three days. Even if it's just three or five thousand soldiers, it's better than nothing. If it really doesn't work, we can only select some bloody supplementary soldiers from among the young and strong people in the city. Once the siege battle starts, I am afraid that the casualties will be very heavy, and there must be a replenishment of troops at that time. ”

Cui Daoyuan smiled and said, "Do you still need to say it?" Captain Wang, to tell the truth, the old man had already sent someone to Jiangning in the afternoon to transfer troops. In fact, there are not many soldiers and horses in Jiangning City, but there are five or six thousand soldiers and horses galloping to help, which can alleviate the urgency here. ”

Wang Yuan was overjoyed and said, "Thank you Cui Weng." ”

Cui Daoyuan laughed and said: "Defend the city in the southeast for me, but I want you to thank me." It should be the old man who came to thank you. ”

Wang Yuan also laughed.

Shen Zifang came up and said, "Captain Wang, do you think this battle can be won?" ”

Wang Yuan said: "Shen Taishou, I can't answer you this question, because I don't know the result either." But when it comes to faith, I still have it. What is certain is that this battle will definitely kill a lot of people, and it will definitely be tragic. ”

Shen Zifang swallowed and spitted at the mouth: "When the battle is conducted, I am afraid that Captain Wang will still be in command, and this officer can only arrange logistics for you, and the command officer does not know much about the operation." ”

Wang Yuan smiled and said: "Don't worry, you will naturally command the battle at the head of the city, so you will come to the city without labor." If you can guarantee logistics for me and ensure the supply of materials to defend the city, that is the greatest support. ”

Shen Zifang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, he was afraid that he would command at the head of the city, and when the time came, the sword would be eyeless, and the arrow would be ruthless, and he would lose his life. And he had already discussed with Cui Yuanbo, the Cui family had a big boat hidden in the river of Baobao Lake, once the situation was unfavorable, Cui Yuanbo promised to take his family out of the south gate to escape. He didn't want to die here.

"Captain Wang, what else do you need to prepare now? The rebels are probably coming. Cui Dao said from afar.

Wang Yuan nodded and said, "It is estimated that the rebels will arrive tomorrow, and what we need to do now is to prepare sufficient materials to defend the city and wait for them to come." There is no need to stay up late tonight, everything that should be prepared is almost ready, instead of working the soldiers and civilians, it is better to let them sleep well tonight, and tomorrow they can face the rebels in good spirits. Tonight, Shen Taishou can send a scout team out of the city to find out the location of the rebels. By timing the arrival of the rebels, we can be fully prepared. ”

Cui Daoyuan nodded and said, "Okay, everything will be according to your arrangement." Shen Taishou, the meal to be prepared tonight and tomorrow morning will make the soldiers defending the city full, so that they have the strength to fight the rebels. My Cui family donated 500 pigs and sheep to reward my brothers. ”

That night, the soldiers and civilians of Yangzhou who defended the city were rewarded with an extremely sumptuous meal. The feast of beef and sheep wine and meat was all over the city, and everyone actually understood that this might be the last sumptuous dinner they had eaten, so they ate and drank to their heart's content.