The leaders of the Great Khans of the Dog Khan Mutual Tent Tribe. Although this Xuan gathered together, there was no arrogance and wanton in the past, and his face was gloomy.

After the chaos of the previous night, the losses suffered by the tribes were on the one hand, and just now, under the faint threat of Balak. The tribes had no choice but to allocate half of the grain and grass that their own tribe was already small enough to support the Qiu tribe, but because of the prestige, they dared to be angry and did not dare to speak, which was another aspect.

The battle in the northern city of Shangyuan was the fiercest, and the army of the Qiu tribe was also the largest. Therefore, the Chu people who were placed in the camp of the Qiu tribe had the most prisoners.

And because of that. The situation the night before was also the most chaotic for the Qiu tribe, and in terms of grain and grass, it was the most damaged, and seventy percent of the grain and grass were destroyed in one fell swoop.

However, to everyone's regret, although the Qiu tribe suffered serious losses in terms of food and grass, the soldiers and soldiers were still unharmed in the chaos, and their strength was still superior to that of the other tribes, so they did not dare to oppose Bale's request.

Looking at the angry eyes and gloomy expressions of the Great Khan leaders of the tribes, Balak frowned slightly. A hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes.

At this time when everyone needs to work together, they forcibly ask for grain and grass from other tribes, so that the grassland coalition army is centrifuged, and Bal is also forced to do so, after all, after the chaos last night, the grain and grass of the Qiu tribe are too badly damaged. Compared with internal stability, it is undoubtedly more important to preserve one's own strength.

The most important thing is that Bar Le knows very well that if he does not take the initiative to force it, the leaders of the Great Khans of the other tribes. There will never be kindness to take the initiative to support.

For these people, it is a big deal to flee back to the grassland after defeat, and if it is at the cost of the Qiu tribe's extermination and weakness, everything is worth it.

And just when Bal was secretly thinking about how to control the situation of the steppe coalition army, the leaders of the Great Khans of the various tribes were already arguing.

Although they didn't dare to say anything about the Qiu tribe's forcible request for grain and grass, they all had their own opinions on what the grassland coalition should do under such circumstances. Not reported. Swear not to be a man!! After Shangyuan City is broken, the city will inevitably be slaughtered for three days,"

In the king's tent, a Khitan leader shouted loudly, although his expression was excited, but the content was a repeat of the same old tune. Now that Shangyuan City has been besieged for nearly ten days, everyone has said such words countless times, but although the battle is fierce and the two sides explain that there are heavy casualties, no matter how strong the grassland coalition army attacks, it is still helpless against Shangyuan City.

"Hmph, you said it easily, how should we fight this battle? Shangyuan City has been repeatedly attacked, but under the conspiracy of the Chu people, the troops have been lost one after another, and now the captives are rioting, the grain and grass are seriously damaged, and the soldiers have gradually lost their original sharpness because of setbacks and setbacks, if they continue like this, I am afraid that we will not wait for Shangyuan City to be conquered, we will be defeated by ourselves

The tribal leader of the Mingmuwei tribe said loudly, apparently having something else in mind.

"Yes, the war has been fought so far, and the plan that we originally thought of destroying Chu in a war may not work, so we should think of other countermeasures and find another goal." ”

The other half-chamber leader also nodded in agreement, his expression quite worried.

"Coward. Do you mean to make our steppe warriors cowardly flee the battlefield?! I don't know what you Murowei people think, but we Autumn people only have warriors who die in battle, and there are no lambs who are afraid to fight!! ”

The leader of the Mingqiu clan sneered disdainfully.

In the tent of the Great Khan, although the tribal leaders quarreled endlessly because of various opinions, several real chief envoys of the steppe coalition army, such as Bale of the Qiu tribe, such as Genye of Murowei, and Yelu Axiao Ji of Khitan. Another example is Xianbei's step up to the roots, but he was silent from beginning to end, his eyes flickered, and he didn't know what he was thinking.

However, hearing the ridicule of the leader of the Qiu clan, in the face of the **naked insult, a trace of murderous aura flashed in the eyes of the Great Khan Gen of Murowei, but he could no longer remain silent.

"Now that there is no food or grass, do you want to let your sons eat hungry? Compared to the Qiu clan, our Murowei is indeed a small clan, so we can't let other clans "voluntarily donate and donate" when the grain and grass are damaged, like the nobles, and naturally worry about the future. Or, in front of the Qiu clan, we Murowei people don't even have the right to give opinions? ”

After Gen also glanced at Bale, his eyes stared at the leader of the Qiu clan, and he said slowly word by word.

The Qiu people, the Murowei, the Khitan, and the Xianbei tribes are the most active ethnic groups on the grassland today, and among them, their leaders have distinct personalities.

Bale is shrewd and wise, because of the influence of the Chu people's strategist Dongfang Hua, so between the personalities, in addition to the ruthlessness and tenacity of the grassland barbarians, there is also the wisdom and indifference of the Chu people.

Yelu Axiao Ji of the Khitan is one of the most traditional steppe people. Brave and impactful, ambitious, but lacking in resourcefulness. And Xi Xianbei's Bu Xiangen is an old fox, greedy and fickle, but that's all.

Speaking of which. What made Balak scruple the most was this most taciturn root, with an emaciated figure, a pale complexion, and gray eyes, as if he did not look like a steppe man, and there was madness and calmness in his eyes, like a wolf. But no one could see through his true thoughts.

And the speeches of the two people in this room are obviously from the gesture of the roots.

Seeing Genye's expression, Bale's brows furrowed tighter, and after snorting at the leader of the Qiu clan who said sarcastic words, he turned his head to Genya and said apologetically: "Genya is also sweating heavily, his subordinates are reckless, and his words are not considered. But there is no offense, for the courage of the Murowei warriors, my Qiu clan has always been respectful, and please don't be surprised. ”

After hearing that Bale's roots were also silent, Zhong Qian nodded, but Shen Cook was still gloomy. 1 said: "Ben Khan regarded these words as unintentional words, but in any case, now that the situation of our steppe coalition army is becoming more and more embarrassing, how to deal with it, we should also come up with a charter." ”

Balak nodded, turned his head to look at Yelu Axiao Ji and Bu Xiangen, and asked, "Yelu Khan." Bu Xiangen Great Khan, what do you two think? ”

After hesitating for a moment, Yelu Axiao finally shook his head helplessly, and said slowly: "Although I don't want to admit it, but now the war is indeed beyond the control of us, Shangyuan City has been repeatedly attacked, and its own troops have lost tens of thousands of people before and after, although it has also brought a lot of pressure and casualties to Shangyuan City, but it must be said that Shangyuan City, whether it is a sergeant or a general, is not comparable to those incompetent people we have encountered before. We can't overcome it. However, our army's grain and grass have now suffered serious losses, and it is impossible to hold out for a month. ”

Gen Ye said: "In addition, we originally wanted to break through to the Chu realm with a fast march, conquer the capital of the Chu people in the shortest possible time, and then replace it. But now we have to consider that Shangyuan City has been holding on for nearly ten days, and Gu will hold on for even longer, even if we finally conquer it. The army is tired, and it has suffered serious losses, and the capital of the Chu people has been prepared for such a long time, and it will be well guarded. We want to conquer it. I'm afraid it's no longer possible. If there were no accidents, I am afraid that the original purpose would not have been achieved. ”

"Damn!! If there is no Shangyuan City, the rivers and mountains of the Chu Dynasty would have been exposed to the iron hooves of our sons, that Xiao Mo, if you want to replace the Chu Dynasty. This person must be killed!! ”

After hearing Genye's words, Yelu Axiao finally couldn't bear it anymore, smashed his fist on the low case, and said fiercely.

"What the two Great Khans mean is that this war, we will end here, with Chu and He

Balak looked up. Asked slowly.

Yelu Axiao Ji has always been the most tough and stubborn person among the great khans of the steppe tribes, but now even he admits that the war is unfavorable, although he is unwilling, but he no longer has the will to fight, Bale sighed secretly in the depths of his heart. From this point of view, ordinary soldiers in the army. I'm afraid I'm starting to feel war-weary.

And after hearing Bale's inquiry, Gen was also silent, the madness and calmness in his eyes collided fiercely, but in the end, calmness prevailed, and he nodded: "Let's talk about peace, our original goal is just to loot grain and grass from the Chu realm to alleviate the urgency of the grassland." It was only because he found that the Chu people were too vulnerable that he changed his mind. After all, the generals and soldiers of Shangyuan City are different, and they have attacked all the way, and it can be seen that the vast majority of the people in the Chu Dynasty are still cowardly. And now, although the war is deadlocked, I am afraid that the Chu people want peace talks more than we still do, and take advantage of the peace talks. Asking for enough grain and grass for our lives from the Chu family has achieved the main purpose. ”

The other side. Yelu Axiao snorted angrily, but didn't say anything more, obviously acquiescing to Genya's statement.

Balak couldn't deny it, suddenly turned his head, and asked Bu Xiangen, who had been silent: "Bu Xiangen Great Khan, among all of you here, you are a senior, what do you think?" ”

Judging from Bu Xiangen's position, he naturally didn't want the war between the Grassland Alliance Army and Shangyuan City to end like this. Only if the war continues, and the Xianbei clan has reached a tacit understanding with the Chu Dynasty in advance, can the fisherman benefit.

Therefore, after pretending to ponder for a moment, Bu Xiangen shook his head and said: "Ben Khan believes that we should and must continue to fight this war, and if we wait for peace talks at this time, it will be a sign of weakness. The stupid Chu people will definitely think that we grass warriors are afraid, even if they propose peace talks to them when the time comes. I'm afraid I'm going to be subjected to all kinds of troubles. So. Peace talks are okay, but they must be after we occupy Shangyuan City. ”

A flash of brilliance flashed in Bale's eyes, but he shook his head and said: "Although what the Great Khan of Bu Xiangen said is reasonable, judging from the current situation, if you want to capture Shangyuan City, it will definitely take a long time, and the food and grass we are waiting for are already insufficient."

Bu Xiangen seemed to be confident, smiled slightly, and said: "Bal Khan, you are knowingly asking. Aren't we still having a special group of Chu captives in our hands? These people had a special status, so they were treated differently before, and they were given enough food to satisfy their hunger and a military tent to live in. And they did not participate in the previous riots, and exchanged them for grain with the Chu people

"Special Chu captives?" On the other side, Yelu Axiao Ji was slightly stunned and asked, "You mean those Chu officials and nobles that we captured before?" ”

Bu Xiangen nodded with a smile, his expression became more and more similar to that of a fox, and he counted with his fingers: "Our army attacked all the way, and captured a prince before and after, three county kings, thirty-nine Chu people with noble titles, and seventeen officials above the fifth grade. These people together, the weight does not need to be mentioned, and in exchange for them, I am not afraid that the Chu people will not give us grain and grass.

Gen Ye shook his head and said: "Judging from all kinds of signs, last night's riot was completely led by Xiao Mo of Shangyuan City, although I don't know how he did it, but since he dared to hit our army at the cost of the lives of nearly 100,000 civilians, it shows his human nature." I am afraid that because of the lives of these officials and nobles, they will not use grain and grass to fund the enemy, you must know that the current situation of our army is created by him at the cost of the lives of countless Chu people. ”

Bu Xiangen shook his head, his smile did not change, and said: "The weight of the Chu people and the officials and nobles of the Chu people. is completely different, Xiao Mo drove the people into chaos, even if he was caught afterwards, there was a way to shirk their emperor, but if he didn't save a prince, three county kings, and thirty-nine Chu nobles, I am afraid that no matter how great his meritorious service was, his life would be lost. ”

After a pause. Step 1 root continues... Not to mention, even if he can withstand the pressure, he will not exchange. His moan... Does paper bear such responsibility? Even if all the people in Shangyuan City are as brave as our steppe warriors. But as long as we reveal this news to the emperor and court of the Chu people, will they sit idly by? If it was at that time, Xiao Mo still refused to exchange. will inevitably offend countless nobles and officials of the Chu people, and the day of losing power will not be far away. And if Shangyuan City is without Xiao Mo, why is it difficult for us to conquer it? ”

Speaking of this, Bu Xiangen summed up with a smile: "There are countless famous generals in the Central Plains, they have Zhao Mu and Meng Tian, all of whom are immortal talents who single-handedly kept our grassland warrior ancestors out of the Great Wall, but which of these people ended up with a good end?" ”

Such a poisonous scheme. It's really hard to choose, obviously. Although Bu Xiangen reached an alliance with Xiao Mo. But for his own interests, he did not hesitate to sell Xiao Mo at this moment.

On the other side, after hearing Bu Xiangen's words, all the leaders of the Great Khan in the royal tent, after pondering for a moment, showed a smile on their originally stern expressions.

Bale smiled and nodded a little approvingly.

This was also Balak's idea, but as a leader. He is accustomed to hiding it and giving it to others the opportunity to show his talents.

After pondering for a moment, Bal said categorically: "What the Great Khans said is reasonable, in this case, we can take a three-pronged approach, on the one hand, while the grain and grass are still sufficient, and the warriors are not lost, in the next few days, we can launch a strong attack on Shangyuan City, sparing no effort, and we must not show weakness and the Chu people." Concubines on the one hand. We wait for the four clans to work together. Send 30,000 troops, bypass Shangyuan City, go straight to the capital, and put pressure on the emperor and court of the Chu peopleSince peace talks are necessary, then we must also let the Chu people take the initiative. At last. We can select two people with suitable status from among the nobles of the Chu people, send them to Shangyuan City and the capital of the Chu people respectively, and propose to exchange food."

Speaking of which, Balak seems to have thought of something. muttered softly: "I hope that Xiao Mo can refuse to accept the order now" The dazed mood finally dissipated, and his mood became calm and indifferent again, and he finally left the study and took a group of officials to patrol the city.

On this day, after a night of chaos, the Grassland Coalition Army and the Chu Army invariably chose a truce, taking this opportunity to recover from mental and physical exhaustion.

However, Cai Da and Zhao Ying did not dare to be careless at all, and a large number of defenders were still arranged at the head of the city, and Shi Xuan monitored the motives of the distant grassland coalition army. Everyone's expression was grim.

During Xiao Mo's inspection, he saw a group of soldiers and the stark demeanor and morale of more than ten years ago. I couldn't help but nod secretly in satisfaction.

"As long as you can defend Shangyuan City, any sacrifice is worth it."

Subconsciously, Xiao Mo turned his head again to look out of the city.

Outside the city, corpses are everywhere, and they are still the same. But there was a little less confusion and confusion in my heart, and I thought secretly.

And just as Xiao Mo was about to leave after patrolling the city, a low quarrel suddenly came. Xiao Mo turned his head to look, but saw a corner of the city. Several officers and soldiers of the Chu army were arguing fiercely about something.

"Before the military formation, no noise!!"

Seeing Xiao Mo's brows furrowed slightly, Zhao Ying, who was in charge of the defense of the city, turned pale, and suddenly shouted at the soldiers.

These sergeants argued too fiercely, but it was only at this time that they found Xiao Mo and the others not far away. As if thinking of something, his face turned pale, and he fled back to his respective posts as if he was destined to do so.

Only a young man who looked a few years younger than Xiao Mo hesitated and did not leave.

Seeing this young man's actions, Zhao Ying's eyes widened, and he wanted to be angry.

However. The teenager was not only not afraid. Instead, after hesitating for a moment, his face showed a resolute look, and he walked quickly in front of Xiao Mo, but he did not kneel down and salute, but stubbornly looked up at Xiao Mo. asked: "Great, they said that those Chu people who were captured by the grassland barbarians were all killed by you." Not so, right? It must not be like this, right? ”

Hearing the young man's direct inquiry, all the officials around Xiao Mo turned pale.

Yesterday's chaos, where it started, has always been a taboo topic between them, although everyone vaguely guessed the truth, but no one dared to mention this Zhuo in front of Xiao Mo.

Who knows if Xiao Mo's next sacrifice target will be himself?

This teenager, doesn't he want to live?

"Your name is Li Wu, right?"

After hearing the young man's words, Xiao Mo's face was also slightly pale, and after a moment of silence, his expression finally returned to his naturalness, and he suddenly asked.

This young man is none other than Li Wei.

After a series of battles, this immature boy. Now his expression is full of determination and bravery, and those scars on his body prove that he is a qualified warrior.

Hearing Xiao Mo's inquiry, a look of excitement flashed on Li Mo's face, obviously he didn't expect Xiao Mo to remember his name, so he nodded hurriedly, but he didn't know what to say.

Xiao Mo patted Li Wei's emaciated shoulder and said softly: "In the future, you will know that some decisions seem ruthless, but they are the most correct. Some sacrifices, seemingly cruel, can save more lives, and some are infamous as "seemingly innocent, but it is necessary" and nothing more. ”

looked at Li Shun's puzzled look. Xiao Mo smiled, no longer explained anything, and turned his head and left.

Xiao Mo didn't know. Another difficult decision was waiting for him not far away.