After paying the terrible price of giving up almost all of Upper Egypt, a huge army of more than 30,000 men was finally assembled under the command of Ptolemy XIII. And the intelligence of the Romans' attack again allowed him and his cronies to see the fighters to recapture the capital.

So, just as the Roman legions were strewn with corpses on the outskirts of Alexandria, Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII also launched a counterattack from the south.

By the time Queen Cleopatra withdrew to Alexandria, the first wave of Pharaohs' attacks had come to an end.

-- About 200 cavalry of Bedouin desert nomads, hired by Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, suddenly appeared from the depths of the desert in the southwest, broke into the rebuilding Alexandria construction site, indiscriminately killed some citizens and laborers, and set a fire on the haystack and the timber pile. The Egyptian soldiers who stayed behind could not stop these desert riders who came and went, but only captured two unlucky captives who fell from their camels, and tortured the military information about the pharaoh's counterattack, and then sent them to the queen's army as if they were offering treasures, hoping to atone for their sins.

At the same time, the Egyptian priesthood in Memphis, which had been poisoned by the Pharaoh's army, sent the queen a more detailed piece of information.

“…… About twenty-two thousand infantry, four thousand cavalry, twenty war elephants, and a few boatmen, sailors, and charioteers, totaling about thirty thousand men? Alas, did he take the whole of Upper Egypt as a Greek immigrant strongman? ”

Queen Cleopatra flicked the papyrus covered in Egyptian hieroglyphs and sighed in confusion. “…… The total number of Greek immigrants in Egypt was only about 600,000. Moreover, the Greeks have been accustomed to living by the sea since ancient times, and do not like to settle inland. So. The Greek immigrants in the whole of Upper Egypt, even if you count the old and weak, women and children, are estimated to be no more than 150,000...... Even before the outbreak of this civil war, the rule of Upper Egypt was already shaky due to the frequent uprisings of the Egyptian natives. After this battle, the whole of Upper Egypt will be independent! ”

Although he was very vocal about Ptolemy XIII's disgraceful behavior. But in the face of this mighty Northern Expeditionary army, Queen Cleopatra still felt a lot of headaches - if the cage city was to defend Alexandria, it would be a little too cowardly. But if you want to have a field battle. And I don't know where to fortify: there are so many routes of attack that the enemy can choose from.

First of all, it is clear that in the geography of Egypt, there are tens of thousands of troops like this. Usually only long-distance maneuvers along the Nile can be carried out. Use shipping to solve the problem of material transportation. The defenders can also intercept the opponent's attack by deploying troops on the banks of the Nile.

But the problem is that if it is a modern Nile delta, with only two tributaries that bifurcate into the sea, then it does not seem difficult to accurately grasp the trajectory of the enemy's movements. In the time of Cleopatra, the Nile River was divided into seven tributaries in the delta, and between each tributary, there were many artificial canals that had been built over thousands of years. Turned the delta into a giant checkerboard grid...... For Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, who had a large fleet, it relied on numerous artificial and natural waterways. It is not difficult to maneuver freely inside the Nile Delta. What's more, even in Lower Egypt, there are still many local nobles who insist on allegiance to Pharaoh, and there will definitely be no shortage of leading parties.

Of course, after repeatedly borrowing the "power of the gods" to defeat the strong enemy, the current Queen Cleopatra has an extraordinary prestige, and recently, Egyptians from other places have rushed to Alexandria every day to pay tribute and worship the "oracles". And the Egyptian nobles in Alexandria and the coastal areas were also shocked by this devastating divine might, and did not dare to have any dissent towards the queen.

In time, when all of Egypt knew about these "miracles," perhaps no one would dare to oppose the queen again - but it would take enough time to spread and brew, especially in ancient times, when transportation was underdeveloped and information flowed slowly.

In short, even with the help of the Egyptian priests to build up propaganda, I am afraid that they will not be able to intimidate the opponent in a short period of time, and they will surrender without a fight.

Therefore, even if she knew that after this battle, the Ptolemaic dynasty's ability to rule Egypt would inevitably be greatly damaged, and the queen had to fight.

――――――――――――――――――――――

“…… So, no matter how you fight, this battle is a loss-making business for you? ”

In the royal tent with oil lamps swaying, looking at the rough operational map of the Nile Delta theater on the wooden table, and the small red and blue flags marking the deployment of troops on both sides, Wang Qiu couldn't help frowning--judging from the number of troops and the size of the territory under her control, the queen was at an absolute disadvantage.

“…… Pharaoh and his court were still in power, and most of Egypt was still obeying the orders of the enemy. The enemy has gathered a large number of troops, and it is impossible to win without killing a sea of corpses and blood. And if it's too much to kill...... And will it shake the foundations of Ptolemaic rule in Egypt? ”

“…… Oh, yes! After all, the Ptolemaic dynasty was not a native Egyptian regime, but an alien conqueror who enjoyed the remnants of Alexander the Great. Queen Cleopatra shrugged her shoulders and sighed, "...... Although the Ptolemaic dynasty has ruled Egypt for two and a half centuries, successive monarchs have adopted the title of 'pharaoh' and some Egyptian court rituals, and have built many Egyptian temples to appease the people, but a considerable part of the Egyptian natives still do not regard us as their own monarchs. When the dynasty was strong, it was able to suppress the resentment of the native Egyptians. But as soon as the Ptolemaic dynasty showed a slight decline, the Nile would be full of rebellion.

The Ptolemaic dynasty was still based on the influx of Greek immigrants from abroad, the main army of the dynasty was Greek mercenaries, most government positions were open only to Greeks, and the native Egyptians were completely excluded from the core of power. The Macedonians, as the ruling class, and the Egyptians, as the ruling class, were as clear as oil and water...... It's pretty much the same as your Manchu dynasty in China. Therefore, all kinds of independent uprisings have never stopped. The farther away from the coast, the weaker the Ptolemaic royal family ruled.

Ever since I ascended the throne, I have been implementing local reforms. It was intended to absorb a portion of the indigenous Egyptian leaders to share power, expand the power base of the Ptolemaic dynasty, strengthen the dynasty's rule over the region, and stabilize the order in Egypt, and indeed had the support of the temple priests.

But the problem is that the temple priests' support for me is also very unreliable. If it's possible. These monks would certainly prefer to elect an Egyptian indigenous pharaoh and give their people complete independence. Instead of praying for the mercy and mercy of the Macedonian conquerors, a little bit of benefit from the fingers of us outsiders...... After all. They are the old masters who have lived in the land of Egypt for 3,000 years! ”

Speaking of this, Queen Cleopatra couldn't help but sigh again, "...... So, once the Greek immigrants were killed and injured too much. The foundations of the entire country will be shaken. It doesn't matter if it's my brother who puts the crown on the throne. What's more, the Egyptian natives are really ...... in terms of warfare and business Alas, don't mention it! I feel like their way of thinking hasn't changed much since the birth of ancient Egyptian civilization......"

“…… Well, I roughly get it. You hope to defeat your brother Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, end this protracted Egyptian civil war, and restore the unity of the Ptolemaic dynasty. However, they did not want to wipe out too many Greek and Macedonian settlers in the war, so as not to shake the foundations of the entire Ptolemaic dynasty over Egypt...... Is that right? Wang Qiu frowned and groaned. …… This is really a bogeyman, and it's a dilemma! ”

“…… I also know that this is a difficult requirement. So I don't expect the most perfect results. Just look at it! ”

Queen Cleopatra pursed her lips disapprehantly, "...... It's a big deal to kill a mountain of corpses and blood, let the colonial regime of this Macedonian conqueror completely collapse in the civil war, and then become a queen who can only rule a lonely city like Alexandria! ”

“…… This one...... Well, how to say it? The highest goal you set for us is actually still possible to achieve......"

After listening to Queen Cleopatra's difficult combat objectives, Wang Qiu, a half-staff officer who had not studied a day at a military academy, sighed, bowed his head to the map and muttered for a while, carefully combing through the European and American war films that he had memorized in his mind, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration, scratched his hair and said, "...... I'm just afraid I'm going to have to try my luck, I really can't pack a ticket...... First of all, I need to confirm that the base camp of Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII is indeed currently stationed near the ancient capital of Memphis, right? ”

“…… Yes, it is the junction between Upper and Lower Egypt, the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta, the most important transportation hub in the whole of Egypt, and the battleground of all Egyptian civil wars. Queen Cleopatra nodded, "...... Naturally, my brother and sister could only use this city that they had just slaughtered as a rallying ground for the Northern Expedition - even though it was a place of hatred for them!

In fact, in order to avenge their revenge, the priesthood of Memphis has organized several assassinations so far, but apart from frightening my good brother to hide on the flagship of the river, and never daring to land casually, he has not been able to kill even one important target-alas, this pampered and fat-brained waste wood is so incompetent that it makes people want to cry! Alas, if their assassination had been successful, would I still have to think about the question of civil war now? ”

“…… Tsk, isn't it good for you that these Egyptian priests are so incompetent? If the Egyptian Assassins in the temple of Memphis were even better than Assasin and 007 and were able to infiltrate the heavily guarded tent surrounded by armies and strike a blow at Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, then it would be your turn to stay awake all night, go to bed in body armor, and put a pistol under your pillow! ”

While complaining, Wang Qiu flipped out a modern tourist map, and drew a straight line with a pencil and ruler between Alexandria and the ruins of the ancient city of Memphis, "...... Well, convert it according to the scale...... About three hundred kilometers or so? It should still be within the range......"

Therefore, after initially thinking about the course of action, Wang Qiu raised his head with a smile, his eyes full of excitement, "...... Dear Queen Bixia. I already have a plan that has a good chance of success! It's just that...... Would you be interested in making a cameo appearance as a legendary lone warrior like Rambo or 007 and following me to the enemy camp in Memphis? ”

“…… What the? Just you and me? Queen Cleopatra furrowed her eyebrows suspiciously, "...... Qiujun. I don't think you're the reckless kind of guy! If it weren't for our close acquaintance, I suspect you're ready to betray me......"

“…… Hehe, look at what you said, I just betrayed no one to betray you! Queen Bixia, since I dare to say so, I naturally have a considerable degree of certainty! "Despite being questioned. Wang Qiu's face was still full of confidence, "...... Please feel free to come with me! ”

“…… Well, I'll trust you once! The queen rolled her eyes. …… But, please, don't say it so much like a marriage proposal, okay? ”

"......" by Wang Qiu, a classmate with a strange face.

――――――――――――――――――――――――――

More than 300 kilometers away from Alexandria, the southernmost tip of the Nile Delta, Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt

Even in relatively cool winters. This city surrounded by tropical deserts. It's still as hot as a giant kiln.

There was not a single cloud in the clear blue sky, and the surface of the dunes reflected a blinding white light. Under the scorching sun, it seems that every fresh flesh will be steamed dry and a little water...... Thankfully, the mighty Nile flows just a stone's throw away, nourishing the dry and thirsty land, giving birth to green wheat fields and date palm groves, and mixing the desert winds with a touch of moist moisture.

A massive military camp clings to the collapsed, scorched ruins of a temple. It stands between the endless desert and the eternal flow of the Nile. A variety of brightly colored military flags are hunted and displayed in the hot wind wrapped in gravel. The cacophony of neighing was endless

Over time. The sun is sinking behind the sand dunes in the west, and the burning sunset reflects the Nile water in a striking golden red, bright as a large rippling copper foil. And on the shore of this rippling "copper foil", a huge fleet of ships is undulating with the waves, covering almost half of the river - the sails of linen, the hulls of ships woven of reeds and papyrus, the most traditional Egyptian shipbuilding techniques, without a single nail to fix the components, are bound purely by hemp rope and glued together with asphalt, like fluttering toys. But on the calm Nile, it is strong enough.

In this Nile fleet of hundreds of ships, the ship of Pharaoh Bixia of Ptolemy XIII is extravagantly decorated, with linen sails dyed with bright Egyptian royal coats of arms, balustrades and bulkheads covered with Egyptian-style reliefs and frescoes, and the bow of the Nile, the god of the Nile, is even wrapped in a layer of gold leaf, which is particularly eye-catching in the sun.

In the equally splendid cabin, an expensive jar of alabaster incense is burning with a sweet scent, and various works of art made of gold and ivory are dazzling in the cabin. The gorgeous satin curtains float in the wind, dialing colorful glass wind chimes and making a crisp and beautiful jingle sound. There is also a cedar chaise longue covered by a gold wire curtain, which is covered with an unusually soft layer of wolf skin, the fluff is smooth and shiny, and it is cool to the touch, and it does not feel unbearable like ordinary fur.

Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, dressed in loose casual clothes, leaned lazily on this wolfskin cushion and sipped a refreshing glass of wine.

By now, it was time for dinner of the day, and the pharaoh's royal chefs had already served their masters a sumptuous feast - fish soup, bread, beer, cucumbers, and onions common to ordinary Egyptian tables, more expensive figs, pomegranates, and wine, delicate cookies seasoned with dates and honey, and sheep cheese and camel milk from desert regions, and a plate of crispy roasted pigeon......

However, in the face of these delicacies prepared by the imperial chefs, Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII was a little unsavory.

-- Because, a huge battle that will decide his fate is about to begin!

For the sixteen-year-old young pharaoh, such a heavy psychological burden was really overwhelming.

The 30,000-strong army had been assembled in Memphis, and after the departure ceremony, it was time to march on land and water to Alexandria in the north.

In order to launch this Zuihou counterattack, Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII and his little court had done everything in their power - in every town that Pharaoh still had control, the flames of the iron-smelting furnaces were constantly being smelted and weapons were forged; Every warehouse in Upper Egypt was smashed open and emptied for the war effort; All horses, donkeys, and merchant ships were recruited to carry Pharaoh Bixia's army; Messengers on fast horses, carrying conscription orders, galloped up and down every post road, breaking into villages and towns, and gathering every strong man who would obey the king's commands.

In short, in order to win this sibling (husband and wife) duel that is about to break out, Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII and his cronies have gambled almost everything on their own. However, as more and more new news came from the north, the young pharaoh felt more and more uncertain...... (To be continued......)