At this time, Qi Heng was both excited and nervous.

But Zhu Yuanzhang is not.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was beside Qi Heng, suddenly said to Han Qin in front of him: "Han Qin listens to the order. ”

"The subordinates are here!"

"Send someone to send an order to Xu Da in Chuzhou City, ordering him to quickly gather all the soldiers and people in Chuzhou City, carry all weapons, grain, grass and baggage, and evacuate Chuzhou overnight and go to Huanggang City, there must be no mistake!"

After speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang said again: "In addition, we order you to immediately prepare the army, travel lightly, and gather all the troops of Haozhou and Huanggang!" ”

When Han Qin heard this, he immediately shouted: "Subordinates obey orders!" ”

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, he let out a long breath, looked at Qi Heng on the side and asked, "Engong, do you think there is anything else to prepare?" ”

Qi Heng thought about it and shook his head.

As these orders were conveyed, Qi Heng and Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at each other, both trying to think about what was missing.

In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head to look at Qi Heng and said, "Engong, this surprise attack on Jinling is very important, and we want you to personally command." ”

Listening to Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Qi Heng was silent.

He understood what Zhu Yuanzhang meant, Zhu Yuanzhang wanted him to personally lead the army to attack Jinling, while he himself was guarding Huanggang City.

If it is usual, such an arrangement is naturally the most appropriate.

But at this time, everyone understood that the 150,000 yuan army was coming towards the land of Huaixi, and the surrounding area of Jinling City was almost in a military vacuum.

In contrast, the talents who guarded Huanggang City were the most dangerous.

Even if they abandon Chuzhou City and Xu Da returns with an army of nearly 50,000, so what?

On the opposite side, there was an army of 150,000.

Once the news of the attack and occupation of Jinling City reached the ears of Timur, no one knew what he would do.

If he decides to lead his troops back to Jinling, then relying on the nearly 20,000 elite soldiers in the city and the city defense of Jinling City, even if there are 150,000 troops in the city, they can still defend Jinling City safely.

At the same time, without the loss of the supply of grain and grass in Jinling City, it would not be possible to support the 150,000 army in the field for a long time.

On the contrary, there are many people and food in Jinling City.

It's not a problem to spend a year or two with you.

In addition, the entire Huaixi will also be liberated with the return of Tokhtar to Jinling, and Tokhtar will always be vigilant against the attack of the rebel army from Huaixi.

But after facing the news that Jinling City was occupied, Ruo Tokh analyzed the pros and cons and chose to continue to attack Huanggang.

Then, Huanggang City is in danger.

Although Huanggang City has developed during this period of time, both food reserves and materials for defending the city are sufficient.

But it depends on the circumstances.

If it is only in the case of Huanggang City, there is no problem in supporting it for half a year.

However, with the nearly 50,000 troops of Chuzhou City heading to Huanggang City, and the people of Chuzhou City and Haozhou City converging in Huanggang City, this pressure has increased several times.

And no matter how much development Huanggang City has, it is only a county town in the final analysis, even if it has expanded a lot now, the city wall has been built very high.

But it also depends on who you're facing.

When the 150,000-strong army is fully equipped, once it attacks to the death, even if this is Huanggang City, it will not dare to be said to be foolproof, and even a tragedy of the city being destroyed and people will be killed if one is not careful.

At the same time, the 20,000 elite soldiers in Jinling City had no way to support.

Because once you support, it means that the captured Jinling City will become a borderless city again.

The situation will only get worse.

Therefore, at this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang wanted Qi Heng to lead the army to Jinling City, for his sake.

left the most dangerous thing to him, Zhu Yuanzhang himself.

Qi Heng, who knew all this in his heart, silently wrote it down, but he still insisted: "Big brother, Huanggang City was developed by me, and many things are most familiar to me. ”

After Qi Heng's words were finished, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

He patted Qi Heng's shoulder and said, "Engong, don't fight with us this time, you lead the army to conquer Jinling, and I will defend the city." ”

"Don't worry, even if he takes off three heads and six arms, and wants to conquer Huanggang, let's let him fold a few arms!"

Qi Heng frowned: "Big brother! ”

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned cold: "It's called Dashuai!" ”

Qi Heng was helpless: "Handsome." ”

"Since you recognize us as a handsome, follow our orders."

"Qi Heng listens to orders!"

Qi Heng had a calm face and arched his hand: "Qi Heng is here!" ”

"In the name of the deputy marshal of the righteous army in Anhui, we order you to immediately reorganize the army, lead 20,000 elite soldiers from Huanggang to Jinling City, and be sure to take Jinling!"

Qi Heng gritted his teeth: "Qi Heng takes orders!" ”

Hearing Qi Heng's words, a smile appeared on Zhu Yuanzhang's face again, and he said, "Go back and change your armor, without further ado, let's leave immediately." ”

Qi Heng looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, and finally gritted his teeth helplessly, and said, "Yes!" ”

After speaking, Qi Heng returned to the Great Marshal's Mansion.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was standing in place, looked at Qi Heng's back for a long time before coming back to his senses.

Then his face turned cold, and he began to prepare for the defense of the city.

And gathered Shi Caiying and others by his side, and he wanted to quickly understand all the armament reserves in the entire city now.

Qi Heng on the other side, after returning to the Great Marshal's Mansion, immediately changed his armor.

Before preparing to leave, he decided to come to Ma Xiuying's courtyard, looking at Zhu Biao, who was still playing, and Ma Xiuying, who was accompanying him, standing at the door for a long time.

Soon, Ma Xiuying also found Qi Heng standing at the door, looking at the armor he was wearing at the moment, Ma Xiuying seemed to understand something, looked at Qi Heng deeply, and then showed a smile.

Seeing this scene, Qi Heng didn't say anything more, turned around and left.

Outside the city.

At this time, under the convening of Han Qin, the fifteen thousand elite soldiers in the entire city were ready.

At the same time, Mu Ying's divine barracks and Zheng Guangzu's secret guards also converged with the army for the first time.

As a young general arrived on horseback, Han Qin immediately ran over and said, "My lord, the order has been passed to Haozhou City, and we will meet at the predetermined meeting place. ”

Qi Heng nodded.

Looking back at the fifteen thousand soldiers in front of him, looking at the armor and standard weapons and equipment on their bodies, he immediately shouted: "Command the army, go!" ”

"Yes!" Han Qin gave up his hand.

And shouted at the army: "Pull out! ”

Qi Heng, who was standing in place, watched the movement of the army.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang also came to Qi Heng's side, he and Qi Heng looked at the army in front of him together, a smile appeared on his face, and said: "Engong, it has been more than a year since you and I met again in a blink of an eye. ”

"During this time, Engong rescued us several times."

Zhu Yuanzhang was grateful.

"If this great event is accomplished, you and I will drink and talk freely in Jinling City."

"If you encounter variables, I hope that Engong will focus on the overall situation. In any case, we must also expel Hu Yuan and restore the world of our Han family. The people have lived too long......"

Qi Heng said firmly: "Big brother, don't worry, this big thing will be done!" ”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and smiled, and continued: "If we are unfortunately killed in Huanggang City this time..... What we're talking about is just in case, Engong, please take good care of these brothers around us, they are all good brothers who were born and died with us, and they are all good. ”

"When the time comes, Engong will replace us and lead our group of Huaixi brothers."

Qi Heng's face was shocked.

"Big brother, what are you talking about? Qi Heng knows what he is capable of, I can't do it if you are handsome, if you are not at ease, just live well, and take care of your brothers, I don't care. ”

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he laughed loudly.

"Okay, let's not talk nonsense, Engong let's go, remember our words."

Qi Heng, who was pushed by Zhu Yuanzhang on the back, could only turn around and bow down, then turn over and get on his horse and go towards Jinling City with the army.

As Qi Heng and the army drifted away, Zhu Yuanzhang, who stayed in place, muttered to himself: "Our Zhu Yuanzhang is not confused, even if there is no Zhu Yuanzhang with the talent of Engong, it will not be worse than now, the righteous army has such a character as Engong, it is really a godsend, and it is the blessing of the people of the Han family." If we can survive this time, we will live up to the grace of the referendum. ”

After speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang turned around and returned to the city with a resolute face.

On the other side, Qi Heng led an army of 15,000 and headed towards Haozhou.

There are two roads to Jinling, one is the road where Timur led the army to Chuzhou.

The other, between the mountains where Anhui and Jiangsu meet, is also the march route determined by Qi Heng after their consultation.

It is just right to meet with Chen Guang's 5,000 elite soldiers in Haozhou.

Huanggang and Haozhou City are not far from each other.

In just an hour and a half, their army and Chen Guang's 5,000 elite soldiers converged.

At this moment, an army of 20,000 began to march according to the route of march that had been agreed upon in advance.

Little by little, time passed.

In the afternoon in Huanggang City, Zhu Yuanzhang led people to prepare for the defense of the city, rolling logs, arrows, crossbow arrows, and fire barrels.

All began to be transported towards the city walls.

At the same time, a convergence of the people outside the city began.

Although there are still countless rice plants being planted in the north outside the city at this moment, there is no way, what should be delayed must be delayed, and you can't lose your life because of food.

As the sky darkened, the news from Huanggang City had also arrived in Chuzhou City in the south.

Because they had received the news of the Yuan army's dispatch in advance, Xu Da and others, who were guarding Chuzhou City, had already cooperated with Zhou Nian's method to concentrate all the people in several counties under Chuzhou in Chuzhou City.

Since the Yuan army wants to attack the city, then give it to him.

But all they get is empty cities.

They were unable to get any supplies in the city.

This means that they are still a lone army without any assistance.

Although Quanjiao County has been conquered by them, it is only the material and manpower of a city in Quanjiao County, and for an army with a real strength of 150,000, it can play a role in a drop in the bucket.

I have to say that Zhou Nian's advance preparation played a great role in their retreat.

At this time, in the yamen of Chuzhou City.

Xu Da, Tang He, Deng Youde, Feng Guoyong, Feng Sheng, Chang Yuchun, Zhou Nian and other Zhu Yuanzhang's generals gathered together.

Tang He's brothers in private are a little higher, and now he is in charge of the field.

He looked at the many brothers in front of him, and then said to the soldiers beside him, "Tell everyone about it." ”

Hearing this, the soldiers immediately began to say Zhu Yuanzhang's general order in Huanggang City.

"The commander has an order, ordering the generals to immediately prepare troops and horses, gather the people, collect all armaments, grain and grass, and baggage, and retreat to Huanggang City, there must be no mistakes."

Hearing the herald's words, everyone showed puzzled expressions one by one.

"Brother Tang, Chuzhou City, which our brothers have finally conquered, is going to be ceded to the Yuan army before it is fought?"

There is more than one person who said this, but only Xu Da, who has been to Huanggang City, can understand a little bit of Zhu Yuanzhang's intention to do this.

"Maybe it's the decision made by the eldest brother and Brother Qi after discussion, since the eldest brother wants us to retreat, it's good for us to retreat."

Although the brothers were a little reluctant, they could only act according to Zhu Yuanzhang's orders.

"In this way, all the brothers should prepare immediately, I see that the eldest brother is in a hurry, let's not delay, reorganize the army overnight, and strive to leave before dawn. In addition, the people's side ......."

Speaking of this, Tang He looked at Zhou Nian on the side.

Although Zhou Nian has not been here for a long time, but in just such a period of time, some of his behaviors have been recognized by many generals, and they dare not say that they are brothers and sisters, but at least they agree with his identity as the ruler.

Zhou Nian didn't hesitate, and said directly: "I'll figure out a way for the people, but I still have to transfer some people to help me, and now that Zhou Nian has just arrived, the manpower under this command is really insufficient." ”

In this regard, Tang He did not hesitate, and shouted directly to the guards at the door: "Come on, go to the army, I will transfer two hundred soldiers and horses to Lord Zhou for use!" ”

"Yes!"

When Zhou Nian heard this, he immediately thanked him.

Soon, according to the results of the discussion, the group began to quickly reorganize the army and mobilize the people.

The whole Chuzhou City is like Huanggang City and Haozhou City, which does not stop all night, and the whole city is full of chickens and dogs.

However, as the sky grew brighter, the chaos gradually calmed down.

With the cooperation of Shi Caiying, the people of Haozhou City have been all accepted into Huanggang City by Zhu Yuanzhang.

At this time, Haozhou City has become an empty city.

There are only a few ignorant people who would rather give up their lives to stay in Haozhou City, and the rest all entered Huanggang.

And, under the command of Shi Caiying, the residence is being arranged as soon as possible.

At the same time, the city of Chuzhou.

Because of the distance between Chuzhou City, the time to receive the news was relatively late, until the sky was getting brighter and the rooster crowed, and the people and troops in the entire city were all put in order.

At this time, the 150,000 troops of the Yuan army inside and outside Quanjiao County were also ready, and they were immediately ready to march towards Chuzhou City.

Zhu Yuanzhang in Huanggang City sent more than 10 people to Chuzhou to investigate the news.

But until now, he still hasn't gotten any news from Chuzhou City, and he has not slept all night, and he is also a little nervous in his heart.

The situation would be critical if the retreat from the city of Chuzhou was slow, or if the movement of Timur's 150,000-strong army was discovered and the cavalry attacked quickly.

After all, at this time, the entire Huanggang City was completely empty, and there were no troops to adjust at all.

He also had no way to help the Chuzhou army outside the city.

And if they fought with the Yuan army in the field, the entire Huaixi would be completely annihilated, and there would be no possibility of victory.

It's a matter of life and death.

Thinking about the character of those brothers in Chuzhou City, Zhu Yuanzhang was really afraid that they would do something stupid because they were reluctant to Chuzhou City.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang regretted a little why he didn't go to Chuzhou in person last night.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang stood on the city tower, looking at the plain in the distance, looking at it.

Beside him, Ma Xiuying said considerately: "Chongba, don't worry, Tang and them should arrive soon." ”

At this time of crisis, Ma Xiuying handed over the two children in the family to others to take care of, and came to Zhu Yuanzhang's side by herself, wanting to share the hardships with him.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew Ma Xiuying's thoughts very well, so he didn't drive her away because she was a woman.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang was anxiously waiting, a soldier on a fast horse hurried back.

Watching him gallop on the plains, Zhu Yuanzhang was full of anticipation, wanting to get some news about Chuzhou City from his mouth.

Just as the man quickly returned to the city, before he could climb the tower, Zhu Yuanzhang had already walked down half of the stairs and asked anxiously, "Is there any news?" ”

The man hurriedly replied: "Hui Dashuai, there is!" General Tang and the others have already led the entire army and people of Chuzhou to leave Chuzhou City, and they are expected to arrive in time. ”

Listening to the words of his subordinates, Zhu Yuanzhang counted the hours.

muttered in his mouth: "...... from time to time"

"According to the intelligence, the Yuan army can go to Chuzhou City at noon, even if they find out in advance and send cavalry to investigate......"

"The distance between Chuzhou and Huanggang ....."

After some calculation, Zhu Yuanzhang breathed a long sigh of relief.

"I guess I won't be able to catch up."

The originally solemn and gloomy face was also slightly softened at this time.

As if thinking of something, he said to the soldier in front of him: "Go quickly, and then probe and report." ”

"Yes!"

At this moment, Shi Caiying also came to the city.

Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang in front of him, he reported: "Marshal, all the ordnance materials in the city, as well as the arrows, crossbow arrows, fire buckets, and rolling logs in the city, should all be prepared, and at the same time, the lower officials temporarily summoned 3,000 laborers to help the soldiers transport materials." ”

Hearing Shi Caiying's words, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up.

looked at Shi Caiying, smiled and said, "It's done well, how is the resettlement of the people in Haozhou?" ”

Shi Caiying immediately replied: "Back to the big handsome, basically perfect, temporarily discuss with the people, and let the people of each city live with them after they come." ”

"The temporary camp is also being built, and it is currently expected to accommodate 20,000 people, and when the people of Chuzhou arrive, it should be almost satisfied."

Listening to Shi Caiying's orderly arrangement, Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied.

This Shi Caiying not only completed the affairs arranged by himself properly, but also arranged some things that he did not expect in a timely manner, I have to say that this Shi Caiying is indeed a talent.

For example, temporary labor and camps were all things that he Zhu Yuanzhang did not expect temporarily, but Shi Caiying not only thought of it, but also arranged it all.

At this time, he finally understood why Qi Heng valued this Shi Caiying.

"Well done, the affairs of the city will be arranged according to your ideas, go ahead."

"Yes!"

In Jiangsu.

After a night of rapid marching, the 20,000 elite soldiers led by Qi Heng have all arrived in Jiangsu, and there is still half a day's distance from Jinling City.

However, thinking that there might be some soldiers stationed in Jinling City, just in case, Qi Heng still ordered all the soldiers to repair in situ and start to make fires and make meals, this meal may be their last meal before capturing Jinling City today.

It is necessary to ensure that the physical strength of the good soldiers is sufficient.

Just as Qi Heng was standing on the hill and looking around to investigate the situation, a soldier from the Divine Battalion rushed to his side and said, "My lord, the situation from here to Jinling City has been fully investigated, and the army can advance at any time. ”

Qi Heng nodded and asked, "What about Zheng Guangzu?" Where is he now? ”

The soldier immediately replied: "My subordinates heard that Lord Zheng has led the brothers of the secret guard into Jinling City, but now I don't know what the specific situation is. ”

Qi Heng thought about it and nodded, and said, "Investigate and report again, in addition, I will tell Mu Ying to pay close attention to the movements of the army in the west, once the army is divided, I will get the news as soon as possible." ”

"Yes!"

looked at the soldiers of the God Battalion who left, and the army behind him who was resting and rectifying, and said that he was not in a hurry, which was false.

The earlier he took Jinling, the earlier he could prepare to defend the city.

At the same time, it can also share some pressure for Huanggangcheng.

On the contrary, the longer his side drags on, the more unfavorable it will be to Huanggangcheng's side.

After an hour's rest, Qi Heng ordered everyone to set off as an army.

With the predetermined reconnaissance of the Divine Battalion and the Secret Guard, they can march quickly without any worries according to the predetermined route.

Moreover, all the way down is a plain, which is convenient for marching.

Qi Heng, who was walking in front of the army, was already noon when he saw Jinling City in the distance.

This is not much different from the previously predicted time.

However, Qi Heng did not rush into the plain outside Jinling City, but ordered everyone to stay where they were.

Han Qin, who was commanding the army behind, quickly came to Qi Heng's side while the army stopped: "My lord, Jinling City is right in front of you, why did you stop?" ”

Han Qin was clear about the anxiety in Qi Heng's heart.

That's why I'm puzzled.

Hearing the inquiry of Han Qin and Chen Guang, who came later, Qi Heng only said, "Don't worry, wait patiently." ”

Just when Chen Guang and Han Qin wondered what Qi Heng was waiting for, it didn't take long for a man disguised as a farmer to come to the front of the army.

In the puzzled eyes of Han Qin and Chen Guang, the farmer suddenly said to Qi Heng, who was the leader: "My lord, Lord Zheng asked me to report to you, there are now three thousand defenders in Jinling City, and I have carefully investigated all places, and there is no sign of hiding soldiers, Lord Zheng asked me to ask, do you want to act now?" ”

Qi Heng didn't hesitate and said directly: "Act now!" Tell Zheng Guangzu that the fire is the signal, and when the fire is together, we will attack. ”

The farmer nodded solemnly: "Yes!" ”

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