Xu Xuegong listened to Battle's thoughts, nodded and said, "Just follow this plan, since they have taken the surviving people of the Heavenly Wolf Valley as hostages, they are thinking of exchanging hostages at this point today." Then let the Kokand people put forward the quid pro quo first, and we will discuss the matter of gathering people in the next step...... Ahshan Kundu, you take a team of men and horses to intercept this group, don't do anything, just let them see you clearly, so that they can go back and report the news...... Xue Ying and Xue Zhong went to inform Catherine about the hostage exchange to see if she had any other ideas? ”

Xue Ying and Xuezhong responded and walked out of the Gathering Hall.

Ahshan Kundu and Meng He also walked out of the Juyi Hall quickly and began to lead people to search for the scouts sent by the enemy......

In the side living room of the Gathering Hall. Henry was sitting alone at the long table, sipping Pu'er tea with relish.

Catherine, Xuezhong, and Xueying pushed open the door and entered.

Henry hurriedly got up, he looked carefully at Catherine, who had recovered her spirits, and said with wide eyes and surprise:

"It's amazing! It's incredible that just one bowl of tan soup is completely good? ……”

Catherine smiled knowingly and sat down. She looked at the Pu'er tea that Henry was drinking, and reached for it to take a sip and taste it. Xu Xueying hurriedly stopped and said:

"Catherine, you can't drink tea yet, drinking tea will dispel the effects of the medicine, you haven't fully recovered yet......"

Xu Xuezhong said with a smile: "It's okay to taste a few bites!" Xue Ying glared at him.

Hearing Xu Xuezhong say this, Catherine hurriedly took a sip...... After drinking it, I smacked my lips and felt that there was no special taste, but it was also a little bitter.

"Chinese Pu'er tea is the best tea in the world, and you haven't even tasted it?" Henry asked Catherine.

"I didn't study tea drinking." Catherine put down the bowl and smiled wryly. Then he said to Henry with a serious face: "Henry, I have made it clear to them who we are and what we are here for......"

Henry was not surprised, and prepared to listen to Catherine's continuation.

"Now they're telling me that if Sharman and Clone are willing to trade the people held in Wolf Valley for the two of us, they'll let us go back...... I'd like to hear your opinion. ”

Henry didn't show a surprised expression, but thought about it and muttered, "Return...... Go? …… Are we really going to be the sinners who destroyed the glaciers and the murderers who slaughtered millions? …… Is there any other way for us to go back to China? ”

"I don't want to go back to the Kokand Army advance team in the Sky Wolf Valley, but even if we return to the country through other channels, will our government let us go?" Catherine asked Henry.

Henry was speechless and silent. The remorse and helplessness in his heart were intertwined, which made him very uncomfortable.

Catherine looked at Henry's expression, thought for a moment, and asked tentatively: "If we change the way, we go back to the Wolf Valley first, and then persuade Clone to give up his cooperation with the Kokand army and return to China with us, do you think this is possible?" ”

When Henry heard this, he immediately became excited and said loudly: "Don't be naïve! How many times have you quarreled with them to keep them from slaughtering innocent people? But what is the result? …… They have bound together national interests, personal glory, murder and plunder, and have become the devil Satan, and there is no way to save it...... Can he listen to you? ”

Hearing these words, Catherine was speechless.

Henry continued with no discouragement: "They always use the kindness of the Chinese as a reason for weakness and deception. Our British Empire, which claims to be a civilized nation, has always been engaged in the business of burning, killing and plundering barbarians. They don't know at all – they don't want to know the greatness of Chinese civilization or the broad-mindedness of the Chinese. Sooner or later, they will be cocooned and bound to the end of their lives. We are real victims...... Originally, I thought that leaving the Kokand people's 'advance party' in this way showed that we were lucky and an unexpected way of 'relief'. If I had to go back there, I'm sure it's definitely not a good choice...... But what should I do in the future? I really can't think of a good way. ”

Catherine was also silent, what should she do if the inspiration of her conscience and her future situation made her feel very painful? …… The atmosphere in the side living room became very dull.

Xu Xueying saw that the two could not agree on their opinions, so she didn't want to say much. But in my heart, I felt a pity and a kind of gratitude for these two young people with a clear conscience. Especially the beautiful and dignified Catherine, who had already done her part to protect the innocent people of the Sirius Valley before she was captured by us.

Xu Xueying hurriedly asked Xiaomei to bring the freshly brewed tea over and said, "Come on!" Let's drink some more tea and talk slowly! He also instructed Xiaomei to see if the herbs boiled for Catherine were ready. He said to Catherine, "Drink the herbal soup again in a while and consolidate it." ”

Catherine nodded......

Catherine drank the second bowl of medicinal soup, feeling as if this time it was not as bitter as the bowl she had last night, and her mood was a little more soothing. She broke the dull atmosphere and tried to say to Henry:

"I want to write a letter to Cloun......"

Henry was shocked! Looking up and asking Catherine, "Write a letter?" So what are you going to say? ”

"I still want to tell them that the Chinese are very good to us and have no hostility towards our British Empire at all. We want him to finish the hostage exchange, end the cooperation with the Kokands, and take us back with us. Catherine said.

Henry was full of suspicion, shook his head and said, "You are still so stubborn, do you think he can listen to it?" ”

"Anyway, I want to try. Even if he doesn't listen, we have to get the people out of the cave first, and then find a way to deal with them...... However, we must not bring back the measuring instrument, otherwise, your fears will surely become a reality. Catherine said firmly.

"Then these instruments should be destroyed now! Don't let Sharman and Clone have those crazy thoughts again. Henry said firmly.

"Miss Xueying! You understand what we mean, right? Catherine asked Xu Xueying.

"Understood! ......" Xu Xueying nodded and said.

"Henry! So sure, I'm going to start writing now? ”

Henry estimated that she had considered and made up her mind, and felt that there was no other way to go at the moment, so she no longer objected, and nodded silently......

In the Justice Hall, Xu Xuegong took the letter written by Catherine in English and asked Xue Ying: "Are you sure that the content you translated to everyone just now is correct?" ”

"Be sure! That's right! Xu Xueying nodded and said.

Xu Xuegong looked at Battle and asked, "What do you think?" ”

Battle thought for a moment and said, "Xue Ying is very clear about the contents inside. With this letter, we can also get the attitude and reply of the Kokand advance team as soon as possible. Then simply give the letter to the person they have come to scout and bring back......"

"Then set the place and time of the exchange of hostages now, write it on the envelope, and let them respond, so that it will be more straightforward." Xu Xuezhong said.

Xu Xuegong thought for a moment and said, "The location can be set in Cherry Valley outside the East Valley of the Heavenly Wolf Valley, and the time is set?" ......" he said, looking at Battle.

"If this matter is reported to the Khan, the Khan will send reinforcements, and the reinforcements will arrive in Cherry Valley at noon tomorrow at the earliest." Battle said.

Xu Xuegong calculated the time and said, "Then leave plenty of time." But if the time is set after Shen Shi in the afternoon, the direction of the sun will not be good for our cavalry on the east side, and it is better to set it before Shen Shi in the afternoon tomorrow afternoon. That way we won't lose. ”

"Okay! It's set for tomorrow afternoon! Battle said.

Xu Xuegong asked Xue Ying to write the time and place of the hostage exchange on the envelope in English, handed the letter to Xuezhong, and said eagerly:

"Hurry up and give the letter to Ahsan Kundu. Let them hand over the horses of the advance party of the Kokand army to bring back. ”

Xu Xuezhong took the letter and hurriedly set off to chase Ashankun.

Li Jie Kundu said to Batel: "Ahshan Kundu is familiar with the short way from the Baoertu Mountain and the Nayinke Gorge in the Left Banner of Heshute to the Kerguti Gorge and back to the tribal camp. When he comes back in a while, let him go back to the camp and return to the Khan King, right? This is a bit faster. ”

Battle nodded.

Xu Xuegong got up and said, "I'll send someone to inform Hailat of the Kazakh tribe and Gao Kewu of the Hutubi militia now. There are many martial arts masters in the Gao Kewu Militia Regiment, and it is more certain to attack the Heavenly Wolf Valley with their support......

In the command post of the enemy army in Qingsong Village in the Heavenly Wolf Valley, the adjutant took the letter brought back by the spies and handed it to Shaman. Sharman glanced at it, but couldn't read English, so he asked the adjutant to hurry up and ask Cloun.

Clun's disappearance kept him awake all night, and he fell asleep at noon the next day. The adjutant came to the tent and woke him up. As soon as he heard the news of the return of the letter in English, Clone jumped off the marching bed and rushed into the command post in a frenzy.

Clun took the letter in his hand, opened the envelope, glanced at the pen in which it was written, and could not help but exclaim excitedly:

"It's Catherine's handwriting! ……”

"Don't worry! See what the letter says? Sharman said.

It took Clouen a few minutes to quickly read the letter, and then read the text on the envelope. He was pleasantly surprised:

"Catherine is alive! The letter said that the Chinese were willing to exchange her and Henry for the survivors of the stockade. ”

"Time and place?" Sharman asked anxiously.

"The time is between one o'clock and three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, which is what the Chinese call 'Wei Shi'; the location is Cherry Valley, five or six kilometers east of the East Valley of the Heavenly Wolf Valley." Croun replied.

"Are you familiar with this Cherry Valley?" Sharman asked the adjutant.

"We were very clear about the place. It is less than six kilometers away from the East Valley of the Heavenly Wolf Valley. Although Cherry Valley is only a few kilometers long, it is wider than Sirius Valley, which is two kilometers wide. The terrain in the valley is relatively gentle, and the surrounding peaks are relatively low. The adjutant replied.

"Did the person who sent the letter see clearly?" Sharman continued to ask the adjutant.

"I can see clearly, the person who handed the letter to the spies seems to be the one who escaped from the Heavenly Wolf Valley that night and then came back to rescue his family, and he should also be a leader." The adjutant replied.

"Wow! It's coming to the door......" A sinister smile crossed Shaman's face.

Confused, Cloun asked, "What do you mean?" ……”

"Catch them all!" The adjutant excitedly rushed to reply.

"It's just an exchange of hostages, it's enough for a few of them to come, how can you catch them all?" Clown, still confused, asked.

"The Mongols of the Turghut tribe and the Han militia of Taohuazhai have joined forces. If they only want to exchange hostages, they just choose a secluded, narrow valley. Since they chose an open place like Cherry Valley, it was convenient for a large number of cavalry to attack and duel us. So they don't just want to exchange hostages, once the exchange of hostages is complete, they want to bite us hard, avenge the Sky Wolf Valley, and even want to destroy us. Sharman said.

"These people are underestimating our advance team, aren't they? Their regular army has been defeated before us, and it is beyond our strength that these cobbled together sheep herders and farmers dare to compete with us! …… However, the most important thing now is to get Catherine and Henry back safely first, and try not to make any trouble...... We only sent a small squad of cavalry for a hostage exchange. Even if there is an accident, as long as you bring people back, there is no big deal to lose......" Crawn said with a disdainful expression.

Sharman had a vicious cold light in his eyes at this time. Maybe it was because the first two battles had completely touched his nerves, or maybe it was the fear and repression that had tormented him and wanted to sweep away the gloom urgently. He immediately interrupted Clone and said:

"That's not right! Since we want to gain a foothold in the Celestial Wolf Valley, these stubborn hostile forces must be eradicated. This exchange of hostages should be the best time and probably the only chance...... Otherwise, they will wander around us forever, and we will never be able to guard against it! ”

Clounn was most concerned about the safety of Catherine and Henry, fearing that a large-scale strangulation would endanger their lives...... But I also feel that Shaman's words are not unreasonable, and if these people are not eradicated, it is impossible to complete the set task. Then, of course, it is the best choice to save Catherine and them, and to completely eliminate these opponents who do not know whether they are alive or dead...... He was apparently indifferent to Catherine's letter urging him to leave the place and return home with him, and was determined to take the risk, ready to give it a go!

Clone nodded in agreement with Sharman's idea.

Shaman looked at Crawn and said sinisterly: "Mr. Major, your artillery detachment and machine gun squad can come in handy tomorrow and show their might!" ”

At this time, Crawn had fully grasped Shaman's true intentions, and said with a confident smile:

"Don't worry! I'll organize this massacre tomorrow......"

Shaman explained to the adjutant: "The cavalry left behind should strengthen the vigilance of the two valleys and Qingsongzhai to guard against possible sneak attacks. The artillery left behind, the muzzle of the gun was adjusted to the open area in front of Qingsong Village, and it was ready to be called at any time. Leave two machine guns and block the road in front of the mountain from Donggukou to Qingsongzhai at any time......"

The leaders received the order and went to prepare with great interest.

In the Peach Blossom Village Gathering Hall. Battle drew a sketch of the action plan that everyone had planned, indicating the names of the people and horses at the attack location, the attack route and the expected effect, and handed it to Xu Xuegong.

Xu Xuegong looked at the picture, nodded in surprise, and asked with a smile: "Where did you learn these essentials of the art of war?" Even a connoisseur at drawing? ”

Li Jiekun said with a mysterious smile: "When Batel was a child, he liked to watch the 'Three Kingdoms' and read the 'Water Margin' with the King of Khan, and also studied the 'Art of War' and 'Thirty-six Strategies'. When Master Huiyong traveled to our tribe, they and Lama Mucheng both performed martial arts together, and they didn't want us to take a look......"

"Master Huiyong is the real master. Although he is a Buddhist, he is not only strong in martial arts, but also has a deep knowledge of astronomy and geography and troop arrangement. If it weren't for the involvement of the 'Heaven and Earth Society', it would inevitably be reused by the government to gallop across the territory to contribute to the country. It's a pity! ......," Battle said, with some regret.

Xu Xueying was also very curious, so she took the picture and studied it. She counted the places of engagement and ambush marked on the map, and shouted in amazement with wide eyes:

"Is this clearly 'seven ways out' and 'ambush on all sides'? It's amazing! ……”

The seven soldiers Xu Xueying said are:

The first way: Xu Xueli led the main force of the headquarters, crossed the ice and reached the ambush outside the mouth of the West Valley of the Heavenly Wolf Valley. It is responsible for attacking the Nishitaniguchi defenders from the outside to the inside from the north and south sides of Nishiyaguchi.

The second way: Xu Xuezhong led part of the headquarters to climb to the top from the cliff on the east side of the big glacier and ambush to the jungle behind the mouth of the West Valley. Responsible for flanking the Nishitaniguchi defenders from the inside out.

The third way: Gao Kewu led the Hutubi militia to ambush from the mountain behind the mouth of the East Valley of the Heavenly Wolf Valley. Responsible for attacking the enemy at Higashiyaguchi.

Fourth Road: Li Jiekundu led some men and horses to ambush from the mountain behind Qingsong Village in the Heavenly Wolf Valley. Responsible for the containment attack on enemy targets near the mountain behind Qingsongzhai, and control part of the branch cave entrance of the 'Tibetan Soldier Cave'.

Fifth Road: The main force of reinforcements newly sent by the Battler Cavalry and the Horde with the territory, plus some men and horses of the Nanshan Militia, confronted the main force of the Kokand Advance Army in Cherry Valley. In the early stage, he was responsible for exchanging hostages, and after meeting the reinforcements sent by the Khan, he launched an attack on the main force of the Kokand army.

Sixth way: Hailat led the Kazakh cavalry of his tribe to attack the left flank of the main Kokand army from the northeast of Cherry Valley.

Seventh Road: Tashi Delek led his tribe's Heshute cavalry to attack the right flank of the main Kokand army from southeast of Cherry Valley.

The other three ambush sites were: the northern mountainside of Cherry Valley, the southern mountainside, and the high ground between the mountain temple and the summit of Aobao.

Action Signal: Twin Arrows.