Chapter 214: The target is Xingqing City
However, Li Qianshun never expected that the good times would not last long.
The 100,000 army of the Great Song Dynasty was like a fire burning the plain, and it was like a bamboo.
After they entered the territory of Great Xia, they quickly conquered Yanzhou and forced the capital Xingqing.
The battle reports came like snowflakes, and each battle report made Li Qianshun's heart sink a little.
Li Qianshun sat on the dragon chair, his face was pale, and his eyes revealed indescribable panic and anger.
He never imagined that Her Royal Highness the princess of the Great Song Dynasty would rashly turn defense into attack and directly threaten the capital of Great Xia.
He originally thought that Da Song would only defend passively, but he didn't expect them to dare to take the initiative to attack, and the offense was so fierce.
"Your Majesty, what should I do now?" A minister asked tremblingly.
Li Qianshun glared at him and did not speak.
His heart was full of anger and unwillingness, but more of a panic.
"Your Majesty, now that the Great Song army is menacing, we must come up with countermeasures as soon as possible." An old minister with a white beard came out of the column tremblingly and said worriedly.
"Countermeasure? Where is the solution? Li Qianshun slapped the armrest of the dragon chair angrily, stood up and shouted, "On weekdays, you all claim to be think tanks, but now that the catastrophe is coming, why are you all dumb?" ”
"Your Majesty is angry." A burly minister with a resolute face stepped forward and said, "The minister thinks that the top priority is to recall our country's scattered cavalry and mobilize troops and horses from all over the world to jointly resist the attack of the Great Song Dynasty. ”
"What General Zhang said is extremely true." Another minister dressed as a civil official nodded and agreed, "However, the minister thinks that he should also send someone to the Great Song Dynasty at the same time to explain the stakes to Zhao Yingluo, and it is unknown if she may be able to withdraw from the army." ”
"Humph! Retirement? Do you think Zhao Yingluo is a three-year-old child? A minister with a beard on his face snorted coldly and said disdainfully, "The Great Song Dynasty sent troops this time, and it is clear that it is intended to destroy the prestige of my Great Xia Kingdom. If we show weakness and make peace, we will only make them gain even more! ”
"What General Li said is not right!" Another Wenchen stood up, shook his head and said, "The ancients said: 'Go to the army to attack and plan, then fight the enemy, and then attack the army. Why don't we try to settle this dispute peacefully?' ”
"Peaceful means? Do you think Zhao Yingluo will reason with you? General Li's eyes widened, and he retorted angrily, "She's a decisive master, don't expect her to quit because of a few words!" ”
The court was suddenly plunged into chaos, and the ministers quarreled word by word, and the voices became louder and louder, as if they were going to tear down the roof of the entire palace.
Li Qianshun only felt dizzy for a while, and he rubbed his temples vigorously in an attempt to calm himself down.
He knew that these ministers were arguing for the interests of the Great Xia Kingdom, but their opinions were as difficult to unify as a plate of scattered sand.
Li Qianshun couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness in his heart, he felt like a lonely island, beaten by the raging waves, isolated and helpless.
Li Qianshun took a deep breath and tried to calm the anger and panic in his heart. He knew that he had to make a decision now, otherwise the Great Xia Kingdom would fall into a situation from which he would never recover.
"That's it!" Li Qianshun shouted, his voice revealing undoubted majesty, "I have decided!" Recall the cavalry that are wandering away, and transfer soldiers and horses from all over the world to gather in Xingqing! We want to compete with Zhao Yingluo! ”
After hearing Li Qianshun's decision, an exclamation suddenly sounded in the court.
Many of the ministers looked incredulous, believing that Li Qianshun's decision was too risky.
However, some ministers expressed support for Li Qianshun's decision, believing that only in this way could the dignity and interests of the Great Xia Kingdom be preserved.
The news of the Western Xia Kingdom's recall of the rangers spread rapidly like wildfire, and after being learned by the scouts carefully arranged by Zhao Yingluo, it was immediately transmitted back to the Yanzhou camp.
At this time, Zhao Yingluo was sitting upright in the mansion, and next to her was a slightly flickering candle flame, reflecting her face in a flickering light.
"Report ——!" A scout rushed into the lobby panting, kneeling on one knee and holding a secret letter in both hands, "The Western Xia Rangers have all been recalled and are assembling for Xingqing Mansion!" ”
When Zhao Yingluo heard this, a glimmer of light flashed in her eyes like a deep pool. She slowly reached out and took the secret letter, her fingertips gently slicing over the letter.
The contents of the letter confirmed her suspicions, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, outlining a smug smile.
"It seems that Hongu's strategy has worked." Zhao Yingluo said softly, with an unquestionable confidence in her voice.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, a whisper rang out in the lobby.
The generals exchanged heads and talked about each other. They all know the danger of a lone army going deep into the enemy's territory, and now that the Western Xia Kingdom rangers are back on defense, the back road of the Great Song army may be cut off at any time.
"Your Royal Highness Princess, should our army take this opportunity to withdraw from the Western Xia border?" A general finally couldn't help but stand up and asked. Worry and unease were written all over his face.
Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows slightly, she looked around at the generals in the hall and saw the hesitation and fear in their eyes.
She knew that at this time, someone had to stand up and stabilize the morale of the army.
"Generals," Zhao Yingluo said slowly, her voice soft, but with an unquestionable power, "this palace knows the worries in your hearts. But this palace also believes that our soldiers of the Great Song Dynasty are brave and good at fighting, and they will never retreat easily because of a little difficulty. ”
She paused and continued, "Now that the Western Xia Kingdom has recalled the Rangers, this is a good time for us to attack. If we withdraw our troops now, not only will our previous efforts be wasted, but we will also leave an opportunity for the Western Xia Kingdom to take advantage of. Ladies and gentlemen, would you like to see such an outcome? ”
Silence fell in the lobby again. The generals looked at each other, and no one answered for a while.
Although Zhao Yingluo's words have some truth, the proposal to withdraw troops is not unreasonable. After all, it's the preservation of strength that counts.
Just then, the silence was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps. A herald hurriedly rushed into the lobby and knelt in front of Zhao Yingluo: "Her Royal Highness Princess Qiqi, outside...... There's a strong wind outside! ”
Zhao Yingluo was stunned when she heard this, then stood up and walked to the window. She pushed open the window, and a bitter cold wind mixed with sand and dust swept in her face, making her clothes rattle.
She looked up and saw dark clouds in the sky, and the wind was howling and sweeping in, as if it was about to swallow the whole world into it.
The generals of the "......" also went to the window to check the situation. They were all stunned by the sudden bad weather. Such weather is undoubtedly extremely unfavorable for marching and fighting.
"Your Royal Highness Princess," the general who proposed to withdraw his troops before took the opportunity to say, "Providence is so, our army should withdraw from the Western Xia border as soon as possible." ”
Zhao Yingluo didn't speak, she just stood quietly in front of the window, letting the wind blow her hair and cheeks.
She knew that no matter what she said at this time, she could not eliminate the fear and anxiety in the hearts of the generals. But she also knew that if she chose to withdraw at this time, then all previous efforts would be in vain.
"The palace has made up its mind." Zhao Yingluo suddenly turned around and looked at the generals and said, "This palace has decided to continue attacking Xingqing Mansion, the capital of the Western Xia Kingdom!" Her voice was firm and powerful, as if there was a kind of magic that shook everyone present.
"Pass on the order of the palace," Zhao Yingluo continued, "The whole army is ready to prevent the wind and set off for Xingqing Mansion early tomorrow morning!" ”