weaving

"The Yongyi Army...where did this army come from?"

Faced with Luo Rucai's question, Song Xiance replied from the side: "They are the officers and soldiers of Zhang Cheng of Xuanfu."

He took a sip of tea and then continued unhurriedly: "According to what Tang Bao knows, Liaodong and the Tatars won a battle under Jinzhou City last year. When the Dog Emperor was happy, he named Zhang Cheng the ' Yong Ningbo', and gave him the military nickname 'Yongyi' and the camp nickname 'Weiyuan'."

Luo Rucai had never fought against Zhang Cheng. He shook his head in disapproval, but military advisor Ji Gui asked: "How does it compare to the Liao soldiers?"

The eyes of everyone in Cao Camp suddenly focused on King Chuang, Song Xiance and others, waiting quietly for their judgment. Even Tian Jianxiu and others looked down in contemplation.

"They are not as capable as the Liao soldiers, but they are about the same!" Liu Zongmin was the first to speak.

His evaluation of the "brave army" is already very high. You must know that this gang of thieves and bandits have been fighting against the Ming Dynasty's officers and soldiers since the uprising in northern Shaanxi. It was very lively.

But as soon as the Liaodong border soldiers Guan Ning's army entered the scene, they pressed and chased them all the way. They almost completely annihilated them several times. Even the natural enemy of the bandits, the troops led by Cao Wenzhao, the first fierce general of the Ming Dynasty, It is also the Guan Ning Army in Liaodong.

"There is a Cao in the army, and the Western thieves will be frightened when they hear it." This was a popular proverb in Shaanxi, Henan, Shanxi and other places at that time. The "Yicao" in it was Cao Wenchao, and the "Western thief" refers to The big thieves started from all walks of life in Shaanxi.

Therefore, in their eyes, the Guan Ning Army in Liaodong is already the ceiling of the Ming Dynasty's official army. Liu Zongmin, the first general in the camp, actually rated Zhang Cheng's "Yongyi Army" as being at a similar level to the Guan Ning Army. Everyone couldn't help but pay attention to it.

"Bah..."

Sure enough, when Luo Rucai heard this, he took a deep breath and said, "According to Jiexuan's statement, I'm afraid it's a tough nut to crack. I just don't know how many people there are?"

As he spoke, he turned to look at Li Zicheng and said jokingly to him: "Brother Li, it's going to be really lively here in Kaifeng City!"

Listening to his tone, it seemed that Zhang Cheng and Yong Yijun were not completely taken into consideration.

Li Zicheng hadn't spoken yet, but Liu Zongmin who was standing by him continued what he said and said, "Humph, let alone a young boy like him, what will happen even if 'Crazy Cao' comes back to life?"

"It's just that we set up an ambush to kill him again."

Tian Jianxiu's words immediately caused a burst of laughter, but Li Guo waved his hands with a serious expression. After everyone stopped, he said: "The officers and soldiers suddenly came out and were not prepared beforehand. It's okay not to mention this battle. "

He paused for a moment before continuing: "But I originally thought of retreating temporarily. I just wanted to hold Xiao Yuan's camp back so that he could not cross the river with his whole army. When the infantry brigade caught up, I would be able to defeat him together with the official army. Maybe sister Huimei can be saved.

However, things went against expectations. Before noon, a large army of officers and soldiers came in formation. There were more than 3,000 cavalrymen, and no less than this number of armored infantry. There were also many large vehicles with artillery mounted on them. Their troops were well-organized and in battle formations. Tight and thick, never seen before. "

"Even the infantry are all wearing armor?" Ji Gui also asked a question.

"Yes."

"Have you ever fought with him?"

"No fight."

After Li Guo answered him very decisively, he continued: "The infantry did not arrive until night. I originally planned to reorganize the team to fight the next day and find out the details of the officers and soldiers. But that night, I received an order from the generalissimo. , Li Guo did not dare to delay too much, and withdrew his troops before dawn."

"The officers and soldiers didn't pursue?"

"No. But when I was withdrawing, there were always rangers peeping at me. I sent cavalry many times to drive them away, causing damage to each other. They didn't disappear until we passed Chenliu."

"Yeah. Chasing you all the way to Chenliu?"

As soon as King Chuang asked a question, he saw the curtain of the big tent lifted, and Mrs. Gao walked in from the outside. He held back his next words and looked at Mrs. Gao with a smile.

Mrs. Gao ignored everyone and went straight to Li Guo and asked, "Buzhi, haven't you eaten yet?"

She said that she was about to ask the accompanying woman to bring something to eat for Li Guo immediately. Li Guo stood up quickly and replied, "Second Aunt, don't bother me. I've already eaten on the way."

Everyone in the big tent had read the results of Li Guo's pursuit of Xiao Yuan's camp from the military report he sent back. At this moment, they were just asking for some details, but when Mrs. Gao arrived, they all fell silent.

Sure enough, after Mrs. Gao sat down next to King Chuang, she asked eagerly: "Can you find out more about Huimei's situation?"

"Although I failed to defeat Xiao Yuan's camp, capture Yuan Shizhong, and rescue my sister Huimei this time, I did get some information back."

Li Guo looked at Mrs. Gao and continued: "I first asked some of the soldiers from the Xiao Yuan camp who had surrendered, and heard some news about Huimei's sister. I was afraid that if they surrendered and came here to buy good things, the news might not be true. I then interrogated them myself. A few wounded soldiers caught on the battlefield were confirmed, even if there are still some discrepancies, it seems that they are still the same."

"What's going on? Tell me quickly!" Mrs. Gao asked urgently.

"The situation is not good, but sister Huimei's life should be safe."

"As long as she is alive. You don't have to hide what she is like now. You can just tell the truth. I will listen to the truth today! I raised this girl up, and now I have made her live or die. , my life is all in Yuan Shizhong's hands, how can you not worry about me?

Mrs. Gao finally said bluntly: "Speak quickly and stop hiding your head and showing your tail."

Li Guo shook his head first, then sighed and said, "This girl Huimei is indeed a good girl, and she is really loyal to King Chuang."

He then told how Huimei was deceived at first after Yuan Shizhong led his troops to defect. After learning the truth, how she and Yuan Shizhong almost went to war with each other. Huijian was even more angry and killed Yuan Shizhong's favorite Aunt Jin... …

He had asked carefully about the various processes of these things, and now he recounted them all in detail in front of Mrs. Gao to comfort Mrs. Gao.

After hearing this, Mrs. Gao's eyes filled with tears, and she asked him again: "Then... what about the future?"

Li Guo said: "I don't know what will happen in the future. However, judging from the current situation, at least during our army's attack on Kaifeng, Huimei will not have any surprises. However, Huimei now knows that Yuan Shizhong This guy joined the army. Once the war in Kaifeng is over, I'm afraid she will do something stupid." Mrs. Gao was thinking about Huimei's safety, and she felt ashamed of Huimei, so she shed tears as she listened. Even the girl who came with her, Huiying, was crying secretly, but she didn't dare to show it in front of everyone, so she had to turn aside and secretly wipe her tears with her sleeves.

Chuang Wang Li Zicheng sat next to Mrs. Gao and sighed secretly. He lowered his head and seemed to be deep in thought. Perhaps he was regretting marrying Huimei to Yuan Shizhong?

However, how could a heroic figure like him really feel regret for a little girl? At this moment, he was just pretending to be loving in front of others!

Madam Gao was different from him, she was really sad. She wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeves and said, "Old horse head Wang Changshun told me a long time ago that we are afraid that we will lose a person because of this." A good girl, but she couldn't win Yuan Shizhong's heart.

Now it seems that this is indeed the case. This matter will make me regret it for the rest of my life. It seems that my Huimei will not live long. "

Seeing that she was really sad, Li Guo hurriedly stood up and took a few steps closer to comfort her: "Second aunt, don't be too worried about sister Huimei. The war in Kaifeng won't be decided in a short time. During this period, We can think of more ways to save my sister Huimei."

Mrs. Gao also knew that it was better not to lose her composure on such an important occasion, so she could only hide her face and said softly: "I hope she can be rescued as soon as possible..."

At this moment, Li Shuangxi, a young general, hurriedly approached the tent and reported to King Chuang: "Commander Father, according to the report from the detective horse, the vanguard of Ding Qirui's army rescuing Kaifeng has arrived at the border of Weishi County. It seems that they are heading towards Zhuxian Town. Here we come. Zuo Liangyu and Hu Dawei’s men and horses are marching in front, and they obviously want to seize Zhuxian Town first, hoping that the Kaifeng defenders will receive reinforcements.”

After hearing this, King Chuang showed a hint of joy on his face and said in a deep voice, "Is this Zhuxian Town? Has this old dog Ding Qirui arrived in Weishi County?"

Li Shuangxi was still kneeling on the ground and replied: "Yes, Commander-in-Chief. I estimate that at five o'clock tomorrow, the forwards of the army will be able to occupy Zhuxian Town. Please Commander-in-Chief, please deploy quickly to meet the enemy."

King Chuang was not in a hurry to speak anymore, but turned his head and glanced at Mrs. Gao beside him.

Gao Guiying and Li Zicheng had worked together for more than ten years and had been a thieves couple. How could they be ignorant people? She immediately understood the intention of conquering the king. After she saw her getting up and saying goodbye to everyone, she walked with wisdom. Ying and other female soldiers withdrew from the big tent to avoid the suspicion of women interfering in politics.

Seeing Mrs. Gao leaving the tent, King Chuang said to Cao Cao: "Rucai, we have to meet our old friend Zuo Liangyu in Zhuxian Town for a while. Do you think... how should we fight this battle?"

Luo Rucai narrowed his eyes at Chuang Wang and said with a smile: "Brother Li, you have already made up your mind, so don't come to test us again."

He then said with a serious face: "You are the Generalissimo. How to fight this battle is up to you. Our Cao Ying brothers should act according to the orders of the Generalissimo."

Li Zicheng did not want Luo Rucai to make suggestions. What he wanted was Luo Rucai's attitude. Seeing that he spoke simply, he felt satisfied, but the look on his face did not change.

He turned to Li Shuangxi and ordered: "Shuangxi, go and invite the other generals to come to discuss matters. Also, call Xiao Naozi here to listen to your orders!"

"Zhang Nai, the leader of the Firearms Battalion, has arrived!"

Before Li Shuangxi went to deliver the order, young general Zhang Nai rushed into the tent and knelt down to pay homage to King Chuang and everyone.

It turned out that Xiao Zhang Nai had been paying close attention to the news about Li Guo because he was concerned about Huimei's safety. After hearing the report from his subordinates tonight, he hurried over. However, he was not summoned by King Chuang and did not dare to go directly into the tent, so he hid under the felt. Quietly eavesdropping on Huimei's news outside the door, she heard the summons from King Chuang and immediately showed up to check in.

Everyone knew what he was doing, but no one pointed it out. While everyone was waiting for Liu Fangliang, Yuan Zongdi and others to arrive, they talked about the war around Kaifeng, and there was a burst of laughter every time they went.

…………

The Ming army that came from Runing to rescue Kaifeng actually consisted of two teams, one of which passed through Taikang and headed for Qixian. On the surface, it was a big fanfare, but in fact it was a partial division with only 10,000 or 20,000 people.

The other team is the main division. It has nearly 150,000 troops, including auxiliary soldiers and husbands. Of course, only half of them can be said to be capable of fighting. They are considered a relatively elite force. They often After Fugou and Guo Weishi, the vanguard is already approaching Zhuxian Town, and it looks like they will arrive at dawn tomorrow.

Chuang Wang, Luo Rucai and others originally regarded the official army heading to Qixian County as the main force of Ding Qirui's army. Just like Zuo Liangyu did when he came to rescue Kaifeng last time, they first occupied Qixian County as their foothold. .

However, they did not expect that Ding Qirui and Zuo Liangyu would suddenly change directions this time. They sent a partial division as a suspicious force, while a large number of elite troops took the Fugou and Weishi routes and went straight into Zhuxian Town, as if they wanted to take the lead by surprise. Occupying this place and setting up a large camp, they hope to be at odds with the defenders in Kaifeng City.

Li Zicheng briefly discussed countermeasures with everyone in the big tent. Everyone generally believed that Zhuxian Town must be occupied before the arrival of the army, and at least a few important places must be seized, so that the enemy can occupy Zhuxian Town and prevent it from being defeated. Echoing the Kaifeng garrison, it is also convenient to wait for an opportunity to defeat Ding Qirui's reinforcements.

But now that the army is stationed around Kaifeng City, there must be someone in the middle to guard each battalion in case the defenders in the city suddenly break out. Therefore, it is quite difficult to choose the person who will lead the army to Zhuxian Town to intercept Ding Qirui.

The most popular candidates for King Chuang were naturally Liu Zongmin, the general sentry, and Gao Yigong, the general manager of Laofu. However, Liu Zongmin still had to assist in the deployment of the incoming troops and should not be taken lightly. Gao Yigong, who led the troops of the Chuang camp and was stationed in Laofu, should not be taken lightly either. tune.

Furthermore, Li Zicheng also knew that in terms of being cautious in combat, Gao Yigong was really good at it. However, in terms of urgently meeting the enemy, charging hard and overwhelming the enemy with his momentum, Gao Yigong was not as good as Li Guo's "a tiger". "La!

After he thought for a while, he said to Li Guo: "In addition, Commander-in-Chief Liu Ye, your uncle Yi Gong and the others still have important matters, so they cannot go out easily, and several other generals have to assemble their troops, which may delay too much time." , I also know that you haven’t rested since you just came back, but I still have to let you work hard again.

You immediately pick out 3,000 elite cavalry from your troops, ride to Zhuxian Town overnight, and seize the ground first to prevent the advance officers and soldiers from entering the stronghold. You must set off immediately, and there is no need to bring any food and grass, so you can advance lightly and quickly. I will arrive soon and I will supply you with supplies. "

Li Guo stood up and clasped his fists in reply: "Generalissimo, I'm leaving right now and I won't waste even a moment."

King Chuang waved his hand to tell him not to worry, and said to him: "There are many officers and soldiers, and they have gone north without encountering any obstacles. We have just arrived at Zhuxian Town, and we are full of vigor. Remember not to underestimate the enemy.

If they have secured Zhuxian Town, don't rush to rob it. You can occupy the terrain nearby in the west of the town and quickly set up the camp. If the army comes to attack, you can only defend and not fight. Wait until the army arrives tomorrow. Make a decision. "

Li Guo accepted the order, turned around and was about to leave when King Chuang stopped him again and warned him: "Remember! If the army has occupied Zhuxian Town, you must set up camp on the west side of the town. "

"Yes!"

Although Li Guo agreed immediately, he was somewhat puzzled and couldn't help but ask again, "Generalissimo, our army must arrive at the north of Zhuxian Town first if we advance rapidly, and here we cut off the communication between Kaifeng and Zhuxian Town." Wouldn’t it be better to set up camp here along the main road?”

King Chuang smiled and simply replied to him: "Sand water flows from north to south in the west of Zhuxian Town. It is a dry day now, and people and horses cannot live without water for a day. After you arrive at Zhuxian Town, you only need to If you set up a stronghold in the west and occupy the upper reaches of Shashui River, you will not be afraid of water cuts. This is very important, so don’t forget it. As for the main road from Zhuxian Town to Kaifeng, I will send another army to cut it off, so you don’t have to worry about it. La."

Hearing this, Li Guo immediately understood the truth. He loudly accepted the order and hurriedly turned around and left the tent...