Chapter 498 Chapter 501
Wang Xuanshu smiled and said, "Did General Ma refer to the irregular shape of the cottage? The reason is that Chen Gong used the thick trees on the top of the mountain to cut off their branches and leaves to a height of two feet. , as a pile support, and then use other felled trees to form a hardwood structure that can withstand the impact of a car collision. , the shape has to be compromised and weird.”

Ma Chang exclaimed: "It's really an ingenious idea. I can't think of a better way. With strong trees and solid wood as the structure, supplemented by large stones and dry soil, the camp will be turned into a wall two feet high. The small mountain city has greatly enhanced its defense, Chen Gong is really amazing."

Shen Mu looked at the soldiers of the Young Marshal who were busy digging trenches outside this irregular earthen village, and the excavated soil was transported to the top of the hill to build the wall.

Bing Yuanzhen pointed to the remaining trunks of trees that were less than three feet high and scattered in three directions outside the cottage, and said happily: "These remaining trunks are even more amazing, forming a natural obstacle to horse repelling. If Li Shimin wants to clean them up, first I have to ask our archers, thinking that when the opponent is attacking, he must carefully walk around the top of the tree, and cannot drive straight forward, and the bird's breath that he has held for more than ten days will disappear immediately."

Shen Mu felt the joy and excitement of everyone around him, and everyone gave pointers and praises to this large-scale cottage, not only because the cottage could become a place for them to settle down, but more importantly, the secret canyon behind the cottage provided them with unlimited opportunities. vitality.Food, water, fuel, and all the problems of backup were solved, and they were no longer trapped in a completely passive and beaten situation, so their morale was boosted, and they had more confidence in him, Shen Mu.

Wang Xuanshu said: "The place to rest is set in the gorge. Since the camp was lost during the breakout, Chen Gong built more than a hundred thatched huts, which are more comfortable and warmer than tents."

Shen Mu shouted: "It's done! Let's use this cottage that was conceived out of Chen Gong's head to fight against Li Shimin's army that is ten times larger than ours."

Everyone responded with a bang.

A group of people led by Ba Yegang galloped out from the gate of the cottage to meet them.

Shen Mu let out a strange cry, venting his unwillingness to be wronged and oppressed by the past ten days, and led his men to the hillside, towards the village.

"Whoosh!"

An arrow was shot from Shen Mu's sun-piercing bow and hit an iron shield a thousand steps away. To everyone's surprise, the hard iron shield exploded in a rotating manner, and debris scattered all over the ground.

Thousands of soldiers from the Young Marshal Army onlookers cheered and were in high spirits.

The area surrounded by earth and wood walls in the cottage is very spacious, with more than [-] steps vertically and horizontally, which is more than enough for a polo game performance.A two-story building is built with thick trees in front of the gorge, and the entrance and exit of the gorge are on the lower floor.This wooden building is rectangular, ten feet long and fifteen feet wide, and is very strong. Even if the enemy invades the village, it is necessary to pass through the gorge to enter the gorge, which plays a key role in strategy.

Eight arrow towers along the wall are under construction, and the open space is filled with construction materials such as earth, stone, and wood, which can be used to repair the damaged parts of the arrow towers on the wall if necessary.There are also ten wooden camps near the mountain wall, each camp can accommodate more than a dozen soldiers to rest and sleep, echoing the huge main building.

In the middle of the cottage, an artificial circular pool with a diameter of two feet was dug out, and the bottom and side walls were built with clay stones.Two long bamboo tube water pipes connected end to end are used to introduce water from the branch road to fill the round pool.

The cottage made the young generals feel ashamed of being chased and beaten like a lost dog, because they not only won a chance to catch their breath, but also built a large fortification, and more importantly, there was a way out behind the cottage, and they could attack You can stay back.

The lower floor of the main building is filled with food, fodder and fuel, and the first floor is used for rest. The large platform above can overlook the situation of the enemy outside the wall of the village.As winter is approaching, wooden buildings are not only a strategic requirement, but also provide soldiers with shelter from the wind and snow, which is the key to the survival of the cottage.

The gorge is a safe place for horses and soldiers to recuperate, so that soldiers can take turns to avoid the ruthless war when the two armies clash.

Shen Mu looked up at the entrance of the gorge behind the main building. Due to the rocky mountain wall, from the outside, even at a close distance inside the cottage, he still couldn't see the passage through the mountain.

Shen Mu said: "If you were Li Shimin, and the soldiers chased you here, what would you think when you saw us setting up a stronghold behind the mountains?"

Ma Chang said: "I will have doubts in my heart, how long can the young commander survive in this place where food is running out?"

Wang Xuanshu changed his face and said: "Since there is suspicion, of course people will climb the mountain for reconnaissance. Although the cliff is very steep, it is still difficult for the other party's master of light kung fu."

Chen Laomou said: "The old man and General Ba once climbed to the top of the mountain, and they saw dangerous cliffs everywhere, and the cliffs were covered with old trees, covered with clouds and fog, so they couldn't see the gorge below, unless they dared to climb down , or we will never discover our secret."

Everyone cast their eyes on Ba Yegang, and this tough guy with barbarian blood said in a strong voice: "I didn't make it to the top, because it's still very dangerous even if I have superb lightness skills. In addition, the water vapor on the mountain wall turns into solid ice, and slippery No feet left. If you are not careful, you will fall to pieces."

Shen Mu let out a sigh of relief: "Then I can let go of the most worrying thing in my heart. If General Ba can't climb up, the enemy should not be able to climb up. It's best to have a heavy snowfall. Our cottage has no loopholes to take advantage of!"

Chen Laomou said with a smile: "Young commander, please go to the commander's room on the first floor to rest. We will start to get dozens of his mother's trebuchets. Although they are not as big as Luoyang's flying stones, they are still enough for the enemy to endure."

Shen Mu laughed loudly and said, "When did Mr. Chen learn to speak foul words like me when he got dozens of catapults for his mother. Brothers who come with me, it's time to sleep with his grandma!"

After all, he smiled and strode towards the main building, with great confidence in his steps, no longer the embarrassment he had when he was chased away by Li Shimin.

Shen Mu slept in the main tent of the army in the main building of the cottage until sunset, and was woken up by Wang Xuanshu, who said with a strange expression: "There is a pickpocket who is about the same age as Xuanshu, please see the young commander."

Shen Mu got up and dressed in a daze, and pondered: "Little pickpocket? I know a lot of old pickpockets, Ziling is one of them, and little pickpockets don't know half of them. Where did he come from? Find me What are you doing?"

Wang Xuanshu waited for him to put on the sheepskin robe that Chu Chu personally sewed for him, which had suffered a lot of disasters, and replied: "He claimed to have come from Xiangyang day and night, and he has something important to your life and death, young commander, and he promised As long as I tell you that he is a pickpocket from Xiangyang, the young commander will remember who he is."

Shen Mu murmured "Xiangyang Little Pickpocket" twice, shook his head and said, "I have no impression! Where is he?"

Wang Xuanshu said: "It's on the upper floor, this little pickpocket is very weird, he won't allow us to search him, General Ba saw that he has good looks, he doesn't look like a bad guy, so he let the net go, but young commander, please be careful."

Shen Mu laughed dumbly and said: "If I, an old pickpocket, is successfully tricked by a little pickpocket, I will really be a veritable old cat whose tail was bitten off by a mouse, capsizing the boat in the gutter."

Wang Xuanshu said in a deep voice: "He came through the gorge from the south entrance of the Mi gorge."

Shen Mu said in shock: "What?!"

Wang Xuanshu repeated.

Shen Mu's complexion changed, he shook his head and walked out of the handsome room with a wry smile, what he saw was the tired men who were sleeping like a hundred, and what he heard was the thunderous snoring like a big ensemble.

Shen Mu and Wang Xuanshu climbed up the stairs along the stairs. Under the command of Chen Laomou, dozens of fortification soldiers built a watchtower with a height of three feet on the platform, which became the highest point of the village. The giant tree was hoisted from the ground by ropes.

Four Feiyun Guards accompanied a young man between sixteen and seventeen years old and waited for Shen Mu in a corner. The torches in the cottage were burning brightly, more dazzling than the sunset outside.

The little pickpocket caught a glimpse of Shen Mu, jumped up happily and opened his arms and shouted: "Young commander! It's me!" If Fei Yunwei on both sides hadn't grabbed his shoulders, he must have rushed towards him due to excessive excitement.

Shen Mu took a look, brought back long-forgotten memories, and said with a long smile, "I thought who it was, but it turned out to be an old friend, let him go."

Fei Yunwei let go as he said, and the young man went straight to Shen Mu, protesting and shouting: "It is said that the young commander must remember who I am. I was in Xiangyang that day and I didn't know Taishan, so I wanted to steal the young commander's purse. The young commander grabbed me, but the young commander not only didn't beat me up, he even gave me a piece of gold. The young commander is not only an invincible hero, but also a man of great benevolence and righteousness. I have never forgotten the great kindness of the young commander Germany."

Speaking of excitement, two red clouds rose on the handsome snow-white face, panting while talking, which made people feel strange.

Shen Mu smiled and said to Wang Xuanshu: "Every word this little brother said is true. When I accompanied Shang Xiuxun to Jingling, I met this little brother on the street when I was passing through Xiangyang, and then I met Lao Ba and Qu Proud apprentice."

Wang Xuanshu looked solemn, and asked: "Li Zhai?"

Shen Mu said: "This little brother is surnamed Gao, how did he know we are here?"

The boy said: "Everyone calls me Little Crane, oh! I..."

Seeing that Shen Mu was looking him up and down, as if he had noticed something, his handsome face turned red immediately, and the glow pierced through his ears.

Shen Mu stretched out his big hand and said with a smile, "Come on, let's talk aside."

Without hesitation, Xiao He'er stretched out her slender and fair hand, letting Shen Mu hold it.

Shen Mu winked at Wang Xuanshu, led him to walk towards the fence facing the mountains, and said with a smile, "Your visit makes us seem to have found a warning signal. Does Li Shimin know the secret of Tiancheng Gorge?"

Little He'er admired from the bottom of his heart: "The young commander is really wise and powerful, and the defenders of Xiangyang are coming in full force. Together with the troops from the nearby cities, there are more than [-] people, led by Qu Tutong. Commander, advance toward the Tianchengxia South Road exit."

Shen Mu secretly blamed himself for his negligence, since someone renamed Mixia and inscribed it, it must belong to a well-known scenic spot nearby.When Li Shimin saw him retreating this way, he naturally saw that his destination was Tiancheng Gorge, so he ordered Qu Tutong to rush to Xiangyang through the waterway, and summoned the local defenders to cut off his retreat.If the exit of the South Road was blocked, they would not be able to join Ba Fenghan's reinforcements, and the whole army would definitely be wiped out.Xiao He'er's tip-off immediately threw him to the ground who seemed to be standing on a cloud, his brow covered with cold sweat.

Xiao He'er continued: "People in Xiangyang are talking about the Young Marshal defending Luoyang against the Tang army every day, but I was so worried about the Young Marshal, I kept asking for news, and finally I heard that the Young Marshal successfully broke through, so I relaxed a little. Tone. Qu Tutong arrived in Xiangyang four days ago and mobilized the army. I knew it was not appropriate. After I found out that Qu Tutong’s destination was Tiancheng Gorge, I guessed that the young commander was here. It’s unbelievable, I I have traveled to and from Xiangyang City through Tiancheng Gorge many times, and I never thought that it would suddenly become what I am now."

Shen Mu frowned and said, "Qu Tutong is not the first brother on the battlefield, how could he reveal the destination of the march?"

Xiao Heer took the credit and said: "When it comes to eyeliner, I'm afraid not many people in Xiangyang have my skills. There is a very annoying Lieutenant General of the Tang Army in Xiangyang. He is not willing to spend money but loves to brag. No one in Yaoyuelou likes him. It was he who leaked the news after he was drunk, and said that you are doomed this time, young commander, I don't believe his bragging, the young commander will not die, because the young commander is the best person!"

Shen Mu let go of his hand, and said with a smile: "So there is your eyeliner in the brothel, did Tang Jun leave before you came?"

Xiao He'er said: "I walked one night earlier than them, and I kept coming here by taking shortcuts on the mountain roads. I was exhausted to death, but seeing the young commander, somehow, my exhaustion completely disappeared, and I was so energetic that I could kill a tiger."

Shen Mu murmured: "According to your guess, if Qu Tutong's army has been traveling day and night, when will it arrive at the exit of the South Road?"

Seeing Shen Mu humbly asking, Xiao He'er looked worried, thought for a while, and said, "It should arrive at dusk tomorrow."

Shen Mu laughed and said: "Little Heer, do you know that this sentence may be the key to the success or failure of the battle between me and Li Shimin. Although you are not tired, I see that you are exhausted. Why don't you go to my handsome room and sleep well?" I think you don't want to be crowded together with my brother in the big tent."

Xiao He'er's handsome face was flushed, and he lowered his head and said embarrassingly: "The young commander sees through Xiao He'er!"

Shen Mu put his arms around her shoulders, and said happily: "We are all in the same business. The first key to a pickpocket is to observe people. If you can't even tell whether it's a man or a woman, do you still use it?"

Xiao He'er showed her daughter's shy look, and said softly: "Can I call you Big Brother Kou? I always hope to have a big brother. The day you smashed the shield of Chang Shumou in Xiangyang, I don't know how sensational it was, Xiao He'er Only then did I know that the one who gave me a gold ingot out of righteousness was Shen Mu, who is famous all over the world."

Shen Mu was thinking about how to deal with the crisis from Xiangyang, and said casually: "From today onwards, I am the eldest brother, and you are the younger sister. Does the younger sister have no family?"

Little He'er's expression darkened, his eyes turned red, and he said in a rustling voice, "Light of death!"

Shen Mu took pity on the big student, patted her on the shoulder to express comfort, called his subordinates, and arranged Xiao He'er to rest in his handsome room.

The dignified Wang Xuanshu came to him, and Shen Mu said in a deep voice, "Yuan Zhen and Ba Yegang, we have an emergency meeting."

"Call to seek justice immediately."

Shen Mu, Bing Yuanzhen, Ma Chang, Wang Xuanshu, Ba Yegang, and Chen Laomou sat on tree chairs on the lower floor of the building, surrounded by simple but sturdy rectangular wooden tables, and held the first military ceremony after the cottage was built. The meeting was surrounded by piles of grain, wood and stones, filled with the tense atmosphere before the rain.

After Shen Mu told about the situation brought by Xiao He'er, everyone's expression changed, they deeply felt that the advantage was no longer there, and they felt as if they were in a desperate situation.

Shen Mu still looked calm, and said: "Li Shimin sent Qu Tu to Xiangyang. It must have happened four or five days ago. At that time, Li Shimin was still refused outside Yintan Mountain. He didn't know that our destination was Tiancheng Gorge. But he sent Qu Tutong to Xiangyang to mobilize a strong force to cut off our retreat like a prophet, what hint does this give us?"

Everyone looked at me, but none of them understood what the "reminder" Shen Mu meant.

Shen Mu sighed lightly: "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be imperiled in a hundred battles. My negligence was that I underestimated Li Shimin, and I made mistakes. Fortunately, Xiao Heer came from Xiangyang to warn me, and finally woke me up. Alas! Li Shimin lived up to his reputation and won I can assure you that he has a detailed topographical map of the area around Luoyang, which should be the preparations he made several years before attacking Luoyang. So we broke out from the hidden exit in Yiluo Mountain that night. We were hit head-on by him, more than half of the casualties! It wasn't because he was lucky enough to catch him, but because Li Shimin had already guessed that we would throw ourselves into the net from that exit. It was the same this time. Not only did he know that we were going to attack Xiangcheng, but also Instead of sneaking back to Chenliu, we must use the natural danger of Tiancheng Gorge to defend to the death."

Everyone suddenly realized, and at the same time admired Shen Mu's stability in the face of danger, and he could calmly make a detailed analysis of Li Shimin at the moment when the front and back were all soldiers, and deeply understood the way to know oneself and the enemy.

Bing Yuanzhen said: "If we immediately withdraw via the Xiadao South Road, we should be able to go straight to the Huai River before the enemy blocks the back road, and there is still a chance of survival."

Shen Mu sighed again: "If we do this, Li Shimin will get what he wants. With Li Shimin's deep understanding of the art of war, he will never care about the gains and losses of using troops in one place, but focus on the overall victory and defeat. He will give up chasing us at the gorge, Instead, we put our troops to attack Chenliu, swept Pengliang like a broken bamboo, and coordinated with Li Zitong to attack Zhongli and Gaoyou, so that the Song family army who came to help was in a dilemma. And our fleeing army will be nourished by Qu Tutong Rui's ten thousand five army ranks chase after him, even if he can escape to Zhongli, he is just waiting for the fate of being surrounded and slaughtered. Therefore, we must defend Tiancheng Gorge firmly and firmly contain Li Shimin's army here."

Ba Yegang said: "Li Shimin's troops are ten times stronger than ours. Since the rear road is blocked, he only needs to leave 3 to [-] people, and his generals will command him on his behalf. He can still calmly move troops to attack Chen Liu. No change."

Shen Mu smiled and said: "How can Li Shimin let his subordinates deal with me, Shen Mu, and the sky is not about to kill me, Shen Mu, so he sent Xiao Heer to inform me. Qu Tutong's trip today is not to close the road, but to send him to death. Maybe I can still seize Xiangyang according to the original plan, and then it will be a different situation."

Ma Chang waited to hear you look at me, and didn't understand that Shen Mu was still so confident in such a disadvantaged situation.

But Xiao He'er came to warn, there is indeed a mysterious causal relationship, it seems that there is a master in the dark.

(End of this chapter)

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