Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 273

Chapter 273 Li Ke’s Righteousness
Soon after, the main force of the Xiangzhou Military Manor had already landed, leaving only two boats and some soldiers on the south bank of Xiangyang to patrol and guard.

The Fire Legion’s movements were quick, and the cooking was completed in an instant. The three armies had eaten their fill and were ready to do their next big thing. The hearty victory just now greatly boosted the morale of the “new army”. The water army had made a contribution, and the cavalry soldiers were eager to try, not wanting to fall behind.

Qin Mubai, Pang Fei, and the others were in the cabin of a military ship, studying the military sand tables around Xiangcheng in Dengzhou. The people of Hundred Cavalry could make sand tables. One of the important tasks of the Hundred Cavalry Scouts who had been sent to investigate the situation was to return and make a sand table. Mountains, rivers, cities, villages, everything was embodied on the sand table.

“Looks like this is the only way to the city. However, there are forests on the right side of the mountain and there is a shallow stream ahead. Although temporary bridging will not hinder our army’s march, this place is dangerous and is often referred to as the’ambush ground ‘in military books.” Qin Mubai pointed at a boundary on the sand table and said patiently, “If the enemy knows how to ambush, cut off the upper reaches of the river, and lay an ambush on both sides of the narrow road to prepare for a fire attack, then our army will be completely annihilated.”

“That’s right! The army is heading forward with their heads held high. Turning around is extremely difficult. On such a narrow road with two sides high in the middle, if we encounter bow arrows and fire attacks, then we can’t retreat at all. We can only run to the riverside.” Pang Fei said, “When the time comes, the enemy will dig open the river and let it flooded. That will be a disaster.”

“Smart.” Qin Mubai nodded in approval.

Pang Fei said, “Since this is the only way for our army to pass through, and the enemy is likely to ambush us, how should we deal with it? Do we have to cross mountains and avoid this road? If that’s the case, then the surprise attack will be meaningless. When we arrive at Xiang Zhou, it will take at least three or four more days.”

“No need, I have my own way.” Qin Mubai smiled mysteriously. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard a soldier shouting from outside the cabin, “Alert the ship! Prepare the crossbowmen!”

Everyone was shocked. Strange, could it be that the enemy still had troops on the waterway?

Just as they were about to send someone out to check on the information, outsiders shouted, “What are you yelling at! You’re blind! That’s our own Divine Fish ship!”

Qin Mubai nodded and said, “Pang Fei, take a look. Isn’t that boat staying at the south bank to receive the alert? Why did it sail over the river without permission?”

“Yes!”

Pang Fei stepped out of the ship armor and came to the observation platform. As expected, it was indeed the Divine Fish ship of the Military Manor, and both of them had arrived. He could not see clearly from afar, but he could only see the light reflected by the armor of the warhorses on the deck of the ship.

“Strange, where did the soldiers come from?” Pang Fei was still puzzled.

At this time, a shuttle boat was the first to row over and shouted to the ship above him, “Your Highness King Wu, lead his troops across the river to help!”

“What, King Wu?!” Qin Mubai heard it in the cabin and walked out in surprise.

At this time, the two ships were getting closer, and they could already see Li Ke standing at the bow of the ship. Behind him stood two generals, Xue Rengui and Yin Yang, fully armed and clasped their fists at Qin Mubai.

There was also a “Great General” who “supported” a heavy weapon as long as one person-Phoenix Wings Gold-plated Clang. He wore a mighty black Black Iron Mountain Tattoo Armor, but two battles were staggering against the ship’s side, causing him to vomit wildly and feel dizzy-it was Yuwen Hongtai.

Qin Mubai glanced around. The two ships carried at least a thousand people, most of them cavalry. The QinBing of the Royal Palace was much more advanced than the ones of the Military Palace. Good horses, good armor, and good weapons, armed to the teeth, making the soldiers wearing shabby leather armor jealous.

“Your Highness, why are you here?” Qin Mubai asked from the boat.

Li Ke laughed heartily. After the two boats got close, he first stepped on the sampan and passed the boat. He turned around and said, “Rengui, Yin Yang, throw that useless fellow ashore. Don’t be embarrassed here. Tell him not to follow, he must come.”

“Yes.” Xue Rengui and Yin Yang smiled at Qin Mubai and set up Yuwen Hongtai on the left and right.

“Let’s talk in the cabin!”

Li Ke gestured for Qin Mubai to come with him, and the two of them entered the cabin. Li Ke smiled and said, “I’ve thought it through.” If you want to resist the decree, then resist together. Even if I don’t know how to resist, I still have to help you privately. These thousand cavalry are all the possessions of my palace, and the rest are useless recruits. “There are three other generals. I will hand them all over to you now.”

“Your Highness, is this inappropriate?” Qin Mubai knitted his brows and said, “Chu Suiliang is still here. It’s not good for him to know.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t know.” Li Ke smiled mysteriously and said, “Even if he knew, he would pretend not to know.”

Qin Mubai understood, nodded and smiled, “Chu Suiliang is a reasonable and intelligent person.”

“That’s right! Didn’t we know back in Jiangzhou?” Li Ke smiled and said, “After all, your men are a little thin.” Although I know that you might have a hand in war, it’s not a bad thing to have too many people. Moreover, you are familiar with Xue Rengui, Yin Yang, Yuwen Hongtai, and the others, so you will definitely be able to use them well. Moreover, a soldier who does not fight hard is not a good soldier. I would also like to take this opportunity to let my soldiers, who have spent a lot of money, properly temper themselves. “If you don ‘t just look at them and don’ t use them, just let them rush to their deaths and save me some money.”

Qin Mubai knew that he was deliberately joking around. He nodded and said gratefully, “Your Highness, thank you.”

“Thank you for what.” Li Ke smiled faintly and said, “It’s a blessing to be shared, but it’s difficult to be shared.” You’ve already blocked the great responsibility of resisting the imperial edict, so what does it matter if I give you a little military support? Even if Imperial Father wants to blame me, I will fight with you. When two people share a crime, it will always be easier. “Of course, if I don’t blame you or get credit for it, then I’ll get some benefits from following you!”

Qin Mubai laughed loudly, “These thousand cavalry are almost all your possessions. In the past, if I asked for a horse and a set of armor from you, you would be so stingy that you refused to give it, as if it was heavier than your own wife and concubine. But now, you are sending out a thousand troops … Are you really willing to give it up?”

Li Ke grinned indifferently, “What are these things for?” Wasn’t it used at such a time? Stop spouting nonsense and use your troops properly to win as soon as possible! Actually, when I saw you fight, my hands really itched. I really wanted to fight side by side with you. However, I also know that I am not this material for marching to war. Staying here is a burden. So, I have no choice but to support you behind you. “Don’t worry, you just need to be at ease and dare to gallop and kill. The Prefecture has arranged an unlimited supply of grain and armor for you, and is responsible for delivering it to your army!”

“Alright, thank you so much!” Qin Mubai said gratefully, “I’m worried about this!” There wasn’t much grain left in the military camp, and it could last at most ten days. I have sent people to Wu Meiniang to borrow food, but at this time, it is too difficult to find mule, horse, carriage and civilian workers to transport food. If time goes on, there will be problems with the follow-up supply. As long as the Prefecture is willing to help, it will really relieve my worries! ”

“Does that mean that I’m still a little useful?” Li Ke raised his eyebrows and smiled mockingly. “Stop joking. Wu Meiniang’s grain has just been stored in the treasury, how can it be thrown out again?” “If we want to make a fortune, we can count on that! The secretariat’s manor has collected a lot of official grain taxes in the autumn, so we don’t need to use it now, and when will we wait?”

Qin Mubai chuckled, somewhat touched.

Although Li Ke’s words were understated and humorous, his decisions were not easy to make. From this matter, Qin Mubai could feel Li Ke’s righteousness.

Qin Mubai was able to resist the decree because he was a commander-in-chief. He would not be able to bear the fate of the Outer Monarch. No matter how great his sin was, it would not be too great. Moreover, he was able to resist the decree this time because he was able to sense Li Shimin’s worries. Li Ke was different. He was a prince, and he was suspected of being sensitive. It took great courage and courage to disobey his father’s orders and advance and retreat with Qin Mubai. He didn’t want to sit and let Qin Mubai clarify the facts and take responsibility for everything, so he chose to stand in the same trench as him.

Resisting the decree and obeying the decree were risky things after all, especially for a prince like him.

At this time, Li Ke did not offer a thousand troops, but rather a “promise”–to advance and retreat together with honor and disgrace!

At this point in time, Qin Mubai did not want to say anything else. He only looked at Li Ke seriously and nodded, “I will use my troops properly. Don’t worry.”

“Haha, many people praise you as a general. I really don’t believe you.” Li Ke smiled and said, “I seem to have heard before that there are not many soldiers, but that they can be used properly. Li You has 30,000 troops. I gave you a thousand, and you only have 3,000. Everyone has to block ten … Hey, can you do it? Don’t be so stubborn, I don’t want to cross the river to collect your corpse.”

“What bad luck!” Qin Mubai spat, “Hurry up and go back. Don’t talk nonsense here to confuse my morale. Kill those who confuse my morale! You don’t want to see if my military orders are strict, do you?”

“Haha, General Qin is so powerful. I’m really scared.” Li Ke patted his chest and laughed loudly. He nodded and said, “Then I’ll go. Anyway … take care!”

“Mm” Qin Mubai smiled and nodded.

Li Ke boarded the ship of arrival and sailed towards the south bank. He stood at the bow of the ship and looked at Qin Mubai. The two of them smiled and tacitly understood each other, and righteousness flowed in their eyes.

“Truly delivering charcoal in the snow.” Pang Fei walked over and smiled happily, “Our military manor lacks cavalry. Although there are 400 cavalry, only 50 elites can charge into the formation.” The rest were ordinary cavalry. The cavalry in the palace were really good. At least they were well-equipped and had good horses. The three commanders of the army were also very formidable, winning the championship of the three armies. “Uh … it’s just that Yuwen Hongtai vomited like that. I’m worried that he can ride a horse.”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “That coward is actually seasick. Furthermore, he vomited as soon as he boarded the boat. It’s even harder to serve than a woman or child. Let him rest for a while. Good wine and meat fill his stomach. He’ll be jumping around in a while.”

“Alright!”

At this time, Xue Rengui and Yin Yang got on the boat and walked to Qin Mubai, cupped their fists and bowed, “General Qin, wait for the order!”

“It’s great. I’m a proper employer.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “One white, one red, one black. The three King’s Manor generals stepped forward and suppressed the might of the enemy and the puppet army!”

Xue Rengui and Yin Yang chuckled.

Xue Rengui was dressed in shiny silver armor, a snowy silver battle robe, and a helmet with white tassel. He was riding on a snow-like white horse. Yin Yang was dressed as a general of the Royal Palace, with blood-red bright armor and Chu Hong’s cloak, riding on a date-flower horse. Yuwen Hongtai, this colossus, had always found it difficult to find a suitable bright light armor, so finding someone to customize it was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. With the spare money, he would like to drink more wine. In any case, he didn’t pay attention to it and wore a set of black iron mountain runic armor. His horse’s hair was also shiny and black. From head to toe, including horses, it turned black, and carried a phoenix-winged golden clang that weighed more than a hundred kilograms. It was simply like a Vajra.

Qin Mubai chatted with the two of them on the deck for a while before he saw Yuwen Hongtai running over from the shore and shouting, “Hey, General Qin, I’m fine! When are we going to send troops? I can’t wait any longer!”

“Haha!” Everyone laughed out loud. Qin Mubai said, “You eat and drink first. Someone will inform you later.”

“Hey! Hurry up!” Yuwen Hongtai replied and simply turned around and ran back.

At this moment, Pang Fei said, “General, it’s less than an hour before we set off. We have already decided on a plan, haven’t we? Didn’t we just say that the enemy and the puppet army might set up an ambush by the stream and river in front of us?”

“Alright, let’s enter the cabin together and look at the sand table!”

Everyone was discussing countermeasures in the cabin when they suddenly heard that the scouts sent to Dengzhou were reporting back to them.

Qin Mubai opened the military report and was immediately shocked!

Minister of War, bing governor under the orders of the emperor, rate QingQi twenty thousand days more than three hundred miles, galloping dengzhou counter-insurrection. Within a day, It was at the same time that Qin Mubai captured the New Wild Military Port, Li Ji’s troops split into five, General Xue Wanjun of the Zuotun Guards, General Xue Wanche of the Right Martial Guards, He Li of the Northern Gate Garrison Inspection Camp, Commandant Guoyi of Qu Tutong, Qu Tuquan of Guoyi, and himself led the troops, With the momentum of a fast saber, he instantly recaptured the rebellious counties of Exa, Nanyang, Lintuan, Neixiang, and Jutan, trapping Li You’s rebels in Xiang Cheng Gu City!

“It’s moving like a gale sweeping through the forest. Mount Taishan is overwhelming. Li Ji is indeed formidable!” Qin Mubai sighed in admiration.

People from changan galloped over, plunder thousands of miles swept across the city, only in the blink of an eye; He was only one river away from Deng Zhou, but he had actually fallen behind!

“Why did Li Ji come so quickly? We received a tip three days ago that there is no shadow of the Great Tang army in Dengzhou.” Pang Fei asked in surprise, “Why did you suddenly hear that Li Ji swept across Deng Zhou in an instant and only waited for him to catch a turtle in a jar?”

Qin Mubai knitted his brows and shook his head. “It’s like a hammer smashing tofu. When did that hammer smash down? When did the tofu become sparse and rotten? There’s no suspense.”

“That’s right. Li Ji is a famous general of the current dynasty. He has made great contributions to the war and supported half of the northern border. He is deeply relied on by His Majesty the Emperor. He is known as the Great Tang Wall.” Pang Fei said, “Moreover, other than Qu Tuquan, who is not famous as a rising star, the other three people are all valiant generals of the Brave Crown, the Three Armed Forces! No wonder Li You’s ragtag crowd is no match for these people.”

“Even the last general has long heard of the names of those three generals.” Xue Rengui said, “Especially Xue Wanjun and Xue Wanche, two great generals of the same sect. They have made outstanding contributions to the battle. I have long heard that these two brothers are the Brave Crown, the Three Armies, and all of them charge at the front with their sabers. They are invincible!”

Qin Mubai waved her hand to indicate that they didn’t have to say anything else, saying, “It doesn’t matter who came. The current situation is, what should we do next?”

Pang Fei thought for a moment and said, “General, since the government troops sent by the Imperial Court have taken care of Li You, we can imagine his fate. Is there a need for us to continue rushing over and compete with Li Ji for merit? Why don’t we leave it to them? Anyway, we also attacked the port of the New Wild Puppet Army, proving that we have no collusion with the Thief Army!”

Xue Rengui and Yin Yang remained silent as they waited for Qin Mubai to decide.

Qin Mubai thought for a while and thought to himself, “I didn’t expect Li Ji to arrive so quickly!” Who would have thought that the Emperor would use such a heavy hand to send a trusted aide like Li Ji, the commander of the mainstay, to rush over a thousand li to counter the rebellion. It could be seen that Li Shimin had mostly given an explanation to Li Ji. However, since the matter had already reached this point, it was impossible for him to retreat quietly. If he were to pursue the matter afterwards, he would instead be able to escape the charge of “subordination” or “resisting the decree”. Then he had no choice but to fight until he reached Xiang Cheng Cheng Tou and let the facts prove it to Li Ji! Besides, Xiang City still had Ling’er. The bandit leader who caused the riot was his brother. If his uncle did not personally go, how could he be at ease?

“The army is advancing towards the city!”

Pang Fei was stunned, but didn’t say anything else. He clasped his fists and bowed to Xue Rengui and Yin Yang, “Yes!”

Military orders are military orders. They are used for obedience. Moreover, Pang Fei and the others had never doubted Qin Mubai!