Zhu Nao

Longxi.

This year was originally a drought year, and it hadn't rained for half a year, but on this day, rain suddenly fell from the sky.It was just a few drops of light rain, but it gradually turned into a torrential rain, moistening the cracked land.

If the rain had come two days earlier, the fields would have been full of people celebrating it.They have been praying to God for months, asking only for a portion of the nectar.God fulfilled their wishes, but no one thought what would come with the rain.

The chaotic sound of horseshoes gradually faded away, and the world returned to tranquility.

One after another corpses were scattered messily in the fields and villages.Blood gushed out of the corpse, was quickly washed by the rain, and soaked into the ground...

……

Dong Jiang was sitting in the tent looking at the map when he suddenly heard a cry from outside: "Zhou Mu, the Fengxian army has returned from victory!"

"Oh? So fast?" Dong Jiang walked back to the chair and sat down, and said slowly, "Let that little bastard come and see me."

After a while, Han Feng first came to the tent in high spirits, and first bowed down to Dong Jiang: "Feng first met Grandpa."

Dong Jiang's age is actually no more than Han Fengxian's twenties, a few years younger than Han Fengxian's foster father Han Zan.Two years ago, Han Feng first killed Han Zan and defected to Dong Jiang.In order to show his reliance on the desert wolf, Dong Jiang also wanted to make a relative with him.However, Han Feng has already recognized his adoptive father, and he was killed by his own hands, so it is hard for him to recognize a new father.So, he had no choice but to lower himself another generation and recognize Dong Jiang as his grandfather.Of course Dong Jiang is happy to have such a capable and good grandson, and the grandson's seniority is determined like this.

Han Zanruoquan knew that his good adopted son not only betrayed his father for glory, but also found a father for himself, so he was afraid that he would be so angry that he would pry open the coffin and climb out.

Dong Jiang said with a smile: "Good grandson, get up. How is it? How many people were killed? How many things were handed over?"

Han Feng got up first and said, "Grandpa, we have obtained more than [-] heads of the enemy's soldiers and civilians, and some money and food. Feng Xian came to see Grandpa before finishing the count."

Dong Jiang laughed and said: "Okay! Good job! I am very relieved to have you on the road. You have made a lot of contributions along the way, and you should be rewarded! You should keep one third of the money and food you paid. "

Han Fengxian hurriedly said: "It is Fengxian's blessing to be able to work for Grandpa."

After pausing for a moment, he said again, "Feng Xian doesn't ask for rewards, but only wants to do his best for grandpa! Feng Xian has always heard that Xie Wuji, the general of the Yanzhou Army, is a victorious general, please give Feng Xian a chance, let Feng Xian Go and cut off Xie Wuji's head to serve grandpa with wine!"

Dong Jiang laughed three times at first, and his expression immediately became playful.Regarding Han Fengxian's words, he was noncommittal, and only said: "My good boy, I am very happy that you have such filial piety."

After a while, he said again: "You just came back from the victory, you must be tired, go back and rest first. I will send someone to collect the war profits you have paid back."

After hearing Dong Jiang's words, Han Fengxian's eyes flashed a trace of unwillingness.He wanted to say something more, but when he looked up, he saw Dong Jiang's half-smile expression. He panicked, and quickly lowered his head to hide his emotions.

Shaoqing: "Yes...the grandson will leave." Han Feng saluted again before turning around and leaving.

Dong Jiang looked at the back of Han Feng who left first, let out a sneer from his throat, raised his hand to call for his subordinates, and ordered: "Hurry up and count the things that that little bastard seized, don't let him take too much for himself."

"Yes, State Shepherd." His subordinates took the order and hurried out to make arrangements.

……

Han Feng first returned to his tent with a gloomy face, and kicked viciously over the shelf where the weapons were placed.There was a sound of Ding Ling's palms, and the swords and spears were scattered all over the ground.

He turned back and forth on the spot twice, his chest heaved up and down, and he scolded anxiously, "That old dog Dong is so cunning! I risked my life for him, but he never trusted me! He refused to give back my soldiers." Me, he only left me one-third of the food I robbed, and he still regarded it as a reward for me?! Ah...! Beast! Damn!"

There was a young dog in his tent. When he saw him enter the tent with an ugly face, he hurried over and put down the curtain, and then stood guard at the entrance of the tent and looked out to make sure that no one was listening outside.

After Han Feng finished cursing first, the young dog Rong came to Han Fengxian's side, put his arms around his shoulders, put his head on his neck gently, and stroked his back.Under the comfort of the young Quanrong, Han Fengxian's tense body gradually relaxed.

The young dog Rong asked: "Did you ask Dong Jiang for soldiers?"

Han Feng was silent for now.

He begged Dong Jiang to cut off Xie Wuji's head, but it was actually a euphemism.If Dong Jiangzhen sent him to fight against Xie Wuji's main force, he would definitely have to add troops, this was his real purpose.Dong Jiang refused to agree, so he rejected his request.

Right now, Han Fengxian only has a few hundred people at his disposal. When he was under Han Zan's subordinates, he was given more than this treatment.It's really that Dong Jiang is old and cunning, he talks nicely, as if he thinks highly of him, but in fact he is desperately trying to reduce his influence, and is extremely guarded against him.

The young Quan Rong hesitated to speak.

He hated Han Fengxian's temper clearly, and he had warned Han Fengxian before he went to see Dong Jiangxian, telling Hanfeng to be patient first, and not to rush to claim credit from Dong Jiang.Now that Dong Jiang covets the Central Plains, he has limited generals who can fight well. As long as Han Feng gains his trust first, he will gain Dong Jiang's reuse sooner or later.On the contrary, it was Han Feng who became more impatient and made Dong Jiang more suspicious, and even more fearful.

He persuaded him, but Han Feng obviously didn't listen to his words.There is no need to say anything now.

The young dog Rong sighed secretly, and continued to caress Han Fengxian until he calmed down completely, then asked in a low voice: "Tongman, have you asked where Sisi is locked up by them?" The honorific title for Han Fengxian.

After hearing this question first, Han Feng frowned suddenly.He pushed away the young dog Rong, and said perfunctorily: "I asked about it earlier, and I was raised with the family members of other officers. The old dog Dong said that he was served by people with good food and drink, so don't worry about it."

The young dog Rong obviously didn't believe Han Fengxian's words.He looked into Han Fengxian's eyes, and slowly said: "It's been two years, and I just want to see Sisi. I want to know if she's okay, or... is she still alive..."

Han Feng said impatiently: "I said I have asked. Whose family members will not be detained by Dong Laogou? Could it be that you still expect Dong Laogou to show kindness and release them to you?"

The young dog Rong was silent.

The young dog Rong named Ge Lingcha was an officer under Han Fengxian, and he grew up with Han Fengxian since he was a child.Sisi was his wife who had been his partner since he was a teenager.Two years ago, before Han Fengxian defected to Dong Jiang, Ge Lingcha's trilogy was attacked by Dong Jiang's army. Ge Lingcha and his wife Sisi were captured together and became Dong Jiang's captives.

The prisoners of war in Liangzhou would be treated as slaves, and most of them would die of starvation, exhaustion and abuse.However, Ge Lingcha was also lucky. Not long after he was captured, Han Feng took Han Zan's head to Dong Jiang.The condition for Han Feng's defection first was that Dong Jiang had to return to him the few generals he had used in the past, including Ge Lingcha.Dong Jiang naturally had no reason not to agree, so Ge ​​Lingcha escaped unharmed.

However, Ge Lingcha was freed, but Sisi was kept in Dong Jiang's hands.

Dong Jiang is a very suspicious person. All the family members of his officers will be detained by him in the name of taking care of them, but they are actually taken as hostages.Therefore, the generals can return it, but the female relatives have no reason to return it.For two years, Ge Lingcha had never seen his wife.Even with his rank, he couldn't meet Dong Jiang directly.Only when he made military exploits, he would ask Han Feng to send a message first, asking Dong Jiang to allow him to see his wife.It's a pity that in the past two years, the answer Han Feng first brought back to him was "no".

Han Feng turned his face first, and met his elder brother Lingcha's eyes.

Ge Lingcha is a member of the Quanrong tribe, with a pair of lake-blue eyes, like a pool of water.The water in this pool is exceptionally clear, sometimes peaceful, sometimes a bit sad.

Han Feng looked away first.He said coldly: "That woman has only a few ounces of meat. Can Dong Laogou still stew her? Don't think about her all day long. If you have that time, why don't you think about it for me? I want my soldiers back."

Ge Lingcha stared at him silently for a moment, lowered his eyes, and said in a low voice, "Yes, Tongman."

Han Feng's anger that had just been pacified somehow rose up again.He kicked the weapon rack that had fallen to the ground, turned around and went out.

=====

"Report to the general!"

Xie Wuji came out of Zhu Nao's mansion, and a fast horse galloped towards him.The messenger flew up to him, jumped down, and said: "General, Longxi has fallen!"

Xie Wuji frowned upon hearing this.When he heard that the Liangzhou army was marching to Longxi, he guessed that this day would come.Liangzhou's cavalry were brave and good at fighting, and with Longxi's military defense, they would definitely not be able to withstand the rolling iron cavalry.It's just that the fall was earlier than he expected, which shows the bravery of the Liangzhou army.

Longxi was not where Xie Wuji was stationed, and the defenders there were not his subordinates either.But after passing Longxi and over the highlands, the Liangzhou army will meet him with swords.

Xie Wuji closed his eyes, recalling the conversation he had with Zhu Nao just now.

Zhu Nao didn't know anything about the war, but there was one sentence he said that Xie Wuji agreed with very much.

Fighting wars has the same characteristics as doing business.In terms of doing business, the profit or loss of a transaction is not important. In the end, after all the transactions are completed, it is only complete if you can earn the most.As far as war is concerned, the success or failure of a war, or even a period of time, is actually not important.What matters is how to achieve your goals with the least cost.

After a while, Xie Wuji opened his eyes again.

He got on his horse and said, "Go back to the camp!"

……

Xie Wuji returned to the camp, Wu Cong hurriedly greeted him, and reported: "General, there is news from all the garrisons that they have completed emergency defenses to resist the Liangzhou army at any time."

Xie Wuji's face was as calm as water, he nodded first, and then instructed Wu Cong: "Send orders to each station..." He gave such orders.

Wu Cong was stunned for a moment when he heard it, then thought for a moment, and understood Xie Wuji's intention, so he nodded repeatedly.

However, after listening to all Xie Wuji's orders, he still couldn't help showing a worried look: "General, if other places fall, it's fine. But Sanguan is a military important place. If the Liangzhou army breaks Sanguan, they will Then we can drive straight to Guanzhong. When the time comes, our army and the people in Guanzhong... the consequences may be unimaginable..."

Xie Wuji said lightly: "I am prepared."

Wu Cong saw that he had a plan in mind, so he didn't say any more, just said: "Yes, General. I'll pass the order right now."

=====

a few days later.

Dong Jiang waited in the camp for a long time, gradually becoming a little anxious.He summoned his subordinates and said, "Go and see how the situation on the battlefield is, why is there no news yet?"

His soldiers took the order and hurried out.

Dong Jiang stood up and sat down annoyed.

When the Liangzhou Army first started marching southeast, it was smooth sailing.Wherever the Liangzhou cavalry went, the soldiers and civilians were all terrified.They burned, killed and looted all the way, with countless victories.The counties and counties in Longxi were completely flattened by Liangzhou iron cavalry in just three days.

Such success made him quite proud, and he began to underestimate the enemy.He thought they would take Guanzhong within three months, and drive straight into the heart of the Central Plains within a year.

But when they entered Xie Wuji's territory, things started to go wrong.

Xie Wuji is known as the ever-victorious general, and the soldiers he brings out can indeed fight.Before that, they could wipe out a county in a day or two at most.But now, they have spent three whole days, but they have not been able to break through a mountain pass.If this continues, the situation will be unfavorable to them.

It should be known that Liangzhou is dominated by cavalry, marching fast, good at charging and breaking through formations, and powerful, but there is also a fatal flaw, that is, food and grass.Liangzhou is originally a barren land, and the Liangzhou army didn't bring much luggage when they went out, and the rations were all killed and snatched all the way.Under this method of combat, once they delay for too long, the food and grass are exhausted, and the soldiers are exhausted, let alone marching into the Central Plains, I am afraid that they will not even be able to retreat.

Therefore, time is extremely important to the Liangzhou Army, and they couldn't afford to delay the attack on a mere mountain pass for several days.

Dong Jiang waited irritably for a long time, and the person who went out to inquire about the news finally came back.

Dong Jiang quickly asked: "How is it? Has it been captured?"

The man said: "Zhou Mu, although the enemy has suffered heavy casualties, they are still standing firm. They have not yet been breached."

Dong Jiang was furious, threw the things in front of him to the ground, and cursed: "Useless trash! After fighting for a long time, such a mountain can't be beaten down! If the food and grass are exhausted, I will cut their flesh to feed them." Other soldiers!"

When he got angry, no one around him dared to say anything.

Just at this moment, a notification sound came from outside.

"Zhou Mu, Han Feng asks to see you first!"

Dong Jiang froze for a moment, frowned, and his anger gradually calmed down.After a while, he said, "Let him in."

Not long after, Han Feng walked into the tent first.

Before Dong Jiang could ask questions, Han Feng first knelt down to salute, and said in a loud voice, "Feng Xian heard that the battle situation is unfavorable, so please come and fight! Within today, Feng Xian will take the head of the enemy general and present it to Grandpa!"

Dong Jiang was silent.Before Han Feng entered the account first, he had already guessed the purpose of Han Feng's first arrival.

To be honest, Dong Jiang knew very well in his heart that Han Feng was first a good general who could fight well.Not to mention the distance, but only the near ones. Han Feng was able to wipe out the 200-man Yanzhou army with only [-] men, and his own casualties were less than half. Looking at Liangzhou, I am afraid that there will be no one who can fight better than him.

But no one is perfect, and if people have strengths, they often have weaknesses.And Han Fengxian's shortcomings are all fatal-he is impetuous, ambitious, and more importantly, lacks loyalty.No matter how easy such a general is, not everyone dares to use it.

Therefore, Dong Jiang has always been conflicted about such a subordinate.He is reluctant to kill it, but dare not let it go when he uses it. While raising it, he suppresses it at the same time. He is about to turn a desert wolf into a desert rabbit.

However, the current battle situation is stalemate, no matter how fearful he is in his heart, if he doesn't let the desert wolf shine its fangs, it will be for nothing.

Dong Jiang thought over and over again, gritted his teeth, and finally took out two soldier talismans from his bosom, and threw them in front of Han Fengxian.

"Good boy," Dong Jiang said, "if you can overcome this level, these two talismans will be yours from now on."

Han Feng was overjoyed immediately.One talisman can mobilize a battalion of 500 people, and two talismans can mobilize 1000 people.Although Dong Jiang cut off more than this from his men, it was just the beginning.Sooner or later, he will be able to get back what belongs to him!And, he'll get more!

Han Feng first grasped the two soldier talismans, kowtowed to Dong Jiang: "Don't worry, grandpa, Feng Xian will never let grandpa down!"

……

Brother Lingcha was practicing with his spear outside the tent, Han Feng walked over quickly, grabbed a soldier's helmet and threw it at him.

Ge Lingcha flicked the spear in his hand, and steadily picked up the helmet with the tip of the spear, and asked in confusion, "Tongman?"

Han Feng's face was full of joy, and he took out two newly obtained soldier talismans to show him: "What do you see?"

Brother Lingcha was taken aback for a moment, but immediately understood what had happened, and his brows were filled with joy.Without saying a word, he put on his armor and immediately followed Han Feng to order troops first.

……

The mountain wind is howling, and the sky is getting cloudy.

It was actually still early, but the sudden dark clouds covered the sky, making it rainy or not, as if it was not too late.

Dong Jiang stood outside the tent, the gloomy sky aggravated his restlessness.He turned to his subordinates and asked, "What time is it now?"

The subordinate hurriedly said: "Report to Zhou Mu, it's not yet noon."

"Really?" Dong Jiang narrowed his eyes.The mountain wind was getting stronger and stronger, and the sound of the wind seemed to be mixed with shrill screams.In the past, he liked to listen to the sound, but now he felt a little uneasy - he didn't know who made the scream.If it is an enemy, it will naturally make him happy.But if it was his soldiers, it would be very unpleasant.

At this moment, the wind direction changed, and the sound of the wind seemed to change, it sounded like the sound of rolling horseshoes.

Dong Jiang was listening to the wind, when he opened his eyes, someone actually came on horseback.

"Zhou Mu!" The messenger almost fell off his horse, panting, "Victory, victorious! The Fengxian army captured the hill, and the enemy army has completely fled!"

Dong Jiang: "..."

Dong Jiang: "..."

He was overjoyed at first, before the corners of his mouth were raised, then he lowered it, and finally raised it upwards.

His mood is somewhat complicated.He had sent two generals to attack the mountain before, each of them was so slow that he was impatient, and wished he could chop up the current wine and vegetables with someone else.It was so easy to hope people back, but they were all ashamed and dejected.If it weren't for the limited number of generals under his command, he would have chopped off people to vent his anger.

Now that it was Han Feng who went out first, he had already planned to wait for a long time, but he didn't expect that this time he would be caught off guard.It was obvious that the army had just gone out, but the news of victory came back quickly.

This desert wolf... really taught people to like and hate.

Both joy and sorrow, in the end, joy prevailed.Dong Jiang's greasy face burst into smiles, and said, "Let's go! I'll pick up my good grandson myself!"

Dong Jiangang led people to the entrance of the barracks, but saw a cavalry team galloping ahead.The distance is still far away, people on horseback can't see very clearly, but the horse can see clearly - what is the tall maroon horse in the lead if it is not Han Fengxian's favorite ride?

Dong Jiang couldn't help but startled.

Although the battle was won and the enemy army fled, the general should never have returned so soon.The battlefield still needs to be cleaned up, and it will take a lot of time to count the trophies and prisoners. The general should stay to preside over the overall situation. How can there be any reason to run back by himself?And look at the horse's hooves galloping in a hurry, it doesn't look like it's returning from victory, but rather like it's coming back from running for its life.

Could it be that the intelligence was wrong, and the defeated battle was said to be a victorious battle?

But for a moment, Han Feng approached first, and before anyone entered the camp, he shouted in panic: "Military doctor! Call the military doctor!"

After he shouted several times, he finally rode outside the tent.

Only then did Dong Jiang see clearly that there was someone riding a horse with him in front of Han Fengxian.The man's face was pale, his lips were bloodless, and there was a broken feather arrow stuck in his chest.It seems that the military doctor was called for this man.

Yingkou was bustling with many people, Han Feng rode his horse first and was in a hurry, so he didn't notice that Dong Jiang was also nearby.He rode straight into the camp, and Dong Jiang's subordinates were about to stop him, but Dong Jiang raised his hand to stop him: "Oh, no need."

The men shut their mouths and watched helplessly as Han Feng took the wounded to the military doctor's bed first.

After the man rode away, Dong Jiang looked at Han Fengxian's back playfully, and asked, "Who is that person who was shot by the arrow? It seems familiar to me."

The subordinate hurriedly said: "I didn't see clearly either, it seems to be Ge Lingcha."

"Brother Lingcha?"

"Zhou Mu still remembers that when Han Fengxian first came to join Zhou Mu, Zhou Mu was considerate of him and returned to him the old generals he had captured before. There was Brother Ling Cha."

"Oh..." Dong Jiang certainly remembered this.However, he didn't have a deep impression of Ge Lingcha because Han Fengxian didn't bring this person with him on weekdays—or in other words, Han Fengxian rarely brought this person in front of him.

Dong Jiang's eyes became more interested, and he ordered: "Go and find out the details of that brother Lingcha, and report to me as soon as possible."

"Yes, State Shepherd."