Water Margin: Lu Bu sits on Mount Liang

The alarm bell rang, and the soldiers in the city who had been well prepared quickly ran to the city gate under the leadership of the commanders of various armies.

Xiao Puxian, who led the women's army, appeared on the streets with noble women in armor to maintain order. Women carrying iron knives and strong bows rode war horses and galloped around the city, shouting at the people not to go to the streets and to return home quickly.

When the golden bell rang, several generals on standby in the city rushed to the south city wall.

Not much time had passed at this time. The flags of the resentful army were marching forward. Zhao Heshou, who was riding a warhorse in the front, led more than a thousand elite cavalrymen of the resentful army and waved his hands and shouted: "Open the city gate and let us in -

Open the city gates and release…”

The sound of hooves trampling the earth could be heard from a long distance away, and the roars of more than a thousand people were heard together with the sound of horses' hooves. The soldiers on the city wall frowned when they heard it. However, smoke and dust rose from the rear, and soldiers and horses were rushing over like crazy.

"Let the resentful army enter through the west side of the city."

A deep voice reached his ears, and the armored and helmeted Captain Xiao Bodie, the son-in-law of the emperor, walked up to the top of the city wall and said, "Call them all out. If they don't leave, they will all die under the city."

Several guards beside him looked at him and knew that the prince consort did not like the Han generals very much, so they hurried forward and took the lead in shouting: "Enter from the west of the city, enter from the west of the city!"

Zhao Heshou reined in his warhorse and looked at the Liao character flag above him, gritting his teeth. He then glanced at the expressionless Xiao Bodie above him and gritted his teeth: "Damn it, why did I let this bastard guard the South City."

Turning around: "Deliver the military intelligence to the commander."

The horses turned around and ran back. Zhao Heshou took a breath and saw Xiao Bodie turned around and said something on the top of the city wall. His face suddenly changed. He pulled the reins and turned his horse's head: "Let's go! To the west of the city."

When the cavalry under his command saw him turn, they did not hesitate and ran directly behind him.

Xiao Bodie, who was standing on the tower, looked at the resentful cavalrymen who had started to run, and raised his hand beside his ear. The archers who were running towards him stopped immediately, and then waved back: "Humph, these bastards are running fast."

The deputy general behind him hesitated for a moment: "Son-in-law, we are all comrades. Will this make General Guo feel uncomfortable?..."

Xiao Bo gave him a sidelong glance, and the general lowered his head hastily: "I spoke out of turn."

"He has a thorn? I still have a thorn in my heart. If it weren't for the cowards of the resentful army last time, we wouldn't have been defeated so quickly." Xiao Bodie looked at the rising dust fiercely: "It's the same this time. The Southern Dynasty's soldiers can't resist. What's the use of such a waste?"

The deputy general didn't dare to say anything more. Xiao Bodi took a breath and raised his voice: "Everyone, cheer up and get ready for battle!"

The soldiers on the city wall hurriedly entered the divided sections of the city under the leadership of their respective generals. Young and strong men kept carrying wood and stones up. A burst of smoke could be heard, and boiling oil and hot water were being boiled on the city wall.

Amid the flying yellow sand, Pharmacist Guo listened to the report from the cavalry on the situation ahead. His expression was inevitably stagnant. Then he looked around and saw Zhao Heshou moving to the side and nodded: "Order the army to march west of the city."

Turning his head to look at the Song army behind him, his eyes narrowed slightly: "Also send a message to the Song people, tell them that the incident happened suddenly, and our troops went to the west of the city to try to enter the city and create chaos."

"Yes."

The sound of war horses running away was heard, and Pharmacist Guo waved his hand and said, "Follow the cavalry and go to the west of the city."

……

The sound of footsteps kept ringing in his ears. Song Jiang looked at the city ahead with some excitement. The biggest goal of the Northern Expedition was right in front of him. If he could capture this city, he would be able to please the Grand Tutor and get a position at that time, instead of the embarrassing identity of a vanguard officer, which was to be the commander of an army but a commoner.

Just as he was thinking about it, news from the resentful army ahead came over. Mu Hong beside him slapped his thigh which was wearing armor leaves, making a metallic sound.

"These guys didn't attack the south gate but went west instead. They are really going too far!"

Then he looked at Song Jiang and said, "Vanguard, let me go forward and catch those Liao people and ask them what they are up to..."

Song Jiang raised his hand with a sullen face to stop him from speaking: "My dear brother, please calm down." Looking at Mu Hong's indignant expression, he stroked his beard that was blown by the wind: "The situation on the battlefield is complicated, and we can't always get what we want. General Guo didn't want to harm us, but because the Liao army in the south city didn't open the gate and left, how can we blame him? Besides, he will look for an opportunity in the west of the city. If he succeeds, it will save a lot of trouble."

"Who knows what he is thinking..." Mu Hong was still indignant.

Song Jiang ignored him, thought for a moment, and raised his hand: "Stop first, don't be impulsive, send a message to the rear central army, and ask the commander to make a decision."

At this moment, nearly 10,000 soldiers and horses under his command advanced to about three miles away from the city under the sight of countless people on the city wall, as if they were ignoring the soldiers and horses in the city.

"furious!"

Xiao Bodie slammed the wall hard. He looked at the crimson figure that had stopped with a sullen face. He said without turning his head, "Inform all the commanders in the city that there are Song troops stationed three miles outside the south city. Ask them if they are allowed to leave the city and attack."

Suddenly, a figure ran out from the top of the city. Xiao Bodie glanced at the army that had already drifted westward with a snort, and cursed softly, "Master Guo, this useless guy is really causing trouble for me."

……

The light of the sky passed through the city and turned to the west.

There were many soldiers standing inside the open city gate. Zhao Heshou did not intend to fight head-on when he entered the city. The cavalry of the Resentful Army, or the Ever-Victorious Army, did not have too many cavalrymen. He was not willing to fight for the Song people, not to mention that such a thing might cost him all his men.

In the distance, Yelu Fuding, wearing a suit of armor, looked at the incoming cavalry and waved his hand: "Go to the city, the cavalry are gathered over there, don't stay here."

Zhao Heshou was helpless as there were many soldiers gathered inside the city gate. He did not dare to wait for Master Guo there, so he could only lead his troops inside.

When Guo Yaoshi led his troops in, he saw that Zhao Heshou's troops were gone. He did not get angry at the moment, but just bowed to Yelu Foding, then led his troops in, whispering to Zhen Wuchen beside him: "Pass the order, Zhao Heshou's whereabouts are unknown, stay calm and wait and see what the Song army does before making a decision."

The confidant over there nodded and silently slowed down the speed of the war horses. Not long after, the restless mood of the resentful soldiers gradually calmed down.

……

Under the same sky, at Gaoliang River, southeast of Xijin Prefecture.

Figures were resting beside their war horses, a buzzing sound of talking could be heard, and several generals wearing clothes decorated with wolf-hair ornaments were being surrounded.

"I haven't worn this for a long time, I'm not used to it." Xiao Haili stretched his arms, then touched his newly shaved head and shuddered, "Damn it, all the hair I grew with great difficulty is gone, I'm really at a loss this time."

Han Chang and He Chongbao looked at each other and chuckled. After this group of surrendered Liao army generals reunited, Xiao Haili discussed with Yelu Yudu and decided to let the soldiers who were originally Khitan people restore their original hairstyle. Even so, they only accounted for 30% of them, and most of the rest were Han people.

Now the Liao army in Nanjing Road is mixed with Han and foreign troops. Originally, there were fewer Han and more foreign troops. However, after several battles, the situation has changed. Now this disguise should not reveal any flaws. "Okay, all of you, pay attention. When the Song people and Xijin Prefecture fight, we will wait for the opportunity to move and give them a hard time."

"Here!"

Yelu Ma Wu clapped his hands, clasped his hands together, and went down with Yelu Yudu to prepare the troops.

"General Xiao, you will be in the central army later, so don't rush to the front." Dong Ping pulled his collar and said unnaturally, "If you want to go forward, you must inform me."

Xiao Haili opened his mouth, and Hu Yanzhuo on the other side nodded: "That's right, if you get hurt again this time, I and General Dong will probably be skinned and hung on the city wall."

"...Alright, alright." Xiao Haili looked impatient and snorted, "I've agreed to it. You guys are so cowardly. You might lose your title and official position soon...Your Majesty, I was injured but I didn't pay attention. How could I be injured on the battlefield all the time?"

Dong Ping and Hu Yanzhuo touched their heads feeling a little embarrassed, but they were relieved when they heard that he would not rush forward.

Xu Wen glanced at the two of them and smiled without saying anything. He still had a hundred Wuwei cavalrymen under his command who were ordered to protect Xiao Haili, but they had been in Zuo Wuwei for a long time and their temperaments had become calmer and less flamboyant than before, so he kept silent.

The sky was bright and peaceful. The soldiers, who had dressed and rested, mounted their war horses. Less than six thousand elite riders rode in the wilderness. Looking from above, they looked just like the soldiers of the Liao Kingdom and there was nothing wrong with them.

……

The Song army was gathering its troops. Since there were few war horses in the country, they were naturally accustomed to fighting on foot. They believed they were good at defense and siege. Looking at the Liao troops on the city wall, each general showed disdain on their face.

Now, there are 40,000 soldiers in the Western Army, and more than 80,000 soldiers from Hebei, Hedong and the capital's imperial guards combined. They are all well-equipped, especially the soldiers from the capital who came later. They are well-fed and well-drinking, and each of them is strong and sturdy, looking very sturdy and strong. When they stand on the battlefield, they look like soldiers who have been tempered a thousand times.

These people were also the soldiers Liu Yanqing used to guard the central army. After all, they were all people who hung out in the army. He knew what kind of people these imperial guards of the capital were like. When he saw the brand new, scratch-free armor and the hands without any calluses, his eyes jumped.

Never mind, I'll wait until I see some blood and fight a couple of rounds slowly, maybe it will be useful.

Liu Yanqing retracted his gaze and looked at the army behind him. The tall ladders and whirlwind cannons had been assembled, and young men in simple clothes were pushing them over. The creaking sound of the wheels turning came from the battle formation.

"Let the front army prepare, and tell Song Jiang to attack first. As long as his troops can break into the city, he will be given the position of military commander of a state. If he can capture the Liao army's garrison commander, his merit will be doubled. If he can capture the Liao emperor, I will personally commend him for his achievements."

"Send a message to Yang Keshi and Zhai Jin, have them move to the west of the city. Don't pin your hopes on the Ever-Victorious Army, but act according to the situation."

“…Let the war begin!”

dong dong dong-

The exciting war drums sounded, and teams of figures wearing crimson robes began to march forward.

……

Song Jiang withdrew his gaze from behind, the words of the messenger still ringing in his ears. He took a few deep breaths and finally suppressed his turbulent emotions: "Order Lei Yingchun, Zhang Yue'e, and He Ji to attack first, and Wu Song, Sun Li, and Guo Gan to attack later."

"Order Zhu Tong, Shi Jin, and Mu Hong to protect the center army, and Li Junwen Renshi Chong to protect the two wings."

"Send a message to Lu Junyi and Xu Ning, and have them lead the troops to the front to support the battle. If there is any discord, ask them to provide assistance."

A series of orders were issued, and the cavalry ran out. Li Kui, who was standing guard nearby, curled his lips and took a step forward: "Brother, I, Tie Niu, am looking forward to fighting the Liao people. Can't you let me go forward and make some money?"

Wu Yong and Dai Zong looked at him with complicated eyes and couldn't help pinching their noses.

Song Jiang's face turned even darker. He glared at him and said, "In the army, I am called the vanguard." Then he swung the whip in his hand and said, "You black bastard, you are staying in the center without orders. Why are you so talkative? If you keep talking, be careful of the stick!"

"...You're scaring me again." Li Kui's face drooped, and he walked aside muttering, "You're not that bad even if you say I'm a black fellow."

Tang Long looked at him while holding the golden hammer, then turned away. This idiot, if the vanguard had not trusted him, he would have been buried somewhere long ago.

……

The rumbling sound of war drums came from the opposite side. On the top of the city wall, Yelu Zongyun and Zongdian who came to support looked at Xiao Bodie. The prince consort said to them, "Please be patient, princes. Help guard the top of the city wall."

"As it should be." Yelu Zongyun looked down at the crimson ocean with an indifferent look: "Although the Song bandits' troops may seem numerous, they are nothing more than this now."

Before he finished speaking, several stones were thrown from a distance. Many soldiers on the city wall shouted, and saw that the stones were either falling in front of the city or flying over the city wall and hitting the back. There was a commotion immediately.

"No chaos!"

"Quiet--"

Shouts continued to rise and fall. The few people who had not moved snorted, "It's just calibrating the target, why are you making such a fuss?"

"Many of them are new recruits and have no experience. Erlang, don't be too demanding."

At the moment when the brothers Yelu Zongyun and Zongdian were talking, the general commanding the archers on the city wall shouted the order "Shoot!" and a rain of arrows suddenly fell from the top of the city wall, crisscrossing each other.

"Ah!" Lei Yingchun, who was walking forward with a shield in his hand, suddenly stopped, squatted down, and at the moment he raised the shield with his left hand, he pulled Zhang Yue'e's body towards him. Dense black shadows fell down, and for a moment his ears were filled with crackling sounds.

The couple's arms were shaking. Some of the arrows that hit the shields bounced off and fell to the ground, while others flew directly over the edge of the shield and stabbed at their feet. Many soldiers fell down in pain, and their blood seeped into the soil.

"Ah!" A familiar scream was heard, and the couple trembled. They turned their heads and saw Lu Chengneng lying straight on the ground.

"Fuck his eight generations of ancestors."

Zhang Yue'e's eyes instantly turned red. When the rain of arrows from the top of the city wall stopped, she stood up immediately. Lei Yingchun quickly held up his shield and sword to protect his wife's side, and looked at the top of the city wall fiercely: "Attack and kill these assholes!"

The figure pushing the ladder let out an "Ah!" roar, and the huge siege machine moved forward, opening in full view of everyone.

boom--

Get on top of the city wall. (End of this chapter)