The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 249 Seducing Yang Chonggui Again

In the north of Pinggao County, on the bank of the Hulu River, a dozen miles further north of the Dangxiang Camp, the main force of more than [-] Changyi Army troops was slowly advancing along the riverside road.

The marching team marched in two columns in an orderly manner without flying any flags. Each commander stood by the road from time to time, reminding the sergeants of the headquarters not to whisper to each other during the march, but to follow quickly. News was passed among the soldiers and horses, and there were also sergeants from the picket camp running past on horseback with a scrutinizing gaze to check the military discipline of each department.

In front of the team, Zhu Xiu rode a docile spring horse, walking side by side with Chai Rong and Li Chongjin.

"We agreed to let me take the lead, but it turned out to be an advantage. Pan Mei, you also asked me to rob the camp. You said that I was the leader, and there was a lot of oil and water. Now it's good, but you called me back halfway, and I had to go far away. Lu, what are you going to do after running behind the ass of Dangxiang Daying?"

During the march, Li Chongjin complained endlessly.

Chai Rong couldn't listen anymore, frowned and reprimanded: "Stop making noise! ​​As a general, how can you be free to lead troops? You should obey military orders and do whatever you are told!"

Li Chongjin glanced at Shi Xiangwen, who was striding forward beside Zhu Xiu, carrying a heavy iron stick on his shoulders, and muttered: "If I were to lead the army, I would have broken the party's camp by now! There is no need to take a long detour, you have to run away." You even brought Shi Dalang here, you clearly don’t trust me."

Shi Xiangwen turned his head and grinned at him, looking silly.

Zhu Xiu comforted: "As the saying goes, good steel is used on the blade. You, the Black King, are brave and good at fighting. You are the sharpest knife in our army. Naturally, you must use it in key places to kill the enemy with one blow!"

Li Chongjin snorted: "Li Guangrui and Li Guangyan have been captured, what else are you using me for? All the good things have been taken away by Zhao Da'er and Pan Dahu, and they still call them brothers. It's so unkind to even Zhang Bao." Even that pretty boy can get an opportunity for an ambush."

Zhu Xiu comforted and said: "The Li brothers are arrogant and arrogant. It is easy to capture them. The people who are left behind in the Dangxiang camp are ruthless characters. I can only ask you, the Black King, to deal with them!"

Li Chongjin squinted his eyes, his face full of disbelief: "Seriously?"

Zhu Xiu nodded quickly: "No lies!"

Li Chongjin grunted and hesitated.

After a while, Li Chongjin couldn't bear his temper and said he wanted to go ahead to explore the road and pat the horse away.

Chai Rong asked suspiciously: "I've heard of Yang Xin's reputation in Linzhou, but his son Yang Chonggui is really as powerful as you say?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "The tiger father has no dog sons, and the Yang family in Linzhou has been powerful for generations. Since the Khitan went south in the last years of Tianfu, Yang Xin has led the tribe to organize elders, build forts, and dig trenches and trenches to resist the Khitan invasion. Although Yang Chonggui is young, But I heard that he is quite like a father, if you have a chance, you should get acquainted with him."

Chai Rong was a little confused. Zhu Xiu had never been to Linzhou, so why was he so interested in Yang and his son?
However, Zhu Xiu always had a vicious eye when looking at people. Zhao Pu and Pan Mei in Cangzhou back then, and Zhao Kuangyin who was coaxed by him to join Cangzhou in Mingzhou, were all talents whom he rated highly.

Needless to say, Zhao Kuangyin has been with him for more than two years and has become his right-hand man just like Zhang Yongde.

Pan Mei is now getting along well in the Chang Yi Army and has become a general who can stand alone.

Zhao Pu has been following Liu Ci, the commander of the right wing of Fengguo, and I heard that Liu Ci has won the trust of Liu Ci, and he is regarded as a confidant. Last year, the imperial court wanted to conscript Zhao Pu into the court as an official. Zhao Pu refused to go, and Liu Ci was not willing to let him go. .

Chai Rong will wait and see what kind of outstanding hero Yang Chonggui, who is now valued by Zhu Xiu, will be.

Zhu Xiu suddenly thought of something, winked and said with a somewhat obscene smile: "I wonder if Chai Shuai is familiar with the Yong'an Army Jiedu Envoy Zhe Congruan's family?"

Chai Rong was stunned for a moment, shook his head and said: "General Zhe is a famous general in our dynasty, and I admire him very much. Unfortunately, I have only met General Zhe a few times, and did not have much in-depth communication. My father-in-law and General Zhe have some friendship, but The Zhe family has been stationed in Fuzhou, resisting the Khitan army on the Western Front, and has basically not been mobilized in these years. Their family rarely returns to Beijing, and they have not seen each other for a long time."

Chai Rong glanced at Zhu Xiu and asked strangely: "Why do you suddenly ask about the Zhe family?"

"I heard that Yang Chonggui was engaged to the daughter of the Zhe family, so I was a little curious?" Zhu Xiu said casually.

Chai Rong said with a smile: "What does the engagement between two families have to do with you? Why are you curious?"

Zhu Xiu said hey: "I heard that the daughter of the Zhe family is also a heroine. She has not liked red clothes and armed forces since she was a child. She followed her father and brother to fight against the Khitans. I admire her deeply, so I ask this question."

"You are talking about the Zhe family, the eldest son of General Zhe and the youngest daughter of Fuzhou governor Zhe Deke." Chai Rong said with a smile, "I have heard of this girl's name. It is said that she has learned the Zhe family's marksmanship since she was a child. , her martial arts skills are outstanding, even her two brothers are no match."

Zhu Xiu said with a face full of gossip: "Is this girl's maiden name called Zhe Saihua?"

Chai Rong was startled, a little unsure: "Years ago, General Zhe came to Beijing to report on his duties. I met him once when my father, the commander-in-chief, entertained General Zhe and his family. I remember he was called by this name. I can't remember clearly."

Zhu Xiu clicked her tongue and sighed, Yang Chonggui had a good life, and he got such a good wife so early.

Chai Rong frowned and saw some meaning in Zhu Xiu's sighing expression.

"What, you want to discount our daughter?" Chai Rong looked serious, "Although Zhe Deqian is a gentle and kind gentleman, his father, General Zhe Congruan, has a fiery temper and is very difficult to mess with. The Zhe family Since my daughter is engaged to the Yang family in Linzhou, I advise you to give up as soon as possible and don't ask for trouble."

Zhu Xiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Where are you thinking, Chai Shuai? I have never seen a girl from the Zhe family, how can I take her idea? It's just that this girl has a good reputation, so I'm just a little curious."

Chai Rong took a deep look at him, and suppressed a smile: "I thought you planned to arrest Yang Chonggui because of the Zhe family's daughter."

Zhu Xiu couldn't help rolling his eyes: "Shuai Chai misunderstood, how can military and state affairs be confused with children's private affairs!"

Chai Rong smiled and persuaded: "Miss Lingyan is not bad compared to the daughter of the Zhe family. If you like this type of woman, you don't have to look far away. There is also Mrs. Fu Er. In terms of family background and beauty, the daughter of the Zhe family is I’m afraid it’s not as good as that.”

Zhu Xiu cupped his hands, with a bitter face: "Chai Shuai don't have to say anything, I really don't want to capture Yang Chonggui alive to win the daughter of the family."

Chai Rong teased him and found it quite interesting, so he laughed out loud.

"But has Chai Shuai ever thought that the position of governor of Yang Xinlin Prefecture was strongly recommended by Hedong Jiedushi and the emperor's uncle Liu Chong.

Liu Chong sat in Taiyuan and wooed the Yang family, and the Yang family married the Zhe family. In this way, dozens of important military fortresses in the north of Hedong, along the line from Fuzhou, Linzhou to Daizhou, were tightly surrounded by Liu Chong. Worship your side"

Zhu Xiu suddenly changed the subject and said.

Chai Rong was stunned and suddenly understood the meaning of Zhu Xiu's words: "You mean, it was Liu Chongde's officials who ordered him to gather troops on the northern front?"

Zhu Xiudao: "Liu Chong went to Hedong to consolidate military power for the officials. The Yang family in Linzhou and the Zhe family in Fuzhou are both military towns in northern Xinjiang. Especially the Zhe family has guarded the Yong'an Army for many years. There are many soldiers in Shengzhou and Daizhou. He was born under the Zhe family. If the Zhe family returns, Hedong will be stable from now on.

Hehe, we official, I'm afraid we have a lot of thoughts, and we are playing a big game of chess!It has been almost three years since he took the throne, and he will finally begin to take control of the military power himself." Chai Rong's brows deepened, and for some reason, his heart jumped wildly a few times, feeling vaguely uneasy.

~~~
On the banks of the Hulu River, Dangxiang South Camp.

Yang Chonggui, who was dressed in military armor, climbed up to the observation tower of the camp and looked toward Pinggao County.

It has been a day and a night since Li Guangrui and Li Guangyan sent troops. Since yesterday evening, no news has been returned.

At night, he sent several sentries to investigate, but no one came back to report until this morning.

Pinggao County is not far away from here, so it is not normal to lose contact for a long time.

Yang Chonggui would not be surprised if Li Guangrui led the army alone and neglected to send people to maintain contact with the main camp.

But when Li Guangyan went with him, he even forgot to keep in touch with Daying, which is unbelievable.

Yang Chonggui's heart became more solemn, Li Guangyan must have encountered something.

If no news came back at noon, he decided to lead his troops to support himself.

There was a sound from the stairs behind him, and Xue Xiuming also climbed up the watchtower.

Xue Xiuming took a breath, leaned on the railing and looked into the distance, and said worriedly: "It stands to reason that it is impossible for Pinggao County to send troops out of the city to fight. The two major generals have been provocative for a while below the city, grabbing some cattle, sheep, horses and so on. They should come back. Why? Long time no return?"

Yang Chonggui thought for a while and said: "The spies reported back the day before yesterday that Pinggao County seemed to have reinforcements. Could it be that the two of them lost the field battle with the Zhangyi Army and were unwilling to withdraw. They stayed outside the city and looked for opportunities to fight again? But they only brought dry food for three days, how long can they last? Something is wrong~"

Xue Xiuming was surprised and said: "The Zhangyi army came to Pinggao County, why didn't there be any news about it? Can you find out who is leading the army?"

Yang Chonggui smiled bitterly and said: "I don't know much about this matter. After all, I am not a member of the disaster army. But I heard Li Guangrui said before leaving that it seems that Zhu Xiu'er came to rescue Pinggao himself!"

Xue Xiuming was shocked: "Zhu Xiu?! If it is really him, I'm afraid the two major generals will be in danger here!"

Yang Chonggui asked doubtfully: "Didn't Mr. Xue say that Zhu Xiunai is a weak scholar with no power to tie a chicken, how can he threaten Brother Rui and Wulang?"

Xue Xiuming was so anxious that he slapped his thigh: "The dog thief Zhu Xiu is extremely cunning and good at using tricks. Li Guangyan and Li Guangyan have never fought against him before. They don't know the depth. If they encounter him and attack rashly, they may be ambushed!"

Yang Chonggui was dubious. In his opinion, even if the little thief named Zhu Xiu was cunning, how capable he was on the battlefield?
As he was talking, the sound of galloping horseshoes was heard in the distance. Yang Chonggui hurriedly blocked the sun. Looking from a distance, he saw a horse team of more than ten people running in panic under the mound in the distance.

"It's the flag of the Dingnan Army and the Wuyuan Army!" Xue Xiuming shouted in panic.

Yang Chonggui also saw clearly that the fleeing cavalry was dressed in party uniforms and carried tattered military flags. The soldiers on the horse were all disgraced and covered in blood, as if they had escaped after a desperate fight.

"Open the camp door and let them in! Quick!" Yang Chonggui shouted, and he and Xue Xiuming climbed down the stairs to the watchtower.

The camp door creaked open, and the cavalry rushed into the camp. Several leading sergeants jumped off their horses, stumbled to Yang Chonggui, knelt down, and wailed miserably: "General Li Zhen asked General Yang to immediately lead the soldiers and horses in the camp to the outside of Pinggao City. Rescue!"

Yang Chonggui grabbed his collar with one hand, lifted him up with a little force, and shouted: "How is the war going? Tell me!"

The sergeant who reported the news, his face covered in black and gray mixed with blood, said with a mournful face: "Yesterday afternoon, while marching to the outside of Pinggao County, we suddenly encountered enemy troops coming out of the woods. After a fight, the enemy generals retreated. General Li Zhen and Major General led their troops to pursue them. Was led into a valley near the gorge.
Unexpectedly, a large number of black fire mines were buried in the valley. They exploded together. The horses were frightened and fled in all directions. The valley was smoky. We were blocked at both ends and fought fiercely to escape. Now the two generals retreated to the bank of the Hulu River and were being attacked by the enemy. Siege, General Yang please come to rescue quickly! "

Yang Chonggui was shocked and his eyes were full of horror.

From what it sounds like, Li Guangrui, Li Guangyan and more than 3000 Wuyuan soldiers are in danger!

Xue Xiuming asked hurriedly: "Do you know who is leading the Zhangyi Army?"

The party soldier who reported the news said dejectedly: "The one who led us to the Xia Mountain was a long-bearded general. He used a flower knife. He was really powerful! When we were near the Xia Mountain, we saw another young man wearing white clothes and holding a hair fan. As soon as we entered the valley The figure disappeared into the mist, and it was unclear whether it was a human or a ghost."

Xue Xiuming gasped, and murmured: "It's really Zhu Xiu's dog thief who came in person."

Yang Chonggui did not think twice and made a quick decision: "You should eat some dry food immediately and rest for a while. When I dispatch the troops and horses and arrange the camp guards, I will go to the Xiashan rescue with you immediately!"

The reporting sergeant clasped his fists gratefully and said, "Thank you, General Yang!"

Yang Chonggui strode away, gathering troops and horses, ready to go to the rescue.

A quarter of an hour later, more than 500 soldiers and horses were assembled. Yang Chonggui got on his horse, took the silver gun, clasped his hands and said, "Mr. Xue, there are more than 500 people left in the camp. I have made arrangements for defense. Sir, you can rest assured. If the situation changes, sir, you and your soldiers will retreat to the northern camp and abandon the southern camp."

Xue Xiuming opened his mouth to say something, but without saying anything, he smiled bitterly and cupped his hands and said, "General Yang, take care!"

"Take care, sir!" Yang Chonggui shouted, raised his silver spear high, his horse neighed, and rushed out of the camp like an arrow from a string.

Hundreds of war horses galloped, filled with sand and dust, and rushed toward the gorge mountain along the banks of the Hulu River.

Xue Xiuming looked at the camp gate that was slowly closing, his expression changing.

He felt vaguely that something was not good, he was afraid that Li Guangrui and Li Guangyan were in danger, and Yang Chonggui would not be able to get away with it if he left.

"That's all, you must never put your life in the hands of others! It's not advisable to stay here for a long time. It's better to go somewhere else to live first and wait until we find out the exact news about Li Guangyan!"

Xue Xiuming gritted his teeth and secretly made up his mind.

His face was so gloomy that he looked around, and when several party leaders were not paying attention, he turned around and ran quickly towards the Beida camp.

He wanted to rush back to pack his bags and find a chance to escape.

(End of this chapter)