Jiuxi

Chapter 745 Chapter 743 [Backhand]

The southeastern border of Dai State, Huanzhou City.

The reason why this small country isolated in the northwest of the continent has been able to remain stable until now is not only because Emperor Jing is temporarily unable to spare the time to plot against the northwest, but also because of the unique terrain here.

Overall, the State of Dai was located at a high altitude, making it naturally easy to defend and difficult to attack. In addition, there were large areas of sand sea within its territory, which really made people uninterested.

Perhaps when Emperor Jing unifies the world, he will remember that there is an enemy here and try to connect with the westernmost part of the continent. At that time, Emperor Jing's army may send troops to the northwest, but he will certainly not act rashly before that. This is why the Jing Dynasty annexed the State of Zhao and still turned a blind eye to the State of Dai.

But turning a blind eye does not mean being defenseless.

After the Qi-Jing War broke out again, Emperor Jing has continuously dispatched troops to the northwest border. As long as the Dai army makes the slightest movement, it will face a head-on attack from the Jing army.

In a magnificent mansion in the city, the current Privy Councilor and Gaoyang clan Mo Ning Ling Ge Shu Song Ping respectfully accompanied the nobleman sitting in the main seat and said, "Your Majesty, this is the current situation. Ali He Huan has obviously noticed the connection between our dynasty and Qi, otherwise he would not have sent more troops to the border for no reason."

The noble lady is the current Emperor of Dai, Geshu Kui, and the Alihehuandu mentioned by Geshu Songping is Emperor Jing.

Ge Shukui asked calmly, "Have you figured out the strength of the Jing army?"

Geshu Songping said solemnly: "Originally, they were just some soldiers stationed at the border. Logically, our army could handle them. But a few days ago, I received a secret report that Ali Hehuandu actually mobilized 30,000 Xiashan troops to the border."

"Xia Shanjun..."

Ge Shukui couldn't help but frown.

After ascending the throne, he no longer led troops in person, but after all, he had fought on the battlefield as a member of the three-tribe coalition, so he was not unfamiliar with the situation of the Jing army.

Among the nine armies of Jing State, the strength of Xiashan Army is undoubtedly among the best. After all, this is the foundation of Qingyu Family.

Emperor Jingdi actually transferred the Xiashan Army to the northwestern border. For a moment, Geshu Kui didn't know whether he should be disappointed or proud. The other party obviously attached great importance to the Dai Kingdom, otherwise they would not have made such an arrangement. However, with the appearance of the Xiashan Army, it became extremely difficult for the Dai Army to stab the Jing Kingdom in the waist.

Geshu Songping said slowly: "Your Majesty, I am afraid that the previous plan cannot be implemented."

According to the initial discussion between Dai and Qi, after Qi and Jing started the war, Dai would take advantage of Jing's focus on the southern battlefield and launch a surprise attack from the rear, so that Jing would be attacked from both sides and unable to take care of both ends.

However, Emperor Jing's attention was not limited to the southern border. This king had a broad vision and never ignored the enemies behind him, even though the Dai Kingdom seemed very weak.

Ge Shukui pondered and said, "You are right. He should know that the 5,000 war horses were sent to Shazhou. It seems that there are still many lackeys of the Jinglian people in our dynasty."

Geshu Songping could sense the murderous intent in these words. He could also understand the anger in the emperor's heart. He thought that the imperial court would soon launch a wave of self-examination.

But things have their priorities. The most important thing right now is not to find out who is the traitor among the Jinglian people, but how to deal with the situation on the border.

Thinking of this, Ge Shu Songping said tactfully: "Your Majesty, the Jinglian people have already prepared. Even if our army immediately advances eastward from Huanzhou, it will be difficult to pose a threat to the enemy. Otherwise, we should..."

He couldn't help but hesitate.

Using military force against the State of Jing would completely break the relationship, disrupting the peaceful situation of the past decade, and would inevitably lead to revenge from the Jing army afterwards.

It would be good if we can gain something this time, but if not, wouldn’t it be a loss without gaining anything?

However, if the Dai army did nothing, it would be tantamount to violating the alliance with Qi. Although wasting 5,000 war horses would not be a serious problem, it would be impossible to gain the trust of the king and ministers of Qi in the future. This was a very critical issue.

At this moment, Ge Shukui had a strange expression on his face, as if he could not hide his admiration, and said leisurely: "Lu Chen of Southern Qi is so young, but he has such vision and strategy. No wonder he can soar to the sky."

Geshu Songping seemed a little puzzled.

Ge Shukui looked at him and said, "The reason why I came to Huanzhou specially is not to interfere with you, but because I received a secret letter from Lu Chen."

"Oh? What did he say again?"

"He has anticipated that the Jing army would be on guard, and asked me to make other arrangements."

"Your Majesty, please speak clearly."

"He hopes that our army can maintain its current position in the eastern border to contain and deter the Jing army, and at the same time dispatch an elite force to attack the southwest at a rapid speed."

"southwest?"

Geshu Songping murmured, and then his eyes lit up and he said, "Shazhou?!"

"Yes, it is Shazhou." Ge Shukui stood up, paced with his hands behind his back, and said slowly: "He said that the Jing army might launch a surprise attack on Shazhou, thereby cutting off the retreat of Qi Jingzhou, so he asked me to send troops south to cut off the Jing army's retreat and trap them. The messenger he sent said that as long as I help him this time, whether the Jing army appears in Shazhou or not, our army does not need to fight the Jing army head-on, and the relationship between Dai and Qi will not be damaged, and the alliance will always be valid."

Koshu Songping fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he said with a slightly strange expression: "Your Majesty, why do I feel like I have become a puppet in Lu Chen's hands? Has he ever thought about whether all his efforts will be wasted if our army does not act according to his plan?"

"I also felt awkward at first, but it was only on the way here that I figured this out."

Ge Shukui stopped and laughed, "He must have considered the worst outcome, which is that I don't move, Shazhou is invaded by Jing's army, and then the southern part of Jingzhou in Qi is in crisis. But he will be prepared. Even if I don't send troops, he will have people block the advance of Jing's army. For us, Lu Chen's request is an opportunity to severely damage Jing's army. If we ignore it, we will eventually become the common enemy of Qi and Jing. Do you think I still have a choice?"

Ge Shusongping was speechless.

Geshu Kui sighed and said slowly, "Human hearts are like this. Lu Chen knows that I will not be willing to become a prisoner of Ali Hehuandu, knows that I want to lead the Gaoyang people out of this sea of ​​sand, and knows that I want the people to enjoy the fertile grasslands of the Jinglian people, so even if he makes more excessive demands, I will consider it carefully. What's more, his request now is not excessive, he just wants me to help him close the door."

After a brief silence, Ge Shusongping said in a low voice: "I understand Lu Chen's thoughts."

Ge Shukui asked with great interest, "What do you mean?"

Ge Shu Songping replied: "According to the intelligence I received before, there are currently two battlefields between Qi and Jing. One is that Lu Chen is personally leading his troops to approach Heluo, and the other is that Wu Yanshu is leading his troops to besiege Qi's Jingzhou army in the Taikang area. Lu Chen wants to complete the closing of the door and attack the dog. He first led his troops to capture Heluo, and then asked Your Majesty to send troops to block the retreat of Jing's army in the southwest. In the end, the main force of Jing's army led by Wu Yanshu will have no retreat."

"Is that so?"

Ge Shukui pondered for a long time, and then said: "That is to say, whether I send troops or not, Lu Chen can complete the encirclement of Wu Yanshu, and my decision will only affect that small corner in the southwest?"

Geshu Songping didn't dare to respond immediately.

"That's fine."

Ge Shukui smiled and shook his head, saying, "The dispute between Qi and Jing has been going on for a long time and it cannot be resolved overnight. Our dynasty is weak and we cannot empty our family's wealth right away. In this case, Lu Chen is still thinking about me?"

Geshu Songping forced a smile, but at the same time he admired the emperor's magnanimity.

Ge Shukui knew his thoughts very well and smiled, "You don't have to think too much. I am just comforting myself. We have been accumulating strength and watching from the sidelines these years in order not to attract the attention of the enemy. It is a good thing to be despised temporarily. The Jinglian people were able to expand from a hundred miles of land to the vast territory they have today. We Gaoyang people also have a chance. We just need to have enough patience and forbearance. Songping, you will lead the army yourself this time."

Ge Shu Songping bowed and said, "I accept your order."

Ge Shukui thought for a moment and said calmly, "I will reveal my identity and stay here in person to continue to attract the attention of the Jing army, and you will quietly return. I have secretly mobilized 40,000 elite troops. You will lead them along the small path to the southwest and head straight to the northern part of Shazhou. If the Jing army really breaks through Feiniao Pass, you will cut off their retreat."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my best!"

Geshu Songping spoke in a high-spirited tone, his face full of determination.

Ge Shukui nodded slightly, then stretched out his arms and said leisurely: "Although we have to be patient and wait, it is not a bad thing to show our edge occasionally."

There was a murderous intent in his eyes, like the sharpest blade in the world.

……

The Jing army camp in the north of Jingzhou and north of Taikang.

Inside the central army's tent, a group of brave generals held their breath and looked quietly at their commander Wu Yanshu who was standing beside the map.

They tried their best to restrain themselves from getting too excited.

I just received news that the Queen's biological brother Nan Yong personally led his troops to break through Feiniao Pass in Shazhou and open up the way to the east.

Now, the two surprise forces have already rushed towards Pingyang and Shahe, important towns in the south of Jingzhou of Southern Qi. The Qi army is in a situation where it is difficult to defend both ends. I believe that Liu Shouguang in Taikang City must be sitting on pins and needles at this time.

Wu Yanshu's eyes were still fixed on the map, and he said calmly, "It's not difficult to guess how Liu Shouguang will respond. A cautious and conservative man like him will only choose one path. On the one hand, he will personally command the army to defend Taikang, and on the other hand, he will send reinforcements back to the south to support Pingyang. Everyone, our army has now taken the absolute initiative. As long as we can annihilate the main force of the Jingzhou Army before Lu Chen breaks through Nanjing, then we will definitely win the final victory, so--"

He turned to look at the generals, scanning every face, and then said: "During this period of time, our army has captured the three military camps. Liu Shouguang only has Taikang and two auxiliary cities. Next, our army will close the gap and completely surround the tens of thousands of Jingzhou troops in front of us, and no longer give Liu Shouguang a chance to contact the outside world. Starting from tomorrow, we will first take the southwest auxiliary city, then another auxiliary city, and finally meet in Taikang. The overall situation will be determined in one battle!"

"I will obey your orders to stay behind!"

All the generals shouted in unison.

Wu Yanshu nodded and said word by word: "The decisive battle has come. You must march forward bravely. Anyone who delays the military operation will be killed without mercy!"

(End of this chapter)