Desert Eagle Suletan Khan

"General, our army has reached Dengzhou. After crossing Xikui Mountain, we can enter the territory of Xiangyang Prefecture in Huguang. Wang Fuyuan has collected a large amount of food and supplies this time, and the transportation of materials is very effective," Dingyuan Deputy General Tegus Chaoketu respectfully reported to Dingyuan General and Qin Wang Chuo Siji. The Wang Fuyuan he mentioned refers to Wang Du, who was recently promoted to the Governor of Henan. Wang Du did an excellent job as the Governor of Shanxi, effectively ensuring the supply of food and supplies and various military supplies for the Shanxi Guards. He also participated in battles and made many military achievements. Therefore, he caught the eye of the Great Khan Lianhua and was promoted to the Governor of Henan. Qi Liangzai, the Shanxi Provincial Surveillance Commissioner who also made great contributions, was promoted to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and Chen Hongzhu, the confidant of the King of Qi, was promoted to the Shanxi Provincial Surveillance Commissioner.

"Well, I heard my father Khan talk about Wang Du, saying that he has the talent for governance and understands military affairs, and is a rare talent. After the war, I will report to my father Khan for his contribution in raising military supplies." Although Chuo Siji was only fourteen years old, he was calm and flexible. Wang Du had experience in fighting wars, and he raised food and military supplies in a timely manner. He was also very good at dealing with people. After the army entered Henan, he gave him and the generals a lot of gifts. He knew that he should show some appreciation, so he said this.

"I would like to thank you on behalf of Wang Fuyuan." Teguschaoketu was a straightforward man, and he didn't realize that thanking him was equivalent to telling the King of Qin that he had received Wang Du's favor. Otherwise, why would he thank you for someone else's business? He continued to ask: "General, Dengzhou is ahead. Should we go into the city to rest?"

Chuo Siji smiled slightly, "If the army enters the city, it will inevitably disturb the people. Send the order to continue advancing and set up camp at the foot of Xikui Mountain. Anyone who dares to plunder the people's property will be executed!"

"Yes!" Tegus was startled at Ketu's heart and responded quickly. This young master looked kind but difficult to deal with. The first thing he said was "behead".

Seeing this, Chuo Siji couldn't help but feel secretly happy. His old father's teachings before leaving were still ringing in his ears, "Kindness cannot be used to command an army, and righteousness cannot be used to manage wealth. This is your first time leading an army, so military discipline must be strict. If you encounter anyone who violates military law, just kill them. Once you chop off a few bloody heads, your prestige will be established."

The military order was as strong as a mountain. The 55,000-strong army was like a huge wave, surging towards Xikui Mountain. Xi means frost; Kuai means a place where mountains and rivers bend. This mountain is located at the junction of Huguang and Henan. It is said that Ji Lian, the ancestor of the Chu State, was born in this mountain. "Ji Lian first descended to Kui Mountain, reached the end of the cave, and came out of Qiao Mountain. He lived in Yuanbo, went up the water, and saw the son of Pan Geng, who was in Fang Mountain..."

Leading an army into battle for the first time, he was inevitably excited. The young King of Qin couldn't help singing a song. This song was originally sung on a whim, but later became a famous Mongolian war song "The King of Qin Came to Xikui Mountain":
High eye bones,
Low nose bridge,
Tiger arms and bear waist,

Sharp-eyed,

He was David's King of Qin.

The wind howled,

The mountain road is difficult to travel.

Facing the challenge head on,
A wolf to David.

The camel bells are jingling,

The warriors are singing.

A tiger roars in the deep mountains.
How dare cattle and sheep go crazy?

The camel bells are jingling,

The warriors are singing.

Pull out the knife from the box,

How dare cattle and sheep go crazy?

The camel bells are jingling,

Warriors are singing. Drawing their bows to shoot at the setting sun,
How dare cattle and sheep go crazy?

The young and energetic King Qin compared his army to tigers and wolves, and his enemies to cattle and sheep. The lyrics are not beautiful, but they are full of arrogance and confidence, reflecting the thriving national situation of David at that time.

"General, Xikui Mountain is guarded by Qing troops, who are subordinates of Yang Laijia, the pseudo-Qing Xiangyang general. According to the report by Henan Admiral Cai Lu, Yang Laijia and the pseudo-Qing Yunyang general Guo Yi have secretly surrendered to David. Should we send someone to contact Yang Laijia and at the same time send an order to set up camp and prepare for battle?" Babai, another deputy general of Dingyuan, asked for instructions. Although he said he was asking for instructions, he actually told him what to do. The Great Khan was worried that the King of Qin was young and had no combat experience, so he immediately arranged two veterans in the army to serve as his deputies.

"Well, send someone to Xiangyang to contact Yang Laijia. Order the whole army to set up camp and prepare for battle, and tell Xuan Youcai to be careful." In this expedition, Jizhou General Xuan Youcai and Deputy General Fu Jinzhong led 10,000 surrendered soldiers as the vanguard, and their base was closest to the Qing army. That's why Chuo Siji specifically ordered someone to remind him to be careful.

"Yes," Babai took the order and left.

As the night grew darker, the King of Qin went into his tent to rest. He tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, anxiously waiting for news from Xiangyang.

He was not the only one who couldn't sleep. A few days ago, Guo Yi, the general of Yunyang Town, quietly led his troops from Yunyang to Xiangyang to meet Yang Laijia because he received a secret letter from Cai Lu, the governor of Henan Province of Wei State. Both Guo and Yang were former subordinates of Zheng family in Taiwan. They had a very good relationship with Cai Lu, who was also a former general of Zheng family. A few days ago, Cai Lu sent someone to send a letter to them, saying that His Royal Highness the King of Qin of the Wei State was leading his troops to the south, asking them to surrender quickly. The two of them decided to join forces in Xiangyang and wait for the Wei army to come to surrender the city.

"Brother Guo, does Brother Cai keep his word? As long as we surrender to David, not only will our official positions remain unchanged, but we can also wear Han clothes again?" Yang Laijia asked Guo Yi. Although he surrendered to the Qing, he still felt annoyed about the rat-tail braid on the back of his head.

"Of course. Brother Cai has always been trustworthy, how could what he said be false?" Guo Yi laughed, "My dear brother, you don't know yet, right? I heard that the mother of His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin who is here to conquer Huguang this time is the younger sister of His Royal Highness the Prince of Yanchang of the Ming Dynasty (referring to Zhu Shizhen, who succeeded the throne of King Su and was named King of the Ming Dynasty by the Great Khan Lianhua), and the Imperial Concubine of the Kingdom of David. The little prince has half the blood of the Ming Dynasty royal family flowing in his body."

"Are you serious?" Yang Laijia was shocked.

"Brother, I have already sent people to investigate thoroughly, how could it be false?" Guo Yi said proudly.

"In that case, isn't His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin the master we should be loyal to?" Yang Laijia's eyes were bright.

"That's right. It is estimated that His Highness's army will arrive soon. We must make preparations to welcome them early," Guo Yi whispered.

"Don't worry, Brother Guo. I have already sent troops to guard Xikui Mountain. As soon as the guards arrive, there will be news," Yang Laijia said confidently.

Soon, the guards of Xikui Mountain sent a envoy from the guards. Upon hearing the news, the two generals hurriedly prepared wine to entertain the envoy, not only offering him food and drinks, but also presenting him with generous gifts. The envoy was not of high rank, just a centurion, and was very happy to receive such a generous gift. His originally arrogant attitude softened instantly, and he kindly reminded them: "Thank you for your kindness, generals, but speed is of the essence. His Highness is still waiting for a reply at the foot of Xikui Mountain. You must open the pass as soon as possible and let our army enter Xiangyang."

"Don't worry, Your Excellency. The two of us and our 30,000 soldiers are ready. We will go to Xikui Mountain to welcome your army tomorrow," the two generals replied hurriedly.

"In that case, I will return tonight to report to Your Highness," the messenger was overjoyed.

Guo Yi looked at Yang Laijia and said with a smile: "It's getting late, please rest in the city for one night. We will send soldiers to escort you back to the camp early tomorrow morning. Xiangyang is a good place for beautiful women."

Hearing the word "beautiful woman", the envoy was startled, then laughed, "Thank you both for your kindness. In this case, I will obey your orders respectfully." (End of this chapter)