It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

There is a famous saying in "Cao Gui's Discussion on War":

"Do it all at once, second time tired, third time exhausted."

More than a thousand militia captains were Lu Yuan's winning hand on the Wusong battlefield.
Wu Ziyu's 4,000 troops besieged the core position of a regiment and were about to annihilate it.

Suddenly, a surprise force appeared in the darkness.
Not only are these veterans very good at shooting, but they can also fight hand-to-hand with two men at once.
At that time, the soldiers of Liangjiang Prefecture were extremely excited.

I didn't pay much attention to what was behind me, so I was hit by a guy.
More than a thousand veteran soldiers quickly defeated the government troops in the east by encircling them from both sides.

But they were not in a hurry to meet the remnants of a group.
Instead, it split into two again, sweeping to both wings,
Immediately, the soldiers on both the north and south sides were thrown into a panic.

The regiment commander was no ordinary man. He loudly announced that reinforcements had arrived and vowed to stop the enemy in the west at all costs.

In less than a moment, the soldiers who were frantically attacking from the west discovered that

All three of their teammates were useless, leaving them alone in the deepest depths, in danger of being surrounded at any time.

So, he decisively followed Guang Tongchen and quickly retreated from the hill.

In this battle, both sides suffered heavy losses.
The number of Liangjiang Prefecture soldiers who retreated was less than 3,000.
Even if we add the two reserve teams of 1,000 under Wu Ziyu's command, there are only 5,000.
Moreover, the morale of the entire army fell to the bottom due to the failure of the mission.

The Far East Group only had 60 to 70 people left.
The regiment commander was hit by two bullets, and only one out of ten officers in the battalion, company, and platoon survived.

However, they held out to the end, and the Wusong position was still in the hands of the Far East Army.

In Niuxing Town, more than half of the casualties on both sides were
Still in a stalemate, under the cover of night, licking his wounds with a scowl,
The second group's secondary battlefield is relatively easy.

The soldiers on the east and west wings became very cautious after suffering a thousand casualties during the day.

In order to deal with Wu Ziyu's "night attack" order,
Two shrewd commanders sent out small forces to harass the enemy.
This move is insignificant and does not affect the overall situation.

Wu Ziyu was furious in the military tent, but this time it was a complete defeat.

I can't even execute the killing, after all, the law does not punish everyone.

If you force military law, your subordinates will most likely rebel...

Besides, which captain doesn’t have some personal connections with the Governor’s Office?
In the end, it was the military maps drawn by the staff that bore the brunt of the anger.

He was chopped to pieces by the sharp command knife and couldn't fight back.

The officers and soldiers of the government also had gloomy faces, and gradually gathered the officers and soldiers who had escaped back...

It was so dark that many of the fleeing soldiers couldn't tell what was what.
When they realized they were running in the wrong direction, they went around in circles before returning to the barracks in groups of three or five.

Afterwards, tonight's night raid,
It was judged by many military commentators as the turning point of the "Far East Self-Defense Counterattack War".
Although Wu Ziyu still had an advantage in terms of military strength,
However, the Liangjiang soldiers no longer had the ability, or confidence, to launch a decent attack.

They were really scared of being beaten.

In other words, the rebels' "iron will" is incomprehensible.

This is the general psychological perception of the lower-class soldiers.

On the contrary, the Far East New Army was full of enthusiasm and eager to fight.
From defense to counterattack, in the end, victory in the entire battle was achieved without any suspense.

When dawn came, the 5,000 fresh troops of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Regiments,
After resting in the middle of the night, under the command of the General Staff, the troops were divided into three groups and rushed into the Wusong battlefield.
Two thousand people surrounded Wu Ziyu's headquarters.

Two thousand men attacked the second regiment of the western government troops.
One thousand people surrounded Niu Xing's "Two Rivers and Four Treasures"
The countermeasures that Wu Ziyu can take are:

He could only order the more than 2,000 soldiers of the Second Regiment to return to the base camp.
At the same time, he applied to the Governor-General of Liangjiang, Dong Zhizhang, to withdraw to Jiangnan.

However, Governor Dong did not respond for a long time.
Why?

Doesn't he understand that the three-state encirclement strategy has failed?

No, no!

Although Dong Zhizhang was a civil official, he was proficient in military strategy.
He had already determined that the battle of Wusong could not be reversed by human power.

Huh?
Then why not withdraw troops quickly to stop the losses?
If Wu Ziyu's 8,000 troops can be preserved, it may not be impossible to make a comeback...

Well, the mystery here lies in the factional struggle in the court.

Although Governor Dong is a powerful local lord,
But in the court, he belonged to the new "Westernization School".
He has always been regarded as a thorn in the side by the powerful "conservatives", who want to get rid of him as soon as possible.

The struggle for power and the strife between factions never consider the overall situation.

In the eyes of the "conservatives", the victory of the "Westernization Party" is even more painful than the death of their parents.
They were always looking forward to the "defeat of the three states".
In order to "kick the dog when it's down" and make sure the "Westernization Faction" will never be able to stand up again!

Therefore, under the suggestion of "Sixth Prince of Devil",
Dong Zhizhang would rather "drink poison to quench thirst" than issue a "withdrawal" order.
After three days of rest, more than 6,000 Eastern Frontier troops,

The Liangjiang Prefecture military camp was surrounded on three sides, and the only way out was cut off.

Wu Ziyu controls the only "Tongbei Wharf".
I waited day and night, but all I got was four words from Governor Dong:

"Hold on and wait for help!!!"

The three exclamation marks made Wu Ziyu feel like he was falling into an icy cave.

Finished!

He knew very well that Dong Zhizhang had no reinforcements at all.
The two states of Jiangnan and Jiangbei also suffered heavy losses. It was impossible for them to risk their lives again to save him.
The fate of the Liangjiang soldiers... is only death!
Watching the summer water flowing eastward, Wu Ziyu seemed to have aged twenty years...

The Far East Board of Directors was all smiles.

In the self-defense counterattack, the Far East Army defeated the enemy with fewer troops and achieved an unprecedented victory, proving its own strength.
Looking to the east, who else but the far east?

However, there are roughly two opinions on how to deal with the heavy troops from Liangjiang that were surrounded.

The war faction believes that it is better to use the remaining courage to pursue the enemy rather than to seek fame by imitating the tyrant!
The peace advocates believe that it is better to forgive others when possible and it is better to resolve grievances than to create them.

The two sides exchanged sharp words and quoted classics, which was very lively.

Finally, the situation became deadlocked and the chairman was asked to make a ruling.
Lu Yuan rushed over from the General Staff Headquarters.
After listening to the statements of the two representatives, he nodded.
"Of course, we must be as ruthless as autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves when dealing with our enemies!"

The war faction was delighted, while the peace faction was dissatisfied.
However, Lu Yuan changed the subject and continued:

"But no matter what you do,

We must act with reason, benefit and moderation, and force is never the only means to resolve problems."

At this point, both factions were dumbfounded.
I asked you to say both the positive and negative things, what is your meaning?

Lu Yuan smiled and said:

"Everyone, the war is basically over.

Next, we need to find a political solution. My suggestion is that both sides should conduct peaceful negotiations.”

"How to talk?"

Lu Yuan raised his thumb and said with a smile:

"That's a good question. How should we discuss it and what should we discuss? Why don't you all work together..."

There was another round of chattering and discussion.

Finally, the Far East Board of Directors sent an envoy to Wu Ziyu's central military tent.

"Peace talks? What do you want to talk about?"

The messenger said sharply:

"Given the current situation between the two sides, this peace negotiation has three bottom lines..."

Wu Ziyu asked in confusion: "Which three?"

"First, your army must disarm.

Generals of the rank of Qianzong and above must be tried by our military courts."

"Choke!"

A captain was furious and drew his sword, pointing it at the Far East envoy.
"Ma burp, are you looking for death?!"

The messenger was quite stubborn and sneered without blinking:
"Humph, if I were afraid of death, would I dare to come?"

Wu Ziyu frowned.
Since ancient times, when two countries go to war, they do not kill envoys.
Besides, the entire camp is under the guns of the Far East Army, so peace is the most important thing!
"No rudeness!"

The captain, realizing that he could not scare the envoy, could only leave the tent in anger.

Wu Ziyu looked at the messenger and asked:

"A gentleman can be killed but not humiliated. Isn't this condition too much?"

The messenger continued to talk.

"First, we need to ensure that your army does not pose a threat to us.
Of course, we will guarantee the right to life of your officers and soldiers in accordance with international conventions.

In addition, this battle, you give us,

There have been a large number of casualties and huge economic losses, and someone must be held accountable for this.”

Wu Ziyu did not comment.
"Go on..." "Second, the bordering counties of Jiangbei and Jiangnan Prefectures, as well as Mingchong Island in Liangjiang Prefecture,
All of them were assigned to Jidong County, and the counties adjacent to it were set up as buffer zones.

No troops may be stationed there, no military facilities may be built, and they must be ready to accept our inspection at any time."

Wu Ziyu's staff were sweating profusely.
"You, you want us to lose our rights and humiliate our state..."

The messenger chuckled and said, "If you disagree, you can continue to fight. The result will be the same anyway!"

Wu Ziyu said with difficulty: "We can't make the decision on this..."

The messenger replied readily:
"Then you just make a verbal promise and then turn a blind eye..."

Wu Ziyu felt very uncomfortable in his chest and asked:
"anything else?"

The messenger raised a finger and said: "The three states should compensate us for our losses.
A total of 100 million taels of silver, and open the market, without hindering the circulation of commerce. "

Wu Ziyu was so angry that he laughed:

"Are you kidding?"

The messenger shook his head: "I am only responsible for delivering the message. Whether it is a joke or not is up to you. Goodbye!"

Wu Ziyu suddenly said: "Wait!"

The messenger turned and asked, "Commander Wu, please speak!"

Wu Ziyu thought for a moment and said, "Your level is too low, I don't trust you!"

"Oh? Then what do we do?"

"Tomorrow at noon, Wu will be waiting for Commander Shen to arrive at the battlefront!"

The messenger was stunned and said uncertainly:
"I have not received any instructions in this regard."

Wu Ziyu suddenly felt better.
"Hahaha, I heard that Commander Shen is the bravest among the three armies.
However, if it is inconvenient for him to come, it doesn’t matter, someone else can do it for him!"

The messenger left.

Some of his subordinates praised Commander Wu's wit.

"That fishmonger is as timid as a mouse. He would not dare to come and challenge the commander-in-chief!"

Wu Ziyu gave General Qian a cold look, then turned and went into the back tent.

The captain was puzzled and asked his staff quietly.
"Oh, you said the wrong thing!"

"Wrong? What's wrong?"

"If the other party is really as cowardly as a mouse, what glory do we have?"

The generals understood immediately, and all looked sad.
The aide then asked, "What if he really comes to the meeting tomorrow?"

Someone asked in surprise:
"A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. He wouldn't be so stupid, right?"

The staff looked out of the tent and sighed:

"Extraordinary people do extraordinary things. Who can say for sure... Let's go!"

At noon the next day, Wu Ziyu ordered his men to build a shed in the middle of the two armies.
Then he set out a table for drinks and left him and his staff alone, waiting for the arrival of Shen Beixuan, the Lord of the Far East.

The sun is blazing in the sky, and noon is approaching.
In order to comfort the commander-in-chief who looked gloomy, the staff smiled and said:

"I guess Commander Shen is very busy and has no time to spare!"

Wu Ziyu said calmly:

"If we were in each other's shoes, we would be at the mercy of the chopping board. It doesn't matter whether you come or not..."

Before he finished speaking, he saw two riders on fine horses galloping from behind the Far Eastern Army's front line.

The staff opened his mouth and muttered:

"Eh? No way..."

Wu Ziyu stood up suddenly, stopped and stared,

Lu Yuan and Elizabeth came together, arrived in front of the shed, and both dismounted.

Lu Yuan looked at Wu Ziyu behind the desk and said with a smile:

"Commander-in-Chief Wu, sorry for the long wait! I am Shen Beixuan from the Far East!"

Wu Ziyu nodded and walked out of the shed.
"The defeated general, Wu Ziyu, is waiting for the arrival of Commander Shen!"

"The past, let it pass,
This is the representative of the Yingjisha Merchants Group, Ms. Elizabeth!"

After the two sides exchanged greetings, they entered the pavilion together, sat down, and began to eat and drink.
After two drinks, Wu Ziyu, who was more sensitive to foreigners, asked,

"Ms. Elizabeth, why are you here?"

Lu Yuan smiled and explained:
“It should be considered a third-party representative.

Witness the negotiation between you and me, as well as the subsequent execution. "

Elizabeth said, unskillfully, in Judge Dee's words:
“The Nine-Nation Merchant Group believes that peace is very important!

Each party must conscientiously implement your negotiation agreement."

According to the prior arrangement, Wu Ziyu's staff was the first to complain.
"Commander-in-Chief Shen, honest people don't speak in secret, let's turn hostility into friendship.
It is indeed a great merit, but your three conditions are really too much.
We have absolutely no way of agreeing to this, so please come up with some sincere terms..."

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and said:

"Actually, to be honest with Commander Wu,
At first, I did have a ‘sincere thought’, but I wondered if I should say it or not. "

Wu Ziyu put down his wine glass and said with a smile:

"Mr. Wu has always been upright and honest. There is nothing he cannot tell others. Commander Shen, feel free to speak up!"

"Okay! As long as Commander-in-Chief Wu leads his troops to surrender to the Far East, I will forgive him for what happened!"

"Um?!"

The staff was shocked.

He knew very well that the officialdom was treacherous.
Dong Zhizhang’s principle is: trust people when you employ them, and don’t employ people you don’t trust!
Once the Governor heard this, Wu Ziyu's future would be over.

In other words, he will suffer the same misfortune.

Some people may say that as long as Wu Ziyu refuses righteously, there will be no problem.

However, if someone is deliberately finding fault, Wu Ziyu will not be able to explain himself.
After all, the conservative faction is very powerful, and they are all looking for faults with a magnifying glass.
"If you, Wu Ziyu, had no ulterior motives, why did you meet with the rebel leader in private?"

"Once unfaithful, never again!"

"Even if you put 40,000 pigs, the rebels can't catch them all in a month. Do you still have the nerve to say you are loyal?"

Wu Ziyu was also in the officialdom, so he naturally knew the pros and cons.

However, he was not as panicked as his staff.

"Why did Commander Shen say that?"

"Commander-in-Chief Wu, open your eyes and see that times have changed!
The Tifa government is corrupt and incompetent, all officials are greedy, and the people are living in poverty. It is doomed to have no future!"

Wu Ziyu uttered a light "Hmph!"
"Commander-in-Chief Shen is quite confident that he can fight against the imperial court with just a small area of ​​​​land?"

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and said:

“Since ancient times, he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!
Now, the people's support is with me, but I am not in power.

Otherwise, Commander Wu and I wouldn't have had the chance to meet today!"

Wu Ziyu was speechless, hesitating to speak.

Lu Yuan struck while the iron was hot, picked up the matches on the table and continued:
"It's just a simple fire starter.
The people call it "matches", which shows how far the Tifa royal family has gone in their lack of ambition."

Wu Ziyu immediately said:
"The court has ministers who support 'Westernization' to lead the way. Given time, the country will surely become rich and the people strong!"

Lu Yuan laughed:
"You are wrong. A country can only be strong if its people are prosperous.

Another point is that the reason why the powerful tolerated the "Westernization Movement" was not because they were really enthusiastic about grand narratives.

It is to better suppress the people and consolidate their power for generations to come!"

The aide was so frightened that he stammered:

"You, you shut up... You are too arrogant..."

Unexpectedly, the next moment, Lu Yuan said something even more shocking.
"If Commander Wu..." (End of this chapter)