You have truly caused me great suffering!

On the fifth ridge, Zhen Wuchen's arm was wrapped in bandages, as if he had been shot by an arrow.

He strode through the military camp.

"Big brother!"

Walking up to Pharmacist Guo, Zhen Wuchen whispered, "I went down and fought them. These people are not easy to deal with."

Zhen Wuchen was already a very high-ranking military officer, while Guo Yaoshi was half a head taller than him and had an extremely imposing physique.

When the Eighth Battalion of the Yuan Army was established, he was just an ordinary person with no qualifications or military experience.

Because of his imposing stature, he was promoted to the position of battalion leader by the Liao people.

Pharmacist Guo nodded without saying anything.

Zhen Wuchen continued, "Brother, Meng Nuan's men are still in the camp."

Guo Yaoshi nodded and said, "Send them away, but be careful not to let the Jurchens see them."

"Big brother?"

Zhen Wuchen was somewhat puzzled. He felt that surrendering at this time might not be a bad idea.

My older brother usually surrenders so readily, why is he being so tough this time?

Seeing that Guo Yaoshi had no intention of speaking again, Zhen Wuchen frowned and could only turn and leave.

After his trusted confidant left, Guo Yaoshi looked at the Jurchen camp in the distance and felt a strange excitement in his heart.

If he had truly surrendered after changing hands four times, how could Chen Shao feel at ease?
In a few years, he will be relieved of his military power, and returning to his hometown will be a very good outcome.

The greater probability is that he will be killed.

In this battle between the Jurchen Tartars and the Dingnan Army, one side is bound to be defeated, and it seems that Chen Shao of the Dingnan Army has a greater chance of winning.

Even if the Jurchens were to win, it would be a Pyrrhic victory. Guo Yaoshi had seen countless battles fought by warriors over the years.

Whether someone can fight or is strong enough can be determined with just a glance.

As long as the Jurchens lose.
Even if it means abandoning the Yan region, by holding Linlu Pass (later known as Shanhaiguan), one can still maintain a strong position in Liaodong, relying on the Yanshan Mountains to the north and the Bohai Sea to the south.

After these battles in Liaodong, the Han Chinese were the ones who survived the most, and their own troops—the Eight Camps of the Resentful Army—were originally Han Chinese men from Liaodong.

Going back and becoming independent is the only way out for me.

After occupying Liaodong, we can recuperate and wait for the right opportunity; it is not impossible to advance further.

Just like the Xianbei Murong of yesteryear.

Even if the Jurchens swept through the Song Dynasty and destroyed it, they probably wouldn't be able to tolerate them.

In the Jin court, some people had long said that he was untrustworthy and wanted to kill him and massacre the Ever Victorious Army.

However, they need me to stabilize the situation in Liaoyan, so they spared my life for the time being. Do they really think I, Guo Dalang, don't know this?
Fortunately, the Dingnan Army emerged as a dark horse; otherwise, it seemed certain that he would die.

Guo, the pharmacist, is someone who repeatedly betrays others. He understands the darkness of human nature best. How could he not worry about others betraying him?

But the Jurchens were too powerful, and he couldn't do anything about it. Now, an opportunity had arrived.
After surrendering to the Jin dynasty, every place seemed like a death trap, and the Dingnan Army was their only way out.

King Xiao Gan of Xi, knowing full well that he was doomed to defeat, still returned to his native land and declared himself emperor.

If I could lead these 50,000 elite troops back to Liaodong, my chances would be much greater than Xiao Gan's. What else is there to worry about?

Guo Yaoshi was certain that the Jurchens and Dingnan were only temporarily tolerating him, given that he had changed hands four times and held considerable military power; they would definitely take action against him in the future.

Therefore, he had no intention of pledging allegiance to either side.

Given his personality, even if he were relieved of his military command and forced to live the life of a wealthy man, it would be an immense ordeal for him.

As for why these lobbyists were given gifts...

Firstly, if this matter is exposed, even if he takes the initiative to explain it to the Jurchens, it will still arouse their suspicion.

Secondly, it was also to leave a way out for the future. If the enemy army won too quickly and too well, they would still have to surrender.
-
Seeing her men return empty-handed, Meng Nuan cursed, "That big guy Guo really doesn't know what's good for him!"

Han Shizhong casually poked at the pile of firewood in the campfire and said, "If he doesn't surrender, so be it. Today I see that not many Ever Victorious Army soldiers have come to fight. In recent days, those who have been used as cannon fodder have not been many who have been fighting under the banner of Ever Victorious Army."

"It seems the Tartars are treating them fairly well, at least better than they treat the Khitans and other barbarian tribes."

A group of people were discussing the Tartars' battle tactics.

Little did they know, Wanyan Xiyin was also watching them.

Logically speaking, having lost the vast Yunnei region, the Jurchens should not have enough labor force.

However, Wanyan Xiyin didn't care, because he knew that this joint expedition of two forces to invade the Song Dynasty was a huge gamble.

At this point, as long as I hold Wuhui Ridge, it doesn't matter what I invest.

Moreover, it only requires holding on for a period of time.

If Bianliang is truly captured, it will be of little consequence even if our own territory falls.

Let's put them in Youyan and Hebei, and then we can fight them to the death.

What really gave Wanyan Xiyin a headache was that Zonghan was stopped again, and this time he couldn't fight him after reaching Zhen Ding Prefecture.

The last time Zongwang went south, he swept through Hebei and even encountered no rivals near the capital.

The southern troops were easily routed with a mere bump, even less capable than the Khitans.

In this way, wouldn't those who came from the Western Route Army always be suppressed by others?

Looking at the camp of the Dingnan Army below the city, Wanyan Xiyin felt increasingly agitated.

Why did our Western Route Army have to encounter these barbarians? What kind of opponents did Zongwang fight?
Now they are even more frenzied, pressing down on Wuhui Ridge and launching a fierce attack, which even made Wanyan Xiyin feel a little scared.

Although he was unwilling to admit it, his feelings couldn't lie.

Every time I fight this group, it feels like I'm being targeted and bitten by some monster. Once they get into a fight with me, they transform into monsters that won't let go easily no matter the cost.

You can't shake them off, you can't break free. As long as you can't kill them, they'll keep trying to fight you to the death.
-
After passing Huaizhou, the roads became much drier, and Qu Duan's troops were able to march faster.

This was one of his rare opportunities to lead troops into battle alone, so Qu Duan attached great importance to it. Along the way, he would ride his horse to observe the terrain at each location, arrange the transportation routes for logistics and supplies, and set up sentry posts.

According to the scouts' reports, Qu Duan estimated that the army would arrive at the Jinshui Ferry in Tangyin Town by this evening.

The sky was mostly cloudy, the wind was blowing on the ground, and the sun occasionally peeked through the clouds.

Qu Dian nodded. It might rain tonight, and he was preparing to arrange where to set up camp.

Another messenger arrived from ahead. Qu Duan, accompanied by his personal guards and generals, waited until a group of people left the main road and then stopped on the side of the main army.

He stretched out his right hand, straightened the letter that was swaying in the wind, and buried his head in reading it.

The scouts reported in their letter that this afternoon, the advance supply train had set up two pontoon bridges at the narrow section of the Jinshui ferry crossing.

Meanwhile, a portion of the Jurchen army bypassed Zhen Ding Prefecture and sailed down the river.

The Tartar army is about to reach Daming Prefecture.

After reading the letter, Qu Duan didn't want to say much. After finishing reading the letter, he handed the report to the adjutant beside him.

After reading it, Kou Yujun couldn't help but curse, "So easily, they've been driven to Daming Prefecture again? Are all the prefectures in Hebei East Circuit just women who have joined the army?"

Qu Duan said in a somber voice, "Zong Ze is just a scholar who knows nothing about military affairs. He has turned Hebei into a leaky sieve."

"These big headscarves are misleading the country and its people; they all deserve to die!"

He was unaware that Shenzhou and Jizhou were both under Du Chong's jurisdiction.

Zong Ze was nominally the military commander of Hebei, but Du Chong didn't listen to him at all.

Of course, this was not a valid reason in Qu Duan's mind. Even with your official position, failing to control your subordinates is a capital offense.

If it were Qu Duan, he would have focused on killing Du Chong from the very beginning. After all, he was the kind of person who would kill even his uncle, who violated military discipline, to establish his authority.

"General, should we proceed with the original plan to attack Zonghan from Zhending Prefecture, or should we go to Daming Prefecture?"

Qu Duan sneered and said, "Let Du Chong stop Zong Wang. What are we going to do? With Daming Prefecture in hand, we have no shortage of food and supplies, more than 50,000 soldiers, and the surrounding auxiliary cities. Even a million troops would not be able to conquer it."

"Shall we go to Zhen Ding Prefecture?"

Qu Duan shook his head again and said, "Go to Puyang and deploy defenses along the Baima-Puyang line."

His subordinates looked at each other in bewilderment. Didn't you just say that even a million-strong army couldn't take Daming Prefecture?

Why are they still deploying defenses in Puyang?

If they can't break through Daming Prefecture, who would dare to bypass such a formidable city and continue south?

Qu Duan said, "Normally, a general wouldn't lose Daming Prefecture, but this Du Chong, I think he's exceptionally stupid."

This is a matter of great importance; if we follow General Qu's wishes, we will have to stand idly by.

If this is investigated in the future, wouldn't it lead to punishment?
Zhang Fuzhong asked, "Why don't we send someone to Taiyuan to ask for instructions and see what the Prince of Dai wants?"

Qu Duan said coldly, "I recently recalled that when I was in Yinzhou, Commander Zhu Ling was always reading, burning the midnight oil every night. I admire Commander Zhu Ling, so I wanted to emulate him. Last night, I happened to read the Spring and Autumn Annals, which says, 'A high-ranking official can act independently when he goes beyond the borders.' Only incompetent and irresponsible people would ask for instructions on everything!"

"I have received a deep favor from the King of Dai and have always been eager to repay it. Now that I am leading troops in the field, instead of sharing his worries, I am causing him trouble in every way. What kind of behavior is this!"

Qu Duan was extremely strict in disciplining his troops, and seeing him say this, no one raised any further objections.
-
In Taiyuan, even before nightfall, the sounds of string and wind instruments drifted through the front hall and courtyard.

The mansion had not originally planned to hold a banquet, but as more and more people came to Hedong, especially as the Jurchen Eastern Route Army broke through three prefectures again, wealthy families rushed to flee west.

One by one, people came to visit Chen Shao's residence. Since he couldn't go first, he sent his female relatives to scout ahead.

Starting in the morning, more and more people arrived, one unexpected guest after another, until the place was big enough to host a banquet.

Li Yumei simply ordered people to set out fruits, dried fruits, and fine wine, and invited her family's entertainers to sing and dance to add to the festivities. Soon, it became very lively, just like a banquet.

After introducing themselves, they realized they had all come through connections and were eager to make friends, so they quickly became friendly.

Most people were in the adjacent halls and pavilions, drinking, chatting, and enjoying the singing and dancing; some women stayed in a nearby room, eating and chatting.

Li Qingzhao walked around the house for a while, admiring some of the calligraphy and paintings in the room.

As I looked around, I got a little tired, so I went to a large folding chair in front of the screen and sat down with my feet dangling.

After Zhao Mingcheng resigned from his post, the Jurchens marched south. The place where Zhao Mingcheng was stationed was in the heart of the Jurchen army's territory, and the Jurchens frequently raided it.

So they simply came here and sought refuge with Maode.

This square piece of furniture looked like it was meant to be sat on, with armrests along the edges. Li Qingzhao gently placed her arm on it and immediately felt uncomfortable.

The wood used for the handrail was of excellent quality, but the front end of the handrail was curved upwards, and the wood was very hard, making it quite uncomfortable to put your forearm on.

I have no idea how carpenters make things; they don't seem to consider practicality at all. They could at least just wrap it with some soft, thick material.

As she was complaining, she noticed a celadon plate with some fruits and vegetables on the wooden table in front of her.

Li Qingzhao casually picked up a piece of melon and put it in her mouth. The melon was quite good, very juicy. Before she knew it, the juice spilled from the corners of her thick, red lips.

Before they could deal with it, they saw through the wooden window that Chen Shao was helping an older woman over, smiling broadly.

Li Yumei saw this and went out to greet her.

Chen Shao said, "My aunt is coming to join in the fun, so please take care of her."

"Don't worry, sir," Li Yumei said with a smile, taking Chen Yuexian's arm as they walked inside.

Chen Shao was about to leave when he saw Li Qingzhao through the window. He touched his lips with his finger.

Li Qingzhao gave him a resentful look and glanced at him with great dissatisfaction.

This man is so frivolous, little does he know that he has made his husband misunderstand him.

Seeing her like this, Chen Shao thought for a moment and immediately understood: she thought I was flirting with her.

He touched his lips again, and Li Qingzhao then realized that he probably hadn't wiped away the melon juice that had spilled from the corner of his mouth.

I realized I'd misunderstood someone again, and blushed, so I lightly wiped my face with my finger.

Chen Shao chuckled. He was a very traditional person and had a special respect and admiration for such a talented woman who would be remembered in history.

These are all people who have left a deep mark on the long history of Han culture. It is they who have elevated the charm of Han characters to a new level with their exquisite poetry.

The beauty of poetry, like ancient architecture, can withstand repeated contemplation; the deeper one delves, the more timeless and enduring it becomes.

Seeing that he was about to leave, Li Qingzhao quickly stood up and ran over.

She looked around but didn't see Maode, so she had to speak herself, "Your Highness, Prince Dai."

"Madam Zhao, what is it?"

Li Qingzhao slightly adjusted her skirt and said, "I heard that Lady Lin is in your residence?"

Chen Shao nodded.

"Princess Maode has some hidden ailments and would like Lady Lin to help her with treatment. Please do her a favor, Your Highness."

"Sure, I'm available anytime."

Li Qingzhao smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. Speaking of which, I haven't thanked you for what happened last time."

"No need to be so polite. Just tell the princess that if she wants to come, she can have Zhu'er bring her," Chen Shao said with a smile.

He thought to himself, "I heard that Cai Jing's son has no children, so he probably wants to improve this."

However, based on his own experience, he believed that the problem might not necessarily be with the woman; it was just that the impact caused a blockage of blood and qi in his body.

Only someone with Zhe's exceptionally fertile constitution could conceive.

After being treated by Madam Lin, the baby has been conceiving and producing offspring continuously.

Li Qingzhao secretly made a mental note of it, but wondered who this Pearl was.

After Chen Shao left, she searched in the front hall and finally found Maode.

The two huddled together to discuss it.

Maode was a little embarrassed and said, "You told him about this?"

Li Qingzhao quickly shook her head and said, "I didn't say that."

It turned out that she had not been able to conceive, so she suspected that there was something wrong with her body and wanted Lin Niangzi to help her.

Li Qingzhao suddenly said, "By the way, he said he would have Zhu'er take you there. Who is Zhu'er?"

Maode frowned slightly, thought for a while, and then suddenly his face turned red.

She looked around, then leaned close to Li Qingzhao's ear and whispered like a thief, "Sister-in-law's maiden name is Song Baozhu."

Li Qingzhao blushed as well. The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and inexplicable excitement.

It seems I accidentally stumbled upon someone else's little secret.

Indeed, it is human nature to enjoy gossip, especially for women.

After a brief silence, Li Qingzhao couldn't help but spit out, "They're both old enough to be called 'Pearl' in private. How can you, sister-in-law, accept that?"

After a while, Li Qingzhao suddenly whispered again, "What did you call Sister-in-law Song?"

"Stop talking!" Maode said, blushing, and reached out to cover her mouth.

The two of them playfully wrestled for a while, then together raised their sleeves, covered their faces, and laughed. (End of Chapter)