Chapter 137 Chapter Eleven The Return of the King

"Feng Ting assembled a thousand scouts, divided them into five teams to attack freely, used the familiar terrain to launch a guerrilla attack against the enemy's follow-up troops, and tried his best to harass the advance of the enemy's grain and grass convoy. Be sure to block the enemy on the side of Helan Mountain. At least two day." The young general in military uniform nodded and replied, "Yes!" "Murong brought two thousand newly recruited militiamen, and set up an ambush at Baizhang Cliff, hoarding rocks and rolling logs, and waited for two days before the food and grass army broke through Feng Ting's obstruction. At that time, Lao Mu will join you and instruct you on the follow-up actions."

The two soldiers replied at the same time: "Of order!" Spread out the map with a sound of "swish", the girl drew a line along the southeast area with her slender fingers, and said in a deep voice: "Wudanyu took five hundred archers and hid in the pine forest. When the enemy launches an attack, evacuate immediately, and we must not confront the enemy head-on, understand?" The young and handsome Wu Danyu Shen Sheng should be, he is not the original team of the Southwest Township's envoy, but a soldier recruited by He Xiao and others in the later period, and he was once a famous bandit in Helan Mountain.

"My lord, if I can, I can also find a way to lure the enemy to the Thousand Bingtan. I am familiar with the terrain. Once they step in, they will never return!" Chu Qiao thought about it for a while, then raised her head and said, "Just play it by ear, if something can be done, I promise you to take full responsibility." Wu Danyu smiled: "Thank you sir!" "He Qi led the third team to guard the north city wall, and fully cooperated with the first team to guard Chidu during the war. Commander He Xiao, I will hand over the entire Chidu city to your brothers, and the entire Yanbei will stand behind you and watch looking at you."

He Xiao's eyes flickered, he performed a standard military salute, and said loudly with his younger brother, "I will definitely live up to your lord's expectations!" "The focus of this battle is not to annihilate the enemy's strength, but to disturb the enemy's morale, harass the food and grass in the rear, and attack the enemy's fighting consciousness through continuous small-scale attacks, so that the enemy has to be exhausted and postpone the attack on Chidu Ladies and gentlemen, time and patience are our only weapons. As long as we can hold off for seven days, reinforcements from His Highness will surely arrive!"

Chu Qiao raised her head, the candlelight shone on her face, she had a kind of unearthly beauty, the young soldiers looked at this girl who was much younger than them eagerly, the room was small and the lights Tongming, Chu Qiao slowly stretched out her hand, hung it on her chest, and said in a low tone: "Everyone, the war is coming, and we can no longer be indecisive. When the country is in danger, people should have a heart of loyalty. As soldiers, we must take it as our responsibility to defend the land and defend the people. No matter what the outcome of the battle, we are worthy of the world of Yanbei, our own conscience, and even more worthy of the military flag above our heads! Life and death, all in this battle, You all cherish each other!"

"Adults cherish it!" More than a dozen hands clasped together, the north wind howled outside the door, the fire inside the room was raging, and not far from the city wall, the enemy was already sharpening their knives.Chu Qiao gave an order, and the soldiers turned around and stepped out of the doors to go to their respective battlefields. After that, it is unknown who can turn back and who can survive. Chu Qiao's slender figure stood under the dim light, and a huge map was placed in front of her. There were thousands of ravines, mountains, beams and rivers on it, all of which were the land of water and soil in Yanbei. Chu Qiao took a slow breath, and then put on her clothes. Shang Daqiu stepped out of the room.A short figure suddenly ran forward and asked crisply, "Where are you going, my lord?"

Du Pingan was holding a lantern, wearing a military overcoat that didn't fit well, his face was flushed red from the cold, Chu Qiao silently glanced at him, and said in a deep voice, "Go to the munitions factory!" Although Chidu City does not have many defenses, but because it occupies the geographical advantage of Chishui, the waterway transportation is convenient, and the city is relatively prosperous, with a population of more than 100,000. After sending away the women and children, there are still more than 40,000 newly recruited militiamen left in the city .Letting these recruits who have never seen blood go against Daxia is undoubtedly looking for death, and Chu Qiao did not expect to rely on them to defend Chidu. Compared with the battlefield, she found some more suitable places for them.

At this moment, the munitions factory was buzzing with clanging. Although it was late at night, countless torches were tied to the wall, huge copper stoves were everywhere, and men were sweating profusely, carrying out their duties and pushing carts. back and forth. "My lord, what kind of place is this?" asked the child with wide-eyed eyes.Chu Qiao's eyes were deep, with some traces of regret on her face, she said slowly: "This is the hope of Yanbei Zhongxing, but it's a pity that our time is too short, otherwise why should we be afraid of mere Xia Bing?" Someone inside saw Chu Qiao and hurriedly informed her to go in. After a while, a middle-aged man in his forties hurried forward. Two days ago, this man was an ordinary blacksmith in the city. Now, he has He became the chief commander of the Weapon Forging Department of the Southwest Township.

"My lord, come here so late, do you have any instructions?" Chu Qiao shook her head: "I'm just here to take a look." "Does your lord want to go in?" "No," Chu Qiao shook her head, staring fixedly at the front, the blacksmith was sweating profusely, the clothes on her body were wrinkled, and there were signs of being burned. He looked at the young female officer, Wei Wei was a little dazed. This officer was different from anything he had seen before. She was young, but looking into her eyes, he could not feel the impetuousness and shallowness of the young man at all. She seemed to have seen too much and experienced Too much, so it becomes calm and composed, and it is as deep as the sea, making it impossible for people to see through.He was thinking, this officer must have suffered a lot, otherwise how could he have such a pair of eyes.

The night wind was blowing on Chu Qiao's face, it was icy cold, she was wearing a navy blue fur coat, the fox fur on the collar surrounded her fair face. "Go ahead, I'll go first." "Ah? Oh, congratulations, my lord!" The old blacksmith was still the same way he faced the officials back then, with his waist bent low, almost putting his head on his knees, and when he raised his head, he realized that he had gone far. The war had already started that night, and the original defenders of Chidu were frightened into fighting. However, the initial battle was not as fierce as they imagined. The enemy's reserve force seemed to be restrained, so they had to fight against each other. A large number of troops were sent back to defend the defense, and the formation in the rear was chaotic, and small-scale commotions appeared from time to time.

Chu Qiao knew that Feng Ting's sniper attack near Helan Mountain had an effect. Xia Jun was in an unfamiliar environment, and at this point in the war, they had not received any news from Yan Xun and the Second Army. If she is cautious, she will definitely be careful, and the purpose of her sending out the five-way guerrilla army is to give the other party false scruples and containment. However, Zhao Yang is indeed an excellent general. Although Feng Ting has issued a military order, and Chu Qiao has also made careful plans and plans for the strategic offensive and defensive shifts, Helan Mountain's offensive was shattered in the early morning of the next day. , The original two-day defense did not survive even one day, but in one night, the entire army of a thousand Southwest Town Houses was wiped out, and not even one came back alive. Because of Feng Ting's defeat, Murong and Amu encountered Daxia's full attack in advance. The battle started at breakfast and gradually calmed down at noon. Amu's younger brother escaped from the small road, announcing the end of the war and the Failed, more than half of the two thousand militiamen were killed or injured, and the rest were scattered and disappeared. Daxia was imposing like a rainbow, and rushed to the gate of Chidu city with all his strength, but encountered a sudden block near the pine forest. A team of sturdy troops pierced the flank of Xia army like sharp knives, but the team of 500 people unexpectedly Taking advantage of the favorable location in the forest, he walked back and forth three times in the Xia army on the flanks, burned down the central banner, and set fire to the Xia army's central tent. The young general in charge shot through it with an arrow It hit the temple of the deputy commander in chief of the army, with a rope attached to the arrow, and took half of Commander Xia's head when he pulled back. The Xia army shouted, the commander's personal guards chased them out first, and it was too late when Zhao Yang wanted to stop them, so on the same day, Da Xia lost 8,000 elite guards, all of whom were drowned and froze to death. In the frozen lake of Thousand Bingtan. With an army of 200,000, they were defeated. Xia Jun was furious. Even Zhao Yang couldn't control the voice of revenge in the army. This group of guerrilla troops, however, Wu Danyu was small in number, flexible in mobility, and well versed in the surrounding terrain and environment. He even led 500 people to go on the offensive for two days under the Xia army's carpet-like sweep, and still did not lose their combat effectiveness. It won valuable time for Chidu's city defense. However, two days later, Zhao Yang suddenly withdrew all his offensives. Just when the Yanbei army was puzzled, Xia Jun suddenly ordered the whole army to cut trees, and the 200,000 troops were dispatched together. Within half a day, the huge pine forest All were cut down, and Wu Danyu's 500-man guerrilla army was completely exposed to the enemy's eyes. Standing on the high tower, Chu Qiao watched helplessly as Wu Danyu and the five hundred people were engulfed by Xia Jun's gray armor like a stone. The small splash subsided. "Fight for freedom!" Sporadic impact sounds came from afar, and the entire Chidu City was deadly quiet. The soldiers took off their helmets and looked at their comrades fighting outside the city. Many veterans quietly shed tears. The setting sun was like fire, and after three full days, Xia Jun finally completed the first encirclement of Chidu City. Situ Jing stood beside Zhao Yang, and said respectfully, "Report to Your Highness Fourteenth, we have already checked the situation from the captured civilian husbands. It has been found out that the defenders in the city are the traitors of the empire, the Southwest Township Envoy, and the general who leads them is a woman, also a traitor of the empire, named Chu Qiao." "Chu Qiao?" These two words came out of his mouth very calmly, Zhao Yang narrowed his eyes slowly, he suddenly remembered a long time ago, that rainy evening, blue rocks and red tiles, nine winding corridors, an unintentional bump, the scrolls drifted away, The stubborn prince who was teased and insulted by his brothers knelt upright on the porch, and the fragrance of books and ink in the distance floated from a distance. The girl in Tsing Yi climbed to the top of the porch and mended the leaking tiles. The peaceful wind blew across her thin back , skirt flying, black hair like ink, white embroidered shoes stained with light moss... Obviously it was only a year, but Zhao Yang felt that it seemed that so long had passed, he still remembered what Zhao Che said pointing at that figure the night Yan Xun escaped from Zhenhuang.He, the seventh brother, has great talent, but he doesn't know how to work around and is not good at maneuvering. Such a person can create an unworldly foundation in troubled times, but he will never have a foothold in the court. However, he But he had to admit that Zhao Che's eyesight was excellent, and what he said back then became the situation it is today. "Your Highness? Your Highness?" Situ Jing said in a low voice: "Please issue a military order." The road was difficult, and in his many years of court life, no one was willing to help him, even if it was only for a short moment. He had seen too much and experienced too much. The picture in the memory gradually faded away, Zhao Yang's eyes were deep, and he said slowly: "Attack with all your strength, after breaking through Chidu, slaughter the city and sacrifice the flag." With a sound of "huh", the strong wind blew up the military flag, hunting and flying in the cold wind. Zhao Yang leaned lightly in the camp of the Chinese army that had been burnt to a corner, and suddenly remembered the oath he made before leaving: "I swear, in this life, I will never follow other people's horses again." Get out of the way of everything that stands in your way!Cities, armies, enemies, kinship, weakness, hesitation, and...conscience! Under the reflection of the setting sun, the Xia army finally launched its first full-scale attack on Chidu City. Thousands of troops and horses spread out on the plain, with dense crowds of people and countless people, horseshoes roaring like thunder, galloping, cavalry The regiment was dressed in a neat and uniform military uniform, with shining spurs and fierce swords, and the armor flashed red like blood in the setting sun. Yanbei's war eagles howled in the sky, and the cold wind was like a cold knife, rolling up heavy snow , The sky and the earth are filled with each other, forming a strange white mist. The huge army is hidden in the white mist, showing its majesty even more! "Kill the enemy!" The sound of roaring and charging that resounded through the world suddenly came, and the buglers of Daxia blew the horn of battle. The soldiers of the First Cavalry Regiment drew out their swords and waved them above their heads, and ran towards the low-rise building like wolves and tigers. city ​​walls.The heavy cavalry regiment followed closely behind, the infantry spread out on both sides, and the archers rushed forward under the guard of the armored soldiers, lying under the trench and preparing to attack.As far as I could see, there were horseshoes and armors of the enemy everywhere, and there were blades engraved with the names forged by the Daxia Army Headquarters everywhere. The soldiers were roaring, and the ground was shaking unstoppably.The earth shook and the mountains shook, and the shouts rang out into an ocean. Compared to Xia Bing's roar, above Chidu City, there was a dead silence like a tomb.The soldiers of the Southwest Town Government envoy stood guard at the top of the city, holding their weapons, quietly waiting for the order to attack. Commander He Xiao held a sharp arrow in his hand, slowly opened his crossbow, squinted one eye, the bow was like a full moon, and suddenly left his hand to shoot! Hearing a "whoosh", the person in the front of the Great Xia cavalry team was immediately turned over by the person who shot him. The bow and arrow were so powerful that the person fell from the horse and made four or five somersaults before stopping. Xia Jun was stunned for a moment, all of them were taken aback by He Xiao's terrifying physical strength, but he realized in an instant that such a person was rare, and suddenly he had the courage to charge again. "Get ready!" He Xiao shouted coldly and raised his hand: "Shoot!" The setting sun seemed to be suddenly covered, and the sky and the earth were dark. The cavalrymen of Daxia suddenly seemed to be dreaming. They saw dense arrows raining locusts in the air, sweeping over the sky and covering the earth, covering the sky and the sun, at an astonishing speed. The invincible imperial cavalry across the continent of Simon fell into a boundless nightmare. The soldiers in front were pierced by random arrows. Churning, screaming and wailing, the cavalry became veritable targets and hedgehogs, blood stained the white snow on the ground, a dazzling bright red. Zhao Yang frowned, and urgently sent out an order. The heavy armored cavalry and shield soldiers rushed forward to protect them. However, before they got close, another round of arrow rain roared.The soldiers of Daxia laughed loudly, and the heavy armored soldiers waved their heavy armor, laughing wantonly at the Yanbei Army's overreach.However, before their laughter ended, the bows and arrows pierced through their armor with terrifying force. In the ferocious metal frenzy, they didn't even have time to call for help. The panicked people trampled on each other, Death, screams, blood, corpses, before such a fierce and terrifying attack, no one dared to advance, and the front row team was immediately defeated.The officers of Daxia swung their knives and chopped down more than a dozen people before they managed to restrain the soldiers from retreating and fleeing. "Come on! Follow me!" A general was riding on a horse, slapping the iron armor on his chest fiercely with a sword. However, before he could finish chanting the exciting slogan, a sharp arrow pierced through his head with a "whoosh" , the blood gurgled down, flowing down like a stream along the lines on the iron armor. "The one who retreats dies! The one who retreats dies! There are less than 10,000 people on the other side. If you rush through the post in front, you are all fighting heroes!" The officers hissed and shouted, and the soldiers were inspired with blood. After all, they are regular troops of the empire. Under such a strong offensive, they still did not lose their edge, and continued to gallop. block. He Xiao waved his hands again and again, and the supervisor said: "Shoot! Shoot! Shoot these bastards to death!" "General! General!" The messenger rushed forward and shouted loudly: "My lord has an order! Get ready!" A row of three-meter-high trebuchets were pushed onto the top of the city. However, these trebuchets were not ordinary battlefield trebuchets. They were bigger, thicker, and more powerful. They were supported by three more axles and pushed by machine springs. It rotates more than 20 times. Once launched, there are more than 400 steps, which is twice as much as that of a normal trebuchet. Blacksmith Wang stood on the top of the wall, his forehead was covered with sweat, but his eyes were full of fanatical anticipation. He held the short knife, and suddenly yelled, and slashed at the rope. The sound of the machine spring starting suddenly sounded, and the stone machine turned suddenly, followed by the crackling sound. Just when everyone was dumbfounded, they saw a huge boulder the size of a millstone suddenly fly from the top of the city, with a bang, and slammed It hit the two cavalrymen fiercely, screams soared into the sky, and everyone turned around in panic, only to see that not only the cavalrymen, but also the horses under them were smashed to pieces at the same time, smashed into a ball of blood foam. "Oh! Long live my lord!" Above the city of Chidu, the crowd burst into appalling cheers. For the first time since they were besieged by the Xia army, they had the idea that maybe we would win.Under such a terrifying sharp weapon, no one is not terrified.Xia Jun waited and watched, and even forgot to charge. However, at this moment, the real nightmare finally began. A large number of stone-removing machines were launched at the same time, and thousands of boulders fell from the sky. The scene was terrible. The stones fired by the stone machine were not ordinary stones. Some of them were millstones at home, some were roof beams, and some were thousands of broken tiles. Just now, more than a dozen soldiers Being crushed by a heavy object at the same time, the survivors on both sides looked carefully, and it turned out to be a mighty stone lion placed in front of the mansion! No armor or shield can resist such a weapon. The sword was smashed into discarded iron pieces, and the spear was turned into firewood. The flesh and blood were like mud, and the brains were splashed. In a pool of blood! Zhao Yang's eyes were red, and he grabbed the neck of the director of the Weapons Supervision Department and shouted angrily: "What kind of weapon is that? What kind of bow and arrow is that? Why can it shoot so far? Why is it so fast? Tell me!" The grizzled chief had a pale complexion, breathless and shouted: "Your Highness, forgive me, Your Highness, I really don't know!" "A bunch of trash!" "Your Highness! Let the soldiers withdraw, it's unreliable!" Situ Jing said with a mournful face. "Don't retreat!" Zhao Yang said in a cold voice with firm eyes, "Anyone who dares to take a step back will be shot to death!" "Kill the enemy!" Xia Jun let out a death-like roar of madness and despair, with sharp bows and arrows nearby, and the sound of rolling stones in the distance. The world was vast, and there were screams of death everywhere. Chu Qiao sat at the headquarters of the Chinese army, and the snowflake-like battle reports kept coming. "The enemy suffered heavy casualties, but the offensive continued, and they were 200 steps closer to the city defense." "The first brigade wiped out nearly ten thousand enemies, and the arrows were seriously consumed. There are less than three thousand bundles." "The stones have dropped sharply, and the three stone machines and crossbows have been damaged, and they are already broken." "The enemy sent another 40,000 cavalry and three reserve regiments, and the defense of Zuocheng will be overwhelmed." "The third team began to suffer casualties, and the enemy's arrows in the west city were fierce." Chu Qiao's face was calm, she quietly looked through all the battle reports, and made a batch of replies. "The Weapon Forging Department immediately sent all the arrows in stock to support the first brigade." "The damaged quarry machines were dismantled and repaired quickly, and the second batch of quarry machines were transported to the front line." "The second team quickly supported Zuo Wengcheng, led by Ling Xiao, and commanded three thousand civilian troops." "The city defenders are handed over to the third team. We must keep the west city defense, and we would rather die than retreat." "My lord!" There was a sudden sound of footsteps, and Blacksmith Wang, who had just been promoted to Director Wang, hurried in and asked in a deep voice, "My lord, what do you want me to do?" Chu Qiao was silent for a while, and finally raised her head slowly, her eyes were calm, her complexion contained a trace of solemnity, and she said slowly: "Use the Fireball." Blacksmith Wang was taken aback for a moment, but then he was overjoyed and ran out. Chu Qiao stood up slowly and looked out, her eyes were gloomy, and it was hard to tell whether she was happy or angry. People in later generations always wonder why King Xiuli was able to fight against Xia's 200,000 elite army with only 10,000 people, and still gain an absolute upper hand in the early stage, but only the senior military commanders in the empire know the reason.Although King Xiuli was young back then, all the weapons used by the southwestern town government officials at that time were all epoch-making products of strong soldiers, such as sky crossbows, rock-cutting machines, rolling wolf gates, thunder cannons, fire bombs and so on.It was not until many years later that the internal structure of these things was deciphered, and the veil of mystery was not unveiled until the second technological revolution more than 1,300 years later. These mysterious weapons were born in the Battle of Chidu, and quickly became popular among the Yanbei Army, and played an inestimable role in several Northern Expeditions and the later Battle of Simon.And the director of the Weapon Forging Department of the Southwest Township Mansion named Wang Dezi has even won the reputation of the father of the magic weapon, but it is this person who has said several times in his life, "My wisdom is not as good as that of Your Highness." Just in case" such remarks, and before he died at the age of one hundred and seven, he shouted "Long live Your Highness!", and then died. The history of the future has not yet come, and the great people in the history of the future are still trudging in the mud at this moment. After paying a total of more than 30,000 casualties, Xia Jun finally walked to the bottom of the city with difficulty, but at this moment, the arrows and boulders at the top of the city stopped suddenly. The object was thrown down with a clatter. When Xia Jun took a closer look, it turned out to be a pile of ice cubes, and there was a burst of ridicule in the team. The Southwest town government envoy has gone crazy, without arrows and stones, is he trying to smash people to death with ice balls? However, at this moment, there was a sudden "boom", and a piece of crushed ice exploded. The force of the explosion was not very strong, but the solid ice flew around, piercing into the soldiers' bodies viciously like a knife. , The soldier who was stabbed at a vital point died on the spot, and the wounded in other places also lost their fighting power immediately.All the people in Chidu City turned their backs on their backs, and the soldiers and generals of the Southwest Township on the top of the city laughed loudly in unison. The fire bombs were simple in structure and numerous in number, but they were terrifying weapons for close-range attacks. Fog and smoke filled the air, Xia soldiers mourned everywhere, horses neighed, and scarlet liquid gurgled out. Whether it was infantry or cavalry, they gathered in one place, like a pot of boiling water. With a sound of "wow", a large pot of boiling oil was poured down, and as soon as it touched the ground, it was ignited by the sparks of the flowing fire bomb, and a fire ignited in the city in an instant. The snow melted, the fire was raging above, and the snow was cold below. The soldiers of Daxia were finally defeated, and they rushed back together with a roar! The soldiers and civilians at the head of Chidu City could hardly believe their eyes, watching Xia Jun rushing away in a hurry, the people of Chidu and the officers and soldiers of the Southwest Town Government were weeping with joy, cheering and embracing together. "Xia Bing retreated! Xia Bing retreated!" A huge wave swept in from the top of the city. Chu Qiao was sitting at the headquarters of the Chinese Army, drafting an attack order, when she heard the news from the front, the girl who hadn't closed her eyes for three days and three nights was stunned. There, the setting sun outside was shining on the earth like fire, and the blood-red light sprinkled on her face, making her look ethereal and unreal. "My lord! My lord! Xia Bing has retreated! We are victorious!" Wearing the military uniform of a messenger, Ping An rushed in waving a saber that was half his height, but was stunned when he entered the door. He saw the girl sitting quietly in front of the bookcase with a calm face, and a glistening tear trail came from her. cheeks rolled down. "My lord! My lord!" The officers and soldiers of the Southwest Township envoy then rushed over. Chu Qiao wiped away her tears, stood up, and returned to the fierce and courageous commander of the army. She strode out of the room, and a burst of cheers followed, Whether civilians or soldiers, all gathered around her, happily reporting the situation of the battle. She doesn't blame them for being so excited, because such a record is enough to make anyone proud. With 10,000 miscellaneous troops against the opponent's 200,000 elite army, except for the 3,500 people sent before, there were less than 200 casualties in the army. The enemy was more than 50,000, and the opponent was defeated and attacked 17 times. In this regard, the Southwest Township Envoy will be listed as a trip of the mainland's elite army. The Battle of Chidu will be recorded in the annals of history and become a great turning point in the first Northern Expedition! That night, the two armies had a temporary truce, and Chu Qiao was not as excited as the mid-level officers. She knew that Zhao Yang lost to her today because she was not familiar with her own combat methods and advanced attack techniques, and she was attacked by herself. caught off guard.Tomorrow's war, he will definitely adjust his strategy, and it is impossible to win so easily. Moreover, Director Wang reported to her that in today's battle, 300 crossbows were damaged, a full three-quarters, and more than half of the arrows were used up. Although the stone machine can be repaired, the city is now in rubble The scorched earth, boulders and rolling logs are all clamoring. Except for the fire bombs, there are not many attack materials left. Chu Qiao rubbed her temples, frowned as she looked at the marching map, repeatedly deliberated on several defensive plans, Ping An walked in quietly, changed a pot of tea, and seeing that the charcoal fire in the room had gone out, she hurriedly wanted to change a pot. "Ping An, what time is it?" The child raised his head and replied: "It's already the second watch, sir, you should take a break, you haven't slept for several days." Chu Qiao's eyes were red, and she felt that her eyes were about to close. She leaned on the desk and said, "Wake me up at three o'clock." "understood." It seemed that just after falling asleep, a soldier rang outside asking for an urgent official document, and Ping An impatiently whispered, "Your Excellency just fell asleep, what is the matter with you? Can't you wait until dawn?" "Peace, let them in." "Lord Chu!" Four young soldiers walked into the room led by Ping An, and one of the leaders stepped forward and said, "We are Miss Yu's subordinates. Miss Yu has received a letter from the Lord and wants us to bring it." "Miss Yu received my letter?" Chu Qiao was overjoyed, stood up at once, and said with surprise on her face, "What did you say, Miss Yu? When will you meet us? Do you have a detailed strategic plan?" "My lord, the girl didn't explain anything, she just said that I want my lord to go to Lancheng immediately, and I need to discuss something important with my lord." Chu Qiao frowned and said slowly, "What did you say?" "My lord, the girl said that I want my lord to go to Blue City immediately, and I need to discuss with my lord something important." The soldier repeated it carefully. Chu Qiao nodded and said, "Young lady didn't say anything else?" The soldier replied, "No, my lord." "Oh, that's good, wait a minute, I'll pack some things." Chu Qiao nodded and said to Ping An, "Ping An, come here and bring me the big Qiu from the house." Pingan frowned slightly, the child was very clever, turned around and walked into the back room without saying anything. At this moment, a soldier who had been kneeling on the ground grabbed the child's hand, raised his head and said, "My lord, don't bother, we are all ready, let's go." There was a cold light, and it was too late to say it, Chu Qiao raised her hand, and an inkstone flew away immediately, hitting the soldier's wrist with a bang.There was a crisp click, and the soldier's hand bones broke immediately. It's hard to believe that the soldier was still a tough guy, and he didn't say a word after suffering this.Ping An was clever, rolled on the spot to avoid the attack of those people, and jumped out along the window! "Catch her!" Seeing that the incident had been exposed, the leader simply stopped hiding, and several people rushed towards Chu Qiao, all of them were vigorous fighters. Chu Qiao didn't move slowly, a cold light flashed on her hand, her arm shook, and the dagger tied on her forearm slid down immediately, a cold light flashed in the lamplight, a man snorted, fortunately he was very skilled, but he just Knife in the shoulder.Chu Qiao put her hands on the desk, swept her thighs, and kicked an assassin in the lower abdomen. The man flew upside down and hit the bookshelf. Two vases were smashed to the ground, making a crackling sound. At this moment, the door suddenly opened, and more than 30 guards rushed in, subduing them with a few blows. These people were Chu Qiao's personal guards left by Yan Xun when he left. They have always served as Chu Qiao's close protection. The head guard Song Qifeng stepped forward and asked nervously, "My lord, how are you? Are you injured?" ?” "I'm fine," Chu Qiao shook her head, and said in a deep voice, "They didn't kill anyone." Chu Qiao took two steps forward, looked at the leader of the assassins, and asked, "Who sent you here?" The man smiled bitterly: "I knew that your lord is very skilled, but seeing you today, you are really extraordinary." "Tell me frankly, I will spare you." "My lord, everything I said is true, if you don't believe me, there is nothing I can do." Chu Qiao frowned slightly, some chaotic thoughts flashed through her mind, so fast that she couldn't grasp the clues, she turned her head and said to Song Qifeng: "Who let them into the city?" Song Qifeng looked strange, and said in a low voice, "This subordinate doesn't know." Chu Qiao glanced left and right, and suddenly asked, "Where is it safe?" "Peace," Song Qifeng replied, "I didn't see it." "Didn't you see it?" Chu Qiao looked at Song Qifeng fixedly with burning eyes, and suddenly she smiled gently and said, "Oh, he may have gone to call for someone, he should have gone to the Southwest Township's envoy to meet with you guys. If we missed it, let's go out and have a look." With a sound of "shua", more than a dozen sharp blades were suddenly put on Chu Qiao's neck, Song Qifeng smiled bitterly and said, "Since my lord has already guessed it, I don't need to act any more." Chu Qiao's face was as cold as ice, seeing Song Qifeng let go of the ropes on the four people, his eyes were like sharp cold arrows. "My lord, I'm sorry, Qi Feng acted according to orders, please forgive me if I offend you." Chu Qiao looked calm, and said coldly: "Who are you working for? The Great Fellowship? Or the Great Xia?" Song Qifeng bowed respectfully and said, "Your Excellency will naturally know when you get to the place." The man stepped forward: "The subordinates know that the adults are very skilled, so they have to do it as a last resort, and please cooperate with the adults." After saying that, she tied up Chu Qiao tightly and covered her eyes and mouth. "Walk!" Song Qifeng gave an order, and everyone walked out of the room immediately, and a carriage came after a while, Chu Qiao was loaded into the carriage, and the carriage quickly drove north. "Stop! Who?" Song Qifeng sat on the horse and said: "I am the chief bodyguard of the lord, and this is the messenger of Miss Lan Chengyu. We must rush to Lancheng immediately. This is the command arrow of the lord." When the soldier saw that it was Song Qifeng, he immediately said politely: "So it's Mr. Song, you wait, the younger one will open the city gate immediately." The north city gate is not a battlefield, and the guards at the gate are also the former guards of Chidu City. Song Qifeng asked, "Don't you check the command arrow?" "Sir Song, you are ordering the arrow by coming in person, why are you still investigating that thing?" "Haha, thank you brother." The last ray of hope in Chu Qiao's heart was also shattered. The horses were galloping, and the wind outside the Great Wall was icy cold. Chu Qiao only felt a desolation in her heart, like a knife stabbing into pain. Without herself, what would Chidu City be like?Do the officers and soldiers of the Southwest Township envoy think that they have been abandoned again?What should the people in the city trust in themselves do? The sky gradually turned white, and the long night was about to pass. At dawn, Chu Qiao was helped down from the carriage and brought into a tent sheltered from the wind.After untying the rope, she tore off the black cloth in front of her eyes, but was startled. Girl Yu stood in front of her gently, handed over a warm towel, and said lightly: "Wipe your face, we'll be traveling all night. Thanks for your hard work." "Miss Yu?" Miss Yu was wearing a white cotton robe, her face was thin, her eyes were deep-set, and there were a few faint crow's feet at the corners of her eyes: "It's me." Chu Qiao's eyes changed from shock to unbelievable, she frowned, and asked in a deep voice, "Why?" "This is not a safe place. Beishuo is running out of time. Without you, whether Chidu can make it through today is a matter of debate. Come with me first, and I will explain it to you on the way." "You tell me first, why?" Chu Qiao's eyes were cold. She looked at the ace of the Yanbei Armed Forces coldly, and said in a word: "You have known about the battle in Beishuo for a long time? Do you know how the people there are messing around?" Miss Yu nodded, and said calmly, "Yes, I know." "Then Daxia divides his troops into two groups, and strengthens Helan Mountain to attack Chidu City, do you know?" "I know." Miss Yu said calmly. "In Beishuo City, Cao Mengtong recruited troops wantonly, using the militiamen as human shields, and wantonly killed the people of Yanbei." "I know." "The people of Chidu left their homes and went to the Blue City Castle. They froze to death and starved to death countless times on the way." "I know." "Once Daxia breaks through Chidu, he can attack Beishuo from two directions. Millions of soldiers and civilians in Beishuo will die without a place to die! The entire land in the eastern part of Yanbei will be under Daxia's control, and Daxia's soldiers will press straight into Yanbei's interior." Lu, all the civilians east of the Sunset Mountain will be slaughtered by the Xia army!" "I know." From the beginning to the end, Miss Yu's face was so calm, she listened quietly, as if what they were talking about was just some small things about the daily weather, her expression was calm, without any surprise or fluctuation. Chu Qiao's chest rose and fell, she clenched her fists, frowned and asked in a deep voice, "Why? Since you know everything, why didn't you stop it? Why did you want to watch the good situation turn into fatigue and fall into the flames of war?" Miss Yu looked at Chu Qiao quietly, her eyes were gentle and wise, her tone was as calm as a stream, and she said slowly, "Ah Chu, don't you understand?" 楚乔登时一愣，一个可怕的念头从心底缓缓升起，像是一把屠刀一样狠狠的砍在她脆弱的神经上。 羽姑娘淡淡一笑：“蓝城目前没有一兵一卒，落日山脉兵力全部收缩调离，不仅是蓝城，目前整个燕北内陆都没有一个军人，内陆现在是一片跑马场，随便一个夏军攻进去，他们就算是胜了。我无力去阻止曹将军，也无人授权我这样做，我留在这里的任务只是带你走，除此之外，我没有接到任何行动的指令。” 好似整个人突然被人抛进了冰天雪地，楚乔脚下一个踉跄，险些摔倒在地，她的心脏是紧抽的，好似被坚冰包围，每一次跳动都是带血的疼痛。她深深的呼吸，却感觉胸腔被堵塞了，她张开嘴，皱起眉，所有的一切线索渐渐连接在一起，形成一个可怕的线条。 "Yan Xun..." “殿下也不在美林关。” 短短的一句话，却登时将楚乔的全部信念一下击溃，所有的念头皆化作带着倒刺的利箭，生生的刺入血肉，痛得让人张不开口，发不出声。她身子一晃，一把扶住了帐篷的柱子，胸口剧烈欺负，大口大口的喘息着，想说什么，却一句也说不出。 羽姑娘静静说道：“殿下临走前交代过我，一定要将你带走，我在蓝城等了许久不见你来，后来才知道路上出了事，又有北朔军在胡搞，不得已下，不得不用这样的方式请你前来，请你不要见谅。” “你们疯了！”低沉的声音缓缓传来，间中还带着野兽般粗重的嘶喘，楚乔弯着腰抬起头来，眼睛血红一片，冷冷的注视着羽姑娘，不断的摇头说道：“这太疯狂了！” “虽然疯狂，但很有效，殿下的大军如今已经突破了长汀省，西北三十几个省郡无不俯首称臣，老巴图家族已经成为历史了。如今大夏的主要兵力全都集结在燕北境内，几路边防军又聚集在卞唐和怀宋的边境，内部兵力空虚的惊人，怀宋目前已经在配合我们，在大夏边境搞了几次大规模的军事演习，吸引夏兵的视线和眼球。这个时候，只要将大夏的兵力吸引进燕北境内，并借助大雪和斥候兵切断他们的讯息通道，兵贵神速，不出半个月我们就能打进真煌城！事后即便是等北伐军反应过来，大夏也已经大半落入我军之手，那个时候，他们若是想要反击，也定将被阻挡于燕北关之外！” 羽姑娘走上前来，轻轻为楚乔拂去额前的碎发，静静说道：“阿楚，殿下知道你是不会赞同这个提议的，所以才瞒着你，但是并不代表他不信任你。大夏倾国之力攻来，我们能抵挡一次，却抵挡不了第二次，燕北地域苦寒，极大的限制了我们的发展，无论我们如何努力，也无法和大夏内陆抗衡，更何况我们还有天生的弱点，那就是不断叩关扰边的犬戎人。所以，唯有出其不意的发起反攻，将位置调换，如此才能立于不败之地，彻底扭转局面！你是他最亲密的人，应该理解他。” “就为了这个彻底的战略转移，所以，就要让上百万的燕北军民做你们的诱饵和炮灰吗？” 楚乔的声音冰冷且疲惫，她缓缓的抬起头来，眼神血红，多日来的辛苦和期望瞬间变成一片瓦砾。 她曾经怀疑过，怀疑燕洵率军攻打美林关是要消磨第二军的主力，稳定自己在燕北的地位。可是她却没有想过，燕洵的志向根本就不在燕北，他以百万燕北军民为饵，在北朔城布下了一个巨大的馅饼，将大夏的兵力全部吸引过来。然后冒天下之大不韪的带着第一军和蓝城落日山一代的精兵，以迅雷不及掩耳之势雷霆般卷进大夏腹地，借着神速的兵力和风雪阻断通信，强势攻入大夏内陆，霸占了大夏的土地。 呵呵，多么天马行空且又疯狂的计划，等于美国在攻打伊拉克的时候，伊拉克却放弃本土率军去占领了美国，等美国远征军宣布胜利了之后回过头去，却发现本土已经完全沦陷了。这样大的便宜，真是千年难遇。 难怪，他要在大战前强硬坚持分兵攻打美林关。难怪，他不将自己带在身边。难怪，他会安排曹孟桐这样的蠢货留守北朔，并且支持曹孟桐自杀般的屯兵征兵，只因为他要营造一个燕北全力反攻的局面来吸引大夏的眼睛。难怪难怪，自己派出的求救信石沉大海，自己的护卫全都是燕洵的贴身亲信，蓝城面对北朔的胡闹没有任何反对之声！ 这样深的心机，这样深的城府，这样可怕且又严谨的计划，他已经安排好了一切，无一处遗漏，这样周密详细的作战方案，这样天马行空的想象力，布局严密，环环相扣，步步为营，出手狠辣，连她这个受到过现代军事化教育的高级指挥官都想象不出，燕洵，真的是太厉害了。 “羽姑娘，你还记得我们第一次见面的时候你对我说过什么吗？” 羽姑娘神情一滞，她的面色多了几分苍白，却还是缓缓说道：“我说希望有朝一日，燕北再无你这样的孤儿。” “是的，”楚乔凄苦一笑：“你们干的很好，一旦此战胜利，燕北将再无一个像我这样的孤儿，因为燕北的人，已经全都死绝了。” 白衣的女子眼神一黯，她默想了许久，终于低声说道：“一个民族想要走向自由，总是要付出代价的。” 楚乔厌恶的看了她一眼，冷冷道：“很好，燕北这个民族全都去死，然后你们得到荣华富贵，登上万圣至尊。这，就是燕北百姓们渴望自由所付出的代价！” “阿楚！”羽姑娘一把拉住楚乔，急切的说道：“你不要这样偏激，这件事在战略上完全没有任何问题，这是一个壮举，难道你看不到吗？大夏的国门将被打开，圣金宫将在燕北铁骑的面前发抖！” “别碰我！”楚乔冷喝一声，眼神锐利如森寒的刀子：“在战略上没有任何问题，但是你们却抛弃了拥护你们的人民！抛弃了在你们最困难情况下始终坚定不移保护支持你们的百姓！你们辜负了人民的期望，欺骗千万人的信任，将他们推向火坑！你们为了自己的荣华富贵，为了自己的自私自利，却要让上千万的人去死！” “羽姑娘！”楚乔眼眶通红，两行眼泪缓缓流下，她紧咬下唇，缓缓说道：“到底为什么？你们都是怎么了？以前说的话全都忘了吗？这些日子，无论是在什么样困难的环境下，无论是在什么样艰难的处境里，我都坚信你们会来救我，西南镇府使那样的叛军都知道在这样的时候回来保护人民，为什么你们却要抛弃他们？你知道吗？赤渡城里家家户户都供奉着你和乌先生的长生牌位，他们早晚三炷香的供奉，希望你们长命百岁，他们说你们是燕北的保护神，只要有你们在，燕北就还有希望。他们流离失所的离开家园逃亡蓝城，连粮食都来不及带，却仍旧记得带走你们的排位，你去看看，这一路上有多少香烛是为你燃的，你对得起他们吗？” 羽姑娘深吸一口气，秀气的眉头紧紧的锁在一起，艰难的说道：“我是为了天下人的大同。” “呵呵，”楚乔冷笑一声，转过身去，背影疲累且单薄：“连一方人都护不住，还说为了天下人的大同？真是好笑。” 楚乔一把掀开帐篷的帘子，转身就向外走去，羽姑娘眉头一皱，急忙追出来，沉声说道：“楚乔，你要走？” “燕北不是我的家乡，但却一直是我人生的信仰，你们不要它，我要它，你们抛弃它，我就守护它，告诉燕洵，楚乔若是死了，不要为她报仇，她不是死在别人手上的，她是死在他手上的。” “站住！”羽姑娘沉声说道：“我不会让你走的！” 楚乔回过头来，冷冷一笑：“你可以杀了我，除了尸体，楚乔绝不踏出燕北一步。” 一把抽出靴子里的匕首横在脖颈上，楚乔惨然一笑，缓缓走向马匹，然后翻身而上。 “大错尚未铸成，此时回头还来得及，悬崖勒马，时犹未晚，告诉他，我在北朔城头等着他！驾！” 少女的大裘呼啸飞起，马蹄踏雪，转瞬间绝尘而去。 宋祁风走上前来，着急的说道：“姑娘，怎么能放楚大人走呢？殿下千叮咛万嘱咐，不要将这件事告诉大人……” 羽姑娘静静一笑，笑容淡漠，她缓缓抬起头来，清晨的阳光照射在她的脸上，她的脸色苍白若纸，好似透明一样。 我深爱的燕北，仲羽无能，所能做的也唯有如此了。 “传信给殿下，北朔危急，楚大人固守赤渡，援助北朔，五日不至，燕北必亡，无人可幸免于难。” 此时此刻，赤渡城一片死寂，人们翻遍了全城，仍旧没找到楚大人的影子。终于，在北城门侍卫的口中得知，昨晚大人的贴身护卫曾护卫着一辆马车离开城池。 一个绝望的念头顿时闪过众人的头脑，有衣衫褴褛的士兵站在大雪之中哆哆嗦嗦的说道：“难道是大人抛弃我们了？” 他的话还没说完，就被西南镇府使的官兵一脚踹倒！贺萧的弟弟贺旗冷冷说道：“大人不会抛弃我们的！当初在真煌城里，那种情况下大人都没有放弃我们，现在也不会！” “那她去哪了？”一名赤渡城军需守备带着哭腔叫道：“当官的都是一样的！” 赤渡城的民兵们也闹哄哄的乱了起来，有人随声附和道：“一定是这样的！她看着我们要输了，自己偷偷跑了！” “我早就说了，当官的说话不能相信，尤其还是个女人！” “天啊！大人真的抛弃我们了？我们该怎么办啊？” 人群的声势越发浩大，有人开始绝望的哭泣，天边翻卷着阴云，大风吹起地上的积雪，像是死人坟前的纸钱。 “都站在这干什么？敌人就要攻进来了！” 贺萧统领突然大步走来，面色阴沉的厉声喝道。 “贺统领！”有人跑上前来说道：“大人抛下我们自己跑了！” “不可能！”贺萧冷冷的打断他，沉声说道：“我不相信，西南镇府使的所有军人都不会相信，大人不是这种人。” "But……" “这种话，我只想听到一次，若是再让我听到有谁在诬陷大人，败坏大人的名声，就是我们西南镇府使的敌人！” 男人一把拔出腰刀，雪亮的刀锋在空气里熠熠生辉。 “还愣着干什么？上城楼！” 经过了一夜的休整，大夏的军队终于不再如昨日般莽撞，而西南镇府使也失去了昨日那种凌厉的攻势，箭矢和滚石相继告嚣，流火弹也在午后弹尽粮绝，正午时候，相继有夏兵攻破了城头，大夏的军队搭起了人梯，悍不畏死的向上攀爬。弓箭手密集的射击，掩护他们的队伍，箭矢排空，好似一场瓢泼大雨，城墙上一片狼藉，不时的有战士中箭倒下。 一名年轻的士兵身中十多箭，全部伤在要害，战友要将他换下去，他却倚在城墙上单纯的笑了起来，牙齿洁白，眼神明亮，他对着战友摆了摆手，笑着说道：“大人回来后，替我向她带话，就说我们整个营的士兵都暗恋她。”说罢纵身就跃下城墙，以身躯为滚石，狠狠的砸在夏军的人梯之上，哀声一片，像是一首绝望的战歌。 贴身的肉搏终于展开，大批的敌人登上城楼，城墙第一道防线全部崩溃，弓箭杂乱，箭矢横飞，到处都是厮杀和喊叫声，城墙上处处告急，尸横遍野，一片狼藉。 夏军越来越多，鲜血染红整面城墙，染红了每一块地砖，此时，就连那些民兵都冲上城头，他们不再畏缩颤抖，死亡就在眼前，放下屠刀是死，拿起刀子也是死，但是最起码可以为老婆孩子多赢得片刻逃跑的时间。他们用刀砍，用剑捅，用砖头砸，用牙齿咬，无所不用其极，战争的惨烈在这一刻完完全全的体现出来。司徒敬站在城下远远的看着，然后满眼震惊的对下属说：你确定那上面的只是一群民兵吗？ 那一天，赤渡的河流竟然在隆冬季节开化了，炽热的血层层覆盖在寒冷的冰层上，竟将表层的河水化开，虽然很快它们又被冻结了。 天地都是血红的，到处都是狼藉的尸首，一名士兵被砍断了双腿，他竟然眉头都不皱的拿起自己断了的腿向城下砸去，一名正要爬上城头的夏兵被吓的目瞪口呆，直挺挺的掉下去，摔在冰冷的雪原上。 西南镇府使第七小队整个小队的人都已经死去了，只剩下一个传信兵，他竟然站在城头上以兄弟们的尸体为武器狠狠的猛砸在那些试图攀上城墙的夏兵，最后尸体没有了，他自己也身中数刀，年轻的战士大叫一声“大人万岁！”，随即抱住一名夏兵一头跳下城去。 城墙数度被敌人攻上，又数度被抢回来，贺萧身中数刀，却还在顽强奋战，他站在城头上，大声喊道：“兄弟们！别给大人丢脸！就算我们今天死在这，大人也定会为我们复仇！杀啊！” 战士们被激起了血性，他们猛的站起身来，摇摇欲坠的身体骤然间又充满了力量，挥舞着战刀和敌人厮杀在一处。 天地玄黄一片，大风卷着风雪纷扬而下，血性的味道弥漫了整个战场，大夏的军队仍旧在源源不断的增加，战事从清晨杀到正午，从正午杀到黄昏，赵飏站在高坡上眺望，不得不叹息道：“西南镇府使，真乃虎狼之师！” 在城头再一次失守之后，赤渡城头终于弥漫起绝望的气息。一名年轻的士兵挥刀冲向敌人，他已经浑身无力，这纯粹是在找死的最后一击，可是就在这时，一道剑芒突然在眼前亮起，一个凌厉的身影陡然冲上前来，一剑削去了那名夏军的头颅，鲜血飞溅，像是喷泉一样喷涌而出。 士兵好似花了眼，直到前面那人回头怒喝道：“傻站着干什么？跟我冲！” “大人？”士兵嗓子里发出一声不可置信的叫声：“大人！大人回来啦！” 所有疲惫欲死的西南镇府使官兵齐齐转身，只见一片纷乱的人群中，少女手持利剑，身形挺拔，招式凌厉，不是楚乔又是何人？ “大人没有抛弃我们！” 不知道是谁最先喊了一声，随即，整个赤渡城头一片欢腾，原本力竭的战士们突然振奋的站起身来，身上好像一时间又多了数不清的力气。 大人还在，我们不会输！ 这个念头像是潮水一般席卷而来，夏军惊恐的看到这些人好似在瞬时间脱胎换骨，手持战刀呼啸而来，如狼似虎般，再没有方才的疲态。 “弟兄们！跟我杀啊！”贺萧大吼一声，一刀砍断了一名夏军的脑袋：“大人万岁！” "Long live my lord!" 震耳欲聋的欢呼声铺天盖地的响起，看着溃兵如水般退了下来，赵飏缓缓的仰起头来，终于不得不承认这个可怕的事实。 “殿下，”司徒敬皱着眉说道：“若是再攻不下这里，三殿下那边，我们不好交代。” “我又何尝不想攻下？” 赵飏缓缓叹息，他望着那座不高的赤渡城，突然觉得那座城池是那样的不可翻越。 “楚乔……” 夜晚终于来临，大夏的兵力陆续退了下去，楚乔在粮草库里找到了被捆绑成一团的平安，小家伙竟然已经睡着了，醒来见到楚乔开心的大呼小叫。 今日一战，赤渡城损失惨重，主力士兵西南镇府使有两千多人阵亡，加上之前的一千五百人，现在的西南镇府使编制还不满三千，还有战斗力的不到两千。民兵伤亡最大，足足有两万多人，城墙损坏非常严重，如果对方有投石机等大型攻城利器，可能不到一日，就可将墙体整个砸碎。 到处都是血腥气，到处都是尸体，城里伤药已经告嚣，负伤的战士能得到的只有清水和粗布，到了夜里，遍地都是可怕的惨叫和痛呼声。稍远的一片偏街上，躺满了不动也不说话的人，尸体整整齐齐的排成一排，一片又一片黄色的麻袋盖住了那些年轻战士的脸孔。 一路走来，楚乔的脚步越来越沉重，头顶是漆黑的天空，乌鸦在北风中凄厉的叫着，声音慑人心骨。 生命中从没有像现在这般，这样的孤立无援，这样的无所依托，她所有的希望和梦想都破灭了，可是却还不得不站直了腰板给那些指望着她的战士们看，告诉他们，大人还是有把握的，她还在坚挺着，她会带领着大家，打出一条活路。 冷风吹过她单薄的身体，远处传来了战士们低沉的调子，像是风吹过管同，带着悲伤的味道，楚乔顺着歌声走去，在拐角处看到一名断了腿的年轻士兵。那是个十分英俊的小伙子，还没有长胡子，清秀的脸孔看起来像是个读书的秀才，他的一条腿已经断了，膝盖以下空空的，他就那样坐在那里，没有喊疼，反而是微微笑着，眼神单纯且明快，似乎想起了一些快乐的日子，一边笑一边轻轻的唱道： “别了，我亲爱的姑娘，我将扛起枪保卫家乡，敌人的刀已经悬在头上，我要保护你和我们的天堂。也许再也看不到你美丽的双眼，也许再也听不到你在我耳边歌唱，但是请相信我，我会永远记住老家的那个地方，你站在漫山遍野的映山红下，笑着对我招着手，轻声说早点回乡……” 楚乔静静的站了很久，直到那名士兵的声音渐渐低沉，渐渐消失，雪花缓缓落下，落在他的脸上，却并没有融化，而是一点一点的堆积而起。 风吹着她的衣摆，像是摇曳的旧梦，天空是苍凉而广阔的，世界那么大，他们却好似被整个世界都抛弃了一样。楚乔想起很多东西，想起年少时的那些憧憬，那些坚持，那些热烈的期待和盼望。她又想起了很多年前，在那个森冷漆黑的牢房里，她的手被少年塞到怀里，暖暖的，燕洵眼睛明亮的跟她说了很多关于燕北的事情。这里的白雪，这里的青草，这里的马群，这些的火雷塬，这里的回回山，这里勤劳的百姓，这里善良的人民，这里没有战火，和平，安宁，像是一个世外桃源。 燕北，燕北…… 楚乔缓缓抬起头来，一行清泪从她的眼角流下，她的背脊那样挺拔，像是一杆标枪，大雪飘零，落在她的肩头。 没有人守护你了，那么，换我来守护你吧，我们一起等着，等着他们回来。 没有人想到，北朔城的溃败竟会是如此的迅速和如此的惨不忍睹，还不到五天，北朔就在赵齐凶猛的攻势下一败涂地，相信若是没有楚乔之前留下的防守工具，此刻燕北的城头上必定已被插上了大夏的金龙旗了。 此时此刻，曹孟桐站在城头上，看着呼啸如蝗虫般奔来的夏军，只感到天地