Chapter 7 Chapter 23 Evenly matched
Lian Baice is a sharp archer, with sharp eyes and nose, I didn't smell the smell of nitrous oxide he mentioned, but since he said so, naturally he can't be wrong.I was taken aback, and said, "It smells like nitrate? Could it be that..."
Before I finished speaking, Cao Wendao rushed to ask: "Does the Republican Army have gunpowder?"
Gunpowder was originally a elixir of the Shangqing Danding School, and they will know the formula sooner or later.I pondered for a while, and said: "If there is gunpowder, their combat power will also be greatly improved, but why do they need to go to the rescue again?"
This is indeed a question.Although the Republican Army is now an ally of the Imperial Army, the two sides are still intrigue and will never be open and honest.No matter how I think about it, I can't figure out what they want to do. Yang Yilian Baice is also at a loss. After several guesses, I think it is impossible.Cao Wendao got a little annoyed, and said, "Oh, if you secretly capture that yellow-haired boy and torture him, then everything will be clear."
Both Yang Yi and Lian Baice laughed.This is the most direct way, but it is absolutely impossible.Yang Yidao: "How can it be done? In this way, the alliance between the Empire and the Republican Army will be completely broken."
If I become good at reading minds... I suddenly feel a chill in my heart.Fortunately, Zheng Zhao is still in the imperial capital. If he were here, he would be able to clearly understand our thoughts, and nothing could be done.I frowned and said, "Don't worry about these things, let's take a step and take a step. Let's go to rest first, and see what Henry Ding does tomorrow. Everyone must be careful and don't talk too much."
After they dispersed, I was also ready to undress and rest.But as soon as I told them, the drowsiness was gone, and all I could think about was this matter.What exactly is Henry Ding planning?If I had mind-reading skills, I would be able to clearly understand it. If I used mind-stimulating skills... But my mind-stimulating skills only succeeded twice occasionally, and I was not sure at all.Now, the only way is to eavesdrop.
The thought of eavesdropping made me sit up abruptly.I am familiar with this kind of thing. It was because I overheard the conversation between He Congjing and Hai Lao in Wuyang City that I knew that they intended to join forces with the Empire.Maybe, now is the time to eavesdrop on Henry Ding?
With this thought in mind, I immediately sat up.To eavesdrop, you can't wear a shirt, you have to wear tight dark clothes.I had just taken off my shirt, and when I thought about it, I couldn't help laughing.It's a military camp now, not in Wuyang City. There are guard posts everywhere here. It is extremely difficult and impossible to sneak into Henry Ding's camp.
I was already a little eager to try, but when I thought about it this way, I couldn't help lying down in disappointment.It is impossible to eavesdrop. If Marquis Wen is here, he must have a way.Although I have become more and more alienated from Marquis Wen, I still admire him deeply. Anyway, he taught me too much.If Marquis Wen is here, what will he do?
As I was thinking, there was a sudden noise from a distance.I was taken aback, put on my shirt very quickly, and rushed out.As soon as I went out, I saw Feng Qi approaching. When he saw me, he gave a military salute and said, "General Chu, there is a train coming outside."
"Team?" I was stunned, "Who are they?"
"They refused to tell and were stopped in front of General Lian's station."
I said, "Come and see with me."
Shi Jianzhan is now my personal soldier, and every night five people are on duty around my camp.I led five people to the place where the noise came from, that was Lian Baice's camp, Lian Baice was talking to someone, I stepped forward and said, "General Lian, who is this? "
As soon as I spoke, Lian Baice turned his head and said, "General Chu, they are going to pass by our barracks."
As soon as he said it, the person who was talking to him suddenly shouted: "General Chu Xiuhong! You are the Imperial Army!"
I said: "Of course we are the Imperial Army, we just arrived today. Who are you?"
I raised my head to look at the man, but the man hesitated, lowered his head and said nothing.There are more than a dozen large vehicles in this row, and there are always hundreds of people in the front and back. It is very pompous. I am afraid it is a high-ranking official in the Republican Army. This person seems to have seen me before, but it was too dark for me to see clearly. He was about to step forward to take a closer look, but Henry Ding's voice came from behind him: "Ah, Mrs. Wang Zhen, have you just arrived?"
I raised my head and saw Henry Ding riding over with Wei Rentu and Fang Ruoshui on horseback.When he came to me, Henry Ding jumped off his horse and said, "General Chu, have you forgotten? This is Lord Wang Zhen, the chief secretary of the Military Affairs Department."
From the city lord down, Wuyang City has six divisions, the Customs Department, the Military Affairs Department, the Yuanren Department, the Inspection Department, the Craftsmanship Department, and the Zhifang Department, which are equivalent to the four departments of the empire.Wang Zhen is the chief secretary of the Military Affairs Department, which is equivalent to the Minister of the Ministry of War. When I went to Wuyang City, I also had a relationship with him.I saw the door of a car behind me open, and an official came out. It was Wang Zhen, who quickly stepped forward and saluted, "My lord, the young general Chu Xiuhong is very polite. What an offense, Mr. Wang, forgive me."
Wang Zhen also bowed to me, saying: "General Chu, you don't need to be too polite. General Chu is worthy of being a good general in this world. His military orders are like mountains, and the officials admire him the most."
He also spoke very modestly, I felt a little embarrassed, and saluted again: "My lord, please, the young general will meet you tomorrow."
I asked Lian Baice's army to get out of the way, and Henry Ding led the convoy forward.Maybe Wang Zhen came too late, and they left in a hurry.When they left the barracks of the local army, Lian Baice said in a low voice: "General Chu, the Chief of Military Affairs Department of the Republican Army has also rushed here. This matter is a bit strange."
I was thinking about something when I heard Lian Baice say, "What's wrong?"
"If the Chief of Military Affairs is a person who is dedicated to his duties, he should come with the troops. If he is just showing his appearance, it seems that it is useless to come here now."
Indeed, Henry Ding has been stationed here for two days. If Wang Zhen was going to be in front of the enemy from the very beginning, she would always set off together, but it was two days late, half a day later than the arrival of the local army. Could it be that Is this Wang Zhong dereliction of duty?He Congjing is a very talented person, and his subordinates can also give full play to their talents. The Republican Army now has the upper hand in the war against the Snake People. As the military affairs chief of the Republican Army, Wang Zhen is by no means incompetent.So what was he delaying?What could be so important that it took him three days to arrive at the front line?
Just as I was thinking, Lian Baice suddenly said again: "General Chu, what is the name of the person who negotiated with me just now?"
I said, "I didn't see clearly either. He didn't tell you?"
"He didn't say anything. He has a quick tongue. I saw that he was also very agile when he was driving, and his conversation was neither humble nor overbearing. He was definitely not an ordinary driver. He said he knew you, so I thought you knew him too."
Yes, he knows me too, but I just can't remember it.I smiled lightly, and said: "Take a good rest, as soon as Dudu Deng and the others arrive tomorrow, they will be ready to attack."
I also yawned.It was very late now, usually at this time would have fallen asleep long ago, I have been busy today, so I didn't feel sleepy just now, but now I feel sleepy.I turned and went back to my camp.He took off his clothes and fell asleep, still thinking about the scene just now.Just as I was thinking about it, it seemed as if someone said something in a low voice in my mind.
It was "General Chu Xiuhong" that person said just now!Although I can't tell who said this sentence, I always feel so familiar that I should have heard it.It's just that there are many people who call me "General Chuxiuhong", and those who meet me for the first time will usually call me that.Who is this person?I can't remember who he is, so I must not be familiar with him, I just met him once.In Wuyang City, there are too many people who have met me once, but that person is also a coachman. When I was in Wuyang City, I didn’t ride in the car a few times, and never said anything to the coachman...
No, I know a coachman!Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning in my mind, and in an instant, the ins and outs of the last negotiation with Ding Ximing in Wuyang City seemed to come before my eyes again.I did know a coachman, that Ming Shizhen!At that time, he pretended to be the internal response sent by Marquis Wen, but later I asked Marquis Wen, and Marquis Wen said that Ming Shizhen was not someone he sent at all, and I fell for him once.At that time, Marquis Wen deduced that he was actually an undercover agent of Hai Lao faction next to He Congjing, so he concluded that Hai Lao and He Congjing were not as close as I imagined, and He Congjing did not obey Hai Lao's words.Several years have passed since this happened, and I have almost forgotten about Ming Shizhen. The words that he called me just now are clearly the same as what Ming Shizhen called me when he saw that I was using a Baipi knife. exactly the same.
It turns out that this person is Ming Shizhen!I couldn't help trembling slightly.It turned out that it wasn't just Wang Zhen who came, but He Congjing!No wonder Wang Zhen came to the front line one step later, it turned out to be to accompany He Congjing.It's just that He Congjing didn't expect that I would come so fast, come over in a big way, and bump into the army camp. He didn't want to reveal his whereabouts, so he didn't explain it all the time.Henry Ding must have come over immediately after hearing the secret report.But what did He Congjing come to the barracks for?He is the Lord of Wuyang City and the leader of the Republican Army. Although the recovery of Nan'an City is also a major battle, he will not conquer it himself.What's more, why did he do it so secretly when he came to the front line in person?I lost my sleepiness and opened my eyes wide to look at the ceiling.It was so dark in the tent that I couldn't see anything clearly, but I seemed to see something, but I still couldn't tell what it was.There must be another story behind this war. What exactly does Henry Ding want to do?Could it be that the strength of the Republican Army really can't take down Nan'an City, so do we need to rely on the power of the empire?
After much deliberation, I was still at a loss and fell asleep unconsciously.In my sleep, there were swords, lights, swords, gold and iron horses again. I led the army to kill Nan'an City, the snake man's corpse lay on the city wall, and Shao Fengguan's wind army flew in the air from time to time, dropping thunder.This night seemed to be more difficult than a real fight.
When I woke up, it was already dawn.I got up, put on my shirt, and walked out of the tent.As soon as I walked out, two snoozing soldiers heard my voice. They stood up straight and stood at attention, saying, "Morning, General Chu."
I looked at them and said, "Thank you for your hard work, go and rest." Just arrived yesterday, the soldiers on duty at night are the hardest, and after today they will be on duty in rotation.The two soldiers saluted me, yawned and walked towards the tent.
I got a basin of water and started to wash.The weather was still hot, and the water temperature became cooler. When I splashed it on my face, I immediately felt much more refreshed.Suddenly, I was stunned.
The Republican Army asked us to help in the battle, did they really want to learn from others?Now because of Zhang Longyou and Xue Wenyi in the Ministry of Industry, new war tools are emerging one after another. Although the Republican Army is catching up, it has fallen behind by a lot.Lian Baice smelled the smell of nitrate on Ding Henry's body, which meant that they also had gunpowder, did they want to learn from Shenlong Cannon?
The Shenlong Cannon is now used a lot in various battles of the empire, and it is faintly becoming the main weapon of the battle. However, Marquis Wen is extremely strict with the Shenlong Cannon. He once ordered the Fire Legion that if it cannot be taken away, the Shenlong Cannon must be taken away. It must be blown up and must not be discarded.Now that the Republican Army knows how to make gunpowder, they must also want to get the Shenlong Cannon.However, although the casting of the Shenlong Cannon is not a simple matter, one can tell from the appearance. They have gunpowder, and it is only a matter of time before they can make the Shenlong Cannon. It seems that there is no need to pay such a big price.Could it be that you want to get a flying machine?
Indeed, the Wind Corps is an unprecedented new organization. In the past, the wars were only land and water battles, but the Wind Corps brought the war into the air.Now the ground legion can gain the upper hand in the battle with the snake people, most of it is due to the joint efforts of the wind and fire legions, and the construction of flying machines is more difficult than the dragon cannon.It's just that the Wind Legion's management of flying aircraft is no less strict than that of the Fire Legion's management of the Shenlong Cannon. This time, Marquis Wen ordered the Wind Legion to set off with the Water Legion to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Republican Army.If the Republican Army really wanted to get the Wind Corps, even if they pulled it off, they might not be able to get it.However, would the Republican Army really risk the world's disgrace by attacking the Wind Legion?
The more I thought about it, the more startled I became.Marquis Wen probably did not have such preparations either, because he calculated that the Republican Army would not break with the Empire now.But Fang Ruoshui's sudden change of expression when he heard that we had a total of 30,000 people still made me feel uneasy. I'm afraid that the Republican Army really has bad intentions for us...
I wiped my face again.The cold water washed my face like a pair of tiny knives, with a slight sting, and my heart also ached.The Empire and the Republican Army will definitely not cooperate seamlessly, and sooner or later they will turn against each other. I have already expected it, but the snake people have not been eliminated. Will they really do this?But if fewer people come from us, maybe they have already done it.The more I think about it, the more I feel that this is possible, and I admire Marquis Wen so much.Most likely, Marquis Wen had figured out that the Republican Army had this kind of intention, so he deliberately sent more forces, and sent a total of 30,000 people, divided into land and water, which exceeded the appetite of the Republican Army.If I'm right, the Republican Army is now self-defeating, giving Nan'an City to the Empire for nothing.
I couldn't help smiling slightly.He Congjing is indeed a man of foresight and foresight, and Henry Ding is also thoughtful, but if they want to compete with Marquis Wen, they are probably inferior.No wonder Marquis Wen didn't let us attack with all our strength, but sent such a large force. Now the Republican Army is self-defeating and can only knock down teeth and swallow blood.
After figuring this out, I also relaxed a lot.The coalition army of the Republican Army and the Empire now exceeds 60,000, which is more than three times that of the snake people in Nan'an City. The walls of Nan'an City are not very high. Although the counterattack cannot be said to be easy, it will not be too difficult. It seems that the credit for this time is indeed I mean it's easy to get, now I just try to keep the brothers of the ground army from being damaged.
While washing his face, someone behind him suddenly said: "General Chu, Governor Deng has arrived, send someone to see General Chu."
I put down the towel and said, "Deng Dudu is here? Let the envoy come over quickly." According to the schedule, the water army should arrive today. I thought they would arrive at night at the earliest, but I didn't expect to arrive early in the morning.Now the strength of the imperial army is even stronger, and there is no need to be afraid.
The envoy of the Water Corps was brought over, he bowed to me, and said: "Chu Dudu, my Deng Dudu has a book and reported it to Chu Dudu, please Chu Dudu have a look."
I took the silk book he handed over, tore off the wax, and took a look, it was Deng Canglan's handwriting.Deng Canglan usually likes to read, and his calligraphy is round and generous, which is quite impressive, much better than my handwriting. What the letter said is that they have stationed outside the east gate of Nan'an City, and they can launch an attack according to the scheduled time limit. Now let me go to discuss.I looked it over and said, "Thank you for your hard work, let's go eat first, I'll be there right away."
Now that the land and water armies have arrived, the attack is about to begin.I don't know what Henry Ding is thinking, but this move of the Imperial Army must have been beyond his expectations, so get in touch with He Congjing immediately and let him come to the battle to make a decision.I can't help but want to laugh a little, but also a little sad.I really don't want to fight in the same room as the Republican Army, I just hope they can see the strength of both sides clearly and will not act rashly.But, I think so, I don't know if He Congjing will do this.There is always a banquet in the world. As the saying goes, when the common foreign enemy is still strong, the Republican Army and the Imperial Army can unite as one.This is a delicate balance. Once the balance is broken, what changes will happen beyond my expectation.But when I went to discuss matters with Deng Canglan, I had to share this worry with him.
The messenger said: "No need, Dudu Deng has prepared the banquet, Dudu Chu please follow me immediately."
I frowned, and said, "Are you in such a hurry?" Deng Canglan was very calm, not impatient, calling me so urgently, what happened?I looked at the messenger, my heart moved, and I lowered my voice and said, "Is there something unexpected?"
I thought there would be something hidden, but the messenger smiled and said: "No. In fact, Dudu Shao meant it. He caught some seafood last night and said it was very rare. He wanted you to taste it. He said, those The seafood is very fresh, it will not taste good if left for a long time."
I didn't expect such a reason, and I couldn't help laughing.Shao Fengguan is making a comeback, and Marquis Wen also puts a lot of emphasis on him, but he always has a grudge, and he is often unrestrained.However, he did lead his troops well. Although the number of the Wind Legion is small, every time they attack, the results are sure to be brilliant, so others can't blame him.The Land Legion and the Wind Legion cooperate the most, and I eat and drink with him a lot. Everywhere he goes, he tries to get some local specialties to taste.This is the first time for him to go out to sea with the water army, and he might get some fresh seafood, so he is anxious to find me for a drink.
I said: "Okay, then go right away."
As soon as he said it, the messenger pondered for a while, and stopped talking.I wondered: "Is there anything else?"
"Commander Chu, just now I passed the Republican Army camp, and I saw them counting troops as if they were approaching a formidable enemy, as if something had happened."
I felt a "click" in my heart.What I am most worried about now is whether the Republican Army will really be as disadvantageous to the Imperial Army as I guessed. Are they going to put all their eggs in one basket and really want to do it?But now Nan'an City has not yet been captured, so it is not the right time to do it now.Ding Henry is well versed in the art of war, and He Congjing is not a self-willed person. I don't believe that he will do it now.Without changing my face, I said: "It must be that they are practicing in the camp."
Even though I thought so, I still summoned Yang Yi, Lian Baice and Cao Wendao, told them to be careful, and brought Feng Qi. The ten of them were about to set off with the messenger, and before they left the camp, someone suddenly called out: " General Chu, do you want to go out?"
That was the voice of the little prince.Hearing his voice, I took the carousel and was about to dismount to salute, when the little prince urged the horse over.His horse-riding skills are actually very good. As soon as he came to me, he lightly reined in the reins, and the horse stopped suddenly. He shouted: "Where are you going? Didn't you agree to test your marksmanship with me?"
The little prince is the supervisor of the army. Normally, he can control the entire army, and I have to obey him, but since he came to the army, he has obeyed my orders in everything, which saved me a lot of trouble.But also because of this, I also neglected him a little along the way, and only occasionally went to accompany him, telling him some experience in the art of war and spear skills.The march all the way was quite hard, and he didn't come to practice anything. He just told me that he would come to the station and compare his marksmanship with me again.I bowed immediately and said: "Your Highness, General Deng of the Water Corps has arrived, I am going to discuss matters with him, wait for me to come back."
The little prince's eyes lit up, and he said: "Deng Canglan is here? Ha, then General Shao is also with him, I'm going too."
The little prince's interest in the Wind Corps is not lower than that of the Ground Corps. If it wasn't because I was in the Ground Corps, he would definitely go to the Wind Corps after graduation.King Anle strictly forbade him to take the plane, but such a ban made him even more curious about the plane. Shao Fengguan was also very familiar with him, but he was also ordered by King Anle to resolutely not let him sit.Now that he is far away in Minrong Province, he must be trying to coerce and lure Shao Fengguan into letting him take a flight.I knew he must have this idea, so I couldn't help laughing, and said with a straight face on purpose: "It's fine to go, but you must not take the plane, I will take you if you promise."
The little prince's face turned red all of a sudden, and after a long while, he said, "If you don't sit down, you won't sit down! Whoever wants to sit down, I just want to go and see General Shao." Although he spoke harshly, his eyes almost shed tears.He entered the military academy very early. Although he graduated, he is only seventeen years old this year, and he is not yet childish.I couldn't help but feel a little soft-hearted, but when I thought of King An Le telling me time and time again that I couldn't let him take the plane, I said ruthlessly: "Your father told me that if I let you take the plane, he will know." You must kill my head. Your Highness, you don’t want me to die here, do you?”
The little prince said, "Why don't you tell him?"
"It's impossible. A man is a man, and he promises a thousand gold. If you can't even do what you promised, what kind of soldier is it!"
The little prince had a bitter face, gritted his teeth, and said, "Okay." There was a hint of crying in his words.He also promised King An Le not to take the plane, but I think he must have been insincere when he agreed, but I didn't expect to admit it, and I admired this young man's perseverance in my heart.I said: "Then, Your Highness, let's go there."
Deng Canglan also knew that the relationship between him and me was unusual, and because he was still young, the letter did not say that he would let the supervising army go with him.It's just that the little prince is the supervisor of the army and has the right to attend the military aircraft meeting.As a little prince, he will definitely become a general in command in the future, but I don't think he is very interested in the art of war, so it's good to let him attend and listen now.Subtly, he may also be a powerful arm for me in the future.
When all the people went out to camp, the sun had already risen in the east.We were stationed on the west side of the Republican Army, a mile or two from the sea.This area is already the seaside, and the terrain is very flat, which can be seen at a glance.After walking for a while, we arrived at the Republican Army garrison.I came here at dusk yesterday, so I couldn't see clearly, now I can see the details. "Sheng Bing Tactics" has a volume "Battle Talk", which is quite incisive about the outline of camping. I set up camp according to this book.But look at the camp that Henry Ding set up, although it is not the same as my camp, it is also very strong and tidy.Looking at the gate of the camp, the messenger said: "Chu Dudu, please rest for a while, I will go to their camp gate to pass the number."
I said, "Do you still want to pass the number?"
"Yes, their military discipline is very strict. When I came here, I also asked their general for orders, and they let me come here just now."
He patted his horse to the two sergeants with halberds at the door, and took out a sign from his arms. The battalion commander looked at us and gave him some things before the messenger waved to me.I was a little surprised, when I got to him, he handed me a small card and said: "Chu Dudu, keep it."
I said: "What is this?"
The messenger smiled wryly and said, "It's also a number plate, and you will be given a few yuan for as many people as there are, and you will have to check it when you go out later. I really don't know why they are so strict."
I was also stunned.Indeed, this kind of practice is a bit too strict. If the war is tense, it would be a waste of time to do such facts. Why does Henry Ding set such excessive military discipline?
The interior of the Republican Army's barracks is also quite strict.The messenger said that they were facing a big enemy just now, but looking at it now, there is nothing unusual, but I saw that there is not even a random walk in their camp, and the atmosphere is always a bit unusual.In particular, many people stood beside the camp, holding weapons, as if they were defending something, but there was clearly no movement in Nan'an City.I was surprised when I saw it, and suddenly I heard a loud voice: "General Chu, are you coming to my camp so early?"
That was Henry Ding.I smiled, went forward and said: "General Ding, our army and water corps have arrived, and I want to go to discuss matters."
Henry Ding looked as usual, and he just smiled and said, "It's here too? Seriously. Your army is helping you wholeheartedly, and Ding is inexplicably grateful."
I said: "General Ding, is your army going to attack? Why do you look like you are facing a big enemy?"
Ding Henry laughed, and said: "Raise soldiers for a thousand days, and use them for a while. The monsters come and go, and our army must be ready at any time. General Chu made fun of it."
When he spoke, his face was still as usual, and his voice was calm and open.But I know that his self-cultivation is very deep, and what he said may not be the truth.I said: "How dare you, your army has strict military discipline, and our army can't match it."
Henry Ding looked at me for a while. I was terrified by him and was about to have another haha when he suddenly said: "General Chu, although we have different beliefs, we are fighting against foreign enemies together. Only by uniting can we win."
I am a general of the empire, but he is a general of the republic who opposes the imperial system. If it weren't for the snake man, we might be fighting to the death now.What he said was very sincere, although I couldn't quite believe it, I couldn't help feeling a little moved, nodded and said: "General Ding, what you said is that now we can only defeat the enemy with one heart."
Henry Ding didn't say anything.He naturally knows that today we are allies, but this alliance is too weak.I believe that he really doesn't want to fight in the same room, but he knows that he is an out-and-out soldier.I sighed to myself, cupped my hands and said, "General Ding, I have to leave right away, and come back to discuss military plans in the evening. I also hope that after defeating the enemy, I will have a good drink with Brother Ding."
There was a glimmer of cloud in Ding Henry's eyes.He is an extremely calm person, and the landslide has not changed his color before, but at this time he is also a little restless.He must have heard the deep meaning of the word "hope back" when I said it.Yes, that's a hope, but that hope can also be dashed.I leaked it on purpose to let him know that I was prepared.
The Republican Army's camp is also very large. Lian Baice said that they also have more than 30,000 people, which is comparable to our total number, slightly larger than the Third Battalion of the Ground Army, and their camp is also larger.Pass through the Republican Army camp, hand over the number plate at the east gate, and you are already at the seaside, and you can see the fleet of the Water Corps on the sea.On the seashore, a small boat is waiting.We left the horse on the shore, let Shi Jianzhan keep two people watching the horse, and the rest boarded the boat.As soon as the boat left the shore, the little prince asked curiously: "General Chu, that General Ding seems to be of a foreign race? His eyes are also blue. He is very powerful, and I am a little afraid of him."
Henry Ding was born with an abnormality, the little prince must be very curious.It's just that he is very majestic, the little prince dare not be rude when facing each other, so he only speaks out now.I said: "He is a foreign race, so he is very powerful."
At the same time, Feng Qi let out a long breath and said, "General Chu, the Republican Army is not against us."
We were in the Republican camp just now, and people followed us all the way until we left their camp.I knew that it must have been sent by Henry Ding. Although I was unhappy, I didn't say anything, but said: "Let's discuss it with General Deng."
As the boat approached, the two copper characters "Kaiyang" nailed to the bow could already be seen clearly.This time out to sea, the two flagships of the Water Corps came out, Deng Canglan was on the Kaiyang, and Shao Fengguan was on the Yaoguang.Seeing these two big ships, the little prince's eyes were straightened, and he exclaimed, "My God! It's so big!"
I smiled and said, "Your Highness, didn't you just take this boat when you came here?"
The little prince said: "It was big enough then, but now it looks like it's bigger."
I said: "Because the draft in the sea is shallower, the buoyancy of sea water is greater than that of lake water."
The little prince nodded and said, "That's the case."
At this time, the rope ladder was lowered from the boat, and we boarded the boat one after another.As soon as I went up, Shao Fengguan rushed over, punched me on the shoulder, and said: "Hey, brother Chu, you came a bit late."
I said: "The investigation in the Republican Army camp was tight, and it took some time. Where is General Deng?"
Just after finishing speaking, Deng Canglan said: "General Chu, Deng is very polite."
He came forward with several people.As soon as he came to me, he saw the little prince standing beside me, he was startled, bowed and saluted and said, "It's Your Highness, please forgive Cang Lan for being rude."
As soon as he finished speaking, a person behind him said in a sharp voice: "Little Highness, you are here too." This person's voice was very strange, and it sounded like an eunuch. A trace of disgust flashed across the little prince's face, and he just said lightly: " Eunuch Yu, this is General Chu of our army."
I know that the supervisor of the water army is from the Huang family, surnamed Yu, and hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Eunuch Yu, the last general Chu Xiuhong has met."
The eunuch is fat, but Eunuch Yu is very thin, wearing a war robe, but the war robe does not match.Although he didn't look good, he was very imposing. He glanced at me and said, "General Chu, I'm sorry." He didn't even return the salute, but said to Deng Canglan, "General Deng, since they're all here, let's go in together." Let's discuss."
I've heard that Eunuch Yu served the crown prince since he was a child, and now that the crown prince has become the emperor, he is also very domineering. Deng Canglan must have suffered a lot from him.Thinking that my supervisor is the little prince, I can't help but secretly rejoice.It was Dijun's own idea to set up a supervising army.His original intention was that he was afraid that the various ministries would follow Cang Yuegong's old ways when they became stronger, so he sent the inner supervisor and clan to control the various ministries.But most of these supervisors are ignorant and incompetent, and they don't get along well with the general, and only a few supervisors are reasonable.Shao Fengguan also complained that the supervisor of his Feng Legion didn't understand anything and only bossed around, but his supervisor was lazy and didn't like to take care of things, and it wasn't unbearable except that he was a little grandiose, so he didn't come now.This father-in-law Yu seems to want to interfere in everything, I really don't know how Deng Canglan endured it.
Deng Canglan said: "Yes, listen to Eunuch Yu's orders. General Chu, go in."
Eunuch Yu was supported by two small yellow gates and walked in step by step.I walked beside Shaofengguan, and whispered: "Why didn't your supervising army come?"
Shao Fengguan also whispered: "I'm seasick, I'm throwing up in the dark, I can't get up, he won't be able to eat the sea fish feast I fixed, hehe." There was a sense of gloating in his words, probably out of sight For the net.
The dishes on the table were prepared by Shao Fengguan, they were extremely delicious, and the little prince was satisfied after eating them.The food of the Land Legion is far inferior to that of the Wind Legion, and I am not very tasty. Although he didn't say anything, I also know that the food he eats at the Land Legion is not as good as this table.But the discussion was presided over by Eunuch Yu.After eating and drinking a few chopsticks, he opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't say anything substantive at all. After talking for a long time, he was full of empty words like "be loyal and serve the king".However, he is also considered eloquent, and classified how to be loyal to the emperor into three aspects: words, deeds, and heart, and even made up a few jingles, which rhymed with the same pattern, and asked all the generals to lead the chant before the opportunity to launch an army in the future.When I followed him to read the few half-understood words, I couldn't help but want to laugh, looking at Shao Fengguan, there was also a trace of contempt in the corner of my mouth.Deng Canglan was very serious, Eunuch Yu said something impassionedly, and he followed the same sentence, and he recited it very loudly, but the little prince who stood by Eunuch Yu's side, recited listlessly.
After reading this paragraph, Eunuch Yu was also a little tired, and said: "Let's leave the military opportunity here today, and the generals will go to rest. I hope that the generals will remember these words firmly, and often silently chant them. Be consistent in your words and deeds, keep your heart in the same line, and always think of our family's wealth and life as His Majesty's, and we must be loyal to His Majesty."
Deng Canglan was serious, and said: "Follow Eunuch Yu's teachings, and Canglan will always keep it in mind." As soon as Eunuch Yu left, Deng Canglan immediately said seriously: "Several generals stay here, let's discuss some things." But the corner of his eyes glanced unnaturally Let's talk about the little prince.I knew he had made up his mind a long time ago, and the military opportunity would not officially start until after he perfunctorily left Eunuch Yu, so he deliberately didn't call him the little prince, but the little prince followed him, which made him a little unnatural.I knew he didn't know the little prince well enough, so I said, "Okay, Your Highness, you can sit down and listen."
The little prince cheered up and said: "Yes." He is the supervisor, so I should listen to him, but now he is just a low-level general of the army.Deng Canglan was startled again, and then his face softened a little, and he stretched out his hand to make a gesture. The guards at the door closed the door and said in a low voice: "General Chu, General Shao, I invite you two to come over today, and then discuss the matter of launching a general offensive the day after tomorrow. one time."
The plan was to arrive at Nan'an City on September 1st, rest for a day, launch an attack on September 3rd, and take Nan'an City within ten days.Although Nan'an City is one of the Twelve Famous Cities, the surrounding terrain is flat and there is no danger to defend. It is the least military value of the Twelve Famous Cities, so there was no garrison before.But the snake people have occupied Nan'an City for a long time, and we don't know how well they have built the city. The result of the discussion is to be careful at every step.This time, the Imperial Army could not do its best to help the Republican Army capture Nan'an City under this premise. It is not too difficult.
After all the affairs have been arranged, it's time for me to go back and prepare for the coalition meeting in the evening.I asked Feng Qi to bring the horse over, and was waiting for the little prince who was talking about something with Shao Fengguan to follow me back, when Deng Canglan suddenly came over and said: "General Chu, I have prepared a table of thin wine, and I invite General Chu to show you."
Deng Canglan doesn't like drinking, he suddenly asked me to drink, probably because he has something important to say.I said: "Thank you, General Deng, but I have to go back."
"It's okay, it's just a drink or two, nothing can be missed."
I said, "Alright. Do you want to call him General Shao?"
Shao Fengguan was talking to the little prince.The little prince is most interested in the Wind Corps, and he is probably inquiring about flying machines.Deng Canglan glanced over there, and said: "No need, General Shao is too late to deal with His Royal Highness, and he won't be free for a while, haha."
He looked at Shao Fengguan with a strange gaze.Seeing his appearance, my heart suddenly moved. It seemed that Deng Canglan was not confiding in Shao Fengguan, but had a hint of distrust. Could it be that he had guessed Shao Fengguan's infidelity to Marquis Wen?Unconsciously, I thought of what Dijun said to me in Shengyou Building.After the emperor came to the throne, it was like a different person. He asked me to swear allegiance to him, and he also bought Shao Fengguan. As the captain of the imperial navy, Deng Canglan, could he have also been bought by the emperor?But after thinking about it, it seemed impossible.Shao Fengguan has a grudge against Marquis Wen, and I am the nominal An Le Wang Junma, and I have a trick to buy, but Deng Canglan is the confidant of Marquis Wen, and the emperor is not an idiot, so he probably won't move his mind.也许，邵风观自从东平一败遭贬后，虽然重获启用，但在文侯心中，他便不再是自己最亲近的心腹了，邓沧澜自然不会与他商议最隐秘之事。如此想来，我被帝君收买之事，文侯应该还不知道。帝君当太子时，我对他颇为看不起，总觉得他这人只知吃喝玩乐，实是纨绔子弟一流人物，没想到即位后居然如此精细厉害，也不由得暗自佩服。我也打了个哈哈，道：“好吧。”
进了一边小屋，果然放了一桌薄酒，薄到只有一盆鱼肉片和一盆豆腐干而已，酒也只有一小壶。这鱼肉片做得也不见得如何精致，与方才邵风观捕来的海味不可同日而语。看来水将与风将虽属齐名的后起名将，在饮食一道上，邓沧澜实较邵风观不讲究多了。邓沧澜给我倒了一杯，道：“军中简陋，楚将军休怪轻慢。”
我抿了一口酒，道：“邓将军取笑了。请问究竟有什么事？”
“你们方才过来时，共和军似乎有些异样，发生什么事了？”
我道：“他们似乎在搜索什么人，大概是个逃兵吧。”我在通过共和军营房时，丁亨利一番做作，虽然说是在练兵，但我自然知道他们在做什么。
邓沧澜皱起了眉，道：“逃兵？我看他们调度十分频繁，还以为出了什么大事。”
我道：“若是有人将军机泄露给蛇人，那倒真是一件大事。”当初蛇人将南征军包围在高鹫城中，便是因为南征军的参谋高铁冲将军机泄露给蛇人，以至于南征军先机尽失，屡屡战败，终于全军覆没。现在虽然形势换了过来，但如果军情泄漏，仍是一件大事。
邓沧澜抓了抓头皮，若有所思地道：“楚将军，你觉得此番战事，我们胜机有多少？”
我道：“蛇人两万，我们与共和军联兵共有六万多，是敌人三倍有余，如果不出意外的话，应该有九成以上的胜机。”
如果野战的话，六万士兵与两万蛇人也只能势均力敌，但蛇人不擅守城，而我们这支部队却是精锐中的精锐，加上又有风火两军团助阵，我几乎敢说，与蛇人一对一的话，我们也不落下风，不要说兵力占绝对优势了。
邓沧澜皱了皱眉，道：“你也这般说。楚将军，你说共和军此番请援，究竟是安的什么心？”
他这样问我，我倒答不上来了。在船上时我与邵风观就谈过这个事，觉得有可能是共和军兵力大多遣向西线，自己兵力不足，又急于平定后方，才向帝国请援。但看了丁亨利的部队，分明也有三万以上，而且如果我们猜得不错的话，他们也一定有了火药，甚至很有可能有了神龙炮……
一想到神龙炮，我浑身登时一颤。邓沧澜也发现了我的意样，诧道：“怎么了？”
我小声道：“我突然想到一件事，共和军可能也有了火药了。”
邓沧澜眉头一扬，道：“是么？难道火军团消息走漏了？”
我道：“火药本来就是法统发明的，五羊城多半也有上清丹鼎派的人，他们有火药并不稀奇。只是，我担心的是神龙炮。神龙炮是火军团主战武器，也不是凭一眼就能偷学得到的……”
邓沧澜一开始还不知我说些什么，待我说到“偷学”时，他也是浑身一震，道：“难道他们居然在打这个主意？”想了想却道：“不对，他们真这么干的话，同盟铁定破裂。何从景不是妄为之人，轻重缓急还是知道的。”
我明白邓沧澜的意思，共和军如果想偷学神龙炮，势必要得到一尊神龙炮来研究方行，而想得到神龙炮，唯一途径便是诉诸武力。这大概可以解释为什么方若水听得我们共有三万人便脸色大变吧，但我同样不敢相信，深谋远虑的何从景居然会如此不识轻重。他们有了神龙炮固然实力大增，但与帝国军破裂后，原本就不太牢固的共同防线便彻底崩溃。现在蛇人未灭，结果就肯定是帝国与共和军两败俱伤，蛇人居中得利。前几天杨易也曾经和我说起这个事，那时我也不以为意，便是确实共和军不会这么干。但从实际看来，共和军却很有可能走上了这条路，方才我看到他们的调度，大概便是准备动手了吧。我轻声道：“有些事现在还说不清，邓将军，总之小心为上。”
邓沧澜点了点头，道：“也只有如此，小心便是。”他苦笑了一下，叹道：“我们是来增援共和军与蛇人交战的，现在却仿佛共和军才是敌人。”我不禁哑然无语。这一天，在当初我与丁西铭去五羊城谈判时便已想到了，只是以前总觉得那是遥不可及的未来，尚不在我考虑之列。然而这一天终于来了，即使不再怎么不想看到。我道：“多加小心便是。唉，我真不希望他们会真的这么做。”
“如果我是何从景，恐怕我也会这么做。”
邓沧澜忽然这么说了一句。我呆了呆，道：“是么？”的确，帝国虽与共和军结盟，却一直没有真正的团结，如果我是何从景，自然也不会对这种同盟抱以多大希望。尽管谈判时说好，剿灭蛇人后帝国会给共和军一个生存的空间，但现在尚属同盟便如此勾心斗角，一旦胜利来临，帝国一定不会允许共和军自立一方的，而共和军同样不甘愿雌伏于帝国羽翼之下。
邓沧澜大概也觉得自己方才有些失言，忙道：“晚间便要去共和军营中商讨军机了吧，呵呵，若是他们心怀不轨，这可是个好机会，一下子便可将我军诸将尽数拿下。”
我心中一动，道：“是啊，邓将军你说该如何应付？”
“虽然可能性不大，但也不得不防。楚将军，你带了三个统领来吧，让他们加强戒备，一旦有变，也好有个接应，同时让共和军知道，我们不是没有防人之心的。”
我道：“南安城未破，我们自己倒先行火拼，何从景恐怕不会如此不智吧。”刚说到何从景，我猛地想起昨晚所见的那一批人马，低声道：“对了，还有件事，何从景可能昨晚已到共和军军中。”
邓沧澜呆了呆，道：“什么？那他们为何不明说？”何从景现在是共和军首领，他偷偷到前线来，此事便大大可疑。
我道：“有些事我也说不上来，总觉得此事颇有暧昧。”
邓沧澜点了点头，怔了半晌，忽然将杯中酒一饮而尽，道：“唉，大敌当前，本应团结一致，却偏生都心怀鬼胎，真不知这战事究竟哪天是个头。”
他方才一直冷静之极，此时却大有感慨。我记得当时帝都之乱发生前，文侯曾询问过我们四相军团主将对事态的解决办法，邵风观是无可无不可，毕炜则是坚决支持文侯的计划，而我则大力反对。当时邓沧澜虽未坚持，但他也同意不要在帝都动用地军团。因为那次我与文侯意见相左，被文侯调到了前线，帝都之乱发生时我并不知晓，不过也听说邓沧澜那时颇为消极，只有邵风观雷厉风行。看来，虽然邓沧澜与我大大不同，但想法却颇有一致之处。我叹道：“不管如何，先把蛇人消灭再说吧，以后的事以后总有办法的，车到山前必有路，船到桥头自然直。”
邓沧澜又喝了一口酒，道：“也只有如此。好吧，晚间在共和军营中商议，只是你我两人前去吧，邵将军让他留在船上主持，以防不测。”他抹了抹嘴，半是抱怨，半是玩笑地道：“现在真不知道我们到底要对付谁，更像是共和军与蛇人结盟来对付我们一样。”
这虽然是句玩笑话，但我却似被针扎了一下，手一松，酒杯也险些掉下来。正要张口说什么，邓沧澜见我这样子，淡淡一笑道：“楚将军，你也别想得太多。何从景当初虽与蛇人有过协议，但他在蛇人背后捅了一刀，就算这些蛇人比猪还蠢，也不可能再相信他，再有什么协议了。”
I smiled wryly.方才一刹那，我的确在想有没有可能这是个圈套，蛇人其实又和何从景达成协议，想来对付我们。但正如邓沧澜所说，除非南安城的蛇人比猪还蠢，它们肯定也猜得到，共和军绝对不会真的与它们齐心对付我们的。但如果共和军并不是和蛇人达成协议，那他们到底想干什么？难道，真的是想得到帝国军的种种新武器？只是这似乎也不太可能。
我脑海中越想越乱，怎么也理不清楚，喃喃道：“那么到底他们要干什么？”
邓沧澜拿着酒杯在桌上顿了顿，道：“实在不清楚。楚将军，以你之见，我们该如何应付？”
如果问我手下的三位统领，他们该如何办？I thought silently.廉百策足智多谋，一定会分析出许多来，杨易则会提议多多查探，知己知彼。但若是我问了曹闻道，他肯定会说小心为上，走一步是一步，随机应变。这三个人中，曹闻道智谋算是最差的，但现在最好的办法，似乎还是按照他的作风来。我道：“走一步看一步，总之我们兵力不比共和军弱，纵有异动，也不会落在下风。若是先行有什么举措的话，万一我们错怪了何从景，岂不冷了同盟将士之心。”
邓沧澜点了点头，道：“也只有如此，有时不变应万变，反是最好的办法，只是我们千万要小心了。”
他端起酒杯来，正要说告辞之类的话，外间小王子忽然大声叫道：“为什么不成！”他说得气急败坏，我只道发生了什么事，吓得一跃而起，顾不得失礼，猛地冲了出去。小王子是郡主唯一的弟弟，临来时安乐王也交待我，要我关照好他，若是他出什么意外，那我实在不敢回去面对安乐王了。哪知一冲出去，却见小王子一脸委屈，邵风观却是满脸尴尬，正在说什么，见我出来，他如释重负，道：“楚兄，你跟小殿下说说吧，不是我不让他坐飞行机，实实是王爷交待过，不能让小殿下坐。”
原来是小王子又偷偷瞒着我去磨邵风观了，来时他答应我不坐飞行机，看来还是抵不住诱惑。我松了口气，笑道：“小殿下，王爷真的说过，你可不要怪罪邵将军。”邵风观精明强干，平时又老是一副无所谓的模样，山崩于前亦不变色，现在却满头都是大汗，惶惑不已。这个在千军万马中恶战亦镇定自若的名将，看来同样对付不了小王子。
小王子狠狠跺了跺脚，道：“你们不告诉父王不成么？兵法说将者当身先士卒，我可是地军团监军，连坐飞行机都不让！”他年纪不大，身材却长得够高，已经和邵风观不相上下，毕竟年纪还太小了点，今年才十七，不脱稚气。
我正色道：“兵法说将者当身先士卒，但同样说将者不逞血气之勇，不涉险地，说的是不能贪生畏死，同样不能胡乱冒险。小殿下，正因为你是监军，是个军人了，更要服从军纪，你可是帝国未来的名将之材，不要冒这种无谓之险。不要说你，我与邓都督也都没坐过风军团的飞行机。”
这倒也不是假话。风军团在四相军团中最为特别，飞行机除非有特殊需要，否则旁人都不能随便坐上去。小王子被我说得哑口无言，眼中湿湿的似乎随时会落泪，半晌方道：“不坐就不坐！”
他赌气不再理我，甩手便冲了出去。邵风观和他混得也挺熟，但邵风观不让他坐，在他眼里大概也属于坏人之列，同样没理他，邵风观却追了上去，在小王子耳边说了两句什么，小王子眉头一扬，道：“真的？”邵风观正色道：“君子一言，快马一鞭，邵风观岂敢欺骗小殿下。”小王子登时兴冲冲向邓沧澜拱拱手，道：“邓都督，多谢，告辞了。”说完便快步向送我们来的小船走去。
我有些担心，走到邵风观跟前，道：“邵兄，你别胡乱答应他，安乐王爷千交待万交待，万万不能让他坐飞行机的。”风军团练习时，曾出过一件意外，一架飞行机在空中机翼断裂，一个士兵摔下来摔死。这事安乐王也听说了，他对飞行机极不信任，以前风军团一直都随地军团出击，他曾多次要我管住小王子，不让他坐。若是邵风观偷偷让小王子坐了，万一被安乐王知道，不但他要倒霉，我只怕也会被臭骂一通。
邵风观笑了笑，道：“我答应他回帝都后代他向王爷求情。到时我让风军团本事最好的带他上天，而且飞不高，不会出事的。”
我道：“飞得再低，离地也有好几丈，摔下来同样会摔死人。邵兄，你可千万别胡来。”邵风观有点玩世不恭，什么事在他看来都不值一提了，我越来越怀疑他是答应偷偷带小王子上天。
邵风观撇了撇嘴，道：“楚兄，你一直有英勇无敌之名，怎么还这么婆婆妈妈？小殿下虽然也是宗室，不过这小子真不错，是个可造之材。好男儿不经风雨，怎成大器，你要让他也成为帝都那些废人中的一个么？”
我一阵语塞。的确，帝都那些游手好闲的宗室子弟，大多手无缚鸡之力，毫无用处。难道我真的希望小王子和那些宗室子弟一样么？我看了看坐在小船里的小王子，道：“只是安乐王……”
“精钢当细细磨砺，方成宝刀。楚兄，你有这样的监军，是帝君关照你，难道你怕他将来成长起来，会夺你的权么？”
我被邵风观说得回不了嘴，苦笑道：“好吧好吧，到时你自己向安乐王求情，我可不帮你。”
坐到小船上，水军团送我们回岸时，小王子仍是兴奋不已。看着他，我不知为什么总有些心痛，又想起当初逃回帝都与他初次见面的情景了。那时他年纪幼小，身上还有些纨绔子弟的骄横之气，随着时间流逝，却越来越精悍。这个少年，走的路虽然和我大不相同，但和我实在颇有相似处。不，与其说像我，不如说更像甄以宁。在军中磨练一两年，他说不定真会成为第二个甄以宁的。
变化太多了。我心头却是一痛，想到了同样变了许多的张龙友和帝君。帝君现在心狠手辣，也许是受了文侯的影响。而张龙友变成这样，也与文侯脱不了干系。文侯养虎为患，他知不知道自己一手扶植的人对自己起了二心？而我在这层层势力中，到底又该如何？