Chapter 9 Chapter 9 The War of Words

More than ten feet away, Ding Henry raised his gun to signal to me, and said loudly: "General Chu, are you ready?" I also raised my gun and said loudly: "Okay." After a salute, he flattered his horse and rushed towards me.He was riding a red horse, his whole body was like burning coals, with a black soft armor and a white spear, he looked extremely handsome and mighty. Ding Henry can be called a rising star in Wuyang City, and his marksmanship is certainly not weak. When he rushed over, the people around him cheered.I stared at the point of his gun, kicked the horse's belly with my legs, and rushed out too.

The horse was traveling very fast, charging at such a fast speed, it seemed that Henry Ding wanted to decide the outcome with a single shot, and would not fight with me.The chalk gun in his hand was held flat, and I had calculated that all I had to do was push the point of his gun away and let him stab the air, and the rest would be my scene. At a distance of more than ten feet, the two fast horses galloped, but they met in an instant.My eyes have locked on the tip of his spear, and I am confident that as long as he comes within the reach of my spear, he will surely fall off the horse with one shot.

The distance was shortening extremely fast, and the tip of his chalk gun was getting bigger and bigger in my eyes. I estimated that I could touch it, but suddenly I moved my hand, and the long gun was already on his gun. There was a sound of "bang", but it was as if a boulder had been pushed, and it didn't move. His strength is so great that he won't lose to Chen Zhong! I was taken aback, but Henry Ding stretched his body immediately and shouted: "Aim!" The spear seemed to be alive, and suddenly picked it up from the bottom, and the point of the spear was already aimed at my shoulder.

Bai Wei told me that Henry Ding was extremely powerful, but I never thought I would underestimate him.People with great strength are generally not fast, but Dante Henry is both powerful and unusually fast.His marksmanship may not be very good, but his strength and speed are enough to make up for his lack of marksmanship. Could it be that I'm going to be knocked off the horse with just one move? Henry Ding's gun was in front of me. My heart sank, but my body reacted faster than my brain. I suddenly fell on the saddle. At this time, there was only one way. There was a "huh" sound, and there was an itchy nose, which was the chalk powder sprinkled from the tip of the chalk gun floating into the nose, but there was a burst of heat on the right shoulder, which was wiped by Ding Henry's chalk gun.

The chalk gun can't hurt anyone, but the skin must be a little swollen if it passes by at such a fast speed, but I still dodged this gun. On the saddle, he could only shoot with his backhand, and with a flick of his wrist, the spear had been swept towards the back of his head.Although this shot was not powerful, if it hit the back of his head, Henry Ding was not wearing a helmet, and this shot would probably knock him out. As soon as I swept out my long spear, the people around me screamed in surprise, among which was the scream of Polygonum.But with a "huh" sound from the spear, it just swept away, there was no feeling of force on the tip of the spear, and it was probably swept away.As soon as I dragged the gun, the man sat up and began to lead the horse.

In this first meeting, I was shot, and I was already at a disadvantage.It seems that Henry Ding's marksmanship cannot be easily dealt with simply. His marksmanship should be said to be another routine, not much less powerful than the varied marksmanship taught to me by Wu Zhao. I had just turned the horse around, and Henry Ding had already led the horse behind.Turning around, I saw that the top of his head was white. It seemed that although I missed him with this shot, the tip of the gun also swept across his hair. He sat down firmly on the horse, brushed off the chalk powder from his hair, saluted me again, and said loudly: "General Chu's marksmanship is really good, I admire it."

I also brushed the chalk off my shoulder, and said, "General Ding is laughing." There was only a slight pain in the shoulder, and it seemed that the injury was minor, and the skin was probably not scratched. Ding Henry said: "General Chu, do you want to come again?" I just feel a little out of breath.Although it was just a face-to-face meeting, the energy spent was almost the same as a fierce fight.It's just that since Ding Henry is still challenging, I can't show weakness.I said, "Okay, please, General Ding." I had led the horse and was about to rush out again when suddenly a general beside me shouted loudly: "General Ding, General Ding!"

This man shouted suddenly, Henry Ding was already preparing to charge, and when he heard the sound, he reined in his horse. I also looked at the man, and only then did I see that there was a newcomer standing beside the general, probably just now. Come to order.The man patted his horse to Henry Ding and said loudly: "The city lord has an order to summon General Ding urgently to discuss matters." Henry Ding frowned, patted his horse up to me, jumped off the horse, and saluted: "General Chu, the young general has something to do, so let's call it a day, okay?" I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.Fighting against Henry Ding was really exhausting. I felt a little relieved when he was called away by He Congjing.I also jumped off the horse, and said: "Well, General Ding is very good at marksmanship, he is really the only one I have ever seen in my life."

Henry Ding smiled, and said: "General Chu's marksmanship is brilliant, and the young general admires it. However, I can still stop it." Although his words were polite, they were very straightforward, and my words seemed a little insincere.My face flushed slightly, but I also smiled and said: "Fortunately, I can also be the opponent of General Ding." Ding Henry nodded, and suddenly said: "I really don't want to be your opponent, haha." He laughed, took off his soft armor, and handed it to a soldier beside him with the chalk gun. Liao said: "Generals Duan, please accompany General Chu again. After the young general has seen the city lord, he will thank General Chu for his disrespect."

Seeing that he acted as if nothing had happened, Zi Liao said, "General Ding, are you all right?" Ding Henry dusted off the chalk on his clothes, and said with a smile, "It's okay." He jumped on the horse, and said to the general who had just sent a message to him: "Brother Fang, please treat General Chu well, don't be rude. General Chu, then I will go first and look at Haihan." He saluted me again immediately before following the messenger. The general surnamed Fang said: "The young general understands." As soon as Ding Henry left, the man said: "General Chu, do you want to play two more games?"

Henry Ding told him not to be rude to me, but this man was very rude and didn't ask me if I wanted to take a rest.Before I could speak, Bai Wei said from the side: "General Chu is also tired, General Fang, let's call it a day." The man looked a little disappointed, and said in a sly voice: "Then, General Chu, please go to the barracks to rest." It's not bad to see the barracks in Wuyang City, and I can also take a look at the strength of Wuyang City.I was about to agree, but Bai Wei rushed again: "General Chu is very tired, let's move on to another day. General Chu, let's go." Bai Wei seemed to deliberately prevent me from seeing their barracks.I was a little displeased and said, "Okay." After bidding farewell to that man, I left the barracks first, Bai Wei probably also saw my displeasure, and walked out beside me.Once I went out, I didn't even want to talk to Bai Wei anymore.What exactly is Bai Wei's intention?Just let me meet Henry Ding?What is she thinking again? Just as she was thinking, Bai Wei suddenly said, "General Chu, are you a little unhappy?" Her words were a little timid.I said: "How can I go back now?" Bai Wei lowered her head and said in a low voice: "General Chu, you think that I deliberately don't let you see their barracks, right?" Bai Wei's mind is really alert.I sighed and said, "You are a general of the Republican Army, and I am a member of the Empire. Although it is possible for the two armies to join forces, they are still enemies after all. If you don't let me spy on the military plane, then I can't blame you." Although I didn't blame her in my mouth, I really blamed her in my heart, and I said it a little bluntly.Bai Wei walked slowly beside me, and said: "This is also a reason, I am a republican army after all, General Chu, please forgive me." I sighed and said, "Yeah, I can't blame you. Does General Ding think I'm worthy enough?" Bai Wei said: "General Chu's skills are superior to his, how can he not be convinced. General Chu, don't blame him, in fact, you should blame me. I often tell him that the imperial army is very powerful, and you are both wise and brave. Totally worth joining forces with." Bai Wei said good things about me in front of Henry Ding, and I believed it, otherwise Henry Ding wouldn't have said anything to me about "I've heard about you for a long time".I said: "The strength of Wuyang City is not weak. Are they all the Republican Army now?" Bai Wei hesitated for a moment, and said: "Since Duke Cang Yue died for his country, now City Lord He is in command of the Republican Army, and most of the troops in the city are members of Wuyang City. We, the real old Republican Army, are in the minority." For He Congjing, "Republic" is just a banner that can be used.Although Cang Yuegong pretended to surrender, he finally died in a human battle with snakes. The people in southern Xinjiang also had a very good impression of him. He Congjing probably only agreed to accept the banner of the Republican Army after seeing this.Now the Republican Army can probably be divided into two major factions, the He Congjing faction and the Old Republic faction. The powerful one is the He Congjing faction, and the real Republican Army may only be caught in the middle.If it is the real Republican Army, they have a deep hatred with the Empire, and they may not agree to join forces. I said: "Then please tell me, how many troops are there in Wuyang City now? This can't be a secret, right?" Bai Wei was startled, and said, "There are sixty thousand." I originally just joined her in the army, but I expected that she would not say anything, but I didn't expect that she would actually tell me.It's just that the military strength of Wuyang City has reached 60,000. Even the imperial capital, Marquis Wen desperately expanded his army, and it has not yet reached 100,000.It's no wonder that the snake people can tolerate the Lord of Wuyang being in the rear, and He Congjing dared to join forces with the empire. Bai Wei sighed suddenly, and said: "It's not good to hide some things from you. To tell you the truth, this time when City Lord He negotiated with the empire, the opinions in the army were not in agreement. Most of the old Republican Army held a negative attitude. Wuyang City's Half of the head of the Sixth Division also disagreed. Although General Ding also belonged to the old Republican Army, he insisted on uniting, saying that now the snake people can make Wuyang City whole, because the imperial capital has not been broken, and they have no strength to deal with Wuyang City. .Now if we cooperate, both sides will be safe, and if we divide, we will suffer. We must let go of old grievances and focus on the overall situation." I didn't expect Henry Ding to be a member of the old Republican faction, so I couldn't help but feel a little moved, and I also forgave Bai Wei a little in my heart.I said: "Is General Ding very talkative in front of City Lord He?" Bai Wei said: "General Ding was originally from Wuyang City, but he joined our army because of his heart for republic. His military art and martial arts are all chosen at the moment, and he ranks first among the seven generals." I said: "Seven Heavenly Generals, isn't your father one of the Seven Heavenly Generals?" Bai Wei was stunned, and said: "So you already knew about it a long time ago." Her eyes flickered, and she suddenly said: "Thank you, you know our identities, and let us out in Gaojiu City." I'm not going to tell you that Zheng Zhao told me, but I just said: "The seven-day general is an old man, how could Ding Henry be..." "Now these seven days will belong to Wuyang City, not my father's generation. Ding Henry ranked first, and Fang Ruoshui just now ranked sixth. Fang Ruoshui is narrow-minded and disregarding the overall situation. He is trying his best to oppose the alliance , I was afraid that he would come up with some idea that would be bad for you, so I didn't let you go to his barracks. General Chu, don't blame me, okay?" I breathed a sigh of relief.No matter what Bai Wei said is true or not, she is always explaining to me now.I said: "It turns out that the opinions in Wuyang City are still so inconsistent. Zheng Zhao agreed to join forces?" Bai Wei blushed slightly, and said, "That's right. It's just that I always feel that his attitude is a bit strange, uncertain, and I don't know what to think." Because last time he worked so hard to reach the imperial capital and discuss joining forces, but Marquis Wen probably wanted to kill him.At that time, Marquis Wen must not have paid much attention to Wuyang City. If he knew that Wuyang City now has more than 60,000 troops, he would not take it lightly.I asked, "What about you? Do you think the joint venture is feasible?" Bai Wei said softly: "Sometimes I feel that the republic is people-oriented and people-oriented, and it is incompatible with the empire. Since your southern expedition, you have killed so many of us. This hatred is as deep as the sea, and we must not coexist. But after getting to know you, I think that even the soldiers of the empire are actually similar to us. What else can we do in front of the enemy?" Bai Wei doesn't agree to join forces, if I don't serve as the deputy envoy this time, she will definitely try her best to destroy it.I fell silent, Bai Wei saw that I didn't speak, and said: "General Chu, are you angry? This is the truth, I don't want to lie to you." I raised my head, smiled and said, "I can't be angry. Bai Wei, if you can tell me the truth, even if it doesn't please me, I can only be grateful." Bai Wei said: "Then do you think the joint venture can be accomplished?" I sighed, and said: "The so-called republic and the so-called empire are just things that those high-ranking people think about. For us, we just try our best to survive. For a belief, are you willing to let the jade go to pieces, or are you willing to surrender it?" " Bai Wei didn't speak anymore.After she was captured by Jin Qianshi, she did not hesitate to endure the humiliation of being his concubine and survived, that was an answer.Bai Wei also sighed, and said, "But...but..." I said: "Sacrifice is necessary, but sacrifice is also worthwhile. I hope that the Empire and the Republican Army can join hands to defend against foreign enemies. That is the way of coexistence." Bai Wei said: "But once the snake people are eliminated in the future, will the empire allow the Republican Army to be independent?" It should be said that the Republican Army would not allow the Empire to exist. Perhaps in a sense, the appearance of the Snakeman was a good thing, and the cannibalism was temporarily stopped.My heart was flustered, and I murmured: "I don't know, Bai Wei, I really don't know." Although the negotiation of joining forces has not even started yet, I seem to have seen the prospect.In the future, if the Snake People are really wiped out, a war between the Empire and the Republican Army will still be inevitable.At that time, the brothers who fought side by side yesterday will turn against each other and fight against each other. For the people who lost their lives in the flames of war, what is the difference between dying under the hands of a different kind and dying under the same kind of hands? No.If that day comes, I will definitely do my best to stop it.The war should end on the day the snake people perish.I remembered the few words the princess said to me before he died, a new era is coming.Why can't this new era be an era that has both the strengths of the empire and the republic and can accommodate both sides? The princess has passed away, but her ideal is still there.The princess asked Nangong Wenli to swear allegiance to me, so that is to let me inherit her unfulfilled ambition? Bai Wei said softly again: "General Chu, although four of the Seven Heavenly Generals opposed the alliance, General Ding was the most trusted by the city lord. The ruling officials of Wuyang City, but there are still three people who can directly influence City Lord He." "Three people?" I was a little surprised, "Is it Zheng Zhao's three men?" "Azhao and the others all tend to join forces, but they are only the confidantes of the Lord He. It is they, the three old men, who can make the Lord He obey." Bai Wei said here, looking around.There was no one around, the place was very clean, she whispered again: "It's Wanghai Sanhao." I suddenly remembered that Zheng Zhao told me that there is a saying in Wuyang City that "20,000 private soldiers are less than six."Zheng Zhao and the others are the Three Scholars, and the other three of the six must be San Hao.I said, "Who are they?" "They seldom come forward. They are veterans of the three dynasties of Wuyang City. The previous two generations of Wuyang City Lords trusted these three people. The three of them were entrusted by the previous generation of City Lord Tuogu to assist City Lord He, and City Lord He obeyed them. Listen. It is said that among the three old people, one supports the alliance, one strongly opposes it, and the other strongly favors it. Therefore, in Wuyang City today, there are about forty or six forces who oppose the alliance and those who agree with it, and those who agree have the upper hand. " I said: "Since the majority agree to join forces, there must be no problem." Bai Wei said: "I don't know either. It's just that when you negotiate face-to-face with City Lord He tomorrow, most of these three Hao will come forward. If you can persuade these three people, I think the joint venture can be counted." It's just a war of words.No wonder Marquis Wen appointed Ding Ximing, who is proficient in eloquence, to be his envoy. He must have expected that Wuyang City would not be monolithic.In view of the precedent in Fudun City, I dare say that Marquis Wen must have planted hidden stakes in Wuyang City a long time ago, and he certainly would not be ignorant of the situation in Wuyang City. Now He Congjing is still considering the pros and cons of joining forces, Marquis Wen hopes that the alliance will be successful, and the old Republican Army in Wuyang City is skeptical about the alliance. This errand is indeed not as easy as imagined.I was thinking about the words of Marquis Wen's secret order, and now I just hope that I don't have to use that secret order. At this point, I can only be thankful that I didn't tell anyone about the secret order, and that my mind-stimulating technique appeared again at a critical moment.In the dark, God is also looking after me, I hope my good luck has not yet come to an end. When he went back that day, He Congjing held another dinner in the Danli Hall, and there were still delicacies from mountains and seas.After drinking and eating, I returned to the room, and Chunyan was waiting for me again.Although I have doubts about her in my heart, but seeing that she is pretty and pleasant, she really doesn't look like she is lying to me.It's just that I had doubts, so I didn't dare to confide in her, so I stayed on the bench all night. Early the next morning, the people sent by He Congjing were waiting at the Mu Yu Pavilion.This time the negotiation was held in the Danli Hall of the Mu Yu Pavilion. I put on my shirt and stood with Ma Tianwu with the forward battalion.Ding Ximing is the envoy, and he is mainly in charge of the negotiations. Now it depends on whether his verbal arguments can convince the officials of Wuyang City, so that He Congjing no longer has any doubts. Entering the Danli Hall, there are already neat seats inside.The guest seat on the left is still vacant, but there are only two seats. One is for Ding Ximing and the other is for me. Everyone else can only stand. There is a jug of wine and a bowl of fruit on the table in front of the seat. If you are thirsty, eat and drink a little to help you talk.Ding Ximing and I bowed to He Congjing, who was at the head first, and sat down. He Congjing held up his cup and said, "My lords, today, Mr. Ding is here to discuss matters with our city. Please have a drink first. No matter what you talk about, If it doesn't work, I, Wuyang City, must not lose the gift of the master, everyone please." Ding Ximing raised his brows when he heard He Congjing say, "It doesn't matter whether the discussion is successful or not." He definitely didn't expect He Congjing to say that.As soon as He Congjing's voice fell, Ding Ximing stood up and said: "Today's alien invasion, we are in danger, and we should take a long-term plan and unite as one to overcome the immediate crisis. The emperor is wise and martial, respectful and corporal, do not miss the old grudges, and wish to reunite The lords join hands to defend against foreign enemies." Listening to Ding Ximing say that the emperor is "wise and powerful, and a virtuous corporal", I can't help but want to laugh a little.The emperor is not wise at all, and now he is sick and crooked, let alone a martial artist. As for the corporal, there has never been such a saying, but these clichés can only be said. At this time, a person stood up on the right side and said, "Master Ding, if the way is different, you should not conspire with each other. This is a clear instruction from the ancients. Wuyang City has always been aloof, and now my lord has a high standard of 'Republic', which is even more incompatible with the empire. Can you join hands with each other?" This person is the customs officer Kong Renying.He is the number one head of the six divisions, that is, the number one minister of Wuyang City.He was the first to attack, and now it's up to Ding Ximing to convince him. Ding Ximing smiled slightly, and said: "Master Kong, I have also heard that the ancients said: 'Brothers fight against the wall, and the outside defends against their insults. Since the first city lord of Wuyang City made the covenant with the emperor, all the city lords of the past generations have been vassals of the empire. The city lord He does not fall into the tradition of his ancestors, if Mr. Kong insists on the difference between the republic and the monarchy, and ignores the plan of insulting him from the outside, he will inevitably tarnish the reputation of the city lord He." Ding Ximing said this very harshly. Later, he brought He Congjing into it and turned it into accusing Kong Renying of being rude. Kong Renying was at a loss for words for a while, and someone nearby saw that Kong Renying couldn't continue, and said: "Master Ding's words are wrong. Wuyang City is located in the south of the sky and is self-sufficient. It does not rely on the empire as a barrier, and it does not rely on the empire's funding. The empire has repeatedly increased the annual tribute. Today's May Day tribute is overwhelming for the common people. Back then, Marquis Wu of the Tang Dynasty marched south, regardless of the life and death of the city residents, and blindly mobilized the grain stored in the city, so that the grain and grass in the city were scarce, and thousands of households could not see the smoke. My lord Gai was heartbroken. Therefore, the banner of "Republic" was adopted to save the people from the fire and water. Since the banner was adopted, the people have more than enough food and clothing, and every household praises the kindness of our Lord. If they enter the cage of the empire again, the city people will return to poverty. I don't know how to deal with the people Questioning, may Master Ding teach me." This person is Gu Qingsui, the chief secretary of the staff.Bai Wei said that half of the six directors opposed the idea of ​​joining forces, Kong Renying was one, and Gu Qingsui was also one, who else?I looked at the six masters on the opposite side, wondering who would be next.However, what Gu Qing said is not unreasonable. Since Cang Yuegong's rebellion, the income of the empire's wealth has dropped sharply, while the expenditure of the imperial capital has actually increased. In order to make up for the shortfall, the emperor doubled the annual tribute of Wuyang City at once. It is also an opportunity for Duke Cang Yue to sacrifice his life in exchange for He Congjing's defection.Although Gu Qingsui is under Kong Renying and is only in charge of the department, his style of conversation is better than Kong Renying's. Ding Ximing smiled slightly, and said: "Master Gu, the ancients have said that leading the shore of the sea, is it the land of the king, and the people who lead the land are the subjects of the king. As a citizen of the empire, it is their duty to pay tribute and tax. In recent years, the empire has indeed The crisis is everywhere, and the emperor has appropriately increased taxes in order to overcome the difficulties. However, the emperor loves the people like his son, and for the sake of Wuyang City, he has ordered the exemption of the annual tribute." I can't help feeling amused.The emperor's order was to benefit without cost. Wuyang City set up the flag of the republic, and naturally no longer paid tribute, but said that the year-old tribute was exempted, which was just an empty favor.It's just that since Gu Qingsui said that the empire's taxes are too heavy, Ding Ximing has no way to refute what he said.I have always looked down on Ding Ximing, but his speech is clear and organized, and he really has his skills. Gu Qingsui said again: "Master Ding, the Snakemen's soldiers are extremely sharp. Back then, Marquis Wu of Tang marched south with an army of 100,000, and he was defeated within dozens of days. The whole army was wiped out. Today, Wuyang City hangs alone in the rear. With his own strength, he cannot do anything. Deal with it. Even if the empire does not take yearly tribute, if Wuyang City turns against the snake people, it will definitely bear the brunt of the attack. Sir Ding said that the emperor loves the people like a son, can you guarantee that the empire can send troops to help?" This is what Wuyang City is most worried about.Now Guangyang Province is surrounded by snake people forces, and even Guangyang Province itself must be invaded by snake people. Once Wuyang City really raises its flag to fight against snake people, He Congjing is absolutely not sure that he can stick to it. Ding Ximing said: "Your Majesty Gu is in a bad position. Before the Snake People entered the siege of the Imperial Capital, they were indeed extremely sharp and unstoppable. However, today, the Snake People are really strong from the outside but hard at the core, and it is difficult to continue. Since the Snake People fought outside the Imperial Capital , Master Wenhou planned to destroy the enemy, the snake people were killed no less than 100,000, once they retreated to Beining, and then retreated to Dongping, now they can only be trapped in the south of the river, panic all day long, and our army is ready to fight, and the rest of the snake people are just around the corner It can be destroyed. Master Gu, at this moment, the snake people are too busy to take care of themselves. How can they divide their troops and attack Wuyang City? If the snake people really divide their troops, the imperial army will be able to drive straight in, and the victory will be easier. If Master Gu thinks that Wuyang City is vulnerable, then I can't help but underestimate the elite soldiers and generals in Wuyang City." When Ding Ximing said this, I knew it was going to be bad.His words were also forceful.I personally participated in most of the battles against the snake people, and it will never be as easy as Ding Ximing said.Although the Snake Man was completely defeated in the siege of the imperial capital, but now he has retreated to Dongping City and has gained a firm foothold.If the Snake Man really divides his troops to attack Wuyang City, the empire will definitely not be able to break through the siege and come to reinforce it.Ding Ximing is a civil servant and doesn't know much about military affairs. Although he spoke eloquently and with great vigor, when he spoke, Wang Zhen, the chief secretary of the Military Affairs Department, frowned. As soon as he finished speaking, the two stood up at the same time and said: " Master Ding..." One is Wang Zhen, and the other is Si Lin Yimu from afar. The two of them stood up at the same time, and they probably didn't expect to speak at the same time. Lin Yimu looked at Wang Zhen, bowed and saluted, and said, "Wang My lord, please ask first." Wang Zhen nodded, and said, "Wang Zhen disagrees with Master Ding's words. In the siege of Wuyun City, the lower officials have heard that the Snake Man suffered a crushing defeat, which shows that the imperial army's combat power is extraordinary. However, the Snake Man The military strength is really unknown. When the empire was besieged, the five provinces in the southeast and the four provinces in the west and west, except for Haijing, which is isolated overseas, and the second province of Langyue in the northwest, there is no trace of snake people. Controlling, those who encircle Wuyun City can only occupy one-third of the Snake Army at most. Up to now, the Snakes are still sticking to Dongping City. It is not enough, if our army raises the flag at this time, it will definitely attract the attention of the snake people, and the city of Wuyang will be in danger." His words are relatively flat and quite reasonable.Ding Ximing said: "Your Excellency Wang only knows one thing, not the other. Although the Snakeman's soldiers are strong, the generals in Wuyang City are not weak. What's more, the walls of Wuyang City are strong and thick, and the city is firmly guarded. Who said otherwise?" His words were very imposing, but I shook my head secretly.After all, Ding Ximing didn't know about military affairs. Wuyang City sent troops, and the first to benefit was the empire, but Wuyang City would suffer from military disasters. Just as I was thinking to myself, Wang Zhen shook her head and said, "Lord Ding, if we fight together, we can't just say 'good soldiers and strong generals, the city is strong and the walls are thick'. There is no war now. A province is full of wars, except for Wuyang City, all places will surely fall, and when refugees swarm into the city, how will Wuyang City bear it? Does Lord Ding think of the benefits and disadvantages?" Ding Ximing was speechless for a while.Wang Zhen is a man who knows how to fight, and this sentence hits the nail on the head.At this time, Lin Yimu continued: "What Master Wang said is right. Half of Wuyang City's income now depends on merchants from far away. Once there is a war, merchants will definitely decrease significantly, and refugees will increase. One will ebb and flow, and military expenditure will inevitably increase." It will be stretched and hard to sustain." I frowned slightly.Although Lin Yimu's words are not unreasonable, but since Wuyang City has been in operation, has it no savings?Wuyang City was known for its riches and merchants. Even if the merchants were cut off, it would not be a problem to maintain the military expenditure for a year or two. Lin Yimu seemed to be strongly opposed to joining forces.It's just that Bai Wei clearly said that three of the six directors opposed the alliance. What is Wang Zhen's attitude? Ding Ximing said: "Lord Lin, when the official came, Lord Wenhou once told the official that once Wuyang City joins, it will be able to influence the situation of the battle. If we can agree to join forces, the empire can make up for the military expenses. I don't know what Lord Wang and Lord Lin think about the reinforcements?" Both Wang Zhen and Lin Yimu were startled.Now Wuyang City has more than 60,000 troops, which is not enough for attacking but more than enough for defending.If Marquis Wen really sent 10,000 soldiers here, consuming food and grass in the city would be a trivial matter, but these 10,000 people knew everything about Wuyang City and became a nail in the heart of Wuyang City, they would definitely not allow it.Before Lin Yimu said anything, Wang Zhen said first: "Marquis Wen's kindness, I will appreciate it, but the empire's military strength is not enough, so there is no need for reinforcements." Ding Ximing showed a slight smile on his face, and said: "The lower officials also feel that there are many heroes in Wuyang City, and the snakes and clowns are not enough to be a thunderbolt. In today's world, the two will decline if they are divided, and the two will be powerful if they are combined. As long as we work together, we will be able to calm down This chaos. As for the future, we will know when the time comes, what does City Lord He think?" Although it wasn't a complete victory, Wang Zhen and Lin Yimu couldn't say anything at this time.In my heart, I admire Marquis Wen even more. His strategy of advancing as retreat is really clever, just like the art of war, first showing weakness to others, and then suddenly rising up, catching the enemy by surprise.Ding Ximing deliberately let the opponent take a step, and then proposed reinforcements, knowing that everyone in Wuyang City would definitely not agree to allow the imperial army to garrison the city, and then took a step back. Wang Zhen and Lin Yilin could no longer talk about insufficient military strength and military expenses.At this time, although two of the six masters did not speak, the overall situation has been settled, and Ding Ximing's ability to say such words is naturally an opportunity given by Marquis Wen. in vain. Just thinking about this, He Congjing pondered for a while, and said to Long Daocheng and Qin Yu who hadn't spoken yet: "Mr. Long, Mr. Qin, what do you think?" Long Daocheng and Qin Yu stood up at the same time, and said: "The lowly ranks take it very seriously." I breathed a sigh of relief.It seems that the six masters have been convinced by Ding Ximing, and the negotiation has initially succeeded, and it is time to bargain.It's just that the three old men Bai Wei mentioned didn't show up. It seems that Bai Wei doesn't know He Congjing very well.If Wuyang City raises its troops behind the Snakeman, it will naturally have to pay a price for taking this risk. I don't know what Wen Hou told Ding Ximing, but there must be a bottom line. He Congjing said: "In that case..." Ding Ximing's face was already full of joy, but he didn't know why the scene hadn't come out yet, and suddenly someone shouted: "The city lord wait a minute!" The voice was loud and very old.Hearing this voice, my heart was shocked.Bai Wei said that although the Sixth Master Book is He Congjing's confidant, He Congjing relies most on Wanghai Sanhao.One of the three old men strongly opposed the idea of ​​joining forces, and it was probably this person.At this moment, it suddenly occurred to me that He Congjing didn't mention Wanghai Sanhao at all, it must be intentional, and such a change happened deliberately when Ding Ximing thought he had won a complete victory, and that was exactly Ding Ximing's old trick. The matter is not over yet, the real confrontation should start now! An old man strode in from outside the hall.This person has white hair and white beard, but his steps are very firm, just like a man in his prime.When he walked in, He Congjing also stood up and said, "Mu Lao, why are you here? Give Mu Lao a seat." A waiter next to him brought a chair and placed it beside He Congjing. The old man sat down and glanced at our side.The old man's face was full of wrinkles, but his eyes were piercing and frighteningly bright. I was shocked when he glanced at him.He glanced at us, stood up again, bowed and saluted He Congjing, and said, "City Lord, the old man Xuanling is very polite." He Congjing said: "Old Mu, please sit down. This is Mr. Ding Ximing, the censor of the Imperial Inspectorate, here to discuss the matter of joining forces." Before he finished speaking, Mu Xuanling interrupted him and said: "City Lord, this old man heard that someone here wants to harm the City Lord, so he dare not neglect, so he came here to protect." His words were aggressive, and his tone was very unkind. Ding Ximing frowned, and immediately said with a smile on his face: "I don't know what Mu Lao is talking about? I am a fool, I really don't understand the deep meaning." Mu Xuanling ignored him, and said to He Congjing, "City Lord, how do you think Wuyang City's strength compares to Cang Yuegong back then?" There was a "click" in my heart.He Congjing now inherits the banner of Lord Cang Yue, but Lord Cang Yue was put down by Marquis Wu, so neither side mentioned the matter of Lord Cang Yue just now, so as not to make He Congjing unable to step down.As soon as Mu Xuanling came, he talked about Cang Yuegong out of his mouth, which was very aggressive, probably he was the only one who dared to speak to He Congjing in such a tone.He Congjing was also a little embarrassed, and said, "Naturally not as good." Mu Xuanling said again: "Then in terms of the situation, how does Wuyang City compare with today?" He Congjing thought for a while and said, "Each has its pros and cons, but it's more sinister now." Mu Xuanling said: "Since this is the case, does Lord He think that he can fight against the snake man by himself?" He Congjing sighed and said, "Probably not." Mu Xuanling stood up with a "huh", and said: "In this way, if Wuyang City is to last forever, the only way to go is to join hands with the empire. Anyone who does not want to join hands is trying to trap me Lord over those in danger!" When he said this, Ding Ximing and I both showed joy.Mu Xuanling's approach is menacing, we only knew that he strongly opposed the alliance, but we didn't expect him to be strongly in favor of it.This unexpected reinforcement came suddenly, and it was very powerful. The chief bookkeepers who opposed the alliance wanted to refute, but were scolded by Mu Xuanling, and they all dared not speak.He Congjing murmured, as if he had made up his mind, and was about to speak, when suddenly someone said: "Duke Xuan, it's too early to say that." This is another old man.Upon hearing this person's words, both Kong Renying and Lin Yimu showed joy on their faces, probably because one of the Sanhao who opposed the alliance had arrived.The one who came in with the voice was an old man who was almost the same as Mu Xuanling, also with white hair, but a beard that was pure black.As soon as this person came in, He Congjing stood up again and said, "Come here, give Mr. Yu a seat." When the old man arrived in front of He Congjing, he bowed and saluted, and said: "City Lord, just now I heard Xuan Gong say that anyone who opposes the idea of ​​joining forces is trying to put my lord in danger, I wonder if I heard it wrong?" Mu Xuanling said: "Tie Gong, I know you are strongly opposed to joining forces, but Tie Gong thinks that with the strength of our army, can we fight against the Snake Man alone?" The old man Yu said: "Of course not." Mu Xuanling shouted: "Then I would like to ask Mr. Tie, since you can't fight against the Snake Man alone, besides joining forces with the Empire, what good strategy is there?" 郁老人微微一笑，却是不答，看了看丁西铭，道：“这位想必便是帝国派来的丁大人了？老朽郁铁波，见过丁大人了。” 丁西铭道：“正是下官，有礼了，郁老。” 郁铁波看着丁西铭，道：“丁大人既受命前来，老朽有一事不明，不知丁大人可否教我？” 丁西铭道：“郁老请言。” 郁铁波道：“适才玄老已言，单凭五羊城之力，不足与蛇人相抗。老朽不知单凭帝国之力，可与蛇人否？” 丁西铭傲然道：“帝国三军用命，将智兵勇，蛇人不过疥癣之疾，指日可平。” 郁铁波冷笑道：“若真个指日可平，想必丁大人也不必来游说吾主了吧，丁大人。据老朽所料，今帝国军力未必能胜过五羊城许多，与蛇人隔江对峙，战事胶着，故需借五羊城之力与蛇人抗手。然一旦五羊城与蛇人交恶，激战连番，帝国却袖手旁观，待两败俱伤时方才出兵，坐收渔利，到时不知我军计将安出？” 孔人英点了点头道：“郁老所言极是，下官亦有些等担心。” 其实不用担心，我都觉得文侯一定会这么做的。五羊城在这时候接过苍月公的共和旗帜，不臣之心昭然若揭，对于帝国而言，现在五羊城还能利用，真的扫平蛇人后，首先对付的便是五羊城了。这件事何从景也不会没想到，只是当着丁西铭的面，没人挑破而已，郁铁波却一话说穿了。 丁西铭道：“今五羊城已树共和之帜，此亦不免有此之虑。文侯大人亦曾虑及于此，故准许下官便宜行事，若何城主同意联手，帝国将以王子一名入五羊城为质，以示诚意。” 帝君的王子有一大批，很多王子名不见经传，除了消耗俸禄，可以说一无是处。现在帝君也身患重病，太子监国，牺牲个把庶出的王子，在太子看来毫不足惜。只是这个条件丁西铭现在才说出来，那也一定是文侯的安排，非要等五羊城逼上来时才慢慢退让，只是不知道文侯授意他退让的底线到底是哪一步。 郁铁波怔了怔，又冷笑道：“不知帝君有几位王子？来的可能是太子？” 丁西铭道：“太子如今统领天下兵马，身负监国之责，自不能前来。文侯大人对下官交待过，为表诚意，帝国可遣王侯各一名前来为质，不知郁老以为如何？” 郁铁波一怔，道：“丁大人，帝国可有几侯？” 丁西铭微笑道：“帝国自古以来，唯有文武二侯，从无第三人。” 帝国以前的爵位是三公二侯十三伯，其中三公中的苍月公已死，武侯也死在了高鹫城里，这些事五羊城的人不会不知。郁铁波问有几侯，便是怕帝国随便弄个宗室封个侯充当人质凑数。然而我脑中雪亮，文侯要派出的人质，当然不是他自己，那么只有新袭武侯蒲安礼了。怪不得文侯那时也并不反对蒲安礼袭侯，原来已经打下了这条后路。 郁铁波更是一怔，道：“那么是新任武侯了？” 丁西铭道：“不错。新任武侯乃唐武侯之婿，为军中后起名将，且是工部尚书蒲大人公子，不知郁老可是满意？” 这大概就是文侯交待给丁西铭的底线，直到现在丁西铭才亮出了自己的底牌。可是，丁西铭一定猜不到，文侯同样也给了我一个底线。文侯的深谋远虑实在让人惊叹，蒲安礼做梦也想不到，自己只是文侯的一个筹码而已。此时我对文侯的敬佩已是无以复加，对他的恐惧也是一样。