Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Iron Armored Chariot

Early the next morning, I got up early.Last night I carefully read Nangong Wenli's memorial, in case I was confused and couldn't answer anything when I mentioned it to Marquis Wen.At first, I just wanted to take a look at it casually, but after reading it again, it was like a bucket of cold water in front of my head, and I didn't feel sleepy anymore. Nangong Wenli analyzed the seven evils of today's government in the memorial. Although I am not a person in this way, I think what he said is completely reasonable and to the point. Like what he said, once a hundred officials enter an official position, they don't want to make progress. , all things do not seek meritorious service, but seek no faults, because there is no law of performance appraisal, and there has been no reality of performance appraisal for a long time." In Wuyang City, there was also a staff department, which was to assess the achievements of officials, and the positive achievements were divided into upper and lower levels. The middle and lower ranks are third, the upper prize, the middle fair, and the lower punishment, so the officials in Wuyang City are quite efficient. As soon as we arrived at the pier, Liu Wenchang from the South Gate Division of Wuyang City immediately came to inquire.The officials in the imperial capital have changed, and people from afar will come, so you must wait for an hour or two on the pier.

The more I watched, the more excited I became.Nangong Wenli is not just a puppet supported by the princess, he is very talented. The princess' plan at the beginning was to let Nangong Wenli be in government and I be in the army. The two sides complement each other, go hand in hand, and slowly Become an important figure in the imperial capital.I don't know if I can do this, but with Nangong Wenli's talent, I can definitely do it.It's just that the Princess is no longer here, and it's really difficult for the two of us to accomplish this goal. Thinking of this, I can't help but feel a little disappointed.Maybe, maybe the Republican Army can do this better.

I put the memorial in my arms, asked my servants to lead the horse, and went to the Qianfeng camp first.Qian Wenyi had already returned to the camp, and he had already told about the successful agreement with Wuyang City, so Cao Wendao was very excited when he saw me back.In the past, we fought alone, but now with Wuyang City as the coalition force, our strength has been greatly increased, and naturally our confidence has also greatly increased. In the battalion, they dealt with the accumulated affairs. These months, the forward battalion has practiced every day, and they have become more elite. They also heard that the battle situation in Dongping City is not good, and everyone has the heart to fight.After leaving the camp, I walked to Wenhou Mansion alone.When we arrived at the Mansion of Marquis Wen, Marquis Wen had just come back, and I was notified before I went to see Marquis Wen.As soon as I entered the hall, Marquis Wen was still standing in front of the topographic map, and I knelt down at the door and said, "My lord, the last general Chu Xiuhong is polite."

Wenhou turned his head and said, "Come in. Chu Xiuhong, why are you here today?" I stood up, walked up to Marquis Wen, and said, "My lord, I will ask you for something at the end." Marquis Wen raised his eyebrows and said, "Really? What's the matter?" "Yesterday, when I went to the court, Nangong Wenli, the counselor, went to the Shu and asked for the restoration of the Ministry of Officials. I wonder if you still remember?" Wen Hou said: "Yes, it is indeed necessary to restore the Ministry of Officials, but there are priorities, and this matter is not urgent."

I took out the memorial from my pocket, and said: "The general thinks that rectifying the imperial court and clearing up the administration of officials are the most urgent tasks at the moment, please think twice, this is the copy of the Nangong doctor's memorial, and I hope you can take the time to read it .” Marquis Wen took it over and said strangely: "I didn't expect that you are so familiar with Nangong Wenli, let me see." I just felt a chill in my heart, and said: "The last general is not very familiar with Mr. Nangong, but just an acquaintance." Marquis Wen didn't say anything, sat down, and said, "By the way, you've been away these days, have you stopped the training of the striker battalion?"

"My lord, before the final general left, I entrusted everything to the assistant general. Now the vanguard battalion has become more elite and will not lose to others." A smile appeared on Marquis Wen's face: "That's right, I also heard from Li Yaotian that your 5,000 men are very powerful. It's even Bi Wei, who doesn't allow others, but actually speaks highly of Qianfengying. " Because the combat effectiveness of the Vanguard Battalion is obvious to all.I am secretly proud that the imperial capital broke through the siege. If it weren't for the vanguard battalion fighting with all their strength, his Fire Legion might not be able to play its due role. It seems that although Bi Wei is very different from me, he is not a person It's no wonder that Marquis Wen also relies heavily on him for a small-bellied person.I said: "Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world. The soldiers of the Qianfeng Battalion are willing to fight for the country, and they will die."

Marquis Wen suddenly stood up and said, "By the way, since you're here, come and have dinner with me, and come and take a look with me in the afternoon." My heart moved, and I said: "My lord, is it an armored vehicle?" A strangeness flashed in Wenhou's eyes, and he said, "You also know?" I'm cold again.Marquis Wen's eyes don't seem to be full of approval, maybe I'm a little too arrogant.I lowered my head and said, "The general has heard about it, and I really want to see it." Marquis Wen said: "Since you have heard about it, let me tell you the truth. A long time ago, I wanted to build up the four armies of earth, fire, water, and wind. Now the three armies of fire, water, and wind have formed an army. Only the Land Legion responsible for the main battle has not been found yet. Not long ago, Longyou made great achievements in the development of armored vehicles, I am afraid that the Land Legion should also become an army."

In the past, the military power was in the hands of Marquis Wu, so Marquis Wen naturally had no conditions to establish these four legions.But now that Marquis Wen is already the most powerful minister in the court, this is the more important condition.I said: "My lord, can this armored vehicle really be put into actual combat?" Marquis Wen said: "I don't know right now, so there will be an actual combat exercise in two days to see how the armored vehicle will perform in actual combat." I hesitated, and said, "My lord, what do you mean by actual combat exercises?"

Marquis Wen smiled slightly and said: "You will know when the time comes. Longyou is preparing for these two days, and we will see the result in two days. Come on, eat with me, and then tell me about your affairs in Wuyang City. I still want to Hear the details of He Congjing, and who that old man is." The cooks in Marquis Wen’s mansion are naturally much better than those in my family. Marquis Wen is very particular about appetite. Although his diet is not much, it is quite delicate. For lunch, there are four meat, four vegetables and one soup. Every dish is delicious. tasty.Marquis Wen had a few drinks, and while eating, he listened to me talking about the affairs in Wuyang City, especially the negotiations and my experience in the Wanghai Pavilion. The officials of Wuyang City, big and small, know everything well, even the Yuanren Si Feng Xinge who is in charge of arranging our itinerary.When I was talking about the conversation with Elder Hai in Wanghai Hall, I couldn't make up my mind whether I should talk about Lu Jingyu, but Marquis Wen suddenly interrupted me, saying: "What, he even went to Fudun City?"

When I was talking about seeing Hai Lao for the first time, I remembered that I met him once in Fudun City. Hearing what Wen Hou said, I knew that I had missed my mouth, so I had no choice but to bite the bullet and say: "Yes. I was just shocked when I was in Fudun City. At a glance, I couldn't believe my eyes at that time, thinking that I was dreaming." Marquis Wen twisted the wine glass with one hand, and the glass spun quickly in his palm, but the wine inside did not spill out at all.He murmured: "What is this old Hai's plan? He dared to enter Fudun City. Maybe he even came to Wuyun City."

Maybe, Hailao's ability is the only one I've seen in my life. He has probably been to the imperial capital. In this regard, Marquis Wen is not as good as him. Marquis Wen himself is too busy with many things to go to those places in person.He twirled the wine glass twice in his palm, drank it down in one gulp, and said, "Go ahead." I told everything before and after, and finally made up my mind not to tell anything about Lu Jingyu, and made up my mind that if Marquis Wen knew about it, I would promise Lu Jingyu not to tell about it.But Marquis Wen's thoughts are all on Elder Hai, and he doesn't seem to know that Lu Jingyu and I have met. It seems that although Marquis Wen has many eyes and ears, it is impossible for him to know everything.When I talked about the completion of the negotiation, the Seventh General held a banquet at the Zuiyue Tower and wanted to keep me, but Wenhou suddenly said, "Chu Xiuhong, what do you think of the Seventh General's character?" I pondered for a while, and said: "I am not very familiar with those seven generals, but I have fought with Henry Ding before. This man's marksmanship is as good as mine, and he leads the army well. He is indeed an outstanding general. The other six Even if people are slightly behind, they will definitely not be far behind." Marquis Wen sighed, and said, "I didn't expect that He Congjing's subordinates could gather so many good men, no wonder they dare to negotiate with us in a big way." He Congjing's disobedience is obvious, but Wenhou's disobedience is still deep in his heart.I said: "My lord, the general thinks that Wuyang City is like a double-edged blade. The enemy and I are both sharp weapons. We really can't underestimate the enemy." Marquis Wen sneered, and said: "Naturally. Joining forces is only temporary, and we will break up one day. Chu Xiuhong, I am afraid that there will be a battle with Wuyang City sooner or later. Although we are friends now, we are not enemies. But if you have to fight against them together, you must remember this." I felt a slight pain in my heart.The Snakeman is still the big enemy right now, our newly established alliance already has cracks, I'm afraid we can't escape a battle with Wuyang City.Wuyang City's so-called "people-oriented, people-oriented" is actually empty talk.Henry Ding can see this clearly too, but what can we do?And those soldiers are probably even more confused.Although Marquis Wen told me so, in my heart, I have secretly made up my mind that I must do my best to avoid this battle. Marquis Wen ate something indiscriminately, and said, "Chu Xiuhong, are you finished?" I was seventy percent full after eating, but Marquis Wen seemed to have lost his appetite, so I said, "I'm almost full." "Okay, follow me to the north of the city and see the armored vehicles." Marquis Wen got into the carriage, and I rode beside him.After leaving the north gate, he turned up the mountain again and arrived at the secret camp of the Ministry of Industry that he had visited once.It didn’t snow today, but the snow on the mountain hadn’t melted. I remembered that it was also a snowy day when I came here last year. That time Zhang Longyou showed us the Shenlong Cannon. I didn’t expect that after only one year, there would be a new weapon. The 28th year of Tianbao is coming soon.If all goes well, I hope Tianbao can end the war thirty years ago.But who knows?Maybe even if Tianbao is sixty years old, the war has not subsided, even if the emperor can live to Tianbao sixty years. Thinking of Dijun, I couldn't help but smile wryly.Although no one dared to say it clearly, but with Dijun's body, no one would believe that there would be a Tianbao 60 years. Walking through the cave, the eyes are suddenly enlightened.It hasn't been a year, but there hasn't been much change, only a few new houses have been built, and the ground has leveled off a lot.As soon as we walked out of the cave, several people greeted us and knelt down in front of Marquis Wen, the leader was Zhang Longyou.Zhang Longyou is still so thin, but more mature, with a beard growing around his mouth, he raised his voice and said: "Lord Wenhou, Zhang Longyou, the right servant of the Ministry of Labor, together with the member of the Jin family, Qiu Mujie, and the member of the Huo family, Hong Guanggong has met your lord." Marquis Wen smiled slightly, and said, "Master Zhang, excuse me, please get up." Zhang Longyou stood up, nodded to me as a greeting, and said to Marquis Wen: "My lord, the final assembly of the armored vehicle has been completed, do you want them to test it?" Marquis Wen said: "Okay, the day after tomorrow we will have a formal test, so there should be no trouble." Zhang Longyou smiled slightly and said: "Yes, sir, please don't worry." He turned around and said a few words to a small official next to him, the man walked away, Zhang Longyou walked over, grabbed my hands, and said: "Chu General, long time no see." I also met him once before I set off, and it has been four months since I counted.I also smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, how are you doing now?" Zhang Longyou said: "I'm here every day, I only hope that I can defeat the snake man as soon as possible." At this time, several servants moved a chair for Marquis Wen, Marquis Wen sat down, and Zhang Longyou and I stood on both sides of Marquis Wen.The little official came over and said: "Master Zhang, the arrangements have been made, let them come out?" Zhang Longyou said: "Okay, come out." The little official took out a small flag from his arms and waved it, Zhang Longyou said in a low voice: "General Chu, this is the first time you have seen it? This armored vehicle is very powerful." I have already deeply remembered the name of the armored vehicle, and now that I want to witness it with my own eyes, I can't help feeling excited.A hole was dug on the cliff in the distance, and a door was sealed at the entrance of the hole. At this moment, there was a "bang", the door opened, and the sound of heavy objects crushing the ground came from it.I knew that the armored vehicle was about to come out, so I opened my eyes wide and dared not blink. The armored car is out!This armored car is not square, the front of the car is a bit sharp.Wu Wanling said that a car weighs tens of thousands of catties, so I'm afraid it might be a bit big, but this car weighs at least six or seven thousand catties.When we first came out, the car was driving very slowly, and the wheels were turning slowly, but as it drove, the speed became faster and faster. When we came in front of us, the speed of the car was almost the same as that of ordinary people walking briskly. The armored car made a circle, and some antler stakes were set up in front of it, which looked a bit like the camp formed by the snake man.When the armored vehicle came to him, he slammed into it without slowing down.Normally, if a large vehicle collided with it, it would probably get stuck, but the chassis of the armored vehicle was very low and too heavy. With a series of "clicks", those wooden posts were smashed by their roots, and the antlers were also crushed. This armored car is really unstoppable! Marquis Wen suddenly let out a burst of laughter, turned his head, and said to me: "Chu Xiuhong, what do you think?" I said, "Is the armored car just hitting?" If it was just hitting, the armored car is not slow, but it's not too fast after all, I'm afraid it won't be able to catch up with the enemy.Zhang Longyou said: "Of course not. The armored chariot can attack and defend, and the attack is like a sharp blade out of its sheath. The rules are like a copper wall and an iron wall. Come here, insert the wooden man." The little official waved the flag again, and some servants lifted a few wooden figures and planted them on the ground.These wooden figurines are about the size of a real person, and when they are inserted into the ground, they form a small group of people.It's just that what you do is not the appearance of a snake man, but a human being as well. Before I could think about it, several movable windows suddenly opened on the edge of the iron deck, and bows protruded from them.The bowstring was resounding, and the arrows were raining down, and the bodies of those wooden figures were already full of sharp arrows.Zhang Longyou said: "My lord, there is one small thunder crossbow, three strong bows and seven hundred arrows installed in the armored vehicle, and they can be replenished at any time." I said: "Why not use the Shenlong Cannon? Wouldn't it be more powerful to install the Shenlong Cannon inside?" Zhang Longyou sighed, and said: "When the Shenlong Cannon is fired, firstly, there is the force of the recoil, and secondly, there will be gunpowder smoke. The armored car can carry five people, and the interior is already crowded. Even if there is no recoil, the gunpowder smoke The stagnation in it doesn't dissipate, and it can't hold people anymore, so you can't install the Shenlong Cannon." I sigh to myself.There is no such thing as the best of both worlds, but even if the armored vehicle is not equipped with the Shenlong cannon, it is powerful enough to charge, and it is really invincible.Wenhou said: "How far can the armored vehicle travel at one time?" Zhang Longyou said: "The power of the armored car is installed inside, and it can be shaken by one person. Most people are exhausted after driving for half a mile. Even if two people change shifts, the maximum is no more than two to three miles. If you change people, you can keep driving, but the machine The chassis will get hot if you run it for too long, so you have to take a break after driving for two miles, or the chassis will melt." I said: "Can't two sets of machine brackets be installed in it, can they be used alternately?" Zhang Longyou said: "It may be possible to make improvements in the future, but right now this set of gears can't be reduced any more. No matter how small it is, it won't be able to drive the armored vehicle. And a set of gears will take up half of the space of the armored vehicle. The armor can’t be installed anymore. If the armored vehicle is enlarged, the weight of the vehicle will increase greatly, and it can’t be driven by this set of armor. , Only shake the engine to move forward when the war is triggered." This is the only way to go now.Marquis Wen twirled his beard, stood up, and said, "Longyou, in two days' time, we will make a formal demonstration in front of the crown prince and the generals, what are you going to do?" Zhang Longyou said: "What does your lord mean?" Marquis Wen looked at the iron armored car that was still driving, and said: "It takes a lot of money to build an iron armored car, and the Ministry of Household Affairs has the incident of Xing Li, and they are also busy working together, only using such wooden figures I'm afraid they won't be able to convince them with wooden stakes. Since it's an actual combat exercise, it should be shown as an actual combat exercise." Zhang Longyou thought for a while, then said: "Your Excellency, do you mean to let people really attack this armored vehicle?" Marquis Wen nodded, and said, "That's right, go to jail and raise thirty death row prisoners." I gasped when I heard this, and said urgently, "Sir, do you want to let the condemned prisoners fight the armored vehicles in full view?" Marquis Wen smiled and said: "Chu Xiuhong, have you thought of this too?" Zhang Longyou sighed at the side: "My lord has a good opinion, otherwise we can't see the true power of the armored chariot. There is no second intention. Give those condemned prisoners weapons so that they can defeat the armored vehicles and avoid death. Those condemned prisoners will definitely attack with all their strength. This demonstration can show the effectiveness of the armored vehicles in actual combat. Don't worry, when the time comes, there will be heavy soldiers guarding the adults of the family, and there will be no trouble." I thought it would be too cruel to let the death row prisoners be killed alive by armored vehicles, but Zhang Longyou thought I was worried that releasing the death row prisoners would be bad for the spectators.Just as I was about to say more, Marquis Wen said, "That's right. Chu Xiuhong, after two days, your vanguard battalion will be responsible for guarding. Five thousand elite soldiers are guarding thirty death row prisoners. If there is still trouble, I'm afraid You don’t even believe it yourself, haha.” It felt like something was stuck in my chest, and I felt unspeakably uncomfortable, but I couldn't express it either.Death row inmates would be dead sooner or later. If they did this, they would still have a chance of life, and the death row prisoners themselves would surely agree with it.But, let me watch people die alive under the armored car, I really can't stand it.But to refute, there is nothing to say. The benevolence of women.At the beginning, Marquis Wu also said that I had this problem, but these years have passed, and I don't seem to have changed it at all.Maybe, that's why I don't want to change it. At this moment, Marquis Wen stood up and said, "Okay, Longyou, you are here to prepare well. Two days later, it will be up to you to go to the military training ground in the military academy." Zhang Longyou was overjoyed, knelt down and said: "Thank you for your cultivation, my lord. I am inexplicably grateful for my humble job. I will definitely do this well." Looking at his figure, I suddenly felt that Zhang Longyou was so strange that I could no longer see the figure of the boy who was called "the idiot" in Gaojiu City.In just these few years, Zhang Longyou has changed so much?Although Xue Wenyi's figure is out of shape, and now the dough is as straight as a rich man, every time I see him, it is still the same as when we first met him, but Wu Wanling and Zhang Longyou have changed too much, especially Zhang Longyou. They probably won't recognize him. Perhaps, this is also the reason why Zhang Longyou's official position has been promoted so quickly.I sighed secretly, feeling unspeakably uncomfortable.Once upon a time, Zhang Longyou and I also opposed Marquis Wu's order to behead female captives for military rations. Today's Zhang Longyou probably would not do so. After leaving Zhang Longyou's secret camp, I was still unhappy.Riding beside Marquis Wen, I silently thought about everything that happened in Gaojiu City.For the first time, I even thought it would be better to die in Gaojiu City. "Chu Xiuhong, do you have any concerns?" Marquis Wen suddenly raised the curtain and asked me.I was shocked, dare not say that I was thinking about this, immediately saluted and said: "My lord, the general feels that it is a bit risky to let the death row prisoners fight." Marquis Wen was a little displeased, and said: "Are you worried that the death row prisoners will mutiny temporarily, and your vanguard battalion can't stop it?" I said, "That's not it. It's just, what if the prisoner on death row really smashes the armored vehicle?" This is also a word of mouth.Armored vehicles can easily break and crush antlers and wooden stakes, even if those prisoners have weapons in their hands, it is of little use.Marquis Wen just smiled coldly, and said: "If this is the case, then the armored chariot is not yet perfect, and it is not yet practical. Zhang Longyou is boasting too much, and he is the one who should be punished." I couldn't help shaking again.Zhang Longyou is now extremely favored by Marquis Wen, and he has made so many achievements, but according to Marquis Wen, Zhang Longyou is still just a tool in his mind.I'm afraid that not only Zhang Longyou, but also Deng Canglan, Bi Wei, and Shao Fengguan, the most trusted generals of Marquis Wen, are also just a tool of Marquis Wen. I looked back.A winding mountain road has been hidden among the trees.The mountains are all white, only the mountain road is a line of black, faintly. When I got back to my residence, I was in no mood to hide at home drinking and eating. I told my two servants what was going on at home so that they could eat by themselves without waiting for me, and drove to the camp by themselves.Once they arrived in the camp, it was very lively inside. The people Qian Wenyi brought were very proud of their errands. They all made a small fortune, and they were all showing off the local products they brought from Wuyang City. Those who didn't go Everyone is regretting not going with me.When I entered the camp, Qian Wenyi was holding a bag of dried lychees for everyone to taste. Cao Wendao was peeling the lychees clumsily. When he saw me coming in, Cao Wendao stood up suddenly and shouted: "Stand up! Commander, you are here." I said: "Everyone sit down." Walking in front of them, Cao Wendao grabbed two dried lychees and said, "Commander, try it, such dried lychees are rare in the capital." The lychees turned black after drying, completely different from the fresh lychees. I also had a pack on hand. I hadn’t tasted it yet, so I picked one up and said, “How is your training these days?” Cao Wendao smiled and said, "Commander, the Zhuge Fang you called here is very capable. The current vanguard battalion is more elite than when you left. Commander, is there really a smelly fruit in Wuyang City? They actually like to eat it?" There are a lot of weird fruits in Wuyang City, and there is also the Qinbilan syrup made from worms sprinkled with salt. Cao Wendao must have never heard of it, and I didn't pay attention to whether there is a very smelly fruit.I don't have the time to talk about it now, so I said, "Where's Zhuge Fang?" "Old Qian came back yesterday, so he paid the order and went back. I heard that Shao Fengguan's troops were very tight on the front line. Now that it's cold, they wanted to take advantage of it, but the snake man's defense is still strong, so it's a little bit cheaper. Can't take it either." Bi Wei and Deng Canglan have gnawed on a hard bone this time.The victory of breaking the siege of the imperial capital was too easy. After the victory, everyone felt a sense of underestimating the enemy, and felt that the snake man was not so terrible. Hurry to find a new strategy to defeat the enemy.I said: "Let the brothers prepare well, there will be something to do the day after tomorrow." Cao Wendao jumped up and said, "The day after tomorrow? Ha, it's finally our turn to go to the front line! This time, let them see how powerful the Vanguard Battalion is!" I said: "I haven't gone to the front line yet, it's a drill." Hearing that it was a drill, Cao Wendao was a little discouraged, but Qian Wenyi said from the side: "Commander, do you have any new weapons?" Qian Wenyi's thoughts are also meticulous.I nodded and said: "That's right. After the prince's surrender, all the ministers in the court will come to watch, and the front guards are guarding now, so there must be no trouble." Cao Wendao shouted: "Commander, you are too timid, don't worry, there will be absolutely no mistakes." Mistakes are naturally impossible. Even if it is a flashy Forbidden Army, 5,000 guards are enough. The reason why Marquis Wen did not allow the Forbidden Army to guard is probably because the transformation of the Forbidden Army has not been completed after the Second Prince's Rebellion. I can't believe the three major battalions of the Forbidden Army.It's just that after the exercise, the armored vehicle will definitely be put into official use. If the armored vehicle is delivered to the vanguard battalion for use, then I must make corresponding changes if I want to command operations. Looking around in the camp, Zhuge Fang is really careful, the military discipline in the camp is strict, and the tents are neat and tidy. It seems that I entrusted him to be right. It's military discipline that's been lax.Just thinking of seeing a group of death row prisoners slaughtered the day after tomorrow makes me feel uncomfortable.Chen Zhong is recovering from his wounds in our camp, although his injuries are serious, he is fully recovered at this time.I chatted with him a few words, and saw that he was still a little unhappy, I'm afraid he was still thinking about the murder of his old boss Xing Tiefeng, so I didn't have much to say, just comforted him a few words.I originally wanted to tell Cao Wendao that Lu Jingyu was not dead, but after thinking about it, I still didn't say anything. Lu Jingyu himself has to forget himself, so don't let others know that he is alive. November 1st.When I woke up early in the morning, I felt very cold.It snowed all night last night, and the snow stopped in the morning, and the snow outside was already as thick as a palm.I dressed neatly, took Feiyu from the stables, rushed to the barracks, ordered the troops and rushed to the military academy.When we arrived at the military academy, it was just after dawn, but the playground was still covered with snow. On one side of the stage, a shelf had been set up, and chairs of all sizes were arranged. The middle position must be the sacrificial wine of the military academy. location.I looked it over and shouted to the handyman who led us: "What's going on? Why didn't you sweep the snow away?" The handyman said a little aggrieved: "General, Lord Wenhou took special care of this, and asked us not to sweep the snow away." Marquis Wen's special care?I recall it right away.Indeed, of course it is impossible for someone to sweep the snow for you in actual combat. Marquis Wen deliberately left the snow to see if the armored vehicle can play its due role in the snow. We hadn't waited long, and Marquis Wen had already led a group of people.Behind him, I saw Li Yaotian and Wu Wanling were also there.I rode forward and came to Marquis Wen, rolled off the saddle and said, "My lord, the last general Chu Xiuhong is waiting here." Marquis Wen got out of the car, looked at the playground, and said with a smile, "Not bad, good at handling things. Chu Xiuhong, you came early." I said: "The last general is under orders, dare not neglect." Marquis Wen glanced around and said, "Okay, follow me to the stage and wait for His Highness to arrive." Not long after waiting on the stage, hundreds of officials came one after another.What surprised me was that Lu Xiang, Minister of the Ministry of War, was also among them.As Minister of the Ministry of War, Lu Xiang was originally in charge of military affairs, but he had already been taken over by Marquis Wen, and the second prince rebelled. His eldest son, Lu Gongxing, was the second prince's first counselor and general, but died in that battle. Fortunately, Lu Xiang saw the opportunity , was not caught by Marquis Wen, and he is the cousin of the emperor's favorite Concubine Jiang, so he did not take away the post of Minister of the Ministry of War afterwards, but the power was even more empty. This Minister of the Ministry of War is like an idle position. It's an open secret, I didn't expect him to come this time, probably on the surface, all the officials from the crown prince came to watch the exercise, and Lu Xiang is still an important minister in name, so he can't avoid it.The Minister of the Ministry of War is nominally the first of the four ministers. When he came to Marquis Wen, he still bowed respectfully and said, "Lord Wen Marquis, please see Lu Xiang, the next official." However, Marquis Wen also had a happy face, and said: "Lu Bingbu, didn't your son come with you?" Naturally, the son he said is not guiding and respectful, but the words are really sarcastic.Lu Xiang didn't realize it, but he still smiled and said: "Quinzi is busy with his studies, and he doesn't like military affairs by nature, so he has a future." At this time, an officer rode over and shouted: "His Royal Highness is here!" Marquis Wen stood up from his chair and said, "Your Highness came down so fast. Lu Bingbu, let's go to meet His Highness together." Lu Xiang still smiled and said: "My lord, please, the next official will follow." The prince came very early today. We had just arrived at the gate when the prince's ten-horse cart had already driven into the gate of the military academy.Marquis Wen went forward to meet him and knelt down on the ground, and we all knelt down too.The snow on the ground has been trampled firmly, and there is no muddy water, but the knees are cold when kneeling down.Marquis Wen said loudly: "My ministers are waiting to welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." The prince stepped out of the car.Today he was wearing an extremely luxurious white fox fur cloak. On the snowy ground, his teeth were white, his lips were red, he was plump and handsome, but he was also very gracious.The prince left the carriage, helped Marquis Wen up and said, "Please get up, Zhen Qing. What do you want me to see today?" Marquis Wen said: "Congratulations, Your Highness, the trial production of the armored vehicle has been successful. Please take a look at it today." The prince said "Oh" and said, "Iron armored vehicle? Is this a new weapon?" Marquis Wen said: "That's right. This is a sharp weapon for defeating the enemy. It was successfully trial-produced not long ago. It is very powerful. This is the great blessing of the Emperor and His Highness." The prince didn't seem to have much interest in armored vehicles, so he sighed slightly and said, "Okay, Zhen Qing, let them start quickly." When they were all seated, Marquis Wen whispered a few words to a soldier beside him. The soldier walked to the edge of the platform, took out the flag and waved it twice, but he saw more than a dozen soldiers escorting two or three people from one side. Ten people come out.The men were in shabby clothes and in shackles.The prince wondered: "These people seem to be prisoners, what are they going to do?" Marquis Wen smiled and said: "Your Highness, these are the thirty death row prisoners that I have brought out from the prison. In order to demonstrate the power of the armored vehicles, I have promised them that if they can defeat the armored vehicles, they will be spared the death penalty. They will definitely go all out today, please watch, Your Highness." The prince raised some interest, and said: "Let them really fight? Haha, it's just Zhen Qing, you have to be careful, these death row prisoners are let go, if the dog jumps over the wall in a hurry, it will be terrible." Marquis Wen said: "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I have ordered General Chu Xiuhong's vanguard battalion to be on guard, and nothing will happen." He turned his head and said to me: "Chu Xiuhong, go down and strengthen your guard." I knelt down and saluted, and said: "I obey." I walked off the stage.To be honest, I really don't want to stand with the prince, I would rather go down and be with Qianfengying.At this time, a few servants came in carrying some weapons such as spears, axes, iron bars, and let the condemned prisoners choose their own weapons, and the condemned prisoners were weighing their weight.I walked to the side of Cao Wendao and said, "Brother Cao, how are you preparing?" Cao Wendao was staring at the death row prisoners, and at this moment he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Fortunately, we didn't give them bows and arrows, otherwise we would be much more tired in defending. Commander, the old money is over there, don't worry." I looked around Cao Wendao, and Chen Zhong was standing behind him.He is the guard of the flag, and the big flag is extremely heavy, but it is like a lamp in his hand, but his face is still sullen.I waved to Chen Zhong and said, "Brother Chen, come here, you come and lead me." Chen Zhong looked up at me, with a smile on his face, and said, "General Chu, thank you, but I still have to protect the flag." He also knew that I asked Marquis Wen to bring him over.Xing Tiefeng was killed, and most of the officers in his army were also purged. He was very close to Xing Tiefeng, and most of those who participated in the rebellion were beheaded. Chen Zhong actually participated in the rebellion, but I pleaded, and he was fine. .I said: "Put the flag on the ground, let others watch it, this is not a battle after all." Chen Zhong agreed and came over to pat the horse.When he came to my side, I whispered: "Brother Chen, don't think too much, everything in this world is fixed, we can't help it." Chen Zhong was startled, and said again: "Yes, thank you Commander for your guidance." Chen Zhong is a very nostalgic person, and also a very faithful person.Although his mind is not sensitive enough, he is the most reliable person.And several times we went into battle with him to kill the enemy, the two of us cooperated very well, with him standing by my side with his divine power, my courage was also strengthened a lot.I said: "Be careful, let us work hard together in the forward battalion." At this time, the condemned prisoners had picked out their weapons and their shackles were loosened.Although it was disorganized and there was no formation, but it looked very different when carrying weapons.Cao Wendao suddenly whispered: "Commander, look, there are two prisoners on death row who don't look like common hands." He was talking about two people, one of them was tall and big, more than half a head taller than the others, his body was extremely muscular, and he looked like a formidable character at first sight, while the other was only of medium build, with a well-proportioned physique and quite heroic, I can't believe it's a death row prisoner.The tall man picked out a long-handled giant ax used by the giant ax team that I had trained before, and the other picked up a long spear, and he was shaking it in his hand. His movements were extremely skillful, and it could be seen His marksmanship is very good, so he must have been born in the army.There are quite a few other death row prisoners who are not bad, but these two are the most eye-catching. I don't know what crime they committed, otherwise, they are really excellent soldiers.I sighed secretly, knowing that under the armored vehicle, no matter how good these people are, they would not be able to escape their lives. At this time, a horn sounded, a corner door on one side opened, and an armored vehicle drove out.It was the first time Cao Wendao saw it, he was taken aback and said, "Is that an armored chariot?" I said: "Yes." Chen Zhong also said in surprise: "It's all made of iron! Those people are going to fight this armored vehicle? Then how to fight?" With only the weapons in their hands, those prisoners on death row undoubtedly hit a stone with a pebble.I was flustered for a while, almost couldn't bear to watch it, but I could only say coldly: "Look, it's also a death row prisoner anyway." The prisoners on death row were also stunned, they probably only knew what kind of "armored vehicle" they wanted to fight with, but they didn't expect that the armored vehicle was almost a solid piece of iron, even if they used a huge ax to chop it, at most they could only make a mark. Dazed for a moment, the armored car had arrived in front of them, and with a "swipe", a rain of arrows was shot from the car.This is because they are afraid of accidentally injuring the vanguard battalion outside the circle. They didn't use thunder crossbows, but even ordinary crossbow arrows cannot be blocked by flesh and blood at such a distance. Five or six death row prisoners fell to the ground immediately, bleeding Those who missed the arrow were so frightened that they dragged their weapons backwards and fled in all directions. Suddenly, the giant man shouted loudly, and instead of retreating, he rushed towards the armored car. He had just rushed a few steps, before he reached the front of the armored car, the window on the armored car suddenly opened again. Another wave of arrows is coming.I couldn't help but sigh to myself, that giant man is also full of supernatural power, but it's just useless, no matter how powerful he is, he can't overturn the armored vehicle weighing thousands of kilograms, and if the arrows fly out at such a close distance, where can he hide? ?Unexpectedly, just as I was about to sigh, the giant man suddenly yelled, stretched out his hand and grabbed a death row prisoner who had been shot by an arrow on the ground, and slammed it into the armored car.那个死囚还不曾死，被那巨汉扔出去，发出一声惨叫，正堵住铁甲车的窗口。 叫声嘎然而止，窗口正在射出利箭，全部射在那个死囚身上，立时死得透了。这巨汉趁着这个机会，人一跃而起，举起大斧猛地向铁甲车砍去。 这一斧快如闪电，台上的众人都发出惊叫。说时迟，那时快，“砰”一声巨响，巨斧正砍在铁甲车的面板上，铁甲车竟也被砍得晃了晃。如果是木头的，这一斧只怕可以将车子都劈成两半，但铁甲却只是多了个白印，还不待那巨汉收回斧子，从窗中忽然飞出两柄长枪，齐齐刺中那巨汉前心。巨汉惨叫一声，倒退几步，将斧子支在地上，却已不动了，想必已然毙命。只是人虽死，巨斧仍然支在地上，尸身还不倒下。 那些死囚见此情形，吓得更是四散逃开。当巨汉冲上前时，有几个胆大的死囚也跟了上去，但还不曾动手，那巨汉便已中枪，他们也登时没了勇气。四散一逃，从铁甲车中又射出箭来，几个在正面的又中箭倒地。 地上已经横七竖八地躺了十来具尸体，只不过短短一瞬，三十个死囚便被杀了三分之一，虽然车子被那巨汉砍了一斧，但毫发无伤，里面的人恐怕只是震了一震，铁甲车的威力着实惊人。曹闻道咋舌道：“好厉害！好厉害！太厉害了！” 那巨汉的力量虽然及不上陈忠，比曹闻道的力气却大得多了，而且那巨汉的本领也颇为不弱，只怕与蛇人单挑也可以支撑个一时半会，在铁甲车前却只不过一瞬间的功夫便已毙命。如果造出上百辆铁甲车的话，在战场上纵横驰骋，蛇人那令人胆寒的力量也不足为惧了。我虽然有点不忍看下去，但亲眼看到铁甲车实战的威力，仍然极是震惊。 陈忠也看得呆了，忽道：“统制，你看，还有人敢上去！” 那巨汉的死，死囚已是魂飞魄散，居然还有人敢冲上去，这人也当真有胆色了。我定睛看去，正是那个使长枪的汉子。这人用的是长枪，正面交锋，在铁甲车前长枪与赤手空拳没什么不同，但这人身形极是灵活，在地上一翻，已闪过一阵箭雨，人躲到了那巨汉的尸体背后。他的身形比那巨汉小了一圈，这巨汉的尸身将他挡了个严严实实，想必车中的人也看不到他。我诧道：“他想做什么？” 曹闻道眼尖，道：“他在挖坑！统制，他想把铁甲车的轮子陷进坑中吧。” 操场的地面压得很实，要挖坑也不容易。此时铁甲车正追逐着四散逃跑的死囚，那些死囚东躲西藏，但操场本没有多大，离铁甲车有一段距离，一个个反倒成了铁甲车的活靶子。他们全力狂奔，虽然比铁甲车要快，却快不过箭矢，眨眼间又死了十来个。 此时操场上的死囚已经死得剩不了十个了。铁甲车压着路面，发出隆隆之声，那些尸身被碾在车下，登时裂成两段，鲜血直流，地上的雪也被染得斑斑驳驳，空气中都弥漫着一股血腥味。曹闻道摇了摇头，道：“根本不是铁甲车的对手啊，马上就要被尽数消灭了。可怜。” 那些死囚被挑出来，多半还以为找到一条生路，没想到铁甲车面前，哪有生路可言，纵然被斩首也不过一刀之苦，而死在铁甲车下，有些死囚中箭后还没死，是被碾死的，痛苦只怕更多。那些死囚本来就是乌合之众，哪里还有斗志，有两个已经崩溃了，竟然向前锋营冲来，想要夺路而逃，但一到前锋营跟前，立被前锋营用长枪逼回，根本逃不出去，绝望之下，一个死囚扔掉武器，跪在铁甲车前不住磕头，但铁甲车哪里管求不求饶，仍然向他冲去。 眼看就要碾上了，我心中一阵痛楚，闭上了眼不敢看这等血腥场面，耳边忽然听得一声惊呼，我睁开眼，正好看见有个人一把将那死囚拉开，却正是那个躲在巨汉尸身后的汉子。 他挖好了坑了？只是从这儿看过去，也看不到什么，方才我的注意力全在铁甲车上面了。也许是因为地面太硬，挖不出坑吧。他将那死囚一把拉开，铁甲车上又飞出数箭。这几箭距得极近，原无不中之理，但他手中长枪一轮，枪杆舞了个花，竟然将箭矢都挡了出去，拉着那方才磕头的死囚闪到铁甲车一边。 clever!我暗自惊叹。铁甲车威力虽大，终究太过笨重，转动很不灵活。若是离得远一点，车中四面皆可放箭，正面又可碾来，操场上又没有地方可以躲，但这般一直闪在侧面，以他的本领能拨开箭矢，铁甲车要杀掉他也不太容易。 转得几个圈，那汉子忽然脚一软，却是一箭射中了他的小腿。这一箭因为离得很近，已是将他的小腿肚也射穿了，他一个踉跄扑倒在地，马上连滚带爬地闪到了那巨汉的尸身后面。另一个死囚失了他的保护，已是被利箭穿心而过，倒在地上不住惨叫。铁甲车这回也发现了他躲到那巨汉尸身之后，转了个方向，直直冲了过来，箭如雨下，那巨汉的尸身上已被箭射得全是箭矢。 眼看便要碾上，忽然，铁甲车发出“砰”一声响，车身一侧，竟然不动了！ 几乎所有看的人都发出了惊呼，谁也没料到有这等变化。我一怔之下，马上明白，定是那汉子在地上挖的坑已然奏效，耳边听得陈忠喃喃道：“真聪明！居然在坑里填些积雪，让人看不出来。” I see!那汉子挖了坑后，马上把积雪填进去，表面上便看不出来了。铁甲车方才没注意到他在做什么，登时着了道。这铁甲车如此笨重，一个轮子陷下去，哪里还出得来。还剩下的四五个死囚见此情形，发出一阵欢呼，又向铁甲车冲过来。 难道铁甲车真的被死囚击败了？我还没回过神来，铁甲车的后盖“砰”一声打开，几个士兵跳了出来。其中有一个手持弓箭，翻身出来，立刻前腿跪下，弯弓搭箭，动作极是伶俐，发箭极快，两个冲在最前的死囚一个踉跄，中箭倒地。另外两个见势不妙，还待逃跑，可哪里逃得掉，那个发箭的士兵射术高强，又是双箭齐出，一箭穿心。 刚射倒最后两个，却听得一边有人惊呼一声，却是从地上忽然飞起一柄长枪，向那个射箭的士兵刺来，正是那个汉子发出的。那个弓兵也没料到背后还会有敌，并没反应过来，车中忽然又跳下两个士兵，手中持着长枪，双枪一交，一下将那汉子的长枪挡了出去，又一枪向下刺去。 虽然那人将铁甲车的车轮陷住了，但他一个人毕竟不是这些士兵的对手。我正有些惋惜，钱文义忽然急急地打马过来。他跑得气喘吁吁，到了我跟前，大声道：“统制，那……那是杨易！” 杨易！I was taken aback.杨易和钱文义还有我一样，都是当初南征军前锋营的百夫长，后来重建前锋营，他和邢铁风都曾在我手下呆过一阵，东平城一战后便隶属蒲安礼麾下。杨易这人向来沉默寡言，给我的印象不深，后来也没消息，没想到竟然成了死囚，想必也是因为与邢铁风太近。到了这个时候，谁也救不了他了。