Chapter 7 Chapter 6 How many people fought back

Luo Juzi opened his crossbow and pointed the arrows at the red scarf prisoners in the circle.Those red scarves knew that the deadline had come, they all stood up and took each other's hands.One person took the lead and sang: "The wind follows the dragon, the cloud follows the tiger, the fame and wealth, the dust and the earth..." The rest of them sang along with him, "Looking at Shenzhou, the people are suffering, and the fertile land for thousands of miles is barren. Look at the world, there are barbarians, the way of heaven is incomplete Good man, don't care about your parents, just for the common people and not for the master..."

There is only one post road from Dali to Chuxiong for four hundred and twenty miles.Duan Gong and others rushed on the road, and nothing happened all the way, but when they arrived at the Yunnan post the next night, the post official said that a Yu Yi had been killed last night.Yuyi has always been only in charge of the guards of the general manager's mansion, and has never been sent out on business, everyone can't help but feel that it is unusual. Shi Zong hurried to find out what happened, that Yuyi's name was Xu Chuan, he was a Han, and he had been working beside Gao Lan, somehow he came to Yunnan Station, and was stabbed to death outside the gate of the station.The post official said: "Xu Yuyi only said that he was ordered to rush to Luonaguan for something important, and the petty official didn't dare to ask more questions." Shi Zong asked that Xu Chuan only went to the post station to rest last night, just after Princess Agai and the Mongolian envoys. , I know what I know.

The post officials are very shrewd and good at observing words and expressions. Guessing that Shi Zong suspected that it was the murderer of the Mongols, he hurriedly said: "The murderer is not a Mongol. At that time, the princess, the Mongols, and the Huis were dividing into two tables to eat and drink in the hall. There were quite a few of them." , the little official personally accompanied him, when he suddenly heard someone screaming outside, he ran out to check, only to find that Xu Yuyi had been stabbed to death outside the gate. He had changed post horses and was about to go on the road in the dark." Yang Bao inspected carefully After picking up the corpse, he also said: "He was stabbed to death with a sword through the heart. Mongols only use machetes, and they can't pierce such wounds."

Shi Zong came back to report immediately.When Xu Chuan left the city, Duan Gong, Shi Zong, Shi Xiu and others didn't know about it, so he was ordered by Gao Lan.Duan Gong vaguely guessed what was going on, he frowned, showing obvious displeasure, and Gao Lan's smile in his memory also became unpredictable, but time was too tight to find out who killed Xu Chuan, so he ordered him to kill Xu Chuan. After taking care of the funeral affairs, the officials continued to lead the army on their way after a short rest. In the early morning of the fourth day after leaving Dali, Duan Gong finally led the striker to Luona Pass.Luona Pass is the most important boundary pass in the east of Dali in the north of the post road in Yunnan. The general stationed here is Yang Sheng, a famous Dali general.General Zhang Xijiao and Tie Wanhu arrived two days earlier because they set out two days earlier. When they heard that Xinju had led the army, they were all astonished.In particular, Zhang Xi corrected to deploy troops along the border, strictly guarding key points, to prevent King Liang's army from fleeing into Dali territory in pursuit of the red scarves, and ordered to kill all Mongols he saw. He was about to die at the hands of the red scarf, and suddenly he learned that Duan Gong had formed an alliance with King Liang and came to rescue him himself, he was both surprised and angry.

At this moment, the scouts from the front came to report that Ming Yuzhen's younger brother, Ming Sheng, led his light cavalry to attack the King of Liang westward. The whole journey was like a broken bamboo, and he had already captured Huideng Pass.Huidengguan is less than a hundred miles away from Chuxiong, and it is a natural barrier to the east of Chuxiong. Since it is lost, Chuxiong is already in danger.Duan Gong knew that soldiers were expensive and fast, so he ordered Yang Sheng to stay at Luona Pass. Although Zhang Xijiao was most familiar with the terrain in this area, he was at odds with King Liang. Yuan Jun and Tie Wanhu continued to rush to Chuxiong.

Chuxiong is at the top of the four reaches, defending Dian County in the east, connecting Dali in the west, controlling Jiaozhi in the south, and connecting Yao'an in the north. It has been an important town in Yunnan since ancient times.It has beautiful mountains and rivers, fertile soil, and the benefits of salt wells. Merchants and people gather together, so it is called a big county.Chuxiong City, like Yangjuba City, is located on a dam. Inside the city, there is a flat river, but outside the city, the terrain is steep, surrounded by mountains, and outside the mountains, there are rivers and deep streams.There are only two passages in the east and west—the valley wall in the east is thousands of feet high, and there is only a narrow defile in the middle. Outside the valley is the fast-moving Longchuan River; in the west, there is a Pingshan River flowing north-south, and there is a Pingshan Bridge across the river. .Hexi is also a valley with steep walls and two or three miles wide. It is said that Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, once came here to practice, hence the name Luge.The Houyuan army built a stone city here because of the danger of the mountains, which was called Lugeguan, and it became the most important barrier to the west of Chuxiong.

When Duan Gong arrived at Luo Naguan, he had already sent people to Chuxiong to inform King Polo of Liang.When Polo heard that Duan Gong personally led the troops, when the mountains and rivers were exhausted and the isolated city was guarded, although he was grateful, he was also bitter about it, so he only ordered his son Ami and Wang Xiangluer to lead the officials of the palace who fled to Chuxiong And the provincial officials, the prefect of Chuxiong, the county magistrate of Chuxiong County and others rushed to Lvgeguan to meet him, but he stayed behind closed doors in the prefect's yamen.

Polo has the typical characteristics of the Mongolians, with short stature, purple skin, sideburns, and looks energetic.Standing in the courtyard at dusk, he thought about Duan Gong's helping hand, and he couldn't help being deeply moved—since Ming Yuzhen attacked Yunnan, he sent people several times to Wang Baobao who was stationed in Henan, and Tie Muer, who was stationed in Shanxi. And general Li Siqi asked for help, asking them to send troops to contain Ming Yuzhen from the north and ease the offensive in Yunnan, but no one paid any attention.These people are high-ranking officials in the Yuan Dynasty, they live on the salary of the Yuan Dynasty, and they all hold heavy soldiers. At this critical juncture, they don't want to unite against the enemy, but instead engage in internal strife for power and power.In particular, Wang Baobao was conferred the title of King of Henan by the current emperor. He was in charge of all the soldiers and horses in the world, but he supported Prince Aiyou Shili Dala's ascension to the throne and fought against the supporters of the monarch.His own people were completely hopeless, and the red scarf quickly broke through the front line of defense and approached Zhongqing. He had no choice but to send Wang Fu Dadu to Dali for help. It is suggested that Ma Wenming, the son of Ma Hazhi, the governor of Pingzhang of the province, be invited.He also knew that he had a deep grudge with Dali, so he didn't expect much. After the red scarf besieged the city, he knew that the city would be broken sooner or later, so he sent his confidant guard Ling Yun to escort Princess Agai to preside over Jinyin, King of Liang, and went to Dali again for help.He didn't expect to impress Duan Gong by doing this, but he had long wanted to let his family die in the city, and he just wanted to save his beloved daughter from this disaster.Unexpectedly, at the last moment when he was going to die in Dianchi Lake, his heart was softened by the tears of his concubine Quan Yinshu. Finally, under the persuasion of his subordinates, he led his family and the government to escape from Zhongqing.All the way to the west, he was in a panic and embarrassed, and there were chasing soldiers chasing after him. It was really sad. He even wrote a poem specially:

There is no grass in the wild, there is yellow dust, and there are still many dead people fighting on the side of the road.There are endless sad things, Jishan still looks like the old spring? Because of the proximity to the border of Dali, the Yuan army stationed heavy troops in Chuxiong. Polo fled here, and the situation improved slightly.However, he didn't give any hope. Although Chuxiong had the advantage of the location, the red scarf had the upper hand, and he was determined to pursue him fiercely.This is already the westernmost city under his King Liang, and it will also be the place where he will fight to the death because he has nowhere else to go.Unexpectedly, at the most desperate moment, Agai rushed to Chuxiong with Dadu and others, saying that he had made an alliance with Dali and that Duan Gong would send troops soon.I was pleasantly surprised, but suddenly heard that it was my beloved daughter who used Xu to marry herself as a bargaining chip in exchange for a covenant, and couldn't help being furious, thinking that Duan Gong had made things worse, and even threatened to send troops to marry the princess of this dynasty as a concubine.Ah Gai is very calm and tried her best to defend Duan Gong, saying that she wanted to marry Duan Gong.As a father, he certainly knew that this was not his daughter's sincere words. Although the promise of a heavy alliance must never be violated, the seeds of hatred were always planted in his heart.

Lv'er, Dadu and the others waited and looked forward to Luge Pass for a long time, and finally arrived at Duan Gong and his party at dusk.Donkey saw the armored general who was the leader riding a rare black steed under his crotch, guessed that he was Duan Gong, hurriedly went up to him, and said: "This official is the king of Liang, donkey, Xinju came from a long way, it is really hard work But he said in his heart, "Duan Gong has served as the director of Dali for nineteen years. He is not half-old, and he should have passed his forties long ago. He is much younger than I thought." Duan Gong jumped off his horse and said: "Your Majesty is very polite Already." Donkey said again: "This is the crown prince." He introduced the important officials present to Duan Gong one by one, and everyone said a lot of polite words.

The donkey said: "Xinju's pommel and horse are tired, so please go to Chuxiong City to rest. The king is waiting for you in the magistrate's yamen, and is going to host a banquet to clean up Xinju." After a pause, he said, "Xinju brought Army, please stay here at Luge Pass." Luge Pass is still forty miles away from Chuxiong City, Duan Gong didn't see King Liang present, he had expected that he would have some grievances in his heart, now hearing what Lu Er said, he knew that King Liang was jealous of him and didn't want the Dali army to enter the city, He said: "No hurry, who is in command of Chuxiong's defense now?" Prince Liang's lieutenant Aji stood up and said, "It's me. What's Xinju's order?" According to the system of the Yuan Dynasty, the province is the highest local administrative body, in charge of money and food, soldiers, farms, water transportation, and military and state affairs. Yunnan Pingzhang Maha is not here, and the military administration should be headed by the Fusi of the capital, or guarding Chuxiong The head of ten thousand households, unexpectedly it was Liang Wangfu Wei who stood up.Aji himself looked apologetically at Liu Qi, the governor of Duzhen Fusi.Liu Qi is a Han Chinese. Ever since Polo became the king of Liang, he has long been accustomed to the situation of standing aside, and he just lowered his head silently. Duan Gong asked again: "Who else is particularly familiar with the terrain around Chuxiong?" While asking, he looked at Yang Xiao, the magistrate of Chuxiong County.Yang Xiao is from the Bai nationality and is a hereditary county magistrate, so he should know the local mountains and rivers best, but when he met Duan Gong's gaze, he immediately lowered his head. But I saw a small official standing out from behind the crowd, bowed to Duan Gong, and said: "The small official is a local, and he is very familiar with this area." Just as Lu Er was about to introduce him, he turned his head and saw that he was surprised. know.The little official said: "Little official, Bi Chen, is the post official of Luge Station." Duan Gong nodded and said, "Okay, then please follow me to the army to discuss the deployment of defense." The donkey said in surprise: "Xinju is not Entering the city?" Duan Gong said: "The red scarf has arrived at Huidengguan, I guess its vanguard will approach the outskirts of Chuxiong tomorrow morning, and it won't be too late to enter the city after defeating the enemy." The donkey was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said: " That's fine." He led the officials back to Chuxiong City.That son, A Mi, intended to stay and fight against Duan Gong, but Lu Er insisted on persuading him to go back. At present, the Dali army and horses entered Luge Pass and set up camp on the spot.Duan Gong didn't go to Luge Station either, but took Aji and Bi Chen to the big tent to inquire in detail, and learned that there are only two roads to Chuxiong, the east and the west, and the Longchuan River beyond the mountains in the east. Relying on small boats, now that Hongjin is heading westward, the boatmen hid when they heard the sound, and all the boats were gathered on the west bank by the Yuan army. It is absolutely difficult for Hongjin to find enough small boats to cross the river in such a hurry.The valley leading to Chuxiong City in the west of Hexi is extremely narrow, with the trend of "one man guards the gate, and ten thousand men cannot open it".Since there are two natural barriers that are difficult to break through, the red scarf will not choose the host road, so there is only one choice left, Lu Geguan. Aji said: "We also expected that the red scarf would go to Luge Pass, so we have sent elite soldiers to deploy here. The army of Xinju came from afar, why not take a rest first, and let us Mongols fight the first battle. When Duan Gong came, he had already discussed a plan with Yang Zhi and the others, and he hurriedly said: "Instead of passively waiting for the red scarf to attack the city, it is better to send an army to lie in ambush outside the valley." It turns out that the valley to the west of Lügeguan has become wider, and there is a Guantan River across the river. There is a small wooden bridge on the river, named Shaqiao, and the water in the north of the south bridge is not deep, and it only reaches the chest of an adult man. It is the best place to cross the river.According to Duan Gong's idea, Aji led the elite Yuan army to guard Luge Pass, while the Dali army ambushed in the woods on the west bank. At that time, Aji's first army attacked from a high position, and the Dali army cut off the back of the red scarf again, encircled them twice, and no one slipped through the net.Aji appreciated it very much, and clapped his hands and said: "Xinju is a good idea! Well, let's act according to Xinju's plan." Duan Gong said again: "The red scarf has always been invincible, and the soldiers are strong, so winning the first battle is against us. Morale is very important, you must do your best, I want to personally lead the troops to ambush outside the valley." Aji was very surprised, and after a while he said: "So, there will be Lao Xinju." He also ordered, "Stay official, you are responsible for this Xinju leads the way." Bi Chen said: "Follow the order." As expected by Duan Gong, in the early morning of the next day, a group of more than 4,000 red scarf vanguards quietly crossed the Guantan River in the white smog and headed for Luge Pass.Duan Gong was stationed in the dense forest in the south of the Yangtze River at Guantan, a few miles away from Shaqiao. After listening to the report from the cavalry, he ordered Tie Wanhu to stand still and wait until the sound of killing at Lu Geguan, and then attack after a cup of tea.After waiting for a moment, he heard the sound of killing from the direction of Lu Geguan, Tie Wanhu was a member of the army, he couldn't hold back for a long time, and he didn't have time to wait for Duan Gong to teach him a cup of tea, so he showed his big knife and shouted: "Kill! "Let's run out of the forest first.He was harsh and severe, and he was extremely strict in controlling the army. Luo Juzi, his subordinate, immediately scrambled to be the first, and rode his horse towards Luge Pass in the east. The forward general of the red scarf is named Xie De, and he is driving the army to break through Luge pass.He pursued King Liang all the way to the east, and he took the position of forward. He saw the Yuan army fleeing in the wind, and the resistance was weak. The heart of contempt.The terrain in Yunnan is complex, most of which are mountain roads, and it is difficult to transport luggage and supplies. Every time he reaches a city pass, he has to make siege equipment on the spot. Alright, let's go straight to attack Luge Pass.Unexpectedly, as soon as the gate was close, arrows rained down from the gate.Although the Red Scarves have a large number of people, their weapons and equipment are extremely poor. There is not enough supply, and the weapons can only be barely enough. Armors are only available to generals. He was immediately shot down by feather arrows and crossbow arrows.Thanks to the soldiers, they drove the army up again, and several rows of red scarves were shot down. Xie De was furious, and ordered the crossbowmen to shoot at the city, and suddenly heard the sound of killing behind him, as if a group of people rushed towards him, he couldn't help being surprised, and thought to himself, "Who is this?" As soon as the central army arrived, they didn't panic, and sent some troops to turn around to meet the enemy. It only took a while for the main army to surround them, and it was like catching a turtle in a urn. Unexpectedly, the Dali horse is famous all over the world, and it is very good at galloping. The red scarf is not as good as the formation, and Luo Juzi has already rushed to the front.They were all wearing armor, which was light and tough, and ordinary bows and arrows couldn't shoot through them, so they rushed into the red scarf army at once, taking advantage of the momentum to cover up their attacks.The Red Scarf Army was caught off guard and was in chaos.Seeing this, Aji, the lieutenant of Prince Liang's Mansion guarding Luge Pass, hurriedly ordered his subordinates to stop shooting arrows and switch to attack.The three parties fought in a scuffle outside Luge Pass. Iron hooves rained like rain, blood flowed profusely.It was the first time for Dali Luo Juzi to fight the enemy. He was so excited that he galloped freely, came and went and clashed. Xie De saw that the enemy was extremely ferocious, and their costumes and horses were quite different from those of the Yuan army. He couldn't help but turn pale with shock, and said to himself: "Could it be that this is the Dali cavalry? But isn't it said that the Duan family of Dali and the King of Liang are mortal enemies?" He hurriedly ordered the soldiers to blow Sound the horn and call for reinforcements. When the red scarf horn sounded, Duan Gong had already learned that Ming Sheng was personally leading the central army to march towards the Guantan River.He was shocked when he heard that 30,000 horses had arrived from the red scarf marching westward. He ordered General Zhang Lian to lead a quick attack to disrupt the red scarf's position so that Tie Wanhu would not have any worries. When Zhang Lian led his troops to the Guantan River, the Red Turban Brigade was crossing the river. Hundreds of people had already arrived on the south bank and were about to rush to reinforce Xie De's army.Suddenly, a group of sturdy cavalry roared out of the forest, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, hacking and killing at will.The red scarves who landed were caught off guard, unable to resist, and fell down one after another like knives cutting vegetables.Seeing this situation on the sand bridge and in the Guantan River, the red scarf was stunned for a moment, not knowing whether to advance or retreat. Suddenly, he heard the sound of drums behind him. go.But at this time, Zhang Lian took advantage of the ground and led the cavalry to charge forward, killing anyone with a knife as soon as they landed.Luo Juzi has the unique skill of piercing Yang with a hundred steps, and with his bow and crossbow, he shot many red scarves to death in the river.The red scarves on the north bank stood on the bank regardless of the drumbeat, hesitating to go into the water. In the middle of the stalemate, suddenly a group of red scarf rout soldiers and a group of Dali cavalry crossed and rushed out from the direction of Lu Geguan. The rout soldiers screamed in panic, while the pursuers roared loudly.The horses trampled on the human body mercilessly, the knives and guns were full of blood, and the heads and limbs were thrown in all directions. The morning sun had just risen, reflecting this bloody battle. The red scarf who was about to cross the river to meet him saw the enemy's momentum and martial arts, the speed of the attack, the ruthlessness of the killing, and the severity of the attack. It was really unprecedented. The massacre by the river was even more shocking. , everyone involuntarily stepped back a few steps, the fear in their hearts was getting stronger and stronger, and they were trembling, and they were about to run away, but they heard the sudden sound of drums behind them, and they had to stop in fear of the harsh military law. Brazenly getting away with it. Suddenly, Tie Wanhu rode his horse to catch up with a red scarf, swung his sword out, and the red scarf's head rolled far away. The man still ran for a few steps until he reached the river bank, and then he fell down in a daze.Blood splashed out from the broken neck, like a small stream, and the blood flowed into the misty Guantan River.The eerie situation is unforgettable.A young red scarf standing in the middle of the river was stunned, said "ah", turned around and fled.The situation got out of hand, everyone abandoned their armor and dragged their troops, scrambling to escape first, even the relatively safe North Shore Red Scarf also rushed to escape to the forest, crowding and trampling each other, many of them were trampled to death.The sound of the drums in the Red Turban Army on the North Shore stopped, and was changed to the sound of beeping gold and retreating soldiers. Tie Wanhu was still about to cross the river to pursue him, but Duan Gongli's army came to meet him, and hurriedly shouted: "General Tie, don't chase after the poor." You can capture Mingsheng alive." Duan Gong said: "Our army has been on the road for several days, and we haven't cultivated well. If we take the liberty to pursue, I'm afraid we won't be able to continue. There are still many tough battles to be fought in the future. General Tie doesn't need to be in a hurry today." Tie Wan Only then did Hu reluctantly give up. This battle was a complete victory, and the Red Turban vanguard army was almost wiped out. Only Xie De and a few Red Turbans escaped into the river with the strength of their horses and ran back to the north bank.Surrounded by Tie Wanhu and Zhang Lianhe, more than a thousand Red Scarves who could not escape had no choice but to throw down their weapons and surrender.But Duan Gong's side counted the number of people, only a few people were killed in battle, and dozens of people were injured. Aji led the Yuan army to rush out and saw the dead covering the wild Saichuan, and the dust in the forest on the west bank was billowing, rolling away to the north. Knowing that the red scarf army had retreated, he said happily: "This is the first meal that the red scarf has eaten since entering Yunnan." A defeat, thanks to Xinju's ingenious plan." Duan Gong said: "The red scarf has never confronted me in Dali, and if I don't know the reality of our army, I'm afraid the next battle will not be so easy to fight." Aji is very convinced of Duan Gong's talent , Seeing that he was humble and not arrogant, he hurriedly bowed and said: "Aji is willing to listen to Xinju at any time." Duan Gong nodded and said: "You and I will work together to resist the powerful enemy." Aji turned his head and saw the captive red scarf sitting around the open space by the river. He walked over and glanced at it. Seeing the anger in the eyes of many people, he turned his head and ordered: "Chop off the heads of all the rebels and put them on the riverside." The Yuan army agreed abruptly, and rushed forward, either hacking with knives or shooting with arrows, killing the captives one by one, screaming one after another, without stopping for a while. Dali soldiers retreated to the side, seeing the Yuan army brutally massacre the captives, they were very moved.Yang Bao's face was sympathetic, and he couldn't help getting more and more people to come forward, walked over to Aji and said: "They have already surrendered, why do you need to kill them all?" Aji saw that he was only a young Yuyi, so he didn't care, said "These are rebels, why should Zun Yuyi sympathize with them? Besides, on the battlefield, you will die or I will die. Being kind to the enemy is being cruel to yourself. Zun Yuyi is still young, and he will know after a few more battles." gone." Yang Bao was still waiting to say more, when suddenly a red scarf jumped out of the dead body and slashed at him with a knife.Yang Bao obviously possessed martial arts, but when he saw the bloodstained face and ferocious face of the red scarf, he was so frightened that he completely forgot to dodge. It was Aji who stepped forward and pulled him away, but his leg had already been scratched. .The red scarf had already been seriously injured, and after one blow, his brute strength was exhausted, and he fell down. Aji asked: "Is Yuyi injured?" Yang Bao didn't realize that his leg was bleeding, so he just shook his head blankly.Seeing that the red scarf who had plotted against him was still angry, Aji shouted, "Pull him up." The Yuan army on the side rushed forward, pulled the red scarf up and knelt on the ground.It was a boy of seventeen or eighteen years old. Although he was held tightly by the soldiers of the Yuan army, he still struggled unyieldingly and cursed: "You Mongolian Tartars, one day..." Aji stepped forward and pulled out the The scimitar cut his throat, the cursing stopped abruptly, and blood spurted out, like an opened scarlet fan, splashing Aji all over his body.The red scarf twisted its body violently, its eyes glared angrily, as if it was about to burst into flames, but it couldn't say a word anymore, and gradually lowered its head powerlessly.Yuan Jun let go, and he fell to the side, his body twitched twice, and he didn't move anymore. Yang Bao watched the young man in red scarf dying, feeling all sorts of feelings in his heart.Ziyou Yuyi saw that he was injured, so she took Jinchuang medicine and applied it on him. Aji waited until all the captives were killed, and then he breathed a sigh of relief, and turned around and said, "Let me invite Xinju to enter the city. Everyone has traveled thousands of miles and fought overnight. Please go to the city to rest together. Let me clean up the battlefield." The subordinates will do it." When everyone went back to the pass, they saw the headless corpses piled up like a hill on one side of Luge Pass, and the heads gathered into a tower on the other side.Gao Qian supported the injured Yang Bao and followed Duan Gong, not daring to take another look.Yang Baoxin said: "No wonder the ancients said, 'There are white swords and blood, and the battlefield is bitter'. Today I can see it with my own eyes, and it is extremely tragic. Wars are so terrible, why do wars always happen in the world? Don't everyone get along peacefully? Why? Sacrificing so many lives for nothing?" The more I thought about it, the more confused I became.Only Gao Lang was extremely excited when he saw Tie Wanhu's body was covered with blood and corpses littered the battlefield, and he wished to join Luo Juzi to fight the enemy immediately. When Duan Gong and others came to the city of Chuxiong, they saw a Mongolian in his fifties waiting at the city gate with a group of officials.The man was short and thin, wearing a hat with a brim on his head, a half-arm robe outside his body, and a blue robe inside.Duan Gong guessed that he was the King of Liang, and he laughed dryly, stepped forward to shake Duan Gong's hand, and said: "This king has admired Xinju's name for a long time. It is a blessing in my life to meet him today." Duan Gong He hurriedly said: "The king is showing love." Polo felt a little happy in his heart, he thought Duan Gong was a vulgar and ignorant martial artist, but when he thought of his daughter marrying this man, he felt aggrieved, but seeing him now, Duan Gong was wearing armor, his appearance was awe-inspiring, and he was invincible in martial arts. Lost in elegance, there are many people who look like dragons and phoenixes, so I feel a little relieved. They went into the city hand in hand and came to the magistrate's yamen, but saw that the banquet had already been set up in the hall, although it was not a delicacy, it was very rich, which is very rare at such a time.The king of Liang took the seat himself, and asked Duan Gong to sit on the right, his son Ami to sit on the left, and Lu Er and others to sit according to their official rank.Duan Gong didn't see Princess Agai all the time, and he didn't have time to ask if she was well, so he couldn't help feeling a little concerned, but King Liang didn't mention it, so it was inconvenient for him to ask. After finally dealing with the toasts and all kinds of flattery, Duan Gong was exhausted by the time the banquet was over.Liang Wang winked, and Yang Xiao, the county magistrate of Chuxiong County, stepped forward and said: "Although there is a post station in Bixian County, it is quite crude, and the lower officials have already vacated the best room in the county government office, so please move to Xinju." rest." Duan Gong was really tired, so he didn't give up too much, and when he came to Yang Xiao's magistrate's residence, he fell asleep.I don't know how much time passed, it seemed that someone was sitting by the bed in the dimness, stroking his forehead, and pulling the quilt for him.He took advantage of the situation to grab the man's hand, soft as if boneless, it turned out to be a woman's hand.All he could hear was the woman sighing softly, rubbing the gold ring on his finger repeatedly.He tried to forcefully open his eyes several times, but his eyelids were too heavy, and finally he fell into a deep sleep again. It was night when Duan Gong woke up again, seeing Yang Zhi hovering at the door, he hurriedly asked him to come in.Yang Zhi told detective De Mingsheng that all the 30,000 troops had arrived in Chuxiong, and that the main force of the army was currently hoarding at Gutian Temple, 60 miles northeast of Chuxiong, and another 5,000 people were stationed on the west bank of Guantan River, cutting down trees wantonly. Build equipment and prepare to attack Luge Pass.He also said: "Xinju only brought three thousand soldiers and horses, and with the two thousand troops of Tie Wanhu, there were only five thousand troops. Although the Yuan army had ten thousand troops, half of them were those who fled to Chuxiong with the king of Liang. The morale of the soldiers is low, and half of them are Han Chinese. Liang Wang himself is quite wary of them, and he is afraid that they will be difficult to use. Now that our side is obviously at a disadvantage, it is better to send someone to inform the general Zhang Xijiao to come for reinforcements. " Duan Gong lingered for a long time, and said: "It's better to send Zhang Xijiao to attack Huidengguan directly, and cut off the connection between Mingsheng and Zhongqing Ming Yuzhen. Mingsheng's back road was copied, so he was naturally panicked, and the morale of the army was broken. Our army can take the opportunity Attack." After discussing with Yang Zhi for a few words, seeing that Yu Yi was on duty at the side was Yang Shengjian, he ordered: "Yang Shengjian, you go out of the city overnight to Luona Pass, and send me a message, ordering Zhang Xijiao to quickly capture Huideng Pass "Yang Shengjian said: "Follow the order." Yang Zhi said: "The red scarf has occupied the west bank of Guantan River, and the post road has been blocked. I'm afraid you have to take the trail out of Luge Pass." Yang Shengjian smiled and said, "I know that. , I will first go to County Magistrate Yang to find out the way.” He is of the same family as Yang Xiao, the county magistrate of Chuxiong County, and he is also an uncle of Yang Xiao’s clan in terms of seniority. When Yang Shengjian was about to go out, he turned his head and smiled, and said: "Just now, Princess Liang and Princess Agai came, and they didn't let Xinju be woken up, and the subordinates didn't dare to disturb them." Only then did Duan Gong realize that it was not a dream. It's just that he didn't know whether he was holding the hand of Wang Hao or A Gai, and he was speechless for a while, before saying: "Got it." When Yang Shengjian came out of the back office, he found a Yuyi and explained his whereabouts, and asked him to report to Chief Yuyi on his behalf, and then he went to find Yang Xiao.Unexpectedly, Yang Xiao was not in the county government office, it was said that he was serving Liang Wang in the magistrate's government office.Yang Shengjian just said casually, but what he was thinking in his heart was to find Bi Chen, the postman at Luge post, and immediately took the horse and left the county government. Chuxiong City is smaller than Yangjumei City, and the county government is located in the southwest corner of the city, and soon came to the west gate.At this extraordinary time, the city gate has already been closed.Yang Shengjian got off his horse and explained that he was ordered by Duan Gong to leave the city overnight, but the leading centurion of the Yuan army was very arrogant, saying: "If you go out of the city late at night, you must have the badge of the captain, or the king's hand." Yang Shengjian smiled and said: "I It's not going out of the city to play, but to go to Luo Naguan to bring in rescuers, big brother, it's convenient, defeat these bloody red scarves as soon as possible, and we can all go home and hug women." The sergeants of the Yuan Army burst into laughter when they heard what he said was interesting.The leading centurion was about to order someone to open the door, but he saw Tie Wanhu leading a team of Luo Juzi rushing over and shouting, "What's the matter?" Yang Shengjian hurriedly said: "General Tie, there is nothing wrong here. I have been ordered by Xinju to go back to Luona Pass and I am about to leave the city." Tie Wanhu sternly shouted: "Hurry up and open the city gate." , immediately sneered and said: "This is Chuxiong, not Dali, so it's not your turn to issue orders." Tie Wanhu said mockingly: "Oh, since you Mongols are so capable, why do you have to sacrifice the beauty of your own princess to get rid of the beauty of your own princess? In exchange for us Xinju to lead the army to rescue you?" The leading centurion was furious, and stretched out his hand to draw the weapon, but Tie Wanhu had already taken a step ahead, raised the sword, put it on his neck, and said, "I really want to try it, is your Mongolian neck It's tougher than the Red Turban Rebels." The soldiers of the Yuan Army who were on the side had already been eyeing it, and they all showed their weapons and surrounded them.Although Luo Juzi was few in number, he was not willing to show weakness, so he rushed forward, and a fight with weapons was imminent. Yang Shengjian didn't expect such a trivial matter to lead to such an outcome, so he hurriedly said: "Everyone has something to say, put down your weapons quickly. General Tie, this elder brother was already planning to open the city gate..." Tie Wanhu said sharply: "Yang Shengjian, You are a child of my Dali family, and you are Xinju's confidant Yuyi, how can you call these Mongolian Tartars brothers?" The Mongols value reputation the most, and the soldiers of the Yuan army immediately burst into clamor when they heard his rude words.Tie Wanhu strengthened his hands, the blade plunged into the centurion's neck for a few minutes, and shouted: "Don't open the city gate quickly? You can afford to delay the important event of Xinju." Today he killed dozens of people on the battlefield by himself. The enemy, the momentum makes the enemy frightened.Drinking it at this moment, still looks majestic.The centurion was restrained by him, and he was full of resentment. Although he didn't dare to contradict him again, he was unwilling to give in. During the stalemate, Aji suddenly came leading someone, and shouted loudly: "General Tie, please be merciful." Dali soldiers had been warned by Duan Gong before that they should not easily create rifts with Liang Wang's side, and Tie Wanhu knew that things would cause serious trouble. It was not good for him, so he immediately withdrew the knife. Aji came up and scolded the centurion: "General Tie and the others came all the way to help, the king treats you like a distinguished guest, how dare you be rude to the distinguished guest?" The centurion was extremely wronged, and argued: "Obviously they were the first... ..." Aji shouted: "You still dare to argue? Someone, pull him down and beat him with fifty army sticks." The soldiers of the Yuan army on the side were completely dissatisfied.Aji said: "Nowadays the enemy is facing the enemy. If you have the ability, you can fight the enemy like General Tie. What's your skill in fighting among yourself? If anyone dares to be rude to distinguished guests, he will do it in military law!" He laughed again, "General Tie need not be angry, I will Then I will personally send Zun Yuyi out of the city." Tie Wanhu snorted and led the others away. Yang Shengjian hurriedly said: "Fu Wei, General Tie is like this. In fact, we are all afraid of him. That centurion brother is just loyal to his duty, so please spare him." Aji said: "Military orders are like mountains. , how can you be lighthearted? Yuyi, please get on the horse, and I will personally send Zun Yuyi out of the customs." When we arrived at Luge Pass, Bi Chen, the postman, said that there was a path taken by woodcutters in Weixi Mountain in Guannan, which could lead to Huiji Pass, but he couldn't ride a horse.Yang Shengjian left his beloved horse at Luge Station and said, "Please take good care of him for me." Bi Chen said, "It's natural." Be good." The horse seemed to know that it was about to part with its owner, it kept pawing the ground with its front hooves, whining incessantly.Yang Shengjian said with a smile: "Master will be back tomorrow night at the latest, but we are just parting for a while." The horse snorted twice and became quiet.Seeing that it is so spiritual and can understand human speech, everyone was amazed. Bi Chen found a suit of casual clothes and asked Yang Shengjian to change, saying it was more convenient.Yang Shengjian changed as he said, and he looked like a hunter in the mountains. Only then did Bi Chen bring a postman and lead him into the mountain.Bi Chen was unsmiling, always with a bitter face, and the postman didn't dare to say much. The three of them circled in the dark without saying a word, which was very boring to the cheerful Yang Shengjian.When the sky was turning dark, he finally came out of Weixi Mountain. The morning mist is light, like a thin veil, gently and inadvertently draped over the earth, and like an invisible hand, gently stroking the mountains and trees.The hills gradually came to life, revealing vague outlines in the mist. Bi Chen said: "Passing the mountain stream in front, and passing a piece of woods, is the post road. Three miles to the west, is Heji Pass. The general in the garrison is a Huihui. Yuyi can show his identity to them. He wants a post horse. Go to Luo Naguan." Yang Shengjian smiled and said: "Understood, thank you for your guidance, please go back now, the postman, don't forget to take care of my horse." Bi Chen nodded and said: "Yuyi can do as much as she can." rest assured." Yang Shengjian went forward alone, and came to the edge of the mountain stream. Seeing that the stream was crystal clear and almost clear, he knelt down and took a handful of it with his hands to drink it. It was clear and sweet, really good water.He didn't dare to delay any longer. He waded through the stream and came to the forest. A gust of cool air hit his face, refreshing his spirit.Along the way are surrounded by several big trees, with towering old trunks and black marks all over the ground.Suddenly, he saw a vague figure in front of him, and the forest was dark, so he couldn't see clearly. He thought it was just a woodcutter who came into the mountain in the early morning, and he didn't care.After walking a few steps forward, I saw a strong woodcutter coming towards him and asked, "My little brother, we lost our way..." Yang Shengjian smiled and said, "You are asking the wrong person, and neither am I. native……" Before he could finish his sentence, the woodman suddenly rushed up and pressed Yang Shengjian to the ground.Yang Shengjian pushed his knee hard against the woodcutter's abdomen. Taking advantage of his unbearable pain, he finally pushed him aside. He sat up and was about to draw his weapon when several people dressed as woodcutters rushed up from the side. , and pressed him firmly to the ground again.Yang Shengjian was anxious and angry, and shouted: "What are you..." Before he could finish his sentence, his mouth was stuffed with stuff, and he couldn't speak anymore.Another person fetched the rope, pulled his hands behind his back and tied them tightly, tied his feet again, passed a wooden pole through his hands and feet, carried him like a hunted beast, and headed east. After walking about two or three miles, I came to a dilapidated and desolate Wuhou Temple. I don't know when it was built and when it was abandoned.头门大殿都已倾塌，蓬蒿荒草，一路齐腰，新生的青草却才刚刚没过脚背。进来则是个三开小殿，殿外树上拴有数匹马。樵夫将杨胜坚放在地上，高喊了一声。小殿中抢出数人，一人问道：“抓到了么？”最先扑倒杨胜坚的樵夫答道：“抓到一个。”那人便道：“做得好，速速送他到司马大将军那里去。” 便有人牵过马来，将杨胜坚横放到马鞍上。他拼命挣扎，刚放上去便又掉下马来。有人道：“这小子不老实，得让他吃点苦头才行。”解下佩刀，倒转兵刃，砸在杨胜坚头上，他便昏晕了过去。 杨胜坚再醒来时，只觉得全身晃晃悠悠，如腾云驾雾一般，一切景致更是倒着往后飞去。过了好半天，才会意过来自己是面朝下被绑在马鞍上。正挣扎想仰起头来时，马突然停了下来，有人上前将他拖到地上，割断他脚上绳索，道：“到了。”杨胜坚定神一看，眼前竟是一座古庙，上面写着“古田寺”三个大字，心道：“呀，古田寺，这不是明胜驻军的地方么？原来我是被红巾捉了。”回头望去，峰峦四合，一边林木葱郁，另一边的开阔地带立有无数营帐。 原来明胜自入云南以来，凯歌长奏，眼见追得梁王山穷水尽之时，忽在吕阁关为一支奇兵所败。据逃回来的谢得说，这支军队来时毫无征兆，便如幽灵一般。明胜听得惊奇不已，虽猜到是大理援兵，但却不知对方虚实，急欲了解状况。他派人找来一名当地猎人，许以重利，详细了解楚雄四周地形后，终于想到了一个诱捕大理信使的主意——他有意不派兵前去攻占会基关要津，而是派了许多精干的游哨化装成樵夫、猎人，守在薇溪山出口林中。关滩江西岸已在红巾之手，驿道被截断，大理要派人回罗那关求援，必然会走这条路，果然由此捕到了杨胜坚。 杨胜坚被押进寺内。只见林木葱郁，尤其几株马尾古松生得挺拔参天，鳞皮虬枝，亭亭如盖，可见这寺庙至少已有数百年，外人绝难想到这样一个幽雅响绝的地方会成为红巾驻兵之处。间或遇到几名僧人，却是对杨胜坚一行看也不看一眼，似是早已真正超脱尘世生死，对眼前兵戈刀戟毫不介怀。 曲曲折折走了一段，终于进来一间殿堂，堂下布满红巾士兵，堂首案前正有一名三十余岁的将军与一名文官在研习地图。樵夫将杨胜坚推到堂中，在他膝盖上猛踢一脚，将他按到地上跪下，这才上前禀道：“大将军神机妙算，我们当真捕到了一名大理信使。”又将杨胜坚双刀奉上：“这是他的兵刃。” 那将军正是明玉珍之弟明胜，听了很是欣喜，忙问道：“他身上可有书信？”樵夫道：“没有。”那文官名叫杨源，官任侍中，负责起草军中文书。他也是白族人，虽然不在大理长大，多少了解一些状况，道：“这兵刃是大理双刀，他应当是名羽仪。听说大理总管靠心腹羽仪传令时不用印信，莫非是段功亲自领军到了？” 樵夫将杨胜坚口中麻布团掏出，喝道：“侍中问你话，昨日领军在关滩江伏击我们的人，是不是你们大理总管段功？”杨胜坚道：“什么侍中、总管的，我根本听不懂。”杨源问道：“你叫什么名字？”杨胜坚心道：“看来我是无法活着离开这里了，将名字告诉他们也无妨。”当即道：“杨胜坚。”杨源笑道：“你既姓杨，那么一定世家子弟了，难怪能成为总管的心腹羽仪。”杨胜坚道：“姓杨的就是世家子弟么？天底下姓杨的可多了去了，难不成杨国忠和他妹妹杨贵妃也是世家子弟？”杨源道：“瞧不出你嘴巴倒是挺会说的。只是巧得很，我也姓杨，也是白族人，所以你骗不了我。你明明是名羽仪，有刀为证，还想抵赖么？”杨胜坚道：“什么羽仪的，我一点也不知道。我是一名猎人，那刀是我从山上捡来的。”杨源道：“我劝你还是老老实实快说实话，赶快将大理军情告诉大将军，免得皮肉受苦。”杨胜坚道：“我没有骗你，你们问的那些，我真的一点也不知道。” 明胜拔出杨胜坚双刀中的长刀，用指弹了弹刀身，那刀嗡嗡长鸣，良久不绝于耳。明胜忍不住赞道：“好刀！好刀！这样的刀，可不是一名普通猎人所能佩戴。”杨胜坚道：“我都说了，刀是我捡的。”明胜道：“你是奉段功之命去罗那关搬救兵，是也不是？你最好快些说实话，不然可有苦头吃了。”杨胜坚笑道：“我说的就是实话，你却是不信，我有什么法子？” 明胜叫过亲兵队长明潼，道：“你把他押到营寨里去，好好地审问。”明潼应了一声，正欲带人押杨胜坚出去。明玉珍又想到捕到一名段功身边的心腹羽仪着实不易，叮嘱道：“可别把他弄死了。”明潼道：“是。” 杨胜坚被押出庙堂时，正看到三人从旁侧甬道经过，为首之人背影很是眼熟，不禁大奇：“这既是红巾大营，我怎会有相识之人？”仔细一想，心道：“原来是他！他怎么也在这里？”正待回头看得仔细些，却被背后红巾大力一推，又听见明潼喝道：“快走。” 他被押到营寨门口，五花大绑在旗杆上。明潼知道主帅对大理军队一无所知，急需要得到一些对手的消息，撬开此人嘴巴至关重要，因而亲自取来马鞭行刑，每抽打一下，便喝问一句：“你投不投降？”杨胜坚开始尚且嬉皮笑脸，说些不着边际的话，坚决不承认自己是大理羽仪，后来实在吃不住反复鞭打，忍不住破口大骂道：“你们这些红巾小人，就知道躲在林中偷袭。有本事解开绳索，咱们光明正大地打一架。”明潼也不理会，照旧打一鞭问一句。 杨胜坚被带到古田寺时正是正午，拷打一直持续到日暮时分，马鞭打坏了好几根，人也是皮开肉烂。明潼打得累了，又命手下亲兵继续讯问，杨胜坚一旦昏死过去，便用冷水泼醒。掌灯时，营寨中炬火遍地，煞是壮观。明胜亲自赶来，问道：“他说了什么没有？”明潼摇了摇头，道：“说了许多话，不过没有一句有用。”明胜道：“继续打，打到他说实话为止。”明潼道：“是。” 等到明胜离去，明潼却对主帅交代的任务甚感头疼，如此鞭打下去，俘虏不断晕厥，伤势越来越重，最终只会活活打死，实不是套取口供的好法子。他手下一名亲兵六子以前在富豪家中当羊倌，见过富豪用古怪的法子整治不听话的佃户，当即道：“小的倒有个主意，保管让这小子说开口实话。”明潼听了六子的法子，半信半疑道：“当真管用么？”六子道：“小的曾亲眼见过一名极厉害的江洋大盗被治得屎尿齐流，哭着求饶。”明潼也别无它法，便道：“那好，就照你说的办吧。一旦计成，重重有赏。” 杨胜坚浑身早已经麻木，感觉不到疼痛，但神志却还算清明，见明胜来过后，拷打便停了下来，明潼也带人暂时走开，不知道对方又有什么阴谋诡计。他知道自己是将死之人，活不了多久了，他还有那么多的愿望，却是再也没有机会去实现，那娇憨任性的伽罗，再也见不到了，不免有所遗憾。尤其口信尚未送到罗那关，楚雄城中的信苴会不会有危险？一想到此节，不由得急怒攻心，略一挣扎，立时又晕了过去。 再醒来时，他已经被人从旗杆上解了下来。有红巾士兵取来一碗粥，喂他喝了下去。热粥下肚，杨胜坚精神一振，当即又笑道：“你们怎么突然对我好起来了？这还真不让人习惯了。”那红巾知道他巧言令色，爱贫嘴取乐，也不答话。 忽见明潼又走了过来，冷冷道：“一会儿可有得你受的。”命人取来两条长凳，并排放了，将杨胜坚仰面放上去，用绳索连人带凳牢牢捆住。杨胜坚身长，肩头以上部位全在长凳之外，没有依托，不免十分难受，勉强抬起头问道：“你们想要做什么？”忽听见有羊儿“咩咩”叫声，只见两名亲兵各牵了两只羊过来，更是大奇，不知道对方要用什么古怪恶毒的法子折磨他，心中竟有一股冰冷的寒意升起。 却见两名亲兵一齐上前，扯脱杨胜坚鞋袜，拔出佩刀，各在他脚底割了一道口子。人号称顶天立地，顶天的是脑袋，立地的则是双脚，因而脚是人体中仅次于人脑最复杂的器官，各种经脉都在脚上经过，杨胜坚双脚各着一刀，顿时痛得大叫。那两名亲兵却并不就此停手，又拿刀反复割来割去。六子一直从旁监视，见双脚鲜血淋漓时，才笑吟吟地叫道：“好了。” 当下赶过四只羊来，将羊头按到杨胜坚双脚上。羊儿最爱饮咸水、吃咸草，一闻见人血中的咸气，立即上前舔吸，伤口旧血一去，新血更是源源不断地随着羊儿的舌头涌出。杨胜坚双脚又痛又麻，忍不住大笑起来，只笑得两声，又难耐那种酥痒的苦楚，不禁哀求道：“杀了我！求求你，快些一刀杀了我！”明潼依旧是那副冷冰冰的口气，道：“想死可没那么容易。你投不投降？”杨胜坚心道：“只有战死的将军，没有投降的臣子，这投降两个字可不能轻易说出口。”当即道：“我已经告诉你们了，我就是个猎人，你们再如何拷打，也是没有用的。”明潼见他不肯松口，便命道：“再割几刀。” 杨胜坚脚板又挨了几刀，只觉得血脉贲张，全身血液似乎都在往脚底涌去。羊的舌头虽然远比鞭子柔软，可每往脚上舔一下，他都会不由自主地战栗发抖，当真比万蚁啮心还要厉害。他努力挣扎扭动，想摆脱绳索束缚，不但徒劳无功，反而使脚上血流得更快，当真是求死不得，求生不能，眼泪都流了出来。扛了一会儿，再也无法忍受，大声求饶道：“停手，快些停手！我投降，我投降了！” 明潼见这刑罚看似轻松，却是十分厉害，不但给俘虏造成难以忍受的痛楚，而且不会就此晕死，可以持续刑求，眼见杨胜坚支持不了一会儿便已经服软，不免十分得意，命人将羊牵开，上前问道：“你们大理来了多少人马？领头的是不是总管段功？”杨胜坚道：“大理来了十万兵马。总管政事繁忙，哪里耐烦理睬你们汉人之事，当然不会亲自带兵前来。” 明潼听他信口开河，也不动怒，只命道：“在他脚上再割几刀，将羊牵过来。”杨胜坚慌忙道：“不，不要，我说实话……”明潼道：“到底来了多少人？”杨胜坚道：“确实是十万兵马。”明潼冷笑一声，命亲兵继续行刑。杨胜坚不断卑屈乞怜，哀告求饶，编些谎话，明潼却再也不上当。 红巾士兵听说营中在拷问大理俘虏，均围过来看热闹，兴起时，连连嘘声。有人道：“这小子是个懦夫，你看他眼泪都流出来了。”杨胜坚能说会道，最爱逞嘴皮子功夫，立即回叫道：“你们不是懦夫，你们来试试受刑的滋味，保管你不但流眼泪，还要尿裤子。”有人笑道：“瞧，这小子还有力气回嘴呢，不知道他有没有尿裤子。”有人道：“把他裤子扒下来不就知道了。” 红巾又是一阵哄笑，开始用各种恶毒的语言辱骂俘虏。杨胜坚大怒，立即大声回骂。只是他被绑在长凳上，处于火光中心，那些人则站在灯火暗处，他看不到对手，又一口对众嘴，声势上已是处在了下风。另外一则，他虽伶牙俐齿，终究是大理世家子弟，所会的骂人之词有限，遇上这些贩夫走卒出身的红巾，确实不是对手。只是他不甘示弱，便临时现学现卖，将红巾骂他的话又重新骂回去。 明潼见杨胜坚一边受刑，一边还叫骂得起劲，又命人卷起他裤脚，在他小腿上割出十几道口子，羊儿由此舔食得更欢。在红巾的嘲笑声中，杨胜坚汗水濡濡，气力逐渐耗尽，叫骂声也渐渐微弱下去，只有在羊儿舔舐他伤口血液的时候，才微有动弹。 如此折磨了大半个时辰，就连羊儿也对杨胜坚的血失去了兴趣，不愿意再舔。又有红巾出主意说拿猪鬃刷来刷俘虏脚心，准保让他痛不欲生，明潼却已经对拷打失去了耐性。明胜再次赶来，见杨胜坚虚弱地躺在长凳上，头无力仰垂着，口中喃喃发出微弱的呻吟，表情十分痛苦，忙问道：“他说了么？”明潼无奈地摇摇头，道，“小的瞧这人表面上花言巧语，是个没用的膏粱子弟，其实骨子里却是条硬汉，多半打死他也不会吐露口实。” 明潼虽然官职卑微，明胜却对他的意见甚是重视，这诱捕大理信使的主意就是他想出来的，便问道：“那你说要怎么办？一刀杀了他？”明潼道：“杀他不必急在一时，这小子还有点用处，大将军明日攻打吕阁关时也许可以派上用场。”上前附耳低语了几句。明胜问道：“你确信这样做有用？”明潼点了点头。明胜道：“那好，就依你的计议行事。”明潼道：“是。”命人将羊牵走，将俘虏解下来。 杨胜坚被折磨得苦不堪言，却是神智不失，一被解下长凳，痛苦稍解，立即又恢复了巧舌如簧的禀性，与看守的红巾士兵巧言逗乐，只是无人出声回应。过了一会儿，又见明潼带了他的兵器匆忙返回，当即笑着问道：“你是准备用我的刀杀死我么？”明潼点头道：“正是如此，你还真是个聪明小子。”杨胜坚笑道：“那是，哈哈……”“哈哈”了两声，全身痛如火炙，再也笑不出来。明潼也不睬他，命人将他绑在马鞍上，自己带了一大队人马，押着俘虏朝吕阁关方向而去。 次日凌晨，抵达关滩江西岸。此刻天色未明，此地却是灯火通明，且已大不同于昨日——河西岸挖掘了一道深深的沟堑，又竖起了许多粗木栅栏作为防御工事。明潼先赶去见主将谢得，将杨胜坚的兵器交给他，传达明胜之命。谢得接过双刀，点头道：“请大将军放心，我一定会亲手杀了他。”命人按明胜之命去安排。 杨胜坚被押到关滩江后，先是被绑在营前马桩上，等到天亮时才被解了下来。他赤着双脚，脚上腿上又处处是刀伤，无力行走，红巾便照旧绑了他手脚，用木杠穿了，谢得亲自带人抬了他，自沙桥上过河，来到吕阁关外。却见红巾已在东岸集结停当，刀剑耀目，旌旗满野。谢得抬头看了看天，道：“时辰刚刚好。来人，先给大理人来点见面礼，开炮！” 当即有红巾上前，推出六架石炮到关下，正好停在元军箭弩射程之外，各有兵士装好矢石，一齐发射。巨石打破了清晨的寂静，在空中发出一种奇特的破空呼啸声，划出长长的弧线后，最终落在了下来，巨响声震耳欲聋——有射到关上的，伴随着一片惨叫惊呼声；有打着城墙的，则弹出了一个不小的窟窿，站得近的人被震得迷迷糊糊。 阿吉早料到红巾即将攻城，只是没想到他们会这么快，眼见石炮威力不小，当即命将士躲在城墙后。铁万户也在关口，当即道：“不如由我带着骑兵冲杀出去，将石炮捣毁。”阿吉忙道：“万万不可，敌人人多，万一趁将军出关时他们涌将进来，可就是懊悔无穷了。”铁万户自昨晚闹了一场后，又被段功狠狠训斥一顿，他虽然心中鄙夷蒙古人胆小怕事，却也不敢再擅自行事。不料红巾只发射了三轮矢石，便不再攻击，且将石炮推走。 正诧异时，忽见一人双手反绑，被拖到原先石炮所在之处跪下。那人浑身是血，身子摇摇晃晃，半垂着头，瞧不清面孔。红巾主将谢得站在他身后，挥舞着一把长刀，朝关上大声叫喊。 阿吉听不清谢得所言，莫名其妙地道：“他们在搞什么鬼？”铁万户却依稀认出了那跪下之人身形甚是熟悉，忙叫过一名罗苴子，问道：“你看那人像不像杨胜坚？” 罗苴子尚不及开言，便见两名红巾士兵左右执住杨胜坚肩头，谢得拔出长刀，自杨胜坚后颈插入，一刀刺透了颈项，又大力往前一递，直至刀身穿透过半。 杨胜坚一时不得速死，口中嗬嗬有声，无力地拧动着身子。他只觉得火辣辣一阵剧痛，也分不清是哪个地方的伤口，殷红血色犹如海潮奔涌，渐渐淹没了眼前的世界，一股寒气正在扩散，全身渐渐发冷。模糊神志中，有一朵白净透明的木莲花在轻轻飘荡，那是他第一次见到伽罗时，他从路边摘来送给她的，她是多么喜欢那朵苍山龙女花呀，顺手便戴在了秀发上…… 红巾士兵松开手，杨胜坚就此往前仆下，长刀刀尖先点着沙地，又撑住了他的身子，他便半前倾着跪在地上，抽搐了几下，这才慢慢死去，犹保持着姿势不变。 铁万户远远望见，暴喝一声道：“呀！”随即飞快地奔下城墙，召集罗苴子上马。阿吉大惊，忙追下来拉住马头道：“将军千万请冷静些，红巾正是要以此激怒将军，引将军出去。”铁万户怒道：“本来他们不来引我，我也要杀将出去。”不再理会阿吉，连声下命道，“来人，将府尉拉开。快些打开关门，有敢阻拦者，通通杀无赦。”他红了眼，谁敢不听号令，罗苴子排开守门元军，打开了关门，铁万户挥舞着大刀，一马当先冲出了吕阁关。阿吉知道事情危急，忙命道：“快，快些派人到城中叫信苴。” 此刻段功正飞驰在赶往吕阁关的路上。他一大清早天还未亮便被梁王王傅大都请来知府衙门，与梁王孛罗议事。进府时正遇到一名二十来岁的年轻女子出来。那女子浑身浓香，甚是妖娆，也不避让，反倒是大都急忙让在一旁。段功不知道对方身份，也跟着让到一旁。那女子有意在段功面前停下，似笑非笑地看了他一眼，这才扬头而去。 施宗猜这女子必是梁王家眷，见段功以总管之尊，居然要为一女子让道，不免有些气愤