Chapter 18 The 16th round of surrendering troops to Hetao and slaughtering desert werewolves with arrows and war gods
In the battle of Malanhua Grassland, the Xiongnu army really tasted the strength of the Qin army and retreated to the north of Hetao.Meng Tian led his army to chase after Beihe, and Chen Bing was at the foot of Yinshan Mountain.With the help of the night, the Xiongnu army sneaked towards the Qin army's camp at the foot of the mountain, but fell into the trap of the Qin army and was trapped. Suddenly, they were surrounded by torches, and thousands of arrows were fired... The enemy army was trapped in Xiaoyanghe, and Meng Tian joined his arrows again. First, the Huns suffered heavy casualties.
The Xiongnu army who crossed the Yellow River regrouped and marched into Yinshan.Both the enemy and us lived in peace, and the Xiongnu army entered Yinshan smoothly, leaving the left and right Guli kings guarding the pass of Yinshan to monitor the movements of the Qin army.During this period, the Hetao Plain in the south and north of the desert had three days of light rain and ten days of heavy rain, which moistened hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops, especially the millet that grew to the height of a person.Meng Tian led the army to take Jiuyuan as the camp of the Chinese army. Tian Huo and Zhao Gang guarded the left and right wings respectively, and sent fast horses to inquire about the situation on Feng Shifen's side in the north.The role of the army led by Feng Shifen was to restrain the 50,000 string-controlling men under the command of King Xitixiutu, so that they would not dare to take half a step away from the western foot of Beiyi Mountain.
The autumn wind is bleak, and Mobei is golden. Near Jiuyuan and the entire southwest region, the golden millet harvest is rejoicing.Meng Tian's army stopped on the left side of the mountain, and the 200,000 farmers guarding Hetao took back all their grain.The Xiongnu Legion was jealous, but they didn't dare to take half a step forward.
Since King Zuoxian failed to jointly attack Jiuyuan with King Xitixiutu last time, he has been unable to raise his spirits. Later, when he was guarding the banks of the Beihe River in the ice and snow, he was always depressed.Until the battle of the Malanhua Grassland, King Zuo Xian, who could have been in charge of his own affairs, fell ill and was bedridden.When the autumn wind swept away the fallen leaves, he died with hatred.All the ox horns of the Xiongnu Legion resounded for more than an hour, playing mourning for King Zuo Xian.After Touman Shanyu lost King Zuoxian, he didn't have any water or rice for three days, so anxious that Princess Jiaoyang came in and out to comfort him: "Father, uncle treats people and things with a heavy heart, which is not conducive to the recovery of physical fitness, don't you? Do you want to leave the entire empire behind like him?" Qi Qicuo, a wizard on the side, also said: "Juci is right, your safety is related to the entire empire. At present, the Qin army is suppressing the land, and our Huns have suffered heavy losses , People are in panic, Da Shanyu must not hurt his body and bones, he must think about the whole empire." Tou Manchan sat up all at once, and only asked for food: "Bring me a bowl of deer blood, raw and cooked Five catties of beef each, two jars of spirits..." Seeing that the father cheered up, the sun said happily, "I'll go and prepare it for the father myself..." The wizard looked at Touman thoughtfully.He really wanted to talk to the Chanyu about the current situation between Qin and Hun, but he had no choice but now was not the time.King Zuo Xian just died of illness, and everyone is still immersed in grief; from the defeat in the Jiuyuan War last year, to the defeat in the Malanhua Grassland in May this year, the morale of the Huns has been low, and people's hearts are fluctuating. Some nobles even threatened to surrender. Donghu... Under the auspices of Touman Chanyu, everyone sent the body of King Zuoxian back to the northern suburbs of Wangting, and dug a deep crypt for burial.The grandeur of the funeral reached the standard of a second king.
In the twinkling of an eye, the winter solstice was approaching, and the markets in the southwestern suburbs of Jiuyuan County continued to be busy for more than ten days, with a constant flow of people.There are also merchants who have traveled far away to set up warm tents on both sides of the market, and put up signs that they operate day and night, and the people who visit the market simply set up a night market.This year is a bumper harvest year, and everyone has prepared food for the festival and beef, mutton, pork, etc. for the New Year.A thoughtful woman proposed to prepare another generous gift to the Jiuyuan government to thank Ren Taishou and General Meng Tian. After hearing this, everyone thought this proposal was good. Without these two benefactors, what would happen if Jiuyuan County had a bumper harvest this year? The fruits of one year have long since entered the royal court and stables of the Huns.
On the morning of the winter solstice, a northwest wind blew in the cloudy sky.A gust of cold air wrapped in floating dust made the sky chilly, and after a while, snowflakes fluttered and fell on Jiuyuan City.Under the leadership of Meng Tian, Ji Fengyi, Ren Xiao, Tian Huo, Wang Li, Jiang Ion, Zhao Gang and other generals surveyed the enemy's situation along the eastern and western mountains of Yinshan Mountain.In the lobby of the Chinese Army, Meng Tian gathered a hundred generals to discuss matters in front of several charcoal basins.The warm world in this room is in stark contrast to the snowflakes outside. A large bucket of tea is simmering on each charcoal pot. When the water boils to the boiling point, after Ren Xiao settles down, the chef comes to mix a bucket of fresh goat milk into the tea. The room immediately exudes the aroma of milk tea.The servants refilled the tea bowls in front of the generals with fresh milk tea, so this midwinter hall was full of family affection among soldiers, and everyone discussed more enthusiastically.
Ji Fengyi thought the tea was too hot, so she put it down gently and said, "It seems that Touman is much more honest, hiding in the mountains and not coming out. Tian Huo, what do you think should I do?" He was deliberately testing Tian Huo to see if he would understand. understand.Tian Huo drank a bowl of hot tea so hot that he didn't care to answer.Meng Tian said: "Losing all the land in Henan at once, Tian Huo, do you think he can be willing?" Everyone saw that the two bosses insisted on forcing Tian Huo to come up with a military opinion today, and they smiled and waited to see what Tian Huo would do. answer.Tian Huo thought for a while and said: "The general is willing to bring ten thousand infantry into the mountains to catch him." Meng Tian continued to induce Tian Huo: "Touman is not stupid, he is waiting for you to get into his pocket..." Ji Fengyi Pointing out the truth, he said: "Going into the mountain rashly is a military taboo. Think about it carefully, we won't go in, let him come out by himself..." Tian Huo smiled bitterly: "I really have no choice..." Ji Fengyi said : "I have a way, it depends on whether you dare to do it or not?" Tian Huo said unconvinced: "Why don't you dare, as long as you give the order, I will be unambiguous."
"Tian Huo listen to the order!" Ji Fengyi ordered suddenly and solemnly.Tian Huo knew that this was inevitable today, so he hurriedly raised his chest and said loudly: "The end is here!"
"I order you to bring twenty guards to go around the back of Yinshan Mountain tonight, and set fire to the nearby pastures. There must be no mistakes."
"Decree!" At this moment, all the generals were overwhelmed with admiration, and Tian Huo was even more convinced. How come he couldn't think of such a simple military plan?
Halfway through the meeting in the room, many women from Jiuyuan County gathered outside the door unknowingly.Each of them held a gift in their hand, standing in the snowy weather, their sincere expressions moved the soldiers.Meng Tian pushed the door out of the house, looked at these people who were still dressed in rags, but they took things that even they were reluctant to eat, such as chickens, ducks or geese.An old man was leading a young goat and was begging the guards to let them in. When they saw Meng Tian and all the soldiers going out, they immediately called out: "Generals, it's a big festival, and we haven't prepared anything. Just accept this kindness." Let's go." Meng Tian stepped forward excitedly and took their hands: "Fathers and fellow villagers, thank you for your kindness, you can take these things back, we can't accept them, and your life is not easy..." Several The aunt surrounded Meng Tian, touching here and looking there, one of the older ones said in awe: "It is said that you look like a god, but we thought you were a god with blue face and fangs. It turns out that General Meng is dignified and amiable. , still so young." The other said: "This year we met a good general like you, and we enjoyed a great blessing. In previous years, the crops could not be harvested, and we had to hide from the Huns all day, all thanks to you, General... ..." The villagers gathered together the things they had brought together as they talked, no matter how the soldiers tried to persuade them, the villagers put down their things and left.
That night, Tian Huo led his Grassland Flying Eagle Team to quietly leave Jiuyuan... This is when the moon is dark and the wind is high and the wind is high and it is easy to set fire.Last year's desert grass was fertile and waist-deep by the autumnal equinox.It has long been designated as a military horse farm, and ordinary civilians are not allowed to enter and graze.Relying on such a good natural reserve, the Xiongnu iron cavalry can sit back and relax and firmly believe that they will be able to fight the Qin army to the end. Therefore, no matter how the Qin army challenges outside the mountain, Touman Shanyu will not be able to hold on.
At dawn, the north wind blew very hard, but Shan Yu's big tent was still so warm.Touman Chanyu hugged his newly married concubine, sleeping soundly.Suddenly, there was a rush of horseshoes approaching from a distance, and the messenger was exchanging passwords with the guards.Hearing the sound, Touman knew that there must be an urgent military situation, so he turned over and sat up immediately, but he couldn't hear anything for a long time, and asked sharply, "Who is outside the tent?" The mountain fire suddenly spread in the back grassland...it cannot be saved." Touman turned pale with fright, and came out dressed in ripped tents, while the wizard Qi Qicuo and several other ministers had already stood on the hill and looked towards the burning direction of the fire.
When Touman, the wizard Qi Qicuo and others returned to the big tent, the concubine had already boiled a pot of milk tea and poured hot milk tea for several ministers.With a heavy heart, Touman told his concubine: "Okay, you can go to the back tent to rest!"
"Yes!" The concubine withdrew obediently.Touman Shanyu breathed a sigh of relief, and said sadly: "Actually, these things should have been expected long ago. But, our Great Hun Empire has reached a troubled time. Since King Zuoxian and King Xitixiutu insisted on attacking Jiuyuan last year, I had a premonition of this." The wizard Qi Qicuo said painfully: "The great Shanyu foresaw it well, and the minister also felt the same. All of these are interlinked and will not be isolated."
"The mountain fire must have been caused by the Qin army... These villains, we have already hid in Yinshan, why do they still..." A minister said angrily.
The wizard Qi Qicuo suddenly wanted to see Zhe Rixiu who was still being imprisoned, and suddenly a vicious plan emerged: he wanted to use the hated Zhe Rixiu to deal with Meng Tian, so with a treacherous smile on his lips, he said: "What's the use of saying this? If I were Meng Tian, I would have set off this mountain fire long ago. Why did I wait until now?" Another minister shouted hysterically, "Let's go out to fight them..."
"Shut up!" Touman Shanyu was already furious, turned his face away, and said, "You have always had this kind of thinking, you insisted on fighting with Qin Jun, and what happened! His Zuo Xianwang left early. It’s too late, but you can’t burn him if you set yourself on fire... You should prepare to retreat thousands of miles!"
"Ah... retreat thousands of miles? Stop fighting with them..."
"Fight, we must fight! But not now. You step down first, I have something to do with the wizard..." Tou Mandanyu did not look back, and let several ministers withdraw from the big account.
At midnight, Touman Shanyu finally arranged everything and sent the vanguard to the preset position. He came to the back tent alone and walked into Gulit's tent.In fact, the mother and daughter had woken up a long time ago. Under the dim oil lamp in the tent, the mother and daughter were packing their luggage.Touman asked in surprise: "You are..." Gu Lite is the daughter of the Huns' Xitixiutu family. She is honest and kind by nature, and never competes with Touman for fame or money. "I'm packing up, my lord, I'm about to leave, and you didn't notify us..."
"Father..." Jiao Yang seemed very happy, and threw himself on his father and hugged him affectionately.It was clear that she had moved on from Zhe Rixiu's rude insults.Touman said seriously: "Hey, I didn't give the order to evacuate? Who did you hear that..." Jiaoyang knew that there was a mistake, and pulled his father to the window: "Father, look, what are you all doing?" ..." Touman looked out along the seam of the leather poncho, oh my god, the princes and nobles are already clamoring to pack up all the utensils.
In the dark of night, the coachmen harnessed one carriage after another, dismantled the tents and were loading the carriages.Some noble wives and concubines have already boarded the carriage delicately, urging their men to set off quickly.Touman Chanyu sighed deeply and lowered the curtain, becoming more and more annoyed: "These dogs..." Seeing this, Jiao Yang and his mother approached him to comfort him: "Since you haven't given the order to retreat, then they are... ..." Touman Shanyu said with a wry smile: "At present, the situation of the battle is very clear, we lost..." Jiao Yang and his mother couldn't help but looked at each other, Jiao Yang hadn't understood the meaning of his father's words, so he carefully asked: "What did the father say?" ? Didn’t you march in formation the night before? Cousins and the others..." Gu Lite also said: "That's right, you confused us all..."
Touman helped the mother and daughter to sit down, with a solemn face, and looked at his daughter Jiaoyang lovingly, with tears in his eyes: "It is imperative to fight Meng Tian now... In fact, the battle with Qin Jun in the Malanhua Grassland has already been decided." The victory is over. I already feel that our brave and invincible warriors have been beaten by the Qin Army chariots. The soldiers are yelling chariots, chariots in fear in their sleep... This is the dozens of soldiers I have led I have never encountered it in years!" Jiaoyang and his mother listened to this little-known thing with their eyes wide open. "Since your uncle died, the Xiongnu Empire seems to have collapsed. First of all, these princes and nobles are idle all day long, analyzing and judging the forces of the enemy and us. Your friend Meng Tian is a marshal with me as the king. Against each other, behind him is the mighty Qin Empire, and behind me... I'm afraid there won't even be a place to stand on..."
The father mentioned Meng Tian for no reason, which made Jiaoyang very uncomfortable.Even she herself dare not look through these things hidden in her heart as secrets, what does the king mean by this?She felt that her mother was also looking at her, but fortunately, there was no condemnation in their eyes.Touman changed the subject and said: "Let him go, maybe you are right, he is a rare talent in the world today, and no one has any reason to destroy him. You did the right thing and left yourself a way out... ..."
"Father, what are you talking about..." Jiao Yang had already sensed something, and she wanted to get some answers from it, but her father had already changed the subject.He stroked the shoulder of his wife Gullit, looked affectionately at the aging woman who had been with him for a long time, and cried, "You didn't come this time, and you never need to worry about it. It should all be a man's business. But this time the situation is different, if you want to be in the royal court at this moment, you have already become their hostages..."
"Ah..." The mother and daughter turned pale with shock, "This, how is this possible...Royal Father, what about my little brother?"
Touman said sarcastically: "You don't have to worry about that. He is his nephew, and he has always wanted to support your brother." Gu Lite was troubled by the messy things in front of him, but one thing is certain Even if she didn't give birth to a son, she couldn't value her son. She knew herself and felt ashamed of her husband.Because of this, even her natal family no longer looked up to her, and successively sent several other daughters of the Xubu clan to Da Shanyu, hoping to give birth to a boy, so that the whole clan could have a sense of belonging in the future.Therefore, Mrs. Gullit was almost ignored by the tribe as a sinner.She suddenly knelt at Touman's feet, and put her head close to Touman's combat boots: "My lord, I am useless, I don't deserve your kindness to me..." As she spoke, her husband's combat boots were wet like a spring of tears.
"lady……"
"Mother..." The scorching sun had already shed tears like pearls, rushing towards her mother.Touman has already supported his wife: "Madam, why are you doing this? The king has never blamed you for this, and our daughter is no worse than our sons!" As he spoke, the mother and daughter were under his arms, and the whole family Crying with my head in my arms in the unpredictable cold night, but I also cried freely.
After sitting down again, the scorching sun lifted the curtain, and the outside seemed to have calmed down a lot, probably the nobles and princes had almost left.Touman and Gulit looked at their daughter, both of them were thinking in their hearts: If Jiaoyang had a son, he must be a great Shanyu... "Your engagement with your cousin is cancelled." Touman said suddenly Said that this made Mrs. Gullit startled.Jiaoyang asked: "Why? Yesterday you were still promising to cousin Zhe Rixiu..." Touman was forced to ask helplessly, and said angrily: "Don't force your father, okay? Didn't I tell you? Yes , you just go back to the royal court with us, if you don’t want to, you stay here..." Jiao Yang was startled when he heard this, stared at his father in horror, and sneered: "...Father, this is what you gave me. The last choice? Then you might as well let me die in front of you..." Jiaoyang was about to draw his knife, but Touman and Gu Lite hurriedly rushed to hug Jiaoyang, and the family burst into tears again.
When the mother and daughter calmed down, Touman said: "I have already arranged everything for you, Jiaoyang, you must let Hailiang send you to a cousin's house now, without leaving Henan, once Mengtian and the others find out You, will protect your safety better. Your mother and I will be relieved!" At first hearing, Jiaoyang was a little angry, and when you returned to the royal court, you had the heart to leave me to a stranger... But once you heard It is in Mengtian's future jurisdiction, and the sun is relieved.She blushed and said, "Father, you really don't hate me, don't you hate Meng Tian and the others?" Touman nodded sincerely: "No. Meng Tian made all the Huns get rid of their arrogance and re-understand this man. The world, this is enough for us to learn. As for you must rescue him, that is God's will. I admire his strategy and tactics, and I admire his tolerance, so you are safer and more reliable here than returning to the royal court More. Hurry up and hit the road... Hailiang!"
"The last general is here." Hai Liang, who had been guarding the door of the tent, entered in response.Scorching sun plopped down to his father and mother, with tears in his eyes, kowtowed deeply, and bid farewell to his parents.
Besides, as a wizard of the Xiongnu Empire, Qi Qicuo is not only a wizard in the superficial sense who can only do fortune-telling, divination and astrology. In fact, his more direct identity is an out-and-out military adviser. Shan Yu, his role is much greater than that of a Hun noble group.But in the past few months, due to the successive defeats of the Huns in the battles with the Qin army, the aristocratic group was full of voices, which interfered with Shanyu's normal thinking and decision-making. Discounted, and also attracted the noble group's doubts and dissatisfaction with their abilities.Qi Qicuo knew very well in his heart that the disposition of those fat-headed guys who failed to accomplish anything but failed was an obstacle for him to show his talents.So Qi Qicuo decided to endure the humiliation and do what he wanted to do.He knew very well in his heart that Meng Tian, the commander of the Qin Beijiang Army, was a very important figure. If he was taken care of, the morale of the Qin Army would be greatly reduced.Therefore, he secretly sent more than a dozen scouts deep into the interior of the Qin army, specifically to inquire about Meng Tian's usual entry and exit from the camp.
Hard work pays off, Meng Tian was really mastered by a few scouts to travel.Meng Tian's travel habits are actually developed inadvertently.The Qin army was stationed at the foot of Yinshan Mountain. There was a big river in the south of the mountain, and there were many small rivers in front of the mountain. One of the small rivers flowed from the Qinghe Valley. People used to call it Xiaoqinghe.Xiaoqinghe is relatively close to the heavily fortified Huns, but its position is very left, it is a mountain bay.Almost every morning, Meng Tian brought a guard here to walk the black wind and blood BMW.After a long time, the master and Heifengma naturally have an affection for this place, and the scouts sent by Qi Qicuo have mastered Meng Tian's travel rules in this way, and realized that this is an opportunity that can be used.Qi Qicuo was secretly delighted, he was determined to capture Meng Tian alive... so he thought of Zhe Rixiu, this guy has all abilities, but no one can guide him correctly, he seems to never have the opportunity to display his strengths.
With a wishful plan in mind, Qi Qicuo made a special trip to the prison the day before yesterday to visit Zhe Rixiu, who was in custody, and brought him a lot of delicious food.Qi Qicuo opened the food, smiled at Zhe Rixiu who was still puzzled and said, "Why, don't you believe that I will come to see you?" Although Zhe Rixiu was arrogant and rude to others, he was very rude to wizards respect.He smiled wryly and said sincerely: "Zhe Rixiu was ignorant and dull in the past, didn't know good and bad, and did many stupid things, which made the wizard laugh."
"Forget it, they are all gentlemen. Young people will inevitably make mistakes. As long as you know your mistakes and correct them, you are still the number one warrior of my Huns. Let's eat first, let's talk while eating." Qi Qicuo said , handed Zhe Rixiu a fragrant deer leg, and untied various fruit bags.Where can Zherixiu restrain the desire of hunger, take a big bite, chew and swallow sweetly.
Qi Qicuo waited for him to eat and drink, and said casually: "Our opponent is a very powerful character, you must take good care of your body first..."
"Adversary?... Is the wizard talking about Meng Tian?" Zhe Rixiu was indeed very sensitive to the name Meng Tian.Qi Qicuo secretly rejoiced in his heart, so he smiled and said: "You are the number one warrior in the empire. You have made great achievements in battle, and you are indeed worthy. I can guarantee that no one in the Hun Empire understands Meng Tian better than you." Zhe Rixiu concentrated Listen, and then say: "Master Wizard is right, I know Meng Tian better than anyone else, he is my sworn enemy. If it wasn't for him, the scorching sun wouldn't treat me like this, I would have killed him myself! Qi Qicuo said with a smile: "Young man, don't be impatient. You used to be prone to be impatient. Although I am not talented, I would like to help the general to avenge this. How about it?" Zhe Rixiu listened Excited, he stared straight at Qi Qicuo, and said again and again: "Really? Can you really help me kill Meng Tian?"
"Don't be in a hurry, don't be in a hurry." Qi Qicuo deliberately tempered Zhe Rixiu's temperament, "I will inform you about this matter when the time is right. Well, you go to rest early, and tomorrow I will personally find Da Shanyu to help you Beg for mercy, and I will definitely persuade him to release you. The time has come for you to make contributions to our Huns, so I will leave first." Zhe Rixiu watched Qi Qicuo go out and leave, and he was so excited that he didn't close his eyes all night.
"The Great Chanyu has heard about General Zherixiu..." Outside the big tent, shouts continued throughout the midwinter, as if the entire Xiongnu Empire was named after General Zherixiu.This guy who is full of martial arts but treacherous in his heart reminds the Great Chanyu of him at a critical moment related to the survival of the Hun Empire—the nephew who is still locked up in the cell.More importantly, the shaman Qi Qicuo came yesterday and said that since the war continued, the number one warrior of the Huns could be considered as a key position to serve the empire, and suggested that he should not be imprisoned.Touman frowned, thought for a moment, and agreed to release him first.
At this moment, Zhe Rixiu was released again, looking up at the long-lost plateau sunshine, the outdoor air was so fresh that it couldn't be fresher.He took a deep breath, savoring the mellow breath in it.At the time when I left the teacher, my brothers and more top figures in the world had predicted more than once: Zhe Rixiu would definitely be the first warrior of the Great Hun Empire in the future... Only the master didn't say a word, until Zhe Rixiu left and finally told him the old man When we were leaving, the master said: "Disciple, change your mind and disposition." Does character have anything to do with how you behave?Zhe Rixiu has never seriously thought about it, only the deepest idea is: I am the number one master of the Huns today, no one can beat me, who can do anything to me?
But at this moment, Zhe Rixiu had a dejected expression, and he walked towards the big tent, followed by two followers.Face to face with the scorching sun, Zhe Rixiu's confused and depressed eyes immediately danced with blue flames, which he couldn't hold back every time he saw the scorching sun.What is the charm of this cousin, Zhe Rixiu can't describe it, it's just a feeling, or intuition.Both of them stopped any movements and expressions, leaving only focused attention, but it was only a momentary process. The love and hatred between the two seemed to have been performed for a century.In the eyes of Jiaoyang, if her cousin Zhe Rixiu were not so rough, as long as she had a little bit of reserved elegance, she would have been the favorite of this man long ago.It's a pity that he was destined to be a rough and courageous soldier from birth, and he can't coax women at all, and which woman in the world is willing to endure a man's rough behavior?At least the scorching sun won't.Jiao Yang gave up on him a long time ago, so he just snorted softly and went in a different direction.Zhe Rixiu slowed down, stared at the more charming figure of the sun, and couldn't help swallowing, this cousin was hard for him to subdue...but she was going to marry eventually, I would like to see her in the Xiongnu Empire. , who dares to marry her who is not afraid of death...
"Hurry up, the Great Chanyu is still waiting for you!" The attendants behind him urged him, which made him very unhappy. "The final general will see the Great Chanyu!" Zhe Rixiu entered the account, bowing his hands on one knee and giving a big gift.Touman Chanyu and all the princes and ministers seemed to be looking forward to it.But those expressions are very complex, and there's even more mistrust involved.Zhe Rixiu felt an infinite pressure from the distant empire, which made it difficult for him to hold his proud head up.
Facing his nephew, Touman Shanyu showed infinite love and compassion, but also angered him for not being able to live up to his expectations, so he shouted loudly: "Zhi Rixiu, do you know your mistake? If you still don't know your mistake, then I have no choice but to keep you in prison... "
"The final general knows his mistakes, knows his mistakes..." Zhe Rixiu had already experienced enough of the uncomfortable feeling of being imprisoned.Touman Chanyu praised: "Very good, why don't you have a wife, you should put your mind on building meritorious deeds, and she will not treat you poorly in the sun. I am the king of a country, and I will keep my word, and I will still not change my decision. But the premise is that you have to make her willing. You know Jiaoyang's temper, if she is not willing, she would rather die than give in. You can't force her to marry you!" Zhe Rixiu nodded vigorously, My heart felt at ease again: "Yes, Great Chanyu, I will understand..."
"Hold the sun and listen to the order!" Touman Shanyu ordered loudly. "The end is here!" Zhe Rixiu stood upright, his eyes sparkling.This guy only has war, women, and good wine in his bones... Touman continued his order: "From now on, Zhe Rixiu will be the vanguard, and he will be promoted to King Guli, the left leader. He will have 50,000 people who control strings. Stand by outside the tent!" Hearing this, Zhe Rixiu's qi and blood surged, his dantian breathed out, and he gave a deep salute: "The final general will obey the order!"
Coming out of the big tent, Zhe Rixiu thought from the bottom of his heart that he was no longer the Zhe Rixiu he used to be, that he was no longer the savage and capricious guy who would chase after beautiful women, stare at people and lose his temper at every turn. guy.He is determined to fight for his uncle, to make his cousin Jiaoyang change his view of him, and to fall in love with him sincerely. At the same time, he is determined to wash away the shame he suffered in the past, especially the shame that Meng Tian brought to him.To a certain extent, there is also the hatred of taking his wife... After Zhe Rixiu received his order, he went straight to the wizard Qi Qicuo...
Since it was the wizard Qi Qicuo who did the work, Touman Shanyu followed the advice, and released Zhi Rixiu, who had a hatred for Meng Tian's love, so when Zhe Rixiu was released, he had to go to see the wizard Qi immediately. Qi Cuo... Zhe Rixiu politely knocked on the door and came in.After entering the room, he gave a big gift and said in a loud voice: "Thank you, Master Wizard, for your kindness, I will never repay you for the rest of the day, and I will obey your orders from now on. Please tell me how I will wash my shame and kill this thief Mengtian?" Qi Qi Cuo laughed loudly, and said full of praise: "Good, good." Then, La Zha Rixiu sat down, beckoned his servants to fill Zhe Rixiu with milk tea, and said, "See me, the number one warrior of the Huns I'm very happy to be able to cheer up, don't be too busy, everything will be arranged for you." Zhe Rixiu picked up the milk tea and put it down, and asked urgently: "Master Wizard, you won't lie to me, will you?"
"Alas! How could it be that the top priority of capturing Meng Tian alive will fall to the general." After the wizard said this, Zhe Rixiu also felt very relieved, and his heart was a little at ease.
That night, the wizard made arrangements for Zhe Rixiu alone.Zhe Rixiu, who was about to go to bed, warmed up outside the tent first, and then walked in and saw two maids who looked like signs making the bed for him. Zhe Rixiu already understood that Qi Qicuo had deliberately arranged it for him.The two maids smiled at Zhe Rixiu, their winking eyes were provocative.According to Zhe Rixiu's temperament in the past, he might have rushed over impatiently...but tonight, Zhe Rixiu didn't do that, but calmly sent the two maids away.Qi Qicuo, who was hiding aside, saw all this and was delighted. He concluded that it was time to arrange for Zhe Rixiu to go out.
In the battle of Malanhua, the upper and lower officers and soldiers of the Qin Army personally experienced the feeling of fighting the Huns, and the fighting style was indeed very different from that of other armies.Ji Fengyi controls the Chinese army, with the help of Tian Huo and Zhao Gang, plus the assistance of the army's staff and sergeants, the entire army can be said to be the coordination of the four armies, and everyone in the horse and infantry marches forward.The tens of thousands of good horses from the Western Regions of the Xiongnu Legion were very tempting to the soldiers of the Qin Army, and everyone wanted to get one.The generals also hope to equip a good cavalry team for this purpose.
"Morning general!"
"General, go out!" The repeated greetings were filled with brotherly affection between soldiers.Meng Tian answered one by one, and at this time he had already arrived outside the barracks.At such a time as usual, Meng Tian's black-wind sweat-blooded BMW was already jumping around happily, waiting for the arrival of its master.But this morning, the performance of the black wind horse was a little abnormal. It didn't show any excitement at all, and even had some panic.Meng Tian patted Hei Feng's bloody horse on the cheek, and comforted him: "Old friend Hei Feng, should we set off now?" , as if losing his sense of direction, he went in the opposite direction from usual.Meng Tian didn't know why, and hurriedly said: "Heifeng, what's wrong with you today? We're going there. Why, have you forgotten?" Neighing willingly, according to Meng Tian's intention, he galloped towards the previous road.The two guards followed closely behind on horseback, but they were left far behind by the Black Wind Sweaty Horse. In the end, the spiritual Black Wind Sweaty Horse slowed down a little, and ran towards Xiaoqinghe together after waiting.
But Zhe Rixiu led his task force with 2000 riders, detoured dozens of miles, and spent a whole night lurking in the Qinghe Valley early in the morning.This contingent known as the "Great Desert Wolf" is a top-notch special knight of the Hun Legion. Everyone and the horse's ability to survive in the wild is exceptionally strong. Obviously, this operation has been carefully prepared.Zhe Rixiu is surrounded by two strong hands, who can draw a bow of three hundred stones.He specially arranged for them, as soon as Meng Tian appeared, he would be the first to shoot him off his horse, including all the guards, leaving no one behind.A young man next to him was Qi Qicuo's "senior counselor" arranged for Zhe Rixiu, but he objected: "Master Wizard wants us to catch him alive, how can you change the plan without authorization?"
"Now I am the former general of the army, and I have the final say."
"No, absolutely not. That's not what the wizard meant." The young man fought hard, and in the face of the sun, he drew his saber and put it on the young man's neck: "You want to die..."
"King Daguli, they are here..."
"What's coming?" Zhe Rixiu slapped the little soldier with his hands, and looked closely, and sure enough, three people came to Qinghegukouyue.The leader sat down and rode a tall, big, black horse with a strong physique.Zhe Rixiu sneered and ordered: "Shoot the leader of the horse first, quickly..."
"Can't..." The young man with the knife on his neck shouted again.In the end, Zhe Rixiu didn't hit the young man cruelly, but just turned the handle of the knife up and down, knocking him unconscious to the ground.
At the same time, the Black Wind Sweaty BMW had a premonition that something would happen in the Qinghe Valley today. It galloped sometimes, and sometimes walked slowly and steadily. It was always observing the surrounding environment and responding to emergencies with its innate ability to sense emergencies.Suddenly, a gust of wind came with a slight whistling, and Heifeng's bloody horse dodged subconsciously. He heard the owner ouch, and fell under the horse. Heifeng was already sensitively aware of the approaching danger.Then saw that the other two guards had also been shot and fell to their deaths.The black wind sweat horse neighed, its mane stood up, and it raised its eyes vigilantly to see that there were people moving in the direction of the flying arrow. It then lowered its head and sniffed at its owner.Because a large arrow pierced Meng Tian's shoulder, the arrow penetrated deeply, causing Meng Tian to faint for a while.
Seeing Meng Tian being shot off his horse, Zhe Rixiu swung his saber and ordered his subordinates: "Come forward, I want that corpse so I can go back and ask for credit for everyone." Hearing this, the two thousand cavalry each held their scimitars and sharp swords, Aoao screamed and rushed to Qinghe Valley.The black wind horse was very calm, and then began to circle around Meng Tian.The circle of Heifeng's horseshoe was very large. Later, he simply faced the invading enemy, and saw it soaring into the air, leaping over more than a dozen cavalry, which shocked those prairie horses to throw their master off their backs in a panic.The black wind horse immediately changed its position in the Xiongnu iron cavalry team, turned around, and more than a dozen horses were frightened, and immediately scattered into formation, and the riders fell off and were trampled under the hooves of the horses.Then, Hei Feng ran back quickly, followed by flying forward again, and stood firmly in front of Meng Tian.Those ordinary prairie horses were so frightened by this tall and mighty sweat-blooded horse that they trembled all over and dared not approach.The riders had never seen such a battle before, so they had to wait for the arrival of King Guli.
遮日休老远便认出眼前的黑风马是一匹罕见的汗血宝马，顿时喜笑颜开，真没想到，这种地方竟然还有这样名贵的宝马。遮日休下令道：“多过去一些人，一定要给我抓到这匹宝马，”又侧身对旁边一个小百户说：“随我过去看看蒙恬死了没有。”匈奴骑手们重新散开队形，挥刀而上，向黑风马包抄过来。黑风马知道他们的企图，不再恋战，急忙来到蒙恬身旁，卧于一侧，微微有些意识的蒙恬就势爬上了马背，搂住黑风汗血马的脖颈。黑风马长啸一声，嘶鸣而起，奋蹄疾驰离开这危险地带。遮日休恼羞成怒，急忙下令放箭。
黑风马在前面飞速奔跑，后面匈奴骑士在遮日休的指挥下紧紧追赶，恰在此时，田获亲自带领近卫赶来。田获让过黑风马，下令列盾甲阵，阻止匈奴骑兵穷追不舍的势头。田获一声令下，御林军的箭雨迅速朝迎面而来的匈奴骑兵射过去，匈奴骑士冒着箭雨飞驰而至，根本不把这些御林军放在眼里。他们都是万里挑一的劲卒，弓、马、刀、叉样样娴熟，一度在马背上躲避着箭雨。田获神色凝重，眼观前方，向身后做了一个着重的手势，立刻排开几百号投掷手，手握投枪严阵以待。待敌兵靠近，田获再次下令，投掷手手里的投枪带着劲风飞出去了。这些投枪太有劲道了，每个人都能盯准目标，枪不虚发。飞奔前来的匈奴骑士或人或马眼见倒地一片，如此一来，匈奴骑士们不得不收敛起高昂的斗志，心生退意。当第二排投枪再次射向敌阵时，机敏一些的骑士已经抽身返回。遮日休恰时赶到，看见骑士们有退缩的心思，抽出战刀就要杀人：“谁让你们退缩了？给我上……”他的话音还没有落，自己的坐骑被一支投枪刺中前腔，马痛苦地嘶鸣一声，已经抬不起前身，一个趔趄倒在地上，把它的主人摔落地上。匈奴骑士赶紧列阵守护遮日休：“谷蠡王，谷蠡王……”遮日休狼狈地从地上爬起来，无奈地下令道：“撤……”
连续昏迷的蒙恬在昏睡中高喊着被惊醒了：“黑风……我那生死相依的挚友，你不能死，千万……”
“将军，将军……”众人惊呼。姬凤仪轻轻呼叫着：“将军，醒一醒。”蒙恬猛然睁开眼，喘着粗气问：“凤仪，见我的黑风马了吗？”姬凤仪惊喜地握紧蒙恬的手，如释重负地说：“将军，您总算醒了。”田获也从另一边握紧另一只手，激动地像个孩子一样地哭了：“将军，您吓死我们了。”
“……咝！”蒙恬吸一口气，感觉肩头一阵生疼。“将军，不要动，您肩膀上有伤。”姬凤仪和田获一边一个，将蒙恬扶着坐起来，帐外传来一声熟悉的嘶鸣，正是黑风汗血马。蒙恬激动地就要扑下卧榻，却差点栽倒在地，众人慌忙将他抱住，道：“将军，黑风马它好好的，您还是安心养伤吧。”
“不，我要看看我的黑风……”大家面面相觑，姬凤仪下令道：“用担架把将军抬过去，咱们的黑风马也着急呀！”
当蒙恬靠近黑风马时，黑风马却显得异常安静。蒙恬把黑风马的头颅抱在怀里，人马早已是滴泪珠玑。蒙恬满含热泪诉说道：“黑风呀黑风，请原谅蒙恬的过失吧！其实你早就预感到青河谷要有不测，你是不准备上青河谷的，而你却忠贞不贰地服从蒙恬的命令，来到青河谷，结果却遭到了敌人的伏击……”姬凤仪感慨万千地说：“在您昏迷的时候，黑风不吃不喝，就这样守候在大帐门前，任谁牵它都不走，真是一匹神马呀！”蒙恬听到后心痛不已，即刻命令道：“快，取马料来。”马工赶紧拿来马料，蒙恬亲自喂黑风马，这马果然欢快地吃起来。蒙恬一直坐在担架上抚摸着黑风马的脖子，他要查看黑风马的伤情。马医汇报说：“黑风逃回来时，身上有刀伤、箭伤好几处。”
蒙恬抚摸着黑风身上的一处处伤疤，忍不住又要垂泪。他双手环抱，面向咸阳方向作揖执礼，嘴里喃喃道：“吾皇万岁，蒙恬此生绝不辜负您的期望，一定要把匈奴人赶出阴山，还北疆一个永久太平。”说罢，蒙恬看着黑风马吃尽了豆瓣油料，他拍拍黑风马说道：“黑风，我负伤在身，不能陪伴你左右，你自己出去遛遛吧，快去吧！”黑风马果然顺从地被马工牵走了。
当蒙恬挎着一条胳膊，并能够在军营自由行动时，由他主持召开了一次形势分析会议。针对此次出现的大意轻敌，蒙恬说：“我是主将，我的责任最大，正如姬凤仪所说，我们仍然沉浸在马兰花一役的兴奋当中，让胜利冲昏了头脑。现仔细想来，匈奴人艰苦经营近千年，虽说一直以游牧为主，逐水草而居，但他们的建国理念根深蒂固，生生不息。我们稍有大意就会让他们有机可乘。因此，我们千万不可掉以轻心呀！”
这时，从门外进来士兵交给蒙恬一封信，蒙恬见是匈奴文，惊讶地问：“是不是敌人来下战书？”士兵摇摇头：“不像。信是一位年轻女子送来的。”说完便出去了。蒙恬接过展读，原来是匈奴公主骄阳写信来问候他的伤情：
不知将军伤势如何，特函问候。某些人的下作行为实在有伤大匈奴勇士之风度，父王完全不知情。Please excuse me!匈奴居次骄阳堪忧，望回函尽详！
突然接到这样的信函，蒙恬的思绪又回到去年夏天身陷匈奴营的不虞之事。幸好当时有这位匈奴居次出手相救，要不然，谁知道会有什么样的结局。他和姬凤仪碰个头，很快结束了会议。
“我说嘛，头曼单于怎么会做这种下作事情呢！这也有失身份。”姬凤仪读着骄阳的信函，惊讶地说。“这位匈奴公主是个不错的姑娘。你看，她一句责备的话都没有，却着实让我回信犯难呀！按常规来讲，她不单单是问候我的伤情吧？这封信应该怎样回，凤仪，你给我拿拿主意，还真把我难住了。别的不讲，但就去年人家帮咱们逃生就是一个天大的人情，岂能赶尽杀绝？”
“是啊，的确如此。”姬凤仪说着，展开绢帛：“我先拟一份草稿，然后请将军定夺……”说着秉笔写道：
承蒙公主关照，你我各居一方，态势明确。望尽早规劝你父王返回王庭，不要徒耗时日。我们也尽可能多地就地安置那些穷苦匈奴牧民，让他们早日过上太平生活。公主有活命再造之恩德，恬不胜感激。若有意，可到我秦地一游。蒙恬期待之。
蒙恬看过频频点头：“嗯，对，点到为止，就这样说。把这交给信使。”近卫进来，收好信函去找信使。
而头曼单于此时却正在大帐中大发雷霆，瞪视着遮日休责问：“谁叫你们这样干的？啊！简直丢死人，堂堂匈奴第一勇士，竟然干这种偷鸡摸狗的事情，你把我大匈奴帝国的脸都丢尽了。要是随便可以杀了他，我去年就在王庭解决他了，还能等到现在，真是！”遮日休不服气：“舅舅，我以为，为了大匈奴，可以采取极端措施，可以起到事半功倍的作用……”
“胡说。”头曼反驳道：“你们想过没有，倘若真把蒙恬害死了，秦皇会不惜一切代价灭了我匈奴族。到那时，我们将是第一个消亡的民族。这些你们想过没有？要多动动脑筋，知道了吗？”巫师齐齐措低垂头老半天才说：“我有责任，我是想活着抓回蒙恬，以换取匈奴大军完身退出河套。”
“可蒙恬他中箭了，还差点丢掉性命，”骄阳不知何时走进大帐，厉声道，她愤怒地盯着遮日休：“既然巫师安排你去活捉蒙恬，为何擅自改变军令？父王，按大匈奴律令，遮日休应当被斩首。”遮日休闻听后震怒，对骄阳的情感已化作满腔的恨意，刷地抽出佩刀，怒骂骄阳：“我看你就不顺眼，吃里扒外。要不是你，蒙恬早就成了我的刀下鬼……”
“放肆！”头曼单于出声了。众贵族、将军们也是面面相觑，不知如何是好。齐齐措示意一下，几个将军过来连拉带拖，才将遮日休劝说出去。
骄阳好像受到莫大屈辱一般，眼含热泪，跑出大帐不见了。
“秦军有四个相对独立的军兵种，即弩、步、车、骑。兵器与兵种的配置取决于作战的具体环境和具体战术要求。马兰花地势平坦，宜采用'车骑之战'，而匈奴军团败就败在只有骑而无车。即便是他们看好的理想战场又能如何？”面对济济一堂百十名将校，姬凤仪侃侃而谈。
几乎每隔数日，秦军都要组织将校们办一次这样的军事讨论会，专门论证已经结束的战役是否在谋划阶段出现纰漏。姬凤仪继续道：“其实我们历来作战都存在一个很大的通病，因探马情报不敢作最权威的判断，所以就格外寄希望于建越来越高的瞭望塔。如果敌军中有能开二百石硬弓的射手，在二百五十步内，就可以将瞭望塔上的指挥官击中，从而会使战局发生戏剧性的变化。因此，本人以为，不能过分依赖指挥塔，至少要让其达到安全的标准。马兰花瞭望塔当时我就采取了防范措施，要不然哪能坚持到最后。大家知道我采取了什么措施吗？”大家都摇头不知。半天才有一个十八岁的千户长抬手说：“我知道……”姬凤仪很欣赏这个少年，鼓励他：“大胆地讲来。”那少年骁将比画着说：“在塔斗周围布上网罩，不就把箭矢挡住了吗？”
“很好。”姬凤仪高兴地说：“我事先想到了这一层，结果你们猜怎么着，网罩上挂的箭不少于三百支。”众人惊愕地张大嘴，至此才得知待在塔楼上的姬凤仪在当时担了多么大的风险。
“大家马上就要进入阵地了，有谁来说说我们将要采用何种兵种？”姬凤仪进一步开导自己的属下。有的说仍采用车骑，有的却说使用剑盾，还有的说采用矛挺。姬凤仪道：“你们都只说出了一些皮毛。刚才那位年轻人，你不妨也来说说。”那少年双眼炯炯有神，却腼腆得不知如何是好。姬凤仪鼓励他：“大胆说，这是在讨论，说错了也没关系，战时不用不就得了！我知道年轻人思路开阔。”年轻人望着姬凤仪赞许的目光，这才鼓起勇气说：“这里的地势变化，完全不同于马兰花草原。首先它有平地浅草，宜于采用'长戟'。但又不能完全依赖长戟。因为隔一段枯河又有丘陵平原，车骑比较合适；进攻中，阴山隘口又属崎岖险扼，剑盾比较合适。所以属下认为因地制宜最为实际，可保证相互照应，来回相救，这仗就好打了。”
话音刚落，全场报以雷鸣般的掌声。姬凤仪激动地说，“哎，小子，我看有你在，我该向蒙将军辞职了。”大家一阵哄堂大笑，年轻人被笑得越发腼腆。姬凤仪近前拉他走上前台，高兴地说：“刚才是一句玩笑。有你这样的奇才，本将高兴还来不及呢。记得你好像是姓李吧？”
“回将军话，小的名叫李健……”
“李信是你父亲，对不对？”姬凤仪的判断是正确的。少年点点头，但旋即又神情黯淡，一副往事莫提的意思。姬凤仪焉能不懂他的心思，抚着他的肩膀说：“年轻人，你大可不必被你父亲的阴影笼罩。你是你，你有你的思想，同时也不愧是名将之后。别以为你父亲有过荆楚之败就一无是处，他仍然是当今世上的名将，谁也代替不了。好好干，今晚，你就给田获将军当当军师。这是军令，田获，你听见了吗？”田获爽朗而答：“回将军，田获明白了，我跟前正缺这么一个人才呢！”说着上前拍拍李健的肩头。姬凤仪高声道：“现在解散，半个时辰内全军集结完毕，准时进入预设阵地。”
微曦夜色下，前方视线模糊。匈奴军团马摘銮铃，掌裹麻布，神不知鬼不觉地向山下秦军大营摸过去。遮日休出发前没忘记到骄阳母女驻跸的帐篷前溜达一圈，并且还保证听到的是骄阳公主那轻轻的鼾声。他对前日自己的无礼感到愧疚，因此专门过来看个究竟。他把人马分为两股，前面一股三万人马由他自己带领前去劫营，后面一股两万人马由欣孜骨都侯带领断后，以便接应。远处传来几声狼嗥，表明一切都在不觉之中。
遮日休指挥人马悄悄摸进门口掌有一盆炭火的大营。看看士卒们都已到达指定位置，遮日休突然一声喊：“给我杀呀——”
“杀——”牛角号陡然而起，遮日休安排士兵将事先准备好的火把点燃后投向秦军营帐。操刀士兵迫不及待地冲进秦军帐篷，发现里面空空如也，哪里有什么秦军。众军士大惊失色：“将军，大营里面没人……”
“啊——快撤——”大当户见所有营帐并无一人，情知上当，急急退兵，却哪里还来得及，就见大营外不远处火把点亮，秦军四面举火，喊声四起：“快快跪地受缚，有敢擅动者乱箭穿身。”左大当户哪里肯降，火光照耀如白昼。大当户横生一股杀气，举刀大喊：“勇士们，杀出去，杀呀——”率部众硬闯大营门口，立刻引来箭雨飕飕袭来，匈奴军士纷纷哀号倒地。
秦军以战车开路，箭矢如雨，步骑大军随后掩杀。秦军采用了以步骑和战车相结合的战法，配以弩箭，对匈奴兵实施了有效的攻击。弩是秦军在此次战役中使用的一种最核心的武器，这种武器，当时只有秦军有，而匈奴人是没有弩的，事实上弩代表着当时军事气数的高峰。秦战车上载有各式弩箭，发射起来密集如雨，从战略战术上对匈奴人构成了威胁，因此，敌对双方较量的结果，单一兵种的匈奴兵大败已是情理之中的事了。匈奴军团的士卒们见大当户也已倒地身亡，纷纷跪地乞降：“我们，愿意投降……”
箭雨停歇，夜幕下有人喊：“先把刀矛扔出来……”不一会儿，大营门口扔出好多弯刀、矛、戟，冲进一彪人围住了匈奴士卒。遮日休躲在一个黑暗处，借机跨马就要逃走，田获止住弓弩手，抬手扔出一根木棍，平直地飞驶过去，将遮日休撞翻马下，秦军上前将其擒获。
田获早就认出是他，趋近前讽刺说：“遮日休表兄，咱们又见面了，你怎么老爱干这偷鸡摸狗的营生！听说你荣升谷蠡王，哎哟哟，看不出来呀，都当王了！你别走，我们也好给你庆贺庆贺……”遮日休愤怒地喊道：“要杀便杀，谁是你表兄！”年轻的战地军师李健望着田获一个劲地羞辱遮日休，由不住一阵好笑，他总感觉这个叫遮日休的家伙是个冤大头，头曼单于绝对另有所图。李健想让田获赶快结束跟这家伙的纠缠，遂扒在田获耳朵边说了几句什么。田获眉开眼笑道：“这主意不错……”转而对遮日休道：“你还挺英雄气概呢，来人，给我把这败军之将遮日休好生捆绑在马背上，别人见到一定要问，哎！这人是战败了还是胜利了？你说你遮日休羞不羞？”
秦军士卒们果然按照田获的要求，将遮日休好生绑在马背上，塞住嘴，骑端正，那马识途，竟听话地驮着遮日休走出营门。遮日休已经明白了田获的意图，急得大叫：“不……你们杀了我——”
黎明之前，天幕尽头揭开一角，曙光终于挣脱黑暗的束缚，一抹鲜亮逐渐推向苍穹，瞬间推向茫茫大地，新的一天复苏了。头曼单于已经没什么可挂念的了，他本想让夫人古丽特提前离开阴山，但夫人要求留下来陪陪他，头曼感激不尽，也就答应了她。自骄阳出生之后，两个人好多年都没这样亲昵地待在一块，别说还真有点不适应了。一个帝国大单于，下头所有家族无论大小都要敬献贡品，其中最为重要的就是选一个本族既有身份又极为美丽的女子献给大单于，其用意昭然若揭。所以说，匈奴单于不缺女人。
古丽特是头曼第五个妻子，虽说是西提休屠王族的美丽女人，但毕竟年龄不饶人，你想这女人能不激动嘛。两个人只是那样干坐着，夫人问：“大王，该吃点什么了？我去给您弄……”没等头曼有所反应，门外有人喊：“大单于，该出发了！”单于坦然地说：“好，我知道了。”这是他本人预先就安排好的让近卫到时候提醒他。于是头曼又一次握住夫人的手：“本来我还想寻找我们当初依恋的感觉，可现在你看……”夫人大度地表现出无所谓：“你能这样待我们母女俩，尤其是对骄阳的安排，我真是感激不尽了，去吧，不要管我，我等着你……”
“夫妻间说什么感激的话，对骄阳，我比儿子都看重……不要担心我，没事的。”头曼最后用力握握古丽特的手出帐离去。夫人一直望着他跃上战马，留下一串串马蹄远去的声音……
头曼驶至军前，三军人马单等他一声号令，即刻将跨马驶出山口，驶下山冈，冲入秦军大营，杀他个片甲不留。在刀兵连绵的岁月，头曼的心情是整个冬季以来最为坦然的一次，该结束的就要结束了，该见分晓的就要见分晓。按照时辰，远处山冈上果然已经举火三堆为号。头曼毫不犹豫地抽出号令刀发出了指令：“勇士们，决战的时刻到了。为匈奴国勇士的荣誉跟我出发——”
“为匈奴国勇士的荣誉而战！”三军将士齐声高呼，啸声远扬，和天边曼舞的晨风融为一体。接着，悠扬沉重的牛角号伴随着啸啸马鸣声，沉闷地嘶鸣声把天边撕开一道大口子。匈奴骑士的战马就是沿着这条通道驶向了远方。此刻，东方刚刚升起晨光，葱茏山谷一阵嘹亮，驽马弯刀，寒光闪闪，头曼冲在最前面，冲向山口外的平原。谁也没有注意遮日休的识途马驮着他又返身跟随在大部队之中，冲向秦军阵地。
山外平原寂静无声，早来驻扎在小河边的大队秦军突然在一个黎明前撤得干干净净，只留下更加瓷实的校场平台。这就是主战场？头曼单于并没多想，认定自己也是盲目的。巫师齐齐措和他抱有同样的心思，要用血与火的洗礼使大匈奴振作起来，而不是此刻幻想的胜利。已经好几个月没有走出山谷的匈奴士兵，太想走出山谷，太想山外的奇景，太想那个鸟语花香、鲜花遍野的世界。尽管他们也和指挥者一样对此行带有盲目性，但一个个还是很受鼓舞，欢喜不尽。他们好像不是出山来征战，而是为游山玩水，标榜一个个生命的年华。清晨远方，荒野的小河套，有几条弯弯曲曲的枝津，天空正在传来沉闷的春雷，一个有关战争的神话就要开始。头曼单于一下子清醒过来，预感到情况不妙，这里怎么会空空如也？蒙恬的六万人马呢？他悔恨刚才以及整个清晨自己的疏忽大意，头曼似乎觉察到了什么，遂挥刀大喊：“停止前进！停止前进！”然而，没人再理会他这个大单于。骑士们仍然潮水般地向前涌动，完全是一种不自觉的意识在支配着他们。大家按捺不住兴奋，尤其是当看见小河横亘在面前时更是欢喜不尽。
头曼单于慌了神，大呼出声：“大军止步！大军止步——大当户、大都尉……你们，怎么会不约束部下……”没人愿意听他这个头发散乱的老头说些什么，小河在晨光中明丽欢快地流淌。匈奴铁骑冲到小河边，总算刹住势头，有的马已经踏入溪流，骑手不愿约束战马，它们即刻驶入河心，没入激流。骑士们不怕冰冷，兴奋异常，忘却了来此的使命。头曼和自己的近卫勒马于河堤上高呼：“离开这里，赶快离开……敌军马上就到……”
“敌军？敌军在哪里……”骑士中有人却说：“大单于真会骗人……”军团乱哄哄，失去了节制。头曼单于对此毫无办法。杀——一声令下，秦军突然三面举旗，喊声震天冲下山坡，冲杀声震耳欲聋，“杀呀——杀呀——”匈奴骑士惊惶失措，乱成一团。眼见秦军三面合围而来，匈奴士卒仓促应战，胆战心惊，无法镇定。
头曼单于叫苦不迭，绝望地没有主见，嘴里语无伦次地说着同样一句话：“这却如何是好……”右贤王道：“大单于，赶紧下令撤军，现在还来得及……”辅弼骨都侯近前焦急地说：“快换下你的战袍……”几个士兵相帮下，头曼单于换上普通士兵的衣服，冲入战阵的秦军并没有忙乱，而是根据地形地势，因地制宜。该用长戟用长戟，该用剑盾用剑盾，该用车骑用车骑，打得匈奴军团没有还手之力，再无逞威之时。更多的人被挤进小河，卷入激流，冲到下游，侥幸逃出一彪人马乃是守护头曼单于的近卫军团，护卫着大单于向大漠深处逃走。大队铁骑、步兵已经被秦军打垮逃散，只有少数人跟了上来，其中就有遮日休的猎豹花儿。见大队人马又跟上来，后面再无追兵，头曼让辅弼骨都侯传令休息。
刚刚下马，来到桦树林下，准备解鞍松带，猎豹花儿驮着遮日休来到近前。头曼不由火起，厉声骂：“你总是晃来晃去这是干啥……还不下马？”竟没人吱声。大家仔细看时，原来遮日休不但被绑了身体四肢，而且外衣战袍却套在捆绳外面，惶急之中，无人注意这些。众人进一步发现他的嘴还被塞着，说不出话来。有人上前三下五除二给他松了绑，遮日休总算站到了地面，老半天神志才算清醒，他发现大家都在用藐视的眼神看着自己，尤其是舅舅头曼单于。他微闭双眼，眼泪像串珠滑下脸颊，也清醒地意识到自己该做什么了。他朝舅舅双膝跪拜，头曼却把脸撇向别处，但遮日休还是给他深深磕了九个头，突然亮起弯刀横搁于脖颈处，用力一抹，众人惊呼，鲜血喷溅……“遮日休……”头曼悔恨不已，扑在外甥身上失声恸哭。“胜败乃兵家常事，你这是何苦……”
遮日休仰躺在高原的阳光下，脖颈伤口处不断开合，一吸一收吐纳着血沫，只见张嘴：“舅舅……舅……”声音最终在草原上凌厉的朔风中消失，遮日休含恨而亡。头曼单于伤心地对