As night fell, Yang Peng leaned on the edge of the bathroom sink, admiring the beautiful scenery. Yang Tong and Zhao Jinxi walked slowly from left to right, their hair tied into a bun on their heads, their charming faces showing a charming smile, their waists swaying gently, like beautiful snakes; their Wearing only thin gauze clothes, they could vaguely see the wonderful scene of the Holy Land. When they were immersed in the water, the gauze clothes were completely wet and stuck to their sculpted and delicate bodies. The sight could probably make a blind man open his eyes. Yang Tong and Zhao Jinxi may not be considered stunning, but they obviously know how to please men!
The cheerful music sounded loudly, and the moon shyly hid behind the clouds.
The next morning, Yang Peng sat in the study and read the report. This is the report Qin Yuefang sent yesterday afternoon. According to the report, many industries in various places are on the right track and have basically begun to make profits, especially Baifeng Pavilion in Hangzhou. Because Qin Yuefang summoned a team of Persian dancers, Baifeng Pavilion's business is higher than before. After building one floor, he can now earn 50,000 to 60,000 taels of silver a month. But not long ago, a small episode occurred. The Hangzhou prefect did not know the background of Baifeng Pavilion at that time, and actually wanted to blackmail Qin Yuefang. However, when Qin Yuefang brought up the Yang Peng sign, the prefect became dejected. He ran away and never dared to cause trouble again.
A secret guard came in, cupped his fists and said, "Master, Qin Yuefang is here." Yang Peng raised his head and saw Qin Yuefang. Qin Yuefang was dressed in a long black gauze dress, with beads in her hair. She was dressed very delicately. She was definitely a beautiful young woman. Sun Hong, who was next to her, was also wearing silk and satin and heavy makeup, but she looked like a butchered pig. , not even half of the feminine appearance.
Qin Yuefang bowed to Yang Peng Yingying and said, "I have met Brother Yang." Sun Hong clasped his fists and said, "Brother Yang." Yang Peng smiled and said, "You are here." Qin Yuefang smiled slightly and Sun Hong nodded. Yang Peng said: "I have read your report. You have done a great job. I really didn't expect that in just a few months, all the newly opened businesses in various places are on the right track and starting to make profits!"
Qin Yuefang smiled and said: "In fact, it is not our credit, because these industries have a considerable foundation in the local area, and they are just some minor problems. If we solve these minor problems, these industries will naturally be profitable immediately." Sun Hong clicked Nodding, "Miss Qin is right. Brother, we have something to ask you for today."
Yang Peng asked with a smile: "What's going on?" Sun Hong said with a smile: "Qin Yuefang and I saw that Baihualou's business was so good, and we wanted to open a branch in Jiangzhou."
Yang Peng smiled and said, "If you think it's feasible, just do it." Before you know it, a month has passed. The recruitment of new recruits has been completed, and they are undergoing arduous training under the supervision of Duan Zhixian, the evil star. On the other hand, the ordnance field managed by Yang Ying worked overtime day and night to produce armor and ordnance. The news of Cangzhou's military expansion, training, and ordnance building inevitably reached the capital, but because Yang Peng had made preparations in advance, this matter did not cause any waves.
However, another incident caused great shock in the court: Gao Hu's army once again made a northern expedition, this time with an army of 50,000. Almost all the imperial troops in the Song Dynasty around the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun were dispatched. However, this massive expedition However, they did not achieve the victory that everyone expected. Instead, the entire army was wiped out again. Only Gao Hu and a few hundred others escaped back. The 50,000-strong army was either killed or captured, and was wiped out by the Liao army!
What's more serious is that this time the Liao army was not satisfied with just defeating Gao Hu. After annihilating all the Gaosuo troops, the Liao army general Xiao Duoli led an army of 60,000 troops, with Zhao Chengfeng as the vanguard, and boldly invaded the territory of Cangzhou. For a while, the territory of Cangzhou was filled with smoke.
The imperial court was completely unprepared for such a situation. Pang Taishi, who was highly relied upon by the emperor, became mute at this time. The civil and military officials in the court were helpless, regardless of whether they were loyal or traitorous. Even the Eighth Prince lost his voice.
In Cangzhou, Yang Peng received the urgent report from Jinyiwei and couldn't help frowning, "Damn, it's much earlier than I expected! This Gao Hu is such a waste!" Duan Zhixian clasped his fists excitedly and said: "Brother, we Send troops!" Yang Peng nodded, stood up, and glanced at the brothers. All the brothers held their heads high and were eager to follow Yang Peng into the battle.
Yang Peng said: "This battle is different from the past. Our opponents are not the bandits who robbed their homes, but the powerful Liao army! But I absolutely believe that our army will be able to defeat them!" Duan Zhixian said loudly: "What about the Liao army? ? In the eyes of the Sa family, they are just a group of sheep!" Everyone laughed.
Yang Peng said: "The first division, the second division, the third division, the directly-affiliated troops, and the secret guards will go out with me, and the fourth division will stay in Cangzhou. Do you understand?" Everyone clasped their fists together and said: "I understand!" A reserve division They stayed behind in Tianjing New City and Dagou, and were not allowed to leave the city to fight in the field without orders. Anyone who does this will be killed without mercy.
"Go down and get ready. We'll set out early tomorrow morning." Everyone agreed and filed out of the hall. Didn't Yang Peng only have three divisions under his command? Why did it become five divisions? It turned out that after Yang Peng expanded the total number of troops to more than 54,000, he formed two new divisions, the Fourth Division and the Fifth Division. The commander-in-chief of the fourth division is Xiang Danian, and his deputy is Yang Ying. , the commander-in-chief of the Fifth Division is Chen Jie. Lieutenant General, Yang Xiong
Just when Yang Peng was preparing to send troops, the Liao army had swept through the entire Dingzhou. Dingzhou soldiers and civilians suffered numerous casualties. The bodies of men were everywhere, and young women were transported to the north one by one as trophies. The Liao army's frontline turned from east to west, attempting to cut off the entire East Road of Hebei in one fell swoop. When the prefects and governors of Baozhou, Shun'an and Yongning armies heard that the enemy was fierce, they all abandoned their cities and fled. People everywhere also panicked and fled to the interior with their families and families. All official roads were blocked by refugees, and cries resounded through the sky. Children who were separated from their parents sat on the roadside and howled. People rushed to escape, and many people were trampled to death. Bodies of collapsed refugees could be seen everywhere on both sides of the official roads.
"Liao Army! The Liao Army is coming!" A shrill exclamation suddenly sounded from the crowd. As if in response to this call, a loud rumble came from the east, and smoke and dust swept into the sky. In the blink of an eye, the Liao army's cavalry rushed into the middle of the people, slashing and killing with machetes, leaving blood and flesh flying everywhere, and trampling with iron hooves, leaving corpses everywhere; the people ran around screaming, trampling on each other, and countless people died.
Bad news continues to spread back to Tokyo, and the entire capital is panicked. "Your Majesty, for the current plan, we can only move the capital south!" Master Pang finally made a suggestion. Li Te and others all agreed. The emperor couldn't help but feel moved.
"No! If the capital is moved, the situation in the entire north will be difficult to deal with! If Your Majesty leaves, will the soldiers and civilians in the north still have the heart to resist the Hulu? At that time, the entire Central Plains will inevitably fall, and I am afraid that our southern corner will not be safe for a long time! Your Majesty , the capital must not be abandoned! The army should be mobilized immediately to counterattack the Liao Kingdom! The Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures of the Liao Kingdom only have 80,000 troops in total. Our dynasty has a million forbidden troops. Do we want to move the capital just because of these 80,000 barbarians? This is ridiculous. !" These words were precise and precise, and they came from the mouth of Kou Zhun, that is, Kou Zhun. Kou Zhun was not in the capital before, but was in the west of Beijing to inspect the public situation. He just rushed back to Tokyo today. Hearing that the situation was urgent, he came to court to see him with no time to rest, covered with travel dust.
The emperor originally wanted to move the capital, but after hearing Kou Zhun's words, he couldn't help but hesitate.
Master Pang said angrily: "Gao Hu's 50,000-strong army was wiped out in an instant. What use can other armies be? Moreover, it will take time to mobilize troops from various places. What if the Liao army marches straight into Tokyo? good?"
Kou Zhun said vigorously: "If the Hulu really dare to do this, then there is nothing better! We can use the strong city of Tokyo to contain the Liao army, and at the same time order the imperial troops at Jingdong East Road and Hebei West Road to cut off the Liao army's retreat. In this way Come on, the invading Hulu has become a turtle in a urn!"
Li Te sneered and said, "What you said is true, but I don't know where Lord Kou puts His Majesty's safety? How can you feel safe using Your Majesty as bait?"
Kou Zhun was furious, pointed at Li Te's nose and asked sternly: "You are so anxious to persuade His Majesty to abandon the inheritance of your ancestors, you have ulterior motives! Are you the Taiwei of the Song Dynasty, or the Taiwei of the Liao Kingdom?"
Li Te took a step forward and shouted loudly: "You clearly want to kill His Majesty in order to achieve an ulterior purpose!"
The two of them were arguing so much that they were almost fighting. The courtiers all watched, some watching the show, some sighing, and some gloating. The emperor was so quarreled by these two people that he didn't know what to do.
However, in the end, the emperor basically accepted Kou Zhun's suggestion and did not move the capital for the time being. At the same time, he ordered Ding Wei to stay in Dingzhou as the recruiting envoy. He commanded his elite troops to immediately march north to counterattack the Liao army. He ordered Cao Qiang to stay in Bianjing as the deputy envoy to recruit. He led his elite troops to immediately go north to support Dingwei. The imperial troops stationed on Jingdong East Road and Jingdong East Road also went north to support him. He also ordered all the garrison officers on Hebei East Road, Hebei West Road, and Hedong Road to be on guard and not to take a step back. Violators will be punished under military law.
Just as the order was issued, bad news came again. Zhending Mansion, the most critical city on Hebei West Road, was captured by the Liao army. The emperor and the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty were shocked by the news.
Soon after, Dingwei rushed to advance troops and was ambushed by the Liao army in Nangong County. Most of the 60,000 elite troops were lost. If the army led by Cao Qiang had not arrived in time, Dingwei's 60,000 elite troops would have been completely wiped out. The army separated from the Liao army and retreated to a town more than 20 miles south of Nangong County to garrison. However, that night, a light cavalry group of the Liao Army suddenly appeared behind the town and destroyed the Song Army's important grain harvesting area in one fell swoop. The Song army was shocked when they received the news. At the same time, Xiao Duoli's army attacked head-on. The Song army was disorganized. Although there were hundreds of thousands of soldiers, they could not resist at all. Seeing that the army was in danger of overturning, at the critical moment, Cao Qiang personally commanded a powerful force to resist the Liao army, and Ding Wei was able to take the opportunity to lead the army to retreat.
The army marched all the way to the south and retreated to its starting point, Dingzhou. At this time, there were only 60,000 soldiers and horses left in the Song army. There were a total of 120,000 troops in Dingzhou and Zhending. However, half of them were lost in just half a month.
The news of the defeat reached Tokyo, and the emperor and his ministers looked down upon each other. Kou Zhun also felt helpless at this time. Master Pang once again proposed moving the capital. Although Kou Zhun still strongly opposed it, the emperor was obviously moved.
People in Tokyo are panicked, and many well-connected people have fled the capital, making the already uneasy atmosphere even more uneasy. The sky above Tokyo is filled with a stormy atmosphere. With only 60,000 Liao troops, they actually pushed Song Ting, which had millions of imperial troops, to such a point. It's really hard to know what to say!
Jingcheng Town is a small town on the north side of the Yellow River. As its name suggests, the scenery of this town is very beautiful. The bamboo mountains in the east stretch into the sea, and the grain fields in the west stretch as far as the eye can see. The ancient trees in the town are towering, and the residential buildings are nestled among them, making it particularly comfortable and comfortable. However, today's Jingcheng Town has completely lost the beautiful scene of the past.
Countless bamboo sticks were stuck on both sides of the official road at the entrance of the town, and each bamboo stick held a ferocious bloody head; smoke billowed in the town, many houses were still burning, and corpses were everywhere in the streets and alleys, including those of old people and others. The blood of men and children dyed the bluestone-paved streets a mottled dark red; the young woman's shrill screams could be heard in the town from time to time, and a group of Liao soldiers were chasing a young woman in ragged clothes who looked extremely frightened. , laughing loudly, like a pack of jackals playing with a lamb.
Rumbling... the sound of horse hooves suddenly came from outside the town. All the Liao soldiers turned to look outside the town and saw a cavalry team of about two thousand people galloping towards them. A Liao soldier asked curiously: "Whose cavalry is this?" A Liao soldier next to him said: "With such a fast speed and such momentum, they should be the general's guard. But the general's guard does not only have a few hundred people." ?"
While they were talking, the cavalry had already rushed into Zhendian like a whirlwind, slashing at the Liao army with their swords. There were constant gunfire, which was the cavalry handgun of Tianjing New City. The Liao army did not expect to be attacked at all. They were so frightened that they could only run away desperately. Two thousand war cavalry swept past with a roar. Most of the hundreds of Liao troops in the town were killed, and the remaining half were captured.
"Brother, the Liao army has been wiped out!" Yang Xiong came to Yang Peng and said, cupping his fists. At this time, there were shrill cries everywhere in the town, and the women who had been rescued knelt in front of the corpses of their relatives and cried miserably. Although Chen Xiao saved them, the result was far from good!
Yang Peng glanced at the miserable scene around him and frowned. Xue Fu galloped up to Chen Xiao, clasped his fists and said, "Master, we captured about two hundred prisoners, how are we going to deal with them?" Yang Peng glanced at the nearly two hundred prisoners who were brought to kneel on the ground, and said coldly. : "Behead them all!"
As soon as these words came out, the two hundred prisoners were shocked and begged for mercy. One of the Liao soldiers who looked like an officer shouted loudly: "General, I am a Han, not a Khitan! Spare your life!" Yang Peng said coldly: "Then you deserve to die! Kill!" The two hundred prisoners were held down by their shoulders, and then chopped off with a broadsword. Two hundred heads rolled down, and blood splashed on the ground like paint. Yang Peng ordered: "Leave some dry food for the people here, and the whole army will continue to march north!" More than two thousand warriors left some dry food and continued to gallop north.
After Xiao Duoli defeated the coalition forces of Ding Wei and Cao Qiang, he came to Zhendingfu city and fought every day. The people in the city were panicked and the military morale was turbulent. If Cao Qiang hadn't worked tirelessly day and night to supervise and defend the city, Daming Mansion would have fallen long ago. At the same time, reinforcements from surrounding states were slow to arrive. It turned out that the prefects in each state were afraid of the Liao army. Although they received Dingwei's letter asking for help and the court's order to send troops, they sat still and watched the success or failure.
Xiao Duoli stood in the tent, looking at the map in front of him, with a rather arrogant attitude in his eyes. He felt that if His Majesty the Emperor could give him an additional 100,000 troops, he would be able to sweep the entire Central Plains in one go! The generals walked into the tent, clasped their fists at Xiao Duoli's back and said, "General!"
Xiao Duoli turned around and said to the generals: "The Song army can't retreat. If our army attacks by force, even if we capture it, we will suffer heavy losses. So I thought of a strategy. I want to give up attacking Daming Mansion and make a big move." They will attack Tokyo to lure them out, then set up ambushes on the road to annihilate them, and then seize Daming Mansion in one go. As long as Daming Mansion is captured, the entire Central Plains will be at your fingertips!" All the generals became excited.
At this moment, a herald rushed into the tent anxiously and reported urgently: "General, it's bad, Yingzhou and Mozhou have been captured by the Song army!" Xiao Duoli and others were stunned for a while. After reacting, Xiao Duoli shouted angrily: "What nonsense are you talking about? How could Yingzhou and Mozhou be lost?" The herald quickly said: "The person who came to report the news is outside."
"Bring me in quickly!" the herald responded, ran out of the tent, and brought in two officers with blood stains on their bodies. The two of them saluted Xiao Duoli and said, "I have met the general!" Xiao Duoli looked at them both, frowned and asked, "What are the identities of you two?" The officer on the left immediately clasped his fists and said, "Little Ren Yamucha is the captain of the Yingzhou garrison." The big man on the right also clasped his fists and said: "The villain Su Kun is the captain of the Mozhou garrison."
"Yamucha, Su Kun, do you think Yingzhou and Mozhou have been lost?" The two nodded. Xiao Duoli's eyes widened, "You two are clearly spies of the Song Army, trying to trick our army into retreating with false military information! Come on, drag them out and chop them down!" The two of them were startled. Four soldiers came in quickly, grabbed the two of them and dragged them outside. The two of them struggled and shouted urgently: "We are not spies! We are not spies!"
Xiao Duoli raised his voice and said: "Wait a minute." The soldiers stopped dragging the two of them, but still held them. Xiao Duoli walked up to the two of them and said with a cold face: "How can I believe that you are not spies when you say such ridiculous things?" Su Kun said anxiously: "The villain is not a spy. Everything the villain said is true. The villain dares to swear in the name of his ancestors. If the villain makes even half of his lies, he will be struck by thunder from the sky and die badly!!" Xiao Duoli couldn't help but become suspicious when he saw him swearing such a poisonous oath and said: " The Song army was defeated one after another and suffered heavy losses. Where can the army come to raid my Yingzhou and Mozhou?" Su Kun said hurriedly: "The opponent's banner is to control the capital of Jingdong East Road!" Yamcha also said hurriedly: "It's Jingdong. The banner of the East Road Commander! Those Song Army soldiers were completely different from the Song Army soldiers we had seen before. They were extremely brave. Before our army could react, they invaded the city. The garrison and deputy garrison were guarded by a handsome young general from the other side. He was shot through the throat twice and died!"
Xiao Duoli was shocked. Pioneer Zhao Chengfeng frowned and said, "I've heard of the commander-in-chief of Jingdong East Road." Xiao Duoli immediately looked at him. Zhao Chengfeng continued: "The name of the governor of Jingdong East Road is Yang Peng. He was originally just a small city lord. Because of his contribution to the suppression of Xiao Tianyou, he was promoted to the prefect of Cangzhou and concurrently served as the governor of Jingdong East Road in less than a year. It is said that this person Both wise and brave, there is a group of sworn brothers, all of them brave. Unexpectedly, when all the Song people were silent, this man dared to attack Yingzhou and Mozhou alone. "
There was disdain in Xiao Duo, and he smiled coldly. After thinking for a while, he gave the order: "Instruct the three armies to return north immediately and destroy this Song army in one go! Then attack Daming Mansion again!" The generals clasped their fists and agreed. Cao Qiang, who was patrolling the city wall, suddenly saw that the Liao army outside the city had abandoned their camp and headed north, and he couldn't help being surprised. Not long after, he received a letter from Yang Peng's people and learned that Yang Peng's Cangzhou army had attacked Yingzhou and Mozhou. He was greatly surprised. Only then did he understand why the Liao army suddenly retreated.
He hurried back to the left-behind government office in Beijing, saw Ding Wei, showed Yang Peng's letter to Ding Wei, and then said anxiously: "Sir, General Yang attacked Yingzhou and Mozhou, and the Liao captives were forced to retreat. It was exactly It’s a great time to fight back!”
Ding Wei was originally a civil servant and had already lost his courage after being beaten by the Liao army. He hesitated and said: "This matter needs to be discussed in the long term! I'm afraid that Yang Peng cannot withstand the Liao army's counterattack and is quickly defeated. At that time, the Liao army will turn around." It would be dangerous if you turn around and attack us with all your strength!" "Sir, this opportunity is not to be missed! Besides, if we don't send troops, it will be too dangerous for General Yang to fight alone!" "Then send someone to tell him not to show off. It would be wise to retreat quickly and join forces with us to protect Daming Mansion together!"
"Sir!..." Ding Wei said impatiently: "I have already decided on this matter, Sir Cao, don't be nagging anymore!" Yuluo stood up and threw away his sleeves. Cao Qiang even called out urgently, but he ignored him. Cao Qiang chased after him, but was stopped by two Yuhou men under Ding Wei.
If you want to know what happens next, let’s look at the breakdown in the next chapter.
