Yangcheng is one of the two frontier cities of Xia Kingdom.
The one on the farthest border is Jinshan City, and then Yangcheng, which serves as the two lines of defense on the Xia Kingdom's border. It's a pity that Xu Gaoyang was in charge of Jinshan City before, but was planned by Lin Feng and Wang Lie, so that Jinshan City fell and was captured by the Qin State.
The only remaining Yangcheng was the last line of defense to the west of Anyi.
Once Yangcheng falls, Da Qin's army can march straight into Anyi. From Yangcheng to Anyi, it is only more than four hundred miles, only a few days' journey.
That's why Yangcheng is crucial.
The official who was in charge of Yangcheng was named Zeng Dazhao, who was from Taishan County of Xia State. He was a civil servant and was appointed Sima of the Yangcheng Army. He was in charge of the army in Yangcheng and also governed Yangcheng.
There are not many troops guarding Yangcheng, only more than 3,000 people.
Three thousand people have to guard Yangcheng. If the people are united, the morale of the army is stable, and Yangcheng is strong and has a moat, it can withstand the attack of the army.
After all, Yangcheng is an important border town.
In the city, there is the Army Sima Mansion.
In the study, Zeng Dazhao is reading.
He is now sitting in the rear, and Qi Feixiong is leading his army to resist on the front line. For the time being, Yangcheng is actually very safe and there is not much to do.
However, when Zeng Dazhao was reading, he thought of Anyi, the imperial court behind him.
The emperor has been addicted to Taoism, which is ridiculous.
Zeng Dazhao also knew about the development of Da Qin in recent years, and it really had the momentum to swallow up mountains and rivers. The emperor of Great Qin, Ying Jiuxiao, has been working hard to govern, and has developed rapidly in the past two decades. Although Great Qin is not as good as Xia State in terms of literary style, the combat effectiveness of Great Qin's army has long surpassed Xia State.
However, the emperor did not reflect at all.
Zeng Dazhao was very worried.
It's just that Zeng Dazhao's position was humble, he was just a local military commander, and he didn't even have the conditions to submit a memorial to the emperor.
What can he care about?
In other words, in this three-acre area of Yangcheng, we have some say.
While Zeng Dazhao was reading, there was a rush of footsteps. A middle-aged man in his forties with weathered temples entered. A middle-aged man named Li Xi was Zeng Dazhao's staff.
Li Xi had a trace of sadness on his face and bowed to Zeng Dazhao.
Zeng Dazhao said, "Mr. Li, what happened?"
Li Xi said: "I just got the news. It came from Anyi. All the granaries near Anyi City were sold to Da Qin by Xu Xianzong, King Ning, King Lu and others. Even the subsequent transportation to the front line was to be handed over to Da Qin. Lieutenant Qi's 10 million kilograms of military rations were also sold to Da Qin by Xu Xianzong."
"Our Xia Kingdom's food was all destroyed by our own people. In addition, Xu Shangshu was impeached and dismissed by His Majesty because of improper employment. He was so angry that he died in the court. A big change has already happened in Anyi behind."
brush!
Zeng Dazhao's expression changed again and again.
The food is gone.
Then it will be difficult for Qi Feixiong to fight against Da Qin.
Food is the key to fighting. If there is sufficient food supply, then the subsequent fighting can be worry-free. Without food, the soldiers would not have enough to eat, and subsequent fighting would be difficult, making it impossible to fight a protracted war.
Zeng Dazhao sighed and said: "What is going on with the monarchs and ministers of the Manchu Dynasty? King Ning and King Lu are both royal princes of the imperial court. I also know that Xu Xianzong is a member of the same clan as Xu Shangshu and a member of the imperial court. Duke Cheng. How dare they cheat like this?"
There was also a trace of indignation in Li Xi's eyes, and he said: "Why else, of course it is for profit. In order to grab money, these people even dared to touch the court's food and military rations. Even if the court killed Xu Xianzong and others, But the rear is in chaos and the situation is extremely dangerous."
Zeng Dazhao asked: "But there is more news. Who will take over as Minister?"
"have no idea."
Li Xi shook his head and said: "This news is not known yet."
He glanced at Zeng Dazhao and couldn't help but said: "Sima, there is a saying about humble positions. I don't know whether to say it or not."
Zeng Dazhao said dejectedly: "Just tell me."
Li Xi said solemnly: "In the past, the Xia Kingdom was a kingdom in the Celestial Empire. Whether it was national power or foundation, it far surpassed Qin, Jin, Qi, etc. Even overseas barbarians and countries in the Western Regions were all Pay tribute to my country, Xia."
"In the Xia Kingdom today, the sun is setting in the west and the rivers are sinking. The officials in the imperial court are sitting on their seats and doing nothing. The people in the local areas are even worse. They have no means of livelihood and have to turn into bandits and wreak havoc in the local areas."
"In our case in Yangcheng, Sima, you are benevolent, righteous and honest. You always suppress local bandits and appease the people, so that the people can be a little better."
“Even then, it was tough.”
"Looking at the Qin State to the west, the former Qin State was considered to be an uncivilized barbarian, a ferocious Qin, and a violent Qin. Everyone despised this Qin State, and the scholars were unwilling to go to the Qin State. They all felt that the Qin State was The country is not worth visiting.”
"Now, Qin has changed a lot."
There was a hint of confusion in Li Xi's eyes, and he continued: "Many scholars have gone to Da Qin now, even Xunzi has gone, and some other great Confucian scholars have gone there because of their fame. These scholars are in Da Qin, preaching and teaching, and educating the people."
"The news from some businessmen in the Qin State is that the people of the Qin State live and work in peace and contentment, have no worries about food and clothing. This kind of Qin State is like a paradise in the world."
"Alas, our dynasty does not live up to its name."
"Xu Shangshu is dead, the court is in chaos, and the Qin State is coming with a fierce attack. I don't know if we can resist it."
"I even think that since Qin has sent troops, Jin and Qi will not sit idly by. The two countries have always been extremely hostile to our Xia Kingdom and want to tear off a piece of flesh from our Xia Kingdom."
Li Xi clenched his fists and said: "Although the Xia Kingdom was in chaos in the past, it could at least maintain stability. After all, there was no external war. Now, it is suddenly attacked by Great Qin. Once other countries attack, the already ruined Xia Kingdom will Can you resist?"
"I am despising my position and speaking nonsense. Please punish me, Sima."
Li Xi surrendered again.
Zeng Dazhao waved his hand and said: "How can I blame you? What you mentioned is reality. In the past dynasties of the Xia Kingdom, there have been faint kings. However, there are always people who can turn the tide, and there are always sage kings and sages. Born. Now, who can turn the tide?"
"Difficult."
Li Xi shook his head and said: "In other words, it is almost impossible."
Zeng Dazhao asked: "What's the reason?"
Li Xi said: "The reason is actually very simple. Today's Qin, Jin and Qi are not as strong as they were in the past. Xia's strength has fallen to the bottom, but the strength of Qin, Jin and Qi has been rising all the way. Peak period.”
"The monarchs of the Three Kingdoms are all wise and work hard to govern. Today's Xia Kingdom is like a plate of tempting delicacies, and everyone wants a piece of it. In such a situation, how can we resist it? Unless Qi Taiwei on the front line, If we can defeat the Qin army in one battle, maybe we still have a chance."
Zeng Dazhao nodded and said: "We can only place our hope on Taiwei Qi. If even Taiwei is defeated, Yangcheng will not be spared."
Li Xi said: "Sima, you also need to consider your retreat. If Qi Taiwei can block the Qin State, it would be best. If Qi Taiwei cannot stop it or the army is defeated, Sima should also arrange his retreat. Otherwise, he should arrange his retreat. , you lost Yangcheng, this crime is enough to make Sima fall into the dust."
Zeng Dazhao's face darkened and he said solemnly: "I understand what Mr. Li means, but there is no need to think about it."
"well……"
Li Xi shook his head and sighed.
He knew Zeng Dazhao's thoughts. As an official of the Xia State, how could he consider surrendering to the Qin State?
Zeng Dazhao said: "What we have to consider now is the issue of rushing to the front line. As long as the Taiwei holds on, everything will be easy. Mr. Li, how much food can we mobilize in Yangcheng now?"
Li Xi said: "There are about three million catties. This is how much food you have only had after you have governed Yangcheng for nearly ten years."
Zeng Dazhao thought for a while and said: "Leave 300,000 kilograms of grain and send the rest of the military rations to the front line to support Taiwei Qi."
Li Xi frowned and said: "Sima, it is difficult to store the food in the army. The court will not replenish this food. When the time comes, we will be short of food, and we will be in trouble."
Zeng Dazhao said: "Take one step at a time, support first and then talk about it."
"Bang! Bang!"
At this moment, an attendant knocked on the door and said, "Sima, Captain Lin wants to see you."
"please!"
Zeng Dazhao gave an order.
Colonel Lin's name is Lin Xiao, and he is a city guard guard guarding the south city of Yangcheng. Under Zeng Dazhao's command, Lin Xiao was the most trusted general.
Not long after, Lin Xiao entered the room, looking very panicked, and reported: "Report to Sima, something serious has happened. A messenger came from the front line, saying that Captain Qi led his troops to fight with the Qin army on the front line, and was completely defeated. "
"Following this, Lieutenant Qi was betrayed by Tie Yifan, the great master enshrined by the royal family, and was killed by Tie Yifan. Now the three generals Murong Ba, Gong Lang, and Mu Lingyun in the army led the remaining troops to Yangcheng is here, please prepare to meet him and arrange food supplies."
boom! !
Zeng Dazhao's expression changed drastically.
Lost!
The army on the front line was completely defeated!
The Xia Kingdom relied on Qi Feixiong on the front line. Unexpectedly, Qi Feixiong was assassinated and died.
This is too bad.
Just when he got the news from Anyi in the rear, he immediately heard that the front line was defeated.
Zeng Dazhao waved his hand and said: "I understand, I will personally go to Xicheng to greet you."
Lin Xiao bowed and stepped back.
Li Xi said again: "Sima, with the current situation, the Xia Kingdom no longer has any chance. Commander Lin Jiuxiao died in the battle, and later General Lin Yuanzhong died in the battle. These loyal ministers and good generals died, leaving the Xia Kingdom without tiger generals."
"Now, even Qi Taiwei is dead, and no one can lead the army to fight against the Qin Dynasty. Even Xia State still has some local garrisons and some generals. Even these people are also veteran generals, but they are not as good as Qi Taiwei. Comparatively, there is a huge difference.”
"No one has the prestige and influence of Taiwei Qi. The entire situation today is too bad."
Li Xi looked solemn and said: "As for the humble position, I have to consider a retreat."
Zeng Dazhao said: "Let's wait and see what happens."
"Follow me to meet the army."
Zeng Dazhao stood up, took Li Xi out of Sima's mansion, and headed to the west city of Yangcheng.
Zeng Dazhao came to the tower in Xicheng and waited quietly.
Li Xi stood aside and said nothing.
It didn't take long before the rumble of horse hooves came from outside the city, and a large army came galloping towards them. When Zeng Dazhao saw the battle from a distance, he felt it was quite fierce. He felt that although Qi Feixiong was killed, at least a certain amount of troops were still preserved.
However, when he got closer and could see the cavalry outside the city, he suddenly frowned. Although the cavalry outside the city ran fast, they were all in dire straits, and some of the soldiers even didn't even have armor.
When all the cavalry and infantry arrived outside the city, Murong Ba stood up and said directly: "I am Murong Ba, please open the city gate quickly."
Mu Lingyun said: "I am Mu Lingyun, and I open the city gate."
Gong Lang also said: "I am Gong Lang, and I open the city gate."
The three people expressed their opinions one after another.
After the identities of the three people were revealed, Zeng Dazhao didn't say much. He took the initiative to get down from the city tower, opened the city gate, lowered the drawbridge, and went out of the city to greet them in person. Zeng Dazhao's identity, although he was a military commander in Yangcheng, was actually much inferior to that of Murong Ba and others.
Zeng Dazhao bowed and said: "Your Excellency, Zeng Dazhao, Sima of the garrison of Yangcheng Town, pays homage to three generals. Our Yangcheng city is strong, with a moat, and can be defended with the help of city walls. Please three generals, lead troops into the city immediately. I will We will do our best to raise food and fodder for the three generals to resist the Qin army."
"No need, the army will not enter the city."
Murong Ba shook his head and ordered: "Zeng Dazhao, please immediately send a batch of food. My soldiers returned from the front line and were hungry all the way."
Mu Lingyun said: "I won't enter the city either, so prepare to eat."
Gong Lang said: "The same goes for me, general."
The three people had already discussed it on the way back.
Qi Feixiong is dead.
The army was routed.
With only three troops left, it was impossible to retreat to Yangcheng City to defend against the Qin army. The three people all had the same point of view, and they retreated directly to Anyi.
The words of the three people reached Zeng Dazhao's ears. Zeng Dazhao's face suddenly froze, and his expression became even more solemn. Gong Lang, Murong Ba and Mu Lingyun all want to evacuate. If they are unwilling to stay, it means that Yangcheng has become an outcast.
This is extremely helpless.
It is impossible to rely on the three thousand Yangcheng soldiers to resist the Qin Dynasty, even if Yangcheng is strong.
Zeng Dazhao smiled sarcastically and said: "I immediately arranged the soldiers and mobilized the soldiers to prepare food. But Yangcheng is strong and has a moat. If the three generals stay, I think they can hold it even if the Qin army comes to kill them."
"You are a little Yangcheng Sima, what do you know?"
From the very beginning, Murong Ba had no intention of staying in Yangcheng to guard the city. So when I heard Zeng Dazhao's words, I immediately scolded him.
In fact, Murong Ba was very angry.
For a small army commander to dare to command them is simply domineering.
Mu Lingyun said: "Now that the situation has come to an end, it is impossible for us to guard Yangcheng and we must withdraw to Anyi. So Zeng Dazhao, don't waste your time. Now that the matter has come to a point, I must return to Anyi."
Gong Lang said: "Let's make arrangements immediately."
The attitudes of the three people were firm.
Zeng Dazhao felt helpless. After all, he was speaking softly. With his status, he could not stop him. He could only immediately arrange for his soldiers to send food to Murong Ba, Mu Lingyun and Gong Lang, and prepare a batch of dry food.
Murong Ba, Mu Lingyun and Gong Lang had enough to eat and drink, and left with their cavalry.
From beginning to end, the army never entered the city.
From beginning to end, there is no mention of how Zeng Dazhao resisted?
From beginning to end, he never cared about the future of Yangcheng.
Yangcheng became an abandoned son.
Zeng Dazhao looked at Mu Lingyun's three people's team going away, his cheeks twitched, he couldn't help but sigh, feeling completely disappointed.
Li Xi said: "Sima, others only care about themselves and rush back to Anyi to hide. No one cares about us at all. We don't have enough troops or weapons, so why should we resist? According to the rules of humble positions I think you can surrender."
Previously, Li Xi was a little more tactful and asked Zeng Dazhao to consider his options.
Now, he persuades directly.
There is no more euphemism.
Zeng Dazhao felt extremely lost in his heart and stared into the distance. After a long time, Zeng Dazhao came back to his senses and sighed: "The country is about to perish, and everyone is looking for a way out. I didn't expect that our Yangcheng, as the two countries on the border of Xia Kingdom, One of the strong cities has been abandoned like this. Without Taiwei Qi, the building will really collapse."
Li Xi said: "You are wrong, the building is not about to collapse, it has already collapsed. Yan Wuji has been in charge of the Xia Kingdom for more than ten years, which has depleted the foundation of the Xia Kingdom. That is to say, Xu Shangshu and Qi Taiwei are trying to support it, but Both of them are dead, who is still willing to help Xia Guo continue to resist? No one is willing to resist anymore. "
Zeng Dazhao said sternly: "Li Xi, on behalf of me, go west immediately and meet with Bai Cejun, the commander-in-chief of the Qin State, and say that we are willing to surrender."
"What are the conditions?"
Li Xi asked.
Zeng Dazhao thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "The conditions are very simple. Do not harm the people at all, and do not burn, kill or loot. As long as Qin's army does not commit any crimes in Qiu, I will directly offer the city."
Li Xi said: "My Lord Sima, the meaning of humble position is, what conditions do you want?"
"I have no conditions."
Zeng Dazhao shook his head.
When Li Xi saw this, he shook his head in his heart. Zeng Dazhao was too upright. This was obviously the best time to negotiate terms.
However, Zeng Dazhao did not want any conditions.
I have to help organize everything.
Li Xi didn't say much, he said directly: "I will leave immediately."
He immediately asked for a war horse to be dispatched. Li Xi mounted the horse, bowed his hands to Zeng Dazhao, and left directly.
