Zhang Zhongliang: "If you have something to say, it doesn't hurt to say it."
Fan Qianye said: "Also, the crown prince's brother is the vanguard of the army and is extremely brave."
Your Majesty expected that the war would subside soon, so he repeatedly warned not to disturb the prince, but he did not expect that the war would intensify.
Just when Zhang Zhongliang was about to open his mouth to speak, Qiu Yunlong, Fan Xi, Biha and others barged in in a very embarrassed manner.
Zhang Zhongliang stepped forward and said, "Master, are you okay?"
Qiu Yunlong shouted to the heavens and the earth: "Prince, you almost can't see me anymore." Then with a fierce tear, he said: "If this leader hadn't been possessed by a god, he would have been hunted down long ago."
Zhang Zhongliang: "Master, where is my father?"
Qiu Yunlong: "Hey, hey, hey! Don't mention him. You are asking for death! We have safely left the city, but he has attracted pursuers again."
Zhang Zhongliang was surprised: "Why is this?"
Qiu Yunlong: "Now? Now your father's life or death is uncertain!"
Zhang Zhongliang composed himself: "Fearless warriors, mount your horses and follow me to rescue your father."
Everyone agreed in unison.
A guard led Zhang Zhongliang's war horse out, and Zhang Zhongliang got on his horse.
At this time, the palace door suddenly opened, and a soldier staggered in, covered in blood, and collapsed to the ground after taking a few steps.
Zhang Si then stumbled into Xihua Palace with the support of several soldiers.
Zhang Zhongliang had just mounted his horse. He immediately turned over and got off the saddle. He rushed to the front, picked up Zhang Si alone, and ran quickly to the political hall. He signaled everyone to quickly clean up the desk, and then gently placed Zhang Si on it: " Father, father—" The concern was beyond words.
Zhang Si had shaggy hair and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. He slightly opened his eyes and looked at Zhang Zhongliang: "Your Majesty, how are you?"
Zhang Zhongliang: "Quick, call the imperial doctor."
…
Over there: The army gathered by Wang Erhao attacked like crazy. Most of the soldiers had taken off their rattan armor and went into battle shirtless.
The bows and arrows were like springs, and several soldiers were climbing the ladder. The ladder was burned, and the soldiers howled and fell from the city wall one after another.
Several soldiers had already stormed the tower. After a fight, they were picked up and thrown off the tower by several people.
Zhang Biao is directing the battle. He has discarded his helmet and his armor is disheveled. The long sword in his hand already had several nicks.
Wounded soldiers were lying everywhere on the city tower. At this time, many women, children, and elderly people were seen participating in the battle, and the entire people were soldiers.
Smoke billowed from the makeshift stove. Some people are boiling water and burning oil. Boiled water and oil were brought to the city wall in buckets and poured down.
The screams were endless.
The war has entered a fever pitch.
Wang Erhao commanded the battle with his sword under the city.
There were so many dead bodies under the city wall that it was too horrible to see.
On this side: Zhang Si is sitting in the main hall, having regained his dignity as a king.
The ministers were arranged on the left and right, with Zhang Zhongliang at the top.
Fan Kaifeng said: "Your Majesty, all the ministers have been discussing for a long time, but there is no good solution. In my opinion, Xihua Palace is not a long-term refuge. Just imagine, Nanzhao's city was broken only in an instant. After Wang Erhao occupied Nanzhao, he He will not give up. Since he has come thousands of miles away, he will naturally not care about this mere dozens of miles away. He will definitely besiege Xihua Palace by then. Please make an early decision, Your Majesty."
Qiu Yunlong: "Wang Erhao is a master of tigers and wolves. Now we have no choice but to rely on the power of the mortal world. In my opinion, I will set up an altar tonight, and I will gather the gods of the nine heavens with my magic power to ensure that we are safe. Right now. The top priority is that Your Majesty should find a way out as soon as possible, and it would be better not to let Wang Erhao know where you and I are hiding."
Zhang Si: "Just follow what the Imperial Master said and set up an altar tonight to ask for help. But I will never abandon my family and country to escape for my own life. Now the country is being trampled upon and the people are being bullied. There is no foolproof plan. Really. How pitiful!" He looked at Zhang Zhongliang: "Prince, all the ministers are discussing and offering suggestions. Why don't you speak?"
Zhang Zhongliang came back from his thoughts: "Father, from this point of view, fighting hard is not the best strategy, and avoiding war is not a long-term solution. I have a way to retreat from the enemy, and I hope my father will grant me."
Everyone was refreshed and looked at Zhang Zhongliang.
Zhang Si: "Any good ideas? Tell me quickly."
Zhang Zhongliang: "My son is willing to go alone to persuade Wang Erhao to withdraw his troops."
Qiu Yunlong: "Prince, you must not do it. Wang Erhao is a crazy wild dog now. He bites everyone he sees. How can he recognize you as a relative?"
Fan Qianye said: "Your Highness, what the Imperial Master said is true. The two countries are now at war with each other, and it is no different than usual. It is bound to be a disaster for you to go. I hope the Crown Prince will think twice."
Zhang Si: "Let's not discuss this matter. Just follow what the Imperial Master said. Set up an altar to worship the gods tonight. Everyone must pray sincerely."
At night, a bright moon slowly disappeared into the clouds, appeared and disappeared, and gradually emerged from the depths of the clouds.
There is a big cauldron on the altar, filled with smoke.
Everyone gathered together and prayed devoutly.
Qiu Yunlong held a long sword in his hand and muttered something.
A group of Brahmans dressed in religious uniforms sometimes danced and sometimes jumped up and down to the accompaniment of Sanskrit music.
Zhang Si led Zhang Zhongliang and all the civil and military ministers in order. Everyone bowed and kowtowed under the command of Qiu Yunlong. Only Zhang Zhongliang kept his hands clasped together, thoughtfully.
Qiu Yunlong pointed his sword at the sky and chanted a spell loudly.
Everyone bowed again and kowtowed devoutly.
After Zhang Si kowtowed, he looked back and saw that there was no one around where Zhang Zhongliang was standing. He frowned.
Outside the dormitory, Zhang Zhongliang's five personal warriors, Hao Tianlei, Wang Yihu, Wang Tianbao, Ye Piao, and Xian Yongfeng, were fully armed, wearing filial belts on their heads, and were ready for action.
In the bedroom, Mary was fully dressed in mourning, sitting on the edge of the bed and crying secretly. Her eyes were dull: "Why? Why is this happening? Why..."
Zhang Zhongliang wears a filial piety belt on his head and is packing his luggage. He walked to Mary, helped her up, and comforted her: "My beloved concubine——"
Mary said to herself: "A few days ago, my father sent me a letter asking me to go back, saying that I would meet Nanzhao in battle. I had a premonition that war was inevitable, and I was worried all day long. I am most afraid of losing my relatives..."
Suddenly, Mary snatched the luggage from Zhang Zhongliang's hand and threw herself into his arms: "Husband, you can't go. I know Wang Erhao's temper. He will kill you."
Zhang Zhongliang lifted Mary's face-covering hair: "My dear concubine, listen to me, this is the only way. Even if it involves danger, I must go. And I must set off immediately. As you can imagine, Nanzhao is already a river of blood. My dear, I believe Wang Erhao will listen to my advice."
Mary: "Husband, you left just as you said. Why didn't you consider my feelings? Once you leave, there will only be a fierce battle between you and Wang Erhao. No matter who wins or loses, I will lose another relative. Husband, I beg you, don’t go, don’t go!”
Zhang Zhongliang: "My beloved, listen to me. I promise you that no matter what Wang Erhao does to me, I will never fight back."
Mary burst into tears: "I believe it. I believe you. However, he will kill you if you don't fight back. If he dies, I will be in pain, but if you die, won't I have no pain? You know, you He is also my relative, my dearest person. It is my life in Nanzhao."
Zhang Zhongliang: "I know. My dearest concubine. But if I go a moment later, more people will die. Thousands of people will die because of this war. And this war can be avoided."
Mary: "Husband, if you really don't want to give up. Well, take me with you and let's go together."
Zhang Zhongliang: "No! My dear, this is too dangerous."
Mary: "This is safer. You know, Wang Erhao can kill you, but he will never kill me. I am his niece!"
The two couldn't argue, and Zhang Si walked in quietly at this time.
