"It's difficult to travel, it's difficult to travel. If you want to cross the Yellow River, which is blocked by ice, you will have to climb the snow-covered mountains of Taihang."
Zhao Yong muttered another sentence, and then looked sideways at the Shura battlefield in the distant mountains.
In this situation, although there is no heavy snow to close the mountains, the journey seems to be more difficult.
The rain slowly slid down the steep mountain stream, wetting the lush vegetation and lubricating the winding mountain roads.
"Dong dong dong dong dong..." The soldiers of Zhao Jun slowly approached the Jingxing City Gate hundreds of steps away amid the sound of war drums.
"My sons, your Majesty is behind you, watching us. The time has come for us to make great contributions!" Lian Cheng shouted loudly from behind the formation.
"The Kingdom of Zhao lasts for ten thousand years!"
"The Kingdom of Zhao has lasted for ten thousand years..." Generals at all levels also shouted, and the noise gradually became louder in the mud, with drums, shouts, and shouts resounding throughout the mountains.
The blood-red banner of 'justice' was bathed in the morning mist of the summer morning and began to move forward unsteadily.
However, as expected, Zhao Jun was still more than a hundred steps away from the pass when he was covered by arrows and ballistae from the top of the city.
On the winding and muddy road, the soldiers in the front row rushed to the city, pushing carts and ladders against the rain of arrows.
"Kill!" The shouts of killing were loud, and the dark Zhao soldiers rushed towards the city gate like a tide.
The city of Jingxing was built in a low valley adjacent to mountains on both sides. The road in the center for large armies to pass was extremely narrow.
Especially the hundred meters in front of the city gate, Zhongshan military boulders were used to build an outer city pass, firmly controlling the main mountain road. It can be said that one man can block the barrier and ten thousand people cannot open it.
The bloody battle lasted until noon. After breaking through the outer city pass, the mountain roads on both sides suddenly narrowed.
The narrow road was more like a big urn, and Zhao Jun was never able to form a strong oppression on Jingxing City Pass a hundred meters away.
One after another, soldiers were hit by arrows and fell on the muddy road, howling miserably. After taking the mountain urn city, the Zhao army advanced even more slowly. Under their feet was an unrepaired slippery mountain road, and there were arrows flying above and in front of them. There was no chance to fight back, and the upward shooting distance was so far that it was not within the range at all.
However, the soldiers of the Zhao army showed extremely tenacious willpower at this time, and they rushed into the main city pass against the arrows in the sky.
"Fire the arrow! Fire the arrow!" the generals shouted at the top of their lungs.
"Whoosh whoosh..." A dense round of crossbow arrows flew towards the city.
"Light the fire!" the general continued to shout.
"Shoot!" The rockets flew towards the city like a shower of stars.
The Zhao army fired several rounds of volleys in succession. The Zhongshan army on the top of the city kept falling down the city gate. Fires loomed inside the city and thick smoke began to rise.
The battle between the enemy and ourselves, offense and defense, gradually became intense.
However, Zhao Jun attacked from morning to evening, but still failed to break through the city wall.
Zhao Yong, who was standing on a mountain in the distance watching the battle, shook his head one after another.
Looking at the corpses that were almost filling the urn city, he couldn't help but sigh and said, "Ming Jin, withdraw your troops."
Then he walked towards the camp without looking back.
...Under the night, the lights in Zhao Jun's camp in the Taihang Mountains were brightly lit, and light rain was still falling in the night sky. It was obviously the time when the heat was at its peak, but the mountains were as cool as late autumn.
Zhao Yong summoned his subordinates and asked the generals to report on the battle damage and baggage consumption in the past few days.
Then he said: "If we want to break through this mountain pass from the front this season, it may be more difficult than Hangu. I want to withdraw the army to Manjia for repairs first. We will use Weize Pass on the west line as the breakthrough point."
Some people were visibly relieved. It has been really hard these days.
However, some people are happy, and some people are worried. Fei Yi stood up and bowed: "Our army has defeated the enemy one after another, but now it is blocked here. It has also consumed money and food and suffered heavy losses. We withdraw here, fearing that it will affect morale."
Zhao Yong was silent for a moment and asked: "General, do you think our Zhao army should continue to confront the Zhongshan army at this time?"
Fei Yi pondered and said: "The Jingxing Passage is the fundamental requirement of our Zhao State for this battle. I am afraid that if it drags on, something may happen. Although our army has suffered a lot of damage, the damage to the Zhongshan Army in the city must have been greater. Now it is connected to the outside of the mountain." The road has been cut off for our army, and the Zhongshan Army's supplies have been cut off. If our army withdraws from the mountain at this time, it may give Zhongshan a chance to breathe."
Fei Yi paused and continued: "The passage on the western front is easy to travel. Our army can increase troops from the western front, but Jingxing Yi should continue to attack so that Zhongshan can't look at each other from the beginning to the end."
Zhao Yong thought for a moment, glanced at the ministers, and asked: "What do you think?"
The generals were speechless for a moment. After a while, Lian Cheng stood up and bowed: "I think what the general said is true. If our army wants to gain control of Jingxing, it will definitely have to go through a hard battle. Now that our army's morale is at its peak, it is absolutely impossible to withdraw."
"I agree, attacking requires stronger power and often requires paying a higher price." Zhang Yuan stood up and said.
Zhao Yong's heart thumped. Looking at the morale of the generals, there was no sign of lethargy at all, but his attitude was a bit dispirited.
Perhaps Zhao Guo's path has been too smooth in the past two years. He is too preconceived. When encountering some setbacks, he thinks of going around them instead of overcoming them. Maybe other things can be done this way, but this is war, a war that cannot be retreated from.
"Report!" As Zhao Yong was introspecting, the guard's report suddenly came from outside the house.
"Your Majesty, there is a man outside the camp who calls himself Lechi. He has a plan to break the barrier. He is requesting an audience with the king outside the camp."
Orchestra? Zhao Yong was stunned. This name seems a bit familiar.
The monarchs and ministers in the room looked at each other in confusion. Zhao Yong asked everyone: "Who is this music pool? Do you know anyone?"
"Your Majesty, the former Prime Minister of Zhongshan and the former Prime Minister of Qin are Lechi. I wonder if they are the same person?" Fei Yi said.
Although Fei Yi said this, he was basically certain in his heart that it was that person. Anyone who can appear here during this time period must have passed through many checkpoints of Zhao Jun. If he is an unknown person, he will definitely not be let through.
After Jing Feiyi mentioned it, Zhao Yong instantly had an impression in his mind. If he was really the former Prime Minister of Zhongshan, he might have a weakness in Zhongshan that Zhao people didn't know about.
"Quick announcement." Zhao Yong said hurriedly.
"Here!" the guard responded and retreated.
After a while, a gray-haired man in a cloth robe strode into the house.
The big man entered and glanced around him calmly. Then he respectfully bowed his head to Zhao Yong, who was at the head, and said, "Caomin Lechi, pay homage to the king."
Although he had not seen this person for more than ten years, Fei Yi recognized his former rival at a glance.
In the past, when Lechi first became the Prime Minister of Zhongshan, he defeated Zhao's invading army outside Fangfang City and became famous in one battle. After Lechi resigned as prime minister, he went to Zhao as an envoy many times. At that time, Feiyi was an important minister of Suhou, and he and he were old acquaintances.
Fei Yi calmly nodded towards Zhao Yong who was standing above him.
Zhao Yong hurriedly stood up, stepped off the king's couch, personally stepped forward to help the orchestra up, and praised: "Sir, you are here to solve the urgent needs of my army."
Lechi was overjoyed. He was still a little uneasy when he came. Although he had not been in charge of the Zhao Kingdom for a long time, he had never seen anyone from the King of Zhao.
But at this moment, his foresight was completely proved. Lechi hurriedly leaned down and bowed again: "My lord, I am willing to serve the king."
"Hahaha, okay, now that sir is here, it can be said that it is a timely help. Sir, please." Zhao Yong smiled and took a seat.
I'm really sleepy, so I gave you a pillow.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yuechi bowed to Zhao Yong, then turned around, bowed to the generals in the room, and sat down on the right side.
Zhao Yong returned to the king's bed and said directly to the orchestra pit: "The current situation must be clear to you. I just heard that you have a way to break the barrier, and I asked you to teach me."
Yuechi hurriedly said: "I don't dare." He stood up and bowed and said: "The entrance to the three passes of Jingxing can be reached, but the tail is difficult to break. Now it is the rainy season, and the mountain road is difficult to travel. The city of Jingxing is adjacent to the mountain road, and it faces the plain side. Birds cannot cross it, so if you want to break through it, you can only do it from the front and back."
"I've heard about your talent for a long time, and now I see you are truly worthy of your reputation." Zhao Yong nodded and complimented him smoothly.
What Lechi said was exactly what he thought.
However, if it is just like this, it has no decisive effect, because it is still one word: consumption.
Wei Zeguan is also difficult to break.
"I have dispatched a large army to launch a fierce attack on Weize Pass on the west side. I also plan to defeat Weize and take Jingxing. However, Weize's danger is difficult to break," Zhao Yong said.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. The strategy for breaking through the barrier as mentioned by me is not to attack by force." Lechi stood up, bowed and bowed, and then walked to the sand map in the middle of the room.
Yuechi gestured to the sand table and said: "The world usually only knows about Jingxing and Weize, but they don't know that there is a 'smooth road' ten miles south of Taoshui, which can lead directly to Pingcheng."
Everyone's eyes followed his fingers as they moved to the sand table.
"With this road, you can easily bypass Wei Zeguan and follow the Mianshui River directly into Jingxing City." Lechi said with determination.
Zhao Yong seemed to understand which place Lechi was talking about. He remembered that many years ago, when he first went to Daijun from the north of Handan, he was a disciple of Taihang. He passed Qiuyou. At that time, Fei Yi explained to him several roads in the Taihang Mountains. the way.
Lian Cheng was the first to question: "There is no water source for irrigation on this road, and the road is narrow. If a large army treks, it may be difficult to travel."
Lechi shook his head and said to Zhao Yong: "In the past, I was lucky enough to pass through Jinyang through this road. Although this road is difficult, it is not impossible. Now it is the rainy season, and the water comes from the sky. Your Majesty only needs to send out a thousand elite soldiers, carrying three days' rations, enter from this road, advance and kill Benjingxing City, and then retreat directly to Weize Pass, and your great work will be accomplished."
Zhao Yong swallowed. What Lechi said is not unreasonable. It is precisely because both the enemy and ourselves subjectively believe that this road is impassable that the Zhao army can take advantage of it. If the road is smooth and easy to travel, the Zhongshan Army will definitely deploy heavy troops here. What is the point of sneaking across? .
But after all, it was just an idea, and Zhao Jun had not really put it into practice. Although the orchestra said he had passed by, was he telling the truth?
If it fails, it will not only delay the opportunity to fight, but also greatly damage the morale of the Zhao army.
The generals in the room were arguing for a while.
Zhao Yong was also a little confused.
The orchestra attendant stood aside and remained silent. He has been in official circles all his life and knows this well. He has just joined the Zhao Group and his advice must not be too radical. This strategy is his stepping stone. If it succeeds, he will naturally be the first to succeed, but if it fails, he will not be able to escape the influence.
"Your Majesty, I think I can give it a try." Fei Yi bowed at this time.
Zhao Yong thought deeply for a moment, and now there is really no better way. Zhao's tens of thousands of troops have been dragging their troops in the ravines for more than ten days. According to the current situation, even if they delay for more than ten days, there may still be no results. If this goes on for a long time, my side may collapse first.
Zhao Yong looked around at the generals and said, "What do you think?"
"I thought it was a fight." Lian Cheng bowed first.
"I second the proposal."
"I second the proposal."
Putting aside the strength of Lian Cheng's ability for the moment, the revolutionary enthusiasm can be said to be high. It seems like we did the right thing by bringing him back this time.
"Okay!" Zhao Yong nodded with satisfaction. Then he continued: "Who is willing to take on this important task?"
"I invite you to fight!" Lian Cheng said hurriedly.
"I invite you to fight!"
"I invite you to fight!"
Zhao Yong did not answer, but turned his attention to the orchestra pit.
Yuechi understood instantly, stood up and bowed his head: "I would like to recommend someone."
Everyone in the room glanced at him.
"Who is it? It doesn't matter if you say it." Zhao Yong said.
"The son of the old minister, Leliang." Lechi bowed respectfully and said, "Leliang has been with the old minister since he was a child. He is familiar with the Taihang Mountain Road, so he can definitely take on this important task."
As soon as these words came out, all the generals had more or less looks of contempt on their faces. It’s enough to ask for credit yourself, but also ask for credit for your own son.
Zhao Yong didn't think so, because he knew clearly that Lechi was sending hostages.
Zhao Yong said calmly: "Oh? Where is Leliang?"
Seeing the king say this, the sarcastic words that were about to blurt out were immediately suppressed.
"Your Majesty, Leliang is currently in Handan." Lechi said matter-of-factly.
Zhao Yong pondered for a moment: "The war is urgent, and it is more than 500 miles from Handan..."
"I want to use you as my master to fight for this. What do you think?"
The orchestra pit was not without the possibility of espionage, but it was so small that it could almost be ignored. Let alone whether Zhongshan's internal political system can consciously form a complete intelligence system, the chance that Lechi is willing to work for Zhongshan is very slim.
It is true that he was once the Prime Minister of Zhongshan, but since the death of Duke Huan of Zhongshan, Lechi has been suppressed by political opponents. If he had not completely given up on Zhongshan and could no longer survive in Zhongshan, how could he have defected to Qin later? explain.
In addition, he had a conversation with Lechi, and he took the initiative to use his parents and children as hostages.
After analysis, Zhao Yong was willing to take a gamble.
Even if this battle fails, if you can get such a capable minister who has a thorough understanding of the Zhongshan Kingdom, Zhao's subsequent annexation war against Zhongshan can be said to be even more powerful.
Seeing King Zhao's appointment, Yuechi did not hesitate at all and immediately bowed: "Old minister, I will fight for the king."
"Okay, okay, okay!" Zhao Yong said three good words in succession: "I will take you as the captain of the former army. Among the three armies, you can choose any three thousand elite soldiers and rush to Pingping City immediately to assist Niu Zana. Go down to Weize Pass."
The eunuch on one side took half of the tiger talisman from Zhao Yong and handed it to Lechi.
Yuechi held the tiger talisman with both hands, bowed his head and said: "Old minister, I accept the order, and I will not let down the king Shangqi Yin."
