The moonlight is bright and clear.
"This time you come out not only for patrolling, but also for combat missions?"
Zhang Qian followed the team and walked in front of Huo Qubing and the princess. The entire team of more than a hundred elites set up camp at night. Everyone was in good order, exuding a chilling atmosphere.
Zhang Qian was also given armor before traveling, so he judged that he might have a combat mission.
He knew that Huo Qubing and the princess were behind, and he looked worried: "Master Hou is too bold. If the princess makes a mistake, how should she explain it?"
"Marquis Bowang is probably worried because he has never sent troops with Lang Zhongling or fought against the Huns."
The one who answered Zhang Qian was Hao Qisheng, the commander of the Imperial Military Academy.
This time Yao Zhao stayed in Chang'an and was responsible for continuing to form the Yulin and Huben armies. Zhao Ponu had other tasks and did not accompany him.
The two hundred forbidden troops were led by Xiao Qisheng.
Historically, the generals of the Han Dynasty during this period were all outshone by the brilliance of Huo Qubing and Wei Qing, making it feel like none of them could fight.
This is not a good thing. The shining stars of the same era are the real foundation.
If Huo Qubing wants to promote the development of military science, it is impossible to do everything personally, so training generals is very important.
Huo Qisheng was able to be valued by Huo Qubing and take him with him, which has its own merits.
This gentleman's arms are about as thick as ordinary people's legs. He trains hard and trains wearing heavy armor every day. He can still walk as fast as other generals. He is a standard tiger general configuration.
The disadvantage is that when fighting from the top, it will only fall in a straight line.
It's not that he has no brains, but when he goes to the battlefield, he will easily become red-eyed when seeing blood and attack violently.
But he also has the advantage that he knows that he is not good at battlefield changes, so he will carry out the orders of the generals he agrees with to the end, never discount them, and is very obedient.
Zhang Qian looked at Xiao Qisheng, who had thick eyebrows and thick black eyebrows: "What Colonel Xiao means is that the champion has other plans?"
Xiao Qisheng proudly raised his five fingers and said: "There are no generals in the world who can be looked down upon by our Lord. Although there is a march mission this time, it is impossible to threaten the general, let alone Her Royal Highness." .”
"Do you think the Marquis and the princess are here to enjoy the mountains and rivers?"
Xiao Qisheng said: "Master Hou has already made arrangements for leaving Chang'an.
If you look at the Xiu Yi subordinates accompanying the team, you should know that news from various places is being sent to the Marquis all the time, and arrangements are made based on the Marquis's judgment. Although we are few in number, we may be able to mobilize thousands of troops. "
"No matter what arrangements are made, we will only have two hundred forbidden troops accompanying us."
Zhang Qian frowned and said, "The doctor wants to take me with him, and I was wondering if the destination would be... the Western Regions?"
Xiao Qisheng shook his head. He always thought about it before he understood something, and followed orders.
Zhang Qian thought to himself: "It is absolutely impossible for our two hundred forbidden troops to pass through the area blocked by the Western Xiongnu and Qiang Di tribes together with Loulan. I still think the Marquis's move is too risky."
Xiao Qisheng said: "Marquis Bowang, it's better not to worry about it. Do you have the Marquis who understands military affairs?"
Zhang Qian shook his head: "I'm just afraid that Huo Hou is too good at military affairs and will defeat the Xiongnu in two battles, which will give rise to arrogance. The strength of the Qiang, Di and other tribes cannot be underestimated.
We only have more than two hundred members, so if something happens to us, it will be absolutely difficult for us to deal with it.
When we arrive at the border later, if the Marquis insists on leaving the border, I will suggest that the princess be left in the Han territory, or that the border army send more people to protect her. "
Xiao Qisheng said: "I'm explaining to you, don't you understand?"
Zhang Qian said: "You have never been to the northwest border, and you don't understand how complicated the situation there is. There are dozens of tribes, and each other's spheres of influence overlap. It is extremely chaotic, and sometimes there are several confrontations in a day.
If a caravan wants to pass through these areas, it must be accompanied by at least a hundred people and hired escorts. Everyone in the caravan carries a sword. Even so, they still have to spend money to buy a road from time to time before they can pass.
Otherwise, how come we, the Han Dynasty, have been trying to suppress the northwest frontier troubles to no avail for so many years? "
"It didn't work because the Marquis didn't come."
Xiao Qisheng said: "No matter how dangerous the northwest border is, how can it be better than the tens of thousands of elites from the Xiongnu royal court?"
Zhang Qian was stunned.
Xiao Qisheng said proudly: "Where are the tens of thousands of Xiongnu elites?"
Zhang Qian said in shock: "I was defeated by the champion and fled north."
"Does Marquis Bowang have anything else to say?"
Zhang Qian thought for a moment: "I also admire Lord Hou's ability in commanding troops, but at that time he led more than 10,000 elite troops, which was completely different from the current situation.
I'm just afraid that the Marquis will underestimate the enemy and suffer a defeat in Xiguan, ruining his reputation in the first two battles! "
Xiao Qisheng stood up with a puff of sleeves: "You can figure it out for yourself, I can't explain it to you."
————
Far behind the front army, a large chariot was parked on a low slope facing the mountain.
This is prepared for Liu Qing. When she left Chang'an, the clan had its own arrangements.
The maid next to him drove a carriage and walked in front during the day. In the evening, she would leave the frame of the carriage for Liu Qing to rest, and then come back in the morning to drive the carriage away.
The carriage is like a small mobile palace, covered with animal skins, insulated from moisture and heat, and all related things are available.
If necessary, there are many instruments manufactured by the Mohist family hidden in the car, which can be used for offense and defense.
Because they were still in the Han Dynasty, after they settled down, they made a bonfire and sat to one side to talk.
For Liu Qing, this was the journey he had been dreaming of for many years, with a smile on his face.
The ups and downs of fate, the wonderful contrasts, are consistent with this.
What ordinary people long for, Liu Qing is born with, and what she longs for, ordinary people can realize at any time.
"Qubing, are you traveling this time just to patrol the border, or do you have another purpose?" Liu Qing asked.
Huo Qubing: "Bringing you out for a walk is the main purpose, but there are also some things we should do on the way."
"Then what do you want to do, related to the Qiang, Di and other tribes outside Xiguan?"
"In the next stage of my career as a Han Dynasty, my biggest goal is to pacify the barbarians and connect the Western Regions. Commerce with them will be beneficial in the future and make the country stronger."
Huo Qubing said: "There is a saying that the rise and fall of a country is the responsibility of every man. It talks about the cohesion of a nation, and every man refers to the people. The people are like this, let alone us. So this time, we can't just travel around."
Liu Qing murmured the words "every man has a responsibility", and some female literary youths looked moved: "Qu Bing, you said so well." He moved closer to Huo Qu Bing.
As the night got darker, Liu Qing curled up in Huo Qubing's arms and fell asleep.
Huo Qubing took out the territory map of Xiguan and looked at it again and again.
The night fades and the stars disappear in the sky.
On the second day of march, the speed of the team suddenly soared.
We left Chang'an yesterday and spent half a day crossing the ever-flowing Wei River. The place we camped at night was close to the border between Longxi and Anding counties.
After setting off today, a layer of mist spread over the entire team. When the breeze blew, the mist dispersed with the wind, and the team disappeared.
We set off early that morning, and before noon, we entered Longxi County, the largest county in the northwest of Han Dynasty.
At this time, the two teams in front and behind were close together and moved forward together.
Liu Qing, Zhang Qian and others finally understood why Huo Qubing's team was so powerful in combat.
The moment Huo Qubing ordered the troops to speed up, the demeanor of the two hundred troops suddenly changed.
Every soldier's eyes seemed to be shining with the kind of light that they must complete the combat mission at all costs.
In the following hours, Bowang Hou Zhang Qian's shock reached an extreme level.
As the team moved forward, each soldier rode with all his strength, with his legs slightly propped up, his body pressed forward, and his body rising and falling slightly as the horse galloped, minimizing the horse's weight and resistance, and concentrating on it.
When Huo Qubing mastered his magical marching skills and the team's speed slowed down, it was the rest time for the soldiers.
At this time, no one in the entire army made a sound.
They ate on the back of a high-speed horse, and even flipped over on the horse and slid to the side of the horse to solve problems such as diarrhea while galloping.
After about a quarter of an hour's rest, the team immediately increased their speed to the extreme again.
The magical marching method gathered the troops, and the speed became faster and faster.
A stream of Qi hovered around the team, like a rolling flywheel, looking in all directions.
The team under Huo Qubing showed far more than speed, but more importantly, well-trained and strong obedience and the appeal and cohesion to do whatever it took to complete the battle orders.
The combat effectiveness of such a team can be imagined.
No one doubted that Huo Qubing gave the order and the entire team would fight to the death and charge into the battle.
This is a team that is as proud as Huo Qubing and will not allow themselves to fail. If one day they are trapped in a tight siege, they will never surrender even if they fight to the end! They will fight to the death!
In the afternoon, the team crossed mountains and ridges and galloped along the road to the northwest corner of Longxi County.
The first time he joined the team, Zhang Qian was extremely surprised when he was taken flying while sitting in the carriage.
This speed was far faster than he expected, and it was completely the ceiling of a rapid march.
After passing the huge area of Longxi, we continued forward and slowly approached the border. To the north was the area bordering the Xiongnu Xiutu King's tribe.
To the northwest is the border pass where the Qiang, Di and other tribes appear.
The atmosphere on the road had unknowingly become tense, and even the air seemed to be filled with murderous aura.
Occasionally, I can see a few Han people walking around in a hurry, which is completely different from the peaceful and prosperous days of Chang'an, when everyone had a calm look on their faces.
At this time, it was getting closer to the northwest border of Han Dynasty.
Liu Qing knew exactly what to do when, so he stopped pestering Huo Qubing and returned to the big car on his own, rarely showing up.
"General, when we come this time, should we notify the border garrison?"
"I took Liu Qing with me, and I never thought of hiding it from others. We entered the city head-on." Huo Qubing said calmly.
Xiao Qisheng said in confusion: "The Qiang, Di and other tribes have been dealing with our border troops for many years, so they must have spies in the border towns. We openly entered the city, and they received the news, wouldn't they be alert?"
Huo Qubing looked at Xiao Qisheng. From this question alone, he could tell the difference between him and Zhao Ponu and Yao Zhao.
Raising flags is better than being brave and brave, but his military quality is average, so he can only be trained to be a brave general who charges into battle.
Huo Qubing said: "We entered the city openly just to let them know."
Xiao Qisheng had some understanding: "General, do you want them to make a wrong judgment?"
"Go and inform the border guard that we are entering the city!"
Xiao Qisheng agreed and rode away.
After he left, Huo Qubing asked Xiao Ying, the embroidered clothes envoy accompanying the army on the other side: "I want you to prepare the clothes of foreigners and the uniforms of our Han army in advance. Are you ready?"
Xiao Ying replied: "There is still plenty of time, and some armaments have been transferred from the border army, which is enough."
————
Night falls.
Located about two hundred miles away from the northwest border of the Han army, the ancient Qiang tribe.
Dian Zhen, the leader of the tribe, was awakened by the sound of the door knocking in his sleep.
He opened his eyes, put on a leather robe and came to the door: "What's the matter?"
A subordinate was waiting at the door and said:
"I received news from Beiguan that a group of Han troops came to the Han border town. They were actually wearing the fine armor of the Forbidden Army. There were several carriages in the team. The people or things in the carriages were very mysterious."
"Force?"
"Yes, the news sent said that the team seems to be leaving the border and heading northwest."
"...How many Imperial Guards are there?"
"The news says that there are about two hundred. The other party entered the city through the city gate. The number is clearly visible. It should be correct."
Dianzhen walked out of the room: "Wake up Mulangtuo and the others."
In a short while, several leaders of the ancient Qiang tribe gathered in the stone hall made of earth and stone.
"Tome, what's wrong?" Mulang asked with a fierce expression.
"I just received the news that a Han imperial army is coming from Chang'an. It seems that they are going to the northwest out of the border." Dian Zhen said.
"Han Forbidden Army!" The leaders were obviously surprised.
"How many troops?"
"Two hundred forbidden troops, guarding several carriages." Dian Zhen said.
"Two hundred forbidden troops..."
Mulangtuo relaxed again: "There are only two hundred people. Do you want to teach them a lesson?"
Dian Zhen said: "I will have people pay close attention to the movements of the Han people at the border. If that team leaves the city, we will eat them, and then we will attack the Han people at the border and cause some suffering to the Han people."
Mulangtuo stood up slowly and said excitedly: "I would like to ask Zhan to be the vanguard to capture and kill the Han army."
Dian Zhen nodded and said: "If that team really wants to leave the border, they will definitely travel in the dark, hide their traces, and try to escape our detection. You lead a team overnight. It will be harder these days. If they are blocked, they may leave. On the road, don't let anyone run away.
In addition to the imperial army, the opponent may also ask border troops to escort you, so you should bring more troops. And beware of the other party's deception. If there are many people on the other side, withdraw and wait and see. Don't move them for the time being. I promise you that three thousand soldiers and horses will be enough. "
"You don't need that much, two thousand is enough."
Mulang let out a low drink and left in a menacing manner.
Nomadic tribes can fight on their backs and do not need much preparation.
Half an hour later, Mulangtuo led a group of people out of the ancient Qiang camp.
Dian Zhen then ordered his left and right: "To attack the Han border, our own troops and horses will be used, and the wear and tear will be heavy. Someone, please send the information we have found to King Xiutu in the north, and ask the Western Huns if they are interested. Join us to attack the Han Dynasty?
This time, I will make the Han people suffer a big loss. "
(End of chapter)
