In the dull twilight, the cold autumn wind raged wantonly around the bare Xiaomantian Village, making bursts of howls, as if cheering for the Han army who successfully captured the Sichuan Village, and also seeming to be mourning for the dead soldiers.
The camp where the Han flag was planted was brightly lit and still busy. Generals such as Li Yan, Han Jixun, and He Jianjian were handling the aftermath in an orderly manner and arranging the garrison matters.
The soldiers who participated in the attack on the stronghold received the most comprehensive comfort after a bloody battle. After resting and healing, the captured and surrendered Shu soldiers collected their weapons and armor and moved them to the front stronghold for centralized guarding.
Zhang Mei was the busiest. In addition to taking stock of the seizures, arranging personnel to clean up the battlefield, and collecting the bodies of the fallen soldiers on both sides, she also had to make logistical adjustments...
Even after simple cleaning, the smell of blood in the camp, especially during the battle, is still very strong, and the murderous atmosphere has not diminished. After getting rid of the fierce fighting, it becomes even more desolate, just like the sad cicada. Ming general.
As the coach, Xiang Xun, as the winner, stepped on the blood and climbed to the enemy camp. Looking at the scene of the camp, his face was filled with emotion. In the daytime, even when the attack was the fiercest and the Han army suffered the heaviest casualties, he was as stone-hearted and expressionless, urging the soldiers to fight risking their lives with an extremely cold attitude. However, at this moment, Xiang Dushuai was sighing and sighing.
Following him, Murong Chengtai couldn't help but wonder: "Commander, we have won a complete victory in this battle. We defeated the enemy in one day and leveled the Mantian Ridge in one battle. Why are we sighing like this when we are excited and excited?"
Seeing the excitement on Murong Chengtai's face, Xiang Xun said: "As a general, compassion does not lead to soldiers! If I say that I feel compassion for the soldiers on both sides who died, I am afraid some people will think that I am hypocritical!"
Murong Chengtai really couldn't understand Xiang Xun's mood. In his impression, Xiang Dushuai was not a soft-hearted person. Judging from the situation during today's war supervision, some generals suggested delaying the attack because of excessive casualties, but he flatly rejected them. He strongly urged the attack on the stronghold, without giving the Shu army a breather, and he also did not give the Han army a breather. How powerful was that? overbearing!
Probably aware of Murong Chengtai's doubts, Xiang Xun said slightly: "Maybe it's because I'm getting old! So I feel soft-hearted and have a lot of emotions! One general's achievements have caused thousands of bones to wither, and the soldiers have suffered such casualties. I feel uneasy, and even more so. Don’t dare to take credit..."
Soon, all emotions disappeared from Xiang Xun's face and he greeted: "Let's go and see the injured soldiers!"
In the attack and defense of Xiaomantian Village, the casualties of the Han army were not low. There were thousands of casualties directly, and even more times the number of minor and serious injuries. Even if the Shu army was exhausted and forced to attack the fortress, it would still cost lives. The casualties of the Shu army were even more severe, with about 4,000 soldiers and less than 500 being captured alive. After breaking the stronghold, many Han soldiers who were red-eyed went on a wanton massacre, and it took some effort to restrain them.
The war in Xiaomantianzhai has ended, but deaths are still continuing. Even if the training army on the north road is equipped with fifty medical officers and doctors, there are still many seriously injured people who died without treatment. Of course, some people really rescued them. not coming back......
Among the Han armies, Huaide's army suffered the heaviest casualties, with a total of 6,000 soldiers and 30% casualties in the first battle. But through this battle, the "Shu soldiers" vindicated themselves, and the "chain of contempt" among the Han army who defeated Shu was also greatly impacted. After that, these "Shu soldiers" could truly stand up and become Han soldiers. There is no more profound and powerful statement than blood and death.
"All injured soldiers must try their best to save them. Don't begrudge medicine and stones. If they are missing, find Zhang Mei and ask him to mobilize them as quickly as possible!" After inspecting the wounded barracks, Xiang Xun gave strong instructions.
"The casualties in this battle are more serious than I imagined!" Xiang Xun sighed again when he returned to the temporary commander's tent.
"But the results are brilliant, and the price paid is worth it! Otherwise, if we really attack by force, just as the king's general said, even if five thousand people die, we may not be able to win!" Murong Chengtai said.
He nodded and ordered to Xiang Xun: "Send someone to check out the results of the battle at Damantian Village. It is already dark. Tell Gao Huaide and Wang Quanbin that if it is difficult to attack quickly, they can temporarily suspend the attack and wait for a rest before proceeding." Nanling!”
"yes!"
After only resting for a while, Ma Renyu led people to escort Shu generals Wang Shenchao and Zhao Chongpu into the account. Ma Renyu was accompanying the army as a cavalry general, but there was no room for cavalry in the mountains. Therefore, since the expedition, when he saw other generals making great achievements, he had the intention to recruit two thousand infantry to lead the battle. After the stronghold is broken, help clear it up.
Looking at the two Shu generals, Xiang Xun became somewhat interested and looked at the wounded and bound two people. Ma Renyu pointed at Wang Shenchao and introduced: "This is Wang Shenchao, the guard of Xiaomantian Village. This guy is also lucky. Among the rebels, he was not hacked to death with a knife!"
"General Wang is awesome! This battle has caused a lot of trouble for our army!" Xiang Xun said: "If the generals of Shu are as difficult as the generals, it will be difficult for the big man to destroy Shu!"
After listening to Xiang Xun's words, Wang Shenchao smiled bitterly and said: "How dare you speak bravely for a defeated general! I thought that with the dangers of the Tianling Mountains, the strong defense of the stronghold, and sufficient preparations, I could hold back your army for three months! Never! I thought, in less than half a day, it was defeated by your army! I only paid attention to the enemy in front, but unexpectedly the murderous intention was already hidden behind me. I have a question, I wonder if this general can answer it? "
"Please tell me!" Xiang Xun looked very graceful.
Wang Shenchao said: "Your army's detour must have taken the path in Micang Mountain!"
"Yes!" Xiang Xun nodded.
With a more serious expression, Wang Shenchao raised a question: "I'm very curious. The expedition of your army to the south has only lasted twenty days, and it has only taken more than ten days to capture Sanquan. To attack Xiaomantian Village, it takes a lot of time and distance. , determined not to bandit, why did he move so quickly, find a way out and achieve a detour in such a short period of time?"
With a faint smile, Xiang Xun didn't mind answering the defeated general's questions and said: "The strategy of encirclement was already planned before our army marched. The march route was also explored in advance. It was secretive enough and well found. Therefore, after the general burned down the Golden Bull Plank Road that day, I sent good generals and soldiers to sneak into Micang Mountain..."
"As expected! I was not defeated unjustly!" Wang Shenchao couldn't help but sigh in sadness after hearing his words.
While sighing, he came to his senses, looked at Xiang Xun, and said, "I am the commander? Are you Xiang Xun, the commander-in-chief of the Han army?"
"Bold! Can you speak out about Du Shuai's name?" Ma Renyu resisted the urge to move his feet and scolded.
Xiang Xun stretched out his hand to stop Ma Renyu and said to Wang Shenchao, "Why, you have been talking to me for so long and you still haven't recognized your identity?"
After looking at Xiang Xun for a few times, Wang Shenchao said: "I have heard of Du Shuai for a long time. When I saw him today, he was really extraordinary. Wang Zhaoyuan is no match for Du Shuai!"
After saying that, after hesitating for a while, Wang Shenchao said, "I wonder what Xiang Dushuai is going to do with me?"
Xiang Xun showed a hint of amusement and asked, "I haven't thought about it yet. Can General Wang give me some advice?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Shenchao gritted his teeth and said eloquently: "Although I live in a remote place in Shu, I have been captured by Sumu Dushuai because of his reputation. If I don't give up, I am willing to serve you. Dushuai will always follow your lead!"
"Oh?" Xiang Xun seemed to be interested and asked, "Your family members should all be in Shu and join our army. Are you not afraid of causing disaster to them?"
Wang Shenchao said: "This time the Han army goes south with the intention of destroying Shu. The Mantianling defense line that has been painstakingly built can hardly be used as a front for a day. How long can the land of Sichuan and Shu survive? The two rivers will be returned to the imperial court. How can it be done? Worrying about disaster?"
"That's quite a bit of insight!" Xiang Xun asked again, "What if I asked you to turn your horse around and attack the Shu army?"
After hesitating for a moment, Wang Shenchao said seriously: "As long as you can trust me, as long as you have your destiny, I will do whatever I want and I will never hesitate!"
Seeing this, Xiang Xun smiled: "Very good! Good birds choose trees to roost in. Even if you are defeated and surrender to the court, it's still not too late!"
After hearing his statement, Wang Shenchao breathed a sigh of relief, paused, and asked curiously: "I dare to ask Du Shuai, I refused to defend this stronghold and caused a lot of casualties to the Han soldiers... Do you really believe it?" Me? Aren’t you afraid that I’ll repeat myself?”
Xiang Xun raised his hand and said in a candid tone: "The two armies are facing each other, and each is his own master. There is nothing to criticize! And as you said, when the Han army raises its army, Meng Shu will be destroyed. This is the general trend. Those who understand the current affairs You should all go with the flow, why should you be afraid of repeating yourself?
As for you, surrender to the Han Dynasty and show your sincerity, and the court will definitely repay you with trust! In addition, remember, you are loyal to a big man, and the one you should be loyal to is today's emperor, not me, Xiang Xun! "
"You are both handsome and elegant, I will finally surrender to you!" Wang Shenchao was completely relieved.
"Haha! Wang Shenchao, I really misjudged you! I never thought that you would be so greedy for life and afraid of death, and do this to betray the Lord!" At this time, Zhao Chongpu suddenly laughed at the side.
Xiang Xun turned his attention to Zhao Chongpu and saw that he was covered in blood and suffered many injuries. He couldn't help but wonder: "Who is this?"
Ma Renyu said: "This man's name is Zhao Chongpu, he is the guard of Jinniu Village. He is very stubborn. He dragged his wounded body and killed three of my soldiers. The general took action himself and captured this beast!"
"If it weren't for the injuries to my buttocks and femur with the cane, I could still kill a few more Han thieves!" Zhao Chongpu shouted with his head held high.
Seeing this, Xiang Xun approached Wang Shenchao. Sensing his doubtful gaze, Wang Shenchao immediately explained Zhao Chongpu's deeds and the origin of the stick injury.
"So, Wang Zhaoyuan has lost the combat power of a good general!" Xiang Xun was a little confused and looked at Zhao Chongpu, who was holding his neck.
Before he opened his mouth, he listened to his words: "You don't have to persuade me! Zhao still knows his loyalty and will never do anything like surrendering and living in peace!"
"Aren't you afraid of death?" Xiang Xun raised his eyebrows.
"If you die, you will die! What are you afraid of?" Zhao Chongpu was not afraid at all.
Seeing this, Ma Renyu was a little unhappy and said: "Du Shuai, this man has little martial arts but a hard temper. If he wants to die, let him be granted his wish!"
"Thank you for your support!" Zhao Chongpu smiled coldly.
After looking at each other for a while, it was clear that Xiang Xun was determined to die. Xiang Xun's eyes were slightly cold and he waved his hand: "If you want to be a benevolent person, I will not dissuade you from your ambition!"
"Let's go! I'll take you on your way in person!" Ma Renyu gave Zhao Chongpu a push.
Zhao Chongpu staggered, glanced sideways at Wang Shenchao, raised his head, laughed, and walked out: "I hope your sword is fast enough!"
"Don't worry! I will definitely give you a good time!" Ma Renyu said, with a hint of appreciation in his expression.
The two came out of the tent, and after a while, the laughter stopped abruptly.
On Wang Shenchao's side, his body trembled and he looked slightly embarrassed. Xiang Xun comforted him softly: "General Wang, don't worry about it!"
Then he ordered outside: "Come here, take General Wang down to heal his wounds!"
"Thank you for being handsome!"
After he retreated, Ma Renyu who entered couldn't help but said: "Commander, although Wang Shenchao surrendered voluntarily, he did cause a lot of trouble and casualties to our army. To let him go and accept him so easily, I’m just afraid that the soldiers attacking the stronghold will have objections!”
Hearing this, Xiang Xun shook his head: "There is no shortage of talents in the Shu army, but they can't be stretched out. They can be used by our court to calm the place in the future. Furthermore, although our army has played a triumphant song for the first time, Meng Shu is on the verge of collapse, but since then In the past, the road to Chengdu was not smooth. People like Wang Shenchao can set an example to continue to undermine the morale of the Shu army and relax their resistance, which will also reduce the casualties of our army continuing to move south..."
Before long, Murong Chengtai came to report that Nanling was victorious and the Shu army was defeated!
