"General, more than 670 people were killed in the battle! 1,700 people were slightly injured!"
The bamboo slips that counted the casualties were delivered to Bai Yan. Bai Yan looked at the number of casualties and felt relieved. Facing the most violent elite siege of the Chu army at the beginning, more than 2,000 people were killed and injured. This was already the best result.
Whether Bai Yan followed the Qin army to attack Han or destroyed Zhao, he had never seen any siege battle. Like the Chu army, they used all their strength from the beginning to mobilize experienced and elite soldiers to board the city. It doesn't count casualties.
Xiang Yan knew that the defenders in the city were the Qin army composed of Wei people. If the city was captured, they would not be able to stop the Chu army from entering the city.
"Count down the names! And repeat the tracing verification!"
Bai Yan did not say that he would send some money to the families of the soldiers who died in the war, just like he did with the cavalry and side cavalry. It was not that Bai Yan still did not regard these Qin soldiers as his own. If he could survive, To destroy Chu, how could Bai Yan treat these Qin soldiers who followed him to fight the Chu army as outsiders?
But now, whether it is Yanmen or Luoyin, Bai Yan can no longer allocate any more money. When the Wei Dynasty was destroyed, Bai Yan had already spent all the money he had won in order to provide the soldiers with more meat, juice and oil. All the rewards given by the government were spent, and even the money received from other noble families in the past was squandered later.
Although Luoyin has a steady stream of money, and Luoyin is Bai Yan's fiefdom, and Bai Yan also has his own food town, these are all needed for Lu Qi to prepare food and grass for Qi.
The food and fodder prepared by Qi State is related to the survival of Bai Yan and the entire army. The outcome of this battle must not change in the slightest.
"promise!"
The confidant accepted the order, then turned and left.
"General, there is news from Yingchuan!"
Bai Yan got up and patrolled the city road. At this time, a soldier from the scout camp hurriedly walked up to Bai Yan and handed the bamboo slips from Yingchuan County to Bai Yan.
Bai Yan, who had seen the bamboo slips, was a little surprised to learn that the Qin army led by Wang Ben was trapped in Yingchuan by heavy snow. Then he smiled bitterly and handed the bamboo slips to the soldiers.
Within the city road.
Bai Yan looked at the patrolling Qin Army soldiers, and then came to the inner city wall. He looked at the Qin Army soldiers who were all gathered together in the open space in the city, chatting with each other. It seemed to be a coincidence. At first, he was just worried that Lord Changping would rebel in Daliang. That's why Wei soldiers were asked to recruit people from their hometowns to join the army. This unintentional move had a miraculous effect at this moment.
After these Wei people decided to fight the Chu army to death, every Qin soldier killed by the Chu army on the city, and the corpses of those Qin soldiers who died in the battle fell in the eyes of other Qin soldiers. Not only did it not affect the morale of all Qin soldiers, On the contrary, because every soldier who died in the battle had acquaintances and fellow villagers in the Qin army, this further aroused the determination of the Qin soldiers in the city to fight with the Chu army outside the city.
"General, someone seems to be coming outside the city!"
Mang, who had been following Bai Yan, heard the discussion of the Qin soldiers guarding the city road not far away. He turned to look outside the city, then turned around and said to Bai Yan.
When Bai Yan heard this, he turned around and looked outside the city. Sure enough, as he said, in the messy post-war plain far outside the city, three men were riding horses, escorted by four Chu soldiers, heading towards Come here from Suiyang City.
On the plains.
Qu Zizhao rode his horse and looked at Suiyang City in the distance, unable to help showing a hint of uneasiness.
"Ku Gu, does that Qin general Bai Yan really not do anything to the three of us? Don't wait until he captures us directly, beheads us and hangs them on the city wall. Don't talk about saving General Huang Ye when the time comes. Even we died in Suiyang City in vain!"
To be honest, Qu Zizhao recalled that in the Chu army camp, everyone was at a loss what to do about Bai Yan's actions. Kogu, who had always followed the army and never made a speech, suddenly proposed that he would try to enter Suiyang City to lobby Qin general Bai Yan.
Not to mention other people, even Qu Zizhao felt that it was either they or Ku Gu who were crazy.
Bai Yan finally caught Huang Ye, so how could he let Huang Ye go with peace of mind.
But he couldn't help but followed what Kogu said and was heard by Huang Xia who came to the commander's tent. As a member of Huang Ye's tribe, Huang Xia saw that Kogu was willing to risk his life and went to Suiyang City to lobby. While excited, Huang Xia also Hope aroused in his heart, he kept asking General Xiang Yan for orders, hoping that General Xiang Yan would allow him to give it a try.
Finally looking at Huang Xia with a sincere face, and then looking at Xiao Gu, General Xiang Yan seemed to consider the morale problem and the many generals under Huang Ye's command. After discussing with other generals, he nodded and agreed that Xiao Gu would go as the envoy of Chu State. Suiyang City.
now.
As soon as Qu Zizhao saw Suiyang City getting closer and closer, especially when he noticed the figure tied to a huge tree on top of the city, his heart was full of worry.
As the son of Qu Yu, Qu Zizhao, like Ji Gu, came here to gain credit, otherwise he would not have been following General Xiang Yan and serving Xiang Yan.
His father also hoped that he could follow the general Xiang Yan, learn more skills and experience, and make some achievements with the army.
But his father never said anything to put him in danger!
"Xigu, yigu, my father trusts you so much, you must not kill me!"
Qu Zizhao became increasingly uneasy. He turned his head and glanced at the empty plain behind him, with a look of despair on his face.
Unable to help but look at Huang Xia on the other side of the valley, Qu Zizhao felt a little comforted. At least, even if Huang Ye couldn't be saved this time, Huang Xia had to remember his relationship with the valley.
"Don't worry, gentleman! Bai Yan will never kill us!"
After Ji Gu glanced at Qu Zizhao beside him, he saw Qu Zizhao's brows were filled with uneasiness and comforted him.
Turning his head and looking at Suiyang City, which was gradually approaching, Kogu couldn't help but recall that when he was a child, his mother had always objected to him taking Yan'er to dig out bird eggs. After all, outside Linzi City, whether it was fields or mountains and forests, everyone had their own owner. People, especially Shanlin, are the fiefdoms of the big shots in Linzi City.
If you are caught digging bird eggs in other people's territory, you will be fined at least, or even arrested at worst. This is why my mother has always opposed it.
However, every time he saw the empty mountain forest and never saw a single person in the past, Kogu couldn't resist the temptation of the barren mountains. Therefore, without letting his mother know, every time he learned about Yan'er's arrival, , Kogu would intentionally or unintentionally put something on the firewood in the yard in advance, and then Kogu or Bai Yan would leave the house one after another in a tacit understanding and secretly meet outside.
This is why Ji Guhui was confused when he learned that Bai Yan trapped Huang Ye on the mold.
Ji Gu always felt that the reason why his nephew tied up Huang Ye was not just to affect the morale of the Chu army, but because he might want to see him.
Although it's just a guess from Kogu.
But even if there was the slightest possibility, Kogu was still determined to give it a try. Now that his nephew was facing Xiang Yan, Lord Changping, and nearly 200,000 Chu troops, Kogu would rather be wrong than let go of anything. possible.
"Who are you waiting for?"
After riding horseback to a place not far from the city head, Kogu heard Qin soldiers shouting loudly on the city wall not far away.
Seeing this, Jigu asked the Chu soldiers beside him to come forward and speak.
"We are the envoys of the Chu army. Following the order of General Xiang Yan, we would like to meet with General Bai Yan in the city! Please inform us!"
The Chu soldiers shouted loudly towards the city.
Seeing Qin soldiers leaving, he went to report it and was waiting.
The three people from Kogu outside the city looked at Huang Ye who was tied to a wooden frame and blown by the cold wind on the top of the city in the distance. Qu Zizhao and Kogu among the three were okay. They had been mentally prepared before, but Huang Xia's eyes turned red when she saw this scene.
"Huang Xia begs sir, you must save our uncle this time!"
Huang Xia turned his head and looked at Xiao Gu with earnest eyes.
Among all the Chu army, almost everyone has given up on saving the clan Bo Huangye, even General Xiang Yan and Lord Changping are no exception, except Jie Gu is different.
Although Huang Xia had little contact with Kogu, he had heard that Kogu had sacrificed his life to save Xiang Liang for some unknown reason.
Dare to risk his life to save others, even though Huang Xia has never heard of how talented Kogu is, but facing such a person who sacrifices his life for righteousness, Huang Xia admires him very much, and now he has naturally placed all his hopes on Kogu.
"Xi Gu will do his best, General Huang Xia will wait for you, don't be impatient, and don't offend Bai Yan again!"
Ji Gu looked at Huang Xia and comforted him.
After waiting for a moment, under the gaze of Kogu, the gate of Suiyang City slowly opened. This scene surprised Kogu and others. They thought that Bai Yan was at the mansion and Qin soldiers went to report. In the time required for the visit, they had to Wait a long time.
Unexpectedly, the Qin army opened the city gate so quickly!
Ji Gu quickly took Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia on horseback and slowly entered the city gate.
But just when they arrived at the city, they saw a Qin army general, leading a group of soldiers, blocking the road in the city, and stepped forward to stop them.
"I am the envoy of the Chu army. I want to see General Bai Yan!"
Seeing the ferocious look in the Qin army general's eyes, Huang Xia couldn't help but have some disordered breathing and felt the pressure. Qu Zizhao was even more unbearable and didn't dare to look at him. Only Kogu, after dismounting first, stepped forward to fight. Literally, explain your intention.
"If you want to see the general, it's enough for the three of you to go!"
He looked at the three of them, frowned and said, his eyes full of hostility as he looked at the four accompanying Chu soldiers behind Kogu.
"this……"
Qu Zizhao didn't feel much sense of security to begin with, and his legs were a little weak even when he dismounted. Now that he heard that even the four accompanying Chu soldiers who were good at fighting could not follow him, he looked at Xiu Gu with worry, his face full of uneasiness.
"Okay! The four of you will stay here! Gentleman, don't worry, the city is full of Qin troops. If General Bai wants to kill us, it will be easy for him to kill us!"
After Kogu gave the order, he told Qu Zizhao not to worry. When comforting Qu Zizhao, Kogu glanced at the Qin soldiers around him, as if to tell everyone that since he was here, he would not be afraid.
As Kogu's words fell, he watched the Qin Army general ask the other two Qin soldiers to come forward to search him. Kogu also cooperated with his hands and spread out his wide sleeves to search the Qin Army general in front of him.
However, when he inadvertently searched his arm, Kogu frowned slightly, and was surprised to feel that for a moment, there was something extra in his hand. He looked at the Qin general who was searching his body in front of him, and Kogu stared at him. With a hooked look in his eyes, he finally realized that this general of the Qin Army was definitely his nephew's confidant.
This also made Kogu feel more certain that it was indeed his nephew who wanted to see him.
"Walk!"
After watching the other two soldiers search themselves, Zhang nodded and led the three of them out of the city gate.
Kogu followed behind Zhang, his brows furrowed. When he found out what was in his hands, he looked thoughtful, and then his eyes lit up.
On top of the city.
Under the leadership of Mang, Kogu and his party saw Bai Yan. Bai Yan was wearing Qin armor, standing in the city road, looking in the direction of the Chu army outside the city.
"General, the people have been brought here!"
Zhang came to Bai Yan's side and handed over his hand to report.
At this time, Bai Yan turned around and looked at the three people in front of him. Ji Gu and Bai Yan had met countless times, and naturally they didn't show any signs of surprise. However, when Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia saw Bai Yan's appearance, they both looked surprised and surprised. .
"Envoy Chu, I have met General Bai!"
Ji Gu took the lead in bowing his hands to Bai Yan.
Hearing Ji Gu's voice, Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia came back to their senses and quickly followed the same example as Ji Gu, bowing their hands in salute to Bai Yan.
"Are you here to persuade me to surrender this time?"
Bai Yan looked at the three of them with a mocking look on his face and asked with a slight smile. Matching Bai Yan's tone, the smile fell into the eyes of Ji Gu and others, which was quite mocking.
"No! Since the general is determined to fight to the death for King Qin Yingzheng, Kogu knows that no matter how he persuades him, the general will not change his mind. To be honest with the general, Kogu is here for General Huang Ye. I hope General Bai can allow us to take General Huang Ye away!"
Jigu didn't seem to care about Bai Yan's appearance and said to Bai Yan.
As soon as Kou Gu finished speaking, Bai Yan couldn't help laughing and looked at Kou Gu with a surprised look on his face.
"Let Huang Ye go? You can ask Xiang Yan if he is willing to let all the Qin soldiers go back to Qin!"
After Bai Yan finished speaking, the smile on his face disappeared, and he stared at the three of them.
The hand on the side without any trace was placed on the hilt of the Qin sword at his waist. The thick and bearded face stared at the three of them, causing Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia to break out in cold sweat.
Even Kogu, who knew that Bai Yan would not harm him, was shocked by the look in his eyes.
Fortunately, after coming to his senses, Kogu felt at ease when he realized that Bai Yan in front of him was his nephew, and that the Qin army general was his nephew's confidant.
"You will not be humiliated. With General Bai's move, has he ever considered that if he is defeated in the future..."
Kogu pretended not to be afraid, and even laughed wildly, as if he was not afraid of the person beside him.
And Kogu's laughter also made Huang Xia and even Qu Zizhao look at him with admiration. At this time, not to mention Huang Xia, even Qu Zizhao finally understood why his father valued Kogu so much.
But in this situation, the courage to be able to face Bai Yan without fear of Bai Yan's threats is probably among the best among the scholars, and he is quite generous and noble.
However, the sound of a sword being drawn out of its scabbard suddenly sounded next to them, making Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia startled.
Qu Zizhao instinctively took a step back, but Huang Xia endured the panic and instinctively stepped forward to protect Xiao Gu.
"General, you might as well listen to my words and let General Huang Ye return to Chu. If the general is defeated in the future, he may be spared from death!"
Kogu saw that Zhang had drawn his sword out of its sheath, but after putting away his smile, he still looked directly at Bai Yan.
Bai Yan ignored Kogu's words and signaled to a close aide to leave.
"Do you know why I let you enter the city?"
Bai Yan looked at Xiao Gu.
At this time, Bai Yan felt relieved. After all, his uncle was someone who could prosper in Chu State. Bai Yan had never thought about this performance.
Looking at his confused uncle, a few breaths later, a trusted aide not far away who had been waiting came over escorting several injured and dying Chu soldiers. Just when Ji Gu didn't know what Bai Yan was going to do.
In an instant, a Qin soldier put the Chu soldiers away, then caught the three of them off guard, pulled out the sharp sword from his waist, and chopped off the Chu soldiers' heads.
Blood instantly spilled to the ground. Ji Gu, Qu Zizhao, and Huang Xia all changed their expressions. They did not expect that Bai Yan would order the killing in front of them.
Seeing that those Chu soldiers were former generals, Huang Xia was startled, and then looked at Bai Yan with resentment in his eyes. However, thinking of what Xiao Gu had said before and that the clan chief was still in Bai Yan's hands, Huang Xia Only then did he forcefully suppress the anger in his heart.
When he saw the heads of several Chu soldiers, they were chopped off by Qin soldiers and brought forward.
At this time, not to mention Ku Gu, Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia finally knew why Bai Yan said what he just said.
"Take it back to Xiang Yan and tell Xiang Yan and Lord Changping that if you want to capture Suiyang City, it depends on how many lives Chu has to offer! Huang Ye was not the first Chu general, nor was he the last to die here. General Chu!"
Bai Yan said calmly, completely indifferent to the deaths of several Chu soldiers.
People like Bai Yan who have experienced many wars have long been accustomed to killings and corpses. Even before Bai Yan joined the army, he often came into contact with long-dead corpses, even rotting corpses.
After finishing speaking, Bai Yan glanced at the three of them, turned around and left, no longer paying attention to the three of them.
See this.
Looking at the severed heads of Chu soldiers, Huang Xia looked at Bai Yan's leaving figure, feeling anxious, but unable to stop Bai Yan from leaving.
Just when Huang Xia was furious, Kogu on the side finally spoke.
"If I exchange it with grain and millet, will the general agree?"
Ji Gu looked at Bai Yan's leaving figure and asked.
As soon as the words came out, Bai Yan stopped. Huang Xia and even Qu Zizhao were all stunned and looked at Ji Gu.
Kogu watched Bai Yan turn around with a thoughtful look on his face. In fact, Kogu was also very confused at this moment, but the Qin army general holding a sword just now did give him a few grains of grain.
Kogu was very certain about this. How could he not be able to detect Liangsu's feeling?
"In exchange for food? Is this Xiang Yan's intention?"
Bai Yan seemed a little confused and looked straight at Xiao Gu.
"As long as General Bai is willing, it's okay, but the premise is that General Huang Ye can leave Suiyang City alive!"
Kogu had seen all kinds of people, so he naturally cooperated with Bai Yan.
Bai Yan seemed to be thinking about what Kogu said, and then he didn't seem to worry about Kogu teasing him.
"Huang Ye should still be alive! Take them to see!"
Bai Yan ordered to Mang beside him.
Mu nodded, and then looked at the three of Kogu, who turned his head, glanced at Bai Yan, and asked Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia to follow him, while he stayed and continued talking to Bai Yan.
Seeing Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia nodding and following Qu to leave, Kogu finally breathed a sigh of relief. After seeing Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia go away, he saw that there was no one around.
"Food, Xiang Yan wants to capture Suiyang City right now. There is no way he will agree to exchange food for Huang Ye!"
Kogu looked at his little nephew and said softly.
If his nephew hadn't ordered his cronies to secretly give him a few grains of grain, Kugu would never have said anything about giving him grains of grain in exchange for Huang Ye.
It seems that Bai Yan will be worried about the lack of food and grass when faced with the encirclement of Chu State's Xiang Yan and Jing Qi armies. Therefore, Kogu proposes to exchange food for people. It seems that Bai Yan has a chance to agree, but in fact, it is the other way around. This is exactly the case. If you think about it, you will know that now that the Qin army is worried about grain and millet, General Xiang Yan will never agree to exchange grain and millet for people. When Kogu said it, he looked like a person without consideration.
"How did my uncle tell Xiang Yan and others about the envoy to Suiyang City?"
Bai Yan did not rush to explain to his uncle, but asked. There was not much time. Bai Yan had to communicate with his uncle before Qu Zizhao and Huang Xia came back.
Hearing this, Ji Gu quickly informed Bai Yan of what had happened in the Chu army's camp.
"Little uncle, Yan'er will order someone to detain my uncle and Qu Zizhao here later, and only let Huang Xia go back!"
After Bai Yan listened, he whispered and told his uncle what was going to happen next.
Ji Gu was shocked when he heard Bai Yan's words.
"Why? I should not be exposed!"
Kogu looked at Bai Yan incomprehensively. Kogu naturally knew that his nephew would not harm him and there must be a purpose in doing so. However, the only explanation that Kogu could think of was that he had been exposed.
"Don't worry, little uncle..."
Bai Yan shook his head and told his uncle that at the Chu army camp, his uncle spoke rashly and risked his life to come to rescue Huang Ye. There were many Chu soldiers, and Xiang Yan and Changping Jun were not stupid people. There were also other counselors. , it is inevitable that no one will notice the weirdness. Even if the younger uncle wants a favor from the Huang family, this excuse is quite weak and difficult to believe.
Therefore, we only need to detain the younger uncle here with Qu Zizhao and let Huang Xia go back alone. Before Huang Xia leaves the city, the younger uncle only needs to find an opportunity to tell the Qin army soldiers who were still sleepy after entering the city and the scene they saw. Xiang Yan and others, Xiang Yan and others will understand the purpose of my uncle's mission to Suiyang City.
Secondly, Bai Yan also plans to release Huang Ye back to Chu State and detain his uncle. He also wants his uncle to take care of Huang Ye during this period. When Huang Ye returns to Chu State, he will definitely be grateful to his uncle. Gained the trust of Huang Ye and even the entire Huang family.
Qu Zizhao went through hardships during this period, and after returning to Chu, he would talk about it everywhere. This was undoubtedly a disguised publicity for his uncle, making Chu people more and more convinced of his uncle.
"But if Xiang Yan is unwilling to exchange food for people, what will happen then? This is not..."
After listening to Bai Yan's words, Ji Gu felt that it made sense, but there was a very important prerequisite, that is, Xiang Yan agreed to exchange grains for people. If Xiang Yan did not agree, his nephew's actions would undoubtedly completely trap him. Here, all plans are empty talk, and he will not even be able to help his little nephew in Shouchun, Chu State in the future.
"That's why I asked my uncle to use the excuse of investigating the situation in the city to let Xiang Yan know that Yan'er didn't notice that the soldiers were poisoned. Last night, Yan'er guessed the night attack and just ordered an ambush! Even Xiang Yan still had doubts. , but just suspicion is enough! Secondly, if you put Huang Xia back and know that Huang Ye has hope of returning, Huang Xia will definitely try his best to rescue him. Whether it is the Huang family or the generals under Huang Ye, they will put pressure on Xiang Yan!"
When Bai Yan said this, he looked at his uncle who was listening carefully and continued with a smile.
"Third, my uncle once rescued Xiang Liang. My uncle was detained in the city or was being held for investigating information for Chu State. Xiang Liang will never let it go!"
Bai Yan's words were full of determination.
When Kogu heard this, he looked dazed. He finally woke up and understood what his little nephew was planning to do.
Thinking of this, Kogu raised his head and looked at the little nephew in front of him. Looking at the calm look on his face, Kogu felt a little dazed.
"Fourth, if this matter reaches Shouchun, there will definitely be someone in Shouchun who will try to put pressure on Xiang Yan and force Xiang Yan to agree to this matter!"
Bai Yan looked at Xiao Gu.
Ji Gu looked stunned again and looked at Bai Yan in confusion.
"who?"
Ji Gu asked in confusion, in Shouchun, who else besides himself could help his nephew, especially who could put pressure on Xiang Yan.
"Xiong Qi!"
Bai Yan smiled and said a name.
(End of chapter)
