Riding and Blade: Laughing Wind and Cloud Road

Chapter 28

The beautiful Tanysis Lake is located at the easternmost point of the Karad Empire. It is a saltwater lake that is long and narrow from north to south, and there is no river flowing out of it.There is a water system in the north and south, which continuously injects the water of life into it.The flow of the Assassis River in the north is particularly large, which is an important water source for the Great Lakes, but it is very cold in winter. From December to April of the next year, the north often freezes, and the ice thickness is generally 12 to 4 meters. War horses gallop on it. No problem.The water flow of the Epetis River in the south is less than one-tenth of that in the north, but the southern part of the Great Lake is warmer. Even in severe winter, the ice on the lake surface is easy to break, and the bottom of the southern lake is said to be particularly deep. There was once an imperial survey and mapping According to the test, it is about several hundred meters deep, so the waters in the south reflect a charming sky blue.The currents of the Great Lakes generally run from north to south along the west coast, developing a complex pattern in the south, forming several tributaries.Currents can accelerate where they meet strong winds, and the sea is often choppy.The storm's largest waves were over 0.5 meters near some peninsular bays in the western Great Lakes.Imperial surveyors looked at the lake as formidable as the sea, and the annotations in the imperial geography often call it Ni Hai.In the language of Kuset, it is called "Khazar Sea (or Khazar Sea).

The Korenia Plain in the south of the Great Lakes is a long and narrow area with flat terrain, fertile land and abundant annual rainfall. The geographical environment is very superior and it is very livable.Some small towns slowly developed, attracting many big families to buy land and build manors, such as the city of Correnia.The capital of the entire Silonia region is Silonia City.

More than a hundred kilometers east of Korenia City, there is a north-south mountain system called Korenia Mountains, which belongs to a branch of the Epetis Mountains.The Korenia Mountains cut off the narrow and long Korenia Plain like a sharp sword, and extended northward into the Great Lakes to form a narrow and steep peninsula, which was blocked by the abrupt Korenia Mountains Peninsula. The undercurrent of the Great Lakes makes the undercurrents surge dangerously under the calm water around Korenia Mountain.

Since the Eastern Legion of the Karad Empire fell, the empire lost the land and towns on the east side of the Corinia Mountains, which completely became a racetrack for nomadic tribes.Take Chaikan, for example. After the Kusaites occupied it, they directly planted the nine-tailed flag, which symbolized the power of the Great Khan, on the city of Chaikan.

The Corinia Fortress is located on the north-south Corinia Mountains.The fortress sits west and looks east and is built between two relatively high mountains.The higher one on the north side is Mount Tanisis, and the lower one on the south side is Mount Korenia.After passing through this pass, and walking along the winding imperial pipeline, you will see the endless Korenia Plain.

Korenia Fortress is a huge fortress built on the mountain, with three thick marble walls.The first outermost line is the main city wall, which is 12 meters high, 7 meters wide and 300 meters long. It is made of marble blocks piled up from the inside to the outside. Below is the only gate of the main city wall.At both ends of the main city wall, auxiliary walls were built all the way along the mountains on both sides, and towers were also built on the auxiliary walls.Standing on the Tanisis Mountain in the north, it is called Guanhai Tower, which can overlook the Great Lake, and it is called Wangshan Tower, which is built on Korenia Mountain and surrounded by mountains.Starting from the Wangshan Tower on the auxiliary wall, a city wall with a total length of about [-] kilometers was continued to be built along the direction of the mountain towards the south. Of course, the city wall was also built in the north, and the city wall was directly built to the steep shore of the Great Lake. Straight into the lake.This whole system of defenses was designed to prevent a massive invasion of the steppe tribes in this direction.

200 meters behind the main city wall, between the two mountains, is the second city wall. This section of the city wall is more than 200 meters long. Its height and width are the same as the outer main city wall, and a tower and city gate are also built in the middle. .Although this tower is not as high as the outermost main city wall, it is very large and magnificent, and it is the main castle of the entire fortress.Marble walls were also built on both sides of the main castle to connect with the outer walls.

Another 150 meters is the third city wall, which is not as magnificent as the first two sections.It is 9 meters high, 5 meters wide and 112 meters long.There is only one tower and the gate under the tower on the city wall.Like the second city wall, marble walls were also built on both sides to connect with the previous city wall.

There are also stone gates built at several turrets on the city wall of the entire pass to isolate the passage when necessary.The high wall of the first section of the city wall that extends into the lake bends inward, and many spikes are buried in the water to prevent stowaways.A simple aqueduct was also built near the second city wall.

Fatis is the captain of the scouts of the Korenia Fortress defenders.He is in charge of the entire scouting force of the Corinian Fortress, and is a subordinate of the Corinian Fortress Overseer Sikanes.

Earlier this month, it was heard that the Uwaites might rebel.The warlord Sicanese deliberately asked him to lurk a small Uwait tribe as a slave through an intermediary to spy on the military situation.Fatis lived up to expectations and lurked directly to Tekrit's department. The information he brought back shocked Sikanes.Hulunag of the Great Burke Akkarat city in the south of Kuset has met Uchahan, the great king of the Uwait tribe, at the border many times, and they have confirmed a verbal agreement to capture the Korenia fortress.Now Kusaite's 3000 troops have secretly entered the territory of Karad, hiding in a place called Chidori Ranch where the Uwaites graze.The Uwaites secretly gathered more than 50 people and hid them in a place called Wild Flower Valley more than [-] kilometers away from the Korenia Fortress.At present, they still lack siege tools, and they are being transported urgently by the big Berkmulek in the central part of Kuset.It is estimated that the attack time will be the beginning of next month at the latest.

The frontier army of Korenia Fortress only has 800 people, so it is indeed very difficult to deal with the attack of [-] troops.

Sikanis is now sitting in the study of the main fortress, thinking hard about a strategy to retreat from the enemy.His family is a branch of the Julius family, because of his father's relationship, he is highly regarded by the patriarch of the Julius family. The seat of the Overseer of the Fortress of Rhinia, responsible for the defense of the fortress.One of his guards walked softly to the door and knocked.

Sikanis woke up startled, looked up and asked, "Is there something wrong?"

"Sign up to Lord Overseer, the strong man who escorted Captain Fatis back is still in the castle square, should he be sent away or..."

Sikanes suddenly remembered the man Fatis had told him, and he was concerned about the military situation for a while, but forgot about it.He hurriedly said: "Go and invite him, I want to talk to him."

Before entering the castle, Jiu Ling'er told Fatis not to reveal that he was Jiu Ling'er who was hunted hard by the Cussets, lest unnecessary things happen.The implication is that they are afraid of being killed secretly, and take the head to receive the reward.

But Fatis did not hide anything from the chief of Sikanis, it was a matter of great importance to the country, and he must not lose the big because of small things.

Fatis told Sikanes that this man was very brave, and with his ability to kill six Uwait pursuers in one face-to-face on the grassland, the rumors about him may be true.It is absolutely impossible for ordinary people to kill Tuo Tukui and more than 20 soldiers of the Tuo Tu tribe by himself, but Jiu Ling'er can.He thinks that this person can stay, which will definitely help the upcoming war.In particular, he had participated in the Battle of Baimatun and was familiar with the fighting methods of the Kusaites.But Sikanis was too busy and accidentally forgot about it.

Jiu Ling'er was sitting in a stable hut beside the castle square, chatting with several soldiers.The soldiers got to know him right away.From afternoon to night, no one came to greet him.After that Fatis was sent in, it seemed like a mud cow fell into the sea, and there was no news of it.

Jiu Ling'er was puzzled.It's just that there is no reward, right?The soldiers comforted him, saying that the officer is good to everyone and loves soldiers like children.You saved Captain Fatis, there must be a reward.The soldiers entertained Jiu Ling'er for a meal.Jiu Ling'er thought it was so delicious that a bowl was gone in a blink of an eye.Seeing that Jiu Ling'er liked it, the soldiers shared another bowl.While thanking her repeatedly, Jiu Ling'er was swept away, and ate another one in a blink of an eye.After the meal, everyone sat together again talking nonsense.

It wasn't until it was dark that the lights were turned on that the sharp-eyed soldiers saw Sikanis' guards approaching, and hurriedly said to Jiu Ling'er, "Okay, the sir's guards are here to invite you."

The guard led Jiuling'er to the door of Sikanis' study inside the main castle.Sikanis was already standing by the door.Sikanis is in his 40s, tall and tall, with a short beard and piercing eyes.Jiu Ling'er was looking at him, and he was also looking at Jiu Ling'er.Jiu Ling'er was tall and mighty, exuding a fierce aura all over her body, no matter how she looked at it, she looked like a thieves leader running rampant in the grassland.

Sikanis thought to himself, no wonder he was able to kill people like hemp and come and go like flying. Thousands of people arrested him, but he forced a bloody way to escape.This kind of person is easy to use if tamed, but if it is not tamed well, it is a trouble.Mueller is an example.Who is Mu Leke? He is a famous figure in the East.Even Mulek couldn't handle him, and let him escape. How many people in the world can handle this savage?

Sikanis was thinking that Jiuling'er had already bowed to him.Sikanis knew all kinds of legends about Jiulinger very well, and with the confirmation of Fatis, he knew that this kid was the legendary Snow Mountain Savage.So I don't care about his ignorance of various etiquettes of the empire.

"The lower official is busy with his work, so he has offended a strong man by neglecting him." Sikanis said politely.

When Jiu Ling'er met the senior official of Karad for the first time, she was quite nervous and didn't dare to speak.Sycanes invited him in and sat down.

Seeing that he was very embarrassed, Sikanis smiled and said, "I have arranged for Fatis to go home to heal his injuries. Before leaving, Xiaofa repeatedly asked me to take good care of you. Do you have any requests?"

Jiu Ling'er hurriedly shook her head.

Sikanis laughed, "Then you have traveled all the way to Karad, is there really no reason at all?"

Jiu Ling'er was taken aback, and blurted out a sentence, "How do you know?" Then she realized that Fatis must have betrayed him, and her face immediately turned ugly.

Sikanis saw it, and hurriedly made amends to his subordinates: "In order to repay your life-saving grace, he specially entrusted me to take care of you. Of course, he must tell me the reason. Others are eager to be famous and make themselves famous. Why do you Not only unwilling, but also hiding?"

Jiu Ling'er smiled wryly, and said something that made Sikanis look at her with a smile. "There's nothing to show off about having to kill people. I've killed so many people, how many people should really be killed? Many people are like me, just to make a living and eat food and clothing. Fame, It’s just a name for killing people, it doesn’t matter if you don’t.”

Sikanis looked at Jiu Ling'er sitting in front of him, and suddenly felt very strange.He was not at all the reckless man in his heart, a trafficker and a pawn.

"Then are you willing to stay and serve as a soldier?"

"Of course I would. When I was in Kusait, I discovered that Marshal Mulek was planning to attack Danustika. If he really wanted to launch an attack, he should start the operation next month. I originally wanted to go to Danustika Stika said, but I don’t think anyone will pay attention to me. Although I came here by accident, if I want to walk around the Korenia Fortress, I should have the opportunity to serve as a soldier, so that I can serve the country. Protect the country and the people." Jiu Ling'er said.

Sikanis appreciated it greatly, and repeatedly praised:
"Good! Good! Good!"

Then he asked again: "Have you heard of an attack around Mulek?"

"I haven't heard of it. But I saw that he has outlined a complete attack posture on the map, and it should be within this period of time."

Sikanis became more and more interested in his words, and he found that this young man was very extraordinary.He immediately asked, "On what basis are you so sure?"

"Some time ago, the Kusat Khanate was in turmoil, and the power struggle was fierce. At the most critical time, the Generalissimo turned the tide and successfully stabilized the situation. However, the Kusat Khanate has been hit hard, and more tribes have been killed. They ignored the kingship of Chaikan. They only cared about vigorously developing their own tribal forces, and the annexation between the tribes has intensified. If it goes on for a long time, it will be a matter of time before the Kusait Khanate falls apart."

"The Grand Marshal suddenly launched an attack on Karad at this time, nothing more than for the stability of the Kusat Khanate. His purpose is very clear, to consume the strength of some large tribes through fighting, and at the same time tell those tribes who are about to move, Kusat Khanate The Sait Khanate is still a whole now. Whoever wants to rebel and cause trouble will not have any good results. Winning the battle will bring more spoils, which is good for the unity and prosperity of the tribes of Kuset. Losing , The strength of the big tribe is damaged, but it does not affect the overall interests of the Kusat Khanate. On the contrary, it is of great benefit to the stability of the Kusat Khanate. Therefore, it is imperative to attack Karad, and it is better to fight sooner than later. "

"The Grand Marshal said that the situation in Karad is very favorable to Cusait. This spring, the free folk riots that broke out everywhere, and the rebellion of Aserai! It has seriously shaken the foundation of Karad. The Grand Marshal said that we, Emperor Karad Faint and incompetent, licentious and extravagant, officials corrupt and perverting the law, and exploiting the people, Callard is already terminally ill and dying. This is a great opportunity to seize the frontier. He has been planning for many years, waiting for this day, how could he let go? Such a great opportunity."

"If the Corenia Fortress can be captured and controlled before the snow falls, it will have a decisive impact on the success of the Generalissimo's attack next year. The Corenia Fortress is a barrier to the eastern border of Karad. Once captured, the entire The northern part of the Epetis River will become the racetrack of the Cusitian cavalry, and there will be no defense against the invasion. If the Grand Marshal captures the Corinian fortress before the first snow comes, then the Corinian fortress will be destroyed before next spring. All sub-fortresses will be firmly in his hands."

"Once the heavy snow comes, the Karad army will be unable to support them. Even if the reinforcements arrive, how will they attack the impregnable Korenia Fortress in the ice and snow? When the snow blocks the mountains, how will the Karad reinforcements get food and grass? One winter, the Marshal rearranged his defenses in the Fortress of Corinia to accumulate strength. When spring came, he divided his troops into two groups, going down the Wesis River to attack Danustika, and leaving the Fortress of Corinia to attack and divert Onila’s reinforcements, the two armies will meet at Danustika. If this is the case, the eastern part of Karad and even the large areas of the Mesopotamia will be ravaged by his cavalry, the people will suffer, and the lives will be devastated.”

"Sir, do you think I'm right?" Jiu Ling'er finally asked.

Sikanis was clutching his short beard and contemplating, but did not answer him.Jiu Ling'er was too embarrassed to disturb him, so she just sat on the side and waited.

"So, everything that is about to happen is what Mulek did behind the scenes?" Sikanis said slowly.

"In the Kusait Khanate, there are far more people who obey Mulek's orders than those of Kusait Khan Mengzug. How could Mulek have done everything for the Kusait Khanate? That’s right. The most disappointing thing about Müllerk is that he murdered Mulek, which caused many rebels and greatly reduced the power of the country. Now that Mulek is back in power, it is a nightmare for neighboring countries.”

"Yeah, he is really our nightmare." Sikanis said with a heavy heart, "more than ten years ago, His Majesty the Emperor saw that Cusette was getting stronger and stronger, and appointed Lord Julius Tiyan as a court man. , led an army of 3000 to attack Kusait. The army was divided into three groups and marched side by side, sweeping across the prairie for more than a thousand miles. Unexpectedly, all this was deliberately arranged by Kusait’s Khan Al Shinan at the time. He adopted Mulek’s The strategy of luring the enemy deep led us into his ambush circle. The army was surrounded by an army of [-] Cusets in the depths of the plateau, and suffered heavy casualties. In the end, only more than [-] people returned to Karad. And all this is Baimu From Luke."

"Is your lord talking about the battle between the Eastern Legion and Kusait?" Jiu Ling'er asked softly.

"Yes. I was one of the soldiers who were lucky enough to escape back then. Fifty thousand soldiers were killed in World War I. Their bones are now abandoned deep in the prairie, and they will never come back. My biggest wish in this life is to We were able to defeat the Kusaites and transport their bones back to their homeland for burial to comfort their spirits in heaven." Sikanis said with a slightly hoarse voice, his eyes were slightly red.Jiu Ling'er felt the same way, her heart was heavy.

Sikanis stabilized his mood, and said slowly: "When my father went to war, I was studying law in Danustika, but... I think you are very knowledgeable and insightful in analyzing the situation, so you should not be an ordinary person. Do you just not remember your family and relatives?"

Jiu Ling'er shook her head in disappointment, "I can't remember. Forget it, don't I also eat my food now? When I was in Cusette, I often ate meat, and it was already very good."

Sikanis saw him waving his hands openly, with a look of indifference, thinking about it, he felt that what he said made sense.What's the matter, isn't it all a mess.Don't you too?Sikanis laughed, "How about you stay by my side as a guard?"

Jiu Ling'er shook her head, "I'll be a soldier. Their food is delicious."

Sikanis was stunned: "Is the food here not delicious?"

"I don't know. But their food is delicious. And I don't like being a bodyguard."

"Why?" Sikanis was surprised.As long as you are a soldier, no one wants to be a bodyguard.The guards follow behind the high officials, they are majestic, they are begged by others, the pay is high, there is no need for endless training, and there is no need to rush to the forefront in battle.Beautiful.Most people dare not even think about it.

"Following the high officials, you can't usually run around. When you are fighting, you have to do your best to protect him, but in the end, you fight very unpleasantly. It's boring." Jiu Ling'er said casually.

Sikanis was surprised, "Then where do you want to go?"

"A place where there are frequent battles is good." Jiu Ling'er asked immediately.

Sikanis gave him a regretful look, a little bit reluctant, "Go to Xiaofa's army and be a scout first, how about it?"

"Okay. That's great." Jiu Ling'er said excitedly.

Sikanis sent Jiu Ling'er away, and immediately wrote at his desk.He felt that Jiu Ling'er's analysis was very reasonable.This time Kusait's attack is not just a harassment attack, but a premeditated and planned military operation.When looking at the problem, we should look at it from a higher level, and when analyzing the situation, we should start from the overall situation.Only in this way can the problem be analyzed more thoroughly and thoroughly, and the solution to the problem will be more comprehensive and secure.Sikanis felt that he should inform his superiors of the current situation and the impending battle.He wrote two letters.A letter to the city of Corenia.A letter to the city of Silonia.Call for reinforcements.If Mulek must take down the Korenia Fortress, it will be difficult for his troops of less than 2000 to hold on.Sikanis thinks that Jiu Ling'er is a talent.

　Regarding the Korenia Fortress, I thought of several names, and finally I think this one is easier to remember.As for the Corinia Fortress and Kelong Mountain appearing out of thin air on the big map, it was completely helpless.Let's look at the map. The Karad Empire is simply leaking everywhere. When the wind and rain are turbulent, it can withstand the attacks of Kusaite and Aserai. It is a joke.There is no way, fabricate a fortress and come out, let's make a fuss first.

　　Everyone can understand that the Korenia Fortress was transferred westward from Fort Achesel to the Southern Empire.Then I turned him into a Xiongguan Fortress in terrain modification.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)