first minister

In Changshan County's room, the messenger looked at Xia Yunfei and said, "Young Master, I have one more thing I want to ask you."

"please say."

"What arrangements do you have in Swift State that he can use? Do you have any tokens?"

Xia Yunfei raised his eyebrows, "Young master, are you so sure that I will have arrangements in Yuyan State?"

The messenger also smiled and said, "Young master said, you should not be that useless. If there is really no arrangement, he will suggest to Marquis Jianning that you go home to have children and farm."

Xia Yunfei couldn't help but smile and whispered about the situation on his side.

After hearing this, the messenger couldn't help but raise his brows, nodded slowly, and muttered a few words to Xia Yunfei, which made Xia Yunfei's eyes light up.

Seeing his look, the messenger knew what he was thinking, and he joked with a smile: "You are already a marquis, leave some military exploits for us big soldiers!"

Xia Yunfei heyed, and all the previous worries and hesitations were gone.
-
  Fanyang County, Lucheng County, there is now a large camp outside the city.

This is the base camp for the five-way invasion of Daxia Langya Prefecture from Yuyan Prefecture.

At this moment, the jackals who had returned home with a full load were singing and drinking in the camp, and a higher-end banquet was also held in the city.

Among those who raised their glasses and drank freely, in addition to the generals leading the troops, there was also Dongfang Ping, the Lord of Swifts who had sneaked here quietly.

A commander riding a falcon stood up and looked at Dongfang Ping, "Your Highness, the general will give you a toast! Previously, the general had doubted whether it would be too risky to attack Langya State again, but he never expected that his highness's miraculous plan would allow the men to return with a full load. , the general is completely convinced!"

Another captain also stood up, "Your Highness, count me in! Your Highness's change of tactics is very classic, and he fully utilizes the advantages of our cavalry. He is worthy of being a famous general!"

Both of them stood up, and the rest of the people naturally couldn't sit still. They all stood up with wine glasses and toasted to Dongfang Ping.

Dongfang Ping smiled and raised his glass, "Come and drink with you all!"

After everyone had finished their drinks and sat down, a former Yuyanzhou border military captain said: "Your Highness, speaking of it, our fighting method is really good. We come and go like the wind, and the soldiers and horses of the imperial court are completely defenseless."

"The most important thing is that His Highness makes a decisive decision. This time is particularly good. As Swift Prefecture is a single state, we must not allow the imperial court to slowly resume development without disturbing them and turning the Langya Prefecture into a state that cannot be filled. The big hole."

"Yes, we can only spend two or three thousand men to send out troops once, but the imperial court needs to spend tens of thousands of people to defend. Military expenses, military rations, materials, and manpower are all consumed to death!"

"We can continue to plunder and grow, but they can only keep filling this hole with supplies and manpower, and we can sit back and relax!"

Everyone's words to each other made the atmosphere in the whole room even hotter than the temperature.

Dongfang Ping smiled and reached out to press it. The gentle movement made the room quiet instantly.

"Everyone, although we have won a great victory this time, don't forget that our ultimate goal is not to plunder, but to grow, to develop, and to establish a national foundation! Therefore, when we do this, on the one hand, we are trying our best to To strengthen our combat power and appease our soldiers, on the other hand, we want to force Xia Yunfei out, and then directly defeat him without the strong city barrier, and avenge our shame! Langya State will be at our fingertips! By then we will If you stand in two states and have a glimpse of the world, the road ahead will be clear in an instant!"

He raised his cup and said, "This cup is for your hard work. Have a good rest tonight, prepare the army for war tomorrow, recharge your batteries, and wait for Xia Yunfei to send out troops. We must win in one battle!"

Everyone shouted loudly and drank all the wine boldly.

After the banquet was over, these officers walked in the spring breeze with their faces flushed, to catch a spring appointment.

Dongfang Ping stood in the room, leaning against the window, and it seemed that he could still hear the pitiful cries of the women who had been robbed, and the wanton laughter of drunken jackals.

The guard on the side asked in a low voice with some doubts: "Your Highness, didn't you say that you are going to continue to plunder? Just this time, how much pressure can the court put on you, I'm afraid I won't be able to force Xia Yunfei out, right?"

Dongfang Ping chuckled and said: "The first time I caught them off guard, and they had already returned with a full load. How much more money will there be for the second time? Think about it, what are we doing raising those bandits? Give them a If there is a good opportunity to make a fortune, why would they not rush forward excitedly?"

The guard's eyes lit up, "Wonderful! In this way, we can not only maintain the situation of looting and raiding, but also exercise these rabble. It can also mobilize and weaken them to maintain public security in the state. The key is not to delay our army preparation for war." .”

Dongfang Ping narrowed his eyes, "Not only that, if the Southern Dynasties are brave enough to fight, they will find that these people are just idiots. Next time, I will put on a real falcon."

The guard was completely convinced when he heard this, "Your Highness is wise!"

Dongfang Ping didn't take the flattery of his subordinates too seriously and waved his hand lightly, "Have any news come back from those spies on the border with Yanyuan Prefecture in the west?"

He is no idiot. Now Beiliang is busy with civil strife. As long as Jiang Yuhu is bold, it is indeed possible to deal with him.

Everyone knows how courageous Jiang Yuhu is, and the people of Beiliang know it best.

Even though he had deployed more than [-] heavy troops to guard the border, he still thought that he had to ensure that Jiang Yuhu did not move out before he dared to initiate subsequent actions.

"It has been sent out, but I have not received a reply yet."

Dongfang Ping breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Go and do your work. Those who have arranged patrols will have a good rest tonight."

After the personal guards retreated, he thought about other things for a while, and then fell asleep without knowing when.

The next day, the habit of many years in the army made him get up early, wash up, and eat breakfast slowly. He was about to arrange for the bandits in the state to go to Langya State to "make a lot of money" when he was suddenly interrupted by a piece of news. all plans.

He looked at the soldiers who came to report the news in surprise and joy, "Really?"

The soldiers also nodded happily, "Really, it was our spies buried in Changshan County who risked their lives to send the news last night. The messenger from the Langya Prefecture Mufu arrived yesterday afternoon, probably to put pressure on Xia Yunfei. Xia Yunfei came last night Begin to organize the army."

"Okay, okay! A mediocre official will help me with my great mission!"

Dongfang Ping pounded his palms excitedly, "As long as Xia Yunfei sends troops, we have a good chance to completely wipe out this stumbling block!"

The soldier was puzzled: "But Your Highness, now that we are invading Langya Prefecture, Xia Yunfei is also sending troops in the direction of Langya Prefecture with the intention of mopping up our tribe. It will be difficult for us to fight them decisively, right?"

Dongfang Ping smiled confidently, "That's what you people think. Although Xia Yunfei is young, I don't think he sticks to the rules when it comes to military use. Moreover, he comes from Wudang Army and has been praised by Jiang Yuhu as a born general. How can such people Is he that kind of person who is led by the nose? If my prediction is correct, he will definitely send troops to attack my Fanyang County and attack me. In this way, the siege of Langya Prefecture will be naturally solved, and at the same time, it can be regarded as the recovery of Yuyan. The state lost territory.”

Only then did the soldier understand the connection. He smiled and said respectfully, "It's a pity that His Highness has already predicted his thoughts. He will definitely be hit with a bloody head!"

"Hmph!" Dongfang Ping showed a chill, "I want to make Fanyang County become the second Changshan County, and give back to them double what they suffered back then!"

"Summon the generals for a meeting!"

"Yes!"

An hour later, everything in the city was as before, but a team of more than [-] people escorted a luxurious carriage and slowly left the city.

In a secluded place more than ten miles away from the city, Dongfang Ping got off the carriage, rushed away with his guards, and disappeared into the forest where white snow and red flowers coexisted.

Only one person was left driving a carriage, moving forward leisurely, humming a ditty in his mouth. It was unclear whether it was a song of victory or an elegy.

After about half a day, the team broke into pieces and quietly entered Fanyang County.

In the backyard of the prefect's mansion, Dongfang Ping, dressed in casual clothes, looked at his newly appointed prefect Fan Yang and asked, "How is the defense in the city?"

Prefect Fan Yang looked at Dongfang Ping who suddenly came here for some reason. He thought about the possibility of being caught for his recent illegal activities. In the end, he couldn't figure out and could only choose to answer honestly, "Your Highness, there are sufficient ordnance supplies in the city." , there are five thousand soldiers, enough to defend against the enemy."

After finishing speaking, he felt that the answer was not satisfactory enough and added, "But His Highness is so powerful that we are the only ones who can fight against others. How can others dare to intrude on me?"

Before he could finish his compliments, Dongfang Ping glared back coldly.

After all, Dongfang Ping did not choose to reprimand him, but said: "Next, you have to pretend that I am not here, don't let the spies from the court in the city find out that I am here, and then respond to the enemy's attack normally."

Prefect Fan Yang nodded first, then suddenly raised his head, his eyes widened.

At this moment, an anxious announcement came from outside, "Sir! It's not good!" Fan Yang looked at Dongfang Ping hesitantly. Dongfang Ping nodded. Then Fan Yang walked over, opened the door, and said coldly. He snorted, "What's wrong? How can you be so flustered!"

"Sir, it's not good, the imperial troops are coming!"

Prefect Fan Yang's heart skipped a beat, and he almost screamed, but then he remembered that Dongfang Ping was still in the room, so he quickly gathered his thoughts and pretended to be calm: "I'll call you if I call you, so what? I usually have another It’s not like I haven’t taught you how to prepare for war, just follow it as usual!”

The subordinates were stunned. What have you taught us in daily life? Are you greedy for money and drunkenness?
  Prefect Fan Yang's eyes widened, "Why are you still standing there? Immediately inform the Yazhong to discuss the matter!"

The subordinates hurried away, and Governor Fan Yang returned to the room, "Your Highness, you have such a clever plan, the imperial troops are really coming!"

Dongfang Ping patiently listened to the useless flattery of his subordinates, and tried his best to suppress his anger, "Go and do your business, do whatever you have to do, don't expose my existence, otherwise you will be dealt with by military law!"

After the other party took the order and left, Dongfang Ping stood in the room, looking out of the city with a bit of longing.

Xia Yunfei, the trap has been set, will you come?
  In Changshan County, the north gate of the county city slowly opened. A tall sergeant, riding a tall horse and holding a big flag in his hand, slowly walked out of the city gate. His bright armor reflected the cold light, his resolute eyes, and his face. Bo, that is the power and calmness that can only be found in a warrior who has fought a hundred battles.

Under the banner with the word "Xia", Xia Yunfei rode his horse slowly, followed by a long team.

They regrouped three miles out of the city, with [-] infantry forming a square formation, [-] cavalry cruising to guard both sides, and scouts sent out ten miles away, slowly moving across the vast and flat land at high speed.

In front of the Chinese army's formation, Xia Yunfei calmly crossed the Putao River and officially entered the territory of Yuyan Prefecture.

The reason why he chose to spread the news in advance last night was to allow Dongfang Ping to achieve his goal and stop letting people come to plunder, so that he could protect more people in Langya State.

Today's dispatch of troops is a big gamble.

He wants to bet that Dongfang Ping will come here with his main force as he wishes;

He also wanted to bet that his team, which he had trained for more than a month, could withstand the impact of the Eastern Border Army and the Falcon Cavalry without being defeated;

He even wanted to bet that Jiang Yuhu could make perfect cooperation and reverse the situation;
  This battle between prediction and counter-prediction is not about who is smarter, but who is more patient.

Or, the competition is about who has more chips and more helpers.

As Erlang said, if you gain the right, you will get a lot of help, but if you lose the right, there will be little help.

The news that Xia Yunfei had actually sent troops was both great news and a bit of bad news for Dongfang Ping.

Fortunately, Xia Yunfei came as promised, but the bad thing was that he did not choose to march quickly to raid Fanyang County City, but instead fought steadily and worked step by step.

And this also shows that the other party knows his plan and has no dream that Fanyang County is defenseless.

Dongfang Ping frowned, thought for a long time, and gritted his teeth gently, "In that case, let's do it!"

His cavalry are elite frontier troops and falcon cavalry, and they are absolutely not afraid of field battles. No matter how hard he thinks, he can't think of a reason to lose!

Upon thinking of this, he called his personal guards to accompany him, "Immediately send an order to the generals on horseback to encircle Fanyang County as previously arranged!"
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  When Fanyang County's army was about to attack, several ordinary caravans slowly and leisurely marched from the direction of Yanyuan Prefecture towards Yuyan Prefecture.

After being subjected to a rigorous interrogation, they managed to enter the territory of Swift State after only carrying some clothes and fabrics and paying a lot of money to buy the way.

Then, the group of people seemed to disappear out of thin air, like a drop of water falling into a pond.

One day later, Canglang Mountain welcomed several guests who had traveled a lot.

But Xiao Fengshan did not receive them immediately, because at this moment, he was in the reception hall of the village, cooperating with the boss to get angry at Mr. Hong's envoy.

"What's going on, Your Highness? Didn't you agree to go out today and lead us to plunder the Langya State? The brothers' swords are already hungry and thirsty. You come to me now to tell me that you can't go any further?"

Hu Dakui, the nominal head of Canglang Mountain, could not pretend to be a bandit, and he was quite capable of doing so.

Oh no, he was a bandit.

The man in black was sitting in the meeting hall. He was so disdainful of these low-class bullshit that he just wanted to scold them, but he could only put a smile on his face. The imperial army is attacking, we need to shrink our front to protect all our brothers!"

Hu Dakui was stunned, and Xiao Fengshan snorted coldly, "Fart! The imperial army is coming, shouldn't we just take advantage of the imperial army's absence to go to Langya Prefecture to have a good time? Why don't you let us go? Could it be that you want to keep us here? Will I be your vanguard here?"

Vanguard Army? Are you fucking worthy?
  The man in black cursed in his heart and forced a smile: "How could that be possible? Although our Canglang Mountain brothers are in Fanyang County, we are still far away from the county seat. If you need to be recruited, why don't you leave early? ? His Highness’s consideration this time is really to concentrate on destroying the official army first, and then there will be no troops to defend Langya Prefecture. At that time, isn’t it a good time for you brothers to show off your skills!”

Xiao Fengshan pretended to be displeased and snorted again, "Do you treat me like a three-year-old child? You are giving supplies and ordnance. We don't need our efforts in the war. When we win, we will go and grab the fat sheep. What do we have to do with you?"

At this time, another leader who was now the third in command of the village and brought more than a hundred people to join the gang also echoed and said: "Isn't that right? If you don't give us an explanation today, I'm afraid our life will not be stable. !”

The man in black smiled and said: "You can rest assured. We have given you the things now, and we have not asked you to do anything first. His Highness's wisdom is beyond the reach of my subordinates. I will not be able to tell him what orders he has. Foreknowledge. But His Highness has made it clear that it is a gentleman's agreement with you. If you are unwilling to carry out His Highness's instructions at that time, His Highness will not force you."

Before Hu Dakui and Xiao Fengshan opened their mouths, the three leaders snorted, "In that case, don't blame me for not talking about our old friendship!"

The man in black nodded, "That's natural!"

The third child had already said so, so Hu Dakui and Xiao Fengshan didn't have much to say, so the matter was considered to have been revealed for the time being.

After the man in black left, the three leaders looked at the two of them and said, "First Master, Second Master, let's not worry about him. If Dongfang Ping wants to give us something, let's just keep it. Don't give it for free. As for the other things, , we have all raised the flag, why do we need to look at whose face!"

Hu Dakui nodded repeatedly, "That's right, we won't suffer any loss anyway!"

Xiao Fengshan sneered in his heart and remained calm on his face, "Yes, the third child is right, let's not worry about it so much. Now that winter is over, we should do our own thing."

The three of them said a few more words and then left.

As soon as Xiao Fengshan walked out of the meeting hall, he saw his confidant approaching with a solemn expression, and whispered in his ear: "Here comes someone."

Xiao Fengshan remained calm and slowly exchanged a few words with Hu Dakui and the Third Master before walking slowly back to the room.

When the door closed, he looked at the people waiting in the room and clasped his fists, "Who is your Excellency?"

The visitor looked at him, slowly pulled off the wind-shielding cloth on his face, and said with a smile: "I didn't expect you and I to meet again here."

Xiao Fengshan's expression changed, and he slowly took off his mask. There was a bit of emotion in his expression, "Yes, I didn't expect that we would see each other again in this life."

The man who was once the most powerful soldier in the Wudang Army and fought side by side with Jiang Erye and Xiao Fengshan said: "I have heard about the incident in Changshan County. Congratulations to you, you are still the same Xiao Sanlang who is both civil and military."

Xiao Fengshan shook his head, with a calm expression, "Thank you, Chongsheng. The past has passed."

The man didn't say much, "Okay, let's talk about old times later. I'm here today because I have something extremely important to discuss with you."

Xiao Fengshan also looked at him seriously. After he finished listening to the man's words, his expression quietly changed, and he felt a wave of uncontrollable excitement and excitement.

There was a smile on the man's face, "Seeing your expression, I knew that the matter was settled."

At night, the spring breeze still carries a bit of a chill. Except for the people on duty at the mountain pass and various important roads in Canglang Mountain, everyone in Canglang Mountain slept peacefully in warm quilts.

Two to three hundred black shadows appeared quietly from the village, and penetrated into each room like an all-pervasive wind.

The screams sounded almost at the same time, clean and crisp, and they all walked peacefully.

An hour later, a team of more than [-] people, equipped with sophisticated ordnance, rode horses and walked through the snow-melting mud into the spring night.

In the cottage in Canglang Mountain, the only sounds were the wind whining through the windows and the constant barking of dogs. (End of chapter)