Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

Yang Ling nodded in agreement: "This method is feasible, just follow this idea, but Lao Chen, I don't think it is safe enough. This plan is too hasty. I think you will add more firepower."

When Qin Tian heard this, he couldn't help but asked in surprise: "You want to add more fire?"

"Not bad!" Yang Ling said solemnly, "My idea is that our army is well-equipped, has sufficient soldiers, and is not short of food and grass supplies, so we just need to fight steadily. But the problem is that the enemy is at the end of the road and is desperately trying to counterattack. They The morale is low and the combat effectiveness is severely damaged. Our victory is inevitable. As long as we can control Hejian Mansion, the situation here will basically be stable. As for how to deal with the various officials, gentry and local tyrants in Hejian Mansion next, It’s something we’ll do in the future.”

Qin Tian and Chen Bangyan were convinced that what Yang Ling said was in agreement with the two of them. Everyone was greedy for the fat piece of Hejian Mansion, but they knew that if they wanted to seize Hejian Mansion, they must defeat Zhang Xianzhong.

"But our biggest problem now is the camp. It's too close to Yanshan. If we really confront the Southern Song Dynasty in the future, I'm afraid they will come out in force to attack our base. We must be prepared to meet the enemy, otherwise we will be beaten passively. , but we don’t have enough manpower and material resources,” Chen Bangyan reminded with a frown.

"I have also considered this issue, which is why I called everyone here."

At this point, Yang Ling pointed outside and said, "Old Qin, what do you see over there?"

Qin Tian looked in the direction of his finger and saw several small villages hidden in the dense woods three to four hundred meters to the north.

"Where is that place?" Qin Tian asked doubtfully.

Yang Ling explained: "That is the county seat of Xinping Prefecture, Xinping Fort, which is now occupied by us."

"Ah? It's Xinping Fort?" Chen Bangyan shouted in surprise, "Brother Qin Xian, you are too brave. Xinping Fort is now Zhang Xianzhong's lair. You are trying to force him to jump over the wall!"

Xinpingbao's geographical location is very special. It is at the intersection of the Yanshan Mountains and the Yangtze River. It is a natural barrier guarding the throat of the entire Yanshan Mountains. It has been firmly controlled by Zhang Xianzhong over the years.

Now that Zhang Xianzhong's main force has retreated to the territory, Xinping Fort's troops are weak, but due to the complex terrain and crisscrossed water network, it is a place that is easy to defend but difficult to attack.

Yang Ling snorted coldly: "I hope he will become desperate, so that we can beat him when he is down."

When Qin Tian heard the killing intent in Yang Ling's tone, he couldn't help but feel awe in his heart. He knew that his commander was not a good man. He was not only ruthless in his methods, but also meticulous in his calculations. If he decided to send troops to suppress Zhang Xianzhong, It is absolutely as powerful as thunder and as fast as lightning, and can wipe out Zhang Xianzhong's remaining power without any effort.

Thinking of this, Qin Tian couldn't help but stand in awe, this is Yang Ling, this is the pillar of the rebel army, his decision is wise.

Yang Ling continued: "Xinping Fort is easy to defend and difficult to attack. We cannot attack rashly, so my idea is to send scout horses to scout the situation around Xinping Fort, find out the weak points of the defense, and then organize a surprise attack to seize it when the enemy is caught off guard. Chengchi, what do you think?"

"Wonderful, Brother Qin Xian's opportunity to make a meritorious deed has come!" Chen Bangyan laughed.

After hearing this, Qin Tian quickly waved his hands and said humbly: "Where, the Commander-in-Chief still directs Ruoding. I am just offering suggestions. The specific operations are arranged by the Commander-in-Chief himself. I dare not overstep his authority."

"Well, okay, let's do this."

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then continued: "I just said that our army is well-equipped, with high-quality soldiers, advanced weapons, and its combat effectiveness is much better than those brave bandits. It just lacks training and cannot enforce orders and prohibitions. I think We should seize the time to train soldiers and let them get used to the rules of the army as soon as possible. "

Chen Bangyan nodded in agreement upon hearing this, while Qin Tian also remained silent.

Yang Ling continued: "What I mean is to let the generals take turns leading the troops to train and turn the troops into qualified troops as soon as possible. In addition to the artillery, my subordinates also have 5,000 crossbowmen, 8,000 sword and shield fighters, and Five thousand war horses, all of them are organized into troops and you are responsible for training them."

Chen Bangyan asked hesitantly: "Commander, if all these five thousand soldiers and horses are brought to the battlefield, I am afraid it will affect the combat effectiveness of our army. How about I allocate another six thousand infantry to you, so that you don't have to worry about the strength of the army." The issue of combat power.”

"Old Chen is right. I suggest that we dedicate two thousand soldiers and horses, and you will lead them to station on the east bank of the Yellow River to respond to southern Hebei at any time. If Zhang Xianzhong dares to cross the river and go south, you must report the news in time and try to stop it, so that we can Draw the attention of Zhang Xianzhong's troops and reduce the pressure on our other troops," Yang Ling said.

"I humbly obey my orders." Qin Tian replied with clasped fists.

Yang Ling turned to Chen Bangyan and said: "Old Chen, I remember that you have a lot of field soldiers in southern Hebei, and they are transferred to us from southern Hebei. Also, you can have people build simple docks. We are going to Jizhou by boat. , a pontoon bridge must be built halfway.”

"I understand." Chen Bangyan nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let's make an agreement, you just do as I say these days."

……

The next day, he led the army to advance westward along the river embankment and went straight to Xinping Fort.

Xinping Fort is located on Xinping Slope on the west side. It is the first of the larger Wubao group. It is located on the north bank of Luanhe River, about 70 kilometers away from Hedong County. The height of the city wall reaches 40 feet, and the moat outside the city wall is about 40 meters wide. about.

The city wall of Xinpingbao is made of rammed earth. The outer wall is five feet thick. There are three urns at the city gate. Each urn is guarded by two archers, as well as two catapults and two divine arm bow positions. There are eight in total. More than a hundred defenders.

The defenders of Xinpingbao received the news of the fall of the Yanshan defense line last night. Many people were waiting for the news in panic. When they heard that someone was coming to attack the city, they immediately organized a chaos.

Xinping Fort is the core of the Yanshan Defense Line. The defense here is very important. After the fall of the Yanshan Defense Line, the defense of Xinping Fort was also greatly threatened. People in the city began to flee, making the order in the city chaotic. Cries and yelling could be heard everywhere. Voice.

"My lord, spare your life, let us go!"

"My father is seriously ill. Please let my mother go. I am willing to use money to honor you!"

Outside Xinping Fort, countless refugees in shabby clothes knelt on the ground and begged. They were men and women, old and young, Han and Hu.

"Go away! Get out of here!"

Officers and soldiers wearing leather armor and carrying steel knives on their waists dispersed the kneeling supplicants, and then began to inspect the climbing equipment.

"This is mine, don't move!"

"This is mine!" "Go away now, or I'll get violent!"

While inspecting the siege equipment, the officers and soldiers kept driving away the people who tried to get close to the siege equipment. At this time, anyone who dared to trespass on the siege equipment would definitely be severely beaten by the officers and soldiers, or even killed on the spot.

When Yang Ling and the rebels saw this scene, they couldn't help but sigh. In ancient times, the life and death of the people were completely in the hands of the government, and the lives of ordinary people were worthless.

"What a crime, these beasts!"

Chen Bangyan said angrily when he saw the scene in front of him.

Qin Tianze shook his head and sighed: "There is no way. What is the most important thing these days? Human life is the most important. Now I finally understand why the people rebelled against the court. He may have had no choice. After all, he did not want to be raised like a pig!"

Chen Bangyan curled his lips when he heard this and said: "I don't think so. If the people want to resist, they can secretly develop private armies, or quietly lurk somewhere, waiting for the opportunity to rebel. But he chose to rebel at this time. This Isn’t it water in the head?”

Yang Ling also agreed. He explained to Qin Tian: "Brother Qin, there may be a reason for this, but it is not convenient to disclose it at the moment."

At this time, Qin Tian suddenly saw a few fast horses appearing on the river beach in the distance, and hurriedly reminded: "Commander, there is a situation!"

Yang Ling turned around and saw three fast horses galloping towards them. The leading knight tightened his reins, dismounted, hurried forward and knelt down on one knee.

"General, I will see you, Mr. Zongzhi. Mr. Zongzhi, I have been ordered to lead my troops to Xinpingbao for reinforcements. Please give me your instructions!"

The visitor was none other than Liu Zhenhai, the guerrilla general under Liu Zilong. After Liu Zhenhai led his troops to Xinping Fort, he learned that Yang Ling was leading his army to rescue him, so he volunteered to help Yang Ling capture Xinping Fort.

Yang Ling nodded and said: "Thank you for your hard work, General Liu! We have just experienced the war and have difficulty in supplying food and grass. We need your help. In this way, you can lead your troops to stay here. After we capture Xinping Fort, you will lead your troops to take over the work here." defense."

"Thank you for your trust, sir. I will never disappoint your expectations!" Liu Zhenhai happily clasped his fists and promised.

"Okay, I will pass an order to Li Qingyang and order him to lead his troops to take over Xinping Fort. You must rest for two days, prepare ammunition and supplies, and join us then."

As Yang Ling spoke, he turned to look at Chen Bangyan and said, "Old Chen, I will leave this place to your command for the time being. I will take people to investigate the enemy's situation near Xinping Fort first."

"Don't worry, sir, I will ensure that the mission is completed!"

After Yang Ling nodded in greeting, he got on his horse, left with a few soldiers, and continued towards Xinping Fort. He wanted to confirm the defense status of Xinping Fort as soon as possible in order to decide on the specific plan for the attack.

Xinpingbao is located on the west bank of the Luan River, surrounded by dense forests. The so-called trees cover the sky and the sun. Although it is summer, you can still see scattered dead leaves floating in the shady area where the sun cannot shine, making it look quite desolate and desolate. Occasionally, a bird will fly through the sky and it will become slightly active.

The defenders on the top of Xinpingbao saw smoke and dust billowing outside the city. It seemed that officers and soldiers were coming towards them. There was a commotion in the city. Some people rushed to the battlements and looked out, but the field of vision was too narrow and they could only see vaguely. I saw the dark army outside the city rushing towards this direction.

Yang Ling rode a horse and led people to the city. Looking at the closed city gate and the sentries patrolling on the city wall, he immediately drew his sword and shouted: "Attack the city!"

As the order was given, the short and nimble civilians picked up battering rams, ladders and other objects, quickly climbed up the city wall, and fought fiercely with the officers and soldiers on the city wall.

These civilians were well-trained in Liaodong and were skilled in martial arts. They quickly stabilized the situation and quickly occupied the city head and controlled the situation on the city wall.

"boom--"

Accompanied by the deafening sound of cannons, the officers and soldiers guarding the towers screamed and fell to the ground. The sergeants guarding the city dropped their weapons and knelt on the ground in panic, expressing surrender.

The officers and soldiers at the top of the city were all temporarily recruited strong men, and they were not even equipped with armor. They were naturally helpless against the well-equipped civilian warriors. Soon the city wall fell into the control of the civilian warriors.

"Sir, the enemy has surrendered!"

Yang Ling rode his horse to the outside of the city gate. The defenders at the city gate immediately gave way to the city gate and welcomed him into the city.

Yang Ling walked through the city gate and walked into the city. Only then did he realize that the city was already overcrowded. The streets and alleys were crowded with fleeing people. There were also a large number of wounded lying on the ground moaning and howling. Many of them were covered in blood. Obviously They are already dying. If treatment is not received in time, I am afraid many people will die here.

Yang Ling's eyebrows twitched a few times, and then asked Chen Bangyan next to him: "Old Chen, what's going on?"

Chen Bangyan replied with a sad face: "When we just captured the position on the west bank of the Luan River this morning, the people here suddenly rioted. We could only retreat to the river, but they were attacked by them, causing numerous casualties."

"Damn it, damn it, these guys are crazy, no wonder the Tatars haven't crossed the river!"

Yang Ling cursed bitterly, and then asked: "Why did these people gather in the city? Could it be that the Tartars also knew that we were about to go south and sent troops to support us?"

Chen Bangyan laughed when he heard this and said: "It's not surprising. Tatar scouts are all over the northern provinces. The news that they were attacked in Xinpingbao will probably spread in less than half a day. Now that they have heard the news, they will definitely not sit idly by. It’s only natural to send troops for reinforcements!”

"Then what should we do now?"

Yang Ling frowned and said, he originally wanted to strike while the iron was hot and capture Xinping Fort, but he didn't expect that the battle turned into a civilian riot. Now that the city was leaderless, it was not suitable to fight anymore. He could only place his hope on Li Qingyang, but at the same time in his heart There are also some worries. Thousands of people have gathered in Xinpingbao. This is not a good sign. Maybe Li Qingyang will be affected by the boiling public dissatisfaction, and mutiny will easily occur.

"What else can I do? Just fight!"

After Chen Bangyan finished speaking, he waved over a few guards and asked them to disperse. Then he took 500 people on two bed crossbows and went around the flanks of Xinping Fort to provide warning.

When Yang Ling saw Chen Bangyan's resolute actions, he couldn't help but secretly admire him. Although this guy was born a bandit, his fighting spirit was no less than that of a literati. If he hadn't led the troops this time, he really wouldn't have dared to take the risk of attacking easily. After all, There are few of them, so it would be dangerous if they were ambushed.

Xinpingbao is the hinterland of Goryeo. This county town is surrounded by mountains and rivers, extending in all directions, and has full terrain advantages. (End of chapter)