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

Although the archers' shooting range far exceeded that of ordinary soldiers, the threat to the cavalry was greatly reduced. Yang Ling led the soldiers of the Divine Archer Camp to easily break through the encirclement and escape far away.

Seeing the enemy chasing, Guo Ye immediately ordered: "All soldiers, listen to my order. Those who throw down their weapons and surrender will not be killed, and those who stubbornly resist will be killed without mercy."

As soon as Guo Ye finished speaking, the enemy army, which had been so aggressive, immediately hesitated. Many of them stood there with their weapons raised, hesitating.

He continued, "I am Yang Ling, the imperial envoy of the court. Do you want to rebel?"

This sentence really worked, and many people put down their weapons and joined Guo Ye.

Soon after, Yang Ling led the remnants of the Divine Bow Camp to join the battle and help the captives control the situation.

"General," Guo Ye looked at Yang Ling and said respectfully, "I have accomplished your mission. Your strategy is really brilliant. We have defeated so many enemies this time. It is a great victory. I wonder how this battle will end?"

"The reason why we were able to win so smoothly this time, apart from the right time, right place, and right people, the most important factor is that our army is well-trained. Now that we have won a great victory, there is no point in continuing to fight, so it is better to retreat as soon as possible."

Guo Ye nodded slightly and said, "What the commander said is very true. I am willing to lead my elite troops to cover the rear."

Yang Ling secretly praised Guo Ye for his loyalty and reliability, and nodded in agreement.

He pointed at the soldiers around him and said, "These are our old brothers who have followed us on our expeditions. This time I'm handing them all over to you. You must ensure their safety."

"Yes!" Guo Ye bowed in response.

"Also, remember, after you return to the capital, don't make it public. Otherwise, I'm afraid it will cause chaos."

"I will obey your orders!"

Next, Yang Ling led the brothers of the Divine Bow Camp and left.

As for the prisoners, they were naturally escorted by the hundreds of rebels who were captured alive.

Soon, Yang Ling and his men disappeared from sight. The remaining enemy soldiers also put down their weapons and knelt on the ground to show their submission.

Guo Ye walked over to Yang Ling's seat and sat down, and ordered: "Take out the kettle and let the injured soldiers drink some water first."

"As ordered!"

After a while, dozens of soldiers from the Divine Bow Camp came with kettles to give water to everyone.

This time, the Divine Bow Battalion suffered a total of 23 casualties, including eight killed, seven seriously injured, and two slightly injured.

Yang Ling said: "The losses in this battle were quite severe, but it was also an expected result. As long as we can capture this group of rebels alive, sacrificing these people is not a big deal."

Guo Ye said: "The Marshal is right. As long as we can catch this group of traitors, our mission this time will be basically completed. Now we should discuss how to deal with the aftermath."

"Well, we seized a lot of property this time, enough to provide compensation to the wives, children and parents of the fallen and injured soldiers. As for these captives, I plan to incorporate them into the militia and form a militia."

"Ok."

"Are there any difficulties with our food and fodder supply?"

"That's a difficult question."

Yang Ling sighed, "We didn't bring much dry food with us this time. I'm afraid it won't be enough for half a year. Moreover, we have to organize militia training, which will require more rice and grain. I estimate that we can only hold out for another five or six months at most."

"Five or six months." Guo Ye smiled bitterly, "I'm afraid that's not appropriate. It's winter now, and it's freezing cold. It's not suitable for growing crops at all. I'm worried that there won't be enough food."

Yang Ling said: "This is a big problem. But fortunately, this place is close to Longxi County. We can buy from nearby counties and cities and barely maintain the operation of the militia. As long as we can hold on until the autumn harvest, everything will be ready. We only need the east wind."

"Alas, this is the only way. I hope I can delay it until next spring when the flowers bloom."

After the two finished speaking, they fell silent.

After a long while, Guo Ye suddenly asked, "Marshal, I saw that you didn't look very happy just now. Is the injured brother in a critical condition?"

Yang Ling shook his head and said, "Not really. It's just that I feel sad when I think about the many brothers who died during this trip."

"The brothers who died are all martyrs, worthy of admiration. I believe that if they knew about this, they would definitely understand you, Marshal. After all, your sacrifice for the country is the honor they long for."

As he spoke, he patted his chest and assured, "Don't worry, when I return, I will urge the household department to allocate funds to repair the remains of these comrades."

"Thank you, General Guo."

After a meal, all the captives were completely under control.

Guo Ye immediately issued an order to escort all the captives to the military camp by the Qinghai Lake. There were tens of thousands of militiamen stationed there, and the average combat power of each person was equivalent to that of 300 to 400 officers and soldiers. Yang Ling felt relieved that these militiamen were responsible for the escort.

As for the remaining hundreds of traitors, they all surrendered to Yang Ling and were temporarily incorporated into the Divine Bow Camp.

After all the personnel had gathered, Guo Ye gave the order to set off.

The group marched very slowly.

It was not until dusk that they finally arrived at the military camp by the lake.

The soldiers in the military camp had been looking forward to it for a long time. When they saw the reinforcements returning, they cheered and came out of their tents to greet them.

However, they did not dare to be overly enthusiastic and seemed very restrained.

Because they know that they are still prisoners. How can they be qualified to hug their loved ones?
Guo Ye turned over and dismounted, saying loudly: "Brothers!"

"exist!"

"Today, I, Yang Ling, led the army to rescue you. You all have worked with me to guard the barracks, defeat the rebels, and protect the stability of our country. Your contribution is not small."

He paused for a moment, and then continued, "Anyone who has made military achievements will be rewarded with 100 strings of silver and promoted two levels. If someone has made extraordinary achievements, it is not impossible for him to be promoted three levels."

When the generals heard Yang Ling praising them, they were overjoyed and cheered.

Yang Ling said: "I know you all want to be promoted, but right now is not the time to reward you. The most important thing for you now is to guard the barracks well and prevent the rebels from raiding."

"I will follow the Marshal's orders!"

"Well, very good." Yang Ling looked around and said, "Although we have won a great victory this time, we have also paid a heavy price. Not only did we lose a lot of soldiers, but we also have very little food left. For now, we can only try to replenish the troops, try to capture more hills, and grab more food."

"What the Marshal said is very true. I wonder what we should do specifically?"

Yang Ling said: "Our mission this time is arduous. Not only do we have to attack the rebels, but we also have to protect the surrounding areas. Because that is where we have the richest land. So while suppressing the rebels, I also have to consider taking back West County."

At this point, Yang Ling glanced around and said loudly: "During this period, you will have to work harder and take turns to rest. But I remind you that this is temporary. After the autumn harvest next year, I want you to continue to train diligently. By then, you must break the encirclement of rebellion!"

"Yes, my subordinates take orders!"

"Good! Now the whole army should disperse and rest. We will discuss this matter later!"

Yang Ling waved his hand and the generals retreated, but Guo Ye stayed where he was.

"General Guo, do you have anything else to say?"

"Yes, Marshal. You see, the terrain here is dangerous. If we can't find water supplies in time, I'm afraid it will delay our journey."

Yang Ling frowned slightly and said, "It would be better if you didn't say it. Now that you said it, I suddenly remembered that this military camp is indeed not easy to garrison." "So, I think we'd better retreat."

"You wish. We have already fought our way here. How can we just retreat?"

Guo Ye said: "General, have you forgotten that I told you that my predictions were inaccurate and that we would encounter rebellion during this expedition?"

"I know your predictions are inaccurate."

"In that case, why should we take this risk?"

"You're right. I was confused too. Let me make some arrangements, and then we'll set off immediately."

"Okay, I'll take my leave then."

After Guo Ye left, Yang Ling thought for a long time and decided to act according to Guo Ye's plan and send out scouts to find water.

This time they were traveling a long way, and the journey was long, so their food reserves were definitely not enough.

If we can find a water source, we can save a lot of time and even save thousands of stones of grain.

After Yang Ling finished the arrangements, he was about to go into the tent to rest.

Suddenly, he heard a commotion outside. Listening carefully, it seemed that someone was shouting and killing.

Yang Ling frowned and muttered, "Could it be that the rebels attacked us at night and wanted to rob our supplies? Humph, what a wild idea."

He stood up and walked outside.

As soon as I walked out of the door, I saw more than a dozen scouts running back in a panic. Some of them had broken legs, and some even had broken arms.

Yang Ling was furious and shouted, "What's going on? Who made our scout like this?"

"Reporting to the commander, it's Zhang Hu and Wang Ergou. They are chasing us with their men."

"What? Zhang Hu and Wang Ergou, didn't they die on the battlefield, martyred for their master?"

"Marshal, don't be angry. They are just pretending to surrender."

"These beasts are so cruel! Come on, bring the knife! I'm going to kill them all today!"

Guo Ye stopped Yang Ling and said, "General, calm down. What are you going to do?"

"Why are you asking? I want to kill them all to vent my anger."

Guo Ye sighed, "You don't know, Marshal. Zhang Hu and Wang Ergou are pretending to surrender, and they are not truly loyal to us. Otherwise, why would they kill their own comrades?"

"What? Are they pretending to surrender?"

"It is absolutely true. Marshal, I have seen them before, and I am absolutely sure of it."

"So that's how it is! I thought it was just those bastards who were greedy for money. Now that I know it's a misunderstanding, let it go."

At this point, Yang Ling changed the subject and asked, "How many people are there in the enemy army? How strong are they?"

"According to my observation, the enemy has less than 500 men. They are not very strong either. They should not be able to match us."

"This is an opportunity. So, each of you will rest for half a day, and then I will send you out to test the enemy's situation. See if this group of people is just a show. If the enemy is really a paper tiger, I will lead the army to kill and wipe out the enemy. If not, you will return immediately, and I will arrange new troops to take your place. You can rest assured and boldly, understand?"

"Here!"

Guo Ye originally thought that Yang Ling would choose to attack at night.

Unexpectedly, by the evening, the scouts sent a message saying that the enemy had no plans to attack at night and were preparing to fight again tomorrow.

Hearing this, Guo Ye thought to himself: Could it be that I made a wrong judgment, and the enemy has been frightened and dares not to fight us in the field?

If this is true, it would be a godsend.

Tomorrow, I will lead my army to attack fiercely and try to eradicate this rebellion completely!
He also instructed Guo Ye: "You don't have to go out to fight tomorrow, but you are not allowed to sleep in. You must patrol and guard every half an hour to prevent the rebels from taking advantage of you."

"Here!"

Guo Ye thought to himself, it seems I have to get rid of Li Jing as soon as possible, otherwise, even if I have the ability to know everything, I will not be able to do anything to the Yang father and son.

The next morning, after having his meal, Guo Ye came to the front camp command post.

After he sat down, Yang Yanzhao said, "Brother, it's already noon, how long has it been? Why hasn't the enemy attacked yet?"

Yang Yanping echoed, "Yes, could it be that the enemy wants to lure us into a trap, lure us out and then ambush us?"

Guo Ye smiled and said, "Anyway, we finally have a battle to fight today, and we don't have to run around like we did yesterday. The two brothers don't need to worry."

"But, brother. You think the rebels won't come to attack the city? If so, wouldn't your work be in vain?"

"I don't think so. Although the rebels are few in number, they are not lacking in experts. Such experts often disdain to attack at night, and they prefer to fight head-on."

After a pause, Guo Ye continued, "However, it is better to be safe than sorry. We should still be more careful."

"As ordered!"

As the saying goes, three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang. With three people to help with advice, Guo Ye felt much more relaxed. They discussed until late at night and finally worked out a detailed battle plan.

The next morning.

After Yang Ling got up, he washed up and came to the center of the lobby.

He looked around at everyone and said thoughtfully, "Last night I thought that Zhang Hu, Wang Ergou and the others were pretending to surrender and there might be a conspiracy. However, I didn't consider what tricks they might play. So, today we can only defend instead of attack."

Guo Ye said: "The commander is wise. What we have to do today is to prevent the enemy from launching a surprise attack and closely monitor the surroundings."

"Well, that's it."

At this moment, someone came running to report the news in a panic, saying, "General, the enemy has launched another surprise attack."

"What? They're sending out troops so soon?"

"Yes! It's only been a short time. Marshal, how about I lead the cavalry to charge and drive them back?"

"Not appropriate. Cavalry are fast and can be easily ambushed. I will personally lead the troops to fight and make sure to annihilate the enemy completely!"

Guo Ye shook his head and said, "General, no. These rebels are all infantry. Even if we kill them all, it won't change the situation. It's better to wait for reinforcements."

"Of course I know this, but I'm afraid that before the reinforcements arrive, Zhang Hu, Wang Ergou and others have already broken through and left."

"Don't worry." Guo Ye sneered and said, "With their limited strength, it's simply a foolish dream to think of breaking out of our encirclement!"

He clapped his hands, signaled his men to step back, and then said loudly: "Since the enemy has come again, it means they have no intention of running away. Otherwise, they would have escaped without a trace. Now the enemy is attacking again, which means they are still determined to fight to the death! We cannot give up such a good opportunity. Brothers, please follow me!" (End of this chapter)