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

I am afraid that after today, the Japanese pirates will be completely exterminated.

Yang Ling knew that he could not sit idly by and watch the Japanese pirates break through the city gate, otherwise there would be heavy casualties.

He immediately ordered his trusted confidant: "Immediately dispatch troops to support. Remember not to fight to the death, in case the Japanese pirates break out of the city."

The guards received the order and hurried over to pass on the message.

A moment later, hundreds of soldiers emerged from the east and north of the city. They scattered around and tightly blocked the entire city. At the same time, they held spears or torches, ready to meet the enemy.

The Japanese pirates outside the city looked extremely unhappy when they saw so many people and horses suddenly pouring out of the city. Many people realized that the situation was not good and turned their horses around to escape. However, they could not get rid of the pursuing infantry at all, and were soon killed, with their bodies piled up at the foot of the city wall.

The Japanese pirate commander watched his cavalry trapped in the enemy's formation, and he was extremely anxious. He quickly ordered the remaining cavalry to intensify the attack and make sure to capture Guangdefang.

The Japanese pirate cavalry reorganized themselves again and continued to rush forward like crazy, trying to break through the blockade of the infantry outside the city and attack Guangdefang.

The soldiers on the city wall calmly shot arrows to stop them and kept moving, making it impossible for the Japanese cavalry to advance smoothly.

The Japanese pirate commander watched helplessly as his own cavalry was shot into pieces outside the enemy's firing range and could not believe the situation.

However, the Japanese pirate cavalry under the city still did not give up the attack and kept rushing towards Guangdefang. They tried to capture the city wall and then enter Guangdefang through the gap to engage in street fighting with the enemy.

The Japanese pirates' cavalry were getting closer and closer, and the arrows from the top of the city gradually became sparse. The Japanese pirate commander showed ecstasy on his face and quickly ordered his cavalry to launch a final charge.

The Japanese pirate commander rushed over with thousands of remaining soldiers and finally arrived near the city gate, only a few meters away from the city gate. Without hesitation, the Japanese pirate commander swung his sword at the defenders and tried to rush into Guangdefang.

As soon as the Japanese pirate commander's body touched the defender's leather armor, the defender stretched out his arm, grasped the steel knife and chopped on the Japanese pirate commander's head. The Japanese pirate commander died instantly and fell off his horse.

"The leader of the bandits is dead, why don't you just surrender and wait for capture?" the commander of the defending army shouted.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the Japanese pirate cavalry quickly turned their horses and retreated, trying to escape.

Then the Japanese pirates' cavalry were intercepted by the infantry in the city. The Japanese pirate commander's subordinates were unable to resist and people kept falling off their horses and dying. The Japanese pirate commander's subordinates suffered heavy casualties and finally had to surrender.

The Japanese pirates' cavalry escaped from Guangdefang under the cover of the infantry and fled to the South Gate in panic, leaving thousands of prisoners for the defenders in Guangdefang.

Yang Ling looked at the Japanese pirates cavalry who left in a panic, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he thought that the Japanese pirates were really easy to deceive and actually came to his door on their own initiative.

"General, the magistrate of Guangde County wants to see you." Deputy General Li Chun stepped forward to report.

Yang Ling turned his head and saw several young men looking anxiously outside the door. Two of them were wearing very old clothes, which had obviously not been changed for a long time. Yang Ling guessed that this should be the so-called Guangde County Magistrate.

Yang Ling asked his deputy general to invite the person in.

Guangde County Magistrate Wang Zhi walked into the courtyard with his three sons, bowed and said, "I pay my respects to the general."

"You're welcome, County Magistrate. What do you want from me?" Yang Ling asked with a smile.

Wang Zhi quickly replied, "General, the supplies in Guangde County have run out. I wonder if you could lend me some money and food first and return it after Guangde County stabilizes?"

Yang Ling couldn't help but frown after hearing this. He didn't expect Guangde County to be in such a state now.

Yang Ling thought for a moment before saying, "I don't have much extra money, but I can send people to collect money from the nearby gentry. I think it will be delivered to Guangde tomorrow."

Guangde County originally had nearly 60,000 people. Excluding the elderly, the sick, the disabled and children, there were actually 50,000 people. It would definitely take a long time to raise all the money and food. But Yang Ling felt that this matter could not be delayed, so he had to bite the bullet and make a decision. If the Guangde County Magistrate could hold on, it would not be a bad idea to wait until tomorrow, anyway, the Guangde County Governor and the Guangde County Magistrate both died under the city. But now it is not possible, the Japanese pirates may break through the city defense and rush up the city wall at any time, so he had to make a choice.

Wang Zhi heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this, and said with tears of gratitude: "Thank you, General! Thank you, General!"

Yang Ling waved his hand and said, "Guangde County is the pillar of the country, and I will naturally not stand idly by. But don't be too quick to cheer, the Japanese pirates may break through the city defenses at any time."

As soon as Yang Ling finished speaking, a shrill whistle suddenly sounded outside the city. The Japanese pirates outside the city quickly gathered their troops and retreated to the northeast.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the Japanese pirate commander hurriedly led his cavalry to retreat from the west side outside the city.

Yang Ling hurriedly urged the defenders to close the city gates, and then took several of his subordinates to patrol outside the city to see what was going on.

Yang Ling walked out of the city wall and was shocked to see that the wilderness east of the city was already filled with bloody corpses, numbering in the hundreds. All of these corpses had their chests pierced by arrows, and their deaths were horrific.

The corpses of the Japanese pirates were densely packed all over the wilderness, their blood dyed the soil and dead branches and leaves red, and the air was filled with the pungent smell of blood.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the Japanese pirate commander had to give up attacking Guangde City and led his cavalry to retreat in panic.

Yang Ling and his companions returned to Guangdefang, only to find that the city was in chaos, with cries and fighting everywhere. Many people were hiding in their houses, trembling, and staring in horror at the "Ming Navy" flag on the city wall.

"Don't be afraid, the Japanese pirates have been defeated and will soon be driven out of Guangde City." Yang Ling shouted loudly. His voice was relatively loud because he was afraid of scaring the ordinary people.

When the people in the city heard that the Japanese pirates had been driven away, they suddenly quieted down and started talking.

Yang Ling instructed his deputy general Zhao Gui, “Zhao Gui, immediately send a message to the troops stationed nearby and ask them to send troops to maintain law and order.”

Zhao Gui clasped his fists and said yes, and he would do it immediately. Yang Ling personally urged the defenders at the city gate to clean up the battlefield.

Yang Ling looked around the city, secretly thanking himself for finally blocking the gap in the Japanese pirates' attack on Guangde City in time, and not causing too serious a disaster. If the Japanese pirates really took the opportunity to attack Guangde City, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Although Guangde City is easy to defend but difficult to attack, the Japanese pirates' cavalry is too sharp and fierce. The troops of Guangde County Government, Garrison Office and Inspection Office alone cannot stop the cavalry's attack. If the Japanese pirates' cavalry directly attack the city, the whole city will fall into chaos in an instant. At that time, the Japanese pirates will take the opportunity to capture various city gates, and the army in the city will be in danger.

"The Japanese pirates retreated, Guangde is safe!"

The news quickly spread throughout the city, and the people who had been in a state of panic finally felt relieved, and the noise and bustle on the streets gradually subsided. Yang Ling stood on the top of the city wall, looking at the cavalry slowly moving away in the north, with a solemn expression. He knew that the battle of Guangde was over, but it would not be easy, because the Japanese pirates would never give up. If the threat of the Japanese pirates was not resolved, Guangde County would be conquered sooner or later, and the people of Guangde would never have peace.

Yang Ling turned around and said solemnly to the soldiers on his left and right: "Brothers, the battle in Guangde County is not over yet. We must be prepared to meet the enemy at any time to ensure everyone's safety!"

"Yes!" The soldiers responded loudly with solemn expressions.

Yang Ling turned around and went back to the county government office, then ordered someone to call Wang Zhi over.

"I greet the general!" Wang Zhi knelt on the ground and said respectfully.

"Well, what is the current financial situation of Guangde County?" Yang Ling asked straight to the point.

Wang Zhi shook his head bitterly and said, "Reporting to the general, there are currently 487,250 silver coins, 8,000 hu of rice, 9,000 jin of copper, and 30,000 dan of grain in the city."

"So little?" Yang Ling couldn't help but widen his eyes when he heard that. It was rare for Guangde County to be so poor.

Wang Zhi said awkwardly: "In fact, the county treasury is still relatively full, but the Japanese pirates looted and plundered, and the people were displaced. The people in the city basically moved away or fled overseas for refuge."

Yang Ling sighed and said, "If the main force of the Japanese pirates has not retreated, we can only try to reduce the casualties. Wang Yi, the lieutenant of Guangde County, you will lead people to repair the damaged city defense fortifications today, and at the same time organize able-bodied men to evacuate the people of Guangde County, and try to ensure that they can leave Guangde City smoothly."

"I obey your command!" Wang Yi clasped his fists and responded.

The Guangde County city is already in tatters, and it is not easy to restore it to its original state, but the only solution for now is to minimize casualties.

Wang Yi walked out of the county government office with several yamen runners, then mounted his horse and ordered the runners to gallop along the city wall.

The city wall of Guangde County was not formed naturally. When the Japanese pirates broke into Guangde County two years ago, they attacked this wall. At that time, most of the blue bricks on the wall were cracked, and several sections of the wall collapsed, forming a huge gap. If the wall cannot be repaired in a short period of time, the Japanese pirates will flood into the city like a tide. By then, Guangde will surely be devastated.

Wang Zhi stood on the city wall and looked at the county government team moving further and further away, with a worried look on his face.

Yang Ling saw Wang Zhi's expression and smiled, "Don't worry, I have already dispatched the navy and land camp to help repair the city wall of Guangde City. As long as the city wall can be repaired within half a month, the Japanese pirates will be unable to do anything to us."

Wang Zhi was delighted when he heard this. He bowed deeply to Yang Ling and said, "Thank you, General. On behalf of the people of Guangde County, I would like to thank you for saving my life."

Yang Ling smiled and helped Wang Zhi up, then ordered: "Wang Zhi, there are still many young and strong laborers in the city now, pull them out to help with the work, I will give each person three times the salary. As for you, the chief clerk, I will appoint you as the Guangde County Magistrate, responsible for coordinating and managing various affairs."

"I will definitely live up to the general's trust!" Wang Zhi bowed and promised.

In Guangde County, apart from the magistrate of Guangde, there was only the chief clerk Wang Zhi and a few yamen runners, and the rest were mostly ordinary people.

What Yang Ling needs now is manpower. Since he is going to stay in Guangde City for a long time, he naturally needs to improve the quality of life of the people in Guangde County, so as to maximize their enthusiasm and resistance awareness and turn them into loyal and brave armed forces to defend the country. Therefore, Yang Ling appointed Wang Zhi as the county magistrate of Guangde to coordinate the overall situation and the people of Guangde County.

As soon as Guangde County Magistrate Wang Zhi was appointed, he hurried back to Guangde County Government to arrange for civilians to repair the incomplete city wall to avoid another invasion by Japanese pirates.

Yang Ling gave a few instructions to the soldiers around him, then returned to the courtyard where he lived to continue developing new firearms.

The next morning, Yang Ling was reading in the room after dinner when he suddenly heard footsteps outside. A moment later, Chen Deng pushed the door open and rushed into the room, saying anxiously, "Brother Yang, there is an urgent military report outside the city!"

Yang Ling raised his head and frowned, "What's the matter that makes you so flustered?"

"The Japanese pirates are attacking in large numbers!"

Hearing this, Yang Ling stood up abruptly and walked out hurriedly, asking as he walked, "Are you sure?"

Chen Deng nodded and said, "I made a special observation last night. There are large groups of Japanese pirates coming from the east and west of the city. The number is about 5,000!"

Yang Ling was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat. He knew that he was in big trouble this time!

Yang Ling had been fighting fiercely with the Japanese pirates in the past few days and had already figured out their details. He knew that this group of Japanese pirates was the weakest among them, the "Eight Black Wind Banners", and their combat power was only comparable to that of the Ming army.

However, Yang Ling was not happy at all, because Guangde County was too close to the Japanese pirate camp. If the Japanese pirates gathered their forces to attack Guangde, the Japanese pirates' vanguard would probably arrive in the blink of an eye. By then, Guangde County would definitely not be able to be defended.

Without thinking too much, Yang Ling quickly ran back to his house to change into his military uniform, and then took his guards with him, walked out of the county government office quickly, and headed straight for the county gate. As soon as Yang Ling mounted his warhorse, he saw Wang Zhi and several yamen runners running towards him.

"General, the Japanese pirates have indeed attacked. I have been ordered to lead the local militia to defend the city wall." Wang Zhi said breathlessly.

Yang Ling pulled the reins and asked Wang Zhi, "Where is the main force of the Japanese pirates?"

"The main force of the Japanese pirates has retreated to ten miles west of Huangniling to rest temporarily, but in my estimation, the Japanese pirates should be waiting for reinforcements to attack!" Wang Zhi replied.

Yang Ling stared at Wang Zhi with his eyes slightly narrowed. He felt that Wang Zhi's words seemed to have other implications, but Yang Ling couldn't figure out what they meant specifically. However, Yang Ling keenly felt that Wang Zhi seemed to be very wary of the Japanese pirates, and even revealed a hint of fear.

Yang Ling was silent for a moment, but he couldn't help but say, "Wang Zhi, the Japanese pirates are powerful, you must be prepared to sacrifice yourself!"

"I will keep the general's teachings in mind." Wang Zhi lowered his head and answered softly, with a flash of intense grief and indignation in his eyes.

Yang Ling galloped towards Huangniling in the north, praying silently in his heart that the reinforcements would arrive in time, otherwise Guangde would be in danger!

Yang Ling rode on his horse at a gallop, feeling extremely anxious, and kept urging his mount to go faster.

As the threat of Japanese pirates was getting closer, all the post houses and inns along the way were closed. Yang Ling and his party traveled for two days without encountering any obstacles.

"Gee!" Yang Ling whipped the warhorse under his crotch, causing it to speed up.

Yang Ling and his companions rode their horses for several miles and finally arrived at Huangni Ridge. However, their luck was not very good. This small mountain on the top of the mountain had turned into ruins, and they could not use the steep terrain to build a fortress to resist the enemy. (End of this chapter)