Under the sky

Chapter 216 High City and Deep Pool

"4000 people, one thousand cavalry, three thousand infantry, and one thousand foot troops to escort the baggage, five hundred mules, leather armor, bows, arrows, and medicinal materials are all on this list." The young man leading the army presented the book to Xie Gubai and retired. go.

In this battle, Qingcheng lost more than 7000 people, injured more than [-] people, captured [-] enemies, and killed nearly a thousand enemies. It was a great victory.After the remaining [-] people joined the reinforcements, they turned into a team of more than [-] people. Although the fleet that set out from Wudang previously had [-] people, there were [-] boatmen and handymen among them. With this support force, On the contrary, it was more powerful than before.

Although the enemy leader Yan Lizhang was killed in this battle, Fang Jingjiu was not found in the body, and it is not known what method he used to escape.Ji Shaoguang felt very regretful and said: "Yan Lizhang is just a kid from a noble family and has no abilities. Instead, he is Fang Jingjiu. This man is extremely cunning. It is a pity that he did not take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of him."

Shen Weichen was waiting outside the camp. When he saw someone walking out, he stepped forward and shouted: "Cousin!"

When the man saw Shen Weichen, he clasped his fists and bowed, and said with a smile: "We haven't seen each other for a few years. The eldest lady has grown a lot taller."

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "It's been six years."

The man said: "I heard that the eldest lady showed great power on the battlefield." He touched Shen Weichen's head and said, "I could see my ability when I was still young. Now I am really amazing. Fortunately, I have not been buried."

Seeing the dirt on Shen Weichen's face, he took out a handkerchief from his arms and wiped it for her, saying: "Don't dirty your pretty face, Madam Ya will scold you if you see it."

Shen Weichen didn't refuse, and burst into laughter: "My cousin is coaxing girls everywhere."

The man shrugged, put away his handkerchief and said, "The eldest lady is smart and hard to coax."

In the distance, Zhu Menshang was applying medicine to Li Jingfeng. He saw this man being intimate with Shen Weichen. Just as Xia Lijun came to get the medicine, he pointed at him and asked, "Who is that person?"

"Wei Xihou, whose nickname is Guizhi, is currently the master of the Tongzhou War Hall. He is the nephew of the Grand Lady and the cousin of the eldest lady. He often visited Qingcheng as a guest a few years ago." Xia Lijun said, "Mrs. Ya also likes him very much, but later I heard that he had a reputation as a romantic and had attracted many girls, so he gave up."

"That's him." Zhu Menshang scratched his chin and said to Li Jingfeng, "I have heard of this man. He is a young and talented man with good appearance and martial arts. He is highly regarded. Shen Fugui plans to promote him and let him train in Tongzhou. Then transfer to Ba County."

Li Jingfeng said: "Second brother sent him to help, he must be capable."

Zhu Menshang looked at Li Jingfeng: "You don't like the taste?"

Li Jingfeng said with a smile: "Doctor Zhu is joking again. My little sister has always been generous and friendly with everyone. What's so delicious about her?"

Zhu Menshang tilted his head and said, "Don't just talk big words."

Li Jingfeng said: "My little sister and I have talked about it a long time ago. From now on, we will be close friends, just like brothers and sisters. I don't have to worry about that. My little sister is smart and kind, and my second brother loves her. It's up to me who I like." If you can make up your mind, even if you don't get married, the second brother won't force it. I hope that the younger sister can find the person of her dreams as soon as possible, but no one can control this matter."

Zhu Menshang said: "Aren't you sad that you are so generous?"

"Of course it's sad to be sad, but it's human nature to not be able to get what you want. Do you always want to worry about adding a lot of trouble? It's better to accept it calmly and just let it happen."

Zhu Menshang said jokingly: "Buddha, please cast a spell and strike five thunderbolts from the sky to wipe out the people in Huashan. We can also withdraw our troops early."

Li Jingfeng smiled and said: "If I have this ability, I won't just kill the Huashan family."

Shen Weichen walked side by side with Wei Xihou, pointed at Li Jingfeng and said: "Cousin, this person is Wangzhi."

Wei Xihou saw that Li Jingfeng was wearing a mask, and he had never heard of this relative, so he asked: "Shen Wangzhi? Wei is so abrupt, do you dare to ask who your ancestor is?"

Neither Li Jingfeng nor Shen Weichen expected such a question. Li Jingfeng was hesitating when Shen Weichen said, "It's from Tai Bo Gong's lineage, which is a bit far away."

Wei Xihou asked: "Why are you wearing a mask?"

Li Jingfeng said: "My family is in decline and I have no talent. I am ashamed of the Shen family and dare not show it to others." This was what Shen Weichen taught him.

Wei Xihou smiled and said, "I heard from the eldest lady that brother Wang has great martial arts skills. Can you give me some advice?"

Li Jingfeng smiled and said, "I'm just afraid of showing my embarrassment." After saying that, he stood up.Both Shen Weichen and Zhu Menshang thought he would dodge, but they were surprised when he agreed so readily.

The two came to the center of the camp. Li Jingfeng was wearing a mask, which attracted attention. He was one of the leaders, but he had no airs. He was close to many brothers, fought bravely, and was highly skilled in martial arts. Everyone heard that Shen Wangzhi was going to compete with the new commander. , all came to have fun, and soon two to three thousand people gathered around, and some climbed to high places to watch the show.

These people were divided into two groups.The old troops who arrived in Jinzhou first naturally supported Li Jingfeng, especially the disciples from the West Route who followed Li Jingfeng into the battle. They were often saved by Li Jingfeng on the battlefield and cheered the loudest.Wei Xihou brought the 4000 people to cheer for his own army.

The two of them used wooden branches as swords. Li Jingfeng wore a mask and leather armor, while Wei Xihou wore a thin iron armor, with neat helmets and equipment. Their characters were heroic and unrestrained. They looked like ordinary disciples and nobles. There was a huge difference. .

Li Jingfeng held the wooden branch with both hands, with the pointed end facing down, and he was making a move from bottom to top. Wei Xihou saw that he was polite and respected him as a distant relative of the Shen family, and also pointed his sword downward.The two of them opened their stances, and Li Jingfeng was the first to attack, pointing the wooden branch at Wei Xihou's chest. Wei Xihou acted in a measured manner, opened the wooden branch, and used the move "Gu Hongyun Rising", and stabbed Li Jingfeng from below with the tip of his sword. Li Jing style opened his chest.The two rolled and fought for a few test moves. Li Jingfeng suddenly used "Twilight Scale Armor". The wooden branches overlapped like scales and were dazzling. Wei Xihou saw the move and fought with him quickly. Catch it too.Everyone in the audience thought it was wonderful and cheered in unison.

Shen Weichen frowned and said, "Jingfeng's style of play is not like him."

Zhu Menshang couldn't see the way out and asked, "What should I say?"

Shen Weichen said: "Usually Jingfeng first seeks to protect himself, to remain invincible and then to win. His eyes flash to make the enemy irritated before he fights back. This time he is eager to win and is a little anxious."

Zhu Menshang rolled his eyes and thought: "You still say you don't like it." Then he asked, "Is your cousin good?"

Shen Weichen smiled and said, "I haven't even beaten him."

Zhu Menshang was surprised: "So powerful?"

Shen Weichen said: "About eight or nine years ago, my cousin often came to visit. My mother never liked me practicing martial arts. No one except my brother dared to try my moves. When he came, I grabbed him and tried my moves. I couldn't beat him and fell down. My face was covered with dirt, so he wiped my face with a handkerchief, saying that Mrs. Hua Yue Maungya must be scolded if it was dirty, not me, but him."

Zhu Menshang said: "You were only eleven or twelve years old at that time. He was afraid that you would not be twenty anymore. Isn't this bullying a little girl?"

Shen Weichen pouted: "Even if I am a little girl, Dr. Zhu may not be able to bully me." He added, "My cousin is seven years older than me. Later, he was cultivated and went to Tongzhou to serve, so he rarely came to Qingcheng. The last time we met, he was Six years ago, I had not found a chance to take revenge."

Zhu Menshang looked at the battle situation again, and saw that the two of them had passed twenty or thirty moves, and they could not win each other. However, their moves were exquisite, and the surrounding disciples cheered endlessly.Suddenly, Wei Xihou held three sword flowers in a row with a wooden branch. The real and false were erratic. Li Jingfeng said "Sing the song and encircle the enemy and look at the desert." The wooden branch pressed on the opponent's wooden branch. He took advantage of the situation and stepped forward. Then he suddenly pulled back and stepped back a few steps. He cupped his hands and said: " Brother Wei has great martial arts skills, it’s hard to tell the winner today.”

Shen Weichen whispered: "Jingfeng wins."

Zhu Menshang scratched his head: "I can't tell, your cousin is not good at martial arts."

Shen Weichen said: "He practices spears, and swordsmanship is not his strength."

Wei Xihou knew that Li Jingfeng could use the pressure to slash his wrists and shoulders. He deliberately withdrew his hand so that he would not embarrass himself as the leader in front of his disciples. He also held his hand and said, "Brother Wang, you have good kung fu." He stepped forward to shake hands.Seeing his warmth, Li Jingfeng stretched out his hand to shake his hand.

Wei Xihou put his arms around Li Jingfeng, but Li Jingfeng couldn't refuse, so he whispered in his ear: "None of the moves you use are Qingcheng Kung Fu, who are you?"

Li Jingfeng was stunned for a moment, then whispered back: "Whoever the eldest lady says I am, I am."

Wei Xihou raised his eyebrows.

■

"The garrison in Hanzhong is unknown." Xie Gubai said, "The defeated troops heading to Jinzhou need to pass the news. It will take five or seven days to bypass this road to reach them. This is still fast. Now we can attack Hanzhong by surprise."

Ji Shaoguang said: "This place is five hundred miles away from Hanzhong. We don't have much luggage. We can reach Hanzhong in three days."

Wei Xihou said: "The soldiers are tired and it is difficult to fight. We are even more afraid that they will not be able to hold on."

"This is not possible." Xie Gubai said, "If they don't come out, we will withdraw."

Wei Xihou frowned and Ji Shaoguang said: "Don't worry, you will get used to it if you hear too much nonsense."

Xie Gubai said: "If they don't fight, we will retreat from Hanzhong to Bazhong, block the rice warehouse road, and completely cut off their food road."

Ji Shaoguang said: "We don't have so much food."

In order to rescue Wei Xihou, he came with light cavalry and did not have much luggage or food.

"They don't know." Xie Gubai said, "Besides, they rob people's food along the way. When we reach Nanjiang, it is Qingcheng territory. We block the food road there. As long as we can hold on for a month or two, we can cover the Huashan Mountain in Qingcheng." The disciples have a headache. If we go south to recapture Bazhong, the Huashan disciples in Qingcheng will die."

"If they don't send troops, we will go around to Micang Road, and they will have to attack."

"Such a huge encirclement around the back, traveling thousands of miles?" Wei Xihou said, "This is unheard of, it is simply fantastic. If someone proposes such a strategy to me, I will have to break his legs."

Although it is a whim, it is now almost successful.

"It's actually not difficult, but just like you crossing the Daba Mountain to attack Hanzhong, we just set off from Hubei."

Wei Xihou said: "The army goes deep alone and fights for thousands of miles. If you succeed, you will be the reincarnation of Zhuge. If you fail, you will be nothing more than Wang Zhaoyuan and his like, and you will drag these many people with you to be buried with you."

"The last question is, how many people are there in the Hanzhong garrison, and how are they going to fight?" Ji Shaoguang said, "We are the ones with the tired troops from afar."

"We are also the team that broke the boat." Xie Gubai said.

Wei Xihou shrugged, noncommittal.Shen Weichen asked about the war in Qingcheng again.

"Master Ya is prestigious and stable. The Huashan bastards couldn't defeat Guangyuan after a month of fighting. It rained a while ago and the Huashan soldiers were tired and tired. They were defeated by Master Ya. Du Yinsong and Mi Zhiwei were both injured in the fight. They could only Return to Nanchong and urge Huashan to continue to increase troops." Wei Xihou said, "Although Mr. Ya has made meritorious service, he has a hot temper and often beats and scolds his subordinates. The leader sent people to appease him several times. Before setting off, he asked me to keep it a secret. Don't say anything. The eldest lady is here."

"Afraid they will take Ba County directly from Nanchong?" Ji Shaoguang asked.

"Not everyone is so risky." As if matching Ji Shaoguang's question, Wei Xihou said, "There is Xu Ergong's river patrol fleet on the Jialing River. If we can't capture Ba County after crossing the river, we will be sent from Guangyuan. If you fight by the tail, you will have no way forward or retreat."

"Is there any news from Bazhong?" Xie Gubai asked.

"No, there is no news. The leader was also suspicious and sent people to check Bazhong, but no news was found... It should be said that none of the people sent to check came back. The area is very tightly guarded."

Xie Gubai pondered for a moment and said, "What about the war at Hengshan Mountain?"

"The Beggar Gang marched towards Changsha, and Xu Fangge was lame in command. Hengshan used almost all the troops in eastern Hunan to stop the Beggar Gang. So far, they haven't even captured Changsha, but Xu Fangge doesn't seem to be in a hurry. As for Dian Cang, Chief Li mobilized The Guangdong sect came to the rescue and finally forced Dian Cang back to Lengshuitan. I heard that Deputy Chief Zhuge personally went to Xiangdi to take charge."

"Master Fu was causing trouble at the border. He wrote several letters saying that he and Master Yin would attack Guilin, but the master ordered him to be patient."

Maybe time is running out, Xie Gubai thought.

"There is no movement in the Tang Sect. There seems to be something big happening in Shaolin, and Wudang is also noisy. Because of the war, no one asked in detail."

"What happened to Kongtong?" Li Jingfeng was concerned about the third master. Although he knew that the Iron Sword Silver Guards would not leave Gansu, he still couldn't help but ask. "Master Zhu took over as the leader, which is expected. Some disturbances involved the third master. Some people were dissatisfied with Master Zhu and wanted to promote the third master to the position of leader, but the third master himself refused. The Iron Sword Silver Guard thoroughly investigated the spies. , once the barbarian spies were discovered, they would kill everyone in the house, and thousands of people died."

These words shocked Zhu Menshang and Shen Weichen.

Xie Gubai said: "I understand."

■

After the military meeting ended, Shen Weichen wanted to go back to the tent with Gu Qingshang and Xia Lijun. Gu Qingshang made an excuse to leave with Xia Lijun. Shen Weichen saw her guilty conscience and asked why.It turned out that the war wine was seized in the Huashan camp, and they planned to reward their disciples for their time and reward them all. Gu Qingshang and Xia Lijun killed the enemy leader Yan Lizhang, which was credited to the defenders in the east. The disciples invited the two to join in the fun.

Shen Weichen wondered why he had concealed it. The reason was simple. Not to mention the eldest lady's status, if she went, it would be difficult for the disciples present to enjoy themselves. Moreover, the West Route Army led by Shen Weichen recorded the first contribution, which would inevitably make the East Route Army angry and resentful. I feel that this merit is only for the sake of the eldest lady. Shen Weichen is here, and these disciples cannot speak freely. If Shen Weichen knows, it is not an invitation, and it is not an invitation, so he simply hides it.

Shen Weichen complained: "You two were originally my sisters. It's a good thing. We went together and went out together, leaving me alone in this deserted place. If I had known this, it would be better not to introduce you to each other."

Xia Lijun didn't know how to joke, he just said: "If the eldest lady minds, I will stay."

Gu Qingshang held Xia Lijun's arm and smiled: "Ignore her, your master is too petty."

Shen Weichen said: "Go ahead, I'll drink alone, and no one will cover you with quilts when you're drunk."

Hearing Li Jingfeng calling outside again, Shen Weichen opened the curtain, and Li Jingfeng brought a jar of wine. It turned out that a disciple of the West Route Army had made the first contribution and received a heavy reward. He invited Li Jingfeng to drink. When he mentioned the heroic appearance of the young lady on the battlefield, he was surprised and admired. , but their identities were different, so they asked Li Jingfeng to bring wine for fun.

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "Since we are having fun together, why don't we drink together? Let's remember the first merit, and we won't share the common knowledge with that jealous person." After saying that, he glared at Gu Qingshang, which seemed to be a demonstration, which made Gu Qingshang laugh. Yao Yao, said: "I'm afraid that the West Road disciples will not dare to drink when they see you, and they will not be happy."

Shen Weichen pretended to ignore it and went with Li Jingfeng.The disciples of the West Route Army were all surprised when they saw the eldest lady coming in person. Shen Weichen said: "I heard the gossip of the East Route Army, saying that it is because of me that we have the first meritorious service. Do you accept it?"

At that moment, some disciples shouted: "Nonsense! We rolled down the slope and were hurt all over. The bunch of bastards in Huashan grabbed us and beat us, killing more than [-] brothers and injuring more than a hundred! We have the smallest number. , the heaviest casualties, what did they do? But grabbing a defeated soldier and killing them, isn't that good luck?"

Shen Weichen raised the wine bottle: "Well said! We are all brothers, don't let others look down on you!"

Although this group of disciples had seen the eldest lady's abilities with their own eyes, the word "brother" for such a delicate girl could not help but be inappropriate. Some couldn't help but laugh, and although there were responses, they were all sparse.Shen Weichen said dejectedly: "They said you didn't even dare to drink when you saw me. Are the brothers of the West Route Army really so courageous?"

Only then did everyone shout: "To the eldest lady!"

Now everyone is drinking.Li Jingfeng has holes in his mask and cannot eat or drink.Everyone gathered around the two people to ask questions. It goes without saying that Shen Weichen was brave. Many of his disciples had seen it during the Yinghu Water War. Li Jingfeng had learned from Third Master's words and deeds, and he also knew how to get along with these disciples. He taught Piao Shi to lead the army in a charge without any pretense. He also rescued many brothers on the battlefield and was very popular.

Someone said: "When this battle is over, Commander Shen will definitely have great achievements and honor his ancestors. There will be no need to wear a mask!"

Li Jingfeng didn't reply.

Shen Weichen said: "The East Route Army is jealous of our merits. When we attack Hanzhong, we will rush into the city and win the first place, so that the East Route Army knows our capabilities!"

The crowd cheered in unison.

With Li Jingfeng around, Shen Weichen felt at ease and drank happily.Li Jingfeng saw her face turned red and whispered, "My little sister drank too much."

Shen Weichen was half drunk and said with a smile: "You have to send me back anyway."

Li Jingfeng had no choice but to say goodbye to everyone and send the eldest lady back to the camp.

Halfway through the walk, Shen Weichen asked, "After the war, are you leaving?"

Li Jingfeng nodded: "I am here to help the eldest and second brothers. I promised the third master to do something for him, but I have to leave for a while. I don't know when I will be back."

Shen Weichen suddenly stopped and said coquettishly: "Jingfeng, I'm drunk, carry me back."

Li Jingfeng said awkwardly: "Everyone is celebrating, there are many people around."

Shen Weichen said: "There are so many people that you won't carry it?"

Li Jingfeng said: "Let people see that you have a bad reputation for my little sister."

Shen Weichen said: "I want you to carry it, otherwise I will be stuck here."

Li Jingfeng had no choice but to see that the camp was not far away and no one was paying attention when he looked around, so he had to pick her up and walk away quickly.

Shen Weichen reached out from behind and took off his mask, put it on his face, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, no one will recognize me this way."

Li Jingfeng thought that his little sister was really drunk. When he returned to the camp, Gu Qingshang and Xia Lijun had not returned yet, so he said: "Little sister, we are here." Suddenly, his chest tightened, and Shen Weichen's arms tightened, so tight that he could hardly breathe. .

Shen Weichen seemed to be in a daze and said, "I'm holding you like this, let's see how you throw me down."

Li Jingfeng whispered: "If my little sister keeps doing this, I won't be able to leave."

Shen Weichen then let go of his arms and fell on the quilt, his drunkenness welling up. After a while, he whispered in a low voice: "I just want you to be reluctant to let go." He opened his eyes but did not see Li Jingfeng. When he looked outside, he saw him guarding outside the tent. The mask is still tightly held in his hand.

■

The disciples outside celebrated, but Zhu Menshang was bored. Xie Gubai couldn't drink for the time being, and he was bored with the old man Ji Shaoguang. He was about to go find Li Jingfeng, but Wei Xihou rushed into the tent.

"I'm having a drink with the doctor." Wei Xihou put the two jars of wine on the ground. "I'm not interested in dealing with an old man. The eldest lady is having fun with her disciples. I'm not familiar with the others. Are you free, Doctor Zhu?"

He brought 4000 people, but none of them were close friends who could drink with him?Zhu Menshang didn't believe it, but he wanted to see what tricks he was up to, so he said, "I'll have a few drinks with Brother Wei."

After a few drinks, Wei Xihou asked, "Do you have any words to drink with?"

Zhu Menshang smiled and said: "I see that you and the eldest lady are very close. We are childhood sweethearts. Didn't you have any thoughts back then?"

Wei Xihou said: "These words are really offensive."

Zhu Menshang said: "Should any offensive words be said in private? I heard that Mrs. Ya appreciates you very much. If you cultivate your moral character and keep your integrity, according to the eldest lady's previous temperament, Mrs. Ya would have married her at that time. If you hadn't not It’s such a missed opportunity to be tempted.”

"Wrong." Wei Xihou said, "Who can be unmoved by the eldest lady? If you marry her, you will still be a relative of the emperor. She is so lovely..." He raised his index finger in front of his eyes and shook it, "You must never see the tree disappear. Forest."

"No matter how outstanding the eldest lady is, there is only one after all. There are countless beauties in the world. Even if no one can compare with the eldest lady, there are still countless." Wei Xihou said, "There are three thousand weak water, I have to drink it one ladle after another."

"Yes, from today on we are lifelong friends, close brothers!" Zhu Menshang raised the wine bowl, "How about the girl from Tongzhou?"

"Better than Ba ​​County."

"Ba County is not as good as Tang Clan."

"Is Tangmen comparable to Hengshan?"

"That's different."

"What's the difference?"

“The overhead is different.”

"I have money."

"Then you will be the host next time and I will lead the way."

"This trust can be remembered and will never be forgotten for the rest of your life."

The two of them drank non-stop and talked a lot about each other.Wei Xihou first praised Zhu Menshang's medical skills, and then told some anecdotes between relatives in Qingcheng. He then asked what happened when Ba County was closed. He also talked about how Shen Weichen had been gifted since he was a child. He also asked about the former head's condition, and talked about what happened with Shen Weichen. Interesting stories from Yu Qing’s childhood.Zhu Menshang was evasive and talked nonsense, rambling here and there without making any sense. The Marquis of Wei did not want to talk about what he said, but the past was like smoke and he did not mention it.

The two drank equally, and it was difficult to tell the winner. Wei Xihou called for two more jars of wine.After drinking all the four bottles of wine, they seemed to be chatting about everything, and they were so happy that they were late to meet each other. In fact, they were intrigues and testing each other, talking sweetly and secretly guarding against each other.

Wei Xihou pushed the wine jar and said with a smile: "Doctor Zhu is really a good drinker."

Zhu Menshang smiled and said, "Brother Wei has a good drinking capacity."

The two looked at each other and both laughed.

Wei Xihou said: "Okay, Doctor Zhu, let me tell you the truth. I see your character is trustworthy."

Zhu Menshang cupped his hands and said, "It's easy to talk about. Every time someone says this, they have to pay a lot of money. The last time they talked about it was the group of Taoist priests on Wudang Mountain."

Wei Xihou said: "I am not a villain today, so I just opened the skylight and spoke frankly."

Zhu Menshang said: "What are you talking about, Brother Wei? It doesn't hurt to just say it."

Wei Xihou's eyes suddenly became sharp and he said in a deep voice, "Then Shen Wangzhi is Li Jingfeng, right?"

Zhu Menshang was surprised and said: "Is there such a thing?"

Wei Xihou said: "This person is very capable and can be of great help. I regard the eldest lady as my younger sister. I don't care what she wants. There is only one thing -"

"After this war, Li Jingfeng cannot stay in Qingcheng. The Qingcheng temple is too small to accommodate this giant Buddha."

■

Shen Weichen fell asleep in a haze, and woke up again in a haze, feeling a headache.Gu Qingshang and Xia Lijun had already fallen asleep. In the dark night, they could only hear Xia Lijun's snoring, and the mask was still firmly held in his hand.

She put on her outer robe and came to sit outside the tent. She looked up at the sky and saw the bright moon hanging high in the sky. She lowered her head again and played with the mask in her hand.

■

The Qingcheng army marched for two days in a hurry, and after one day of repair, they arrived at the unsuspecting Hanzhong.

This is a crucial battle in Qingcheng Huashan.

(End of this chapter)