My Chinese ancestors

Chapter 648 Makes sense

The autumn sun had just shone through the clouds, and the streets of Nongma City, where nerves were tense all night, were filled with a mix of people.

Vehicles of all sizes came and went, pushed by people or pulled by horses, and driven by people, they continuously transported the city's defense equipment, stones and soil to strengthen the city's defenses to the eastern city wall facing the Seres.

The towering city walls meander under the rising autumn sun, and the peeling wall paint due to exposure to the sun shows the antiquity of the city walls.

On the top of the city wall, there was already a solemn atmosphere of war. The soldiers of the Sakprut army were like ants, constantly going up and down, scolding and cursing, and constantly reinforcing the city defenses. The large crossbows that once belonged to the Kingdom of Ophelia were also pulled out from the sealed arsenal, and were being replaced with crossbow strings and adjusted in angles on the top of the city wall.

These large crossbows are similar to a type of bed crossbow, called the bee-tail crossbow. Behind the inner city wall, there are scorpion-tail cannons being assembled. The catapults, made using the principle of leverage, are the only siege equipment that Sakpruit has built since he came to this world.

At this time, it has been used to defend the city walls, and its biggest function is to attack the Ceres army gathered under the city walls and disrupt their rhythm of siege.

Outside the east gate, King Arthur placed six legions at the left and right corners of the city wall to assist in the defense of the wall. However, his biggest worry was that the people of Ceres would not attack the city directly, but would find a way to get rid of the six legions first.

"A Seresian army has attacked the city of Martin and is approaching Lensa, and their main force is just outside the city. The only way we can win is to stop Emperor Seres' main force at the city walls and wait for Caesar's reinforcements."

Arthur analyzed the strategy based on that year, and the answer he got was that he should be trapped in Nungma, and wait for the Egyptian army to come from the south and attack the army of Ceres from behind.

However, he did not have much confidence in such a plan. Even though Caesar was an extremely famous military commander after him, the Serens on the opposite side were no pushovers.

Over thousands of years, the enemy's generals were all recruited through hard fighting, and there were also various military books and strategies summarized by their predecessors for them to learn from.

What he can think of, the other party will naturally think of as well, and they will even come up with various responses one by one, or take advantage of the situation to expose flaws and fool them.

When Arthur took over the Sakpruit Empire, it was already too late, and his chances of turning the tide were too slim.

At this time, not only did he lack confidence, but the civilians and nobles in Nongma City were also in panic.

Most people hid at home or took part in the city defense. They dug soil with panic-stricken faces and poured it into the carts; or they transported weapons. Women sat under the eaves of the streets and ground handfuls of herbs into powder. Older children were gathered together and pulled huge stones removed from the houses with ropes.

From the nobles to the common people and slaves, their status became almost the same at this moment. Although they were anxious, they could do nothing about it.

From the constant rumors, it seems that the army of Seris is extremely powerful and likes to massacre cities. It is conceivable that once Nongma is captured, the fate of many of them may be completely ended after the city gate is broken.

Countless panic-stricken civilians were working frantically in the city, while the elderly or women with limited mobility were kneeling in front of the statue of God at home and praying.

Pray for a plague among the Seres.

"What a retribution!" The old man who had experienced the Ophir incident sat at home, listening to the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, shaking his head and sighing.

Going back a few years, during the most prosperous period of the Sakpruit Empire, it was constantly conquering foreign countries. People in Nongma City were talking enthusiastically about other countries being attacked by the Sakpruit army. Now, such a thing has finally happened to them.

While the city was bustling with activity, the fields hundreds of miles outside the city were also bustling with activity.

In addition to strengthening the defenses of the fences in the military camp that spanned dozens of miles, Xiahou Dun led a part of the Qingzhou army and 20,000 Yuezhou troops to cut down trees everywhere. The craftsmen and young and strong laborers who followed the army were then taken back to the rear camp, where they scraped off the bark and used iron saws to cut the tree trunks into the desired wood.

The craftsmen and their apprentices dragged cartloads of wooden planks to an open area to make final reinforcement and adjustments to the trebuchet that had already taken shape.

The siege tower more than ten feet in the distance is half completed.

Black smoke was rising from the blacksmith camp. The furnace that had been built was burning fiercely. The blacksmiths were waving hammers, constantly hitting the broken weapons, or throwing the captured armor and weapons into the fire to melt them.

In the baggage rear camp that stretches for forty-eight miles, at this moment, various siege equipment such as iron cannons, large crossbows, and catapults are being formed through the efforts of countless craftsmen and laborers, and then pushed to the storage area, waiting for Xiahou Dun's inspection.

The craftsman wiped off his sweat and looked up. In the distance, he saw countless flags fluttering in the wind. Over there was the emperor's tent, which was heavily guarded by nearly 200,000 troops.

It was just as busy over there. Qin Qiong was walking slowly, holding a long spear. The sword at his waist occasionally collided with his skirt armor, making a slight sound.

The future war would probably be the biggest and most intense of the Western Expedition, and he couldn't help but think of the army he had trained.

“I hope they can live longer!”

The once powerful general of the Tang Dynasty lost his luster due to old injuries or because he did not want to be too prominent, which aroused the suspicion of the emperor.

Now that he has lived his life again and has no longer the concerns he had before, what he always wants in his heart is to let go and have a big fight.

"General, don't worry, our brothers are not the fierce bandits of the Xiliang Army who attack without fear of life and death. We are used to using weapons!"

Perhaps seeing the worry on Qin Qiong's face, the guard beside him smiled and comforted him, "If it's really our turn, we'll die. In the future, this piece of western land will eventually be a good thing for our children and grandchildren. Who knows, we can even have a separate page in the family tree in the future."

"Haha, you guys!" Qin Qiong looked at the guards who had followed him for many years and a smile appeared on his face.

Not long after, Yuchi Gong rode past him not far away. In the parade ground of the Tang army camp, there were groups of soldiers waiting for training.

His face darkened, and he taught his soldiers how to attack, dodge, and form a battle formation as seriously as he did in the beginning, over and over again.

The autumn wind is howling and the flags are fluttering.

To the right of the Tang camp, a tall Qin flag fluttered in the wind. Bai Qi, who rarely studied the battle formation in the camp, gathered the Qin soldiers, sat on the parade ground, and spoke to them in low voices, with laughter breaking out from time to time.

He saw Huo Qubing coming out of the tent. Just as he was about to mount his horse, Bai Qi went over to stop him.

"Qubing's cavalry is unrivaled, and his use of troops is also imaginative. I just happen to have an idea to share with you."

Huo Qubing put down the reins and followed Bai Qi: "Why me?"

"Others are not as brave and careful as you!"

Huo Qubing was the most susceptible to this. He immediately leaned over and heard Bai Qi muttering something in his ear. Huo Qubing nodded repeatedly and said, "I will go and ask Your Majesty. After all, the three cavalry units of Lu Bu, Ma Chao, and Zhao Yun are enough to harass the enemy on the city wall when it comes to attacking the city."

A moment later, Huo Qubing mounted his horse and led a few personal soldiers out of the Qin camp.

On the plain, several streams of dust passed by. They looked like scouts pretending to be the Wolf Cavalry and the Flying Qiang Cavalry. They were probably going outside to spy on the military situation and inquire about the defense of the city walls.

When he went to the central army, Su Chen was not there. After asking, he found out that Su Chen was inspecting the baggage camp at the moment, and then he rode over on horseback.

In the rear camp, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan accompanied Su Chen in a half-circle inspection. Surrounding them were crossbows and cannons that were being assembled and debugged.

Su Chen, dragging his white cloak, would touch the crossbow from time to time, and would pick up the iron bullet and weigh it in his hand from time to time.

"I value these, but we must not neglect the quality because of the rush. If we attack the city and get hurt by these tools, it will be bad for our soldiers to complain."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have checked everything."

Xiahou Dun’s ability in leading troops in battle might not be satisfactory, but he was very familiar with baggage and logistics, and he knew almost everything from agriculture to craftsmen’s tools.

With his guarantee, Su Chen felt relieved.

"General Xiahou is doing a good job, and I am naturally confident in your work. Now that it is almost done, let the men move to the front camp. However, we need to speed up the construction of the siege towers. At least when we attack the city the day after tomorrow, I want to see two intact towers."

Xiahou Dun raised his hands heavily and said, "Yes!"

"Your Majesty, Huo the Cavalry is here."

Dian Wei lowered his voice and reminded softly. As a man of the late Han Dynasty, he admired Huo Qubing to the extreme, and he always mentioned the word "cavalry". "Oh?"

Su Chen was a little surprised why Huo Qubing came here. According to the other party's personality, if he really wanted to see him for something, he would most likely wait for him to return to the big tent.

Following the direction pointed by Dian Wei, Su Chen saw Huo Qubing dismounting at the gate of the rear camp and walking towards this side alone.

He walked and bowed while talking.

"Your Majesty made it easy to find Qubing."

"Is Huo Qiqi in a hurry?"

Su Chen raised his hand to return the greeting. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Dian Wei and Xu Chu around him all quieted down, probably wanting to hear what urgent matter this Huo Huqi wanted to discuss with Su Chen.

Over there, Huo Qubing came over and stopped. He thought for a moment before speaking, "When Qubing was leaving Qinying, Wu'an Jun stopped me and told me some ideas. Qubing thought they were feasible, so he came to see Your Majesty to ask for this job."

The war was imminent and everything was settled.

At such a critical juncture, it is indeed difficult to temporarily change some plans, but there is Bai Qi, the Marquis of Wu'an, and Huo Qubing, the Marquis of Champion.

Both of them thought it was feasible, so Su Chen was naturally willing to listen.

"Champion, please speak."

"Qubing will lead the Yulin cavalry to cross the mountains and ridges to attack the barbarians from behind, cut off their food supply, and turn this city into a completely isolated one!"

Cavalry crossing mountains and hills?

This is really courageous. You know, the reason why Nongma City can become the eastern gateway of Ofeiro is that this city stands between the two mountains in the north and south of Ofeiro, like two giant palms holding up a pearl.

It would be extremely risky to let Huo Qubing cross the mountains and attack the enemy from behind. Who knows whether the enemy would have sentry posts and garrisons halfway up the mountain.

Once discovered, there is a great possibility that the Yulin Cavalry would be trapped in the mountains and then wiped out by the enemy.

Seeing Su Chen frowning and not speaking, Huo Qubing relaxed his brows and waved his hand: "Your Majesty, why do you have to think so carefully? If this plan works, it can shorten the siege time and reduce casualties. If it fails, the Yulin Cavalry and I will die in different places. Anyway, I have died once, so what's the harm in dying again? I can gather with all the Chinese generals here, and Qubing has made enough money, haha!"

"Champion Marquis, no!"

"This plan is brilliant, but there's no need to take this risk."

Xiahou Yuan and others also tried to persuade them, saying that the person in front of them was the goal they were determined to pursue, and no one else could compare to him.

"Don't try to persuade me. I've made up my mind, and even ten cows can't pull me back!"

Huo Qubing was indeed of this character, arrogant and unruly, daring to do whatever he thought of. He raised his hand to interrupt the Han generals who were still trying to persuade him, with a disdainful smile on his face: "What are you afraid of? When I was fighting, these barbarians were still picking fruits from the trees!"

Seeing that they could not persuade him, everyone turned their eyes to Su Chen, who made the decision.

After a long while, Su Chen nodded and agreed to the plan.

"I know the temperament of the Champion Marquis. Since I can't persuade him, I might as well let him do it!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Huo Qubing whistled happily, and the chestnut horse parked at the gate came galloping in. Without waiting for the horse to stop, he put his arm around the horse's neck, pushed off with his feet, leaned sideways onto the saddle and sat firmly on it. Then he touched the horse's belly with his feet and galloped away.

"Your Majesty, why don't you try to persuade him again?" Xiahou Yuan was a little worried.

"Why bother to persuade me? Have you forgotten how and why you came here?"

Su Chen's question left the four people behind him speechless and they all fell silent.

"You all came here because you died unwillingly. If you are still unwilling to die here, wouldn't it be a shame to live like this?"

After saying that, Su Chen led the four men back. As soon as they returned to the central army, they saw Zhang Fei riding a horse and rushing towards them in a hurry.

"Zhang Yide, do you have any crazy plan?" Xiahou Yuan asked bluntly.

"Father-in-law, what are you doing? I, Old Zhang, haven't drunk any alcohol today, so I won't chat with you!"

Zhang Fei rarely responded, but instead came up and bowed to Su Chen: "Your Majesty, I have something to ask of you!"

This……

The corner of Su Chen's mouth twitched. The one who had just asked for help was Huo Qubing, who led the cavalry over mountains and across rivers. Now Zhang Fei was asking for help again. Could it be that he also had to cross mountains and across rivers?

"General Zhang, you go ahead."

Su Chen was prepared for the other party to have some unique ideas, and just waited for Zhang Fei to speak.

"I would like to ask your Majesty for a secretary who can speak the barbarian language!"

Don't mind that this black man with big copper-bell eyes and leopard-shaped eyes looks vicious. In fact, he still respects scholars in his heart. He didn't call them petty officials directly, but referred to them by their positions.

"Oh? General Zhang, what are you going to do?"

Not only Su Chen was puzzled, but the Xiahou brothers, as well as Dian Wei and Xu Chu, also pricked up their ears, obviously curious about Zhang Fei's action.

"Hey, we're going to go to war, right? We should at least write a letter to the other side, right?"

Zhang Fei clapped his hands and shouted, "Before the fight, I will first suppress the morale of these barbarians and let them see my literary power!"

Dian Wei, Xu Chu, the Xiahou brothers, and even Su Chen suddenly thought of something and nodded in unison.

"Makes sense!"

At the same time, Su Chen also breathed a sigh of relief, and then he waved his hand generously: "Alright! I'll be ready to serve you immediately!"

……

Night gradually enveloped the sky.

In the city of Nongma, a letter was passed into the city from the city wall, and then delivered to the palace by fast horses and fell into Arthur's hands.

The cover of the book has a few simple words written in Eurasian: From the Dog Emperor himself.

The lights were silent, and then with a 'bang' the flames were shaken.

King Arthur looked at the opened letter with a red face. The contents inside made him so angry that he broke one of the golden armrests of the throne.

"Emperor Seris...actually cursed!"

(End of this chapter)