Troubled times: Start practicing spiritual practice by taking care of your sister-in-law.

Chapter 589: Chen Mo is furious and sends troops to support the king
Duke Anguo's Mansion, study room.

Chen Mo sat behind his desk, tapping the table lightly with his fingers.

Yue Ruyan, Xia Zhining, Sun Meng, Shao Jinneng, Wei Qing, Zuo Lianglun, Geng Songfu, Chen Ming and other generals and officials gathered together to discuss and analyze the war in the south.

After Chen Mo learned of the emergency in Huaizhou, he immediately asked Sun Meng to call them to the study to discuss the matter.

After discussing for a while, Zuo Lianglun said in a deep voice:
"The troops of Prince Chong and Lu Sheng were able to sneak into He County without any warning, and there must be help from Prince Anping. So Lu Sheng, Prince Chong, Prince Anping, and maybe Prince Huai, the four of them have united together.

The attack on He County this time is obviously fierce. I'm afraid that Patriarch Xiao won't be able to hold out for long. We should immediately dispatch troops to support him."

"But our main forces are still stationed at the border. The troops of Linzhou plus the Cavalry Guards only have 7,000 people, and those newly recruited soldiers have not been trained yet and are not qualified to go to the battlefield." Shao Jinneng said based on the current military situation of Linzhou.

Before Chen Mo recruited new soldiers, the actual number of soldiers he had was less than 100,000.

Among them, 30,000 troops were stationed in Huaizhou. Later, 10,000 of them, the Fish Scale Guards, were sent to garrison in Jiangnan.

Thirty thousand troops were stationed in Yuzhou to guard against Longyou.

When Jin Xia marched south, Chen Mo mobilized 40,000 soldiers and 10,000 Jiangdong troops to march north. After driving away the Jinnan barbarians, almost all of these soldiers remained in Youzhou. Chen Mo only brought back his personal battalion and the Cavalry Guard.

After returning from the north, Chen Mo issued an order to recruit new soldiers. As of today, the four states have recruited nearly 60,000 new soldiers.

But these 60,000 new recruits are untrained, and Chen Mo does not have enough armor to arm them. They obviously cannot be sent to the battlefield. If they are forcibly sent, they will only be cannon fodder.

In other words, the number of troops that Linzhou could dispatch to provide support was less than 5,000.

Linzhou also needs troops to stay behind.

"Excluding the new recruits, how many troops are stationed in Huaizhou now?" Yue Ruyan glanced at Chen Mo and asked.

"About 30,000 troops." Chen Mo said.

Hearing this, Xia Zhining was stunned: "Huaizhou originally had 30,000 soldiers and horses stationed there, and then 10,000 were transferred to Jiangnan. After taking Fengzhou, another 10,000 were transferred to garrison Fengzhou. How come there are still almost 30,000 troops? This is not counting the losses caused by the previous battle against the King of Huai."

Zuo Lianglun, Yue Ruyan and others were also stunned when they heard this.

Why are the number of troops increasing as time goes by?

Before Chen Mo opened his mouth, Geng Songfu said with a smile: "When the Duke of Anguo captured Huaizhou, he captured more than 20,000 Huaijun soldiers. At that time, because they were surrendered soldiers, the Duke of Anguo did not use them, but handed them over to General Zhao Liang and Mr. Liu Ji for teaching. Now they have been incorporated into the Xianzhen Guard.

In addition to these, Yi County previously dealt a heavy blow to the Huai Army and annihilated Chu Ce, and took in the remnants of the enemy. "

After all, Geng Songfu was the prefect of Huaizhou, and he knew something about the military situation of Huaizhou.

Xia Zhiqing nodded suddenly, and now the number of people matched.

“If we have 30,000 troops, and we send the Fish Scale Guards from Jiangnan to support us, this number is not small. There are only so many people in Linzhou, so it won’t have much impact whether or not to withdraw troops to support.” Yue Ruyan’s meaning was very clear. When there are enough troops, what really affects the battle situation is the high-end combat power, that is, the number of top-grade warriors.

On the enemy side, the Chong army guards two, the Lu army guards two, the Huai army guards one, and the Anping prince's side guards one, which makes six top-grade warriors.

Lu Sheng is even more likely to be a second-grade one.

On their side, there are only four people, including Yue Ruyan.

"Isn't Shu our ally? We can ask Shu to send troops. Yang Xian must be a top-grade warrior. Otherwise, he was just a guard at the beginning and would never have been able to stabilize the situation in Shu. Not to mention, the Song Dynasty has been in chaos for nearly ten years, but no other forces have infiltrated Shu." Xia Zhining said.

The strength of Yang Xian of Shu Mansion has always been a mystery. He has never demonstrated it, but he was a fourth-rank warrior more than 20 years ago. After so long, relying on the resources of Shu Mansion, it is not difficult for him to make further progress.

"When the Marquis went north to fight against foreign enemies, the Shu government did not send any troops. This time the enemy is coming with such a strong force, I'm sure they will not take action." Sun Meng said.

The reason we formed an alliance at that time was due to the situation. In other words, it was just a show to tell the world that we are friends from now on.

But in reality they are just superficial friends.

At that time, the alliance was only a verbal agreement. There was no marriage bond between the two parties, and no interests involved. It was okay to issue an announcement to scare people, but if troops were really sent out and huge losses were likely to be caused, they would most likely stand idly by.

Isn’t that what happened to Chen Mo and Yang Xian when Xiliang was destroyed before?

If Chen Mo could use the excuse that he was fighting against the Jinxia barbarians at the time and was unable to take action, and was not unwilling to help, then the Shu Prefecture, which was not at war, would have no excuse to find.

"No matter what, let's try to ask for help first." Chen Mo thought for a moment, and then ordered Sun Meng to send someone to Shu Prefecture.

"Yuzhou still has more than 20,000 troops. Otherwise, let General Li transfer some of the troops to support Huaizhou. After all, Jin Xia has withdrawn from Longyou." Zuo Lianglun said at this time.

Some of Yuzhou's 30,000 troops were lost in the previous resistance against the Western Army led by Wanyan Xiaji. After absorbing the remnants of Yue Ruyan's army, there are still more than 20,000 troops. It will not be a problem to withdraw 10,000 troops to reinforce Huaizhou.

"The Dongyou Kingdom has been destroyed by Jin Xia, and its western army has not completely withdrawn from Longyou. Maybe they have buried some troops there. Seeing that Yuzhou's defense is weak, they may take the opportunity to advance. Yuzhou's troops cannot move unless it is absolutely necessary." Chen Mo waved his hand.

"Then shall I go to Huaizhou with you?" Yue Ruyan asked in surprise.

"Take the personal guard battalion with you, and the Cavalry Guard will stay in Linzhou." Chen Mo said after thinking for a while.

"I want to go too." Xia Zhining suddenly spoke.

"Then take the Suzaku Guards with you. Before you set off, Zhining, have the Suzaku Guards bring the red cannons and all the shrapnel shells that have been manufactured recently."

There was a gleam of viciousness in Chen Mo's eyes. This time, defending Huaizhou was the most basic task. He also had to break the enemy's limbs and hurt them so that they wouldn't dare to reach out again.

"Duke Anguo, I feel that the most urgent task is not to rush to Huaizhou's aid, but to first issue an announcement to the world to explain the situation in Huaizhou, which is the righteous thing." Geng Songfu suddenly thought of something at this time and bowed.

Chen Mo raised his eyebrows and asked Geng Songfu to explain in detail.

“Since Lu Sheng has joined forces with Prince Chong, if they attack us this time, His Majesty will surely issue an imperial decree against you, the Duke of Anguo, thereby misleading the people. Now is a critical moment in the imperial examination, so we must be on guard.

The reason why they didn't let the court issue an announcement when they raided He County was definitely because they didn't want the raid plan to be exposed in advance, but now that the raid plan has failed, there is no need for them to hide it anymore, and they will definitely let the court issue an announcement, so we have to take the lead before them. "Geng Songfu said slowly.

To put it simply, it means to seize public opinion and occupy the moral high ground first.

After all, the people’s thoughts are also very important.

"Great." Zuo Lianglun's eyes lit up as well, and he bowed and said, "Master Geng is absolutely right."

"Then how do we send out this announcement?" Xia Zhining asked curiously.

Geng Songfu bowed to Chen Mo again and said, "Duke Anguo, Princess Zhaoqing and the former queen are in our hands. We can use their names to accuse Lu Sheng of holding the emperor hostage, disrupting the government, colluding with treacherous officials and rebels, and invading Huaizhou..." "Mr. Geng, you mean to let me send troops to defend the king." Chen Mo understood what Geng Songfu meant, opened his mouth, and was a little surprised.

Last time, under the pretext of serving the king, it was the Prince of Huai who used the emperor's blood letter to attack Xu.

Now it's his turn to use the former queen and princess to get something for nothing.

Zuo Lianglun said with a delighted look on his face: "Prince Huai and Prince Chong have long been defined as treacherous ministers and rebels by the court, and when they were defined as treacherous ministers and rebels, Xu Guozhong was still in power. As long as we issue a notice to support the king, the people will definitely believe us. After all, Lu Sheng cannot deny his involvement in this matter. When he was in power, he also defined the two as treacherous ministers and rebels."

Geng Songfu nodded: "Not only that, as long as Lu Sheng dares to make Prince Huai and Prince Chong legitimate, it will show the world that he is holding the emperor hostage and causing chaos in the government, which will cause the government to change its orders every day."

"Good." Chen Mo also thought this was a good idea, and said to Chen Ming, "I'll leave this matter to you. Draft a manifesto to fight the bandits for me. I want it before sunset."

"promise."

……

Huaizhou was in a state of emergency, and the news soon reached the rear house, causing Chen Mo's wives and concubines to panic.

I feel this is more serious than the Jinxia invasion.

The Jin-Xia invasion was aimed at the Song Dynasty and could have been avoided.

For example, if Chen Mo surrendered to Jin Xia, not only would he not have to die, but he would also continue to enjoy wealth and glory.

But King Chong, Lu Sheng and the others came specifically for Chen Mo. They were here to take his life. Surrender would not work.

In addition, as a foreign race, Jinxia certainly does not understand its own people better than the people of the Song Dynasty.

After Chen Mo returned to the backyard, everyone surrounded him before he even sat down.

Wu Mi knew the seriousness of the situation and did not say anything to stop him. He asked softly, "Is the situation in Huaizhou serious?"

"It's not serious at the moment, but the enemy is coming in full force. If it drags on for too long, it will be very serious." Chen Mo sat down and said.

Han Anniang stepped forward and poured Chen Mo a cup of tea. She didn't know much about military affairs, so she asked, "How many enemy troops are there?"

"It's not clear yet, but the fact that Prince Chong and Lu Jun's army were able to pass through Yanzhou quietly and raid He County shows that Prince Anping has also gotten involved. If the three of them join forces, it should be no problem for them to gather a hundred thousand troops." Chen Mo picked up the tea and drank it in one gulp.

"One hundred thousand!"

Hearing this number, Han Anniang's face turned pale, and then her eyes reddened as she trembled and said, "I remember that Lu Sheng was with you, Erlang. How come he is colluding with King Chong now and is here to beat you, Erlang?"

"Alas." Chen Mo sighed, holding Han Anniang's small hand, and whispered: "In this world, there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests. And when I recovered the north and held the imperial examination, I touched their interests."

"But wasn't it the imperial court's decree to send troops to the north? And the imperial court also agreed to restore the imperial examination." Han Anniang didn't quite understand.

"This is a different time. An Niang, all you need to know now is that the imperial court is our enemy." Chen Mo said.

"Then Erlang, are you sure?" Han Anniang asked.

Chen Mo originally wanted to say that he didn’t know yet.

After all, he didn't know how many enemy troops there were.

In addition, it is not clear whether Lu Sheng is a second-grade warrior, and whether his strength is stronger or weaker than his.

But seeing Han Anniang's red eyes, Chen Mo touched her face and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Anniang, it's okay. I have survived many storms, and this time is no exception."

Han Anniang also held Chen Mo's hand.

Wu Mi said, "My dear, let Sister Ruyan go with you."

Chen Mo nodded: "Ruyan is a warrior in the supernatural realm, she can help me a lot."

"That's good." Wu Mi stepped forward and took Yue Ruyan's hand, and said, "Sister Ruyan, you must take good care of your husband."

Yue Ruyan nodded solemnly.

"Sister, I'll go too." After thinking for a while, Xia Zhining decided to tell Xia Zhiqing first, and then said, "Besides, I'm about to enter the middle level, and I urgently need some experience."

Xia Zhiqing did not stop her. After all, her sister was a seventh-rank warrior. Except for General Sun, no other soldier in her husband's personal guard camp was as strong as her sister. She also understood military tactics and could help in Huaizhou.

She held her sister's hand and said softly, "Be careful."

"My dear husband, when are you leaving?" The usually lively little deer became silent and only said one sentence now.

"Tomorrow." Chen Mo said, this matter cannot be delayed.

"So soon?" Xiao Ya was a little surprised. She hadn't consummated her marriage with Brother Mo yet.

Chen Mo nodded: "There is no other way. I can wait, but Huaizhou can't."

"Husband, is my father also in He County?" Chu Juan hesitated for a while, but still asked.

"There is no news about him yet, though."

Before Chen Mo finished speaking, a maid came over and said urgently, "Master, General Sun has something important to report. He said something happened in Fengzhou."

"what?"

Chen Mo's face changed and he hurried to see Sun Meng.

As soon as he left the backyard, he saw Sun Meng, who was holding a wooden box with bloodstains around it. Chen Mo felt something was wrong and asked in a trembling voice, "What happened?"

"My Lord, Deng Tian is dead. He was killed by Prince Huai. The box contains Deng Tian's head, which Prince Huai asked our people to send back." Sun Meng said in a deep voice.

Hearing this, Chen Mo tremblingly opened the box. A piercing stench gushed out. A human head from which all the blood had been drained lay quietly in the box, with its eyes open. It was Deng Tian's head.

Chen Mo opened his mouth at this moment, as if he was brewing emotions. After a moment, he said in a cold voice: "I want him to die."

ps: The previous chapter has been modified. Li Yunzhang is in Yuzhou, and the main commander of the garrison in Huaizhou is Zhao Liang.

(End of this chapter)