Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

About thirty miles east of Xi'an, Yang Zhan, the leader of the Vanguard Camp, was busy supervising the soldiers to set up the pots and cook and prepare meals. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the busy soldiers, giving the camp a golden glow. The smoke from the cooking stoves rose up, interweaving with the mountain mist in the distance, forming a peaceful and vivid picture.

"Report!" Suddenly, a scout rushed to Yang Zhan and reported urgently: "Dozens of bandits were found ahead, claiming to surrender to our Governor Qin!"

Yang Zhan listened, his expression calm. These days, many people surrendered, most of them because they admired their Governor Qin's wisdom and generosity. He asked casually: "Oh? Who are they?"

"They claim to be Hongniang's men." The scout replied.

"Who?!" Yang Zhan stood up suddenly. Hong Niangzi's name was very famous. The imperial court was looking for her. Why did she suddenly surrender? He was confused, but more curious and alert.

Yang Zhan immediately ordered to bring Hong Niangzi and her group to him. He looked the woman up and down in front of him and asked half-doubtfully, "Are you really Hong Niangzi?"

Hongniang replied expressionlessly: "Why should I lie to you?" There was a firmness in her eyes, as if she could see into people's hearts.

"Are you really here to surrender to Governor Qin?" Yang Zhan continued to ask, trying to find flaws in her expression and tone.

"Yes, is there any problem?" Hongniangzi's answer was concise and clear, without any hesitation.

"No, it's just that there are too many people surrendering, so we need to wait in line." Yang Zhan's tone was a little arrogant, and he was obviously a little impatient with this situation, "Then what are you going to do?"

Hongniang bowed deeply and pleaded, "General Yang, please be flexible. I have an urgent matter and need to see the governor as soon as possible." There was a hint of urgency and anxiety in her voice.

"What's the emergency?" Yang Zhan asked curiously.

"Li Zicheng is trying to escape!" Hong Niangzi's words shocked Yang Zhan. He immediately realized the seriousness of the matter and quickly ordered: "Quick! Take them to see the governor!"

In the afternoon, the sun shone through the sparse clouds onto the central army tent. Hong Niangzi was brought here to meet the Qin Governor Jian Mingxiao. Before she spoke, her eyes were already wet. Seeing her like this, Jian Mingxiao coughed lightly a few times to hide his surprise and concern. She asked tentatively, "Is something wrong with Li Yan?"

After this question, Hongniang couldn't stop crying. She sobbed and said, "Yes... he... he was killed by Li Zicheng and Nangong Shangpu..." Her voice was full of grief and anger.

Jian Mingxiao, as a woman, could understand her feelings. She waved her hand to let the people around her leave and let Hongniangzi cry. After a while, Hongniangzi wiped her tears and said apologetically: "I lost my composure in front of the governor."

Jian Mingxiao smiled and comforted her, "It's okay, it's okay. Tell me why you're here." Her voice was gentle and kind, as if it could heal one's inner wounds.

Hongniang took a deep breath to calm herself down and said, "My husband Li Yan was killed by Li Zicheng and Nangong Shangpu, and I cannot coexist with them! I surrendered in order to borrow a thousand cavalry to hunt down those bandits!" Her tone was firm and resolute, filled with the flame of revenge.

Jian Mingxiao did not directly agree to her request but asked, "You said Li Zicheng is going to escape? Is this true?" There was a hint of doubt and scrutiny in her eyes.

"Yes," Hongniang answered seriously, "Li Yan once gave Li Zicheng three strategies, one of which was to let He Jin lead the elite troops to escape into the mountains and then Li Zicheng would go north to join them." Her tone was full of admiration for Li Yan and hatred for Li Zicheng.

"What about the other two?" Jian Mingxiao asked curiously.

"One is to enter Hanzhong to avoid the crisis of the possible loss of Guanzhong; the other is to surrender." Hong Niangzi listed them one by one, her tone revealing her admiration for Li Yan's wisdom.

"So that's how it is..." Jian Mingxiao was shocked to hear that Li Yan's wisdom was indeed unfathomable. She pondered for a moment and then asked, "Do you know where Li Zicheng is?" Her eyes revealed a hint of eagerness and expectation.

"I guess he will go north to meet up with He Jin because He Jin still has elite troops." Hong Niangzi analyzed, her tone full of confidence and decisiveness.

"Okay, go and rest first." Jian Mingxiao waved his hand to signal her to leave. However, Hong Niangzi did not leave immediately, as if she had something else to say.

"But Governor..." Hong Niangzi wanted to say something but was interrupted by Jian Mingxiao who shook his head gently: "Go and rest first." There was a hint of unquestionable majesty in her tone.

Hong Niangzi had no choice but to leave the tent and let the Ming army arrange for her food and lodging. Although she was anxious, she knew that this was not the time to get entangled. She needed to conserve her energy and prepare for the next road of revenge.

At this time, Ma Wannian asked Jian Mingxiao in a low voice: "Grandma, do you believe what Hong Niang said?" There was a hint of doubt and uneasiness in his eyes.

Jian Mingxiao replied calmly: "Be skeptical and wait for news from the Jinyiwei." There was a hint of calmness and composure in her tone, as if everything was under her control.

Soon, the Jinyiwei in the city sent a secret report: Li Yan had been killed and Li Zicheng was fleeing to the north with his family. After receiving the news, Jian Mingxiao immediately summoned the generals to discuss the deployment of troops. She said to the generals with a serious look: "Li Zicheng has escaped and we must act immediately! Hong Niangzi has surrendered and is willing to borrow troops to hunt down Li Zicheng. This is a good opportunity for us to capture the thief!"

After hearing this, all the generals expressed their agreement and were willing to lead the troops to the battle. Jian Mingxiao felt relieved when she saw this, and she immediately summoned Hong Niangzi to discuss the specific action plan.

Without waiting for Hong Niangzi to speak, Jian Mingxiao asked directly: "How many soldiers do you plan to borrow?" Her eyes revealed a hint of scrutiny and expectation.

"One thousand cavalrymen." Red Lady answered without hesitation, her tone full of confidence and determination.

"You want to capture the bandits with only a thousand cavalrymen? You have big ambitions." Jian Mingxiao looked at her doubtfully, as if he didn't believe that she could accomplish the task with such a small force.

"Most of the bandits' elite troops were lost in the battle of Tongguan. Most of the remaining ones are old, weak, sick and disabled. A thousand cavalrymen are enough." Hong Niangzi explained. Her tone was full of understanding and grasp of the enemy's situation.

"So what are you going to do?" Jian Mingxiao continued to ask her, wanting to know Hong Niangzi's specific action plan.

There was a ruthless look in Hongniang's eyes: "We can't chase them directly because they are good at setting ambushes. We have to make a big detour and ambush them in front." Her tone was full of desire and determination for victory.

Jian Mingxiao frowned: "It's too dangerous to go deep into the enemy's territory and make a detour. And how are we going to get food and grass?" She was obviously a little worried and concerned about Hong Niangzi's plan.

Hongniang took out a seal from her bosom and said, "Governor, have you forgotten that I was born a bandit? This seal can be used to order the counties along the way to provide food and fodder." Her tone was full of confidence and calmness, as if everything was under her control.

"The rebels will definitely spread the news of your rebellion. How can the prefecture and county help you?" Jian Mingxiao asked with some concern.

Hongniang smiled bitterly: "This is not my seal but the seal of Luo Wenbin's baggage camp. He left it to Li Yan before going north to Yulin, saying that it was a reminder as the journey would be dangerous. Li Yan then gave it to me." Her tone was full of nostalgia and gratitude for Li Yan.

Jian Mingxiao felt relieved after hearing this and continued to ask: "Then how can we determine the whereabouts of the thieves in the vast Guanzhong?" She was obviously very concerned about this issue because it was the key to the entire action plan.

Hongniang analyzed in detail: "The bandits have few cavalry, so they will definitely go into the mountains first to avoid pursuers. The mountain city near Xi'an is Tongguan County, from here you can go north directly to Yan'an Prefecture. The bandits' target is obviously Shanxi, and they can cross the Yellow River from Yan'an to enter Shanxi. I will set up an ambush on the main road from Yan'an to the Yellow River and wipe them out in one fell swoop." Her tone was full of understanding and grasp of the enemy's situation, as if everything was within her expectations.

Jian Mingxiao thought carefully and felt that Hongniangzi's plan was feasible. The key to using troops is to achieve victory by surprise. Being too rigid will lead to missing opportunities. So she decided to adopt Hongniangzi's plan and immediately began to deploy troops. She summoned Li Shunzu, the deputy general, and prepared to give him the task to complete.

"What does the Governor want me for?" Li Shunzu asked while bowing, his eyes revealing a hint of expectation and curiosity.

Jian Mingxiao took Hongniangzi forward and introduced her, "This is Hongniangzi, who used to be a bandit but has surrendered now. This is Li Shunzu, a descendant of the Liaodong Li family." Her tone was full of trust and expectation for the two of them.

The two men bowed to each other to show their respect and cooperation.

Jian Mingxiao patted Li Shunzu on the shoulder and said, "Although the bandits have escaped, we have a good chance to capture them. Are you willing to go?" Her eyes revealed a hint of expectation and encouragement.

"Yes!" Li Shunzu agreed without hesitation. Capturing or killing the thief would be a great achievement, enough to get him promoted, so he naturally didn't want to miss this opportunity.

Jian Mingxiao solemnly warned: "This journey is extremely dangerous and there may be a risk of annihilation of the entire army. You must be careful and never underestimate the enemy or advance rashly." Her tone was full of concern and exhortations to Li Shunzu.

Li Shunzu said with a firm look: "I am a descendant of the Liaodong Li family. I am proud to die on the battlefield. Life and death have long been disregarded." His tone was full of fearlessness of death and persistence in honor.

"Okay!" Jian Mingxiao took the command arrow and handed it to him: "Hong Niangzi will be responsible for raising food and leading the way, and Li Shunzu will be responsible for charging into battle. This governor swears to take the head of this bandit!" Her tone was full of desire and determination for victory, as if she had already seen the dawn of victory.

In the summer morning light, Jian Mingxiao stood in front of the temporary tent of the military camp. She was wearing a tight-fitting battle robe, a sharp sword on her waist, and her long black hair was simply tied behind her head, looking capable and heroic. Her eyes were as sharp as an eagle, revealing an unquestionable firmness. At this moment, she was staring ahead, planning the upcoming battle in her mind.

Hongniangzi and Li Shunzu, two experienced generals, led a thousand light cavalry, wearing light armor and riding fast horses, like a swift whirlwind, quickly crossing the land of Tongzhou. Tongzhou, a land 300 miles away from Xi'an, was bathed in the morning breeze at this moment, and the river was shining silver under the sun. They followed this water of life all the way north to the confluence of the Yanhe River and another river, then turned west and passed through the historic Yanchang County.

Along the way, they passed through patches of green farmland, with smoke rising from farmhouses, and people working on the fields or washing clothes, living a peaceful and tranquil life. However, beneath this tranquility was the coming storm. The soldiers were worried about the unknown, but also eager for victory. Their eyes sparkled with admiration and trust for Jian Mingxiao, a female hero.

After a long journey of 80 miles, they finally found an ideal ambush site 30 miles east of Yan'an City. The terrain here is complex and the forests are dense, which is a good place to set up an ambush. The soldiers acted quickly, some set traps, and some cut down trees as cover. Everything seemed to be in order. Jian Mingxiao stood on a high place, observing all this, and nodded secretly in her heart. She knew that this would become the burial place of the thief.

Jian Mingxiao, the daughter of the Shizhu Tusi, had been hunting with her father since she was young, and had a unique understanding of how to catch prey. She knew that the best way to panic the prey was to attack it from both sides, leaving it with nowhere to escape. The same was true for dealing with a powerful enemy like the Chuangze bandits.

While everyone was busy, a scout from the Sichuan Army came galloping from the direction of Xi'an. The sound of his horse's hooves was like thunder, breaking the silence around him. As soon as he arrived at the camp, he reported loudly: "The defenders of Xi'an surrendered before the battle. After Lieutenant General Yang Zhan accepted the surrender, he did not dare to enter the city without permission, so he sent me to ask the governor for instructions!"

Jian Mingxiao frowned slightly when she heard this, then relaxed her brows and asked, "What do you want to ask?"

The scout replied, "Vice-General Yang said that retaking Xi'an is a great achievement, and you, the Governor-General, should be the first to enter the city."

Before he finished speaking, another scout rushed into the tent with an anxious look on his face: "Report! The main force to support Governor Lu Daqi has arrived in Lantian and is rushing to Xi'an!"

Jian Mingxiao smiled slightly, and she had a plan in mind. She knew that the defeat of the rebels was inevitable, and the victory of the Ming army was imminent. So, she sent messengers to inform Yang Zhan and Lu Daqi separately, and agreed to enter the city together.

Soon, Jian Mingxiao and Lu Daqi stood side by side outside the city of Xi'an. Lu Daqi saluted respectfully, his gratitude overflowing with words: "Thank you, Governor Qin."

Jian Mingxiao smiled and said, "Governor Lu is too polite. Let's go into the city together."

The two entered side by side. Seeing this, Gao Jie behind them asked Li Shiyuan curiously, "Why did Lord Lu want to thank Lord Qin?"

Li Shiyuan smiled and said, "The credit for retaking Xi'an will go to whoever enters the city first. Lord Qin's vanguard has arrived, but he did not enter the city alone, but waited for Lord Lu. This move allows both of them to be credited."

Upon hearing this, Gao Jie was filled with praise, and all the generals also praised Jian Mingxiao's virtue.

When the Ming army entered the city, the people were afraid, but they also gradually felt at peace. After Jian Mingxiao took over the defense, he immediately summoned the generals and said in a loud and powerful voice: "I have four things to tell you: First, enforce strict military discipline. Those who disturb the people will be beheaded, and their superiors will also be punished; second, post notices to reassure the people. Past disturbances will be forgiven, but if they occur again, they will be severely punished; third, search for the fifth-rank and above bandits, and those who hide them will be exterminated; fourth, the bandits have fled to northern Shaanxi, and Li Xingzhong has already chased them. Who is willing to go again?"

Gao Jie stepped forward and said: "I cannot stand with the bandits, I am willing to go!"

Jian Mingxiao nodded in approval: "Okay! Rest for a day and set off the day after tomorrow."

The order was issued, and Xi'an was in an uproar. Soldiers went door to door to inquire and appease the people, and the people gradually calmed down, and the city gradually returned to its former state. Under Jian Mingxiao's governance, many areas in Guanzhong returned to the embrace of the Ming Dynasty.

On the tenth day of the seventh month, Jian Mingxiao climbed the city tower and looked north. Ma Wannian accompanied him and said worriedly, "Grandma, the wind is strong. Please go down the city."

Jian Mingxiao shook his head: "I am worried about Lady Hong. She has a deep hatred for the bandits. I am very worried about her."

Ma Wannian put on her clothes and asked, "Grandma, are you worried that the thief will be killed by Li Shunzu?"

Jian Mingxiao stroked his head and said with a smile: "My dear grandson is smart. There are many surrendered generals in the army. If the rebels die, they may change their minds. But Lady Hong is different. She will kill the rebels with her own hands."

"I hope Lady Hong will live up to my expectations." Jian Mingxiao was full of expectations.

……

In Yan'an, Li Zicheng was busy collecting food and grass when he heard that Li Xingzhong had already chased him to Ganquan, only a hundred miles away. He was shocked and asked where General Tian was, but heard that his troops had collapsed at the first blow and General Tian was missing.

Li Zicheng was stunned for a long time as if struck by lightning, and then asked: "Where is Fang Liang? I asked him to leave Yulin and come to the meeting, why hasn't he come yet?"

The answer was: "General Liu fell off his horse and was injured, so he can't keep the appointment." "Falling off a horse and injured?" Li Zicheng sneered, "Luo Wenbin really has ulterior motives!"

"Pass the order quickly, all troops should leave the city immediately, cross the Yellow River to the east, and go to Shanxi to avoid disaster!" Li Zicheng shouted at the top of his lungs, his heart filled with resentment and helplessness.

On that hot summer day, Yan'an Prefecture on the Loess Plateau was like a natural battlefield painting with ravines and undulating terrain. Li Zicheng led the remaining 3,000 Dashun troops and fled eastward in a hurry. Their figures appeared and disappeared on the loess slope, like afterimages that were about to be swallowed by the loess.

The two generals, Hongniangzi and Li Shunzu, had already laid a trap on this familiar land. They led the elite Ming army and quietly ambushed on both sides of the road, hiding in the dense grass and trees, waiting for the decisive moment.

"They are coming!" Hong Niangzi held her sword tightly, her eyes flashing with determination. Before she finished speaking, dust was flying in the distance, and soldiers and horses were coming like a tide. Those people were holding a big banner with the word "Shun" on their backs, driving horse-drawn carriages, and marching along the road in a mighty manner.

"Could this be..." Lady Hong muttered to herself, "Is this the bandits' baggage train?"

"It looks like that." The Ming scout next to him replied, "Only troops transporting baggage would march like this. They obviously didn't expect us to set an ambush here."

Red Lady observed carefully, and then decisively issued an order: "Don't worry about what kind of troops they are, act according to the plan. We must approach them quietly like cheetahs, and then give them a fatal blow."

"Yes!" The Ming cavalry responded in unison. Although their voices were low, they were full of firmness and determination.

A thousand Ming cavalrymen quietly hid by the roadside, waiting for the best opportunity to come. Soon, the vanguard of the Shun army rushed past, and they obviously did not notice any danger. Hong Niangzi did not act rashly. She waited until the Shun army's central army arrived, and then she suddenly issued an order.

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"Three... two... one... get on the horse!" Hong Niangzi led the way and jumped on the horse. She was agile and brave. She led 200 cavalrymen over the earth slope and rushed towards the Shun army like a storm.

The Shun army had never expected an ambush and was thrown into chaos. Screams, horse neighs, and the sounds of weapons clashing mixed together to form a sea of ​​confusion.

"Run! We're ambushed!" some Shun soldiers shouted in panic.

"Don't run, you can't outrun the horses!" Other soldiers tried to hold their ground.

"Hold our position and wait for reinforcements!" The generals of the Shun army shouted, trying to boost morale.

However, at this critical moment, an unexpected variable appeared in Li Zicheng's army. Jing Changhao, a general who was always known for his bravery, seemed a little flustered at this moment. He felt a little relieved when he saw that there were only 200 cavalrymen rushing towards him. He thought that the enemy army was small in number and did not understand the art of war. If he were a general, he would definitely attack the vanguard first, defeat them and then pursue them, instead of attacking the center directly. The art of war says: "Attack the enemy's head, and the tail will respond; attack the tail, and the head will respond; attack the middle, and both the head and the tail will respond." However, he obviously did not expect Hongniangzi's tactics to be so cunning.

But the Shun army was not to be trifled with. They quickly hid behind the carriages and shot arrows at the Ming army like rain. The Ming army was not to be outdone and fought back vigorously. The two sides launched a fierce arrow battle. The arrows intertwined in the air into a dense net, as if to split the sky of the Loess Plateau.

When the two sides were fifty steps apart, the Ming army opened fire with their firearms. The Shun army had no armor to protect them, suffered heavy casualties, and their morale was greatly damaged. The Ming army's firearms roared, spewing out balls of blazing flames and thick smoke, tearing the Shun army's formation into pieces.

The Ming army took the opportunity to charge into the enemy formation, and the cavalry moved freely among the infantry formations, as if they were in an empty space. Their swords flashed among the Shun army, and every swing took a life. Jing Changhao's army gradually couldn't resist and began to show signs of defeat.

Li Xingzhong was worried about long-range raids, so he specially dispatched more than a thousand elite cavalrymen from Guanning, Liaodong to Li Shunzu. This army had fought against the Eight Banners Army before and was brave and good at fighting. At this moment, they also played a huge role. Their charge hit the formation of the Shun army like a hammer, making the Shun army even more chaotic.

The Shun army began to retreat, some heading east and some heading west. Those fleeing west encountered Li Zicheng. Li Zicheng was worried that Li Xingzhong would attack from behind, so he personally led the elite troops to the rear and gathered the scattered soldiers to fight back against Hongniangzi. He waved his sword and shouted at the top of his lungs for the soldiers to charge. His figure seemed so lonely and tragic on the Loess Plateau.

Those fleeing east were stopped by Gao Yigong, who also gathered his forces to counterattack. Gao Yigong was a brave and skilled general, who led the remnants of his defeated army to launch a counterattack against the Ming army. His sword shone brightly in the sun, and every swing seemed to split the enemy in half.

However, the 200 cavalrymen led by Hongniangzi gradually felt exhausted. They had to deal with the enemy's infantry and guard against arrows from both wings. Hongniangzi's face was covered with dust and sweat, but her eyes revealed an unyielding light. She patted the flag soldier on the shoulder and said, "Follow me!" Nearly 200 cavalrymen retreated quickly, and their retreat was orderly, as if they were a well-trained army.

Seeing this, the Shun army immediately pursued. They thought the Ming army had already retreated, and wanted to take the opportunity to save some face. However, they overlooked an important detail. Suddenly, they heard the roar of firearms behind them, as deafening as thunder. It turned out that the 500 Ming cavalrymen who were ambushed in the south came out in a horizontal formation, firing their three-barreled guns at the same time, causing heavy casualties to the Shun army. The pursuing soldiers had to stop and turn around to fight, their faces full of fear and despair.

Hongniangzi took the opportunity to rush into the battle formation again, forming a pincer attack with the Ming army in the south. The Shun army was in chaos, trampling on each other and leaving casualties everywhere. The Loess Plateau was filled with a strong smell of blood and gunpowder, as if it was going to swallow up the land.

"Your Majesty..." Jing Changhao ran to Li Zicheng with injuries and cried, "The game is over, run away!" His face was full of despair and helplessness, as if he had seen the end of the world.

Li Zicheng looked at the battlefield with grief and anger. Under the attack of the Ming cavalry, the Shun army's infantry had no power to fight back, and they either fled or surrendered. His family was even more miserable, almost no one survived, and even his beloved Gao was injured. His heart was filled with pain and helplessness, and he didn't know how to face all this.

"Where to escape?" Li Zicheng shouted in grief and anger, "Although I can leave alone, what about my family members in the army?" His voice echoed on the Loess Plateau like a tragic elegy.

Jing Changhao smiled bitterly and said, "Escape means survival, but staying means death!" His voice was low but full of firmness and determination, "Your Majesty, you are the soul of our Dashun Army. As long as you are alive, we have hope!"

Li Zicheng looked at the battlefield in silence for a long time. Finally, he waved his hand and said, "Retreat with me!" His voice was hoarse but full of power, as if an invisible force was pushing the soldiers forward.

Gao Yigong grabbed Li Zicheng's horse reins and begged him to save Gao. Li Zicheng angrily shouted: "If you want to save her, go by yourself!" His voice revealed a kind of determination and ruthlessness, as if he wanted to give up all his emotions.

Gao Yigong was stunned, and he looked at Li Zicheng in disbelief. Gao had a deep affection for Li Zicheng, but she did not expect that Li Zicheng would abandon her in a critical moment. His heart was filled with anger and disappointment, but he knew that this was not the time to vent his emotions.

Li Zicheng grabbed the reins and galloped westward with dozens of people. His figure gradually faded away on the Loess Plateau, like a tragic farewell song.

Gao Yigong gritted his teeth and raised his knife to save his sister. His knife flashed and knocked away the enemy's weapon to protect Gao. His eyes revealed a determined light, as if he wanted to kill all the enemies.

"Yigong, why didn't you leave?" Gao asked in surprise. Her face was full of worry and anxiety, as if she had seen Gao Yigong's end.

"Come and save my sister." Gao Yigong said with a firm look, "I can't let you die here!"

"You are confused!" Gao said with tears in her eyes, "You can't save me and will hurt yourself instead. If we all die, the Gao family will have no descendants!" Her voice revealed a kind of despair and helplessness, as if she had seen the end of her family.

Gao Yigong watched the Ming army surrounding him tighter and tighter, and he said resolutely: "The descendants of the Gao family will protect my sister! Even if we die together, we will have no regrets!" His voice revealed a kind of determination and tragedy, as if he had already put life and death aside.

Gao burst into tears, knowing that the situation was irreversible. So she raised her weapon and shouted, "Where are the soldiers of the Loyalty Camp?" Her voice echoed across the Loess Plateau like a tragic war song.

"Here!" The remaining soldiers answered in unison. Their voices were low but full of firmness and determination. They knew this was a life-and-death battle, but they were willing to fight to the last moment for the glory of the Dashun Army and the honor of their family.

"Soldiers should die on the battlefield!" Gao shouted loudly, "Follow me charge!" Her figure was agile and heroic on the Loess Plateau, like a flag that would never fall.

"Kill!" The morale of the remaining soldiers was greatly boosted, and they rushed forward with their swords. The flashes of their swords flashed in the Ming army, and every swing took a life. They knew that this was a life-and-death battle, but they were willing to fight to the last moment for the glory of the Dashun Army and the honor of their family. The Loess Plateau was filled with a strong smell of blood and gunpowder, as if it was going to swallow up the land. However, in this life-and-death battle, no one retreated or escaped. They wrote a tragic war song with their lives and blood, adding endless heroic spirits and glory to this Loess Plateau.

"Dang Dang Dang!"

Suddenly, a rapid gong sounded from behind the Ming army, like thunder breaking through the sky, which made everyone nervous, thinking it was a signal to withdraw the troops. The soldiers of the Loyal Camp stopped their weapons and looked at each other with confusion in their eyes. They looked back and saw that the Ming army not only showed no signs of retreat, but instead took a defensive posture and secretly observed their rear, as if guarding against some unknown threat.

At this time, a knight in shining armor rushed over like the wind, holding a gong in his left hand and beating it with his right hand. The sound resounded through the sky and echoed over the battlefield. His armor shone brightly in the sun, like the god of war descending.

Li Shunzu rode on his horse, frowning, and rushed forward, questioning the knight: "Hong Niangzi, you rang the gong for no reason. According to military law, you will be beheaded. Did you know that?" There was a bit of majesty and dissatisfaction in his voice.

Hong Niang nodded slightly and whispered, "I know. But killing these people will only mean a few more heads. If we can persuade them to surrender, the surrounding cities can be won without a fight, and the lost land can be recovered. Isn't this a great achievement? General Li, what do you think?" Although her voice was soft, it revealed a firm belief.

Li Shunzu was silent for a moment, then waved his hand and asked the Ming army to retreat a few steps. He looked around, his eyes sharp as an eagle, waiting to see what Hong Niangzi would say. However, before Hong Niangzi could speak to persuade them to surrender, Gao Yigong rushed out angrily, his face livid, his eyes flashing with anger, and shouted: "Hong Niangzi, how dare you betray Dashun and surrender to the Ming army?"

Upon hearing this, Hong Niangzi's face darkened and she asked, "What do you mean by betrayal? Niu Zuofu said nonsense that Li Yan and I were going to seize power. That was a false accusation and I luckily escaped. How can you believe Nangong Shangpu's slander now?" There was some anger and helplessness in her voice.

After hearing this, Gao was filled with grief and indignation, with tears in her eyes. She shouted, "Stop talking nonsense, I would rather die than surrender!" Her voice revealed a determination and firmness.

Seeing this, Hongniang took a few steps forward and stopped ten feet away from Gao. She whispered, "I understand your intention, but why should you involve Yigong in your death? If he dies, how will the Gao family's bloodline continue? How can you face your ancestors?" There was some consolation and concern in her voice.

Gao was silent for a moment, looking at Hong Niangzi with complicated eyes. Then, she turned her head and said to Yi Gong, "Put down your weapons." There was a bit of helplessness and bitterness in her voice.

Yigong hesitated for a moment, looked at his sister's determined eyes, and finally put down the weapon in his hand. His face was full of reluctance and helplessness, but more of it was trust and dependence on his sister.

Gao watched Yigong put down his weapon, and a complex emotion surged in her heart. She asked Hongniangzi, "What are you going to do with us?" There was some trepidation and anxiety in her voice.

Hongniang replied: "It is Governor Qin's responsibility to deal with this matter. I just want to capture Zicheng to avenge my personal vendetta." There was a hint of indifference and determination in her voice.

Gao nodded with a complicated expression. She looked at Hongniangzi, and an inexplicable emotion surged in her heart. She knew that all this was for the sake of the overall situation, so that more people could survive.

At this time, a Ming army soldier came hurriedly to report: "Li Zicheng fled westward first, and then ran northward. He was very fast and we could not catch up with him." There was a bit of anxiety and helplessness in his voice.

Li Shunzu was so angry that he kept cursing, "Waste! All of you are a bunch of waste!" His voice was filled with anger and dissatisfaction. He knew that if he missed this opportunity, it would be difficult to catch it again.

However, at this moment, Gao suddenly said, "If I can tell you where Zicheng is, would that be a great achievement?" Her voice was firm and resolute. She knew that this was the only thing she could do for her brother.

Li Shunzu and Hong Niangzi's eyes lit up when they heard this, and they said quickly, "Yes! Of course it's a great achievement!" There was some joy and expectation in their voices. They knew that if they could capture Li Zicheng, then the war would hopefully end.

Gao said, "Then this achievement will be recorded in the name of a meritorious service." Her voice was filled with tenderness and concern. She knew that her brother had always wanted to establish a career, and this was a rare opportunity.

Li Shunzu thought about it and agreed. He looked at Gao and Yigong, and an inexplicable respect surged in his heart. He knew that these two people were true warriors who were willing to sacrifice their own interests for the sake of the overall situation.

Yigong was so surprised after hearing his sister's words that he was speechless. He didn't expect it to be like this. He looked at his sister's determined eyes and felt inexplicably moved. He knew that his sister was doing this for his own good, so that he could achieve success.

Gao said to Yigong seriously, "A man should have great ambitions and should make achievements instead of hiding in a den of thieves. Everyone wants fame and fortune. Although I am a woman and cannot help you much, I want to do my best this time." Her voice was filled with hope and care. She knew that her brother had extraordinary talent and courage. As long as he was given a chance, he would be able to create his own glory.

Yigong wanted to refuse, but Gao stopped him sternly: "My parents died early. I am the eldest daughter of the Gao family and can make the decision for you." Her voice was full of unquestionable majesty. She knew that she had to make this decision for her brother because it was for his future.

Yigong had no choice but to obey Gao's decision. He looked at his sister's determined eyes, and an inexplicable power surged in his heart. He knew that he had to fight for his sister, for his family, and for his country!
Hong Niangzi walked up to Gao, bowed and said, "Please lead the way, sister." Her voice was full of respect and gratitude. She knew that they were able to capture Li Zicheng this time thanks to Gao's help.

As Gao mounted his horse and walked forward, Li Shunzu asked in confusion, "Zicheng fled westwards, why are we heading northeast?" There was some confusion and bewilderment in his voice.

Gao smiled and replied, "Zicheng once said that if we were ambushed and separated, we should meet up at Liujiapan Village by the Yellow River." Her voice was full of confidence and calmness. She knew that she had to lead everyone to find Li Zicheng for the honor of her family and the future of the country!

Although Li Shunzu was skeptical, he had no choice but to follow Gao. They rode on horses and moved forward with difficulty on the rugged mountain road. The setting sun gradually sank to the west, and the afterglow shone on them, reflecting a golden glow. Their hearts were full of expectations and determination, and they must capture Li Zicheng and put a successful end to this war.

After walking for a day and a half, covering nearly 200 miles, they finally arrived at Liujiapan Village. This village is located on the bank of the Yellow River, surrounded by dense forests and steep cliffs. After Hongniangzi and Li Shunzu inspected the terrain, they set up an ambush. They ordered the soldiers to hide between the forests and cliffs and wait for Li Zicheng to arrive.

Night fell, and the moonlight sprinkled on the earth like water. A gust of wind blew, and the leaves rustled, as if playing a prelude to the upcoming battle. Hongniangzi and Li Shunzu stood on the high ground at the entrance of the village, looking into the distance. Their hearts were filled with tension and expectation, wondering if Li Zicheng would really come here.

Another day passed, and when the sun rose again, they finally saw Li Zicheng's troops. They disguised themselves as ordinary people and quietly came to the village. Nangong Shangpu was in a state of panic. He kept looking around, fearing that he would be discovered by the Ming army. Cheng Minghe closed his eyes and began to divine, muttering: "All things are like dreams and bubbles, it's time to wake up." There was a bit of mystery and weirdness in his voice.

Zicheng asked in surprise, "Military Advisor, do you mean there is an ambush in the village?" His voice was filled with uneasiness and doubt. He looked at Cheng Minghe's mysterious look, and an inexplicable premonition surged in his heart.

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the sound of horse hooves. Two hundred Ming cavalrymen rushed out from behind, and the sound of guns and cannons was heard. The Shun army was immediately in chaos and fled eastward. They ran in panic, like a group of headless flies.

Soon, they ran to the bank of the Yellow River. The river was surging and there was no way to retreat. Zicheng turned around and saw that he was surrounded by the Ming army. He drew his sword angrily. His eyes flashed with anger and determination, as if he wanted to fight the Ming army to the death.

Hongniangzi and Gao stood side by side, watching him quietly from a distance of five meters. Their eyes flashed with complex emotions, anger, sadness, and helplessness. They knew that this war was inevitable.

When Zicheng saw Gao, he was stunned. His eyes were dull, as if he couldn't believe what he saw. He looked at Gao's firm eyes and resolute expression, and an inexplicable pain surged in his heart. He knew that he had been betrayed. However, he did not hate Gao, because he knew that everyone had their own choices and positions. He just felt a deep helplessness and sadness, sadness for this war and for this world. (End of this chapter)