Chapter 2, Night Raid
The sound of screams continued to come from afar, while She Saihua stood there, as steady as a mountain. A man who appeared to be a servant stumbled over, saying, "Madam..." Before he could finish his words, he had already lost his breath, his body covered in wounds, and his blood had long since soaked through his clothes
Upon seeing the woman emerge, Yang Yanzhao and Yang Yanying hurriedly bowed and saluted, "Mother"
Xie Muhua picked up the machete from the servant's hand, leaped onto the donkey cart, and with one swift stroke, severed the rope tying the donkey. With a swing of the large knife, he struck the donkey's rear.
At this moment, Yang Liulang also rode over, walking side by side with his sister
What? A house servant? That is not acceptable
A sudden barrage of arrows disrupted the convoy, and with this charge, the group immediately split the convoy into two parts
As long as the bandits face Yang Jiumei directly, no one can withstand three rounds under her hand. With her gun raised, her blood surges with fervor. This deadly light beauty moves like lightning, weaving through the crowd. An unremarkable flower gun in her hand becomes a soul-snatching banner!
Xie Muhua was holding a large bowl, eating rice in big mouthfuls. Upon catching a whiff of the fragrant wine, he felt a bit lightheaded; what a rich wine it was. No wonder Wu Song was able to slay the tiger back in the day; the wine from the Song Dynasty is indeed remarkable
He never imagined in his wildest dreams that on the very first day of his arrival, he would witness a bloody massacre
Yang Jiumei lifted a long knife and released the remaining donkey carts one by one
Xie Muhua lay helplessly on the donkey cart, disregarding everything else. First, he would go to Daizhou to familiarize himself with the life of this era, which was certainly better than aimlessly stumbling around in this chaotic age like a headless fly.
Whoosh
High-ranking official! This is a true high-ranking official! Yang Jiyue was a person of high status and power in the Northern Han. Now that he has surrendered to the Song Dynasty, he is equivalent to the Deputy Commander of the Shanxi Military District of the Song Dynasty
The one drinking is an old veteran, looking nearly forty years old. He glanced sideways at Xie Muhua's greedy expression, laughed heartily, and tossed the wine jug over: "Hey, have a sip!"
Xie Muhua exclaimed urgently: "As a dignified man, how can I submit to being a servant or a subordinate?"
The old man looked at Xie Muhua and said, "Ninth Young Master, I find this person quite refined. Why not arrange for him to have a job at the Yang family once we arrive in Daizhou? At least he would be free from worries about food and clothing"
Relatives? '' Xie Muhua couldn't help but think of his parents at home, a wave of sadness washing over him: `` My family has been overseas for hundreds of years, so I suppose there are not many relatives left. Now that there are many bandits, I think it is better to go to Daizhou first. After some time, when the situation stabilizes, I will try my luck in Bianjing! ''
Yang Yanzhao ceased to speak, gave a slight nod, and galloped forward with the team
The night gradually enveloped the earth, and the moon emerged from behind the clouds. Scattered stars accompanied the crescent moon, casting their light upon the land
He has read many time-travel novels, where the protagonists either find treasures or save wealthy tycoons; in any case, they have money when they need it, women when they desire them, and immense power. Unlike him, who now feels only two words in his heart: despair
Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi granted Yang Jiyu the title of Grand General of the Left Army after he had long fought at the border against the Khitan, achieving remarkable military accomplishments and gaining extensive experience. Upon his surrender, he was appointed as the Governor of Daizhou and in charge of the military deployment at Sanjiao. Yang Jiyu was ordered to collaborate with Pan Mei at the Sanjiao Pass in defending against the formidable threat posed by the Khitan Liao state.
The flickering flames illuminate the faces of brutality, despair, and fear... This place has already transformed into a bloody hell on earth
The encirclement is tightening, the foot soldiers and servants are falling one after another, and the maidens hiding behind the carriage are crying heart-wrenchingly. They do not know what fate awaits them; being captured by these ruthless bandits and taken back as spoils would be considered a stroke of luck.
Yang Jiumei pondered for a moment and asked Xie Muhua, "Your background is so unfortunate, it seems you have no family left. What are your plans after going to Daizhou?"
Xie Muhua hurriedly jumped off the donkey cart and approached, saying: "Thank you for saving my life..."
With a swift motion, the flower spear was brandished, deflecting two long knives. Following the momentum, the spear tip plunged directly into one person's throat. The deadly beauty, without looking back, flicked the end of the spear backward, knocking another person aside. Taking a bow stance and bending down, the spear tip counterattacked, revealing the secret technique of the Yang family's spear style: "Returning Horse Spear"
As everyone gathered together, She Saihua finally spoke: "Liu Jixuan, if you want to capture me alive, then come and do it yourself!"
She Saihua fell silent, gently pulling Yang Jiumei forward.
Xie Muhua stood foolishly in place
The battles of the cold weapon era were certainly not as gentle as they appear on television
Xie Muhua only felt a bit weak in the legs as he stood beside Yang Jiumei, watching those ruthless bandits chop down the fleeing servants and maids as if they were cutting melons. He observed the panicked foot soldiers fighting individually, one by one being killed.
Yang Yanzhao and his elite cavalry were blocked on the outskirts by this group of bandits, while inside, surrounded by the bandits, were Madam She, Yang Jiumei, along with their servants, maids, and those ineffective foot soldiers
She Saihua nodded slightly. In the distance, Yang Zhong had already finished his meal and, upon seeing the mistress come out, hurriedly walked over.
That group of people let out a shout and charged forward, brandishing their weapons
An arrow shot out from the woods by the roadside, with great force, piercing through Yang Zhong's chest in a single shot
He is merely a small fry sitting in an office, too lazy to even go for a run, how could he possibly fight against these strong and robust thugs? Although he exerted all his strength, with a jolt, his hands went numb, and a stream of blood flowed down his wrist, causing the machete to slip from his grip, flying off to an unknown location
The donkey let out a pained bray, and with a loud rumble, it charged forward with the heavy cart. Xie Muhua jumped down from the donkey cart, paying no attention to the maidens huddled on the ground, trembling in fear. Following suit, he wielded a large knife and, in one breath, dispatched seven or eight donkey carts.
She Saihua said softly: "Liulang, do not get angry. This group of people, apart from the cavalry you brought, are our former subordinates; the other soldiers were sent by Pan Mei. The intention behind this is not merely to escort, but to monitor. Your father has just surrendered to the Song Dynasty and has been entrusted with important responsibilities. We should proceed with caution and care in our actions"
Yang Yanzhao from the periphery seized the opportunity to charge in. His subordinates were all seasoned warriors, requiring no orders from Yang Yanzhao. Upon seeing the enemy in disarray, with a single shout, they surged forward and quickly gathered around She Saihua.
Xie Muhua was instantly taken aback
His hands fell weakly, and his eyes were wide open, unable to believe it even in death
Although it is already the second day of June, there is still a slight chill in the evening. These young and robust soldiers sit together with the honest and simple servants, eating heartily. Occasionally, someone discreetly takes out a flask from their bosom and quietly takes a sip.
Yang Yanzhao shook off his sister's hand: "What kind of behavior is this? A soldier should have the demeanor of a soldier. What would we do if enemies were to attack now?"
Yang Jiumei had already joined the battle, and her skills were quite impressive. She picked up a flower gun from somewhere, and with a flourish, she charged into the enemy ranks like a whirlwind
Yang Yanzhao was not one to speak lightly, merely nodding his head
Xie Muhua took the wine jug, tilted his head back, and took a large gulp. After wiping his mouth, he praised, "Good wine!"
He looked at the impassive She Saihua, and an inexplicable anger surged within him. You are the leader of the Yang family female generals, and now, at this critical moment, you remain silent. What are you waiting for?
On the second day of the sixth month in the fourth year of the Taiping Xinguo era, Xie Muhua hurriedly counted the days on his fingers. The Northern Han had just been destroyed, and Yang Jiyi, under the persuasion of the last emperor of Northern Han, Liu Jiyuan, wept loudly outside the city of Taiyuan, ultimately surrendering to Zhao Guangyi.
A thin, small old man rode up on a pony: "Young Master Liu, Young Master Jiu, it is getting late, and everyone is a bit tired. How about we rest and set up camp in the forest ahead?"
Here, even someone like me who has studied diligently for sixteen years finds no place to apply my skills Alas
The story of the Yang Family Generals has long become a legend. The Tianbo Yang Mansion, where civil officials dismount from their sedan chairs and military generals descend from their horses; the remarkable achievements of three generations—Yang Jiyuan, Yang Yanzhao, and Yang Wenguang—who defended the borders; the military might that deterred the Khitan from daring to provoke for twenty years; the esteemed reputation of loyalty and valor of the Yang family, which is a classic passed down through generations in China
Fortunately, Yang Jiumei is a clever girl, full of curiosity about overseas matters. She constantly follows Xie Muhua, asking about the peculiar customs and practices from abroad. This is no challenge for Xie Muhua, who effortlessly dazzles the girl with his knowledge, leaving her momentarily stunned.
Over a hundred foot soldiers and dozens of household servants were in a precarious situation under the siege of several times their number of enemies. On the periphery, Yang Yanzhao, blinded by rage, led his fifty elite troops in a desperate charge. Despite his exceptional martial skills and the bravery of his subordinates, the numerical advantage of the enemy was simply overwhelming. Blood splattered across Yang Yanzhao's soft armor... He could see his mother and sister, yet the farthest distance felt like a world away.
Xie Muhua turned his head to look, and suddenly his eyes widened, feeling a chill in his heart
At this moment, having arrived here, there are no tall buildings, no buses or subways... Internet cafes, KTVs, basketball courts... The familiar life I once knew is nowhere to be found here. Although it is still China, and still Shanxi, it feels as if I am in a completely unfamiliar world
Xie Muhua took the opportunity to inquire with Yang Jiumei about the recent Battle of Taiyuan and various events following the establishment of the Song Dynasty. It is said that Zhao Guangyi's first northern expedition will soon commence.
In fact, Pan Mei is merely a nominal title; all military affairs within Shanxi are managed by Yang Jiyu.
Yang Jiumei smiled and said: "He is quite pitiful. The child took matters into his own hands and decided to go to Daizhou first. At least on the way, we can look after him, and he won't be harmed by bandits again"
In that past era, at least he had a job, a girlfriend who was quite pleasing to the eye, and would often invite friends to enjoy barbecues and sing karaoke. Although the high housing prices would occasionally bring some gloom, it was certainly better than now
Yang Yanzhao sighed and looked at Xie Muhua: "So what are your plans after going to Daizhou? Do you still have any relatives in the Central Plains?"
Xie Muhua looked at Yang Yanzhao, who was exuding an air of arrogance, and was contemplating whether he should bow down and cling tightly to the future high-ranking official's leg.
She Saihua stopped and asked, "Are you the person that Jiu Mei saved?" Xie Muhua nodded repeatedly; in fact, he wanted to imitate what he saw on television and kneel down to express his gratitude. However, his legs felt as stiff as wooden sticks. After all, he was a modern person; how could he possibly kneel down?
Yang Zhongzheng walked briskly, a smile still on his face
Upon seeing the appearances of Yang Yanzhao and Yang Yanying, it can be inferred that Yang Jiyie, who is known for his integrity, also has little profit to share
Xie Muhua sighed softly, but then thought again and felt invigorated. Although Yang Jiyie was known for his integrity, if he could just cling to his strong legs, even if he couldn't become a high-ranking official, being a county magistrate or something similar would still be a significant step up. I don't wish for much, just to benefit a little, that should be acceptable, right
Enemy attack, enemy attack...! ... The bowstrings resounded in succession, and a row of long arrows shot out from the woods again
No wonder I encountered members of the Yang family on the road; Yang Jiyie had long since gone to take up his post. His family is numerous, slowly making their way from the rear. It is precisely for this reason that Xie Muhua narrowly escaped disaster
The convoy had long since come to a halt, with large vehicles gathering together. The cavalrymen led their beloved mounts, washing the dust off their bodies. Soldiers and servants built a fire on the spot, and before long, a rich aroma wafted over, making Xie Muhua, who had only eaten fruit for the past two days, salivate.
Xie Muhua had just devoured a meal, sitting on the donkey cart, patting his belly and burping. When he saw a noblewoman approaching, judging by her age and the respect shown to her by the Yang siblings, he could easily deduce her identity.
Yang Jiumei's soft little hand supported Xie Muhua, who leaned weakly against her. He breathed in the faint fragrance of the young girl, felt the resilience of her robust chest against his abdomen, and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, causing his heart to flutter.
Xie Muhua was about to jump onto another donkey cart when several bandits pounced on him, brandishing gleaming long knives and striking down. Xie Muhua exerted all his strength to raise his knife in defense.
Xie Muhua couldn't help but scrutinize Yang Jiumei and Yang Liulang before him. These two legendary offspring of high-ranking officials displayed no arrogance whatsoever, and their attire resembled that of ordinary families. Xie Muhua felt a wave of disappointment; he had originally hoped to cling to the sturdy legs of Yang Jiyie and share in some benefits.
In the distance, Yang Yanzhao's expression turned stern, but he was firmly held back by Yang Jiumei, who said: "Sixth Brother, this is not a time for marching or fighting. They have worked hard all day; having a drink is not a crime, is it? Please don't get angry!"
Xie Muhua's eyes lit up
Alright, it must be delivered here today!" Xie Muhua looked at the long knife that was once again swung down at him, his mind racing with thoughts
Yang Yanzhao whispered to the old man, "Uncle Zhong..." The old man was indeed Yang Zhong, the steward of the Yang family. Understanding the hint, he chuckled and rode his horse back to the rear team
This woman is none other than She Saihua, the matriarch of the renowned Yang family female generals, Lady She
The feeling of time travel is not so pleasant for Xie Muhua
The Yang Family Generals
Xie Muhua let out a bitter laugh, secretly cursing himself for being so audacious. At this moment, his life was not even guaranteed, yet he still had the time to think about such matters
The Han general Fei Jiang, Xiong Pi, fought valiantly at Yanshan to protect our troops. His reputation and honor remain unblemished, and to this day, the Xilü pay homage at his ancestral shrine
Xie Muhua has made up his mind; from now on, if anyone tries to fool others by saying that time travel is fun, I will bring them to this desolate place and make them start as a servant. Let’s see if they dare to deceive others again
Xie Muhua did not expect that he would find himself in such a solitary situation
Yang Jiumei had no idea of the sordid thoughts that lay in Xie Muhua's heart
Behind Yang Yanzhao's carriage, as the curtain was lifted, a middle-aged noblewoman stepped down. She appeared to be no older than fifty, with kind brows and a gentle demeanor. Yet, in her glances, there was an air of dignified authority that was unassailable.
Yang Zhong clutched his chest, slowly kneeling down, weakly extending his hand towards Lady She, while intermittently calling out: "Save me... save me..."
Yang Jiumei killed several people in succession, and in the midst of her busy actions, she grabbed Xie Muhua and complimented, "You are quite quick-witted!"
The soldiers by the campfire hurriedly grabbed their weapons and jumped up, while the servants and maids were thrown into a panic. The cavalry, unable to exert their power in the night battle, could only draw their bows and shoot aimlessly into the woods.
On the tip of the arrow, drops of fresh blood fell to the ground, appearing like black hot blood under the illumination of the moonlight and the firelight
"Listen to my command. The servants immediately hide behind the carriage, the foot soldiers..." Before Yang Yanzhao could finish his order, a group of people rushed out from the woods. They were numerous, about three to four hundred in total, all strong men, dressed in neat uniforms, holding bright machetes and sabers in their hands
Yang Yanzhao hurriedly pleaded guilty: "It was the child's recklessness!"