Chapter Nine, Ascension to the Throne

Khan waved his hand and said softly: "Let King Zuotuqiwang issue the order to mobilize the Iron Floating Tower."

In the future, I may no longer be able to do farm work and will have to rely on my wife at home. He sighed and took out some low-quality tobacco from his waistband, tossing it into his mouth to chew.

Modun waved his hand and said, "Go."

At that time, she personally came to find him, stating that as long as she could rescue her nephew, she had a way to ensure Jiang Zaichu would die. This aligned perfectly with his intentions, and he naturally agreed without hesitation

His temples were dusted with the new snow, as if his dark hair had suddenly turned white. A pair of bright phoenix eyes gazed at the trembling civil and military officials, his expression calm and unruffled: "Rise."

He even entrusted the important task of pursuing the remnants of the Xiongnu to Jingyun, leaving him here to search carefully

Under the afterglow of the setting sun, he sat on a large rock, gazing into the distance

How many days until we arrive here?" Moman pondered for a moment

Yet he seemed oblivious, looking up from below, locking eyes with Han Weisang, where there was neither fear nor trembling, only a silent sorrow

When the moment truly arrives, even if he dies, he will have no regrets

My cousin Yuan Fengyou is capable of discernment and judgment, and possesses a straightforward character. I wish to recommend him for the position of Minister of Justice.

A cavalry unit charged forward with all their might, heading straight for the iron pagoda. At the forefront, a valiant general clad in black armor shouted, "Tiger and Leopard Riders, follow me!" The cavalrymen behind him were equally bold and passionate, raising countless clouds of dust.

This crucial point connecting the inside and outside of the pass exudes an air of solemnity in the night. To the west of the pass, it is now occupied by the Xiongnu, separated by heavy fortifications and city towers. Jiang Zaichu silently raised his head, the lanterns hanging high casting a faint glow, the only warm color in this land of slaughter.

Under the command of General Zuo Tujing, there are nearly 200,000 soldiers, along with an additional 100,000 brought in by himself upon entering the pass. The strength of our forces this time is comparable to the time when I swept through the major tribes of the northern desert.

They were pursued by the cavalry of the Luo army, and the recently shocking scene had made them truly understand that once the Xiongnu took control of the Central Plains, they would face such a brutal race.

This is the highest level of command in the military. Once frontline commanders receive it, they must immediately order their subordinates to retreat, regardless of the circumstances

He accomplished it

Jing Yun was stunned for a moment before finally whispering, "Yes"

The situation on the entire battlefield was suddenly reversed with the addition of the Ironclad.

But now, it is too late to say anything

The hearts of the men began to race, and in such cold weather, they even broke into a light sweat; their blood was still warm

They have always fought side by side on the battlefield, exhibiting a remarkable tacit understanding, and he has never spoken such serious words to Jingyun before

Zuo Tuqi Wang had not yet reacted when he saw a large number of iron pagodas already fallen to the ground, like wheat ready for harvest, easily cut down. He could not help but feel a mix of anger and urgency, commanding the light cavalry to advance and provide cover.

What he desires is precisely such a cold, flawless sovereign

"A Yun, when you look for a wife in the future, you must find one who is gentle and obedient." Jiang Zaichu's voice was deep and pleasant, as if he were casually sharing his thoughts with Jing Yun, "The most important thing is that she must never deceive you."

"Jiang Zaichu, will you kneel or not!"

Jiang Zaichu turned over and dismounted, looking up to see Han Weisang with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, his expression as gentle as water

Jiang Zaichu took the wax seal, and after crushing it, he found only two characters inside: Emperor Deceased

When Jingyun entered, he beheld such a scene: the emperor's back was clearly straight, yet it appeared so desolate, as if the endless white snow of this world had all fallen upon him

Jiang Zaichu did not respond, only turning around to take a glance.

Your Highness! We have searched the battlefield several times, but we have not found the... body of the princess.

"You have replaced one thousand five hundred of your Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, can you guess how many I have replaced in the Divine Strategy Camp?" Jingyun glared fiercely at Meng Liang, pressing for an answer

He had not secretly mocked Lian Xiu's caution and timidity, convinced that the same situation would occur to him, believing that the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry could surely break through the enemy's lines. However, after today's battle, he realized that the Iron Floating Tower was truly like an impenetrable fortress, with countless sharp blades on top, effortlessly slaughtering his soldiers.

Jiang Zaichu shook his head and was unwilling to say "yes"

Mr. Li was brought in trembling, with injuries on his legs and shoulders. He struggled to kneel and pay his respects, but Jiang Zaichu supported him, saying, "Sir, no need for formalities"

"I broke three fingers." Zhang Er raised his right hand, which was hastily wrapped, and smiled faintly, "I am still alive."

Moman, on the battlefield, it is a matter of life and death among men, without dishonoring women and children

Yuan Hao smiled lightly and said: "In that case, I have no other matters to attend to"

Jiang Zaichu frowned and did not answer, but directly said: "After entering the military camp, you will do something for me."

After so many years of marching and fighting, Jing Guan had never encountered such a terrifying enemy. He focused his mind and held his breath, just about to issue an order when suddenly chaos erupted among the left wing troops that were providing cover.

The soldiers of the Tao swiftly rose one by one, discarding their short blades and drawing the long swords strapped to their backs, accurately striking at the waists of the fallen soldiers—this was the only vulnerable point on the fully armored heavy cavalry; as long as the sword technique was precise, a single strike would suffice.

Jingyun's face flushed red; seeing Jiang Zaichu's expression, she understood that it was precisely because he had not harmed Han Weisang that he was so easy to talk to.

In October, the Emperor fell ill with a severe disease while on his way back to the capital and passed away, receiving the posthumous title of Ming Emperor

He advanced and struck left and right in the formation, as if entering a realm uninhabited by others

At the onset of war, they often become blinded by rage. However, after two or three hours, the surviving soldiers have already taken several lives, and the act of killing has become instinctual, leaving them weary and longing for a moment of respite

King Ning declined three times, and suddenly, the first fine snow of winter began to fall between heaven and earth

Jiang Zaichu glanced sideways, a sharp glint flashing by: "Brother Gu, it is time."

In the time it takes to brew a cup of hot tea, one is already merely a few dozen zhang away from the iron pagoda

This year's winter arrived particularly early, with starving and freezing civilians lying everywhere on the roads. Jiang Zaichu, clad in black armor, stood under the Danfeng Gate with his hand resting on the railing, gazing upwards. The once glorious imperial capital had suffered the ravages of the Xiongnu cavalry, which had trampled it, committing widespread arson, murder, and plunder. Large areas of the palaces had been reduced to scorched earth, having fallen into utter decay.

Yes, she once again used the heart-stealing poison on him, for the blood coagulation was still within her body, allowing her to confuse his mind at any moment

Jing Guan, the oldest general in the army, upon hearing this, rose to his feet and clasped his hands, saying: "I will certainly not disappoint Your Highness's expectations"

With a resounding shout, three signal rockets were launched in succession

Your Majesty, the charm of infatuation on you has been lifted. The old gentleman no longer dared to look at his expression, which signifies that the master of the charm has perished

"General, what about you?" Meng Liang scratched his head

On the road.

What is Your Highness's intention

Jiang Zaichu ordered someone to bring a silver needle and a clean porcelain bowl, and personally pricked his fingertip to let a drop fall into the bowl

Mao Dun nodded and smiled. Even several years ago, when Jiang Zaichu led his army to sweep through the northern desert, Mao Dun did not intervene against this most formidable heavy cavalry.

Living is certainly better than being dead, but does everyone truly think this way

After arguing for quite a while, Jingyun's patience was exhausted. Finally, he slammed the table and shouted, "Have you all had enough of this commotion!"

Jiang Zaichu grabbed some from his hand, imitating him by throwing it into his own mouth, and in an instant, his mouth was filled with a bitter taste that was awakening.

Since September, for more than four months, Jiang Zaichu has not given up. He has sent out numerous undercover agents to search for her whereabouts, firmly believing that as long as her body has not been found, she must still be alive

In accordance with past customs, he has always taken the lead in the center formation. The legion chosen for the center formation also feels extremely honored to fight alongside the general. The other generals, who have yet to receive their orders, all hold their breath, their eyes filled with great anticipation

Jiang Zaichu, who arrived on a light vehicle, helped him up with a smile on his face and patted his shoulder firmly, saying, "Get up."

On the high platform, Han Weisang could feel himself struggling against his own will once again, biting down hard on the tip of his tongue, the metallic taste of blood spreading once more in his mouth

Jiang Zaichu turned back to glance at the sound, but his gaze was vacant, as if he had seen nothing at all

The royal guards repeatedly conveyed this message to Prince Ning over the past few days, yet Jiang Zaichu, in a trance, walked among the countless corpses, using his hands to turn over the remains and severed limbs, harboring a glimmer of hope in his heart

Everything suddenly became clear

Countless horses clad in bronze helmets and iron armor fell to the ground with a thunderous crash, and the soldiers of the Iron Pagoda, due to their armor connected to the horses, also fell to the ground, unable to rise for a moment

The bloodthirsty Maoman was taken aback upon hearing this, his gaze landing on Jiang Zaichu in the distance

As of today, he no longer needs to wait

Jiang Zaichu wiped the sweat and blood from his face and said in a deep voice: "With one vigorous effort! We must not stop!"

The command tent of the deputy commander was filled with senior generals

Amidst the entourage of King Zuo Tujing and King Xiu Tujing, Khan Modu ascended the high platform

It is ! ''

The old gentleman focused intently as he took out the powdered medicine, sprinkled it into the bowl, and then waited quietly for a moment before lifting it up to examine closely

Both sides are not sparing any troops and have begun to send people to the battlefield

Thank you, Master Xu Zuo Tu Qi Wang

It must arrive within three days, Zhou Jinghua said busily

It has been nearly half a year since parting from Changfeng City. Jiang Zaichu carefully examined him; Jingyun had followed him since childhood, far surpassing a biological brother. Now, his temples were faintly tinged with frost, and he appeared much more composed than he had six months ago

The Xiongnu army, adhering to the customs of nomadic peoples, plundered grain and fodder on the spot. Subsequently, the emperor ordered the fortification of cities and the clearing of fields, retreating to the south. The granaries in various regions were ruthlessly burned before the army's retreat, and the people of Luoyang began to display a determination and courage akin to burning their boats in this battle, while the supplies of the Xiongnu gradually dwindled

The room fell silent for a moment, and Jingyun stood up, his expression fluctuating between dark and light. He looked at everyone and said: "If you are unwilling to change horses, why are you not willing to seek an order from His Highness? What kind of heroes are you all making a fuss about here! Do you not know that I am also carrying out orders?"

Are you still there?" Ning Wang looked at the person, whose face was dark and yellow, with a small stature, exuding a strong smell of blood

In the distance, a small group of horsemen rushed over. Before they reached him, the young leader at the forefront had already dismounted, kneeling on one knee. He looked up at the approaching individuals, his expression subtly revealing a hint of excitement.

The atmosphere in the tent grew increasingly tense, when suddenly someone said: "The Guanning Army is willing to exchange this thousand warhorses."

At the foot of Hangu Pass, she wanted him to take her life with his own hands

Jiang Zaichu paused for a moment, surveying the crowd with his gaze

But she no longer urged the enchanting poison.

Speaking of this, a look of shame appeared on Jingyun's face: "Your Highness, are you trying to comfort me? If I had fought well, the Xiongnu Khan Modun would not have entered the pass." His tone still carried a hint of resentment, clearly indicating that he was still troubled by this matter

At this very moment, a cavalry unit consisting of thousands of soldiers is charging towards the iron pagoda at an astonishing speed

Yuan Hao paused in his steps, recalling that girl. They had spent some time together, and he found her to be melancholic yet intelligent, frail yet beautiful, but unfortunately, she was not meant to be entangled with an emperor

He understood that this might be the very significance of Jiang Zaichu as the commander of the entire army; as long as he was present, they felt that everything was in order, and even in the face of the strongest enemy forces, they could find peace of mind.

Jiang Zaichu halted his horse and calmly cast a glance at Jingyun

I know this is the thing you will find hardest to forgive me for, but I am already a person destined to die... In the underworld, if I can witness peace in the world and see you reigning over all, it would also bring me comfort

Jiang Zaichu's eyes lit up, and he said solemnly, "Please speak, sir"

This valiant general finally realized that his previous speculations about the iron floating pagoda were merely figments of his imagination

The old man hesitated and said, "The old fellow has a way to know if she has left."

How can those people be trusted? At this moment, Jingyun did not want to think about those chaotic matters and incredulously said, "How can thieves and robbers step onto the battlefield?"

The things you have done, I will no longer hold against you. Jiang Zaichu said quietly, Now that she is far away in her homeland, she will naturally not bring harm to me again, so you need not worry excessively

It is ! ''

He was frightened by the beating. Jiang Zaichu smiled faintly

It has been more than half a month.

Jiang Zaichu remained in the Central Plains, organizing various troops to head to Chen County to welcome the Emperor's return to the capital

A scoundrel like Zhou Jinghua deserves to be killed, but if he were to escape, it would have no impact on the current situation of the war. Moreover, such a petty person, now stripped of power, would find it difficult to stir up any waves; at most, it would only leave Yuan Hao feeling displeased.

Behind him, five thousand Tao soldiers clad in rattan armor, each carrying a long sword on their backs, had mounted their horses. Although their movements were somewhat uncoordinated, this troop inexplicably exuded a chilling and eerie aura of murderous intent, silently gazing into the distance

The Xiongnu army was consequently compressed into a conical shape, with the apex already colliding with the central part of the Luo army.

Jiang Zaichu did not speak to him again, allowing him to sit beside him, with the howling north wind passing by his ears

The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and the Central Army began to retreat, while the Guan Ning Army and the Black Armored Army filled the main force positions. Several legions took turns to engage in a war of attrition, which is the forte of the Luo Army

Meng Liang was taken aback, still unwilling to accept it, and muttered: "In any case, I refuse to change! I will go find the General and say that the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry is willing to take the lead in battle tomorrow. We will handle that iron floating tower ourselves."

She must have loosely tied her long hair, wearing a somewhat new yet not old coat, and said with a smile: "Isn't this chili not spicy enough!"

The hidden connection between Zhou Jinghua and Mao Man was orchestrated by him, and as for Han Weisang's whereabouts, it was also he who informed Zhou Jinghua. During the Battle of Hangu Pass, Yuan Hao Xing remained in Chen County, seemingly doing nothing, yet he effectively brought everything to a decisive conclusion

Ignoring the astonished expressions of those present, Jiang Zaichu suddenly stood up and said emphatically: "Gentlemen, the fate of the Central Plains rests on this battle. Please do your utmost to drive out the barbarian invaders, to the death and without rest!"

A corner of the sky was torn open, and countless fluffy white cotton-like flakes fell down.

Jing Guan heard the urgent report from ahead, and remained calm. He merely waved his hand slightly, and the signaling officer beside him fired a cannon.

Your Highness, look at that high platform...

Fortunately, at this moment, the central army began to fill the gradually weakening ranks of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. Although they were numerous, they indeed used their flesh and blood to obstruct the advance of the Iron Floating Tower, resulting in a scene that could be described as tragic.

The recent battles in the Northwest have been fought quite well. Jiang Zaichu patted him on the back and said with a smile, Compared to the past, you have become more patient.

Jiang Zaichu took a deep breath and heard his bodyguard whisper: "There is one more thing, while escorting Zhou Jinghua from Yongning City to Chen County, he... escaped."

The Xiongnu Khan and the Left General Wang led the remnants of their forces westward, while Jingyun pursued them relentlessly, reclaiming areas such as Taiyuan and Pingcheng, and chasing them beyond the pass. The elite troops of the Xiongnu, which numbered 400,000 when they entered the pass, were ultimately reduced to just over 40,000.

A dark mass rolls forward like giant gears

Indeed, a victory in one battle

The change came too suddenly; just as the Xiongnu light cavalry was about to advance, the central and right wings of the Luo army had already moved forward, simultaneously covering the retreat of the Tao troops

Mao Man once again scrutinized the man, suppressing the cold sneer within. If it were not for his having sent a secret letter, explicitly stating that there was a way to deal with Jiang Zaichu, he would have long forgotten that the reason he was able to enter the pass that day was indeed due to the favor of this gentleman, who had absurdly promised a fortune to "borrow troops to quell the chaos".

Day by day, time passes, and Jiang Zaichu does not know what he is still waiting for

Jing Yun felt a chill in his heart, knowing that he had truly angered him. But how could he act so recklessly now? How could he explain to the generals of Tongliao if he were to give the battle horses of his elite cavalry to this group of unknown bandits?

Behind him were numerous soldiers of the Tao army, who had long since lost their warhorses but were still charging forward on foot

"By the way, what exactly are those iron floating towers?" Jingyun turned over and mounted his horse, riding alongside Jiang Zaichu. "I just arrived from the northwest the day before yesterday and have yet to engage with them. Why does even the mention of them make you grit your teeth?"

Jiang Zaichu had a tumultuous life, filled with countless battles both large and small, and he had faced death numerous times. Yet at this moment, all past decisions seemed to vanish. He simply gazed at her, and although they were clearly on the same battlefield, within sight of each other, there remained an insurmountable distance between them

He was much calmer than the old man had imagined, only having the eunuch escort the old man out to rest, while he sat alone in the hall, quietly gazing at the heavy snow outside the window

"In those years, under the name of Gomu Hong, you allowed the people of Luo to kill countless women and children of my Xiongnu!" Moman gritted his teeth and said, "What does it matter now to capture just one woman?"

In this battle, they must win

He initially explained patiently, but as more and more generals entered, Jingyun's expression gradually darkened, and he fell silent.

He turned the horse's head and galloped back to the camp

Your Highness..." Jing Yun's heart was stirred, and this title, which had not been uttered for a long time, slipped from her lips

For the Xiongnu, the dream of escaping the cold and barren lands for the fertile Central Plains has been within reach for centuries, and they would never give it up. The Xiongnu Khan, Modu, entered the pass to join forces with King Tujuh, intending to completely defeat the Luo army in the shortest time possible

Jiang Zaichu nodded slightly, no longer looking at him, signaling that he could leave

Mao Dun still had some impression: "So it was him"

In December, the new emperor ascended the throne and changed the country's name to Yongwei

A loud bang

The arrow shot forth like a meteor, and in the end, the Xiongnu king pushed the woman in front of him, using her slender body to block the force of that arrow

The great battle has reached noon, and Meng Liang's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry has also arrived at the forefront of the Iron Floating Tower.

Jiang Zaichu paused his actions and raised his gaze towards the high platform

That arrow ... . ... He knew it had indeed pierced her body

The soldiers began to bury the corpses to prevent an outbreak of plague within the army. This battlefield no longer reflects the bloodthirsty glory of days gone by, now quiet as if it were a grand and timeless painting, silently weeping blood

Your Highness, the superstitions conveyed by Lord Yuan.

The soldiers averted their gaze with great reluctance ... . ... While Prince Ning stood there, having turned to stone.

Jiang Zaichu lightly pursed his lips, indeed... At the Yunxie Terrace of Qingzhou Prefecture, during their first meeting after parting, she endured his humiliation in silence... It turned out... At that time, the charm of infatuation was ever-present; as long as she wished, she could make him submit to her will

The bodyguard has already torn open the first layer of Han Weisang's gauze garment, with a light yet piercing sound. Under the gaze of countless eyes, a thin line of blood trickles from the corner of Han Weisang's mouth, yet his expression remains fearless and undaunted

Central Array

Although the central army has a force of around 60,000 to 70,000, once the command flag is raised and the drumbeat changes, the formation shifts with remarkable speed

At this moment, Jiang Zaichu can only laugh heartily at the sky, allowing himself to be a hero for half his life, yet in this lifetime, he has never truly taken good care of her

"To avenge the princess!" Gu Fei's eyes turned red as he rode out on horseback

Such a venomous person should have been subjected to a thousand cuts long ago

"Jiang Zaichu! Is this your woman?" Mao Man's gaze cast downwards, her voice clearly reaching everyone's ears

Luo Jun clearly sensed that the enemy troops were beginning to show signs of retreat. Jing Guan, with his extensive experience, seized this fleeting opportunity and ordered the central army to advance with full force. Under the furious charge of Luo Jun, the Xiongnu army started to retreat step by step. However, after the passage of a stick of incense, the deep and orderly sound of iron hooves began to echo from the rear of the Xiongnu army.

Jiang Zaichu's gaze swept over a corner of the high platform, where a familiar figure stood—Zhou Jinghua

Eternal struggle!

At this moment, a horse-drawn cart slowly entered the Xiongnu military camp and finally came to a stop at the entrance of the main tent

You dare! The first to react were the Tao troops, each of them recognizing Han Weisang, eager to jump up and fight desperately

At that time, Jiang Zaichu lightly raised his eyes and said: "You should know why I entrusted Chuantao to you"

When will the "generous gift" mentioned by Mr. Zhou arrive

In Jiang Zaichu's eyes, there was no one else; just as he was about to take a step forward, his gaze suddenly intertwined with hers, and a low, whispering incantation echoed in his ears, causing his heart and mind to sway.

On the left flank, Meng Liang leads the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry

General Jingguan, please lead the Shen Ce Army along with your original force of 40,000 elite troops to take a position at the center and ensure to advance forward

Blood splattered from the woman's chest, and her body fell down limply

"He does not possess any martial arts skills, and now he has no accomplices. How can he escape?" Jiang Zaichu was taken aback upon hearing this and furrowed his brows as he asked, "Have you caught him?"

It is likely that the people of Luo wish to reserve some strength to deal with the Iron Pagoda

She finally smiled at him, her lips forming three words

"It is them," Jiang Zaichu stated directly, "They are the ones Han Weisang took me to find."

It was only because Han Donglan was still young that the Emperor kept him by his side for personal upbringing. Ultimately, the court official dispatched to Tao was surprisingly Yuan Haoxing.

And everything that remains—home and country, war, and power struggles—now entirely rests on his shoulders, leaving him with no path of retreat.

Several generals surrounding Jiang Zaichu rushed forward, dismounted before him, and knelt on one knee, saying: "Your Highness, it is not permissible!"

A sharp sound echoed through the sky as the old general calmly commanded: "All cavalry, cease pursuit; shield bearers, move forward; archers, stay behind; infantry, hold your positions and await the enemy"

What kind of strength and precision is required

After the iron-clad ship, the Xiongnu army realized the weakness of the enemy's left flank and began a full-scale assault.

The best and fastest horse in the army shall be exchanged for them

No

The Yuan family is now like women and children; if the entire family were to migrate south, I fear they would be physically weak

The armies locked in a standoff suddenly exhibited a slight movement

But I cannot promise her, because some of us will inevitably leave our lives at Hangu Pass!" Jiang Zaichu paused, "What I can promise her is that, no matter what, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you on the same battlefield, fighting for our parents, wives, and children, to the death!

No one responded, but from their faces, one could see expressions of defiance and curiosity

He had expected to see a formidable army, clad in fine armor and with fearless gazes, but to his surprise, the army before him was mounted on the short-legged horses unique to the Tao region, which were all gaunt and scraggly, with sparse coats, truly not a good breed. As for the soldiers, each one was thin and dark, dressed in strange yellow armor, lacking any semblance of elite troops.

After they rolled into the iron floating tower formation, the battlefield seemed to fall silent for a moment

He slightly closed his eyes, as if he could smell the scent of blood wafting through his nostrils

Before his departure, Yuan Hao made his final visit to the Tai Chi Hall to see the Emperor

In October, Prince Ning led the ministers back to the capital

"So, it turns out that the bandits from back then were indeed arranged by her?" Jing Yun gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, how could you..."

Jiang Zaichu suddenly wanted to laugh, why did his Weisang never think like this? Why did she only want him to live well, yet never consider herself?

The sun gradually shifts, and the light becomes increasingly dim.

The vast battlefield lay empty, and Khan Modun looked at the situation, throwing his head back in laughter: "Let the children charge once more, today we shall completely defeat the Luo army!"

With the longbow fully drawn, Jiang Zaichu's arms were already at their limit, yet a faint voice in his mind kept shouting: Those words were not spoken by me! ... This arrow ...! ... must not be shot!

Yuan Hao showed no fear and calmly said: "I also find it strange. Your Majesty is indeed very lenient towards me"

Mao Man has already realized that there is no way to win today's battle. The only thing to do is to take advantage of the fact that night has not yet fallen, to dampen the morale of the Luo army, and to come back again tomorrow or the day after; it is not certain that they will lose.

In this world, the person who held a higher position and found it more difficult to choose his own life has died, even though he was just a child

In the last five zhang, all the soldiers unexpectedly rolled off their horses, using the momentum of the steeds to swiftly tumble forward, drawing several gleaming short blades from their waists, skillfully rolling beneath the hooves of the iron pagoda

He was momentarily unable to change his words, and the emperor did not blame him, merely looking at him calmly: "Sir, could you tell me again about the events of that day..."

What is the matter

For these soldiers who came from a background of banditry, avoiding the iron hooves after falling from their horses and specifically targeting the tendons and bones of the horses was akin to how they used to swiftly cut through the thick ropes binding their loot during their plundering days. Although there are differences, the essence remains largely the same. After more than a month of practice, each of them became adept at it.

Gu Fei turned over and mounted his horse beside him, speaking softly: "Then let's go."

Many years later, the soldiers who experienced the battle at Hangu Pass are still able to recall that scene

"Your divine strategy army has also been frightened. " Jiang Zaichu glanced at him lightly, "So this time, I am going to find reinforcements"

You speak

Jingyun! Why must I, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, give up one thousand five hundred warhorses?! Since Meng Liang entered the tent, he has been in a furious state, saying, "How can my soldiers fight without horses?!"

"It is better to be alive than to be dead," Zhang Er suddenly said in a hoarse voice, "Everyone thinks this way"

"The reason I ask you to do this is to break the iron pagoda; it must be done this way." Jiang Zaichu articulated each word, "The decisive battle with the enemy is imminent; do you not heed the command of the commander now?"

In case of emergency, Aoman sent someone to rescue Zhou Jinghua, but he found the method he mentioned to be rather unreliable

It is ! ''

Lian Xiu was willing to exchange the warhorses precisely to honor the lives of his subordinates. Lian Xiu took a deep breath and asked, "Have any of you present ever fought against Tie Futuo?"

Jiang Zaichu arrived several dozen miles east of Hangu Pass and was already able to perceive that the terrain here was extremely perilous. It is said that ahead, the cliffs rise steeply, and as the saying goes, "the cart cannot run on a straight track, and the horse cannot run side by side." This place happens to be the flat route between the central plains and the interior of Weiyi, which is why both armies chose this location for their decisive battle.

"Ah, it is Jiang Zaichu again." Maodun surveyed the battlefield filled with smoke and did not see his figure, questioning, "He usually stands on the front line; why is he not here this time?"

How could she be captured by them

When did it happen

Jiang Zaichu raised his hand, signaling them to quiet down. His voice was calm yet extremely clear

The right wing, led by Jingyun, commands the Northwest Army

Jingyun followed his gaze and unexpectedly saw another team slowly emerging from the end of his line of sight

Such a protracted struggle is the greatest test of soldiers' fighting spirit and endurance

The national treasury has been depleted due to years of warfare, and with numerous matters awaiting attention, the construction of palaces has been repeatedly postponed

The old man pondered for a moment and said softly: "Not long after you left, a group of people came in to rob. At that time, I was taking a walk outside the valley, and Miss Han was worried, so she had Wei Xi accompany me. Only then did the two of us manage to escape a disaster. When we returned, all the servants and guards in the house had been killed, and corpses were strewn everywhere... That girl had already disappeared without a trace... When we returned... on the table was still the spicy stir-fried pork that had just been served from the kitchen, which was the girl's favorite dish... When we returned, all the servants and guards in the house had been killed, and corpses were strewn everywhere... That girl had already disappeared without a trace... When we returned... on the table was still the spicy stir-fried pork that had just been served from the kitchen, which was the girl's favorite dish...

With Han Weisang's death, Jiang Zaichu no longer has any weaknesses

After traveling several dozen miles, I finally arrived at Hangu Pass

That arrow, she forced him to shoot at Aoman, but how could Aoman use her as a shield against the arrow

In the midst of his busy schedule, Zuo Tuqi Wang glanced back and saw the figure of his father on the high platform. Suddenly, he felt a surge of confidence, raised his hand, and commanded: "Launch a decisive strike; strive to defeat the Luo army before evening!"

It was as if an invisible arrow had pierced his heart, and in an instant, the surrounding aura of slaughter seemed to fade into illusion. In his eyes, only the figure clad in plain white garments remained.

Your Highness, is that girl... really dead

Oh? Is there a day when the Guan Ning Army is also afraid of being beaten? Jing Yun laughed heartily, "Then the Divine Strategy Army and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry cannot be missed either"

Her homeland was ravaged by tyranny, and when she was forcibly betrothed and her family was shattered, he was always powerless! Now, he is even more trapped in the enemy camp; even if he were to gain this world, he would be unable to rescue the woman he loves most. What use is this world to him?

The man stood up trembling, cautiously lifting his head, only to see among the thick, beefy candles a tall figure with dense long hair styled into numerous small braids, which were gathered into a thick bundle at the back of his head. His features were extremely deep-set, unmistakably indicating that he was not from the Central Plains.

The man in the seat spoke, and his Mandarin was extremely fluent: "Lord Zhou, please rise, there is no need for excessive formalities."

For the Xiongnu army, the devastating loss of their elite cavalry was undoubtedly a severe blow to their confidence. In contrast, for the Luo army, the removal of the significant psychological burden posed by the iron floating tower led to a surge in their fighting spirit

In the ninth month of the third year of Yongjia, various troops were mobilized and gradually gathered at the foot of Hangu Pass

The two armies advanced simultaneously, unstoppable, like a majestic eagle spreading its wings, enveloping the Xiongnu formation between its flanks

"Who is that person?" Modun asked, pointing at a black-armored general in the distance.

When they approached closer, it became evident that the term "phantom" was insufficient to describe this heavy cavalry; it would be more accurate to say that they resembled a mobile, solid giant fortress, capable of effortlessly crushing the resistance of their opponents

His tone was light and breezy, yet Jingyun inexplicably felt a heavy stone lift from her heart

In fact, the road was not wide, and when the densely packed cavalry surged out, Jingyun was somewhat taken aback

In a moment of distraction, I heard Mr. Li say: "If there is still this poison in your blood, then Miss Han is still alive in this world. If not..."

Zhou Jinghua gritted his teeth with force, a glimmer of serpent-like brightness flashing in his eyes, and lowered his head to say: "Yes"

Your Highness. Suddenly, someone called him

Father, I will go to the battlefield. " Moman knelt on one knee, holding a long knife.

King Zuo Tuqi has already planned to personally take the field, when suddenly a personal guard rushed over: "My lord, the person the Han has spoken of has arrived!"

Jiang Zaichu's gaze returned to the document, and with a sense of disinterest, he waved his hand. Just as he was about to step out of the main hall, he said in a deep voice: "Manage the Tao region well, and that will be considered as your debt to her."

Under the urging of their commander, the cavalry began to charge forward repeatedly. The Luo army attempted to encircle the enemy and launch a counterattack, while the Xiongnu forces aimed to break through the center, hoping to split the Luo army's central formation in two within a short period of time

"What?" Jingyun almost jumped up, veins bulging on his forehead. "Your Highness, how can this be allowed?!" He looked back with a hint of disdain, "Can they withstand the sabers of the Xiongnu? Your Highness, do you not know that in the past, the troops of Luo only deemed the Tao people fit for transporting supplies?"

The members of the Yuan family will remain in the capital, and I will take care of them

These three words, she has said to him many times: "I am sorry"

The various chaotic years flashed by in an instant, and the two individuals on stage moved again

"You see, my woman, being humiliated like this by the Xiongnu!" His voice was deep and resonant, echoing across the battlefield, reaching the ears of every soldier. "If we do not defeat them, the next one to be humiliated will be your wife, your mother, your daughter!"

However, he must find her at all costs

At dawn, Jiang Zaichu summoned the various generals, unfurled the battle map, and pointed directly at the three divisions divided into left, center, and right, stating: "Our army and the Xiongnu have been preparing for battle for many days. Once dawn breaks, the battle will commence, and there will be no retreat."

Jiang Zaichu's lips curled into a faint, indistinct smile as he murmured to himself: "Do you know, I would rather she were still alive, deceiving me into believing she was dead, than to have her in this state... truly dead. In my heart, there is now this empty space."

Aman waved his hand, signaling that he could go down first

Jiang Zaichu listened in a daze; the more detailed he spoke, the more vividly he could sketch that scene in his mind

At this moment, Jiang Zaichu had just landed behind Luo Jun and received an urgent report from the front. Meng Liang had taken the initiative to engage the Iron Floating Tower, forcing Jing Guan to advance and provide support. Despite the combined strength of both armies, they were unable to hold back the Iron Floating Tower and had already fallen at a disadvantage

It is well known that Yuan Hao was a significant contributor to Prince Ning's ascension to the throne. At the onset of the Xiongnu's incursion into the borders, the two fought side by side against the enemy and shared a close friendship. It was utterly unexpected that the Emperor would assign Yuan Hao to a position in Chuan and Tao.

I previously informed Your Highness that as long as the blood clot within Miss Han is not removed, the Mind Confusion Gu will continue to be effective.

The words of Aoman buzzed in Jiang Zaichu's ears

I had long known that this day would eventually come, the condition of the young emperor worsens day by day, yet when the moment truly arrives, he still feels a chill in his chest—an exceedingly lonely sorrow.

"Master Zhou, nowadays Jiang Zaichu is truly at his wit's end with the Iron Floating Tower, suffering consecutive defeats. I am only helping you out of our past friendship." Mao Man sneered and said, "Your methods are indeed characteristic of the Luo people, quite despicable."

In the distance, he could not clearly see who it was, but the figure of that woman...! ... A strong sense of unease surged once again!

If it were not for the presence of Khan himself and the immense pressure he was under to swiftly defeat the Luo army in the shortest time possible, he would not have heeded Zhou Jinghua's advice to undertake that task

At dawn, both sides coincidentally took their positions.

Unlike previous occasions when the Xiongnu army initiated provocations, this time it was the Luo army that took the lead in launching an attack

Let us begin. With a simple command from Modun, the messenger sped away, and the crowd beneath the high platform began to surge.

He must have colluded with Mo Man to present this scheme, abducting Han Weisang from Tao to threaten himself

The old gentleman set down the bowl, a hint of bitter smile at the corner of his mouth

The man who jumped off the car appeared somewhat emaciated, his demeanor reflecting a lack of vitality, with a sallow complexion. He resembled someone who had suddenly lost weight, his skin hanging loosely.

Ready

A cold sweat broke out on his back, Meng Liang wiped his face, held the horse with one hand, and shouted loudly to the soldiers: "Reorganize the ranks, charge again!"

Upon hearing this name, Zhou Jinghua's face immediately contorted with a twisted expression. After a long while, he finally said: "As long as the king listens to me regarding this matter, it would not be difficult to make him kneel and submit."

Cold liquid dripped onto his cheek, and Jiang Zaichu looked up at the sky, hearing the man beside him softly say: "Hey, it's raining"

At first sight, King Zuotu saw the figure of Jiang Zaichu among those cavalrymen, clad in silver armor, wielding a silver spear, which sharply contrasted with the surrounding soldiers in earthy yellow rattan armor.

Before the front lines of the two armies, there is a vast open space that is large enough to accommodate the fierce fighting of the cavalry on both sides.

The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry lives up to the title of the most valiant cavalry under Jiang Zai's initial command. Upon hearing the commander’s call, they all reined in their horses, lowered their bodies, and resolutely prepared for a second charge.

Everyone turned in that direction, and Lian Xiu calmly said: "I will go and make arrangements now"

As the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was about to collide with the Iron Floating Tower, the old general gritted his teeth and waved his command flag again: "The central army will cover the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, the entire army advance!"

In the blink of an eye, the battlefield remains in a stalemate, yet subtle changes have occurred

Does Khan not remember? Back in the day, the emperor of the Luo Dynasty personally led an expedition against my Xiongnu and suffered a great defeat, returning in disgrace. When he entered the pass, he was almost captured alive, and it was the commander stationed at Tumu Pass who came to his rescue

The historical records of future generations recorded this young and deceased emperor as follows: "Although the emperor was young, his determination was firm. The treacherous minister Zhou Jinghua opened the gates to the Xiongnu and later wanted to abandon the defense of the capital and flee south. However, the emperor, standing in the court, spoke out loudly, saying, 'The Son of Heaven guards the country's gates, and the king thinks of the state. We would rather fight than flee!' After that, Jinghua administered medicine to the emperor, causing him to lose his voice and weaken his body. However, his mind remained clear and he summoned the Prince of Ning, entrusting him with the responsibility of commanding the military forces of the entire country and resisting the enemy invaders. In the ninth month, the Xiongnu were defeated and fled. In the tenth month, the Prince of Ning welcomed the emperor back to the capital, but the emperor passed away on the way, posthumously named Emperor Ming... However, if he had not died at a young age, who knows what achievements Emperor Ming would have made."

Your Majesty..." Jingyun called softly

Jiang Zaichu is currently residing in the well-preserved Taiji Palace, where most of the discussions among the ministers are also arranged to take place. On this day, after sending off several generals who were about to head to the northwest to guard the passes, an inner servant hurriedly reported: "Mr. Li has arrived"

The old man gazed steadily at the emperor for a long time and sighed, "The old man knows that one day, Your Highness will reach this point."

The north wind has risen, and the banners are fluttering.

Jiang Zaichu smiled faintly and said: "I will lead 5,000 Tao troops and provide support from the rear"

This is not the first time he has experienced such a feeling; his clear mind is gradually fading away. He cannot help but draw the powerful bow strapped to his back, his movements fluid as water, as he nocks a wolf-tooth arrow.

From near to far, the soldiers halted their actions and all gazed towards the high platform

The eyes of all the people under your command brightened, as they had come from various places, waiting for this day, which they had anticipated for a long time.

Jing Yun felt a pang in her heart: "I know."

He saw it clearly; she had deliberately leaned over, pretending to be pulled by Aoman to her chest. With such a foolish tactic, she made Aoman lose face in front of the clan; with such a foolish tactic, she gifted this victory to herself. ... But what she gave was never what she truly wanted ...

In the fourth month of the first year of Yongwei, the court dismissed the false Tao Marquis Yang Lin and restored power to the Han family

The 5,000 elite troops of the Guan Ning Army encountered the Xiongnu during their pursuit. The General was personally commanding at the front line, yet the 5,000 men were still severely diminished, with only a little over 1,000 returning. Reflecting on the painful battle of that day, Lian Xiu gritted his teeth, the muscles on his cheeks slightly bulging. 'You may think that the Guan Ning Army lacks bravery, but I dare to say now that if we were to encounter the Iron Floating Tower again, we would charge without hesitation! However, just like last time, 5,000 men would still suffer heavy losses and return! You may call me cowardly or timid, but this time, I still trust the General's arrangements, for there must be a reason behind them.' After finishing his words, Lian Xiu left the tent without looking back.

The Huns, witnessing their commander bully a weak woman in front of everyone, had their inherent heroic spirit diminished by this scene, and suddenly lost their will to fight. They fought while retreating, and finally, under the successive bombardments of several troops from the Luo army in the dead of night, the Hunnic soldiers began to flee westward in droves across the mountains and fields.

The dust mingled with the scent of blood, directly assaulting the nostrils of everyone present

Aman reached out and pushed Han Weisang to the edge of the high platform railing, her body almost bending over the edge. Her long black hair flew up in the biting wind, and on her originally pale face, there was now a desperate and tragic beauty.

Jiang Zaichu intended to put this matter behind him, yet suddenly felt a vague unease stirring in his heart

Jiang Zaichu turned around on his horse, his gaze sweeping from left to right, his voice clearly reaching the ears of everyone present: "My wife is from the Tao people. This battle is one that she has invited you all to, and it is also her wish that I promise to send you back to your homeland alive, to see your loved ones again"

Amidst the encirclement of elite soldiers, the man appeared somewhat tense and restrained, his steps hurried and rapid, nearly stumbling as he knelt in the center of the tent, not daring to lift his head

Jiang Zaichu threw down the wolf hair brush in his hand and said urgently: "Please."

Having waited for a long time, so long that the emperor felt the time was so long, the sundial had already moved about half a circle.

In such a desolate world, the Grand Inspector Yuan Hao led the crowd to kneel on the ground, requesting the establishment of Prince Ning as the emperor

Later, Han Weisang happened to meet Bo Ji by chance. They simply went with the flow and decided to take advantage of the situation. It was thought that by saying those words, Bo Ji would be more likely to give up on Jiang Zaichu.

Jing Guan squinted his eyes and could already see the end of his line of sight, the black figure of the iron pagoda appearing like a fleeting ghostly shadow on the other side of the horizon

Lián Xiù! Are you scared by Tiě Fútú? Meng Liang's neck stiffened at the words and he said irritably, "Do you know who these war horses were exchanged for? I have seen those thousands of men, all of them looking weak and powerless, nothing like soldiers who can fight! How can you justify this to your subordinates?"

Jiang Zaichu tightened his grip on the hips of the black horse as it charged forward. The high platform, originally constructed within the Xiongnu army, was now only a few dozen paces away due to the advance of the Luo army.

Your Majesty, it must be understood that life and death are predetermined. Even without the Xiongnu, the girl, poisoned as she is, would not survive beyond a year

In the third year of Yongjia, in September, Prince Ning, Jiang Zaichu, led the Luo army to a great victory over the Xiongnu at Hangu Pass

The Tiger and Leopard Riders and the Central Army immediately began to retreat, while the Iron Floating Tower continued to advance at a leisurely pace, crushing all resistance!

I understand. After seven years, when Han Donglan comes of age and returns to Chuantao, I will naturally return to him a land of abundance, a nation of propriety.

Your Majesty, before departing, I have several matters to report.

Originally, Modu Chanyu stood there, but now it has been replaced by a man and a woman

Your Highness, shall we engage in night combat

At this time, six months had passed since the Xiongnu entered the pass, and the Central Plains were engulfed in smoke and flames, with refugees fleeing their homes. The Luo army was divided into two factions; Prince Ning led his troops to firmly defend Yongning Pass for several months. Although the city walls were not particularly strong, they prevented the Xiongnu from advancing southward even a single step. Jingguan and Jingyun advanced westward, and although they were unable to completely isolate the Xiongnu's reinforcements outside the pass, they significantly constrained the enemy's rear forces. Both sides engaged in dozens of battles, with victories and defeats on both sides. Jingguan and Jingyun advanced westward, and although they were unable to completely isolate the Xiongnu's reinforcements outside the pass, they significantly constrained the enemy's rear forces. Both sides engaged in dozens of battles, with victories and defeats on both sides.

fifty zhang, thirty zhang, twenty zhang

Mao Man saw Jiang Zai Chu standing still in place, feeling a great sense of satisfaction in his heart. He slightly loosened his grip on Han Wei Sang, reached out to summon his personal guards, and pretended to tear open Han Wei Sang's shirt.

After the Xiongnu entered the pass, they advanced a thousand miles and dealt a devastating blow to the capital, their momentum was unstoppable. However, after that, we held our ground, so it cannot be considered a defeat. Now, six months have passed, and at this time of year, snow has begun to fall beyond the pass. Do they not long for home?" Jiang Zaichu said slowly, "Soldiers are also human, and their greatest weakness lies in a weak will. Therefore, I must delay for another six months before I confront them in a fight to the death."

The powerful bow in Ning Wang's hand has been fully drawn, and the long arrow is aimed directly at the high platform, targeting the Xiongnu Left Tuqi King

Even if she were to die, he could not allow this solitary soul to wander here

However, after several charges, the casualties of the Iron Floating Tower were minimal, while the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry had already suffered losses of nearly one-third.

This time, what she wanted him to do was to shoot that arrow

"It is them!" Jingyun realized when she saw their armor, "Aren't they the bandits who kidnapped us back then?"

Jingyun did not get angry but instead smiled: "Alright, you go find the General!"

He finally saw clearly! It is Han Weisang!

As he was about to leave, Jiang Zaichu called out to him, seemingly deep in thought, and said: "Yuan Hao Xing, do you know why I do not kill you?"

Yuan Hao raised his head and took a deep breath, gazing into the distance towards the southwest: "Indeed, I owe her, so let me return to her homeland."

The lean and dark-skinned men silently gazed at the tall young commander, their eyes shimmering with light

Jingyun looked at the unwilling faces below, feeling as if her head were being pricked by needles, with wave after wave of pain.

On this night, it can already be perceived that the other side is frequently mobilizing their formation. Mo Man reached out and lifted the heavy curtain, gazing into the distance at Hangu Pass. The decisive battle is imminent, with thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, and a lifetime of military service. The ancestors accomplished what had not been achieved in hundreds of years, and now it is up to us to complete it. Mo Man felt his heart beating like a war drum.

The remaining individuals exchanged glances for a long time, and finally, Meng Liang and the others reluctantly nodded in agreement

Long live our Emperor, long live, long live for ten thousand years

The ministers exchanged glances, and without a word, they bowed their heads, pressing their foreheads against the ground, feeling as cold as cast iron

"Is this how you Luo people protect your women?" Moman yanked Han Weisang's long hair, forcing her to lift her head, her gaze meeting Jiang Zaichu's. She laughed wildly and said, "Jiang Zaichu, if you kneel and bow three times to my Xiongnu Khan, I will spare her for the time being. Otherwise, today I will strip her of her clothes and let all our soldiers see what your woman truly looks like"

This is an extremely dangerous number, crossing this line, even the most valiant army will face a collapse in morale

From early morning until dusk, the clouds on the horizon have taken on a slightly bloody hue of rose red.

This scene quickly reacted, and despite Meng Liang's dissatisfaction, he took the initiative to launch an attack without waiting for the command from Prince Ning

Do you know why I asked you to do it?

This night, the camp of the Luo army was indeed quite unsettled

The records of historical texts naturally reflect the rise and fall of kings and conquerors, with a mixture of truth and falsehood. However, the intricate developments within them still carry a faint sense of reality, leaving behind traces of the past.

Jiang Zaichu suddenly felt that his voice had gone hoarse, and he did not dare to ask a question.

"If that is the case, then if I cannot completely annihilate the army of General Zuo Tujing in these months, would that not also be a dereliction of duty?" Jiang Zaichu gently shook his head, "Jingyun, if you and I can hold on during this period, I will have a greater chance of success in the decisive battle at the Pass of Hangu."

Under heaven, which army can be stronger than ours?" Jingyun's face suddenly showed some surprise