Chapter 76 (1/2)
Yangzhou city.
The barracks of the imperial army were huge and tight, which surrounded all the gates of the city. In addition, a blockade line combining multiple rides and secret sentries was set up around the city, so that anyone who tried to muddle through the city could not take advantage of it.
On the city wall, the gaunt Wu zhence supported the crenels. His bloodshot eyes were full of perplexity.
Once upon a time, he was still in high spirits, pointing out the mountains and rivers, commenting on ancient and modern times, and looking forward to his own defeat of the Imperial Army and the smooth unification of the south. He then called Wang Jianguo, reorganized his armaments, launched a large-scale Northern Expedition, and unified the whole country to create a splendid future of the new dynasty.
This is not Wu zhence's own daydream, but he has enough strength in his hand, as well as the necessary fortune to support himself to complete this feat which is enough to remain famous for thousands of years. Even lingcangshan, a hermit Taoist, believed that he was a Qianlong with destiny in his body, and a hero who was expected to reign in the world in the future. Therefore, when he had just occupied the land of the next county, he sent his disciples out of the mountain to assist him.
Later, he, the king of Han Dynasty, won nine prefectures in succession, and his influence became more and more powerful, so that many aristocratic families came to join him. The head of Hong family, the first aristocratic family in the south, even intended to betroth his daughter to himself as a princess.
Only three months ago, the situation was very good. In order to win the war, even the incarnation of lingcangshan's immortal ancestor personally killed the commander-in-chief of the imperial court. At that time, no one thought he would fail.
However, without warning, the hermit sect left quietly and withdrew all support for Wu zhence, without even saying a word. As a result, a series of chain reactions were triggered, and many people who were not optimistic about the king of Han Dynasty and had doubts about him became more and more overnight.
Since then, he has been in bad luck, and his life is getting worse and worse. Under the fierce offensive of the Imperial Army, the hard-working territory was occupied by the enemy, and the forces were shrinking.
Until a few days ago, Wu zhence, who was in a tight situation everywhere, had to shrink his remnant troops and retreat to Yangzhou city. There were only ten thousand soldiers left in the army around him, and there was not much food, grass and ordnance left. All things are similar to Zhao Yuanjin, who was trapped in Jingnan County half a year ago.
”Is it Is this heaven going to kill me? ”
Wu zhence had a bitter smile on his mouth. He asked himself that he had been conscientious, diligent and loving the people, courteous and considerate to the soldiers. Every time he fought, he would come to the front in person. What he did was worthy of the standard of a wise man. There was nothing wrong with him. Why did he suddenly fall into such a difficult situation?
”Lord...”
The voice of Lin Shiqian, a counselor, rings in his ear.
Wu zhence turned his head and looked at his confidant. His eyes were empty and asked, ”what bad news is there?”
With a sigh, Lin Shiqian leaned over and lowered his voice and said, ”Zhao Yuanjin, the prince of Jingzhou, has sent troops, which is known as 300000 troops. At present, he has already left Jingzhou and went down the river to Jinling.”
”Three hundred thousand?”
Wu zhence frowned and sneered: ”can the land of Jingchu support 300000 troops? It's almost as good as scaring children
Lin Shiqian shook his head and said, ”according to the information collected by the spies in the past few months, the Duke of Chu has indeed organized and trained 300000 troops. This expedition will leave 100000 people stationed in Jingzhou counties, so there must be 200000 troops. As for where he can afford such a huge army, no one can know why. ”
Wu zhence is silent. In the past few months, he has paid close attention to Zhao Yuanjin's opponent. Naturally, he is aware of the various faults in the opponent. It took only a few months for him to turn over from a small vassal who was likely to be defeated at any time, and then rose rapidly to become the leader of Jingchu.
Maybe Is Zhao Yuanjin the real Qianlong and the future son of destiny? Otherwise, there is no proper reason to explain the miracles that happen to each other.
”This Duke of Chu is really ambitious. 200000 troops are going down the river. He is going to eat us and the Imperial Army together, and then take Jinling City.” Wu zhence's secluded tunnel.
”It's quite possible.” Lin Shiqian had no choice but to smile bitterly.