Chapter 246: Fighting against the first female lady in Xixia

Mr. Fan asked Zhao Xing what he was most proud of, and Zhao Xing happily explained the story of breaking the Helanyuan:

Using the letter of introduction issued by Mr. Zhang Wu, Luo Xin and others' foreign soldiers pretended to send letters and soldiers sneaked into the city. Because it was too late, they did not see the former Lord of Helan that night, but stayed at the original Helan station at night and took the opportunity to go out to the streets to enjoy themselves. This is something that people around Zhang Wu often do. If the letters they sent were not too urgent, they would usually entertain themselves in the city under the name of sending letters. After all, they had just come down from the front line, and soldiers with rich military pay needed to vent on women.

The former Lord of Helan received the news of Zhang Wu's letter. He heard that the soldiers were so indulgent, and disagreed. He wanted to wait for them to ask for a meeting and then ask about the letter. Unexpectedly, the soldiers came out of the tram that night and set fire in the inn in the late night. Then, they set fire everywhere in the city while the chaos was in trouble. After the tired Xixia soldiers worked hard to put out the fire for a night, they rested only when Zhao Xing's cavalry arrived. They used grenades to blow the city gate and rushed into the city. At this time, most Xixia people were left with the strength to lie on the ground and breathe. Only the city guards still had resistance.

The prefect led his servants to carry out the final stubborn resistance and was shot dead by all the crossbowmen. After dawn, the Song army's infantry advanced, and the cavalry rushed to the vicinity of Helanyuan, swept away the nearby nomadic tribes, and then used the military talisman of Zhang Wugongzi to sneak into the Xiama Village, making the same mistake... Then the army swept away. The nomadic tribes that lost the city's support, most of the strong men who could fight were drawn by Liang Yipeng, and the rest were old, weak, women and children...

Fortunately, as a logistics supply base, the only young and strong people in the city are all so-called high-tech talents from Xixia, such as carpenters who build whirlwind cannons, blacksmiths who make authentic Qingtangjia (Tang-style Mingguang armor), foreman who makes knives and swords, textiles, weaving craftsmen... These people were not taken to the battlefield by Liang Yifu, and they all benefited from Zhao Xing's sweeping team.

"The people of Xixia are too arrogant. They didn't expect that we would dare to enter the country to attack, so they were completely unprepared." Zhao Xing sighed and said regretfully: "It's a pity that our offensive was launched too early, resulting in insufficient succession. I was also impulsive at that time and did not suppress the desire of the generals to fight. If we delayed for another two years, the situation would be different.

For two years, the court provided subsidies for two consecutive years. I was in Shaanxi and had enough troops and food. At that time, I launched a counterattack. I could fight to Weizhou in the first battle, and I could take down the Jianing Military Office in the second battle, which was a pity..."

Fan Chuncui's face was serious: "Li Ren did the right thing. Shaanxi was ravaged by Xixia every year. There were only 10,000 soldiers from all walks of life, and they would be dissatisfied. This year, Liang Yibu gathered another 500,000 troops, and there were many urgent situations on Hedong Road and Shaanxi Road. If Li Ren had not successfully counterattacked, how could Xia Bing retreat easily?"

Zhao Xing sighed and said, "This year, our army has just entered the Xia territory, but it will be difficult to make a profit in the future. Mr. Zhang Wu only let me deceive two small villages at one time. His value is wrong. I should have set my goal as Weizhou from the beginning."

The two were chatting, and Zhang Feng's voice came from the door: "What a greedy Zhao Liren! Everything is too much but not enough. This year our army can obtain two strongholds of Luochuankou and Guidechuankou. It is worth it. In the future, the offensive and defense will be transferred. Our army is hidden in Sichuan and can choose any one of the Sichuankou attacks, but the Xixia people have to deal with it. Isn't this enough? If you take Weizhou, our army's supply line is too long and we can't defend even if we capture it. It's better to advance layer by layer by layer by layer - so what Mr. Zhang Wu did this time is just right."

After Zhang Feng said that, he turned to Fan Chuncui and asked: "What is Mr. Fan calling? What does the court say?"

The arrival of Zhang Feng means that the Song army's offensive this year has been completely terminated, because the two people sitting in front of Fan Chuncui are the most bold people in Shaanxi, and Jingyuan Road can only bluff this year, and there are some offensives there, but their combat power is weak. Once these two are stupid and bold, the rest can only defend on the spot.

Fan Chuncui also understood this point. When he saw Zhang Qing, he felt ashamed. He had no choice but to explain the court's mistake in detail. He had to spread his hands and said as if nothing had happened: "It's nothing, that matter has been resolved. I asked you to come and see the end of the year. I want to invite you to talk about the past."

It is not understandable to explain all this by using the reasons for "reminiscing the old" only for personal emotional issues, which made one side of the National War end the offensive. This reason is too absurd. However, Zhang Feng also heard some rumors in advance, and Fan Chuncui didn't say it. He was so happy that he pretended to be confused, and pointed at Zhao Xing and said, "Boy, do you have anything to say? Go back quickly. We two old men reminisce about the old days, what are you doing with you?"

Zhang Shi was protecting Zhao Xing, and Zhao Xing certainly understood. He quickly stood up and bowed to Zhang Shi: "Mr. Zhang, the student wants to stay in Jingzhao for a few days and take a look at the stele forest of Master Cheng (Cheng Yi)..."

Zhang Qing replied: "Yes, you should take a break. I heard that you are not at home for a year and even your wives and concubines are neglected. It is time to be the first to be a kid. Why don't you call your wives and concubines and wander around here in Jingzhao Mansion for a few days... But the front line is in a tight battle, and you and I are not on the front line..."

Zhao Xing smiled and pointed to the ground. The Xixia watch Zhang that Fan Chuncui had just thrown down was trampling at Zhang Feng's feet. He smiled and replied: "Didn't the court have something to ask about - the welfare given by the court is for nothing."

Zhang Feng raised his feet, glanced at the Xixia stamp, and snorted in his nose, not even interested in picking it up and taking a look. He said cheerfully: "That's right, I'll take a break with you for a few days! I've lived in the military camp all year round, and I should have been lingering in this Jingzhao Mansion for a few days. What do you want to see the most?"

"The title of the Yan Pagoda", Zhao Xing blurted out: "If you can let Mr. Fan and Mr. Zhang lead you to the Yan Pagoda together, you will have no regrets in this life."

When Fan Chuncui heard this, he clapped his legs and said, "Why did I forget that there is a big Buddha in Liren's mansion? I have long wanted to listen to everyone Liao's singing. It's so close but I can't see you. Liren, I don't blame you for your golden house, but it's too unkind to be held in the place where you have been fighting for a long time in Qingzhou. Please come here quickly and listen to him sing "You live in the head of the Yangtze River", "Going to the West Tower without words", "A river of spring water", and Su Laopo's "When will the bright moon come? Ask the blue sky with wine."

The two old men immediately rushed out Zhao Xing and couldn't wait to send someone to invite Liao Xiaoxiao. Zhao Xing arranged for Cheng Shuang to do this. He borrowed an acquaintance from Fan Chuncui's yamen and walked all the way to the Monument Forest.

At the door of the stele forest, an old man roasting sweet potato saw a tall black man next to Zhao Xing, and quickly greeted him like an acquaintance: "Mr. Zhao, here again. By chance, the old man's sweet potato is just out. I'll be asking for one, which is sweet and glutinous."

Zhao Xing nodded subconsciously, thinking in his heart, why is it "again"? This is my first time in Xi'an. The old man had already shouted and threw a steaming sweet potato over. Tyson took it and waved his hand to take it. He immediately burned the sweet potato back and forth and handed it to Zhao Xing.

Zhao Xing took the sweet potato with a puzzled look. The old man had already bowed here frequently and said, "I'll ask for help, please leave."

Even if he doesn't want money? Zhao Xing is not the one who forced himself to eat. He was embarrassed to groping his wallet, but when he came back, he had already walked into the courtyard where the Beilin was located. Behind him, he heard the old man shouting: "Baked sweet potatoes, fragrant and soft roasted sweet potatoes, Huanqingzhao, the roasted sweet potatoes that you like most, come and buy them, it costs five cents per!"

Zhao Xing laughed and put his purse back in his arms. Behind him, a voice timidly asked: "The one who just entered is the Lord Zhaopeng on Huanqing Road. It is indeed so majestic. No wonder he could easily attack Xixia and seize the two villages in a row. Old Man Xin, how do you know Lord Zhaopeng? "

Zhao Xing heard a loud contempt sound from behind him, and Old Man Xin said proudly: "What are my old man's dry - roasted sweet potatoes. This mochi is introduced by the adults. This iron stove for roasted sweet potatoes is also a recipe for the adults. Let me tell you, the adults like my roasted sweet potatoes. Every time I come to Xi'an, I will go to the old man's stall to eat a piece of roasted sweet potato."

A timid child voice sounded: "Uncle Xin, your roasted sweet potatoes cost two cents just now, why are you selling them for five cents now?"

Old Man Xin said angrily: "Can the roasted sweet potatoes in the stove just now be the same as this stove? This stove is a roasted sweet potato that has been eaten by adults... Go and go, the children don't understand, so go. Don't block others from buying sweet potatoes."

Fan Chuncui's aide was also puzzled. He asked carefully: "Mr. Zhao has come to the Monument before? Why do you want me to lead the way?"

Zhao Xingxiao: "What I told you is the truth. This is my first time to visit Emperor Song Xi'an, and it is also my first time to visit Emperor Song Stele Forest!"

The official smiled and scolded: "This old man Xin!...but how did he know Lord Zhao?"

Zhao Xing touched his chin and replied, "I have such a special image. I have traveled all over Huanqing Road this year. Even if he has never seen me, he should know my image."

After saying this, several people laughed.

In the depths of the stele forest, countless literati students copied ancient and modern steles and calligraphy. Zhao Xing also learned from the appearance of literati, selected a few inscriptions to study, and purchased a few rubbings. It was not until dusk that he reluctantly returned to the official house prepared by Fan Chuncui for him, and fell asleep.

On the second day, Zhao Xing heard the fifth-century drum beat by the drum tower in a hazy dimma. He got up excitedly, rode his captured Dayuan horse, and called people to come to Qianling to worship Wu Zetian's tomb, and travel along the way. How could it be so easy? When he came back from Qianling, Liao Xiaoxiao, who was summoned by Fan Chuncui, also arrived. At this time, Jingzhao Mansion also entered the annual annual leave, and the yamen began to seal it - this also means that more than half a month later, officials could completely relax.

When Liao Xiaoxiao came, he brought a painting, which was the "Little Snow Picture of the Fishing Village" by Wang Shi's Prince Consort. Liao Xiaoxiao unfolded this masterpiece and whispered to Zhao Xing: "The Prince Consort Xiaowang said, thank you for the New Year gift you send every year. He had no way to repay you, so he gave this scroll to you. I hope you can help take care of a child... I heard that the Prince Consort Xiaowang is sick and very sick. He loves a royal child very much. I hope that if he has something to do, you can help take care of one or two. This royal son has not been given a title yet, and he may not be able to make a living in the future. It is said that this child likes paintings like him and has always studied with the Prince Consort Xiaowang. I hope you will take care of him in the future."

Zhao Xing grinned slightly. He knew that the child Wang Sheng wanted to take care of would be the future King Duan, that is, Emperor Huizong of Song.

Wang Shi was overly worried. King Duan was born in a direct family and would have a title no matter what, and would have an extremely generous amount of support, which could ensure that he had no worries about food and clothing in his life. Perhaps, Wang Shi loved this child so much that he gave such advice.

But it is correct to think about it. If the young emperor was not too short of his life after taking power, perhaps Duan would have to spend his whole life as a Xiaoyao prince in his life. Zhao Xu had no sons, and there were so many princes in the royal family. If it weren't for the occasional luck that landed on Duan, Duan, a young child, would still have to take the prince's salary and write paintings and recite poems for the rest of his life. Such children do need someone to take care of.

Zhao Xing asked about Wang Shi's situation. When he learned that Wang Shi had been sleeping for three months, he sighed: "The Prince Consort of Xiao Wang can't stand it anymore. He is so affectionate to the princess of Shu. People in the royal family hate him to the core. After being sick for so long, he still ignores him. No wonder he is discouraged, and no wonder he prefers the clan who has learned painting from him... I will give them both a New Year gift as soon as possible, and I hope that Prince Consort of Xiao Wang can see this New Year gift again."

The prince-consort of Xiao Wang finally survived until the first month of the second year. A few days after the Lantern Festival, the prince-consort of Xiao Wang passed away. The royal family was very cold about this. Thinking of his talent, Zhao Xing was quite moved: "Everyone has to bear the consequences for his actions. If the prince-consort of Xiao Wang is not a prince-consort, he may be a famous minister. It would be a pity for him and a pity for the princess of Shu."

At this time, it was the second day of the second month of the next year. The day when the dragon raised its head, Shen Kuo should have died at this time, but there was a slight change in history. Shen Kuo is now teaching in Hangzhou Jiaxue, which was opened by Zhao Xing, and lives a very comfortable life.

When Zhao Xing expressed this emotion, he had returned to Qingzhou, and Liao Xiaoxiao was forced to stay in Jingzhao by Fan Chuncui to teach the Fan family's family. At this moment, only Kasili was by his side. Although Kasili was a language master, she couldn't understand Zhao Xing's feelings, and she just blinked her big eyes and wondered in Zhao Xing's arms.

Shuai Fan had been resting in Qingzhou for a month and was planning to rush to the front line. This time he came to ask Zhao Xing for supplies, but he couldn't understand Zhao Xing's feelings. But Wan Qi Yong could understand. Wan Qi Yong took the reply letter written by Xiao Wang's prince consort, thought carefully, and said, "Master, this letter should be written by a child, with a tender brushwork, but it looks like a seven-point king. At a glance, it's really hard to tell."

Zhao Xing laughed - who was Zhao Ji? He was a master of forgery in ancient China. After he ascended the throne, he began to organize manpower, theorize and systematic research on forgery technology. The ancient jade and treasures he forged were not called fakes in the antique world, but were regarded as rare works of art. Those fake things once fooled the Chinese for thousands of years. He is still young, and the words written imitating Wang Shi's brushstrokes can be recognized by Wan Qi Yong because this child still needs to learn the experience of forgery.

"When this letter was sent to me, Wang Shi had passed away, so the second half of the letter was written by his student, the royal family member Zhao Ji," Zhao Xing said slowly. He was reading another letter from the same person. The letter was written by Gao Qiu. After Su Shi left the capital, he transferred Gao Qiu to Xiao Wang's son-in-law. After Xiao Wang's son-in-law died, Zhao Ji took Gao Qiu in and became his playmate and clerk. Gao Qiu wrote this letter to Zhao Xing to ask if Zhao Xing had any position for him. If Zhao Xing needed it, he would come to Qingzhou to help.

"Ah! Zhao Ji?!" Shuai Fan's eyes suddenly opened wide when he heard Zhao Xing's words. He looked at Zhao Xing, and immediately turned his eyes to another place, saying as if nothing had happened: "It's February, and the Xixia people are probably starting to start the episode again. After Lord Zhao's attack last year, we have re-discussed the gains and losses. This year's Scouts should be useful. I need plate armor now. Although that kind of chain armor is convenient, it cannot protect arrow strikes and heavy strikes. It is better to plate armor, lightweight and has strong protection.

In addition, I heard that the new type of iron-arm crossbow has been made, and I need a batch of iron-arm crossbow equipment…”

Zhao Xing nodded and replied: "The news from the Liaodong caravan that the people of Xixia have asked for troops from the Liao Kingdom this year. However, the Liao Kingdom ignored the Xia envoys in consideration of the reputation of the Xixia people. However, since the Xixia people sent envoys to the Liao Kingdom, according to the general rules, they also began to gather (gather tribal forces). I estimate that the attack of the Xixia people will start at March at the latest."

Shuai Fan immediately continued, saying, "The castle we built on the front line is probably not reliable. They are lonely in the Xia realm. I am worried that if the Western Xia cavalry harassed everywhere and cut off their contact with us, the people in the castle will stay closed, and sooner or later will be cut off and will be in a desperate situation. Therefore, we must respond to them as soon as possible."

"The difference lies in the soldiers' desire to fight," Zhao Xing said in contemplation: "Two or three small soldiers from Xixia dare to swim alone between the gaps in our castle. Why don't our people dare to go out to arrest them? It's because they have no desire to fight. I plan to add some firewood to them so that they know that those Xixia people who are swimming alone are not a disaster, but are clearly a lot of copper coins that can move around."

"Borrow arrest?!" Shuai Fan blurted out.

"Yes, offer a reward!" Zhao Xing replied: "Qi Shisan discovered several more mines last year. I plan to open a full mine in Qingzhou this year. In this way, Huanqing labor is seriously insufficient. Therefore, the government is preparing to increase the purchase price of minerals..."

Wan Qiyong high-high: "Yes, we do not sell slaves, nor do we encourage slavery, but wars are frequent, and supplies on Huanqing Road are tight. Last year, our reserves were taken away by the surrounding counties and counties. In order to cope with this year's war, we used money to buy supplies. As long as the profits of the mine owners increased, they did not try their best to collect slave labor. The price of slave labor increased. Those who dared to sneak into our Song Dynasty alone were a bunch of copper coins. For this money, there were always some people who dared to go out of the city to fight.

Last year, I was seized on Huanqing Road and returned to myself. The court has already accused it. As long as we give it up, and with the honorary measures we have made, this year, Huanqing soldiers will definitely strive for the first place. This is not a battle, is it clearly a robbery of money? Whoever takes action first will benefit, and will anyone dare to fall behind?"

"It's changed!" Shuai Fan muttered inexplicably.

As soon as Shuai Fan finished speaking, a small flag rushed into the hall and shouted: "Immediately, Xixia has raised an army. Empress Dowager Liang personally led the troops. The vanguard of the vanguard of Wuyanxia, ​​and the other one entered Baimachuan, targeting Huanzhou."

On the 19th year of Guiyou, the day of the 15th day of the 19th year of Yuanyou, on Monday, March 14, 1093, Empress Dowager Liang of Western Xia led a large army to invade the Song Dynasty. The beacon smoke ignited everywhere, from Shunning (Baoan Army), from Zhaoan Fort, from Guide Fort, from Anding Fort, from Zhongdian, from Ziding Border Town, from Jiuyang Fort, from 200 miles to 200 miles.

On that day, Zhao Xing led 3,000 bravery, which is the official statement of the three thousand scouts. In addition, 3,000 soldiers in Qingzhou Prefecture, two thousand strong men, four thousand archers on the Shaanxi Road, went out to Guidechuankou to meet the enemy; Zhang Shi led Dingbian Army and Shaanxi Road, seven thousand archers on the Shaanxi Road, went out to Luochuankou to meet the enemy.

On the west side of Wuyan Gorge, Zhao Xing, wearing silver Norman armor, stood on the plain with a maroon Dayuan horse, and Tyson, wearing black armor, stood side by side with him in black and white. 24 Japanese horses stood on his side, ten of them were wearing Tang Dynasty armor, with a large heart-protecting mirror on their chests, and three long and short knives in their waists. They had ferocious faces and a bloodthirsty light jumping in their eyes.

There were also six Japanese people holding spare war horses with complete saddles or holding spare armor, scattered behind Zhao Xingma, and several Japanese people holding crossbows were looking around nervously.

The Guanyikou is a large fortress at the entrance of Luochuan. Behind them are the canyons on both sides of Luochuan, and in front of them are the Xixia people who are out of sight. The Xixia people are nervously mobilizing their troops. Zhao Xing is arranged in a row of side vans in front of the formation. These side vans are connected by chains. The three side vans form a simple defensive array. At the gap behind the formation, Luo Xin, the fourth general on Huanqing Road, is digging a trench to prevent the Western Xia cavalry from attacking from behind.

Opposite, there were countless people from Xixia, scattered throughout the grassland.

The second general of Huanqing Road, the imperial city envoy Zhang Cheng, and the eighth general Wen Xixin (a native of Qingtang Hu, given the surname Wen), were busy organizing the prefecture army. Shuai Fan guided the three thousand scouts to form a formation. The servants who followed Zhao Xing all the way to Huanqing Road were assigned to the Shaanxi Infantry Bows as officers to manage the Shaanxi militia. After a while, the three generals sorted out the team and returned to Zhao Xing to wait for further orders. Tyson, who was wearing black armor, saw them coming, turned sideways and made way.
Chapter completed!