In the blue sky of the thirty-third section, some fish scale clouds are densely packed and neatly arranged. In the distance, there seems to be a muffled thunderous sound, it is going to rain recently. Actually, it's time for it to rain, the rain in Nanban this year is indeed a bit less, and the prince is surprisingly cooperative during this period of time. There have only been two occasional rainstorms. Is it now that good luck has run out?

According to the information obtained by the spies, the Nanban naval army landed more than 300 miles in the rear, and if it was fast, it would not even take a day to arrive. But at present, the lazy speed of the Southern Expeditionary Army is estimated to take three to four days.

On both sides of the road, the green hills are green, but under the scorching sun, they give people a cool new feeling.

The proposal to withdraw the troops was decided at yesterday's wedding banquet, and the generals of the various departments returned to the camp and began to pack up, without delay, for the sake of secrecy, they set off overnight. The whole procession, lined up as a long snake, wriggled on the rugged mountain road of the Southern Barbarians. Wu Ming led the Xuanwu team, protecting the prince, and walked in the middle of the entire team. And the position of pioneer was snatched away by Zhu Yuhu. This kid's meritorious service is one aspect, and on the other hand, almost all of his more than 1,000 guards, who were born in the south of the Yangtze River, are all good at marching and fighting in the jungle and mountains. He is the most suitable person to take up the position of pioneer.

Behind him, the sound of shouting and killing could be faintly heard, probably because the broken old General Chen had already fought with the Southern Barbarians.

Wu Ming rode on his horse, staring at the chariot of the prince in front of him, but sighed imperceptibly. The prince hadn't said a word to him privately since he gave him the night before, and his spirits seemed to be much better than before. But Wu Ming knew that he was already determined to die. With Xilie's military talent, Li Tie's ruthlessness. The chances of being able to safely withdraw to Jiangnan this time are too small and too small. Wu Ming was really sleepless last night, and last night, he finally fell asleep, but he had a nightmare, the dream was full of swords and swords, and dead bodies were everywhere. When he woke up, he couldn't go back to sleep.

The Southern Expeditionary Army finally retreated, but in such a gloomy situation. Yesterday, at the request of Wu Ming, Hu Yong sent the latest battle damage report of the Southern Expeditionary Army. The entire Southern Expeditionary Army is currently less than 90,000 people. Wu Ming's heart is even heavier, the Southern Expeditionary Army has 200,000 people, and now there are less than half of them left, these are not numbers, but living lives. "One will make ten thousand bones dry", the prince did not achieve the expected victory this time, but he still died so many people, perhaps, for the Southern Barbarian Empire, this is a great feat.

And the dry bones of the fallen soldiers on both sides may have turned into ashes, and then they were buried under the handful of loess.

Wu Ming lowered his head, and the gray horse's hooves stepped on the dust on the side of the road, splashing dust flowers. He touched the hilt of the 'Red Night' sword on his waist, but his heart was even heavier.

"My lord, your face is not very good, your subordinates Jianyì, you better go and rest." Zuo Ying didn't know when to catch up with Wu Ming from behind.

The Guards Battalion was equipped with several large vehicles, and some warriors could meditate and rest at any time on the road. This was in extremely good condition on the march.

Wu Ming smiled hard: "I'm not tired, why don't you go to rest?" ”

Zuo Ying patted the horse and Wu Ming came and walked side by side, then looked at the lifeless team, and sighed: "I can't sleep either, I just don't know if I can return to Kyoto alive this time." ”

Wu Ming's heart was shocked: "Xiaoying, don't think about it, we will definitely be able to withdraw to our hometown safely." ”

Zuo Ying replied lazily, "Hopefully! ”

After being silent for a while, he spoke again: "Since I was a child, I have been bullied so badly. In order to get ahead, I worked hard to train my sword. Finally favored by the Guards Battalion and became a member of it. When I entered the inside, I realized that the competition here was more fierce than the outside, and with my broken swordsmanship, it was impossible to break through to the fourth stage. If it weren't for your guidance, I would have been eliminated a long time ago. So I secretly swore in my heart that I must practice my swordsmanship well and share my worries for adults......"

"What, are you scared?" This left shadow is usually a little clever, and he must have seen something, Wu Ming shouted, interrupting his next words.

Zuo Ying thought for a while: "I'm afraid, there must be a little bit, but since I have entered the guard camp, in order to protect His Highness, I have to move forward bravely, and I will die." ”

Wu Ming patted him and said, "Don't be so pessimistic, we will definitely be able to return to our hometown safely, believe me." ”

While the two were chatting here, suddenly there was a rush of smoke and dust in the rear, and a herald rushed to the scene. ran to the outside of the prince's chariot and handed over his case. After a while, a soldier from the Guards Battalion ran over and ordered to rest on the spot, and the soldier also said to Wu Ming: "Your Highness invites Lord Wu to come over to discuss matters. ”

Wu Ming smiled bitterly in his heart, this team has been walking for so long, and it has only walked more than 20 miles, if it goes on like this, there is no need for the southern barbarians to come to chase and kill, and the troops may not be able to continue with food and grass first.

Approaching the prince's chariot, Wu Ming was about to speak. The old eunuch who often served the prince got out of the carriage, and then made a silent gesture: "Lord Wu, Your Highness is talking to Niangniang, and other adults have been invited to this meeting, or you wait first." Luckily? ”

After speaking, he jumped out of the car and looked at Wu Ming apologetically.

Wu Ming's heart was sour, Li Tie launched a rebellion, and Prime Minister Tao Cheng must have borne the brunt of it, with Tao Yu's personality of never asking about military intelligence, he must not know the danger of the current situation. Once you know, I'm afraid that this fake warmth between the prince and her will be difficult to maintain.

Fortunately, the waiting time was not very long, and after a while, the generals from all walks of life had already surrounded the prince's chariot. At this time, the commander of the left army behind the palace, General Chen Jianfei, also ran over from behind, sweating profusely. His clean, neat white robe was covered with dust. And the whole face was also anxious. It seems that the task of this palace queen is extremely unsmooth.

When everyone arrived, the prince came out of the chariot: "Generals, lords, I have called you here because I want you to come up with an idea of how to get rid of the enemy as much as possible." General Chen will first introduce the specific situation. ”

A trace of shame flashed on Chen Jianfei's face: "Early this morning, the Southern Barbarian Army, which has always been unable to retreat, caught up with our army from behind, and they attacked from all sides. Take advantage of your familiarity with the complex terrain of the local area. Endlessly harass our army with bows and arrows, falling rocks, traps, and other means at their disposal. By the time I lined up to attack, the southern barbarians scattered in a hurry. And as I closed the group, they followed again. The lower official was really ashamed, delayed the army's trip, and looked at the palace to surrender to the crime. ”

Wu Ming suddenly felt in his heart, no wonder, the Southern Barbarian's trick was really vicious. Obviously, it was to delay the Han army's schedule. Although General Chen is known as the first defense in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it seems that he can only shake his head and sigh bitterly when he encounters this kind of rogue play.

The prince held the chariot in his hand and said, "Since the old general feels that he is also guilty, then the only way to atone for his guilt is to atone for his crimes." ”

This self-petition is also a kind of self-reproach in ordinary times, and it has been taken seriously for a while. The prince said this. Everyone was a little confused.

"Yes, the last will understand"

Chen Jianfei is also single. Probably in his heart, he should complete all the tasks assigned by his superiors perfectly.

The prince ignored him and waved his hand: "Come on, bring the terrain map." ”

At this time, the old eunuch just now stepped forward and held a large silk scroll in his hand, and the prince pointed to the side wall of the chariot: "Hang there!" ”

As soon as the scroll was opened, a large topographic map was revealed, and the prince pointed to the topographic map and said to the people around him: "Rank General, this is Cangqian Mountain." According to the spies' report, the generalissimo of the Nanban land and water, Xi Lie, is camped here, blocking the way for our army to return to his hometown, and the other side may still be increasing his troops. In less than a day, the enemy was a little more prepared. Only by trying our best to get rid of the enemy harassed by the new river can we rush to Cangqian Mountain and take advantage of the enemy's unstable foothold. Crush the enemy. ”

After speaking, he glanced at Chen Jianfei: "If you go on at this rate, I'm afraid you will have to make a mistake!" ”

Then he looked at dozens of generals, large and small, around the chariot: "Generals, what is the best way to retreat from the enemy?" ”

At this time, Xie Chuan, the commander of the Central Route Army, stood up. He saluted and said: "Your Highness, ten days ago, when our army went south, my subordinates found that there was a wonderful place more than ten miles away from this place, there are two mountains here, the mountains are steep, there is a canyon in the middle, and the map marks 'Yujiawan', which is the only way for us to retreat, we can send two troops to camp on the top of the two mountains, one can prevent the southern barbarian army from sneaking attack, and the other can also be cut off to prevent the harassment of the other party." ”

As soon as he said this, Wu Ming was taken aback, this Xie Chuan is usually taciturn, and he has always been submissive to the prince. At this time, there is such an insight, it seems that this statement is most likely the order of the prince.

Chen Jianfei stared at the topography map, as if considering the feasibility of Xie Chuan's opinion. Li Yuan stood up at this time and said: "General Xie said this, but there is still something to think about, send two troops to block the enemy between the two mountains, this number is too small, I am afraid it is difficult to compete, too many people, then our side also has the risk of being broken by each one." ”

Xie Chuan seemed to be confident: "General Li is too worried, as long as there is a good general, bring a few thousand soldiers." With the ease of defense and difficulty in attacking, it is enough to hold this canyon. ”

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Ming suddenly interjected: "This plan is also absolutely unfeasible, how can this broken army converge with my large army?" ”

Xie Chuan replied expressionlessly: "You can let it return on its own." ”

Returning on his own, Wu Ming was also furious in his heart, that is, an abandoned son. Now this large army is unable to protect itself, how can it return on its own.