Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 387 Zu Ting’s Little Gift
Gaodu City hasn't been so lively for a long time.

Outside the official road, a large number of troops were advancing slowly.

The knights generally had multiple horses, and they did not wear armor while marching, but heavy armor was hung on the backs of their extra horses.

The soldiers are not bad either. Those walking on the outer layer are basically fully armed and fully equipped.

The reason why those walking in the middle did not do this was because they had to take turns wearing armor during the march.

The mighty army, holding the flags of the Han Dynasty, appeared on every road. Their flags were like a dense forest, arranged in neat formations, and they advanced step by step towards the city.

They walked with great power, and every step they took seemed to make a huge sound. When the army of tens of thousands of people appeared on the road, the entire ground was shaking. Even from a long distance, the magistrate of Gaodu County seemed to be able to hear the sound of the soldiers' footsteps.

Yao Xiong was standing on the side of the road at this moment, with the county magistrate behind him.

When Liu Taozi rode on Heifeng and slowly appeared in front of them, Yao Xiong hurriedly led the officials and generals to pay their respects and greet him.

Behind Liu Taozi stood the generals, including Kou Liu and Zhang Heizu. The two of them looked at Yao Xiong. The three of them had not been together for a long time. Yao Xiong was particularly excited, but in front of so many people, he couldn't just pull the two brothers aside to talk.

In addition to them, there are many veterans, including Liu Chengcai, Yan Heita and others.

In addition, Shi Wansui and Gao Yanzong also stood behind Liu Taozi, separating Liu Taozi from the other generals.

As for Yao Xiong, Potala and Tuxiyue were also on the left and right.

Almost all the former veteran generals were present.

The sound of the army marching still rang in his ears. Yao Xiong looked at Liu Taozi with a smile, his eyes full of joy.

"Brother, I chased Duan Shao away. However, he doesn't seem to dare to go back directly. Now he stays in Qinzhang City and doesn't dare to go to the enemy's Huaizhou."

Liu Taozi was not surprised at all.

Not surprised either.

After punishing the iron factories that had been corrupt for years, the Han State, which possessed the most iron in the world, began to exert its strength. Factories in various places of the Han State worked at their best, and the output of armor could reach hundreds of full sets of armor in a month.

It only takes a few months to produce armor that can be used by more than a thousand people, and a few years to produce armor that can be used by tens of thousands of people.

This number may not seem like much, but the production process of armor is complicated, time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the factory has just solved its internal problems and is still in its start-up phase, so this efficiency is already very high.

The increase in armor coverage will only bring one effect: martial ethics will explode.

Just like the great empire that inherited the three families later, because of Chao Gang's military equipment manufacturing capabilities, the armor rate was raised to an unprecedented level, and through horse farms in various places, the number of cavalry was also increased to a considerable level. Finally, he delved into military equipment and continuously improved the power of bows, crossbows, swords, and spears, thus creating a powerful army that could shock the world.

When Yao Xiong went on the expedition this time, Liu Taozi ordered that the Shuozhou soldiers should be armed first.

The armor rate of Shuozhou soldiers is considered high in the entire army, and with all kinds of new weapons, it would be surprising if they were no match for Duan Shao's thousand-plus remnant soldiers.

"General Yao did a great job. He didn't rush into anything. Well, he worked hard to manage the city. That's great."

At this moment, someone suddenly spoke up and praised Yao Xiong. Yao Xiong looked up and saw Zu Ting in the crowd.

Zu Ting was not standing close to his lord as usual, but was standing quite far away, so Yao Xiong could not see him just now.

After Yao Xiong, Potala and Tuxiyue hurried forward to pay their respects.

Both of them felt extremely guilty.

Especially Tu Xiyue. Duan Shao passed through Tu Xiyue's defense line. Duan Shao's marching speed was too fast. When Tu Xiyue learned that the enemy had broken through the defense line, it was impossible for him to keep the enemy out. Then he just watched Duan Shao rampant in his own territory. He chased him several times, but was defeated every time. He was no match for Duan Shao at all.

Potula was better off, he was just here to provide assistance, and most of the time he was helping to defend the city and block Duan Shao's route of advance, so he suffered less beatings than Tuxi.

Tu Xiyue lowered his head, his face full of guilt and his eyes were red.

"My lord, I am incompetent and failed to defend Zhaozhou, which allowed Duan Shao to run rampant and cause great damage. Please punish me, my lord."

Tu Xiyue looked quite depressed at this time.

During these days, he did not dare to be negligent in the slightest. He led the army and followed Duan Shao. He fought again and again after repeated defeats and held on for a very long time.

Liu Taozi looked at him, but there was not much dissatisfaction in her eyes.

He had some understanding of the strength of his subordinates.

These people were originally ordinary people. After fighting with Liu Taozi for many years, they gradually became generals. However, things like marching and fighting sometimes still depend on talent and many factors.

What's more, even if we ignore talent and only talk about combat experience, Duan Shao is also a veteran among them and has been fighting for many years.

This time he led the elite cavalry to attack suddenly, and Tu Xiyue couldn't stop him. This is not surprising, and we can't blame him too much.
Liu Taozi said sternly: "The losses this time are because you did not discover the enemy's movements in advance and thought that the enemy dared not go north. This is your fault."

"But you launched multiple attacks and defended the city, preventing Duan Shao from harming more areas. You have made some contributions."

"I want to dismiss you from your post as General of Zhaozhou and transfer you to the frontier to make meritorious deeds and make up for your mistakes. Do you have any complaints?"

"Don't dare!!"

"Thank you, my lord!!"

Tu Xiyue bowed respectfully to Liu Taozi again.

Liu Taozi then led everyone into the city and asked local officials about the situation.

Yao Xiong found the right opportunity and walked over to the two old friends.

"Liu, Blackfoot, long time no see."

The three people from Cheng An stood together again, and Yao Xiong was filled with emotion.

Kou Liu motioned him to follow his lord, and the three of them walked behind, chatting in low voices.

"They all said that you defeated Duan Shao and killed hundreds of Baibao Xianbei. I thought you were a master of military tactics. Even Duan Shao couldn't defeat you. I didn't expect that you relied on the advantages of weapons and armor. Look at the soldiers here, two out of three are wearing armor!"

"If this is given to me, Duan Shao won't be able to get out alive."

Kou Liu said with a smile.

"fart!"

Yao Xiong retorted: "If you come, you won't even be able to see Duan Shao's shadow. You are being taken here to fight. Do you think anyone can beat Duan Shao?"

Kou Liu is his brother, and he knows best what to say to break down this old friend's defense.

Zhang Heizu remained silent and watched the two people bickering, not daring to get involved.

After Liu Taozi entered the city, he ordered everyone to rest and regroup, while he followed the local officials to the government office.

Yao Xiong immediately pulled Kou Liu and Zhang Heizu to his own tent.

We haven't seen each other for a long time. Although we don't drink alcohol, it's still okay for us to eat meat together.

The three of them sat in the house, discussing the situation in the world, and couldn't help but recall the past Cheng An.

Thinking back on the past, they felt more and more how unreal everything was. Those few small officials back then could actually reach this level now and fight against the world-famous generals.

Just as the three were eating the meat and feeling emotional, a soldier suddenly came in to report.

A distinguished guest is visiting.

That’s right, the distinguished guest is Zu Ting.

Yao Xiong was not shy and went out personally, took Zu Ting's hand and brought him over.

Zu Ting initially had a bad relationship with veterans such as Tian Zili and Kou Liu, and the two sides were mostly at odds.

However, since the group of people from Yecheng came over, their relationship has become much more stable.

It’s not that they are too close, but at least they don’t show too much hostility.

After Zu Ting arrived, Kou Liu didn't talk much.

He just lowered his head and ate the meat without even looking at Zu Ting.

He still didn't like Zu Ting very much.

Yao Xiong is different. Over the years, Yao Xiong has had a lot of interactions with Zu Ting.

"It was really thanks to Grandpa's intelligence that I was able to achieve this earlier!"

"If it weren't for my grandfather, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be able to cross the river. Come, I'll serve you tea instead of wine!"

Yao Xiong is a man who does not bear grudges. He is always open-minded and sincere to others.

Zu Ting looked at the other two and suddenly said, "I followed His Majesty to the front line this time, but I know nothing about the major events on the front line. I was just thinking of asking the general for countermeasures, but I didn't expect that General Kou and General Zhang are also here. That's perfect. The four of us can discuss the major event of sending troops together."

Hearing this, Kou Liu couldn't sit still anymore.

He originally worked with Zu Ting in Qingzhou as supporters of Liu Taozi. Zu Ting intervened in military affairs many times, which made Kou Liu extremely dissatisfied.

Zu Ting understood military affairs and knew how to fight.

But his words were a bit harsh. He once commented on Kou Liu's military qualities and believed that he "had the talent of a county lieutenant but stole the title of general."

Hearing Zu Ting's sarcasm at this moment, Kou Liu could not bear it anymore. He stood up, said goodbye to Yao Xiong, and left with Zhang Heizu.

Yao Xiong couldn't keep them.

After the two of them left, Yao Xiong looked at Zu Ting helplessly. "Grandpa, why are you doing this?"

"Why do you have to bear grudges to this extent? Kou Liu is not a bad person. He has been with my brother for many years and is loyal to him."

"I know."

"I just have something top-secret to discuss with the general, so I forced him to leave first. When the matter is done, I will apologize for him."

Zu Ting said seriously.

Yao Xiong widened his eyes and slowly sat down next to Zu Ting.

"What important matter does Grandpa want to discuss with me?"

Zu Ting picked up the teacup in front of him and drank it in one gulp. He held the tea leaves in his mouth and chewed them bit by bit.

"General Yao, you know that your majesty is attacking the false Qi because of the Zhou people's treacherous scheme."

"Zhou people?"

"I have heard that some people say that Dugu Yongye has made a secret alliance with the Zhou people."

"Yes, Dugu Yongye has formed an alliance with the Zhou people. There is a bad guy named Yang Su. He is cunning. He pushed Duan Shao out to die and asked us to help Dugu Yongye get rid of Duan Shao. He also wants to provoke a bloody battle between us and Dugu Yongye."

"He previously madly exploited many prefectures and counties in Henan. All the prefectures and counties were ruined because of him. This was also one of his evil schemes. His purpose was to make life difficult for us. After we take over Henan, we will have to spend a lot of effort to supply it."

"In addition, he built exaggerated fortifications in the Hanoi area. He dug more than ten trenches just to block the cavalry!!"

Zu Ting described the situation with an angry look on his face, and Yao Xiong nodded slowly.

"I see."

"I wonder why Duan Shao came here with such a small number of soldiers."

"Duan Shao is unwilling to form an alliance, so he will naturally die. Dugu Yongye has already taken control of the government, and the young emperor has become his man. Duan Shao has been deserted by his friends and relatives, and there is no way for him to survive."

Yao Xiong asked: "Grandfather, do you have any way to deal with Yang Su?"

"Deal with Yang Su???"

Zu Ting's voice increased a lot, and he spat out the tea leaves in his mouth with disdain.

"Is he worthy?"

"I want to deal with the entire Pseudo-Zhou! Do I need to deal with him alone, just a kid?"

Yao Xiong suddenly became excited, and hurriedly lowered his head to pour some tea for Zu Ting again.

"Grandfather, how can I be of any use to you?"

Zu Ting narrowed his eyes, "General Yao, I'm telling you the truth, so please don't hide it from me."

"what?"

"What am I hiding?"

"I know that General Yao took away many things from General Bao's house."

Yao Xiong slapped his forehead fiercely, "You're talking about that!"

"Ah, that was General Bao's strategy to defeat the enemy. No, it was my fault."

Yao Xiong hesitated for a long time, and then whispered: "Let me tell you this, if it succeeds, then it is General Bao's strategy, if it fails, then it is mine."

"Why?"

"General Bao said it himself. If we fail, don't say it was his plan, and don't say you know him."

Yao Xiong said this, and suddenly reacted. He looked at Zu Ting warily.

"That's not right. My brother didn't even know about this. How did you know?"

"Where do you think those enemy maps in Baoxian's hand came from?"

Yao Xiong suddenly understood and smiled again, "So that's it!"

Zu Ting stroked his beard gently.

"The enemy's intentions are already clear."

"This Yang Su treats everyone in the world as fools. He reinforces Henei in order to delay our army in Henei and prevent it from advancing. The Later Zhou people may attack Lingzhou or take the opportunity to seize Heluo."

Zu Ting put his hand into the tea and then started drawing on the table.

"look."

"If the enemy chooses to attack Lingzhou, their troops will gather in Xiazhou, Yanzhou, and Yinzhou."

"If the enemy chooses to take Heluo."

"Then they will be in the Zhongzhou area of ​​Shaozhou."

Zu Ting looked at Yao Xiong and said, "Our army, led by the general, is in Huaizhou."

"Gao Changgong and others are in Lingzhou, and Hulugu is in the rear, ready to provide support at any time."

"Look, this is the Fen River, and this is the river."

Yao Xiong looked at the simple lines in front of him.

Suddenly, Bao Xian's words flashed in his mind, and he suddenly grabbed a spot.

"Longmen Ferry!!"

Zu Ting gently stroked his beard, "The enemy's strategy must be to attack Lingzhou first and then Heluo, so their troops will actively move up and line up at the front line."

"At this time, Hulugu will advance and join Gao Changgong. Both sides will put pressure on the enemy on the front line and tie up the enemy forces."

"The general will attack Heluo and fight to the death with Dugu Yongye."

"At this time, as long as there is an elite group that is not afraid of death, they can cross the Dragon Gate, and then..."

"Shua~~"

Zu Ting's finger slid suddenly and drew a big line.

"Changan!!"

"These damned bastards dared to burn, kill, plunder and set fire to our farmland and cities in our territory!!"

"I'm going to burn down his fucking Chang'an City!!"

Yao Xiong looked at the map in front of him in astonishment, then frowned, "But it's difficult to cross the river."

"There are enemy sentry towers on both sides of Longmen, and the defenses are tight. Besides, it's not winter yet, so the water hasn't frozen yet."

"Besides, the entrance to Longmen is narrow and it is difficult for a large army to pass through."

"So I said it was a small number of elite troops who were not afraid of death. If you can cross the river from Danzhou, which is the most heavily guarded, then can't you cross the river from Longmen?"

Yao Xiong's expression was fierce, and his face became more and more ferocious.

"If my grandfather is willing to help, I am willing to go to Chang'an and set fire to Yuwen Yong's ass!"

Zu Ting nodded again.

"Once Chang'an is attacked, the enemy's frontline troops will not dare to stay and will turn back to encircle us."

"Our General Hulu is the best at pursuit. As long as they dare to retreat, I guarantee that Hulu will be able to drive Wei Xiaokuan out of Xiazhou and directly surround the enemy's capital from the north. By then, the Zhou people will not dare to close their eyes day or night, and they can hear the sound of our war drums at night."

Listening to Zu Ting's big talk, Yao Xiong became more and more moved.

This matter is indeed risky and it is easy to never come back.

But among all the generals, Yao Xiong is indeed the one who is least afraid of death. According to him, as a Khitan, it is worth it for him to have lived to this point. In addition to his adopted son, he has three other sons. They are all very smart and learn quickly. Perhaps they can become high officials in the future.

What else do I have to be afraid of?!
Zu Ting licked his lips and said, "I followed His Majesty here just for this matter."

"I don't like being schemed against. The fake Zhou wants us and Dugu Yongye to both suffer losses, so I want him to suffer first!!"

"Neither of these two can escape."

Zu Ting said this when he suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, by the way, the Yang Su I just told you about. Well, he is from Huayin County."

"It is on the only way to Chang'an."

"When you pass by, you can wipe out the whole clan. It's best to kill all the chickens and dogs in the house, leaving no one behind."

"Just think of it as a small gift from us to him."

(End of this chapter)