Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 434 Aggressive
Gwangseong County.

There was a cool breeze and few strangers were seen on the dilapidated road.

Huang Fachi led many soldiers and stood outside the nearest gate to the city. The generals around him were talking about it, but Huang Fachi had a calm expression, looking into the distance.

Most of the generals around Huang Fachi were young officers.

They all looked to be no more than thirty years old, but at this moment, their faces were solemn and they looked uneasy.

"How can this be done?"

"Liu Taozi has always been cunning. If we let him come, what if he seizes the city? What should we do?"

"Then let's go there?"

"Wouldn't it be suicide to go there?"

"We can't go over there, and we can't let him come over here either. Are we going to resist the imperial edict?"

The officers were worried.

Huang Fatic listened to their discussion expressionlessly, without expressing his own opinion. Everyone talked here for a long time, and finally a group of mounted infantry slowly approached from a distance.

Riding a horse is not an easy thing.

Only by riding a horse can you realize how tall a warhorse is. For ordinary people, it is difficult to even get on a horse without help from others. Even if they get on a horse, they will be afraid of falling off. Looking at the ground from the horse's back is a completely different feeling.

War horses are taller than people think and not very obedient. Turning around and reining in the horses are both technical tasks.

Being able to ride a horse by yourself is not easy for many people, and riding a horse at full speed is something that only people of very high level can do. Being able to ride a horse back and forth directly, turn around while galloping, and even take out a bow and arrow to shoot in the process, this is the highest level among the high levels, that is, the top level. In the military camp, if you have this ability, you will basically be promoted directly to an officer.

If a general could do this, the historian would record it to prove his bravery.

Of course, with the popularization of stirrups in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the difficulty of this technical work has been reduced a lot, but it is still not easy to master.

At least the oncoming cavalrymen are not very good.

After occupying Lianghuai, the State of Chen finally began to build the cavalry corps it had always dreamed of.

Chunyu Liang already had more than 4,000 cavalrymen under his command. Well, they called themselves cavalrymen anyway.

Most of these cavalrymen were recruited from Lianghuai who were soldiers who had ridden horses before. However, riding a horse before and being able to ride a horse to fight are two different things. Even for these Lianghuai people, it takes a long time to transform from mounted infantry to cavalry. It is said that archers are difficult to train, but in fact, cavalry are the most difficult to train. Moreover, the horses provided by the State of Chen to these soldiers were not real war horses, but just horses.

Sure enough, the leader of this cavalry in the distance was Chunyu Liang.

The generals currently deployed by the State of Chen in two directions are Chunyu Liang and Huang Fachi.

Huang Fachi was previously in charge of the security of Jiankang. However, due to Hua Jiao's rebellion and Xu Du's death, a huge gap appeared in the areas bordering Zhou. Huang Fachi arrived at the border from Jiankang. He is currently in charge of the areas bordering Zhou and Liang. He has led several state governors and is responsible for two directions of the empire together with Chunyu Liang.

But today, the two generals met in this small county.

Chunyu Liang hurriedly reined in his horse, then jumped off and handed the reins to the knight beside him. He didn't even bother to say anything to Huang Fachi. He just took the other's hand and walked aside.

The rest of the people could only stand far away and dared not get close.

Chunyu Liang pulled Huang Fachu aside, his face extremely solemn, "Really? Your Majesty really agreed?"

Compared with Chunyu Liang, Huang Fachi had a closer relationship with Chen Xu. Chunyu Liang, like Wang Lin of the Han Dynasty, was a former traitor among the princes, and Chen Xu could not trust him as much as Liu Taozi trusted Wang Lin. Chunyu Liang could only hear many key information through his colleagues.

Huang Fate nodded slightly.

"Without the imperial decree from His Majesty, I would not dare to invite the general to come."

"Your Majesty feels that you can meet with Liu Taozi."

Chun Yuliang's expression suddenly turned gloomy. "What on earth does this guy want to do?"

Not long ago, both of them received letters from Liu Taozi, who directly sent knights to deliver the letters to the two people at full speed.

In the letter, Liu Taozi first talked about his respect and love for the two generals, and then suggested that the three of them could meet and go hunting together.

When Chunyu Liang received the letter, he was stunned.

Will you go hunting with us?
He hurriedly submitted the letter to Chen Xu intact, fearing that others would tell Chen Xu that he and Liu Taozi had conspired through the letter.

Fortunately, Huang Fachi also received the letter. After comparing the two letters, Chunyu Liang was naturally no longer suspected of collaborating with the enemy.

After Chen Xu learned about this, he summoned the ministers around him to ask questions.

Yuan Xian thought that perhaps Liu Taozi wanted to meet with the southern generals to determine the truth.

Chen Xu agreed with this and immediately ordered them to meet with Liu Taozi! They couldn't lose face for the State of Chen and couldn't show weakness in front of Liu Taozi. The relationship between the two sides had just started to improve, so they had to maintain a good relationship and not be looked down upon by the other side.

Huang Fachi told Chunyu Liang the emperor's thoughts and speculations.

Chun Yuliang glanced at the officers behind him, and then whispered, "Liu Taozi will not come to spy on us."

Huang Fachu replied: "No matter what, he is our ally. After opening up trade, we have gained a lot of benefits. Now that the national treasury is empty, it is time to maintain the relationship. He wants to meet, and we cannot refuse."

Chunyu Liang sighed deeply.

Indeed, the mutual trade brought a lot of benefits to their family. Chunyu Liang himself could feel it. With a large number of merchants coming and going to trade, the local tax revenue was also increased, and the city on his side became bustling as a result.

But what does Liu Taozi want to do?

Chun Yuliang pondered for a long time, "It is impossible for him to come and attack us. I really can't figure out his intention."

"He said it was hunting, could it be that he wanted to take us to fight the Zhou people?"

Chunyu Liang glanced at Huang Fachu, his lips trembling for a moment, "Are you sure he needs our support in a land battle with the Zhou people???"

If you put yourself in his shoes, Chunyu Liang would definitely not bring the Han navy to fight against the Zhou people.

Huang Fate explained: "Liu Taozi is a man with extraordinary ambitions and courage. He may have some different ideas. In short, he will be here soon, and we must be prepared!"

Chun Yuliang was even more surprised. "Soon? When will he come?"

"tomorrow."

"tomorrow??"

“He is in Runan?”

"good."

Chun Yuliang was silent for a moment, and his expression gradually became solemn. "Well, since he is coming, let's welcome him well."

"I think it would be better to set up the meeting place in the city. He would never dare to go into the city alone. Even if he dared, the people around him would persuade him not to go. Then, we can go."

"No."

Huang Fate spoke again, "Your Majesty has issued an imperial decree to meet outside the city, but you must not make Liu Taozi angry. You must not do anything to make him unhappy."

Chun Yuliang was stunned for a long time, "What does your majesty mean?"

"We must not let him get angry. We must welcome him as a distinguished guest and send him off in a friendly manner. At the same time, we must not lose face for the country and let Liu Taozi know the military power of the State of Chen."

Chunyu Liang really wanted to turn around and leave at this moment.

Although he was extremely dissatisfied in his heart, there was no sign of anger on his face. He smiled and said, "I see. All right, I will follow General Huang's arrangements! General, just give your orders!"

Chunyu Liang bowed his head and saluted, and the pressure fell directly on Huang Fachi.

Huang Fate pursed his lips, seeming to want to say something but stopped himself.

"Okay, I'll take charge."

The Chen people built a simple pavilion outside the pass overnight.

This was originally an inn leading to the Huai River, which had been abandoned before. So everyone made a simple rest here and created a place for temporary meetings.

The reason for choosing this place is that it is close to the city of Chen State and the city of Han State, and is one of the border points between the two sides.

At the same time, the scenery here is also pretty good, at least much better than the surrounding areas, with mountains, water and forests.

Chunyu Liang and Huang Fachi arranged many troops to be stationed in the surrounding areas, and their own soldiers were guarding the entrances and exits along the road. At the place where the two sides would meet, they arranged more than 4,000 elite troops. These elite troops were distributed in three directions and could come to support at any time.

Huang Fachi was responsible for meeting guests, while Chunyu Liang was responsible for security.

They were busy until noon the next day, when a cavalryman came to inform them that the Han cavalry was approaching. Huang Fate hurriedly led his men out to greet them.

There were many officers standing around him. They all wore new clothes. Putting aside their fear of Liu Taozi, they were still somewhat expectant. They all wanted to see what the rumored Liu Taozi looked like.

From a distance, Huang Fatic saw a cavalry galloping towards his home.

This momentum is completely different from the time when Chunyu Liang arrived.

These knights didn't have to worry about the speed of their horses, they were galloping at full speed, and in this state, they were still able to maintain their formation, and it didn't look chaotic at all. Their number was not large, less than a thousand, probably about seven or eight hundred?

As they got closer and closer to the Chen people, Huang Fachi and the many officers around him looked more and more moved.

Some people even began to fear.

These knights are all wearing armor!!!
Even the horses they ride on can be armored! !

They charged at full speed, the entire ground was shaking violently, flags were fluttering, and it was like a ferocious beast was pouncing towards them.

Huang Fachi subconsciously prepared to line up his troops for battle.

Fortunately, the cavalry finally slowed down when they were two hundred steps away from them.

They jumped off their horses one after another, very skillfully.

Huang Fachi looked up and saw a sturdy man in armor walking quickly towards him. He was wearing full armor and a battle robe on the outside. There was a flying dragon entwined on the inner armor, and the battle robe was embroidered with a giant beast pouncing on its prey.

Two more people followed behind him.

One of them had extremely long arms and looked extremely powerful, while the other had a broad back and a huge physique.

The three men walked up to Huang Fachi. Huang Fachi stared at the burly man in front of him. He was sure of his identity and bowed his head in salute.

"Chen General Huang Fachu pays homage to the Han ruler"

He had only completed half of the salute when the other party reached out his hand, grabbed him, and then pulled Huang Fate up. Liu Taozi stared at the man in front of him, "General Huang, why are you being so polite?"

"Where is General Chunyu Liang?!"

"General Chunyu Liang is patrolling outside to check for thieves."

"With two of you brave generals here, why should I be afraid of thieves? Let him come over too!"

"Han Lord, I."

"Let's go inside and talk!"

Liu Taozi basically didn't give Huang Fachi a chance to speak. He just grabbed his hand and walked straight into the inner courtyard. His steps were big and fast, as if he was going to knock down the soldiers and officers who were blocking his way. These people were so scared that they all avoided him. Huang Fachi staggered, being grabbed by Liu Taozi. He felt that he had no room for resistance at all, so he was dragged into the inner courtyard by Liu Taozi.

Liu Taozi looked around, walked up quickly without any hesitation, and sat directly in the upper seat.

The two generals behind him did not take their seats, but stood behind him, one on the left and one on the right.

Huang Fachi was dizzy at this moment and was sick for a long time, then sat aside.

"General Huang, send someone to bring General Chunyu Liang over immediately!"

"it is good."

Huang Fatic asked a soldier nearby to inform them, and then asked someone to bring some wine and drinks over.

He carefully looked at the young hero in front of him.

This is too damn strong!!

Liu Taozi seemed to have noticed his observation, "Back then, I fought with General Huang in Huainan. At that time, I really wanted to meet General Huang."

"At that time, everyone in the Chen army was trying to find ways to kill people to gain merit, but General Huang was the only one who strictly required his soldiers to do so. He never harmed anyone under his command, and he was deeply loved by the people. I respect him for this!"

"When I fight, I always put benevolence and justice first. General Huang's benevolence can be called the best among the fierce generals of the Chen State!"

Liu Taozi's voice was loud and clear, and it seemed as if the positions of host and guest had been swapped directly, with Huang Fachi becoming the guest who came from afar.

Huang Fachi originally thought that Liu Taozi said these to show off how he defeated him, but when he looked at his expression, he found that Liu Taozi was particularly solemn and did not seem to have any ulterior motives at all.

He had no choice but to bow his head and said, "Thank you, Lord Han. Your praise is too much. A person like me is not a big shot in the Southern Kingdom. There are so many brave generals in the Southern Kingdom."

As the two were talking, Chunyu Liang finally came in.

After he walked in, he was also shocked by the three people in front of him, and then bowed to greet them.

Liu Taozi asked him to sit on the other side of her.

At this moment, someone served wine. Huang Fachi personally toasted Liu Taozi, and Chunyu Liang beside him also hurriedly stood up.

Liu Taozi sat in her original position and ate it in one bite.

Then he looked around and said, "This is not the Han Kingdom. There is no ban on alcohol. Do you want to eat?"

The two warriors standing behind him both shook their heads. The more burly man said in a deep voice, "I have a duty to protect you. I dare not drink! Let's talk about it after we have performed meritorious service!"

Chunyu Liang secretly glanced at the two men, and the more he looked, the more frightened he felt.

"Lord Han, I wonder who these two generals are..."

"This is my brave general Shi Wansui, and this is my great general Gao Yanzong."

"Both of them are my brothers!"

Chunyu Liang showed an ugly smile, "He is indeed a tiger general."

The two men did not say anything, but just stood behind Liu Taozi, looking down at the two generals of the State of Chen.

Liu Taozi wiped the corner of his mouth, and then looked at the two people in front of him, "I have always been frank, so I won't hide it. This time, I came here to attack the Zhou people with the two generals."

"Attack the Zhou people?"

Huang Fachu and Chunyu Liang looked at each other, and Huang Fachu asked first: "Where does the King of Han want to attack?"

"When I was in Luozhou, I discovered that the Zhou people were building fortifications along Luoyu, hoping to disperse my forces and attack my city from multiple locations."

"The terrain over there is dangerous. I won't be able to achieve any results if I send troops there. Instead, I will play into the enemy's hands."

“But it’s different here.”

"From here to the enemy's Nanyang County, if we use cavalry, we can reach it in one day. Moreover, there is no steep terrain to defend the southeast of Nanyang, and the enemy does not have any extra troops here."

"I want to send troops from here to attack the military camps and soldiers around Nanyang. My army only has more than 2,000 people. If the two generals can go with me, I can give the cities to the State of Chen after we capture them."

"This matter is good for the State of Chen. First, you can get the city. Second, you can take the opportunity to train your army. General Chunyu Liang, the cavalry under your command may learn something and become real cavalry. Third, if the enemy is defeated in Nanyang, your situation in Xiangba and other places will also improve."

"This is also beneficial to me. The enemy wants to disperse my army, so I will disperse their army. They look down on the south and have never stationed a large army here. If the attack is successful, they will not dare to look down on this side in the future and will send troops to come. My defense pressure in the north will be much less."

"This is good for all of us, except for the Zhou Kingdom."

Liu Taozi looked at the two men and said, "I hope the two generals can follow me."

Huang Fachi looked at Chunyu Liang. They were both still a little confused at the moment. Liu Taozi spoke too fast.

Liu Taozi stopped urging them and started eating the food in front of them, giving them plenty of time to think.

Huang Fachi and Chunyu Liang exchanged glances.

Huang Fate said: "Han Lord, for such a major matter as sending troops, we still have to consult His Majesty first."

"I know. You can send someone to ask right now. You two are both brave generals. You should understand what I just said. If you can get the city near Nanyang, you can surround the Zhou people. Maybe you can even take Jingzhou in the future. I will take the north and you will take the south. We will destroy the Zhou people together and rule across the river. Isn't that wonderful?"

"If I miss this good opportunity and let Wei Xiaokuan and others know that I'm coming to the south, the enemy will immediately start to strengthen their defense, and the opportunity will be missed!"

"I'll be waiting here, you need to let me know as soon as possible!"

“Don’t let me down!!”

"only"

ps: Happy Year of the Snake!! I wish all my brothers a happy new year, good health, a happy family, a successful career, and hope everything goes well in the Year of the Snake!!

(End of this chapter)