Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

The north wind in November was as sharp as a knife, whipping the Yanzhou plain with fine snow particles.

The withered wild grass groaned under the iron hooves, and the black flags of the Han army pierced the leaden sky, fluttering in the wind.

"Report—Dongwu City has been captured!"

"Report—our vanguard has arrived outside Linzi City!"

The messenger's voice was fragmented in the cold wind.

Duke Protector of the Country Huo Quji reined in his horse and stood on a high slope, with icicles condensing on his iron armor.

He looked at the smoke rising in the distance, a cold curve forming at the corner of his mouth.

In three days, just three days, 50,000 Han cavalry swept through the seven cities of Yanzhou like a hot knife cutting through frozen oil.

Before the defenders with the Chu flags could react, the city gate was smashed to pieces by his strong men.

The battle came too suddenly, and the Chu army was caught off guard, allowing him to seize the initiative.

Conquer seven cities in three days!

"Tell the soldiers."

Huo Quji's voice was colder than the wind: "Before the snow stops, I want to see the Chu army's granary turned into our winter clothes."

At the same time, three hundred miles away, on the outskirts of Qingcheng, the Tang army's deer fortifications were winding like snakes in the twilight.

Inside the central military tent, the charcoal basin reflected Li Ji's face, making it look gloomy and uncertain.

The map was dotted with small red flags, like drops of solidified blood.

"How much fodder is left for Ma Chao's cavalry?" Li Ji used a dagger to pick open the wax-covered secret letter.

"The scouts reported that they have begun killing horses to satisfy their hunger."

The deputy general handed over some hot wine and said, "If we siege them for another half month, they won't be able to hold out."

The wine glass suddenly smashed onto the map, and the wine spread out in a scarlet color at the location of Qingcheng.

"Half a moon?"

Li Ji sneered, "The Chu army's reinforcements will arrive in ten days. Pass the order - at 3:00 AM tomorrow, burn the northwest forest farm and force them out of the city for a decisive battle!"

The Tang army and the Han army acted together. In just a few days, they surrounded Qingcheng, making Ma Chao's cavalry dare not leave the city.

Taking this opportunity, the Tang army occupied several cities around Qingcheng.

Now the morale of the Tang army is high, sweeping away the gloom of the previous defeat!

However, this was far from achieving the effect Li Ji wanted. He wanted to kill Ma Chao and let the Chu army lose its general.

The last time the Tang army was defeated, not only was the commander Li Jing punished, but even their fourth prince died at the hands of the Chu emperor Chu Ning, which made the morale of the Tang army very low.

Taking this opportunity, he wants to change the Tang army's depressed momentum!

He also believed that under his leadership and with the Han army's restraint, he would be able to destroy Ma Chao's cavalry!

At the same time, in the Governor's Mansion in Jicheng, the charcoal fire was burning very fiercely, but it could not dispel the chill between the brows of the generals.

Jia Yu's black robe was soaked with snow water, and he slammed the secret report heavily on the table.

A corner of the sheepskin map was lifted up by the shock, revealing the blood-stained battle report underneath.

"The Tang army has deployed an eight-arm chain formation outside Qingcheng."

He pointed at the strange circle outlined in ink on the map. "If General Ma Chao forces a breakout, his cavalry will be trapped and killed."

From the corner came the sound of armor clashing.

Guan Yun suddenly stood up, and the Qinglong scabbard hit the ground with a dull thud. "I am willing to lead the light cavalry to help!"

"No!" The white-haired veteran slammed the table and stood up: "Your Majesty is still on the way. To mobilize troops without authorization is a crime of genocide!"

The debate spread like wildfire.

The faction advocating a quick war clapped their fists, causing the imperial edict on the desk to vibrate. The conservative faction kept repeating that "the emperor's will is not clear." Some even said that the soldiers would not agree to mobilize troops easily without the emperor's order.

The candlelight cast everyone's shadows on the wall, twisting them into monsters with bared fangs and claws.

"enough!"

Han Xing's voice was not loud, but it was like a heavy hammer hitting a gong.

When he stood up, ice crystals fell from his armor.

He ran his finger across the map, drawing a line between Qingcheng and Yanzhou.

"The Tang army wants to trap Ma Chao to death, and the Han army wants to cut off our retreat."

He grabbed three black pieces and slammed them onto the Maple Leaf City location. "Huo Quji dared to come out in full force because they still have a way to retreat here."

Jia Yu's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Now that things have come to this, we have no way out. We must mobilize our troops immediately!"

Han Xing said in a deep voice, "Before your majesty left, you asked me to lead the troops here. This battle will be led by me!"

"Without further delay, I will now make the following arrangements."

"General Guan."

Han Xing suddenly took off his sword and placed it across the table. "Take 30,000 soldiers and horses and rush immediately to support General Ma Chao. Remember, you must be swift and stealthy. Attack before the Tang army has a chance to react!"

"Don't worry, General Han!" Guan Yun clasped his fists and saluted, "I will definitely break the siege of Qingcheng!"

After saying that, he turned and walked out quickly.

"General Wu."

Han Xing turned to the taciturn bearded general and said, "You will lead 80,000 troops along the official road. Rest during the day and march quickly at night."

"If you encounter the Han army, immediately go up and annihilate them. I estimate that the Han army will not have too many troops, and I believe you can definitely defeat them!"

Wu Ming said sternly, "General Han, please rest assured. With me here, the Han army will not act recklessly in Yanzhou!"

After saying that, he immediately walked out.

War waits for no one. If he delays for a while, more soldiers will be lost on the front line and more cities will be lost.

Han Xing looked at the two people's backs as they left and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

In any case, the situation will be eased after these two generals lead their troops out.

However, this alone is far from enough.

He turned to Jia Yu and said, "Lord Jia, please send someone to inform His Highness the Thirteenth Prince of Maple Leaf City immediately that Huo Quji is leading his troops to Yanzhou. The Han army in Maple Leaf City must not be very strong."

"Your Highness, please take action immediately and personally lead the army to defeat the Han army over there. If possible, annihilate them completely and count their numbers. This will also help us determine how many people Huo Quji has taken away."

Jia Yu nodded slightly. "I understand. However, should General Ma Chao also be informed of our army's decision?"

Han Xing nodded and said, "Of course. General Ma Chao needs to cooperate with General Guan Yun to launch a coordinated attack from both inside and outside. If they fight well, the Tang army will be defeated."

As they were talking, the snow outside suddenly fell even harder.

"Everyone."

Han Xing's voice was heard amidst the sudden and violent snowstorm: "If we win this battle, all the credit will go to you all!"

"If I lose..." He drew his sword and cut off the corner of the case: "Han, I will behead myself and apologize."

The firm voice fell into the ears of the generals, making them understand the general's determination.

"General Han, there is no need to do this. Your decision is everyone's decision. Even if His Majesty wants to blame us, we are willing to share the responsibility with you!" A general took the initiative to speak.

"Yes, the situation is like this now. There is no time to report to His Majesty. His Majesty has also instructed General Han to take charge of the overall situation. If anything goes wrong, we are willing to share the responsibility with General Han."

"We are not ungrateful people. Please don't say such words, General Han."

"General Han, please inform His Majesty first. I believe His Majesty will not blame you after hearing the news."

Han Xing was touched by everyone's words. Finally, he nodded and said, "Master Jia, immediately inform His Majesty of my decision!"

Jia Yu responded, bowed and left.