The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

The other party stated in the letter that these 50,000 elite troops had other uses and rejected Yang Zhong's request for support.

When Yang Zhong saw this, he immediately backed off and was not willing to take the risk.

After Zhao Renzhi and Liu Sanlang found out, they could only sigh and lament.

It’s not that the two of them are unwilling to step forward, but the officialdom has its own unspoken rules, and it would be inappropriate to be too aggressive.

Being an official is as difficult as fighting a war.

As a civil servant, Mr. Huang would naturally not interfere in these matters.

Everyone was ready to give up, but in the afternoon a spy came to report that people had arrived from Kaifeng, bringing a large number of troops, estimated to be no less than 10,000.

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhong immediately jumped up from his chair and asked in surprise, "Who is leading the troops?"

"General, the man is wearing armor and we can't see him clearly," the spy said respectfully.

Liu Sanlang speculated: "Could it be that my brother-in-law Zhang Ping'an has come?"

"He is a civil servant, could he have such extraordinary ability?" Zhao Renzhi was also a little surprised and doubtful.

This couldn't have come at a better time!

"What's so strange about this? Our Great Zhou is full of talented people, just like you, Lord Zhao. You can bring peace to the world with your pen and decide the fate of the world with your martial arts. I think it's likely that peace has really come," Lord Huang said jokingly with a smile.

I also believe more in my heart that the Great Zhou is now prosperous, which is why we can get the help of talents from all over the world.

Everyone guessed for a long time, and although they were still not sure who was leading the troops, they knew that the arrival of this group of people was enough to change Yang Zhong's decision.

More than an hour later, the team officially entered the vicinity of Daming Prefecture.

The person who came was Zhang Pingan!

So many elite soldiers entering the city must have been reported in advance. Zhang Ping'an sent someone to take his letter into the city and deliver it to Lord Huang's residence.

He slowed down his march.

Speaking of which, the reason why he brought reinforcements was because of a dream he had.

He dreamed that his brother-in-law and others met Bai Chao head-on on the battlefield. The Northern Expedition Army was basically wiped out, and blood and flesh were flying all over the battlefield.

Not only that, Kaifeng was also attacked by surprise, and the entire north was once again plunged into chaos.

The dream was too real, especially the scene where his brother-in-law died of exhaustion and was pierced by thousands of arrows. It made him unable to sleep at night.

After three days of repeated deliberation and weighing of the pros and cons, he re-strengthened the defense of Kaifeng and finally decided to temporarily hand over the affairs of Kaifeng to the Deputy Envoy of Appeasement.

Then he selected 15,000 elite troops and sent them to Daming Prefecture.

Although he didn't know where the battlefield in his dream was, Daming Prefecture was a hub for the transit of grain and fodder. No matter which army won the battle, they would definitely not let go of this piece of fat meat.

So it’s always a good idea to go to Damingfu first.

Moreover, the allocation of food and grass in the later period must also go through Lord Huang, so we must definitely inform Lord Huang about it.

This step of his was actually a bit presumptuous, but he really couldn't remain indifferent, so he decided to follow his heart.

Of course it would be best if nothing happens, but if something happens, perhaps these more than 10,000 people can be of crucial use.

Zhang Ping'an's mind was fragmented, and before he could finish his thoughts, he saw his brother-in-law riding a tall horse and galloping towards him with his men.

Before he got close, he waved his hands vigorously.

Zhang Pingan also smiled and waved.

When they got closer, Liu Sanlang stopped his horse and asked naively, "Ping An, it's really you. What brought you here? I didn't expect you to come at the perfect time!"

"What's wrong? Are you doing well in the north? I used to receive your good news frequently, but I haven't received any letters recently. I was quite worried," Zhang Ping'an replied with a smile.

"We are doing well, but a lot has happened in the last few days, and I can't explain it all in a few words. Let's go into the city first!" Liu Sanlang said as he rode his horse side by side with Zhang Ping'an, feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.

"Okay, let's go into the city first," Zhang Pingan nodded, not in a hurry.

After entering the city, everyone exchanged greetings and started talking about their recent situation.

Only then did Zhang Ping'an realize that the war situation had changed so drastically.

Master Huang stroked his beard and smiled, "A few days ago, the Yellow River flooded near Liaocheng, and the imperial reports couldn't be delivered, so the news was delayed for a few days. Who knew you'd be here now? It's all heaven's will!"

"Yeah, that's quite a coincidence," Zhang Pingan also felt that the end of science was really metaphysics.

How could such a coincidence happen!

Yang Zhong suddenly asked Zhang Pingan why he brought troops here. Zhang Pingan evaded the question and said that the Yellow River was flooding and he was worried about the lack of troops in the north, so he transferred more than 10,000 elite troops here.

Of course, he couldn't say that he dreamed that the Northern Expedition Army was completely wiped out, especially Yang Zhong, whose head was chopped off. That was too unlucky!

Fortunately, Yang Zhong did not ask any more questions. He just pondered and said, "I had already decided to give up going to Guantao. Now that you have brought troops here, it seems that it is God's will. Then I will not hesitate any longer. Pass the order down. Light the fire at three o'clock tomorrow morning and break camp at five o'clock. We will head straight for Guantao!"

"Yes, Marshal!" Liu Sanlang and Zhao Renzhi were shocked and hurriedly bowed in response. "I will send the spies to explore the way ahead!"

"We will definitely win this time!" Lord Huang is very confident.

Zhang Ping'an was a little worried, but he didn't say anything discouraging and also encouraged a few people.

The army set out while it was still dark the next day.

Looking at the winding team going away, Zhang Pingan prayed silently, hoping that everything would go well!

Mr. Huang stood aside and patted Zhang Ping'an on the shoulder, saying with a smile: "It's okay. I think this battle is God's will. The Ghost Festival on July 15th is only two days away. We must hold a proper sacrifice then."

"You're right, let everything take its course!" Zhang Ping'an smiled and felt relieved.

If it is a blessing, it will not be a disaster. If it is a disaster, it cannot be avoided. This time, let it depend on God’s will!

At this time, Yang Zhong led his soldiers to march all night and arrived near Guantao in the afternoon of the next day.

The movement of tens of thousands of troops would make a lot of noise, and there was no place to hide near Guantao.

Bai Chao's spies soon discovered the large group of people and hurried back to report.

When the others heard this, they all suggested running away first. After two consecutive battles, everyone felt that the chances of winning against Yang Zhong's elite troops were slim.

It would be better to conserve the troops and take it slowly later.

"Since they attacked at night, they must be determined to fight me to the death. They want to take my head. There is no point in running away," Bai Chao said lightly.

Compared to his subordinates who were panicking, he was much calmer.

"Today is July 14th, right?" Bai Chao suddenly turned his head and asked.

Li Mingxuan replied solemnly, "Yes, it's July 14th!"

"Well, let me end it here. In my life, I have suffered hardships and also enjoyed happiness. I have been as humble as an ant, and I have also been rich. I have trampled on the noble families under my feet. This means that my life has not been lived in vain," Bai Chao said as he wiped his sword.

At this time, most people actually like to use long swords, but Bai Chao is different. He likes to use short swords and thinks it is more convenient to use.

Seeing this, the servants hesitated and asked, "Master, are you not going to retreat?"

"Retreat?" Bai Chao shook his head and said coldly, "I will not retreat. Anyone who dares to retreat will be killed immediately!"

These words left the others speechless for a moment. Due to Bai Chao's usual majesty, no one dared to say anything and could only stand up and prepare to fight.

After everyone else left, Bai Chao took out a letter from his bosom and placed it on the table, saying, "Military Advisor, keep this letter. You can leave with your personal soldiers later. Go to Maoer Hutong in the capital according to the address on the letter."

"Master, what about you?" Li Mingxuan did not ask about the content of the letter. After so many years, he already knew what to say and what not to say.

"Don't worry about me. I'm probably in big trouble today," Bai Chao sneered, his expression still calm and composed. "Someone once predicted that I wouldn't live past thirty. Tomorrow happens to be my 30th birthday. Sigh, it's all fate!"

"You can't trust everything a sorcerer says," Li Mingxuan was a little surprised when he heard that, but he still tried to comfort him.

"No, that person is different. Everything he said came true. There was another person who was fortune-telling with him at the time. The other person said that he was the true dragon emperor. Sure enough, the dynasty of Daxia changed just like that," Bai Chao said with a look of reminiscence on his face.

"You mean? The other person is the current emperor of the Great Zhou?" Li Mingxuan was very shocked.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. It's all in the past. Let's go. One day someone will come to Maoer Hutong to ask you for your trust," Bai Chao waved his hand and didn't want to say more.

Li Mingxuan already felt that this battle was not going well, so he would certainly not give up the opportunity to escape.

After a moment of silence, he bowed solemnly and said, "My Lord, take care!"

Then he picked up the letter, opened the tent, and strode away.

After following Bai Chao for several years, maybe this time I am just thinking about my old friendship with him.

Not long after Li Mingxuan left, Yang Zhong led his men to launch an attack and officially started the war.

Liu Sanlang and Yang Zhong have the highest combat power in the team, so naturally they are the ones to deal with Bai Chao.

This was also the first time that Liu Sanlang saw the legendary thief king. He thought he must be ferocious, fat and big-eared.

Unexpectedly, the real person is completely different from what I imagined.

Bai Chao himself could even be described as handsome and elegant, thin but not weak, with a faint scholarly air.

He was not afraid at all in the face of the attacks from the two men and was very calm.

However, although his swordsmanship was superb, the two consecutive battles still consumed a lot of his energy, and he gradually showed signs of decline.

Yang Zhong was a veteran on the battlefield. He saw the opportunity when Liu Sanlang attacked Bai Chao and poked him with his spear. Bai Chao had no time to dodge and fell off his horse.

There are thousands of soldiers and horses on the battlefield. Once you fall from your horse, you will hand your life to the enemy.

The two men cooperated well and fought for another quarter of an hour. Finally, Bai Chao was attacked from both sides and exhausted. He was shot twice in the chest and vomited blood from his mouth.

Gradually, he could no longer stand up and fell to the ground, looking up at the sky.

Liu Sanlang discovered that he saw a strong sense of ease and relief in his eyes, and was deeply touched for a moment.

Yang Zhong's heart had already become as hard as iron. Seeing this, he did not hesitate at all. He shot Bai Chao in the throat again. After confirming that he was dead, he shouted: "Your master has been killed, the situation is over! The royal army is under the command of heaven to punish the criminals, but only the main culprits will be punished. Anyone who abandons his weapons will be forgiven, and those who disobey orders will be executed without mercy!"

After shouting three times, everyone on the battlefield slowly reacted.

The morale of the soldiers on Bai Chao's side suddenly dropped.

Many people were unwilling to surrender or be killed, so they rode on their horses and fled with their personal soldiers.

Yang Zhong ordered everyone to pursue separately.

The glory of Bai Chao came to an end, and the thief king died in Guan Tao!

For some reason, Liu Sanlang felt a little uncomfortable.

But he cheered up in a moment and went after the remaining soldiers together with Zhao Renzhi.

This battle can be said to be a turning point in the Northern Expedition.

When Yang Zhong returned with Bai Chao's head and the remaining captives, Zhang Ping'an and Mr. Huang personally greeted him at the city gate, and the people also lined the streets to welcome him.

For them, this means that the world is becoming more peaceful, which is a good thing.

At the same time, the news quickly spread across the country.

The most affected were the campaigns across Shanxi and the Tatar Abra.

Victory news came frequently from all over Shanxi. Yang Zhong continued to advance and successively captured Hejian, Tangxian and other places, recovering most of the areas north of the Yellow River.

The Tatar leader Abra was gradually left with only the territory near Kyoto and scattered troops in Shandong.

The situation in the north is very good.

The 50,000 elite troops stationed in Lu County were responsible for disaster relief after the Yellow River flooded.

The plague after the flood was controlled to the minimum extent.

Then the troops were deployed in Bohai Bay, the meaning is self-evident.

It was only a matter of time before the Tatars were besieged.

Zhang Ping'an had already returned to Kaifeng at this time. After the autumn harvest, food and fodder were allocated to the front line from all over the country.

Coordinating and allocating food and fodder is not an easy task.

Next, there will definitely be another battle in the Kyoto area, as well as in Tongguan, Shaanxi and other places.

The restoration of unity is just around the corner.

Counting it up, he has been in the North for more than four years.

The court is now discussing returning to the capital, and it is expected that the day for him to return to Lin'an will not be far away.

Not long after, he received a letter from the Qian family in Lin'an, meaning that the emperor intended to send troops to capture Kyoto before the New Year this year to seek a good omen. At that time, he would hold a celebration banquet for these heroes who had made great achievements in the north.

This means that they can go back to Lin'an to visit their relatives during the Chinese New Year, which coincides with Zhang Ping'an's guess.

It is indeed a happy event.