"Report, my lord, that the bandits have crossed the Liao River in large numbers. Their vanguard has reached Shenshui (today's Hun River) and is trying to build a pontoon bridge."
In the lobby of Xiangping City's city guard, just when Gongsun Du was furious because the dangerous city was captured by the Youzhou Army in just one day, another famous messenger came, bringing him even worse news.
"What? Say it again!"
Upon hearing this news, Gongsun Du's anger turned into panic. He jumped up with his eyes wide open, grabbed the horseman's chest, and roared angrily. This could not be blamed for Gongsun Du's rudeness. It is true that the progress of the Youzhou Army is too fast. Xiangping City is not ready for defense at all. A large number of soldiers are still scattered in various villages and towns to clear the country. Xuan Tu, who was ordered to come to Xiangping City to meet up, The troops from the northern cities such as (today's Fushun), Houcheng (today's Shenyang) and other cities in the north are still halfway there. It is obvious that they will not have time to reach Xiangping City in a few days. If the main force of the Youzhou Army arrives at high speed, the situation will be critical. undoubtedly.
"Lord, lord, little one, little one..."
The reporter who came to report the matter was just an ordinary soldier. How could he stand up to Gongsun Du's rough treatment? Dang even was so frightened that his legs and feet were trembling, and he stammered while waiting for an explanation. But his mind went blank, and he couldn't even form a complete sentence.
"Father, calm down, the matter is urgent now, and it is better to prepare early. The boy thought that he should recall the soldiers and horses with strong walls and clear the country as soon as possible, consolidate the city defense first, and then urgently order Zhao Chu and other generals to speed up the march, and first communicate with Xu Fei in the Houcheng. The troops will gather together and then slowly rush to Xiangping. Whether it is to gather troops outside the city or to garrison in the counties of Qujiu and Liaodu, we can all adjust ourselves to the current conditions."
Seeing that Gongsun Du was just getting angry without making any decision, Gongsun Kang couldn't help but become a little anxious. He hurriedly stepped out from the side and made some remarks.
"Then why are you still standing there? Hurry up and make arrangements. Also, from now on, the whole city will be on alert to beware of bandit spies entering the city. Go quickly, go quickly."
Gongsun Du was ill and rushed to seek medical treatment. He didn't even think about whether his son's suggestion was reasonable. He immediately made a decision. After a while, the sound of trumpets in the city shook the sky, and the huge Xiangping City was already in ruins. One faction is in chaos...
"Report, Lord, there is an urgent report in Houcheng. Please read it, Lord."
Gongsun Du was obviously overly anxious, and there was nothing to do. Don’t look at the vanguard of the Youzhou Army, Zhang Heji, who led his troops to the sinking water and was indeed rushing to build a pontoon bridge. But in fact, Gongsun Ming’s main force was still there. We were nervously rushing to cross the Liao River. If we really wanted to reach the Shen River, it would take more than two days at least. As for Gongsun Ming himself, he was still staying in Xiandu City, discussing with Pang Tong and other close friends in the city guard's palace. The next battle plan was being discussed in full swing when Gongsun Leng hurried in from outside, bowed to Gongsun Ming, and said something in a hurry.
"Uh-huh, military advisor, please take a look."
Hearing what Gongsun Leng said, Gongsun Ming did not dare to be careless. He reached out and took the small copper tube that Gongsun Leng handed over. He unscrewed the hidden buckle on it with familiarity, took out the roll paper from inside, and spread it out. When he came to see it, his eyes lit up involuntarily, but he did not rush to make a decision. Instead, he handed the secret letter to Pang Tong who was sitting beside him.
"Haha... Gongsun Du is going to give a big gift to the lord. It is unlucky not to take the gift from heaven."
After Pang Tong read through the secret letter, he couldn't help but clasped his hands and laughed.
"What the military advisor said is true. This is indeed a great gift. However, if you want to fully eat it, you must be prepared for it. I wonder if the military advisor has any clever ideas?"
As the saying goes, heroes see the same thing. Although Pang Tong never said it clearly, Gongsun Ming knew immediately what Pang Tong said about the great gift. It was nothing more than defeating the armies coming from the north. And this was originally Gongsun Ming's gift. He would not have any objection to the original intention, but he had not yet prepared and understood the specific tactical arrangements.
"It's not difficult to win this battle. If you want to win completely, you still have to think carefully. My lord, wait for me to write a few strokes later."
Pang Tong obviously had a plan in his mind, but he didn't express it in a hurry. Instead, he greeted Gongsun Ming with a smile, then walked back to the copywriting office, wrote something quickly, and then wrote The old paper was put into a small brocade bag, carefully sealed with needlework and lacquer, and then he walked back to the sand table, looking mysterious.
"Military advisor, what are you..."
Seeing that Pang Tong was playing tricks again, Gongsun Ming was really dumbfounded. However, Pang Tong was such a hobby. Gongsun Ming couldn't help but pretend to be surprised and asked. Come on half-heartedly.
"My lord, it is clear to me that the key to this battle is speed and cunning. It is difficult for those who are not wise and brave to do it. After looking at all the generals, only General Zilong is worthy of this important task."
Pang Tong obviously planned to sell Guanzi to the end. He did not explain the strangeness in detail to Gongsun Ming, but first proposed a candidate to lead his troops northward.
"Zi Long is brave and careful. He is indeed the best choice to lead the partial attack."
Gongsun Ming had never doubted Zhao Yun's ability and loyalty. Now that he heard Pang Tong recommend him, he naturally had no objections and simply agreed.
"That's good. General Zilong can lead the eight thousand cavalry to cross the Liao River first, and then go all the way north along the river. When they get to ten miles away from Houcheng, they can open the bag of tips and act accordingly."
As soon as Gongsun Ming made such a statement, Pang Tong didn't say anything more. He handed the tip bag in his hand to Zhao Yun and explained it confidently.
"I will obey my orders."
Zhao Yun knew that his lord and the military advisor were both extremely resourceful and calculating people. Since both of them believed that the enemies on the northern roads could be defeated, Zhao Yun did not doubt that he had it, so he simply agreed to the promise.
"Without further delay, General Zilong can immediately go to the Liao River crossing to order all the troops and horses, and take a few guides with him, and we are ready to set off."
As soon as Zhao Yun finished speaking, Pang Tong took out a command arrow from the lottery tube and gave the command arrow to Zhao Yun while giving concise instructions.
"promise!"
Reaching out to take the command arrow, Zhao Yun didn't say much. After bowing to Gongsun Ming and saluting, he hurriedly exited the hall and went to the Liaoshui camp to order troops.
"Congratulations, lord. Once General Zilong leaves, the cities in the north will be within easy reach."
Pang Tong obviously had full confidence in his clever plan. Before the battle even started, he congratulated Gongsun Ming. As soon as he looked confident, Gongsun Ming shook his head and laughed. I really don’t know what to say...
