klisemfg Chapter 369: Chaos in the World, Grassland Attack
Chapter 369: Chaos in the World, Grassland Attack
During this period, the situation in various countries in the world was turbulent and unpredictable.
First, the two countries of Qi and Liang became completely hostile to each other, and the two countries stationed troops on the border, and a war was about to break out.
The Emperor of Qi was a young and vigorous new monarch, not much different in age from Shen Changgong, probably only one or two years older.
He was the prince before and is now the emperor. Naturally, he cannot be a cowardly person who is easily bullied. Young people are full of energy. How could he endure such a great humiliation?
The State of Qi also took active action and sent envoys to the State of Wei and the State of Qin in the south, inviting the two countries to attack the State of Liang together, destroy it, and divide up the territory of Liang.
The envoy of Qi went to Luodu, the capital of Wei, met with the emperor of Wei, and explained his purpose.
Emperor Cao De of Wei looked at the map and thought for a long time but could not find the border between his country and Liang State. This means that even if he wanted the territory, it would be an enclave and he would have to use the territories of Qi and Qin.
It would be better if they didn't accept it. If they did, it would cause endless troubles. If they fell out with Qi and Qin, they would be blocked from traveling and their territory of Liang would be lost.
Moreover, Liang State was a very poor place. If they wanted the land, they would have to allocate funds to build cities, improve people's livelihood, and provide disaster relief and suppress rebellions. The gains would not outweigh the losses. Not only would they not provide any help to Wei State, but they would continue to suck the blood of Wei State.
Rather than this, it is better not to do it. Why bother sending troops and spending money?
If he had the time, why didn’t Cao De go find some married women to play with?
Therefore, Cao De decisively rejected Qi's request.
The envoys of Qi State requested Wei State not to launch a surprise attack on Qi State when Qi State sent troops. Wei State did not agree, but only entertained the envoys and let them go back.
The relationship between Wei and Qi was not very good to begin with, and there were constant frictions on the border. Who would be willing to help Qi?
However, when the envoys from Qi arrived in Xianyang, the capital of Qin, and met the Qin Emperor, they were treated completely differently.
Qin was also an ambitious country and had long coveted the surrounding territories.
The Chuan State to their south was located in the Shu area, which was full of high mountains and steep cliffs, making it difficult to fight. Therefore, they had been at war with the Liang State all the time, and there was a deep blood feud between them.
Other countries would at most have some minor border conflicts, but as for Qin and Liang, every time they fought, they would beat their brains out.
When Qin heard that Qi wanted to attack Liang, it was overjoyed and immediately agreed. As long as Qi started to send troops, Qin would immediately follow suit and divide Liang's territory equally.
Qi returned satisfied and signed an alliance with Qin.
But he was also cautious and did not withdraw from the tripartite alliance with Liang and Yan.
But he still wanted to attack Liang State.
It was this action of Qi that officially turned the alliance of the world into a piece of waste paper and a laughing stock. Since then, the binding force and credibility of the alliance have declined sharply.
Of course, the first country to break the alliance was the ferocious country in the north - Yan.
The State of Qin also began to send troops to the north, and the shadow of war hung over every country.
If it was just Qi, Liang could still fight and hold out, but if Qin was added to the mix, Liang wouldn't be able to defeat it even if it had three heads and six arms.
Therefore, Liang State immediately sent envoys to Yan State to ask for help.
At this time, two months had passed since the last time Qi State sent an envoy to Liang State.
More than two months have passed since the unification of the grassland.
……
Yan State, the northern border of Kundi, Huangtu Fort.
The tens of thousands of border guards of Yan State were not guarding only one place. The border was so long that it would be meaningless to guard only one or two places.
So they built many passes and forts to guard the grassland, with the number of people ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand.
There were only two hundred-man teams in Huangtu Fort, which meant more than two hundred people.
There are two hundred combatants and dozens of logistics personnel who are responsible for cooking, chopping wood, etc.
At this time, it was almost evening. The fire camp was making a fire and cooking, while the soldiers were patrolling or resting.
The two centurions were enjoying themselves while roasting a bonfire and drinking wine.
"Oh, Lao Zhou, what's wrong with this weather? It's already May, and summer should have already begun. Why is it still so cold?"
"Hey, it's not cold at all. It's clearly scorching hot during the day and freezing at night. There's grassland a few dozen miles to the north, but here we are just dirt mountains and desert. Fortunately, there are shrubs and some trees on the mountains, otherwise it would be difficult to cook.
Hey, Old Xing, have you sent your military pay to your wife and children?"
The centurion named Lao Xing looked quite old, and his face was full of determination.
Speaking of this, a happy smile appeared on Old Xing's face, and he said,
"I sent it all home. Not a penny of my monthly military salary was left. It was not easy for my wife to take care of the child alone at home. Fortunately, the child is grown up now and is ten years old.
The military pay of our Yan army has also increased. I will send my military pay back so that my children can go to private school and become high-ranking officials in the future.
Our prince is truly a saint! With the release of the imperial examination, children from ordinary families like us can now study and become officials. This is truly wonderful."
When he said this, a gleam of reverence appeared in Old Xing's eyes.
Lao Zhou smiled and said,
"Yes, it's a pity that we are guarding the northern border, not the southern border.
There is a war in the south, but no war in the north. Without a war, there will be no heads, no military merits and no rewards. When will we be able to get promoted and make a fortune?
It would be great if there were a war. Then you, Old Xing, could become a general, and your son a high-ranking official. Hey, it would bring honor to our family."
Old Xing shook his head and smiled, saying,
"It's good not to have a war, at least it's safe, right? In ancient times, few men returned from the battles. I want to go back alive to be with my wife and children. Without a man at home, I wonder if they are being bullied at home."
"Hey, luckily I'm alone, so I don't have to worry about the family. I can spend my own money and live a carefree life. Otherwise, we two wouldn't even be able to afford a drink."
"Old Zhou, I'm not saying anything bad about you, but it's okay for us two brothers to drink less. You need to save money for getting married in the future..."
"Alright, alright, you're drinking my wine and still trying to teach me a lesson. Just enjoy each day as it comes. Why think so much?"
The two continued drinking happily.
Suddenly, outside they heard the rapid sound of gongs.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
As a roar was heard, the two centurions were frightened and immediately dropped the wine bowls in their hands. They hurriedly put on their helmets and rushed out with swords.
Their fortress covers a small area and is located on a gentle hill. It is surrounded by a circle of earthen walls and contains adobe buildings.
They quickly came to the earthen city wall and looked towards the north.
They saw at least tens of thousands of horses in the north, blocking out the sky and the sun, rushing towards them in a mighty force.
"It's the grassland barbarians! Light the beacon tower!"