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墨書 Inktalez
Gao Yanshou was from Goguryeo and had participated in the Sui Dynasty's three campaigns against Liaodong during his youth. This battle was a source of pride for the entire Goguryeo nation. At that time, Gao Yanshou was young and valiant, having killed countless enemies while defending Liaodong City, earning great merit.
However, after enduring years of court struggles, his sharpness had gradually dulled. Under the strong regency of Cheon Gae Su Mun, who would not endure humiliation and remain idle? If anyone showed even a hint of strength, Cheon Gae Su Mun would suppress them through various means, turning the court into a stage solely for himself.
Having brought twenty thousand troops from Gaimu City, only a little over two thousand elite soldiers remained. As the commander, Gao Yanshou naturally bore the brunt of the blame.
He never expected that a small city like Tuolang would resist so fiercely. According to intelligence, the Tang Dynasty Empire's army had yet to cross the Liao River. Who could have anticipated that nearly twenty thousand reinforcements would arrive to turn the tide?
He initially did not intend to launch a night raid on Tuolang, but after receiving a secret letter, he changed his mind without hesitation. The letter was from Eulji Nawi!
The Eulji Family considered themselves legitimate and had always been proud. After Rongliuwang was killed, they refused to submit and secretly protected many princes and princesses fleeing for their lives. Cheon Gae Su Mun had issued multiple announcements urging the Eulji Family to return the royal bloodline and promised generous rewards, including amnesty and restoration of their former family honors and status.
However, the Eulji Family never responded. Aside from Eulji Nawi, others from the family raised banners in various parts of Goguryeo to resist Cheon Gae Su Mun, reflecting the people's sentiments.
It was precisely because of this that after receiving Eulji Nawi's secret letter, Gao Yanshou decided to launch a night raid on Tuolang!
Of course, the purpose of the night raid was not to retake the city but to rescue Eulji Nawi!
In the secret letter, Eulji Nawi promised that as long as Gao Yanshou created a commotion outside the city, he could take advantage of the chaos to abduct Princess Min'en out of the city!
If this were true, even if Gao Yanshou lost all twenty thousand troops here but managed to secure Princess Min'en and Eulji Nawi, it would be enough to offset his responsibility for defeat!
With only two thousand defeated troops attempting a night raid on a city defended by twenty thousand soldiers, Gao Yanshou had no chance of victory. Although he had mentally prepared himself, when Yin Zong and Gao He Shu's cavalry flanked from both sides of the city, Gao Yanshou was still shocked.
The combat power of these cavalry was astonishing; under the cover of night, they surged like a torrent devouring flesh and blood. Their sharp charge easily tore through Gao Yanshou's defenses, cutting through his formation and beginning a one-sided massacre!
Gao Yanshou felt his heart bleed; although these troops were not his direct subordinates, they were still a strong force from Gaimu City. Now they were completely defeated at Tuolang. If he failed to bring back Eulji Nawi and Princess Min'en, he could not bear the wrath of Great Mo Li Zhi.
As he continuously counted his side's casualties, Yin Zong and Gao He Shu were in high spirits as they fought fiercely. Even Xue Rengui and Xie Anting opened the city gates and led many garrison troops out to attack!
Just as the battle raged on, two fierce generals charged out: Zhou Cang and Han Fuqi, who had been drinking deep into the night!
The two of them, having fought without knowing each other, developed a bond over drinks. At this moment, with seven or eight parts intoxicated, they each wielded their weapons and charged out on horseback, where could anyone withstand even a single clash?
The night raid turned into a fierce assault, and the fierce assault became a passive slaughter. The enemy's morale had already collapsed, yet the commander remained indifferent. Brothers felt heartbroken, wondering if the commander was deliberately sending them to their deaths.
Gao Yanshou was also anxious, but Eulji Nawi had yet to show himself. If Eulji Nawi did not come out of the city, then Gao Yanshou would have nothing left!
At this moment, Eulji Nawi was also in a dire situation. Xu Zhen had escaped with Caesar Gao Huizhen and Li Chengjun to an unknown location. He had joined forces with the Western Martial General but found no opportunity to fight.
The Western Martial General was also impatient and complained, "What should we do if we can't capture those damned Tang People?!"
Eulji Nawi smiled coldly and patted the Western Martial General on the shoulder, saying, "Come with me out of the city. As long as you are loyal to me, Marudo Castle will surely have a place for you!"
The Western Martial General did not know where Eulji Nawi's confidence came from. Given the circumstances, he could only act according to the situation. The two led nearly a hundred personal soldiers disguised as Tang cavalry towards the city gate.
After passing the lord's mansion, Eulji Nawi waved his hand, and one of his soldiers blew a whistle. To their surprise, a group of people emerged from a house next to the lord's mansion.
Dozens of personal soldiers who had already disguised themselves as Tang Soldiers came out from the house, capturing several prisoners in the process. The Western Martial General stroked his beard and focused his gaze; these prisoners were none other than those little rascals who had been with Xu Zhen and that old Taoist!
Left Dark and Jewel, Zhang Suling, and Qingxiazi immediately understood everything upon seeing Eulji Nawi with the Western Martial General. Gem, with her fiery temper, began to scold Eulji Nawi fiercely. However, Eulji Nawi merely smiled lightly; one of his soldiers raised his hand to slap Gem but was instead knocked down by Eulji Nawi with a single blow!
"You foolish wretch! Our future wealth depends entirely on that little girl! How dare you raise your hand!"
The soldier naturally dared not act recklessly again. The Western Martial General was puzzled; however, this was not the time for explanations. Eulji Nawi and the Martial Arts General took Zhang Suling and the others onto their horses and took advantage of the chaos to exit through the city gate.
By this time, the battle was nearing its end; the enemy's decline could not be stopped. Gao Yanshou cursed loudly as he watched the Tang army about to charge under the commander's banner. He finally could not hold back his desire to flee.
Just then, a squad of Tang Banner troops changed their flag in front of their formation, replacing it with Gao Cang Wang's royal banner. At the forefront was a young commander clad in ancient armor; under the flickering firelight, the emblem of the Eulji Family on his chest armor stood out prominently!
"Quickly retreat!"
Gao Yanshou finally received the order from Eulji Nawi, and with a single command, the soldiers who could no longer hold their ground retreated like a tide.
The Tang army launched another ambush, and it wasn't until dawn that they reluctantly withdrew.
Xu Zhen and Caesar had been hiding in the city for most of the night. When they saw that Eulji Nawi and the Western Martial General's forces had not pursued them, they finally revealed themselves. Upon reaching the City Wall, they discovered the soldiers were celebrating their victory, which put them at ease. However, thinking of Jin Shu's sacrifice, none of them felt like celebrating.
Silver Pearl Prince Gao Renwu also returned triumphantly with the rebels, but Zuo An and Gem were nowhere to be seen. Upon inquiry, no one seemed to know their whereabouts.
Xu Zhen immediately grew anxious; with the military orders disseminated throughout the city, it was indeed strange that these individuals were missing!
In the end, Gao Renwu found a severely injured guard in the residence who clarified the situation: these individuals had been captured by Eulji Nawi's men!
Gao Renwu was furious and filled with regret. Given Zuo An and Gem's personalities, they would have eagerly wanted to join him in battle. However, no matter what, Gao Renwu had forbidden Gem from going to the battlefield; he had underestimated Eulji Nawi!
Xu Zhen was puzzled and did not understand why Gem was so important until Gao Huizhen revealed an insider's secret. She was shocked and hurriedly dispatched all scouts to leave the city in search of Eulji Nawi's whereabouts.
As expected, Eulji Nawi was indeed colluding with Gao Yanshou. Various signs indicated that they had already defected to Xuantu City, likely intending to head to Gaimu City.
Xu Zhen sent all battle reports to Zhang Jian in the rear for further reporting and issued a request for battle to attack Gaimu City!
Meanwhile, Liaodong Circuit Commander Li Ji promptly presented Xu Zhen's military report to Li Shimin. The Sovereign laughed heartily upon seeing it; indeed, the credit for conquering Liao belonged to Xu Zhen!
With this first victory in battle, everyone’s confidence soared. Yan Lide had already joined Zhang Liang with over forty thousand men and more than four hundred warships setting sail from the Sea Route towards Marudo (Pyongyang), though it would take some time to reach their destination.
Now that Xu Zhen insisted on attacking Gaimu City, the Sovereign was naturally pleased. However, Gaimu City was not a small place like Tuolang. Xu Zhen's main force and the Khitan troops brought back by Yin Zong lacked heavy siege equipment and mostly consisted of cavalry. It would indeed be quite difficult to capture Gaimu City with such military strength.
Considering this, the Sovereign ordered Chief of Military Operations Li Jue to lead troops ahead while Chief of Military Operations Ginger Sage accompanied him. They were to transport Xu Zhen and Yan Lide's artillery "Zhenwu General" from Yingzhou to the front lines to assist Xu Zhen in attacking Gaimu City!
After research and modifications by the Ministry of Works, Zhenwu General had matured significantly, increasing from six pieces previously to now over forty!
Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall in Goguryeo poses a significant challenge for storing gunpowder. Otherwise, if more than forty cannons were pushed forward together, could any city withstand the artillery fire from the Tang army?
The Xu Zhen, aware of Eulji Nawi's character, naturally worries about the safety of Zhang Suling and others. However, an urgent military order arrives, instructing her not to move against Gaimu City yet and to wait for the arrival of heavy artillery.
The Xu Zhen knows that her forces are insufficient to capture Gaimu City, so she can only wait. Meanwhile, Xue Rengui and others come to request battle, stating that the military order only prohibits attacking Gaimu City but does not forbid attacking other cities. They suggest taking advantage of the time before the main army arrives to clear the way by capturing Xuantu City and Hengshan City, both of which are smaller.
By doing so, Eulji Nawi and Gao Yanshou would likely retreat back to Gaimu City, ensuring that Zhang Suling and Gem remain within Gaimu City rather than being relocated elsewhere.
Upon hearing this, the Xu Zhen agrees it makes sense. She issues orders for all three armies to advance while leaving some troops to assist Li Jue's forces in crossing the river. The rest will head towards Xuantu City.
At this moment in Xuantu City, the city lord serves nervously as Nosa Gao Yanshou seems to be in a foul mood, having smashed several wine cups in frustration.
"Eulji's brat! How dare you deceive me like this! These young ones and old ones are useless without Princess Min'en!"
Eulji Nawi remains unfazed and coldly retorts, "Nosa, do you think Great Mo Li Zhi cares more about Rongliuwang's daughter or his own daughter?"
"What did you say!" Upon hearing this, Gao Yanshou's eyes light up, while Qingxiazi furrows his brow and feels a sense of foreboding. He realizes he has underestimated Eulji Nawi!
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