Chapter 508: Chengdu Prefecture
According to the original novel, after the Jia Mansion fell into decline, Miaoyu was abducted by thieves and disappeared from then on, as if she had never appeared. She is indeed one of the most mysterious people in the entire Red Mansion.
In fact, Jia Cong had been somewhat curious about Miaoyu's identity since their last encounter in Suzhou. However, when he went to pick up Xing Xiuyan, Miaoyu had already left, so Jia Cong naturally did not pursue the matter. But if the previous encounter was a coincidence, then this meeting in Sichuan and Shu was somewhat different.
In Sichuan and Shu today, most of the common people, let alone a woman like this, would flee. How did she appear here? And how did she stay safe amidst the chaos?
Moreover, Miaoyu's appearance here was obviously not a coincidence, so she came here for him?
No matter what Miaoyu's purpose was, her presence here was strange enough. So, let alone Miaoyu giving several reasons, even if there was no reason at all, Jia Cong would not let her leave.
Miaoyu's appearance didn't take up much of Jia Cong's attention. He had already secretly instructed that whatever Miaoyu's intentions and goals were, they must be revealed. So, once Miaoyu revealed her purpose, he could make his own plans. Who knew there might be some unexpected gains?
"Miss! Why do we come to this large army?" The old nanny beside Miaoyu in the rear army asked in a low voice.
"Speaking of which, we are enemies rather than friends with this Marquis. Moreover, if he were to discover the young lady's identity, it would inevitably lead to trouble."
Miaoyu smiled faintly and said, "Identity? I am just a recluse practicing Buddhism now. What identity do I have? As for whether he is an enemy or not, who can tell? Or do you think that Master Bailong is our friend?"
"But there's really no need for you to come here, Miss!"
"Didn't I say that it might be a lifelong mistake at first sight?"
The old woman laughed dryly, "Miss, you are joking. Miss, you are carrying..."
Miaoyu sighed softly and interrupted the old woman. "I've been carrying this burden for too many years. I'm tired! Besides, even if I could do it, what would it matter? Mother-in-law, I'm just a seventeen-year-old girl!"
The old woman said nothing more, but just looked at Miaoyu with pity, and then lowered the curtain of the carriage.
In Chengdu Prefecture, in the north of the city, there is an extremely spectacular mansion. Not to mention the Jia family’s mansion, it is not inferior to the Zhen family’s mansion.
On the plaque, there are four large gold-plated characters "Nan'an Palace".
The palace gate, which should have been solemn, was now filled with a murderous atmosphere, with soldiers in armor and holding swords and spears stacked up one after another.
Ever since Zhao Guang was defeated and captured, the Nan'an Palace has become like this. Moreover, when the old concubine in the palace set off north to the capital, the entire Chengdu Palace was closed at all four gates and people entering and leaving were strictly checked.
And the person in charge of Nan'an Palace now is Zhao Guang's brother Zhao Xu!
Previously, the Nannan Palace was in charge of Sichuan and Shu, and had a large number of soldiers and generals under its command. Even though Zhao Guang suffered a heavy loss in his defeat, the Chengdu Palace still had tens of thousands of soldiers and horses. This was why the Chengdu Palace was still able to hold on under the attack of the tribal troops.
"Second Master!"
In the study, Zhao Xu, dressed in a short beard and brocade clothes, was sitting with a frown. There were nearly 30,000 soldiers in Chengdu Prefecture, plus the able-bodied men summoned from the city, a total of 50,000 people. However, his understanding of military affairs was not even as good as Zhao Guang's. In addition, the southern Xinjiang tribes had been attacking the city day and night in recent days, causing huge losses to the defenders. He now had no hope of being able to defend Chengdu Prefecture.
Looking at the housekeeper rushing in, Zhao Xu barely suppressed his irritation, "What's the matter?"
"Second Master, General Sun Ze, who is guarding the city, just came to report that the troops outside the city suddenly stopped attacking. Furthermore, General Sun Ze said that the food and fodder in the city will not last much longer. It would be best to attack the camp. Although there are certain risks, it will delay the attack of the troops outside the city."
Zhao Xu's eyes lit up, "Have you stopped attacking the city?"
Seeing the housekeeper nod, Zhao Xu immediately became happy, "Do you know the reason?"
The butler scratched his head. What ?
"Master, why don't you summon General Sun Ze?"
Zhao Xu frowned. He didn't like Sun Ze. He was just a stubborn bastard. If he didn't have some ability to help him defend the city, he would have killed him long ago.
"Okay, let him come over!"
Not long after, a man in armor stepped into the hall, "Greetings, sir!"
"What's the situation outside the city?"
"An hour ago, the troops outside the city suddenly stopped attacking. They have a large number of troops and ample food. Moreover, our defense has been weakening recently. If nothing unexpected happens, I don't think they will stop. I think reinforcements may have arrived!"
"Reinforcements?" Zhao Xu stood up in surprise.
"Our troops are currently inside the city and cannot leave to investigate. This is just speculation. Therefore, I intend to lead my troops out of the city to raid the camp in the dark of night to explore the enemy's details."
"No, what if we fall into a trap? Wouldn't we be in trouble?" Zhao Xu said without hesitation.
"Order all the garrisons on all sides to guard the city. No one is allowed to leave the city without my order!"
Sun Ze hesitated for a moment after hearing this, and finally sighed, "Since that's the case, I'll take my leave!"
Stepping out of the palace, Sun Ze gritted his teeth and said, "Zhao Xu has ruined the entire Chengdu Prefecture!"
No matter what you do, the most taboo is an amateur commanding the experts. Zhao Xu had no knowledge of military affairs, especially at the beginning of the war, and his reckless command caused heavy casualties to the troops in Chengdu. Otherwise, although the troops of the various tribes in Southern Xinjiang were numerous, how could 40,000 to 50,000 people not be able to defend the city with its high walls and deep fortifications?
In the first ten days, more than half of the elite troops in Chengdu were killed or injured. In addition, even at this time, Zhao Xu was still reluctant to give up food and military pay. Now that Chengdu has not been captured, it can be seen that Sun Ze and his troops have a conscience.
"I would be worthy of the court if I died in battle, but the hundreds of thousands of people in Chengdu..." Sun Ze sighed softly. There were some things that he could not change. Now, being able to have a clear conscience was the only thing he could do.
Military camp outside the city!
The commander-in-chief, Sambuza, sat at the top seat, and below him was Solang Wangdui, who had recently been defeated in Jiulong and had fled in a panic.
Suolang Wangdui's face looked a little ugly. If he hadn't lost Jiulong due to carelessness, Daqian's troops would not have been able to fly over.
"Commander-in-chief, give me 20,000 soldiers and I will fight off these reinforcements from Daqian." Suolang Wangdui said gritting his teeth.
The two had a good relationship before, otherwise, Suolang Wangdui would not be able to sit here safely after his defeat.
"Commander-in-chief, Daqian has a large number of soldiers and horses this time, and they are obviously elite."
