Azatun is a dangerous place on the southwest border of Shuixi. The cliffs stretch for more than ten miles. It is majestic and steep, easy to defend and difficult to attack. There is sufficient food and grass and abundant water in the camp, and it can accommodate tens of thousands of people to garrison. There is a stone slab in the camp.

Although the post road can be used by the marching army, if the garrison garrison takes advantage of the situation and attacks it, the marching army will be defeated.

Therefore, Pixiong chose this village as a key garrison on the western front. Together with Ankun's cousin Chajia, he led the Shuixi tribes of Desu, Black Seat, Neilu, Huasha, and Guizong, and gathered six local soldiers to guard the village.

They were divided into Wu Bu Di, Lao Zuo, Menu Lu, Yi Zhi, Yi Li, and got the beginning. From then on, soldiers from eight tribes camped on the side and rear of Azatun, forming a horned situation.

It has been more than a month since we sent messengers to Yunnan Province, but no news has come back. More than 4,000 Qing troops led by Wu Zhimao, the commander-in-chief of Sichuan Province, have arrived to cross the river. Relying on the deep valleys and ridges, and the Qing troops being small, the two sides are temporarily in a state of

Confrontation state.

"Chajia is stupid and arrogant. Shuixi will definitely be defeated at the hands of this guy." Pixiong returned to the camp with a bad face and cursed angrily: "I have to cross the river to defeat the Qing army. I don't know what I am capable of."

, with the skills of the Shuixi native soldiers, how can they be the opponents of the Qing army in battle?"

Chen Jincai gave a helpless smile and said: "Young Master wants to be angry. Since Shui Xi'ankun doesn't believe us, he is bringing about the disaster of destroying his family and annihilating his family. You and I can just do our duty, so why force it? Besides, the current situation is

The situation has already been anticipated by the Duke."

Alas, Pi Xiong let out a long sigh and said, "It always takes a little longer to support His Highness's great cause of revitalization!"

Chen Jincai pondered for a moment and said: "The Qing army in Yunnan Province is contained. I'm afraid they can't mobilize too many troops? Just here, Shuixi has gathered tens of thousands of troops, so it should be fine."

"Tens of thousands of mobs." Pixiong snorted lightly and said: "The Qing army does not need to mobilize too many, there are only 10,000 to 20,000 elite soldiers, Shuixi will be difficult to resist. If we rely on danger to defend and use deep ravines to deal with the Qing army,

We can still delay it for a while; if we fight with the Qing army, we will definitely lose."

Chen Jincai was not good at military affairs, so he had no words to object to Pi Xiong's analysis and judgment. After thinking about it for a moment, he comforted himself and said, "Your Highness Min must have a clever plan. When the envoy comes back, there will be no worries."

"His Royal Highness Min is indeed a brave man. I admire you deeply." Pi Xiong forced a smile, but he was not as optimistic as Chen Jincai. The Ming Army in Yunnan Province can indeed be mobilized to echo the Shuixi uprising, but the effect is unclear.

Good prediction. Pi Xiong was worried that Zhu Yongxing would act rashly and expose flaws, which would be exploited by the Qing army.

"Kuang Guo obviously doesn't understand the situation in Yunnan Province." Chen Jincai took the kettle from the fire, poured tea for Pi Xiong, and said, "His Royal Highness Min is not in a position to regain Yunnan Province. He is afraid that the foundation is unstable and will lead to Sichuan in vain."

, Guizhou, and the Qing army was besieging Guizhou, so we adopted the strategy of slowing down the advance. Now there are changes in the water west, and the Qing army in Guangxi has been contained. Our army has also advanced into Shu, and the time is ripe for counterattack. If the official does not expect, Min

Your Highness must take advantage of this to have a big plan."

Pixiong drank the tea slowly, thought for a long time, and said: "This reminds me of an allusion, which is the argument between Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo." After a pause, he continued: "At the beginning, when the King of Qin asked the important ministers for advice, he should attack first.

Korea, or should we attack Bashu first? Zhang Yi advocated attacking Korea first, believing that the Central Plains is the heart of the world. It is densely populated and rich in products, and it is necessary to fight for hegemony. However, Bashu is a barbaric land, which not only requires effort to capture, but also to govern——

"

Chen Jincai nodded in agreement and said with a smile: "However, Sima Cuo believed that attacking South Korea would inevitably arouse the vigilance of the countries in Shandong and use all their strength to embarrass the Qin State. This would be to do the advantages first and then the disadvantages. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages. His Highness Min used Yunnan Province to weaken the Qing army.

, while recharging our energy and making plans at the same time, we must first consolidate the foundation and then counterattack, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.”

"His Highness has such a profound plan and such a kind heart. No wonder he was able to lay a foundation and ignite hope for the great cause of ZTE." Pi Xiong was filled with admiration, and then he despised An Kun. "If An Kun has even half of His Highness's strategy, he will not be able to tolerate it."

Let's make preparations secretly, try our best to wait for the Wu thief to attack."

"Isn't An Kun's rebellion against the Qing Dynasty exactly what we want?" Chen Jincai smiled slyly, and Pi Xiong also stroked his beard and nodded.

While the two were talking, a guard rushed into the camp to report that the messenger from Yunnan Province had returned, but he set off from western Yunnan. After entering southwestern Guizhou, he detoured to Bede, sat on the front line in black, and contacted the Shuixi Army at the dangerous Mazhao Ridge.

The envoy sent by An Kun went to the capital city of Wucheng to report, and Chen Fenglin and others were on their way here escorting supplies.

Pi Xiong and Chen Jincai were overjoyed and hurried out of the camp, leading dozens of Ming troops on horseback to greet them. At dusk, the two troops met at Heizuo Village, twenty miles south of Mazong Ridge.

Following Chen Fenglin and others back to Shuixi, there were two second lieutenants from the second phase of the Jiangwu Hall, Chen Xiangpeng and Zhao Fu, as well as dozens of veterans of hundreds of battles. These people were all dressed in the same color as Qing soldiers, with money and rat tails on their heads.

But there was no embarrassment, and even Chen Fenglin was no longer ashamed to hide it. The supplies escorted by the team were dozens of wooden boxes on horseback. When the oilcloth was removed, it was clear that the seal on the box was stamped with the seal of Prince Pingxi.

.

After a brief introduction, everyone camped outside the village. Firstly, it was getting late, and secondly, Pi Xiong and Chen Jincai were also eager to know Zhu Yongxing's reply and arrangements. They chose to camp outside the village to avoid the eyes and ears of the Shuixi Yi people.

Discuss confidentiality.

"Everyone has worked hard all the way, but the military situation is very strong. We are eager to know His Highness's orders so that we can make arrangements as soon as possible." Pi Xiong was very polite to the people from Yunnan Province. He opened his mouth to explain after entering the tent.

"My lord Huiguo, if we were sneaking around, it would be hard to walk. We walked on the road swaggering like this. We only said that we were escorting military supplies under the orders of the Wu thieves. We were traveling from western Yunnan to Sichuan and then to Guizhou. However, the journey was smooth and we saved a lot.

Time." Chen Fenglin smiled happily and said: "His Royal Highness Min is accurate. If there are few people, he will sneak in secretly, and if there are many people, he will walk openly."

Chen Xiangpeng and Zhao Fu directed them to carry a large box in, carefully removed the self-destruction device at the bottom of the box, then tore off the seal and opened the lid.

"Musket?" Pi Xiong looked at the weapon in Chen Xiangpeng's hand and called out the name with certainty, feeling a little puzzled.

"To the Duke, this is indeed a musket, but it is very different from the ones used in the past." Chen Xiangpeng explained: "It can't be fired yet. The parts are in other boxes. After the assembly is completed tomorrow, I will demonstrate it to the Duke. This

Even in Yunnan Province, such muskets are not equipped in the army, and the quantity is not large. Only a hundred guns were shipped this time. They can be distributed to the Duke's personal guard."

Pi Xiong nodded and waited patiently for them to issue the order. After all, strategy and tactics were what he urgently needed to know. Hundreds of muskets would not play a big role in the battle. His Highness Min's intention was just to express his concern for himself.

.

Sure enough, there were many letters at the bottom of the box, including orders written in code. Chen Jincai hurriedly took out the code book to decode, copied the orders, and presented them to Pi Xiong.

"...Shuixi is behind enemy lines. I am deeply worried about the safety of Duke Kuang and the loyal and loyal soldiers of the Ming Dynasty who are hanging outside. However, Ankun is nepotistic. The soldiers in Shuixi are also unable to fight. You can do your best, and you should cherish yourselves.

Keep it useful until we meet again. In addition, our army is about to launch a counterattack in Yunnan Province. The first is to contain the Qing army and respond to Shuixi; the second is to take advantage of the rainy season to attack the enemy and weaken its strength..."

The order was very long, with explanations, guidance, care and love. Everyone bowed down to listen, and Pi Xiong even stopped several times to express his gratitude.

After reading the order, Chen Xiangpeng and Zhang Fu took out a map from the box and put it on the table. Combined with the situation introduced in the order, the strategic situation of the entire southwest was clear at a glance.

"Yazhou and Lizhou in western Sichuan have been occupied by our army and are preparing to fight against Li Guoying, the governor of Sichuan and Shaanxi; the Thirteen Families of Kuidong have invaded Zhong County and plundered eastern Sichuan; His Highness Min wants to counterattack Chuxiong, and then go north to Jianchang and enter Sichuan; if the plan

If everything goes well, we will wait for an opportunity to enter Guizhou via Anlong from eastern Yunnan..."

Pixiong's finger traced on the map. Taking into account the general trend of the southwest, he re-positioned the value and role of Shuixi. After thinking for a long time, he realized that according to the nature of Ankun's guarding dog, it was difficult to take the initiative and actively coordinate with Min.

His Highness's strategic vision can only be a containment at best.

And judging from the overall strategic situation, His Highness Min really wants to follow Sima Cuo's plan and seize the Shu land for future plans. However, Sichuan has experienced repeated wars, and I am afraid that it will be difficult to operate in the short term.

"My lord." Chen Xiangpeng interrupted Pi Xiong's thinking and said, "Since His Highness asked us to find a foundation first and suggested that we should locate it in the hinterland of Wumeng Mountain, I wonder what my lord thinks?"

Oh, Pixiong woke up from his meditation, paused for a moment, nodded in agreement: "The Wumeng Mountains have undulating mountains, deep canyons, and dense caves, which are indeed suitable for hiding; and there are river valleys and flat dams in the mountains, which can be cultivated for food.

"

"Your Highness still has several orders. The Duke may, at his discretion, secretly send them to Mu Kui, who is loyal to the Ming Dynasty and has good behavior in Shuixi." Chen Jincai took a few orders with empty names and handed them to Pi Xiong.

Officials and salaries were bribed. Pi Xiong naturally understood Zhu Yongxing's intention. If An Kun could help him, he would help him. If he couldn't, he would find someone else. The forty-eight soil eyes in Shuixi were not a monolith. Han Zuoli, Mukai, then... several names came out in an instant.

passed through Pixiong's mind.

"I wonder what the hair-pulling device mentioned in His Highness's secret order is?" Pi Xiong temporarily put aside the other candidate Shuixi Tumu who wanted to support, and asked guessingly: "But he committed a steel wheel fire?"

"Mr. Huiguo, this pulling device is simpler and easier to use than self-inflicted steel wheel fire." Chen Xiangpeng briefly introduced it, and then said: "I have escorted two thousand pieces this time. As long as there is enough gunpowder, we can manufacture them in large quantities.

It can make the Qing army very difficult."

As the manufacturing technology of the arsenal continues to improve, the size of the transmitter tube continues to shrink, and now it is shaped like half a lead, so it can be carried and transported in large quantities.

Pi Xiong now understood clearly that although this weapon could not influence the situation of the battle, it would definitely hinder the Qing army. This was also in line with the purpose of using the water west to contain and consume the Qing army.

Next, he took out several telescopes given to Pi Xiong and others from the box. Pi Xiong finished thanking him and discussed carefully with everyone. Until midnight, the lights in the tent were still on.

………………

An Kun was woken up from his dream, with sleepy eyes and yawning again and again. Accompanied by his wife Lu Tianxiang, An Kun came to the main hall. Dozens of large wax sticks had been lit in the main hall, and the incense table was prepared. The bright light dispersed An Kun. Kun felt quite sleepy.

"... An Kun's loyalty and righteousness are truly commendable. He is now appointed to the post of Shuixi Xuan comfort envoy and will be the governor of western Guizhou. His first wife, Lu family, is awarded Tianxiang, a third-grade lady..."

The envoy who came to issue the order, Shen Chenquan, had his head wrapped in yellow cloth. Although he looked a little inelegant, he stood there with dignity and his voice was loud.

"The lower official (civilian woman) kowtows to thank His Highness for your kindness." An Kun and Lu Tianxiang knelt down and kowtowed, respectfully received the order, and received the imperial seal, crowns, clothes, and rewards.

"Your Majesty, please take a seat." An Kun's sleepiness had completely disappeared at this time. Apart from being excited, he was also eager to know how much help the Ming army in Yunnan Province could provide. After all, the Qing army's conquest was the most urgent threat.

"Your Highness still has a letter. Please read it to Sir An, and then I will talk to you." Shen Chenquan's expression softened, he cupped his hands, handed over the letter, and sat aside to rest.

An Kun hurriedly ordered people to serve tea and snacks, and read a letter with his wife Lu Tianxiang. Zhu Yongxing stated in the letter that the Ming army in Yunnan Province would launch a response to Shuixi. This was considered to stabilize An Kun's heart, but he also expressed dissatisfaction in the letter. , and made several suggestions.

"Tianxiang, what do you think?" Although An Kun is Shuixi Jumu, he is only twenty-four years old. He is usually playful and indecisive. Submitting to outsiders is his biggest weakness. In terms of handling things, he is not as good as Lu Tianxiang is opinionated, knowledgeable, and has a sharp tongue that is difficult for ordinary people to refute.

Lu Tianxiang thought for a while and said: "What Your Highness said is indeed to the point. Since my husband has raised the flag to resist the Qing Dynasty, he will be hated by the Qing court and Wu Sangui. Even if he succeeds in temporarily seeking peace, there is no guarantee that he will be suppressed and repeated in the future. Then The Ming army will not lend a helping hand anymore. Moreover, if the Qing army is allowed to secure Qian Province, I, Shuixi, will become meat on the anvil. I want horses today, beautiful women tomorrow, and gold and silver the day after tomorrow. If you give it to him, If he says you have it, he will ask for more; if you don't give it to him, he will say you are resisting and will still raise an army to attack. Instead of giving him meat piece by piece in the future, it is better to break his waist with a stick. "

After a pause, Lu Tianxiang saw An Kun nodding in agreement, and continued: "The forty-eight native soldiers were mobilized to form an army, which saved the selfishness of Mu Zhuo and Mu Kui of each family, and enabled the husband to hold an army that obeys orders. army."

"What about the officers? Are they really going to be handed over to Pi Xiong and the others?" An Kun asked doubtfully.

"Husband, don't forget where the roots of those soldiers are. They have families, small towns, fields and houses. They are all under your control, so why should you be afraid?" Lu Tianxiang laughed and said: "There are many Mu Kui, Mu Zhuoji and others." His sons and young masters hang around the house almost every day, drinking, eating, singing, dancing, and having all kinds of fun. How can they be generals who can command battles? Well, His Highness wants to fight for some power for Duke Kuang and others, so we can also arrange personnel! Ah! Five, Abe, Ahu and others are all promoted by their husbands from slaves to slaves. They are loyal and ready to join the army. They not only help their husbands control the army, but also learn some skills in fighting in battle."

"Also -" Lu Tianxiang hesitated for a moment, then said: "Brother Chajia is not a talented commander of the army. My husband can call him back to this city to help handle affairs -"

An Kun saw his wife's hesitant expression and understood her concerns. As a Gengju, Chajia was Shuixi's second-in-command. He was usually lazy, and Chajia was already taking care of half of Shuixi's family. At this time,

The situation was precarious, and his wife was worried that Chajia might want to replace him, so she called him back to the city so that she could keep a close eye on him.

"Gengju is my dearest brother, so I won't have any different intentions." An Kun shook his head, hesitated for a while, and then said: "Recalling Gengju is also a sign of concern for Brother Gengju.

meaning."
Chapter completed!