Zhai Luan didn't have a good impression of Yan Shifan. In the past few years, Yan Song relied on his good poetry writing and followed Jiajing in everything. He was deeply favored and relied upon by Jiajing, and his authority was getting stronger. As Yan Song's only son, Yan Shifan naturally had a rising tide. , his dandy nature is gradually revealed, and his greed for money and lust is well known in the officialdom of the capital. Although Zhai Luan was not happy, Yan Song was still the chief minister now. In these troubled times and turbulent times, he naturally had to be careful at all times. He guessed that Yan Shifan came to visit mostly to inquire about his father Yan Song's current situation, so he felt a little uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, since he went to see Zhu Xizhong, Duke of Chengguo first, he figured that coming to him was just a purely courtesy visit, so he didn't care about it at the moment. Yan Shifan walked slowly into the tent wearing a moon-white gown. He actually had an official position, and he wore the Shang Baosi Shaoqing - from the fifth rank. However, he deliberately did not wear the official robe. When he entered the tent, he saw Zhai Luan sitting on the throne. He hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and said: "Junior, I pay my respects to Mr. Zhai Ge." "My nephew does not need to be polite." Zhai Luan said with a smile: "Why didn't my nephew go to Taiyuan with me?" After that, he gave instructions to others. He said: "Tea." Then he waved his hand slightly and offered to sit down. Hearing which pot he did not open or lift, Yan Shifan smiled slightly and sat down unceremoniously under Zhai Luan, saying: "My nephew is only a fifth-rank official and is not good at riding. I dare not disobey the order." After talking for a while, the soldiers he saw came in to flatter him, and he continued: "I wonder how my father is in Taiyuan?" Zhai Luan smiled and said: "Everything is well, Mr. Chief Assistant, and there is no need to worry about my nephew." Yan Shifan bowed slightly. , he sat up straight and glanced at the door curtain. He came here under the guise of asking about his father's current situation. It was purely a ceremonial visit. Naturally, he couldn't stay for a long time. If it lasted for a long time, he would inevitably arouse suspicion. Seeing that there was no one in the tent, he leaned forward sharply and whispered: "Mr. Zhai Ge, I have something important to do. Is it convenient here?" Seeing his solemn expression, Zhai Luan couldn't help but be filled with doubts and pondered for a moment. Then he said: "Are you from the capital?" Seeing him, he immediately reacted. Yan Shifan did not hesitate and nodded slightly. Zhai Luan's face immediately became serious. He took a slow sip of tea before he put down the cup. He said in a deep voice: "Speak!" Yan Shifan immediately whispered: "A good bird chooses a tree to roost, and King Yi will take the position of chief assistant and wait for it." Hearing these words, Zhai Luan had a strange feeling. Speaking from the mouth of the son of Yan Song, the chief minister of the dynasty, it is as strange as you want. He didn't say anything, but just stared at him warily. Yan Shifan sighed slightly and said: "It's important for people to be self-aware. Two dragons are fighting. No matter what the outcome, my father will be doomed. It's lucky to survive. It's a blessing. Wang promised that his father would die well. "Zhai Ge has been in the center for a long time, and his disciples are all over the world. He has a wide network of people in the capital, is honest and upright, and has a good official reputation. When Ding You was at home, his life was difficult and he could not even support himself. It was quite difficult." . He is really the best choice for the first assistant. "At this time, I hope Mr. Zhai Ge will think twice." Hearing these words, Zhai Luan remained calm and did not say anything, but his heart was filled with turmoil. The assistant position is within reach, how can he not be excited? King Yi pointed out that Yan Song was a traitor, and it would be difficult not to kill him. Naturally, it was impossible to allow Yan Song to control the cabinet and use him as the chief assistant. King Yi made it very clear that he should use the connections and reputation he had accumulated in the officialdom. , this matter cannot be false, King Yi really needs the support of his ministers now, this is Conglong's merit! After pondering for a while, he said slowly: "If Mr. Yan Ge is dismissed from office and becomes an official, why should I change my family?" If Yan Song becomes an official, only Zhai Luan and Xu Zan will be left in the cabinet. In terms of qualifications and talents, Zhai Luan is definitely the one. First choice, Zhai Luan's words were full of confidence. However, Yan Shifan shook his head after hearing this, and then said bluntly: "The imperial navy fleet was completely destroyed, but King Yi is actually invincible. This point Mr. Zhai Ge should have seen it more clearly than I do below. Even if Lord Jiajing wins the battle by chance and King Yi retreats to Xiaoliuqiu and seeks to seize the southeast, then Jiajing, King Yi, and Tatar will fight in a melee. Is Mr. Zhai Ge still interested? This is for his own selfish interests. Put aside personal interests and speak of righteousness. Duke Cheng and Mr. Zhai Ge changed their banners. If the capital is not destroyed in a battle, the scale will inevitably be much smaller, and the frontier army will be able to preserve its strength. The Tatars have no chance to invade the border. This way, the northwest can avoid war, and the southeast can also avoid war. This is beneficial to the Ming Dynasty and the people of the world. Even if Mr. Zhai Ge does not think about himself, he should also think about the people of the world. For the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the country! " Yan Shifan's words were very powerful. Zhai Luan's expression immediately became extremely solemn. With the strength of Dongxinggang's soldiers, even if Jiajing could gather 300,000 or 400,000 frontier troops, It is impossible to encircle and annihilate it. If Dongxing Port chooses to break out at one point, it will be impossible to stop it. King Yi's retreat to Xiaoliuqiu must be to plot Jiangnan. The situation of three-party melee is absolutely impossible.This is alarmist talk. If it really happens, the Ming Dynasty may be destroyed. ??????? Publicly and privately, everyone should indeed seize this opportunity that comes to them. With a righteous excuse, changing the family will not affect the reputation. However, who can say clearly about the changes in the war? After pondering for a while, he said: "What does Cheng Guogong mean?" After hearing this, Yan Shifan knew that Zhai Luan was tempted, so he said truthfully: "I haven't told him yet, but I need to ask Mr. Zhai Ge for his permission beforehand." ." Seeing Zhai Luan's questioning look, he paused slightly and then continued: "Mr. Cheng Guo may not be able to focus on the overall situation. Shahe Camp needs a small defeat to better convince him." Luan nodded and said, "When?" "In the next two or three days." Yan Shifan stood up, bowed his head, and said, "I'll say goodbye first, so as not to make anyone suspicious." When he came out of the tent, Yan Shifan couldn't help but feel proud of himself. , Zhai Luan was tempted, and the matter was more than half successful. If he could really convince Cheng Guogong Zhu Xizhong and Zhai Luan to lead the Shahe camp to surrender, his contribution would be great, and he might really be able to become a marquis! It was getting dark, and various insects began to make various chirping sounds in the night wind. There was peace. On the south bank of the Shahe camp, only five miles away from the camp, one group after another The Dongxing Port Guard soldiers came quickly under the cover of night. "Here it is. Each company and platoon has assigned tasks and dug trenches. No lights are allowed, no loud noises are allowed." An officer whispered: "Give me all the excavated soil to put away in bags. You can't Pile them outside the trench. " Following the order, a group of dark figures immediately spread out, pulled out the ordnance shovel from behind and began to work hard. Digging trenches is not something they are familiar with, but it is their first time to dig trenches at night without lights. Although it was quiet at night, outside the Shahe camp was the endless flow of the Shahe. The sound of the rushing water completely covered up the movement five miles away. The soldiers on strict patrol did not even notice that a large group of people were digging trenches under their noses. There is a vast plain between the capital and the Shahe camp. There is no cover and no obstruction. If you want to attack the opponent's ambush, there is no other way except digging trenches. After the trenches are dug, cover them with baffles. Fine soil is sprinkled on top, and unless you step on it, you may not be able to spot it even from close up, let alone from a distance. Early three days later, shortly after the sun rose, the scouts from the Shahe Camp discovered that two cavalry groups from Dongxing Port had gathered together five miles away from the opposite side. And began to move towards the camp. This abnormal situation was immediately reported to the police. After receiving the report, Cheng Guo Gong Zhu Xizhong and Zhai Luan did not dare to ignore it, and immediately led a group of generals to the observation tower to check. About a thousand soldiers from Dongxing Port came slowly on horseback, and everyone was puzzled. "Commander, what do you mean by Dongxing Port? Provocation? With just these one thousand people?" "The general will lead 10,000 cavalry out of the camp to drive them away. If they attack from two directions, they will definitely win." "Why do you need ten thousand? General Five thousand is enough to go to war" The generals who heard this asked for battle. Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, frowned and looked at the opposite side without saying a word. At a glance, there was no obstruction on the other side. There were no other soldiers or horses ten or twenty miles away. It was impossible to say that there was an ambush, even though Dongxing Port's muskets were powerful. But it's really weird that a thousand soldiers and horses dare to show off their power outside his camp of tens of thousands of troops. Zhai Luan felt excited in his heart. This must be Dongxing Port's plan to defeat the Shahe Camp. However, he also couldn't see the mystery behind it. Dongxing Port was too courageous. Seeing that Zhu Xizhong remained silent, After pondering for a while, he said: "The rebels are trying to provoke us into war. Don't be fooled easily. However, allowing the other party to provoke us in front of the camp will easily shake the morale of the army, so we should send thousands of people to drive them away." They were beaten by the Mini Lancers from Dongxing Port and dared not leave the camp. The morale was already extremely low. Soldiers have been escaping every day in the past few days. If the enemy is allowed to provoke in front of the camp, there is even the possibility of mutiny. Yes, after hearing Zhai Luan's words, Zhu Xizhong did not hesitate, and said in a deep voice: "Listen to the orders on the left and right, Xue Guishan and Song Shijie each lead five thousand soldiers to guard the left and right, and Bai Jue leads five thousand cavalry to raid the formation, not far away Chase! Ten miles is the limit!" "The general takes orders!" The three of them responded hurriedly. Ten thousand to one thousand, and there are still five thousand raids. No matter how powerful Dongxing Port's muskets are, it is impossible to block ten, two or three. At a distance of a hundred steps, the war horses arrived in an instant. Dongxing Port's muskets could not fire a few shots. If they could not win this battle, they would fall to death! Seeing that Zhu Xizhong was so cautious, all the generals disagreed, but Zhai Luan was secretly worried that if Dongxing Port was defeated, it would become a joke. He really couldn't figure out which song Dongxing Port was singing. Could it be that he was preparing to attack halfway? There is no such possibility. The three pontoon bridges on the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Shah River are attacked by the cavalry from three sides. It is impossible to give them a chance to cross the bridge and attack! The thousand cavalrymen in Dongxing Port did not attack halfway. As soon as the camp gate was opened, the cavalrymen poured out from the three gates. They immediately turned around and retreated, raising their whips. This situation immediately attracted people from the observation tower. The generals burst into laughter, but soon the smiles on their faces solidified. When the Dongxing Port soldiers retreated to five miles away, they dismounted and formed a team, and took all the horses away. All the generals were very surprised. With a large group of cavalry chasing behind them, the musketeers from Dongxing Port actually dared to dismount and hold hands with their horses? It means they are ready to fight to the death! Are the officers at Dongxing Port crazy? A thousand musketeers against ten thousand cavalry? No, it's fifteen thousand cavalry! This abnormal situation fell into the eyes of all the generals, making them feel a little incredible! Zhu Xiong, the commander-in-chief of Jizhou, had been in battle for a long time. Although he did not see what was wrong, he still said cautiously: "Dong Chengguo and Mr. Zhai Ge will become monsters if something goes wrong. In the end, I sincerely pray for the order to withdraw the troops!" ? Zhu Xizhong frowned and hesitated for a moment. After all, he didn't notice any ambush at all! Zhai Luan was reminded by Yan Shifan. At this time, he had vaguely guessed that there was an ambush in Dongxing Port. They might be underground, but how many soldiers could be hidden underground? This is fifteen thousand cavalry! He was a little uneasy for a moment, and there was a look of hesitation on his face. At this time, Wang Sheng, the commander-in-chief of Datong, glanced at Zhu Xiong and said disdainfully: "Don't say there is no ambush. What if there is an ambush? Fifteen thousand cavalry can't handle it? And it's only five or six miles away from the camp. , Rescue is available at any time, what are you worried about? " Hearing this, Zhu Xizhong couldn't help but frown slightly. This is indeed reasonable. This is at the gate of his own camp, what are you worried about? It's nothing to be underestimated. However, for the sake of caution, he still ordered: "Zhu Xiong and Wang Sheng will listen to the order and order 10,000 cavalry each, ready to send out the camp to respond at any time." "I will obey the order." Although Zhu Xiong and Wang Sheng were thinking Not the same, but dare not disobey the order. He hurriedly bowed and took orders. Outside the camp, Xue Guishan and Song Shijie's 10,000 cavalrymen had all left the camp and crossed the river. They slowly assembled opposite the 1,000 soldiers in Dongxing Port. They saw that the other party had already lined up in two lines, with no intention of escaping. , and there was nothing unusual around them, so both of them gave orders separately. Attack from three sides! After giving the order, the army immediately moved forward, and soon divided into three directions. The thunderous sound of horse hooves shook the ground slightly, and the officers and soldiers staying in the trenches were all shaken and felt even more intensely. In order to give the other side a surprise, they also Worried that the success would be in vain, the baffles above the trenches were never opened. The soil on the baffle continued to fall down with the vibration. Behind the trench is a neat queue of a thousand soldiers, and behind it are more than a hundred cavalry. The one in front is Liu Siwu, who is personally commanding the front line. Seeing that the other party finally took the bait and chased after him, he put down the telescope and chuckled: "The trench digging for these three nights was not in vain." "Commander." The adjutant looked around with some worry and said: "The other party is sending troops. The number exceeded expectations. " "It's better." Liu Siwu said unconcernedly: "I only wanted a small victory. A big victory would be better!" "Commander, the enemy is a thousand steps away! Keep it close and fight!" "Eight hundred steps!" "Six hundred steps!" Liu Siwu pursed his lips and never gave the order. He knew very well that the range of Dongxing Port's muskets was a little more than 200 steps, and the enemy's cavalry launched a charge. , must choose three hundred steps away, which is also the distance for ordinary cavalry to launch a high-speed charge. If the opponent wants to avoid heavy casualties, they will inevitably choose three hundred steps away. However, due to the disparity in strength, the opponent may not follow this tactic. "Five hundred steps!" Liu Siwu was slightly nervous, but he forced himself to remain calm. In the open space between the musketeers' queue and him, there were sixty large-caliber short-barreled Caron cannons. However, this time They are always covered with camouflage cloth, and the opposing cavalry is attacking from three sides. Once the gun jacket is lifted, it will be noticed by the opponent immediately, and it is likely that the success will be in vain and the work will be in vain. Thinking that the artillery had already adjusted its bombardment angle and could fire soon after giving the order, he couldn't help but calm down. He glanced at the running troops who were already ready and waiting for orders, and he resisted saying anything. "Four hundred steps." Liu Siwu raised his binoculars again. When he saw the cavalry in front beginning to control his speed, his heart sank. The opponent was preparing to sprint. Obviously, no ambush was found at this distance, and the opponent was somewhat underestimating the enemy. ! He immediately ordered in a deep voice: "The artillery is in position! Prepare for bombardment!" "Open the baffle and prepare to fire!" The rapid sound of the trumpet immediately rang in the wilderness! As soon as the artillerymen, who had been highly nervous for a long time, heard the sound of the trumpet, they immediatelyRushing to his own artillery, he opened the gun jacket as quickly as possible, moved the muzzle, loaded ammunition, and prepared for bombardment. The baffles on the two trenches were also quickly retracted at this time, and the guns had been loaded with ammunition. The trenches were immediately stretched out! At this moment, tens of thousands of cavalry began to accelerate! Charge from three directions: front, side, and side! The cavalry rushing in front suddenly discovered that there were countless artillery pieces emerging from the opponent's position, and there were two trenches not far apart. Their hair stood on end! There's an ambush! With thousands of horses galloping, it was impossible for the accelerating horses to stop, and it was impossible to call the police amid the thunderous sound of horse hooves. Many people immediately turned their horses' heads and fled to both sides! The flag bearer who was rushing ahead also changed direction cleverly! "Boom, boom, boom!" Caron sprints fired one after another, and the huge shells visible to the naked eye slowly drew an arc in the air and fell into the dense cavalry queue. Many cavalry looked in frightened eyes. The explosion exploded, and the continuous loud explosions of "boom, boom, boom" immediately overwhelmed the thunderous sound of horse hooves! With the explosion of dozens of explosive bombs, the dense charge formation immediately became chaotic. Some fell from their horses, some were frightened, and most of them were frightened by the sudden bombardment and wanted to escape. In a head-to-head matchup, mid-range attack is extremely damaging to confidence and can easily lead to panic! Before the sound of artillery stopped, intensive gunfire sounded immediately. The cavalry rushing in front fell one after another like cutting wheat. Naturally, the two generals Xue Guishan and Song Shijie did not charge with the army. When they heard the sudden sound of artillery fire, the two generals fell down one after another like cutting wheat. Everyone's face was pale. They had never experienced such a dense bombardment. How many troops had the other party ambushed?