Chapter 172 The Red Tent
Yesterday, Ran Min and several of his men went to Quande Lou Roast Duck Restaurant, the most famous roast duck restaurant in the capital, to eat roast duck.

The ducks were so expensive, one for each person, and they ate until their mouths were full of grease.

Then, Ran Min treated everyone to some fun at the Red Tent in the capital.

Actually, he hadn't planned to go to the Red Tent at first;

Since they came to the capital, they had to go to a place that could save face and have fun.

But the problem was that when everyone arrived in front of that pavilion,

Ran Min had seen the world and traveled north and south,

But these subordinates of his started to cramp in their legs, and they begged Ran Min to change places without even looking at the girls.

It was really that this place was too clean and too gorgeous. The brothers were all from humble backgrounds. Even if they were hugging the girls, they couldn't let go. It would be a joke if the tension in their hearts caused the lower half to tense up and not work.

So, after arriving at Juchun Pavilion with excitement, the group turned even more excitedly to Xizi Hutong in the north of the city.

The Red Tent is actually a term for this kind of establishment. In many places, a red curtain is set up at the entrance of the tent, which indicates that the girls inside are doing flesh business.

It's like the hair salons in later generations that have a barber shop sign but not even a pair of scissors;

It has a simple, honest, kind, and peaceful atmosphere.

Because he killed a Wild Man chieftain, Ran Min not only received a large reward, but also, after being absorbed into the Jingnan Army, he was directly appointed as a squad leader, in charge of a dozen people.

This trip to the capital was also because, after the battle came to an end, messages and documents needed to be constantly transferred back and forth between the front line and the capital.

Ran Min's unit was ordered to escort a member of the Ministry of War who participated in the frontline negotiations back to the capital to report on his duties.

It was expected that they would set off and return in three days, so they had these few days of free time.

The people of Yanjing like to save face and make a fuss. To put it bluntly, they actually have a sense of pride in their bones. In fact, this is also a microcosm of the psychological characteristics of the entire Yan Kingdom's people.

When Ran Min and his soldiers wearing the armor of the Jingnan Army were eating, the nearby diners would always pay their bills in advance, and then cupped their hands and said:

"Brothers, eat and drink well. I, De, didn't get to go to the battlefield, but I have to treat these fighting men to a meal. I hope you all will give me, De, some face."

Regardless of whether they would be scolded by their wives after returning home, they had to put on a show today!

The funniest thing was that,

When Ran Min and his men went to the Red Tent, they originally had to queue up for tea, but when the old and young masters who were also queuing up with signs saw the armor on their bodies, they immediately shouted for them to go first.

Even the madam in the Red Tent gave them a 20% discount. At the same time, one of the young brothers came twice without adding any money because he was too fast.

During the few days of leisure, a lot of money was spent, but everyone didn't feel bad about it. After all, the money was earned by risking their lives, so they naturally had to risk their lives to spend it.

Most of Ran Min's subordinates were from other counties in the Yan Kingdom, and two were Jin people who had been incorporated. Only Ran Min was a native of Tiancheng County.

These people really loved Yanjing now. They all thought that after fighting in the future, they would be promoted to higher ranks and earn money, and then they would buy a small courtyard in Yanjing to retire.

The dream of soldiers is so simple and unpretentious.

Of course, it was also because this city and the current atmosphere of the Yan Kingdom gave these soldiers enough respect.

The Qian Kingdom initially called soldiers thieves in the military, so in the Yan-Qian War, the Qian army often collapsed at the first touch. Now, the Qian Kingdom's official is beginning to suppress the scholar-officials and promote the status of military generals, wanting to create the "joy in battle" atmosphere that the Yan Kingdom has now.

Ran Min also specially sent someone to Nanan County to give some money to the constable brother he had once recognized.

The money was not much, because Ran Min knew that the job of constable was difficult to get rich, but there was definitely no shortage of oil and water between his fingers;

The reason for sending some money over was just to express his feelings, that his brother had been promoted from a criminal to a regular soldier in the Jingnan Army. In another two or three years, when his brother's position was higher, he would really be able to cover you.

Nanan County was not far from the capital, and the person who sent the money also tried his best to go there quickly and return quickly. On the night before he was about to leave for Yingdu the next morning, Ran Min saw the person who sent the money again. The other party said that the constable in Nanan County was no longer there. He said that he had married the daughter of a butcher in the county and taken the girl back to his hometown.

Ran Min didn't say anything else when he heard this.

He would be leaving Yanjing tomorrow and didn't have time to find his little brother for the time being. He could only sigh and say that if they were destined, they would meet again in the future.

Early the next morning, Ran Min led his men out of the capital and arrived at the school grounds outside the city to be counted.

Little did they know that when they left the inn, Ji Chengjue was sitting there on the second floor of the teahouse opposite, watching them leave.

Zhang Gonggong sat in front of Ji Chengjue and helped him pour tea, smiling and saying:

"Master, this man is a good person."

Ji Chengjue smiled.

This Ran Min still remembered to send him some money to spend, so he was indeed very loyal.

Zhang Gonggong continued:

"It's only been so long, and after a war, he's gone from a criminal soldier to a regular squad leader. Given time, he might become another Marquis Pingye."

Ji Chengjue shook his head and said:

"There is only one Zheng Fan in this world."

……

Under the assembly of the school captain, Ran Min's unit was reorganized.

A total of three hundred cavalrymen came this time. When they returned, they found that the capital had sent another three hundred cavalrymen, making a total of six hundred cavalrymen, to escort Mao Mingcai, the Minister of War of the Great Yan, and the envoy team from the Chu Kingdom.

Ran Min didn't like these Chu people, but he was willing to see the Chu people admit defeat and bow their heads.

The matter of the Chu people coming to seek peace and requesting to sign a treaty had already spread. In fact, in the commander's tent outside Yupancheng, there were also Chu envoys who were working day and night to conduct various negotiations and arguments, but to put it bluntly, the real thing that could play a decisive role was still on the Yanjing side.

Now, looking at this posture, the alliance should have been negotiated.

This great battle is about to come to a complete end.

But for some reason, Ran Min always felt a little lost in his heart. Would he have to let those tens of thousands of Chu troops in Yupancheng go back alive?

Although Ran Min knew that this was not something he could worry about, he still felt a little unwilling.

Although he had already joined the army, the Jianghu habits in his bones still made him prefer the set of doing things with pleasure and believing in the principle that if you do the first day of the lunar month, I will definitely do the fifteenth.

The team began to move forward.

Mao Mingcai, the Minister of War, was a high-ranking official in the court, but he was very easy-going. During the journey, he would always stroll around the camp every night when he camped, take a look, and even take the initiative to come over and sit with Ran Min and his soldiers, drinking vegetable soup and chatting.

Mainly, he asked questions, and Ran Min and the others answered, focusing on the Battle of Wangjiang.

The Chu envoy Jing Yang seemed much more low-key. He was in the Chu envoy team during the march, and he basically didn't come out of his tent at night.

On the contrary, other people in the Chu envoy group occasionally had some conflicts with the Yan people, and the two sides even fought a few times. Of course, they didn't use knives or weapons. As long as no one died, the higher-ups didn't really care.

They marched all the way like this. When they arrived outside Yingdu City, Prince Cheng Situ Yu led a group of officials from the palace to greet them.

They mainly came to welcome Mao Mingcai. After all, he was a real high-ranking official of the Yan people.

Inside the post station, Situ Yu bowed to Mao Mingcai first.

Since the other party was giving him so much face,

Mao Mingcai was not stingy either. He respectfully led a group of his followers behind him to kneel and salute Prince Cheng.

Everyone could be considered to have enjoyed themselves as host and guest.

Situ Yu invited Mao Mingcai to take a look at Yingdu. He had already prepared a banquet to entertain him, although he hadn't prepared anything at all.

Mao Mingcai also refused as a matter of course, saying that he had an imperial order and would come to disturb him again after completing the imperial order.

Then, Situ Yu left with his people.

Mao Mingcai and his group stayed in this post station and would set off again tomorrow to cross the Wangjiang River and reach the commander's tent of the Jingnan Prince.

The messenger who reported the news had already been sent out early. The front line should have already received the news.

In the evening, Mao Mingcai called Ran Min again and chatted with him.

Ran Min was able to be appreciated by the Sixth Prince for a reason. Some people, even if they are in a humble position, can naturally feel different and attract attention.

The last person to achieve this was naturally Marquis Pingye.

Ran Min's luck was actually not bad, because Mao Mingcai liked his conversation and his unrestrainedness. The two of them had a great intention of putting down their status and being called brothers.

This is luck, unstoppable luck.

"So, you should have gone to Shengle?"

"Yes, sir. At first, I was arranged to be sent to Shengle to garrison, but because the war started in front, the Jingnan Prince went on an expedition, and we were assigned to the front line."

"It's also good luck that you happened to catch up with this battle and went from a criminal to a regular soldier. It's not easy."

"You're right, sir."

"However, on the other hand, if you think about it, not being able to go to Shengle City and follow that Marquis Pingye may also be considered a loss of an opportunity."

"I admire Marquis Pingye very much."

A few years ago, he was just a commoner, in the ranks of conscripted laborers, and then he climbed up step by step quickly. While constantly being appreciated by big shots, he also accumulated military achievements that no one could question, and was appointed as a general and a marquis.

Now, the legend of Zheng Boye is circulating everywhere in the Dayan army;

After all, no matter what era it is, stories of grassroots rising are the most popular and recognized, because most people are grassroots.

"Alas, I have always wanted to befriend Marquis Pingye, but I have no opportunity. I have read his book, *Zheng Zi's Art of War*, no less than three times.

To outsiders, this is undoubtedly a great work of military strategy;

In fact, at first, I thought that some of the things in it were written too vaguely, like a framework, seemingly complicated, but actually empty inside;

But after seeing the results that Zheng Boye has achieved in leading troops, I realized that he may have just written it casually for outsiders to see."

"I also bought this book in the bookstore in the capital this time, and I'm reading it recently."

"Good, read more, learn more, learn from the virtuous, and I look forward to another famous general emerging from my Dayan in the future!"

"Thank you for your praise, sir!"

"You are definitely not something in a pond. I am giving you a heads-up in advance. It's a pity that although I am now the Minister of War and all military affairs are under my jurisdiction, I can't get my hands on the Jingnan Army at all."

After saying that, Mao Mingcai picked up his teacup and looked at Ran Min while drinking.

The intention to recruit him was extremely obvious.

Ran Min naturally knew that it was time for him to make a choice.

To put it bluntly,

He actually didn't have much room for choice,

He was just a squad leader, but the other party was the Minister of War.

The fact that the other party was willing to talk to him was already giving him a great deal of face.

After hesitating for a moment,

Ran Min got up and knelt down to Mao Mingcai:

"The Jingnan Army is the Jingnan Army of Dayan, the Jingnan Army of the imperial court, the Jingnan Army of His Majesty. Sir, you are the Minister of War, so I will naturally listen to your orders!"

Mao Mingcai nodded with great satisfaction, reached out and made a gesture of support, and said:

"Get up."

"Thank you, sir."

Ran Min stood up.

"After this imperial edict is announced, you will follow me back to the capital."

"I will do whatever you command, sir!"

"Well, good."

At this time, the personal guard outside the tent reported:

"Sir, the envoy from the Chu Kingdom is asking to see you."

"Let him in."

After saying that, Mao Mingcai stood up and tidied up his clothes.

Ran Min planned to leave, but Mao Mingcai stopped him with a smile and said:

"Let's meet him together."

Jing Yang walked in, not wearing official uniform, but wearing a robe with Chu characteristics.

"Brother Mao."

"Brother Jing."

The two did not address each other by their official positions, but called each other brothers.

"Brother Jing, why are you here so late? What can I do for you?"

"I wouldn't dare to ask for your guidance. I just feel that after you and I announce the imperial edict together tomorrow, we will be separated, and I feel a little reluctant, so I took the liberty of coming here late at night to have a chat."

Mao Mingcai nodded and said:

"Coincidentally, Prince Cheng gave me some good tea during the day. I'll have someone make tea."

"Excellent, excellent."

Ran Min didn't need to be told too much. He took the tea leaves and went out to boil water.

After walking out of the tent,

He took a deep breath,

And looked up at the stars in the sky.

Even now, his mind was still a little hot, but he knew that his path was widening.

Every time Mao Mingcai walked around the camp and spoke to everyone, he would deliberately and implicitly show himself. Hard work pays off, and he finally attracted the attention of this high-ranking official.

He really liked the armor of the Jingnan Army,

But he couldn't give up the appreciation of the Minister of War even more.

From the day he killed someone in the hall, he had sworn in his heart that since the Jianghu could not give him true freedom, then he would snatch back everything he wanted on the battlefield.

In fact, Jing Yang and Mao Mingcai were just chatting casually, not talking about anything serious, just talking about the customs of the Yan land and the customs of the Chu land.

They didn't chat very late either. After about half an hour, Jing Yang got up to say goodbye and returned to his tent.

Ran Min took the initiative to collect the tea sets.

Mao Mingcai sat down,

Stretched,

And said:

"The Qian people like literature, the Jin people like Yang wind, the Chu people like etiquette, but only my Yan people are not interesting;

Hehe, this statement is really true.

The Chu ambassador came to me tonight, but he didn't really want to talk about anything, just to complete the etiquette of his Chu people. It was really too painful for me, a Yan person, to chat with him."

Looking for something to say and forcing a chat was really uncomfortable.

Moreover, the two could not talk about serious matters, and they could not even touch them, otherwise, if they were publicized, they would be accused of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country.

Ran Min smiled and said:

"In fact, everyone can live a good life. We Yan people have had too much suffering in the past."

When Mao Mingcai heard this, he nodded thoughtfully and said:

"There is insight in this statement. Why can't my Yan people write poetry in Jiangnan, and why can't my Yan people sing freely in the Chu Daze?

In the future, it will be possible."

Ran Min responded:

"It has to be fast."

"It has to be fast?"

"Because we only have Yang wind in our hands now."

"You...hahaha..."

Mao Mingcai laughed loudly.

Then he waved his hand, stopped laughing, and said:

"Alright, alright, since that's the case, this official doesn't dare to keep you in the tent for too long."

"Sir, please rest, I will take my leave."

……

Early the next morning, the team set off from the post station.

When the team arrived at the Wangjiang River at noon,

When he boarded the ferry, Ran Min saw someone galloping on horseback on the opposite bank of the river, but the horse looked a bit too burly.

When the ferry was in the middle of the river, the person riding the horse on the opposite bank also stopped his reins there, seemingly waiting after discovering the team.

Ran Min could also see clearly that what he was riding was not a horse at all, but a *pixiu* beast.

"Who is the sir on the opposite bank, riding a *pixiu* beast?"

Ran Min muttered to himself.

At this time, Mao Mingcai also walked over and smiled:

"It's not a *pixiu* beast, it's a *pixiu*."

"*Pixiu*?"

The flag of the Yan Kingdom is the Black Dragon Flag;

But the *pixiu* can be considered the true totem of the Yan Kingdom, because no one has ever seen a dragon, but the *pixiu* has always existed.

In the case of *pixiu* beasts, civil and military officials who have reached a certain rank can actually have the opportunity to be granted one, but the *pixiu* is different. It is not something that can be obtained without true top-level dignitaries.

"That person on the opposite bank should be the one who almost became your superior."

"Zheng Boye?"

"It should be. The Jingnan Prince specially wrote to the court asking for a *pixiu*, which is said to be given to him.

That was before the war started. Subsequently, as expected, just like a treasured sword being given to a famous scholar, Zheng Boye did indeed fight a very beautiful battle."

When Ran Min heard this, his heart yearned for it,

He admired it by five points, and deliberately sighed with five points:

"I want one too."

When Mao Mingcai heard this, he said:

"Do your job well in the future, and you'll have a chance."

The fleet docked, and everyone began to disembark.

Zheng Fan continued to sit on the *pixiu*. These past two days, he had been trying to build a relationship with this *pixiu*.

The effect was unexpectedly good. This *pixiu* was obviously different from the first time they met. Now, it was particularly affectionate to him.

General Zheng once thought that this beast's IQ was high enough to have learned to be snobbish?

In the past, when he was only a General of Shengle, it ignored him, but now that he was a marquis, it was close to him?

In fact, Zheng Boye was wrong.

Because after being frightened by the "true forms" of many demon kings that night, in the cognition of this *pixiu*, it had become a "slave" under the hands of the demon kings.

Beasts actually have this kind of instinct to submit and be submitted. Of course, humans also have it, but humans are good at concealing it.

Therefore, in the eyes of this *pixiu*,

Zheng Fan, like itself,

Was a slave under the hands of that group of demon kings.

They were both people and beasts who had fallen from the ends of the earth.

Naturally, they should stick together to keep warm and comfort their hearts.

While stroking the *pixiu*'s mane, Zheng Boye waited for the people on the ship to come down. Looking at the two different official uniforms of the other party, and looking at the flags they were waving, it should be the team that came to announce the alliance.

The Jingnan Prince had called him over for a few days. Zheng Boye had actually been waiting for the so-called scenery, but he didn't see anything.

He didn't dare to go to Tian Wujing to find out the truth, because big shots always liked to play riddles.

Just like how Patriarch Bodhi tapped Wukong three times on the back of the head,

If you directly asked for the answer, they would be unhappy instead.

Moreover, Tian Wujing had always regarded himself as his "student." Without Liang Cheng by his side, Zheng Boye didn't even have anyone to help him solve the problem.

At this time,

A very dignified middle-aged man came down from the ship. After glancing at the other party's official uniform, Zheng Boye immediately realized that there was a big fish in this team announcing the imperial edict.

Immediately, Zheng Fan didn't dare to act arrogantly, and immediately turned over and came down, taking the initiative to greet him.

Looking at Zheng Fan, Mao Mingcai first cupped his hands and saluted Zheng Fan, and said:

"Are you Zheng Fan, Marquis Pingye?"

"I am Zheng Fan, may I ask..."

"I am Mao Mingcai."

"Oh."

"…………" Mao Mingcai.

The scene suddenly became awkward.

Afterwards, Zheng Fan said:

"I've heard of you for a long time, I've heard of you for a long time."

For a moment, Mao Mingcai could only cupped his hands and said:

"I've heard of you, I've heard of you."

To be honest, Zheng Fan really didn't know that the person in front of him named Mao Mingcai was actually his nominal leader, after all, he was the Minister of War.

But this kind of "relationship network" was usually handled by the Blind One who did the work and collected the information, and Zheng Fan would directly ask the Blind One when he needed it.

Moreover, since his debut, General Zheng had been following the Jingnan Prince, and basically didn't need to pay attention to any regulations from the Ministry of War. Sometimes, even if he came into contact with them, it was just a normal procedure.

Most importantly, Mao Mingcai was the newly appointed Minister of War.

At this time, the Chu envoy Jing Yang came out, glanced at Zheng Fan, and then at the *pixiu* behind Zheng Fan, and said:

"Jing Yang, the Chu envoy, greets Marquis Pingye of the Yan Kingdom."

"Greetings, Chu Envoy."

Mao Mingcai was a little depressed, and the key to his depression was that Zheng Fan didn't seem to be trying to give him a hard time on purpose, but that he might really not know him.

Moreover, the people around him were afraid of Zheng Fan's status, and even if they saw it, they didn't dare to speak up to remind him.

He couldn't possibly point at Zheng Fan and shout in a high-spirited manner like in the opera:

"Hey, kid, do you know who is standing in front of you!"

In fact, under normal circumstances, when a garrison commander saw the Minister of War, it was really like seeing his direct leader, but Zheng Fan had the title of Marquis Pingye conferred by the Yan Emperor himself. The Great Yan valued military achievements at the same time, and was extremely stingy with titles.

Therefore, with the title of Marquis Pingye, he was also worthy of sitting on an equal footing with Mao Mingcai.

Left with no choice, Mao Mingcai could only say again:

"Marquis Pingye, I am the Minister of War of the current dynasty."

"Ah..."

Zheng Fan smiled,

Knowing that he had gone a little too far,

So he said very sincerely:

"Please forgive me, Lord Mao."

As he said that,

Zheng Fan made a gesture to kneel down,

Mao Mingcai quickly reached out to support him,

And also laughed loudly:

"Marquis Pingye opened up the borders for the country, conquered the snowy plains and won the Xuehai Pass. Although I sit in this position, I have been living in Yanjing, so how dare I accept Marquis Pingye's salute."

Zheng Fan also took advantage of the situation to straighten up, so quickly that he made Mao Mingcai stagger.

Mao Mingcai didn't say anything.

Ran Min, who was on the side, silently bit his back teeth when he saw this scene.

In fact, Zheng Fan was really acting in his "true colors," purely because he didn't recognize him, and didn't want to deliberately embarrass him.

But in Ran Min's opinion, this kind of "casualness" was what he really yearned for. Being able to be so calm and composed in the face of the Minister of a Department, this was the kind of status and position he wanted.

At the same time, this squad leader, who had only joined the army for less than a year, also sighed slightly in his heart, because he had originally been transferred to Shengle City under the command of this man in front of him.

"May I ask where is Prince Jingnan?" Mao Mingcai asked.

"In the central army commander's tent."

"Good."

This awkward meeting finally came to an end. After the subsequent team passed the ferry across the river, the Jingnan Army's team that was supposed to meet them finally arrived.

It wasn't intentional neglect, but the team announcing the edict was in a hurry today. According to the news that was quickly transmitted yesterday, it was said that they would probably cross the river at dusk.

Zheng Fan rode on his *pixiu* and walked side by side with Mao Mingcai towards the central army camp.

Mao Mingcai didn't mind Zheng Fan's previous "rudeness" and was still very kind to talk to Zheng Fan;

General Zheng had also finally regained his acting skills and was "talking happily" and "meeting each other late" with Mao Mingcai.

In fact, it was also because both sides wanted to resolve the previous embarrassment.

When the team announcing the edict entered the gate of the central army camp, Chen Yang, the commander of the Jingnan Army, came out to greet them on behalf of the Jingnan Prince.

Chen Yang, riding on his horse, gave Mao Mingcai a military salute,

And said:

"The Prince is busy with military affairs and has specially ordered the general to come and receive Lord Mao."

Chen Yang was a veteran of the Jingnan Army and had been promoted by Tian Wujing ten years ago and had been promoted to the position of commander of the Jingnan Army all the way.

Moreover, his attitude was really quite cold, with a clear attitude of disrespect.

It had not been long since the Jingnan Prince refused to accept the imperial edict in the past, causing two eunuchs who were announcing the edict to be killed on the stone lions. These leaders in the Jingnan Army were not so fond of the so-called imperial edict team, or even the so-called Minister of War.

After all, Tian Wujing had personally commanded the Jingnan Army for more than ten years. During these years, the Jingnan Army was completely independent of the imperial court's Ministry of War.

You can't control me, so why should I be afraid of you?

However,

With Chen Yang as a comparison,

Mao Mingcai and the others felt that the previous Marquis Pingye was really a little rare and kind.

"The Prince is busy with military affairs and naturally doesn't need to be troubled by these formalities, but I will trouble you to report to the Prince, just say that today, the Chu envoy and I will announce the national letters of the two countries."

The meaning was that the formalities were not necessary, but when doing serious business, it was still necessary for the Jingnan Prince to come forward.

Chen Yang nodded and said:

"This general will go and report to the Prince."

Next, the team announcing the edict began to prepare.

In fact, the reason why they were so anxious was because of Jing Yang's urging. The Qingluan Army was still hungry in Yupancheng, and the sooner he conveyed the imperial edict, the fewer Chu soldiers would die.

Zheng Fan didn't linger with the mission, but entered the military camp with Chen Yang.

"Did you go to meet them?" Chen Yang asked.

"Am I that free?" Zheng Fan replied, "I just happened to be taking a walk there and ran into them."

When Chen Yang heard this, he looked down at the *pixiu* under Zheng Fan's crotch.

It could be seen that he was really envious of Zheng Fan's treatment, and at the same time, he didn't hide it at all:

"If I had one of these, I would also go for a walk often."

Chen Yang's temper was still very compatible with Zheng Fan's. He said whatever he had to say, and seemed cold and disrespectful, but he really didn't pretend.

Hearing these words, Zheng Boye also patted the *pixiu*'s head and said:

"That's right."

Chen Yang "heh"ed. When the two were about to approach the commander's tent, they dismounted and walked into it together.

Coincidentally, the Jingnan Prince was sitting on a chair outside the commander's tent.

Chen Yang stepped forward and reported:

"Prince, the team announcing the imperial edict has arrived. Minister of War Mao Mingcai is outside, and they can't wait any longer."

The Jingnan Prince waved his hand and said:

"Help them set up the stage."

"Yes, this general obeys the order."

Chen Yang immediately went down to make arrangements. Zheng Fan had nothing to do. His soldiers were not here, and he didn't need to arrange anything.

The Jingnan Prince then pointed to Yupancheng in the distance,

And said:

"We're going to negotiate a peace."

Zheng Fan also followed Tian Wujing's tone, sighed, and said:

"It's a pity."

"What a pity?"

Zheng Fan said with a smile:

"It's a pity that we couldn't let more Chu people starve to death."

The Jingnan Prince pointed at Zheng Fan and said:

"Those who are generals should have a broad mind and great courage."

"Yes, this general has been taught."

Tian Wujing stood up,

And said:

"Come, help this Prince put on my armor."

……

On the city wall of Yupancheng, there were always Chu soldiers guarding it. They stood up straight and there were not few of them, but in reality, this was just a superficial show.

The real situation in Yupancheng was that there was a shortage of food, which was too serious.

Except for the day when the Yan army feigned an attack when the main force of the Wild Men's army was defeated, the Yan army had not launched any siege battles since then.

The Chu people were on guard on the city wall, while the Yan people were building a "wall" around Yupancheng.

It was like two people fighting,

One shouted: Come up!

The other sneered and responded: Come out!

In fact, the Chu army had tried several times to break through the outer wall, but the Yan people's counterattacks were also quite fierce. The Chu people could rush out for a while, but they didn't have enough time to demolish the "wall".

After several attempts, the Chu people gave up, because demolishing the wall didn't mean much to them.

Outside Yupancheng, it was flat and open, and the Qingluan Army was mainly infantry, while the Yan army was mainly cavalry.

Without reinforcements from the outside, the Qingluan Army's breakout would inevitably turn into a tragic defeat. The Yan people didn't even need to directly attack your military formation, but would constantly harass you in a wheel-battle manner, and you wouldn't be able to hold on for long at all.

But the food shortage in the city was extremely serious.

Qu Tiannan stood on the city tower. He saw several people in Chu official uniforms passing by under the city wall and shouting from afar.

But whenever he tried to send someone out of the city to make contact, the Yan army on the outside would immediately shoot and kill the people he sent out with arrows.

This was really a very strange scene,

It was clear that the envoys and officials of his own country were in the Yan army commander's tent,

It was clear that the so-called peace talks had been going on for so long,

But the Chu army, which was still guarding Yupancheng, had no way to participate in it.

It was as if they were just an ornament.

If they were really just an ornament, then that would actually be quite good.

What Qu Tiannan couldn't stand the most was that his side couldn't send anyone out, but many of the officials sent by his own side liked to shout outside the city wall.

The effect of their shouts was also very obvious. The morale of the army in the city, which was already fluctuating due to the lack of food, began to dissipate more and more.

To be honest, if he could go out now, according to Qu Tiannan's temper in the past, he would really directly kill all the civil officials from his own side who liked to go to the city wall to shout and "appease" the hearts of the army!

Fortunately, to a certain extent, the Qingluan Army was considered Qu's private army, so even at this time, Qu Tiannan was still able to roughly control this army.

But Qu Tiannan didn't know how long he could hold on.

As one of the pillars of the Chu Kingdom, he could understand the imperial court's intention to negotiate peace, because the Chu Kingdom's interior was not completely stable. At the same time, it would take a long time to send troops from Zhennanguan to relieve the siege, and they would easily be attacked by the Yan people.

But Qu Tiannan's idea was that this battle should continue.

The Great Chu has its own problems, so could it be that the Yan people have no problems at all?

The confrontation between great powers often depends on who can carry it better and who can hold on to that breath.

However,

Looking back at the Qingluan soldiers he brought out,

It seemed that

Being able to bring them back to the country safely was also something to be gratified about.

But,

Could he really do it?

"Wuwuwu..."

A horn sounded from the Yan army's camp. This was the first time in recent days that the Yan army on the opposite side had taken any action.

Qu Tiannan came to the city tower, looking into the distance, his eyes narrowed slightly.

The Yan army's camp was moving. Teams of Yan cavalry began to circle around Yupancheng on a large scale in the north and south directions, but it didn't look like they were going to attack the city, because the Yan army didn't push up any siege equipment.

After the Yan army's military formation was set up, two teams of officials wearing different official uniforms walked towards the city wall of Yupancheng.

The two leaders of both sides were holding imperial edicts in their hands, and their escorts were also waving