Chapter 176 How did Yang Lin lose?

Ming Dynasty, Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.

Zhu Houzhao sat on the main seat with a solemn expression.

Sitting opposite him was a middle-aged man in a red official robe, it was Wang Yangming.

At this time, Wang Yangming's brows were also tightly furrowed.

"Is it confirmed, Your Majesty?"

Wang Yangming spoke in a deep voice.

"Yes, the Imperial Guards of the Eastern Depot have received relevant information, and the fate of the Sui Dynasty has indeed experienced a turbulent change."

Zhu Houzhao spoke slowly.

"So, King Backer Yang Lin really died in the battle?"

"What methods did Temujin use to achieve such a goal?"

There was a hint of shock in Wang Yangming's voice.

Zhu Houzhao shook his head:
"I don't know either. The two places are too far apart. There is no news yet on what kind of twists and turns occurred in this battle."

"but……"

Zhu Houzhao frowned and snorted.

Wang Yangming certainly understood what the other party meant.

What they need to consider at this time is not the details of the battle.

It's what comes after the war that they need to worry about.

Although those who died in the battle were the famous generals and troops of the Sui Dynasty.

But matters between countries have always been closely linked.

Especially between Ming and Yuan, they had a relationship of mutual promotion and mutual restraint.

The last time Wang Yangming became a saint, the Ming Dynasty's national fortunes soared, which directly affected Temujin's attack on Xiangyang.

As one grows, so does the other; this is the relationship between the Ming Dynasty and the Mongols.

Now that Temujin has suddenly won a great victory, how could they not pay attention?

Even if we take a step back, let's assume that there is no such relationship between the destinies of the two countries.

It was impossible for them to sit idly by and watch the Mongols grow stronger.

Yang Lin was killed in the battle and the Xiaoguo Army suffered heavy losses.

Everyone knows about the blow to the Sui Dynasty.

Of course, from a national perspective, they didn’t really care that much about the life and death of the Sui Dynasty.

But neither Zhu Houzhao nor Wang Yangming wanted to see a rapidly expanding Mongol Yuan Dynasty.

Wang Yangming let out a sigh of relief.

"After all, there is too little information now. The key is the situation of Temujin's army. We don't know."

"If the losses are heavy, that's not a big deal. Temujin will definitely need some time to rest and recuperate."

"But if the damage is not too serious..."

Wang Yangming didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was very clear.

If Temujin suffered no serious losses, he would have continued his advance.

That would be a bad situation.

The Great Sui Dynasty suddenly suffered such a huge loss, especially the death of King Kaoshan.

But it is not so easy to recover. This is not a difference in military strength, but a loss of morale.

Especially now in the territory of the Sui Dynasty, it is difficult to find someone who can stop Temujin head-on.

Therefore, once Temujin continued to advance, the situation of the Sui Dynasty would definitely continue to deteriorate.

The distance between the Ming Dynasty and the Sui Dynasty is really too far.

Even if the Ming Dynasty wanted to do so, it would be beyond its reach.

"call……"

Zhu Houzhao let out a long breath.

“The situation is not good, but it has not deteriorated to that extent.”

"Yang Lin's death in battle was indeed beyond everyone's expectations."

"Although I don't know the specific details, I can be sure that Temujin must have used some means, and it was definitely not just a head-on confrontation."

Wang Yangming nodded.

"With over 200,000 Sui troops and 70,000 brave warriors, it is impossible for Temujin to not suffer any losses if we completely wipe out this force, including Yang Lin."

Zhu Houzhao said decisively: "So we still have some time to react."

"I wonder what Your Majesty is going to do?" Wang Yangming asked.

Zhu Houzhao did not respond immediately, but asked softly:
"Where's Gao Changsheng? How's his situation?"

Hearing this, Cao Zhengchun, who was standing in the corner, quickly stepped forward.

"According to the news, Qi Lianhua has been defeated."

"And this time, a Mongolian master appeared on the Bright Summit. He should be heading for the Ming Cult."

"Hmph." Zhu Houzhao snorted coldly.

"The Mongols have a big appetite. Temujin is pressing on the border between Sui and Song, Kublai Khan has sent troops into the northern Mang, and now they are targeting the Ming Dynasty."

"I don't know who set up this trap. Are they targeting the Ming Cult's Five Elements Flag?"

"What happened in the end? Who owned Guangmingding in the end?"

Zhu Houzhao spoke calmly, as if he did not take the Ming Cult's elite troops seriously.

"Duke Qi climbed up to the Bright Summit with great force and drove all the righteous sects off the mountain. However, in the end, Duke Qi did not seem to intervene in the Ming Cult. Instead, he handed them over to a mysterious man called Ming Wang."

"Mysterious man? Ming Wang?"

Zhu Houzhao's eyebrows furrowed instantly, and he turned his head sharply: "Who is this person and what is his origin?"

Cao Zhengchun shook his head. "This person seemed to have jumped out from a crack in a rock. No trace of him could be found. However, when he climbed up to the Bright Summit, he used the Great Shift of the Universe."

"The Great Shift of Heaven and Earth?"

Zhu Houzhao was slightly stunned and instinctively thought of a name, but quickly shook his head.

When Zhu Wusi first started learning martial arts, the first technique he chose from the secret library in the imperial palace was the Great Shift of the Universe.

So when this martial art was mentioned, Zhu Houzhao immediately thought of this Iron-Hearted Divine Marquis.

However, in recent times, Zhu Wusi has been staying in the capital and has been in constant contact with Beiliang, so he can be excluded from the timeline.

"interesting."

Zhu Houzhao narrowed his eyes. The mystery of the Ming King and the martial art of Qiankun Da Neng Shift made him think a lot.

"Use all your spies to investigate this Ming King and find out everything about him. I don't believe that there is anything that the imperial court cannot find out in the Ming Dynasty."

After humming at Cao Zhengchun, Zhu Houzhao chuckled again:
"What a great Gao Changsheng! I will owe you another favor this time."

"what?"

Cao Zhengchun couldn't help but ask a question.

"Your Majesty, according to the news that has been sent back, the Duke of Qi and that Ming King may have some connection." Cao Zhengchun reminded.

"idiot."

Zhu Houzhao snorted coldly.

"Do you think Gao Changsheng doesn't know about the spies you placed in various factions?"

"If Gao Changsheng really wants to conceal the news, the people from various factions will not be able to leave Guangmingding."

Cao Zhengchun was shocked: "So..."

"Yes, the information you have received now is just what Gao Changsheng passed on to you through the spies."

"This, this, why is he doing this?" Cao Zhengchun asked puzzledly.

"It's obvious that Gao Changsheng should have sensed that something bad had happened to the Sui Dynasty."

"The other party is repaying the favor of the Jinyiwei. It also means that Gao Changsheng will leave Ming Dynasty soon."

"So, Gao Changsheng has given up the Dragon Slaying Sword?" Cao Zhengchun responded instinctively.

"Oh, how can a Dragon Slaying Sword compare to the stability of the country? Moreover, how do you know that the Dragon Slaying Sword will not fall into Gao Changsheng's hands?"

Zhu Houzhao shook his head casually: "What I am curious about now is whether Gao Changsheng has achieved his real purpose of coming here."

"Your Majesty, since Gao Changsheng wants to repay the favor, why doesn't he just tell Your Majesty the identity of King Ming?" Cao Zhengchun asked again.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, he found that Zhu Houzhao's eyes instantly turned cold.

Cao Zhengchun's heart skipped a beat and he suddenly came to his senses.

"Humph, Gao Changsheng has only been in Ming for a short time, but he already knows everything, but you can't find out any information at all. Do you mean that the factory guards are useless, or that I am not as good as Gao Changsheng?"

"Slave, slave, I dare not."

"Humph."

"Your Majesty, since the Duke of Qi intentionally sent back this news, the identity of this King Ming must be extraordinary." Wang Yangming on the side spoke slowly.

Zhu Houzhao nodded, of course he knew this.

After all, the tacit understanding between him and Gao Changsheng was that he would borrow the other party's Jinyiwei, and the other party would deal with Zhu Wusi who got the Dragon Slaying Sword.

Now that the situation in the Sui Dynasty has changed suddenly, it is obvious that Gao Changsheng cannot continue to stay in the Ming Dynasty.

But the other party actually used this piece of information to repay a favor and offset this incident, which has already revealed a lot of things.

"Did you hear that? Cao Zhengchun?" Zhu Houzhao looked at Cao Zhengchun who was kneeling on the ground begging for mercy.

"I'll go check it out right now."

Ignoring Cao Zhengchun who bowed and left, Zhu Houzhao turned to look at Wang Yangming.

"Wang Qing, I am sorry to trouble you this time."

Zhu Houzhao spoke slowly: "I have reorganized the Beijing camp and set up twelve regiments. As for commanding the troops..."

"I have no choice but to do my duty, but..."

Wang Yangming hesitated for a moment before speaking again:
"The current situation in the capital is extremely complicated. If I am here, I can suppress all parties. Once I leave, the situation may fluctuate."

"It's okay." Zhu Houzhao waved his hand.

"You can go by yourself, my dear minister. We don't need to fight a big war this time. We just need to put some pressure on the Mongols."

"The Ming Dynasty has already done its utmost by sending troops. As for the future of the Sui Dynasty, Gao Changsheng will worry about it."

"As for the Mongols, hehe, after I have completely integrated everything in the country, I will lead the army in person and go to Dadu to take a look in person." Just when the emperor and his ministers of the Ming Dynasty were urgently discussing the situation of the Sui Dynasty.

The atmosphere in the imperial palace of Beimang Beidi City was also quite solemn.

Sitting on the dragon throne is the Queen of Beimang.

Below, Dong Zhuo, who was wearing armor, was kneeling on one knee.

Standing next to him with his hands behind his back was Tuoba Bodhisattva.

After the two men withdrew from the front line, they did not return slowly with the main army, but instead rode away from the main army and returned to Beidi City first.

"King of the North Courtyard, do you have anything to explain about what Dong Qing said?" The empress spoke slowly.

It was obvious that Dong Zhuo was complaining at this time.

The army retreated without even fighting a battle. Not only was this a waste of money and food, but it was also a loss of morale for the Northern Mang people today.

In other words, given Tuoba Bodhisattva's status, if it were any other general, he would have been beheaded long ago and there would not have been any inquiry at all.

Hearing the empress's voice, Tuoba Bodhisattva did not show any panic.

"Your Majesty, Xin Jiaxuan only said one sentence to me."

"What?"

"Outside Yumen Pass, Yang Lin died in battle and the Sui army was destroyed."

"fart!"

Dong Zhuo roared immediately.

"What a ridiculous statement! You are such a great military god of Beimang, but you were tricked back by such a ridiculous lie. It's a joke."

Dong Zhuo obviously did not believe such remarks.

But as the voice of questioning fell.

Not a single sound was heard around. Not only Tuoba Bodhisattva, but even the empress above fell into silence.

"M-M-M, is it true?"

Dong Zhuo also noticed something was wrong and spoke tremblingly.

The empress still did not respond.

However, Li Mibi beside her stood up.

"King Dong, the spider web has received news that the King of Sui has been killed in battle, along with the Sui army around him. The entire army was wiped out."

"This, this, how is it possible..."

Dong Zhuo seemed to be struck by lightning, and he fell into a daze.

"It's just in time that you two have returned. I just happened to have a question for you."

"You two are both famous generals of our Northern Mang, and you have experienced countless battles."

"From what you have seen, how strong are Temujin's Yuan army and Yang Lin's Sui army? How was he able to achieve such a clean and complete victory?"

The empress frowned and spoke. Temujin's victory came too suddenly, which made her feel extremely uneasy.

"impossible."

Dong Zhuo spoke up immediately.

"Temujin's thirteen wings were already incomplete. Although the remaining twelve wings are elite, the Sui army is not weaker at all."

"Although the Qiexue Army is the core of the army, the brave soldiers of the Great Sui Dynasty are equally famous throughout the world."

"In terms of paper strength, the Sui Dynasty is not inferior, and even has the upper hand. After all, Yang Lin occupies Yumen Pass, so he is well-rested and waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out."

"Even if Yang Lin went out and was attacked by Temujin, he would never be completely wiped out. This is not in line with common sense."

Dong Zhuo spoke without hesitation.

Seventy thousand brave warriors, that’s a full seventy thousand military soul troops. Even if they are surrounded, if they use their military souls to charge, with Yang Lin as the spearhead, what army can stop them?

Although Tuoba Bodhisattva did not speak, his furrowed brows undoubtedly revealed his thoughts.

"Your Majesty, didn't the spies find any intelligence about the battle between the two sides?" Tuoba Bodhisattva asked with a raised eyebrow.

The empress shook her head.

"The area around Yumen Pass is a thousand miles long and has become a barren land."

"Let alone us, I'm afraid even the Sui Dynasty may not know the specific situation of the battle."

"Where's Temujin?"

They both spoke at the same time.

"They should be inside Yumen Pass. They haven't shown up, but they haven't advanced either."

"But now, there should only be the Mongols left in Yumen Pass, and no one knows their specific situation."

The empress spoke in a solemn voice.

The Yuan army did not move, which was good news.

But as long as Temujin does not show up, those who are concerned about him will not feel at ease.

After the defeat in the Xiangyang battle, many people were still saying that the gray wolf, which had not appeared for many years, had grown old.

Who could have thought that not long after the Battle of Xiangyang, Temujin would launch such a shocking battle.

"Your Majesty, I would like to ask Tuoba Bodhisattva for help again."

"Yang Lin of the Great Sui died in battle. This is a great opportunity for us."

"Once the news gets out, the Sui army will be terrified. We should capture Nanjing in one fell swoop, or even march directly to attack the Sui Dynasty."

"With this opportunity, Tuoba Bodhisattva ordered the entire army to retreat. This is a move that harms the country."

Dong Zhuo shouted loudly again and again.

"idiot."

Tuoba Bodhisattva glanced at him and said something lightly.

"Tuoba Bodhisattva, what do you mean?" Dong Zhuo glared at him, as if he was going to take action.

Tuoba Bodhisattva didn't care about the other party's attitude at all. He just turned his head and left the other party with his back.

"Well, both of you are important ministers of the country. Although you have different ideas, you both worry about the country."

The empress spoke to comfort him.

"How about this, you two have been running around for days and must be exhausted. Let's stop here today and both of you go down and rest first."

"why?"

Dong Zhuo asked instinctively.

Although the empress was trying to smooth things over, how could Dong Zhuo not hear that the other party agreed with Tuoba Bodhisattva's point of view? This of course made him unable to understand.

The empress also looked embarrassed when she heard this.

Although Dong Zhuo was cruel, he was always loyal to her.

So she still wanted to save some face for this minister.

However, while the empress had this idea, Tuoba Bodhisattva did not have such concerns and snorted coldly almost immediately.

"Haha, General Dong, you are quite impressive."

"What Great Sui, what army, I don't care about."

"At least it's better than a coward like you who runs away from the battlefield." Dong Zhuo said without showing any weakness.

For a general, deserting the battlefield is no different from being scolded.

But Tuoba Bodhisattva did not show any abnormality, instead he smiled disdainfully.

This kind of contemptuous expression undoubtedly made Dong Zhuo even more furious.

"Reckless man."

But before he could curse, Tuoba Bodhisattva's voice rang out.

"Do you think that His Majesty, the ministers in the court, and even the surrounding countries, understand the situation less well than you, Dong Zhuo?"

"Speak directly if you have anything to say."

It was obvious that Dong Zhuo also saw the problem. If his method was really appropriate, the empress and Li Mi Bi and others would not have failed to support it.

"Humph, once Yang Lin dies, the Sui Dynasty will be in turmoil. This is something everyone knows."

"With Temujin eyeing us covetously, no one knows what the future of the Sui Dynasty will be like."

"It is not impossible for a country to go from prosperity to decline and even be destroyed."

Tuoba Bodhisattva spoke coldly.

"If that's the case, why don't we advance? Are we going to give this piece of fat meat to the Mongols?"

"Only a short-sighted person like you would only focus on the immediate benefits." Tuoba Bodhisattva said with disdain.

"I'm talking about what might happen to the Sui Dynasty in the future, but whether it survives or perishes is all in the future."

"But now, the Great Sui Dynasty still exists, and the foundation left after decades of great prosperity is still there."

Dong Zhuo's body trembled, as if he had realized something.

And the voice of Tuoba Bodhisattva continued.

"Yang Lin's death will certainly cause an earthquake in the Great Sui Dynasty."

"But it also stirs up their grief and anger."

"The number one man in the army, Uncle Yang Guang, the king who has worked diligently for decades."

"Let alone hatred, even for the sake of face and to stabilize the situation, the Sui Dynasty will definitely send troops."

Dong Zhuo couldn't help but take a breath: "You mean..."

"Hehe, the next battle will definitely determine the fate of the Sui Dynasty. If we win, we will avenge our previous humiliation. If we lose, there will be no way to turn the tide."

"Therefore, the Great Sui will definitely put all its efforts into this battle."

"Even if the Sui Dynasty collapses the next day, at least we can still deliver the final stunning blow today."

After saying this, Tuoba Bodhisattva looked at Dong Zhuo with a smile.

"Everyone knows that the Sui Dynasty's counterattack this time must be aimed at Temujin."

"But the premise is that no one provokes them at this time."

"Before the dust settles, the Sui Dynasty is now a huge powder keg."

"If we advance and force them into a corner, and the entire Sui army comes towards us in Beimang, will you, General Dong, stop them?"

"Yu Juluo, Wu Jianzhang, Ding Yanping, Shi Wansui and so on. Oh, there is another one who will definitely return, the most difficult Gao Changsheng."

"General Dong, do you think you can stop all of them by yourself? If so, Tuoba Bodhisattva would be ashamed of himself."

(End of this chapter)