northernbook Chapter 121 Before the War
Chapter 121 Before the War
Lin Kunlun stood on a hill outside Xishan County, looking into the distance with a sharp gaze, his heart was in turmoil. The scene before him shocked him. It was a huge war scene he had never seen before, filled with smoke and flames, as if the whole world was shrouded in this momentum. He was curious about how people in this world controlled war, and what level of wisdom, courage and strategy they had reached?
Lin Kunlun knew that even if he had a space and endless food reserves in the space, he could not use them at will in this chaotic world. He understood that although food could solve hunger for a while, it could not protect the safety of himself and his family for a long time. In this turbulent era, he longed to have a strong and reliable army to be his solid backing.
Recalling his decision to support Yuan Quan, Lin Kunlun was filled with mixed emotions. Yuan Quan's ambitions and aspirations had given him hope for the future, but now, he knew nothing about Yuan Quan's situation in the northwest, and he was inevitably a little worried. However, he knew that the only thing he could control was the team led by Sun Ying. Although there were only about 200 people, Lin Kunlun believed that as long as they were used properly, this team would become his solid support in this chaotic world.
Fortunately, the current situation is still optimistic. Both the Zhangshan rebels and the provincial government's army have focused their attention on the county town, and Qinghe Village is still safe for the time being. Lin Kunlun breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew that this was only a temporary calm.
After two days of intense preparation, General Liu actually built some simple ladders and towers. Lin Kunlun stood aside, looking at these simple but practical siege equipment, and an inexplicable trust and expectation surged in his heart. He knew that these equipment might become the key to their defense of the city.
However, the one who was really anxious was Li Wei. As the county magistrate, he knew very well what kind of punishment he would face if the county was lost. He anxiously found General Liu and asked tentatively: "General Liu, I just went to see that 12 ladders, two tower cars, and battering rams for the city gates have been built and are ready. Should we go to Xishan County now?"
General Liu was holding a bowl of rice wine, drinking it calmly, as if he didn't care about the upcoming battle. He put down the wine glass and said calmly: "Don't worry! We still have 6 days of food and grass. As the saying goes, knowing yourself and the enemy will ensure victory in a hundred battles. Now I am waiting for the Chen family to send the latest intelligence. As long as there is accurate intelligence over there, we can attack."
After hearing this, Li Wei couldn't help but feel a little worried. He knew that General Liu's mission this time was to gain military merit, so he naturally didn't want to really go head-to-head. But now, all their hopes were pinned on the Chen family, which made him feel a little uneasy. He couldn't help but ask, "General Liu, I wonder how much you know about the Chen family?"
General Liu frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "The Chen family is quite powerful in this area, but their loyalty is hard to guarantee. However, we have no better choice now, so we can only trust them temporarily. As long as they can provide accurate intelligence, we can take the initiative."
After hearing this, Li Wei still had doubts in his heart, but he could only accept this reality temporarily. He knew that the most important thing now was to unite and face the upcoming challenges together. I think it’s still necessary to remind them.
"I have been the county magistrate of Xishan County for two years! I know the Chen family to some extent! The Chen family has served in the county for four generations! In addition, they control the county's grain, and the sales of cotton cloth can be said to be deeply rooted in the local area! If they are determined to stop Zhang Shan's army from entering the county, it will be difficult for Zhang Shan's army to enter!" Li Wei paused here. He didn't know whether he should continue.
"You mean the Chen family might be colluding with the rebels!" How could General Liu, a veteran official, not understand what he meant? Although he was not good at fighting, he still cherished his subordinates. This was his capital, so he became nervous when he heard this.
"It's possible! After all, when the rebels entered the city, all other officials were arrested and killed! Only the Chen family was not arrested and killed! They can enter and leave the city freely! There are many strange things here!" Li Wei also wanted to take this opportunity to get rid of Chen Dong. In this way, there will be no family as powerful as the Chen family in the entire county. If he continues to be the county magistrate here, there will be no one else to restrain him.
Li Wei's words were like a bombshell, stirring up thousands of waves in General Liu's heart. He put down the wine glass in his hand, frowned, and asked in a deep voice: "Do you have any evidence?"
Li Wei shook his head slightly and said, "There is no evidence yet, but all signs show that the Chen family does have an unknown connection with the Zhangshan rebels. If we are not on guard, we may fall into their trap."
General Liu took a deep breath, stood up, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He said in a deep voice: "Okay, I will send someone to secretly investigate the Chen family. During this period, we still have to be prepared to deal with the Zhangshan rebels. County Magistrate Li, you must mobilize your spies in the county to get accurate information as soon as possible."
Li Wei nodded in agreement, but his heart was in turmoil. He knew that this mission would be a major test in his life. If successful, he might be able to take this opportunity to eliminate the hidden danger of the Chen family in one fell swoop; if he failed, he might be ruined and even lose his life.
At the same time, Zhang Shan was also silently observing the distance from the tower. He knew in his heart that in this chaotic world, trust and betrayal are often only a thin line apart. He was always paying attention to the situation outside the city. Fortunately, the government troops had not come here today.
At this moment, a soldier came hurriedly and reported to Zhang Shan: "Sir, the Chen family wants to see you!"
Zhang Shan was slightly startled, then stood up and said, "Let them come up."
A moment later, Chen Jun and two people from the Chen family arrived on the city wall.
"Greetings, General Zhang!" Chen Jun bowed very respectfully.
"You are Chen Dong's son!" Zhang Shan had seen Chen Jun before, but he had never paid much attention to him before. So when he saw him, he could still vaguely recognize him.
"General Zhang, my father is Chen Dong!" Chen Jun looked at the miner in front of him whom he had always looked down upon. What you are thinking is that as long as the imperial army comes, he must find a way to keep this person. This is an opportunity for their Chen family to make merit.
"Where is your father? What are you doing on the city wall?" Zhang Shan was very satisfied with Chen Dong's cooperation so far. After all, he was just an ordinary miner. He never thought that the Chen family had been thinking about betraying him.