Huan Rong

With the rumble of drums and the bursting of horns, the cloud of war enveloped the entire city of Chang'an.

Xia Houpeng climbed to the top of the city himself, seeing the torrent of black armor below the city, he couldn't help but gasped.

The three armies are all Xiong Wei's journey and the division of a hundred battles.Especially the cavalry led by Qin Jing, like a wild ancient beast, is entrenched below the city, staring fiercely at the prey in the city, waiting for an order, it will roar, show its fangs and claws, and kill all the people in the city. People are torn apart.

"Father..." Xia Houshuo had followed Qin Jing, and he knew his character methods well.Seeing the seriousness on Xia Houpeng's face, he said in a low voice, "The son of the Qin family is not good, so my father can't be shaken. Only by strengthening the morale of the army can we be sure of victory. What's more, with the emperor and empress in hand, my father can be said to be invincible." land!"

What he said was categorical, but even Xia Houshuo himself didn't believe it.

But when things come to an end, there is really no other way.

Standing at the top of the city, the father and son could clearly see the performance of the defenders.If they can't persist, the city of Chang'an will be destroyed soon, and Zhang Yu's curse before his death will be realized immediately.

"Azi's words are true!"

Xia Houpeng took a deep breath and suppressed the sudden uneasiness in his heart.

In any case, he also fought for half his life, fighting fiercely against the Hu thieves for decades.Since the army rebelled, sooner or later he had to face everything in front of him.He will not be timid, and he will never back down!

One step back is the abyss, and if he persists, he will be able to rule Chang'an!

"Come here, order the guards in the palace to keep an eye on the officials and bring the Queen and Concubine Shu to the top of the city."

"promise!"

Xia Houshuo couldn't leave, so Xia Houduan took the order to go.

More than ten pieces followed him down the city wall, and met Wang Pi and Zhou Yang who had heard the news.

The matter was urgent and there was no time to say more, Xia Houduan clasped his fists at the two of them, then flew on his horse and rode away with his whip.

Seeing the direction he was going, Zhou Yang's face turned serious, while Wang Pi raised the corners of his mouth, showing a sneer of success.

"Wang Shilang, this matter is inappropriate after all." Zhou Yang didn't say it clearly, he thought that with Wang Pi's intelligence, he should know what he was referring to.

Wang Pi did not pretend to be puzzled, but looked at Zhou Yang amusedly, and said in his mouth: "In troubled times, only the victor can become king. Zhou Shangshu attaches so much importance to benevolence, righteousness and morality, and he doesn't want to fall into the truth of the world, why bother to follow Xiahou?" The general raises troops? He should be like Pei Yuan who defended the city, and he should be loyal to the emperor."

It's a joke to be a bitch and want to set up a memorial archway!

"You!" Zhou Yang blushed at the words, but he couldn't refute.

Wang Pi sneered again, flicked his long sleeves, ignored him, and took the lead towards the city.

Zhou Yang stood on the spot, looking at Wang Pi's back, his face sank like water, and there was a frightening chill in his eyes.

"Master Lang, this thief slave is really arrogant!" a voice said in a low voice.

"Wang Meng is a thief, how can his son be any better!" Zhou Yang gritted his teeth and said, "I told you to keep an eye on the palace, but did you ever find something wrong?"

"Pu Ri found in front that there was a carriage leaving the mansion quietly, intending to go outside the city."

"Oh?" Zhou Yang's expression moved slightly, "Did you stop it?"

"In order not to startle the snake, the servant did not do anything in the city, so he was followed quietly and stopped outside the city." The voice of the part was even lower, "The guards are all private soldiers, not many in number, but they are all capable. The servants are not killed or injured. Small, but failed to catch the person in the car, please punish the master."

Having said that, Buqu is very ashamed.

Judging from various traces, [-]% of the people in the car belonged to Wang Pi's family members, but it was a pity that he escaped and was not caught on the spot.

Even though it was freezing cold, there was a dense forest in front of him, there were no homes for dozens of miles, and those who escaped were seriously injured and might not survive, but he was still ashamed that the Patriarch's order was not fulfilled.

When Zhou Yang stopped the song, it turned out that someone from the top of the city had come down.

"Zhou Shangshu, the general invites you." A soldier clasped his fists and asked Zhou Yang to go to the top of the wall quickly.

Zhou Yang nodded, signaling to follow up.Zhi Xia Houpeng stood beside him, glanced at Wang Pi on the left, and couldn't help showing sarcasm.The sarcasm was still there, and when he saw the army under the city, his eyes estimated at least [-], his expression suddenly changed again.

The five-element flag roared violently, the ladders were lifted out one after another, and more and more jumping soldiers came out, all with red eyes and gearing up.

Before the battle started, the air was filled with murderous intent.

Zhou Yang's heart beat like a drum, and he suddenly felt regretful.He shouldn't be driven by profit to tie the Zhou family to Xiahou's boat!

It's too late to regret it now.

He could only secretly rejoice that he sent his two sons away a few days ago.If Chang'an can hold it, it won't be too late to take it back.If you can't keep it, the guard's private soldiers and loyal servants must take their anonymity and hide their names, so as to preserve the blood for the Zhou family, hoping to make a comeback in the future.

The sound of the drums was quick and rapid, and the defenders at the top of the city drew their bowstrings one after another, and the wood, stone and boiling water were all ready, just waiting for the moment when the battle began.

A cauldron stands out in particular.

The firewood was placed under the pot, and the bottom of the pot was heated by the flame. Bubbles continued to emerge in the water, squeezed together, burst and boiled.

The heat is steaming, and it is particularly conspicuous on the top of the city.

Xia Houpeng clenched his long knife and nodded to Xia Houshuo.

The latter understood immediately, took half a step forward, and raised his voice: "Your Majesty has an edict that the fourth prince secretly communicated with Huan Han and secretly formed an alliance with Hu thieves for the purpose of treason..."

"fart!"

Before Xia Houshuo could finish speaking, a general shouted angrily, slapped his horse forward, pointed his long knife at the top of the city, and cursed: "Rebellious ministers and thieves, rebellious bandits! Steal Chang'an, put the emperor under house arrest, and punish the world. You deserve a thousand swords!" Cut to pieces, corpses in the wilderness, flesh and blood eaten by beasts!"

"If you dare to speak false words today, you will be struck by five thunders!"

You come and go with each other on both sides, scolding hard.

Xia Houshuo pointed out that Qin Jing secretly connected with the Huan Han and secretly formed a relationship with the barbarians. He was called a titan and was actually treasonous;

Later, the two sides became angry and greeted each other's eighteen generations of ancestors. From a single mouth to a group mouth, there were curses all over the city.

Wang Pi narrowed his eyes slightly, faintly feeling that something was wrong.

This is not like Qin Jing's style at all.

Zhou Yang also felt that something was wrong.

The two were at odds with each other, but they coincided with each other in this matter.At the same time, they turned to Xia Houpeng and said in unison: "General, beware of fraud!"

At the same time, Xia Houduan led his people to Gui Palace, but they were all in vain.Not only did Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu not be found, even Qin Ce disappeared.

When questioning the guards outside the hall, they all shook their heads in confusion.

"The Palace of Light is closely guarded, surrounded like an iron barrel, and no one enters or exits!"

"Search!"

Xia Houduan immediately knew that it was not good, and he didn't care about other things, so he ordered people to search the palace, not letting go of any clues.

It should be known that the empress is Xia Houpeng's trump card. Without Qin Ce and the Liu sisters, the Xiahou family can only face Qin Jing head-on.Although he has the ambition of others, Xia Houduan's confidence is really lacking in the face of the strong soldiers under the city.

"Search, search for me carefully!"

"Let go of the Liu sisters, and everyone will be killed!"

The entire palace was searched, and except for a few eunuchs and maidservants, there was hardly a single person to be found.When questioning these people, they all trembled like sifting chaff, shook their heads and didn't know when they asked, and fell on the ground repeatedly begging for mercy.

Since the Xiahou family surrounded the Guangming Palace and put the emperor under house arrest, all trusted eunuchs were beheaded, and not a single maid was left behind.They are all serving outside the palace and cannot enter the inner palace at all. How can they know the whereabouts of the empress?

Seeing that there was nothing to ask, Xia Houduan couldn't get rid of his anger, and even more endless panic.Furious and angry, he even pulled out his long knife on the spot and beheaded all the servants of the eunuch and palace.

But he didn't know that the emperor and the Liu sisters, whom he couldn't find anywhere, were right under his feet at this moment.

In the dark secret passage, both sides are smooth, and grooves are chiseled a few steps apart, which are places for inlaying fire candles.

Because it has been abandoned for a long time, the groove is covered with dust, and it forms a hard board together with the candle oil.Unknown fungi crawled in the corner, and the air was filled with a pungent decaying smell.It's not that there are ventilation holes, and if you walk in it, you will suffocate and faint within fifty steps.

Feng Shi and Zhao Shi walked this road, holding torches, one behind the other to ensure safety.

Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu supported Qin Ce and moved forward at the fastest speed.

The secret path was low, and several people couldn't stand upright.Fortunately, it is spacious enough to accommodate three people in parallel.The stone road under his feet is also smooth enough that he will not stagger or even trip people after taking a few steps.

"Coming."

Seeing that Qin Ce was breathing heavily and his body was covered in cold sweat, Empress Liu took out the jade bottle and fed him a pill.

"Your Majesty, we are almost here."

The goshawks and black hawks are just a cover to attract the attention of the guards at the top of the city. They don't need to actually fly into the palace, they can leave after they are done.Pigeon took the opportunity to avoid the defenders and successfully sent the news to Gui Palace.

Opening the bamboo tube brought by the pigeon, seeing the news in it, Empress Liu knew the urgency of the situation, without any hesitation, she made a decisive decision, let Feng Shi and Zhao Shi lead the way, and escaped from the palace through the secret passage as soon as possible before the rebels found out. outside.

"This secret passage leads to Lanlin Palace, and His Royal Highness Lanlin also has a secret passage leading directly to the palace gate."

"Arrangements have been made at the gate of the palace, and someone will respond."

It was written clearly in the letter that neither Empress Liu nor Concubine Liu Shu would sit still.As for Qin Ce, he had to be brought with him no matter what, and he couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of the rebels.

However, the two sisters concealed another news by coincidence: the person in charge was not Qin Jing's subordinates, but a merchant from Youzhou.

These merchants were the nails that Huan Han buried in Chang'an, they stayed behind after the rebels blocked the city gate, and by means of unusual means, they never cut off news from the outside world.

This time, if he is willing to accept the empress, there must be an order from Huan Rong.

This favor is too great, Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu are both moved and worried.

Jiankang Chang'an is an enemy rather than a friend, and it will do Jiankang more good than harm to sit back and watch Chang'an become chaotic.Emperor Huanhan did the opposite, saying that it was a personal friendship, but no one would believe it.

With all kinds of doubts in mind, the five people moved forward at the fastest speed.Just when he arrived at the Lanlin Palace, a sudden change happened.

Because of the previous fire, a part of the top of the secret passage collapsed, and Xia Houduan was quickly reported.

The latter couldn't find the Liu sisters, and was in a state of desperation.Suddenly thinking of this incident, he had a flash of inspiration and ordered people to continue to search the Guangming Palace, and then led people to the Lanlin Palace.

Realizing that the situation is not good, Qin Ce suddenly said: "Xijun, you and Daoyun can go."

"Your Majesty?" Empress Liu was stunned.

Concubine Liu Shu, who was called her boudoir name, was also surprised.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to get out of the palace." Qin Ce's face turned pale, panting heavily, and motioned the two of them not to talk, "You guys go, you guys leave quickly, tell Ah Zheng something, it was my mistake that left just now To this day. I was wrong."

"Your Majesty...husband master..."

"Don't delay, go." Qin Ce smiled. His gray hair and face covered with gullies made him look old, but his eyes became clearer. "If I stay here, I can still protect you for a moment. If you bring me , none of us can leave."

"promise."

Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu knew the seriousness, and when they knew it was not time to hesitate, they bit their red lips tightly and kissed Qin Ce.

Zhao and Feng stayed behind.

"The concubine is here, and she can always resist one or two." Zhao said.

Feeling the shock above her head, Feng handed the torch to Concubine Liu Shu, motioned for the Liu sisters to leave quickly, and said: "I will have no regrets in my life if I can serve Your Highness the Empress. Just like Sister Zhang, everything I have is given by Your Highness, and I am willing to serve you." Your Highness does all of this."

"If this concubine dies at the hands of a traitor, I believe that His Highness will cut the person who did it to pieces."

"Let's go, Your Highness!"

While speaking, Feng Shi pushed Empress Liu and Concubine Liu Shu into the corner with force, then turned around, drew out the dagger from his waist, listened carefully to the movement above, quickly looked at Zhao Shi, and said, "Here we come!"

As soon as the words fell, the stone slab above the head was suddenly lifted, and the light was bright.

The rebels found the secret passage, saw the three people in the secret passage, and immediately shouted: "Banzhu, here!"

Xia Houduan walked quickly, saw Qin Ce leaning against the wall, panting heavily, and saw two women in palace skirts waiting, he thought it was the queen and concubine Shu, and immediately ordered someone to pull them up.

Unexpectedly, the rebels were injured by the woman just as they went down the secret passage.If you don't guard against being stabbed, it's too late to retreat.

The positions chosen by Feng and Zhao are very ingenious, which can not only protect Qin Ce, but also make the rebels lose their numerical advantage.In the blink of an eye, three rebels fell to the ground, and two of them were wounded on their arms and waists.

If Xia Houduan hadn't mistakenly thought that they were the Liu sisters and ordered them not to kill them, the two of them might not have survived this moment.

However, the strength of the two is not as strong as that of the rebels. They were able to succeed before because of the latter's defenselessness. Now that their physical strength is gradually losing, they can't last long with one breath.

"Stop."

Qin Ce spoke suddenly, his voice was a little hoarse, but he didn't look like someone who was dying of a long illness.

At his feet, a jade bottle lay quietly, and there was not a single pill in the bottle.

The rebels were ignorant and did not find that the situation was wrong.Feng Shi and Zhao Shi were terrified, Qin Ce shook his head secretly to them, stood up supporting the wall, and said to Xia Houduan, "Where is Xia Houpeng? I want to see him."

The three walked out of the secret passage, and their sight became clear.Xia Houpeng finally discovered that the ones standing beside Qin Ce were not the Liu sisters at all.

"Where is Empress Shufei?"

"Xiahouduan." Qin Ce's voice didn't improve, but Xiahouduan felt inexplicably stressed when he uttered a few words, "I want to see Xiahoupeng, didn't you hear? Lead the way ahead!"

Xia Houduan gritted his teeth, ordered people to follow the secret road, and took Qin Ce to the top of the city.

Seeing Feng Shi and Zhao Shi, a look of sternness flashed in his eyes, and regardless of Qin Ce's presence, he raised his knife to cut their cheeks.

"Empress Concubine Shu can't find it, so you can make soup for them!"

"Bold!" Qin Ce shouted angrily.

Xia Houduan went all out, no longer afraid of Qin Ce's pressure, and ordered: "Take it away!"

On the top of the city, the scolding war is still going on, the two sides come and go, and the anger keeps soaring.

Xia Houduan rushed back, reported the whole story to Xia Houpeng in the palace, and brought Qin Ce to him.Seeing his tiger eyes sweeping around, some rebels felt timid, and suddenly became malicious, and kicked him on the knee forcefully.

There was a sound of bone cracking, and the former overlord of the Northern Land staggered and fell at the feet of the rebels.

"Qin Bomian," Xia Houpeng looked down at Qin Ce, without any respect in the past, as if looking at an ant, "If you follow my words, you can still save your life. If not, you will be on the top of the city today The land of death!"

Qin Ce didn't get angry, propped up his injured leg, and barely stood up from the ground.Before he could stand still, Xia Houduan kicked him behind his knee again.

Surrounded by silence, Qin Ce staggered a step, but did not fall as before.

Xia Houduan's expression was ferocious, and he wanted to kick again, but Xia Houshuo stopped him, and said in a deep voice, "No."

After Xia Houshuo's point, Xia Houduan looked around and suddenly found that the people at the top of the city looked at him very strangely, with disgust, resentment, and contempt, but no approval or admiration.

"What do you want me to do?"

"It is clearly stated that Qin Jing secretly connected with the Huan Han and secretly formed a gangster. He committed a heinous crime and ordered him to execute himself. The third and fifth princes did not know their innocence, so they quickly retreated."

Qin Ce looked at Xia Houpeng, and after counting breaths, he suddenly laughed.

"Xiahoupeng, Xiahoupeng, I came to see you today, and I really saw nothing wrong."

Xia Houpeng stared at Qin Ce, frowning.

Qin Ce turned to the city wall and was stopped by the rebels. He turned his head and said contemptuously: "Didn't you let me talk? Stop here, what should I say? Get out of the way!"

Before Xia Houpeng could speak out, the defenders were overwhelmed by his majesty and took the initiative to get out of the way.

"No, you can't let him pass!" Wang Pi suddenly said.

Unfortunately it was too late.

With the last of his strength, Qin Ce jumped up the city wall, stood against the wind, and said loudly: "Xia Houpeng rebelled, Wang Pi and Zhou Yang followed the bandits, and slandered the prince. Zhang Situ refused to join the bandits and died. "

"Pull him down!" Wang Pi and Zhou Yang said in unison.

"I am the king of a country. I have fought in the world for dozens of years. I don't know how many thieves and bandits have died in my hands. Who dares to step forward?!"

Qin Ce didn't have any weapons in his hands, but the surrounding rebels seemed to have been cast with a holding spell. No matter how Wang Pi and Zhou Yang jumped, no one came forward.

"I command you to capture Chang'an and kill the chief villain, Yi Xiahou, Wang, and Zhou Clan!"

"I am self-willed, do not distinguish between loyalty and firmness, and have been a king for several years. I have not been able to stabilize the country and comfort the people, and I have caused today's disaster."

"Qin Bomian sacrificed his life to the heavens today, hoping that the heavens will show mercy, punish the rebels, protect the people of the Central Plains, and protect the rivers and mountains of our Han family!"

As soon as the words fell, Qin Ce jumped, like a fallen roc, falling heavily to the ground of the city.

There was silence at the top of the city, and there was a resurgence of anger from under the city.

Taking advantage of people's unpreparedness, Feng and Zhao broke away from the rebels, jumped off the city wall one after another, and followed Qin Ce.

Witnessing this scene, the people of Chang'an were full of mourning.

Qin Jing, Qin Jue and Qin Jue's eyes were stained with blood, and they ordered to attack the city at the same time.

"There will be no rebels and thieves left!"