Chapter 71 Catching Ducks on the Shelf

Aquila hurried over. As soon as he saw Ardahir's eyes, he stopped and opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say, with an extremely depressed expression on his face. They have been worried about the miracle, worrying that Sun Shao will do such a miracle again in Taixi. They always think about how this miracle was made, and then also came a miracle to fight back, but they never expected that Sun Shao would show such a miracle in front of them. It's a cool day.

A ball appeared helplessly over the city of Taixi, without a trace of cover, and appeared in front of them so bluntly. The truth of what they wanted to break their heads but didn't come up with was so clear, but did they really understand?

No, they still can't figure out how the ball appeared in the air, unless it is... the power of God.

Aquila could understand Ardashir's current mood. He was very ashamed. As the smartest person in the Sassanid family and the high priest of the Sassanian Church, he could only watch the enemy perform "a miracles" in front of him and shake the military heart, and he had no choice.

He is proficient in illusions, but he can't make such illusions. Even if he wants to tell the people that this is just a blinding method for the enemy, what persuasion can he have?

Aquila felt the powerlessness of Aldahir under the city of Axum. Obviously, she looked at her opponent not far away, but he couldn't defeat him.

"I will go back to bathe and fast, and then pray to Ahura. I believe that Ahura will not abandon us like this." Aquila couldn't bear to look at Ardahir's desperate eyes hidden in a calm expression. He put his hands on his chest, saluted Ardahir, and turned around and hurried away.

Aldahir stood motionless in the corridor of the palace, like a statue at the door, until the minister in charge of the negotiations hurried to him.

"Dear King." The minister bent down to salute and couldn't stand kneeling.

"Do the Han people still talk about it?" Ardahir shivered all over, and then recovered from his lost state and asked blankly.

"They refused the king's request, and then changed their request." The minister took out a roll of paper from his arms and handed it up respectfully. He didn't even dare to raise his head, and he couldn't help shaking. The corners of Ardahir's mouth twitched, took the paper, and opened it. It was Chinese characters again.

"Call those interpreters." Aldahir turned around and strode into the temple.

The interpreters were detained in the palace and soon arrived. Each of them translated a contract and sent it to Ardahir. Aldahir took a glance. Although there were slight differences in the words, the main content was basically the same. Sun Shao's attitude obviously changed. He was very dissatisfied with the conditions proposed by Aldahir. In a sarcastic tone, he said that Aldahir had not woken up from the grief of the loss of his son in Aksum City. He did not know that the city of Taixi had reached the critical moment of life and death. He actually put forward the kind of insignificant condition. Obviously, he wanted to All the Sassanids pushed into the abyss of death. He also said that the Guishuang people and the Romans, as well as the leaders of the barbarians, were eagerly looking forward to breaking through Taisifeng, and then plunder all the Sassanids as slaves, and divided the wealth plundered by the Sassanid dynasty over the years. He didn't want anything else. He just asked Ardahir to his face to face:

How can you be so stupid? After losing Ahura's protection, he even lost his basic judgment. Do you really think that you can defend Tai Xifeng with tens of thousands of suspects? My big man is Huode, and like the Sassanians, he is protected by the god of light. Ahura made a new choice between you and me. Now it's time for you to make a choice.

Surrender or perish.

Following closely, Sun Shao sent out the last spy, listing a series of harsh conditions, on the condition of preserving Taixifeng, asking Ardahir to cede all the cities except Taixifeng, and compensate for the expenses of the troops sent by the countries, apologized to the countries, disbanded most of the troops, and promised not to take the initiative to provoke the war. Fight. If this condition is followed, Sassan will not die, leaving only Tai Xifeng. What's the difference between him and those city lords?

The more the minister thought about it, the more afraid he became. When he received the contract, he already felt that his head was not on his neck for a long time.

To the minister's surprise, Aldahir did not jump violently. After reading the contract, he gently let go of his hand, and the paper full of words fell to the ground and scattered at his feet.

Silence, breathless silence, the minister lay on the ground and did not dare to look up. From his point of view, he could only see Ardahir's boots embroidered with complicated patterns.

The boots are motionless.

The minister felt that there seemed to be a mountain on his back, which made him tremble uncontrollably. His forehead had been pressed to the ground, and drops of sweat dripped from his temples and dripped on the ground paved with green bricks.

"Go and tell him that if you want to fight, you don't have to talk. As long as he can take down Tai Xifeng and kill him, there will be no complaint. Ardahir stood up, threw down a cold sentence, and turned around and left.

Sun Shao received a reply and didn't say anything. He just invited Quintus, Bo Diao and others, and then asked the Sassanian messenger to tell them again. Of course, Quintus and Bo Tiao scolded, shouting that after breaking through the lockdown of Taixi, they must pull Aldahir's head off. Sun Shao didn't say anything. After the messenger left, he said to Quintus, "Aldahir is crazy. He decided to go to the dark one by one, so we won't be polite. How are the siege equipment prepared for you these days? Are you ready to attack the city?

"I'm almost ready." Quintus winked, and Menno Lufis quickly came forward to report. In this month of Sun Shao and Ardahir's nonsense, they launched all the heavy troops, and even the craftsmen among the merchants who accompanied them were recruited. A total of 100 siege vehicles, more than 300 crossbow guns, thousands of siege ladders, and 50. Crash, and countless other equipment.

"We have cut down almost all the trees around here, and we can only make up so many. If the number is not enough, we can only send people to the mountains to cut down the trees. It's just like that, I'm afraid the time will not catch up." Mennolufis said shyly, "Also, this place is full of beaches, and stones can't be found. Even the earth bricks used in those houses have been moved to the city by Aldahir. There is a big gap in the number of our cannons. If three hundred crossbows go into battle together, it will only be enough for one day."

"One day?" Sun Shao jumped up and stared at Mennolufis in disbelief: "You're kidding, are you?"

Menno Lufis shook his head awkwardly: "That's true. We discussed whether we could fill the soil with straw and use it as bricks.

"The straw bag, I think you are the straw bag." Sun Shaoqiang couldn't bear to scold this sentence. He made 300 crossbow cannons, but he only had a day's of ammunition, which was a fart. You think that Taisifeng is Seleucus, and he can take it in a day. He glanced at Quintus with great dissatisfaction, and Quintus lowered his head with embarrassment.

"Who wants to be the main general of this siege? Stand up quickly. Anyway, I won't do it. Sun Shao sneered, sat back on his seat, and his eyes swept around the faces of Quintus and Bo. Quintus and Botton looked at each other and didn't dare to say anything. They had lost a lot when they attacked Seleucus. Now if they attack again, I'm afraid it won't be enough for all this.

"So, do you two want to watch the battle?" Sun Shao was angry and funny: "At the time of negotiation, it was you who wanted to skin the Sassanians clean. Now he forced Aldahir. He didn't talk about it. You spread your hands and were ready to shrink back. Have you thought about my jokes for a long time? Now that I'm talking big, how can I end it? Both of you, how should I end it? The more he spoke, the louder he became. In the end, he almost cursed. The Romans and Guishuang were scolded very embarrassed by him, but they did not dare to squeak, for fear that Sun Shao would let him attack first as soon as he opened his mouth.

Cao Zhang and others also looked at the Romans and the Guishuang people with displeasure. Do they still want to conquer Tai Xifeng with this strength? This is just a joke.

Sun Feng felt a little unbearable. Anyway, there was a noble frost king and a Roman emperor sitting here. Sun Shao scolded him as a grandson, which seemed to be a little too much. If they were in a hurry and shook their hands and left, wouldn't it be more difficult to fight?

"Father, they have also tried their best. They didn't mean to delay. Let's think of other ways to remedy it."

"Remediation?" Sun Shao turned his face, stared at Sun Feng, and said arrogantly, "Do you have a way to remedy it?"

Sun Feng was stunned. He just wanted to round the scene. Unexpectedly, Sun Shao directly pointed the spear at him. He was a little caught off guard and stammed, "I hope everyone can find a way together."

"That means you can't do anything about it?" Sun Shao waved his hand and disdained it: "Don't talk if you can't do it. Stand aside." After saying that, he turned around and was angry with Quintus and others. Sun Feng quickly pulled his sleeve and looked at him with pious eyes, "Father, be angry slowly. It's better to take a long time."

"From a long-term perspective?" Sun Shao was angry. He shook his hand and pushed away Sun Feng's hand: "Do you know how long our food and fodder can last? Only one month at most. He actually told me to go to the mountains to cut wood, and then he also told me that the gun stone could only be used for one day. Can you take Taixifeng in one day? Um, can you?"

Sun Shao's voice was fierce, and he roared loudly in front of everyone. No one expected that Sun Shao was so angry that he didn't give Sun a little face. Thinking that Sun Feng has always been very dignified in front of everyone, but now they are scolded loudly by Sun Shao for their reasons, they are a little embarrassed. They think of persuasion, but they are afraid of being caught by the angry Sun Shao. At that time, they will be ashamed.

The atmosphere in the big account was a little strange for a while. Sun Feng blushed and endured Sun Shao's venting. Some of the others lowered their heads, and some looked at Sun Feng sympathetically. Only Cao Zhi drank wine and was not affected at all. Little Gordian looked at it gloatingly, with a proud smile on his lips. There were not many opportunities to see that King Yue was so angry.

"Um, cough!" Quintus couldn't help but stand up and persuaded, "This is our negligence, not the fault of the prince. Please don't be angry."

"Ai'm not angry?" Sun Shao smiled angrily and stared at Kuntus: "I said, old friend, you can speak easily. Now my harsh words have been said. Taixifeng is there, but we only have one day's gunnery capacity, and the grain and fodder can last for a month at most. What do you think we can do? He didn't understand anything and dared to come out and say nothing. You said I was angry or not. He turned his head and glared at Sun Feng: "If you have the ability, you can be the main general and take down Taixifeng. Taixifeng will be yours after that, okay?"

Sun Feng was also anxious and answered loudly, "I think it's me, but I don't believe it. Without the gun stone, we can't take the lockdown of Taixi? Isn't there a miracle that we can make Ardahir bow down? I don't believe that these are all gods.

Sun Shao suddenly realized: "So you expect the gods to help you? Do you think the Han man standing behind Ahula is you?

"I dare not." Sun Feng said with his neck, "I am crazy. I have the courage to fight. I used to be a pioneer."

"You have the help of the god, and your waist is hard." Sun Shao nodded with a sneer and glanced at the people under the seat: "However, I'm afraid that only God can help you now. I won't help you. As for others, I don't think you can count on it. I'm afraid they don't believe in this Sassanid god.

Sun Feng looked at Quintus and others for help. Quintus was stunned for a moment and hesitated. Sun Feng's courage is commendable, but isn't it too bold to let him be the commander to attack the city? He is not yet 20 years old. Can he command this nearly 200,000 troops to take the lockdown of Taixi?

There was a moment of silence in the big tent, and only Sun Shao's sneer echoed in everyone's ears.

Sun Feng's red face slowly turned white and fell into a dilemma. Here, Lu Xun and Cao Zhi stood up at the same time.

"I am willing to assist the prince to attack the city." Lu Xun said calmly.

"I, Cao Zhi, am not talented, and I am willing to join in the fun." Cao Zhi shook his big sleeve and said carelessly.

"Well, there are really people who are not afraid of death." Sun Shao sneered and looked at the others: "I'm afraid only you two are not afraid of death."

Li Yan slowly stood up: "The king is wrong. I, Li Yan, am not afraid of death." He straightened his clothes, walked to Sun Feng, and bowed his hand: "Li Yan is not talented. I am willing to obey the order of the prince and meet the Sassanians."

Cao Zhang patted his thigh, stood up, and shouted passionately, "What's wrong with not having enough gun stones? One day, enough time to win this little Taixi lockdown. Cao Zhang is not talented and is willing to be driven by the prince.

As soon as Cao Zhang stood up, Xun Yu, Adi and others stood up one after another to show their support. Seeing this scene, the Romans and the Guishuang people could not sit still. Menno Lufis first stood up to express their support. Then, Kuntus also stood up, arched his hand to Sun Shao and persuaded him, "I said old friend, look, prince. Although he is young, he is very brave. He is indeed your son and Philip's brother. We are all willing to support the prince. We are very confident in this war.

The tone also stood up, walked to Sun Feng, and patted Sun Feng on the shoulder hard: "Good boy, I'm willing to listen to you. As long as you give an order, I will lead the pragendrison to rush up first." He glanced at Menno Lufis and grinned: "This time, I'm going to rob you."

Menno Lufis was also happy: "That depends on your ability. Look, it's not only me here, but also several Han generals who want to fight for merit.

"Don't be happy too early. You can blow it when you take Taixifeng." Sun Shao poured a basin of cold water on them: "You think he is really blessed by the gods. At that time, you can't take the city of Taixi. I think you still support him so much."

"Father, with so many good friends to help, I believe we will definitely win Tai Xifeng." Sun Feng was in high spirits: "Father, please listen to our good news."

"Well, I'll wait." Sun Shao lowered his face and brushed his sleeves away. Everyone was stunned for a moment and couldn't help laughing. Quintus hurriedly chased after him, and the others talked around Sun Feng. Sun Feng saluted Lu Xun and Cao Zhang respectfully: "I'm going to ask you two to help me this time."

Lu Xun and Cao Zhang looked at each other and smiled, "Prince, don't worry, as long as we work together, we will definitely win Tai Xifeng. You go to plead guilty to the king first. I will discuss the strategy with General Cao first to see what other preparations need to be made.

Sun Feng nodded gratefully: "If there is really a god's blessing and take Tai Xifeng, I will definitely not forget your great kindness."

Kuntus caught up with Sun Shao. Sun Shao still looked happy and scolded angrily, "Little rabbit, my hair hasn't grown yet. It's really amazing that he dares to contradict me. If he doesn't let him fall, he doesn't know the depth of heaven and earth, and he thinks he can do everything.

Quintus advised, "Old friend, you should be happy. It's your blessing to have such a son. Think about it, even if he can't take Tai Xifeng, with his courage, he can get everyone's support, which is a very good thing. When Alexander was his age, he had to listen to Momia's everything, and he couldn't take any ideas. In my opinion, only Alexander in Macedonia can do this.

"It's just him?" Sun Shao curled his lips and disdained: "Old friend, don't make me happy. I dare not expect to give birth to such a heroic son."

"That's possible." Quintus touched his chin and smiled, "If he can command the army to seize the city of Taixi, he will definitely become a hero like Alexander in the future. Well, it's also a very good thing for me to have such a hero as an ally in Rome.

"Then you can help him well." Sun Shao said in a mocking tone.

"Of course, he is Philip's brother, that is, my nephew. Of course I will help him, and this is also for the future of my Rome. Naturally, I will spare no effort to help him achieve this career." Quintus patted Sun Shao on the shoulder: "You said it in front of everyone. As long as he takes Taixifeng, he will be the master of Taixifeng. You can't go back on his word."

"Don't worry, I will never go back on my word."

(to be continued)