Chapter 13 Crisis 1

The 50,000 Northern Expeditionary Army led by Shang Rang fought fiercely with the Tang army in the two places of Eshan and Yijunzhai. They were defeated one after another, and their strength was sharply reduced to nearly 10,000. The soldiers were frustrated and complained everywhere. In order to stabilize the army, he had to take a humble attitude and seek the opinions of Lin Yan and Kang Shiming.

Lin Yan sighed, "General Shang, there is no fighting spirit and no fighting spirit. At this point, I think it's better to retreat to the south of the division! Abandon Sanyuan. If you don't let go of Sanyuan, it's not good for the concentration of the main force. It's better to clenched a fist!"

Shang was eager to hear such words. He knew that he would definitely not be able to compete with Eshan and Yijunzhai this time, and the withdrawal of troops was the best solution.

"General Kang, what do you think about the withdrawal of troops?" Shang Rang stared at Kang Shiming.

"Since everyone advocates the withdrawal of troops to the south, I obey the overall situation." Kang Shiming closed his eyes gently and burst into tears.

Shang Rang suddenly stood up and shouted, "Since the brothers have agreed to withdraw their troops back to Chang'an, let's prepare separately now!" It's always snowing in this damn weather, and God deliberately can't get along with us. In this Northern Expedition, only part of the battle goals were completed. I really didn't eat mutton, which made me feel terrible!"

The Northern Expeditionary Army abandoned Sanyuan and returned to Chang'an. Shang let him go to see Huang Chao dejectedly and talk about the history of the Northern Expedition.

Huang Chao listened and hasn't spoken for a long time.

Shang let him stand still uneasily and look at Huang Chao nervously. He is afraid that Huang Chao will be angry and want to kill him and demote him.

Huang Chao sighed gently and stared at Shang Rang: "Brother Shang Rang, you have done a strong job in this Northern Expedition. Our army has taken Sanyuan City and should prepare to attack Eshan and Yijunzhai. Unfortunately, you are a little impatient and want to win the power to compete with Eshan and Yijunzhai. Who knows that the terrain of these two places is complex, the fortifications of the Tang army are strong, and the weather suddenly turns cold, which will inevitably lead to the result of the Qi army being unable to attack for a long time. Alas, now the number of elites has been reduced by tens of thousands, which really hurts me!"

Shang Rang lowered his head and didn't say anything.

Huang Chao walked to Shang Rang and gently patted Shang Rang on the shoulder: "Brother, don't blame yourself too much. You and I have been fighting for a long time. Victory or failure is a common thing for soldiers. As long as we learn a lesson, there will definitely be a big victory in the future! You continue to hold on to Chang'an North City with your troops. If Daqi adds new recruits, I will give you priority."

Although he is arrogant, he absolutely dares not stand up in front of Huang Chao. Shang let him kneel down and burst into tears: "Your Majesty, Brother Huang, Shang let this northern expedition not win, which made the situation in Daqi worse. I'm really useless. I deserve to die!"

"Brother, don't say that. We are not immortals, so it's inevitable to make mistakes. Although the Daqi regime faces unprecedented difficulties, I believe that Daqi soldiers will try their best to overcome them. You are the minister of Daqi, and you must have twelve points of courage to fight!" Huang Chao comforted Shang Rang/

"Your Majesty, I will do my best to guard the north city of Chang'an!" Shang let him say loudly while wiping his tears.

Soon, the war reports of other Qi troops were sent to Hanyuan Hall. Huang Chao read the war report, locked his eyebrows, left the throne, and walked quickly in the hall.

Captain Zhao Zhang said, "Your Majesty, there is no big victory in these war reports! It seems that the military situation is more serious now, and it is really dangerous! Your Majesty, please make a decision early and turn the tide!"

Huang Chao's tone was low: "Zhong Aiqing, although the Tang army did not attack Chang'an, Daqi has reached the stage of survival. I hope that everyone will unite sincerely and go to the national disaster together. We must repel the crazy attack of the Tang army in Shaanxi and defend the new Daqi regime!"

The great Qi Wenwu in the palace have vowed to coexist with Daqi.

Huang Chao nodded, looked at the northeast, and muttered to himself: "At present, on the battlefield of Shaanxi, the Second Army of Qi and Tang are in an even state of equal strength. No one can eat anyone, but the offensive of the Great Qi army is far worse than before. Some of the cities that have been occupied have been recaptured by the Tang army. If it goes on like this, Chang'an will not be guaranteed!"

Gai Hong said, "Your Majesty, in this eventful time, I suggest that the main force of the Qi army should make some adjustments. Now Huang Siye's troops of the Third Army of Daqi have occupied Xingping, the Tang army has retreated to Fengtian, and the battlefield on the Western Front of Chang'an is temporarily safe. I believe that some soldiers and horses of the Third Army should be dispatched to rush to Huazhou to fight with Meng Kai of the First Army, eliminate Li Tang Wang Chongrong and Zhu Wen as soon as possible, and cut off these two cancers, so that the passive situation of Da Qi in the Shaanxi battlefield can be changed!"

Huang Chao nodded: "Gai Aiqing's plan is very good. Pass on your will and carry it out immediately!"