Quick Wear Beauty

Chapter 1020 The eldest daughter is as bright as spring flowers (142)

Chapter 1020 The eldest daughter is as bright as spring flowers (One hundred and forty-two)

The father-in-law of the third prince Zhao Lan, General Wuyi Ding Yangshu, has been stationed in the northeast for more than ten years and has become a local tyrant. He knows Fengli County's topography, military strength, and economic level like the back of his hand.

Of course, Ding Yangshu is not a stupid person. Zhao Lan is not good to his daughter. The conflict between the two is known to him even in Northeast China. He is not helping Zhao Lan wholeheartedly, but has other purposes.

Ding Yangshu is also an ambitious person. Who doesn't want to be a dragon's follower?

Zhao Lan had promised him that as soon as he ascended the throne, he would immediately appoint Zhao Jing as the crown prince, the third prince's wife as the queen, and Ding Yangshu as the Duke.

Ding Yangshu felt that as long as they had common interests, it didn't matter if the relationship between the couple was not good. As long as he was still useful, Zhao Lan would treat his daughter and grandson well.

The two men colluded with each other, secretly mined the minerals in Fengli County, and recruited soldiers. All this should have been done in secret. Ding Yangshu did not expect it to be exposed so soon. Fortunately, he recruited another 20,000 soldiers, together with the 30,000 troops under his command, the number of troops was not small.

But the fact that the army had no reason to start was fatal to the rebels.

What they imagined was that if one day the emperor did not pass the throne to Zhao Lan, they would take advantage of the other princes' rebellion and start a rebellion in the name of saving the emperor, instead of being too passive like they are now.

The soldiers under Ding Yangshu were all loyal to the emperor in the past, but now they have to bear the label of traitors. Not everyone is happy about this, but under General Ding's iron-blooded policy, the soldiers dare not openly oppose him.

The people of Fengli County stayed put, fearing they would be drafted into the army to fight against the imperial court and ultimately lose their lives. The two essential elements of an uprising—stockpiling food and building high walls—were not well implemented in Fengli County.

It can only be said that the northern part of the county is close to the border line of Mongolia, and the city wall is built very solidly, but the fortifications on the other three sides are relatively weak.

There is Xifeng County to the west, and Chinaing County to the south and east. Ding Yangshu does not have the ability to take over the two neighboring counties.

When Zhao Lan arrived in Fengli County, Ding Yangshu had already eliminated a group of disloyal people from within and sent people to build defensive fortifications.

Zhao Lan also stepped up his plans. He knew very well that he had angered his father this time, and there was no longer any affection between father and son. Emperor Zhao would definitely not show mercy to anyone who was trying to seize his throne.

Guo Xue was ordered to suppress the rebels. In addition to the 50,000 troops he brought, there were also 40,000 troops from the neighboring Xifeng County and Chinaing County, totaling 90,000 troops.

Guo Xuezhen first deployed a siege, cutting off Fengli County from the outside world. Then, he launched an offensive, leading a large army. Zhao Lan chose to confront General Yunhui Guo Xuezhen's 90,000-man army at the Black Wind Mountain Pass, a steep and easily defended but difficult-to-attack pass.

As a veteran, Guo Xuezhen knew that Zhao Lan was a scheming man, and Ding Yangshu was more familiar with the terrain and had rich combat experience.

He ordered his troops to set up camp outside the pass and build fortifications, preparing for a protracted battle with Zhao Lan.

However, Zhao Lan took advantage of the cover of night and the mountains and forests to constantly harass and launch sneak attacks on Guo Xuezhen's army, making Guo's army exhausted from responding. As they had not yet rested after the long journey, their morale gradually declined.

In a night raid, Zhao Lan personally led elite cavalry, went around to the rear of Guo's army, and burned their food and supplies.

Upon hearing the news, Guo Xuezhen hurriedly led his troops back to provide support, but was ambushed by Zhao Lan.

A fierce battle ensued in the narrow valley, with Guo's army suffering heavy losses due to the unfavorable terrain. Though Guo Xuezhen, relying on his personal prowess, managed to break through the encirclement, he had already lost 20,000 men. Zhao Lan's initial victory at the Black Wind Mountain Pass boosted morale. Seizing the opportunity, he ordered a full advance, attempting to completely crush Guo Xuezhen's forces.

Guo Xuezhen retreated to the nearby flat area, used the open terrain to reorganize his troops, set up a tight formation, and wait for the opportunity.

He didn't believe that he would fail again, so this time he wanted to break up his army into three groups and march into Fengli County.

There were 20,000 troops in the east, 20,000 troops in the west, and 30,000 troops in the center. He personally led the central army to form a siege and annihilate the armies of Zhao Lan and Ding Yangshu.