Chapter 49: Decisive Battle (2)

  After finishing speaking, several generals were stunned for a while, and their faces slowly showed a smile. Li Jinhua said so much, the meaning is already very clear, in general, it's just four words "same boat, same fate". The Qingyang rebellion started from winter, now many people have died, it's time to end it. How to end it, how to report afterwards, all are controlled by this small school lieutenant. This is also the main reason why several generals with higher ranks than Li Jinhua had to bow their heads. As for the true and false meaning in Li Jinhua's words, several people analyzed it in their hearts, and finally felt that there were about 70-80% credibility.

  As for their own lives and future prospects, a few people didn't dare to have any extravagant hopes. Just being able to kill the superior officer was enough for them to take a swig of wine. Even if they pushed all the blame onto Li Jizong's shoulders, they couldn't escape the crime of failing to control the army, allowing the soldiers to wreak havoc, refusing to fight against the enemy, and abandoning their comrades to death without rescue. The only lifeline they could grasp now was how this Colonel spoke on their behalf in front of the General, as for whether the General or even the imperial court and the Emperor believed it? How much they would believe wasn't something they could predict.

  Now that they had figured out the joints, the three of them couldn't keep their faces straight anymore. The most impatient one was General Han Shi, who stood up with a smile and said: "Since it's like this, what are we waiting for..."

  Before he finished speaking, the same round-faced general, also the commander of the Li Renjun army, smiled slightly and said: "Old Han, don't be in a hurry, we've all survived one winter, what's the difference between these hours? Sit down and talk first...

  "Looking at Li Xiaowei's appearance, he should be a member of the Li family from Jingzhao. What is Li Gan's relationship with General Li and Li Xiaowei?"

  When he said that, Li Jinhua felt a little relieved and smiled: "That is my uncle, the general. My father passed away early, and I was raised by my uncle. I dare not hide from you generals that this time I escorted grain to Qingyang was recommended by my uncle. What? Does General Li have an old relationship with my uncle?"

  Zhang De, who had been silent and serious all along, suddenly spoke up, "Oh, so you're General Li's niece. No wonder you have such skills. Good, good..."

  This man knew he wasn't good with words, and after saying a couple of nice things, he felt like there was nothing more to say. His face turned slightly red, and Li Renquan couldn't help but smile. "Old Zhang used to follow General Li in guarding Jinming Fort, I think Old Zhang was only twenty years old back then," he said. "I and Old Han didn't have the good fortune to meet him, but we've long admired General Li's reputation. Just by looking at his niece, you can imagine what kind of person General Li is. In terms of seniority, shouldn't it be okay for her to call you 'Uncle Li'?"

  Li Jinhua smiled like a flower, "Look at what the general said, Jinhua is indeed a junior, and it's a blessing to have several generals as uncles. I'm afraid that several generals think Jinhua is too proud..." When it comes to social connections, Li Jinhua, born into a noble family, naturally excelled, while Zhao Shi, who was behind her, couldn't keep up even if he tried his best.

  After a few words, Uncle and niece's relationship became more intimate, Zhao Shi looked at the people in front of him who were chatting and laughing, thinking that just now they were still on guard, but now it seemed like they were really one family, this kind of skill he asked himself how he couldn't learn.

  "Since we're family, we should help our niece out. Old Zhang is a former subordinate of General Li, so I'm sure she can trust him. Let's just trouble him to take care of everything in the city. As for me and Old Han, we'll just bother you for a meal, niece. This winter has been really tough, my mouth is all dry! Haha, your uncle is a rough man, sometimes he speaks without thinking, don't mind him."

  He did this perfectly, having himself and Han Shi here to reassure Li Jinhua, while also allowing Zhang Dejian to enter the city. With him in charge of the city's defense, even Li Jizong's elite troops couldn't gain an advantage. He was able to repay a favor to Li Jinhua, truly achieving two goals at once, and his deep strategic thinking is impressive.

  "Then I'll trouble Uncle Zhang, my niece is here setting up a banquet, and when Uncle comes back, we'll give him a toast to make amends..."

  Zhang De Rang was also straightforward, the small school lieutenant in front of him at this time was quite different from before. In the military, camaraderie is highly valued, and Li Jin Hua being Li Gan's niece made their relationship special. With a slight nod, he left, and several people escorted him to the camp gate, where over ten personal guards were anxiously waiting. They all had some injuries on their bodies, and everyone understood that they had also suffered during the siege of Li Ji Zu's personal guards earlier. Seeing them come out, the guards' faces showed surprise and joy, thinking their commander was trapped inside. If no one came out after a while, they planned to return to the city to report the news. Now, seeing their commander emerge unscathed, they were naturally overjoyed and immediately surrounded him.

  Li Renquan and Han Shi handed over a few words to them, letting them return to the city to report to the deputy general, and the soldiers under their command were assigned by Zhang Deliang, and they were not allowed to disobey.

  At this time, Li Jinhua said to Zhang Dejian: "Uncle, the Li Jizong family is a big clan in Qingyang. The person has been punished and the family property will definitely be confiscated. However, his family members are asking Uncle to show mercy, and when the Qingyang case is settled, my niece will send someone to deliver grain and grass into the city."

  "My niece is still soft-hearted, alright, don't worry, nothing big will happen in the city..."

  Back in the big tent, Li Jinhua immediately ordered people to prepare wine and dishes, and accompanied Li Renquan and the two of them chatted. Zhao Shi didn't want to get involved between them, he wasn't used to such occasions, but Li Jinhua called him over and let him follow her. At this time, several people said nothing more than some polite words, Zhao Shi naturally felt uncomfortable all over, and he also vaguely knew Li Jinhua's mind. The two generals here, although their future is uncertain, are both fourth-grade officials, with connections and prestige in the military. If it were an ordinary day, there would naturally be people who would fawn on them. Like Li Jinhua, a brave and decisive officer, they might not even be able to see him normally. Today, just as they were down on their luck, was the perfect opportunity to make connections. If they came out unscathed this time, they would surely remember today's friendship, and having more powerful allies in the military would naturally bring benefits in the future.

  Li Renquan also saw that Li Jinhua was treating the young man by her side unusually, and at this time he casually said: "Which family is this kid from? His temperament is not small, even Du Shantiger can be ordered around, it seems we are really old..."

  In his mind, this young man must also be a noble son, and may even be a relative of Li Jin Hua. The young man showed no fear towards the few of them, and when cheating them, he didn't show any nervousness, indeed a remarkable person, so he asked him to come out.

  Li Jinhua was waiting for him to ask this sentence, and immediately smiled: "Uncle said that he is called Zhao Shi, belonging to the Fengxiang West Road Tuanlian Shi Yaomen, and can't be considered a formal imperial guard. He is also from a poor family... However, this time my niece can lead the army to come here, it's his greatest credit, his intelligence and talent are far superior to my niece..."

  So from the surprise attack on Xiaoshan, to the night raid on the enemy camp, to gathering the remnants of Xuanfeng's army, to setting up fake flags and banners, to frightening off the Western Xia army, to deceiving them into leaving the city... everything was repeated in its entirety. After listening, Li Renquan and the others were left staring blankly, their expressions changed as they looked at Zhao Shi with a different gaze.

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