While there was fierce battle outside Xiangguo City, the city was also not very peaceful.

As a little transparent among the many princes of Jie Kingdom, Shi Kun has neither a strong mother clan as a backing, and has never been loved and valued by his father Shi Hu. Now, due to the current situation, he is forced to stay in Xiangguo. Although he is nominally restrained Ma Qiu and Zhang Hedu, the two of them are actually despised him.

Shi Kun is not unfamiliar with this feeling of being neglected. This is how he came here in Jiande Palace over the past ten years. If it weren't for being kidnapped by the Fenwu Army of Jin State last autumn, he wouldn't even know the nobleness of his identity as a prince, he didn't know that there was a vast world outside Jiande Palace, and he didn't know that there was a chaotic world between the world.

Although Ma and Zhang all looked down on Shi Kun, the prince, the sect king, they did not dare to completely ignore it. Shi Kun, a cowardly young man, had nothing to pay attention to, but since the Lord arranged his son in Xiangguo, Shi Kun represented the Lord's majesty.

Although the two of them planned and did not ask Shi Kun for advice on any plans, they would not ask for instructions from them, but the basic vain offerings were not mean. Although the entire city in Xiangguo was almost emptied, they could still raise people and things to satisfy the prince's daily life alone.

In fact, if we do not consider the precarious situation in Xiangguo, the life of staying in Xiangguo would not be as terrible as Shi Kun felt.

Although the Shanyu Platform located in the north of the city has not been completely built, it already has some complete palaces and halls, which is much better than the remote palace courtyard he lived in Jiande Palace in the old years.

Moreover, the second generals collected some servants and relatives abandoned by the central government in the city. There were as many as a hundred servants serving Shi Kun on a daily basis, and everyone was centered on him, which made him feel the joy of being valued and cared for.

But after experiencing the torture of the war in the past year, Shi Kun knew that all these things were just the flowers that were in autumn, and seemed to be beautiful and prosperous, and withered for a moment.

During the day, he could still feel a little at ease when he saw the busy figures of waiters inside and outside, and the guards were busy, but once he was at night, he would become palpitations and anxious. Once he closed his eyes and ears, the noise of the chaos of the Jiande Palace sounded again. In the cold night outside the door, there seemed to be countless fierce and fierce people ready to go. Once he fell asleep, he would show his ferocious face. He captured him like last year and then ran thousands of miles.

In order to dispel the heavy pressure in his heart, at night, he wanted to let the messengers light up the palace and the outside of the palace as bright as day. Before the guards were arranged by the Arsenal Array, there were gentle women in the room and stroking their backs to sleep. But even so, he rarely could sleep until dawn, or had nightmares or was awakened by a slight sound and was shocked and uneasy.

As time went by, the Jin army gradually approached Xiangguo, and the city was also exhausted and frugal. As the large amount of oil, wax, and firewood, which Shanyu Taiwan consumed, was naturally greatly reduced. Although Shi Kun protested several times, it was already the limit for Ma and Zhang Er to support him, and he would not waste it in order to make the cowardly prince sleep peacefully. Therefore, most of his protests did not respond. This cold winter night turned into a long torture for Shi Kun.

It is not a bad thing for people to be vigilant in times of peace, but for Shi Kun, the prince who is under house arrest, even if he feels full of crisis in his heart, he doesn't know what to do to turn around the situation and avoid disasters.

The only way that his unwise mind could think of was to make good friends with the soldiers around the Shanyutai as guards. They not only gave generous rewards to many of the goods and goods offered by the two generals, but also gave generous means of giving gifts to women from other people. They were so attentive that they were even a little humble. They only hope that when the war came, these soldiers could repay their kindness and protect him with utmost mercy.

But the same method and different people give people a different feeling. Shi Kun thought he was respectful to the wise and the nobles, but in the eyes of the powerful soldiers and generals around him, the prince was really timid and ridiculous, and the respect he had originally had disappeared because of his reputation.

However, they regarded the guard Shi Kun as a rare good job, which not only avoided the hard work of killing the enemy in front of the battlefield and guarding the night, but also squeezed wealth from Shi Kun by exaggerating the enemy's situation and intimidating the silence of the enemy. They could even force the women in the city to provide lust and enjoyment. Even some of the people in the Forbidden Garden Palace who were originally placed in Shanyutai who had no time to move away were divided and occupied by these bold and arbitrary soldiers.

Although Ma Qiu left the city to fight to the decisive battle, Shi Kun from Shanyu Taiwan soon learned about it because the fighting sounded too fierce. The young man who was already trembling became even more frightened and had to send messengers to inquire about the situation of the war almost every once in a while.

After a period of guarding, the Jie army soldiers also understood Shi Kun's temperament and only said that the wars outside were tragic and were unwilling to go to danger. They waited until Shi Kun rewarded his property before going out for a walk and came back to make excuses.

It’s not that they don’t care about the situation of the battle, but they know in their hearts that no matter what the outcome is, Ma Qiu will definitely take the initiative to report the news. The fierce battle is in full swing, and even if they really go to inquire, they really can’t get any useful information.

Although Shi Kun was young and cowardly, he was not a fool. After spending so long, he was not unaware of the tricks of these arrogant soldiers and generals, but other than that, he could not suppress and drive these people.

Those wealth and women were of no use to him, and now the Lord placed him in Xiangguo despite his pleading, which made him afraid to bring out his father's reputation and suppress the generals and soldiers. If they really get into evil, who can guarantee that these greedy and vicious generals and soldiers will not harm him?

The torment of waiting was the most tormenting. After a day of war in the south of the city, Shi Kun was shocked and even had no mood to eat. As night fell, his emotions became even more broken. The hundreds of guards arranged by Ma Qiu to him were gathered in front of the room, and the waiters were also arranged around the room.

The fearful mood will infect people, especially during the past period of time, the pressure of the Jin army slowly approaching was already shrouded in the sky above the Xiangguo city. After nightfall, the two sides in the south of the city disturbed each other, and movements and stillness were inevitable to spread to this realm. Even the elite soldiers who were in the battles in Shanyu Taiwan who were arranged by Ma Qiu became a little nervous and began to take the initiative to investigate the news, without the energy to deceive Shi Kun.

In the second half of the night, Shi Kun was already sleepy under the guards of the waiters around him. He suddenly heard a very real shout of killing in his ears. He was shocked, his sleepiness disappeared, and he shouted in panic: "Have the Jin army entered this territory?"

The soldiers outside the palace were also very nervous at this time. They had learned from the front that a cavalry team of the Jin army was circling the city. The chief general Ma Qiu told them to protect King Wu'an. Originally, the troops belonging to General Zhang Hedu of the Guard were also withdrawn outside the Shanyu Taiwan and increased to the city defense. It was obvious that the battle that occurred at this time should be the battle that the Jin army was trying to attack the city.

"Where is the guard? Where is the Mahou? Quickly inform them to enter the inner guard..."

After awakening, the shouts of killing in Shi Kun's ears became more and more real, and he could even see the fire flashing in the night in the southwest direction. Everything seemed to be the disaster that happened on Jiande Palace last year, which immediately pushed Shi Kun to the brink of collapse, and even the shouts were filled with a few begging and crying.

Although the soldiers of Jie army in Shanyu and Taichung were greedy and bold, they did not dare to ignore the military situation that was related to their own safety. They used Shi Kun's inn to send envoys to Zhang Hedu's camp to ask about the enemy situation.

Zhang Hedu was busy responding to the enemy at the city. After the chaos last year, the Xiangguo city was seriously damaged and had not been repaired uniformly. The so-called defense of the city is just a line of defense that is pieced together based on the doors of the mansions of high-ranking officials and powerful people left behind in the north of the city.

Without a unified city wall as a protection, Zhang Hedu was also busy and anxious at this time, and he was not in the mood to deal with Shanyutai's inquiries.

At this moment, he felt very resentful towards Ma Qiu, because according to his perception, there were not many Southern cavalry, and the Jie army had an absolute advantage in field battles. Otherwise, why would the Jin army advance so slowly and slowly?

It must be that Ma Qiu was resentful of his previous oppression that he deliberately relaxed the restraint of the Jin army along the way, allowing the Jin army to attack the city itself. In this way, even if the battle was unfavorable later, Ma Qiu could use this to catch him!

Although Xiangguo's city defense is full of chaos, there are still nearly 20,000 soldiers on guard. The Fenwu Army was able to break the city easily last year because Xiangguo itself fell into chaos and turmoil. As for this time, there was no such good luck.

The mansions of these powerful people in the north of the city were not as built as a strong fort, and many soldiers defended themselves based on this. Even if the Fenwu Army was brave and brave, it would be difficult for them to break through the city defense in the night battle. However, Shen Yun led his troops to this point, and he had no intention of easily breaking through the city, but just took the opportunity to create chaos and exhaust the guards of Jie Kingdom.

After all, the current military strength of the King's Army does not have an absolute advantage over the Jie Kingdom's defenders. These defenders in Xiangguo City are also a major hidden danger to the King's Army. Once they participate in the battle on the front battlefield as a new force, it will also bring great pressure to the King's Army. Shen Yun's mission is to circle the city guerrillas to prevent these Jie Kingdom's defenders from leaving the city at night.

With the experience of capturing Xiangguo last year, the Fenwu Army disturbed the enemy this night and was revisiting the old place, and there is still a relatively vivid memory of the Xiangguo city defense system.

Shen Yun led his troops to travel west of Xiangguo City, deliberately creating chaos and throwing fire. After agitating all the Jie soldiers and rushed into the defense line, he led his troops to continue to travel north along the Xiangguo City.

He also tried to find the old path last year, and saw if there were any loopholes available for exploitation. He found that the Youyuan hunting ground on the northwest side of Jiande Palace had already been deserted. He continued to look inward and discovered that the military camps set up by Jie Kingdom here were mostly resisting horses and fences, which obviously had some repairs.

This place was useless, but Chen Yun unexpectedly discovered that the building in the north of Xiangguo City that he had not visited last year was brightly lit, and the left and right disturbed the enemy. He led his troops to continue to go north, deliberately creating noise and chaos along the way, in order to disturb all the remaining soldiers in Xiangguo.

As the garrison of the North City, Zhang Hedu was as busy as an ant on a hot pan. Although Ma Qiu had previously sent a message to the Jin army to the north for only three thousand cavalry, he naturally would not believe Ma Qiu's nonsense.

Only by judging others by oneself can he not believe that Ma Qiu is honest in sharing military affairs, and be cautious and not making big mistakes. Although Zhang Hedu himself does not care much about the gains and losses of the Xiangguo city, the premise is to ensure his safety. He also needs to bring back all the military forces he currently has as a bargaining chip for power and profit in the future. Before this, the Jin army would never allow him to break through the city and kill his soldiers.

Therefore, as the Fenwu Army moved, Zhang Hedu also led thousands of elite soldiers to wander in the defense line, and finally came to the outside of Shanyutai in the north of the city. Shanyutai Shi Kun sent people to summon people several times, but Zhang Hedu was not in the mood to deal with the cowardly and useless prince at the moment, so he refused to respond to this, but he was careful not to let the Jin army wandering outside the city break through the defense line.

After all the panic, I finally ensured that the city's defense line was not broken. As the sky gradually became brighter, the Jin army wandering outside the city retreated and disappeared.

While sending a cavalry scout to track the direction of the Jin army's evacuation, Zhang Hedu sent people to the south of the city to express his dissatisfaction, and also stayed in the camp outside Shanyutai for a small rest.

However, Zhang Hedu had not had a rest for a long time, and an urgent report suddenly came from the south of the city, saying that Ma Qiu led his army to attack the Jin army's formation, but fell into the formation and was surrounded by the Jin army.

After learning the news, Zhang Hedu naturally could not calm down. Although he was not in harmony with Ma Qiu and had many disputes, he was a grasshopper on the same rope when it came to the issue of fighting against the Jin army. If Ma Qiu was defeated, he naturally would not be able to escape the benefits.

"The thief is stupid and he will betray his reputation in vain!"

While scolding Ma Qiu's incompetence, Zhang Hedu urgently adjusted his defense, gave up some insignificant strongholds on the periphery, focused on defending several areas, and sent people to pay close attention to the battle situation in the south of the city. He didn't care much about the victory or defeat of Ma Qiu, but if he really lost, he had to make other plans.

At this moment, the guards of Shanyu Taichung came to inquire about military information again. I don’t know how many times it was from last night to this day. Zhang Hedu was also very upset. Just as he was about to repel him, his heart suddenly moved and said, “Please wait for a moment. After I finish patrol patrol, I will report the situation in person.”

He didn't suddenly care about Shi Kun's situation, but realized that this was also a rare opportunity for him.

Although he divided up tens of thousands of soldiers from Ma Qiu's hands, he still had more than 20,000 elite cavalry and soldiers under Ma Qiu's command, which made him covet. He had no chance to intervene in this part of the cavalry's military power before, but now Ma Qiu is trapped in the enemy's formation, and the cavalry and soldiers in the south of the city are all headless. As one of the two major war generals in Xiangguo, he is responsible for taking over his army in the face of danger.

However, these cavalry soldiers were brought back from Ye and commanded for many years, so naturally there were many confidants among them. Zhang Hedu and Ma Qiu were not in harmony, and he did not dare to go rashly to seize military power. Shi Kun, who had not cared about it before, is now a very important bargaining chip.

No matter how unbearable the prince Shi Kun was, he was the biological son of the Lord and was now the highest commander of Xiangguo. If he could control Shi Kun to the south of the city, even if the cavalry soldiers in the south of the city were reluctant, they would not dare to disobey the military orders.

If Zhang Hedu could receive this part of the cavalry military power, there would be no need to continue to stay in Xiangguo. These cavalry soldiers could use their power to intercept and protect his army from the city to return to Xindu.

As for the main person to hold Xiangguo responsible for the loss, it was because Ma Qiu underestimated his opponent and went out of the city to fight but was killed by the Jin army. Zhang Hedu took the overall situation into consideration and gave up the city in order to retain these precious troops of Xiangguo. Even if he was implicated, he would not be too serious!

This thought arose in his mind, and Zhang Hedu no longer had the intention of setting up a defense line. He just ordered the military to continue to shrink inward and began to manage the remaining equipment and objects in the city, in order to bring as many letters as possible.

At the same time, he sent people to contact the nails developed in Maqiu's army, so that these people could cooperate and then enter the Shanyutai under the guard of nearly a thousand soldiers.

As an optional puppet prince, it was not difficult for Zhang Hedu to control him, but because Ma Qiu had sent many confidants to Shi Kun to guard him, things became a bit tricky. Zhang Hedu did not dare to attack Shanyutai, so as to avoid those Ma Qiu's confidants from rushing to jump over the wall and fighting to the death.

He now has a great advantage. After all, Ma Qiu is trapped in the Jin army formation and his life and death are unknown. How many of the confidants he arranged by Shi Kun can die foolishly?

However, at such a critical moment, Zhang Hedu dared not take risks easily. He first let the soldiers around him rush into Shanyu Taichung to ensure there was no danger. However, there were obstacles to the implementation of the plan. Shi Kun was too cautious and cherished his life. All the soldiers guarding Shanyu Tai had been summoned to the surroundings of the living room and gathered in a group. It was difficult for the soldiers sent by Zhang Hedu to approach Shi Kun.

"Are you brave soldiers threatening the king? Retreat quickly. I have important military information to report to Your Highness!"

Zhang Hedu walked into Shikun's house surrounded by soldiers. He first severely abolished the guards who had never parted. Then he shouted to the palace gate: "Please wait and put away the guards. Rong Mo is about to follow him. Report the military situation in detail. The current situation is urgent, and I am afraid that the disaster will come soon!"

Shi Kun was extremely frightened, and at this time he heard Zhang Hedu's voice, he was even more frightened. However, although he was as timid as a frightened bird, he was also very anxious about his life. He just stood in front of the door and said tremblingly: "Since it is a military emergency, the guards please enter quickly. As for the guards around him, they are all loyal warriors who can entrust life and death, and they are all!"

At the critical moment, he still believed that the guards around him who had been bribed with money and were still somewhat reserved for Zhang Hedu.

Zhang Hedu naturally refused to easily enter the trustees left by Ma Qiu. The situation was a bit stalemate for a while. The guards left behind Shanyu Taiwan saw that Zhang Heduyan was in urgent military situation but was slow to do so, and they were also wary in their hearts, and they refused to let Shi Kun go easily. The situation was a stalemate for a while.

At this time, Zhang Hedu was also anxious, worried that the situation would be even more unfavorable if it was delayed. He simply made up his mind and said loudly: "Ma Qiu was stupid and went out of the city without authorization to fight with the Jin army. He has been trapped in the south of the city by the Jin army. His troops are not in control and collapse is imminent, and the military situation is like fire. The last general is asking His Highness to rescue the army and save the city, but he is afraid he will not be able to save it!"

"What?"

"How could it be like this..."

When the confidants around the room heard this military situation, they all changed their minds and exclaimed in surprise.

"You gangsters, will you still stop me from having a big deal? Once Ma Qiu's army is defeated and killed, it will be missed the opportunity to fight. Don't redeem it if you die!"

Taking advantage of the fear of Ma Qiu and his confidants, Zhang Hedu led a dozen personal soldiers by his side to the front door of the room. Ma Qiu's confidants were very frightened at this time, worried about the safety of the general, and no longer stopped him, allowing Zhang Hedu and others to rush into the room.

Shi Kun was even more unbearable at this moment, his face turned pale. If it weren't for the waiter's support, he would have almost lying on the ground. Seeing Zhang Hedu rushing in, he said tremblingly: "Ma, how could Mahou... Has the Jin army broken the city? I, I don't want to stay in this realm anymore, and quickly retreat to Xindu! I, I am the Lord's parent-child. If you die in this realm, you will all die, all die..."

Zhang Hedu looked down at Shi Kun, who was no longer possessed, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. This boy was so cowardly that he didn't even have the slightest charm of the master. He really doubted whether he was the master's species.

However, at present, he still needs to rely on Shi Kun to gather the military power of the cavalry in the south of the city, stepped forward and picked up Shi Kun's arm, and said sternly: "Please follow me quickly to the south of the city to rectify the strength of the remaining soldiers. There are still tens of thousands of elite soldiers in the city, and it is difficult for the Jin army to easily shake it. Whether to fight or leave, let me discuss it later!"

"No, no...I, I'm leaving, I'm going to go to the letter, I'm going to meet the Lord..."

Shi Kun's limbs were soft and tears were flowing. One of his arms was grabbed by Zhang Hedu in his hands, and his whole body was almost hanging on Zhang Hedu's thighs. He just waved his hand and shouted to escape from the city.

Seeing Shi Kun so unbearable, Zhang Hedu felt even more disdainful. If this son had not had his special identity, he would have drawn his sword and threatened him long ago, so he would not let him tantrums. At present, he could only say patiently: "Even if he was going to return to his country, it would not be a good time. The Fenwu Army of Jin State had bypassed the front and wandered around the city. If the army was not renovated, there would be a certain situation when he left the city..."

"Fenwu Army? The Fenwu Army has attacked the city?"

Shi Kun was almost collapsed at this time, but he still keenly grasped this keyword. Zhang Hedu was still frowning and explaining patiently: "The Fenwu Army did not enter the city, but just raided the city..."

However, Shi Kun could no longer listen to Zhang Hedu's use of the situation. The hideous voice that had frequently appeared in nightmares in the past year and woke him up: "I'm going to cut you alive inch!"

While holding Shi Kun, Zhang Hedu was patiently advising him to follow him to the south of the city. Suddenly, a cold light flashed in his eyes. He immediately felt a severe pain in his rib abdomen. He looked closely and saw that Shi Kun, who was still crying, had a bloody short-blade dagger in his hand. The weak part of his ribs had already been pierced by the short-blade, and blood was pouring in!

"You, you... you harm me?"

Zhang Hedu raised his hand to cover the intercostal wound, looking disbelief. This timid prince, the poor boy who was frightened by the enemy, dared to assassinate himself!

At this time, Zhang Hedu's personal soldiers rushed forward and isolated the two. After Shi Kun took out the short blade that he had carried with him for many days and stabbed Zhang Hedu hard, he also took advantage of the opportunity to get rid of his control and roll into the hall. He was still cursing: "Riege, traitor! If you want to harm me, don't let me live... If anyone wants to harm me, I will kill whoever! Fenwu Army is here, Shen Shi is here! He wants to kill me, he will cut me alive..."

Zhang Hedu was suddenly stabbed, and the confidants of Ma Qiu outside the door were also stunned. After a moment of shock, they suddenly shouted: "Save, save the car! The traitor is the key to your highness..."

Then there was a melee, and Shi Kun, who caused this riot, had already crawled into the panic waiters in the living room, shouting shrillly: "Zhang Hedu wants to kill me... the traitor wants to harm you! Chen Shi is here and you are going to cut you alive..."

Poor Zhang Hedu thought he was smart, so he was first stabbed by Shi Kun in the bottom of the river, and then besieged by Ma Qiu's confidant who poured in. Although there were more than a dozen personal soldiers guarding him, he eventually died on the spot and was killed by the ravage sword!

Ma Qiu's confidants also had a sudden reaction under stress. It was Shi Kun's bribes for many days and gave him some gains. After killing Zhang Hedu, he was extremely confused. Seeing that the soldiers under Zhang Hedu's command attacked him fiercely, they could only defend the corridor, and they had another chaotic battle with each other.

After the initial panic, the soldiers and commanders who were forced into the room also had their own opinions. They waved their knives in the room to slash the waiters who were screaming and rushing away, and then grabbed Shi Kun in their hands, and then raised the young man and shouted to the outside of the bureau: "Zhang Hedu wants to harm the king, but he has been killed. Those who follow the rebel dare to make trouble again and kill them all!"

On the way to shout, they cut off the head of Zhang Hedu with his eyes closed and threw it out of the room. Originally, Zhang Hedu planned to take the soldiers first because of Ma Qiu's life and death, but he didn't expect that he would die in front of Ma Qiu. As his head was thrown out, the Jie soldiers who besieged the palace were also stunned. All the masters were dead, why did they fight?

The melee in Shanyu Taiwan came to an end. Shi Kun was held hostage by Ma Qiu's confidants, and he was completely confused and completely collapsed.

Ma Qiu's confidants were also in a dilemma at this moment. They were trapped in the Jin army formation. They didn't know how to live or die, but they killed Zhang Hedu. The Shanyu and the Taiwan were all Zhang Hedu's troops. Even if they temporarily held Shi Kun hostage, how much guarantee can this prince, who was already shocked, provide them with?

"Let's go to Jin! We, we finally killed a major enemy in Jin, which should be considered a righteous act?"

Suddenly one person suggested, and the atmosphere suddenly subsided, and the person who advocated the title was suddenly stunned. Then everyone present showed a thoughtful look. A general guarding the Jie Kingdom, a living prince, may be able to add half a broken city, which should be able to save their lives, right?

As for Shi Kun still crying and screaming, he would rather die than fall into the hands of the Shenliu of the South. Who cares?
Chapter completed!