At this time, an official stood up, bowed and said: "Your Highness, Princess, Prince, I have a plan that may work for me because of my humble position." "Oh? What's the plan?" Zhao Yingluo and Zhao Zhen looked at the official at the same time, with a hint of expectation in their eyes. The official smiled slightly, "I thought we could set up beacon towers in the prefectures and counties west of Chang'an. Once the Daxia cavalry attacks, the prefectures and counties can immediately light beacons to call the police. In this way, we can know their route of action and destination in advance. , so as to make corresponding arrangements.” Zhao Yingluo's eyes lit up when she heard this, "This is a great plan! In this way, we can not only know the enemy's situation in advance, but also set up ambushes and traps based on their route of action. Send the order and immediately set up in the prefectures and counties west of Chang'an Beacon Tower!” Zhao Zhen also nodded in agreement and said: "This strategy is indeed feasible. However, we must also pay attention to strengthening the defense forces of the prefectures and counties to prevent the Daxia cavalry from taking advantage of the situation." "That's right." Zhao Yingluo added, "In addition, we must strengthen contact and cooperation with other states and counties to jointly resist the invasion of Daxia." After hearing this, the officials present nodded in agreement and expressed that they would fully cooperate with the implementation of this strategy. Zhao Yingluo and Zhao Zhen looked at each other and smiled, feeling relieved. As long as everyone works together to defend against the enemy, I believe we will be able to defeat the invasion of Daxia and protect the peace of Chang'an. "Thank you for your hard work, sirs. The safety of Chang'an depends on you. I hope you can continue to work hard."
The officials said in unison: "Your Highness the Princess is serious! It is our duty to protect Chang'an and we will do our best to live up to Your Highness's expectations!" Zhao Yingluo nodded with satisfaction, and then discussed some specific defensive strategies with Zhao Zhen before ending the meeting. When the two siblings walked out of the government office hall, it was getting dark. The streets of Chang'an City were brightly lit, and the people were busy preparing dinner. The air is filled with the aroma of food and the laughter of people, making this ancient capital full of life and vitality. Zhao Yingluo took a deep breath of air, smiled and said to Zhao Zhen: "It seems that the people's sentiment in Chang'an is quite stable, which is good news for us." Zhao Zhen also smiled and said: "Yes, sister. As long as we can defeat the invasion of Daxia Kingdom, I believe that we will not be able to defeat the Jin Kingdom for long." However, despite Zhao Yingluo and Zhao Zhen's careful planning, the establishment of the beacon tower did not work as expected. The speed of Daxia's cavalry was far beyond the Song army's imagination. Even if the beacon relays the news, the Song army's cavalry reinforcements were still one step behind. Seeing that the Beacon Tower strategy did not bring about significant changes, Zhao Yingluo could not help but frown, and became even more worried. On this day, Zhao Yingluo once again summoned all officials in Chang'an to discuss countermeasures. The atmosphere in the government office hall was solemn, and all the officials looked at each other, helpless. Zhao Yingluo looked around and saw that everyone had no good ideas, and she couldn't help but feel helpless in her heart. However, she was not discouraged and instead smiled, breaking the dull atmosphere. "My lords, since the defensive strategy is difficult to work, then we will change our thinking." Zhao Yingluo said firmly, "The best defense is to attack! Since Daxia is unwilling to fight us, then we will take the initiative and fight until Take Xingqing City, the Kingdom of Daxia!" As soon as this statement came out, all the officials were shocked. Some officials looked embarrassed and raised objections one after another. "Your Highness, this move is too risky!" An old minister said with a trembling voice, his face full of worry, "Xingqing City is thousands of miles away from Chang'an, and the army has traveled a long distance, and I'm afraid they will be killed before they reach the city. We are exhausted. What’s more, the Daxia cavalry are very cunning. If they take advantage of our army’s fatigue to launch an attack, the consequences will be disastrous!” Another middle-aged official also stood up. He frowned and said in a deep voice: "Your Royal Highness, the veteran also thinks this is inappropriate. Although our army is brave and good at fighting, in the face of the harassment and attacks of Daxia cavalry, We should still focus on defense and be safe. Taking Xingqing City directly can force the enemy to rescue us, but if we fail, it will be a catastrophe for our Song Dynasty!" "Yes, Your Highness Princess, please think twice!" Another official agreed. Listening to the discussions among the officials, Zhao Yingluo's expression gradually became serious. She knew what this decision meant to Da Song, and she also knew what the price would be if it failed. However, she knew better that if decisive action was not taken, the Song Dynasty would always be passive and beaten, and the people would always live in fear and insecurity. "My lords!" Zhao Yingluo suddenly shouted, with unquestionable majesty in her voice, "I know that this decision is risky, but I also believe that the soldiers of the Song Dynasty have the courage and ability to complete this mission! We can no longer be passively beaten and wait for death! We must take the initiative and look for opportunities to fight! Only in this way can we completely defeat Daxia and eliminate the threat to Chang'an!"
Zhao Zhen also pondered for a moment, and then said: "Sister, I think this plan is feasible. Although it is risky to take Xingqing City directly, it can force the Daxia cavalry to rescue, and then there will be an opportunity for a decisive battle. As long as it is risky. We can carefully plan and deploy carefully, and this adventure may not be successful." After deciding on the strategic direction, preparations for the expedition began in full swing in Chang'an City. As the commander-in-chief of this expedition, Zhao Yingluo personally supervised every preparation work. From the deployment of troops, horses, food and grass to the inspection of weapons and equipment, she took care of everything to ensure nothing went wrong. In the end, Zhao Yingluo decided to prepare an army of 100,000 troops, mainly cavalry and supplemented by infantry. In order to increase the speed of the advance, she did not order the army to carry heavy artillery, but selected light and powerful firecrackers, bows and arrows, and swords as the main weapons. This configuration not only ensures the mobility of the army without losing its combat effectiveness. Two days later, when the morning light first appeared, the gates of Chang'an City slowly opened, and a hundred thousand troops marched out, their banners covering the sun and their armor bright. Zhao Yingluo is wearing armor and riding a tall war horse with a heroic appearance. Hazel followed closely behind, also wearing armor and looking tense. At the same time, far away in the Xixia Palace in Xingqing City, there was a scene of singing and dancing. Li Qianshun, the leader of the Xixia Kingdom, was sitting on a dragon chair, surrounded by beauties. In front of him were piles of gold and silver treasures plundered from the Song Dynasty. He looked at the treasures and beauties in the palace, and his heart was full of pride. "Your Majesty is wise and powerful. This alliance with the Jin Kingdom will definitely destroy the Song Dynasty in one fell swoop and achieve great achievements for the ages!" a minister said flatteringly. Li Qianshun laughed when he heard this: "Hahaha! My decision is naturally extremely wise. Daxia only needs to send cavalry to contain the Song army, and the main decisive battle will be left to the Jin. When the Jin conquers Chang'an, the Song Dynasty will be It’s in our pocket!” Another minister also echoed: "What your Majesty said is absolutely true! The Song Dynasty is weak and the people are poor. How can it be our opponent in the Great Xia Kingdom? This expedition will definitely be successful and will be an immediate success!" The more Li Qianshun listened, the more proud he became. He raised his wine glass and toasted to the ministers: "Come! Dear friends, drink this cup with me and wish us a great victory!"
