However, Li Qianshun never expected that the good times would not last long. The Song Dynasty's 100,000-strong army was like a blazing fire that set the prairie fire on fire. After they entered the territory of Daxia, they quickly captured Yanzhou and forced the capital Xingqing. Battle reports came in like snowflakes, and each battle report made Li Qianshun's heart sink a little. Li Qianshun was sitting on the dragon chair, his face was ashen, and his eyes showed unspeakable panic and anger. He never expected that Her Royal Highness the Princess of the Song Dynasty would rashly switch from defense to offense, directly threatening the capital of Great Xia. He originally thought that Da Song Dynasty would only defend passively, but he did not expect that they would dare to take the initiative and attack so fiercely. "Your Majesty, what should we do now?" a minister asked tremblingly. Li Qianshun glared at him and said nothing. His heart was filled with anger and unwillingness, but more importantly, panic.
"Your Majesty, the Song Dynasty's army is approaching fiercely. We must come up with countermeasures as soon as possible." An old minister with white hair and beard came out of the queue tremblingly and said worriedly. "Countermeasures? Where are the countermeasures?" Li Qianshun slapped the armrest of the dragon chair angrily, stood up and shouted sternly, "You usually claim to be a think tank, but now that a disaster is approaching, why are you all mute?" "Your Majesty, please calm down." A tall minister with a resolute face took a step forward, cupped his hands and said, "I believe that the top priority is to recall our country's roving cavalry and mobilize soldiers and horses from all over to jointly resist the Song Dynasty's attack." "What General Zhang said is absolutely true." Another minister dressed as a civilian nodded in agreement, "However, I think we should also send an envoy to the Song Dynasty at the same time to explain the interests to Zhao Yingluo. Maybe she can retreat. .” "Hmph! Retreat? Do you think Zhao Yingluo is a three-year-old child?" A minister with a beard snorted and said disdainfully, "The Song Dynasty sent troops this time to destroy the prestige of our Daxia Kingdom. . If we show weakness and seek peace, it will only make them push forward even more!" "What General Li said is wrong!" Another civil servant stood up and shook his head and said, "The ancients said: 'The first step is to attack with troops, the second is to attack diplomatic relations, and the second is to attack troops.' Why don't we try to resolve this situation through peaceful means? What about the dispute?” "Peaceful means? Do you think Zhao Yingluo will reason with you?" General Li widened his eyes and retorted angrily, "She is a decisive and decisive leader. Don't expect her to retreat just because of a few words. !” The court suddenly fell into chaos. The ministers were quarreling with each other, and the voices became louder and louder, as if they were going to knock off the roof of the entire palace. Li Ganshun felt dizzy for a while. He rubbed his temples vigorously, trying to calm down. He knew that these ministers were arguing endlessly for the interests of Daxia, but their opinions were as difficult to unify as a piece of loose sand. Li Qianshun couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness in his heart. He felt like a lonely island, beaten by turbulent waves and helpless. Li Qianshun took a deep breath and tried to calm down the anger and panic in his heart. He knew that he had to make a decision now, otherwise the Great Xia Kingdom would fall into an irreversible situation. "Okay!" Li Qianshun shouted, with unquestionable majesty in his voice, "I have decided! Recall the cavalry who are away and mobilize troops from all over to gather in Xingqing! We are going to show off with Zhao Yingluo! " After hearing Li Qianshun's decision, there was an exclamation in the court. Many ministers showed expressions of disbelief. They thought Li Qianshun's decision was too risky. However, some ministers expressed support for Li Qianshun's decision, believing that only in this way can the dignity and interests of Daxia be preserved. The news that the Xixia Kingdom had recalled the rangers spread quickly like wildfire. After being informed by the scouts carefully deployed by Zhao Yingluo, it was immediately reported back to the Yanzhou camp. At this time, Zhao Yingluo was sitting in the government office. Next to her was a slightly swaying candle, which illuminated her face. "Report——!" A scout rushed into the lobby breathlessly, knelt on one knee, and held up a secret letter with both hands. "All Xixia Rangers have been recalled and are gathering towards Xingqing Mansion!" When Zhao Yingluo heard this, a glimmer of light flashed in her deep pool-like eyes. She slowly stretched out her hand, took the secret letter, and lightly traced the paper with her fingertips.
The content of the letter confirmed her suspicion, and the corners of her mouth could not help but tilt up slightly, forming a proud smile. "It seems that my strategy has worked." Zhao Yingluo said softly, with an undoubted confidence in her voice. However, as soon as she finished speaking, there was a burst of whispers in the lobby. The generals were whispering to each other and discussing. They all know the danger of going deep into the enemy's territory alone. Now that the Xixia Rangers have returned to defend, the Song army's retreat may be cut off at any time. "Your Royal Highness, should our army take this opportunity to withdraw from the Xixia border?" A general finally couldn't help but stood up and asked with his hands raised. Worry and uneasiness were written on his face. Zhao Yingluo raised her eyebrows slightly. She looked around at the generals in the lobby and saw the hesitation and fear in their eyes. She knew that someone had to step forward to stabilize the morale of the army at this time. "Generals," Zhao Yingluo spoke slowly. Although her voice was soft, it had an undoubted power. "I know the worries in your hearts. But I also believe that our soldiers of the Song Dynasty are all brave. People who are good at fighting will never back down easily just because of the slightest difficulty." She paused and continued: "Now that the Xixia Kingdom has recalled the rangers, this is a great opportunity for us to attack. If we withdraw our troops now, not only will our previous efforts be in vain, but we will also leave an opportunity for the Xixia Kingdom to take advantage of." Machine. Generals, are you willing to see such a result?" The hall fell into silence again. The generals looked at each other, and no one responded for a moment. Although Zhao Yingluo's words make sense, the proposal to withdraw troops is not unreasonable. After all, preserving strength is the most important thing. Just then, a rush of footsteps broke the silence. A messenger hurried into the lobby and knelt in front of Zhao Yingluo: "Your Highness Princess Qi, there is a strong wind blowing outside..." Zhao Yingluo was stunned when she heard this, then stood up and walked to the window. She opened the window, and a biting cold wind mixed with sand and dust blew in her face, making her clothes rustle. She looked up and saw dark clouds in the sky, and strong winds roaring in, as if they were going to swallow up the entire world. "This..." The generals also walked to the window to check the situation. They were all stunned by the sudden bad weather. Such weather is undoubtedly extremely unfavorable for marching and fighting. "Your Royal Highness," the general who had previously proposed withdrawing the troops took the opportunity to say, "God's will, our troops should withdraw from the Xixia border as soon as possible." Zhao Yingluo didn't speak. She just stood quietly in front of the window, letting the strong wind blow her hair and cheeks. She knew that no matter what she said at this time, she could not eliminate the fear and uneasiness in the hearts of the generals. But she also knew that if she chose to withdraw her troops at this time, all her previous efforts would be in vain. "I have made my decision." Zhao Yingluo suddenly turned around and looked at the generals and said, "I have decided to continue attacking Xingqing Mansion, the capital of the Xixia Kingdom!" Her voice was firm and powerful, as if there was a kind of magic that made everyone present Everyone was shocked. "Pass this palace order," Zhao Yingluo continued, "The entire army shall be prepared for the wind and set out for Xingqing Mansion early tomorrow morning!"