Chapter 908: Sunpu Castle falls! Hachioji and his thousand men prepare for war together! [6000]

Chapter 908: Sunpu Castle falls! Hachioji and his thousand men prepare for war together! [6000]

When Sanako and Wu hurried to the outskirts of Otsu, they happened to run into a dusty team.

Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble...

At the end of the road, in the flying dust, the dull sound of hooves like thunder gradually approached.

Looking closely, a man and a cow were sprinting in front.

Riding a big black cow... With such a distinctive feature, there couldn't be anyone else!

As if being led, Sanako and Wu moved their feet at the same time and strode forward to greet them.

In a short while, the big black cow stopped steadily in front of the two women.

Then, a voice that made the two women feel relieved came from the cow's back:

"Sanako, Wu, sorry, I kept you waiting for a long time."

Sanako's beautiful eyes were wide open, and her face was full of disbelief.

Wu's reaction was even more exaggerated. She looked like she had seen a ghost, her eyes were dull, her cheeks were full of shock, and she kept looking up and down at Qingdeng.

After a while, Sanako stuttered and asked:

"Qing Deng, you, you are back...?"

"Hmm? If I hadn't come back, who would be the person in front of you right now?"

"No, I mean, it's... how did you come back so quickly?"

Regarding "how long does it take Qing Deng to come back", Sanako has done a detailed study in private.

According to her expectations, Qing Deng would have to take another 5 days to come back no matter how fast he is.

However... she never thought that she would be able to meet him again today!

Qing Deng smiled bitterly:

"It's a long story about how I came back."

After that, he reached out and gently stroked Luobo's neck:

"Luobo, you've worked hard..."

"Moo moo moo..."

It was not until then that the two girls noticed Luobo's current situation.

It's okay if they don't look at it, but they were all scared when they saw it.

Luobo was seen with his head drooping, his limbs trembling, white foam oozing from his mouth, and sweating like rain. Sweat beads as big as beans dripped out along his hair. In just a moment, a small puddle of water accumulated under his body.

You know, Luobo is a "divine bull" with superior physical fitness, and his physical strength and explosive power are better than ordinary war horses.

The two women had never seen this big black bull so tired... It was hard to imagine what it had experienced.

They slowly turned their eyes and looked at the cavalry behind Qingdeng.

At a glance, they suddenly found that: in comparison, Luobo's condition was already good!

"Puff... Puff..."

"Hey! Xiaohui! Hold on! We've reached Otsu!"

"Get down quickly! Your horse is going to fall!"

"Puff...!"

The huge cavalry team of thousands of people, from the head to the end of the team, was filled with the groans, wails, and cries of horses.

In order to get back to Otsu as quickly as possible, the "First Army" led by Qing Deng really exhausted the horse (cow) power.

Although horses have strong explosive power, their endurance is not good and they cannot run fast for a long time.

Throughout history, those cavalry teams that launched long-distance raids basically had one person and two horses, or even one person with three, four, or five horses. The riders took turns riding the horses, and when one horse was tired, they would switch to another one.

What a pity... Only those "rich families" who have no shortage of horses can afford this kind of "tycoon play" - Qing Deng obviously does not belong to this category.

Most of the animal power in the expeditionary army was used to carry baggage.

Therefore, even Qing Deng himself only had one carrot to ride.

If one person has one horse (cow), the animal power will be exhausted after running for a short time.

Even so, Qing Deng and his companions had no other choice but to suffer with their mounts...

Facts have proved that the Aizu Cavalry is indeed a world-famous elite force, and the Shinsengumi 7th and 10th Divisions that Qing Deng has carefully built did not disappoint him.

From the hinterland of Choshu to Otsu, a distance of nearly 350 kilometers...They ran it in just 9 days with only one person and one horse (cow)! The average daily march is 39 kilometers!

To be honest, facing this amazing result, even Qing Deng couldn't help but feel shocked!

Despite the remarkable achievements,...the price paid is also heavy!

At this moment, looking around, almost all the horses are in a state of near coma due to extreme fatigue.

Foaming at the mouth, shaking limbs...as if they will fall down at any time.

In fact, after the team stopped, many horses could no longer hold on because of the "sudden relaxation of the tight string", and kept wailing, and then fell to the ground with a bang, unable to get up again.

Not only the mounts were very hard, but the riders also suffered.

Anyone who has ridden a horse knows that the most torturous part of riding a horse is not the soreness of the waist and back, but the pain of the inner thighs being rubbed.

The saddle is very hard.

The repeated bumps when riding a horse will cause the inner thighs to rub against the saddle all the time, and after a while, you will feel a needle-like stinging pain.

No matter how thick the cloth is, it can only play a relieving role.

Otherwise, why did Liu Bei cry out after seeing the fat growing back on the inner thighs of his thighs, leaving behind the allusion of "the rebirth of thigh meat"?

A person who rides a horse frequently will not grow fat on the inner thighs. If there is fat, it will be rubbed away by the grinding.

In the past 9 days, Qing Deng and others have almost lived on the saddle, with very little rest time.

As a result, on the second day of departure, many riders had blisters on their inner thighs.

Blisters are rubbed, blisters are rubbed, bleeding, and blisters are rubbed again... Over and over again.

Even if the pain is excruciating, I can only grit my teeth and endure it...

After arriving at the destination...to this day, many riders' hakama were wet with blood, and even dripped out, mixing with the sweat of their mounts and dripping down together.

Looking at the exhausted and extremely embarrassed cavalry team, Sanazi bit her lower lip and turned to look at the ministers behind her.

"Quick! Call all the doctors in the town! Both human doctors and veterinarians!"

"yes!"

A courtier stepped forward and reached out to pull the reins of Carrot.

However, Qingden forced Carrot to stand aside and hide.

"There's no rush. Let's take those people and horses who are no longer alive for treatment first."

As he spoke, he turned his head and shouted to the knights:

"Anyone who can still move will follow me! Our mission is not completed yet!"

…

…

Qinjin Domain, Otsu, town——

"Huh? What's going on? Why is it so lively?"

"Don't you know, kid? His Highness Niou is back!"

"What? His Royal Highness is back? Where is he?"

"I don't know! Anyway, just follow the crowd and leave!"

"The lord is back! The lord is back!"

…

His Highness Niou has returned with his army - this news seems to have been given a pair of wings, spreading throughout Otsu and beyond in the blink of an eye!

It is not an exaggeration to describe the current Dajin as empty streets.

For a time, both samurai and civilians put down everything they were doing and rushed towards the same direction - the Biwahiro path in the center of Otsu.

Hirokoji is a spacious avenue specially designed for fire prevention.

When the townspeople rushed to this place, they were surprised to find that many police officials were on guard here.

The officers were standing in a row on both sides of the street, holding hardwood sticks in their hands and holding the sticks horizontally in front of them, so that each stick was connected end to end to form a tight wall of sticks and people, limiting the activities of the town residents. It is limited to the streets on both sides to strictly prevent irrelevant people from approaching the center of the street at will, and also to prevent vicious incidents such as stampedes and congestion.

In a short time, the streets on both sides of Pipaguang Xiaolu were surrounded by mountains and seas, with almost no place to stand.

Even so, there were still many people outside the street trying to squeeze in.

"Don't squeeze! There are no more empty seats in front!"

"Where is my lord? Where is my lord?"

"Hush! Listen! It's the sound of cow hooves!"

As everyone looked forward to it, a stalwart figure gradually appeared from the street corner and slowly came into their eyes.

Qingdeng was seen sitting on Carrot's back, holding the reins in one hand and holding the knife in the other. He looked forward, head held high, like an awe-inspiring and inviolable god of war.

Behind him, two strong cavalrymen were carrying the "Sincerity Flag" representing the Shinsengumi and the "Ringdan Leaf Flag" representing the Qinjin Domain.

Two big flags fluttered in the wind and made a hunting sound.

Behind the flag was the cavalry team that was slowly moving forward and closely following Qingdeng.

The cavalrymen marched six in a row, like a wall.

Although their faces are full of fatigue, no one will think that they are not powerful enough!

Under the eager and enthusiastic gaze of everyone, Qingdeng moved to the very center of the Pipaguang path and stopped.

Then, he raised his head slightly and shouted loudly:

"Everyone, I think you all know this already, right? The Choshu Army sneak attacked Nagoya Castle and Noubi fell!"

With the blessing of the talent "Cloud-Cracking Stone +3", his voice clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

"The enemy is attacking at your doorstep. You must be very uneasy, right?"

"There's not much I want to say."

"From now on, you can feel at ease! No need to worry anymore!"

"You just need to eat as usual, sleep as usual, and work as usual."

"In the days to come, the sun will rise as usual! Dajin will be as peaceful as ever!"

"I will use these hands to kill all invading enemies!"

There are no flowery words or passionate tone.

However, it was these simple words that changed the atmosphere of the scene!

The reputation, prestige, and invincible achievements that Qingdeng has accumulated over a long period of time are enough to be worth a thousand words.

The people present showed excited expressions.

Some even flushed with uncontrollable excitement.

The moment Qingdeng finished his words, everyone at the scene was pumping their fists and shouting despite the fact that there was no prior agreement.

Cheers like a sea wave surrounded Qingdeng from all directions, which was amazing.

Qingdeng was not in a hurry to return home, but instead steeled himself and led the cavalry who could still move swaggering through the streets of Dajin, just for this moment!

Let all the people of Otsu see his figure, calm the people's hearts, and fulfill the promise that Sanako made to everyone a while ago that "the lord is already leading the army to return reinforcements."

The benevolent king is back - this alone is enough to cheer up the thousands of people of the Qinjin clan, as well as those in other places who are afraid that the Changzhou army will attack!

The panic that has been accumulating in the hearts of the people in recent days and the uneasy atmosphere sweeping the streets of Dajin seemed to have dissipated in this moment!

…

…

About half an hour later——

Qinjin Fan, Dajin, Judi, Qingdeng’s office——

Qingdeng swept away the food in front of him like a storm.

The crisp "ding-ding-ding" sound of chopsticks quickly touching the dishes is endless.

Although Qingdeng's current state cannot be said to be "possessed by a starving ghost", it is almost there.

Wrapping the rice in rice straw soaked in salt water will certainly have a preservative effect, but it will not keep it warm.

For the past nine days, I have been eating cold rice balls and drinking cold salt water every day... Although I won't starve to death, it is really uncomfortable. My mouth is very pale and my stomach is extremely short of oil and water.

After returning to Judi, he neither slept nor was in a hurry to work. Instead, he immediately sent an order to the kitchen, asking the chefs to quickly light up the fire and cook more greasy meat.

When the bowls of hot food were delivered to him, he devoured them without caring about how hot they were.

Hunger is indeed the best seasoning.

Qingdeng had never felt that his chef's skills were so good as he did today.

To be honest, he really wanted to enjoy this delicious feast quietly and slowly by himself.

However, he knew very well: everyone else could rest, but he couldn't!

"Getting back to Dajin" is just his first small goal.

Trying to defeat the still rampant Changzhou Army is his ultimate goal!

Therefore, even when eating, he was not idle.

While he was trying to put food into his mouth, he listened attentively to Sanako's report - A Wu went to take care of Jiulang and Ning Ning, so he was temporarily absent.

The talent [left and right fighting] is activated!

Even if you are doing two unrelated things at the same time, it will not affect your efficiency at all.

Sanako knelt down and sat next to him, speaking succinctly and seriously:

"Qingden, just this morning, the ninjas I sent to spy on Changzhou's movements risked their lives to send in a new report."

"It is reported that the Choshu Army looted all supplies in the city after capturing Nagoya Castle."

"After completely evacuating Nagoya Castle, they abandoned the castle, mobilized all their troops, and marched eastward!"

Hearing this, Qingdeng narrowed his eyes unconsciously, looked serious, stopped moving his hands, and even forgot to chew the food in his mouth.

The Changzhou Army marched eastward... He naturally knew what this meant.

Suddenly, he got good news and bad news.

The good news is that Qinjin is safe, and the Changzhou Army has no intention of attacking the capital.

The bad news is that their target is Edo!

It seems that they are here sincerely to eliminate the shogunate!

Sanako paused briefly to give Qingto time to digest and react.

After Qingdeng started to move the dishes again, she continued talking to herself:

"Just yesterday afternoon, the Changshu army came to Junfu Castle."

"The Sunpu Castle representative of Sunpu Castle knew in advance that the Choshu Army was coming, so he was prepared for a cage battle."

Cage War - As the name suggests, it is a battle in which all troops and materials are gathered to defend the castle.

"However... it is a pity that Sunpu Castle did not survive even an hour before it fell."

"Most of the defenders were killed or wounded, and Sunpu Castle has disappeared."

"Following Nagoya Castle, all the accumulation of Sunpu Castle over the past two hundred years belongs to Choshu."

Sunfu Castle is the important town of Tokai Street and the old capital of the Tokugawa family.

The Tokugawa family prospered in the Mikawa Kingdom of Tokai Street.

During the Warring States Period when warlords were divided among themselves, the Tokugawa family's base was in Sunfu Castle.

After the Edo shogunate unified Japan, they were aware of the important strategic position and special political significance of Sunpu Castle, so they established the positions of "Sundu Castle Dai", "Sundu Kaban", and "Sundu Seiban" in Sunpu Castle.

[Note: Suruga Castle Generation: Also known as Suruga Castle Generation. He served at Sunfu Castle and was responsible for city defense and city management. He also replaced the general when he went to Kunoyama Ieyasu Temple to defeat the disastrous defeat. This position was established in the 10th year of Kanei (1633) and was under the jurisdiction of Laonaka. 】

[Note: Sunfu Kaban: Responsible for the security, repairs and government affairs in Sunfu Castle. 】

[Note: Sunfu's fixed title: Responsible for the defense of the outer outline of Sunfu Castle and the gate. 】

The fall of Sunfu Castle - this was completely within Ayoto's expectation.

How can they stop a modern army with their ill-armed army and outdated city defense system?

The fall of Sunfu Castle meant that the Choshu Army could march straight in and head east along Donghai Street.

Donghai Street is a mature "highway" with flat terrain and no danger to defend.

If there are still passes in front of the Choshu Army that can be used as support and troops that can fight...then only the Hachioji area and the thousands of Hachioji people guarding the Hachioji area are united!

Thinking of this, Qingdeng couldn't help but sink his face and felt a chill in his heart.

The Hachioji area is the hub connecting Kanto and Kai, and is the western gate of Edo.

Once the Hachioji area is broken through, there will no longer be a pass that can be used to stop the Choshu Army.

By then, the Choshu Army can attack Edo Castle in one go!

Qingdeng was deep in thought while silently picking up the food.

After a moment, he put down his completely eaten rice bowl, with not even a grain of rice left.

"...Sanako, you and A Wu have really worked hard during this time."

Sanako shook his head gently:

"It's nothing, we just did what we were supposed to do."

As soon as she finished speaking, she paused for a moment, with a look of tiredness flashing in her eyes.

After a while, Qingdeng felt something heavy leaning on his shoulders.

"Sanako?"

He turned around and looked in surprise - he saw Sanako bending down and burying his face in his left shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Qingdeng, for making you laugh..."

As she spoke, she stretched out her hands and grasped Qingdeng's clothes tightly, as if she was afraid that he would disappear.

At the same time, she buried her face harder into Qingdeng's left shoulder, making her expression unclear.

"Recently...A Wu and I have been busy every day."

"I'm not afraid of hardships, I'm just worried that... I can't protect Ah Wu, I can't protect Jiulang, Ning Ning, and I can't protect the thousands of people of Qinjin Fan."

"When I think about this, I'm so scared..."

"I don't know since when, I have been looking forward to your return every day."

"Whenever a day goes by and I don't receive news of your return, I can't help but feel anxious."

"I can't even help but think: Will you never come back..."

Having said that, Sanako tightened her shoulders, and her originally very tall body became much "petite".

Even Qingdeng, her husband, has never seen her show such a vulnerable side...

Qingden blinked, with a look of helplessness on his face at first, and then turned his body seriously, so that Sanako's face changed from "buried in the hollow of his left shoulder" to "buried in the hollow of his heart."

"Sanako, can you hear my heartbeat? I'm right here."

"Whenever you need me, I will appear in front of you immediately and will never leave you without permission."

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Sanako's chuckle.

In the next breath, she silently opened her arms and hugged Qingdeng's waist.

Qingdeng saw this and hugged him back silently.

Regrettably, this scene of "husband and wife embracing each other" did not last long.

Just a moment later, a female voice without sadness or joy came from the door not far away:

"Yeah, I see... I was asked to take care of Jiulang and Ningning, but I ended up having sex with Qingdeng Qingqing behind my back. What a good plan..."

Hearing this, Qingden and Sanako hurriedly separated, then turned to look at A Wu who was "monitoring" them with a strange expression.

I saw A Wu sitting in the corridor outside the door, opening the paper sliding door to a small crack - this small crack was just enough for her to peek with one eye - and this dog was pressed against the crack of the door, staring straight at Qing Qing Noboru and Sanako's eyes were as dark and deep as the abyss, without any light.

"What's wrong? Don't worry about me, just keep going."

Ah Wu said this without any expression on her face, neither salty nor cold.

…

…

Afterwards, Qingdeng spent a lot of effort to successfully appease Ah Wu.

…

…

The "Second Army", "Third Army", and "Fourth Army" led by Hijikata, Kondo, and Shannan respectively are still on the way.

In this case, there is definitely no chance of counterattacking Changzhou.

While waiting for the large army of Hijikata Tobizo and others to arrive, Aoto entered a state of taking care of everything and eating and drinking late at night.

The first thing he did was to issue an order to the Eight Princes and thousands of people: to enter a state of combat readiness immediately! Use all means to delay the Changzhou Army!

The Hachioji area was the last bastion defending Edo.

The Shinsengumi has not yet assembled, but the Choshu Army has already captured Sunfu Castle... To be fair, if this continues, by the time the Shinsengumi catches up with the Choshu Army, Edo will be reduced to ruins!

Therefore, whether the Eight Princes and thousands of people can hold back the Changzhou Army is related to the success or failure of this battle!

While ordering thousands of Hachioji princes to prepare for resistance together, Aomori sent people to Edo to report the current war situation and his current situation to Tokugawa Iemo and Tenhoin.

Although Sanako had previously sent envoys to Edo, out of caution, Ayoto decided to send another group of envoys to Edo to allow Tokugawa Iemo and Tenjoin to prepare early. Edo was likely to become a battlefield!

Immediately afterwards, Qingdeng actively launched a political offensive.

History has proven countless times: Sometimes, "political warfare" can play an unexpected role!

He sent envoys to the vassals in Gyeonggi and told them: I, Ju Qingden, have returned to Dajin! Be careful! Don't do such stupid things!

It’s the end of the month again! Book friends who have monthly tickets on hand, please be sure to vote for this book! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

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PS: Being promoted to Qingden as the Eighth Prince, with thousands of people united, is to pave the way for this battle! Don't underestimate Leopard's foreshadowing ability! (Leopard Arrogance.jpg) Seemingly insignificant content may be an important plot in the future!