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  These tens of thousands of soldiers temporarily gathered by Emperor Xingzong of Liao, are they pigs? Chen Yuan looked at Liu Fang and asked: "May I ask, General, what is the situation with your troops' source?"

  Liu Fang's face showed a hint of embarrassment: "This, I'm afraid it won't satisfy everyone. Previously, I was on the battlefield fighting against the Song Dynasty. This time, I didn't bring my own soldiers back with me. I heard that these soldiers were temporarily dispatched from the Jingzhou army by the Emperor himself. They're around twenty years old or so, and shouldn't be too far off."

  There's no way they can be elite troops! These temporarily recruited soldiers are absolutely impossible to become elite in any way.

  Yelü Hongji was a child who had never experienced wind and rain, and neither his knowledge nor experience were sufficient to lead the army.

  Chen Yuan's heart sank halfway.

  He knew that Liao Xingzong had no hope of winning against Yelü Hongji, and his greatest hope for Yelü Hongji was to hold on until Yelü Niegulu brought troops to rescue him.

  Can Yelü Hongji, a child like this, really hold on until Yelü Negrü arrives with his not-so-elite soldiers? Chen Yuan expressed great skepticism.

  Yelü Hongji, however, did not feel any sense of danger and said to Chen Yuan: "Those rioting Jurchen people are only two thousand in number, including old men and children. The able-bodied men among them can't be more than a few hundred. Although the Jurchen people are ferocious, I think we can handle one of them with several of us, right?"

  Liu Fang didn't say a word, and neither did the four guards. They had all been to battle before and knew that winning wasn't just about having more people.

  Chen Yuan clasped his fists and said to Yelü Hongji: "The prince is wise."

  All he can do now is this, Yelü Hongji is the leader of the team, having confidence is a good thing, although his confidence is a bit excessive, but it's better than being discouraged like him.

  "Little prince, His Majesty summons you to the martial arena!" The sharp voice of General Liang echoed from ahead.

  Yelü Hongji rushed out first and turned back to beckon Chen Yuan and others: "Hurry up, hurry up!"

  He knew where the martial arts arena was, and without waiting for Liang to lead the way, he ran over on his own. Xiao Shiwei and others hurriedly chased after him, and Liu Fang didn't want to fall behind either.

  Chen Yuan was the only one who didn't know the way and was afraid of getting lost, so he honestly followed Liang Zongguan forward.

  Li Zongguan smiled at him: "Just a few days as a companion reader, it seems that he will soon become an official. This is something that has never happened in our Liao country. Chen Shimei, I said earlier that the future is boundless, and it seems that it was indeed correct."

  Chen Yuan's flattering smile: "Thanks to the care of General Manager, I remember it clearly in my heart."

  "Alright, no more idle chatter," said General Liang with a smile. "The Emperor has ordered us to the martial arena, where the troops of Jingzhou are already assembled. We will soon be inspecting them together with the Crown Prince, and I want you all to say a few words to boost their morale."

  Jingzhou Army, in Liao country, is a team composed of Han people and Bohai people living in Liao land. It can also be considered as a first-line force, but it's a relatively weaker branch among the first-line forces. Their combat style is similar to that of Song soldiers, with decent defense capabilities, but not as effective in attack. From this arrangement, it can be seen that Emperor Xingzong of Liao's highest goal is to ensure Yelü Hongji's safe return.

  They arrived at the martial arts arena, and Yelü Hongji and others had already arrived. Chen Yuan didn't have much research on whether the troops were elite or not, but with 10,000 people standing together, he still felt a momentum that was overwhelming, and his heart gained some confidence.

  Taking a closer look at those soldiers, Chen Yuan's confidence immediately disappeared. These soldiers were not around twenty as Liu Fang had estimated, but judging from the few people he could see clearly, their average age should be around forty.

  Although the armor is bright, it lacks the vigor and sharpness of a team composed of young soldiers.

  Chen Yuan walked behind Yelü Hongji and found that Yelü Hongji's hands and feet were slightly trembling, and his facial expression was uncertain. After all, he was just a child, this expedition made him excited, but when he really came in front of these soldiers, the fear in his heart was revealed.

  Liao Xingzong apparently did not know his son very well. Generally, the commander-in-chief would give a pep talk to the troops before they went into battle, but this time Liao Xingzong gave it for Yelü Hongji instead.

  The entire martial arts arena, those soldiers' shouting voices all seemed to show that their energy was already insufficient. Perhaps each of them had a heart that was afraid, because they no longer had the kind of fearless courage they had when they were young.

  Xiao said after turning his head to Yelü Hongji: "This is the first time I have led troops on a campaign, and many people in the imperial court had opinions about this arrangement. They said it wouldn't do. Actually, I also think that leading an army is somewhat of a stretch for him, but he has already grown up to be fifteen years old. In our Khitan customs, at this age one should go out and gain some experience."

  This is still okay, but the following words obviously hit Ye Lu Hongji a bit: "Actually, this mission is very safe. These soldiers may not be elite, but they have been through many battles and can survive until now, so they must have their own strengths. I didn't think we could win, taking them with me, it's no problem to keep our lives safe. Once in danger, I will immediately let Ninth Brother go help."

  Chen Yuan thought to himself, no wonder Yelü Hongji was so lacking in confidence. The fear in his expression just now was quite normal; any child would be the same when faced with an army of ten thousand soldiers.

  Moreover, Yelü Hongji had a desire and excitement, if it were Chen Yuan, he would have sparked his excitement, making the desire in his heart even stronger. However, Liao Xingzong's words killed Yelü Hongji's excitement, extinguished his desire, and made him firmly believe in one truth before he even set out - that he was not up to it.

  Yelü Hongji's head hung even lower than before, and he said in a low voice: "Yes."

  Liao Xingzong glanced at his son and then pointed to the four guards following behind him: "Wasn't it with them that you went out and got into a fight last time?"

  Yelü Hongji nodded.

  Liao Xingzong turned his head to look at the four guards: "It's clear, we go out with the prince, if the prince can't return safely, we four won't be returning either!"

  The four guards immediately knelt down: "Yes!"

  Chen Yuan noticed that Yelü Hongji's head was lower, and Liao Xingzong's approach, although intended to protect Yelü Hongji, had inadvertently hurt his self-esteem, leaving him with even less confidence than before.

  This situation is really desperate, no matter what, he is the commander-in-chief, if he doesn't have the will to fight, the hope of returning safely is extremely slim.

  Is he leaving tomorrow? The speed is fast enough, Chen Yuan is even more afraid. Chen Yuan is a bit strange, the more he fears, the faster his brain turns, especially when he feels that his life is threatened, an idea pops up in his mind instantly.

  Those four guards were also terrified to the extreme, all Liao people knew about the bravery of the Jurchen people, and the order of Emperor Xingzong of Liao had apparently cut off their retreat.

  They exchanged a glance, and both thought to themselves that if Yelü Hongji were to meet with trouble, they would not be able to return either. It would be better to stay in the Changbai Mountains and become savages.

  Liao Xingzong didn't know what others were thinking, and with his concern he completely destroyed the little excitement and confidence that Yelü Hongji had. Liao Xingzong left afterwards.

  Yelü Hongji now had a dejected look on his face, and said to Liu Fang: "General Liu, take a look at the troops. Chen Shimei, Xiao Hewei, you all go back and tidy up, we will set out early tomorrow morning."

  Chen Yuan had already made up his mind and his mood improved a lot. He believed that his method would definitely allow him to return safely, not just himself, but also the entire army of 10,000 men, he was confident that he could bring them back.

  If one's own plan can gain everyone's consent, this extremely dangerous journey will become as easy as a tour.

  Chen Yuan was complacently pondering his plan when he suddenly heard someone behind him shout: "Chen Shimei!"

  Turning back, Yelü Lüjing was running towards him in a suit of armor.

  Chen Yuan slightly bowed: "I've seen the princess."

  Yelü Lüjing ran to his front and stopped, panting for two breaths before saying: "I just found Father Emperor, he agreed to let me lead a team, also Ninth Brother together to rescue Hongji."

  "Princess, it seems like you don't need to be in such a dangerous situation?"

  Yelü Lüji shook his head: "I don't know what the relationship is between me and Ninth Brother now, but in this matter I don't believe him! In Father Emperor's eyes, he and we are all descendants of the Khitan imperial family. But I know that Ninth Brother has great ambition and a big temper. If the task of rescuing Hongji is handed over to him, Hongji may not come back!"

  Chen Yuan was suddenly enlightened by Yelü Lü's words! It turned out that this possibility had existed all along. Now, the people led by Yelü Renxian were using Hongji to block Yelü Neulie's path, although Emperor Xingzong of Liao and Yelü Hongji himself were unwilling to cooperate. However, if Yelü Hongji died, then Yelü Neulie's path would be clear all the way to the crown prince's throne.

  Yelü Lüjing saw Chen Yuan's expression and immediately said: "I've gone to find Ninth Brother, and the matter has been clearly explained to him. I only have this one younger brother, Hongji, and I don't want him to be in any danger. Even if he's not suitable to be the crown prince, I still want him to live a happy life."

  Chen Yuan was somewhat moved by her sister's deep feelings and said: "Princess, I have a plan."

  Yelü Lüjing interrupted him: "Listen to me first! If we encounter danger, 10,000 soldiers should be able to hold out at the strategic pass. Chen Shimei, this time I will also lead the army with Ninth Brother, so you don't have to worry about no one coming to rescue you!"

  Chen Yuan's mouth moved slightly: "Princess,"

  Yelü Lüji waved his hand: "Listen to me, I know you're capable. The ambush in the valley was well-planned and I need your help. You must bring Hongji back! After he returns, I hope to work together with my ninth brother to achieve a great feat, and our Great Liao will not treat you unfairly."

  Chen Yuan looked up and asked, "Princess, what you just said makes me feel like it's a farewell. Are you going to marry Li Yuanhao after returning?"

  （）

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