Time is running out, and the tense atmosphere is filled in everyone's heart. The tasks assigned by Gao Changgong have been launched, and each group of people and horses has acted quickly, striving to complete their respective missions in the shortest time.
Feng Duo set out first, shouldering the important task of contacting the old subordinates. He rode in the rain and skillfully shuttled through the rugged paths. Although the wind and rain blocked his sight, he knew in his heart that these old subordinates had always been concerned about Gao Changgong and were always ready to regroup. When Feng Duo came to the first troop stationed in the mountains and forests, the general Zhao Rui there had been waiting for a long time.
Zhao Rui is one of Gao Changgong's old subordinates. He is in his early thirties, strong and loyal. When Feng Duo told him the good news that Gao Changgong had escaped from danger and the current plan, Zhao Rui immediately agreed without saying a word: "We have long known that the prince will definitely come back. The brothers are waiting and are ready to be dispatched at any time." Although this troop is stationed in a remote area, it is in high morale, has sufficient food and grass, and is ready to fight.
In the next few days, Feng Duo traveled non-stop to various garrisons. Every time he arrived, he could feel the soldiers' trust and expectations for Gao Changgong. Although these old subordinates were scattered in different locations, their loyalty had never wavered. Finally, he contacted another important force led by General Chen Ying. This force was stationed in a hidden valley. The number of people was small, but they were all elite cavalry selected by Gao Changgong himself. After hearing the news from Feng Duo, Chen Ying immediately said that he would arrive at the assembly point on time.
At the same time, Li Ben led a small team of people to various towns to buy food and grass supplies. After many inquiries and discussions, Li Ben finally found several merchants willing to provide assistance. These merchants knew Gao Changgong's prestige and saw the current turbulent situation in the court, and were willing to take risks to help them.
At a market, Li Ben met his old friend Zhou Cang, a local wealthy businessman. Zhou Cang whispered to him: "General Li, I have been following your movements over the years. Although the current border situation is unstable, I believe that the prince will be able to make a comeback. I will arrange for people to deliver the food and grass you need to the outside of Taiyuan as soon as possible." Li Ben shook Zhou Cang's hand gratefully, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. At least the food and grass problem has been temporarily alleviated.
At the same time, Bai Lian was also acting in secret. She shuttled between various gangs and forces in Taiyuan City, using her background in the underworld to collect intelligence. In a remote corner of a teahouse in the city, she met an old friend, who was a mysterious intelligence dealer. He usually hid in the market, but knew the movements of the court very well.
Bai Lian asked softly, "What's going on in the court recently?"
The old friend looked around cautiously and whispered, "The court has recently conducted several investigations on Gao Changgong's old subordinates, and the emperor seems to have noticed your movements. But there is news that the emperor has sent several confidants to contact various places, and he may want to disintegrate your power." Bai Lian nodded, knowing that the matter was urgent and that the news must be passed back as soon as possible.
Gao Changgong wrote several urgent letters in the account and sent people to distribute them to several generals he once trusted. The content of these letters was short and powerful, all calling on former colleagues to join his team and fight against the oppression of the court together.
After Gao Changgong finished writing the letter, he knew in his heart that some of these generals might not be able to come for various reasons, but he believed that as long as some of them responded, it would be enough to gather a strong army again.
Time flies. Feng Duo has completed the task of contacting the old subordinates. He discussed the marching route and assembly plan with generals such as Zhao Rui and Chen Ying. Li Ben's grain and grass team has also set off. Although they encountered bandits several times on the way, under Li Ben's command, the team successfully broke through and the grain and grass were safely transported.
Bai Lian returned to the camp and told Gao Changgong the news she had found out. Gao Changgong was not surprised by the news she brought. Their time was more urgent than expected. Gao Changgong pondered for a moment and decided to speed up the action: "We must prepare in advance and cannot wait until the last minute."
Finally, the time for all the troops to assemble was also determined-seven days later, outside the south gate of Taiyuan. Each team promised to arrive on time. This was their last chance, a gamble of life and death. Gao Changgong looked up at the distant mountains, his heart full of determination. Taiyuan in the wind and rain is destined to become a turning point in their future destiny.