At the end of 1854, the land of China encountered a severe cold that was unprecedented in a century. The Yellow River, Shandong, Anhui, Henan and Shaanxi provinces on both sides of the Yangtze River were generally severe snowfall. For a time, countless hungry people were hungry and the people were starving thousands of miles away. The Qing government was worried about external troubles for a year, and the national treasury was empty, so it was unwilling to take care of the people. In addition, local officials were greedy and corruption and ignored the hunger and cold of the people, which caused countless people to starve to death and flee to the south of the country. The people left their hometowns and fled to the south of the Yangtze River to seek survival. However, the Qing government was afraid that the people would exacerbate the chaos in the south of the Yangtze River after fleeing south, so it was strictly ordered all provinces to prohibit hungry people from fleeing. People who were threatened with death rose one after another, and the beacons of uprisings rose one after another. The Eight Banners Green Camps in several provinces in Shandong, Henan and Shaanxi were defeated one after another in front of the rebel army.

The Northern Expedition Army, who broke through the south from Tianjin, was besieged by the Shengbao troops in Puyang, Henan. The leader of the Henan rebel army, Yu Zhizhong, sent people to secretly contact the Northern Expedition Army. The two sides agreed to join forces. With the help of the Henan rebel army, the Northern Expedition Army successfully broke through again. In the first month of 1855, the Northern Expedition Army met with the Yu Zhizhong rebel troops in Yanjin. The Northern Expedition Army grew stronger again. Then they crossed the Yellow River and went south to Kaifeng. The Kaifeng defended the city without leaving. The Northern Expedition Army left a few people to bluff outside the city of Kaifeng to confuse the Qing army, and the main force went south quietly. At this time, there was no strong big city and powerful Qing army in front of the Northern Expedition Army. In mid-February, the Northern Expedition Army left Qi County, expanded the city, and approached Anhui.

Then the chaos in the Central Plains. In early 1855, the Taiping Army used Jiujiang and Anqing as the fulcrum to launch an offensive against the areas controlled by the Qing army from north to south. On the tenth day of the first lunar month, with the power of the great victory of Jiujiang and Hukou at the end of last year, Shi Dakai led an army of 80,000 southwards. Yongxiu and Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army fought fiercely in De'an, Jiangxi. They won two battles and two victories. The Hunan Army had more than 10,000 casualties and had to retreat to Nanchang. The Hunan Navy, who had lost the support of the army, had to abandon the ship and go ashore. The fire of the abandoned ships burning the warships for the Hunan Army burned all night. The Hunan Army completely lost control of Poyang Lake.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Taiping Army Qin Rigang, Li Xiucheng's troops rushed up the river and fought continuously, conquering Huangshi, occupying Ezhou, and fighting fiercely with the Hunan Army Peng Yulin's troops in Ezhou for more than ten days, both sides were injured. Due to the defeat of Jiangxi, Peng Yulin's troops were threatened and were forced to retreat to Wuchang.

In the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, in order to meet the Northern Expedition Army that went south, Chen Yucheng, the Taiping Army led 10,000 elite troops to attack Shucheng and threatened Luzhou. The Taiping Army opened warehouses and released grain and suppressed corrupt officials along the way. People from all over the country responded, and Chen Yucheng's troops quickly expanded to more than 30,000 people. On the 20th day of the first lunar month, Chen Yucheng attacked Luzhou. With the assistance of the local gentry, the three thousand green camps in Luzhou City were stubbornly defended. The two armies fought hard under the city of Luzhou for four days and nights. Chen Yucheng's troops suffered heavy casualties. In addition, the Luzhou defenders were firmly clearing the fields and Chen Yucheng's troops had difficulty in supporting the supplies. So they gave up their plans to occupy Luzhou and switched to Lu'an. After resting in Lu'an for a few days to replenish food and grass, they soon headed north to Huoqiu.

After capturing Fuyang at the end of February, he took a break and continued to go north. In early March, he successfully joined the Taiping Army in Haozhou, Anhui. At this point, the Northern Expedition Army, which had been fighting in the north and south for nearly two years, finally got rid of the enemy from all sides and completed the feat of breaking through thousands of miles. After the two armies joined forces, the total number of Taiping Army along the Jianghuai Line was as high as 70,000. After the meeting, the Taiping Army took advantage of the situation to move south and approached Luzhou again. This time, the enemy defending Luzhou no longer had the desire to fight. Officials and gentry heard the news and fled to northern Jiangsu, and Luzhou was obtained without fighting. At this point, the Taiping Army's plan for advance north was successfully completed, and the army swept across Anhui, and the Qing government completely lost control of Anhui.

Faced with the defeat of all parties, Emperor Xianfeng urgently ordered Qishan to accelerate the attack on Nanjing in the Jiangbei Camp in the south of the Yangtze River to alleviate the crisis on various battlefields. However, the Jiangbei Camp was just a piece of equipment temporarily drawn from various places, with low morale. Qishan, who led the army, had already scared, and Qishan, who led the army, had long been afraid of the Taiping Army. In the current situation, Qishan did not seek merit, but wanted no mistakes. He led the 100,000 troops of the Jiangbei Camp in Yangzhou, threatening Nanjing far from the Liuhe Line. Although Xiang Rong led the army to attack Nanjing, he was blocked by the Taiping Army Li Shixian's troops on the front line of Jiangning. For five days, Li Shixian's troops were exhausted after being injured by more than 10,000 enemies, retreated to Nanjing. Although Xiangrong's troops occupied Jiangning, they did not receive the cooperation of Qishan, they were afraid that the alone army would be counterattacked by the Taiping Army. After occupying Jiangning, they did not intend to continue attacking Nanjing.

Emperor Xianfeng quickly expressed his dissatisfaction with Qi Shan and Xiang Rong's actions, and issued an order to rebuke people, fearing death, fearing the enemy, and being betrayed the emperor's grace. If he cannot attack again, he will wait to go home and carry the children.

Xiang Rong and Qishan, who were scolded by Xianfeng, both thought of one person at the same time, that is Yang Yi. Xiang Rong wanted Yang Yi to help him come up with an idea to deal with Xianfeng's orders. Qishan wanted Yang Yi's new army to fight. Since the defeat of Yangzhou, Xianfeng had an order that Yang Yi's new army strictly guarded Shanghai to prevent foreigners from causing trouble. There was no need to listen to Qishan's orders. In other words, although Yang Yi was still under Qishan's subordinate, Qishan could not be transferred to the new army.

In early March 1855, Qishan and Xiang Rong came to Shanghai at the same time, urgently recruiting Yang Yi to discuss ways to deal with the current situation-

Shanghai, Jiangsu Governor Yang Yi and the two gathered.

"Sir Xiang, this emperor got angry and forced me to cross the river to fight the thief. You don't know that after the Yangzhou Battle, I lost all the navy at my hand. What should I do to cross the river?" Qi Shan rushed around in a hurry.

"Don't just talk about your difficulties, you're fine. I'll take the troops to fight hard in Jiangnan. You're just watching the fun across the Yangtze River. If I'm done, you won't have a good life." Xiang Rong said angrily:

"My Lord Xiang, Brother Xiang, don't get angry, aren't you just trying to break the situation?" Qi Shan was in a position of fault and had to smile at Xiang Rong. He also looked at Yang Yi and hoped that Yang Yi would come out to smooth things out.

"Don't worry, sir, this method is come up with people." Yang Yi quickly came out to do peace.

"Mr. Yang, you have many ways and widespread knowledge. Please give me an idea." Although Xiang Rong is older than Yang Yi, the friendship between the two made Xiang Rong still call Yang Yi Mr.

"The emperor asked us to fight Nanjing, let's fight. This Nanjing city is rich in food. I don't think it will take it for a year or two. My army stationed troops under the city. After a long time, the other thiefs cooperated with us inside and outside, and made dumplings. Half of the Jiangnan country will be in danger." Xiang Rong said worriedly:

"Since this year, the thief has taken advantage of the chaos in the Central Plains and the court cannot take full advantage of the opportunity to attack everywhere. Unfortunately, Wen Zhenggong defeated Jiangxi, which made the thief arrogant. Now this situation is really difficult." Yang Yi said and stood up, slowly thinking in the living room.

Xiang Rong and Qi Shan thought about Yang Yi, and they both had their own thoughts, and the living room suddenly became silent.

"I have it." Yang Yi suddenly slapped his forehead and screamed.

"Is there any way?" Xiang Rong was startled by Yang Yi and asked quickly.

"Yes, but I don't know if it works, it depends on whether Hong Xiuquan is fooled. Come and get the map." Yang Yi said this and asked his subordinates to take the map. After spreading the map, Yang Yi pointed his finger at the Yangtze River, slid along the river, and finally stayed on Wuhu.

"Yes, it's here." Yang Yi's eyes were firm.

"Get Wuhu? This Wuhu is just a small place. Is it useful?" Qi Shan asked:

"Stop talking, listen to what sir." Xiang Rong did not buy Qishan's account.

"Now, the thieves attack everywhere. Anqing and Wuhu along the river have become the rear and are short of troops. Although Wuhu is small, it is an important stronghold along the Yangtze River. As long as you capture Wuhu, you can cut off the response between the thieves from north to south. Wuhu is only more than 200 miles away from Nanjing. You can go down the east and threaten Nanjing; you can advance to Xuancheng and other grain-producing areas in the south and cut off the source of the Taiping army's food and grass. As long as you capture Wuhu, I

We were like a nail in the waist of the thief. By the time, the two lords led a large army to Nanjing and formed three sides of siege on Nanjing. I think Hong Xiuquan is anxious or not. As long as he is anxious and uncomfortable, he will order Shi Dakai, Qin Rigang, Chen Yucheng and others to return to the army for rescue. In this way, the pressure on other battlefields can be greatly relieved and the emperor's will is also fulfilled." Yang Yi sneered and said the three words Hong Xiuquan in a disdainful tone.

"What if Shi Dakai and Chen Yucheng ignore Hong Xiuquan's orders? What should we do? You must know that the orders of the king outside are not accepted. Do we still have to attack Nanjing?" Qishan will run out to be a smart person now.

"I dare not say Shi Dakai, Chen Yucheng will definitely come back. As long as Chen Yucheng comes back, the rebels in Henan and Shandong will lose their support. With the talent of Lord Shengbao, the rebellion should be quelled soon. Shandong and Henan are stable, and our goal will be achieved. As for Shi Dakai, he would better not come back." Yang Yi's voice became a little sinister, and his expression was also despicable.

"What do you say?" Xiang Rong and Qishan asked together.

"Hehe, Hong Xiuquan has always been suspicious and likes to suspect his subordinates. As long as Shi Dakai doesn't come back, he will definitely make Hong Xiuquan feel that he wants to gain troops and respect himself. Now Hong Xiuquan won't do anything to Shi Dakai, it will be hard to say in the future. Hahaha." Yang Yi smiled proudly.

"A good idea. When I go back, I will draw troops to take Wuhu west." Xiang Rong immediately made a statement.

"No, no, no. The two adults' troops must not be moved. At the moment, the thieves in Nanjing are staring at the two of you. Can they not know what you have to do? Although Wuhu is small, the thieves have been operating for a long time and have considerable defense capabilities. The battle in Wuhu cannot be delayed for a long time. Once it cannot be captured for a long time, the thieves along the river will come to rescue them. At that time, not only will the thieves be mobilized to achieve the combat goals of our army, but they may also trap all the troops attacking Wuhu. Therefore, we cannot fight openly."

"What should I do?" Both of them were anxious.

Yang Yi smiled and pointed at his nose with his finger. Qi Shan Xiangrong suddenly realized and clapped his hands and smiled:

"We are so confused. Why did you forget your priest? hahaha." The two of them laughed proudly.

"Two sirs, let's do this for it. After returning, the two sirs urged the troops to step up their attack on Nanjing, but don't fight too quickly. Keep the momentum, just attract the attention of the thief. Leave the other things to me." Yang Yi picked up a brush and drew a fork in Wuhu on the map.

After Xiang Rong and Qishan left, Yang Yi urgently summoned Liu Mingchuan and Nie Shicheng to discuss. Finally, he decided that Liu Mingchuan led the artillery regiment and the First Infantry Regiment to stay in Shanghai. Yang Yi personally led Nie Shicheng's cavalry regiment and the First Infantry Regiment to set out lightly and attack Wuhu.

Because it was a sneak attack, Yang Yi decided to lie down at night, go out during the day, rest during the day, and travel at night. Before leaving, when Yang Yi said goodbye to several wives, Shen Qingshuang grabbed Yang Yi.

"There is something I haven't had time to discuss with you. I'm not at ease when you leave, so I have to say it right away." Shen Qingshuang leaned into Yang Yi's arms and said:

"What's the matter? Tell me." Yang Yi stroked Shen Qingshuang's beautiful hair.

"If you leave the information collection to me, I will do my best for you. Since my ancestor Shen Qing, the Shen family has been secretly supporting some martial arts people. They are usually responsible for protecting the safety of the Shen family. When necessary, they also do some murder, setting fires, and stealing intelligence. Don't laugh."

Yang Yi couldn't help but smile. When Shen Qingshuang saw Yang Yixiao's warmth, she acted to twist Yang Yi. When she saw Yang Yi begging for mercy, she continued to talk.

"This time you go out, these people have always been in control of my father. After our sisters came out to help, I took over the account. Seeing that I was careful, my father gave all these people to me for management. When you go out this time, I want you to bring a few of them, and you have to come back intact."

"Where are them?" Yang Yi asked

"I was about to introduce you to you." Shen Qingshuang said and clapped her hands. A maid came in. Shen Qingshuang said a few words to the maid. After the maid went out, a knock on the door came.

"Come in." After Shen Qingshuang finished speaking, two men in black came in outside the door. Both of them were not very tall, only 1.6 meters or 7 meters tall, one was thin and the other was fat, and they all looked very ordinary.

"Miss tells us to come, I don't know what to do."

Shen Qingshuang pointed to Yang Yi and said, "You have come to see my husband first."

"See the Governor." The two of them stepped forward to salute.

"Haha, both of you are experts, so there is no need to be polite. Please sit down." Yang Yi and Shen Qingshuang also sat down.

After the few people sat down, Shen Qingshuang continued to introduce: "These two are lay disciples of the Wudang Sect and have all their internal skills."

"Remaining salary."

"Zhao Benchu." Both of them stood up and replied.

"From the future, you will follow the adults to protect their safety." Shen Qingshuang was completely in the position of a commander at this time, without any attitude of her daughter when she was alone with Yang Yi, and she spoke with a cold majesty.

"Yes." The two did not say a word.

After receiving the task, the two Wudang masters left consciously, leaving Yang Yi and Shen Qingshuang to continue in the room.

"How many such people are there in the Shen family?" Yang Yi suddenly asked Shen Qingshuang seriously.

"Not many, only about two hundred people are distributed all over the country."

"The information from your Shen family is obtained by them?"

"It's not all, they mainly play a role in transmission."
Chapter completed!