I formed the strongest swordsman group

Flashing sparks, drifting smoke...

With his relatively good eyesight, Sagawa Kanbei saw the bandit musketeers a hundred meters away, making array adjustments in a chaotic manner.

The gunners who had just fired the gun retreated hurriedly, retreated to the last row in one breath, opened the medicine pot, cleaned the remaining ash inside, then took out the primer can, poured an appropriate amount of primer into the medicine pot, and then took out the gunpowder bag. Pour the gunpowder from the muzzle and fill it with projectiles as big as your thumb.

The gunners in the back row came forward, installed the lit match rope on the snake pole clip, adjusted the length of the match rope to ensure that the match rope could fit into the medical pot, blew the red match rope, opened the lid of the medical pot, and completed the shooting preparation.

The rebels did not fire their guns at the same time, but were divided into three columns and fired in turn.

When the front column is firing, the second column is ready, and the third column is loading ammunition. After the first column fires, it passes through the gap between the second column and reaches the rear column. The second column moves forward to fire, and the third column fills the position of the second column. Firing in this way, the cycle repeats to preserve ammunition. It keeps raining!

It's the classic tactic of the matchlock - three hits!

Looking around, the musketeers of the bandits were very unskilled in their movements.

Whether it is the replacement of the array or the loading of ammunition, there is a sense of confusion of "rushing the duck to the shelf".

There was even a ridiculous scene where the person who was retreating and the person who was advancing collided with each other when changing the array.

However, the scary thing about musketeers...or muskets is this - even a fledgling rookie can have great lethality once he picks up a musket!

Although Sagawa Kanbei immediately ordered his subordinates to disperse to avoid being exposed to concentrated fire, however... it was too late.

His momentum was exhausted, and the horses under him became frightened and uneasy.

boom! boom! boom! boom! boom! boom! boom! boom! boom!

Another row of bullets roared in.

The hot pellets stirred the air and smelled of death.

Extremely poor accuracy is the fatal weakness of the matchlock gun.

If we don't use line tactics...the so-called "line up to shoot", we won't be able to hit a few people at all.

This time, because Sagawa Kanbei had ordered his subordinates to disperse, no one was unfortunately shot.

However, the main purpose of the matchlock gun is not to kill the enemy, but to suppress the enemy's momentum and create panic among the enemy.

Even if you haven't been shot, it can still make your hair stand on end and make you feel stressed.

Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew! Phew!

Stimulated by the repeated deafening gunshots, the horses under Sagawa Kanbei and others became more and more restless.

A few horses even had a stress reaction and began to lose control. They no longer rushed forward, but flopped on the spot, trying to throw the knight on their back to the ground.

When seeing this situation, any cavalry general who is online can immediately conclude that it is impossible to achieve any results in this round of charge!

Sagawa Kanbei looked blankly at the musket formation in front and his defeated subordinates in the rear.

A strong hesitation flickered back and forth in his eyes.

Finally, he gritted his teeth - so hard that he seemed to be trying to crush his back molars - and shouted loudly:

"Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Everyone, retreat!"

As soon as his order came out, the Aizu cavalry immediately turned their horses' heads as if they were granted amnesty, and rushed towards the Shinsengumi camp.

Not even daring to look back... leaving the loud celebrations for repelling the powerful enemy far behind...

The Aizu cavalry, who were in high spirits a few minutes ago, fled in a panic in the blink of an eye. They were beaten to the point of losing their morale without even touching the outside of the enemy's formation...

Such a tragic ending was unbelievable not only to Sagawa Kanbei, who led this round of cavalry charge, but also to everyone in the Shinsengumi camp.

…

…

Shinsengumi camp——

The Aizu cavalry charged, the Aizu cavalry was defeated, the Aizu cavalry fled back... This scene full of tension and contrast was clearly reflected in the eyes of Ayoto and the Shinsengumi generals.

No one spoke...A heavy atmosphere fell around them.

In this silence, Shannan Jingzhu murmured without sadness or joy:

"It's simply a replica of the Changsha Hezhan..."

The Battle of Nagasaki - a famous battle in the Warring States Period, the decisive battle between the Oroku Allied Forces (Oda Family and Tokugawa Family) and the Takeda Army.

In 1575, the Zhide Allied Forces and the Takeda Army fought in Changbei.

Oda Nobunaga mobilized thousands of matchlock guns, and with perfect battlefield fortifications and overwhelming firepower superiority, he destroyed the world-famous Takeda Cavalry in one fell swoop. Three of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Takeda" were eliminated, and Takeda shocked the Eastern Kingdom. The family went downhill.

Whether it was the high-spirited charge of the Aizu cavalry or the low-dimensional attack of the firearms on the cavalry... As Shannan Keisuke said, everything was like a reenactment of the Nagasaki battle two hundred years ago.

Toudo Heisuke slowly muttered with a puzzled look on his face:

"Why do the bandits have iron cannons?"

The question he asked was also a question shared by everyone present.

Although most Western countries have used advanced firearms such as Spencer lever rifles and Henry M1860 rifles, matchlock guns are still very rare weapons in Japan today.

Generally speaking, those small vassals can have four or five usable matchlock guns, which is an incredible armament.

Where did the bandit army get so many matchlock guns?

Also, where did they find so many musketeers?

When did these "original farmers" who only knew how to wield hoes before know how to operate complex matchlock guns?

"...let's go."

Abruptly, Qingden supported Vairocana on his waist, turned around and walked down the slope.

"Go meet that idiot who wanted to show off his face, but ended up losing it."

…

…

"..."

Sagawa Kanbei lowered his head, his face was pale, his eyes were empty, and his whole person was like the embodiment of the word "lost soul".

The remaining defeated generals behind him all looked in shock.

After Sagawa Kanbei rode his horse through the village gate, he suddenly felt someone blocking his horse.

He looked up - Aomori was leading the Shinsengumi generals, standing like a mountain while looking at him with an expressionless face.

Qingdeng didn't talk nonsense and said directly and seriously:

"Sagawa Kanbei, you disobeyed the general's orders and led troops out of the battle without authorization. You were arrogant and underestimated the enemy, which resulted in a disastrous defeat. Not only did you fail to make any achievements, but you also lost several important cavalrymen. Did I say anything wrong about the above?"

"..."

The brief silence was Sagawa Kanbei's struggle.

For a moment, he buried his head low and squeezed out the words through his teeth:

"No...it is my incompetence that has led to irreparable and severe consequences...I, Sagawa Kanbei, am willing to accept all punishment..."

Seeing the other party readily admitting his guilt, Qingdeng didn't bother to waste any more words.

"I don't have time to deal with you now. I will deal with you slowly later."

After saying that, he turned his head and shouted to the entourage behind him:

"Get the bow!"

The attendant responded and left quickly.

After a while, the big purple bow Tianzhangyuan presented to Qingdeng - Yisezhafuriluo - was handed into his hands.

Qingdeng held the bow in his left hand and stroked the strings with his right hand, carefully checking the condition of the bow strings.

The bow is a very delicate weapon.

Once it gets wet, its elasticity will be greatly reduced.

Therefore, you cannot use the bow on rainy days - of course, it is not impossible to use it forcefully. However, if you do so, the power of the arrow will be greatly reduced, and secondly, the bow string will be easily scrapped.

Qingdeng's sudden action of taking the bow naturally aroused confusion among everyone present.

The general manager couldn't help but asked:

"Tangerine-kun, what are you doing with your bow?"

Qingdeng replied calmly:

"As expected, this bandit army is very unusual."

"Unless it obtains the assistance of a 'third party', it is impossible for a bandit army that has just launched its army to have iron gunners who can use the 'three-stage strike'."

When talking about the term "third party", Qingdeng emphasized his tone.

"So... I want to go to the front line and find out the truth with my own eyes. It's best to arrest a few people for questioning."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole audience was shocked!

Kinoshita Mai's eyes widened:

"Qingdeng, do you want to be a scout yourself?"

The DG vetoed without hesitation:

"Tachibana-kun, you can't! You are the general of the Shinsengumi! If anything happens to you, this battle... no, the whole Gyeonggi Province will change!"

Immediately afterwards, Shannan Keisuke, Kondo Isamu... everyone made comments one after another, urging Ayoto to stay in the formation peacefully and not to take risks.

The disastrous defeat of the Aizu cavalry just now has proved that the bandits have a lot of matchlocks.

If a reconnaissance operation is launched around the enemy's positions... God knows what accidents will happen!

Qingdeng had long expected the fierce reaction from everyone.

I saw him smiling slightly, and said with a confident smile:

"Don't panic. Of course I won't act alone. I will bring a reliable bodyguard."

Having said this, he turned his head and looked at the "most beautiful woman in Edo" not far away.

"Sanako, follow me! With the strength of you and me, we can walk in front of the enemy's lines!"

"?!"

Qingto's sudden roll call made Sanako stunned for a moment.

Looking at the Shinsengumi generals, only Sanako, who has a distinguished family background, received strict education since childhood, and is proficient in all eighteen martial arts, knows how to ride a horse, and his riding skills are not low.

After a brief moment of surprise, Sanako turned his surprise into a voice:

"Tachibana-kun, what do you mean...without anyone else, just relying on you and me to detect the enemy's situation?"

Qingdeng nodded slightly:

"This is a fast-in and fast-out reconnaissance operation. Too many people will get in the way."

At this point, he paused and then added with a smile:

"I hold my bow and arrow, and you hold my naginata to accompany me. Even if there are millions of people, I am nothing like me!"

In the next breath, he ordered Sagawa Kanbei in a tone that left no room for doubt:

"Sagawa-kun, pick the best horse among the horses you brought for Sanako."

Sagawa Kanbei, who had just suffered a humiliating defeat and caused a ridiculous scandal, really had no shame in showing off anymore.

As soon as Qingdeng finished speaking, he nodded quickly:

"Ming, understand! I will make arrangements immediately!"

Aoto's eyes moved to Isamu Kondo, who was responsible for supervising military discipline.

"Kondo-kun, keep Sagawa-kun in custody. I will try and punish him slowly when I am free later."

Isamu Kondo: "Yes!"

After making a series of arrangements, Qingden waved to Sanako:

"Sanako, let's go!"

…

…

On the desolate yellow land, two knights rode horses (oxen) forward in almost no particular order - it was Qingden who insisted on being the scout himself, against all opinions, and Sanako who accompanied them.

"Moo~~Moo~~"

Carrot's mood was visibly high.

Perhaps because the two owners were by his side, the big black cow was very excited, and its tail almost flew into the sky.

Protective gear such as chain mail, hand armor, and foot armor are all available. Sanako is wearing a light green haori, holding a rein in her left hand, and holding the naginata given to her by Aomori in her right hand, Chi Zhongyue, tied with three thousand green silk. With her high ponytail fluttering in the wind, she is able to control the finest Aizu horse with ease, showing a heroic and majestic appearance.

Although she is domineering, the feminine beauty of a woman can still be reflected in her graceful figure.

"..."

Suddenly, she quietly fell half a body behind Qingdeng, raising her eyes from time to time to peek at the tall figure in front of her.

She thought her actions were subtle.

Little did he know that every move and move he made was under Qingdeng's perception.

Qingdeng turned half of his face:

"Sanako, what's wrong? Why are you staring at me?"

Sanako, who knew his actions were exposed, was stunned for a moment, then pretended to be calm and said calmly:

"It's nothing, it's just...it's just...it's been a long time since I went out alone with you, so it feels like it's been a long time coming."

Qingden raised his eyebrows, then remained thoughtfully silent for a moment, then turned his head and gave the other person a teasing look.

"I see, so...you feel lonely, right?"

"Tangerine-kun, do you have to let me speak so clearly?"

Not caring to hide his blushing face, Zanazi gave Qingdeng a vicious look.

While they were talking and laughing, the camp of the bandit army was close at hand.

At this moment, out of the corner of his eye, Qingden suddenly caught a glimpse of a few dark shadows approaching towards them.

Looking closely - it turned out to be four rebel scouts who were patrolling the surrounding area on horseback.

The leader was seen staring at Qingden and Sanako in shock.

You can't blame him for his overreaction.

Although anyone can tell that there is something strange about these two people, they are probably scouts of the Shinsengumi, but... in a scout team of only 2 people, one of them is a woman. This is really very bold for an expert!

Ever since, this person reflexively shouted:

"Who are you?!"

Listening to this question, Qingdeng couldn't help but smile.

The next moment, he responded loudly:

"I am the Nioh!"

After saying this, he took off the Yise Zhafu Riluo hanging on the saddle at the speed of lightning, put an arrow on his bow, raised his hand and shot!

The sharp arrow shot out of the wind directly pierced that person's Tianling Cap!

The man rolled his eyes before he even had time to scream, and fell off his horse, stirring up a faint cloud of dust.

*******

*******

Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Bang bang bang bang (leopard pats its belly.jpg)

I went to pay New Year greetings on the first day of the Lunar New Year. After the New Year greetings, I had to drag my tired body to code and update everyone... For the sake of Bao Baozi being so diligent, please be sure to vote for this book monthly! (Crying Leopard Head.jpg) Please vote for me! Please vote for recommendation! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

PS: The plot of this chapter is too pretentious when it comes to Qingdeng, but it is just right when it comes to Li Shimin. I can only say that compared to reality, the novel is still too conservative!