If it weren't for Zhu Jishi's timely arrival with reinforcements, who completely defeated Fan Xu and Zhou Bo of the Nanyang Army at the last moment, and created a large number of opportunities for the chaotic Han army soldiers to behead and kill the enemy, then in this battle outside Wancheng City, the Han army's loss would definitely be far above the Nanyang army.

Even if there is an absolute superiority in troops, the Han army is still very passive in this battle, it can be said that it is at a disadvantage on every battlefield, and it is also beaten to the ground by the Nanyang army that is inferior to its own army in every battlefield, and the losses are heavy.

On the battlefield of the Han army's partial division, Lu Juan's 3,000 Nanyang army successfully attacked and successfully entered the camp of the Han army's partial division, killing the Han army's partial division with more than 20,000 people to heavy casualties, and also burned down many of the camps of the Han army's partial division.

Even so, even with the help of friendly troops, the Han army's partial division successfully defeated the Nanyang army's partial division, beheaded nearly 1,800, and the lackey Xiangyun hacked to death Lu Xuan, who was disguised as an ordinary soldier, in the chaotic army, and killed this Nanyang army general who was born on the same day, the same month and the same year as Liu Laosan, but the losses of the Han army's partial division and Zeng Ji's division together exceeded the 3,500 mark, not to mention the loss of troops was twice that of the enemy, and it was accompanied by a lot of camp tents and military supplies.

The Han army ambushed by the Nanyang army Gongsun Tong was even more miserable, 6,000 soldiers finally withdrew to the camp with Gongsun Tong only barely reached half, the Han cavalry led by Guan Ying was forced to fight a tough battle with the Nanyang army, and also lost more than 1,700 cavalry and nearly 2,000 war horses, in one fell swoop created the highest record of Han cavalry losses in a battle since the formation of the army, and the distressed Guan Ying fell directly after the war.

The losses of the Han army's generals Long and his department were also heavy, and the losses of the troops before and after broke through the 2,000 mark, and it was extremely humiliating in the pursuit battle, he was cut in half by the enemy's counter-charge of less than 2,000, and lost the face of the number one general of the Han army.

The Han army general Chong Jun was seriously wounded by a stray arrow in the fierce battle, and he died on the road before he could be carried back to the camp by his own soldiers, becoming the highest-ranking general of the Han army who died in this battle, and he led 5,000 Han troops because of the crazy impact of the four armies of the Nanyang army Wang Su, Fan Xu, Zheng Bu and Lu Ze at the same time, and finally returned to the Han army camp alive only about 2,800 people, and there were many wounded.

In addition, coupled with the losses of Zhu Jishi's troops in the battle, in this battle, the loss of the Han army's troops reached an astonishing 14,000, among which there were many elite soldiers of the Han army, and even many young marshals and old men, which also created the highest record of the Han army's loss of troops in a single battle. - Uncle Zhou's defense of Xingyang is not counted, that time Uncle Zhou fought with the elite of the Western Chu Army many times, and the cumulative losses together exceeded this number.

Because of this, even if he had been mentally prepared, after the casualty statistics were put in front of Xiang Kang, Xiang Kang was still shocked and blurted out: "How can there be so many?" This king still thinks that no matter how heavy the casualties are, it is impossible for our army losses to reach 10,000 people? ”

Xiang Kang was only distressed and shocked, but Liu Laosan was dripping blood in his heart, so much so that after Han Xin personally put the casualty statistics in front of Liu Laosan, Liu Laosan covered his eyes with his hands for the first time, and said in a loud voice: "This king doesn't look at it, and this king doesn't want to know how many troops we have lost, let's talk about it, how many people have come back from our army out of the city?" ”

After hesitating for a moment, Han Xin still replied in a heavy tone: "Back to the king, General Lu Ze's 3,000 troops have returned two thousand and fifty-three, and General Jin She's two thousand troops have returned one thousand four hundred and twenty-eight. The wounded soldiers of both armies were more than 20%. ”

"This king didn't ask Jin She and Lu Ze's army, they are fighting under the city, and they are protected by a moat, so of course the losses will not be very large." Liu Laosan said bitterly: "This king is asking how many people have come back from other armies, Fan Gou'er and Zhou Suona's army?" And Wang Sue and Lu Xuan's army, how many people fled back? ”

Unable not to answer, Han Xin could only stubbornly say: "King, don't be too sad, the six thousand troops of General Fan and General Zhou, including their two generals, have fled back a total of 1,221 people. General Wang Su was killed, and less than 100 of his 2,000 troops fled. General Lu Xuan is missing, and it is rumored that he has also been killed, and his army of 3,000 has returned 777 people. ”

"Seven hundred and seventy-seven? That's a coincidence. Liu Laosan smiled miserably and said, "So, our troop losses last night, all combined, are almost about 11,000 people?" ”

Han Xin nodded bitterly, but Liu Laosan's smile was even more sad, and he said with a miserable smile: "Okay, in Wancheng City, all the troops together are just over 27,000 people, and 11,000 have been defeated in one battle, of which nearly 5,000 are still our best-equipped main soldiers, and the next battle will definitely be better now." ”

He had already apologized to Liu Laosan before, and he had also been forgiven and understood by Liu Laosan, and there were many Nanyang military civilians next to him, and the arrogant Han Xin of course didn't say anything, but just stepped aside with heavy steps. However, Cao Shen, Fan Xu, and Zhou Bo and others who were present with their arms hanging on their chests all had gloomy expressions, and their eyes at Han Xin were extremely unkind, and they couldn't bear it, Zhou Bo also said directly: "King, someone must be responsible for this battle, if it weren't for someone who was clever and divided our already meager troops one by one, how could we suffer such a big defeat?" Suffered such a heavy loss? ”

When he said this, of course, Zhou Bo's eyes were always staring at Han Xin, Han Xin twisted his face away and didn't say anything, but Liu Laosan stood up and hugged him, and said like a cannon: "Zhou Bo, you can't understand what this king says?" Someone has to be in charge of this battle? Who is responsible? This king is responsible? Last night's tactical plan, although Han Xin arranged it, but it was the king who nodded before you sent the troops, and the king personally decided to fight this battle, do you want the king to be responsible? ”

"Your Majesty doesn't dare." Zhou Bo hurriedly shook his head and said, "But if it weren't for the general who divided our troops repeatedly, how could we ......." ”

"Shut up!" Liu Laosan rudely interrupted Zhou Bo and said: "The general's tactical plan is not wrong, we only lost last night with few soldiers, and this king can be sure that the losses of the Han thieves will only be more than ours!" We were able to fight like this with weak troops, all because the general's tactics were correct, and he killed several Han thieves by surprise! ”

Seeing that Liu Laosan resolutely gave Han Xin a platform, Zhou Bo could only obediently close his mouth, and Liu Laosan also picked up the loss statistics that Han Xin personally sent to him to take a closer look, with a forced smile on his face, but his heart kept dripping blood - Liu Laosan can indeed be sure that the losses of the Han army are above the self-army, but the capital of the Han army is thick, and at most it can only be regarded as bloodshed, but the loss of the Nanyang army is that it has touched the root of the bones and bones, and has lost nearly half of the hard-earned capital. If there is really a regret medicine in the world, Liu Laosan will definitely not support Han Xin to fight last night's battle!

After reluctantly smiling again, Liu Laosan first put down the statistics of the battle report, and then asked Han Xin, "General, what should I do next?" Is it to use our remaining 16,000 troops to defend Wancheng with all our might? Or do you have other plans? ”

Without much hesitation, Han Xin quickly replied: "Your Majesty, in the opinion of your subordinates, in the current situation, it is best for us to prepare for retreat as soon as possible, abandon the city and go south before the Han thieves launch an attack on the city, and go to the south of Nanyang to regroup ......." ”

"Still running?!"

Before Han Xin's words were finished, he was interrupted by Fan Xu, who couldn't bear it, and then Fan Hao roared again: "It's already lost like this, can we still withdraw?" This area of Wancheng is a plain, and the cavalry of the Han thieves is far above us, I am afraid that we have not withdrawn for ten miles, and the Han thief cavalry has already rushed to the front to stop us, and when the time comes, the Han thieves will ride forward and chase after us, and how many of our remaining more than 10,000 troops can escape alive? ”

"That's better than staying in the city and waiting to die!" Han Xin said coldly: "The Thorn Yang where the Western Chu Army is stationed is only forty miles away from Wancheng, as long as we escape to Thorn Yang and get the response and rescue of the West Chu Army, how can we keep more than half of the army." ”

"Jianyang is on the east bank of Yushui, Wancheng is on the west bank of Yushui, how do we cross the river?" Zhou Bo asked sharply: "Also, is the Western Chu Army reliable?" When we were in Yexian County, it was they who left us to flee for our lives, and they killed us heavily. ”

"King, you must not pin your hopes on that puppet of Liji." Cao Shen also said: "Xiang Kang, that traitor, has clearly told us that Liji has accepted his bribe, judging from Liji's previous performance, this thing is true!" If we still pin our hopes on Li Jifu, it is equivalent to sending our head to him to ask for credit from Xiang Kang's traitor! ”

"King, you should go all out to defend Wancheng!" Xiahou Ying, who had a good relationship with Han Xin, also stood on the opposite side of Han Xin this time, and said: "The trebuchet of the Han thieves is very powerful, but no matter how powerful their trebuchet is, it is impossible to really smash the wall of Wancheng!" As long as we hold the city wall, we will hope to hold on until the king of Western Chu personally leads the army to rescue us, and then we will not only be able to keep Wancheng and Nanyang, but also have a great chance of turning defeat into victory! ”

"Yes, it can only be Shouwan City!" Fan Xu shouted directly and said, "The rest of our troops will be sent to death in vain when they go out of the city, but they are definitely more than enough to defend the city!" Moreover, our grain and grass are sufficient, and there is absolutely no problem in holding on until the rescue troops of the King of Western Chu arrive! ”

Seeing that several of Liu Laosan's important henchmen were resolutely opposed to abandoning the city and retreating, Han Xin could only close his mouth, turn his gaze to Liu Laosan, and wait for Liu Laosan to make a decision. However, to Han Xin's great disappointment, after tapping the case in front of him with his fingers for a long time, Liu Laosan still gritted his teeth and said, "Defend the city with all your might!" Until the last minute, never consider abandoning the city! ”

"The King." Han Xin wanted to speak and stopped.

"General, there is no need to say more." Liu Laosan shook his head and said: "Fan Hao and Zhou Bo are right, the current situation, we are going out of the city to die in vain, and the puppet of Liji is unreliable, and we can't entrust our lives to him, only to wait for rescue in Wancheng is our only hope." ”

Knowing that Liu Laosan had also shaken his confidence in himself, Han Xin had no choice but to hang his head slightly, and said in his heart: "Shaft, lack and conspiracy." ”

After finalizing this resolution, and after experiencing the painful defeat last night, the Nanyang army could only give up its previous harassment tactics and instead concentrate on strengthening the city defenses and preparing for the siege of the Han army. After a day of rest, the Han army also restarted the siege preparations, while the imperfect camp fortifications were completely built, while assigning people to mine a large number of stone mines, prepare shells for the counterweight trebuchet, and at the same time cut down a large number of trees to make various siege weapons, so as to assist in the siege of the city.

Five days later, the Han army began to organize manpower to fill the moat of the northwest two gates of Wancheng, the Nanyang army used all kinds of weapons to block, and indeed caused a lot of casualties to the Han army, but still failed to stop the Han army from filling the river, the Han army soldiers and the recruited people only took four days to fill in most of the moat at the north gate of Wancheng, and opened the road under the city of Wancheng with large siege weapons such as ladder trucks and ramming vehicles, and at the same time, the Han army division also filled several sections of the moat at the west gate, preparing to take on the auxiliary attack task during the siege.

Another day passed, and the whole day was not taken by the Han army, and at the same time, the scouts of the Nanyang army trained by Han Xin also smelled the strong smell of meat outside the Han military camp, and saw that the cooking smoke in the Han military camp continued, and the cooking time was much longer than usual, and the situation was reported to Han Xin, and Han Xin immediately understood that the Han army was feasting on soldiers, rushing to make dry food for distribution, and was about to launch a full-scale attack on the Wancheng city wall.

After confirming this situation, after a rare period of hesitation, Han Xin still found Liu Laosan, in addition to giving Liu Laosan the discovery of the scout and his own analysis report, he also said to Liu Laosan: "King, if nothing happens, the Han thieves will definitely launch an attack tomorrow, and tonight will definitely let the soldiers rest at ease and recuperate enough to attack the city." Your Majesty thinks that it is best for us to send an army tonight to attack the main camp of the Han thieves in the middle of the night, and if we can succeed, of course, it is the best, even if we can't succeed, it can also make the army of the Han thieves unable to get enough rest, which is conducive to our defense of the city tomorrow. ”

Liu Laosan also very rare did not immediately adopt Han Xin's suggestion, after thinking for a long time, Liu Laosan also said to Han Xin: "General, it's better not to take risks, our troops are already thin enough, if there is any accident with the army out of the city, our next battle to defend the city will definitely be more difficult to fight." To be on the safe side, let's save our precious forces and use them all to defend the city. ”

Knowing that Liu Laosan had lost confidence in himself, Han Xin didn't insist, but just changed his words and said: "King, since you don't want to take risks, your subordinates don't object, but in order to take precautions, we'd better make a contingency arrangement in advance." ”

"What contingency arrangement?" Liu Laosan hurriedly asked.

Han Xin whispered his arrangements and plans, but Liu Laosan finally did not refuse this time, just nodded after thinking about it, and said in a low voice: "This matter will be handed over to you to be responsible, remember, you must keep it secret, otherwise it will definitely shake the morale of the army and affect our morale." ”

In fact, Liu Laosan was right to reject Han Xin's suggestion to rob the camp again, because he knew too well Han Xin's cunning and deceit, and he also knew that the preparation of the army would definitely not be able to hide from Han Xin's eyes - even Uncle Zhou could judge the enemy's night attack tactics through the smoke, naturally needless to say Han Xin, so on the first night before the official siege, Xiang Kang deliberately arranged for 8,000 troops to go out of the camp, and the soldiers were ambushed on the left and right sides of the main camp of the army in two ways, waiting for Han Xin to send troops to attack.

But it's a pity that because Liu Laosan has lost confidence in Han Xin, Xiang Kang's arrangement for Han Xin's military style has become a vain hard work, and the 8,000 Han soldiers have been fed mosquitoes in the wild for a night in the cold wind of late autumn.

But it doesn't matter much, it's still the same sentence, Xiang Kang's capital is thick and the foundation is thick, and the 8,000 troops worked hard all night in vain, as long as they stay in the camp the next day to rest in peace, it can't affect the siege of the Han soldiers, so in the early morning of the next day, after letting the Han soldiers have a good meal and good food, Xiang Kang still personally led more than 40,000 Han soldiers to line up south, carrying as many as seventy-two counterweight trebuchets and a large number of siege weapons, and killed the city of Wancheng with great momentum.

Then, after assigning twelve of the trebuchets to the Han army led by Ding Ji, Xiang Kang shouted to the generals of the Han army in the banner array: "In this battle, no matter what, we must take Wancheng for this king!" Tell me clearly, the soldiers, the first to climb the head of Wancheng City, the reward is 10,000 gold, and the team of 1,000 people to which he belongs will be rewarded 30,000 gold! There are those who have obtained the head of Liu Ji, who will be crowned marquis, rewarded with 10,000 gold, and given thousands of households! Those who have obtained the head of Han Xin, the pseudo-general of Nanyang, will also be crowned marquis, rewarded with 10,000 gold, and given food to thousands of households! ”

The reward was soon announced, and the crowd of Han soldiers immediately erupted in cheers. At the same time, Liu Laosan also loudly announced at the head of Wancheng, "As long as you hold Wancheng and repel the attack of the Han thieves!" The reward for this battle will be doubled! There are those who kill the heads of the thieves who rush to the head of Wancheng, and the reward will be tripled! ”

When the Nanyang soldiers also roared because of the heavy reward, Cao Shen, who was in charge of the main battlefield of the North Gate, opened his mouth and urged: "King, the trebuchet of the Han thief has begun to prepare, go back to the city quickly, it is too dangerous here, just leave it to your subordinates." ”

After patting Cao Shen on the shoulder, Liu Laosan walked down the north gate of Wancheng without looking back, his expression became extremely hideous, and he kept saying in his heart: "Xiang Kang traitor, come on, this king wants to take a look, do you have the ability to take down Wancheng, which our Nanyang Army is holding onto!" ”

After another moment, when the flag waved, sixty Han army counterweight trebuchets lined up outside the north gate of Wancheng started together, throwing sixty boulders weighing more than 150 catties to the head of Wancheng City, taking the lead in opening the prelude to the offensive and defensive battle of Wancheng......