(2-in-1)

More than 10,000 people in the first echelon had no chance to rush under the city walls, and the dense rain of arrows and stone bullets in the sky had already knocked them to pieces. Facing the danger of total annihilation. In this case, Han Gang did not dare to use force. Since the other party has prepared, the surprise attack is pointless. Although Han Gang was angry and unwilling in his heart, he knew that if he insisted on going his own way, he would face greater casualties. He had to announce the immediate withdrawal of his troops.

A siege battle that was expected to be easy ended in a crushing defeat for the Great Zhou army.

More than 7,000 people were killed or wounded, more than half of them in battle. What is even more unacceptable is that there were no casualties on the defending side. The Great Zhou soldiers and horses did not even rush under the city walls to launch a siege, Han Gang had already admitted that the battle had failed, and Ming Jin withdrew his troops.

For Han Gang, this is really stealing chickens and rice, and it will become an indelible stain in his life. The opponent was the soldiers and horses of the Liao State, which was considered to be insufficient in the ability to defend the city. The Liao people have always been frightened by cavalry battles, attacking and defending cities, and the soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou Dynasty are the first in the world. But today, the soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou, who were the best at attacking the city, were defeated by the Liao people, who were the least good at defending the city, and the battle was completely one-sided, which was simply a disaster, an unacceptable humiliation.

Fortunately, Han Gang did not lose his mind because of this, he quickly judged the situation and made the decision to stop the attack, so he did not suffer greater losses. In fact, there were far more soldiers and horses in Zhuozhou City than he imagined, and the preparations for defending the city were more sufficient. Nearly 60,000 Liao archers, as well as 80 small catapults made by the Liao people, made the 80,000 siege soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou who dared to ignore the current affairs all fall here.

Zhuozhou is the gateway to the Liao State, once there is suspicion about the soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou, how could Yelu Zongyuan not take defensive measures? Yelu Zongyuan didn't plan to turn against Da Zhou at the moment, in fact, he didn't want these soldiers and horses to come in handy at all. But once it happens, these are the guarantees to ensure that Zhuozhou is not lost and the southern gate of Liao is not opened. Obviously, Yelu Zongyuan was superior in strategy.

Han Gang's mistake was that he was too confident and lacked in-depth analysis. With his ability, if he can analyze the situation calmly, he will definitely analyze the truth in this, and he will naturally act more cautiously. Unfortunately, he was not able to do that. Too much trust in his own judgment and his desire to succeed in the first battle led to a crushing defeat. The fiasco in Zhuozhou seemed to be an ominous omen, casting a shadow over the battle of the Great Zhou against Liao, which came with great ambition and vigor.

Han Gang didn't dare to make any more moves, so he ordered his soldiers and horses to retreat ten miles back and set up camp. He went south overnight to the midst of the approaching army. He knew he had made a big mistake with devastating consequences. For now, the only way to do this is to personally ask Yang Jun for mercy in order to ask for leniency. Any delay could make your head move.

In Fengqi Town, eighty miles south of Zhuozhou. The more than 200,000 soldiers and horses of the Great Zhou Dynasty were crossing here like locusts. However, Han Gang's arrival made the soldiers and horses stop for the time being and temporarily set up camp.

Before Yang Jun's tent, hundreds of generals gathered in the open space. Yang Jun stood in the middle of the clearing with a pale face, and in front of him was Han Gang, who was tied up by Wuhua and knelt in front of Yang Jun crying with a sad face. Not long ago, Han Gang had already reported the news of his failure in the siege, and Yang Jun was furious, and immediately ordered to stop the advance and summon the army to come here.

For Han Gang's failure, Yang Jun was both angry and distressed. Han Gang is his confidant, more than 20 years ago, Han Gang followed him to fight in Western Xia, although at that time Han Gang was only a member of his own personal cavalry, but he fought bravely, bravely and strategically, and won his own respect. More than 20 years later, Han Gang rose step by step, from a small personal soldier to the position of commander of the Ansu Army. This time, Yang Jun entrusted him with an important task, hoping that he could make meritorious contributions, and he could install him in the Privy Council and further cultivate him. Who would have expected that at this juncture, he would actually suffer a big defeat.

He led 300,000 elites into Liao to fight, and his morale was high and his momentum was fierce. His defeat ruined everything. Even Yang Jun understood from his narrative that Liao was suspicious, and Han Gang's initiative to attack was also reasonable to a certain extent, but Han Gang was obviously too rigid and reckless. He should report the matter immediately and let himself judge the situation. But he didn't, he was earnest but underestimated the enemy, which led to this humiliating fiasco.

In Yang Jun's view, this fiasco is more than just a fiasco. He would affect the morale of the entire army, and also make his previous move to get the court to support him with all its might. The whole week was waiting for the good news, and Guo Xu was also waiting for the good news, but the good news didn't come, and the news of a humiliating defeat came first. Moreover, what would the Jurchens think when they found out? The Great Zhou soldiers and horses are so vulnerable, this is really embarrassing.

"Listen, Han Gang's guy is stupid, attacking the city with cavalry, it's a stupid donkey. In vain, Ben Shuai trusted him and lived up to Ben Shuai's expectations of him. Even if the Liao people turn against each other, they should return to their own marshal and make a decision, how can they make their own decisions and attack aggressively? A big failure? You have made the morale of my army very bad, so what kind of face does this commander have to play the emperor? In view of Han Gang's extremely bad move, this commander should act in accordance with military law and will not be lenient. Someone came and beheaded Han Gang to show the public as an example. Yang Jun said loudly with his beard blowing.

Several guards rushed forward, grabbed Han Gang, who was tied up with five flowers, and dragged him to a broken head next to him where a log stake was placed. Han Gang didn't struggle, he only said in a loud voice with tears on his face: "There is more than enough to die in a humble position, and a humble position has failed Yang Shumi, failed the cultivation of the emperor and the imperial court, and can't stand the dead brothers." I am innocent of death. But I only beg Marshal Yang to spare my life, I am willing to be an ordinary soldier, charge and kill the enemy, wash away the shame of today, I don't want to die under the sword of my own people. ”

Yang Jun shouted coldly: "How can military law be tolerant? Why didn't you take a closer look at the situation? It's too late to say that. Chopped! ”

Han Gang was speechless, and only scolded the Liao people for being treacherous. The guards dragged him to the stake, pressed his head against the wooden pier, and the axe-bearer stood behind him with a broadsword in hand, ready to be executed. The surrounding generals hurriedly knelt on the ground and pleaded with Yang Jun. Although they were also extremely angry after learning the news, they were very annoyed by Han Gang's brainless behavior. But Han Gang is Marshal Yang's favorite general, and he is usually very popular, and he is a famous general in the Great Zhou Army. If you just kill it, it's not right.

"Marshal Yang, the killing will be unknown, please think twice. General Han has a big mistake, but the Liao people have long hidden their intentions, and their repentance is also one of the reasons. Moreover, although we lost this battle, we can recognize the face of the Liao people and know that they have been prepared for a long time, which is of great value to our subsequent attack. I will implore the marshal to be extrajudicial and spare General Han this time. Deputy Marshal Bai Qi shouted loudly.

"Yes, spare Lord Han's life. Lord Han also wanted to take Zhuozhou and seize control of the ferry. It is because the Liao people have long had bad intentions and have ill intentions. Lord Han was just fooled. The marshal should not kill Lord Han out of anger. Besides, what Lord Han said is right, it is better to die here than to let Lord Han and the Liao people fight and make the merit worthwhile. It is indeed ominous to kill the general in the army in battle. The rest of the generals also kowtowed and pleaded.

Yang Jun's face was full of anger, and he glared at the generals kneeling in front of him and said sharply: "What are you doing? Rebellion? Military law is like a mountain, do you want to bend the law? ”

Bai Qi said in a deep voice: "The marshal is angry, the military law naturally cannot be violated, we are just thinking about the start of the big war, killing the vanguard general at this time will have a great blow to morale." Although General Han has made great mistakes, he is not greedy for life and afraid of death, nor is he cowardly to join the enemy. Instead, he fell into the trap of the Liao people's tricks. The Liao people had already taken precautions, and this could not be entirely blamed on General Han's miscalculation. This is intentional calculation or unintentional, and can only be regarded as a major negligence. Although the marshal wanted to kill General Han, it was not unjust, and the last general and others did not want to ignore military law, but hoped to give General Han a chance to bear the blame. General Han has also made great contributions to my Great Zhou, and when I think of this, I can't kill him. ”

The generals shouted, "Yes, you can't kill it." ”

Yang Jun stomped his feet and said, "You guys are embarrassing me." Ay! Military law is like a mountain, how can it be connived. Ben Shuai can't completely ignore your opinions, so let's do it, the death penalty can be avoided, and the living crime is unforgivable. From now on, he will be dismissed from all military posts and demoted to an ordinary soldier. General Tian, Sin incorporated Han Gang into your infantry army as a pawn, and then captured it, let him take the lead. ”

The generals were stunned and speechless, and the marshal swept Han Gang's military post to the end, which was more uncomfortable than killing him. But in any case, it's better than getting your head cut off right now. All the generals actually know that Han Gang is Yang Jun's favorite general, and the reason why they all intercede for him is not entirely because of how good Han Gang's popularity is, but also because of Yang Jun's wishes. But Yang Jun's move proves how angry Yang Jun should be at the defeat of this battle. He really couldn't accept such a failure. If it weren't for everyone's plea, he would really kill Han Gang on the spot.

Yang Jun walked up to Han Gang and said in a deep voice: "Han Gang, you have been with me for many years, and I have great expectations for you, but this time you really disappointed the old man." This time, I can't afford to make any mistakes in the battle between my Great Zhou and the Liao, and the first battle was fought like this by you, do you think you should die? ”

Han Gang wept bitterly and said: "The last general should die, the last general has failed the marshal's expectations." ”

Yang Jun sighed and said, "The generals will intercede, and Ben Shuai will spare you from death." If you can make meritorious service and survive this war with the Liao, just like you made countless contributions as a cavalry soldier by Ben Shuai's side, Ben Shuai will not blame the past and let you be reinstated. No wonder Ben Shuai is harsh on you, you have become an ordinary soldier, charging ahead. If you die, it's because you don't have the ability, don't blame yourself for bad luck. Dying on the battlefield can be regarded as washing away the shame. If you can still make meritorious contributions alive, the commander should also restore you to your official position. This is your last chance. ”

Han Gang felt remorse in his heart, and he had already scolded himself countless times in his heart. He didn't blame Yang Jun for being ruthless, he lost the first battle, even if his head was cut off, he would not be wronged. Now, though, such a punishment is no different from being beheaded. After that, the big wars will inevitably be frequent, and as a pioneer soldier, there is a high probability that he will die on the battlefield if he can't survive the end of the whole war. But at least I have a glimmer of hope and a chance to prove myself. Han Gang can die, but he can't die of incompetence and humiliation, but to tell others that this defeat is not Han Gang's incompetence, but just a trick.

"Thank you for the completion of the marshal, the criminal general Han Gang will cherish this opportunity and not embarrass the marshal again. In the future, Han Gang will start from scratch, and one day, Han Gang will return to the marshal again and saddle the marshal before and after the horse. Han Gang said in a deep voice.

"Good! Good. You can say such things, which shows that you are still the bloody and fearless Han Gang before, and Ben Shuai hopes that you can return to Ben Shuai's field of vision again. Ben Shuai hopes to entrust you with a heavy responsibility once again. Ben Shuai believes in you. Yang Jun reached out and patted Han Gang's shoulder and personally untied the rope for him.

Han Gang knelt down and kowtowed, got up and took off the general's armor on his body, took off his saber, and slowly walked in front of General Tian and saluted: "General Tian, recruit Han Gang has just reported for duty." May I ask the general, where am I in the camp? ”

General Tian sighed and summoned his own soldiers to lead Han Gang away.

After Han Gang left, Yang Jun suddenly began to untie his armor, ordered his soldiers to take off their armor, and lifted off his underwear, revealing the muscles of his upper body. The generals were puzzled, but when they saw Yang Jun walking to the stake and lying on it, he said in a deep voice: "Han Gang's mistake, this marshal is difficult to shirk the blame, and the marshal was going to resign, but when this big Zhou is heavy, Ben Shuai can't live up to the emperor's trust, so he can't resign as marshal." However, if there is a mistake, he has to bear it, and the commander has 30 military sticks by himself, and he knows right from wrong with the correct military law. Come on, hit! ”

The generals hurriedly rushed forward in fright, some of them were gossiping to persuade them, and some of them wanted to pull Yang Jun up. Yang Jun shouted angrily: "Do you want me Yang Jun to become a sinner?" The military discipline is unknown, why do you lead the army to fight. If this is still the case in the future, what will you do to compete with the Liao? Whoever wants to persuade again, I will go back to the capital to plead guilty. ”

The generals were stunned, not knowing what to do. Bai Qi was stunned for a moment, and sighed: "That's it, the marshal is high-spirited, and he will be admired by the general." However, the big war is imminent, and if Marshal Yang is damaged and his movement is inconvenient, he will also delay the command of the operation. Marshal, why don't we beat the ten sticks first, and send the remaining twenty sticks for the time being, and then talk about it later? This is also for the sake of the overall situation, and it is by no means to ask the marshal to ignore military discipline. ”

The generals said: "Yes, the thirty army sticks, won't they break their bodies, and the whole army still expects the marshal to take the idea." The marshal must not lose a big one because of a small one. ”

Yang Jun thought for a while, nodded and said, "Okay, then let's hit the Ten Army Sticks first as a punishment." The rest will be stored for the time being, and this punishment will be received after the commander has destroyed the Liao. ”

The generals were relieved, Bai Qi waved his hand, and two soldiers came forward with military sticks. Yang Jun said: "You must not be favoritistic, you must contribute." ”

Bai Qi also glared at the two executioners and said, "Yes, you must contribute, if you dare to show favoritism and do not contribute, I will punish you heavily." ”

The two soldiers didn't know what Bai Qi meant, Bai Qi was talking the opposite, and he was squeezing his eyes at them at the moment. Even if Bai Qi didn't remind them, they wouldn't really fight to the death, and they weren't stupid.

At that moment, the military stick was raised high and fell lightly, although it was also crackling when it hit Yang Jun, but Yang Jun was unscathed. Yang Jun naturally won't be more serious, he is actually doing this is also a joke, just to tell these generals that from him down, they must be strict with the law. No one is exempt from liability. If anything happens in the future, no one will be exempt.

……

Knowing that the plan was revealed, although Yang Jun was very regretful in his heart, he was not too depressed. After all, with such a big military operation, it was only a matter of time before the Liao people became suspicious. What the emperor thinks is an ideal state, and it is best to cross the Sanggan River and approach Xijin Mansion before making a move, but this is treating the Liao people as deaf and blind. Yelu Zongyuan is naturally neither deaf nor blind, and he must pay great attention to every move of the Great Zhou soldiers and horses. It's not surprising at all that suspicion arises. It's just that Han Gang is too aggressive, he should wait for the army to arrive, his idea of sneaking up on the attack is too simple, and he also made the mistake of underestimating the opponent's IQ.

Since the plan was revealed, Yang Jun was not worried about this. Over the years, he has led the army into battle, and he has rarely used intrigue and intrigues. When he and Li Xuanhao fought a decisive battle in the northwest, when he learned that Li Xuanhao had assembled the soldiers and horses of the rebellious tribes, Yang Jun not only did not follow the advice of the generals and strategists around him to seize the time to break through, but insisted on waiting until Li Xuanhao's main cavalry was assembled before waving his army to meet it head-on. This is Yang Jun's style, he is not afraid of any opponent, he likes to fight them head-on and win them. Yang Jun's logic is that after defeating the enemy's main force in a frontal battle, that is the victory that controls the situation. All other guerrilla warfare, what kind of obstruction and ambush, although they can win a small victory, cannot affect the overall situation. This was contrary to the combat philosophy that many people thought, but Yang Jun succeeded.

At this moment, Yang Jun quickly adjusted and formulated a combat strategy, that is, to storm Zhuozhou, forcibly cross the Sanggan River, and then storm Xijin Mansion. It was only at this time that the initiative of the entire battle came to Yang Jun's hands, and he returned to the steps that Yang Jun was most familiar with and liked. And Guo Xu's strategy before was actually not liked by Yang Jun, but it was just a last resort.

Of course, the defeat of the first battle of Zhuozhou still has to be explained to the imperial court, and Yang Jun did not hide it, and it was not taboo to frankly admit the defeat of Zhuozhou in the holy decree of the previous performance. After saying some polite words such as disappointing the emperor's grace, Yang Jun told Guo Xu that this defeat was not enough, and it was precisely because of this defeat that the fact that the Liao people had been prepared for a long time, which was beneficial to the subsequent battle. He told Guo Xu that in a few days, he would send good news, so that the emperor would not have to worry about it.

Yang Jun's self-confidence not only comes from his rich combat experience over the years and the pride of not tasting defeat, but also from the soldiers and horses he holds in his hands. Siege battle, with how many Liao people defend the city, is it still his opponent? It is the field war, not the city war, that he is worried about. The defenders of Zhuozhou said that there were fifty or sixty thousand people, even if it was doubled, so what?

Yang Jun ordered the infantry and siege equipment to speed up the march, and be sure to arrive outside Zhuozhou City tomorrow afternoon to launch a siege operation.