It was rainy in the middle of summer, especially on the rugged mountain roads in the southwest, and after several days of heavy rain, the roads were even more muddy and difficult to walk.

It was not until two months later that Sun Dingzong led his troops to Myitkyina, an important town in northern Burma.

Compared with the Great Zhou, Burma was more rainy and sultry, and the 3,000 royal army led by Sun Dingzong were mostly from the northern region with a dry climate, which was very unsuitable for the climate of Burma.

However, in the end, it is the people who march and fight all the year round, although the climate here is very unsuitable, but in the end there is no outbreak of disease due to the reason of unsuitability, which makes Sun Dingzong, the commander, somewhat let go of some worries.

Zhang Guangzhi, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, is also regarded as the old minister of Sun Ding'an, the old Duke of Ningguo, so he is very familiar with Sun Dingzong, who was born in Ningguofu.

As soon as they met, the two exchanged pleasantries, until an hour later, Zhang Guangzhi told Sun Dingzong about the current situation in Myanmar.

"Brother Dingzong, the current situation in Burma is not optimistic, since the defeat of our army two months ago, the morale of the soldiers is very low, and in the past two months, it has been defeated repeatedly.

So far, the British have occupied most of the Sagaing State in western Myanmar, and according to the latest information, the British army is now attacking the capital of Sagaing State, which is only more than 30 miles away from Mandalay, the capital of Myanmar.

The English commander may have wanted to take Mandalay in one fell swoop, so there were not many of our troops to increase their offensive efforts. Otherwise, with the current morale of our army, I am afraid that Myitkyina will not be able to keep it. ”

After listening to Zhang Guangzhi's words, Sun Dingzong asked: "How many soldiers are there under Brother Guangzhi now?"

With a wry smile, Zhang Guangzhi said: "I'm not afraid of Brother Dingzong's jokes, although our army still has 3,000 soldiers intact, but the morale is low, I'm afraid that I don't have the heart to fight." ”

"I'm not afraid of this!" Sun Dingzong said, "As long as you win two big battles, you are not afraid that your morale will not be raised." ”

Sun Dingzong estimated that there were more than 3,000 soldiers under Zhang Guangzhi's command, plus the 3,000 soldiers he brought, a total of more than 6,000 people.

Although it is difficult to rely on these 6,000 people to fight a decisive battle with the 10,000 horses and horses invaded Burma by England.

But now the focus of the British offensive is now on Mandalay, the capital of Burma.

In addition, after the occupation of Sagaing, the British forces must be dispersed, so Sun Dingzong is confident that as long as there are no major mistakes, he is still sure to win this war.

Of course, it would be better if he had more troops under his command.

Therefore, Sun Dingzong said unceremoniously to Zhang Guangzhi: "Brother Guangzhi, you should understand that although the three thousand men and horses brought by Brother Yu this time are elite, they don't like the climate and environment here. Therefore, I also asked Brother Guangzhi to send 5,000 troops to support Brother Yu after he went back. ”

Hearing the words of "five thousand", Zhang Guangzhi couldn't help but be stunned.

Seeing this, Sun Dingzong asked: "Why, is it possible that the two provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou can't even draw 5,000 people."

"It's not that you can't draw 5,000 people, in fact, let alone 5,000, it's 50,000 horses, and the foolish brother can also draw them out for you.

Brother Keding didn't quite understand the situation in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, except for the defensive forces left behind, only the three thousand people under Brother Yu were now proficient in the use of firearms.

Most of the remaining soldiers had never even touched the musket once, let alone trained. ”

Hearing this, Sun Dingzong couldn't help but breathe, and then he remembered that the training and use of firearms in the health centers of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, or most of the entire Great Zhou Dynasty, were not very high.

Of the more than 100,000 regular troops, only 500,000 have been professionally trained in firearms.

Among the 500,000 horses, except for the troops stationed in the capital, the vast majority of the rest are the elite of the northern border.

Therefore, what Zhang Guangzhi said, although it was unexpected by Sun Dingzong, was also reasonable.

"Brother Guangzhi don't worry, after you go back this time, you only need to transfer 5,000 elite soldiers here immediately, and then the foolish brother will have his own use." Soon, Sun Dingzong thought of a good solution.

After successfully taking over the 3,000 soldiers under Zhang Guangzhi and sending Zhang Guangzhi away, Sun Dingzong hurriedly revised a letter and ordered a large number of grenades and mines to be allocated in the country.

The use of grenades and mines is so simple that even ordinary people can use them with simple training, let alone these soldiers

Therefore, Sun Dingzong was not worried about whether the soldiers who were transferred would use firearms.

Here, Sun Dingzong was busy with the next war deployment, and Li Guangtai came to the door.

"General Sun, now the British army is storming Sagaing City, once Sagaing City falls, then Mandalay, the capital of Burma, will become the British Lane's bag. At this critical moment, shouldn't we hurry up and go to support Myanmar?"

Facing Li Guangtai's questioning, Sun Dingzong seemed to be fine, with a smile on his face.

It wasn't until Li Guangtai's face appeared that Sun Dingzong explained: "Master Li doesn't need to worry, I know the situation in Myanmar better than you. ”

"Although the situation in Burma now looks precarious, the British army has attacked Sagaing with less than 5,000 troops since the division of troops.

Even if the English have captured Sagaing City now, then facing Mandalay, which has high walls, I am afraid that it will not be so easy to capture."

"You know, Myanmar has already assembled no less than 50,000 troops in Mandalay!"

"But!" Li Guangtai obviously didn't listen to Sun Dingzong's persuasion, "But the difference between the weapons of the Burmese army and the British army, the layman of the old man knows it, General Sun, you won't be unclear."

In the face of England's firepower superiority, can Mandalay hold for a few days, is it three days or five daysOnce Mandalay falls, General Sun, don't blame the old man for not reminding you, when His Majesty is accountable, don't blame the old man for falling into the ground. ”

Hearing this, Sun Dingzong's eyes narrowed, and he looked at Li Guangtai seriously and said, "Lord Li, don't forget your duties, and don't forget the purpose of Your Majesty sending you here this time.

It's true that you are the minister of the Qincha, but the old man is the commander of this time, you should investigate the matter ordered by His Majesty with peace of mind, as for military affairs, it is better for you to worry less! ”

"You ......" Li Guangtai was smoked by Sun Dingzong's top seven orifices, and he flicked his sleeves and came out of the handsome tent.

Seeing Li Guangtai walking out of the handsome tent angrily, Sun Dingzong still had the leisure to say loudly: "Master Li, don't forget Your Majesty's explanation before leaving!" ”

"The old man knows it in his heart, so you don't need to worry about General Sun!"

……

Li Guangtai walked out of the barracks angrily, but Sun Dingzong ignored it, and directly instructed the guards outside the tent: "Someone, immediately send the Burmese generals to come, this general has something to ask!" ”