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Chapter 166 Vertical and Horizontal

Along the canal all the way south, he captured Gaoyou and Yangzhou, which were as rich as Huai'an, and advanced the battle line all the way to the Yangtze River. In this way, the territory controlled by the Huai'an military has become a semi-closed place sandwiched between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, and the east is still a vast ocean!

And at this moment, on its west side, there are Xuzhou Zhao Junyong, Suzhou Sesame Li, Haozhou Guo Zixing and Dingyuan Sun Deya. If Meng Yuan wanted to attack from the west, he had to walk over the territory of one of the four heroes first.

The south of the Yangtze River is the big granary of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Even if the Huai'an army was unable to cross the river to fight, the Mengyuan court could no longer prevent the people from selling grain to the north of the river. What's more, there is also a sea Kou Fang Guozhen in Wenzhou. If he wanted to sell grain to the Huai'an army, Meng Yuan's little sailor couldn't stop it.

As the saying goes, when a son lands, he is full of life. If the Huai'an Army can really do what Zhu Chongba said, the previous potential food crisis will be completely gone. After the two more territories of Gaoyou Mansion and Yangzhou Road were added under his rule, the strategic depth of the Huai'an Army also rapidly expanded by three times. Even if there are occasional defeats on the battlefield, they will not immediately face the embarrassing situation of not living or dying.

It's just that in this way, the original strategic deployment of the Huai'an Army has to be completely disrupted. The tranquil life in front of us will no longer exist. In addition, the walls of Gaoyou and Yangzhou are taller and stronger than Huai'an. The last time we attacked Huai'an, everyone had drainage ditches to drill, and if they wanted to attack Gaoyou and Yangzhou this time, I am afraid it would be impossible to repeat the old tricks. If you want to break through the city, you can only rely on your own strength. At that time, I am afraid that under every city wall, there will be corpses pillows.

Thinking that the new army, which had just been expanded, would have to pay at least half of the casualties for this, everyone present felt very hesitant. It is not easy to save this little bit of family money, and the money from the treasury of Huai'an Mansion, except for the part that was distributed to Sesame Li and Zhao Junyong, almost all of the rest was smashed on the 30,000 new army. And that's not enough, and you have to keep diverting money from arms sales and salt taxes to make up for it.

"Brother Zhu's plan is very good, it's just that my Huai'an Army has just been expanded for three months, and if I go south now, it will be too hasty!" Immediately, Shi Su Mingzhe, the governor of the Governor's Mansion, put down the wine cup and emphasized solemnly.

"Yes, if the soldiers are not trained properly, it is equivalent to sending the brothers to death on the battlefield. No matter how many troops there are, they are all lambs to be slaughtered! Hu Dahai was also cautious about this, frowned, and whispered to Mr. Su.

He led Yanding to fight against the Xuzhou army, but he suffered enough from poor training. Although he Geng Zaicheng is two outstanding martial arts, he rushes back and forth, and goes around to plug holes. But individual bravery could not restore the decline of the whole army. Zhu Eighty-one led the elite of the Xuzhou Left Army to defeat the soldiers and couldn't find the generals, and the generals couldn't find the soldiers, and they didn't reach half a pillar of incense kung fu, and the whole line was defeated, and the two of them were both taken prisoner.

"The soldiers are not proficient, they are all relative!" As if he had been prepared for everyone's reaction, Zhu Chongba smiled and explained in a low voice, "On the way here, I saw the new Third Army under Command Xu. Although it has not been formed for a long time, more than eighty percent of it are recruits. But compared to any of the heroes on both sides of the Huai River at this moment, the soldiers and horses under the command are probably more than five times stronger. Compared with the garrison army placed by the imperial court on the ground, it is at least twice as strong. ”

This sentence is not exactly a slap on the back of the Huai'an army. Compared with the surrounding red scarves recruiting homeless people to join the army, casually stuffing a bamboo pole into their hands and rushing to the battlefield, the Huai'an New Army, which has been training for two and a half months, is indeed much better. Compared with the soldiers and horses stationed in various places of the Mengyuan court, they also have a great advantage in morale and weaponry. After all, the technology of casting cannons and cold-forging armor was all explored by the craftsmen led by Zhu Bayi. The Mengyuan official mansions in Gaoyou and Yangzhou could neither imitate artillery nor buy cold-wrought iron armor.

"Hmm!" Mr. Su twisted his beard and nodded with enjoyment.

"General Zhu has won the award, please continue!" Lu Luzeng gave Zhu Chongba a rare smile, and stretched out his hand to signal him to continue the unfinished topic.

"The officers and troops were newly defeated in Bianliang, losing more than 300,000 soldiers and horses, and losing all money, food, and baggage. Although there are many soldiers and generals in the Mengyuan court, it is far from the point of breaking the muscles and bones. But if you want to gather another 300,000 soldiers and horses, and prepare enough money and food for them to consume more than three months, I am afraid that you will also get the beginning of winter. Seeing that everyone present was moved by what he said, Zhu Chongba turned his gaze to Zhu Eighty-one and continued to admonish in a low voice, "Before that, Gaoyou and Yangzhou had to face the military might of the chief manager alone. And the Yuan army north of the Yellow River could hardly muster the courage to cross the river! ”

"Hmmm! Indeed it is! Zhu Bayi thought about it and nodded in admiration. The construction that Zhu Chongba just mentioned did not actually deviate from the framework that Lu Luzeng and himself had drawn up in Xuzhou. It's just that Lu Lu Zeng and himself thought that after taking Huai'an, they needed to be steady and gradual. It was not until the strength was sufficient that he attacked Gaoyou and Yangzhou, and then crossed the river to take the big granary of Suzhou and Hangzhou. And Zhu Chongba's construction is more flexible. I think that as long as the opportunity is right, I should start immediately, regardless of whether my side is well prepared.

However, Zhu Chongba's suggestion was entirely based on contempt for the strength of the enemy forces in Gaoyou and Yangzhou and speculation about the reaction of the Mengyuan court. In other words, if one of Zhu Chongba's two judgments just now made a mistake, the Huai'an army would not be able to attack Gaoyou for a long time, and the troops would be lost. Or during the period when the Huai'an army went south, the Mengyuan army crossed the Yellow River in a big way, and the good situation in front of them was probably going to be in vain. If you don't get it right, you can throw Huai'an City away, and then go to the fence to send people.

"The chief manager is worried that the soldiers and horses under his command are too thin?" Seeing that Zhu Eighty-one just praised himself, he disappeared. Zhu Chongba turned his heart and asked loudly.

That's a bit rude to ask. Immediately, it made Xu Hongsan and others angry. Zhu Chongba didn't give everyone time to scold him at all, gritted his teeth, and continued to ask loudly, "Or is the chief manager worried that the casualties during the siege will be too heavy and the strength of the guide will be damaged?" Can't keep Huai'an, a major fiscal and tax place? If that's the case, Zhu still has a plan here, I wonder if the chief manager is willing to listen to it? ”

"Presumptuous!"

"Bold!"

"Little brand head, the general manager treats you politely, you dare to kick your nose in the face!" Only then did the shouting of the four rings sound, and everyone who spoke was full of anger.

"Hey, you people are so unreasonable!" The long-legged woman immediately stood up and pointed out for tat, "You guys asked him to give advice?" At this time, I blame him for asking directly! Mr. Zhu, do you usually treat guests to dinner like this? ”

"Let him speak!" Zhu Bayi glanced at the civil and military forces under his command, then continued to turn his gaze to Zhu Chongba, took a breath, and asked with a smile, "Zhu is willing to hear the details." ”

"Previously, Liu Dashuai and Yexian Timur had a confrontation, and they invited General Manager Li, General Manager Zhao and your army to help." Zhu Chongba arched his hand and explained unhurriedly, "After that, the four families divided the prisoners and baggage according to the size of their efforts, and then General Manager Li returned to Suzhou, General Manager Zhao returned to Xuzhou, and the first part of your army returned to Huaidong. At that time, the territory laid down, including Bianliang, was handed over to Liu Dashuai for governance. ”

"At this moment, the chief manager wants to go south along the canal, but the troops are a little out of hand. Why not follow Liu Dashuai's example and ask the surrounding allies to come and help? As long as all parties have agreed on the distribution of benefits after the war in advance, I believe that there is no friendly army around at the moment and will refuse the invitation of the Grand Governor! ”

"You mean, Manager Guo and Sun Dudu are also willing to come to help?" At this time, Zhu Eighty-one was not shocked. Zhao Junyong had just swallowed Suiyang, Suizhou and Luyi, and was now busy digesting the results of the battle, so he would definitely not be able to send troops to help. Sesame Li was shot through the shoulder by a crossbow during the Battle of Bianliang, and has not yet recovered, and it is estimated that he will not be able to personally lead the troops into the battle. The so-called friendly troops around me, I am afraid that the most positive reaction is the two of Haozhou Guo Zixing and Dingyuan Sun Deya. One is that these two are the closest to the Huai'an army and can arrive at any time. Second, these two currently occupy poor land, and they are very poor. However, there was a lack of moderation when recruiting troops, and now the poor military rations have become a problem, so it happened to take Gaoyou and Yangzhou to make up for it.

"Boy, when you gave advice to my family governor just now, I'm afraid you had this idea in your heart, right?"

"Hey. Brother Zhu, you are really loyal to your family's manager Guo. Even when eating, no, all the time, they are planning for him! ”

Mr. Su, Hu Dahai and others also reacted, shaking their heads and teasing loudly.

"It is a matter of righteousness to drive out the Tartars. If the chief manager is invited, Xiao Ke is willing to pass on the word to Guo Shuai and Sun Dudu for the chief manager! Zhu Chongba did not directly refute everyone's words, but arched his hand at Zhu Eighty-one again, and added very confidently.

"Just taking a share of money and food, I'm afraid I won't be able to compensate General Manager Guo and Sun Dudu for sending troops to help!" Zhu Bayi's reaction was not slow, he smiled, and responded in a very gentle tone.

"Previously, the son of Sun Dudu tried in vain to steal your army's secret art of casting cannons, and I hope that the chief will not continue to pursue it!" Zhu Chongba immediately entered the role of negotiating envoy and did not hesitate to make demands for the Haozhou army.

"Yes!" Zhu Eighty-one nodded again. Everyone went back to Sun Deya's side, even if he wanted to investigate, he couldn't directly lead troops to the door to ask for it. So it makes no difference whether you say yes or not.

"When it comes to the purchase of artillery by my Haozhou Army, I also ask the chief manager to take care of it. The price is easy to say, but the delivery time must not be delayed! That Zhu Chongba was a fine person, so he quickly bit Zhu Eighty-one's words and continued to add.

"It's okay too!" Zhu Bayi didn't think about it, and nodded with a smile. After solving the problem of rough grinding of the barrel today, the output and yield of artillery on Huang Lao's side will surely reach a new level. At present, the four-pounder gun, which has an effective firing range of only 350 or so steps, is already fully ready for mass production. The five-pounder guns and six-pounder guns that are being trial-produced are also expected to be born ahead of schedule because of the bright future of the boring machine. In this way, the more the four-pounder cannon is sold out, the faster the funds and raw materials will be returned. The more funds and raw materials were available, the longer the range of artillery and the more robust muskets would be easier to install in several new armies as soon as possible.

"Since the chief manager agreed happily, Xiao Ke didn't hide it. Gaoyou and Yangzhou are already in the bowl of the big manager, and our Haozhou army is powerless to snoop. But after taking Gaoyou and Yangzhou, if the Mengyuan court has not yet come to attack, you can dare to ask the general manager to send a partial division to accompany my Haozhou army to Luzhou. Don't dare to bother the brothers of the Huai'an army to take the lead, as long as you bring enough artillery and ammunition to suppress the defenders at the head of the city! ”

He wants Luzhou! Guo Zixing wants to borrow the hand of my Huai'an army to seize Luzhou! Whether it is Lu Luzeng, or Su Mingzhe, or Hu Dahai, they all open their eyes round.

At present, the entire territory of Huaidong Road south of the Yellow River is owned by the Huai'an Army. If other forces want to attack Gaoyou and Yangzhou, they can only borrow from the Huai'an army or the Haozhou army. And with the current strength of Haozhou Guo Zixing and Dingyuan Sun Deya, it is impossible to capture these two big cities. In other words, Gaoyou and Yangzhou have long been regarded as the forbidden territory of the Huai'an Army. Even if other heroes are greedy and want to get their hands on these two pieces of anointed land, they have to ask Zhu Bayi's attitude first.

And Zhu Chongba's plan to join forces today, he gave the territory that was impossible for the Haozhou army to take, and gave him a favor. Correspondingly, they also tried to use these two cities that did not belong to them as bargaining chips in exchange for the Huai'an army to cooperate with them to seize Luzhou. This business is too shrewd! Shrewd to the point of almost no profit!

Not only that, after taking Luzhou, the Haozhou army also got the opportunity to spy on Jiangnan. Because of the unadaptability to the climate of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, almost all the elite soldiers of the Mengyuan court were stationed in the north. In case Guo Zixing gets Luzhou, he will cross the river first. The Huai'an Army's plans for development will be affected by Yanzhòng. Even Su Hang'er Land has the possibility of being snatched and taken by the other party.

The only one who didn't think Zhu Chongba was whimsical was Zhu Eighty-one himself. Since he determined from Zhu Dapeng's memory that the person in front of him was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty in the parallel space, he couldn't believe that the other party would give him advice without any conditions. In other words, what Zhu Chongba is doing right now, he is not surprised. And if Zhu Chongba didn't take the opportunity to fight for the benefits of the Haozhou army, he would really be surprised.

"This can also be promised to you!" Pressing down with both hands, he motioned to Lu Luzeng and the others to calm down, and then responded to Zhu Bayi very kindly, "But after taking Luzhou, if your troops spy on Jiangnan, how will the two sides divide the attack range?" ”

"Right now, most of the south of the Yangtze River is still in the hands of the Mengyuan Imperial Court." Zhu Chongba smiled and responded without humility or arrogance.

Since most of the area south of the Yangtze River is still controlled by the Mengyuan court, no matter which rebel army goes to attack, it is for the restoration of the homeland of China, and it is justified. Therefore, in terms of righteousness, the Huai'an Army has no qualifications and asks others not to take the lead.

"But since the chief manager mentioned it today, Xiao Ke will definitely convey the meaning of the chief manager in front of my family Manager Guo!" Before everyone else did anything, Zhu Chongba quickly added, "Anyway, the two sides will join forces to go south, and they will definitely sign a contract." And such a major matter as contracting cannot be left to Xiaoke. So, it's too early to mention that. It's better to wait for Manager Zhu and my Manager Guo to meet, and then the two sides will discuss the matter. I don't know what the general manager thinks? ”