readx(); Chapter 72: The Decisive Battle (Part II)

Cangzhou is also known as Qingchi. Located on the east bank of the canal. The surrounding terrain is flat and open. Except that there is a Zhangshui twenty miles west of the city. There was hardly any danger. Therefore, the morale is low. The Yuan army, which lacked all kinds of firearms to help, said. It's definitely not a good place to fight.

Equally. Because the cavalry was less numerous. Maneuvering forces are relatively insufficient. The Huai'an army fought against each other in a wide area of pure plains. It also feels very uncomfortable. Therefore. In the first few days on both sides. The movements are very cautious. In addition to the scouts who were in charge of exploring the surrounding enemy situation, there were several tentative battles. Large-scale battles took place almost none.

And the scouts wrestle with each other. Meng Yuan didn't suffer any losses here. First of all, it can act as a scout. They are all elites in a hundred. All of them are highly skilled. The more skirmishes. The more you can show your ability. Secondly. For the surrounding topography. Customs. They were also far more familiar than the scouts of the Huai'an Army. The same is dressed as an ordinary person. After they hid their horses. A dirty rag wrapped around his head. You can turn yourself into an authentic farmer. And Huaiyang people don't have to speak. Just a fair face and relatively supple eyebrows. Immediately expose your identity to broad daylight. Third. It is the huge gap between the two sides in riding. It completely neutralized the superiority of the Huai'an army in weapons. Mongolians have learned to ride horses since they learned to walk. And the most seasoned scout of the Huai'an army. The contact with the war horse has not lasted more than four years. The three-eyed firearm is slightly lacking in the Mercedes-Benz. The range is also roughly close to that of a riding bow

The results were in the first few days when the two sides were just beginning to get closer. The morale on Meng Yuan's side actually skyrocketed. Go down from the fixed column. They all vaguely felt that the Huai'an Army was not as powerful as rumored. If tactics are used properly. Give full play to the cavalry advantage on your side. Maybe the ability to save the day.

But. It only took a day. The good mood of the pillar dissipated. After finding out the surrounding enemy situation and verifying the terrain and landforms. The Huai'an army began to push forward as a whole. It is still divided into three armies: left, center and right. Each road is about thirty to fifty miles away from each other. Inside each way. It also continues to be subdivided into corps or brigades according to the situation in the vicinity. Led by a general. You will encounter castles and fortresses along the way. It's all in one go.

。 Lang'er mouth. Mengcun Salt Mountain. Limin Field. Almost in five days. Dingzhu lost most of the outlying strongholds on the battlefield. Some are waiting to be sold. At any time, it is possible to fall to one of the "volunteers" of the warring sides. They were also cleaned up by the Huai'an Army one by one. It's astonishingly fast. And the means are also extremely ruthless. According to the remnants of the soldiers who fled back to pay their respects to the pillar. Wu Liangmou, Wu Yongchun and Zhang Dingbian and others. There is no chance of a fair fight with the opponent. Each time, the soldiers and horses were driven to the fortress or the city. Give the defender half an hour to decide whether to fight or surrender. When the time comes. It was hundreds of artillery pieces of all kinds fired in succession. "Boom" "Boom". "Boom" several times. The sky is falling apart.

"Let's all go down and rest. If you don't want to die. Keep your mouth shut. Come on. Send them to Xingji, thirty miles away. Give it to the first and ignore it carefully. "Each time, I didn't wait for the messenger to finish. The pillar was interrupted irritably.

Artillery of the Huai'an Army. Sharp and mighty indeed. But with 100 cannons, you can directly smash a city. Or blow up thousands of soldiers and horses. That's just talking nonsense with your eyes open. It's not just a few years ago. When the Zhu thief had just put his artillery into the battlefield. At that time, Da Yuan's side didn't know what artillery was. I don't know what to do. Hearing the bombardment, most of the legs and feet were frightened. I just know that I was huddled in a pile and bombed. That's why there are heavy casualties every time.

And now. Even the lowest centurion. They all understand that the killing range of artillery is only three or five feet near the landing point of the projectile. A more senior general. I have been told for a long time. When they heard the sound of shelling, they immediately dispersed. After a long time at the expense of local imitations. Now the Ordnance Bureau of the Great Yuan Dynasty. It can even make a light four-pound cannon and a six-pound cannon with a long range. It's just that the cost of each cannon is still high. The service life is also slightly inferior to that of the smuggled Huaiyang cannon.

So Sensei said other battlefield veterans. Even if Dingzhu himself has never been in a war. There are countless ways to deal with artillery. More than 100 artillery pieces were fired at the same time. It does sound earth-shattering. But for those who hide behind the walls. or the footmen scattered in the plains. The effect of intimidation is much higher than the actual killing. If the manager directs properly. Five thousand soldiers and horses relied on the fortified city for ten days and half a month. Not a problem at all.

So. Don't ask. Dingzhu knew about the remnants of the defeated soldiers. It was defeated by the collapse of morale. And not the sharp firearms of the thieves. For these wastes that have already been scared out of guts. Dingzhu didn't dare to leave them behind and continue to spread panic around him. He handed it all over to He's only son, and he also took care of it. is the best choice. When you have your hands free. Carefully identify it. Or make an example. Or remove the turnips.

"Newspaper. Right phase. Arutai has returned. He. He knelt outside the gate and pleaded guilty. "Just sent away a remnant of the army. I didn't wait to breathe a sigh of relief. Entrance to the Makeshift Chamber. But there was the sound of the guard's report.

"Which Arutai. It's the color of the army of ten thousand households Arutai. How did he come back. Call him to me. Come on. Bring him in for me. "Listen to the pillar. Immediately the back of the neck was cold and the hair stood on end. Others lost the battle. It certainly makes him angry. But it will not be chaotic. After all, those outlying strongholds. Just to delay the enemy's attack. Dingzhu didn't expect them to hold out for long from the start. Soldiers and horses stationed in the stronghold. are also third-rate goods. No matter how heavy the losses are. It won't hurt his side either.

But. The situation of Arutai is completely different. He commanded 8,000 men and horses. It's all the best of the best. All of them are tall and big. And well armed. And their tasks. But he just went to "recover" the remnants of the Dong family who stole Hejian Mansion. Open up the connection between Hejian Road and Baoding Road.

As far as the pillar knows. At this moment, the soldiers and horses in the hands of the Dong family. There are only three thousand. And not a regular army at all. It is a temporary patchwork of nurses and families from several well-known and large families in Hejian City. The vanguard of the Huai'an Army. At present, it is also a hundred miles away from Hejian City. There was no time to rush to the rescue. He had thought that Arutai had arrived with the Semu Army. It is to fight the sheep with a tiger. Unexpectedly, the tiger suddenly fled back with a bloody head. But the sheep stood on the walls of the city and showed off their might.

"Right phase. Right phase. Weekend. The last general will almost not see you. "I didn't wait for Dingzhu to figure out what was wrong. His henchman will beloved. Arutai had already crawled in crying. Use your knees as your feet. Crawled a few steps forward. While crying. He explained loudly: "The last general has just arrived at the city. They haven't waited to set up camp yet. The mountains and fields were full of enemy troops. Weekend. In the end, thanks to his brothers, they fought to the death. only to kill the siege. Otherwise. Weekend. The last general won't even have a chance to come back and report to you. ”

"You get up for me. Take your time. Who set up the ambush? Which banner is it called? How many people are there? Dingzhu couldn't believe his ears at all. Bend down. Pick up Arutai. Lifted the man into the air.

Although he had only worked as a civil servant before. But there is a brute force. Arutai was carried by his neck. Soon he couldn't breathe. Hands and feet struggled desperately. While begging for mercy: "Spare it." Spare your life. It's the Mongol army. Great Yuan Mongol Army. Right phase. Weekend. The end will be. Be. I made a special trip back to report the news. Weekend. The last will die. Whining... Weekend. Weekend.. ”

"Spare him his life. Let him explain what happened. Zuo Xianghe only saw that Arutai had already begun to roll his eyes. Hurry up and walk over. Flicked the numb tendon at the elbow of the pillar hard.

Dingzhu's arm suddenly crisped. Fingers immediately released. Smashed Arutai into a. "You piece of shit. You hurry up and make it clear. Otherwise. Determined to be unforgiving. ”

"Yes. Be. "Arutai escaped death. Prostrate on the ground. A handful of snot and a handful of tears. "The last general. The last general really did his best. Scout. The scouts all said that the Huai'an army did not send troops to reinforce the Dong family at all. Other forces around it. The last generals also heard it clearly."

He did lose a little unjustly. I still feel very unwilling when I think about it. Sergeant of the color eye. All of them are big food samurai who live in the Central Plains. What crimes were committed in their respective homelands. Or the master of the assistant failed to seize power and was killed. before going to sea by boat to find another way to live. These people are either fanatical Celestials. Or you only have money in your eyes. Take them to deal with a group of family members who have just pulled up the line. It's like a knife to kill a chicken.

However, what Arutai never expected was this. He found out the movements of the Huai'an army. found out the reality of the remnants of the Dong family. but ignoring another group of potential enemies. Just when they thought they could stop and rest. Then when he slaughtered the city in Hejian Province. On their flanks and behind their backs suddenly raised the battle flag of a Mongol army

"Which Mongol army the hell is. What do you want to report to you? The Mongol army is here in the prime minister's house. How could it be possible to run to ambush you. Dingzhu was confused. Raised his foot and kicked Arutai hard. Urging sharply.

"Yes. Be. It is a Mongolian army stationed on Baoding Road. "The Lustmu Army, Wanhu Arutai, rolled over. Painfully recalled. "It's the Mongolian army of the Great Yuan Baoding Wanhu Mansion. There are more than 10,000 of them. Under the banner of Baoding Road Wanhu Mansion. And also. There are also tens of thousands of gourd soldiers. Still. And a few more. It is clearly a forbidden army. Weekend. The last general will not dare to guess. But. But the end will be like. Seems to have seen it. I saw Lord Taiwei. ”

"Ahh Dingzhu's body shook. Lightheaded.

He has been on the lookout for Yue Kuocha'er not being strong-willed. It is possible to escape with part of the forbidden army. That's why he sent this person to Baoding Road to collect local soldiers and horses and various "righteous troops". Just in case. Who would have thought. Yue Kuo Cha'er was so shameless. simply took refuge in Zhu Butcher.

This time. He no longer has to think about the passage between Hejian Road and Baoding Road. Yuekuo Cha'er has already been killed. is about to be with Xu Dianhu. Give him a front and back pinch.

"Don't panic. Yue Kuo Cha'er did not have the courage to cross the Zhangshui River. Zuo Xianghe only strode forward again. Hold on to the fixed pillar. "He's the same as those Han military princes. It's just trying to fish in troubled waters. When Daikin was destroyed by our Mongols. Countless people have used this trick hard. It's not new at all. He won't really work hard for Zhu Butcher. Zhu Butcher couldn't believe him either. So. He couldn't get too close to the enemy. Come on. Get this guy out of here. Beheading. Gagged him. He was not allowed to shout a word. ”

"Yes." Several guards rushed in from outside the door. I can't help but say. Tie up Arutai. Take off your socks and gag your mouth.

"Rao. Whining... "Arutai didn't expect that He Wei was more ruthless than Dingzhu. Rounded eyes. Look at the pillar of their own master. Desperately struggling. But the pillar seemed to have lost its soul. I didn't bother to look at him. He was dragged out of the chamber by the guards. Hand up and knife down.

"It can't be delayed any longer. You have to give Xu Da a war letter immediately. Tell him to choose a day to fight for life and death. Regardless of whether Zhang Shicheng made any moves or not. Can't wait any longer. Wait a little longer. It's just going to make you and me embattled. "Decisively kill Arutai and kill the mouth. He leaned over Dingzhu's ear. Urgent reminder.

"You didn't just say Yue Kocha'er." The fixed pillar was still under the sudden blow. Some can't get back to their senses. Stunned. Muttered rhetorical question.

"That's to stabilize the morale of the military." He was so anxious that he stomped his foot hard. "Actually. What the hell does Yue Kuochaer want to do? I can't guess either. What he is most afraid of at the moment is that he suddenly swings his army to kill Dadu. Go and kidnap Your Majesty. Then bargain with Zhu Butcher and the prince at the same time. In case of loss. We have this army of more than 100,000 in our hands. Most of it will be scattered in an instant. ”

"Him. He dared to hijack the Son of Heaven. Dingzhu's eyes rolled blankly. Shake your head vigorously. Care. He himself had been cornered by Timur. I didn't expect to support a new king in the past. Yuekuochaer was a hereditary Mongolian nobleman. How can it be done so lawlessly.

"He lost all his soldiers. But he can still get out of the battlefield in Xuzhou. It's weird in the first place. Over the years. and did not make a fortune in the business with Huaiyang. Inside the capital. Like him, he only recognizes money and does not recognize the emperor. There are not a thousand, but eight hundred. In such a situation. They do it for their own selfishness. What else don't you dare to do. Besides, the prince's side. How could you not take advantage of the opportunity. Secretly hooked up with them. He Wei was so anxious that he gritted his teeth. The words spoken were more and more unkind than the last.

"That's true." Dingzhu thought about it. Nod vigorously. "You're right. There were not a thousand but eight hundred people in the capital. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hates us, especially the Huai thief. We must fight Xu Da as soon as possible. But"

Hesitate slightly. He asked in a low voice uneasily. "Xu Daken is fighting with us. The current situation. The longer it drags on. I'm afraid the more beneficial it is for him. ”

He didn't dare to delay it too long. Moreover. He exerted all his strength to uproot the outlying strongholds. For the sake of the first battle, he did it all. In case of a long delay. The prince repented. Or Liu Futong, Zhu Chongba and others have changed their minds. Wave your troops eastward. At that time, the Huai'an army will be the same as we are now. will be in a dilemma. He thought for a moment. Respond very confidently.

"Then I'll write. The time is up to him. I am waiting for him under the city of Cangzhou. Dingzhu listened to He's only affirmation. Gritted his teeth and nodded.

Dead or alive. It's here to fight. The news that Yue Kuo Cha'er suddenly raised troops to divide the territory. Squeezed the last of his patience. Let him rather see the final result sooner. Nor do they want to endure endless torment in the dark.

And Xu Da over there. It also seemed to be as He only expected. The desire for a quick fix. No worse than a fixed column. After receiving the war letter from the messenger of the Meng Yuan side. He didn't hesitate to approve four words. Then he threw the war book directly in the face of the messenger. "Tell me about your family. Three days later in the morning. I have 100,000 elites in the Huai'an army. And Er is equal to Cangzhou City. Fight it out. ”

"Three days later. Fight it out. ”

"Three days later. Fight it out. ”

The Huaiyang soldiers listened to Xu Da and said simply. They are also in high spirits. Draw your saber. Held high in the air.

"Three days later. Fight it out. ”

"Three days later. Fight it out. ”

Outside the Chinese army's books. 20,000 elite of the Third Army. Listen to the generals shouting proudly. They all followed and opened their throats. Chant in unison. Suddenly. It's like a landslide and a tsunami.

The messenger of the pillar was frightened. Don't dare to take advantage of your tongue. Pick up the letter from the ground. Roll and climb. The rat scurried away. Until the mount has returned to Cangzhou City. at the ear. There are still shouts.

"War is war. I am a descendant of Genghis Khan. I'm still afraid that I won't die. Dingzhu was replied by Xu Da. I was so angry that I was thundering. Get started today. Make the final preparations.

He commanded an army of 200,000 men. In the past few days, more than 20,000 miscellaneous soldiers have been lost on the periphery. and lost 8,000 elites under the city of Hejian Province. There are still 170,000 left. But these 170,000. But they can't all be put on the battlefield. One of the coaches has a limited range of contacts. It is impossible to make soldiers and horses lined up a few miles away. They also acted on orders. Second, when the two sides really fight. At the same time, there was no 300,000 troops on the battlefield. So. After repeated discussions with He, Li Siqi and others. He sent 170,000 people to the chaff. Forty thousand old and weak people were left to wave their flags and shout in the city. With a strong voice. 10,000 artillery troops occupy the city. Condescending. 30,000 went to the small cities on the left and right sides of Cangzhou. Side should be the main force. The remaining 90,000 elites are the elite. It was divided into four armies, left, center, right, and rear. In addition to the fact that the Chinese army is 30,000 soldiers and horses. The other three divisions are all 20,000 troops. The Chinese army was commanded by himself. The rear army was handed over to He Weiwei. Left and right armies. It was all given to Li Siqi and Li Sishun brothers. At that time. All soldiers who have been selected to fight. It will be lined up with its back to Cangzhou City. Let the thief Xu Da also take a look. Da Yuan is not without men.

Three days is not a long time. After the fixed pillar has made a tactical deployment. Sitting in the city, he lives like a year. For a while, it felt as if the capital had been lost. The emperor and the ministers were all plundered by Yue Kuochaer and went to Jining. After a while, I heard someone running in to report. said that Zhang Shicheng was really blind. led troops to attack Yangzhou. A while. It was as if he heard someone in the dark telling him. Liu Futong has already given Zhu Chongjiu an order. Ordered that he must retreat. Keep most of them for the Bianliang army to fight. A while. It was as if I heard someone shouting outside. said that the prince carried 100,000 male soldiers. Killed the Jingcheng Pass. Straight into the back of the thief

However. In fact. He had a very quiet three days. Any message. Whatever the good news. Still bad news. I didn't hear it. The capital city hundreds of miles away was unharmed. Tuhuan Timur was not taken away. On the contrary, he also had the leisure to write a holy decree to the heroes of the whole world. Call on them to fight the king. The one who killed the Zhu butcher. Half of the south wall of the sealed river. And the moon is broad. In the advance of the soldiers and horses to the area of Xianzhou. After making contact with a small group of left-behind troops sent by the Huai'an Army. He also stopped decisively. put on a posture to sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight. The two help each other.

As for the sea. There was no news. In spring, there are many times when the south wind blows. There are also many times when the north wind blows. Clipper boat from Hangzhou to Haigu. It will take at least seven days. It takes at least half a month to go back and forth. Counting the time for Zhang Shicheng to make decisions. as well as wind direction and weather delays. I want to get an immediate reply. It is also difficult for strongmen.

"Xu Da's side. It's the same as we are. In case the road back is lost. It would take him three to five days. in order to receive the withdrawal order of Zhu Tuhu. "He Wei has long put life and death aside. Seeing that the pillar god does not keep it. I kept cheering him up.

"It has to be." Dingzhu gritted his teeth. Respond loudly. Zhang Shicheng was blind. Zhang Shicheng is bound to be short-sighted. ”

Said the end. The voice has a bit of a mysterious flavor. Faintly like a curse.

...