The outcome of the battle was already predestined, but the battle itself was far from over.

The Liangzhou army was defeated in a battle, and a large number of soldiers and horses retreated and fled, but it was impossible for the Vietnamese army to let it leave like this, so under the instigation of Chen Qingyun, the various teams separated several ways, and chased after the enemy, which was a fierce kill.

From near the evening when the victory was decided, the pursuit continued until noon on the third day.

It was not until the enemy completely dispersed, did not form a formation, fled all over the mountains, or escaped into some cities along the way that were still under the control of the Liangzhou army, and the Vietnamese army was unable to attack the city for a while, so that the pace of pursuit was stopped and slowly retreated.

Yes, in this battle, the Vietnamese army not only broke the enemy army, but also took advantage of the situation to enter the control of the Liangzhou army, if it were not for more preparations, I am afraid they could take the opportunity to counterattack and capture some prefectures and counties, laying a solid foundation for the next crusade against the Liangzhou army.

But even so, this defeat was devastating to the upper and lower levels of the Liangzhou army.

This is not only the loss of soldiers, horses, soldiers, and all kinds of heavy materials, but also the loss of people's fighting spirit. Even the many soldiers who were able to save their lives and escape back to their territories were bound to panic for a long time to come, and they could no longer quickly enter the battle.

In fact, it is not only ordinary soldiers, but also those generals who got away with it, and they are also worried after their safety is guaranteed, and even Guo Yan, who is the commander-in-chief, is not optimistic.

At this time, surrounded by many subordinates, he ran wildly all the way, and finally returned to Jingzhou, a big city in Liangzhou.

Although this city cannot be compared with Liangzhou, which has been run by the Guo family for several generations and is like an iron bucket, it still has tens of thousands of defenders, as well as sufficient grain, grass and weapons, which is enough to stop tens of thousands of people.

It wasn't until they entered the city that their remnants of the defeated army finally stopped and calmed down a little. But then, Guo Yan fell ill directly, not to mention leading the troops back to Liangzhou, even if he couldn't walk, he simply fell into a semi-coma......

After all, he is in his fifties, and although he usually looks still full of spirit and energy, his years of riding still bring a lot of damage to his body.

Naturally, there was no problem when everything went smoothly before, but this time it was so defeated, and it was pursued by the Vietnamese army, and it ran hundreds of miles in a few days, both physically and mentally injured, and it was naturally difficult to maintain it under the internal and external torment.

The fall of the main backbone naturally made the subordinates even more uneasy, and everyone didn't know what to do, so they could only let Guo Rin keep guarding his father, and invite several famous doctors in the city to rescue him urgently.

After tossing and turning for a few days, Guo Yan, who was in a semi-comatose state, recovered a little, and stayed by the bedside, and Guo Rin, who was also quite haggard, showed a hint of joy: "Father, you can be considered awake......

"How long have I been unconscious?" After receiving the decoction sent by his son, Guo Yan asked rather weakly.

"It's been five days......"

"What's going on in the city now?"

"Several generals looked at all the horses and didn't let them come nonsense. However, the food consumption is fast, and I am afraid that the grain storage in Jingzhou will not be able to support it for too long. After all, there are nearly 20,000 soldiers and horses who have come back one after another this time......"

Hearing this number, Guo Yan's face darkened again, it was really an unprecedented fiasco.

An army of 80,000 attacked Xiangyang, only to return only 20,000 - even if there were those who fled to other places, I am afraid it could not be compared with the number of people who fled to Jingzhou in their footsteps.

It can be said that this is the worst defeat since he led his troops, and it is enough to affect the survival of the entire Guo family!

Feeling his father's low mood, Guo Rin could only comfort stiffly: "Father, you don't have to worry too much, at least we are safe now." As long as we retreat to Liangzhou and re-exert our troops, we will definitely be able to regroup and be disgraced......

"It's just, should we send a letter to the second brother on the front line now, so that they can make arrangements as soon as possible?"

Guo Yanqiang cheered up and thought about it carefully: "Let people send the news of our defeat and retreat in Huguang to the Huaibei military camp as soon as possible." However, this military situation must be kept secret, and it can only be handed over to the main general Guo Han in person, so as to ensure that the army over there is not chaotic! ”

"The child understands, and I'm going to make arrangements. I also ask my father to rest here with peace of mind, and when he is well recuperated, he will return to Liangzhou and regroup......"

Guo Rin said, got up and was about to quit, but saw his father smile bitterly: "Do you think we can still have a chance?" ”

Guo Rin was stunned, and his heart sank.

He is not a stupid person, how can he not know what this defeat means to the entire Liangzhou army.

It can be said that the losses this time are the most loyal and elite men and horses in the Liangzhou army, and they are the elites cultivated and trained by their Guo family for decades. After many years of hard work, how can this vitality be so easy to recover?

And Guo Yan's last sentence made him even more frightened: "But there is one thing you are right, we should indeed return to Liangzhou as soon as possible." Because I can be sure that this battle is not over yet, the imperial army will never let go of this opportunity, and will inevitably raise troops again in a short period of time and enter the territory of my Liangzhou in a big way! ”

"How could they ......," Guo Rin exclaimed, "Their damage in this battle is not small, how can they dare to send troops again?" ”

"If Chen Qingyun is still the main general, I don't think he would dare to take such a risk. But now that Sun Ning has gone back, with his guts, he will definitely not let go of this opportunity, and he will inevitably organize soldiers and horses to attack in October. ”

"Then we have to transfer back the soldiers and ......horses that attacked Huaibei as soon as possible," Guo Rin said urgently, there were still more than 100,000 horses over there, enough to hold all parts of Liangzhou, at least that's how he saw it.

"Absolutely not!" Guo Yan immediately objected, "You remember, in the information sent this time, they must not be in a hurry to return to the army for rescue." That will only make my Liangzhou lose faster, even if they retreat, they must follow the steps and slowly retreat! ”

Years of experience in using soldiers made him make the most correct judgment, once even the main soldiers and horses over there made a mistake because of panic, then the Liangzhou Guo clan would really be doomed.

Guo Rin also slammed his father's eyes, which were a little red from excitement, and after a while, he nodded solemnly: "My son knows, I will do what my father said." ”

"Go, as long as we survive the current hurdle, we in Liangzhou can still find a chance to start over...... But I'm afraid I won't be able to, the Guo family in the future will have to rely on Han'er......" Feeling weak, Guo Yan finally said in a low voice.

But these words were still heard clearly by Guo Rin, who was about to withdraw, and a gloomy light flashed in his drooping eyes......

Some people died, but not completely......