Chapter 3431: Surrender
Surrender is also very particular.
It's easy to surrender. Just put down your weapons and raise the white flag, and the war will disappear in an instant. But what about after surrendering to the Tang Dynasty? Can he keep his position of power? Whether they were reused by the Tang Dynasty and continued to be entrusted with important responsibilities, or they were left idle and deprived of their military power, and they were massacred if they were not careful... There is quite a lot of work in this.
The best time to operate is when you have a heavy army and before you surrender.
At this time, the war situation is tense. Every quarter of an hour the war continues, countless soldiers from both sides will lose their lives. Ending the war as soon as possible will save huge losses. Therefore, even if the conditions proposed by the surrendering party are slightly higher, the other party will probably accept it.
Beyond that, it’s all about surrendering to whom.
For example, at the moment, Eulji Jizu has decided to surrender, but should he surrender to Su Dingfang in the city, or should he wait for Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo to arrive with their troops and surrender to one of them? The consequences derived from this are completely different.
Eulji’s successor had his own thoughts.
Although he has Xianbei blood, his ancestors fled to Goguryeo in his early years. Even if he surrenders to the Tang Dynasty, he may not be accepted by the Guanlong clan, which is mainly Xianbei people. Even if he is accepted, the price he needs to pay will be high.
The most important thing is that the power of the Guanlong Clan is all to the west of Guanzhong. If you are too far away, you will not be able to draw on it. If you are too close, you will be ignored and become a puppet who can only respond...
Therefore, the best person to surrender to is actually the navy.
Not only did the Tang Dynasty navy roam across the oceans, but many Eastern and Southeast Asian countries were also under its control. Its influence spread almost as far as Goguryeo and Wa in the north, as far as Jedda and Srivijaya in the south, and as far as Linyi, Chenla, and Siam in the west, and even reached as far as The distant Red Sea coast.
It can be said that the Navy of the Tang Dynasty controlled all the vast areas outside the mainland of the Tang Dynasty and was responsible for almost all the maritime trade of the Tang Dynasty.
Only under the command of the Navy could he continue to take charge of the military. After all, the Tang Navy controlled such a vast area. It was impossible for the Tang army to control all areas. It was still necessary to win over and control the local indigenous forces to act as hawks and dogs for them. Minions.
Only by submitting to the navy can you have more autonomy...
……
"In this case, I will order an immediate stop to the siege and send someone into the city to deliver a message, saying that I want to meet with the opponent's coach to discuss it in detail."
Eulji Jizu made a decisive decision. Even if he decided to surrender, he should not delay, lest Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo behind him felt it, and there would be twists and turns later.
After all, being able to force the tens of thousands of elite Goguryeo cavalry under his command to surrender was no small feat. If the generals of the Tang army argue about this meritorious service, or even get into trouble with each other, then he will be the only one to be displeased between Zhongnan and others, and it will be difficult for him to be a good person inside and outside.
"Here!"
The generals and commanders on the left and right received the order and respectfully obeyed it. They immediately ordered people to ring gongs and other objects. The sound of "bang bang bang" resounded throughout the countryside. When the Goguryeo soldiers who were attacking the city saw that their own troops were paying gold and withdrawing their troops, many people were stunned on the spot. He stopped, stared at the Tang army in front of him, then dropped his weapon and ran away.
Countless Goguryeo soldiers retreated from the top and bottom of the city like a retreating tide. The fierce offensive and defensive battle that had been in full swing before suddenly ceased.
The Tang army at the top of the city burst into cheers that shook the sky. They thought it was their own reinforcements arriving, forcing the enemy to shrink to meet the enemy. They were about to fight their way down the city to pursue the retreating enemy. Fortunately, Xi Junmai had been supervising the battle at the top of the city. Seeing this situation, he quickly ordered the army to guard the top of the city, treat the wounded in time, and not pursue.
He knew that the two armies of Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo were still dozens of miles away. Even if the cavalry was highly mobile and advanced quickly, they could not reach behind the enemy so quickly.
It was obviously the enemy's own fault. Wouldn't it be unfair if they fell into a trap to lure the enemy when they went to the city to pursue them?
Anyway, Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo are about to arrive. This battle is already won, so there is no need to take risks...
In the distance, Eulji Wende fell silent after watching the Tang army cheering on the city. Under the bright lights, there were many figures taking the opportunity to strengthen defenses and treat the wounded. However, there was not even the slightest sign of pursuit in the city, and he couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment. Shaking his head, he became more determined in his decision to surrender.
Why didn't he have the intention to test it out? If the Tang army were impatient and went down to the city to pursue them, they might not be able to turn defeat into victory and take advantage of the situation to capture Pingrang City. However, the enemy general is as stable as a mountain and does not give him the slightest chance...
In this way, it can be regarded as completely giving up.
Under the city, the Goguryeo army retreated and lined up neatly, leaving only a few soldiers in front to treat the wounded. The Tang army did not take advantage of the danger and allowed the Goguryeo soldiers to gather the wounded soldiers in one place and treat them all.
Eulji Jizu led the army lieutenant general to the outside of Qixingmen. After dismounting, he stood there, waiting for the Tang army coach to appear.
After a while of tea, the Seven Star Gate city gate opened, and a group of more than a hundred "armored cavalry" roared out from the city. Their iron hooves crushed the ice and snow with majestic momentum, and they rushed towards Eulji Jizu and others. The horse stood firm.
The soldiers and horses were all possessed by iron armor, like black demons in the dark night. When the lanterns lit up one by one among these armored horsemen, the cold and hard light emitted by the armor was shocking.
One of the generals stood out from the crowd, his bright armor shining mightily, his red tassels fluttering in the wind. He looked down from a high position and drove Eulji Jizu and others: "Who is Eulji Jizu?"
Eulji Jizu came forward, knelt down on one knee, and said loudly: "The last general Eulji Jizu is a descendant of Xianbei, and he fled to Liaodong in his early years. Today's Goguryeo has long suffered from the tyranny of Yuan Gaisumun! The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty vowed to fight for the Eastern Campaign. , aims to eliminate the traitors in the court of Goguryeo, and can be called a teacher of benevolence and righteousness. The whole country of Goguryeo is eager to wait for the king's teacher! They actually killed the king, massacred the royal family, and conspired to seize the throne. This time, the Tang army captured Pingrang City, destroyed Gaogai Suwen, and overthrew the guillotine that was suppressing the heads of the Goguryeo tribes. The whole country cheered for the bravery of the Tang army! I am willing to lead my troops and submit to the general! From now on, we will live and die, rich and poor, and be content with our destiny!"
Su Dingfang, who was wearing a helmet, was a little surprised. Even if the Yiji ancestor wanted to surrender, he had to "submit to the Tang Dynasty". Why did he say "submit to the general"?
But after thinking about it for a moment, I understood what Eulji Jizu was thinking.
Naturally, he happily accepted this point. After the fall of Goguryeo, the next war will inevitably be in Baekje in the south. The domestic political situation is turbulent, and it is difficult to send troops for another expedition. Although the navy roams across the oceans, if it were to destroy a country alone, it would inevitably be beyond its capabilities.
With Eulji Jizu and the tens of thousands of elite cavalry under his command, the situation will be greatly advantageous.
We can't hand over these elite soldiers to the famous families in Guanlong and Shandong and let their power in the army further expand, right?
Understanding in his heart, Su Dingfang got off the horse, took two steps forward, stretched out his hands to hold the palm of Yiji Jizu, and said happily: "General, you understand the righteousness well, which is a blessing for the tens of thousands of soldiers of our two armies. ! From now on, you and I are both ministers of the Tang Dynasty, so why do you need such a big gift? Come on, please get up quickly."
Eulji Jizu took advantage of the situation and stood up. The two held hands and laughed together. The generals under their command also breathed a sigh of relief. There is really no point in fighting this battle. Even if the Goguryeo army counterattacks Pingrang City, it will not be able to realize the hope of restoring the country. Even if the navy cannot defend it, it will not affect the overall situation. And with the arrival of reinforcements from the Tang Army, the defeat of the Goguryeo Army was irreversible. Both sides were quite satisfied that the war could be ended in such a peaceful way.
Although there are too many things involved in surrendering on the battlefield, and it is definitely not just a matter of shaking hands with the coaches of the enemy and ourselves and making peace, but as long as both parties agree on this decision, other matters will naturally be easily solved.
While the two were holding hands and talking happily, Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo each led their cavalry to the Goguryeo army. There was no fierce battle or extremely brutal fighting. Tens of thousands of soldiers and horses stood in order under the entire Pingrang City. , only the wind and snow fell from the sky, wreaking havoc.
Seeing the Tang army's cavalry attacking one after another, the Goguryeo army did not panic much. The array remained motionless, but they just guarded against the Tang army's attack and arranged the shield bearers and heavy cavalry in front.
Tang Jun stopped for a moment and looked at Xiao Sha's quiet battlefield in surprise.
Xue Wanche and Ashina Simo were both in a daze. What is going on?
Could it be that the Goguryeo army surrendered?
I galloped hundreds of miles against the wind and snow, but couldn't get even the slightest bit of credit?
Mother! (End of chapter)