Notes on Chapter 551
The four thousand knights of the rebel army who acted as the vanguard moved very quickly.
On the 27th, the unit arrived in Wu'an. After obtaining supplies, it continued to move forward.
At noon on the 29th, we entered Fukou Xingshan District, only one step away from Shexian County.
At this time, the Heiyi Army also left the Gushan Camp. Taking advantage of the path opened by the cavalry, they no longer advanced at a snail's pace in a car formation, but with light troops.
This was beyond everyone's expectation because it was a very risky behavior.
That night, when they learned that there were not many enemy troops in Shexian County, they gave up their adventurous advance and stationed themselves on the spot, waiting for the baggage troops to catch up.
On the night of the 29th, when the rumble of horse hooves echoed through the south of Shexian County, the entire battlefield came alive.
In fact, Xi Jian, who took over the defense, did not order the opening of the city. Instead, he lowered himself from the top of the city with several followers to join the reinforcements.
"How many people are there in the city?" Qiao Hong, the deputy governor of Yi Congjun asked.
"Less than four thousand." Xi Jian was somewhat emotional when he said this.
Fifty days and nights, a purgatory of blood and fire.
The three thousand people outside the city have been destroyed. After all, there is no city wall to protect them. In addition, Shi Le's troops were unable to hold on until the end. Most of them collapsed, and a small number of them turned back and attacked. These three thousand people What a pity to die.
Two thousand people were also killed in the city.
Many of the city walls were damaged, so many houses were demolished for repairs.
Arrows, swords, guns, armor, guards, etc., were all used at the end of the battle. They even had to go out of the city at night to collect arrows and weapons and try their best to replenish them.
According to normal circumstances, they can still fight for another month. Gritting your teeth, intimidating the people, and recruiting strong men and women to the city, you may be able to persist for two months, and it will be strenuous if it grows longer.
After experiencing this battle, Xi Jian was also filled with emotions.
No one is born to fight. Before the Battle of Gaoping, he had been following Shao Xun and learning his military tactics. During the Battle of Gaoping, he led the Yanzhou wealthy soldiers and horses to fight against the Huns.
This time, we stayed in Shexian County for fifty days and experienced a city defense battle.
Later, if you find an opportunity to learn siege warfare or manage logistics, you will be more comprehensive.
“Maybe we can fight again?” Qiao Hong asked, pointing to the Qingzhang River in the west of the city.
There are no more Huns soldiers in Shexian County. The moment they mobilized in large numbers, the Huns cavalry in Wu'an and Gushan areas fought and retreated, and then the Huns under Shexian County also withdrew completely.
But they did not go far. Instead, they camped on the west bank of Qingzhang River, destroyed the bridges on the river, and took away all the boats.
The camp was set up on the other side of the river where the water was shallow and easy to wade, blocking the river.
It should be said that Liu Yao is very capable.
Even if you want to fight Shao Xun, you have to find a battlefield that is conducive to fighting. The best way is to face each other across the river and attack each other.
“One or two thousand people can still be squeezed out to cross the river to kill the thieves.” Xi Jian said.
“That’s all, there aren’t enough people.” Qiao Hong smiled.
In this Northern Expedition, there were consecutive battles and victories, but only one general was lost, namely Yin Qi, the deputy governor of the Yi Cong Army.
Compared with the cavalry, the infantry is much more comfortable. Many middle- and lower-level officers may have died in battle, but all high-level generals are alive.
"Find me some guides." Qiao Hong said: "Tomorrow I will find a place to cross the river and feel the strength of the Huns. Otherwise, there will be only an empty camp left, and I will be waiting for you. The enemy."
"Okay." Xi Jian cupped his hands and turned back to Shexian.
Even if it is confirmed that reinforcements are coming, the city gate will not be opened tonight. This is the rule.
Xi Jian will not break this rule, and Qiao Hong will not force them to violate it.
Four thousand riders set up simple tents using the trenches and earthen walls outside the city.
People kept descending from the top of the city, bringing many things to keep out the cold.
It was a very quiet night, friend or foe alike.
******
On the west bank of Qingzhang River, the north wind is howling and snow is flying all over the sky.
After Liu Yao finished patrolling the camp, he stood in the snow, silent and speechless.
He has read Shao Xun's appeal carefully several times.
To be honest, there was no fluctuation in his heart, but he was not sure what Emperor Liu Cong would think.
In short, he lost this time.
He didn't lose on the battlefield, but he lost too much elsewhere. He didn't even dare to think about the punishment he would receive after returning to Pingyang.
There are some sycophants in the court who always say he is ambitious.
Liu Yao was also helpless about this. At first, he defended himself in every possible way, worrying that the emperor would have opinions about him, but later he finally figured it out and didn't bother to defend himself, but in the end it seemed that there was no difference.
People are not born with ambition, it depends on the current situation.
You ask Shi Le if he still has ambitions? He doesn't dare to have it, he can't afford it.
He, Liu Yao, has no ambition now. He has no chance. Where does the ambition come from?
Since last year, the war in Guanzhong has been presided over by the King of Hanoi.
The King of Hanoi has won and suffered defeats, but the emperor has unconditional support, and the reason is very simple: national policy.
The situation in the eastern half of Guanzhong has stabilized. The two counties of Jingzhao and Fengyi have been in control for more than half a year.
The king of Hanoi marched to Chang'an, full of ambition. If not for something unexpected happening in Hebei, they would have launched a massive attack on Beidi, Fufeng and other counties.
In such a situation, what ambition can he have?
Besides, he didn’t want to see Liu’s foundation decline due to internal strife. This was the late emperor's request to him before his death, and he agreed. Unless the descendants of the Liu family really behaved badly and went against the grain, or were usurped by nobles such as the Huyan family and the Jin family, he would be too lazy to do those messy things, which would be boring.
He just wants to maintain the Han Dynasty's foundation, which is the source of his power and wealth.
Now this source is under great threat. Shao Xun rose up day by day. From the beginning, he fought on his own territory, with left and right being weak, and slowly moved the battlefield north to the north bank of the Yellow River, achieving unparalleled success.
A series of wars broke out in Hebei this year, such as Anyang, Yecheng, Anping, Shexian, etc. With the support of Hebei's wealthy families, Shao Xun became more and more courageous in the battle and finally won a complete victory.
Liu Yao couldn't imagine what the future would be like if Shao Xun was allowed to digest Hebei with peace of mind.
People of insight from all over Pingyang saw this, so they put aside their past grievances and decisively sent troops to reinforce Shi Le, but they were met with a bloody blow at Fukou Xing, which was very disappointing.
Liu Yao has decided that even if he fails this year, he will start the war next year to continue waging war against Hebei, support Shi Le in regaining lost territory, and restrict Shao Xun's development.
He believed that the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty would support him, except Wang Can of Hanoi.
The King of Hanoi was obsessed with the title of Lord of Chang'an, and repeatedly asked Shan Yutai to transfer some Hu and Han tribes and people to Chang'an as his basic management. The emperor agreed, but he did not fully agree - this winter, more than ten thousand Xiongnu tribes and six barbarian tribes will march westward and camp in Jingzhao. As the direct subordinates of the Hanoi King, no matter how many there are, there will be none.
Liu Yao was very dissatisfied with this.
To put it bluntly, it is still a dispute over routes. The King of Hanoi and he were both right, but their priorities were different.
"Xilulu..." On the post road that was gradually covered by wind and snow, the carriages and horses were like dragons.
Part of the baggage that was inconvenient to carry began to be transported ahead of schedule.
The wounded left even earlier.
The four Xianbei tribes who were tired from long battles and the Hexi tribes who had traveled far away also left.
There are only 20,000 cavalry left in the Qingzhangshui Camp.
Admit that Shexian County cannot be captured and admit that this reinforcement failed and it is not a disaster.
There are only more than 40,000 people, including no more than 30,000 infantry, and the number of Shexian defenders is as high as 9,000. If the enemy defends resolutely, they will have to fight off more than 20,000 of the 30,000 infantry before they can break through. If you are not lucky, you may not be able to win even if you use them all.
He would not do such a stupid thing.
After learning that Anping had been defeated and nearly 10,000 casualties had occurred, he decisively issued an order to cease the war.
There is only one reason for not leaving now -
Liu Yao climbed up the high slope, he wanted to meet that person for a while.
******
Shao Xun arrived at Shexian County on the seventh day of November.
The wind and snow are getting worse, and it's especially cold in the mountains. When he was wearing iron clothes, it felt like there was a biting cold wind in his bones.
Above the snow-capped fields, the Huns had only the last camp left.
The gray-black Hun cavalry wearing felt hats and furs, grouped on the left and right, lowered their heads and squinted in the cold wind, watching the newly erected trees on the east bank of the Qingzhang River The banner with the word "Shao".
The pro-army, silver spear army, righteous army, black army, loyal army, Xiaojie army, etc., tens of thousands of people are arrayed on the snowy field.
Liu Yao did not avoid the severe cold and once again climbed the high slope where he had stationed his horse a few days ago to look out for the enemy.
On the vast snowfield, more than a hundred cavalry appeared.
They galloped quickly, splashing thousands of piles of snow.
On the horizon behind the cavalry, a marching column appeared.
A whole four columns of men and horses, as if ignoring the snowflakes that were digging into people's necks, came towards Qingzhangshui, carrying long spears and breathing in the heat.
The snow has accumulated very thickly.
After stepping into the leather boots, it is often necessary to pull them out, which is very laborious.
The leading officer rode on a tall horse and stopped from time to time to say hello.
The building owner, superintendent, team leader, and chiefs also encouraged themselves. The whole team braved the severe cold, maintained high morale, and marched forward bravely.
More cavalry came forward from the left and right wings.
Teams and buildings, one hand reining in the reins and the other holding a spear.
The horse snorted, tossed its head, and moved forward little by little with elegant and tall steps.
A stronger cold wind suddenly blew, and the mountains echoed with shrill howls.
The snowflakes on the plains were blown up and fluttering, which was eye-catching.
The horses under the Hun cavalry began to scream uneasily, and the knights immediately comforted them.
The cavalrymen on the opposite side also yelled and hesitated.
The four columns were almost blown away by the wind, and the spears staggered here and there, out of shape.
“Kill!” A passionate cry suddenly broke out in the miserable wind and snow.
The four columns gradually aligned, and the spears were removed from the shoulders. The front row was flat and the back row was raised diagonally. They seemed to be fighting the wind and snow, marching forward in a neat pace.
They are getting closer.
In the deep snow, the steps looked a bit ridiculous and clumsy, but the spear in his hand was extremely cold, and the murderous intent on his face was undoubtedly evident. As they walked, the four columns slowly turned into horizontal formations. No one used a rifle, but everyone held a spear and pressed menacingly towards the place where the Huns cavalry was stationed.
The "whooshing" cold wind blew in waves, making the people and horses commotion.
The silver spear infantry on the opposite side held hands with their spears under their arms, approaching step by step against the wind and snow that filled the ground.
Liu Yao’s eyes twitched.
The Huns cavalry retreated while calming the horses.
Outside Shexian City, thousands of officers and soldiers lowered their proud heads under the banner of the "Hou" general in front of the black infantry formation.
Taobao and Zhixiong looked at each other and could see the horror in each other's eyes.
Liu Hezhu and Liu Hedu and his son were already leading their horses on foot. Occasionally they looked up at the thousands of silver-gun infantrymen advancing hand in hand and sighed heavily.
Bohai Gao family, Pingyuan Liu family, Hua family, Laoling Shi family and other powerful families all lost their luster, and their people were almost frozen and collapsed.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!" Thousands of infantrymen shouted three times, suddenly quickened their pace and charged.
In the wind and snow, the figures are vague and the formation is difficult to distinguish, but the momentum is full, making people feel an irresistible feeling in their hearts.
On the battlefield, the competition is courage. I dare to charge you in the wind and snow, do you dare to challenge me?
Liu Yao turned his horse's head and silently descended the slope.
He was slightly regretful, after all, he was not even qualified to see that person.
After Liu Yao's large banner left, the Huns' cavalry turned their horses' heads one after another and retreated westward.
In the wind and snow, both sides seemed to be performing in slow motion, which was ridiculous.
But the Silver Spear Army is still moving forward.
They crossed the vast snowfield, crossed the frozen river, and rushed into the Huns camp...
The few remaining Huns infantry were quickly driven away.
It was so frozen that the Hun commander’s flag was chopped down, which was a perfect commentary on the eight-year war in Yongjia.
(End of this volume)
(End of this chapter)