Chapter 341 Northern Expedition
In the first year of Chengtian and the first year of the Republic, on February 8, Yecheng, Military Mansion.
At this time, the officers of the five Taishan Army and the generals of the Tuqi and Fei armies all rushed to the shogunate in the northern district of Yecheng, preparing to participate in today's military meeting.
In fact, this is the second large-scale military meeting this month.
The first time was two days ago. Qu Commander Zhang Chong summoned the generals and staff to discuss whether to launch a Northern Expedition now, with the target being the Zhao lands north of Handan.
Cai Yong, who was present at the meeting, stood up and clearly opposed the Northern Expedition at this time.
The reason is:
"Now the northern part of the Zhao Kingdom has paid tribute to our Taishan Army. Now I attack it without any reason. Even if I get it, it is not good enough. And now, I am going north to devour all the cities in the Zhao Kingdom, but I still can't win it in one fell swoop." Northland. On the contrary, although I gained a small profit, it caused the four counties in northern Hebei to unite in fear. This is because I lost a lot because of a small gain."
What Cai Yong said makes sense.
It turned out that the Eastern Expeditionary Army of the Taishan Army and the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans defeated the Han Army in Hebei on the bank of Jize, and then took advantage of the situation to capture the empty Handan.
However, because the military strength was weak at the time, the two armies did not take action against the counties in the northern part of Zhao State after taking Handan.
Later at the beginning of the year, as news of the conflict between the two Han Dynasties in the Gyeonggi region spread to Hebei, the counties in the northern part of Zhao State knew that they had no so-called reinforcements and could only rely on the Taishan Army to survive.
So at the beginning of this year, envoys were sent to pay tribute.
Now Cai Yong means that these people have paid tribute, which actually shows his attitude. But if we attack them without reason, we will undoubtedly show our intentions to the various forces in Hebei.
That means no one is tolerated!
In this case, people will not sit still and wait for death. It is not impossible to unite to attack the Taishan Army.
Listening to Cai Yong's objections, Zhang Chong, the leader, was still thinking.
But the militant Ding Sheng couldn't help but stand up.
As soon as he came out, he retorted to Cai Yong:
"Mr. Cai is really pedantic. So the confession of Zhao Guodi is also called "Succession"? Is it the registration map or the order for us to station troops and dispatch officials? None! That is false support for us."
Cai Yong ignored Ding Sheng. He was a rough man and could not understand what he meant.
On the side, Cai Yong’s old partner Zhuge Gui also stepped forward to admonish:
"Commander Qu, now that spring plowing is coming, we must not miss the farming season, otherwise it will be a big deal. Moreover, if we expedition to the north of Zhao now, the people here will not have spring plowing, and I am afraid they will starve to death."
Zhang Chong looked at Cai Yong and Zhuge Gui, then at the staff behind him, thoughtfully, and then asked Cai Yong:
"Mr. Cai, as you wish, what happens next?"
Cai Yong was confident and said with enthusiasm:
"It is better for me to give advice to the commander-in-chief of Qu than to show kindness to the commanders of Zhao, so that benevolence and righteousness can spread to the north, and then the north will surrender without attacking. Now that the Han Dynasty has lost its virtue and the world is in chaos, everyone is panic-stricken and longs for the return of the hero. Go out and stabilize the country. As long as the commander-in-chief cultivates his own benevolence and makes his subordinates live and work in peace and contentment, they will be able to conquer the north without fatigue. "
If future generations were to hear Cai Yong's outrageous remarks, they would definitely laugh at him.
Who would really think that one can conquer the world by relying on benevolence and righteousness? Is conquering the world just like playing house?
However, it can be seen from the expressions of many staff present that even if some of them disagree with Cai Yong, they only think that there is a better strategy, and they do not think that Cai Yong's remarks are mediocre and rotten.
Why?
Because this world has never been conquered by one city or one place.
In fact, both Gaozu and Guangwu decided the ownership of the world after winning several important decisive battles, and other places were decided by legend.
That's why Emperor Gaozu raised his army when he was forty-eight years old, and he conquered the world in just seven years. Guangwu had a slightly harder time. He raised his army at the age of twenty-eight and fought for thirteen years. When he was forty-one, he conquered the world.
The reason for this is that ancient agricultural production was highly dependent on a unified government and a stable social environment. Only a stable government can afford and have the will to repair water conservancy.
Because agriculture is a cyclical activity, only spring planting can lead to autumn harvest. But if both this force and farmers feel that autumn is not guaranteed, will they still farm in spring?
Not at all, because they have been busy for a cycle, but in the end they find that it is someone else who reaps the benefits. Do you think it is bitter?
Therefore, in the struggle for hegemony in the world, once a certain force shows its strength to dominate the world, it will be decided by word of mouth in various places.
Of course, history is never absolute. Human factors will always make history unexpected. Of course, this will happen in the future.
As for now, in the spiritual world of Han scholar-officials, unity is the main theme, and people's peace of mind is the mainstream.
Therefore, Cai Yongcai proposed such a kingly model as a matter of course.
In his opinion, the strongest combat force in Hebei is the Taishan Army. After the Taishan Army defeated the Henan Han Army and the Hebei Han Army, other forces in Hebei have given up the idea of defeating the Taishan Army.
At this time, other regions can basically spread the word.
But what Cai Yong didn't understand was that the war launched by Zhang Chong was completely different from the previous model of conquering the world. This is not only a war to restore social order, but also a war of change to change the world.
Because of this, what Zhang Chong wants is not a formal occupation, but a top-to-bottom transformation.
If there is such a comparison in history, it would be the great revolution of Qin Dynasty changing Zhou Dynasty to Zhou Dynasty. It only took more than a hundred years in the past, but what Zhang Chong wants now is to be completed in his generation.
So after Cai Yong finished speaking, Zhang Chong stopped talking because he knew someone would speak for him.
As expected, Dong Zhao appeared behind Cai Yong.
This fat black man solemnly said:
"Cai Gong is indeed a pure Confucian, and what he talks about is the path of a king. But Zhao thought that Cai Gong was a bit out of line."
Cai Yong glanced at this sycophant and asked:
"Oh, that's inappropriate."
Dong Zhao said seriously:
"Not a bit."
After saying that, the fat man said to Zhang Chong without waiting for Cai Yong to refute:
"Now that the world is in chaos, there are so many traitors and villains. These people fear power but not virtue, fear power but not justice, fear soldiers but not benevolence. Trying to treat others with benevolence and righteousness in order to join them is no different from asking for fish in a tree. . Therefore, I ask you to join the Northern Expedition, spread military force in Youji, and end this chaotic world as soon as possible. This is the true righteousness."
After saying that, he took the lead and bowed heavily to Zhang Chong.
And over there, Yan Zhuang and Gao Sheng, who had already noticed Zhang Chong's thoughts, also came out, bowed to Zhang Chong and said:
"I would like to ask you to join the Northern Expedition to calm this troubled times."
At this time, Cai Yong's face turned dark.
He did not expect that Dong Zhao would use deceitful techniques to flatter him and misinterpret his meaning. Did Cai Yong say that he only relied on benevolence? Did Cai Yong say that he would not pacify the world? Now Dong Zhaoyi misinterpreted him and turned him into a buffoon.
Therefore, Cai Yong pointed his finger at Dong Zhao and trembled with anger.
But his colleague next to him, his student Lu Cui, quietly tugged on his teacher's clothes from behind, making Cai Yong aware of the situation.
After listening to many opinions, Zhang Chong, who was at the top, turned to the generals and asked:
"What do you think, generals?" The four captains Yang Mao, Guan Yu, Zhang Dan, Ding Sheng, and Dong Fang all looked at each other, then walked out together and said to Zhang Chong:
"We please join the Northern Expedition to relieve the people's hangover and put an end to this troubled world."
Among them, Yang Mao had just returned to Yecheng from Mount Tai. He was then appointed and dismissed by Zhang Chong as the second most important position in the army, the lieutenant of the Central Military Academy, leading the central guard army with 4,000 soldiers.
Therefore, including Guan Yu and the four others, he represents the meaning of the generals in the army.
There was no doubt that they wanted to fight.
Zhang Chong controlled the situation and spoke out at the clearest moment:
"What you all said is good and correct, but I have only one thing to say to you."
With that said, Zhang Chong stood up with his sword in hand, and said eloquently in the respectful gestures of all civil and military officials:
"How can we allow others to sleep soundly on the side couch?"
Therefore, whether the first battle was the Northern Expedition was decided at one word.
……
Today, the civil and military officials of the Taishan Army gathered at the military mansion again. This time they wanted to discuss the overall strategic plan.
Different from ordinary armies, the Taishan Army has paid attention to pre-war military strategy since the Taishan era, but at that time, Zhang Chong was the one who spoke and the generals listened. But now, after several years of arduous fighting, many generals have grown up, and each has their own strengths in military strategy. It is time to discuss them.
The first thing Zhang Chong had to discuss with the civil and military officials was whether to attack the city first or to capture the land first.
We often talk about siege of cities and territories together, but in fact they have different emphasis. Siege means first besieging the enemy's main city points. To seize territory, it means to first besiege the enemy in the city and then occupy other lands and countryside.
In short, the former is to engage in siege warfare, attacking hard and conquering a land. The latter is to expand rapidly, hold it in your arms, and then taste the dishes in your arms one by one.
Guan Yu and other generals meant that they still had to fight siege warfare. On the one hand, the Taishan Army did not have enough experience in siege warfare, and the counties in the northern part of Zhao State were weak, so they were suitable for training.
And now that the Taishan Army has absorbed the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans, it is a bit risky to rush into a joint battle. It is not as good as taking the initiative in a siege battle.
But Guo Tu, who was there at the time, disagreed.
It seems that Guo Tu also dared to oppose Guan Yu by surrendering his body.
Maybe this is his intelligence.
Guo Tu's character is not good enough, but his resourcefulness is something. The person just said something else:
"Compared with the Han army, I am better at field battles but shorter at attacking cities. As Guan Xiaowei said, it is just that I am shorter than the thieves. It is not a wise man's behavior. In the past, Zhixiangzi attacked Jinyang. If we attack a small city with a large force, we will not be happy if we fail to defeat it. The four counties in northern Hebei are in a state of panic. They will think that they will take advantage of me once Xu Yan comes. If you are tired and sharp, you will be in danger.”
Guo Tu's words made many generals think deeply.
Yes, siege warfare is not so easy to fight. If it is not fought well, it will give the enemy an idea.
Guo Tu saw that his words had moved many people, so he took advantage of the victory and pursued:
"So instead of taking advantage of the strengths and weaknesses, it is better to give full play to my strengths in field warfare. First, divide the various areas, limited to the line of Bairen and Juluze, attack the townships, separate the garrison commanders, and collect the rented valleys. At that time, the enemy For in my belly, defeat is instantaneous.”
Guo Tu originally thought that what he said was reasonable and more implementable than what Guan Yu said, so he felt that he had been in the limelight this time.
He stepped on Guan Yu, a rough general, to take the position, just to tell these people that the military strategy is not good enough, so you should just fill in the ravines down there.
But unfortunately, Guo Tu didn't understand the kind of person Guan Yu he wanted to step on was.
As soon as Guo Tu finished speaking, Guan Yu frowned and pointed his halberd directly at Guo Tu and cursed:
"What a good dog slave. I am an important general, and I have the ability to attack cities and fight in the field. You are just surrendering, but you still want to be superior to me with your words? Are you worthy of discussing matters with me, Guan, in the same palace? Why don't you stand down. ”
When Guan Yu said the four words "Don't retreat yet", his voice was like a bell, and Guo Tu, who was caught off guard, took three steps back.
Guo Tu was insulted by Guan Yu in front of him, and his whole body turned red. He never expected that Guan Yu would dare to humiliate him in the palace. He was also a seven-foot man, how could he accept such humiliation.
So, he was about to step forward and grab Guan Yu's lapel to give him a good look.
But just when Guo Tu took a step forward, he suddenly saw Guan Yu's eyes and froze.
This Guan Yu wants to kill him!
This must be murderous intent.
Guo Tu suddenly knelt down on the ground, completely undignified, and said to Zhang Chong:
"Commander Qu, General Guan is so majestic, but even if I say a few words of my opinion, I will be humiliated by General Guan. Does that mean that from now on, the military strategy will be decided by General Guan?"
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Guan Yu looked scornfully at Guo Tu, who was barking, and then turned to Zhang Chong and said:
"Commander Qu, this Guo Tu is just someone who was invited by luck, and it's all talk on paper. He said that he would besiege the city, and then attack the village and separate the garrison. Then I would like to ask, how many troops are needed to besiege the city? If there are more, it will last for a long time. How to ensure supplies, and how to surround thieves if there is less?”
Then, Guan Yu turned his head and said to everyone:
"And once we can't encircle it, the so-called setting up guards outside the city in rural communes to collect money and food is just a joke. Once the enemy plunders the countryside, we will have to focus on one and lose the other, and be mobilized by the enemy."
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"Besides, what this person said about what will happen to the four counties in northern Hebei once the troops fall into the city is even more ridiculous. The counties in northern Hebei are named Hanchen, but they are actually princes. How can the intrigues between each other serve Zhao? The safety of the earth touches my tiger’s beard?”
"But this person is not without merit. I agree with what he said about the line between Bairen and Daluze. It's just because this was the Zhao State's defense line against Zhongshan in the past, and there are still Wubian pavilions scattered like this. My intention is to divide our troops to garrison here first, cut off possible enemy reinforcements from the north, and then attack Xiangguo with all our strength.”
Zhang Chong, who was sitting at the top, nodded frequently to what Guan Yu said.
Obviously compared to Guo Tu's cleverness, Guan Yu undoubtedly made a lot of preparations before this, and had a good grasp of Zhao Di's defense and physical victory, so he completely suppressed the sharp-tongued Guo Tu.
However, Zhang Chong found that Guan Yu's unique arrogant character had no restraint at all, which worried Zhang Chong.
He didn't think this character was bad, nor was it disrespectful to him as Guo Tu suggested. Zhang Chong was worried that this character would allow Guan Yu to be taken advantage of by thieves.
Guan Yu is not an ordinary fighting general, he is Zhang Chong who relies on him to be the commander of the Great Wall.
In Zhang Chong's view, being a handsome man should be like water and cannot be pondered without certainty.
It can flow rapidly for three thousand feet, and it can also moisturize things silently. In this way, the yin and yang will not be targeted by the enemy. Otherwise, if you are stubborn and arrogant, defeat is not far away.
This is not what Zhang Chong thought about. For Zhang Chong himself, he could think of two ways for Guan Yu to die in the blink of an eye.
For example, Guan Yu is fighting in the front, and suddenly a fire dragon comes to set fire to the warehouse from behind. Do you think Guan Yu will die or not?
Another example is that he and his friendly troops advance on multiple routes, but he encounters the enemy's main force, and his friendly troops are lost. Do you think Guan Yu will die or not?
Even counter-intentional tactics, luring enemy tactics, etc. can all target Guan Yu.
In this way, looking at Guan Yu who was talking eloquently, Zhang Chong's face remained motionless, but his heart was filled with worry.
(End of chapter)