Chapter 964
: Looking at the County City and Sighing
Chapter 964: Looking at the County City and Sighing
“Woo, woo, woo!”
Linshan County City North Tower,
As the warning horn sounded,
The entire county city then "woke up." A large number of Taiping Sect's bandit soldiers climbed up the city walls and looked north. On the official road, the yellow morning rolled in, blocking out the sun and the sky. The imperial court's nearly 400,000 troops, carrying the momentum of a great victory, were in high spirits. The leading army had also hung the banner of Marquis Luo Yun.
On top of the city,
Zuo Ling, the left protector of the Taiping Sect, had a solemn expression on his face. Looking at the mighty troops in the north, he could not help but feel a wave of anxiety in his heart.
"Left Protector, I have already brought all the slave troops under my command. With the addition of the 50,000 elite soldiers sent by Master Chu, the county city garrison is about 150,000. However, the guards only have less than 80,000 elite soldiers. I don't know how long they can hold out. It's a pity that the court didn't give us a chance to breathe. If we were given another half a month, how could we be trapped in the isolated city?"
Qian Chuan, the leader of the Five Elements Banner, had a face full of resentment. He had just fought against Linshan County City and Daliang City, which consumed too many slave soldiers. Although he urgently transferred most of his troops from Chenzhou,
unfortunately,
Linzhou City was huge, and defending the city was just a drop in the bucket. He wanted to transfer all the soldiers from Chenzhou City, but he was worried that Chenzhou would fall into the hands of the court easily. So after much hesitation, he decided to leave 5,000 guards in Chenzhou City to defend the flank.
Although Zuo Ling's face was solemn, after just a moment, he stopped staring at the north and instead followed the official road on the west side, looking at the troops heading south, and asked;
"Qian Chuan, how many troops are left in Chenzhou City?"
"Uh, back to the guardian, there are still 5,000 guards guarding the city."
Qian Chuan didn't understand why the guardian asked about Chenzhou. This place was too close to Linshan County City. It was tasteless to eat here, but it would be a pity to abandon it.
"There are too few of us. The troops on the west side should be heading for Chenzhou. If we capture Chenzhou and blockade this place, the county city will become an isolated city. If Marquis Luo Yun sends troops to ambush in the southwest and sends another group of troops to capture Huaizhou and cut off its connection with the White Lotus Sect, we will have no way to retreat and can only fight to the death."
As soon as the word "death" was mentioned, the faces of the hall masters and incense masters around them changed immediately. Some of them were panting uncomfortably, some were determined to die, and some were at a loss.
"Don't worry, Left Protector. We are Taiping Sect members in life and Taiping Sect ghosts in death. Linshan County City has strong defenses, and there is still a year's worth of food and grass in the city. There are also plenty of water sources. We are not afraid of being besieged by the imperial court. Sect Leader Chu has already gone to Weizhou. The Sect Leader has sent a message to the White Lotus Sect leader to form an alliance. When the time comes, the two sects will form a coalition force and return to the north to attack and defend Yichang."
As the leader of the Five Elements Banner, Qian Chuan was ordered to gather and train the county city garrison. Naturally, he was no mediocre person. The 50,000 elite members of the sect who were originally transferred away actually returned, and brought a secret letter from Sect Leader Chu, assisting the Left Protector in defending the county city until the right time. This means that Sect Leader Chu has a backup plan, otherwise he would not have taken the 50,000 elite members with him.
These words were spoken with great momentum, sweeping away the previous fatigue and making people feel refreshed. Zuo Ling glanced at Qian Chuan with appreciation and said "good".
"Ahaha, good, well said. This city is a strategic location that is fought over by military strategists. As long as we hold this city, the imperial court will be extremely wary and will not dare to easily bypass the city and go south. Therefore, this will give the leader and his men some time. You must know that it is not just our Taiping Sect that is rebelling. Even if the White Lotus Sect wants to send troops north, it will take time, right? Come on, beat the drum."
There was no nervousness in Zuo Ling's words. He was just intimidated by the momentum of the imperial army. Since he had decided to defend this place to the death, how could he fall behind?
Immediately, the big drums on the top of the city walls sounded, and the horns and drums rang out. The Taiping sect members on the top of the city walls raised their weapons and shouted, and the sound shook the sky.
This noise naturally caught Zhang Jinyu's attention. In order to observe the movements and deployment of the county city bandit army, Zhang Jinyu did not hide in the carriage this time. He took Ning Bian and Lan Yue and rode in front on horseback. Listening to the drums and horns on the city wall in front, Zhang Jinyu was also a little surprised.
Looking ahead,
At this moment, the sky was filled with dusk and the leaden clouds hung low, as if a huge gray curtain was covering the earth. Zhang Jinyu was lazily riding the black horse with a mane as black as ink and only four snow-white hooves.
It is said that Linshan County City has been expanded three times and is known as the first city in southern Beijing. Now it seems to be true. Not to mention the towering city walls and the arrow towers on the city, even the densely packed soldiers guarding the city make people's scalps numb when they see it.
As for the city gate,
From a distance, the gray city wall looked like a giant gray dragon lying on the ground. Under the gloomy sky, it was emitting a faint "ghost light", especially the large patches of dried blood on it, which gave off a murderous aura.
The battlements on the city wall were continuous and neatly arranged. The Taiping Sect flags hidden in the battlements were flying in the wind. The yellow-brown flags were fluttering in the wind. Under the flags were the Taiping Sect bandits wearing armor. Their armor was bright and they were lined up behind them. They were obviously elite troops and were shouting on the top of the city.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
The shouts shook the sky,
The air was shaken.
"My Lord, what's going on? Haven't we already annihilated the main force of the enemy army? Where did those enemy troops on the city come from?"
Unbelievable words came out of the mouth of Dingbei General Hu Shoucheng, with a look of disbelief on his face.
"Yes, Lord. Let's not talk about the battle with Wang Jiedushi. We surrounded and annihilated those people in Anyang Mountain Range. There were 200,000 bandits gone, and only a few were left. But I saw the bandits on the county city wall, and it seemed like they had been waiting for us for a long time."
General Xuanwu Ling Yuantao was careless and started yelling at the top of his voice. Everyone's faces were not very good. Judging from the current military strength, if the court sent fewer troops, the consequences would be unpredictable.
Zhang Jinyu touched his stomach. He had been walking for most of the day and felt a little hungry. He looked at the sun again. It was overcast and he didn't know where the sun had gone. Looking west, there was a branch river of Anhu Lake, so he could set up camp.
"Why think so much? What you see may not be true, and what you don't see may not be false. Set up camp first and deploy a defensive formation. The rest of you, go to the central stronghold to discuss military intelligence."
"Yes, Lord Marquis."
The generals clasped their fists and accepted the order, with a slightly relieved look on their faces.
immediately,
The entire army began to turn around and set up camp in the northwest of the county town, stretching for dozens of miles, with a deafening momentum.
South of the county town,
now,
General Dingdong Song Yutian had already led 50,000 troops to the border of Chenzhou. He did not dare to rest and immediately ordered an attack on the city. The leader of the Taiping Sect guarding the city had never thought that the soldiers would come so quickly. He hastily organized troops to stop them. Unfortunately, the troops in the city were limited and at a disadvantage.
"Report, General Song, the enemy army is fighting to the death, and our brothers have suffered heavy casualties. Should we withdraw?"
The vanguard captain came back with blood all over his face to report that although they had taken advantage of the time difference and attacked quickly, the siege equipment was only a simple ladder, and the losses from attacking the city wall from above were too great.
"Continue to send more troops to attack the city. Also, send troops to attack the other gates with all our strength. The bandits guarding the city are insufficient in number and will not be able to hold the city if they are dispersed."
Song Yutian's eyes were sharp. Now they needed to move quickly and not give the enemy any chance to catch their breath.
"Yes, General," the vanguard captain clasped his fists and left. Then, the army under the city immediately divided its forces, went around the other three walls of the city, set up ladders and attacked the city again. Sure enough, the bandits were unable to resist in an instant and had to retreat into the city. The government troops occupied the top of the city and opened the city gate. Chenzhou City was lost and recovered.
"Report to the Marquis immediately that Chenzhou City has been successfully captured."
"Yes, General, I will report it right away."
As the messenger left quickly, Song Yutian led his troops into the city.
On the official road leading east, General Gu Ping of Jingnan had already replenished 50,000 soldiers and horses, and was galloping on the official road.
"Report, General, it is getting dark. We still have one day to go to Huaizhou. Shall we set up camp? I am afraid it will rain."
Chai Ding had already returned with his scouts. After the Taiping Sect and the White Lotus Sect's rampage, there were almost no stable villages in the south of Beijing. Both sides of the official road were deserted villages and farmlands, overgrown with weeds and in ruins. Even if the lost land was recovered, it was unknown when it would be restored.
Gu Ping rode on his horse, looking at the wilderness around him. There was only the roar of the wind, and he said in a deep voice;
"No, this is not a good place. There is a big farm 20 miles ahead where we can stay. There is at least a well in the farm, so we can always get some water. The most important thing is to leave the official road so that it is easier to hide. Tomorrow, we will send someone to check the situation in Huaizhou City. We must know the deployment of the White Lotus thieves."
"Yes, General, I understand. General Qin also asked, what if the enemy army leaves too many troops behind?"
These are not impossible. Although Huaizhou is in the north, it is not a place that must be fought for by military strategists. The White Lotus Sect went north to Runan via Qinzhou City. Huaizhou was just a barrier. Now that the White Lotus Sect has moved eastward to Xihe County, it is still unknown how much strength it can still have.
Gu Ping raised his head and looked to the east. He thought that Huaizhou City was not small, but as a transit point between the county city and Runan City, it had the most inns and commerce. Although the city was large, it did not have much city defense.
"No matter how many people we have, we must capture this city. Huaizhou's walls are not high and deep, but there is no city defense, so we must attack from all sides and capture this city as quickly as possible. Chai Ding, you must know that you and I are now guilty. If we want to get the protection of the Marquis and the King of Jin, we must have a reason to show our ability."
Gu Ping sighed. This time when he went south, he saw that Jiedushi Wang had lost his military power and returned to the capital. Even if he could be reinstated in the future, that would be in the future. It would be useless even if he wanted to rely on him now. Only with the approval of the Marquis and His Highness could some things be passed over. Otherwise, his future would be uncertain.
"Yes, General, I was overthinking it."
Chai Ding was a little stunned. When he went east, he recruited soldiers in Daliang City. These people were selected from the remnants of Wang Jiedushi's army. In addition, there were Qin's troops under the general's command. They gathered 50,000 soldiers. The morale was good and they could fight. If they won, all problems would be solved. If they failed, they were afraid of bringing up the past.
"Don't think too much, just go."
Waving his horsewhip, Gu Ping led his personal soldiers and continued eastward along the official road.
It was getting darker.
Night came,
Zhang Jinyu's central tent was brightly lit. At this moment, he was still sitting on the main seat covered with a soft couch, looking at the generals and captains in the tent. The tent was much bigger, so there could be more people. He took off the long sword from his waist and placed it on the table in front of him, his eyes sharp.
"Everyone, good news. In the south, General Song has led his troops into Chenzhou City as quickly as possible. Although there are still bandits who are resisting stubbornly, they are not expected to cause any trouble. The flank is safe. In Huaizhou City in the east, Gu Ping's troops have already marched east. Within three days, there will be news. So, the only problem now is how to fight Linshan County City to reduce casualties?"
The sound was not loud, but the people in the tent could hear it clearly. The county city in front of them did not look like a defeated army. If they really wanted to attack such a strong city, they would inevitably pay a huge price, which was unavoidable.
"My Lord, on the way here, didn't you say that what you see may not be true, and what you don't see may not be false? The enemy army has lost so many people. Even if there are still some, how many can there be? I think we should surround the city from all sides, or surround three sides and leave one side open, and forcefully attack this city to take it in the shortest possible time."
General Hu Shoucheng of Dingbei was the first to speak, with a bloodthirsty look in his eyes. At this point, his cavalry brothers had been ambushed and lost more than 2,000 lives. They had been holding their breath for a long time.
As soon as the voice fell, another voice was heard.
"General Hu is anxious. The enemy's city defense is strong and their morale is high. We must not act rashly. If we attack by force, the casualties among his soldiers will be too heavy, which will affect the Marquis's subsequent deployment, and that will be troublesome."
General Qi Ping, who was a little older, frowned and shook his head. Attacking a city was a difficult task, and it was also a delicate matter. How could one just rush in with passion? The enemy army was obviously well prepared, waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out, attacking and defending in different positions.
"My Lord, I went outside the tent to check while we were having dinner. The enemy's weapons and armor should have been obtained from cleaning up the battlefield. The soldiers and horses on the city wall are constantly moving around, and their numbers are quite large. Even if they are not the elite of the Taiping Sect, they are not those scattered soldiers. Moreover, the fact that the enemy army left these soldiers and horses behind shows that there is plenty of food and grass in the county city, and there are no shortage of wells in the city where there are water sources. It is difficult to imagine that they want to keep the siege for a long time."
There was some surprise in everyone's eyes. They didn't expect General Po Lu to observe so carefully. Thinking about the Ministry of Revenue's plan to conduct a thorough investigation, the grain in the official warehouse of Linshan County had not been moved. Even if they were trapped for three years, they would not die. What he said made sense. All the generals nodded in agreement.
Even Zhang Jinyu was a little hesitant. Perhaps, as Qi Ping said, the Taiping Sect in Linshan County did not withdraw, but instead strengthened the garrison. The purpose was very clear, which was to delay the imperial army's southward advance and buy time for the rebel army to retreat. The capture of Chenzhou City so quickly showed that the rebel army's strength was insufficient. The Taiping Sect, which was said to have a million men, finally showed signs of fatigue. This was both a good thing and a bad thing.
Thinking about the classic examples of sieges that I remember in my mind, I vaguely recall that the records in the books of my previous life were all succinctly mentioned, nothing more than digging holes, simple ladders, siege vehicles and other objects, and at most the strategies that counselors came up with were flooding and burning, surrounding three sides and leaving one side open, and there were no other clever plans. I felt a headache thinking about it. You said that the ancient masters did not write about the art of war in detail, but wrote about those Zhihu people,
The tent fell silent for a moment, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Just at this time,
King Zhou Ding of Jin, who had been sitting at the east end for a long time, stood up with his fists clasped and asked;
"Generals, Lord Marquis, didn't we discuss before that we would leave one army to besiege the county city, and General Duan would lead the army south to Weizhou? Is this route okay?"
The question was about the plan that was previously made in Daliang City, which was to have Duan Wenyuan lead 150,000 siege troops to go deep into Weizhou, the heart of Beijing, to capture this place and control the key points between the north and the south. However, the plan was changed because Luo Yunhou sent an order to stop them early this morning.
The generals had already known about this matter, and many of them were puzzled as to why the Marquis would issue such an order. Zhang Jinyu was actually helpless. He sighed and took out the geomancy map on the table again, hung it on the wall behind him, and explained;
"Everyone, Your Highness, please take a look at the map first. This morning, I ordered General Duan to temporarily delay leading his troops south because of the evil people of the White Lotus Sect on the east side. When Gu Ping led his troops away, he sent soldiers to ask if Huaizhou had too many bandits and it was not appropriate to attack.
This Marquis issued a strict order. If there are really too many soldiers, they should set up camp on the spot to bluff and keep watch. If there are too few soldiers, they should capture this city as a barrier. You must know that the Taiping Sect suffered a great defeat. If they do not take action, it will be strange. This Marquis speculates that the Taiping Sect asked the White Lotus Sect for help. "
This is the key point. If we divide our troops and the White Lotus finds an opportunity to attack us, we will be in trouble.
After the explanation, the generals took a deep breath. They had indeed overlooked this matter. Thinking of the strangeness of the loss of Runan City, they did not dare to take any chances.
Jin Wang Zhou Ding suddenly realized that it was no wonder that the Marquis changed his plan. He was on guard against the White Lotus Sect.
"So what should we do now?"
"Wait,"
Zhang Jinyu was very frugal with words. He also felt that the speed of marching southward was too fast, and he did not leave enough time for Beijing Prince Shui Rong. In this way, he could not contain the main force of the White Lotus Sect. If the White Lotus Sect led its troops back for support, this battle would be really difficult to fight. Therefore, it was not too much to wait.
After all, the most famous vanguard troops of the Northern Palace went south, and together with the soldiers of the Eastern Palace's Jiangnan Camp, the two combined, even if the White Lotus Sect had three heads and six arms, they could still fight. As long as they fought, the reinforcements would disappear into thin air.
A word "wait".
The generals in the tent were dumbfounded. What was the Marquis waiting for? Was there a backup plan? The King of Jin was curious and asked immediately:
"My Lord, what are you waiting for?"
"Ahahaha, wait for the news from the two princes in the east. The White Lotus Sect has invaded Xihe County. As long as the two princes hold back the main force of the White Lotus Sect, the two rebel armies will not have enough time even if they want to unite. So, you still have to think carefully about how to capture this city. Of course, there is plenty of time. Duan Wenyuan, you are responsible for leading the siege army, and the people from the Ministry of Works are all under your command. What do you think?"
Professional matters require professional people to solve doubts. The Ministry of Works has sent so many craftsmen and brought a large number of siege equipment. Although he has never seen it, it is impossible for the court to bring some scrap copper and iron.
"My Lord, generals, it should be easy to capture this city. I am not talented enough, but the Ministry of Works has brought a powerful weapon. I agree with you!"
(End of this chapter)