Chapter 553 Siege (5)

PreviousBack to directoryNext
Intuition sounds very illusory and unreliable, but many people's intuition is very accurate.

In fact, this is not difficult to explain, because the so-called intuition is often a series of events that give you the most intuitive feeling. You can't explain the reason for the time being, but you have been affected, so it becomes intuition.

The so-called intuition on the battlefield is different. It is almost an instinctive reaction given by experience.

Just like now, Li Po felt in danger, not only because Puban might not be able to be captured for a long time, which was contrary to his strategic intentions, but also because the Tang army on the west bank was too quiet, which made him feel very bad.

The next news coming from Longmen also gave Li Po a sense of urgency. The Tang army had cut through the ice at Longmen Ferry, so it would be impossible for the large group of cavalry stationed at Longmen to cross the river at Longmen.

The cavalry stationed at Longmen was actually the leeway left by Li Po's strategy. Once he attracted the main force of the Tang army at Pujin Bridge, he could then cross the river and attack behind the Tang army.

Therefore, no matter how conservative the strategy is, it will still prepare for an attack. A general who plans to defend from the beginning will definitely not be a qualified military commander.

If a large army falls into a situation where it must defend one place, it probably means that the army has reached the edge of despair.

Just like when Wang Shichong defended Luoyang and had a back-and-forth battle with Li Mi at the beginning, bystanders could easily tell that Wang Shichong still had room for maneuver.

But after defeating Yu Wenhuaji, and when he and Li Mi fought again and suffered a disastrous defeat, he could only huddle in Luoyang City and dare not go out.

In the end, Li Mi failed to survive Wang Shichong. In fact, it was not about anything else. It was just that Luoyang City was not another city. It was New Luoyang built by Yang Guang. It was the greatest and strongest city in time and space. Even Chang'an had to be conquered.

inferior.

At this time, in Hancheng, Li Shimin was almost the same as Li Po, and Li Shimin didn't have many choices.

Puban, as the Hedong county town at that time, has always been a transshipment place for grain and grass connecting Kansai. Jiangjun, where the Pei family is located, is the center of the entire Hedong area. It competes with Jinyang Wang family in the south and north. In fact, the two families

The fact that it can be passed down to this day largely depends on the location of the two families.

No matter in times of peace or in times of war, the people of Jin will involuntarily gather at the two strategic locations. This ensures the prosperity of the two places and also brings various benefits to the two large families in Jin.

Nowadays, for Li Tang, the most important things are no longer Jiangjun and Jinyang. The strategic environment has finally highlighted the strategic significance of Puban.

At the same time, it became the focus of the struggle between Li Po and Li Tang. Li Po stormed Pu Ban, hoping to block Li Tang's way to invade Jin. As for Li Shimin, there was no need to ask. There was increasing hope of regaining Jin in a short time.

The more hopeless it becomes, if Puban is lost again, according to the current saying, Jin will no longer exist.

That night, King Qin Li Shimin had a long discussion with Tang Jian and others in Hancheng.

Tang Jian also felt frustrated at this time, "The enemy has been there for a long time and has not shown any intention to cross the river. What is the current plan... Can we cross the river with Li Ding'an and conquer it?"

This was obviously an admission of failure, and everyone fell silent. Tang Jian's status was extraordinary. He was outside the center, and he also had the power of following the dragon. He had been on good terms with Li Yuan before, and had more or less relationships with the kings.

They all have friendships, so it is very suitable for such a person to serve as the internal historian.

He was neither a confidant of the prince nor a disciple of the Prince of Qin, who was trusted by Li Yuan to advise the emperor and balance the struggles among the kings.

Therefore, others should consider the pros and cons before saying such things, but Tang Jian did not. What he meant was that it was time to negotiate peace with Li Po and arrange defenses along the river.

In addition, he also believed that time was pressing, and if he waited to talk to Li Po after Li Po captured Puban, it would be meaningless except for increasing casualties.

In other words, he wanted to rescue the Tang army trapped in Puban, because watching Puban fall on the west bank would probably chill the Tang army.

After hearing this, Li Shimin's face was as dark as water. Now he was in a very bad mood. The matter of Dugu Huaien seemed to be a big stone pressing on his heart. He felt that he should go back to Beijing. Otherwise, those clowns might not be able to do anything in his father's life.

He was arranged in front of the emperor.

Therefore, the current war must be resolved quickly, and it must have a good result so that it will be easy for him to talk when he returns to the court.

Tang Jian's suggestion was sound, but it was not what he wanted...

At this time, he was very dissatisfied with Tang Jian. He had originally intended to let Wang Xingben and others defend the city on their own.

In fact, he just threw Pu Ban to Li Po to attack, and easily captured Pu Ban with the pride of the enemy. Li Ding, who was in high morale, would definitely plan to cross the river...

What did Tang Jian say at that time? On the grounds that abandoning Wang Xingben and others would definitely hurt the people of Jin, he sent Dugu Yanyun and others to lead an army to help Wang Xingben defend the city.

There are many similarities with today's statements. It seems to be a long-term plan, but it is hesitant and timid, which is really annoying.

Talk about peace? After that, you, Tang Mao, will have nothing to do, but I will be criticized... You are truly worthy of being my father's confidant...

Thinking of this, Li Shimin made up his mind. He looked around at everyone for a long time and then said: "I intend to lead my army across the river to aid Puban. Are you willing to fight with me?"

The sound of slapping breastplates suddenly resounded. The generals actually didn't care so much. Even if some people felt that what Tang Jian said was reasonable, when it came to fighting, they were more willing to follow King Qin.

In fact, unless Tang Jian had a special status, Li Shimin would not want to embarrass him. Otherwise, it would not be difficult to lift Tang Jian into the air.

Because Tang Jian's weakness is very similar to that of Pei Ji. He doesn't have many military exploits, so there is no need to mention his military prestige. When he went on the expedition, many people suggested that Tang Jian lead the army. How much of the emperor's inspiration was involved in it?

It’s a matter of knowing it.

According to Li Shimin's idea, it would actually be more appropriate for Li Shenfu, Qu Tutong and others to come to Shaanxi Province.

Tang Jian frowned and was about to speak, but Li Shimin had already taken the initiative and said with a smile: "Don't worry, envoy of the Tang Dynasty, I am not a person without plans. I am fighting today just to protect Puban and frustrate the enemy's edge..."

"I have been in a stalemate with the enemy for some time. The enemy must be slacking off. In addition, Pu Ban has repeatedly failed to attack. The enemy must be anxious. I am only connected to the other side by a pontoon bridge. So the enemy must have neglected to take precautions against me.

Attacking it through gaps should have miraculous effects..."

"As the saying goes, when we meet on a narrow road, the brave wins. Who is willing to lead the troops in this battle?"

Before the voice fell, someone already said: "I will go there in the end."

It was Zhai Changsun who succeeded Murong Luohu and commanded the King of Qin's personal guard.

…………………………

After the high-spirited generals dispersed, Tang Jian glanced with admiration at His Highness the King of Qin, who was at the top. At this juncture, anyone with any intelligence could see that the war situation was extremely unfavorable.

But with a few words, the King of Qin inspired the morale of the generals, making them willing to sacrifice their lives and blood to fight with him. This is a very rare talent for leading an army.

Moreover, King Qin did not act recklessly...

Thinking of this, Tang Jian secretly said to himself that if he could only look at it from the perspective of leading troops, the King of Qin would indeed be the leader of all the kings.

It can be said that he has a very good impression of King Qin.

But having said that, as the deputy general manager of the march in Shaanxi Province, he had no intention of holding back the King of Qin. To evaluate his actions, it is not an exaggeration to describe him as "loyal to his duty".

This was the case at this time. Although Li Shimin disagreed with his suggestion, he saw that King Qin had made up his mind, so he did not make any further objections in front of the generals.

But in private, there were some things he couldn't help but mention.

"His Highness wants to cross the river and fight... Although I have neglected strategy, I also know that it is completely contrary to His Highness's original plan. I act hastily and just win. Once... the enemy takes advantage of the situation and crosses the river, what should I do?"

After hearing this, Li Shimin, whose head was already aching, immediately cursed in his heart, what a damn bad luck...

Of course, as the ancients said, think about defeat before thinking about victory, so you can't find fault, and you haven't said it in front of everyone, but the two of you have a good sense of proportion during the conversation.

Li Shimin rubbed his forehead, suppressed his anger, and said: "The soldiers are fierce and the battle is dangerous. This king... has little chance of winning. But let's say the enemy is crossing the river to attack..."

Having said this, Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh. He laughed at Tang Jian for not knowing military matters and asking stupid questions, and at himself for having to patiently explain to him. Furthermore, he laughed at his father for "knowing people and making good use of them."

Not to mention useless people like Pei Ji, Li Yuanji, Li Shentong and other incompetent people also led troops to fight, which led to today's situation.

But my father didn't seem to be aware of it, yet he still sent Tang Jian here. If he, the King of Qin, returned to the capital, would he become Tang Jian who was guarding the Yellow River?

Thinking of this, Li Shimin felt that if he returned to the capital, it would be safer to let the prince take full military power in Shaanxi Province.

However, such thoughts passed away in a flash.

So he continued absentmindedly: "Looking at the current situation, if Li Ding'an intends to cross the river to attack, how can he force me to lead his troops to rescue Pu Ban?"

What he said was not very true. Tang Jian was silent, but he made up his mind to lead more troops and horses to station on the river beach. If the battle ahead was unfavorable, he would coordinate with King Qin's troops to retreat and defend the beach with all his strength.

At this time, Tang Jian was also a little dissatisfied with Prince Li Jiancheng.

More than 100,000 troops were stationed in Tongguan with nothing to do. He wrote several times but failed to persuade the prince to divide his troops. As a result, the troops on the west bank of the Yellow River have always been quite weak.

If this were not the case, if Tongguan soldiers and horses came to help, no matter whether they were advancing or retreating, there would be no danger. But now...

With such an act of only focusing on the fight for position and ignoring the overall situation, the prince did not look so wise in his eyes...

In fact, at this time, neither Li Shimin nor Tang Jian realized that the strategic goals had been changed again and again, and they had completely entered the enemy's rhythm, which was no different from Li Shentong's original.


This chapter has been completed!
PreviousBack to directoryNext