In late autumn, the grass and trees are withered and yellow. In this northern part of the Great Wall, the sky and the earth are even more vast and open. A high-pitched eagle cry pierces the sky, and the goshawk spreads its wings and soars in the sky. The eagle's eyes are sharp and keen, and it can see into the vast wilderness.
Perhaps because he was tired from swimming, or perhaps he had discovered his target, he flapped his wings and flew down, like an arrow from a string, directly towards the massive army by the Baishui River. As he approached the front of the army, he suddenly slowed down and then landed steadily.
In Ying Nu's thick and strong arms, all the sharp edges were restrained.
On the bank of Baishui River, tens of thousands of Liao troops had already set up their formations, in a state of fending off the enemy. There were many war cavalry, with flags flying, and they were silent, releasing a heart-stopping momentum, which vividly displayed the powerful style of the Liao army.
As the center, Emperor Yelujing of the Liao Dynasty was also wearing a military uniform, and he was sitting on a tall horse. He also showed his best mental outlook in recent years. Looking far into the distance, he stretched out his hand and said: "Send someone over!"
Soon, Xiao Husi, protected by several knights, ran towards the opposite side. In this wilderness, five or six knights looked so small.
A few miles away, in response, more than 30,000 Han troops also formed a formation, with swords and guns like a forest, and the army was majestic. They combined foot and cavalry, with Han cavalry cruising on each wing, and the sound of kicking was endless.
In terms of the tightness of the military formation, it is actually far from the peak of the Han army. After all, this army was put together temporarily and did not undergo a long period of training. But the basic qualities of the current Han army are here, and they are temporarily prepared.
The army still showed an unparalleled strength.
From top to bottom, all the officers and soldiers were working hard. Previously, Generals Luo Yanxuan and Liu Tinghan had issued strict orders to everyone. This trip was not only to protect the emperor, but also to show the majesty of the Han Dynasty to the Khitan people.
Baishuiluo is located in the middle of a basin, with mountains on its east, west and south sides, and a wide view. Choosing such a place is acceptable to both sides. Looking across the sky from the north to the south, the tribes, Han people, and businessmen living in the surrounding areas are surrounded by the formations of the two armies.
They were all trembling. If it hadn't been for the previous edict, I'm afraid they would have dispersed long ago.
Emperor Liu was still riding in a Luan chariot. He stood on the chariot with the same attitude of looking out. Although he was far away and his field of vision was limited, he could also feel the momentum of the Liao army.
"It seems that in the past ten years, the Liao Kingdom has not slackened in its military construction!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion, his tone a little heavy.
"Zhao Qing, in your opinion, how many troops and horses are needed to destroy the Liao army on the opposite side?"
Among the accompanying ministers, Zhao Kuangyin basically had the highest status, and he was able to accompany him. After hearing the question, he thought about it carefully and replied conservatively: "Our army and the Liao army have not fought in ten years. In the past,
It is no longer possible to refer to the battle examples of the enemy. In my humble opinion, facing the enemy head-on, fifty thousand elite cavalry may be able to defeat it, but if we want to annihilate it, we will need twice that number!"
"Is what you said too conservative?" Emperor Liu seemed a little dissatisfied after hearing this, and said: "With the strength of the Han cavalry, the strength of the armor, and the sharpness of the equipment, so many people and horses are still needed?"
Zhao Kuangyin said calmly: "Although our cavalry has been trained for many years and is increasingly well-equipped, it has not been in battle for a long time and has little experience in cavalry battles. After all, the Khitans are a nation on horseback. They travel outside the fortress and often hunt and fight.
It really shouldn’t be underestimated!”
If Emperor Liu had any dissatisfaction with Zhao Kuangyin, apart from the suspicion of "forming cliques", it was the matter of knowledge and strategy. The older he got, the more conservative he became.
Emperor Liu tried his best not to show this emotion, but he still sighed: "As you said, one hundred thousand cavalry, even if I gather all the cavalry from all over the country, I'm afraid it won't be enough! If this is true, how can we destroy the Liao Dynasty?"
, how to talk about long-term drive into the desert?"
In the past ten years, the emphasis on cavalry in the Han army has been visible to the naked eye, and financial investment in horse administration has also been continuous. Today, among the officials and the people, there are already a considerable number of various types of horses. Riding is prohibited and side riding is prohibited.
Weapons training has never been interrupted.
Even so, the total number of cavalry in the entire army of the Han Dynasty is far less than 100,000. If some water is removed, there are even fewer that can be mobilized and invested in the northern battlefield. Li Chuyun had done this before when he was in office.
According to a report, if we want to organize an army composed entirely of cavalry for the Northern Expedition, we can only guarantee 60,000 people, and we have to draw them from various places.
The cost of training a cavalry is too high. It cannot be accomplished by combining one person and one horse. The selection conditions of knights and war horses alone are not comparable to those of ordinary armies, let alone equipment, training, food, etc.
of consumed.
Due to the huge expenditure on this item, it has caused a huge burden on the imperial government's finances, and the DPRK and the Central Government cannot help but criticize it. However, no one dares to write a letter against the investment in the construction of the cavalry, but the actual situation cannot be changed.
.
Therefore, according to what Zhao Kuangyin said, one hundred thousand cavalry could annihilate the thirty or forty thousand troops on the opposite side. How could Emperor Liu have no objection? According to his expectations, even if it was not possible for one Han to serve as five barbarians, one as three, or one as two
Standards always have to be met.
Faced with Emperor Liu's rhetorical question, Zhao Kuangyin could not help but remain silent for a moment, and finally said: "The strength and advantage of the Han army over the Liao lies in the sharp military formation and the combination of foot and cavalry!"
"But if we stick to this path, can we move across the Great Wall and achieve the goal of destroying the Liao Dynasty?" Emperor Liu asked.
Zhao Kuangyin responded: "As discussed before, if you want to leave the fortress, except for the cavalry, all infantry should be equipped with donkeys and horses to make up for the lack of mobility!"
"That's all!" Emperor Liu finally showed an expression of approval on his face.
In fact, this was also the result of discussions between Emperor Liu and the privy councilors and generals. It may be difficult to train a qualified cavalry, but it is relatively simple and less expensive to train an infantry who can ride a horse.
After so many years, Emperor Liu felt the heavy financial pressure, and he had long given up on training hundreds of thousands of cavalry, and then going out in large numbers to sweep the grasslands. There was no way, it was too expensive, and with the current size of the Han Dynasty
, it’s not that you can’t hold on, but that there is no need to hold on. To fight against the Khitans, the combination of foot and cavalry is the way to be invincible, and it is also the policy of building the Han army. In these aspects, Zhao Kuangyin actually has a profound understanding
of.
While the monarchs and ministers were talking, Liu Fang, the Duke of Zhao, who was also standing nearby, with his horse on his crotch and bright armor, looked straight at the direction of the Liao army. There was unavoidably a kind of throbbing in his heart, and at the same time, the scene just now could not help but appear in his mind.
The flying grace of an eagle made him think about raising an eagle like that...
"Your Majesty, the Liao army is coming!" Yang Yanzhao came to report.
He, Li Jilong, Guo Yi and other young talents also came with him. In addition to guarding, they also did some trivial things such as passing orders and coordinating.
Soon, Xiao Husi was brought to the front of Luan Jia. He bowed reservedly and said, "Foreign Minister Xiao Husi, please see your Majesty!"
"Privy Xiao! We are old friends, there is no need to be formal!" Emperor Liu smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Husi seemed to have no intention of chatting nonsense with Emperor Liu. He pointed at the Han troops who were waiting in formation and said solemnly: "I, the Emperor of Liao, have come at the invitation and will meet as scheduled. This is your Majesty's hospitality.
Dao?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu simply sat next to the chariot shaft and said calmly: "The strong soldiers and generals are only for guarding! But the Lord of Liao is so powerful that when Privy Xiao came, I thought he was here to declare war!"
Emperor Liu spoke lightly, but Xiao Husi's face tightened and he said seriously: "The Han army has hard crossbows, and the Liao army has strong bows, that's all!"
Seeing how tough he was, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel happy. However, Xiao Husi made many missions to the Han Dynasty, and several peace talks were signed under his auspices. Emperor Liu's attitude towards his "old friend" was still lenient.
The smile faded and he said seriously: "Please reply to Lord Liao, I am very happy that he can keep the appointment. However, such a large battle between the two sides is too chilling. It not only scared the people, but also frightened the birds and animals, causing destruction.
Beautiful scenery all around.
I sincerely invite you, and have no other intentions. I am just visiting here on my northern tour, and I am here to discuss it with you. I want to discuss it for the sake of friendship between the two countries, for the common people of the world, and for the sake of millions of people.
There is no need for you and me to be in such a tense situation. I will order people to hold a banquet beside this river, each with his entourage and guards, drink and have fun, and talk about heaven and earth. How about it?"
Emperor Liu looked sincere. Xiao Husi silently took note of Emperor Liu's meaning, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty said, the foreign minister will definitely bring you truthfully!"
Soon, Yelujing gave feedback and agreed. So, with the efficient work of the camp craftsmen, a banquet venue was set up between the two armies on the bank of Baishui.
Emperor Liu and Yelu Jing each introduced people to their seats, of course, under the close supervision of the two armies. As the two emperors took their seats, the momentum of the Han and Liao armies in the north and south became more condensed. Instead of relaxing, they were ready to attack.
