Huaishang City, General Mansion.

After receiving the military report from Suzhou, Sheng Yong, who was wearing an iron mask, immediately summoned his generals to discuss matters.

The three main forces of his Northern Expeditionary Army, Chen Hui, Ping'an and He Fu, have all been dispatched and stationed in Xuzhou and Suzhou. Those remaining in Huaishang include Zhang Zhongjie, who was promoted by him personally, and the Chu Shui Army led by Lan Daoxing.

At this time, he informed his subordinates of the military situation that Zhu Di had forcibly crossed the Suishui River and Ping'an Hefu led the main force of Suzhou to Louzhuang to meet the enemy. He asked directly: "Ping'an Hefu has gone to Louzhuang. What should we do?"

He seemed to be asking questions to the dozen generals present, but he only looked at Lan Daoxing.

From the perspective of military ability alone, Lan Daoxing, who had followed Lan Yu in the Battle of Yuerhai, was the one he admired the most, so Lan Daoxing's opinions were also the most valued by him.

Lan Daoxing thought for a long time and said: "Considering all possible results, the final general proposed that the 150,000 troops hoarded on the Huai River be divided into two parts, with the main force marching to Qimei Mountain, and the branch stationing in Lingbi to prevent Yan from turning southeast.

bypass."

Sheng Yong asked back: "You expected that they would not be able to defeat the Yan army if they were safe?"

"It's best if they can block Yan Ni, so that we can advance in two directions and outflank the enemy." Lan Daoxing said confidently, "If unfortunately we lose, if Yan Ni is allowed to cross the Suishui River, we can still hold him back and continue to move south.

route."

"The commander-in-chief can send his horse to Louzhuang first and tell the two generals Ping An and He Fu that if they are defeated, they can lead the defeated army to retreat to Qimei Mountain. The commander-in-chief's Chinese army will respond in Qimei Mountain."

Sheng Yong asked again: "If they retreat into Qimei Mountain, won't they give up Suzhou?"

"Yan Ni wants to take Suzhou, let him go, it's just some food, grass and baggage, so what if we give it to them? As long as we delay, victory will still be ours in the end."

Zhang Zhongjie asked: "What if Yan Ni does not take Suzhou and takes a detour to Lingbi instead?"

Lan Daoxing chuckled: "We can first deploy a small-scale garrison in Lingbi. When Yan Ni comes to attack, we can just defend the city. As long as we can delay it for a day or two, the main force of our army can go behind the enemy's rear.

Attacked from both inside and outside, Yan Ni has nowhere to run even if he wants to."

Lan Daoxing was thoughtful, and with this arrangement, no matter whether Zhu Di went to Suzhou or Lingbi, he would encounter obstacles.

Sheng Yong pondered and said: "Once the troops are divided, my troops approaching Qimei Mountain will inevitably be reduced. It's okay to be safe. A small defeat is okay. If there is a big defeat, Zhu Di will try his best to cover it up. I'm afraid my Chinese army may not be able to withstand it."

live."

Zhang Zhongjie smiled and said: "Why should the commander have the ambition of others to destroy his own prestige? The two generals Ping An and He Fu are both good generals who have experienced battles. Even if Yan Ni takes the south bank, it will still be more than enough to leave 60,000 to 70,000 men. We

Divide 20,000 troops to Lingbi, and there are still 130,000 left, plus 200,000. The combat power is not inferior to them. Don’t forget, the sergeants under my account have true energy to protect their bodies, they can be as good as ten."

Sheng Yong was still worried and frowned: "We will not lose in terms of military strength, but once King Yan successfully crosses the river, his troops will be sharp and his morale will be high. I'm afraid..."

"The terrain in the mountains is complicated and is not conducive to cavalry operations. Even if we are unable to win for a while, we can still stop Yan Ni from going south in a stalemate. When the time comes, Chen Hui of Xuzhou will double-team from behind, and it will still be a situation of catching a turtle in a urn."

"You don't know how sharp King Yan's attack is." Sheng Yong sighed, "At that time, Geng Bingwen's army of 300,000 and Li Jinglong's army of 500,000 were defeated by King Yan's army after losing the first battle.

The heroic soldiers penetrated all the way, and the defeat continued."

Lan Daoxing thought for a while and said: "If your Majesty still has doubts, you can send more troops to Qimei Mountain. As for Lingbi, let my Chu Shui army defend it. If Yan Ni really comes to attack Lingbi, I will lead the troops

How can we hold on until the commander-in-chief comes to rescue us?"

Sheng Yong glanced at Lan Daoxing, showing an expression that he was hesitant to speak.

Lan Daoxing saw Sheng Yong's complex expression and asked curiously: "Commander, do you still have any doubts?"

Just as Sheng Yong was about to speak, a student from a primary school suddenly reported in from outside the door.

"Report to the commander-in-chief that there is a man outside the city who wants to see the commander-in-chief."

Sheng Yong said impatiently: "Who is it?"

"He didn't say anything, he just asked me to transfer something to the commander."

"Bring it!"

The principal handed over a heavy token with both hands. When Sheng Yong saw the words on it, his body immediately trembled, and a cruel smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

…

After Zhu Di advanced into Qimei Mountain, due to the narrow mountain road, the 200,000-strong army was stretched into a long one.

Zhang Fu's troops were at the front, followed by Zhu Gaoxu's troops, then Qiu Fu's troops, then Zhu Di's Chinese army, then Zhu Neng's troops, and finally Lan Qiao and Feng Yeling's Huairou camp and Changping camp.

Since Jinan in Shandong was still in Tie Xuan's hands, Feng Yueming did not dare to leave the mountain city without authorization, so he only allowed Yun He to continue to serve in the Huairou camp.

Ling Yufei showed the characteristics of an excellent scout. He took the lead in exploring the road alone, using Xiao Hui's "Eagle Eye" to look down from a high position to see if there were any enemy ambush in the mountainous area.

Ping An and He Fu retreated hastily, leaving only a few symbolic groups of men and horses along the way. They were easily picked up by Zhang Fu who opened the way, and did not encounter a large ambush. As they entered the depths of the mountainous area, the terrain became more and more difficult.

Gets complicated.

Ling Yufei came to Zhu Di's horse and said: "If Sheng Yong also sets out from Huaishang and goes to Qimei Mountain to meet Ping An Hefu, then walking more than 20 miles further should be where they meet."

Zhu Di's eyes narrowed and he looked at the sky and said: "When their two armies first joined forces, because they had no time to reorganize, their execution ability declined, and the fresh troops were affected by the morale of the defeated army. It was the best time for our army to attack."

"What's the terrain ahead?"

"It is a very open valley. The width can accommodate hundreds of cavalry, and the valley bottom is flat, which is conducive to cavalry charges."

Zhu Di laughed and said: "Sheng Yong is not a fool, and he will never fight me there."

Ling Yufei said: "There is a mountain pass at the southernmost end of the valley. The mountains on both sides gradually recede, and the terrain is slightly narrower than the valley's belly. If I were Sheng Yong, I would probably choose to rely on the mountain pass to fight."

Lan Feng reminded: "Even if Sheng Yong fights at the mountain pass, given the current state of our army and the difference in morale between the enemy and ourselves, there is no chance of winning. As long as we can annihilate Sheng Yong's main force in one go, the land of Huainan will be free for us to roam at will.

"

Zhu Di thought for a moment, ignored Lan Feng, and continued to ask Ling Yufei: "Is there another way in the valley?"

"There is also a path to the east, where you can find the Spiritual Stone."

"Lingbi..." Zhu Di muttered silently and suddenly said, "What will happen if I don't go to the mountain pass at the south end after entering the valley and take the Lingbi road instead?"

"This..." Ling Yufei saw Zhu Di staring at him and hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "The general is not familiar with the art of war. I'm afraid it will be difficult to answer the king's question."

He then looked at Lan Feng and motioned for the latter to help him out.
Chapter completed!