Facing the gazes of the generals, Murong Yanzhao pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "In the past few days, I, the commander-in-chief, have consulted with others to decide on the strategy for Hunan and Xiang, and I have already considered it.
The land of Hunan has been war-torn for a long time, and is dilapidated and weak. However, in order to resist the imperial court and expand the army in preparation for war, Zhou Xingfeng went on a military rampage. He had more than 50,000 soldiers and horses under his command. With the power of Hunan to support them, it was really an embarrassing burden.
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In addition, there was a great famine in Hunan last year, and the grain reserves were almost exhausted. Now, no new grains have arrived, and military supplies are in short supply. Almost even combat rations have been exhausted and all financial resources have been purchased from the Southern Tang Dynasty and the puppet Liu Dynasty.
Therefore, I have decided to decide on Hunan. I do not want a quick war, but only a slowdown. The stalemate is not over, and Zhou Ni is in a hurry. According to the investigation of the Wude and Military Intelligence Departments, given the current situation in Hunan, Zhou Xingfeng cannot support it at all.
In January, by then, the rebel army will be defeated without a fight.
And within this month, we only need to be on guard against Zhou Ni to fight against the trapped beasts. When the time comes, we can drive straight in, straight down to Lang and Tan, capture all of Hunan and Xiang, and completely pacify Jinghu!"
Originally, Murong Yanzhao's plan was to fight a battle at Sanjiangkou, strive to win in one battle, and then go to Hunan. However, after learning about the reality of Hunan from the intelligence system, he changed his mind.
The only reason is that Zhou Xingfeng's preparations for war in Hunan can be described as frantic. With Hunan's current population of less than 90,000 households and an army of 50,000, even if thousands of barbarians are eliminated, there will still be some areas in the rear to maintain order.
The army and the manpower required to transport it were completely militaristic, and almost all the people were soldiers.
However, the 50,000 soldiers stationed at the front by Zhou Xingfeng for fighting also lacked complete weapons and armor. Many of the captured strong men could only use primitive bamboo and wood as weapons. Those who really had a certain fighting ability were only casual soldiers.
It started out as a group of tooth soldiers fought in the civil war. After the expansion, the combat capability inevitably declined. Furthermore, the intensity of the internal melee in Hunan was very low before. Even with less than 10,000 tooth soldiers as the backbone, facing the Central Plains
There is still some doubt as to how well the army can perform when it is strong.
Putting aside the comparison of military strength, if the two groups are combined, even if there are 50,000 pigs, it will take some effort to annihilate them all. The one that makes Murong Yanzhao most optimistic about the war situation has to be Hunan.
Terrible situation in interior states and counties.
In the context of intensive preparations for war, it is always the grassroots people who suffer and suffer. During the famine last year, Zhou Xingfeng was their benefactor, but now he has become a murderous enemy. In order to raise military funds, Zhou Xingfeng's military mansion is
The people of Hunan were already complaining about the excessive levies and extortionate taxes. Resistance to the levies occurred frequently, and this was also a bloody massacre.
Under Zhou Xingfeng's high-pressure policy, the few landowners and wealthy businessmen in Hunan also shed their blood. Although Zhou Xingfeng was not popular among the scholars and the people, his rule over Hunan was actually on the verge of collapse.
Therefore, as long as Zhou Xingfeng cannot make progress in dealing with the imperial army, even a little bad news can cause the Chu army to collapse. As for its internal situation, one month is a conservative estimate, and it is impossible to say when.
It was a great turmoil, and the people of various states welcomed the king's troops to Hunan.
As a famous general who is familiar with the art of war and understands strategy, Murong Yanzhao has his own way of using troops. Being able to defeat others without fighting is also his pursuit. The successful victory of Jingnan in advance also gave him
Have more time, space and money to implement this strategy.
Observing the situation in Hunan, he even had a premonition that this southern expedition would eventually turn into a political issue to be resolved, and as for the military struggle, it was secondary.
Of course, the primary issue before the court was still the army that Zhou Xingfeng had armed. However, Murong Yanzhao's plan to bring down Zhou Xingfeng was not so good for the Han army generals who participated in the expedition.
One general's achievements are worth ten thousand bones. If it were not for the sacrifice of the soldiers and the fierce fighting, their achievements would be compromised.
"Commander, if it's as you said, then when we go south this time, won't it be just a march and no fighting?" Shi Yanchao was a little unhappy.
Among the senior generals of the Han Forbidden Army, Shi Yanchao was considered to be warlike, with a rough temper, tough style, and courage to fight. This time when he went south, he also completed a hundred-mile attack on Jiangling, but after Cao Bin
Despite his persuasion, he did not fight, which was quite depressing.
After hearing what he said, Murong Yanzhao smiled, raised his finger and emphasized: "The general's words are accurate. You can temporarily stop killing, or treat this battle as a long-distance march training! Since ancient times, there have been no outstanding warriors.
If we can conquer the enemy without fighting, why waste the lives of the soldiers? How can the generals tolerate using the flesh and blood of our brothers to accumulate our achievements?"
"When did the Commander-in-Chief become so kind?" Shi Yanchao became even more depressed when he heard this. He couldn't help but said: "Thousands of my cavalry went south and were supposed to cross Jinghu Lake. However, so far, there has been no battle and no attack.
One arrow. As the Commander-in-Chief said, if you lose your fighting spirit and your soldiers relax, how will you respond if something changes?"
"General Shi reminded me again!" Murong Yanzhao's expression became serious, he looked around and said in a warning tone: "Slowing down the war and avoiding the war are not truces. Under the overall strategy of the camp, all troops
The maintenance of mental morale still needs to be strengthened. If there is any slack, military law will be dealt with!"
After Murong Dushuai said this, the Han generals present felt even more uncomfortable, but in the face of his stern eyes, they all responded loudly. No matter what, the strict military laws of the Han army are never a joke.
Especially during the war.
"Commander, since Sanjiangkou needs support and Zhou Xingfeng is also there, I would like to send the cavalry troops there. I will be willing to help in the battle!" Shi Yanchao said with a roll of his eyes.
"Sanjiangkou is densely covered with lakes and water veins. It is a place for water warfare and foot warfare. Can the cavalry army board ships to fight, or can they fly across rivers and lakes?" Murong Yanzhao asked rhetorically.
Shi Yanchao was speechless and fell silent. Sun Li took the opportunity and said: "My little army is all infantry!"
Seeing that these two people were entangled with each other, Murong Yanzhao waved his hands forcefully and said: "The commander has his own plans for the deployment of troops. There is no need for the generals to say anything, just unite the troops and prepare for war!"
He probably felt that he could not blindly suppress the fighting spirit of these generals. After thinking about it for a while, Murong Yanzhao added: "The battle at Sanjiangkou will be difficult to achieve within three to five days. In comparison,
The enemies of Lizhou can be planned!"
These words aroused the desire to fight among Shi Yanchao and others. Regardless of the quality of the Liyang Chu army, there were still 20,000 soldiers. However, before Shi Yanchao could speak, Sun Li said: "I am willing to lead the army."
The army goes forward, defeats the bandit army, relieves the siege of Liyang, and captures and kills Yang Shifan!"
Sun Li's consideration was also simple. Meritorious service in battle was one of the reasons, and avoiding Murong Yanzhao was also the reason. Unfortunately, Murong Yanzhao was obviously reluctant to leave Sun Dujun and wanted to keep him by his side. He looked directly at Shi Yanchao and ordered: "
The general can lead three thousand cavalry across the river, join Li Jun's army from the Public Security Bureau, and go south to relieve the siege of Liyang!"
"Yes!" Shi Yanchao glanced at Sun Li a little proudly, feeling excited.
Seeing this look, Sun Li felt even more uncomfortable, his face was gloomy, and his dissatisfaction was almost written on his face.
A military meeting ended successfully under the strong auspices of Murong Yanzhao. Afterwards, tensions inside and outside Jiangling became tense again. The Han army, which had rested for several days, mobilized intensively. A large number of ships loaded with soldiers, food, and ordnance arrived at the meeting.
Under the escort of the navy, it started from Jiangling, went down the river, and headed towards Dongting Lake.
Although Murong Yanzhao has formulated the overall combat strategy, it does not mean being conservative or passive. The development of the war should change with the times and make timely adjustments. The Sanjiangkou side adopted delaying measures, but they had plans to attack Liyang.
.If he can break his path, his strategy can be better implemented. The collapse of Hunan also requires the Han army to take the initiative to put pressure.
No matter what Murong Dushuai thinks, for the warrior Shi Yanchao, there is no need to think too much. After all that, let him attack, and since he has been given the opportunity to attack, he must take advantage of it.
live.
From the moment he received the military order, he strictly ordered to select soldiers and prepare food and equipment. He crossed the river south that day. In order to fight for the ships to transport troops and horses, Shi Yanchao even bullied Gao Baoxu, adding to his resume of the southern expedition.
A stain...
In the public security department, Li Jun, who had led his troops here early, couldn't hold back anymore. The two generals who were eager to fight gathered together and immediately hit it off.
Li Jun greatly welcomed Shi Yanchao's arrival. With the help of these three thousand cavalry, he could let go of his scruples and boldly march south to attack the Chu army in Liyang.