Feeling the nervous and worried mood of Chai Rong and others, Liu Chengyou of course could not directly express his worries, but smiled lightly, showing an open-minded and calm expression: "The emperor is marching in person, and the soldiers are fighting to the death in the front. How can I avoid and defend the fortified city in order to survive?" Peace of mind?"
"You don't have to worry. I have experienced many battles in the north and south!" Liu Chengyou added.
However, Chai Rong and others obviously cannot agree with this. In the past, Liu Chengyou led the army in battles, except for the time when he went to Taihang to conquer the world in the east of the founding of the country. In the two subsequent personal expeditions, in each of the two personal expeditions, he did not use victory to dominate others and use yi to measure baht. Then, Under such circumstances, there is no need to worry about his safety.
But this battle at Nankou is obviously different and involves great risks. Chai Rong looked at Liu Chengyou and said: "Your Majesty can't come with these thousands of cavalry. If something goes wrong, it will be meaningless for the soldiers to fight!"
Listening to his words again, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but point to Changping City and said: "When I get here, I will stay in the city and not take a step out of the thunder pond. What do you think?"
Seeing what the emperor said, Chai Rong didn't want to give any more advice. Everyone had already arrived, so he just had to express his attitude. So, he quickly introduced Liu Chengyou to the Yamen.
The commander-in-chief of the Liao army couldn't sleep, and the emperor and ministers of the Han army also wanted to stay up all night. In the brightly lit county government office, the generals gathered together, and Liu Chengyou, regardless of the fatigue of the fast march, sat in the hall to listen to the situation of the war.
In this regard, the one who has the most say is obviously Han Hui. Han Hui is not afraid of stage. He hunched his back slightly and briefly and clearly explained the Nankou battle in his field of vision. Of course, his decision-making in the city, His actions also showed that there was something wrong, and he apologized to Liu Chengyou.
After hearing his report, Liu Chengyou looked at Han Hui, his eyes were shining, pointed at him and said to his left and right: "Before the Northern Expedition, Han Tong once made a statement to me, saying that he wished he could accompany him and kill Hu Ligong. Now it seems that although he has In Tokyo, the role in the Northern Expedition was not small at all! When the father is absent, the son takes over, and it is a good story to spread!"
Liu Chengyou's words were of course a compliment to Han Hui, and he immediately expressed his humility. Zhao Kuangyin on the side said: "Han Hui stayed calm in the face of danger, responded calmly, and tried his best to protect Changping, so that my reinforcements were here, and I had a place to rely on. I suspected the enemy's plan, It also frightened the Liao army and bought a lot of time for the defenders and our troops to arrive. What a great achievement!"
Seeing that the emperor and generals were all praising him, Han Hui couldn't bear it any longer and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, the siege of Nankou has not yet been solved, the Liao army is still powerful, and the danger has not passed yet. This is really not the time to discuss the merits of the subordinates! "
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but smile. He looked at Han Hui and admired him even more.
After pondering for a moment, Liu Chengyou condensed his description and said: "I came to the front line in person this time not only to supervise the battle, but also because of the major changes in the military situation!"
These words immediately aroused the curiosity of the generals. Facing their eyes, Liu Chengyou said: "Before setting off from Youzhou, I received two pieces of news. One is the Battle of Nankou. The Liao Army started on the 21st , then mobilized troops and horses, made preparations, and wanted to devour King Chenliu's army in one go, but his appetite was very big. The Khitan Lord also came to supervise the division, and most of the troops that followed him south came out to participate in the battle. At this time, Juyong Pass The Western Confucianism, Guixin, and Wu states are already very empty.
This is a secret agent of our army who worked hard, broke through the blockade, and traveled over mountains and ridges to deliver the news. Although there was a delay, it also allowed me to understand the details of the Liao army's large-scale dispatch!"
Hearing what the emperor said, Chai Rong perked up slightly and looked at Liu Chengyou: "What's your plan for coming here?"
Liu Chengyou said: "The battle at Nankou has become a battle situation. The Khitan has gathered the best of the country here. This is a rare opportunity. If it can be severely damaged or even annihilated, then this Northern Expedition can be said to have completed its success in one battle, and we can also sing a triumphant song!" "
In this regard, Zhao Kuangyin raised doubts and said: "Your Majesty, King Chenliu's army resisted the Khitan siege with great strength. Although he killed and wounded the enemy in front of him, his strength was still there. However, King Chenliu fought hard day and night, and his soldiers were exhausted and suffered heavy casualties. It is difficult to estimate how much remaining strength there is. With the current strength of Nankou and Changping, it is not difficult to break the siege, but if we want to annihilate this Liao army..."
Zhao Kuangyin did not finish his words, but his meaning was very clear. Based on the comparative analysis of strength, he did not think that the Liao army could be annihilated under the current situation. He could not help but be a little worried, fearing that Liu Chengyou would not be realistic and would be too ambitious.
In response, Liu Chengyou raised his hand slightly to show comfort and said: "I also received a military report from Miyun. This morning, Murong Yanzhao's army officially launched an attack on Miyun, conquering the city in one fell swoop. Tanzhou's 40,000 The entire Liao army was wiped out, except for the Liao general Xiao Siwen who led hundreds of cavalry to flee!"
This news greatly boosted morale and confidence. Chai Rong failed to maintain his heavy persona. His face opened like a blooming chrysanthemum, and his eyes were full of glory. He stood up and said: "Your Majesty, Tanzhou Now, Murong Yanzhao can move to the west and encircle the Liao army. Our army is at the front to contain it, and Tanzhou's soldiers and horses can block it from behind, and then we can control it!"
Liu Chengyou said: "What you said is true. I have already sent an imperial edict to Tanzhou, ordering it to march westward and cooperate in the battle. However, an army of hundreds of thousands, no matter how fast they march overnight, can't reach it if they want to. Not until tomorrow!”
Zhao Kuangyin reacted quickly, his joy faded, and he proactively said: "Your Majesty, there is an enemy escaping in Tanzhou. It is hard to predict when the news will be transmitted to the Liao army. If there is a warning, something will happen. If the enemy chooses to evacuate, it may be difficult to do so. Full credit!”
"This is what I am worried about! The remnants of Tanzhou's enemies fled into Yanshan and fled through the trails. The transmission of the news may be delayed, but it will eventually reach the ears of the Liao army!" Liu Chengyou nodded and looked around: "Now you can discuss it. Discuss how to contain this Liao army before Murong Yanzhao’s army arrives!”
Gao Huaide spoke: "Your Majesty, the Liao army is dominated by cavalry and has separated from the battle. If it insists on retreating, it will not be easy to stop it. Today, I am leading the cavalry army to fight with it. Its combat power is still strong and should not be underestimated!"
"What suggestions do you have?" Liu Chengyou looked at him and asked.
Gao Huaide looked solemn and cupped his hands and said: "I suggest that we take the initiative to attack, force them to fight, and contain the Liao army through fighting! There are about 40,000 Liao troops in the north of Changping City. It is better to attack them at night with Changping infantry and cavalry!"
"It's too dangerous to fight at night!" Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but say.
Since ancient times, unless there is a specific situation, it is not advisable for large corps to fight at night. Liu Chengyou has experienced night fighting and understands the risks involved. It is not just a problem of night vision. Darkness is conducive to raids. Likewise, it is also extremely detrimental to the transmission of military orders. , the general commanded.
As for the Han army, in order to give full play to its own advantages, the requirements for command and coordination are very high. Moreover, night attacks are more suitable for small numbers of troops.
When Zhao Kuangyin reminded him, Liu Chengyou really thought deeply about it and shook his head at Gao Huaide: "It is not advisable to rush into a large-scale attack. If things go wrong and Murong Yanzhao's army has not arrived, he may be trapped in danger!"
When the suggestion was rejected, Gao Huaide's face showed no emotion and continued: "In this case, I would like to send cavalry troops, each with a strong general, to attack the Liao army in separate routes to tire them out! The remaining soldiers will be on guard, recharge their batteries, and attack at dawn. !”
"This is acceptable!" Chai Rong immediately agreed.
In response, Liu Chengyou also nodded. Chai Rong thought for a while and then said: "Our army's attack requires consideration of the Liao army's reaction. The purpose of dividing their divisions and heading south was to contain our army so as not to directly affect their attack on the south entrance. If the movement of our army causes the Liao army to attack again at Nankou, we also need to consider how long King Chenliu can hold on! Moreover, if we want to achieve the effect of containing the Liao army, we still need the lives of the Nankou garrison!"
"A single move can affect the whole body!" Liu Chengyou couldn't help but sigh, and after a brief thought, Liu Chengyou looked at Dang Jin, who was lucky enough to be present, and said to him: "I heard that you led a thousand cavalry to attack the Liao army and almost fell into a tight siege. , and then calmly jumped out, killed many people, disturbed tens of thousands of enemies, and retreated completely. May you go forward again!"
"Please give me your Majesty's order!" Dang Jin raised his head and said.
Liu Chengyou admired his spirit very much, and immediately said: "I want you to lead the army to the south entrance, break through the blockade, inform the whole army about my personal rescue, and then inform Chen Liu about this military situation." King, please make him move according to the situation, cooperate with the army to fight, and complete the purpose of annihilating the Liao army!"
"I know that this is a dangerous task, with a near-death risk, but do you dare to undertake it?" Liu Chengyou knew in his heart that when he said these words, he implied an incitement to the generals, and there was no room for party opposition.
On the other hand, Dang Jin had a straightforward temperament and did not have so many twists and turns in his heart. He cupped his hands and responded: "Your Majesty, the general is just a brave man who is illiterate and cannot make plans or make suggestions. His qualifications for establishing a career are only bloody courage and fearless fighting. Your Majesty has both Order, the general will be willing to die."
Seeing his appearance, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but praise: "With such a strong man, why worry about the injustice of the Khitan and the failure of their great cause?"
"How many troops and horses do you want?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"It is useless to have too many soldiers. The more than two hundred cavalry that will return to Changping at the end of the day are enough!" The party's progress was high-spirited.
"Okay!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and said: "Organize your troops, sneak out from the south gate, bypass the surveillance of the Liao army, and go straight to the south entrance. On the Changping side, half an hour after you set off, you will attack the Liao army in the north of the city. Launch an attack!"
"yes!"
Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide again: "I will leave it to the second minister to arrange the night attack!"
"Follow the order!"
This is bound to be a sleepless night!
After making a big decision and leaving the hall, Zhao Kuangyin first found Dang Jin who was preparing for it. After all, they had years of friendship and a deep relationship with each other, but he didn’t say much. He just patted him on the shoulder and said, "When you succeed, I will Buy you a drink!"
"When I come back, I will drink with my brother till I get drunk!" Feeling Zhao Kuangyin's care, Dang Jin laughed and said, suddenly curiously asked: "If I return with my life, can I be made a marquis? "
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Kuangyin said solemnly: "One day, I will personally ask for your reward from your majesty!"
Zhao Kuangyin's words carry a lot of weight. Asking for rewards from other generals is a matter of political risk. However, Zhao Kuangyin is very serious.
Soon, the Han army was mobilizing intensively in Changping City. As mentioned in the preface, half an hour after the party entered and exited the city, the prepared Han army's light cavalry also set off.
A total of five cavalry groups were dispatched, each with a small number of only a thousand cavalry. They were led by Guo Chongwei, Cui Han, Liu Guangyi and other Han generals. The combat objectives were very clear. Its army. This was supposed to be what the Liao army was good at, but it was used by the Han army on itself. There was no way, the Han army had a city to rely on, but Yelusha did not.
Due to the limitations of the actual situation, Liu Chengyou was not absolutely sure whether the Liao army could be completely annihilated. There were too many factors that could affect the outcome of the war. When did the news from Tanzhou arrive? When did Murong Yanzhao's army arrive? All are important factors.
At the same time, the Liao army is not stupid and will only be beaten passively. Under the threat of the Han army, what kind of response it will make is also beyond the control of the Han army. All Liu Chengyou can do is to mobilize and arrange towards that goal.