Jinzhou is located in the middle and lower reaches of the Fen River. It is the southernmost point of the territory controlled by the Eastern Dynasty between the rivers and Fens, and it is also the forefront of the confrontation with the Western Dynasty.
In addition to its important strategic location, Jinzhou has another special significance to the hegemons of the Eastern Dynasty. In the old years, Bohai King Gao Huan was appointed as the governor of Jinzhou by Er Zhurong, and Gao Huan gained a unique status and
power, laying the foundation for the subsequent comprehensive replacement of the Erzhu family's hegemony.
After the Battle of Mangshan, the Eastern and Western Dynasties each entered a period of internal rest. Although there were occasional frictions on the border, the scale was not large. Therefore, Jinzhou's armaments were restrained and concealed their edge.
However, as the Jinyang Overlord issued an order, the war machine started running rapidly, and a large number of people, horses and materials continued to pour into Jinzhou, turning Pingyang County, where the Jinzhou Prefectural Government is located, into a huge military camp, filled with a wave of
With the chilling atmosphere, even the flow of the Fenshui River has not weakened due to the season, and the river is running even more turbulently.
In late August, after paying an audience to His Majesty the Emperor, King Gao Huan of Bohai personally led all the armies of Hebei to set out from Yecheng, from Fukou, through the Taihang Mountains, and headed straight for Jinzhou.
When the army arrived at Baima City, Jinzhou Prefecture, it was already September. The Xianbei troops from the Six Prefectures who had assembled in Jinyang also came south one after another. The commander was Hu Lujin who was transferred back from the post of governor of Jizhou.
"Da Sima, this time I have to ask you to supervise the battle formation for me. I hope I can succeed in this battle and don't let my son have to work in the army for a long time."
Outside Baima City, Gao Huan was personally waiting to greet Hu Lujin who was leading his team. Seeing him approaching, he laughed and strode forward to greet him.
There are many fierce generals in the Eastern Dynasty, but if we talk about the most special one, it is none other than Hu Lüjin. He was born in a famous family in Chile and had a prominent family background. He followed King Xinyang of Bohai as early as when he rebelled against the overlordship of the Erzhu family.
He acted righteously and became the right-hand man of King Bohai. After that, he made many meritorious deeds. He can be regarded as the first military hegemon in the Eastern Dynasty since King Bohai Gao Huan!
Seeing King Bohai's courtesy, Hu Lujin quickly got off his horse and walked forward. When he was about to pay homage, Gao Huan held him firmly, and then said loudly: "Although I am old, my spirit has not faded. The former king of the Communist Party has made an appointment with me."
The royal family has been rewarded together. They are waiting to defeat the bandits from the west and then go to the east of the Yangtze River. The sons and daughters are in their prime, how can they be raised in idleness!"
After hearing this, Gao Huan's smile became even more cheerful. He took Hu Lujin's arm and walked side by side to the city. The other generals and ministers of Ba Mansion also followed him and went straight into the city to sit in the central hall of the state mansion.
Set it down.
The current governor of Jinzhou is Gao Yue, a younger brother of Gao Huan's clan. However, Gao Yue is not in the state capital now. Because he is ill and afraid that he will be exhausted from military service, Gao Huan recalled him to Jinyang to recuperate a month ago and coordinated with him.
She Diqian stayed with Ba Mansion.
Although that is said, those familiar with the situation know that things are not that simple.
Because it is located on the front line of the war between the two countries, the people of Jinzhou have long been tired of this war-disrupted life. Therefore, when the Bafu issued a mobilization order not long ago, there were rumors in the country that the guarding general fell ill at this time, which was really ominous.
The signs are harmful to military affairs.
Naturally, Gao Huan would not blame Gao Yue for alienating his clan helper because of these rumors in the countryside, but he felt a little uncomfortable in his heart, so he sent doctors and divination people to the state to diagnose Gao Yue. Later, he got the advice of an alchemist.
Gao Yue needs to be transferred away from Jinzhou, a strategic hub, so that it will not affect the subsequent war.
Since Gao Huan's rise, his achievements have also been full of magical and magical changes. Especially as he got older, he gradually began to believe in these alchemists' mystical arts, so he temporarily transferred Gao Yue. Anyway, this time he was the one who ruled it himself.
When the army goes on an expedition, important military and political affairs can be dispatched and handled immediately. It doesn't make much difference whether Gao Yue is in the state or not.
When all the generals sat down, Gao Huan began to describe his battle plan.
Although the highest goal of this campaign was to eliminate the Western Dynasty regime, Gao Huan also knew that it was indeed difficult to achieve this goal. The right time, location, and people were indispensable.
The previous Battle of Mangshan was originally the best moment to wipe out the Western Dynasty, but in the end, it had to give up such a rare opportunity due to lack of coordination among its own internal personnel.
Therefore, after the war, Gao Huan also learned from the painful experience. He used his son Gao Cheng to rectify corruption and suppress the powerful in the country, and then strengthened the control of Xianbei in the six states through Bafu Erbingcao, thus centralizing the military power that had been too scattered before.
Thinking of this, Gao Huan glanced at Liu Feng and other generals. These generals who returned to Yiyi were very talented and brave in their own right, and with the blessing of their previous meritorious deeds, they were even more enthusiastic about creating meritorious deeds.
, Gao Huan has gradually moved him from the military fringe of the Bafu to a more important position.
"The Western Thieves suffered heavy losses in their armored troops in the old year, and Yu Wen was so weak that he had no choice but to recruit Guan Xi Hao Youbu into the army. But he forgot that if these private soldiers could form an army, how could they give up the country to them?
Black Otter is waiting for a guest to send a thief slave!"
Hearing Gao Huan's words, all the generals in the hall burst into laughter, and felt more and more in their hearts that the Western Army had fallen into disgrace and was no longer as worthy of an opponent as it had been in previous years.
"At this moment, the army is strong, and the soldiers in the camp are emboldened because of the large number of people. However, if the battle is unfavorable, they will be completely routed. How can a ragtag group of people be worthy of a big battle? Therefore, in this battle, the Western thieves will be defeated, and the corpses will be scattered all over the field.
Kill those Han people from Guanxi to the point where they will no longer dare to gather under Black Otter’s command!”
It is not an easy task to completely eliminate the Western Dynasty, so the second goal set by Gao Huan is to eliminate as many effective forces of the Western Army as possible.
Those Guanxi heroes had no choice but to accept Yu Wentai's recruitment and reorganization. Speaking of the deep rapport between the superiors and subordinates, how could they compare to the Xianbei people in the Six Prefectures he rescued from the Erzhu family?
Therefore, we only need to give the Western Army a severe blow so that the powerful men in Guanzhong will no longer dare to attach themselves to Yuwentai and be driven by him to fill the battle with their lives. Then the Western Dynasty will become water without a source and a tree without roots, and will soon wither and fall.
Come down.
"I ask you to be the king's vanguard and capture the jade jade from the thieves' city for the king!"
Liu Feng, who has been highly valued by King Bohai in recent years, suddenly stood up from his seat, walked into the hall, kowtowed to the king and said.
After Gao Huan heard this, he laughed again, raised his hand and said to Liu Feng: "General Zuo Wei, there is no need to rush to ask for battle. Of course, Yubi City must be attacked. Its city hangs over Fennan, and the thieves will rely on this city to make the thieves bolder.
The former feigned an attack, which made the bandits uneasy. Now they attack again to provoke them. When the bandit master comes to rescue them, General Zuo Wei will give them a heavy blow for me!"
While he was talking, he asked the soldiers outside the palace to display the various siege equipment they had made. In the eighth year of the reign of Emperor Datong, Gao Huan came to attack the jade but could not get rid of it, but he was ridiculed by the guard Wang Sizheng, and he often hated it in his heart.
, this time the reunified army made a comeback, and they naturally made sufficient preparations.
In addition to various siege equipment and plans, he also ordered warlocks to set up altars outside the hall to stimulate the evil spirits in the jade city, thus making the defenders lose their wits and strength.
In the hall, Hu Lujin saw the sorcerer showing off his skills outside. A trace of worry flashed in his eyes. Although he quickly covered it up, Gao Huan still caught it. He sat at the table and smiled at him and asked: "What's the matter, Grand Sima?"
If you feel unhappy, can you come and let me help you?"
Hu Lujin thought about it for a while before he came closer and said softly: "I just feel that it is unjust to send an army of tens of thousands to fight. The soldiers are all dedicated to their lives, and judging from the situation, victory is certain. There is really no need for these tricks to show off."
"Haha, if it weren't for the great Sima here, I'm afraid it would be difficult for me to listen to this frank statement."
Gao Huan laughed twice after hearing this, and then sighed slightly: "I have the same idea as Great Sima, but there are many superstitious people in the army. As long as it can boost morale, there is no need for such free things.
Deliberately avoid it.”
Hearing what the king said, Hu Lujin nodded quickly and stopped expressing his opinion on this matter.
After a night's rest and discussing military affairs, Hu Lujin returned to his headquarters early the next morning, and Gao Huan personally led his troops to break out of camp. The two groups of troops crossed the Henan River in a mighty manner, like two blue dragons swimming in the Fen River.
, and rushed straight towards Yubi City in Fennan.
Yubi City is located on the top of a sloping plateau on the south bank of the Fen River. It faces the abyss on three sides, and only the south side is accessible for people and horses. The city has a circumference of ten miles. Although it is not very large, it stands on the top of the plateau but is as strong as
Rock, unbreakable.
A few months ago, intense preparations for war began in Yubi City. Most of the old and weak residents in the city had been evacuated to hide in the countryside of Hedong in the south, leaving behind mostly strong and fearless warriors.
Under the leadership of the city lord Wei Xiaokuan, they carefully strengthened the city's defenses and did their best to collect and store useful strategic materials.
The common people in all areas of Hedong also knew that Yubi City was their most reliable protection, so they all enthusiastically assisted in the defense.
Only if Yubi City holds fast, they will not be completely exposed to the sword of the East Thief. Out of this sense of crisis, all knowledgeable people in the territory will do their best.
The lord of the city, Wei Xiaokuan, was in his thirties, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a square face. After hearing the news that the Eastern Dynasty was about to attack, he never took off his armor in plainclothes wherever he went out in public. This was not because he was afraid of death, or worried about being attacked by Eastern Wei spies or
The enemy was attacked by traitors, but he had the important task of guarding the country from outside enemies. He did not allow himself to stand under a dangerous wall and put himself in danger.
At this time, Wei Xiaokuan, surrounded by his trusted disciples, stood outside a warehouse door, watching the soldiers laboriously carry the round, thick and hard grain cakes into the warehouse.
He walked to a bullock cart, first grabbed a piece of grain cake and weighed it in his hands, and then piled a few pieces together. His arms felt a little strained, and then he put the grain cake down again, with a look on his face.
Showing some satisfaction: "These grain cakes are indeed better than those used by Hefang. You must thank Li Kaifu on my behalf when you return!"
After hearing this, Wu Jingyi, who was responsible for supervising the transportation of grain cakes, quickly leaned over and said with a smile: "General Wei is really good at arms. This grain cake weighs fifty kilograms. After storage, it is fireproof and moisture-proof. I dare not boast that it will last for half a year."
The flavor inside has definitely not changed. This transportation is enough for five thousand soldiers to consume for half a year. They can eat two meals a day, so there is no need to be frugal!"
"Li Kaifu is really good at creating things, and his reputation is well-deserved! A mere warehouse can store such rich things!"
When Wei Xiaokuan heard this, he couldn't help but look happy. Originally, he had to store half a year's rations for the people and horses in the city. If it were grains and grains, it would take up a lot of space. This is true for Yubi City, where every inch of land is extremely precious.
Somewhat luxurious.
But now with this batch of grain and cake savings, he can not only ensure the food of the soldiers, but also free up valuable space for other supplies. Although the defensive task is still very severe, he has also gained more confidence, and at the same time
I had a deeper impression of Li Tai.
As the last batch of people transporting supplies and supplies drove away, Yubi City completely entered the highest level of combat readiness. Wei Xiaokuan held his saber in hand and directed the defenders to completely fill the city gate opening with earth and rocks.
This comes to express the determination to live and die with this city.
The soldiers in the city did not shout any lofty slogans at this moment, but just watched this scene silently with serious expressions. As the earth and rocks were filled and compacted, an old soldier couldn't help but cursed softly: "The dog slave makes
With all your strength, won’t you be tired of digging the city gate in the future?”
If the city gate needs to be dug from the inside, it is natural to defend the city firmly until the enemy army is defeated and evacuated. But whether that day will happen or not, no one knows. It’s just that when I heard the old soldier’s curse,
, people around couldn’t help but laugh. Even though it wasn’t very funny, some people still burst into tears.
"City Lord, the bandits are coming!"
Not long after the city was sealed, the soldiers who were watching the enemy's situation from the north watchtower hurriedly came to report. After hearing this, Wei Xiaokuan nodded, waved his hands to disperse the people, and ordered them to return to their posts, while he strode towards the watchtower.
Looking downstairs, the endlessly flowing Fen River is like a jade belt lying across the river, but the various debris floating up and down in the river are like flaws on the jade belt. The draft of the river today is actually several fingers higher than before. This is higher than
The biggest part is not the increase in water volume, but the ships carrying Shili supplies to the East!
The armies of the Eastern Dynasty on both sides of the river were so majestic that they were shoulder to shoulder. Even from this position with a clear and open view, you could not see the end of their army. They stretched back and forth for at least twenty or thirty miles!
At this time, the soldiers on the tower who were looking at the enemy's situation together couldn't help but become nervous after seeing the strength of the Eastern Dynasty's army. Their faces turned pale and their breathing became rapid.
After Wei Xiaokuan looked around, he raised his hand and pointed to the Fenshui River, and then said with a smile: "There are many veterans in the world who have fought for a long time and have no name. I am blessed. After this battle, there is no need to worry about failure!"
Gao Huan, who was walking in the team at this time, seemed to have heard Wei Xiaokuan's eloquent words. He reined in his horse for a moment, put his hand on his forehead and looked at the Jade Bi City standing on the top of the plateau, and then looked sideways at the side.
Fenshui, then murmured: "When the army is here, with an order, the river can be changed and the mountains can be leveled, let alone a mere city!"
At this time, far away on the west bank of the Yellow River in northern Shaanxi, Li Tai seemed to hear someone nagging, but he just thought it was an auditory hallucination caused by his excitement. After shaking his head, he said to the soldiers in front and behind him: "
On this trip, we will go east and attack the den of thieves. We have not had such a special skill since the beginning of the reign of Emperor Qianlong. It is only waiting for my subordinates to capture it!"