With the brave fighting of the soldiers on the city top and the continuous reinforcements from the soldiers behind, the western section of Yanhan City wall was gradually captured. The defenders retreated steadily and retreated into the city at the turret.
Although they were at a disadvantage, the defenders still did not give up resistance, because they were supported by the belief that reinforcements from the east of the city were about to enter the city for reinforcements. Therefore, under the organization of their respective commanders, they started street fights with the enemies who had entered the city.
.
Li Tai also led the troops from behind into the city. He stood on the top of the city and watched the enemy situation in the streets and alleys. When he saw those people were still resisting bravely despite being at a disadvantage, he couldn't help but sigh that the resilience of these Eastern Wei soldiers was really good.
Then they dispatched soldiers into the city to support them, and divided the defenders into different streets and alleys to annihilate them one by one.
However, the fighting in the west and west of the city was still going on, and a large number of citizens suddenly poured in from the east of the city.
Li Tai frowned when he saw this scene on the top of the city. He thought that the enemy was going to make a desperate counterattack. He was waiting for the order to gather his troops to suppress the counterattack, but he soon noticed that these city citizens were completely unarmored.
Armed with sticks, bare-handed and noisy.
The defenders who were still resisting hard in the streets were excited when they saw these fellow city residents rushing towards them. They couldn't help but shout: "Reinforcements have entered the city..."
"Reinforcements, all reinforcements are dead... there are no reinforcements left!"
Some people were howling in panic, but their feet did not stop, but instead of rushing up to fight side by side, they knelt down in front of the enemies wielding swords and guns and shouted miserably: "Surrender, surrender... spare your life, spare your life!"
As these city citizens brought the news that the reinforcements had been driven back, the last belief supporting the stubborn defenders had collapsed. The soldiers who had been bravely resisting the battle before dropped their weapons one after another, and each
He lay limp and exhausted on the ground as if his muscles and bones had been taken away.
However, their resistance just now also caused a lot of casualties to the siege troops. Many Western Wei soldiers were also jealous. Although these defenders had given up resistance, they still refused to put away their butcher knives and went straight into the crowd.
Keep slashing.
Facing the massacre unleashed by the enemy, these guards no longer regained their previous bravery, but simply waited to die with numb expressions. The last hope of the people in desperate situation was destroyed, and they were still alive but dead.
In a cruel war, this is just an ordinary scene. The joys and sorrows of small people will never have any impact on the process and outcome of the war.
In order to prevent the city from organizing an effective counterattack, Li Tai did not immediately order the soldiers to stop fighting. He waited until He Ruodun, who had invaded from the east of the city, sent a message that he had taken control of the city lord's palace and a few people, and then he ordered everyone to
The soldiers put away their swords and guns and drove the captured prisoners towards the open areas of the city.
"Master, my servants are lucky to have lived up to their orders!"
As the battle in the city ended, He Ruoden and others escorted a group of prisoners out of the inner city to usher in. When he saw Li Tai, He Ruoden stepped forward and said, half claiming credit and half complacent: "Before,
Thousands of bandits from the east came rushing from the river valley to help. The servants kept in mind Master Lang's orders and did not dare to retreat from the battle because of the overwhelming strength of the enemy. They responded to the enemy with the armor and swords given by Master Lang..."
Because of the city barrier, Li Tai didn't know the specific encounter of He Ruodun and his party. He allocated thirty pairs of armor swords just to be prepared, but he didn't expect that they would actually use them.
Hearing He Ruoden describe their fighting process in the east of the city, Li Tai suddenly became interested, as if a krypton gold boss was eager to know the performance and effects of the new equipment. Hearing the description alone was not enough, so he simply left Liang Shiyan and others behind.
Staying in the city and continuing to clean up the battlefield, he and He Ruoden and others went straight to the battlefield in the valley east of the city.
At this time, in the river valley to the east of the city, the enemy cavalry had long disappeared, but many traces of previous battles were left, especially at the forefront of the battle between the heavy infantry and the enemy cavalry. Broken limbs and arms were scattered on the river beach.
The bloody scene was truly shocking.
Just from the scene in front of you, you can imagine the fierceness of the battle at that time, and the heroic slaughter of the enemy's light cavalry by the heavy armored infantry.
"This heavy armor and this long sword are really powerful weapons for killing enemies! But if Fu Erlang had to use such heavy weapons in the old defenses, many defeats and chaos could be avoided..."
Han Xiong and all the heavy armors lined up in front of the city to prepare for the enemy's return. He did not enter the city with He Ruoden. At this time, seeing that the overall situation of the war in the city had been decided, he disarmed and came forward, holding on to the heavy armor.
Jia Yi said with a look of cherishment and emotion.
After hearing this, Li Tai smiled and said: "Although the heavy-armored sword is extremely strong and powerful, it still needs a truly brave man to use it to kill the enemy. The former army has overcome difficulties, and General Han can be said to complement this."
Although the defensive power of this heavy armor is astonishing, the corresponding weight is also considerable. A armor weighing dozens of kilograms is worn on the body, and both hands have to hold a sword that is also much heavier than ordinary weapons for combat.
, which is extremely taxing on human physical strength.
After this set of equipment was made, Li Tai once tried it on himself. With his physical strength, he could only hold on for more than a quarter of an hour before he was out of breath, making it difficult to carry out effective combat.
Even if it is the elite soldiers who are famous for their strength and endurance in the part, after a long period of targeted training, although the persistence time has been extended, it is still a huge burden on the physical strength.
Now all the soldiers were out of breath after taking off their armor. Although Han Xiong, who had also been wearing armor for a long time, was sweating profusely, his breathing movements could still be maintained normally, which showed that his physical strength was indeed amazing.
When Li Tai saw this scene, even if it wasn't because of the future famous general Han Qinhu, he secretly wanted to win over Han Xiong. If he could recruit him under his command and serve as the commander-in-chief of the heavy armored units under his command, he would
Coupled with his fighting style of taking the lead and daring to set an example, the combat effectiveness of the relevant combat units will surely be improved.
However, although Han Xiong is not as powerful as himself, he is also an important general in Heluo in western Henan. Although he is nominally controlled by Li Yuan, he is actually a relatively independent general. Even Daxingtai needs preferential treatment to show his goodwill.
Don't just give orders and control them.
Li Tai's current idea of taking him under his command is a bit arrogant. Now he is only passing through this area as the vanguard of the Bafu army. Unless he can obtain the Bafu's authorization to stay in Heluo and preside over the military and political affairs here for a long time, he can
It is possible to capture Han Xiong.
As the saying goes, a thousand armies are easy to get but a general is hard to find. In order to enhance the relationship between them, although he was a little reluctant, Li Tai thought about it and smiled at Han Xiong and said: "I am appointed to be the pioneer of the army this time. Thank you General Han."
The guide who accompanied the army is now able to take the lead in conquering Yanhan City. I am really grateful. When we leave Hanguan and the war comes to an end, I will reward the general with five sets of armor and swords!"
"This, this... it's really, Mr. Xihe, Mr.... Thank you very much, Mr. Xihe, for your generous gift of armor. I will definitely, I will work harder to lead the troops out of Hanguan!"
When Han Xiong heard this, he was so excited that he was at a loss. Even his answers became a little incoherent.
He had been traveling in Heluo for a long time, and it was not that he had not captured and accumulated heavy armor. However, after he actually tried wearing it and went into battle to kill the enemy, he became more and more deeply aware of the superior performance of the armored swords Li Tai commanded.
And this combat method of using infantry to defeat cavalry made him even more amazed, especially the visual effect caused by killing the enemy's troops head-on, which had an impact on the morale of the enemy's cavalry, and its role in the battle was even greater.
Exceeding the damage caused to the enemy's body.
At the same time, the armor-sword formation has a wide range of applicability. The heavy armor greatly enhances the protection, and the long-edged sword greatly enhances the offensive nature. It can be said to be a good weapon for both offense and defense.
Especially in a battlefield environment like Western Henan with rolling mountains and crisscrossing rivers and valleys, which is suitable for small-scale offensive and defensive operations, this kind of armed combination is a kingly combination that is full of practicality.
Han Xiong's mind briefly changed and he had already imagined various combat scenarios, especially in some regrettable failed battles in the past years. If there is such an armed combat team, it will greatly increase the possibility of making the impossible possible.
Ability!
Although five armor swords may sound like a small number, they can already form a basic combat team. In the Battle of Heqiao in the old years, the fierce general Yang Zhong once fought with five strong men to defend the bridge, and the thieves did not dare to enter.
Deeds.
Li Tai only has two hundred pairs of armor swords now, and the initial two hundred pairs of armor swords include research and development costs, which makes the cost extremely high. But when you think about the investment in Han Xiong, it is the return of two generations of father and son, it is not bad.
Good value for money.
After checking the results here, Li Taicai returned to the city to sort out the overall results of the battle.
Yanhan City was one of the most important strongholds occupied by the Eastern Wei Dynasty on the Beigui Road. It was originally a small garrison belonging to the Western Wei Dynasty. After the Battle of Mangshan, the Western Wei Dynasty's forces overall shrank and retreated, and was captured by the Eastern Wei Dynasty.
Based on the original structure, it was expanded into a sizable military city.
This military city is more than five miles in circumference. Its size and geographical location can be regarded as a bridgehead for the Eastern Wei Dynasty to attack westward along the Beixiao Road. Before this, the Eastern Wei Dynasty crossed the Xiaoshan Mountain several times to launch attacks on Hennong and other places.
They all sent troops from this point.
This military city has a town general and a city lord who are in charge of military affairs. Among them, the town general is named Xu Wei. He has died in the city in the previous battle. The city lord is named Bu Guiluo. He Ruodun and others rushed into the city lord's palace.
Capture him.
According to the account of the city lord, this city originally had more than 7,000 soldiers and civilians guarding the city. Last year, Hou Jing of Daxingtai, Henan, recruited 1,000 soldiers to participate in the Battle of Yubi. Naturally, there was no follow-up. In April and May, it was again occupied by Luo Luo.
The prefecture capital and Heyang mobilized nearly 3,000 people, and with the retreat of the elderly, weak, women and children, there were only less than 3,000 defenders in the city.
Therefore, Li Tai's ability to quickly capture the city this time also took advantage of the relatively empty defense force in the city. If the soldiers and civilians in the city still maintain their original size, even if the city can be captured in the end, it will probably be a protracted battle.
fighting.
However, the strategic contraction of the Eastern Wei Dynasty itself has nothing to do with Li Tai, and it will not compromise his military exploits. Even if other gains are not considered, simply capturing Yan Hancheng, a frontier military town of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, is a great achievement.
The advantage on the road returned to the Western Wei Dynasty.
In addition to the success of the city, there were also many gains in other aspects. Since the surrender of the city lord Bu Guiluo, more than 1,600 soldiers and civilians have been captured in the city. The casualties mainly occurred in the capture of the city wall and the subsequent short street battles.
Most of these prisoners were young and strong, and most of them, including the city lord Bu Guiluo, were locals in western Henan. Some even knew Han Xiong, a local snake. When they saw him, they knelt on the ground and begged for mercy. It seemed that
It should be that he surrendered to the Eastern Wei Dynasty after the Battle of Mangshan and was incorporated as a town citizen.
"Mr. Xihe, although these natives are ignorant of righteousness, they are mostly forced to do so and do not intend to be thieves. I hope that Mr. Xihe can be given a lighter sentence..."
Han Xiong saw many familiar faces and had mixed feelings in his heart. When he reached a secluded corner, he couldn't help but plead with Li Tai.
Li Tai knew that even if these villagers had any faults, it was just that they were unfortunate enough to be born in Heluo and were unwilling to leave their hometown. Whether they joined the Eastern Wei Dynasty or the Western Wei Dynasty, it made no difference to them. All they wanted was to live.
But now that he is in the army, everything still has to be based on the needs of the war. Now that he has won a victory by luck, it is difficult to show mercy. After a brief pause, he said: "Although it is not what the people want to help the tyrants do evil, it is not what the people want.
It is an indisputable fact that one commits oneself to being a thief.
It is a real pity only those who are determined to save themselves. Since General Han has old acquaintances with the masses, I ask you to enter the camp to convey my order. The road ahead is not easy, and there are still masses entrenched. If they are willing to join the army to drive away the thieves, they do not need to ask about their previous affairs.
After the war, rewards will be given based on merit."
This method of handling was also appropriate. After hearing this, Han Xiong quickly nodded in agreement, and then went into the camp to collect the surrendered prisoners.
Li Tai entered the city lord's palace surrounded by his soldiers. At this time, Liang Shiyan had already inventoried the city's treasures and presented the accounting books.
There are more than 8,000 stones stored in the city, more than 3,000 pieces of cloth, more than 9,000 bows, knives and firearms, more than 200 armors of all kinds, hundreds of thousands of arrows, copper, iron, bamboo and wood, including coal, etc.
There are tens of thousands of kilograms of various miscellaneous materials, and there are even hundreds of thousands of old Yong'an five baht coins.
Compared with the size of Yan Hancheng, these warehouses are not particularly impressive, but after knowing that after Hou Jing's rebellion, the Heluo region's strategy shrank, and Yan Hancheng's warehouses were still remaining after several transfers and requisitions, it is conceivable that
How this city looked in its heyday is drool-worthy.
No wonder Li Tai talked to Han Xiong before about obtaining supplies for the rebel armies in western Henan. Han Xiong once said that obtaining supplies from the enemy was one of the important ways, and even talked about the battle with the Eastern Wei Dynasty, his eyes were filled with nostalgia.
The east-west road here in Yanhan City is stable. Previously, the Eastern Wei Dynasty had too much advantage and was difficult to compete with.
However, in Yiyang, an important town in Guannan, because the Western Wei Dynasty still maintained a series of defenses such as Tongrail Defense in the upper reaches of Luoshui River, it organized offensives against Yiyang from time to time, especially when the Eastern Wei Dynasty transported grain and grass to Yiyang. This series of
The military operations of the Western Henan rebels were used to relieve famine. If the Eastern Wei Dynasty was late in delivering food and grass to Yiyang, the surrounding Western Henan rebels would also starve, and fierce battles often broke out between the two sides.
The inventory surplus in Yanhan City alone was so abundant that it almost completely destroyed Hengnong in the center of the Western Wei region. Li Tai could not help but sigh that these Western Henan rebels were still persisting in fighting in such a harsh environment. They were indeed regional armed forces with faith.
Or perhaps the political interests of the Eastern Wei Dynasty had long been divided up by the nobles of Jinyang and the wealthy families of Hebei, and it was difficult to allocate them to the powerful men of western Henan for united front work.
After Yan Hancheng was captured, Li Tai sent his deputy general Tian Hong to lead a group of light cavalry to continue advancing along the river valley to the vicinity of Hanguan City to investigate the enemy's strength and movements. He stayed in Yan Hancheng temporarily, reporting on the progress of the battle to the rear.
Continue to sweep away the enemy garrison strongholds around Yan Han City to ensure that Yan Han City, an important offensive and defensive stronghold, can be held more firmly.
After a short rest, Han Xiong came to report early the next morning that he had recruited more than 500 Yan Hancheng defenders who were willing to join his camp, and once again proposed an intervening tactic. He led a group of troops through mountain roads to enter the Heluo area first, and then pretended to be a defense deployment for the Eastern Wei Dynasty.
Armed attacks were carried out on several enemy strongholds, thus trapping the defenders in Hanguan City into a lone army, forcing them to abandon the city and flee.
If it were normal, such a tactic would be extremely risky, but the possibility of success would be very small. In addition to the strategic depth and defense layout between Heluo and Luoyang, the three cities of Heyang and Heyang to the north of Luoyang are like a mountain hanging above the head of the region.
With a sharp sword, the army may go south to fight at any time. Even if all the men and horses from the west of Henan are packed in, they may not be enough to kill them.
But now that Hou Jing is causing chaos in Henan, and the Eastern Wei forces in Henan and Luo are all focusing on shrinking defense, their control over the region will inevitably be greatly weakened. This is a good opportunity to bluff and regain control of the region.
Li Tai had limited understanding of the geography and situation between Heluo and Luo, so he attached great importance to the proposal of Han Xiong, a professional. After analysis by the common generals, they agreed to the proposal.
In order to ensure the mobility of the team, Han Xiong did not request to carry heavy weapons on this trip. He only collected some of the military supplies seized in the city and some grain cakes, and then left and set off.
In order to cooperate, Li Tai attracted the attention of the enemy troops in the direction of Hanguan City to cover up the whereabouts of Han Xiong and his party, leaving some soldiers to guard Yan Hancheng while the rest of the group marched toward Hanguan City.
Hanguancheng is located in Xin'an, in the Gushui River Valley to the west of Luoyang, and is also the eastern entrance to the Weihan Ancient Road. This Guancheng is located in a deep valley, spanning two mountains, and is divided into three rivers. Not only is the Guancheng towering, but also the peaks on both sides of it are
There is also a continuous Great Wall between the ridges extending to the left and right.
When Li Tai led his troops to arrive in front of Guancheng, Tian Hong, who arrived here first, had already inspected the situation around Guancheng. There were still many soldiers and civilians in Guancheng. If he wanted to attack Guancheng directly, he would definitely need to invest more
With the strength of their troops and the construction of more comprehensive siege equipment, it is still very difficult for them to capture the city head-on with their forward troops.
Therefore, Tian Hong's advice was to camp the main force under the river valley city first, and then send elite troops to both wings. If the defenders can't help but come out of the city to attack, they can fight between them. If the thieves can't come out, they can look for weak points on both sides of the city.
They took a detour and broke through into the Heluo area.
Han Xiong had a similar plan before. Now that Li Tai came to the city in person and saw that Guancheng was towering and difficult to attack, he also agreed with Tian Hong's suggestion. While ordering a stronghold to be formed in the valley west of the city and building siege equipment day and night,
Dispatch elite personnel to conduct left and right explorations.
This confrontation lasted for several days. At dawn one day, there was a sudden loud noise in the city. Li Tai and other soldiers in the camp outside the city were also awakened. Several more scouts were sent to Guancheng a few miles away to check and confirm the defenders.
When he was not launching an attack from this direction, Li Tai was relieved and ordered the drums and horns in the camp to sound as if he was going to attack Guancheng.
Hearing this sound, the commotion in the city became more intense. At first, only some of the defenders took advantage of the dawn to open the door and leave the city, but soon the commotion spread to the whole city. Both soldiers and civilians rushed to the east gate, each
He rushed out of the door and fled in all directions in the open Losi wilderness.
By early morning, white flags had been hung at the city gate in the west of the city. A group of Heluo people took advantage of the chaos and tied up several city governors. They went out of the city to the city gate and asked Li Tai's troops to surrender.
"This, you can win it now?"
Seeing the city gate open in front, Li Taiwu couldn't believe that he actually captured this grand gate of Luoxi without a single blow. However, he still ordered Gao Le to lead five hundred soldiers to ride into the city and control the city gate first.
After coming down, he ordered his troops to enter the city in batches, while he returned to the camp outside the city to summon the people who had asked to surrender to the city to inquire about what happened.