The Sun family in Jiangdong has people who are harmonious, but their people are people of aristocratic families, not common people.
It's just that in the past, the Jiangdong gentry occupied most of the land population, so the support of the Jiangdong gentry was almost equivalent to the support of most of Jiangdong, and the Sun Wu regime was able to persist for so long.
But now the Jiangdong nobles can no longer bear it. Even if they continue to hold on, they will more or less only be able to gather tens of thousands of troops for Sun Quan, and they will not be able to withstand Liu Bei's army at all.
Therefore, although Ruxukou is a hard bone, it is not necessarily that hard. The softer cartilage is located behind Jiangdong - the southeastern hills.
Shen Chen believed that Liu Bei's group sent 100,000 troops this time, of which 80,000 troops marched by water and went straight to Ruxukou to fight Sun Quan.
Facing Liu Bei's powerful offensive, Sun Quan would definitely be frightened and uneasy, and would definitely send most of his main troops to intercept. Naturally, the defense of the rear would not be so tight.
Now Jiangdong's troops are said to be two hundred thousand, but in fact they have been wiped out by Shen Chen a long time ago. The total number is only the 30,000 people who stayed at Ruxukou, plus the gathered defeated soldiers and the newly gathered Jiangdong gentry army. The main force is The number of troops is approximately 50,000 to 60,000.
The troops left behind were even worse. There were almost no county soldiers, and a large area was in a defensive hollow. Many non-gentry nobles, such as small local families like Huangmenting, sent letters willing to surrender.
If Shen Chen hadn't written back and warned them not to wait until their main force began to attack Jiangdong before revolting, the empty Wujun Kuaiji and other places would have been filled with smoke and civil unrest.
Therefore, if at this time, a general is sent with 20,000 elite soldiers to cross the mountains and ridges, from the southeastern hills to the rear of Jiangdong, the Jiangdong regime will definitely be destroyed.
After listening to Shen Chen's tactical arrangement, Liu Bei thought it was very good, so he asked: "Then who should be sent to make a surprise attack in a detour and take Jiangdong directly?"
Shen Chen looked at Guan Yu and said: "Although this battle seems simple, it is also extremely difficult. Only Yun Changgong can do it!"
This is the plan to feed the cake.
As the second-ranking figure in Liu Bei's group, Guan Yu has historically contributed to the flooding of the Seven Armies and the power to shock China.
But this credit is now taken by Shen Chen. He only has the honor of defeating Cao Jun in the Battle of Guanzhong. Naturally, this honor cannot support his status as the number two figure in Liu Bei Group.
Although Xiahou Dun, as the second-largest figure in the Cao Wei Group, had never won a battle and been promoted, Guan Yu was not a general like Xiahou Dun.
As a true commander-in-chief, Guan Yu just lacked the opportunity to lead an army in the past. The previous battle in Guanzhong was a small test, but now the battle to defeat Wu is the highlight.
Because only great achievements such as the war to destroy the country can be worthy of Guan Yu's status.
But now Jiangdong is in pieces, like a broken wooden house with air leakage from all sides. If a strong man goes up and kicks it hard, it will fall apart.
Therefore, Liu Bei personally led the main force on the front line, and Guan Yu made a roundabout outflank and made a surprise attack on the rear. In this way, Guan Yu was the first to do the battle to destroy Wu, and Guan Yu would also become the main force in demolishing this dilapidated house, thus grabbing a lot of military merit.
This battle was almost tailor-made for Guan Yu. Originally, Shen Chen planned to step aside and guard Hanzhong himself, but Liu Bei insisted on keeping him as commander-in-chief.
But even though he was coordinating the overall situation, he couldn't get all the credit, so he set up a trap to feed the cake. Shen Chen was so worried about the proud Uncle Yun Chang.
However, what he didn't expect was that Guan Yu asked: "Which is the most difficult to attack: attacking Ruxukou or detouring to Qiantang?"
"Of course it's Ruxukou."
Liu Bei almost blurted it out because it was a question that he didn't need to think about.
Guan Yu stood up and held his hands to Shen Chen and said: "Xiaoqing, we have known each other since you were eight years old, and I have always treated you as my nephew. Since the King of Han has asked you to take charge of the overall situation in this battle, I should obey his orders. But I You also know his temperament. Being timid and cowardly is not a husband. He who rises to the top in the face of difficulties is a hero. How can I give up the difficult and get the easy?"
Shen Chen explained: "The attack on Qiantang was not for cowardice. This battle was a thousand-mile attack and went straight to the enemy's heart. Its significance is no less than that of Huo Qiao riding two thousand miles north to smash the Xiongnu royal court and sealing the wolf to Xu. . Its importance is even higher than that of the frontal battlefield, and only a general can't do it!"
Guan Yu waved his hands and declined and said: "The King of Han has many talents under his command. Zilong, Meng Qi, and Wen Chang can all lead the army. I am willing to accompany the King of Han and fight Sun Quan's son head-on! I can't be like the rats from the east of the Yangtze River. They can only plot against Cao Wei and attack from behind." .”
Shen Chen looked at Liu Bei.
Liu Bei slightly nodded his chin and said: "It's not that Yun Chang thinks that a surprise attack is not good, it's that he just wants to confront Jiang Dong head-on. What's more, the three of us brothers are old, and our bodies can't bear such an attack."
Shen Chen glanced at Liu Bei and Guan Yu. They were both sixty years old, with gray hair and old faces. They were indeed no longer as majestic as they were back then.
The so-called Feng Tang Yi is old, the years are mottled. No matter how picturesque the country is, heroes will always grow old one day.
No matter who you are, you can't escape this fate.
Shen Chen thought for a while and then said: "In that case, then Duke Yun Chang will be the commander-in-chief of the three armies on the front line. As for the candidate for the surprise attack on the southern front."
He glanced at the other generals.
He saw that except for Ma Chao and Zhao Yun, who were relatively dull, Wei Yan, Pang De, and Gan Ning were all looking at him with fiery eyes.
Ma Chao is not stupid.
If Xiliang didn't send him to send Zhang Fei, you should understand why.
He followed Liu Bei every day in Liu Bei's group. He said that Liu Bei valued him and entrusted him with important tasks, but in fact he prevented him from rebelling.
So I no longer value meritorious deeds, or rather I dare not value them.
Zhao Yun is relatively reserved by nature and does not take credit. He will conscientiously complete the tasks assigned by his superiors. Even if there is a good thing, he will not take the initiative to steal it.
Wei Yan, Pang De, and Gan Ning all wanted military glory, so they naturally hoped to become the chief general on the southern front.
Shen Chen was still hesitant for a while.
Liu Bei saw his hesitation and said: "Logically speaking, it is best for Han Sheng to do this job. Han Sheng has lived in Jingnan. In his early years, he followed Liu Pan all the way to Qiantang, so he is familiar with the roads. But since Han Sheng is not here, it should be handled by generals who are good at crossing mountains and mountains."
"Um."
Shen Chen nodded and said: "As for the main force on the southern front, I plan to send Samoko to lead the Wuxi Barbarians, but as Samoko is the deputy general, we should also need a chief general to go there."
Liu Bei then said: "I have Wang Ping, the general of the tribe. In the early years, Kong Ming organized the army of tribes. Wang Ping was the best among them. He was quite strategic. Now I have promoted him to the rank of general, commanding 5,000 people in my headquarters. He can serve as Xiaoqing." Help out."
"That's best."
Shen Chen thought for a while and said: "Xingba is good at water warfare, but this navy army cannot do without him."
Gan Ning was immediately disappointed.
However, what Shen Chen said made sense. The southern route was a long-distance journey by land. He had been with the Jiangxia navy all year round and was good at fighting water battles. There was no need to compete with the army for credit.
Then Shen Chen added: "Both Wen Chang and Ling Ming can be generals, but I'm not familiar with you, and I don't know who is appropriate to send."
"Let Ling Ming go."
Guan Yu said: "Although Ling Ming was Meng Qi's favorite general in his early years, after following Meng Qi and accompanying the King of Han, he killed generals and captured the flag, and was loyal. He will not disappoint the King of Han in this battle."
Pang De was overjoyed, and then looked at Ma Chao. After Ma Chao nodded slightly, he stood up and said: "The last general will never disgrace his orders!"
Wei Yan suddenly became anxious and said hurriedly: "The former general is also the last general."
"Wait a minute!"
Shen Chen pressed his right hand down to signal them to stop talking.
After everyone was quiet, he turned to look at Liu Bei and said, "My lord, what is the fighting strength of these five thousand people?"
Liu Bei smiled and said: "These are the elite soldiers trained by Kong Ming himself. They are called Wudang Feijun. Kong Ming said that they should imitate the soldiers of the Huangmen and eat meat constantly every day. They can climb mountains and ridges as if they were walking on flat ground."
"If that's the case, then we can still have a surprise attack army."
Shen Chen shouted to the door: "Tell Qu Gan and Zhang Nan to come."
Qu Gan and Zhang Nan were Liu Qi's subordinates when he was the governor of Jiangxia in his early years. Following Liu Qi, Shen Chen once defeated the Jiangdong Army in Yi County.
Later, Liu Qi's troops were basically under Shen Chen's jurisdiction, and they became Shen Chen's generals.
After a while, Qu Gan and Zhang Nan came over. They first saluted Liu Bei, then bowed their hands to Shen Chen and said, "Captain."
Shen Chen said: "Do you two remember Yixian County?"
Qu Gan said with a smile: "Of course I remember that the governor asked the Shanyue people to help build a dam in Yixian County to block the mountain torrent. When Jiangdong's army came, the water flooded Wu Gou and Sun Quan almost drowned."
"Um."
Shen Chen pointed at the map and said to everyone: "You don't know. In the southeastern hills, there is a secret road leading directly to Jiangdong. Qian and Tang are guarding the choke point. Sun Quan will definitely send his confidants to garrison it and it will not be easy to break through. But if it is from It goes north from Poyang to Yi County, then from Yi County to Haiyang, She County, Yuqian, and finally to Yuhang County."
"Yuhang County?"
Liu Bei looked at the map, narrowed his eyes and said, "Isn't this behind Qian Tang?"
"Exactly."
Shen Chen nodded, and then smiled evilly: "Qiantang City is north of the Zhejiang River. Even if Pang arrives outside Qiantang City, it will not be easy to ferry him over. If the Qiantang defenders want to take advantage of General Pang to cross the river, When we were about to cross the border and attack, a group of men and horses suddenly appeared from behind. What do you think?"
"oh?"
Everyone's eyes suddenly opened wide.
"Wonderful, wonderful."
Liu Bei clapped his hands and praised: "Qian Tang can be defeated easily, and Jiangdong can be destroyed easily!"
"good."
Shen Chen said: "It is impossible for Sun Quan to be unprepared for this surprise attack on Jiangdong. Therefore, I plan to arrange both overt and covert strategies to destroy Soochow."
"Want to hear the details."
Liu Bei said.
"The first overt and covert plan is to attack Ruxukou and Zheqi City head-on with the main force. General Pound will be the main general and Shamoko will be the deputy general with 15,000 men, and they will go straight to Qiantang."
Shen Chen pointed to the location of Yi County on the map and said with a smile: "The second overt and covert strategy is to make the enemy think that General Pang is the only one on the southern line, and then make General Wei the main general and General Wang the deputy general, deep into the mountains. Go to Yi County and attack Yuhang!"
Although the southeastern hills are also mountains with continuous mountains, since they are called hills, they are naturally not as majestic and dangerous as the Qinling Mountains in Bashu.
Moreover, in this deep mountain and old forest, it is not inaccessible, but there are Shanyue tribes everywhere.
Most of the Shanyue tribes had a blood feud with the Sun family regime. When they learned that Liu Bei was planning to conquer Wu, they all wrote letters expressing their submission to Liu Bei. Therefore, the jungle was full of Liu Bei's people.
Shen Chen believed that Sun Quan could not be so stupid that he did not know that Liu Bei would choose the strategy of dividing his troops into two groups. The defense of Qian Tang's side must be defensive.
So we simply divided our forces together. Pang De took the main road for the open route and attacked Qiantang. Wei Yan took the hidden route from She County, which is the area around Huangshan City in later generations, to Yuhang District in Hangzhou. The route is actually Huangshan City where the Hangrui Expressway will be used in later generations. To this section of Yuhang District.
Although the road is not very easy to travel, it is much more reliable than Wei Yan's somewhat outrageous Ziwu Valley plot of running thousands of miles to attack Chang'an City with light equipment.
And not only are there no dangerous paths like cliffs, but there are also people from Shanyue helping us along the way.
Therefore the feasibility is very high.
Liu Bei patted the case and said: "Okay, this strategy is really good."
"Then after arriving in Qiantang, shall we unite our troops in one place, or continue to divide our troops into two groups?"
Wei Yan hesitated.
It was clear that the southern route was for giving credit. In the past, one person took the credit for destroying the country, but now it was equal to two people, which made him a little unhappy.
Shen Chen said: "Continue to divide the army into two groups. Wei Yan defeats Wu Commandery, Pang De captures Danyang, and then you encircle Jianye. If you defeat Jianye, it will be a great achievement. As for the first achievement, I will Determine who can capture Sun Quan alive and who will take the lead!"
Both of them cheered up, raised their hands and saluted, "Wei."
Shen Chen said to Liu Bei: "Your Majesty, the arrangements for the three armies and horses have been completed. Please give the order."
"Um."
Liu Bei stood up, walked to the main stage, turned his back to the map, looked at the people below, and said slowly: "Everyone, Sun Quan is a villain. Back then, his father Sun Wentai, the fierce tiger from Jiangdong, asked for the Yellow Turban and fought against Dong Zhuo, and his fame spread throughout the world. His brother Sun Ce rebelled against the puppet emperor Yuan Shu, followed the orthodoxy of the imperial court, and started a business in Jiangdong. He is also a hero."
"And Sun Quan just inherited his father and brother's inheritance, and was favored to serve in the imperial court. Sun Jian and Sun Ce were all admired by everyone. They thought that Sun Quan could get the legacy of his father and brother, and he had Han in his heart, so they formed an alliance with each other and became in-laws, hoping that he would Able to fight against Cao Cao together with the others, rescue the emperor, and help the Han Dynasty."
"Unexpectedly, Sun Quan was a rat. Not only did he have no abilities like his father and brother, he also only knew how to eat fish and eat rotten food, and betrayed his trust and alliance. What makes me hate him even more is that he never thought of imitating his father and brother and serving the great Han Dynasty. , but betrayed the covenant and launched a surprise attack on Jingzhou, which is completely unethical and is actually a traitor to the Han Dynasty."
"If it weren't for Xiaoqing, Kong Ming and the others had already predicted that Sun Quan would join forces with Cao Cao to attack Jingzhou. I'm afraid that the land of Jingzhou has already been obtained by him. Fortunately, the generals used their lives and the soldiers fought bravely to repel the enemy. Only then can we have Jingzhou , the great victory in Guanzhong."
"However, this revenge must be avenged, and Jiangdong must be destroyed. The laws of nature are clear, and national thieves cannot be tolerated. I want to send troops to eliminate Sun Quan and avenge previous humiliation!"
At the end of his speech, he looked around the crowd and said with piercing eyes: "At noon tomorrow, on the Xiakou Peak Mountain, I will open an altar to worship the soldiers who died in the Battle of Jingzhou and the Battle of Guanzhong. The common people will go up to the stage to pay homage to the generals, roll their names and beat drums to express their gratitude. Military might! The officers and soldiers of the three armies swear to destroy Soochow!"
"Swear to destroy Soochow!"
All the soldiers stood up, knelt on one knee, and shouted loudly.
Liu Bei looked towards the east with deep hatred, his eyes filled with murderous intent, full of hatred for Sun Quan's betrayal!