After the defeat of Yaoshan, Meng Mingshi was bent on revenge. In these three years from 628 BC to 625 BC, he devoted himself to military training, while constantly reflecting on his mistakes and summing up his experience.
In the first half of 625 BC, Meng Mingshi remembered what he had told Yang Chufu on the bank of the Yellow River to "say thank you" to the State of Jin, so he proposed to Duke Mu of Qin that three years had passed, and now the Qin State had strong soldiers and horses.
It’s time to avenge Yaoshan. Qin Mugong’s thoughts were the same as Meng Mingshi’s. He was also holding his breath and wanted to take revenge at any time. The two hit it off.
Duke Mu of Qin also had another thought, that is, this year happened to be the 35th year of Duke Mu of Qin and the third year of Duke Xiang of Jin. Duke Mu of Qin wanted to fulfill his wish to become the overlord while he was still in good health.
Therefore, Duke Mu of Qin decided to personally lead the expedition. What is interesting is that he still sent Meng Mingshi as the chief general, and Xiqishu and Bai Yibing as deputy generals. This time, he sent 400 military chariots to the Jin Dynasty.
At that time, Xian Zhen, the general of the Jin army, died. Duke Xiang of Jin appointed Xian Qieju, Xian Zhen's son, to take his place and lead his troops to attack the Qin army.
Speaking of Xian Zhen's death, we have to talk about his knot in his heart. When Xian Zhen let Duke Xiang of Jin let Meng Mingshi and others go, Xian Zhen was so angry that he spat in Duke Xiang's face. This incident was so serious at the time
It passed. Duke Xianggang of Jin did not pursue the matter later.
But Xian Zhen himself couldn't let it go. He thought that he had been a loyal minister all his life and had no stain in his life. But in the end, he did something that insulted the king. He regretted it very much and kept blaming himself for a long time. He even hoped that he would be punished once.
Punishment. But Jin Xianggong did not mention it, as if he had forgotten it. This made Xian Zhen more and more entangled and uncomfortable.
In the autumn of 627 BC, the people of Di took advantage of the autumn season to invade the borders of Jin. Duke Xianggong of Jin sent Xian Zhen to lead troops to clear them out.
Xian Zhen defeated the Di people. He thought that this was an opportunity to free himself. So he rushed to the Di people on horseback, took off his armor, held a sharp sword, and fought with the Di people. He had one thought,
He wanted to kill himself with the help of Di people. This wish was not difficult to realize. Sure enough, he was killed by Di people - finally freed.
The way Xian Zhen died made Duke Xian of Jin come to his senses. He felt that he had neglected Xian Zhen, causing Xian Zhen to die to express his ambition. In order to comfort himself and everyone at the same time, Duke Xian of Jin let Xian Zhen's son Xian Qiju take over.
took the position of general in the Chinese army.
Xianqieju led his troops into battle for the first time as a commander, and he was very cautious. When he led his troops to a low mound area in the west of Jin State, Xianqieju gave the order to stop advancing.
It turns out that the highway from the Yellow River ferry passes through this area. There are continuous hills and trees on the mountains and in the ditches. From a distance, the terrain looks flat, but in fact there are hidden ravines. This is where an ambush is set up.
An excellent place. Xian Qiju decided to wait for work and set up an ambush here.
He divided his army into two parts and lurked in the valleys on both sides of the road. In the middle of the road, only a small group of men and horses were left to camp on the road, pretending to be defensive. Then he sent three small teams of sentry horses, each hidden thirty miles away.
Twenty miles or ten miles away, monitor the enemy's situation. Once the enemy is discovered, he will immediately report to the Chinese army camp. Finally, he ordered the entire army to make fires and cook during the day. No smoke is allowed, and no torches are allowed to be lit at night. Everything is prepared.
Ready, just waiting for the Qin army to come.
Let’s talk about the Qin army. When they arrived at the Yellow River, Duke Mu of Qin stayed on the Qin side to support them. Meng Mingshi led his troops across the river.
Meng Mingshi chose to take the main road. This road happened to be the road he and the Xiqi Shu brothers took when they fled the Jin Dynasty three years ago, so the road was familiar. Within two days, they arrived at the Loess Qiu area.
During the march, the scout horse came back and reported that there was a Jin army encamped in front, and it seemed that there were not many people and horses. Meng Mingshi rode forward, only took one look, and ordered the attack to advance. Deputy General Xiqishu reminded him to be careful of the Jin army.
There was an ambush. Meng Mingshi said: "The terrain here is flat, how can thousands of troops hide? This is clearly a suspicion deliberately set up by the Jin people. Don't worry, just rush over."
So the Qin army launched a charge, and the small group of Jin troops immediately abandoned the stronghold and fled. The Qin army chased the defeated troops and advanced rapidly, unknowingly entering a valley. Suddenly, there was a drum sound, followed by the sound of killing, and the Jin army
The army came at them from four directions: front, rear, left and right. Meng Mingshi shouted: "No, we've been ambushed. Hurry and retreat."
After this order, the Qin army immediately fell into chaos. The front army trampled on the rear army, and the rear army was blocked and killed by the Jin army. The soldiers and horses were crowded and became a mess. Meng Mingshi was furious and ran to the rear army in person, rushing in at the lead.
The iron halberd in his hand was so powerful that no one could stop it. The soldiers knew in their hearts that this was a desperate situation, and they could only survive by fighting out. So they all followed Meng Mingshi with screams and fought desperately. First, let's talk about it.
Ju's ambush troops could not stop them and retreated one after another. The Qin army finally opened a bloody path and fled in panic.
Xian Qieju chased for a while, and when he saw that it was getting late, he ordered his troops to retreat. His generals asked him why he did not pursue, and he said: "Although Meng Mingshi was defeated, Uncle Qin (Duke Mugong of Qin) was still behind to support him.
You have to think about it, they might also set up an ambush."
In this battle, the Qin army was defeated. Although it was not as tragic as the defeat at Yaoshan, the loss was close to half. The plan to attack Jin was in vain. Meng Mingshi led the defeated troops back to the Yellow River. Duke Mu of Qin saw that Meng Mingshi had been defeated.
, he gave up his original plan of crossing the Yellow River, and sent someone to ask Meng Mingshi to withdraw to Qin.
Meng Mingshi was convinced of his defeat this time. He found that he was too conceited. Both the defeat of Yaoshan and the defeat of Loess Qiu made the same mistake, which was to underestimate the enemy and advance rashly. He asked Duke Mu of Qin to punish him. But he failed.
Unexpectedly, Duke Mu of Qin forgave him again. Duke Mu of Qin believed that Meng Mingshi was smart and arrogant, but he could become more courageous with every setback. He would definitely be the one who defeated Jin in the future.
On the way back to Qin, Duke Mu of Qin said to Meng Mingshi: "I don't blame you for the two defeats. If you want to blame me, blame me. All along, we have only focused on training our troops and horses, not on domestic production, nor on the lives of the people."
, how can the people work together? Fighting is not one person's business. Victory is won by everyone, and defeat is not your responsibility alone. All the soldiers, the people of the country, even a horseman, a fire-headed soldier, everyone is responsible.
I have also thought about it, we must first do a good job in domestic affairs, gather the hearts of the people, and strengthen ourselves. You must take up this responsibility. Use your abilities and do everything you should do well. In the future, you must always
One day, victory will be ours."
After hearing these words, Meng Mingshi felt that he was really sorry for the monarch, the soldiers, and the country. He felt guilty and painful in his heart, and wished he could devote all his body and mind to serving the Qin State. After returning to the Qin State, Meng Mingshi will
Use your own property to provide compensation to the families of fallen soldiers.
From then on, Meng Ming became a different person. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to military training. He stayed in the military camp all day, lived a hard life with the soldiers, understood the soldiers' voices and sufferings, and solved their difficulties. He just immersed himself in the hardships.
Qian, bent on restoring the Qin army's glory.
In the winter of 625 BC, Meng Mingshi received information: Jin State, together with the three princes of Song, Zheng and Chen, had reached the border of Qin State. Qin Mu Gong sent him to lead the army to meet the enemy.
Meng Ming saw that the opponent's troops were stronger than his own, so he adopted a defensive approach. He ordered to hold the city and not go out to fight. He spent the enemy's food and grass waiting for opportunities to fight.
First, he whipped up his whip and rode his horse, calling for formation at the city gate: "General Meng Ming, I admire you very much. You said that in three years the Jin State would thank you, and you are indeed here. Once you come, I will go there. This is called coming.
There is no disrespect, hahaha... Today, I am here to return a gift to you. Come out and accept the invitation."
Meng Mingshi stood at the top of the city, just sneered and didn't answer. He inspected the defense and found that there was no problem, so he turned around and walked down the city tower. He returned to the city and continued to train his troops.
He first stayed under the city and called for battle for two days, but the Qin army never came out, so he took his troops and horses to other places. The troops of Jin, Song, Zheng, and Chen captured two small cities on the border of Qin, and felt that they had "repaid the enemy."
"After receiving Qin's "thank you", he withdrew his troops.
Meng Mingshi forced the Jin army back, but rumors arose in the Qin State. Some people said that the current Meng Mingshi was afraid when he saw the Jin soldiers and horses and did not dare to go out. Some people suggested to Qin Mu Gong that Meng Mingshi should be replaced.
, looking for a courageous general to lead the Qin army. Qin Mugong said: "Don't be impatient for a while, Meng Mingshi has his own way."
However, another thing gave Duke Mu of Qin a bit of a headache. It turned out that there were many nomadic tribes living in the west and south of Qin, namely the Mianzhu, Wushi, Zhai Xian, Yiqu, Guirong and other so-called Xirong tribes. In the past, they were all conquered by
Duke Mu of Qin was obedient and took the initiative to pay tribute to Qin every year. At this time, they heard that Meng Mingshi had been defeated three times in a row. They felt that Qin was in trouble, so they stopped paying tribute to Qin and refused to listen to Qin.
The country greeted.
After this incident came out, Duke Mu of Qin did not blame Meng Mingshi, but Meng Mingshi felt depressed in his heart. He vowed to fight for Qin.
In the summer of 624 BC, Meng Mingshi reported to Duke Mu of Qin on the situation of army training, and then asked Duke Mu of Qin to attack Jin with him. He said: "If I can't win this time, I will never come back alive."
Duke Mu of Qin said: "We fought with Jin three times and were defeated three times. Not to mention that the princes of the Central Plains looked down upon us, and even Xirong began to disobey us. If we lose again this time, let alone you not coming back, I will have no shame.
I'm back. In fact, like you, I am also holding back the energy and must defeat the Jin Kingdom. You go and prepare."
This time, Meng Mingshi mobilized 500 military chariots and selected the best soldiers and generals to form an elite division. Before setting off for the expedition, Qin Mugong also brought out a large amount of gold and jade silk to settle the families of the soldiers. The entire army
The soldiers and the people across the country are all working hard, and everyone is willing to contribute their part. The whole country is looking forward to a victory.
On the day the army set off, the farewell scene was touching. The people gathered on the roadside with their young and old in tow. People brought water and dry food along the way, and people came to boost morale.
When the Qin army crossed the Yellow River, Meng Mingshi said to the soldiers: "When we came out this time, you all saw that the eyes of the whole country were looking at us. If we lose, no one will have the shame to go back. Now we can only go in,
There is no way to retreat. These ships are useless and should all be burned."
The soldiers shared the same hatred for the enemy and shouted like a tide: "Burn the boats, burn the boats, burn the boats!"
Meng Mingshi personally led the vanguard. The Qin army quickly recaptured the two small cities that had been occupied by Xianqiju last time. Then they entered the borders of the Jin state and captured several large cities in the Jin state. For a time, the momentum was huge, and the Jin army heard that
Feng was frightened. The Jin troops who came to fight were all defeated. The Qin army became more and more courageous as they fought, and in less than half a month they reached the outskirts of Jiangcheng, the capital of Jin.
At this time, the situation in Jin was not as good as before. Zhao Shuai was old and sick, and Xian Qiju's health was deteriorating. He had lost the vigor he had when he first took office. When he saw that the Qin army's combat effectiveness was different from before, he claimed that he was not sick.
When Duke Xianggong of Jin saw that no one could lead the troops to fight, he ordered to hold on. The Chen troops of Qin were under Jiangcheng, but they were surrounded but refused to attack. The soldiers and horses of the Qin army were galloping outside the city, showing off their power, as if they were entering an uninhabited country. The people of Jin huddled inside the city,
He will not come out alive or dead.
A few days later, someone suggested to Qin Mu Gong: "Jiangcheng Valley is deep and the walls are high. Even if we surround it for a month or two, we may not be able to defeat it. The Jin army did not come out, which is obviously out of fear. Since they have surrendered, let's withdraw."
If I go back and bury the bones of Yaoshan, I can avenge my previous shame."
Duke Mu of Qin was right to think about it. Since he could not destroy the Jin State, he might as well accept it as soon as possible. So he led his army to move to Yaoshan.
Ten days later, they came to the battlefield a few years ago. A few years later, the remains of the Qin army soldiers left on the battlefield had long been turned into bones, some in piles, some scattered, and some buried in the weeds.
.These latecomers can completely imagine the brutality of the fight from the shape of the bones. Some Qin soldiers shed tears and silently packed up the bones, because in their eyes, those bones might be the remains of their fathers and brothers.
Duke Mu of Qin ordered that all the soldiers in the army mourn in silence, then collect all the bones in the valley and bury them together.
When all the bones were buried, Duke Mu of Qin, dressed in white linen, led the entire army to hold a grand memorial ceremony. During the ceremony, Meng Mingshi, Xiqi Shu, and Bai Yibing knelt in front of the grave and cried bitterly.
Duke Mu of Qin gave a speech. He encouraged the soldiers to learn from the martyrs, to work together, not to be afraid of sacrifice, and to fight bravely. The soldiers were greatly inspired.
At this point, the shame of Yaoshan was finally washed away. Duke Mu of Qin ordered his troops to return to the court.
Not long after the Qin army returned home, news of Qin Mugong's defeat of Jin reached Xirong. The nomads in the west and south joined Qin one after another and paid tribute to Qin. Qin's territory expanded by more than a thousand miles at once.
became a major Western country.
When the news reached Luoyi, King Zhou Xiang looked up to the sky and sighed: "One overlord was defeated here, but another one emerged over there. There will never be peace in the world. It seems that I have to express my stance."
So King Xiang of Zhou sent people to send twelve bronze drums to Qin in recognition of his achievements in conquering foreign tribes and guarding the west for the imperial court. King Zhou Xiang also expressed that he recognized Duke Mu of Qin as the overlord of the west.