In mid-March, in the mountains of the southwest, the weather was hazy, the clouds were low, and the soil in the mountains seemed to be filled with heavy moisture. The roads were trampled by the footsteps of the army, and soon turned into annoying mud. The soldiers were walking high
One foot is lowered and the other is lowered. Occasionally, someone slips and falls down a high or low slope on the side of the road. The body is soaked in mud and water, and it is difficult to climb up again.
The soldiers who came from the north could not bear the wind and rain in the south, and some were caught by the wind and cold. They entered the wounded soldiers camp hastily set up on the roadside and stayed there. The bloated retreating troops continued to move forward every day, but even if they stopped,
They would not be left too far behind by the retreating troops. The army began to turn back on March 6th, and by March 18th, it had arrived at Huangming County. The center line of the battlefield at Yuyuxi River only had a vanguard of 10,000 or 20,000 people.
It is impossible for the Chinese army to cross the retreating front line of the Jurchen military line and leave everyone behind, but blocking battles broke out at every point of this retreating military line that stretched like a snake. After Yu Yu died, the Jurchen troops were in the southwest
In the rugged mountains, most of the initiative was lost. Based on the preliminary survey, the Chinese army used elite troops to cross difficult trails one after another and launch attacks on every weakly defended mountain road.
If the persimmon is easy to pinch, they will resolutely launch an attack. If they encounter the elites of the Jin Kingdom who are determined and have good fighting strength, they will first harass them in the nearby woods to make them irritable and tired.
If the Jin soldiers want to chase them into the mountains, they will play into the plans of the Chinese army.
——After breaking away from several relatively easy roads, every part of this mountain range can be regarded as a pass that cannot be opened by one man. If you want to break through the cooperation of the Chinese army's defense, you need several times the force to push through.
.In fact, even if several times the number of troops arrived, it was impossible to form an attack formation in the mountains and forests. The soldiers in the rear could only watch their companions in the front die under the blockade of the Chinese army's crossbows.
This is the most frustrating battle. The pain when your companions die is intertwined with the fear that you may not be able to go back. If you are injured, the pain will be even more desperate.
For the high-spirited Jin troops, they could not have predicted today's situation at any moment before. Especially before entering the southwest, they advanced all the way. Hundreds of thousands of Jin troops burned, killed and looted along the way, destroying enough
Where tens of millions of Han people lived together, they also looted countless good things. With the mountain road less than a hundred miles away, many people could not go back at this time.
It is also difficult for some people to understand the decision of the higher-ups. The defeat of the Wangyuan Bridge battle can no longer be concealed in the army. But even if 30,000 people were defeated by 7,000 people, it does not mean that 100,000 people will inevitably be completely defeated.
If the loss is at the hands of the Chinese Army... In times of adversity, complaints of one kind or another are inevitable, and what is accompanied by complaints is huge regret.
When the Kingdom of Jin was still poor and weak, the people who were killed from the mountains went to the battlefield. Facing death, they would not have such regrets. It was just a bachelor's act of dying and not dying for thousands of years. But at this moment,
When people face the possibility of death, they can't help but think of the good things they plundered along the way and the good life in the North. Such regrets not only appear, but also multiply accordingly.
But at the moment, no Jin troops have chosen to surrender and beg for mercy. Everyone on their side has done what they have done along the way south. Everyone knows clearly in their hearts what has happened in the battles and confrontations in the past ten years.
The soldiers of the Jin Kingdom also knew this well.
After doing these things, if the enemy is defeated by you, he will be skinned and torn apart.
And these days, what the Chinese army in the southwest mountains has shown is the strong will to tear the entire Jin army to pieces at all costs. They are not afraid of the hatred of the strong. After defeating Xie Bao,
, Ning Yi killed Xie Bao directly in front of Zong Han and threw the broken head back, which naturally aroused the anger of the Jurchen troops at first, but then people gradually began to understand the meaning behind the behavior.
Especially in these ten days or so, a small number of Chinese troops intercepted the Jurchen army again and again. What they faced was not a smooth pursuit, but they had to endure the Jin Kingdom's attacks every time.
The hysterical attacks of the troops required huge sacrifices and costs to pin down the retreating troops for a period of time. However, such attacks became more intense each time, and what was shown in their eyes was the most determined killing intent.
In the face of deep-seated hatred, no one will care about the possibility of your so-called revenge in the future.
The balance of the war is tilting. After more than ten days of fighting, there were more defeats than victory. The entire army advanced less than thirty miles in these days. Of course, there were occasional victories. After the death of his younger brother, Wan Yanshe, who was wearing a white robe, also
Ma once surrounded a Chinese army of hundreds of people, and the successive attacks wiped out the entire army. When the last dozen of them were dead, Shi Yema tried to recruit and humiliate the opponent, and shouted to people in front of the mountain: "
When you killed my brother, did you expect today would happen!?"
The Chinese soldiers who were supporting each other with blood on their bodies on the mountain also laughed loudly and gritted their teeth: "If you wear sackcloth and mourn, you will look more powerful. When you see the sky and the fields will be white - all of you, don't even think about going back -"
That cry was firm and bloody. On March 19, the day after this team was killed by Shi Yema at several times the cost, Qu Zhengyan led Mao Yishan and a few other elite attack groups to cooperate with more than a dozen rockets.
The launch of the bomb penetrated the Yuyuxi position and cut off the Jurchens' way home.
…
The spring rain fell all over the sky.
The war horses passed through the muddy mountain road, carrying Wanyan Sheye's horse towards the opposite ridge. This unknown ridge is where Wanyan Zonghan's temporary camp is located. It is still eleven miles away from Huangming County.
The mountainous terrain is relatively gentle, and the scout's defense network can be extended to the surrounding area, thus preventing the commander's camp from being exposed to fire in the middle of the night.
In the pouring rain, the soldiers gathered in the surrounding tents. The morale of the soldiers under the canopy was not high, and they were either depressed or enthusiastic. This is not a good thing. The state of soldiers suitable for fighting should be calm and leisurely, but... It has been more than half a month.
Never seen it before.
As a figure like the "Crown Prince" of the Western Route Army, Wanyan Sheyema's armor was stained with blood. His fighting figure inspired the morale of many soldiers. On the battlefield, the general's determination often failed.
Will turn into a soldier's determination. As long as the top one doesn't fall, there is always a chance to go back.
Wanyan Sheyema's small team did not stop in front of the camp, and the leading soldiers led them to an inconspicuous small tent not far away. Sheyema dismounted, lifted the tent and went in. Wanyan Zonghan and Han Qi were the first two
People were discussing around a simple sand table.
"Father, Mr. Han." Shi Ye immediately saluted the two of them. Zong Han waved his hand before he got up, "I heard about Yuyu Creek."
Zong Han nodded: "You were too cautious in the fight the day before yesterday. The battle between life and death is not about words."
Sheyema was silent for a moment: "...My son knows he was wrong."
The tent was quiet for a while. During the period when the Jurchens were retreating tenaciously, many generals took the lead and tried to boost the morale of the army. If they had just wiped out the more than 200 Chinese troops the day before yesterday, it would have been worth the effort.
The news was promoted, but in the end the reaction was quite subtle.
Part of the reason for this subtle reaction lies in the last few words Shi Yema yelled. After his brother died, he felt depressed beyond measure. After planning and ambushing for more than ten days, he finally seized the opportunity to kill the two hundred people.
The people were surrounded and had no way to retreat. They did not speak out until there were more than a dozen people left. This was also a way of venting their extreme frustration. However, the hatred of the Chinese soldiers who participated in the attack was too deep for the Jin people. Even if there were only ten people left, they could not retreat.
There were many people, but no one begged for mercy, but responded generously.
——If you wear hemp and mourn, you will look powerful, and you will see white flags all over the mountains.
Part of it was hatred, and part of it was the consciousness that life would be worse than death if they fell into the hands of the Jurchens. More than 200 people fought until the entire army was wiped out, and nearly 600 Jin Army soldiers were buried with them. No one surrendered. What to do?
The words then spread quietly among the Jin Army. Although the higher-ups came to their senses and issued a silence order soon after, it did not cause too much trouble for the time being, but in short, it did not bring much benefit.
"...Ning Yi is known as the inner demon. If anything, what he said is not bad. Today, these people in the southwest have lost their families and countless relatives. If you have a younger brother who died today, I, Wanyan Zonghan,
After the death of a son, just shouting and screaming about how wronged you have been, that is what will make people laugh at you. Most people will think you are a child."
Zong Han looked at the sand table, and his hoarse voice sounded again: "If you go back this time, there will be a battle to destroy the country between you and Black Flag in the future. In the end, one side will probably be dead. You'd better
…Get this mentality right now.”
"...Yes." In the camp, this sound became extremely serious. Only then did Zong Han turn to look at him: "Do you have anything to say when you come here this time?"
"The Chinese army has the upper hand and is desperate. In the past few days, according to what I have seen, the morale of the army has been severely shaken." Over the past few days, the military generals have been somewhat shy about talking about this matter, but in front of Zong Han
, After receiving the previous instruction, Shi Yema no longer concealed it. Zong Han nodded: "Everyone knows things, if you have any ideas, just say it."
"I asked for orders to attack Yuyu Creek." Shi Yema said, "According to what I saw, the terrain of Yuyu Creek is different from that of Huang Ming. The terrain there is complex and the defense line is not narrow. The Chinese army attacked with elite forces. On the surface, it occupied
If we live in a place, we may not actually have enough manpower if we want to defend it. Erchen leads people to counterattack. It is best to attack from both sides. We have the advantage in numbers. At Yuyu Creek, whether the Chinese army starts fighting or fights for a while,
Transferring it will be beneficial to both of us."
Zong Han looked at the map and said nothing. Han Qixian on the side just spoke at this moment: "Actually... even if Yuyu Creek is temporarily put down, it doesn't matter much. What the Chinese army has is the advantage of surveying the landforms in the early stage. It can be on the main road."
The adventurous advance into the mountains outside has caused us all these troubles. The one they control most is Yuyu Creek. The section of road before Huangming County, from Huangming County to Jiange, is still in our hands. At the beginning of the retreat, the commander-in-chief
So we arranged for General Gao to go to the rear to familiarize himself with the mountain environment and set traps on various trails. Therefore, as long as we can get past Huang Ming, the difficulty of retreating will be greatly reduced."
Zonghan and Sheyema were father and son, and Han Qi was a close minister first. When he saw Sheyema asking for an adventure, he came out to comfort him. In fact, Wanyan Zonghan had been a soldier all his life. When the whole army was marching hard, how could he not have any of his men?
Response. After saying this, seeing that Zong Han had not expressed his position yet, Han Qi added a few more words.
"In addition, the commander set up the camp here to cut off the possibility of passing between the mountains on both sides to the greatest extent. Now that the seven or eight miles of possible paths between the mountains on the east side have been blocked by us, the Chinese army wants to go around and attack
The possibility of our army's road ahead or a surprise attack on Huangming County is already slim. In two days, our passage speed will speed up. At this time, even if we spend a lot of effort to capture Yuyu Creek, the effect will be only
It’s better than nothing.”
Shi Yema shook his head, and showed a smile to Han Qixian on his serious face: "Master Han, you don't have to be like this. Master Han should know better than me about the internal situation of our army. Let alone speed, our military's morale has been affected by that."
With Ning Yi cutting him off like this, whether everyone can survive the sword pavilion is a question. The most important thing now is how to inspire the general. I lead the troops to attack Yuyuxi. Regardless of victory or defeat, I will show the attitude of a father-in-chief. Moreover,
Tens of thousands of people are stuck on the road, walking and stopping. Rather than letting them do nothing, it is better to go to the front and fight more lively. Even if the battle situation is anxious, they will always have something to do."
The white scarf is stained with yellow mud, and the armor is stained with blood. Wanyan Sheyema's words indeed reveal extraordinary insight and courage. In fact, after following Zong Han for half his life, the Pearl King Wanyan Sheyema, at this time
He was already nearly forty years old. He fought bravely, achieved many military exploits, and killed countless enemies. However, he had been with outstanding figures such as Zong Han, Xi Yin, Gao Qingyi, and Han Qixian for a long time. In some places, in fact,
There is always something inferior.
It wasn't until Xie Baoshen died and the Jurchen army was in trouble that his qualities became more apparent. In fact, Wan Yanshe also led his troops to attack Yuxi Creek. Whether it was defeating the Chinese army or relying on the Chinese
It is the biggest benefit for the Jurchens to temporarily force them to retreat at Yuyuxi because of insufficient military strength. In the past, Shi Yema would definitely make such a plan, but now, his words are much more conservative and appear to be
Become more stable.
Han Qixian stopped refuting, and Zong Han on the side sighed slowly: "What if I attack with you, but I can't attack for a long time?"
"My son... you should focus on preserving your strength. If you can win, fight for victory. If you can't win, try to hold back the Chinese army and make it invest more troops in Yuxi River to ease the surrounding situation."
Zong Han glanced at Han Qixian. Han Qixian shook his head slightly, but Zong Han also shook his head at the other party: "... If you answer like before, take the lead and come to see me with your head raised, then there is no need to go. Qixian,
You go out first, I have something to say with him."
Han Qi took the lead and went out first.
In the camp, Zong Han stood in front of the sand table, silent for a long time with his hands behind his back, and then he spoke: "... During the several years of war at Xiaocang River in the northwest, Lou's family was destroyed one after another. Without missing a word, Gushen and I knew that one day, China
The military general has become a serious problem. We have been preparing for the southwest battle for several years, but today's incident shows that we still underestimated the enemy."
Shi Yema opened his mouth: "...it's so far away that it's hard to get news. My son thinks it's not a crime of war."
"How could I tell you these things during a war?" Zong Han smiled immediately at Sheye, stretched out his hand to let him stand closer, and patted his shoulder, "No matter what the crime is, you must bear the responsibility for the defeat. I
I and Gu Shen wanted to take this opportunity to determine the southwest, so that our Jurchens can develop smoothly. Now it seems that it is no longer possible. It only takes a few years for the Chinese army to digest the results of this war and sweep the world.
No matter how far away the place is, they will definitely fight through it."
Shi Yema clenched his fists and said nothing.
Zong Han said slowly: "In the past, when the court talked about the East Court and the West Court, my father scoffed and did not make excuses. Just because our Jurchens were so generous and victorious all the way, these things were not a problem. But the defeat of the Southwest, our army
Your vitality is severely damaged, and when you look back, these things will cause problems."
"Even if there are few people, my son may not be afraid of Zongfu Zongbi."
"It has nothing to do with Zongfu Zongbi, Zhenzhu. After this battle, even Baoshan can't go back. Is this the only thing you have in mind?" Zong Han stared at him. At this moment, he was kind but determined, "Even if Zong
What can Fuzongbi do if he can be strong for a while? The real trouble is this black flag in the southwest. The scary thing is that Zongfu Zongbi doesn’t know how we were defeated. They only think that Gu and I
The gods are old and cannot be defeated, while they are still young and strong."
Zong Han let out a long sigh: "... Our Jurchens, the East and the West, can no longer fight. When we launched this fourth southern expedition, we originally said that we would judge heroes based on their performance. Now that I have defeated him, we will win.
They have the final say in our country of Jin, it doesn't matter."
"Father!"
"Listen to me!" Zong Han interrupted him sternly. "As a father, I have thought about this matter many times. As long as I can return to the north, all the important things are to prepare for the black flag. Zongfu Zongbi will win.
But as long as Gu Shen and I are still here, all the old officials and generals in the court will give us some face. We don’t want the things in the court and give up the power that can be given away. I will convince Zong Fu Zong
Bi, put all your strength into preparing for the war against Black Flag, and I will give up all the benefits. They will agree. Even if they don't believe in Black Flag's strength, they can smoothly take over the power of Zong Han, me.
It’s much better to fight with your hands!”
"In this way, it may be possible for me to make a lot of money and leave an opportunity for continuation."
"I am telling you this because if the withdrawal of troops from the southwest does not go smoothly, neither you nor my son may be able to return to the north." Zong Han said word by word, "You are still young, and you still have many shortcomings over the years.
, you appear to be calm, but in fact you are more than brave but not clever enough. Baoshan appears to be rough and reckless on the surface, but in fact he is delicate and astute, but he also has unpolished areas... That's all."
Speaking of the dead Xie Bao, Zong Han shook his head and said no more: "After this battle, you have grown up. After you return, you will be able to take over the mantle of the palace. Whatever happens in the future, you will have to do it."
Think more about your brother. Although I have dealt with this retreat, Ning Yi will not let go of my southwestern army easily. Next, there will still be dangers everywhere. Zhenzhu, if we return to the north this time, if you and I can only
As long as you live, you must remember what I said today, whether you endure humiliation or swallow your anger, this is your responsibility for the rest of your life."
"Father, I will never -" Shi Yema's eyes turned red. Zong Han grabbed him with his big hand and yanked the iron helmet on his body: "Don't let mother-in-law imitate her daughter's attitude. Victory and defeat are common among military strategists, but defeat
You have to admit it! You can’t guarantee anything today! It’s not a pity for me to die, and it’s not a pity for you to die! Only the future and destiny of our Jurchen clan is worthy of your concern——”
Shi Yema's eyes were red, and the expression on his face became determined. Zong Han put down his armor and said: "Go, let me fight a decent battle. Don't be reckless, don't underestimate the enemy.
Try to stay alive and improve the morale of the army a little bit for me. That will be of great help."
Shi Yema took two steps back and knelt on the ground.
"--yes!!!"
Outside the camp, the spring rain was still falling. Shi Yema led the team out of the camp. Soon after, he ordered his elite soldiers and headed towards Yuyu Creek. It was the afternoon of March 20th. Shi Yema was generous and fearless in his heart.
But he also had a strong sense of reason controlling him, and he considered several battle plans.
The mountain road is difficult to travel, and there are often troops blocking the road in front and behind. On the morning of the 21st, Sheyema arrived near Yuyu Creek and surveyed nearby. In this battle, he was about to face the final blow of the Chinese army.
The difficult general Qu was right, but fortunately the opponent probably only brought a few elites, and the rain also wiped out the advantage of firearms.
Not long after, the scout who went to the front to investigate came back, stammering.
"Ning, Ning Yi... is here, and seems to be staying at Yu... Yuyu Creek..."
…
Shi Yema's red eyes froze slightly, and heavy rain fell.
…
"I'll enter... enter your mother..."
…
On the afternoon of the 21st, Shi Yema launched an attack on Yuyu Creek...