Ever since Duke Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty was promoted to Shaoqing of Weiwei and was in charge of the grain, grass and ordnance of the three towns, he had not interfered with the operations of the grain protection army for a long time. This time, the trumpet was suddenly blown in the army, and the soldiers were all shocked. After a while, the captain and above The generals gathered together and stood under the tent, waiting for Duke Tang's orders.
"A letter from the Eastern Expedition Army stated that they had signed a city alliance with Goguryeo the day before yesterday. The clown of Gao Yuan has proclaimed himself a vassal and is willing to cede all the land north of the Sa River to the Sui Dynasty. He will never regret it!" Li Yuan, the Duke of Tang, announced an exciting piece of good news to everyone in a loud voice.
The generals of the grain protection army had close contacts with Li Xu, Liu Hongji and others, and were too heavily influenced by each other. They were not optimistic about the prospects of this eastern expedition. Suddenly hearing the news of victory, everyone was worried in their hearts. A big stone fell to the ground immediately, and they high-fived each other and cheered loudly.
Tang Gong Li Yuan did not show any joy on his face. He pressed his arm gently to suppress the noise made by everyone, and continued: "Xu Guogong Yu Wenshu also sent a letter from the horse, saying that the food shortage in the army is huge. Please ask the grain protection army to quickly transport 100,000 shi of grain to the west bank of Mazhai River to support us!"
After the words fell, everyone was stunned. Xu Guogong Yu Wenshu and Tang Gong Li Yuan had always been at odds with each other, and everyone knew this. If the army had already secured the victory, he would never give half of the credit to Tang Gong at this juncture. The truth. In an instant, the expressions on everyone's faces changed from joy to confusion. A few thoughtful people, such as Changsun Shunde, Chen Yanshou, Ma Yuangui, etc., had worries in their eyes.
"I'm afraid the army rations have run out!" Chen Yanshou was the first to stand up and analyzed worriedly. Although as the chief staff member of the Li Mansion, he knew the news of Yu Wenshu's request for help no earlier than others. The messenger of the army's victory only arrived this morning. His Majesty the Emperor's imperial tent, and Yu Wenshu's letter asking for food followed closely on the horse tail of the messenger reporting victory.
"Now when delivering food to Mazhaishui, we have to guard against bandit attacks along the way. It will take seven days to arrive!" Qian Jiulong, the chief guard of the Tang Dynasty, added in a low voice. In terms of planning, he considered himself inferior to Changsun Shunde and others. No one here has more experience in marching and fighting than him.
"It would be nice if it could be delivered, but the biggest fear is that the Goguryeo people will not keep their word!" Ma Yuangui's words sent everyone into the eighteenth level of hell. Under Liaodong City, everyone had fully experienced the cunning and ruthlessness of the Goguryeo people. I believe that if they pretend to sue for peace and wait for Yu Wenshu and others to withdraw, they will chase after them and intercept and kill them everywhere along the way. The 300,000 Sui troops without food and grass will be in danger.
"Yuwenshu, an old man, didn't tell us earlier that he was done with it!" Qian Jiulong's eyes immediately turned red. He had been in the army and knew the hardships of being a soldier. If he was really defeated, the general would After being captured, they can surrender to the enemy, or be taken as prisoners by the opponent in exchange for ransom, and all that will be left of the soldiers will be a headless body.
Goguryeo gathered all the troops in the country and only managed to gather more than 200,000 soldiers. No general dared to take the risk of taking in more prisoners than his own troops. From Qin General Bai to Chu Overlord Xiang Yu, there was only one way to deal with the surrendered soldiers whose numbers far exceeded their own troops. .The reason is not necessarily due to their cruel nature, but to a greater extent because there is no safer solution.
Moreover, the Goguryeo people have not been civilized for a long time, and their temperament is inherently more barbaric than that of the Central Plains people.
The military tent became quiet instantly. All the soldiers looked at each other in confusion, their faces paler than frozen snow. I don’t know how long it took, but Liu Hongji sighed and was the first to stand up and said: "If the facts are really as Master Chen said,
I am afraid that the army has collapsed before we can transport the food. But no matter what, we cannot sit back and watch the army perish. It is better to gather 2,000 war horses and transport 10,000 shi of food to rescue the emergency. Then, Tang Gong will
Please tell me, Your Majesty, to mobilize the people and gradually distribute food, and strive to save more people!"
"I'm afraid that the Holy One refuses to believe that the army will be defeated!" Chen Yanshou grimaced and smiled miserably.
If they were not familiar with Yuwenshu's character, Li Yuan's staff would not dare to speculate that the army would be in danger. At the moment, the emperor was immersed in the good news of the success of the expedition against Liao. At this juncture, someone told him that Yuwenshu might return in defeat.
, it would be strange if he didn't regard it as deliberately disturbing people's enjoyment.
Tang Gong Li Yuan was not favored by His Majesty the Emperor, and he was not on good terms with Yu Wenshu. He went to remind the army that they were in danger. Even if he was not punished, no one would believe it. Thinking of this, the expressions on everyone's faces became even more painful.
, no matter how hard you rack your brains, you can't come up with a good strategy that not only makes His Majesty the Emperor believe in Duke Tang's loyalty, but also delivers food and grass to Yu Wenshu in time.
"Just follow Hong Ji's suggestion!" After a moment, Tang Gong Li Yuan let out a long breath, and said resolutely as if he was risking his life.
"Yes!" Liu Hongji agreed loudly and turned around to go out. Only when he moved his body was he stopped by Li Yuan again.
"Wait a minute, you go back to the warehouse to get the grain first. After I have collected the war horses, I will send them directly to your camp. It is my responsibility to supply the front lines on a small scale, and there is no need to ask the emperor for orders. The grain transport team will set off tonight
, non-stop." Li Yuan took a few steps forward, approached Liu Hongji, and whispered.
"General, I obey your orders!" Liu Hongji knew that the matter was of great importance, so he raised his hands and made a military salute to Li Yuan, and replied sternly.
"Zhongjian's cavalry regiment is the fastest in action. Take all of them with you and go forward to inquire about the news about the army." Li Yuan stepped forward and patted Liu Hongji's shoulder gently, his tone sounding extremely heavy, "Jian Jiancheng and Jiulong
I will also go with you. Jiulong has fought many battles, so listen to his advice in everything. You young people have never fought in many battles, but there is nothing you can do now. You can't let an army of 300,000 people starve to death here.
On the way to withdraw the troops! Go ahead and save everyone if you can. If you can't save others, you must make sure you come back safely!"
"Yes, I will obey the order!" Li Jiancheng and Qian Jiulong agreed at the same time, and grabbed the military order from the table without waiting for Sun Shunde and others to object.
"Tang Gong, the crown prince..." The eldest son Shunde opened his mouth, wanting to advise Li Yuan not to send his son to take risks. Looking at the other party's face, he suppressed the rest of his words.
Li Yuan's hand left Liu Hongji's shoulder and he tried his best to stand up straight. In an instant, the expression on his face changed from tragic to solemn, as if he was sending thousands of troops off to war.
"Liu Hong, obey the order!" Li Yuan stood firm and shouted loudly.
"The general is here!" Liu Hongji held his hands together and stood up straight.
"Go back to the warehouse immediately to adjust the grain. As soon as the war horses arrive, we will set off immediately!" Li Yuan handed the general order to Liu Hongji's hand, and then grabbed another general order: "Li Xu listens to the order!"
"The humble post is here!" Li Xu took half a step forward and stood solemnly.
"You lead your own troops and explore the way for Liu Hongji. If there is any news about the army, send your horse back immediately!"
"I obey my command!" Li Xu agreed loudly, with a bit of nervousness in his voice. He heard every word of everyone's discussion just now clearly. But right now, other than trying his best to save people, he couldn't think of any risks.
"Zhou Wenyuan!" Tang Gong picked up the third general order.
"Here you are!" Zhou Wenyuan mustered up the courage to step forward, feeling a little scared and a little excited.
….
Only 500 soldiers and horses of the grain protection army were left to guard the granary, and the rest were sent out by Li Yuan. Some followed Liu Hongji to transport grain, and some were on guard in both directions of the new city and the inner city where the Goguryeo people were shrinking nearby.
In order to prevent the Goguryeo people in the two cities from hearing about the turmoil and trying to get food for the army. When all the generals and commanders had gone away, Li Yuan waved and called two of his close aides to his side.
"Shunde, Yan Shou, you two will lead all the guards of our Li family to keep an eye on the pontoon bridge on the river these days. As long as it is completed and they don't come back, no one can destroy the bridge no matter who orders it!" Li Yuan ordered in a deep voice.
If the military situation is really as Chen Yanshou deduced, within five days, the remaining 700,000 troops besieging Liaodong will definitely be shaken in morale. His Majesty the Emperor has never lost a battle since he led the army at the age of sixteen. He could not guarantee that after hearing the news of the failure of the Liaodong expedition,
His Majesty, can he behave as calmly as usual?
"Tang Gong should communicate with the courtiers and find a way to make your majesty prepare for the worst!" Chen Yanshou reminded him in a low voice after receiving the general's order. Yu Wenshu, Liu Shilong and others led an army of 300,000 people to detour and attack Pyongyang.
One-third of the army was recruited, but more than 70% of them were government soldiers. For many years, the Sui army was invincible in the world, relying on these well-trained elite soldiers. If they are exhausted, His Majesty the Emperor needs to consider
The matter is not just a matter of Liaodong.
"Nayan Suwei is seriously ill, and Duan Wenzhen, Minister of the Ministry of War, is critically ill!" When no one else was around, Li Yuan's back was loaded again. It rained all night. Since the expedition to Liao, Long live could listen to a few words of advice.
All the powerful ministers got sick and died. Now the only people left in the court are either those without foresight or those who follow the trend. For an unlucky guy like Li Yuan who is not wanted by the emperor, everyone can't hide. Who is willing to communicate with him?
What are your thoughts on the battle situation?!
"Pei Ju, the minister of Huangmen, has been favored recently!" Sun Shunde, the eldest son, reminded Tang Gong in a low voice when he saw that Tang Gong was worried about advising the emperor.
Hearing this, Li Yuan felt bitterness rising in his throat. Pei Ju, the minister of Huangmen, was born in the Pei family of Hedong, and had made great contributions to the late emperor's acceptance of Zen and his current ascension to the throne. This man knew that the emperor's ambitions were lofty, so he conquered the Turks
, the suggestions of attacking Khitan, conquering Gaochang, and opening up territory came one after another. Under his advice, the Sui Emperor raised troops to attack unfaithful countries almost every year for ten years after taking the throne, squandering the country's power to the limit. This time
Pei Ju has always advocated the conquest of Goryeo. Asking him to remind the Emperor of the risk of defeat is tantamount to seeking the skin of a tiger!
"Pei Ju was always treacherous and clever, and he was an out-and-out villain. But villains are often better at judging the situation than gentlemen. He liked famous horses and pearls, and the public of the Tang Dynasty voted for him. He then understood the situation and used his
As a person, I may not be willing to be a loyal minister in Liaodong. Besides, this person will also be a helper in the court in the future!" Chen Yanshou thought for a while and agreed with Changsun Shunde's suggestion. (Note 8)
"That's all we can do!" Li Yuan sighed and said. No matter how reluctant he was, he had to pay a visit to Master Pei today. Even if it wasn't for the 300,000 Eastern Expedition Army, he had to do it for his son.
The future of the Li family......
Eight hundred food protection soldiers quickly gathered together. Their joints started to itch from idleness, and when they heard that they were going to the front line to deliver food, their excitement far outweighed their fear.
In order to avoid confusion in the morale of the army, Liu Hongji strictly ordered his generals not to reveal any unfavorable speculations about the military situation. "That is just speculation, and may not be true. If the delivery of food and grass is delayed due to rumors, you know how the military law will deal with it!" To Ping Su
He shouted loudly to a few close friends.
"Yes! General, don't worry!" All the generals and commanders involved in the food transportation agreed in unison. Liu Hongji has always been popular, and at critical moments, everyone is willing to work with him to tide over the difficulties.
The war horses that Li Yuan had collected using his authority arrived later. Along with the war horses were Li Jiancheng and Qian Jiulong. Fan Xing, the bodyguard of the Li family, also followed Jiancheng with 20 soldiers. This was Tang Gong.
The prince is performing military duties alone for the first time, and they must protect his safety to the death.
Li Waner and Li Shimin also rushed over before the army set off. They and their brother Jiancheng had been inseparable since childhood, so they came specially to see his brother off. Both of them were dressed in military uniforms and looked handsome and thin-haired. As soon as they entered the military camp, Li Shimin rushed to
Before picking up the soldiers who were ready to go, he held the reins in one hand and the spear in the other, as if he was the commander-in-chief of this expedition. Li Waner showed a rare tenderness like a little daughter, walked to Li Jiancheng, and whispered:
"Brother, be careful on the road, and pay more attention to the woods, valleys and other hidden places on both sides of the road. The Goguryeo people are unwilling to surrender, so there must be some stubborn people waiting for an opportunity!"
"Don't worry, we are riding two horses, and there are mostly plains between here and Mazhai River!" Li Jiancheng nodded and comforted with a smile. It was the first time that he led a group of soldiers and horses alone, and he was not sure. However, as a
The courage of an army must put on some grand appearance no matter what.
"It's good that my brother has his own ideas!" Wan'er gave her brother a smile, rode her horse, approached Liu Hongji, and warned: "Brother Liu, you should be more careful. I know that you are highly skilled in martial arts, but leading troops in battle...
…”
"Okay, I promise to send your brother and these brothers back safely!" Liu Hongji interrupted Li Waner carelessly. He was very happy to be able to do a little bit for the Li family. As for the dangers along the way, for those who have been wandering for many years
For him, it was just an appetizer. No matter how ferocious the Goguryeo people were, could they be more ferocious than the horse thieves and Turks on the border?
Li Waner flattened her mouth and protested against Liu Hongji's self-proclaimed hero. She turned her head and looked at Li Xu, and the smile on her face slowly dimmed.
"Brother Zhongjian!" Li Waner shouted in a low voice. She wanted to say the same words of advice as she did to Liu Hongji, but suddenly realized that she had no suitable words to express what she meant.
Li Xu was only a few months older than her, and Wan'er was a little reluctant to truly treat him as an older brother as she treated Liu Hongji. But other than treating him as an older brother, the girl's family couldn't find anything else for the time being.
way to express his concern. After thinking about it, he finally lowered his voice and muttered like a gnat, "Be careful and come back safely!"
"I know, you and Shimin should also be careful!" Li Xu's answer was even more irrelevant than Li Waner's warning. The two looked at each other, smiled, and gently turned the horse's head away.
Five hundred men and two thousand horses, carrying ten thousand stones of life-saving food and grass, quickly rushed to the east. Compared with the 700,000 troops under Liaodong City, these men and horses were minuscule. Except for a few pairs of reluctant eyes, almost no one paid attention to their whereabouts.
.
"I originally wanted to say..." Li Waner stood on a high slope, looking at her brother and everyone walking away, thinking silently.
"You promised to protect me! You promised!" She broke off a willow branch and let out a thunderbolt, causing the dust on the ground to fly. (To be continued)
