Ren Fang decided to postpone the attack on Jinyang and first take the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng near Jinyang. He looked around the generals on the left and right and asked: "According to the information we know, the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng are
How many troops are there in the garrison?"
Jin Zhuo said: "Our army has spied three times in a row, and the results are the same each time. The total number of defenders in the three cities is less than 5,000."
Nie Ze responded: "That's right! This is also the case with the intelligence spied on by our army."
The total strength of the three cities was less than five thousand. Ren Fang did not believe such data at all, thinking it was against common sense. He thought for a moment and said: "I decided to send 150,000 troops, divided into three groups, to attack Songqiu, Ningding, and Tai at the same time.
Fengsandi. General Nie, what do you think?"
There are only 5,000 garrison troops in the three cities. Using an army of 150,000 men is really a bit of a fuss. However, considering that we have to occupy the city after the city is broken, it is acceptable to send 50,000 men to each city. He nodded.
, said: "Ren Shuai, I have no objection, just do what you want!"
"Okay!" Ren Fang took out the map, then waved to the generals, asking people to gather around. Then, he pointed at the map and said: "Our Sichuan army will send 100,000 troops to divide the two cities of Songqiu and Taifeng. General Nie
How about sending 50,000 troops to attack Ningding?"
Nie Ze did not respond immediately. He looked at the map and remained silent.
Let Fang only arrange for the Zhen army to attack one city, which seems generous, but in fact this city is not that easy to defeat.
The main camp of the Sichuan-Zhenjun coalition is located to the south of Jinyang, while Ningding is located to the north of Jinyang. To attack Ningding, the Zhen army must first bypass Jinyang, but on the road, it is easy to be intercepted by the Feng army. Even if it is successfully captured
Ningding is too far away from the main camp. Once attacked, the main camp may not be able to send reinforcements in time. However, Songqiu and Taifeng are different. One is located in the northwest of the main camp, and the other is located in the northeast of the main camp. The distance is close.
It is also much easier to send troops to assist.
Nie Ze thought for a long time, nodded, and said: "Since Ren Shuai has arranged it this way, I have no objection."
"Okay, tonight at the second watch, your and our armies will separately send out troops to the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng..." Ren Fang finalized the attack plan.
After leaving the Zhongjun tent, Nie Ze and his generals returned to the Zhenjun camp.
On the way, the generals of the Zhen Army expressed their dissatisfaction with Ren Fang's decision. "The Sichuan army sent 100,000 troops to attack two cities, and our army sent 50,000 troops to attack one city. It seems that our army has taken advantage, but it is better to determine the ratio of this city."
The two cities of Songqiu and Taifeng combined are difficult to defeat and defend, so if you let us go, we will be regarded as fools."
"That's right! The main force of the Feng Army and the Feng King Tang Yin are all in Jinyang. Instead of attacking Jinyang, we are going to attack the other three cities. Isn't this intentional to give Tang Yin and the Feng Army a chance to breathe? Pingxiang was attacked, and Feng
The army killed all our officers and soldiers, but did not touch the Sichuan army. I think there is a hidden collusion between the Sichuan and Feng countries!"
After hearing this, people's doubts burst out collectively, and they all agreed: "Yes! This is indeed strange! General, if you let us arrange our army to attack Ningding, isn't it a trap?"
At this time, the Zhen army had already developed a sense of distrust towards the Sichuan army, but due to the alliance, it was difficult to break up in person.
As a general, Nie Ze is not simple-minded. He would not believe it if there was a secret collusion between Sichuan and Feng countries and they could be killed. The reason why the Feng army did not kill the Sichuan army in the sneak attack on Pingxiang was presumably to sow discord.
The purpose is to make our own soldiers suspicious of the Sichuan Army. As for Ren Fang's arrangement for his own attack on Ningding this time, it is even more unlikely to be a trap, but it is definitely true that Ren Fang has selfish motives.
Nie Ze looked at his generals and said in a deep voice: "No more nonsense. Anyone who dares to speak nonsense again will be punished for disturbing the morale of the army!"
When all the generals heard this, they all closed their mouths, looked at each other, shook their heads and sighed.
Returning to Zhenjun's commanding tent, everyone took their seats one after another. Qian Cheng, the general of Zhenguo, stepped in to salute and asked: "This time our army is attacking Ningding, who will the general send to lead the army?"
Nie Ze had not thought of a suitable candidate in mind. Among the generals under his command, there were many fierce generals, but few were quick-minded. The attack on Ningding had to be led by a general who was good at adapting to changes.
If there is force, just relying on a rush of momentum will definitely not work.
While Nie Ze was thinking about it, one of the generals stood up, raised his hands and said, "General, I am willing to lead my army there!"
Nie Ze raised his eyes and saw that the person speaking was none other than the famous first-rate general in the Zheng Kingdom, Han Ba.
Han Ba was granted the title of Xiao Pinghou by King Zhen and received the rank of lieutenant general. He was born in the southern part of Zhen Kingdom and had a rough background. However, he was very strong in martial arts and rarely encountered opponents. Before joining the army, he was known as the Southern Tyrant in Zhen Kingdom.
Joining the army, he won the love and trust of King Zhen Li Hong, and he also served as Li Hong's personal bodyguard.
Nie Ze looked at Han Ba and shook his head secretly. Han Bayong was brave enough, but his mind was too simple and his actions were too easy. He was not suitable for leading an army, let alone fighting Ningding. Seeing that he hesitated and said nothing, Han Bayong
Ba glared at Yuan Huan and asked in a deep voice: "Does the general think that the last general cannot capture Ningding City?"
Nie Ze didn't appreciate Han Ba very much, and hated his domineering personality relying on the king's favor. However, he also knew that Han Ba had a bad temper. If he went against him, he might cause some trouble! He smiled slightly.
, said: "General Han is a senior general in our army. If he goes to attack the small Ningding in person, wouldn't he be using his talents to a lesser extent?"
These words made Han Ba feel more comfortable. Just when he was feeling complacent, Nie Ze turned his gaze and happened to see Xiao Chong, who was silent among the generals with his head lowered. He felt something in his heart and said: "Attack Ningding."
, let General Xiao lead the troops!"
In Nie Ze's eyes, Xiao Chong is a general whose military rank is far lower than his actual ability. Xiao Chong is now only an assistant general, not even a full-time general, but he is resourceful, knowledgeable about military tactics, knows battle strategies, and is good at using troops.
In addition, he chose Xiao Chong to dispel Han Ba's dissatisfaction. His intention was that to attack Ningding, only one assistant general was enough, and he would not send a lieutenant general.
Sure enough, Han Ba didn't even bother to fight when he saw that the person Nie Ze chose was Xiao Chong.
When Xiao Chong heard that Nie Ze had hit him, he quickly stood up, took two steps forward, knelt down on one knee, and stepped in to give the order: "General, I will obey!"
"Okay, if there is nothing else to discuss, all generals should go back. Xiao Chong will stay here. I have something to explain." Nie Ze waved to everyone.
All the generals left one after another, and not long after, only Nie Ze and Xiao Chong were left in the tent.
Nie Ze waved to Xiao Chong, motioning for him to sit near him, and then asked: "General Xiao, what do you think of this attack on Ningding?"
Xiao Chong pondered for a moment and said in a low voice: "General Ren left us the most dangerous and difficult place to defend."
Nie Ze secretly nodded. He was indeed the one he had chosen. He could see the key to the matter at a glance. According to the intelligence report, Ningding's defenders only had 2,000 people. It would be easy to capture Ningding, but Ningding must be defended.
, but it is not that easy. Nie Ze said with a smile: "This attack on Ningding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. If the battle goes well, your military exploits will greatly increase, and your position in the army will also rise.
But if you don't fight well, you may never get ahead in the army."
Xiao Chong took a breath, straightened his face, and hurriedly raised his hands and said, "Thank you for the promotion, General. I will never let you down."
"Yes!" Nie Ze nodded and said, "You go back and prepare. In the second update tonight, you will lead the army to Ningding."
"yes!"
On the Zhen army side, Nie Ze selected Xiao Chong and asked him to lead 50,000 Zhen troops to attack Ningding. On the Sichuan army side, Nie Ze chose two generals, Zhang Lan and Yu Pan, to lead 50,000 Sichuan troops to attack Songqiu.
and Tai Feng.
After nightfall, at the second watch of the day, the three armies split up and headed straight for the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng.
The reason why Ren Fang set the time to send out troops at night was naturally to cover up the Feng Army's eyes and ears. However, their actions were discovered in time by the hidden arrow personnel lurking near the Sichuan-Zhen coalition camp, and they immediately returned to the city to report to Tang Yin.
The Sichuan and Zhen armies left camp late at night and headed in three directions: northeast, northwest and due north. What were they going to do? After hearing this, Tang Yin, who had already fallen asleep, immediately sat up, put on a coat, and asked for a map.
, lighting the candles, and taking a closer look, I immediately understood that the Sichuan-Zhenjun coalition had changed its tactics and gave up attacking Jinyang, and instead attacked Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng around Jinyang. Their purpose was to trap Jinyang.
among them.
Realizing the enemy's intentions, Tang Yin immediately sent an order to summon Qiu Zhen and other generals in the army, asking them to come directly to his dormitory to discuss military affairs.
The order was passed on, and it didn't take long. Qiu Zhen and others hurried to Tang Yin. After a while, they all asked: "Your Majesty, what happened?"
"I just got the news that the Sichuan and Zhen armies have sent 150,000 troops, divided into three groups, heading towards the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng respectively." Tang Yin's eyes rolled around and he said expressionlessly.
Qiu Zhen's expression changed and he said in surprise: "The enemy's targets are Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng. If these three cities are occupied by the enemy, Jinyang will be in a desperate situation!"
Of course Tang Yin knew the seriousness of the matter, so he remained silent.
At this time, Lotte said: "Your Majesty, don't worry. The counties of Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng have respectively sent out county troops as reinforcements. I think the reinforcements will almost arrive now."
Qiu Zhen said worriedly: "Relying only on the county army and local armies such as the county army may not be able to withstand the regular central armies of Sichuan and Zhenzhou!"
Think about the fact that the 150,000 Zhen Army led by Li Cheng fought all the way from Baguan to Wancheng. The local armies in various places were no match at all. Even the Chifeng Army was completely defeated. In terms of frontal combat, our side did not have any advantage.
As soon as he finished speaking, someone at the end of the crowd echoed: "What Prime Minister Qiu said is reasonable. To use county troops to block the Central Army of Sichuan and Zhen two countries is to seek death and destruction!"
Even though this was the case, the words were too direct. Everyone's expressions changed at the same time, and they all turned their heads and looked back. When people saw clearly who was speaking, their noses almost became crooked with anger.