Chapter five hundred and eighty first: the whole army is defeated
Chapter 1
Xue Yannian was very panicked at this time, fearing that his worries would come true.
Not long after, Xue Yanshou dismounted and walked towards him in a panic.
Xue Yannian discovered that Xue Yanshou's shirt had many holes burned out, and his eyebrows had burnt marks.
The whole person looked very bad, and there was even a look of fear on his face.
Xue Yannian's heart couldn't help but sink, but at this time, he still had some luck in his heart.
"General Xue, how is the battle going? Why did you come back with only so many people?"
Upon hearing Xue Yannian's question, Xue Yanshou lowered his head in shame and did not dare to look into Xue Yannian's eyes.
When answering Xue Yannian's question, Xue Yanshou's voice was filled with tears.
"Military advisor and everyone else can't come back. We are defeated!"
What?
Really, was it defeated?
No one else can come back?
That’s my Xue Yantuo’s nearly 70,000-strong army!
If you say you can’t come back, you can’t come back?
Xue Yannian said angrily: "General Xue, what is going on? Please tell me carefully!"
Xue Yanshou said sadly: "Commander, it's like this, we have fallen into a trap! All of this is a trap set by the Tang army for us!"
"Actually, the combat effectiveness of the Tang Army is astonishing, much better than our Xue Yantuo soldiers."
"When I saw the smoke ignited by General Xue Yanhong, I led the army to support him."
"But who would have expected that they would be ambushed by the Tang Dynasty on the way. They attacked with 20,000 cavalry in front and behind them. What is even more unexpected is that they ambush tens of thousands of infantry on the grassland."
"These infantrymen were all wearing grass-green clothes and lying on the grass. As long as they didn't move, there was no sign of an ambush."
"And by the time you see them, it's too late."
"What's even worse is that the Tang army seems to know magic and can set fire to it at any time. Just when we were fighting a decisive battle with the Tang army, blazing flames suddenly appeared in the middle of our army."
"Many brothers were burned to death on the spot, and even more people were burned."
"The war horses were frightened and ran around. Our formation was suddenly disrupted!"
"In the end, we were defeated miserably, and the general was incompetent. We only escaped with more than 30,000 remaining troops."
After hearing what Xue Yanshou said, Xue Yannian was so angry that he almost vomited blood.
Is it as simple as you said?
Is the Tang army's combat effectiveness stronger than ours?
Do you think we are all blind?
Also, the Tang army knew magic and could set fires at will.
If Tang Jun really had this ability, he would have burned us all to ashes long ago. Is there any point in confronting us here?
What a joke!
It must be that he made improper command, lost the battle, and did not dare to tell the truth. This is the excuse he made.
This time, they completely destroyed Xue Yantuo's nearly 70,000 troops!
How should I explain to the big man after I go back?
Xue Yannian suddenly lost his temper and said angrily: "Here comes someone, take Xue Yanshou out and behead him!"
"Delaying the military flight will cost me, Xue Yantuo, the names of countless sons and daughters. I must spare your life!"
Xue Yannian was really angry this time!
Xue Yannian's personal soldiers quickly numbered in thousands, and they captured Xue Yanshou, and they were all about to leave.
At this time, Xue Yanshou was immediately confused.
The military advisor actually wants to kill me?
Why do you want to kill me?
Xue Yanshou believed that no general in his position could do better than him.
He has done a good enough job in bringing back so many soldiers, why should he beheaded?
Xue Yanshou couldn't help but struggled and shouted: "Commander, why do you kill me? What's wrong with the general?"
Xue Yannian said angrily: "You have ruined the lives of my Xue Yantuo's 70,000 soldiers. If I don't kill you, will you be allowed to celebrate the New Year?"
Xue Yanshou also said angrily: "However, the Tang army's combat effectiveness is really very strong! If it were not for the last general, it is very likely that we would have faced the end of the entire army being annihilated!"
Xue Yannian sneered: "So, not only did you have no fault, but you also made merit?"
Xue Yanshou frowned and said loudly: "I dare not say that I have meritorious service, but at least I have no faults!"
Xue Yannian was almost angered by Xue Yanshou.
He couldn't help but said angrily: "Humph! At this time, you still dare to quibble, I must spare you! Someone, pull him down and behead him!"
After receiving Xue Yannian's order, two of his soldiers set up Xue Yanshou and walked out.
At this time, Xue Yanli and Xue Yanhua who were standing next to them quickly begged for mercy.
"Military advisor, it is a taboo to kill a general in the middle of battle. You must not do it!"
"Commander, our Xue Yantuo's defeat in this battle is indeed strange. Maybe there is something inside. I hope the military commander will save someone."
After these two people begged for mercy, Xue Yannian's anger subsided a lot, and he no longer insisted on killing Xue Yanshou.
Not killing him actually has the advantage of not killing him.
Now Xue Yantuo suddenly lost 70,000 troops, which can be said to be a great defeat.
After returning home, as the commander-in-chief, I will definitely have no good fruits to eat.
Not killing Xue Yanshou also has the advantage of not killing him.
After returning, you can hand him over as a scapegoat.
In fact, he can't be regarded as a scapegoat, because this failure was originally caused by him.
Even if Xue Yanshou is handed over, he won't be able to escape unscathed, but at least it will be much better.
"Okay, for the sake of two generals interceding for you, I will spare your life today. If someone comes, please imprison him first!"
"Yes, military advisor!"
Soon, two of Xue Yannian's soldiers imprisoned Xue Yanshou.
At this time, Xue Yannian began to have a headache.
"Two generals, what do you think of this matter? How should we fight this battle?"
Xue Yanhua couldn't help but said: "Military advisor, the general believes that this matter must be thoroughly investigated. It is Xue Yanshou's improper command that ruined the life of my warrior Xue Yantuo. Or is the Tang army really so powerful!"
"Now, our warrior Xue Yantuo has killed nearly 70,000 people at once, which is 30% of our military strength! If we continue to fight, I'm afraid..."
Xue Yanli also said: "Military advisor, I feel that we cannot continue to fight. If we continue to fight, there will definitely be casualties. Now we can no longer bear such casualties."
After hearing what these two people said, Xue Yannian also nodded slightly.
At this time, Xue Yannian was actually very conflicted.
Rationally speaking, we should not continue fighting now.
Xue Yantuo only had 200,000 troops, but now they lost 70,000 in one fell swoop.
If they continue to fight, they really can't afford the loss.
But in his heart, Xue Yannian actually wanted to fight again.
He is the commander, and his defeat this time was really tragic.
If he gets it like this, he will definitely not be able to keep his official position.
If it's not done well, I'm afraid there will be jail time.
If he could lead the remaining 130,000 troops and sweep through the Tang army, he would not only have no fault, but also meritorious deeds.
But Xue Yannian himself knew that this was too difficult and basically an impossible task.
Xue Yannian couldn't help but ask again: "In your opinion, should we withdraw our troops immediately?"
In fact, why is Xue Yannian unwilling to give up?
The two generals, Xue Yanhua and Xue Yanli, were equally unwilling.
Although they are neither the leaders, this failure was not caused by them.
But they are also participants.
Although they may not be punished if they go back this time, it is certain that they will not be reused in the future.
Xue Yantuo has many generals who are good at fighting, and other generals will surely take their place.
So, intellectually speaking, they should leave.
But deep down in their hearts, they are also unwilling!
After pondering for a while, Xue Yanhua couldn't help but said: "Military advisor, the general thinks that we should actually fight in the end before leaving!"
Hearing Xue Yanhua's words, Xue Yannian's eyes couldn't help but light up, and he couldn't help but ask: "General Xue, why do you have this proposal?"
Xue Yanhua couldn't help but said: "Military advisor, I believe that if we retreat, the Tang army will definitely chase us from behind."
"This will make us immobile, and may even cause heavy casualties. Therefore, the general believes that now we can fight Datang again and inflict pain on them, so that they will not dare to chase us again.
"
"Of course, if Datang really dares to challenge this time and we can win easily, we might not be able to launch a massive attack."
Hearing Xue Yanhua's words, Xue Yannian couldn't help but nodded slightly.
Next to him, Xue Yanli also said: "Military advisor, the last general's meaning is the same as that of General Xue Yanhua."
Xue Yannian immediately said: "Okay! Since both generals mean this, let's do it! How about tomorrow, General Xue Yanhua will lead an army of three thousand to challenge?"
"Our rear army is ready to respond at any time. Whether the Tang Dynasty sends reinforcements or General Xue Yanhua wins a great victory, we can take the opportunity to cover it up."
Xue Yanhua immediately said: "The final general honors your order!"
…
Let's talk about the Tang Dynasty. The three generals Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong did not continue to pursue the remnant army led by Xue Yanshou because of insufficient troops.
After cleaning up the scene, they directly sent troops to escort the captured Xue Yanshou soldiers back.
Next, they moved their positions and quickly rushed to the front line to report the results of the battle to Shu King Li Min.
Li Min had already expected the results they achieved and was not surprised at all.
After the report was finished, Cheng Yaojin couldn't wait to ask: "Your Highness, we have eaten Xue Yantuo's nearly 70,000 troops in one fell swoop. Are they definitely going to escape overnight?"
"Aren't we going to hunt them down? Order all our troops and horses immediately, and hurry up and hunt them down! After passing this village, there is no such store! If you want to find such good opportunities to make meritorious deeds in the future, there won't be so many!"
Hearing Cheng Yaojin's words, Li Min couldn't help but smile and said: "General Cheng, but Xue Yantuo did not run away. They have no intention of running away."
"What?"
Hearing the news, Cheng Yaojin was a little unbelievable.
"How is this possible? They are no match for us at all. Do they have water in their heads? They have been defeated miserably and they are still not running away?"
Li Min smiled slightly and said: "My guess is that it is most likely that Xue Yannian, Xue Yantuo's military advisor, did not believe Xue Yanshou's words."
"After all, being able to set fires anywhere is too unbelievable to them. Xue Yannian may not believe Xue Yanshou's words."
Xue Yantuo's general Xue Yanhong has been captured by them.
Li Min also got a lot of information about Xue Yantuo from Xue Yanhong.
I heard all these names from him.
Of course, Xue Yanhong did not leak anything that was too confidential.
Although he chose to surrender, he still felt a little nostalgic.
In fact, what he didn't know was what things Li Min was not interested in.
After hearing King Shu's explanation, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong, Li Daozong and Wang Fangyi all nodded thoughtfully.
According to common sense, Xue Yantuo should retreat immediately after knowing the news.
If they show no signs of retreating, His Highness's guess is probably correct.
If that's the case, that's really great!
Since they don't believe it, they can dig a hole and continue to trick them.
Thinking of this, Qin Qiong couldn't help but said: "Your Highness, in this case, we can trick them again!"
Yuchi Gong chuckled and said: "Yes, Your Highness, you are full of evil, you will definitely trick them hard this time!"
Hearing Yu Chigong's words, Li Min couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Hey, do you always praise others like this?
If you don't know how to praise, don't praise. If you don't speak, no one will treat you as a mute.
However, what Yu Chigong said is absolutely true. If you want to cheat them, then cheat them hard.
Let's wait and see tomorrow to see what Xue Yantuo will do.
…
On the second day, Li Min received a letter of war from Xue Yannian, Xue Yantuo's military advisor.
His Royal Highness, King Shu of the Tang Dynasty:
Tomorrow I, one hundred thousand Xue Yantuo warriors, will gather on the grassland. I wonder if His Highness, King Shu of the Tang Dynasty, dares to fight. Let's have a battle to determine the outcome?
Um?
As expected, Xue Yannian did not believe Xue Yanshou's words.
He probably felt that it must be Xue Yanshou's stupidity that caused the defeat.
But this time, Xue Yannian is probably preparing for the final battle.
If they win a big victory, they will naturally continue to advance.
If they lose, they will probably withdraw their troops.
And this is exactly what Li Min wanted.
The damage caused to Xue Yantuo was not big enough.
This time, it is an excellent opportunity.
Thinking of this, Li Min wrote a reply directly.
There are only six large characters in the letter.
If you want to fight, then fight!
In the morning of that day, Xue Yantuo's 130,000 cavalry were arrayed on the grassland.
Li Min also led an army of 100,000 cavalry to confront Xue Yantuo.
Xue Yantuo's army was all cavalry.
As for the Tang Dynasty, there were only 100,000 cavalry.
The rest are all infantry.
In a cavalry confrontation, infantry played a very small role.
Li Min simply didn't bring it out, but had other arrangements.
As for Xue Yantuo, Xue Yanhua acted as the vanguard and led three thousand cavalry to launch a tentative attack on Datang.
The Tang Dynasty also sent Wang Fangyi and led three thousand cavalry to fight.
These three thousand cavalry are still Turkic cavalry.
Because of yesterday's great victory, the Turks were very surprised.
Naturally, they would not give the slightest discount to the King of Shu's request.
After all, the Tang army was here to help them, and it was only natural for them to send troops.
Moreover, the Tang Army asked them to send not many troops.
The Turks, of course, readily agreed.
Not long after, the two sides rushed together.
When the battle began, Xue Yannian and other Xue Yantuo soldiers stared at the battlefield carefully.
However, the scene on the battlefield was still exactly the same as the confrontation between them and the Tang army a few days ago.
Under Xue Yantuo's fearless attack, the Tang army was killed, abandoning their helmets and armor, and retreated steadily. They were no match for them at all.
It can be seen from this that what Xue Yanshou said is indeed false and is completely his excuse.
I really don’t know how this idiot commanded a large army and was able to lose the lives of 60,000 to 70,000 Xue Yantuo warriors at once.
On the battlefield, the Tang army showed a completely one-sided trend, and it didn't take long for them to be completely defeated.
Seeing that the situation was not good, Wang Fangyi quickly ordered his soldiers to retreat.
Xue Yantuo's soldiers, on the other hand, took advantage of the situation to catch up and kept killing them from behind.
Seeing this scene, Xue Yannian decisively launched the order for a general attack.
One hundred thousand Xue Yantuo's cavalry immediately mounted their horses and whipped out, roaring out.
On the Tang army's side, Li Min also waved decisively, and the Tang cavalry immediately rushed forward to greet them.
The distance between the two sides is not far to begin with.
Under the rapid attack of the cavalry from both sides, the distance between them quickly shortened.
Not long after, they came within the shooting range of Datang.
The crossbow in Tang Jun's hand was ready, he pressed the trigger decisively and fired the crossbow arrow.
At this time, behind Xue Yantuo's soldiers, their military advisor Xue Yannian was looking at the battlefield with a stern expression.
When the two sides began to charge, Xue Yannian vaguely felt that something was wrong with the state of the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty.
These soldiers of the Tang Dynasty were completely different in energy and spirit from the three thousand Tang troops who fought against them before.
Then when the two sides got closer, the Tang army pressed the trigger and fired their crossbows.
Xue Yannian's uneasiness became even more intense.
It is simply out of reach at this distance. Why did the Tang army launch an attack at this distance?
Moreover, the crossbow arrows they fired were completely different from the arrows fired by the Tang army before.
Whoosh!
Whizzing!
The next moment, Datang's crossbow arrows fell into Xue Yantuo's cavalry camp like raindrops.
Xue Yantuo's cavalry immediately fell to the ground.
hiss!
What a powerful crossbow!
Could it be that Tang Jun was really hiding his secrets before?
Next, Xue Yantuo's cavalry also started ejecting.
However, their arrows could hardly break through the defense of the Tang army's armor.
The casualties they caused to the Tang army were pitifully few and almost negligible.
Soon, both sides put away their bows and crossbows and began to engage in hand-to-hand combat.
The situation on the battlefield made Xue Yannian's eyelids twitch wildly, and he regretted it to the extreme.
As soon as the two sides came into contact, it almost became one-sided.
But it was Xue Yantuo who was killed one-sidedly by the Tang army.
The Tang army's weapons were extremely sharp and could easily cut off their soldiers' weapons.
The armor of the Tang army was extremely strong. The weapons of their Xue Yantuo warriors could not break through their defenses at all.
The bravery of the Tang army was even higher than theirs.
As soon as they came into contact, they were slaughtered by the Tang army like they were cutting melons and vegetables.
At this time, Xue Yannian wanted to call all the soldiers back.
He doesn't want to fight the Tang army now, he just wants to retreat.
Only now did he believe that what Xue Yanshou said was true.
The Tang Army has been showing weakness to them. In fact, the Tang Army's combat effectiveness is extremely strong. They, the Xue Yantuo warriors, are no match for them at all.
But the current situation does not mean that he can withdraw his troops if he wants.
As the saying goes, if an arrow is on the string, it must be fired.
If they withdrew their troops at this time, the Tang army would follow and pursue them, and they would suffer heavy losses.
However, if they do not withdraw their troops and continue to fight like this, their losses will probably be even more severe!
No, we must find a way to withdraw without causing too serious losses.
At this moment, Li Min, the rear guard of the Tang Army, actually held a remote control in his hand and gently pressed two buttons.
boom!
Suddenly, blazing fire broke out in the two areas where Xue Yantuo's cavalry was located.
Xue Yantuo's cavalry phalanx suddenly broke into chaos.
These areas were quietly arranged by some infantrymen sent by Li Min last night.
The infantrymen were all wearing camouflage uniforms and lurking on the grassland, without any risk of being discovered by Xue Yantuo soldiers.
Just spreading the white phosphorus preparation on a few patches of grass is enough.
Of course, a small remote-controlled detonator also needs to be buried.
But now, it has really worked wonders.
With the fire, Xue Yantuo's cavalry formation was not only in chaos, but also on the verge of collapse.
At this time, Xue Yannian was about to vomit blood.
Now, he really regrets it to death.
It turns out that everything Xue Yanshou said is true.
It turns out that Tang Jun really seems to have magic and can light fires at any time.
Of course, Xue Yannian believed that Tang Jun must have used some method, and it was impossible to use magic to light the fire at any time.
Otherwise, do they still need to show weakness?
Wouldn't it be enough to just set them on fire?
But even so, it is still a fatal threat to their Xue Yantuo army!
I was really too arbitrary and empirical yesterday!
If we didn't intuitively believe that this thing couldn't happen at all, but sent someone to investigate, would such a mistake still be made?
Alas, empiricism kills people!
Xue Yannian bit his lower lip tightly with his teeth. He bit his lip with too much force and bit the lip with blood dripping from it.
Xue Yannian, on the other hand, seemed completely unaware.
"withdraw!"
At the critical moment, Xue Yannian finally made a difficult decision and decisively chose to retreat!
Even if they retreat at this time, their losses will be very, very heavy, and they will even lose nearly half of their troops.
But if we don't retreat, I'm afraid we'll all have to stay here.
Because he had no idea what other plans and back-ups the Tang Army had!
Xue Yantuo began to raise money and withdraw his troops.
Xue Yantuo's rear army quickly changed into the front army and began to retreat quickly.
The battlefield in front of them has turned into a meat grinder, and the soldiers in the rear army are frightened and trembling.
They were too excited to withdraw their troops at this time.
Even the war horses under their crotches were running faster than usual.
The front army quickly evacuated, followed closely by the Chinese army.
After the Chinese Army, we did not have such good luck.
With such a good opportunity, how could Li Min let them go?
Under Li Min's command, the Tang army quickly surrounded the remaining Xue Yantuo soldiers.
The Tang army had sharp blades, strong armor, and powerful combat effectiveness.
There were also strange fires, and more importantly, even their military advisors abandoned them.
This left the Xue Yantuo soldiers who were left without any fighting spirit.