While the Luoyan Army was actively preparing for war, the Jurchens in the north were also actively preparing to go south.
Wanyan Agu collected 60,000 prisoners of the Liao army. These were the original soldiers and horses of the Liao Kingdom and had been formally trained. They were exactly the manpower that Wanyan Agu greatly needed. After the battle to destroy Yeluping Mountain was over,
, Wanyan Agu's military strength not only did not decrease, but expanded from 80,000 cavalry to 140,000 troops.
Of course this was not enough. Wanyan Aguda and Yelvchun signed a formal agreement. The content of the agreement was that Wanyan Aguda recognized Liaoyang and Dading as the land of the Liao Kingdom. He only borrowed two lands and returned them to them within three years.
The Liao Kingdom. In exchange, the Liao Kingdom must fully support the Jurchens' manpower, horses, armor, food, grass and other materials to pay for the Jurchens' consumption.
Wanyan Agu knew very well that although the Great Zhou Dynasty was extremely weak now, the centipede insect was still alive. To swallow this behemoth, he needed to make a lot of preparations. First of all, the military strength was not enough, although it was greatly expanded.
The Liao Kingdom surrendered its troops, but it was still not enough. In fact, Wanyan Aguda was not worried about this. In addition to forcibly recruiting young men and women to join the army in Liaoyang and Dading, he also asked the tribal chiefs to provide 100,000 soldiers and horses.
Command by yourself. The tribal chiefs are not fools. They know that the soldiers and horses of the Liao Kingdom will be cannon fodder if they are handed over to Wanyan Agu, and he will not cherish them at all. So Brother Mengsa and others once again went with Wanyan Agu.
During the negotiations, it was proposed that the Liao and Jurchens jointly send troops to attack. The reason was that if the command of the Liao army was handed over to the Jurchens, I was afraid that the soldiers would be dissatisfied and the command would be ineffective, which would affect major events.
Wanyan Agu naturally understood what these guys were planning. They wanted to follow him to gain advantage. Wanyan Agu naturally refused to let them take advantage of him. His condition was that he could allow them to follow him to send troops.
, but they must be responsible for resisting the troops and horses in the northwest of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and they are responsible for attacking the troops and horses in the northeastern town of the Great Zhou Dynasty. On the surface, there are nearly 400,000 soldiers and horses in the northeastern town of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
It is the main force of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but in fact Wanyan Agu understands that the Great Zhou army in the northwest is the powerful enemy. Let Brother Meng Sa and the others fight with that hard nut to buy time for themselves. They win.
It's best to win, and it doesn't matter if you lose. As long as you can hold back the troops in the northwest, you can quickly reach the capital of Zhou Dynasty. By then, everything will be settled.
After all, Brother Mengsa and others were still a little ignorant. These guys who were the emperors of the grassland tribes still had a poor control over the situation. They thought they had taken advantage, so they readily agreed to this condition. They also began to expand their troops.
.
By the end of July, Wanyan Aguda's troops had expanded to 250,000. Among them, 100,000 were forcibly recruited infantry and 150,000 were the main cavalry. Meng Sage and others also quickly expanded the number of tribal troops.
To 200,000. They even recruited fourteen or fifteen-year-old children from the grassland into the army, because they did not need to train in riding and archery, and they could fight after being organized.
The problem of military strength has basically been solved. The combined strength of the two parties has reached 450,000. This is already a force size that can completely destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty. But this is not enough.
Wanyan Agu knew very well that the reason why the Jurchen cavalry had been able to win consecutively before was because of sneak attacks, ambush, surprise and mobility. But to attack the Great Zhou Dynasty, relying on these is completely insufficient. This time it will be an open and honest attack, and it must be frontal.
To engage in battle, we need to siege the city. The Jurchen cavalry's previous fighting style may not be possible. The Jurchen army does not even have armor, and all they hold are crude weapons. The problem of armor and weapons must be solved, as well as the problem of siege.
The question of weapons.
Relying on the captured armor and the armor obtained from the Liao people is not enough. In fact, the Liao Kingdom is almost empty now. Their own soldiers and horses do not have enough armor and weapons. If they take them all from their hands,
, then their soldiers and horses would be vulnerable. Destroying the east wall to repair the west wall is not an option.
Someone told Wanyan Aguda that the land in Liaodong they occupied was where the largest iron ore mine in the Liao Kingdom was located. Due to the slow mining process, the output was not large. At this time, how could we waste natural resources and just step up mining?
Wanyan Agu was deeply convinced, so he recruited tens of thousands of people from Liaodong and Zhongjing in the name of Yelv Chun to mine iron ore and smelt refined iron. At this time, iron ore mining relied entirely on manual mining, and the veins were deep
To bury it underground, you have to dig out the mines and use manpower to carry out baskets of ore. This type of iron ore that is mined and transported entirely by manpower is extremely difficult and dangerous. You will be crushed to death from exhaustion.
Secondly, mines often collapsed, and all the workers in the mines were buried alive. Wanyan Agu didn't care about this. In order to speed up the process, he ordered the miners to dig deep veins, and more than 50 mines were opened within a month.
Mines. Because all that was needed was speed, the wooden frames that fixed the mines were carelessly constructed. As a result, within a month of mining, ten mines collapsed, and more than 2,000 miners were buried alive inside. In addition,
In addition, there are endless cases of being drowned by the water coming out of it, being poisoned by poison gas, and being stoned to death. The entire mine is shrouded in an atmosphere of terror, and the mine is like a man-eating devil. The miners are completely
I don’t know if there will be a chance to see the sun again after I go down.
Some absentees launched a rebellion and were brutally suppressed by Hulu, who was in charge of mining matters. Hundreds of people protested.
All the absentees who were involved in the incident had their Tianling Caps smashed with maces, and their bodies were hung on wooden pillars around the mine for public display. Such cruel methods left the absentees with no courage to resist anymore, and they could only support themselves bitterly.
Wanyan Aguda only wants iron ore, and nothing else is important. In his eyes, the lives of Liao people are as cheap as pigs and dogs. If they die, they can be dragged away by force. If the mine collapses, then they can dig it. Iron ore must be
Dig it out as soon as possible and dig enough.
He set up an earthen blast furnace to smelt refined iron in the wilderness northwest of Liaoyang City. People who were proficient in smelting technology from all over Liao and from Dazhou smelted iron day and night. On the road from the mine to the smelting site, there were many people coming and going.
There was an endless stream of carriages and horses. In just one month, more than 50,000 kilograms of refined iron was smelted. The speed was extremely astonishing.
At the end of July, Wanyan Agu was quite satisfied with this when he went to inspect it. Looking at the black iron ingots that were smelted, Wanyan Agu burst into laughter. These will soon be transformed into weapons, armor, and arrows.
The main components of weapons and siege equipment will become the bargaining chips for him to go south to attack the Great Zhou Dynasty. However, each layer of smelted iron ingots is attached to the souls and blood and tears of those who died and were absent from work.
The result of human life.
A large amount of refined iron was mined and smelted, and the upgrading of weapons and armor also began rapidly. Solving the protection problem of soldiers and replacing the not-sharp crescent knives is no longer a problem. Most of the crescent knives used by Jurchens are
It is made of cast iron and is extremely rough. On the battlefield, the problem of the crescent knife breaking directly during the battle may even occur. This is actually a problem of texture and forging process. Now that there are many craftsmen who are proficient in smelting, this problem
It will be solved quickly. In addition, Wanyan Aguda also encouraged everyone not to rely on a single weapon. Weapons such as maces, Liao people's scimitars and Zhou Dynasty's long knives and spears each have their own advantages.
, you may not necessarily cling to the crescent knife. The crescent knife is actually a multi-functional tool created by the Jurchens after long-term practice for the convenience of hunting in the woods. However, there are still disadvantages in using it simply on the battlefield.
It is not small. In addition to its bulky appearance, it is also too short. It is extremely inconvenient to use for slashing and killing. It is suitable for throwing, turning and close combat. But if it is a head-on battle with the Dazhou soldiers and horses, I am afraid it will still be
Not as good as Changdao Ruyi.
It can be said that Wanyan Agu was racking his brains to improve the combat effectiveness of the Jurchen army, taking into account all aspects of factors to improve and improve. He even posted notices to recruit talents, recruiting talented people to advise him and contribute to his army construction
good idea.
One day in early August, a middle-aged man with an unattractive appearance came to Liaoyang Mansion and asked to see Wanyan Aguda. This man was from the Zhou Dynasty and a hermit living in the mountains. His name was Li Guoqiu. Wanyan Aguda received him.
He wanted to hear what abilities this man had. Chen Zhichou talked eloquently in front of Wanyan Aguda.
He told Wanyan Agu that the Jurchen cavalry was mainly light cavalry. Although they were invincible in surprise attacks, they lacked heavy armored cavalry to break through the frontal formation. He told Wanyan Agu that the Zhou soldiers and horses now have large shields and spears.
The formation, the horse-rejecting chariot formation, and other various formations specifically designed to deal with cavalry charges. Relying on the impact of the cavalry to attack the infantry formations no longer has the ability to crush the infantry formations, so changes must be made. Otherwise, it will be a field battle.
There is no guarantee that the cavalry will win.
The large shield and spear formation is actually a formation in which a large number of spearmen are protected by shields and stab the attacking cavalry. Under the protection of the shield and the thrust of the spears that are more than two feet long, the attacking cavalry rushes
In front of the infantry formation, it is like a tiger encountering a hedgehog, with nowhere to bite. The Juma Iron Chariot Formation is a formation recently practiced by the Zhou army. It uses tall and stable Juma-shaped iron chariots as a barrier on the outside of the formation. Those who
There are columnar spikes about a foot long on the outer shell of the iron cart, and the whole cart is like a big hedgehog. When the cavalry charges, these iron carts are linked together with iron chains, and the lower part is fixed to the ground with iron solders to form a line of iron spikes.
The horse is a barrier. The infantry can shoot arrows without having to worry about the opponent's cavalry rushing into the formation.
Li Guoqiu said that if the Jurchen army did not change the ratio of its troops and still thought that their cavalry was invincible, they would suffer heavy losses. Even in a face-to-face charge, the Zhou cavalry was not afraid of the Jurchen cavalry because the Jurchen cavalry was invincible.
The armor and weapons of Zhou's soldiers and horses are more sophisticated, and it is still unclear who will win.
These words made Wanyan Aguda's heart pound. What Chen Zhichou was talking about was exactly what he was worried about. He had also heard about these Zhou's infantry formations. Although he had never fought against them in person, it was obvious that he could not ignore them.
After listening to Li Guochou's detailed explanation, his heart suddenly became a little frightened. It was not fear, but worry that it was impossible to break.
What makes Wanyan Aguda feel even more strange is that Li Guochou talks about the confrontation between the Jurchens and the Zhou soldiers and horses, as if he knows that he is going to attack the Zhou Dynasty. In fact, this matter is still classified.
, except for Brother Meng Sa and others, only he and the senior generals around him knew his intentions. No news was released to the outside world. On the contrary, Wanyan Agu and the Liao court also extended an olive branch to Dazhou.
, invited the envoys of the Great Zhou Dynasty to conclude a peace agreement on friendly coexistence among the three parties in Xijin Mansion, indicating that the internal disputes in the Liao Kingdom were over, and the three parties would coexist peacefully and non-aggression from each other from then on.
This was of course a delaying tactic, designed to paralyze and fool the Zhou court and make them lose their vigilance. It is unlikely that his intentions were
It was known to the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty, even if they knew that they were mining iron ore to expand their troops, they would not think it was against them, because Wanyan Agu played a little trick and deliberately exposed some gossip to the envoys of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Knowing that, he hinted that he was going to attack Yelvchun's side. He also asked Meng Sa Ge and others to send out the same hint message, creating an illusion that the Jurchens and Liao people were still hostile to each other, and that a war was likely to break out. This illusion
This can perfectly deceive the Zhou court, making them think that they can sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, and sit back and relax. The current military expansion of oneself and the Liao Kingdom can be understood by the Zhou people as an arms competition between the two sides.
They are all directed at each other.
It is impossible for anyone to know all the inside story. He and the generals close to him will not tell it, and Meng Sa Ge and the others are even less likely to tell it.
When Wanyan Aguda directly asked Li Guoqiu why he wanted to use Dazhou as the imaginary enemy of the Jurchen soldiers and horses, Li Guoqiu laughed endlessly.
"What kind of person is Chief Wanyan? He is a proud man of heaven. How can he be partial to one corner and not make contributions? Today, the Liao Kingdom and the Great Zhou Dynasty are already in a state of turmoil. With a great hero like Chief Wanyan,
How could he miss such a good opportunity? The chief is busy with his troops at the moment. Could it be that he is going hunting in Changbai Mountain?"
Wanyan Agu burst out laughing. These words made him feel very comfortable, but he also saw the world situation very clearly and seemed to be a sensible person.
After chatting for a few more words, I found that Li Guoqiu, who looked ordinary and wore ordinary clothes, seemed to have a different temperament. Wanyan Agu wanted to ask clearly. After all, this person came from Dazhou. If he didn't know his identity, he didn't dare to
With him, Li Guoqiu did not conceal his identity and told him frankly.
"To be honest, I am a descendant of the royal family of the Southern Tang Dynasty. At that time, our Southern Tang Kingdom was destroyed by the Great Zhou Dynasty. Our king was deceived by the Great Zhou Emperor to come to Bianliang, and he was poisoned three years later, and the queen was also occupied by the Great Zhou Emperor. Since then,
How can we forget the hatred of destroying the country, the hatred of killing the king, and the humiliation of taking away the queen? After the destruction of our country in the Southern Tang Dynasty, some of the descendants of the royal family had a chance to escape and hid in the mountains. More than a hundred years have passed, but the descendants of the Li family have not forgotten it.
This hatred. All of my descendants of the Li family have the word "hate" in their names, that is, they must not forget the hatred of the destruction of the country and the destruction of the family. I have read many books and studied the art of war since I was a child, and I am always ready to go out to destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The Li family of the Southern Tang Dynasty has declined, and we have no ability to destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty and take revenge. Therefore, what we are looking for is a strong and capable lord of the world to assist us. To put it bluntly, we hope that we can destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty and repay our Li family of the Southern Tang Dynasty.
In the past few years, we have observed the general trend of the world and determined that Chief Wanyan will be the future lord of the world, so I came. Not only to help Chief Wanyan, but also to avenge the Li family of the Southern Tang Dynasty.
.”
Wanyan Aguda suddenly realized that this person was a descendant of the royal family of the Southern Tang Dynasty. The Southern Tang Dynasty was destroyed by the Great Zhou Dynasty, and his descendants of the royal family had been hiding in hiding for more than a hundred years. The remaining people were thinking of revenge. When the Great Zhou Dynasty was in turmoil, they emerged.
Here he comes. In this way, this person is available, as long as he has real skills. This person said that he is well-read and familiar with military books, and he fights against the people of the Zhou Dynasty. This is what he needs to understand the people and the situation of the Zhou Dynasty.
, someone who understands the way of fighting and thinking of the Zhou people comes to help you.
"I want to ask, don't you southerners always hate our northern tribes? Even if you have hatred for the country and family in the Zhou Dynasty, you should not come to help me. You can definitely help the rebellious talents in the Zhou Dynasty.
Yes." Wanyan Aguda looked at Li Guoqiu and asked.
Li Guoqiu smiled casually and said: "Big Chief, I, the Li family, do not have such narrow-minded ideas. Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, the north and south have been part of the same country. What are the differences between ethnic groups? The world is in panic, and the virtuous and talented people live there.
If Qin loses its deer, the whole world can chase it away. I, the Li family, will not take this seriously. Whoever is the son of the true destiny, and whoever can destroy the Zhou Dynasty to avenge my Li family, we will help him. It's that simple.
As for the rebel army within the Great Zhou Dynasty, I guess the big leader is talking about the soldiers and horses in Funiu Mountain. We will not help them, because they only rebel against Guo Xu, not against the Great Zhou Dynasty. They have conquered the world, and the world is still
What does it mean to call them Dazhou? They are actually a group. If you don’t believe it, the big leader will understand when he attacks Dazhou in the future. They will definitely fight against the big leader. They are the ones who regard the big leader as a foreign race.
Woolen cloth."
Wanyan Aguda nodded slightly. Li Guoqiu spoke very frankly and without any pretense. A person who exposes his purpose directly in front of you can be said to be frank. He bluntly said that he only wanted to destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty.
, regardless of other things, although it is paranoid, it is also in line with the purpose of their behavior that they have tolerated until now.
"Just now you talked about a lot of the shortcomings of my Jurchen army, but do you have any good suggestions for my Jurchen army?" Wanyan Agu asked with a big smile.
"Of course, I'm here to offer suggestions. The first suggestion is to transform the cavalry under the chief. I have a graphic album here for the chief to review. If he thinks it is feasible, the chief can ask me about the specific details.
I'm not here to eat and drink. If the leader feels that I'm not capable, I'll leave immediately." Then Li Guoqiu took out a pamphlet and presented it to him.
Wanyan Aguda opened the booklet. It was full of pictures and texts, describing a military unit that Wanyan Aguda had never seen before. When Wanyan Aguda turned over the pages, he couldn't help but laugh loudly and marveled.
