He Huchen's eyes were solemn, staring at the thick walls of Linqing City in front of him. Before dawn, the top of the city was as dark as a ghost, and his fists were almost filled with water.
After biting his lip for a while, He Huchen took out the telescope from his waist and pointed it straight ahead, slowly adjusting the rotation to make it in the best condition.
Looking at the tall city walls, the flickering lanterns on the walls, and the soldiers popping up from time to time, He Huchen understood that it might not be that easy to make a sneak attack.
But I don’t have much time for myself.
His army has crossed Mingdukou in the southeast of Qinghe County.
This is where the Yellow River burst its banks during the reign of Emperor Yuan of the Han Dynasty. Feng Kui, the captain of the Qinghe River during the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, once advised the Gutunshi River to be diverted, but was rejected. Later, the Yellow River burst its banks again, annihilating this area of several counties, creating a tragic situation of no man's land.
But now this area has become a densely populated area, with Solu water flowing through it, which is quite fertile.
Further east, it is very easy to be discovered by the Datong Army's scouting horses. Even if they are hiding in the Mingdukou area, tens of thousands of horses can hide for two or three days. Once discovered, I am afraid that Sun Shaozu will
It would be even more difficult if they realized their intentions and quickly sent reinforcements south.
This battle is very difficult to fight.
Because Sun Shaozu was very cautious, even if You Shilu captured the old city and threatened Wucheng, Sun Shaozu only mobilized soldiers and horses from Wucheng and Dezhou for reinforcements, and basically did not mobilize the Linqing garrison.
This means that there are still nearly 10,000 troops stationed in Linqing City, and they are all Datong troops. In contrast, Dongchang Fucheng in the south has less than 5,000 troops. This is enough to show that Sun Shaozu is shrewd and would rather put what seems to be
The more important Dongchang Fucheng was evacuated, but the defense of Linqing Prefecture was not relaxed.
If nothing unexpected happens, it can be said that it will be very difficult to defeat Linqing City if only Yang Zhaoji and himself are to attack it.
Even if it can be defeated, I am afraid that the losses will be extremely heavy, not to mention not saving one out of ten, at least half of it will be lost.
But for himself and Yang Zhaoji, this battle has to be fought.
You Shilu fought very bravely and brilliantly in the north. After taking the ancient city, he was met with a crazy counterattack by Sun Shaozu. The two sides launched a fierce attack and defense between the ancient city, Wucheng and Dezhou. After half a month, both sides suffered extremely heavy casualties.
Tragic.
Sun Chengzong had only one order, which was to use the Jizhen Army to firmly attract the Datong Army on the Dezhou and Wucheng lines, weaken the Datong Army on the Linqing and Dongchang Prefecture lines to the maximum extent, and prepare for his side to capture Linqing Prefecture.
bedding.
It should be said that You Shilu's aggressive attack at all costs was achieved, but it is said that the relationship between Sun Chengzong and You Shilu deteriorated sharply. You Shilu even wrote to the Ministry of War, accusing Sun Chengzong of being a strategist and a scholar, and that he was not worthy of his responsibilities.
Linqing is one of the most important cities in the Shandong section of the entire canal. Its strategic location may not be as important as Dezhou and Jining, but it is because it connects the Huitong River (canal) and the Wei River, and is right between Beizhi and Shandong
Due to the special geographical location of the junction, commerce is particularly developed, radiating to the entire east of Shandong and the south of Shuntian Prefecture and Guangping Prefecture. It is the most important material distribution center in Shandong. The significance of taking this place is obvious.
Especially now that Xia Town in the south has been captured by the Northwest Army and the canal transportation has been interrupted, and the Datong Army and the Xuanfu Army need to collect considerable supplies from Shandong along the canal, the importance of Linqing Prefecture has become highlighted.
Mr. Feng also mentioned that this battle must be fought with great momentum, either Dezhou, Dongchangfu, or Linqing. These are the only three places to choose from.
Dongchang Mansion was too far south, and there were garrisons in Yanggu and Tangyi to protect it, so it was simply abandoned, leaving only Dezhou and Linqing.
To attack Dezhou, it was almost a forceful attack, without any tricks at all, and it was easy to form a duel between the two sides. And this kind of offensive and defensive duel, when the defenders had the support of the canal, it was difficult for the attacking side to take advantage.
Then the only option is actually Linqing Prefecture.
Linqing Prefecture is naturally also the focus of the Datong Army's defense, but compared to Dezhou's soldiers pressing down on the border, its defense is certainly not as heavy as Dezhou's. This is our own opportunity.
But this opportunity may also come at the expense of countless soldiers.
But even so, if he can't win by surprise, then he and Yang Zhaoji may not be able to win even if they try to save their lives. This is what He Huchen is most worried about.
"Sir?" The soldiers around him were a little anxious when they saw that the sky was getting brighter. This was too close to Linqing Prefecture City. Once noticed by the enemy, they would not even have a chance to escape.
"I know, have they come back?" He Huchen asked in a deep voice.
"I'm afraid it will take some time. The Longjing Lieutenant's spies and the Criminal Department's informants in the city belong to different parties. One is in the west of the city and the other is in the south of the city. It will take half an hour for our people to get on the line, and the distance is not close.
"The soldier lowered his voice: "How about we retreat to Dafu first, where the trees are tall and the grass is dense, making it easier to hide..."
Dafu is in the north of the city, not too far away. He Huchen thought for a moment before nodding. If he couldn't get accurate information from the Longjing Lieutenant and the Ministry of Punishment in the city, he would never feel at ease. If he really wanted to attack hard, what would he have to pay?
The price is too high.
Luo Dingbiao returned to his mansion with a gloomy expression. This was a large mansion not far from Bixia Palace and not far from Dongshui Gate. His unit was stationed not far from Dongshui Gate.
Several soldiers followed behind him and filed in, and the door was quickly closed.
"Sir, the people from the Feng family are already waiting." The soldier whispered.
Luo Dingbiao took a deep breath and waved his hand, indicating to the soldiers to go down first. He still had to think about it.
Sun Shaozu didn't treat him too kindly, but he didn't treat him badly either. After all, he was not his direct descendant, so it was not easy to do this.
There are three troops stationed in Linqing City: one is stationed in the east and south, one is stationed in the west and north, and the other is slightly less powerful and serves as a reserve force.
Luo Dingbiao also knew very well that even among the 3,000 people in his unit, Sun Shaozu had placed his people, or that he had bribed his subordinates, but it was difficult for Luo Dingbiao to find out who was bribed.
Everyone is suspicious, everyone is possible, and even Sun Shaozu didn't hide it too much. Perhaps he was using this method to hint and remind himself to prevent himself from having different intentions or having other intentions.
But there was a lot of urgency outside, and people in the city came from time to time to deliver news, which made Luo Dingbiao have a little doubt about whether he could hold Linqing City.
The longer this drags on, the more incompetent and furious it becomes on the Nanjing side. Even the weapons and food provided have been replenished on the spot by soldiers. However, the situation in Linqing is slightly better, but it is not optimistic.
The imperial court has deep roots in Shandong. Although the army controls the city, they can still find them through various channels anytime and anywhere.
If he had not had much contact with the Feng Duan family on the surface, he would not have been left to defend Linqing City.
Linqing is the hometown of the Feng family, and the Feng family is also a big family in Linqing. However, the Feng Tang lineage has a small number of people. The Feng family in and outside Linqing City are mostly distant branches.
But regardless of whether it is a distant branch or not, the Feng clan members are now secretly coming to the door through various methods, and the purpose and intention are obvious.
Luo Dingbiao naturally couldn't refuse, but he wouldn't believe anyone easily, even if it was the Feng family.
Sun Shaozu had a tight grip on this army. It was hard to tell who his confidants were and who were secretly connected with him. This was what Luo Dingbiao was most worried about.
The delay could no longer go on. At this time, the Feng family came directly to the door. It was obviously the last moment. There must be enemy traces outside Linqing City, but it was unclear how many people came.
Zhu Yunqi, who was responsible for the defense of the entire Linqing City, was Sun Shaozu's confidant. He was also very suspicious and took a very close look at himself. If the Feng family had not had deep connections in the city, they would not have been able to transfer ownership and enter his house so easily.
It's time to make a decision. Luo Dingbiao sighed. This decision will make his thoughts reach heaven and earth.
"Invite him in."
The person who comes every time is not the same person, but he has the seal left by the Feng family, which is enough to believe him.
"Lord Luo, this is the last time we meet. If Lord Luo still can't decide, then let this matter end." The visitor got straight to the point and made it clear: "The imperial army will launch an offensive against Linqing in the near future. If you still can't decide now,
If I can’t decide, I’m afraid I won’t have a chance.”
Luo Dingbiao looked at the other party steadily, but the other party was very indifferent and said to himself: "I just brought the message, and the task brought to me will be completed. If you are interested, then let me spread the news. If
No intention, I turned around and left."
Luo Dingbiao was silent for a long time, then he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "What should I do?"
"My lord has decided?" The other party was not surprised. There were only two outcomes, either do it or not do it. It was as simple as that. Luo Dingbiao just chose the one with a greater possibility.
"Decided."
"Well, tomorrow the army will arrive at the city and launch an attack. How about the ugly hour and three quarters in two days? Open the Binyang Gate,..." the other party made a request.
Luo Dingbiao hesitated for a while and shook his head, "Binyang Gate is the focus of Zhu Yunqi's guarding. With his own soldiers watching, I'm afraid it will be difficult to succeed..."
"Then you have to choose a breakthrough, right? Dongshui Gate?" The visitor was obviously very familiar with the situation in Linqing City. "Dongshui Gate needs a pontoon, and the sluice can easily be blocked..."
"Just the Dongshui Gate!" Luo Dingbiao gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind, "My people can only fully control the Dongshui Gate. As for the pontoon, that's simple. There are many rafts over there in the lumber market. I'll arrange for people to prepare some.
If you put it down at that time, you can come in along the water gate. After entering, you can take the Binyang Gate to the north and the Jingdai Gate to the south. It depends on the situation."