On the second day of the first lunar month, Nanguan Town.
There was a heavy snowstorm in the first two days, and Dou Gui and Wen Yanbo were anxious. On the second day of the second day of the new year, when the snow stopped, they couldn't wait to rush to Nanguan Town from the rear army.
"Where is Duke Zhao?"
Huaiyang King Li Daoxuan, who was responsible for staying in Nanguan Town, had his cheeks bulging, "Still in that city..."
Wen Yanbo was extremely surprised, "Did you win that city?"
Seeing Li Daoxuan shake his head, Dou Gui's eyes almost fell out, "Is Su Dingfang setting up camp in the snow?"
Seeing that Li Daoxuan remained silent, Dou Gui clicked his tongue and said, "Su Dingfang is really not afraid of rebellion among his subordinates!"
Dou Gui believed that he was strict in running the army, but he did not dare to do such a thing. It was such a cold day, the wind and snow were so heavy, it was impossible to launch an offensive, but he camped in the snow. The only disadvantage was that the whole army would be in chaos.
Although Wen Yanbo was not good at military strategy, he still knew the importance and asked in a low voice: "The generals have no complaints?"
How could it not be... Li Daoxuan smacked his lips, "Zhao Guogong tried his best to comfort him, but most of the generals already knew the inside story."
Speaking of this, Wen Yanbo sighed, "I don't know..."
There was a heavy snowstorm that day. Dou Gui and Wen Yanbo knew something was wrong and immediately sent people to search... In their opinion, the plan to sneak attack Xiaoguan had been aborted. Even if they wanted to sneak attack, they would have to change the time.
Unfortunately, no one could be found. Only four of the five teams sent out came back, and one team was completely wiped out in the wind and snow.
Now Dou Gui and Wen Yanbo had to adopt a pessimistic attitude. If Su Dingfang was not a direct descendant of Li Shan, they would probably be forced to withdraw their troops... As far as the current situation is concerned, it is no longer possible to capture Guyuan.
Dou Gui silently thought in his heart, if Li Huairen died in the snow, if he didn't say whether he won or lost the battle, he would only be shaken in the middle of the court... Now there is no need to emphasize Li Shan's importance anymore. He was the strongest among the Tang army north of the Yellow River. A famous general with great prestige and outstanding military exploits.
Li Shan's death alone is enough to shock the government and the public, but the more critical point is that by that time, His Majesty will have to go into battle as King of Qin, unless Li Jing, the acting Duke, is transferred from Daizhou.
Once the King of Qin goes into battle, the East Palace will surely be in ruins... The seizure of the rightful son in the imperial court will probably be extremely tragic.
Dou Gui had to consider this situation. Once the King of Qin led the army and he was the deputy commander, he would definitely be regarded as a member of the King of Qin... After all, he was the deputy of his nephew during the battle of Baibi in the early years.
What Dou Gui wanted, Li Daoxuan also wanted, but he was more concerned about whether Li Shan had the possibility of survival. There was a heavy snowstorm that day, and he once suggested sending a partial force to attack Pingfeng Town on the north side. Even if it could not be conquered, it could be bypassed. Going all the way north from Pingfeng Town, there may be a chance to find traces of Li Shan and his party, and he may even ask to lead the army.
However, this suggestion was rejected by Su Dingfang, who even sent Li Daoxuan back to take charge of Nanguan Town. He led two thousand Tang troops to camp not far from the east side of the city, until now.
Wen Yanbo didn't think too much. He only asked whether the various supplies sent up were enough. The army set up camp on the snow. With such a heavy snowstorm, even the tents could not withstand the strong wind.
Li Daoxuan also admitted that this was the most troublesome thing. At first, the Tang army's tents were constantly blown down by strong winds. Later, Su Dingfang had to lead the army to change camps and chose a mountainous area. Although it was difficult to escape the heavy snow, he could shelter somewhat in the mountains. The northwest wind blows.
As for other heating materials such as firewood, there is no shortage, but even so, in the past few days, soldiers who could not bear the frostbite were sent back to Nanguan Town every day.
Wen Yanbo frowned tightly and couldn't help complaining: "Why does Duke Zhao have to stay around that city?"
Dou Gui and Li Daoxuan looked at each other. They both knew the inside story and were familiar with military strategies, so they naturally knew what was going on. The latter explained a few words softly.
If there hadn't been this snowstorm, Su Dingfang would have stayed around the city to respond to Li Shan who might have taken Xiaoguan, but now with this big snowstorm... If Li Shan had taken Xiaoguan and sent troops south, Su Dingfang But he has already withdrawn his troops, so fucked.
Once Su Dingfang returns to Nanguan Town, considering the current climate where the wind and snow have stopped, Liang Jun may not send troops to attack Nanguan Town, but he will definitely regain most of the fortresses between that city and Nanguan Town... In this way As a result, the connection between Li Shan and Su Dingfang will be completely severed.
At that time, the reason why Li Shan sent Su Dingfang to lead the front army to approach the city was, on the one hand, to attract Liang Luoren's attention, and on the other hand, to get in touch as soon as possible after taking Xiaoguan.
If Su Dingfang chooses to retreat, there are many mountain passes. Even if the messenger wants to climb here alone, he may not be able to do it... Although the wind and snow have stopped now, the snow in the mountains is still very thick, making it difficult to trek.
Therefore, even if Su Dingfang knew that the soldiers were complaining and the generals were dissatisfied, he insisted on not retreating and personally led his troops to take root not far from the east side of the city.
After hearing Li Daoxuan's explanation, Wen Yanbo couldn't help blurting out, "If Huairen fails to capture Xiaoguan..."
Wen Yanbo suddenly stopped talking in the middle of the sentence, and Li Daoxuan's face turned dark. Everyone knew that if Li Shan failed to win Xiaoguan, there would only be two possibilities. He would be defeated by Liang Jun after arriving at Xiaoguan. Or failed to reach Xiaoguan.
But failing to reach Xiaoguan is the same as dying in the wind and snow.
Dou Gui said softly: "Huairen's journey was dangerous, but judging from his years of fighting, there were many dangerous things, but in the end he returned home victorious."
"What Mr. Dou said is true." Li Daoxuan cheered up, "Today I have sent out men, one hundred men per team, a total of six teams to go north..."
In general, Li Daoxuan did not expect his close friend to break through Xiao Pass, but only hoped to find Li Shan who might be hiding from the snow somewhere.
At this moment, on the hilltop seven or eight miles away on the east side of the city, surrounded by dozens of guards, seven or eight generals were looking at the city. Some were staring at the city, thinking about whether it was possible to storm the city, but more People are looking to the north.
Now everyone already knows where the King of Handan has gone. Otherwise, Su Dingfang can't suppress the situation. After all, although he has the title of Duke, his qualifications are here. To put it bluntly, Su Dingfang's status in the Tang Dynasty is the same as that of Li Goodness is closely related.
Everyone admired the king's determination and courage, but not everyone agreed with Li Shan's choice. Zhang Shigui privately criticized Su Dingfang for failing to dissuade him, while the old and strong Ningzhou governor Hu Yan publicly criticized Su Dingfang for failing to dissuade him. Complaints... one is complaining about Li Shan, the second is complaining about Su Dingfang, and the third is complaining about not being able to accompany him.
"There was such a heavy snowstorm the past few days..." Duan Zhixuan from behind muttered, "I'm afraid I'm going to die."
Feng Li coughed slightly and gave him a warning look. The two were the prince and King Qin's confidants respectively, but during this expedition, they had helped each other many times, and their friendship became stronger and stronger.
Duan Zhixuan wanted to say something else, but Xue Wanche in front of him turned around and glared fiercely, scolding: "Back then, when Guji Town was in a desperate situation, it was possible to turn defeat into victory..."
Before he finished speaking, there was a commotion among the guards around him. Su Dingfang, who was standing at the front, frowned and looked sideways, only to see several guards walking towards a young man covered in mud and snow.
Xue Wanche was overjoyed, "Huangfuzhong is back!"
(End of chapter)
