As Ji Kui's cavalry brigade fled, a gap suddenly opened in the right wing of Lou Fan's army. The right wing defense line could no longer withstand the momentum of Zhao's cavalry and gradually collapsed towards the surrounding battlefield.
The enemy's cavalry brigade, which originally surrounded Zhao's main formation, gradually found loopholes due to the loss of Ji Kui's thousands of cavalry, and was immediately dispersed by Zhao's cavalry.
Without the enemy's cavalry attack, the left route army where Lou Huan's troops were located immediately formed a square formation and approached Li Tong's troops where the central valley entrance was.
Seeing the situation, Wang Jibo of Loufan quickly ordered his cavalry to stop them. If the two Zhao armies were allowed to join together, Loufan's cavalry would completely lose their advantage.
But it was obvious that his movements were too slow, and there was already a gap in the interception circle.
The infantry formations on both sides of the enemy and ours are getting closer and closer, the crossbowmen have retreated, the sword and shield soldiers are on both sides, and the spearmen in the front are holding their spears flat, following closely behind, slowly advancing towards the opposite side.
The soldiers met at short range, and the shields hit each other. The two sides immediately took long swords and scimitars and stabbed into the gaps in the shields. The spearmen at the rear raised their spears high above their shoulders, knocking the opponent's weapons while slowing down. Push forward slowly.
The gap between the two sides' formations has been filled with countless swords and spears.
The screams one after another resounded in people's ears. Zhao Jun's armor and stomach defenses were more comprehensive, and their weapons were longer. The spearmen in the front row continued to fight, and people on both sides continued to fall.
On the left side of the formation, a group of Loufan cavalry shouted "wu la la la" and rushed towards the square formation with scimitars in hand, intending to use their horsepower to disrupt Zhao Jun's formation. The sword-and-shield soldiers guarding the outside looked at him with stern eyes, and then raised their shields high.
Zhao Jun's chariots wandering on both sides of the infantry formation roared towards the opponent. The halberdiers on the chariots swung their weapons heavily at the enemy cavalry.
On the right front side of the Zhao army's formation, there were loud shouts of killing, and Li Tong's sword, shield, and halberd soldiers immediately started fighting with Lou Fan's infantry formation. Li Tong, who was at the mouth of the valley, saw that Zhao Yong was unimpeded, and he immediately dispersed his army in a horizontal line, with the mouth of the valley as the center, and approached the gentle part of the building.
Loufan's army, which had lost its cavalry advantage, could no longer form an encirclement advantage against the scattered Zhao army. The situation on the entire battlefield also gradually changed, and it began to be gradually dominated by Zhao Jun.
The battle intensified, and people from both sides joined in the fight one after another, but neither the enemy nor we seemed able to expand the scale of the battle. In addition to the restrictions of the terrain, the dark night can also calm people down.
*
As the sun goes down, the optical fiber becomes darker and darker, and the scene that both the enemy and ourselves can see becomes more and more confusing, and both sides involuntarily withdraw their troops.
The dark night is extremely unfavorable for generals to manage their soldiers, and the battle situation will often develop in a direction that is unfavorable to them, so neither Zhao Guo nor Lou Fan are willing to continue fighting at night.
On the darkened earth, a few sporadic fires could still be seen not far away, which were the remaining fires of the burning chariots. The cool and clear wind blew through the battlefield, vaguely mixed with the smell of fish, grass ash and other smells.
Thick fog quietly filled the air, once again covering the mess and countless corpses on the ground. The fighting stopped, and the temporarily retreating troops, like wild beasts, began to silently lick their wounds and make new preparations for the next brutal struggle.
Zhao Yong ordered a partial army to retreat to the mouth of Beilu Valley again. The remaining scattered troops gathered towards his central army, arranged in a circle, and set up camp again in the open space with flat terrain.
Zhao Yong and his cavalry brigade had just returned to the camp when they met Zhao Cheng and Fei Yi who were waiting anxiously in front of the camp.
The two of them were also wearing armor at this time. When they saw the king returning to camp, they quickly came forward to greet him and bowed heavily.
During the daytime battle, Zhao Yong defied all opinions and personally led the new army into battle to support the declining forces of Lou Yan and Li Tong on the east and west wings. Although they were protected by heavy troops, the two of them were still worried. When they saw that Zhao Yong had returned safely, the two of them finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
Zhao Yong took off his visor, saluted him on horseback, and said tiredly: "I have nothing to do. Uncle Wang and Master Fei are worried. If there is anything else, let's go back to the camp and discuss it first."
"Here!" the two replied.
In the sleeping tent, Zhao Yong took off his heavy armor with difficulty with the help of the eunuch. Sweat had soaked through his body. After several hours of high-intensity fighting, coupled with the constant tension, Zhao Yong was now I just feel physically and mentally exhausted, my arms are sore, and my legs are shaking slightly.
But his brain still kept reminding him that he couldn't rest yet.
Although Zhao Jun won today's battle, it did not completely defeat Lou Fan's army, and Lou Fan's army was much tougher than he thought.
If Loufan's army, which is dominated by cavalry, escapes, Zhao's infantry and chariots will not be able to catch up. Moreover, this time the battle was in a narrow valley. Zhao State had the upper hand, and Loufan's cavalry formation could not be deployed. If it were on a plain or grassland, it was still unclear who would win and who would lose in this battle.
However, the results of this battle were also fruitful. Loufan's right wing was basically eaten by the Zhao army, and the only infantry regiment was almost completely wiped out by Zhao. If Loufan's left wing and center army were not almost all cavalry, Liufan would have been defeated. If you do it quickly, you won't get many benefits even if you think about it.
Zhao Yong drank a glass of water, breathed a long sigh of relief, turned to Chen Zhong and asked, "Have Lou Huan and Li Tong returned to camp?"
"The generals are already at the meeting waiting for the king." Chen Zhong replied truthfully.
Zhao Yong immediately stood up, touched his forehead with a silk scarf dipped in water, then walked out of the bedroom door and headed for the tentative meeting place not far away.
From time to time, several painful groans could be heard in the camp, and the doctors patrolling the camp came in and out of the special medical tent.
This is the new military medical team that Zhao Yong ordered the imperial physician Bian Que to form. In addition, Zhao Yong also improved Zhao's military medical system. The new law ordered that if a soldier is injured during combat, he must be placed in a special room. Recuperation is carried out in the house, and doctors are sent to take care of them. The wounded are given wine and meat every day to supplement their nutrition. After the wounded recover, the attending doctor must promptly make a report in the register and let them return to the team. Those who neglect their duties will be severely punished.
"Kings."
"Your Majesty," the soldiers' voices said.
When Zhao Yong passed by them, the soldiers immediately knelt on one knee and saluted in military salute. Their eyes were also a little different from before. In addition to the awe of Zhao Yong's identity, their eyes also had a kind of recognition, which came from the sincerity. His love, his eyes reflected the firelight of the camp, shining brightly.
Zhao Yong nodded slightly and said calmly to everyone: "Okay, okay! Thank you for your hard work, I am very relieved."
*
Zhao Jun camped in the village and discussed in the tent.
The weak candlelight could not conceal the excited expressions on the faces of Zhao's ministers.
Today's battle can be said to be a great victory for the Zhao State. In one battle, the right two wings of Loufan's army were completely defeated. If not for the fall of night, it would not be impossible to defeat Loufan's central army in today's battle.
Zhao Cheng first bowed deeply to Zhao Yong, who was at the head of the army, and said with emotion: "Your Majesty is no longer as good as the weak crown, and you can wear armor and march in battle. Looking at the ancestors of our Zhao family, your Majesty actually has the demeanor of our ancestor Jian Xiang."
Zhao Yong looked around and said humbly: "I have the blessing of my ancestors, but I dare not take the lead. It is actually because the ministers coordinated properly and the soldiers used their lives to achieve this."
"I don't dare to take credit for serving the king." All the ministers immediately replied in unison.
Zhao Yong waved his hand and asked Fei Yi, who was on the left side of his head, "Is there any news from Ma Tuo?"
Fei Yi bowed his head and said: "Matuo City has been breached, and Captain Niu Zan has been ordered by the king to lead the Western Battalion to Ningwuguan."
"Okay! I should give Niu Zan some credit!" Zhao Yong suddenly said happily.
Matuo City was captured in just one day. Although Zhao Yong was not very satisfied with Niu Zan's political position, his offensive skills were still worthy of praise.
Zhao Yong then continued to ask: "Is there any news from Wuzhou?"
Fei Yi paused, and suddenly said with a heavy tone: "The scouts have just reported that Wuzhou Fortress has been breached by Lin Hu, and no one in the city, old or young, has survived."
The originally high-spirited atmosphere in the tent suddenly stagnated, and the expressions on the faces of the ministers became somewhat solemn.
Zhao Yong exhaled from between his teeth and frowned: "Instruct Niu Zan to return and stick to Ma Tuo to prevent Lin Hu from going south."
"Here!"
"Your Majesty, I believe that all Ma Tuo prisoners should be sacrificed to comfort the soldiers and people of Wuzhou!" Zhao Cheng said aloud.
When Zhao Yong heard these words, the corners of his mouth trembled involuntarily. He looked around the tent and asked slowly: "What do you think, sir?"
"I second the proposal to be a sacrifice!"
"I second the proposal!"
……"allow!"
"No, Your Majesty! This move may arouse the hatred of Lou Fan. Now our army is fighting with Lou Fan. At this time, I think it is inappropriate to sacrifice all the people of Lou Fan. It is not conducive to the current war situation." Fei Yi Said out loud.
"In time, wouldn't it be better if our army breaks through King Linhu's city and then takes Linhu as prisoners to sacrifice the soldiers and people of Wuzhou and Yundong."
Zhao Yong thought for a moment and felt that what Fei Yi said was reasonable. He was actually a little disgusted with the sacrifice of prisoners, but this was the rule of war. You pity others, but others will not pity you.
Seeing that the ministers did not raise any objection, Zhao Yong said: "Then just follow the words of the state captain."
Just when the tent was filled with dullness, Pang Nuan suddenly said: "Your Majesty, I think Lou Fan may withdraw his troops tonight."
When everyone heard this, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on their faces. Zhao Yong was surprised and said: "What is the meaning of this statement?"
Pang Nuan paused, bowed his head and said: "I once observed that Loufan has always used cavalry to harass our country, Zhao, over the years, and then defeated it with force, and raided our border with lightning speed. And Guan In today's battle, Lou Fan will not be able to shake our Zhao army at all, and our formation is now seriously damaged, so I guess that King Lou Fan is not willing to continue fighting."
"Secondly, Loufan country is not like our other countries in the Central Plains. It is based on pastoralism. Winter is coming and it is the dry season for grasslands. Loufan's food reserves are definitely insufficient, and the rear is attacked by Captain Zhang Yuan. , Lou Fan’s army will definitely not last long.”
"Thirdly, although Lou Fan joined forces with Lin Hu to rob me today, there was already animosity between the two tribes. Now Lou Fan fought with our Zhao State with a single soldier and suffered heavy losses, while Lin Hu looted the rear. Lou Fan King Fan must have been dissatisfied with Lin Hu for a long time. The Hu tribe started a war with our Zhao country because they wanted to quickly plunder our border to get money for the winter. Seeing that there is no benefit at this time, they will definitely run away. "
Zhao Yong nodded slightly and replied: "Do you mean to attack the camp tonight?"
"It's easy to take the wrong path at night, and the soldiers don't know the flags, so they are easy to get confused. If you are not careful, your own position will be messed up before reaching the enemy camp." Zhao Cheng shook his head.
What Zhao Cheng said is also true. In this era, due to poor dietary conditions, most people suffer from night blindness ranging in severity.
Pang Nuan said to Zhao Chengyi: "Nuan is thinking about this. Today is the eleventh day. After midnight, a waxing gibbous moon will appear in the eastern sky. The moonlight will be bright at that time. With the moonlight, we should not be confused about the way." . And the number of people attacking the camp should not be too large. I can just lead the cavalry brigade of my headquarters!"
A flash of light suddenly flashed in Zhao Yong's eyes. Pang Nuan was young, but he knew a lot. He also knew how to use the moon phases to fight.
Captain Li Tong thought for a moment and said: "If King Lou Fan has no intention of withdrawing his troops, I will lead the army to attack the camp at night. I am afraid that we will not gain any advantage. Waiting until daybreak for people and horses to be exhausted may not be conducive to tomorrow's battle."
Pang Nuan couldn't refute such worries, because he was betting on foresight. According to his analysis, if the bet was right and Lou Fan decided to retreat at night, he would definitely have no intention of fighting and his will to fight would be even weaker. Moreover, when the army encounters a battle while retreating, it is more likely to cause problems. Zhao Jun can also take the opportunity to expand its results. Of course, the premise of all this is that he bets correctly.
Zhao Yong paused and said: "First send a few cavalry scouts to inspect, and then set off when the cavalry brigade passes. Pang Nuan led the cavalry brigade to circle around the northern foot of Yunzhong. If it is confirmed that the troops will be withdrawn from Loufan and the line of sight is difficult to check, He lit a mountain fire. Li Tong led three hundred men to ambush at the mouth of the valley. If Pang Nuan was in trouble, Li Tong would take over."
"Here!"
"Here!"
When everyone saw that the king agreed to attack the camp, they didn't say much. Moreover, although this plan is risky, the benefits are also huge. If successful, it will completely reverse the situation of this war.
The temptation to expand the results was irresistible, and Pang Nuan's words aroused Zhao Yong's gambling instinct again.
…
…
The garrison of Loufan's army was actually not far from the Zhao army's main formation, and the straight-line distance was no more than ten miles. It was on a high ground leading to its western hinterland, with a hillside to the east and a depression to the west.
Loufan's formation is in the king's tent.
At this time, Ji Bo completely lost the high spirits of the past. Instead, he looked like an ordinary old man, with a withered face and tired eyes.
"Your Majesty, today we in Loufan fought with the Zhao army and lost 470 chariots and 3,200 horses. 2,700 of our warriors in Loufan died in battle and 3,700 were seriously injured... "
Listening to these incredible numbers, Ji Bo felt as if his heart was bleeding. In one battle, his country lost one-fifth of its athletes. What a terrible war loss. If he could have predicted today's situation, even if King Lin Hu asked his old mother to warm his bed, he would not have agreed to Lin Hu's initiation of this war with Zhao.
Ji Bo slowly scanned the tent and found that several familiar figures were missing. He sighed without concealment.
"Your Majesty, the despicable Lin Hu people deliberately slowed down the march, causing me, Lou Fan, to fight against Zhao alone. The Lin Hu people should be punished!" Ji Kui said angrily. After Ji Kui left the battlefield, his right wing collapsed before he could return. He now puts all his failures on Lin Hu's head.
Ji Bo glanced at the other party and was not in the mood to punish his unfilial son.
"Your Majesty, please retreat. The Zhao army in Guodi has already attacked and killed General Tuli, and is now attacking the hinterland of our Loufan. If we continue to delay, I am afraid that our Loufan will be annihilated."
…
