Hutuo River, this rapid river that separates the north and south of Zhongshan and the creator of the plain originating from Taihang, is the largest inland water system in the north besides the Yellow River and the largest tributary of the Yellow River system. After the Tang Dynasty, due to the southward migration of the Yellow River, the Hutuo River was changed from the Yellow River system to the Haihe River system.
Due to the convergence of many tributaries in the Taihang Mountains, when the Hutuo River reaches the downstream plains, its width and flow rate are daunting.
In fact, if Zhongshan State had Hutuo River as its boundary river, Zhao State would not covet him so much.
However, hundreds of years ago, after Xing and Wei were driven out of the Hebei Plain by the Rong and Di, these Rong and Di relied on their innate advantages to occupy the Hebei Plain, and their territory had already crossed the south bank of the Hutuo River. Even after hundreds of years of hard work by the Jin State, Rong Di could still control Hutuo and the north and south sides.
After the three families were divided into the Jin Dynasty, the strength of the countries was obviously enhanced, and the Wei State briefly destroyed the Xianyu Tribal Alliance, dominated by Bai Di. However, under the interference of Qi and Zhao, the Rong and Di were finally able to recover.
Zhao State probably never imagined that Zhongshan State, which was easily destroyed by Wei State, would one day become his own thorn in the side.
But there was no way. If the Hebei Plain was occupied by the Wei State for a long time at that time, after the Wei State completely digested the Zhongshan District, the next target would definitely be the Zhao State.
Compared with Rong and Di, whose system was backward, Wei at that time was an even more formidable enemy.
However, the Rong Di, who made a comeback this time, learned from the advanced Central Plains system, abandoned the original loose tribal alliance, and modeled themselves on the Chinese to establish a more cohesive country.
The reason why Zhongshan people can come back again and again is not only due to their own reasons, but the most important thing is because of Jingxing.
Jingxing, this transportation artery located south of the Hutuo River, has always been one of the most convenient routes for humans to cross the Taihang Mountains. Since hundreds of years ago, it has been the strategic forefront of competition between the Chinese nations and the Rongdi tribe.
The three kingdoms of Xing, Wei and Jin were entrusted by Emperor Zhou, in fact, in order to allow them to resist the Rong and Di in the north.
Xinghou Bo Rong and Qi Huanzun fought against the barbarians, and even the Jin people used the road to destroy Fei and Gu; and later Zhiyao destroyed Qiu Ju.
What they are fighting for is also the control of Jingxing.
Especially now that the Zhao people have inherited the former territories of Xing and Wei, in addition to the need to expand their living space, they also urgently need a safe, fast, and unique transportation line unique to Zhao to connect their east and west. The country is connected.
At first, Zhao Guo set his target at Fukouxing on the bank of Fushui River. However, because of South Korea's ambitions for Shangdang Highlands and Wei's interference, Zhao was always worried about this path.
If a war breaks out with Wei and South Korea, it can easily cut off Zhao's east-west lifeline.
Coupled with Zhao's national policy and strategy at this time, it is not appropriate to have a stalemate in relations with Wei and South Korea.
Since then, Jingxing, a more convenient transportation line in the northern part of Shangdang, has become the primary target of this battle!
With the current national power of Zhao State, it can be said that it has completely suppressed Zhongshan State.
However, the battle situation is not entirely tilted towards the Zhao side. It is still quite difficult for the Zhao army to completely gain control of Jingxing in this battle.
The reason why it is difficult is because the Zhongshan Kingdom attaches great importance to the Jingxing Passage.
Although Jingxing has now lost its main transportation role for Zhongshan, the Zhongshan people still set up a large number of defensive passes on the eastern foothills they control.
These passes are marked as three strongholds with red lines on the Kan map.
The first stronghold was located in Luquan, Hebei Province, Manjia. It was also the entrance to Jingxing from the east of the Taihang Mountains. The Zhongshan people established Jingxing Tumen Pass there.
After passing the Jingxing Pass, the road will not immediately become so difficult, because there is a small basin on the west side of the Jingxing Pass. The Zhongshan Kingdom set up a second stronghold here, which is also the most important stronghold in the end to guard the Jingxing Passage. , Jingxing Yi. Jingxing Basin, where Jingxing County, Hebei Province is now located.
After leaving Jingxing County, we walked eastwards for ninety miles along the winding mountain road washed by Mianshui River, and we arrived at a rare three-way intersection. This is also the third stronghold of Zhongshan. Zhongshan State built Weizeguan Niangzi Pass here. The reason why a pass was built at the three-way intersection was because the southernmost road was narrow and difficult to navigate and had no water source; while the two northern roads each had warm water and peach water flowing through them. Weize Pass was built on both sides. The intersection of the river.
Eighty miles out of Wei Zeguanxi, we arrived at Yangquan City, Pingping County, an area controlled by the State of Zhao.
In fact, speaking of it, Zhao and Zhongshan actually controlled half of the entire Jingxing Passage.
If there are a few ordinary fortresses, as long as the supply lines outside the mountain are cut off, the Zhongshan Army in the mountain will be like a fish out of water, unable to jump for long.
However, because of the existence of Jingxing County, the three strongholds could still be self-sufficient even if the Zhao army cut off the Zhongshan Army's supplies outside the mountain.
...The exit of the Jingxing Passage in the western part of the Taihang Mountains was in Yuci, now Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, only ten miles away from Jinyang. The pass built by Zhao State there was named Zhuotai Guanwei, and Han killed Zhiyao at Zhuotai.
From Zhutaiguan to the east and in the flat area of the hinterland of Taihang, Zhao State had two larger cities, Qiuyou County and Pingping County.
This is also the main reason why Zhongshan State still firmly controls the eastern pass after losing the role of this passage.
Because if the Zhongshan Kingdom loses control of Jingxing, the Zhao people will easily send troops from Jinyang, cross the Taihang Mountains, and force it to the north of the Hutuo River.
The Zhao people and the Zhongshan people have fought in Jingxing more than ten times over the past century. However, after more than a hundred years of fierce fighting, the Zhao army has never been able to completely capture Jingxing.
It can be said that vines are easy to get, but Jingxing is hard to get.
"Lian Cheng." Zhao Yong said.
Lian Cheng came out in a hurry and bowed excitedly: "I'm here."
In today's Zhao State, military generals' desire for military success can be said to be extremely extreme. Especially for a young doctor.
However, ever since Lian Cheng was asked for merit by Li Dui and was awarded the title of Lieutenant of Zhongmu Kingdom, he has never been on the battlefield again.
Due to Zhao's operations, the princes of various countries have pointed their fingers at other countries, and the southern border of Zhao has ushered in long-lost peace. As a lieutenant of Zhongmu Kingdom, Lian Cheng once lived a life like a pension. When the Five Kingdoms attacked Qin, he originally thought that the court would think of him. In the end, Zhao Yong did think of him, but due to the situation at the time, he could only transfer him to Wucheng... to guard against Qi.
After waiting for several years, Lian Cheng finally waited for the opportunity for the Lian family to rise.
Everyone knows the importance of the battle against Zhongshan. As long as they achieve great success in the battle to defeat Zhongshan, it is not a certainty that they will be crowned king and minister.
Zhao Yong glanced at him, interrupted the other party's reverie, and said: "General Lian Cheng, in your opinion, how long will it take to capture the house?"
"Ten days is enough." Lian Cheng bowed confidently.
As soon as these words came out, a strange look appeared on the faces of the generals in the room.
Although Fangfangcheng is not a great fortress, it can still be regarded as a strong city barrier as a bridgehead that has resisted Zhao for many years.
"There are no jokes in the army." Fei Yi on one side reminded him. He had heard about the abilities of this junior general, but Tokasu might still be a bit difficult.
"If I cannot capture the house within ten days, I would like to raise my head to face the king." Lian Cheng faced Zhao Yong directly and said solemnly.
"Okay! Ten days will be ten days. Go and prepare immediately. We are waiting for the general's victory in the city." Zhao Yong said in a deep voice.
"Here!" Lian Cheng bowed respectfully and turned around to go out of the security room.
Not long after, there were shouts outside the house.
Fei Yi was born and said, "As long as we take the house, the southern gate of Zhongshan Kingdom will be wide open, and Zhongshan will no longer be in danger."
Zhao Yong nodded noncommittally. Through the scouts' reconnaissance on the south bank of the Hutuo River in the past few days, it was found that Zhongshan State's defense against Zhao State was really sparse, especially along the Taihang line.
Thinking about it, in addition to the error in information and the unexpected attack by Zhao State, the war launched by Zhongshan against Yan State also weakened Zhongshan's national power to a certain extent.
It is true that Zhongshan invaded hundreds of miles of Yan State's land to the north, but Zhongshan's army could not escape unscathed. And if it is defeated, it will inevitably have to divide its troops to defend it.
Especially now that Yan State and Qi State are fighting fiercely, Qi State may cross Yishui at any time and seize the fruits of Zhongshan people.
Perhaps, after waiting two years for Zhongshan to truly digest the newly captured Yan land, its national strength will definitely be raised to a higher level.
But it is a pity that Zhao Guo will not give him that time.
Pang Nuan came out to fight at this time and said: "Your Majesty, you may take this opportunity to break into the hinterland of Zhongshan with lightning speed, capture Panwu, and completely cut off the supply lines on the north and south sides of Zhongshan."
Zhao Yong pondered for a moment, then turned around and asked: "The main force on the east road, is there any news?"
...Li Tong's vanguard army was stationed in Zhao County near Song Zicheng at this time. It had just experienced a battle and captured Song Zicheng at a very small cost. Before it could be passed on to Haocheng, it received a message from Haocheng first. Letter and silk. The letter requested Li Tong to continue exploring northward and capture Xiyang City as soon as possible.
After Li Tong read the letter, he handed it to Zhang Yuan beside him.
Since they went north from Haocheng, the terrain has become flatter and wider. Although it is not the first time for Li Tong to come to Zhongshan, it is the first time that he has penetrated into the hinterland of Zhongshan.
However, he still has some understanding of the terrain of Zhongshan. The area where they are now has flat terrain and abundant water. Corn and wheat can even be harvested twice a year. However, along the way, the east-route army he led did not encounter any decent resistance at all, and even the slightly smaller villages along the way were already deserted.
Li Tongdu had some doubts that the Zhongshan Army had abandoned the southern bank of Hutuo? Give up this rich and fertile plain? Although this is indeed possible, because in the plains, the Zhongshan Army cannot use guerrilla tactics when facing the strong Zhao Army, and the dispersed troops cannot pose a threat to the Zhao Army.
However, his intuition from many years on the battlefield told him that the Zhongshan Army did not seem to be that simple. Because it went so smoothly, so smoothly that people thought it was a treacherous plan!
Li Tong thought carefully for a moment and expressed his worries to Zhang Yuan and the generals.
Zhang Yuan was stunned and said: "The general may be worried. Although the Zhongshan Army is not weak, it is at this moment and at that moment. The prisoners in Song Zicheng have also said that Zhongshan Kingdom has no defense at all at this time. And the king has given an order. We..."
The other generals didn't say much, but it was easy to see from the expressions on their faces that they were very disdainful of Li Tong's concerns.
Li Tong nodded, maybe he was overthinking: "Let the men break camp immediately and send troops to Quyang. Jin County, Hebei Province."
"Here!" the generals said, cupping their fists.
…
…
Blood stained the mountains, and rain fell heavily in Guanzhong.
Qindu, Xianyang.
In the main hall of the palace, Wei Zhang reported truthfully: "Your Majesty, the State of Chu and the State of Qi have officially declared war on our State of Qin. The State of Chu has sent 300,000 troops to attack Qin's Shang and Wei's Quwo. It seems that we are bound to win.”
Ying Si frowned, his face full of exhaustion. During these days, he could clearly feel that there was something wrong with his physical condition, especially at night, when his headaches prevented him from falling asleep at all.
But when Qin was in danger, he could not fall.
Ying Si endured his physical discomfort and said: "Our Qin State is not afraid of war, but such a wheel-and-wheel battle from east to west will probably be uncomfortable... Although our Qin army won a great victory in the expedition to Yiqu, it also lost more than 30,000 troops, and there was no way to divide the troops. ah!"
"The main force of the Qi State is still in the Yan State. The Chu State promised Ju the territory to the Qi State, which attracted Qi State's help. The King of Qi attaches great importance to profit, so he will definitely not sincerely form an alliance with the Chu State. Now that the relationship between the Chu State and the Three Jin Dynasties is broken, Chu State He openly insulted the King of Wei in the court hall. Your Majesty, if we can ally with Han and Wei, we can still fight." Zhang Yi bowed and said.
"Wei, Han..." Ying Si hesitated for a moment and said: "We, the state of Qin, have just gone to war with Wei and Han. How can the two countries unite Qin to fight against Chu?"
Zhang Yi said again: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, the threat posed by Qin to Wei and Han is far less than the threat posed by Qi and Chu. All you need to do is make it clear that it is powerful, and we can join forces to fight against Chu." It’s not difficult, and the Chu State’s unprovoked attack on Wei State’s Quwo is an act of desperation, but it is undoubtedly a clear declaration of war on the Wei State.”
"What's going on in Zhao Guo?" Ying Si sighed.
Compared to the Chu State, he was more worried about the Zhao State that gave him nightmares. The one from Zhao who took away his wife and children.
If Zhao takes advantage of the war between Qin and Chu to attack Qin at this time, Qin will really be in disaster. Now Qin State has no natural moat defense for Zhao State.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, King Zhao has led an army of 200,000 to conquer Zhongshan, and is currently fighting a fierce battle with the Zhongshan Kingdom."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, King Zhao has led an army of 200,000 to conquer Zhongshan, and is currently fighting a fierce battle with the Zhongshan Kingdom."
Ying Si breathed out and said in a deep voice: "If the order is passed, the soldiers who have served will be postponed to return home, and the counties and counties will recruit new troops to join the army. Han and Wei will have Lao Xiangbang to come again. Since he and the Chu State Alliance are together Attacking me, Qin cannot fight alone, so tell South Korea and Wei that as long as they agree to send troops, any conditions can be easily negotiated."
"Here!" Zhang Yi bowed.
