I have to say that the Jurchens did a good job keeping secrets. Of course, this also has something to do with the Jurchens' behavior. They gave up the hard-to-carry food and grass baggage, and only took their weapons and mounted their horses, and then they could leave easily.
At dawn the next day, Yang Gao and Temujin received the news that Wanyan Agu had retreated almost simultaneously. By this time, the Jurchen army had retreated nearly a hundred miles away.
Temujin was of course furious when he heard the news, scolding Wanyan Agu for being extremely treacherous and shameless. He completely forgot that after seeing Tuo Lei return to camp yesterday, he privately praised Tuo Lei for betraying his teammates.
When Yang Gao learned about this, he laughed heartily and immediately summoned all the civil and military officials to discuss the matter.
Not long after, Yue Fei, Qin Qiong, Di Qing, Qi Jiguang, Liu Bowen, Fang Xuanling, Chen Ping and other civil and military officials gathered in Yang Gao's imperial tent. Before they came, they already knew about Wanyan Agu's retreat. Tens of thousands of troops had disappeared, and they couldn't hide it even at dawn. Everyone was smiling now.
"It seems that Cao Cao of Goguryeo can't stand the rumors in the country and has sent troops to Liaodong. Wanyan Aguda caught fire in the rear and hurried back to protect his lair!"
Yang Gao looked around the cultural relics in the tent and said with a smile: "The scouts came to report this morning. In addition to discovering the Jurchen withdrawal, they also encountered several groups of Turkic sentries and captured several people alive. After interrogation, they learned that Wanyan Agu had not withdrawn his troops. Inform Temujin. It must have been because Wanyan Agu was upset when the Turks used the Jurchens as human shields in yesterday's battle, so he tricked Temujin once. General Qi should be credited with this!"
"Your Majesty's compliments are ridiculous, I will be ashamed of myself!" Qi Jiguang bowed his hands and said humbly.
General Qin Qiong came out of the queue and asked for orders loudly: "Your Majesty, the Jurchens have hastily withdrawn their troops, and the general is incompetent. I would like to raise a fine cavalry to pursue and kill immediately, and we will definitely gain something!"
Luo Shixin, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Yong, You Junda and other relatives and friends of Qin Qiong came out one after another, raised their hands and said, "I will go with General Qin!"
Yang Gao did not speak, but turned his attention to Liu Bowen, Fang Xuanling and other counselors.
Liu Bowen and Fang Xuanling exchanged glances with each other, shook their heads and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think this is a good opportunity to pursue the Jurchen barbarians."
"Why?"
Qin Qiong was puzzled and immediately asked: "Sir, if you are worried that this is a ploy by the Hulu to lure the enemy, then you can rest assured. Since receiving the news of the Jurchen retreat, Your Majesty and Commander-in-Chief Yue have sent several more Ring the whistle and find out that the Jurchen army has indeed gone far."
"Even if it is to lure the enemy, our army only needs to divide the pursuing troops and horses into several groups, with elite cavalry in front and infantry behind, supporting each other and advancing carefully. It is no problem if we think about it." Di Qing, who has been serving as Qin Qiong's deputy in Qingzhou, said.
"Of course I believe in the ability of my Sui scouts. The Jurchen withdrawal is indeed true."
Fang Xuanling said: "But generals, don't forget, the Turks are still watching. If they send troops to follow our army, the Jurchens will hate our army for pursuing us. When the time comes, we will attack from both sides and I will be in danger!"
"The Jurchen withdrawal was most likely due to Goguryeo sending troops to Liaodong."
Liu Bowen said: "Goguryeo is also our sworn enemy in the Sui Dynasty. At this time, the last advantage to hunt down the Jurchens is Goguryeo. It is better to let Wanyan Agu go back and fight to the death with the Goguryeo people. When the time is right, I, the Sui Dynasty, can reap the benefits of the fishermen." , regained Liaodong, pacified Goguryeo, and was ashamed of the snow and water."
"Although the Jurchens suffered a small defeat, their vitality has not been damaged. Although they are worried about the hasty withdrawal of troops from the rear, they have not reached the point where the troops are as demoralized as a lost dog. If they pursue a hasty pursuit, the outcome may be uncertain."
On the right side of Yang Gao, Yue Fei, who was at the head of the generals, said in a deep voice with bright eyes.
Liu Bowen and Fang Xuanling explained the reasons from the strategic perspective of the general trend of the world. Perhaps Qin Qiong and other generals still had objections. Yue Fei, on the other hand, stated from the perspective of enemy situation and tactics, and instantly convinced Qin Qiong, Luo Shixin and other generals.
"Generals, there is no need to feel that you have missed a chance!"
Seeing Qin Qiong and others put out the fire, they looked a little downcast. Yang Gao laughed and said: "The Jurchens have escaped, but the Turks are still entrenched under the Zhuojun City. I think that at this moment, the Turks are easier to deal with than the Jurchens."
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
Chen Ping smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said: "The Turks lost 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers and horses in Hebei. A group of generals were beaten in front of the camp gate and could not lift their heads. Now the allies even ran away without even saying hello. The Turks are probably more upset than the Jurchens who are unstable at the rear!"
"The Turks have been lingering in Youzhou for several years. Although I brought my troops into Youzhou and there were occasional small victories, the situation in Youzhou has not changed significantly. If it continues to be delayed, I am afraid that the people of Youzhou will be dispersed."
Yang Gao stood up slowly and said loudly: "I think that we can take advantage of the low morale of the Turks at this moment to attack with the whole army and fight the Turks. Not only will we severely inflict heavy losses on the Turks and save Zhuojun's predicament, but we will also Encourage our people of the Sui Dynasty who are still in the barbarian territory."
Qin Qiong, Di Qing, Luo Shixin and other generals raised their hands without hesitation and said: "I am willing to fight to the death for Your Majesty."
Yue Fei and Qi Jiguang moved a little slower, but they still said sonorously and forcefully: "Drive out the barbarians. If we don't break the Hu camp, we will never return to the camp."
Liu Bowen, Fang Xuanling, Chen Ping, Xi Zhicai and other civil servants exchanged glances with each other, and they also raised their hands and said: "Your Majesty, the decisive battle with the Turks has officially begun!"
After many years of military service, Yang Gao also had his own view of the war situation. He immediately said: "Immediately send an eagle message to General Zhang, instructing him to gather his troops and rectify the army. Look for the right opportunity and attack Zhao Kuangyin's troops blocking the road."
"According to the order!"
"Although the Jurchens have withdrawn their troops, there is still no guarantee that they will suddenly turn around. If the Jurchens return, Pinggu Ridge is the only way for them to pass."
After a pause, Yang Gao glanced around the generals in the tent and called them by name: "Wang, generals Tang Bin, you two will lead 10,000 elite troops to garrison Pinggu Ridge to guard against the Jurchen army."
"I will obey your orders!"
The war was imminent, but they had to go to a place dozens of miles away from the main battlefield to set up defenses. Wang Zhen and Tang Bin couldn't help showing a bit of disappointment on their faces, and their voices were weak when they accepted the order.
"Two generals, never underestimate your mission."
Yang Gao also saw the inner reluctance of the two people, and warned earnestly: "If a Jurchen cavalry suddenly comes out when our army and the Turks are fighting fiercely, even if there are only a few thousand people, it may cause us harm." The army is defeated. Therefore, you two must not be careless. If you are negligent, I will definitely kill you!"
At the end of the sentence, Yang Gao's voice became stern. Wang Zhen and Tang Bin were frightened and said loudly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, the general will be very careful and will never dare to slack off in the slightest."
Yang Gao nodded and said: "Two generals, as long as you guard Pinggu Ridge, no matter whether the Jurchen army appears or not, I will remember your contribution!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The two of them immediately thanked the Holy Grace.
Yang Gao waved his hand, turned to look at Yuwen Chengdu who was standing beside him, and said: "Chengdu, you will go to the prisoner camp later to pick out a prisoner. I will personally write a letter of challenge and ask him to take it back to Temujin. Let’s have a showdown in the future!”
"According to the order!"
"In addition, send someone to inform Luo Yi and ask him to send troops to help!"
Xi Zhicai whispered: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid Luo Yi won't send troops."
Yang Gao's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he said coldly: "It's none of his business if he doesn't come, but I have already given him my order!"
