The confrontation points between the Sui Dynasty and Tuyuhun are mainly divided into seven; and Tuyuhun's existing army is also mainly distributed at these seven confrontation points. In addition to Shanshan and Dangjin Mountain Pass in the west, they are east of Qinghai Lake. There are four more, corresponding to Taozhou, Kuozhou and Shanzhou in the Sui Dynasty.
But compared with these six confrontation points, the central confrontation point in Chewozhen Mountain is particularly critical: on the one hand, opposite the mountain is Ganzhou, and the Sui army can continue to climb the Qilian Mountains along the Fuyuan River upstream of the weak water, as long as After passing the watershed, they can attack the most important Qinghai Lake area in Tuyuhun; on the other hand, the side south of the watershed has flat terrain and is an area that is easy to attack and difficult to defend. If the Sui army is in the area between Chewozhen Mountain and Datong Mountain, Based on the high mountains and plains, they can advance to the Qinghai Lake area to the east, and to the Dangjin Mountain Pass to the west. Even if the army stands still and does not move, Tuyuhun can be divided into two parts, the east and the west, which cannot be considered at the same time.
In view of the strategic value of this confrontation point and the fact that the highlands of the watershed were occupied by the Sui Dynasty first, Murong Fuyun sent his trusted general Tuoba Mumi to command 50,000 troops and stationed them at the intersection of Qilian Mountain, Chewozhen Mountain, and Datong Mountain to prevent the Sui army. Heading south in a big way.
The general Tuoba Mumi was a Qiang man in his fifties. He had requested to annex the Sui Dynasty during the Kaihuang period. However, the Sui Dynasty was in a critical period of war with the Turkic Khanate at that time, and the annexed Tuoba Ningcong Not long after he rebelled against the Sui Dynasty, Yang Jian was worried that Tuoba Mumi would cause chaos in the Sui Dynasty when he was at war with the Turks, so he rejected Tuoba Mumi's invitation to become a naturalized person. Just when he had nowhere to go and was afraid of being liquidated, Murong Fuyun sent Murong Xiaojun to surrender him. Now he has also enjoyed the dividends of the coup and became a famous king of Tuyuhun.
His camp was located in an alpine meadow area called Qilianyuan, which later became part of Qilian County. There are more than 300 large and small rivers in the territory. Among them, the weak water from west to east and the Babao River from east to west collide with each other, and then form a river that turns north and directly enters Ganzhou. If you start from Going south from here, you can enter the Qinghai Lake area, the core area of Tuyuhun.
Therefore, the strategic location of Qilianyuan was extremely important to the Sui Dynasty and Tuyuhun. When Tuyuhun plundered the Hexi Corridor in the past, most of their soldiers disguised as horse thieves went north from there. As long as they crossed the Nanshan Mountains, they would suddenly see Hexi. The Ganzhou section of the corridor is over.
Among the 50,000 troops commanded by Tuoba Mumi, 20,000 were his tribal people, and the other 30,000 were herdsmen brought from the Qinghai Lake area.
Since the confrontation, this army has consumed countless amounts of food and grass every day. Fortunately, the Qilian Plain is irrigated by a large amount of ice and snow melt water every summer, making the meadows covered with green grass enough to meet the needs of the war horses, and the Qilian Plain can also grow crops. , the highland barley produced can also provide part of the military rations. In addition, Murong Fuyun adopted the army-first policy and worked hard to meet the needs of the army, so Tuoba Mumi did not have to worry about the problem of food and grass.
But everything cannot be perfect. Although food can stabilize the morale of the army, Murong Fuyun complied with the requirements of the "peace treaty" and not only renounced Shanshan and Qiemo, but also said that Shanshan and Qiemo have been the Central Plains Dynasty since ancient times. Territory, Tuyuhun is now just returned to its original owner. When the news reached Qilianyuan, it immediately caused an uproar among the soldiers. Low morale was inevitable. There were even deserters yesterday.
Although the deserters were captured and beheaded in public, which temporarily frightened the soldiers who were about to make a move, Tuoba Mumi knew that deterrence could only have a temporary effect, and the key to the problem still appeared on Murong Fuyun.
Before that, all the soldiers in the army were coaxed and deceived by generals at all levels. They unanimously believed that the Sui Dynasty was an extremely cruel dynasty. As long as the Sui army got around, not a single blade of grass would grow. Therefore, everyone did their best for themselves and their families. Preparation to sacrifice for the country. However, just when everyone was high-spirited and on guard, their Great Khan suddenly made such a spineless move, causing everyone to suddenly wane and lose their momentum and morale.
The effect of Murong Fuyun's move was like a thousand-year-old bachelor who finally looked forward to the wedding night, only to find that the bride was menstruating. Now let alone ordinary soldiers, even Tuoba Mumi was at a loss and had no idea what his efforts were worth, let alone what the point of continuing to confront the Sui army was.
In the tent, Tuoba Mumi was pacing back and forth with his hands behind his hands. Just now, he received an order from Fuqi City. Murong Fuyun ordered him to retreat fifty miles, and then sent 20,000 soldiers to Dangjin Pass. Assisted Murong Xiaojun in welcoming Murong Zhao back to the hinterland, and then Murong Xiaojun took command of Jinshan Pass to defend the Shanshan Sui army.
There was no problem at all for Tuoba Mumi to give up the confrontation and divide his forces to move westward. But Tuoba Mimi was worried that this army could not shoulder the important task of defending the Sui army. The reason why the soldiers could barely maintain stability now was because everyone believed that there would be no need to fight and they would soon be able to go home and reunite with their relatives. If you let some of your soldiers continue to confront the Sui army and send some to the distant Dangjin Mountain Pass, you will be breaking your promise to the army. Everyone will be extremely disappointed and dissatisfied, and it is very likely to cause chaos. But apart from retreating and dividing his troops as soon as possible, he seemed to have no other way to go.
While Tuoba Mumi was thinking hard, General Feng Xixiayan said beside him: "King Daming, King Tianzhu just returned to the royal city from Qilianyuan a few days ago. After that, there were orders like these from the Great Khan. I think he has already We have reached certain agreements with the Sui Dynasty, otherwise, how could we just retreat?"
"Then what do you think we should do?" Tuoba Mumi had a detailed discussion with Murong Yong when he came back. Naturally, he had more inside information than his generals, but Murong Fuyun's subsequent performance was really too weak. It was so unexpected. Couldn't we wait until Murong Zhao withdraws before announcing it?
"The low mood of the soldiers and the sluggishness of the soldiers are largely caused by the unclear future and unclear situation. I think the longer it is delayed, the more unfavorable the situation will be for us. Therefore, the top priority is to retreat fifty miles in accordance with the order." Feng Xixiayan first said After expressing his own opinion, he then advised: "Although this withdrawal will disappoint some soldiers, it will also allow more soldiers to have a clear goal and gain a sense of security. After we arrive at the destination, we will remove those who have low morale and low military morale." The unstable soldiers were eliminated and given to Murong Xiaojun, and the remaining soldiers must be elite divisions. Although the strength of the troops was reduced by a full 20,000, the combat power was actually enhanced."
"King Daming, I agree with General Fengxi's proposal." Another general, Tuoba Zu, also said: "Now the Sui Dynasty has the final say whether to fight or not. Even when to fight and how to fight are also decided by the Sui Dynasty. Forget it. It is this kind of unknown fear and coercion that makes our soldiers tense and panicky. So when the Great Khan's order came, everyone was relieved and everyone wanted to leave this depressing place. Use In the words of the Sui people: The Great Khan's order to 'retreat fifty miles' is the general trend. Once we violate this general trend, the number of deserters will definitely increase day by day. Under such circumstances, it is best for us to retreat fifty miles with the trend."
When Tuoba Mumi heard this, he looked at his beloved general. Seeing that Tuoba Zu seemed to still have something to say, he signaled: "Go on."
"Yes!" Tuoba Zu saluted and then said: "As long as we move, the Sui army will definitely follow suit. If they retreat or stand still, it means that the Sui Dynasty does have the intention of reconciliation; if the Sui army captures Qilianyuan, it means that the Sui Dynasty There is no intention of reconciliation in seeking war. The former is naturally a good thing. If the Sui army chooses the latter, the situation will become very clear, which will not only dispel the Great Khan's luck, but also strengthen the whole country's The will to fight. And because the Sui Dynasty was treacherous and broke its promise first, the soldiers will definitely show more fighting will, military spirit and morale in the subsequent battles than before."
Tuoba Mumi nodded: "You are all right. But you have not considered a few points."
Feng Xixiayan and Tuobazu glanced at each other and said in unison: "Please give me your instructions, please."
"If we retreat dozens of miles and divide our forces, what should we do if the Sui army takes the opportunity to occupy Qilianyuan? At that time, will we fight or not? If we fight, how can the soldiers with low morale survive? Can the Sui army conquer the Sui army that is good at fighting?" Tuoba Mumi said slowly: "Once defeated and the Qilian Plains are lost, the Sui army will be able to attack the Qinghai Lake area, the core area of Tuyuhun, and the serious consequences of this will be Who will bear it? Who can afford it?"
Feng Xixiayan and Tuoba Zu were silent when they heard this. After a long time, Tuoba Zu said in a deep voice: "Qilian has always been a strategic place between the two countries, and there are pastures and highland barley in the summer, and high mountains in the winter to resist the wind and snow. Once we retreat, the Sui army will definitely be ecstatic. Occupy this place. I don’t know whether they will attack the Qinghai Lake area, but they will use this as a forward position to intimidate us from both the east and west sides of Tuyuhun."
Feng Xixiayan glanced at Tuoba Mumi and whispered: "But the Great Khan asked the Daming King to divide his troops to attack Jinshan Pass. If you disobey the order, the Daming King will have to bear all the consequences!"
Tuoba Mumi was silent. He was not afraid of Murong Fuyun's conviction. The key was that Qilianyuan, a strategically important place, could not be lost. Once it fell into the hands of the Sui army, Tuyuhun's strong defense line would be torn apart. One of the most critical points From then on, Kouzi was in an extremely unfavorable situation, and it was not an exaggeration to say that he was at the mercy of others. But on the other hand are the demoralized army, the military orders of the Great Khan, and the unknown situation at Dangjin Pass.
There is another reason that the second general cannot see through and cannot tell himself: since Tuyuhun has reached an agreement with the Sui Dynasty, why does the Great Khan send troops to reinforce the already strong soldiers Murong Zhao and Murong Tiebian? If the situation there is not good, and he actually follows the military order, I am afraid that the 20,000 soldiers who were separated will be finished before they reach Dangjin Mountain Pass, so this order to divide the troops is completely meaningless.
More importantly, the Great Khan also requested that after Murong Zhao successfully evacuated, he and Murong Tieren should immediately return to the royal city to stand by, while the defense of Jinshan Pass was handed over to Murong Xiaojun, who had a mediocre record and little reputation.
From this series of unreasonable and unusual arrangements, Tuoba Mumi sensed an aura of conspiracy. He suspected that Murong Fuyun was using the banner of righteousness to seize the power of the commander-in-chief and realize what he had always wanted. The ambition to monopolize power.
But even if Tuoba Mumi guessed Murong Fuyun's sinister intentions, he had no way to deal with it, because now the general trend and righteousness are in Murong Fuyun's hands. If he dares to disobey orders, Murong Fuyun does not need to convict him. Most of the soldiers will flee, and he will bear all the consequences. If military orders are followed, at least the elite troops of this unit can be protected from the Sui army's attacks.
As for the situation in Qilianyuan and Tuyuhun, leave it to someone Murong Fuyun feels is loyal.
After sorting through this, Tuoba Mumi had already made a decision in his heart. He smiled coldly and said with a razor-sharp voice: "Send my order and the entire army is ready to evacuate!"
"We withdraw, what will happen to Qilianyuan?" Tuobazu asked anxiously.
Tuoba Mumi waved his hand and said calmly: "The Great Khan has a complete plan, so there is no need to worry. All we have to do is follow orders. Let's all go down and prepare!"
"As ordered." The second general took the command arrow from Tuoba Mumi and retreated to deliver the order.
Tuoba Mumi looked at the retreating figures of the two generals and remained silent.
Originally he wanted to be selfish, but when he thought of Murong Fuyun's kindness in helping him when he was in a dilemma and at the critical moment of life and death, his ice-like heart softened involuntarily. When he thought about how Murong Fuyun had given himself the title of a famous king after he ascended to the position of Great Khan, and gave him the generous treatment that a famous king deserved, he could no longer be cruel.
After thinking for a long time, Tuoba Mumi let out a long sigh. He took out another golden arrow and handed it to his eldest son Tuoba Yongxing: "Qilian Plain is the most important thing in my Tuyuhun. Once it falls into the hands of the Sui Dynasty, , the Sui army will definitely station here in a steady stream, and then use it as a logistical center, and march straight in to surround the royal city. You immediately recruit 10,000 elite troops from your headquarters, and sit here, and you must not let a single soldier enter."
"Yes!" Tuoba Yongxing received the order and was about to leave, but Tuoba Mumi stopped him again: "Wait a minute."
"What are your orders from father?" Tuoba Yongxing turned around and asked.
Tuoba Mumi took a few steps forward and said slowly to his son: "Listen to me. If the Sui army takes the opportunity to enter, you will expel them from the country and send them gifts. If they cannot be expelled, use the power of the cavalry. advantage, hunt them down.”
"I understand!" Tuoba Yongxing asked again: "If the Sui army moves south in a large scale, should I hold on to the end, or should I give up Qilian Yuan to them?"
"If the Sui army marches south in a large scale, it means that the Sui Dynasty has torn away all disguises and revealed its ferocious face. There is no possibility of peace talks anymore." Tuoba Mumi sighed longly, and patted his son on the shoulder, speaking with sincerity. He said: "My child, our family and our entire tribe owe the Great Khan a huge favor. So no matter how difficult it is, no matter how big the casualties are, you must hold on for half a month. Even if you die, you must give The Great Khan and I will fight for time to deploy troops."
Tuoba Yongxing felt awe-inspiring in his heart and solemnly promised: "Father, please rest assured that my son will never let a Sui soldier enter. Even if he fights to the last man, he will not retreat even half a step."
"Well said, this is the courage that my son and my heir should have!" Tuoba Mumi nodded happily, and then said: "I will leave you enough food, arrows, and horses. , be careful yourself."
"My son knows!" Tuoba Yongxing bowed and walked away.
Not long after Tuoba Yongxing left, a centurion hurried into the tent and saluted: "King Daming, the Sui army has withdrawn."
"The Sui army withdrew?" Tuoba Mumi was stunned, and immediately asked: "Did they withdraw or change their defenses?"
The centurion quickly said: "Our scouts saw with their own eyes that the Sui army withdrew at least five or six thousand soldiers. The flag with the word 'Zhang' representing the general was also replaced with the word 'Liu'. The new general only brought three hundred Many soldiers."
Tuoba Mumi frowned and asked, "Are there any follow-up troops behind?"
The centurion shook his head and said: "There is none left."
"Continue to monitor every move of the Sui army, and be sure not to fall into their trap of leaving during the day and coming back at night." Tuoba Mumi ordered.
"Yes, I resign from my humble position." The centurion bowed and retired.
Tuoba Mumi thought for a while, then called his soldiers and went out to watch together.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Sui army did withdraw 5,000 soldiers, and the general was replaced by Liu Quan, the governor of Ganzhou, from Zhang Xutuo.
Liu Quan was a civil servant, and even the officials in the court regarded him as a gentle scholar. However, this scholar is a ruthless character who is quite capable of fighting and has made a mark in the world.
As early as when Yang Guangnan conquered the Chen Dynasty, Liu Quan was the commander-in-chief of a partial division. He was later promoted to the governor of Suzhou due to his military exploits. However, at that time, the south was in peace, and rebellions broke out one after another among the remaining parties of the Chen Dynasty. Moreover, the rebels used the water networks throughout the south to attack The Sui army and the massacre of officials caused huge trouble to Yang Guang, the then general manager of Yangzhou.
Later, Yang Guang activated Liu Quan, a civil servant, and asked him to lead troops to wipe out the rebels in various places. In the end, it only took him three years to wipe out the rebels in all parts of the south, laying the most basic and stable foundation for Yang Guang to govern the south.
After the incident was over, Liu Quan became the governor of Suzhou, and then managed Suzhou in an orderly manner so that the people could live and work in peace and contentment. He had the style of a chivalrous man who "goes away when the matter is over, hiding his identity and reputation".
During his tenure as the governor of Ganzhou, he also prevented Turkic soldiers from entering within a hundred miles of Ganzhou, which shows his military talent.
However, such a ruthless character with great military exploits was not qualified to be a military general in the Sui Dynasty, where famous generals emerged.
In Yang Ji's view, Liu Quan may lack the experience of commanding large armies in combat, and he is not good at commanding large armies in the wilderness, but when it comes to jungle warfare and mountain warfare, there is no one in Liangzhou who can defeat him.
He asked Liu Quan to replace Zhang Xutuo. First of all, he valued his combat experience in the south, and Qinghai, with its complex terrain, was simply his paradise for Liu Quan. Secondly, the civil servants were too deceitful, and now Liu Quan was asked to come here to lead military affairs. , can have the miraculous effect of pretending to be a pig and eating the tiger.
The effect of the former is still unknown, but when Tuoba Mumi found out that the new Sui army commander was Liu Quan, the governor of Ganzhou, his anxiety was finally relieved.
He withdrew five to six thousand soldiers from the Sui army and replaced them with civilians as the commander-in-chief. He judged that the Sui Dynasty had intentions of reconciliation and felt that there might be minor conflicts in the subsequent confrontation, but the possibility of a decisive battle was already over. Ji Xiaojixiao; then he ordered his son Tuoba Yongxing: Let him try to exercise restraint when facing the Sui army.
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