According to the "Book of the Later Han Dynasty", the Khitan is a branch originating from the Yuwen Department of Xianbei. There are also historical records saying that the Khitan is the product of the fusion of the Xiongnu and Xianbei. In the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Khitan was merged into Rouran and became a branch of Rouran; when Rouran After being defeated by the Tuoba tribe of the Northern Wei royal family, the "Khitan" split into two branches. The northern branch is named Shiwei, and Shiwei is divided into northern and southern Shiwei; while the southern branch continues to be named after Khitan, and Li Ya Zhang is located south of the weak Luo River in the upper reaches of the Liao River and in the Huanglong area. (Today's Shuangliao City area)
Although the Khitan is not divided into two distinct tribes like Shiwei, there are eight major tribes within it, namely Xiwandan tribe, Hedahe tribe, Fufuyu tribe, Yuling tribe, Rilian tribe, Pijie tribe, Li tribe, Tu Liuyu tribe and eight tribes. Initially, the eight tribes all wanted to unify the whole territory and make Khitan a highly centralized country. However, the relationships among the eight tribes were complicated and no one could do anything about them. In addition, the surrounding countries and tribes were looking at each other fiercely, so the eight tribes had to put aside their prejudices and settle down. They formed a loose tribal alliance and elected the strongest chief of the Siwandan tribe as the great chief.
When a foreign enemy invades, the chiefs of the Xiwandan tribe can summon the other seven chiefs to join forces to fight against the outside world. If there is no war, the eight tribes will go their own way, and no one can rule the other or mobilize anyone.
Although the Khitan people cannot be said to be Jinxiulingluo, because their land is fertile, the pasture is rich, and there are abundant water sources, they live a comfortable and comfortable life. Although the Khitan people were dealt with very miserably by the Northern Qi Dynasty, after entering the Sui Dynasty The Sui Dynasty's first enemy was the Turkic Khanate across Europe and Asia. It adopted a soft policy towards the Khitan, Lin, Xi and other small tribes that claimed vassalage. After more than 20 years of silent development, the Khitan became powerful again.
The growth of strength and the Sui Dynasty's long-term policy of gentleness inspired the wolf nature in the Khitan's bones.
The Eight Tribes of Khitan were ready to make a move. When the Eastern Turks tempted them to go south and promised to send troops to support and help them eliminate the Xi tribe and Nanshi Wei, the Eight Tribes did not hesitate to send their troops south, killing the Sui Dynasty by surprise and taking back a large number of women. and property, really made a lot of money.
In their view, the Sui Dynasty had always valued peace in the Northeast, and the Sui Dynasty was at the critical moment of the transition between the old and the new. The new emperor Yang Guang's control over the world was far inferior to that of the late emperor. Otherwise, his younger brother Yang Liang would not be able to control the world. Will rebel. As long as they admit their mistake afterwards, show a humble attitude, and give Yang Guang face, the Sui Dynasty will eventually let it go.
However, all optimistic guesses disappeared in a flash like beautiful shooting stars. Instead of accepting their apology and forgiving them, the Sui Dynasty marched across the border with the intention of destroying the Khitans.
The matter has come to this, and there is no use in regretting it.
When the great chief Xiwandan Zhangke learned that Yang Lun, the general manager of the Liaodong Road appointed by the Sui Emperor, had led his army northward; Li Zixiong, the deputy general manager of the Liaodong Road and the general manager of Youzhou, led 10,000 cavalry across Yingzhou and from Liaozhou along the Heading north along the Liao River, heading directly to Yazhang Huanglong and other news.
A mobilization order was immediately issued, requiring the young Khitans to gather in the Chanzhen River Basin and prepare for the battle. At the same time, he also appointed the chief of He Dahe tribe and Da He Duluo as generals and asked him to lead his soldiers to fight against Li Zixiong. He was asked to capture one of Li Zixiong's troops to boost the morale of the Khitans.
In addition, envoys were sent to Turkic Baicheng and Goguryeo Liaodong City respectively to explain the truth of the death of lips and teeth, hoping that they would send troops to help as soon as possible, work together to defeat the Sui Dynasty, and then establish a large anti-Sui alliance.
The He Dahe Tribe is the second largest tribe in Khitan after the Xiwandan Tribe in terms of population, territory and strength. Chief Heduluo has long been determined to replace Xiwandan Zhangke and become the great chief of the Khitan, so the two There are many usual contradictions and conflicts among them. But Siwandan Zhangke knew that Da Heduluo, like himself, had great ambitions.
If they want to realize this ambition, they must put the overall interests of the Khitan first. Only by working together to repel and defeat the Sui army can the Khitan survive and discuss subsequent development. Otherwise, there is no need to discuss anything.
Therefore, at this moment, this competitor is more reliable and credible than the Fufuyu, Yuling, and Rilian tribes who have surrendered to him.
As for everything else, they are all internal conflicts and are not important now.
Da Heduluo also had this tacit understanding. After receiving the appointment from Xiwandan Zhangke, he urgently summoned the warriors from his headquarters, Li tribe, and Tuliuyu tribe. He gathered more than 30,000 troops, and then went south along the Liao River.
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North of Liaozhou.
A large number of Khitan cavalry marched slowly along the west bank of the Liao River. The river bank and beach have been washed away by the water for many years and have become a natural avenue. Some of the more difficult and narrow sections have been dug and dredged by the people who have lived here for generations. Especially when Gao Baoning, the general of the Northern Qi clan, was in charge of Yingzhou, he repaired many northbound roads including the Liao Shui Road, so the roads leading north such as the Liao Shui Road were wide and flat. Take the Liao Waterway as an example. Gao Baoning repeatedly recruited young Khitan men who had surrendered to the Northern Qi Dynasty and were afraid of the Northern Qi Dynasty to build it.
To this day, the narrowest point of this very important strategic road can accommodate ten riders traveling abreast. If the flood season comes, even twenty riders can ride abreast.
"Father, what will happen if Shiwanden Zhangke attacks our old camp this time when our whole family goes on an expedition?" A young general with a childish face and armor rode his horse to Daheduluo, feeling quite worried. said.
This young man is the eldest son of the great Hoduluo, the great Homohui. He has been taught by the officials of the Northern Qi Dynasty who fled to Khitan since he was a child. He is deeply familiar with the politics and art of war in the Central Plains. He is deeply loved by the great Hoduluo and has an early love for him. made him his heir.
Daheduluo smiled brightly: "Although the chief and I have some conflicts, both of us put the interests of the Khitan first. We hope that the Khitan will be strong, rather than that the Khitan will weaken and die. This is our tacit understanding and consensus. Today , our Khitan is in danger of being destroyed, and the chief will not foolishly provoke civil strife. Next, not only will he not stab us in the back, but he will try his best to protect our people."
Da Hemohui seemed to understand, frowned, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Then what should we do?"
"Of course we have defeated Li Zixiong." Da He Duoluo said: "Liaozhou only has one Liaozhou County and one Tongding Town, which is not difficult to obtain; but Yanzhou was an important defense town in the Sui Dynasty against Goguryeo. When Yang Jian was alive, it was Huaiyuan County, Liaoxi County, and Yanjun County in Yanzhou have built strong cities and important cities. The three are the horns of each other. They are places that are easy to defend but difficult to attack. As long as we kill Li Zixiong's entire army in this battle, we will be able to defeat the enemy without a fight. We worked hard to capture Liaozhou and Yanzhou, and pushed the troops to the east of Yingzhou. In this way, we can not only contain the Sui army from the east, but also cut off the connection between the Sui Dynasty and Goguryeo... In this regard, the ambitious Goguryeo will definitely be happy Seeing the success, we might send troops to respond.”
Although the territories occupied by the Khitans are all fertile land on the grasslands, the strategic depth they can move around is too small and the population is too small. Over the years, the Turkic Khanate split, the Great Sui Dynasty reached its peak, and Goguryeo rose strongly. The northern and southern Shiwei, Lin, and Xi tribes were at odds between the Great Sui and the Turks, making it difficult for the Khitan, who was caught in the middle, to move forward. If we cannot create a new situation, we will surely weaken under the siege.
For the Central Plains Dynasty, Liaozhou and Yanzhou were bitter and cold places that were not suitable for human survival. But for the Khitan people, these so-called bitter and cold places were not only the paradise of the world, but also gave them a very If the important outlet to the sea is captured, the Khitan's territory and reputation will be greatly increased, and it will also be able to harass and plunder the coastal villages and towns of Yingzhou, Pingzhou, Xuanzhou, and Youzhou in the Sui Dynasty. At the same time, it can also make the northern and southern Shiwei, Lin tribe, Xi tribe, Sumo Mohe, and Bodu Mohe face up to the Khitan, and make the Goguryeo people who sometimes tamper with the border to restrain themselves a little.
After a slight pause, Da Heduoluo continued: "With the success of conquering Liaozhou and Yanzhou, we will have the strength to surpass the Xiwandan tribe and the prestige to surpass Xiwandan Zhangke. By then, Da Heduoluo will The position of chief is within reach.”
When he said this, the excitement and excitement shown by Da He Du Luo also aroused the fighting spirit of Da He Mohui and others.
Dahe Duoluo was very satisfied when he saw all his disciples and cronies in high spirits. They were wolves. If they did not have the ambition to replace the Xiwandan tribe and unify the Khitan, they would not be qualified Khitan warriors.
"This place is so gloomy that it is really annoying." After looking at the rolling mountains and dense forests to the west, the great Hoduluo ordered: "Order the front army to speed up the progress; at the same time, send more scouts to investigate, so as not to Got caught in an ambush by the Sui army."
After the order was issued, the army's speed increased. However, the width of the Liao River was limited, and their number was quite large. It was not easy for the team that stretched for more than ten miles to speed up.
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Liaozhou is located in the extreme east of the Sui Dynasty. The terrain shows a pattern that runs east-west and north-south. It is like a wedge, deeply wedged between Khitan and Goguryeo. During the Han Dynasty, it was only a small part of Liaodong County. Part of it is not even as big as some upper counties, but its strategic location is extremely important, so in the 16th year of Emperor Kaihuang's reign, Yang Jian named this small place Dongshan County, and specifically classified it as a state-level administrative unit. To show attention.
Although the sparrow is small, it has all the internal organs, and there are many chief officials that Liaozhou should have. The current governor, Yan Xun, also serves as Sima. He is the son of Yan Rong and the son-in-law of Yang Xiong. After his father was sentenced to death by Yang Jian for his cruelty, he inherited his father's title, but his name was changed from Luocong County Duke to Changping County Duke. Because Yan Xun helped Yang Ji seize the power of Dou Kang's army when he was the law cao of Youzhou, and was later promoted to the governor of Liaozhou due to his meritorious service. Although he was only a small provincial governor of Xiazhou, his rank was comparable to that of the Central Minister of the Central Government. Moreover, "provincial governor" is a very important step in the officialdom. After he has this qualification, he will be promoted to Zhongzhou and Shangzhou, and then enter the central ministries.
As for Changshi Huangfu Wuyi, he was also a figure whose father worshiped heaven and had boundless power.
Originally, he was just a dispensable member of the imperial family, but his father, Huangfu Dan, was brutally killed because he rebelled against Yang Liang when he was serving as the Sima of the Bingzhou Grand Administrative Office. In memory of Huangfu Dan's loyalty and sacrifice for the country, Yang Guang conferred the title of Marquis Pingyu on Huangfu Wuyi, the governor of Liao and the magistrate of Dongshan County, and posthumously awarded Huangfu Dan the title of Zhuguo and Hongyi County Duke.
Among the state officials, Li Zixiong, Yan Xun, Huangfu Wuyi, and several generals were urgently discussing the military situation. Suddenly, a scout brigade commander rushed in quickly, and everyone looked over immediately.
"Reporting to the commander-in-chief, the Khitan rear army has passed the confluence of Ruoluoshui (West Liao River) and Nansu River (East Liao River); and the forwards have already left the pass of Qiliang Mountain (Nuruerhu Mountain). It is estimated that there are two more It won't take long before they all come out." Scout Huo Chang reported with clasped fists.
"Generals, prepare for battle!" Li Zixiong's eyes flashed with a strong evil spirit. He stood up suddenly, handed an arrow to the scout brigade commander, and ordered: "Inform the people in the mountains that as soon as all the Khitan dogs come out of the pass, we will The road is blocked and their escape route is cut off!”
"I obey my orders!" The scout brigade commander took the order arrow and ran away.
Li Zixiong looked at the generals with deep eyes and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, I, Li Zixiong, have participated in pacifying the rebellion of Wei Chijun, participated in the battle to destroy Chen, and participated in pacifying the rebellion of King Yang Liang of Han, but these are all The civil war of our clan is far from glorious. However, today’s battle is not only a battle of revenge, but also concerns millions of people in our Sui Dynasty. There is no room for any mistakes. I also hope that all generals will help me wipe out the invading thieves!"
After saying that, he bowed deeply to everyone!
The generals had seen the tragic scene outside Longshan City. Although Yan Xun, Huangfu Wuyi and other local officials had not witnessed it, they knew what the foreigners had done and how they had left no one behind, so there was an angry flame in everyone's chest. Burning. At this moment, when Li Zixiong inspired them, their hearts surged and their blood boiled. They all stood up and returned the greeting: "The general manager has the intention to personally attend the battle and kill the enemy. How can we not die in service? But please don't worry, general manager. If we don't kill all the Khitans today, You thief, we swear you won’t come back alive!”
"Get ready for battle." Li Zixiong has made full preparations. This time the generals only need to take their positions.
"General, I will retire." Everyone bowed to Li Zixiong and left the mansion one after another. After exiting the gate, they jumped on their horses and galloped towards the preset battlefield.
Huangfu Wuyi was an extremely cautious person. After shouting with everyone for a while, he did not leave with everyone. He raised his hand to Li Zixiong who took off the sword and said: "General Manager, Goguryeo scouts have been spying frequently these days, and our soldiers, young and strong All the people have gathered around the South Pass, and the city is full of old, weak, women and children. If the Goguryeo army comes to attack, what should we do?"
"Huangfu Changshi can rest assured!" Li Zixiong strapped on his sword and said to Huangfu Wuyi who was closely following him as he walked: "This battle broke out very suddenly, and Goguryeo is an extremely cunning country. Gao Yuan, who is far away in Pyongyang, Even if they get the news, it will be too late to deploy troops; their scouts are just trying to find out the news. The Goguryeo army will never dare to cross westward until the results come out. You can rest assured."
At this point, he explained: "If the war ahead is unfavorable, I will send people to the enemy as soon as possible to know you. You must evacuate safely into Yanzhou with the people."
"I accept my order!" Huangfu Wuyi felt a breath stuck in his throat. He could neither spit it out nor swallow it, which made his eyes turn red. He quickly lowered his head, bowed deeply and said: "I excuse you. , I hope the manager will return triumphantly."
After saying that, the person had left from the other side.
Li Zixiong looked at his back, let out a long sigh, looked at the blue sky, and whispered: "Although the deployment has been hasty, fortunately God has mercy. Victory or defeat depends on today."
"General Manager, please mount your horse!" At this time, Li Zixiong's soldiers had already brought the war horse.
Li Zixiong took a few steps forward, took the reins, and got on the horse. Another soldier took the horse's rein and led the others away.
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