At the beginning of summer, the sky is already dark. As more and more Sui soldiers were led by Yang Lun, the Goguryeo army in Xicheng finally could not resist it. They were attacked from both sides and had no way out, so they abandoned their weapons and ran to the safer edge of the battlefield to kneel down and surrender, begging the Sui army for their lives. .
At this time, Gao Xinggong led the imperial guards to guard Gao Yuan's family and hurried to the south gate. He had a heavy responsibility and was far more cautious than Gao Huizhen. He had woken up early when the Sui army entered the city, and immediately Awaken Gao Yuan's family scrolls and summon the imperial guards to prepare for the retreat.
After hearing from the scouts that the Sui army entered the city from the north city and focused on attacking the west and east cities, leaving only the south city where there was no war yet, Gao Xinggong no longer bothered to wait for news about Gao Huizhen and led his troops towards the south city without hesitation.
Originally he had 2,000 imperial guards, but on the way south, his team was repeatedly attacked by broken troops and chaotic people.
Angry and anxious, Gao Xinggong issued the order to kill without mercy.
The Imperial Guards were brave and adept at fighting and had a neat lineup. It was easy to kill the defeated soldiers and civilians. However, although the defeated soldiers and civilians fought on their own and lacked fighting ability, the desire to survive is the instinct of all living creatures. They exploded with unparalleled power in the face of death. , actually cut off the long snake array-like Imperial Guard team in half many times.
When the team finally passed through the most chaotic and fiercest crossroads, there were only about a thousand soldiers left; the rest were either killed or scattered. Gao Xinggong was fortunate that the prince, queen, and chariots were all there.
Just when he breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to check, a burst of earth-shattering cheers erupted from Xicheng, followed by the sound of "surrender without killing" in Chinese. Gao Xinggong knew that Xicheng had been lost, and he did not dare to waste any time. Order the team to speed up.
"General Xing Gong!" The team moved forward less than a mile when Gao Huizhen's deputy commander Gao Shaozu, counting hundreds of soldiers, rushed out from an intersection ahead.
Gao Xinggong pouted and asked, "How is the situation in Xicheng?"
"General!" Gao Shaozu clasped his fists on his horse and saluted, and said in a choked voice: "General, I have ordered you to protect the prince and queen and retreat first. General heard that you have led the team to leave, so he went back to help the battle. But the defeated soldiers on the road said The Sui army cooperated internally and externally and entered the city."
Gao Xinggong was prepared, but he still felt as if he had been hit hard. He staggered and almost fell off his horse. He asked in a trembling voice: "Where is your general?"
"My general's life and death are unknown." Gao Shaozu clasped his fists and saluted: "General respect, the fine cavalry of the Sui army outside the city has entered the city in large numbers. Our army is defeated and cannot fight anymore. Please escort the prince and queen immediately out of the south gate and leave Lishan City. General Responsible for breaking up the aftermath."
The sound of killing in the city was loud, and the voice of "surrender without killing" was also heard from the direction of the east city. Gao Xinggong even heard the roar of the horse hooves of the cavalry getting closer. He said in a deep voice: "Let's retreat from the south city!"
The gate of Nancheng suddenly opened and the suspension bridge was slowly lowered. Gao Xinggong and Gao Shaozu led the 500 cavalry stationed in Nancheng to escape from Lishan City and fled to the south.
After they left Nancheng, they went to the upper reaches of the Blue River. Ten miles southward they reached the Jiumaoshan River, which ran from east to west and connected the Blue River and the upper reaches of the Wugu River. Going east from the Jiumaoshan River and over the watershed Motian Ridge, they reached Lianshanguan.
The Sui army had limited troops and the main targets of the attack were the east and west cities. They were unable to surround the city on all sides, so Gao Xinggong successfully escaped from Lishan City with Gao Yuan's family scrolls.
The civil war in the city continued until daybreak, but the shouts of killing on the streets gradually became weaker. However, the Sui army's horses continued to gallop, driving out the deserters hiding in the dark. Many deserters who dared to resist were killed on the spot, and many deserters who took the opportunity to rob the people were also killed. Groups of routed soldiers, deserters, and prisoners were driven out by the Sui army's cavalry. Concentrated in the central square of Grand Cross.
There is a nine-story general worship platform made of marble in the central square. On the top floor is a "Stele of King Anwon". This is a monument to record the achievements of King Goyan of Goguryeo Anwon. It was built by his son, King Gaocheng of Yangyuan, in memory of his father. The inscription narrates Gao Yan's life story and military exploits.
There are such stone tablets in every city in Liaodong, but the stone tablet Yang Ji encountered records the deeds of Gao Tande, the good king of Goguryeo, and his son Gaolian, the longevity king. The Gao family and his son are both talented and strategic heroes, so it is natural to erect a monument. No problem. This was the first time he saw this "Monument of Prince Anyuan". When he saw that the military commanders had not come over yet, he took a brief look at the inscription, and he felt that he couldn't laugh or cry.
In order to better defeat Goguryeo in recent years, Yang Ji had an in-depth understanding of its history. He knew that Gao Yan was the fifth grandson of Gao Dande and only lived for sixteen years. During his reign, the royal family disputes intensified and the two major political groups in the north and south After a fierce struggle, he was not only controlled by the powerful ministers, but also died in an unknown manner. After his death, he was succeeded by Gao Cheng, who was only one year old. Therefore, the so-called military achievements in the inscription are far-fetched; it is estimated that Gao Cheng really could not compile it. Well, just put it on the gods.
"Your Majesty!" Zhu Can and Xuanwu Guards had already withdrawn from the battlefield, and were guarding Yang Ji like a shadow. He pointed at the stone tablet and asked, "Should we smash this tombstone too?"
"Yeah!" Yang Ji nodded and said without hesitation: "Find a big guy to smash it, smash it to pieces!"
During the lifetime of King Godamdeok of Goguryeo, he conquered 64 cities and 1,400 villages in the northern Buyeo Kingdom in one battle. Later, he annexed the Buyeo Kingdom and the Mohe tribe; made Baekje, the first boss of the Three Kingdoms, into his younger brother; and defeated Silla in the war. Gao Lian, who inherited the throne, continued his father's expansion policy, annexing the remaining forces of Fuyu and the Mohe and Khitan tribes; and colonial rule over Silla. During the Gaolian era, Goguryeo was bounded by the Sea of Japan in the east, Asan Bay/Zhuling in the south, and Liaohe River in the west. It occupied all the land of Yilou (ancient ethnic group) in the Northeast and officially became the dominant nation in the Northeast.
Now in Goguryeo, their father and son have been deified, and their status is the same as that of Fuxi, Nuwa, Shennong, and Xuanniao who are worshiped and believed by the whole people, and have the honor of gods. It has as many followers as Buddhism, which became the state religion in the second year of Xian'an (372).
Yang Ji's so-called "gods" would inevitably affect the Sui Dynasty's future rule of Liaodong. At the same time, he also wanted to cut off the idea of "obedient people" in Goguryeo. As long as he heard that there were such stone tablets and temples dedicated to the Gao family and his son, he would Let people smash it. Even if they haven't heard about it, let them visit and ask before they smash it.
Although the content recorded in the "Anyuan King Monument" is very funny and ridiculous, who can guarantee that Go Yeon will not become the god of the Goguryeo people in the future? So if you encounter one, let’s get rid of it once and for all!
"Here!" Zhu Can ran down to the platform to pay homage to the generals, borrowed an iron rod from a soldier, and smashed the "Anyuan King Monument" into rubble with "bang bang bang bang".
At this time, a group of cavalry came galloping from the west. Yang Ji looked at the flag, hurriedly ran down the platform and greeted them on foot.
The general who took the lead was Yang Ji's cousin Yang Lun. When he saw Yang Ji coming, he dismounted from a distance. He strode forward, bowed deeply to Yang Ji, and said in a loud voice: "The last general Yang Lun is here to see the general manager." , We have not failed to honor our mission, but we have already conquered Gaimou City and Anshi City."
Yang Lun came to deliver orders. As the commander-in-chief of the three armies, Yang Ji could and had to accept Yang Lun's gift. After receiving three bows with a solemn expression, he stretched out his hands to lift Yang Lun up and looked at him for a while. Seeing that he was unshaven and skinny, he couldn't help but sigh: "Thank you for your hard work, brother!"
"It's a trivial matter, it doesn't matter!" Yang Lun smiled heartily, but soon he smiled and said solemnly: "Now our army is invincible in every attack, but when you look around, they are all Goguryeo people. , the southern cities dispatched 120,000 troops yesterday afternoon, targeting Gaimou City, Anshi City, Hengshan City, and Lishan City respectively. Do you know this military information? "
Yang Ji nodded: "Already know!"
"It's good if you know!" Yang Lun said: "General Li Duan and I were worried that Xue Wanche and Wang Haokai were young and energetic and would not be able to take on big posts. We originally decided to let General Li stay and compete with Gao Huizhen. I returned to Anshi City to take charge of the military affairs of the second city. , but it was delayed because of this battle. Now that things are over here and you are here, it will be a long night and a lot of dreams, so I should go back, what do you think?"
"Okay!" Yang Ji thought for a while and said, "It's just that I can't stay here for a long time. General Li Duan is both offensive and defensive, so he is the best choice to guard Lishan City. He and your soldiers will be here. You We can only take away a thousand people at most.”
"As for the enemy troops attacking Lishan City and Hengshan City, leave them all to me. You only need to guard Gaimou and Anshi."
"You want me to guard again?" Yang Lun glared at Yang Ji angrily, but did not object: "That's it, you kid, be careful."
Yang Ji smiled and said: "Riding is my strength, brother, don't worry!"
"Then I'm leaving!" The situation was urgent and Yang Lun did not dare to stay here. He saluted Yang Ji and hurried back along the original road.
After watching Yang Lun leave, Yang Ji looked at Yang Shanhui not far away.
Yang Shanhui had been waiting for a while. When he saw Yang Ji looking at him, he hurriedly stepped forward and saluted: "I will see you at last, your Majesty!"
Yang Ji was in no mood to talk nonsense and had no time to ask about the details of the war. He asked directly: "Is there any news about Gao Yuan's family papers?"
"Your Majesty, Gao Xinggong ran away with Gao Yuan's family scrolls!" Yang Shanhui said in frustration: "According to the prisoners' confession, they saw Gao Xinggong leading a team out of Nancheng, with a group of more than 2,000 people, and fled to the upper reaches of the Blue River."
Next to him, Yang Yan stepped forward and asked for orders: "Your Majesty, General Mo will lead his people to chase Gao Xinggong and his party."
"There is nothing to worry about Gao Xinggong. Gao Yuan's family records are even more dispensable to us. Let them be. The important thing is to win the next battle and Gao Yuan in Liaodong City." Yang Ji He took out a token from his pouch and gave it to Yang Yan, and said: "Immediately lead a group of scouts along the Tanghe River back to the Tanghe Camp. Let Xue Ju lead 10,000 Liangzhou Jingqi and Wang Xingben lead 5,000 Xiaoguo." The elite cavalry army is going to Hengshan City to assemble, and at the same time, we will send our weapons, equipment and horses, so we must be quick.”
Although they had said that they would hand over the Liaodong battlefield to Yang Yichen, they all underestimated Goguryeo's war potential in the Liaodong Plain. Faced with this sudden 120,000-strong army, Yang Ji had no choice but to go into battle again.
The next thing to be fought is the battle in the wild. Although the Xiaoguo Army is also competent, their combat effectiveness is not worse than that of the Liangzhou Army. However, after all, the Xiaoguo Army is not as good as the Liangzhou Army who have been working together for many years. They only need five thousand. , they cannot be used as the main force; as for other armies, Yang Ji will not consider them at all.
"I will obey your orders!" Yang Yan took the token and bowed out.
"Wait a minute!" An idea flashed in Yang Ji's mind, and he thought of a way to weaken the warlord through war. He stopped Yang Yan again and added: "General Hu Lujin wants to prove his loyalty, but he is just struggling to achieve great achievements. Opportunity; I will give him an opportunity to make a great contribution now and ask him to lead 5,000 surrendered troops to assemble at Hengshan City."
"Here!" Seeing that Yang Yan had nothing to add, he walked away.
After listening to Yang Ji's arrangement, Yang Shanhui thoughtfully raised his hands and asked: "Lishan City is easy to defend but difficult to attack, Hengshan City is easy to attack and difficult to defend, and Hengshan City has countless supplies, so the king plans to take charge of Lishan City." Defend and attack Hengshan?"
"Not bad!" Yang Ji took out another token and handed it to Yang Shanhui: "Yang Changshi, you give the token to Li Duan and ask him to assume the position of Lord Commander of Lishan City and take over the city's defense in the shortest possible time. Some You also handled the delivery matters on my behalf."
"Here!" Yang Shanhui took the token, saluted and left.
Yang Ji stared at the towering Motianling Mountains in the east and secretly cried out that it was a pity.
Motian Ridge, including Lianshanguan, was empty of troops, which was a God-given opportunity to seize it. However, God's calculations are not as good as those of man. The sudden change of situation forced him to put the overall situation first and give up this opportunity.
Are you willing?
of course not!
Looking at Ling Jing aside, Yang Ji said: "Respect him."
Ling Jing stepped forward and saluted: "Here you are!"
Yang Ji said: "Tell me the importance of Lianshan and its general situation."
"Here!" Ling Jing responded and said: "The key to Motian Ridge lies in Lishan City and Lianshanguan. As long as the two cities are in hand, Motian Ridge will be under the control of our army. Especially the latter, it is condescending to Wugu City. It has the potential to reach Taizi City, Xiabao City, and Xiagu City on the south bank of Daliang River along the small river."
Ling Jing introduced this, and then said: "When we were at the Tanghe camp, according to the scouts, Lianshanguan was a pure military fortress, with three thousand elite soldiers and two thousand miscellaneous soldiers stationed there, and no civilians."
Yang Ji frowned and said, "In other words, there are five thousand soldiers and horses at Lianshan Pass?"
"Exactly five thousand men and horses!" Ling Jing responded, and then said: "If Gao Xinggong fled to the city defense army, there would be seven or eight thousand men and horses. If we didn't capture it when its strength was empty, it would sooner or later become a disaster."
"I want to seize Lianshan Pass, but there are 120,000 enemy troops in the southern part of the Liaodong Plain. They must be eliminated as soon as possible. What do you think I should do?" Yang Ji asked.
Ling Jing was stunned for a moment, and his eyebrows almost knitted into a ball. He thought to himself, how could there be so many people in this world who have the best of both worlds and are perfect in everything? However, after racking his brains for a while, he finally came up with a way and said, "We can make up the time difference."
"Time difference?" Yang Jiruo realized something and suddenly became energetic.
"Yes!" Ling Jing said, "There are many women and children in Gao Xinggong's team. As long as they are out of danger, their marching speed will definitely slow down. If we find a shortcut on Motian Ridge, we will definitely reach the company before them." Shangguan, as long as we capture Lishan City before the news of its loss arrives, all problems will be non-issue."
"It is only a few dozen miles from Lishan City to Lianshan Pass over Motian Ridge. If there is a shortcut or access road in the mountains, you can go back and forth in one day. And the armies in the Liaodong Plain combine foot and cavalry, and there are a large number of siege equipment , their marching speed is not fast.”
Then he added: "The mission of King Teng's 10,000 troops and Zong Luohu's 6,000 troops is to wander outside. Even if they cannot defeat the enemy's main force, they can still delay time."
"Based on this calculation, it will take at least five or six days for the two enemy armies pointing at Anshi City and Lishan City in Gaimu City to reach their designated targets. As for Hengshan City, we have 15,000 troops. If we add more The fifteen thousand that your Majesty has just mobilized is equivalent to 30,000 troops, so we are not afraid of invading enemies at all."
After hearing his analysis, Yang Ji's heart became enlightened and he said, "Send someone to find some hunters and ginseng collectors from among the captives, and ask them if they know a shortcut."
"Here!" Ling Jing responded and left.
"Zhu Can!" Yang Ji took out a token and handed it to Zhu Can, and said, "Send someone with this token to Hengshan City and ask Wei Yunqi to send the five thousand Liangzhou troops to Lishan City to take charge."
Even if Lianshan Pass is captured, it still needs to be defended. Now there is no time, so Li Duan's troops can only be taken away; the defense of Lishan City can be handed over to the Liangzhou Army who moved in. It only took half a day for the five thousand Liangzhou troops to come here from Hengshan City.
"Here!"
