In late January of the 10th year of Baoda, the Southern Tang army vowed to march westward.
Liu Renzhan, the military commander of the Wuchang Army, and Wang Yanzhang, the military commander of the Jingjiang Army, were ordered to lead their naval forces to block the waterway from the Yangtze River to Dongting Lake, prohibiting the exchange of merchants, and ensuring the unimpeded passage of money, food and equipment required for the Western Expedition. From Chizhou to Yuezhou, across the east and west lines, warships gathered and flags covered the sky.
After all, it was planned by the Privy Councilor's personal commander. This mobilization of manpower and material resources was very costly. In addition to some of the troops stationed in Jinling, Liu Yanzhen's troops had a total of 30,000 infantry and cavalry, including about 10,000 elite cavalry; Zhou Ben led the Xiongwu Army on the right wing. Thirty thousand, except for a few cavalry used as scouts, most of them were infantry. Li Yuan's subordinates led the left wing of the holy army, and 20,000 were ordered to suppress the central army. In addition, there were Congshu, Jiang, E, Jun, Hong, Yuan Liuzhou recruited 60,000 civilians.
The Southern Tang Dynasty announced to the world that Liu Yan, the governor of Wuping Jiedu, refused to return to the court, and secretly communicated with the Zhou Dynasty, intending to cause chaos. The emperor was kind-hearted, and issued many edicts to persuade the emperor to no avail. Therefore, he had no choice but to raise troops to fight against it in order to relieve the people's troubles. The attack on Langzhou this time was regarded as a master's achievement.
By early February, the Liu Yanzhen Department of the Shenwu Army, the Zhou Headquarters of the Xiongwu Army, and the Li Yuan Department of the Holy Guard Army arrived at Yiyang on the front line.
Previously, the Southern Tang Dynasty had sent General Li Jianqi to lead 8,000 state soldiers to Yiyang, as well as 2,000 Longxiang troops to escort the baggage first. Rumors had already spread in the city, and many people had already left the city when they saw that the war was about to break out.
After the arrival of the Western Expedition Army, the commander-in-chief Chen Jue immediately summoned Li Jianqi to meet with his two lieutenants Liu Yanzhen and Zhou Ben, as well as Li Yuan and the guest envoy Feng Yanlu to discuss military affairs.
What is worth mentioning is that Feng Yanlu, as the civil servant of the guest province, is responsible for overseeing the army. Everyone thought that as Feng Yansi's younger brother, he would inevitably cause trouble for Chen Jue. However, he has always been tough in style, but this time he was silent during the march. Quite surprising. Li Yuan knew that he had some issues with Feng Liushou, so there was no need to go out of his way to get acquainted with him. The current war was urgent, and as for their personal grievances, the two of them could understand each other tacitly.
Yiyang guard Li Jianqi was in a state of panic. It had been three months since late October of the ninth year of the Baodao Period. Not only had Liu Yan and others fooled him around, he had not even touched the city wall of Langzhou. This time when the imperial army arrived, he was already prepared to be removed from office and convicted. Unexpectedly, Chen Jue comforted him with a few words of relief, asking him to accept his crime and perform meritorious service. However, the smile at the corner of his mouth was particularly cold.
Chen Jueduan sat in the upper position. This privy envoy with a reputation throughout the Southern Tang Dynasty was even more energetic at this time. Since joining the center, he had planned two wars to destroy Fujian and Chu. In addition, the Western Expedition was also For the first time, he personally became the head coach. Looking at the generals sitting on both sides, he couldn't help but feel excited. The battle hadn't started yet, but in his mind, the scene of Langzhou City being defeated and the victory returned to the court was already in his mind.
I saw Chen Jue smiling and speaking first: "Everyone, now our 80,000-strong army has arrived in Yiyang. Two envoys, Liu Renzhan and Wang Yanzhang, have led the navy to blockade Dongting. The way to the north of Langzhou has been cut off. At this time, Langzhou soldiers have already arrived. The road is at the end of the road, and the city will be broken and defeated only in the blink of an eye. The truth is that this battle cannot be delayed, and we must find a way to win the siege quickly! After Liu Yan and other thieves are captured and killed, the army will immediately move north to attack Xuzhou! What do you think? If you have any suggestions, please tell me."
As soon as these words came out, all the generals looked at each other in confusion, and almost all of them choked at the seemingly impassioned remarks. Before Langzhou had even chewed the hard nut, he was already thinking about going north to attack Zhou. Where did Chen Jue's confidence come from? ?
Liu Yanzhen still looked like a good old man and smiled lightly: "Mr. Minister, you are the commander-in-chief of the army. Naturally, we will obey all orders."
Zhou Ben had a calm expression on his face, stood up and stepped forward, pointing on the drawing: "Your Majesty, if you want a quick victory, I'm afraid it will be difficult. Langzhou's soldiers are brave, and Langzhou City has been run by King Ma Xi'e for many years, and the city walls are strong. Gao, the people have plenty of money and food, enough to hold on for several days. Although our navy in the north blocks the retreat, the envoy must not forget the enemy in the west. Scouts came to report that 20,000 Dongxi barbarians had already left Xizhou, and several We can reach it in a day. If our army forces an attack on the city in order to seek a quick victory, and if the barbarians attack, they may be attacked from both inside and outside, with disastrous consequences! The general thought that it would be better to discuss it again and be more prudent."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jue glanced at Zhou Ben with narrowed eyes, then as if nothing had happened, forced out a forced smile, and asked again: "What do you think of what Zhou Tongjun said?"
Whether it was because he was intimidated by Chen Jue's power or because his thoughts were mixed, no one responded at this time. Then Chen Jue turned to look at Li Yuan, who was expressionless.
Li Yuan quickly replied: "Your Majesty, what Zhou Tongjun said is not unreasonable. There have been wars in the Chu region for many years, and only a corner of Langzhou has been defended to this day. It can be seen that its soldiers are elite and its city is strong. Liu Yan and others must be good at fighting and planning. Sir, our army should not be underestimated. The Dongxi barbarians have always been cunning, and they are good at climbing in and out of the jungle. They have quite good tactics. After eight years of protecting the country, five thousand barbarians attacked Tanzhou University along the mountain road at night. The Chu army was in chaos and Ma Xifan was defeated. This time, they sent 20,000 troops, which was fierce.
Therefore, the final general thought that if he wanted to attack Langzhou, he should not be eager to attack Langzhou, and he had to camp step by step. The last general thought that they could be divided and attacked, so he ordered the elite troops from one group to fight the Dongxi barbarians first and prevent their rescue. The other group built a camp to surround Langzhou on three sides and look for opportunities to attack the city. No matter how much grain there is in Langzhou city, it will be consumed sooner or later. It's almost gone, and it won't last long! "
An aide next to Chen Jue immediately said coldly: "After all, Li Yuhou is too young and has little experience in war. Our 80,000-strong army was immediately besieging the city. The water supply was smooth, and there was a steady flow of food and fodder. We have the right time and place." Hand! Has Marquis Yu ever heard of besieging the city for reinforcements? If the barbarians dare to attack by surprise, they will be wiped out in one fell swoop, and our army will be wiped out. Besides, Langzhou has only 40,000 soldiers, and has lost the support of the people. How can Li Yu stand a chance of winning by holding on to the isolated city? Are you afraid of the enemy?"
Li Yuan shook his head and said nothing. Li Jianqi, who had been silent until now, suddenly said: "The general also believes that the Dongxi barbarians should not be underestimated. The general was ordered to garrison Yiyang in March and fought against the Dongxi barbarians several times. He thought they were weak and armored. Bo, not yet civilized, but his tactics are strange and unpredictable. He hides during the day and attacks the camp late at night, which makes our army exhausted..."
"That's because you, Li Jianqi, are incompetent!" Chen Jue suddenly slapped the case and said angrily: "His Majesty clearly ordered you to plot to capture Langzhou, but who ordered you to fight against the Dongxi barbarians? You are simply focusing on one thing and not the other! In the battle of Tanzhou, King Chu surrendered, and Langzhou The people of the state have long been distracted. If you hadn't delayed and hesitated, how could I have led the army here?"
"Let me tell you clearly! It's not that the general wants to fight the barbarians, it's actually——" Li Jianqi's face turned pale, as if he was in trouble.
Chen Jue glared at Li Jianqi fiercely, making everyone tremble, and then spoke meaningfully: "I also know that listening to both sides will lead to enlightenment, and listening to one side will lead to darkness. But as you said, being afraid of the enemy at all times is probably not a good sign! That's not a good sign! The Dongxi barbarians are just little men in the mountains. No matter how good they are at fighting and how cunning they are, how can they withstand my 80,000-strong army? I mean, tonight the army will be surrounded on three sides, holding open fires, deep trenches and earth, and attack the city immediately tomorrow! If the Dongxi barbarians dare to invade , destroy them together!"
Li Yuan couldn't hold himself any longer, stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I have one final word, please forgive me!"
Chen Jue waved his hand and said, "Speak."
Li Yuan swallowed his saliva, cupped his hands and said: "The Prime Minister is prepared for a rainy day, and I will finally be convinced! It's just a forced attack on the city. If it is really attacked by internal and external attacks, the casualties will definitely be huge! If it is just a mere Langzhou City, it will suffer too much damage. This may delay Xiang Xiang’s plan to move north... Therefore, I still believe that dividing and attacking is the best strategy! I will ask Ying to lead his troops to the west to fight against the barbarians, so that our army can besiege the city without any worries!"
The staff loudly said decisively: "No! Why does Li Yuhou always say to divide the troops? Do you want to defend yourself? The army is about to besiege the city, and the Holy Guard Army is guarding the central army. How can they leave? If the safety of the envoy is in danger, What crime should Li Yuhou deserve?"
Chen Jue had been completely convinced by Li Yuan's remarks. In his eyes, Langzhou was just a small nail in this western expedition and could be easily removed. After all, going north to Xuzhou is the ultimate goal. Conquering the Central Plains is Emperor Li Jing's lifelong ambition, and it is also a shortcut for Chen Jue to become a marquis and prime minister. But if the army suffers too many casualties, it will definitely not be possible.
But after hearing what his staff said, he cleared his mind again and immediately became suspicious of Li Yuan.
This Li Yuan is becoming more and more unpredictable! I originally thought that this person was of the same mind as me, but today I just arrived in Yiyang, and he turned against me at the first military meeting. Is it because he is young and energetic or has ulterior motives that he dares to lead the Chinese army on his own? When the war breaks out, the Chinese army will be empty. If there is a mistake in the truth, life will be lost! Talk of marching westward and northward, and talk of making achievements, were all in vain.
Thinking of this, Chen Jue paused and said coldly: "Marquis Li Yu, the Chinese army cannot be empty! Moreover, the army is about to besiege the city, and it needs manpower and material resources. But if you insist on going, you can only lead half of the troops in front of us. Go, I can only provide you with food for seven days, how about it?"
Li Yuan was a little stunned for a moment. The Dongxi barbarians have always been capable and cunning, and now they have come to attack 20,000 enemies, but they only give themselves more than 10,000 troops and seven days of food. Are they forcing me to give in? As he gritted his teeth and hesitated, Li Yuan suddenly remembered that there was a letter hidden in the breastplate, the letter that said "brother's personal letter".
Then a look of luck flashed in his eyes, and he replied in a deep voice: "The general will take your orders!"
Seeing that Li Yuan was willing to accept the order, Chen Jue and the staff beside him were stunned for a moment. Then Chen Jue swallowed his saliva and said: "Li Yuhou, there is no joke in the army! You are still young, don't make a mistake because of your anger! "
Li Yuan straightened his body and said loudly: "Since the prime minister has given the general seven days of food, the general will repel the barbarians within seven days. If he fails to win, he will be the master of war!"
At this time, Li Jianqi suddenly followed and said: "Your Majesty, the last general is also willing to take the blame and perform meritorious service. He will lead three thousand soldiers and horses from his headquarters to follow Li Yuhou as a back-up."
Li Yuan turned his head and glanced at Li Jianqi, who had a determined face. Although this man had mediocre military tactics and suffered repeated defeats, his kindness today was enough for Li Yuan to remember in his heart.
Chen Jue was a little surprised, and then he showed a cold look, obviously dissatisfied with the two generals who were openly causing trouble. But then I thought about it, the main force of the army, Shenwu Xiongwu, was in hand. Even if Li Yuan's ten thousand soldiers and horses were missing, and Li Jianqi's meager three thousand state soldiers were missing, it would definitely not affect the overall situation.
Moreover, Li Yuan himself was promoted by Chen Jue himself, and Li Jianqi was already guilty, so the fate of the two of them was firmly in his hands. It's okay to win this time, but if the army is defeated, in the end, wouldn't you have to beg Chen Jue for your own impulsiveness?
I saw Chen Jue sighing, nodding calmly, raising his hands and saying: "In that case, I will allow you two to lead the army to attack the invading barbarians. Let's rest for a day and prepare military supplies tomorrow. , leave the city immediately and head west. I will also send out scouts along the way to inquire about the military situation."
Li Yuan and Li Jianqi cupped their hands and said, "The last general will take your orders!"
Next, Chen Jue ordered the generals one by one to arrange the military affairs for tomorrow's siege. From the beginning to the end, only Feng Yanlu, the envoy of the Hakka Province, remained silent. His eyes were always focused on Chen Jue and Li Yuan. After a moment, he showed an unknown smile.
