When the sun began to dye the sky red with its gorgeous sunset, the joy and laughter of cleaning the battlefield infected every soldier.
The timely arrival of Li Dan's troops blocked the enemy's escape route from the west and south. There were only less than 400 prisoners among the thousands of enemy troops.
The resistance was fierce, but without the protection of the stockade and facing twice as many opponents, Chow Tai Fook's team could not escape the fate of being wiped out.
Magistrate Guo and Sun Shoubei made an appointment to meet Sheng Huai'en and Li Dan outside the north gate. They warmly invited them into the city for a banquet, but they declined.
Sheng Huai'en told them that they had received accurate information from the prisoners. Lou Shiming, the "Emperor of Heaven", had arrived in Dayuan. They were going to set up an ambush tonight and try to repel the enemy.
"This way Guangxin can be truly safe and sound. We can at least control the ground on the right bank of the Goxi River from being threatened by Pan Fei, and then we can plan how to supply grain, fodder, etc. to Shangrao City.
At present, the quota of supplies to Guangxin must be delivered to the city as soon as possible. There are still many things to be arranged. "
Sheng Huai'en clasped his fists and said apologetically: "You two have taken it, Sheng Qing. After defeating Lou Shiming, it won't be too late to have a drink together when we come back!"
After hearing what he said, Guo and Sun understood that there was still a tough battle ahead, and Guangxin would not be safe and healthy without Chow Tai Fook.
The two of them were secretly frightened, so they had no choice but to thank Sheng and Li for their hard work, and then returned to the city with the capture and prisoners from Chow Tai Fook's camp. They closed the city gate tightly and still stood there, waiting for good news from the front line.
Sheng Huai'en and Li Dan had imagined various situations in their previous deductions. The only thing they didn't expect was that Lou Shiming, who originally thought he was going to the mountainous area to collect Yang He's defeated troops, suddenly appeared on the front line at this time.
They lacked understanding of this new opponent. Even Feng San and later Sun She and Tie Chuozi were not very familiar with this person. They only knew that he had led troops alone for a long time and had quite a winning record. He was a powerful figure in Lou Zi's army. Considerable prestige.
"I'm afraid this guy is not easy to fight. His men are said to be the most skilled and tenacious in the Lou bandit army. We have to be more careful. Such high morale cannot be destroyed in front of this kid!" Sheng Huai'en said.
"Qianhu is absolutely right! Therefore, we must not become complacent just because of a few victories. The consequences of being careless will ruin the previous results. We should remind everyone during the meeting of all generals." After Li Dan finished speaking, he pointed at the hasty drawing. map:
"This 'Red Bearded General' has both a reputation and a record of achievements. He is not a man with great ambitions and talents like Hua Jibu, nor is he a local bandit like Chow Tai Fook.
I guess this person must be cunning and wise, and he must not be underestimated!
Going west from Dayuan to Guangxin, you need to pass through the pine forest under the Huangling Ridge south of Luoqiao. This road is not only narrow, but also two miles long!
Qianhu, although this is the best place to set up an ambush, I am a little worried. If this guy is really good at fighting, will he not be suspicious after seeing the terrain like this? "
"This possibility is not impossible." Wu Mao nodded: "As the inspection said, he must have sent some front troops to go ahead. If there is a change, the rear troops can immediately support or jump out of the ambush."
"I guess if the two heavenly kings find something wrong, they will probably choose to have the team retreat quickly and return to the official road to wait and see the situation before making a decision."
Zhao Jingzi touched the short beard growing on his chin. He had stayed up late for days and the circles under his eyes were dark, but the joy of winning consecutive battles still made him unable to stop his mind, and he had no time to maintain the dignity of a descendant of the royal family.
"No, it won't just be a wait-and-see," Wu Mao thought for a moment and waved his hands in denial, "If something happens up front, the first choice he would make would be to seize the Huangling high ground and attack our ambush troops from behind.
Of course, Ma Jiuye is leading the team up there now, but I think the troops are not enough! He needs reinforcements! "
"Haha, why don't we bring in the musketry team and beat them from above!" Zhao Jingzi said.
"If he can't take the northern foot of Huangling Mountain, what do you think he will do?" Li Dan asked.
Wu Mao raised his head and Zhao Jingzi looked at each other, almost saying in unison: "Occupy Luo Bridge!" ap.
"Yes, this is the next best thing he can do! Luoqiao is located on a slightly higher ground, and there are houses and courtyards to rely on. The Second Heavenly King can gain a firm foothold by taking down Luoqiao.
Place
This small village will be the focus of our fight. If he can't get the Luo Bridge, he will have to cut off his tail to survive and lead the team back to Dayuan! "After Li Dan finished speaking, he pointed the map at Luoqiao with his hand:
"I will go there myself. The front camp, rear camp, and musketry team will be deployed to Luoqiao. The left camp will lead a big gun to ambush in Shangwutang to block the west.
Shanda people, please leave the ambush on the forest road to the army. Let Lin Shuntang follow you. "
"Okay!" Sheng Huaien nodded in agreement while stroking his beard.
He knew that this "official army" already included the reformed Tie Chuozi and Shi Sannian. The total number of people was over a thousand. If Lin Shuntang's No. 2 Squadron was included, the number would be 1,200. If only the enemy's front line was killed, Team, he is confident enough.
Li Dan continued: "We cannot rule out the possibility that the enemy will bypass the mountain, so we sent someone to inform Zhou Yingzheng and remind him to pay attention to the northward defense." Zhao Jingzi agreed to write it down in notes.
After Zhou Qin occupied Shangban Ferry, he found that there were no ships there. After asking, he learned that in order to prevent the enemy from using it, the government sent people to clear the field and go to the reed marsh at Longtankou.
Li Dan has already negotiated with County Magistrate Guo and Sun Shoubei, asking them to call the water village and allocate dozens of them to build a pontoon bridge, and then send them back to hide after all the baggage has been transported.
"Send Gao Hanzi's squadron to Ma Jiu, as well as the archery team." Li Dan continued:
"Let Luo You go up to the mountainside of Huangling and stand by. The position is between Lin Shuntang and Gao Hanzi. This will not only prevent the Majiu defense line from being breached, but also can reinforce the troops setting up an ambush at any time."
He marked several troops on the map, then raised his head and said: "Let's first assume that he fell into the trap, then Gao Hanzi will be in front and Luo You will be in the back, pressing down the mountain and supporting Lin Shuntang to reduce the pressure on the officers and soldiers.
I led the Luoqiao teams to seal the entrance from the rear. The left battalion entered the position from Shangwutang to support the officers and soldiers. The right battalion, Zhouying, was leading the team to block the exit from east to west. Ma Jiuye went down the mountain to block the gap between Luoqiao and Dayuan. .
In this way, the two heavenly kings will be surrounded on this forest road, trying to eat them completely!
If he doesn't fall for it. The officers and soldiers under the command of General Sheng Qian will first eat his vanguard, and then the enemy will either attack Huangshan or retreat to Luoqiao. We will not give him either place!
There is a general in front who blocks the road and the two heavenly kings cannot get through. After Shanda's people have eaten, they lead the team out and we form a solid front. If Lou Shiming doesn't withdraw, he will have to fight with us in the unfavorable first battle and the disadvantageous terrain! What do you think? "
"What Sanlang means is to force Lou Shiming to realize his situation and then take the initiative to retreat? You don't really want to swallow this piece of meat, do you?" Sheng Huaien saw Li Dan's intention.
"Yes." Li Dan nodded: "Sir, we have prisoners from the previous two battles to digest, and the soldiers are exhausted from continuous battles.
So I think it’s good to be able to eat Lou Shiming, but if you can’t eat it, don’t hold on, lest you choke.
If we can force Lou Shiming to retreat without suffering major losses, we can even negotiate with him, and then use time to slowly digest the achievements we have made before, and then go back and look for opportunities to go further. "Li Dan explained.
"Can he give us this time?" Sheng Huaien wondered.
"I think it should be possible. After all, Lou Shiming doesn't want to lose too much here. If there is a chance to maintain his strength, he will definitely go back to the tent to figure out his own little plan!" Li Dan's answer caused a burst of laughter.
"Then, will the grain and grass baggage in Fengling Town be shipped again tomorrow?" Zhao Jingzi asked.
"The ones given to Guangxin can be lucky tonight, as long as we cover the battlefield so that Lou Shiming doesn't get any news."
No one had any objections. So he immediately dispatched messengers to each battalion and team to deliver the orders. Taking advantage of the last light before dark, the entire army rushed back towards the official road.
Zhou Qin and Ma Jiu received the order and began to build their own fences to prepare for defense.
Besides, Zhou Dafu sent out two messengers to ride on animals to Dayuandu, and called the soldiers on the opposite side to come over with the boat. After verifying their identities, they were brought across the Lixi River to see Lou Shiming.
The Second Heavenly King was shocked when he heard that his younger brother and the Seventh Grandma had not been able to escape despite even claiming gold, and that Fengling Town had been lost! road:
"I knew that Li Sanlang from Nanshan Mountain was not easy to get along with, but I didn't expect that this little thief is so capable. It's terrible that my third brother, who is so brave, fell into his hands!"
When he said "Oh no," he wasn't worried about his father's favored younger brother, nor was he talking about a piece of gold.
This Lou Shiming is different from his father and brother. He prides himself on having great ambitions and never cares too much about women or his family.
What he was worried about was that he had come a long way and was not familiar with the local area, and he did not bring much military supplies. If he could not win back Fengling Town quickly, then perhaps joining forces with Guangxin's Chow Tai Fook would be the best option.
Thinking of this, he quickly asked: "How many people do Colonel Zhou have and how much food and grass do they have?"
"Back to the Second Marshal, there are a thousand people in our camp, and the food and grass are carried for three thousand people. Colonel Zhou estimates that there will be no problem in eating for a few more months.
Because at that time, Grandma Qi led a team to join forces with the Third Marshal, but the food and grass here were not taken away. ” Chow Tai Fook’s soldiers quickly replied.
"Oh, that's good!" Lou Shiming felt a little relieved after hearing this. In this case, he went over to join forces and estimated that the food and grass would be enough for ten days or half a month.
He asked about the situation and geography of Guangxin in detail, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "According to Colonel Zhou's wishes, he will set up an ambush tomorrow morning and ask me to go to help. So after repelling the enemy and joining forces, will he make me the leader?" "
"Of course, my captain has said that everything will be done according to the wishes of the Second Marshal!"
"Okay! In that case, you two go back and tell Colonel Zhou that at the time he said, I will raise troops to Guangxin on the fourth watch, and ask him to hold on until the reinforcements arrive!"
Lou Shiming thought to himself, no matter what, whether to attack Guangxin first or recover Fengling Town, capture this team first and then talk about other things!
After the two discussed it, Chow Tai Fook's personal soldiers were unwilling to travel at night anymore, so they stayed behind to lead the army tomorrow morning. Douziwan's subordinates volunteered to go back to deliver the message, but were sent across the river again overnight.
But he took a turn on the way to Huangling, and then was sent to Luoqiao by Ma Jiu's men to meet Li Dan.
In this way, Li Dan learned three important pieces of news: Lou Shiming did not yet know that Chow Tai Fook had been annihilated; the exact time of his departure was the fifth watch; and the troops he carried were insufficient.
"What kind of person do you think this Second Heavenly King is?" Li Dan asked the messenger sitting down.
This soldier was originally with Tie Linglong. It was his first time sitting and talking with court officials, and he was quite embarrassed and nervous.
"Well, I, I think... I think he is a person who has ideas and dares to make decisions." After saying that, he grinned, thinking to himself, why do you say that a thief leader is so praiseworthy? Then he secretly looked at Li Dan with his eyes.
"Oh, you have ideas and dare to make decisions. Okay, very good!" Li Dan patted him on the shoulder happily: "You are brave and good at observing people. Very good! What's your name?"
"Little, little man Zhong Siqi"
"Okay, go and talk to Captain Liu (Liu She, Tie Linglong). After this battle is over, Zhong Siqi, you can join our personal guard!"
"Ah?" Zhong Siqi was startled. At that time, being a personal soldier for an official was a big deal, and he even had the opportunity to eat from the same pot as Shangguan! He was flattered and knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you, Si Qi, for your grace!"
Li Dan burst out laughing, beckoning Mao Zaidi to take him down to rest, and then said to Wu Mao: "If he is really such a person, I'm afraid it will be impossible to completely annihilate the second son of the Lou family tomorrow."
Wu Mao nodded: "Then we will retreat and do the next best thing, let Lou Shi know the difficulty and retreat, and the two camps will face each other across the river.
While we were trying to transfer the baggage to Shangrao, we were digesting and absorbing the results of the war, and at the same time, we used the excuse of redeeming Lou Shifan to stabilize Lou Shiming. In this way, there is stillness and movement, advancement and retreat. In short, it is enough to achieve the purpose of supplying Shangrao. "
Lou Shiming fulfilled his promise, and the entire army set off on time the next day at the fourth watch.
Unfortunately, there were only a few boats available at Dayuan Ferry, and the two thousand people had to be transported for two hours. By the time they all arrived on the other side and formed a team, it was already dawn.
The advantage is that the fog dissipates at this time, the surrounding scenery can be seen realistically, and the heat has not yet risen, so the cool morning breeze is suitable for marching. The whole army's walking speed was not slow, and they arrived at the foot of Huangling Ridge in the middle of the night.
"Young Marshal, please look
, this is Huangling, and the low hills in front are connected with Pine Ridge. There are pine trees and bamboo forests in the middle, and there are only two roads opened in ancient times to Guangxin. ” Chow Tai Fook’s personal soldiers introduced enthusiastically.
"Is that so? I asked you why Guangxin was reduced to a county town later." Lou Shiming looked up at Huangling Mountain and Luoqiao Mountain behind him: "Then this mountain is the highest in the north of Guangxin? You didn't send any sentry? ?」
"Back to you, Marshal, we are still six or seven miles away from Guangxin. Just walking through this pine forest will take us two miles."
"Huh!" Lou Shiming stopped and sat down: "What do you mean, you have to walk two miles?"
"yes."
Lou Shiming held his red beard and said nothing. A close confidant next to him understood what he was thinking. He took a few thousand steps on his horse and asked softly: "Young Marshal, how about I take some brothers to go ahead and you to follow?" "
"Yes." Lou Shiming nodded slightly, and the captain immediately moved forward, leading more than 400 people. After they entered for a while, Lou Shiming waved his hand: "Let's go!"
Not long after the large group of people walked inside, the road was already so narrow that only two cars could pass each other. Lou Shiming frowned and said nothing.
Suddenly there was a cry of killing from the front. Lou Shiming suddenly pulled on the reins. He squinted and saw figures flashing on the mountains on both sides.
Someone shouted: "Enemy attack!" Lou Shiming made a decisive decision and waved his hand: "Go back, the front team becomes the back team, the shield comes forward!"
Before he finished speaking, big rocks rolled down the mountain, and from behind came the soldiers' frightened shouts and howls of pain.
Fortunately, this team had been with him for a while and had been trained by him. They ignored the dead and injured and immediately turned around and ran outside.
The horse's hoofs hit the sand and gravel of the official road, creating sparks of hoofs. Lou Shiming looked back at his team and was furious: "Go find the leader and chop him down!" he shouted, then lowered his head and gritted his teeth, muttering. murmured:
"I should have thought, should have thought, that the little thief would not let me join forces with Guangxin so easily!" He said with regret and punched his thigh twice.
The cry of Chow Tai Fook's soldiers could be heard in the distance: "Third Marshal, Third General, I have been wronged, wronged...!"
