The fierce fighting continued until noon, when the rebels finally sounded the clarion call for a full retreat.
After losing an additional 63 warships and killing 5,000 soldiers, Bao Xinyan finally determined that he could not win today.
Not only is it impossible to win, but it is even possible to return defeated.
In order to avoid the worst situation, it is wise to retreat temporarily while the combat power in hand is still intact.
As the order was issued, the rebel fleets that were competing with the imperial navy on the river left the battlefield one after another and retreated backwards using echelon cover.
Seeing that the opponent's command was strict and his movements were stable, Wang Wenlie knew that he did not have the conditions to seize the opportunity to pursue the victory, so he also ordered to withdraw his troops and led his team back to the area around Jiangxin Island to continue to assist in defense and vigilance.
From the attack on the island in the middle of the night yesterday to the day when the sun was high and the enemy retreated, the battle lasted for six hours. A total of 147 enemy ships were destroyed, more than 7,000 rebels were killed, and a large fortress was captured. Three shore defense archery towers completely control the entire island in the center of the river.
The main navy of Shengtang finally ushered in a real victory!
When the news came back to Yiling Water Village, the camp suddenly burst into cheers. Those naval officers who had not been able to participate in this battle felt both excited and regretful. They flocked to the dock of the military port to welcome their comrades who had returned in triumph.
The imperial navy, which was chased by the rebels from Jingxiang all the way to Yiling, had suffered countless defeats and beatings before, but now it has won a complete victory. The feeling of weakness and grievance in the past has been wiped away, no matter on the ship. , or under the boat, everyone's face is filled with exciting smiles.
I don't know who suddenly couldn't help shouting: "Long live the Grand Governor!"
Immediately afterwards, the entire water village suddenly boiled. The soldiers threw their helmets and military caps into the air and shouted "Long live the Governor" at the top of their lungs, with tears of excitement in their eyes.
They are also upright soldiers and passionate men. Who doesn’t want to win the war? Who doesn’t desire to serve the country by killing enemies?
And the person who can make them realize this wish is Li Jiangyao, the Commander-in-Chief of the Zhenjiang Army and the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy!
Looking at the cheering scene on the pier, Yang Li quietly wiped the corners of his eyes, walked to Li Jiangyao's side, and said solemnly: "Captain, thank you."
Li Jiangyao turned his head and said in surprise: "Thank you for what?"
"Thank you for helping the navy regain its confidence!" Yang Li looked into the other party's eyes: "Please continue to lead us to a new victory!"
Facing this young subordinate who always likes to remain silent, Li Jiangyao couldn't help but smile: "The confidence is in you, and victory is achieved by your swords and guns. I didn't do anything. Good brother, you , Wang Wenlie, and the martial arts students from the Yanwu Hall, you are the hope for the future of the Shengtang Navy."
Yang Li's eye circles became moist again and he nodded silently. Although he didn't speak, thousands of words were already flowing through his heart.
-
Li Jiangyao used iron-clad facts to prove that the imperial navy could also defeat the arrogant rebel fleet.
Not only can the enemy be defeated, but it can also be defeated.
At this point, the decadence in Yiling Water Village was swept away, and the sailors of the four flags began to prepare more actively for war.
Repairing warships, practicing tactics, strengthening fortifications, and hoarding supplies, the entire camp was full of vitality.
Wang Wenlie also demonstrated his extraordinary resourcefulness and ability through this battle, and thus fully won the trust and support of the naval officers and soldiers.
So, he continued his efforts, led his warships, and with the cooperation of Yang Li and Guan Sansheng, went upstream and annihilated more than fifty ships of the rebels entrenched in the Shibei Waterway, completely eliminating the danger of Yiling being attacked from both sides. .
At the same time, Gu Hongjiang commanded his troops and built two new archery towers at the east end of Jiangxin Island. The shooting range can cover a larger area on the river and improve the ability to assist in defense.
The fleets of the four flags took turns to be on duty, always maintaining fifty to sixty warships patrolling around Jiangxin Island, while the defense of the island was still left to the two thousand white-robed troops.
After more than a month of rest and improvement, the situation in the Yiling Waterway gradually changed from the passive and dangerous state when Li Jiangyao first arrived, to a confrontation between the two armies, each with its own offense and defense.
In other words, the Yiling crisis has been temporarily alleviated, and the imperial navy is regaining control of the initiative.
Li Jiangyao took this opportunity to write a letter to Dong Tianxing in the imperial capital, asking him to replace the navy with new weapons, equipment and armor as soon as possible. In addition, it would be best to add a batch of giant crossbows suitable for installation on warships. , needed for water supply war.
Not long after, the old Dong wrote back to Li Jiangyao, saying that he was trying every means to solve the various needs of the navy and asked the general to wait a moment. At the same time, he also emphasized to Li Jiangyao that the court was currently in some trouble.
There are probably two troubles that Dong Tianxing mentioned: First, the Japanese pirates have once again landed and invaded on a large scale, with far more troops than last time. The eastern states have been in emergency one after another, and the court has begun to consider dispatching the main army on the river defense line to eliminate them.
The second trouble comes from Wei Zixuan and others.
Li Jiangyao had previously killed three officers, Sun Chen, Huo Rulun, and Cao Xun, which had already caused shock in the court. If they are really afraid of death and are cowardly, or if they are treasonous and surrender to the enemy, then they will be killed. If they shake the morale of the army, they should die. However, those three guys were directly beheaded just because they opposed Li Jiangyao's reorganization plan, which is somewhat unacceptable.
Logically speaking, when subordinates disobey, no matter whether the coach reprimands or punishes them, the crime will not lead to death.
As soon as Li Jiangyao took office, he was good at killing court officials. Even Dong Tianxing was not easy to explain to him.
Now Wei Zixuan, Yin Chengyi and others have gathered a large number of imperial envoys and officials to impeach the navy commander Li Jiangyao, accusing him of having no political agenda, taking personal revenge, and killing indiscriminately, causing a commotion in the imperial court. .
According to the letter from the old director, Emperor Li Bing is quite hesitant at the moment, but he has also secretly instructed Nilin Division to start secretly investigating the ins and outs behind this matter.
Dong Tianxing reminded Li Jiangyao not to be careless. It is best to write a memorial as soon as possible and take the initiative to explain clearly what happened on the Yiling front line.
Li Jiangyao smiled helplessly after reading the letter.
explain? how to explain? When I tell the emperor and the court about the principles of running an army and fighting a war, will they understand?
At that time, there were strong enemies externally and disagreements internally. Sun Chen and others relied on their background and support to act arbitrarily. Although there was no specific evidence of crime, the previous series of disastrous defeats of the navy were related to their disobedience to orders and fighting independently.
do not kill? Do I have time to argue with them and have the patience to argue with them?
do not kill? Can you integrate the entire army so quickly and go head-to-head with Bao Xinyan?
Li Jiangyao ordered people to call Wang Wenlie and Yang Li, and said calmly: "You have been making preparations recently and strive to launch an attack on the main force of the rebels in Linzigang Waterway as soon as possible."
Wang Wenlie was slightly startled: "Ah, the attack is ahead of schedule? Weren't you still admonishing us the day before yesterday, telling us not to rush but to be patient and to be fully prepared?"
Yang Li said nothing, but looked at Li Jiangyao curiously.
"The situation has changed." Li Jiangyao sighed softly: "I may leave my post at any time, so I hope to lead you to another victory and stabilize the situation in the upper reaches of the river."
Hearing this, even Yang Li, who had always been a man of few words, couldn't hold it in any longer and asked anxiously: "Why is this? Why did the Governor resign after being so good?"
Li Jiangyao smiled: "Last time I cut off three heads without permission, and now the court is going to hold me accountable. I guess the first step should be to remove me from my position as Navy Commander so that internal investigation and questioning can be carried out. "
Yang Li was slightly startled and couldn't help but frowned.
Wang Wenlie curled his lips disdainfully: "It's okay if you don't do it! Protector General, let's go back to the Suppressing Xinjiang Army, so as not to suffer this arrogance!"
Yang Li glanced at him helplessly, then turned to Li Jiangyao and said, "Grand Governor, you can explain to the court. Sun Chen and others disobeyed the commander's military orders in public and should be severely punished according to military law. Moreover, the situation at that time was extremely critical... …”
Li Jiangyao raised his hand to stop him and said with a smile: "Yang Li, since I am too lazy to talk nonsense to Sun Chen and the others, of course I am too lazy to talk nonsense to the court. Instead of wasting time with such boring explanations, it is better to do something serious. You guys The flag team of two people is the absolute main force of the navy, so we have to shoulder the burden. Go back quickly and make plans. While I can still be in charge of the navy, let's go and beat out Bao Xinyan's eggs!"
Wang Wenlie agreed readily and pulled Yang Li, who was about to say something else, out of the handsome tent.
After they left, Li Jiangyao stretched hard, then lay on the wicker chair and began to think about another thing.
Along with Dong Tianxing's letter, there was another letter. The person who wrote the letter was none other than Murong Xue's wife, Princess Fenyang Li Xi.
Li Jiangyao has always been wary of this seventh princess.
This was not because Li Xi was so bad, but because this woman always gave him a cruel and ruthless feeling, which made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Li Jiangyao actually saw through Princess Fenyang's true thoughts.
She has no other demands, she just hopes to consolidate her honor and status as a member of the royal family and gain more and more influence in this dynasty.
It was for this reason that I secretly maintained contact with Huaiyang King Li Kuang; now I am protecting my consort and helping Murong Xue deal with political opponents in the court for this reason; I even consider Li Jiangyao my brother and cooperate with the Intelligence Department at all times, and it is also for this reason. .
From Li Jiangyao's point of view, as the daughter of the late emperor, there is nothing wrong with Li Xi's thoughts or actions. However, from the perspective of his good brother Murong Xue, Li Jiangyao can't help but feel a little worried. He has a premonition that Li Xi will give her something to do sooner or later. The husband caused trouble.
This time Li Xi sent him a special letter, mainly reporting the latest developments of Shangshu Zuopu shooting Wei Zixuan: this traitor Wong, who was already semi-exposed, was brewing a new conspiracy at this time.
