Compared to the generals who were filled with indignation, Li Jiangyao and Xu Youchang both seemed very calm. In war, there is always one or the other, you advance and I retreat. Victory and defeat are common matters for military strategists. There is no reason why you can only win but not lose.
Although they also felt sad and sad for the brothers who were killed in the ambush, what was more important was to discover the patterns in the changes in the battlefield situation as soon as possible and see the enemy's strength.
Ye Rongcheng launched two consecutive surprise attacks across the river and successfully succeeded, indicating that the rebels were consciously reversing the previous passive defensive situation and hoped to regain the initiative on the battlefield.
At the same time, the powerful cooperation between the traitors in North Korea and China also brought great disruption and destruction to the frontline war.
Just imagine, if the eastern state capital hadn't been so violently disturbed by Japanese pirates, and if Chang Tao's Xuanwu Legion hadn't been suddenly transferred northward, Ye Rongcheng wouldn't have been able to break through the Jiang defense so easily. He might even have dared not try to provoke.
With the subtle changes in the battlefield situation, the rebels will definitely become more arrogant in the future, and the entire river defense line may face constant sneak attacks from the opponent.
After careful analysis, both Li Jiangyao and Xu Youchang agreed that in the next period of time, the rebels are likely to adopt a strategy of advancing both by land and water: Uncles and nephews Bao Yuchun and Bao Xinyan will concentrate their efforts on attacking the imperial navy or the Tenth District of Zhenjiang. army, while Ye Rongcheng and Xie Bao repeated their old tricks and crossed the river to harass the defense lines of the Suzaku Army and the Qinglong Army.
Although it is difficult to fundamentally reverse the strength and weakness of both sides with this kind of tactics, as long as it succeeds once or twice, the progress of the entire southern expedition and counter-insurgency will be greatly slowed down, and the southern rebels will be able to get more breathing room. machine.
Not long after, Shen Lie, who was secretly presiding over the overall situation in the imperial capital, also sent them new news.
Because of the new changes that occurred on the Dajiang defense line, the imperial court began to consider the issue of establishing a counter-insurgency presidential headquarters. Courtiers generally believed that the reason why the originally stable frontline system had loopholes and was repeatedly breached by the rebels was mainly because the legions were not under each other and fought independently, lacking unified coordination and command. In a situation like the Xuanwu Legion that is suddenly transferred away, if there is a coach on the front line, other legions will be able to arrange for other legions to fill in and assist in defense in time, so as not to give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage of it.
However, the idea is correct, but it is easier said than done. Who to appoint as the coach has once again become a sensitive and dangerous consideration in the court.
Wei Zixuan secretly gathered a large number of party members and jointly recommended Yin Chengyi, hoping that the emperor Li Bing would appoint him as the general marshal of the counter-rebellion, and supplemented by Gong Chengze, the military affairs inspection officer of the Southern Expedition, to supervise the army from the side, and solve the problem of frontline command authority in one fell swoop.
Li Bing is still hesitant about this proposal and has not yet clearly agreed. Shen Lie speculated that Li Bing was mainly worried about Yin Chengyi's ability, fearing that he would not be qualified for the important task of commander-in-chief. However, if a situation like Taizhou's happens again on the front line, and the emperor inevitably has to seek medical treatment for sudden illness, I am afraid he will agree to let Yin Chengyi go to the front line to take charge.
When the time comes, although Yin Chengyi cannot control the Zhenjiang Army, he will definitely be able to influence the Qinglong Army, the Suzaku Army and the Imperial Navy, causing more trouble.
Shen Lie told Li Jiangyao that he would use the power of Li Xiuming, Prince Hejian, Duke Jing and Duke Fu to delay Li Bing from making such an unwise decision as much as possible, but the most critical issue was still It has to be solved from the front.
To put it bluntly, it is to crush the rebels' plot and prevent them from cooperating with the treacherous ministers in the court.
Li Jiangyao thought twice and wrote letters to Murong Xue, Ma Hongjie and Yang Li each, reminding them to be careful to prevent the rebels from launching another cross-river raid. In particular, the deployment of troops should be strengthened and focused on the joint defense areas of each legion.
The three of them had nothing to say about their relationship with him, and they believed in the military ability and judgment of the enemy. Therefore, the Qinglong Army, the Vermilion Bird Army, and the Yiling Navy Army quickly sent replies and began to mobilize troops to improve the garrison and patrol situation at the joints between them.
Taizhou, which had suffered heavy losses twice before, had been sent by Xu Youchang to take over the defense with the Eighth Army.
The entire river defense line is constantly increasing vigilance and strengthening alerts.
However, Li Jiangyao knew very well that these measures were not enough. He also secretly ordered the Jiangnan Branch of the Intelligence Department to make every effort to collect enemy military information, especially information related to Bao Yuchun, Ye Rongcheng, and Bao Xinyan. Everything must be mastered in detail.
Not long after, Yuan Bin, who had just been promoted to Inspector Sima, intercepted an important piece of information in Hangzhou. With Yuduoluo's permission, he disguised himself and crossed the river smuggled in. He rushed all the way to Luzhou and reported to the Governor and Xu Shuai in person.
When Li Jiangyao saw Yuan Bin, he couldn't help but smile kindly: "Brother Xiao Yuan, we meet again. It's been six or seven years, right? Do you still remember?"
Hearing this, Yuan Bin quickly raised his hands and said, "I will never forget my humble position. Back then, my mother and sister were killed by Loulan bandits. I planned to fight them desperately, but I was captured alive by the other party, tied to a pillar and prepared to cut out my heart and drink wine." It happened that the Great Protector and Princess Nanhua passed by with their troops and eliminated the Loulan people. Not only did they avenge my family, but they also saved the life of Beizhi. Yuan Bin will never forget the kindness of the Great Protector."
Li Jiangyao nodded and introduced to Xu Youchang: "This brother is not easy. His father Yuan Huanzhong is also a veteran of our Zhenjiang Protectorate. He followed Deputy Protector Zhang to fight against the Turks and died in Crescent Bay. His family They were all killed by the rebels and left alone. He joined the Zhenjiang Army at the age of fifteen. He first served in Holia's Third Army. He fought bravely and made several great contributions. Later, he was transferred to the Intelligence Department. Previously, Brother Shen was in Jiangnan. At that time, Won Bin took care of me and completed the task very well."
"Oh, it turns out it's him." Xu Youchang smiled and said: "The young man that Brother Shen mentioned to us several times. Yuan Bin, you are very good, you have given face to the Imperial Guard and the Zhenjiang Army."
Yuan Bin was excited to be praised by Xu Shuai, and he quickly said humbly: "It's not enough for me to do my humble job. It's Master Shen who praised me so much."
What Xu Youchang admired most in his life was a brave and loyal man. He stood up and pulled Yuan Bin to sit down. He personally poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to him: "Not only Lord Shen, but also General Murong Xue and Lord Dong from the Ministry of War. I mentioned you before, saying that you are calm, witty, responsible, and a good prospect."
Yuan Bin's cheeks turned red and he didn't know what to say.
Li Jiangyao nodded slightly when he heard the words, turned to Yuduoluo and said: "Good seedlings must be cultivated carefully. They are the wealth of our Xinjiang Army."
Yuduoluo responded with a smile: "I remember what the Protector said about my humble position. Yuan Bin is indeed a rare talent. I specially called him here this time because I wanted him to report the situation to the Protector and Xu Shuai in person, so that there could be I have the opportunity to get your guidance.”
Li Jiangyao nodded approvingly: "Okay, Yuan Bin, hurry up and talk about it."
Yuan Bin stood up again, stood at attention and said: "Report to the Great Protector, Xu Shuai, and Chang Shi, the Hangzhou Battalion of the Jiangnan Branch intercepted a military message ten days ago. The rebels may have important actions in the near future."
After that, he took out an oil paper roll from his sleeve and presented it to Li Jiangyao with both hands. At the same time, he continued to introduce: "The enemy is planning a battle, codenamed Xuanniao, involving the Bao Xinyan Department of the Navy, Ye Rongcheng Department of the Army, and Xie Bao Department. , the total strength of the troops is expected to be as high as 100,000, and the target of the operation is from Ezhou to Chaisang."
Li Jiangyao took a rough look at the content recorded on the oil paper, then handed it to Xu Youchang to read, and said: "From Ezhou to Chaisang, the waterway is more than three hundred miles long. Xishui County, Jichun County and Luotian County on the north bank. It is at the junction of the Blue Dragon Legion and the Suzaku Legion. However, the attack range is still a bit large, and it is difficult to judge the enemy's true intention."
Xu Youchang nodded in agreement: "Yes, the three-hundred-mile defense line is the weakest connection point between the two armies. It can be easily penetrated at any point. And once it is broken through, Xiangdong can outflank Murong Xue's rear. To the west, Ma Hongjie's supply line can be cut off and destroyed, which will be extremely destructive."
Li Jiangyao continued: "More importantly, the terrain of this waterway is very complicated, and it is close to Chaisang, another naval town of Bao Yuchun. If their real purpose is not to raid the north bank, but to lure the Yiling Navy to come Reinforcements will easily catch Yang Li off guard."
Yuduoluo pondered for a moment and asked: "Yuan Bin, how did you obtain the information? Have you tried to verify and investigate it carefully?"
"Reporting to Mr. Chang Shi, the authenticity of the information has been verified." Yuan Bin replied seriously: "Our brothers who were lurking in the Jin Prince's Mansion risked their lives to steal the news. We also confirmed this through the insiders of the rebel governor's mansion. The existence of the operation. However, Xuanniao was conspired face to face by Lao Jianhua and Bao Yuchun. The detailed strategy is only known to a few generals who lead the troops. We are still trying our best to find out. "
Hearing this, Xu Youchang and Yuduoluo couldn't help but frown. Lao Jianhua and Bao Yuchun are all scheming people. Who can tell whether this half-covered plan is true or false?
If the other party is trying to spread suspicion and let the Intelligence Department get wind of it, the situation will be very complicated.
Li Jiangyao thought for a moment, then suddenly thought about it and asked: "Do you think the enemy will let the spies in the court cooperate at the same time like the previous time?"
Xu Youchang was stunned: "You mean... wasp?"
"Yes, that's him." Li Jiangyao responded: "The Japanese pirates caused trouble, urgently transferred Chang Tao, and let the idiot Gong Chengze temporarily fill Taizhou. They are actually secretly helping Ye Rongcheng. If Operation Black Bird is about to be implemented, Lao Jianhua Will the Hornets be used to cause trouble for the frontline army again?"
"If you ask me, it will definitely happen!" Xu Youchang said firmly: "After all, the Green Dragon Army and the Suzaku Army are not just paper. After fighting for so many years, Murong Xuema Hongjie has many powerful troops who are good at fighting. We really need to let go. In a fight, Ye Rongcheng will definitely win."
Yuduoluo agreed: "Wasp secretly cooperates to disrupt the combat deployment of the frontline legions to a great extent, and at the same time leaks important information about the army. It is impossible for Lao Jianhua not to take advantage of it."
Li Jiangyao smiled and said, "That's good. Let's keep an eye on the movements of the Jiangnan rebels and Wei Zixuan and others, and conduct comparative analysis at the same time. I believe that their true intentions will be clear soon."
