Xichuan County, Jiange Mansion, Jianmen Pass.
Lu Yuan led his army into the north gate of Xichuan County. When they arrived in the city, they ordered people to clear out the remaining enemies in the city. At the same time, he also came to the south-facing tower in the city.
Standing at Xiongguan and looking south, you can see a vast expanse of mountains and ridges, with only some winding paths between the ridges opened by our ancestors for people to pass through.
Xichuan County is indeed a land of abundance.
Not only is the land fertile, there are good fields and canals for irrigation, which can support millions of people. It is also surrounded by mountains on all sides, and there are many mountains to block the future.
If Lu Yuan hadn't taken advantage of the emptiness of Xichuan County's defense this time, there would have been only a thousand defenders in the Jiange Xiongguan City, and they would have been defeated in one fell swoop.
Otherwise, if it were any other time, ten thousand soldiers and horses would be stationed in the city, and an innate grandmaster or even another top-notch expert would be his assistant.
So even if he comes to attack, as long as the defenders are determined, they won't be able to capture the city easily.
"No matter how dangerous the pass is, someone will eventually have to guard it. If there is no one, it will be like a fake thing and can be penetrated by someone like tissue paper."
Lu Yuan sighed with emotion, then turned around, looked at the disciple Zhou Qing who was following behind him, and asked: "Are there any righteous men in Xichuan County who can be contacted?"
Although Lu Yuan mobilized a total of 60,000 troops this time, he only left 30,000 troops to guard Hanzhong County.
At this time, there were only 30,000 soldiers and horses left with him in Xichuan County.
Thirty thousand soldiers and horses, let alone capture the entire Xichuan County, even if they only capture some important cities in the county, most of the troops will be used.
In this way, when Lu Yuan leads his troops to Wushan Mansion, it will be good if there are only 10,000 people left.
With only 10,000 soldiers and horses, it is obviously extremely insufficient to complete the important task of coordinating Shangguan Ming and attacking Wushan Mansion from both inside and outside.
Therefore, if Lu Yuan wanted to complete the surprise attack at this time, he must refer to the original plan of Wu'an Hou Bai Mengyang.
After entering Xichuan County, he mobilized local heroes to stand up against the Zhou and Shu coalition forces.
Only by mobilizing the entire people of Xichuan County could he have enough strength to complete this surprise attack and defeat the 100,000 Zhou and Shu coalition forces entrenched in Wushan Mansion.
As for how to mobilize the locals, Lu Yuan didn't know much about the situation in Xichuan and had no idea for the time being.
Fortunately, my disciple has traveled here for a while and is quite familiar with the inside story, so there is no need to turn a blind eye.
When Zhou Qing heard the inquiry, he recalled what he had seen on the way out of Xichuan County, and couldn't help but shake his head and said: "After two suppressions and purges, there should be less than ten warriors in the Jianghu area in Xichuan.
And even those who survived would probably have taken refuge with the Zhou people and the Shu people, making them difficult to trust.
As for some powerful local families, after years of war, they have long since withered away, and there are not many left.
It is quite difficult to expect them to succeed. "
Lu Yuan frowned: "In this case, it is not feasible to rely on the local warriors and local wealthy families."
Zhou Qing nodded: "These people should not be counted on."
When Lu Yuan heard this, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. A convenient route was lost, which made this surprise attack somewhat more difficult.
Fortunately, even if these internal agents cannot be contacted, given the current situation, it is not difficult to capture Nishikawa.
After all, the Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Prefecture are still thousands of miles away, and are restrained by the 70,000-strong army commanded by Shangguan Ming, so they cannot move easily.
And by the time the news here spreads, Lu Yuan's side is estimated to have captured most of Xichuan County, and it has become a climate.
Even if the Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Prefecture want to come back to meet the enemy, how many troops can be mobilized in a hurry?
If only 30,000 to 50,000 people came, with Lu Yuan's strength, they could easily swallow them up in one gulp.
And if the entire army retreats, with no way out, the entire coalition army may have collapsed before they have withdrawn very far.
So no matter what it is, the defeat of the Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Prefecture was already certain the moment Lu Yuan entered Xichuan County.
Therefore, at this time, although Lu Yuan was a little disappointed, he was still full of confidence and said: "Since we can't contact the local people to start the uprising, we won't contact them there, so we will recruit people ourselves.
You immediately send people to post recruitment notices near Jianmen Pass.
It was said that the imperial army had returned to Xichuan County, and all local loyal people came to join the army to expel the tyrannical Zhou Qiang bandits and restore peace to Xichuan County. "
Considering his reputation, he should not have much appeal in Xichuan County.
Therefore, after entering Xichuan County, the flag that Lu Yuan had people fly was still the King of Dayue Flag.
Dai Viet has ruled Xichuan County for two hundred years. The name of Yueshi orthodoxy has long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Otherwise, when Marquis Wu'an returned to Xichuan County, he would not have attracted the local martial arts elites to respond, and in an instant they mobilized 100,000 troops.
Nowadays, this orthodox name, although with the continuous decline of the Yue Kingdom, seems to be somewhat eclipsed.
But I can't stand the Zhou people and the Qiang people. They are doing too poorly here and doing things that are not human affairs.
After several wreaking havoc by these enemy invaders and traitors, Xichuan County, which originally had a population of more than 4 million people, was reduced to only a million people.
It can be said that in the entire Xichuan County today, everyone who survives basically has a deep hatred for those Qiang and Zhou people.
Under such environmental conditions, as long as Lu Yuan shows his banner and can really win consecutive battles, he will open up some opportunities in Xichuan County.
Then the local powerful and loyal warriors, as long as they still have some courage and blood, will definitely come to vote one after another.
Lu Yuan was still confident about this.
Zhou Qing, who has deeply experienced the hatred between the Qiang people and the locals in Xichuan County, also holds the same view as his master.
So after hearing the reply, he immediately said: "Disciple, I will have someone do it later."
"Well, that's it."
Lu Yuan nodded, then didn't say anything more, but continued to look at the mountains in the distance and this great mountain and river.
If this land of heavenly abundance is developed, it will definitely be the foundation of Wang Ba.
It's a pity that such a good place has been ruined by those Qiang and Zhou people. Moreover, it will be handed over to mediocre people like Ji Hui and Qiao Kangquan later, which is really a waste of money.
'If it has a chance, it will definitely seize this place and make it my inheritance. '
Lu Yuan thought like this in his heart, and his eyes became dark.
Time passed slowly like this.
At noon, the remaining Zhou people in the city broke up and were finally cleared.
In various parts of the city, various battalions have begun to light fires to cook and make repairs.
Zhou Qing also took advantage of this time and began to send people to the villages and towns near Jianmen Pass, and began to spread the news that the imperial army had returned, and left people to recruit troops in the villages and towns.
However, this time is still short, and no results can be seen for the time being, and it will take some time to wait.
In the afternoon, after lunch, Lu Yuan left a hundred people to guard Jianmen Pass, or in other words, they stayed here for a symbolic purpose.
After all, with just a hundred people, let alone such a majestic pass, it is impossible to even fill the two city walls at the front and back.
Leaving these people here is just to announce to the people nearby that the royal master of the imperial court has returned.
At the same time, follow-up recruitment matters will be handled.
This is really more symbolic than practical.
But now the remaining Zhou soldiers around have been eliminated. The north of Jianmen Pass was also occupied by Lu Yuan. Therefore, it would not be a big deal if there were fewer people staying at Jianmen Pass.
Therefore, Lu Yuan felt relieved and led the large group of troops to continue southward.
…
The twenty-sixth day of the first lunar month of the eighth year of Hongdao.
After conquering Jianmen Pass, Lu Yuan conquered Jiange Fucheng again the next day, and then spent two days dividing his troops in various directions to successfully capture all ten counties in the prefecture.
After leaving a thousand troops to garrison in Jiange Mansion, he continued to lead his troops south.
On the third day of February, Xuanwu Mansion was conquered.
On the eighth day of the lunar month, they defeated Chengdu Prefecture and captured the county town of Jinguan.
On the tenth day of the lunar month, Liu Ming, a local tycoon in Tongchuan Prefecture, heard that the imperial army was returning and winning consecutive battles along the way, with great momentum, so he made up his mind to respond.
In just a few days, thousands of people gathered, and then they conquered several local county towns, coerced the people, and raised tens of thousands of troops to surround them.
On February 12, Lu Yuan led his army to capture Anyue Mansion and heard the news.
In Anyue Mansion City, a fighting had just ended.
Lu Yuan sat in the government office hall where there was still some blood stains, and then looked at Zhou Qing and said: "Who is this Tongchuan Liu Ming? And how many people from various prefectures and counties in Xichuan County have raised troops to respond?"
In the past few days, although Lu Yuan had been leading his troops to attack cities and seize territory, he had not given up on the matter of wooing local powerful people and recruiting troops.
And Zhou Qing is responsible for all these things.
"This Tongchuan Liu family has never been heard of by my disciples before. He should not be from the Jianghu family, but maybe an unknown ordinary wealthy family in the local area."
Upon hearing the inquiry, Zhou Qing immediately replied: "As for the people who responded from various places, although there are some, they are not many, just more than ten shares. These people can't add up to ten thousand people, which is not enough.
On the contrary, the recruitment of soldiers these days, the news coming from Jiange Mansion, Xuanwu Mansion, and Chengdu Mansion behind them, the situation is quite gratifying.
In more than half a month, more than 20,000 people have joined the army and joined our team.
If the follow-up time is longer, there should be more than 10,000 people. "
Since entering Xichuan, Lu Yuan has won successive battles and is invincible.
Especially after the victory of Jin Guan in the county, it greatly inspired the hearts of people in Xichuan County, causing many people to join the army enthusiastically.
At this moment, these many people who surrendered to the army and those who responded are the impact of this victory.
Hearing the great situation, Lu Yuan nodded slightly: "In this way, including the recruited martyrs, we already have 50,000 soldiers in our hands. If we add in the heroes who responded, there are even 70,000 soldiers. Everyone?"
Zhou Qing said: "It's almost this number. However, it has been more than half a month since our army entered Sichuan. Wushan Prefecture should have received the news and responded."
Lu Yuan smiled and said: "Don't worry too much about this. The Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Prefecture are already withered bones in the graves, and they are about to die. And we have already received the news from interrogating the prisoners a few days ago.
Wushan Prefecture's 100,000 enemy troops, supplies and supplies were all placed in Yuzhong Prefecture and sent to the front line from here.
As long as we can capture this mansion and cut off the food and grass for these enemy troops, even if there are hundreds of thousands of them, they will all starve to death due to lack of food. "
Speaking of this, he added: "Compared with these, you can select some people later and send them as envoys to Liu Ming in Tongchuan and the rebels from various places.
Let them immediately lead their troops to join me at Yuzhong Mansion, and together we will attack the Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Mansion.
We also brought all the soldiers and horses we recruited from behind to assemble at Yuzhong Mansion. "
Lu Yuan recruited rebels in the rear and contacted people in various places to raise cannon fodder for himself.
Now, with the great victory, these arrangements have finally taken effect, so it is natural to take advantage of them.
However, Zhou Qing is a little worried about this: "These powerful people who are revolting are mostly reckless people. They may not be obedient and obey military orders."
Lu Yuan said coldly: "If you don't obey the order, then you are a traitor and an enemy who is causing chaos in the place. Naturally, you will seek justice from me."
Having said this, he looked at his disciple and said: "Xiaoqing, I will leave you 10,000 people, and you will watch from here in Anyue Mansion. If anyone disobeys the order, you will lead an army to defeat him.
The great situation that I, Lu Yuan, have created is not for these people to fish in troubled waters. They take advantage of me and do nothing. How can there be such a good thing in the world. "
For Lu Yuan, if the power cannot be used by himself, it is better to destroy it directly.
In order to prevent others from following his example, they resisted military orders one by one and did not obey his commands, leaving them without any troops.
Lu Yuan didn't mind killing someone as a warning to the local rebels who had taken advantage of his own strength.
Let them understand who the real talker is.
Zhou Qing was already in charge of this matter, and of course he had no objection to this order. He directly accepted the order and said, "Yes, I will obey the order and will definitely supervise the rebels from all over the country and let them rush to Yuzhong Mansion."
Lu Yuan nodded: "You can do things for me, so I can rest assured."
In this way, the matter of summoning cannon fodder was settled.
Lu Yuan then left his troops and horses with Zhou Qing and asked him to garrison them in Anyue Mansion to intimidate all parts of Xichuan before continuing to lead his troops eastwards.
…
On February 17th of the eighth year of Hongdao, Lu Yuan led his army to capture Panshi Mansion.
On the 19th, several powerful families in Nanchong Prefecture rose up and conquered all counties in the prefecture, and Nanchong was recovered.
On the 21st, Lu Yuan arrived at Yuzhong Fucheng and then defeated it in a battle. Of the five thousand defenders in the city, more than a thousand were killed in the battle, and the rest surrendered.
On the 23rd, the Zhou and Shu coalition forces in Wushan Prefecture finally reacted, and then dispatched a fire-fighting army of 50,000 people and hurriedly arrived at Yuzhong Prefecture.
At this time, Lu Yuan had already led more than 20,000 soldiers and horses to garrison the city, and behind him, a steady stream of troops were coming.
…
Outside the city of Yuzhong Prefecture, at the foot of the mountain, tents are being built one after another. Flags are being fluttered and smoke is rising, filling the entire mountain range.
Li Xiong came to a hillside, then looked up at the majestic mountain city in the distance, and couldn't help but sigh: "After all, I came a step too late, and let people occupy this Yuzhong Fucheng."
Yuzhong Mansion is a mountain city. Although the road into the city has been smoothed, it is still wide. But after all, it belongs to the mountain road, so where can we go?
Attacking from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain not only consumes a lot of physical strength, but also completely exposes oneself to the attack range of the defenders. The difficulty of siege suddenly increases.
Moreover, Yuzhong Fucheng is close to the water, and the Yangtze River is to the south of the city. It is easy to get water, but there is no way to cut off the water source in the city.
Especially at this time, the city was hoarding the military rations needed to supply their 100,000-strong army, and there was no shortage of food.
Under such unfavorable conditions, with tens of thousands of people guarding the city, especially when there is an innate, it is almost impossible to capture the city.
After watching the city defense for a while, Li Xiong thought about the strategy for attacking the city, but after thinking about it, he had no clue.
In a depressed mood, he couldn't help but turn around and ask around: "Who is the Yue commander who suddenly appeared behind this surprise attack? Have you found out?"
Someone next to him replied: "According to the scouts' inquiries, this Vietnamese army coming from the rear claimed to be from Changsha and a native of Changsha. According to this inference, the leader of the army this time should be Lu Yuan, the king of Changsha."
"Lu Yuan——"
When Li Xiong heard the name, his tone of voice became elongated. His expression turned ugly for a moment, and his voice trembled a little unknowingly: "How could it be him?"
As for Lu Yuan's reputation, during this period of time, the entire Northern Expedition front line was almost like thunder.
Both camps, whether they were the leading generals or the lower-level soldiers, basically knew the King of Changsha who attacked hundreds of miles, destroyed an army of 100,000, and killed two generals of the Zhu Kingdom on the way.
To those Zhou soldiers, Lu Yuan was an invincible military god and an extremely powerful commander.
But for innate masters like Li Xiong, Lu Yuan is an out-and-out killer.
What kind of ferocious killing god could kill two innates in just one month?
Does such a person really exist?
Even if he exists, how did this person grow up?
I heard that it had only been more than a year since he achieved his innate breakthrough.
This is the doubt that many innate masters have in their hearts after hearing the news, and then they are puzzled.
But no matter how they couldn't figure it out, for Li Xiong, when he heard that the person opposite was Lu Yuan, he instantly started to feel scared.
"We encountered this god of death. This time it will be difficult." Li Xiong felt pain in his heart.
If it were said that at that time, when he looked at the strong defenses in the city, he still had a glimmer of hope that he wanted to capture the city and regain his retreat.
So at this moment, after knowing that the guard in the city was Lu Yuan, this idea disappeared instantly.
Not only did he lose his mind, but Li Xiong himself also felt a little afraid.
Li Xiong had met Gui Lianyun and Zhang Chanyi before, and no matter who they were, they were infinitely better than him.
But people like this all died at the hands of Lu Yuan.
He is a new innate who is much weaker than the first two. Facing a killing god like Lu Yuan, it is absolutely false to say that he is not afraid.
Now, Li Xiong is a little afraid.
Even because of this fear, he was a little shaken.
'Otherwise, I'd better abandon the army and run away. '
Looking at the mountains to the left and right, Li Xiong suddenly felt that the splendid mountains and rivers he was once proud of were no longer as pleasing to the eye as before.
These layers of mountains are like a cage at this time, tightly binding themselves inside.
Outside the cage, danger is approaching step by step.
This is a desperate situation.
