Under the autumn night, the slightly cold wind blew through the ten-mile company camp, with flags fluttering and open flames swaying. Except for the necessary soldiers guarding the village and patrolling soldiers, the soldiers after the passion went to their own camps and slept in the arms.
Although he was physically and mentally exhausted after days of marching, Liu Chengyou was still in good spirits. He couldn't sleep, so he simply got up and summoned Li Chongju and Yang Ye to accompany him on a tour of the southern camp.
Li Chongju was promoted from an imperial guard to the direct commander of the inner palace. His sudden rise greatly damaged the emperor's reputation. After leading the army for several months, he kept a low profile, worked diligently, became increasingly restrained, and seemed to be more honest. He was praised for his simple and modest style, and gained a reputation as an "honest person".
But no one dared to take it lightly. The previous person who did this, Yang Tingwei, the commander of the inner palace, almost had his head chopped off for violating military law. He was the second son of Prime Minister Yang Bin. Of course, Li Chongju's style of pretending to be a pig and eating a tiger was probably just for show. Even if he didn't kill him, he was expelled from the inner palace after thirty battles and his legs were almost broken.
Although Yang Bin loved his son, he always regarded himself as a law enforcer and never let out a fart. In the end, he took the initiative to demote his son to a local official. With his nature, I'm afraid it will lead to disaster sooner or later.
In comparison, the one who has changed the most is Yang Ye. Previously, Yang Ye was young and energetic. Although he was cautious and honest, he still showed his sharp edge. Now, the edge is still there, just not as dazzling as before, but sharper. This proves the truth that good materials can only be made into tools after being carefully honed.
Although he was in the midst of a large army, the protective force around him did not relax at all, sweeping away the guards holding swords and shields to protect him. Liu Chengyou asked Zhao Yanjin, who was leading the team, not to be too nervous, but the effect was obviously not good.
"The suppression of the rebellion ends here. When I look at the young generals in the army, you, Yang Ye, are the most outstanding!" As he walked, Liu Chengyou said with no trace of appreciation in his tone: "Conquer the bandits from the north, conquer Huazhou from the west, aid the defeated army, and rescue the defeated army. Decline, resist the stubbornness..."
"I owe you your Majesty's credit for promoting me, I am ashamed!" Faced with Liu Chengyou's praise, Yang Ye looked humble.
After all, in the recent united battles in the army, the most outstanding person is really none other than Yang Ye. Today's Yang Ye can no longer be described as a "rookie". But Yang Ye was not in a hurry. He knew very well that without Liu Chengyou's almost partial promotion and promotion, there would be no chance for him, Yang Jiangong, to become famous.
Liu Chengyou was also very satisfied with Yang Ye's reaction. People tend to get carried away easily when they are proud, and those who can remain unfazed by flattery and humiliation are the minority after all, and Yang Ye obviously belongs to the minority.
"General Yang is both wise and brave. Wang Jixun is known as the most brave general in the river. In a head-to-head confrontation, he is no match for General Yang. Since coming to Pucheng, according to the last general, Yang has been known as the invincible in the army!" Li Chongju, who followed silently beside him, , suddenly cutting into the topic.
"Yang Wudi?" Liu Chengyou raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised and a little emotional: "He is worthy of his name!"
As he said that, Liu Chengyou suddenly stopped and turned his head to look at Yang Ye: "You're not married yet!"
Yang Ye was stunned, obviously not used to the leap in the emperor's thinking, and subconsciously replied: "Yes."
"After this battle, I will personally choose a good match for you. She must be a lady from a famous family!" Liu Chengyou's eyes were shining brightly, and he looked very interested.
Hearing this, Yang Ye was startled and laughed in response.
The Xiaodi Army was stationed in the northwest of the imperial camp, close to the Yellow River. It was a large camp, and people walked into it very purposefully, sending a small colonel to lead the way straight to the destination.
In the company camp, it is difficult to find an independent military tent without someone to guide the way. After raising his hand to stop the guard who was about to salute, Liu Chengyou quietly stepped forward, opened the curtain and entered.
Inside the tent, there was a faint medicinal smell, accompanied by a rumble of snoring. On the marching couch, Sun Li's strong body was lying on it.
Knowing that he was injured in a fierce battle with thieves, Liu Chengyou came to visit and care about his old minister. However, seeing his peaceful sleeping appearance, it felt like disturbing his dreams.
However, people are coming.
After a light cough, which was ineffective and a little embarrassing, it turned into a heavy cough. Sun Li was finally woken up. In a daze, his hand could reach for the hand knife placed beside the pillow, and he cursed: "Who? Dare to disturb someone's dream?" !”
"Seeing how angry you are, I feel relieved!"
When Liu Chengyou's voice reached his ears, Sun Li suddenly became more energetic. He sat up in shock and scratched his wound. He grimaced in pain, but he still recognized Liu Chengyou who was standing in front of the couch with his hands behind his back.
He quickly stood up to salute, but Liu Chengyou stopped him: "You are injured, just lie down."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Sun Li, a standard warrior created in this era, has completely surrendered to Liu Chengyou after such a long time, at least for now.
"Why do you ask Your Majesty to come in person?" Sun Li was a little flattered.
"You are my beloved general. You were wounded and wounded while serving the country and the king. I only walked a few more steps. It's nothing..." Liu Chengyou said lightly. Such words would not be useful to a rough person like Sun Li. , very effective.
But seeing the rough man's moved expression, Liu Chengyou knew that his goal had been achieved.
After chatting with him for a while and comforting him, Liu Chengyou left. Before leaving, he left a meaningful message to Sun Li, saying that Xiaodijun would have to take care of him in the future, and told him to recover from his injuries as soon as possible.
...
The rebels under Li Shouzhen lost more than 5,000 people in total during more than ten days of fighting with the government troops. Especially the Yajun whom they relied on, Bai Wenke died in the fierce battle when he united his army to advance north. Thousands of people can be said to be exhausted.
After the officers and soldiers gathered together, the rebels were mainly divided into two groups. One was Hexi Jinguan, which had 3,000 soldiers and was led by Zhang Yansi and Zhou Guangxun. The remaining 12,000 soldiers were stationed in Pucheng to defend the city. Since the city was not too big, it was enough to defend the city, but morale was low.
In response to the city defense situation, Liu Chengyou quickly adjusted the deployment of the army. In the east of the city, Bai Wenke commanded an army of 30,000 people and commanded the east side of the camp. Liu Chengyou led the Chinese army to Tunnan Camp. One was missing in the north, but Wang Yan led his army to control the Linjin area. In Hexi, the rebel Xizhai was led by Yao Yuanfu to deal with it. Under the order of Liu Chengyou, that was the next main direction of the army's attack.
The city in Hedong is strong, but the military stronghold in Hexi is not that strong in defense. As long as Xizhai is captured, Pucheng can be completely turned into an isolated land while further weakening the morale of the rebels.
On the big river, there are still Han Dynasty navy patrolling it. They can be regarded as the navy for the time being. Although the ships are simple, the navy is not many, and the combat power is not strong, they still control the waters around Hedong City. More than enough.
Liu Chengyou was somewhat familiar with the art of virtuality and reality. Although he intended to seize Hexi Village first, the first big move was under Hedong City. After two days of rest, as the subsequent grain, machinery and weapons were transported to the front line by land and water, Liu Chengyou ordered Wang Yu, the prisoner of Shaanzhou soldiers and horses, to be the envoy of the trench formation. He led the collected civilian men to follow the fortress and dig into the city in the middle of the river. Moats, tree fences, and arrow towers approach the city wall layer by layer.
At the same time, the craftsmen accompanying the army were ordered to take the lead in loading crossbows, building artillery carts, erecting ladders, and preparing cutting boards and other siege equipment.
The big commotion completely attracted the attention of the rebels in the city. Seeing the officers and soldiers gradually approaching the wall and arrow tower, Li Shouzhen, who personally checked several times, felt threatened and couldn't help but send Wang Jixun to attack. Those who tried to destroy them were all killed and defeated by the officers and soldiers who had been well prepared.
Just as they had watched Bai Wenke and other troops calmly establish their stronghold before, this time the rebels in the city could only watch helplessly as the government troops safely approached the city and set up strong siege facilities.
Behind the solid wall, within the attack range, rows of crossbows, artillery carts, artillery and other siege heavy equipment were deployed in sequence, like war beasts with fangs exposed, which was full of intimidation. Behind them are hundreds of carts of giant arrows, tens of thousands of cannon stones and "artillery shells", with ample ammunition.
Liu Chengyou's tactics were similar in form to "Guo Wei's counterinsurgency", but the purpose and effect were definitely different. He wanted to break the city with thunderous force when he was well prepared.
However, the first attack was in Hexi.
