On April 4, the eighth year of Qianyou's reign, in the summer, Emperor Liu Chengyou of the Han Dynasty officially issued an edict, using Wuping Jiedu to make Zhou Xingfeng Shangshang use his weapons to attack Guizhou, kill the imperial Jiedu, and send out the forbidden army and 40,000 cavalry from the six states of Shannan. Heading south, we officially started our strategy for Jingxiang.
Under the edict, Murong Yanzhao, the commander of the capital in front of the palace, was deployed as the camp capital in the south of Hunan Road. Han Tong, the commander of Xiangyang troops and horses, was the capital supervisor. Du Hanhui, the commander of the guardian army, was appointed as the formation commander. There were also Sun Li, Shi Yanchao, and Pan. More than 30 internal and external generals, including Mei, Li Jun and Zhang Xun, accompanied the army on the southern expedition.
As the commander-in-chief of the Southern Expedition, Murong Yanzhao set up camp in Xiangyang early, set up a command tent, inspected the armies participating in the expedition, sharpened troops and horses, and discussed the marching strategy.
The Han army camped in the south of Xiangyang City, with flying flags and towering fences. From the tightly organized camp walls, we can see the strength of the officers and soldiers, and the control of the generals.
In the large tent of the Chinese army, a relatively detailed map of Jinghu South hung on the side. Murong Yanzhao's face was calm, and even his slightly upturned beard showed a touch of vigorous confidence.
Speaking of which, it has been eight years since he was recruited by Liu Chengyou to serve under his command. It is now the first time that he has served as a general commander, commanding an army and expanding his territory. Although he has been a general for many years, his heart is still a little surging.
At the same time, Murong Yanzhao also knew in his heart that there were now numerous talents in the Han army, and with the emperor's employment style, this kind of independent and unified army might be the only one for him to destroy the country. Therefore, he seemed to be very attentive. He had been well prepared since he was still in Tokyo and had comprehensive considerations for the overall battle.
"Murong Dushuai, I can memorize this map. If you look over it over and over, what do you see?" Han Tong sat aside and couldn't help but muttered: "Now that the army has been assembled, all the officers and soldiers, They are all fully equipped and eager to fight. I have also selected the soldiers you want. What are you waiting for? If you delay it any longer, something might happen!"
Han Tong had a worried look on his face. Murong Yanzhao finally took his eyes away from the map, looked at him, and said comfortingly: "General, don't be impatient. Once the army is launched, it will be time to plow the trenches, sweep the holes, and capture all the lakes." Hunan. But before sending troops, we still need to make some preparations!"
"What preparations?" Han Tong asked anxiously.
"The Commander-in-Chief, Duke Xing, wants to see you!"
Just as he was about to speak, the guard outside the tent reported that Murong Yanzhao showed a slight smile: "It seems that he is ready!"
After saying that, Murong Yanzhao took the lead and came out of the tent to greet him personally to show his respect. Several people entered the account and exchanged a few pleasantries in a capable style. Guo Wei put down his tea cup and said to Murong Yanzhao: "Murong Dushuai, in the past two days, I have ordered the mobilization of two hundred official, merchant and civilian ships. , and equipped with drafting personnel, it can carry 20,000 soldiers. The newly arrived twenty grain and equipment ships are only anchored and can be launched at any time. Are they sufficient?"
Hearing this, Murong Yanzhao couldn't help stroking his palms and praised: "Mr.
Listening to the conversation between the two, Han Tong was suddenly enlightened. He couldn't help but put his head on his forehead and said, "Look at my brain. After staying in Xiangyang for so long, I actually ignored the boats. The northerners rode horses, and the southerners built boats to hit Jinghu Lake. How can we not use boats? However, Xiangyang still lacks sailors!"
"The navy in Jiangling can be used for military purposes!" Murong Yanzhao said matter-of-factly: "This ship is only used for transportation. Once it reaches Jingnan, it can go south along the river and go straight to Yueyang. I guess, If the Chu army wants to stop our army, it should be at Dongting Lake!"
"From Dushuai's point of view, it seems as if Jingnan has been captured!" Han Tong couldn't help but smile and said, "I'm going to consider fighting the Chu army directly!"
"I have tens of thousands of troops here, and Jingnan is still in chaos!" Murong Yanzhao chuckled softly, looking at the two of them: "Now, we need to send more people to Jiangling to implement the borrowing of the road! This A liaison envoy needs to be both wise and courageous, and able to adapt to changing circumstances!"
After hearing this, Han Tong recommended: "Xiangyang Army General Cao Bin can do his job!"
After hearing what he said, Guo Wei frowned unconsciously, while Murong Yanzhao became interested and immediately ordered someone to summon Cao Bin.
Soon, Cao Bin came as ordered, and stood neatly at the commander's tent. He acted neither humble nor overbearing, and immediately won the favor of Murong Yanzhao. Without further ado, he said directly to him: "I want to send people to Jiangling, saying that the soldiers and horses in Jingnan will give way to our army and march south to Hunan. Inspector Han recommended you to me, are you willing to go?"
When Cao Bin heard this, he only took a few breaths to think about it, and he simply clasped his fists and said, "I will go there eventually!"
Seeing the crisp look on his face, Murong Yanzhao couldn't help but said: "I won't hide it from you, commander-in-chief. According to the news, although the Gao family is frightened by the military power of the imperial court, they are still uncertain about peace and hesitation. Zhou Xingfeng's The envoy is still in Jiangling City. It may not be safe for you to go here. After you, I will send the cavalry army as the vanguard to attack Jiangling directly. If Gao Baorong suddenly becomes thief and decides to betray the imperial court, then you, the envoy of the large army, can It’s dangerous!”
"Thank you Commander-in-Chief for speaking out!" Cao Bin responded with an unusually calm expression, showing emotion: "Although the general is not talented, he dares to break into a tiger's den and a wolf's den. It's just Jiangling. What? Besides, you are commanded by five thousand cavalry and guarding you at the back, so what more do you have to fear?"
Seeing his reaction, Murong Yanzhao couldn't help laughing and said to Guo and Han: "There are many talented people in the Han army, but there are only a few who have such pride and knowledge!"
After saying this, Murong Yanzhao solemnly gave the order: "You will lead a group of people, advance with light cavalry, and quickly go to Jiangling!"
"Follow the order!" Cao Bin clasped his fists and left.
Before leaving, Cao Bin gave Guo Wei a reassuring look.
"Come here!" After Cao Bin left, Murong Yanzhao wrote the military order seal in his hand, coupled with the talisman, handed it to the ordering officer, and said: "Immediately send an order to Shi Yanchao, ordering him to lead the cavalry army and go straight to Jiangling."
Another order was written and ordered: "Send an order to Du Hanhui of Yingzhou and ask him to also send troops southward. If there are soldiers from Jingnan crossing the border, they will be destroyed!"
Guo Wei was standing by, listening to his arrangements, and said: "Send envoys in front and use troops in the back. It can be said that courtesy is first and the troops are second. However, if we use both methods, I wonder what choice Gao Baorong will make?"
"Without the threat of strong troops, Gao Baorong would not be able to see the situation clearly!" Han Tong said, and then looked at Murong Yanzhao with a little earnestness: "Commander, Jing Nanruo, lead the troops How about leaving the errands to Hunan to me?"
Facing his expectant look, Murong Yanzhao thought for a moment and said: "The general has this intention, how can I disappoint him! When the situation in Jingnan is under control, General Han will lead the troops south!"
Before long, another report was received, and Han Hui, the food envoy, asked to see him.
"This Han Hui is the general's son, right?" Murong Yanzhao faced Han Tong.
Han Tong nodded and cursed a little deliberately: "My dog doesn't stay in the camp properly and take care of his military supplies. He dares to directly ask the commander of the Chinese army to come to his tent. This is so bold. I must give him a good scolding." Fan!"
"Hey!" Murong Yanzhao said with a gentle expression: "I have also heard about the reputation of the Han family in Tokyo. In the past few years in the Ministry of War, he has shown his talents and extraordinary wisdom, and he has been praised by Xianggong Wei. It is rare for someone to advance backward. The matter of food and equipment is the most important task in the army. There must be a reason for him to come to see you this time!"
"The general may want to avoid suspicion, but there is no need to be like this!" Murong Yanzhao said and ordered someone to summon him.
"Your Majesty, Han Hui, greeting Dushuai!" The slightly hunched figure walked in quickly and bowed respectfully.
Han Tong kept a straight face, but his attention was always on his son. Murong Yanzhao looked at Han Hui. He may have flaws in his body, but he was calm and composed. This kind of demeanor was even more admirable.
"No courtesy! What do you want to see me for?" Murong Yanzhao asked.
Han Hui looked solemn and said: "Commander Qi, in the past two days, I have discovered that the troops have gone to the supply camps to collect medicinal materials too many times. I went to the camps to check and found that some soldiers in the army were not used to the south. The climate and soil are not suitable for them, so they get sick.
The lower official believed that the southern army was mainly composed of the Imperial Guards, and the majority of the Imperial Guards were from the north. It's summer now, and there aren't many sick people yet, but if we don't take precautions, if the war drags on for a long time and reaches midsummer, there may be epidemic diseases, so we have to take precautions! "
Hearing him mention this matter, Murong Yanzhao felt a little emotional and said to Han Tong: "Prepare things before they happen. My brother's son has a talent for temple calculations!"
Looking at Han Hui, Murong Yanzhao said: "I have been worried about this matter for a long time, but I didn't expect it to come so quickly!"
"Most of the sick soldiers were soldiers who served the country first!" Han Hui said.
After thinking for a while, looking at Han Hui, Murong Yanzhao asked: "How do you think we should solve this problem?"
Han Hui was stunned for a moment, glanced at his old father, and answered calmly: "The lower official believes that the sick soldiers should be treated centrally, and more doctors and recuperative medicines should be prepared! In addition, this battle will mostly rely on soldiers from the south. , and strive for a quick victory!"
"This boy is extraordinary!"
