Compared to the earth-shattering situation in Tanzhou, the situation in the direction of Juyongguan is much calmer and more peaceful. Unlike in the direction of Miyun, for Juyong Pass, the Han army focused on surveillance and coordinated the Tanzhou offensive.
Tanzhou is a place that must be conquered, and Juyongguan has become the eighth pass of Taihang. It is the most important pass in the world and the situation is dangerous. Compared with Miyun, it is not a bit superior in terms of geographical location. After Juyongguan, the Liao army has gathered heavily and can support at any time. It is not that easy to break through, and if it fails even slightly, things will not go well.
Therefore, although the Han army also mobilized troops and launched a large-scale attack from Changping, it looked aggressive, but in fact it was cautious and very cautious. Changping is very close to Juyongguan, only about twenty miles away. It can be said that the two sides are under each other's noses.
Therefore, there is no need to set up another supply camp to supply grain, fodder, ordnance. They are all stationed in Changping City. Han Hui, a doctor in the Ministry of War and deputy envoy of the camp transfer, is stationed and is responsible for dispatching supplies. Han Hui, the "camelback", had been an official for some years. He was a rising star in the court. He had been serving in the Ministry of War. He was deeply valued by Prime Minister Wei Renpu and taught and supported him.
Of course, this is not only because he is Han Tong's son, but mainly because he is indeed qualified. Although his image is a little bit, he has good knowledge and his ability to do things has been honed over the years in the Ministry of War. This time, he was able to join the Northern Expedition and was entrusted with a key position. As long as he didn't make any mistakes, it would be natural for him to be promoted, receive honors, and gain important positions after returning to the court.
Unlike Miyun, the Han army directly attacked the city and surrounded it, seizing key points, cutting off contact, and exerting full pressure. An Shenqi, with a hundred thousand troops, was as steady as an old dog. He didn't even dare to get too close to Juyongguan City. He only seized the south entrance and made no further progress.
Similar to the situation in Miyun, in the southern part of Juyongguan, the Han army also carried out large-scale construction, erecting strong walls and setting up fortifications. They were clearly planning to attack, but they adopted a defensive posture. At the same time, a corridor about ten miles long was built between Changping and Nankou to smooth the road and transport grain and supplies.
These actions are very skillful for the Han army, and they are not afraid of wasting people's strength. Regarding the behavior of the Han army, the Liao army at Juyongguan did not sit idly by and sent cavalry to harass them. However, just like the previous confrontation, it had the effect of harassment, but the effect was very little.
Even under the strong and decisive response of the Han army, they were entangled several times. Once a group was stranded and unable to retreat, it had the effect of being surrounded by infantry and cavalry. Therefore, after the Han army marched out of Changping and the Liao cavalry attacked from Juyongguan, nearly two thousand people were captured and annihilated.
In fact, not only the Han army, but also the Liao army themselves found out about this battle and seemed to be completely suppressed. It is completely ineffective to rely on cavalry to strike vertically and horizontally. In terms of field battles, the Han army is completely worthy. In a head-on battle, relying on the cooperation of infantry and cavalry, the Han army can completely overwhelm the Liao army.
To give full play to the mobility of the cavalry, a small number of soldiers was not enough. The tens of thousands of cavalry that the Han court had spent ten years training and armed were all mobilized to participate in the war. If there are many soldiers, once you enter the pass, you have to worry about whether you can retreat smoothly. The infantry of the Han army may not be able to catch up with the four-legged soldiers, but if combined with the cavalry, castles, terrain, and the huge army and manpower, the suppression force against them will be too strong.
Thanks to the strong engineering capabilities of the Han army, a large and strong fortress was built outside the south of Juyong Pass. After the fortress was completed, there was no more movement, and there was no intention to move forward and launch an attack against the Liao army.
Apart from building heavy attack equipment and monitoring enemy passes, there was no other action. As the coach, An Shenqi, in addition to controlling the soldiers, paid more attention to the battle situation in Tanzhou. At the same time, he took people to inspect the terrain around Juyongguan, praising its majestic mountains and beautiful scenery... .
The Han army in Juyongguan South seems to have come for a "outing", but the scale is a bit large and the visitors are unkind. Attacking and not attacking, retreating and not retreating, this made the defending Liao army uncomfortable.
Since the Northern Expedition of the Han Army, the Liao Army has gathered a large number of soldiers and horses in the Juyongguan area, nearly 50,000 people, mainly cavalry, stationed in Guancheng and the Yuanru and Gui areas behind it.
This area has been a place of struggle for hegemony since ancient times, and has been the site of key defenses. For thousands of years, wars have occurred many times. Not to mention, since the Tang Dynasty, various heroes have been fighting for hegemony. The struggle between Hedong and Lulong has basically revolved around this area. Li Keyong repeatedly sent troops to attack, intending to take Youyan through Juyongguan.
That is to say, Shi Jingtang was too "generous" and gave the sixteen states to the Khitan. He gave away the mountains and rivers, the strong passes and dangerous obstacles, and handed them over to others, causing huge trouble to those who came after him. Of course, the terrain is a strategic point and is occupied by the enemy, but what determines the outcome of the war is hard power.
The commander-in-chief of the Liao army at Juyongguan was named Yelv Cong. He was from the Khitan royal family. He had followed Yelv Deguang to destroy the Jin Dynasty. He was very capable and could predict the strength of the enemy and advance and retreat appropriately. Since the Han Army's Northern Expedition, Xiao Siwen and he had taken the lead and cooperated with each other on the frontline operations against the Han. Overall, pretty effective.
However, during the time when An Shenqi's army occupied the south entrance, he was in a very irritable mood. First, the performance of the Han army made him panic and worried, and second, the enemy strategy from the Liao emperor's palace made him depressed.
Yes, Yelvcong was opposed to the tactics of "defensive counterattack", relying on city gate defense and depleting the morale of the Han army's troops. When he learned that it was Yelu Wuzhi, the king of Beiyuan, who made the proposal, he became even more depressed. He didn't know why Yelu Wuzhi, who was always known for his wisdom and judgment, would make such a foolish move.
Several times he went to the Wende camp to express his opinions and expressed his thoughts, but he was beaten back and asked to guard the city gates well. Fortunately, on September 21st, Liao Emperor Yelujing came eastward in person, accompanied by 80,000 Liao army infantry and cavalry. As soon as he arrived, the strength of the Liao army on the front line of Juyongguan suddenly exceeded 130,000.
Yelvcong couldn't help being happy after hearing the news. After explaining the defense affairs of Juyong Pass, he flew out of the pass and went straight to Huai Lai, hoping to pay a personal visit to the Liao Emperor.
"I see your Majesty!" In the imperial tent, Yelu Cong successfully met the Liao Emperor and paid homage to him.
"You are exempt from courtesy!" Yelujing has always been very polite and trusting to such veterans of the Taizong Dynasty.
After ordering someone to serve him milk tea, Yelujing looked at him and asked: "How is the defense at Juyongguan? I heard that the Han army has not launched an attack yet."
Yelvcong nodded and said: "Judging from the current situation, the Han army at the south entrance is just a feint. Our main attack direction is Miyun, Tanzhou. After seizing the south entrance, build a large defensive fort to block our army. Their intention to the north of the south entrance is very obvious, I guess they want to gradually remove Daliao's city gates in Yannan from blocking the entrance!"
Hearing what he said, Yelujing looked a little serious. After thinking about it seriously, he looked at Yelucong and said solemnly: "The Duke has written several times about the military strategy and said that the Liao should not be used for defense, but should be based on offense. I’m here to hear your thoughts personally!”
"I am about to report to Your Majesty!" Seeing the Liao Emperor's attitude, Yelvcong immediately said: "This Han army's Northern Expedition has mobilized more than one million troops. Although its force is fierce and unstoppable, the Liao Dynasty is certainly not strong enough to fight head-on with it. However, If you want to take a defensive position, rely on defense to repel the enemy, and compete with the Han army for consumption, I really don’t agree with you!”
Glancing at Yelujing, he saw that he was listening attentively. Yelucong's thoughts were clear and he spoke more calmly: "Since ancient times, southerners are good at attacking and defending cities, while northerners are good at riding, shooting and hunting. The Liao army mainly relies on iron cavalry. If the people who control the line huddle in the city and pass the stronghold until the Han army comes to attack, wouldn't they be expending their own martial arts and taking advantage of their own shortcomings?
The Han army, on the other hand, was dominated by infantry. They used their strengths in formation battles and city battles, allowing them to calmly approach the city and be fully prepared. However, when they sent troops to attack, they used their strengths to attack our weaknesses, which is really not advisable!
I have heard for a long time that the Han army has strong armor and has prepared a large number of siege weapons. If you want to hold on, you will not be able to protect yourself. For example, Juyongguan, although the terrain is in a strategic position and the city is said to be strong, it does not hold many troops and is conducive to defending in the north. Now that the Han army is attacking from the south entrance, it is difficult for our army to rely on it. "
After a slight pause, Yelvcong continued: "Even if our army can hold on and be effective, the Han army will be unable to advance even an inch, but if we want to confront it for a long time, it is even worse.
This time, in order to resist the Han army, Your Majesty sent out a large number of troops and horses, from west to east, with 300,000 troops. The daily rations and fodder required by an army of 300,000 people are so huge. With the current national strength of Daliao, how long can it last for the army?
This is not the case with the Han army. Their strength is so great that it is difficult to estimate how long they can sustain it. If we engage in a long and fierce battle to tire out the Han army, I'm afraid that not only will we not be able to achieve our goal, but we will actually play into their own designs..."
Yelu Cong's words were clearly stated in the previous memorial. It was precisely because of this concern that Yelu Jing's attitude changed and he personally led the army.
After pondering for a while, Yelujing asked: "As you said, if we can't defend, we can't defend, but we can attack. How can we attack the enemy? Can we defeat the Han army when we face the enemy head-on?"
In this regard, Yelvcong said: "Your Majesty, the Han army is powerful and talented. It actually mobilizes more than 500,000 soldiers and civilians, which is very prosperous. However, to provide military supplies for these 500,000 people, it takes a lot of effort. The price is beyond imagination, and the key lies in the food road! If it can hit its food road, there will be no need to fear it, and this is also the strength of the Daliao Iron Cavalry, which should be brought into full play. The place!"
Hearing what he said, Yelujing frowned deeply, showing a hesitant expression, and responded: "Previously, the iron cavalry went south to plunder Youyan. The Han and Yan soldiers and civilians tried their best to resist, and fought fiercely for more than forty days. Hasn't it been proven that The effect was not good and caused considerable losses to our army!"
In this regard, Yelvcong said solemnly: "Your Majesty, I believe that the failure of the former is that the attacking army was not strong enough. Even so, the damage caused to the soldiers and civilians of Youyan and Han was considered serious.
Now His Majesty is personally leading a large army to hunt south. If he can use his grand strategy to concentrate his forces, attack his food routes and attack his rear, the war will spread to Hebei. Through field battles in the plains and entangled with the Han army on this road, how could Daliao be afraid of them? They also used our strengths to attack their weaknesses! "
