Feeling the nervous and worried mood of Chai Rong and others, Liu Chengyou of course could not express his worries directly, but smiled lightly and showed an open-minded and calm expression: "The emperor is marching personally, and the soldiers are fighting to the death in front. How can I avoid and defend the fortified city in order to save the lives of others?" Peace of mind?"
"You don't have to worry. I have experienced many battles in the north and south!" Liu Chengyou added.
However, Chai Rong and others obviously cannot agree with this. In the past, Liu Chengyou led the army in battles, except for the time when he went to Taihang to conquer the world in the founding of the country. In the two subsequent personal expeditions, in each of the two personal expeditions, he did not use victory to dominate others and use yi to measure baht. Then In this case, his safety is naturally not something to be overly concerned about.
But this battle at Nankou is obviously different and involves great risks. Chai Rong looked at Liu Chengyou and said: "Your Majesty can't come with these thousands of horses. If something goes wrong, it will be meaningless for the soldiers to fight!"
Hearing his words again, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but point to Changping City and said: "When I get here, I will stay in the city and not take a step out of the thunder pond. What do you think?"
Seeing what the emperor said, Chai Rong couldn't give any more advice. Everyone had already arrived, so he just had to express his attitude. Therefore, Liu Chengyou was quickly introduced to the Yamen.
The commander-in-chief of the Liao army could not sleep, and the monarchs and ministers of the Han army also wanted to stay up all night. In the brightly lit county government office, the generals gathered together. Liu Chengyou ignored the fatigue of traveling quickly and sat in the hall to listen to the situation of the war.
In this regard, the person who has the most say is obviously Han Hui. Han Hui was not afraid of the stage. He hunched his back slightly and briefly and clearly told the story of the Nankou War in his field of vision. Of course, his decisions and actions in the city also made it clear that there were any inappropriate things, and he also apologized to Liu Chengyou. .
After hearing his report, Liu Chengyou looked at Han Hui, his eyes were shining, pointed at him and said to his left and right: "Before the Northern Expedition, Han Tong once made a statement to me, saying that he wished he could accompany him and kill Hu for meritorious service. Now it seems that although others In Tokyo, the role in the Northern Expedition was not small at all! When the father is absent, the son takes over, and it is a good story to spread!"
Liu Chengyou's words were of course a compliment to Han Hui, and he immediately expressed his humility. Zhao Kuangyin on the side said: "Han Hui remained calm in the face of danger, responded calmly, and tried his best to protect Changping, so that my reinforcements arrived here and had a foothold to rely on. The suspicion of the enemy's plan further frightened the Liao army and prepared the defenders for the arrival of our army. A lot of time. What a great achievement!"
Seeing that the emperor and generals were all praising him, Han Hui couldn't bear it anymore and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, the siege of Nankou has not yet been solved, the Liao army is still strong, and the danger has not passed yet. This is really a time when ministers are underestimating their efforts! "
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but smile and looked at Han Hui with more appreciation.
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou restrained his description and said: "I am personally on the front line this time not only to supervise the battle, but also because of the major changes in the military situation!"
These words immediately aroused the curiosity of the generals. Facing their eyes, Liu Chengyou said: "Before setting off from Youzhou, I received two pieces of news. One is the Battle of Nankou. The Liao Army started on the 21st , they mobilized troops and horses, made preparations, and wanted to devour King Chenliu's army in one go, but he had a huge appetite. The Khitan Lord also came to supervise the division, and most of the troops that followed him south came out to participate in the battle. At this time, Juyong Pass The Confucian, Guixin and Wu states in the West are already very empty.
This is a secret agent of our army who has gone through a lot of hard work, broke through the blockade, and traveled over mountains and ridges to deliver the news. Although there was a delay, it also allowed me to understand the details of the Liao army's large-scale dispatch! "
Hearing what the emperor said, Chai Rong perked up slightly and looked at Liu Chengyou: "What's your plan for coming here?"
Liu Chengyou said: "The battle at Nankou has become a battle situation. The Khitan has gathered the best of the country here. This is a rare opportunity. If we can severely damage or even annihilate them, then this Northern Expedition can be said to have completed its success in one battle, and we can also sing a triumphant song!" "
In this regard, Zhao Kuangyin raised doubts and said: "Your Majesty, King Chenliu's army resisted the Khitan siege with great strength. Although he killed and wounded the enemy in front of him, his strength was still there. However, King Chenliu fought hard for a day and night, and his soldiers were exhausted and suffered heavy casualties. It is difficult to estimate how much remaining strength there is. With the current strength of Nankou and Changping, it is not difficult to break the siege, but if you want to annihilate this Liao army..."
Zhao Kuangyin didn't finish his words, but his meaning was already clear. Based on the comparative analysis of strength, he did not think that the Liao army could be annihilated under the current situation. He couldn't help but be a little worried, fearing that Liu Chengyou would not be realistic and would be too ambitious.
In response, Liu Chengyou raised his hand slightly to show comfort and said: "I also received a military report from Miyun. This morning, Murong Yanzhao's army officially launched an attack on Miyun, conquering the city in one fell swoop. Forty thousand men from Tanzhou The Liao army was completely wiped out, except for the Liao general Xiao Siwen and his hundreds of cavalry who fled!"
This news can greatly boost morale and confidence. Chai Rong failed to maintain his heavy persona. His face opened up like a blooming chrysanthemum, and his eyes were filled with sparkle. He stood up and said: "Your Majesty, now that Tanzhou is under the command, Murong Yanzhao can move to the west and encircle Liao." Army. Our army is at the front, and Tanzhou’s soldiers and horses can attack the rear, and then we can control it!"
Liu Chengyou said: "What you said is true. I have already sent an imperial edict to Tanzhou on horseback, ordering it to march westward and cooperate in the battle. However, even if an army of more than 100,000 people marches at a fast pace and marches through the night, it will be impossible to reach them. Not until tomorrow!”
Zhao Kuangyin responded quickly, his joy faded, and he took the initiative and said: "Your Majesty, there are enemies escaping in Tanzhou. It is difficult to know when the news will be transmitted to the Liao army. If there are police, there will be changes. If the enemy chooses to evacuate, it may be difficult. It worked!"
"This is what I am worried about! The remnants of Tanzhou's enemies fled into Yanshan and fled through the trails. The transmission of the news may be delayed, but it will eventually reach the ears of the Liao army!" Liu Chengyou nodded and looked around: "Now you can discuss it Let’s discuss how to contain this Liao army before Murong Yanzhao’s army arrives!”
Gao Huaide spoke: "Your Majesty, the Liao army is dominated by cavalry and has separated from the battle. If it insists on retreating, it will not be easy to stop it. Today, I am leading the cavalry army to fight with it. Its combat power is still strong and should not be underestimated!"
"What suggestions do you have?" Liu Chengyou looked at him and asked.
Gao Huaide looked solemn and cupped his hands and said: "I suggest that we take the initiative to attack, force them to fight, and contain the Liao army through fighting! There are about 40,000 Liao troops in the north of Changping City. It is better to attack them at night with Changping infantry and cavalry!"
"It's too dangerous to fight at night!" Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but say.
Since ancient times, unless there is a specific situation, it is not advisable for large armies to fight at night. Liu Chengyou had experienced night fighting, and he also understood the risks involved. It was not just a problem of night vision. Darkness was conducive to raids. Likewise, it was also extremely detrimental to the transmission of military orders and the command of generals.
When the Han army fights, it must give full play to its own advantages, and the requirements for command and cooperation are very high. Moreover, night attacks are more suitable for small armies.
When Zhao Kuangyin reminded him, Liu Chengyou really thought deeply about it and shook his head at Gao Huaide: "It is not advisable to rush into a large-scale attack. If things go wrong and Murong Yanzhao's army has not arrived, he may be in danger!"
When the suggestion was rejected, Gao Huaide continued with a calm expression: "In this case, I would like to send a cavalry army, each with a strong general, to attack the Liao army in separate routes to tire them out! The remaining soldiers will be on guard, recharge their batteries, and attack at dawn. !”
"This is acceptable!" Chai Rong immediately agreed.
In this regard, Liu Chengyou also nodded. Chai Rong thought for a while and then said: "When our army attacks, we need to consider the reaction of the Liao army. The purpose of dividing their divisions and moving south is to contain our army, so as not to directly affect their attack on Nankou. If our army's movement triggers the Liao army in Nankou, When the army attacks again, we also need to consider how long King Chenliu can hold on! Moreover, if we want to achieve the effect of containing the Liao army, we still need the lives of the Nankou garrison!"
"A single move can affect the whole body!" Liu Chengyou couldn't help but sigh, and after a brief thought, Liu Chengyou looked at Dang Jin, who was lucky enough to be present, and said to him: "I heard that you led a thousand cavalry to attack the Liao army and almost fell into a tight siege. , and then calmly attack, kill a lot of people, disturb tens of thousands of enemies, and retreat completely. May you go forward!"
"Please give me your Majesty's order!" Dang Jin raised his head and said.
Liu Chengyou admired his spirit very much and immediately said: "I want you to lead the army to the south entrance, break through the blockade, and inform the whole army about my personal rescue. Then we can discuss the military situation and inform King Chenliu." , make sure you move according to the situation, cooperate with the army to fight, and complete the purpose of annihilating the Liao army!"
"I know that this is a dangerous task, with a near-death risk, but do you dare to undertake it?" Liu Chengyou knew in his heart that these words contained a hint of irritation, and there was no room for party opposition.
On the other hand, Dang Jin has a straightforward temperament and does not have so many twists and turns in his heart. He cupped his hands and responded: "Your Majesty, the general is just a brave man who is illiterate and cannot make plans or suggestions. His qualifications for establishing a career are only bloody courage and fearless fighting. Your Majesty has both Order, I will eventually die."
Seeing his appearance, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but praise: "With such a strong man, why worry about the injustice of the Khitan and the failure of their great cause?"
"How many troops and horses do you want?" Liu Chengyou asked.
"It is useless to have too many soldiers. The more than 200 cavalry that will return to Changping at the end of the day are enough!" Dang Jin was in high spirits.
"Okay!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and said: "Organize your troops, sneak out from the south gate, bypass the surveillance of the Liao army, and go straight to the south entrance. On the Changping side, half an hour after you set off, you will face the Liao army in the north of the city. , launch an attack!"
"yes!"
Liu Chengyou looked at Zhao Kuangyin and Gao Huaide again: "I'll leave it to the second minister to arrange the night attack!"
"Follow the order!"
This is bound to be a sleepless night!
After making a big decision and leaving the hall, Zhao Kuangyin first found Dang Jin who was going to prepare. After all, they had a close friendship over many years of fighting side by side, but he didn't say much. He just patted him on the shoulder and said, "When you succeed, I will Buy you a drink!"
"When I come back, I will drink with my brother till I get drunk!" Feeling Zhao Kuangyin's care, Dang Jin laughed and said, suddenly curiously asked: "If I return with my life, can I be made a marquis? "
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Kuangyin solemnly said: "One day, I will personally ask your Majesty for your reward!"
Zhao Kuangyin's words carry a lot of weight. Asking for rewards from other generals is a matter of political risk. However, Zhao Kuangyin is very serious.
Soon, the Han army was mobilizing intensively on the Changping City side. As mentioned in the preface, half an hour after the party entered and exited the city, the prepared Han army's light cavalry also set off.
A total of five cavalry groups were dispatched, each with a small number of only a thousand cavalry, led by several Han generals such as Guo Chongwei, Cui Han, Liu Guangyi, etc. to attack. The combat goal is very clear, mainly raiding and harassing, wandering without attacking, and wearing out the army. This was supposed to be what the Liao army was good at, but it was used by the Han army on itself. There was no way, the Han army had a city to rely on, but Yelusha did not.
Due to the limitations of the actual situation, Liu Chengyou was not absolutely sure whether the Liao army could be completely annihilated. There were too many factors that could affect the outcome of the war. When did the news from Tanzhou arrive? When did Murong Yanzhao's army arrive? are all important factors.
At the same time, the Liao army is not a piece of wood and will only be beaten passively. Under the threat of the Han army, what kind of reaction will be made is also beyond the control of the Han army. All Liu Chengyou can do is to make arrangements towards that goal.
