Compared with the vigorous and rapid progress of Cao Liu's army in the middle and upper reaches, the war in the lower reaches has fallen into a stable period. After winning the battle at Jingkou, the Han army, under the order of Li Gu, launched a tentative cross-river attack at Jingkou, but was repelled by Lin Renzhao, and fell into silence since then.
Warships galloped on the river, striking from time to time, chanting slogans, and mobilizing troops, but there were no substantial big moves, and it seemed like the thunder was loud but the raindrops were small. During this process, the defense line in the south of the Yangtze River seemed to be temporarily stabilized. The Han army could not attack the river for a while, and the safety of Jinling was temporarily guaranteed. The voices in the court about questioning Lin Renzhao also became quieter. However, as a general, Lin Renzhao's mood became increasingly heavy.
When a mountain rain was about to come, there would always be strong winds, and even the water barrier could not stop the Han army's advance. As the Han army restrained its offensive, Lin Renzhao felt more and more in danger. And where does the danger come from? There is no need to think about it carefully. The Yangtze River defense line in Ezhou, Jiangzhou, Chizhou, Taiping, Changzhou, and Jiangnan is full of loopholes.
On the Changzhou side, facing the attack of tens of thousands of Han troops and Wu Yue allied forces, although they still held on, it was expected to be difficult. The governor Zheng Yanhua was a loyal and brave general. He also participated in a bloody battle with the Han army in the Huainan War. However, how long could he hold on? , is still unknown.
Once Changzhou is lost, there will be no doubt about the safety of Runzhou. With internal and external difficulties and attacks from both sides, even if Bai Wu resurrects and leads the army, it will be difficult to solve the crisis. There were only 20,000 defenders in Changzhou, less than 5,000 who could fight a battle. After learning that Guo Tingwei was leading an army to attack, Lin Renzhao had been worried about their situation.
He once went to Jinling and suggested to Li Yu that troops be sent from Jinling to strengthen the defense of Changzhou. After all, 20,000 new men were recruited. Even if they couldn't fight, they could still do physical work and help defend the city.
However, Lin Renzhao's suggestion was rejected for the simple reason that he wanted to take the lead in ensuring the safety of Jinling. Obviously, the Jinling court did not have enough confidence in holding the Yangtze River defense line. The reason was the news coming from the upper reaches. It can be said that no matter which army makes a breakthrough in the south of the Yangtze River, it will affect the overall situation.
Therefore, the Jinling court began to consider that if the river defense was lost and the Han army successfully crossed the river, they must have enough troops to hold on. In terms of the city being strong, it must also belong to Jinling. At that time, relying on Jinling City, we may be able to hold on, delay the war, and maybe get some opportunities. After all, there are many examples in history of holding on to an isolated city and making a comeback from desperate situations.
After being rejected, it can be said that Lin Renzhao was furious, resentful that he would not fight, and cursed the weak leader and mediocre minister. In desperation, Lin Renzhao could only detach 5,000 troops from the defenders in Runzhou and go to Changzhou to reinforce Zheng Yanhua.
Prior to this, Lin Renzhao had not not considered leading Runzhou's elite to sneak to Changzhou, cooperate with Zheng Yanhua, attack from both inside and outside, and launch a surprise attack on the coalition forces. As a coalition force, it is bound to be prone to loopholes in command. When the Han army passes through the border, the Wu and Yue troops may not be of the same mind, but it may be an opportunity.
If the coalition forces in Changzhou can be defeated and the partial divisions along the way are eliminated, the impact on the entire battle situation will be immeasurable. It can be said that the troubles at the elbow and armpits are eliminated. In addition, Changzhou and Runzhou are adjacent to each other and the distance is not far, which is convenient for both marching and returning.
However, the risk of this matter is also extremely high. If something unexpected happens, for example, the Han army in Changzhou cannot be defeated quickly, or it simply fails, and the main force of the Han army in Guazhou takes advantage of the opportunity to cross the river to attack, then the entire battle situation will be dire. Completely corrupted, the Jiangnan court may be beyond redemption.
Lin Renzhao has the courage and courage to gamble, but not many people are willing to follow him to take risks. After all, the southern generals in Runzhou already felt huge pressure on defense, let alone taking the initiative to attack.
Therefore, Lin Renzhao's suggestion failed to gain support. The army in Runzhou, in addition to the Zhenhai navy that had been stationed for a long time, also had nearly 30,000 imperial troops from Jinling and local troops mobilized from other states and counties. Although Lin Renzhao was the commander-in-chief, he was still subject to considerable restrictions.
It is also ironic to say that when faced with the crisis of destruction, those who really fought desperately and fought bloody battles on the front line were not the ministers, high-ranking officials and nobles who were favored by the Li family, but the generals who had never been taken seriously. Lin Renzhao is one, and Zheng Yanhua is also one. Both of them are surrendered generals of Fujian.
Of course, Lin Renzhao was most worried about Dangtu in Xuanzhou. Although it was an important place for river defense, it was also a suitable place for crossing the river. However, since the war began, all important places have been in full swing, but only the Dangtu area has always been quiet. This is very abnormal, especially when the Han Navy has basically controlled the Yangtze River waterway.
He reported his concerns to Jinling, hoping to strengthen the military garrison and defense of Dangtu, but was also not adopted. Veteran Zhu Gong was stationed there personally. Lin Renzhao's suggestions were all targeted, but none of them were adopted. It seemed that the leader of Jinling was extremely ignorant. However, if you think about it carefully, if you follow Lin Renzhao's suggestions and build defenses everywhere and strengthen your troops, Jiangnan will not have enough strength at all. .
With only half of the southeast wall, nearly 200,000 troops have been armed in front and behind, and they are already in a state of war. The stalls can neither be spread nor cleaned up. Under such circumstances, the Jinling court made selective arrangements, which is worth understanding. aspect.
Generally speaking, under the attack of the imperial court, Jiangnan Kingdom was in a mess.
When the situation of the Southern Army was getting worse, the Han Army could no longer hold back. The generals of the various armies were eager to fight and asked Li Gu several times to launch an attack, but they were all suppressed. Li Gu is also well versed in the method of motivating generals, just like trapping a group of hungry tigers, just waiting for the day when the cage is opened.
Guazhou, at the crossroads of Jianghuai River, Li Gu was huddled on the couch. As the weather got colder and colder, he almost endured pain every day. Guazhou was a big town and the environment could be said to be good. Otherwise, he would really have been on the march. , the pain suffered by the body will probably be doubled.
There is a heater in the room, which can provide some relief but cannot cure the root cause. However, there is no trace of pain on Li Gu's face, only peace. However, some body reactions cannot be resisted purely by strong will.
There was a sound of footsteps outside. When they reached the door, they slowed down significantly. Under the guidance of the guards, they slowly walked in. It was Shi Shouxin, the deputy commander of the capital, and Zhao Yanjin, the military supervisor.
"Meet the Generalissimo!" The two saluted.
"Shou Xin and Bo Heng are here, take a seat!" Li Gu was studying the map. When he saw the two of them, a kind smile appeared on his face and said, "Why bother you two if you come together?"
"Li Gong, it's already winter, and we haven't moved our troops yet. It's been almost ten days since Zhang Bao arrived in Liyang, and we're waiting for your order to cross the river. None of the soldiers are willing to spend the whole winter here. In terms of war, when is the opportunity, do we really have to wait until General Guo breaks through Changzhou?" Zhao Yanjin has a good relationship with Li Gu, and he will speak directly if he has anything to say.
"The more it gets to this time, the less impatient it is and the more patient it is!" Li Gu said, looking at the two of them, and asked: "Do you think we can cross the river?"
"Mr. Li, the fighter jet you've been waiting for has arrived!" Shi Shouxin took out two military reports from his arms. He had been assisting Li Gu in handling military affairs and had considerable power.
"It's all good news!" Li Gu smiled.
Shi Shouxin said: "A letter came from Cao Bin. He and Liu Guangyi have captured Ezhou and are preparing to march to Jiangzhou!"
"So fast!" Li Gu was also slightly surprised.
Shi Shouxin also sighed: "There was civil strife in Ezhou. Commander Huangfu Jixun lost the morale of the army and was executed. The remaining defenders all surrendered. Generals Cao and Liu were able to surrender Ezhou without spending much energy... ..."
"When the news spreads, I'm afraid the general will become even more uneasy!" Li Gu said: "What about the other story, is there any result from Zhang Yanqing's side?"
"Exactly!" Shi Shouxin nodded: "Jinling's navy has been defeated again. Above the Yangtze River, Jiangnan has completely lost the ability to fight our navy! Let General Zhang Yongde take action. On the other side of Dangtu, Caishiji Although it is a defensive fortress, the defenders are not strong. Although Zhu Gong, who is responsible for the defense, is a veteran, he is still a scholar. He can force the crossing and fight across the river in one fell swoop!"
After listening to what he said, Li Gu did not express his position for a while, but took the two military reports, read them carefully, then raised his hand and said simply: "Then let Zhang Baoyi take action, and order Zhang Yanqing to lead the five thousand navy to the west. Advance, cooperate with them in fighting, and after occupying Dangtu, advance directly to Jinling!"
"yes!"
Hearing this, Zhao Yanjin couldn't help but smile and said: "If the march goes well, maybe the army will be able to enter Jinling before November!"
