When Wang Renfan was blocked in Nongdong and was busy preparing to break through, Wang Quanbin's army on the west route also made a breakthrough. After more than a month of arduous march, we finally crossed the dangerous mountains and reached deep into Dali.
Of course, it can't be considered as in-depth, because there is still a long distance from Yangjume City. In fact, in terms of distance, the East Road is in Nongdongfu, which is much closer to Dali.
However, precisely because the East Route Army attracted a large number of Dali troops for defense, it also made the northern city of Chengdian, which was not taken seriously enough, even more empty. Although the distance was a bit far, if the raid was successful, the effect would naturally be significant. On.
Jinsha River, as the most important water vein in Dali, has turbulent currents and mighty water flow, especially in the upper reaches, which is even more dangerous. After crossing the mountain to the south, Wang Quanbin led his army non-stop towards the river. Although it was still bumpy and difficult, it was much faster than the path in the barren mountains.
By August 20, most of the Han army had drank from the Jinsha River. When they arrived at the Jinsha River, the Han army only did one thing: boil water, take a bath, change clothes and shoes, and reward the three troops.
This was much more thorough than the two or three days of rest in the mountains. Wang Quanbin only gave the entire army one day and two nights. After that, they will cross Jinsha to the west, turn south, and attack the city of Yangju.
As the coach of the Southern Expedition, Wang Quanbin finally enjoyed the privilege of taking a bath alone, or in a hot bath, with soldiers specially adding water to rub his back...
After this journey, Wang Quanbin has completely lost weight, and his figure has obviously lost a bit of burly temperament. The fat between his belly is also loose. I don’t know how this old body can bear such a heavy weight. Hard.
After a bath, I changed into a clean military uniform and felt much more energetic. Next to him, soldiers were packing up the old shoes and clothes that Wang Quanbin had taken off. They were not only in tatters, but also smelled bad. This time when the Western Route Army set out, everyone prepared an extra set of military uniforms and two pairs of shoes. However, two pairs were not enough, and the soles of many people's feet were worn out.
"Slow down!" Seeing that the soldiers were about to take it and throw it away, Wang Quanbin stopped him.
"What are the commander-in-chief's orders?" The soldier stopped, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Wang Quanbin stepped forward and rummaged through the pile of rags. A complicated color flashed through his old eyes, and he sighed: "Don't throw it away, find a bag to put it in and put it away!"
"yes!"
Obviously, this trip of the West Route Army touched the old general deeply and he wanted to keep it as a souvenir. However, this southern expedition was only halfway through. The most difficult days were over, and now it was time to plan how to conquer Dali.
"Go, call Shangguan Zheng, and follow me to see the Jinsha River!" Wang Quanbin ordered.
The place where the army stationed was probably within the jurisdiction of the Ninglang Yi Autonomous County in later generations. In today's Dali, it can be regarded as a remote and remote area. There are almost no farming villages around, but there are some tribal mountain people.
On the banks of the Jinsha River, many soldiers were still playing in the water, cheering for release. Some of them were even good at water and brave enough to play in the deep water. After suffering so much, everyone wanted to let go. Wang Quanbin rarely stopped.
Looking at the Jinsha River flowing southward and feeling its turbulence, Wang Quanbin couldn't help but ask: "This river is called Jinsha River. Could it be that the bottom of the river is really Jinsha?"
"If it is really a Jinsha River and such a treasured land, we cannot let the Duan family of Dali steal it!" Shangguan Zheng replied, obviously joking.
"We have to cross this river as soon as possible!" Wang Quanbin said seriously: "Now that the signs have appeared, we must react completely in Dali and approach Yangju City!"
Hearing this, Shangguan pointed to the cliff on the opposite bank and said: "Although the east bank here is gentle, the west bank is steep and difficult to cross. If you want to cross the river, you have to find another place. The general has arranged people to explore. In addition, we have already tried it. Yes, the skin bag you are carrying can be enough to support you across the river as long as it is filled with air!"
Considering the situation of crossing the river, it was inconvenient to make temporary boats and rafts. Wang Quanbin's army also prepared some leather airbags in advance for swimming across the river. After hearing this, Wang Quanbin asked: "How many skins are left in the army?"
Shangguan Zheng replied: "After discarding the damaged and discarded items, there are still more than 7,000 tools left, enough to cross the river!"
"How many soldiers are left?" Wang Quanbin asked a heavy topic again.
Shangguan Zheng still said calmly: "After statistics, there are 21,384 people left in the army!"
"Nearly 20% of my soldiers were lost!" Wang Quanbin sighed.
"How much rations are left?"
"It can last for half a month. If you include the livestock accompanying the army, it can be doubled!" Shangguan Zhengdao said.
"Although I'm a little nervous, now that I'm here, are I still afraid that I won't be able to find food?" Wang Quanbin was confident.
Shangguan Zhengdao said: "With Deputy Wang summoning envoys to make a big show on the east road, Dali's rear must be unprepared. Even if it is prepared, the strength will definitely be insufficient. They will not even think that we dare to take the absolute path to the north and penetrate directly into its heart! "
"Next, we have to compete for time!"
While the two were discussing, the former army commander Kang Baoyi came to find him. Kang Baoyi is considered to be the second generation general of the Han Dynasty. He is brave and good at fighting. He is the son of the border defense general Kang Zaiyu. Although he is not very old, he has been in the army for nearly twenty years. He started rolling around in the military camp when he was a boy. People who participated in many wars of the Han Dynasty in the past.
Following the Kangbao people, there were several other people, a few indigenous people wearing local costumes. Kang Baoyi stepped forward and reported: "Dushuai, I will lead people to inspect the surrounding areas and find these tribesmen. This is He Cheng, the leader of the local tribe. He heard that the army has passed and is willing to surrender. I will bring him here to meet Dushuai!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Quanbin immediately became interested. And those tribesmen, led by their leaders, knelt down and kowtowed.
Through a translator, Wang Quanbin had relatively smooth communication with him. From his mouth, Wang Quanbin learned that this area in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River is surrounded by so many ethnic groups. It is rarely under the jurisdiction of Dali State on weekdays and belongs to a poor area in Dali. . These tribes are the Naxi tribe.
As for asking him about the military situation around him and how far it was from Yangjume City, he couldn't answer. However, he was familiar with the surrounding geography, expressed his willingness to lead the way, and provided a suitable place to cross the river.
After careful interrogation and confirmation that there was no fraud, Wang Quanbin naturally accepted his surrender, and then ordered him to choose a few tribesmen who were familiar with the roads to serve as guides for the army.
Due to adequate preparations, it only took half a day to cross the river. The so-called natural danger of the Jinsha River was declared broken, causing no obstacles to the Han army at all, and the Dali army was not even aware of it.
After crossing the river, under Wang Quanbin's urging, the remaining 20,000-odd Han troops on the west route began a furious advance and headed south. The further south you go, the more cities and towns there are. Dali finally responds, but the sparse defenses do not cause any obstruction at all.
From Sanfu to Hechuan, Dali officials guarded the generals along the way. Facing the Han army, they made the same choice as those tribes and surrendered. In response, Wang Quanbin accepted everything. In addition to collecting some rations, livestock, and asking for guides, he did not stop his march, but continued to march straight in.
As long as there is no strong resistance, ignore him. In this way, by August 27th, Wang Quanbin's army arrived at Longshou Pass, which was also the northern gate of Yangjumei City, almost without any hindrance.
But this portal was unprepared and could not withstand the sudden and fierce Han army. A surprise attack and conquered in half a day. After Longshou Pass was conquered, the city of Yangjumei opened its door to the Han army.
Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake have become the most beautiful background of the Han army's horse riding on sheep in Jumei City.
