In late autumn, the grass and trees are withered and yellow. In this northern part of the Great Wall, the sky and the earth appear more vast and open. A high-pitched eagle cry pierced the sky. The goshawk spread its wings and soared in the sky for a while. The eagle's eyes were sharp and keen, observing the vast wilderness.
Perhaps because they were tired from swimming, or perhaps they had discovered their target, they flapped their wings and flew down like an arrow from a string, heading straight towards the massive army by the Baishui River. Approaching the front of the army, he suddenly slowed down, then landed steadily on Ying Nu's thick and strong arm, and then restrained all his sharpness.
On the banks of the Baishui River, tens of thousands of Liao troops were already in position, in a state of fending off the enemy. There were many war cavalry, flags flying, and silence, releasing a heart-stopping momentum that vividly displayed the powerful demeanor of the Liao army.
As the center, Emperor Yelujing of the Liao Dynasty was also dressed in military uniform and was accompanied by a tall horse. He also showed his best mental outlook in recent years. Looking far into the distance, he stretched out his hand and commanded: "Send someone over!"
Soon, Xiao Husi, protected by several knights, ran towards the opposite side. In this wilderness, five or six knights looked so small.
A few miles away, in response, more than 30,000 Han troops also formed a formation, with swords and guns like a forest, and the army was majestic. The cavalry and foot are combined, with Han cavalry cruising on each wing, and the sound of kicking is endless.
In terms of the tightness of the military formation, it is actually far from the peak of the Han army. After all, this army was pieced together temporarily and did not undergo a long period of coordination and training. But the basic quality of the Han army is now here, and the temporarily prepared army still shows an unparalleled strength.
From top to bottom, all the officers and men were working hard. Generals Luo Yanxuan and Liu Tinghan had already issued strict orders at all levels. This trip was not only to protect the emperor, but also to show the majesty of the Han Dynasty to the Khitan people.
Baishuiluo is located in a basin, with mountains on its east, west and south sides, and a wide view. Choosing such a place is acceptable to both parties. Looking at each other from the north to the south, the tribes, Han people, and businessmen living in the surrounding areas were all trembling under the formation of the two armies. If it hadn't been for the previous edict, I'm afraid the people would have dispersed long ago.
Emperor Liu was still riding in a Luan chariot. He stood on the chariot with the same attitude of looking out. Although he was far away and his field of vision was limited, he could also feel the momentum of the Liao army.
"It seems that in the past ten years, the Liao Kingdom has not slackened in its military construction!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion, his tone a little heavy.
"Zhao Qing, in your opinion, how many troops and horses are needed to destroy the Liao army on the opposite side?"
Among the accompanying ministers, Zhao Kuangyin basically had the highest status, and he was also able to accompany him. When asked, he thought carefully and replied conservatively: "Our army and the Liao army have not fought in ten years, and we can no longer refer to past battles. In my humble opinion, facing the enemy head-on, fifty thousand elite cavalry may be able to defeat it." If you want to carry out annihilation, you need to do it twice as much!"
"Is what you said too conservative?" Emperor Liu seemed a little dissatisfied after hearing this, and said: "With the strength of the Han cavalry, the strength of the armor, and the sharpness of the equipment, so many people and horses are still needed?"
Zhao Kuangyin said calmly: "Although our cavalry has been trained for many years and its equipment is getting better and better, it has not been in battle for a long time and has little experience in cavalry battles. After all, the Khitan is a nation on horseback. They travel outside the fortress and often hunt and fight. It really shouldn’t be underestimated!”
If Emperor Liu had any dissatisfaction with Zhao Kuangyin, apart from the suspicion of "forming cliques", it was the matter of knowledge and strategy. The older he got, the more conservative he became.
Emperor Liu tried his best not to show this emotion, but he still sighed: "As you said, one hundred thousand cavalry, even if I gather all the cavalry from all over the country, I'm afraid it won't be enough! If this is true, how can we destroy the Liao Dynasty?" , how can we talk about long-term drive into the desert?"
In the past ten years, the Han army's emphasis on cavalry is visible to the naked eye, and financial investment in horse administration has also been continuous. Up to now, the number of horses of various types among the officials and the people has been considerable, and the armament training for forbidden riding and side riding has never been interrupted.
Even so, the total number of cavalry in the entire army of the Han Dynasty was far less than 100,000. Excluding some water, there were even fewer that could be mobilized and put into the northern battlefield. Previously, when Li Chuyun was in office, he had made a report that if an army composed entirely of cavalry was to be organized for the Northern Expedition, only 60,000 people could be guaranteed, and they would have to be mobilized from various places.
The cost of training a cavalry is too high. It cannot be accomplished by combining one person and one horse. The selection conditions of knights and war horses alone are not comparable to those of ordinary armies, let alone equipment, training, food, etc. of consumed.
Due to the huge expenditure on this project, it has caused a huge burden on the imperial government's finances, and the DPRK and the Central Government cannot help but criticize it. However, no one dares to write a letter against the investment in the construction of the cavalry, but the actual situation cannot be changed. .
Therefore, considering what Zhao Kuangyin said, it would take one hundred thousand cavalry to annihilate the thirty or forty thousand troops on the opposite side. How could Emperor Liu have no objection? According to his expectations, even if one man cannot serve as five barbarians, the standards of one man as three and one as two must always be met.
Faced with Emperor Liu's rhetorical question, Zhao Kuangyin could not help but remain silent for a moment, and finally said: "The strength and advantage of the Han army over the Liao lies in its sharp military formation and the combination of foot and cavalry!"
"But if we are limited to this way, can we move across the Great Wall and achieve the goal of destroying the Liao Dynasty?" Emperor Liu asked.
Zhao Kuangyin responded: "As discussed before, if you want to leave the fortress, except for the cavalry, all infantry should be equipped with donkeys and horses to make up for the lack of mobility!"
"That's all!" Emperor Liu finally showed an expression of approval on his face.
In fact, this was also the result of discussions between Emperor Liu and the privy councilors and generals. It may be difficult to train a qualified cavalry, but it is relatively simple and less expensive to train an infantry who can ride a horse.
Over the past many years, Emperor Liu had felt the heavy financial pressure and had long since given up on cultivating hundreds of thousands of cavalry and then marching out to sweep the grasslands. There's no way, it's too expensive. With the big man's current size, it's not that he can't hold it, but there's no need to hold on. To fight against the Khitans, the combination of foot and cavalry is the way to be invincible, and it is also the policy of building the Han army. In these aspects, Zhao Kuangyin actually has a profound understanding.
While the monarch and his ministers were talking, Zhao Guogong Liu Fang, who was also standing beside him, with his horse on his hip and bright armor on his body, looked straight in the direction of the Liao army. There was an unavoidable throbbing in his heart, and at the same time, the image of the eagle flying just now appeared in his mind. He thought about it, and he also wanted to raise such an eagle...
"Your Majesty, the Liao army is here!" Yang Yanzhao came to report.
He, Li Jilong, Guo Yi and other young talents also came with them. In addition to guarding, they also did some trivial things such as passing orders and coordinating.
Soon, Xiao Husi was brought to the front of Luan Jia. He bowed with restraint and said, "Foreign Minister Xiao Husi, see your majesty!"
"Privy Xiao! We are old friends, no need to be formal!" Emperor Liu smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiao Husi seemed to have no intention of chatting nonsense with Emperor Liu. He pointed at the waiting Han army and said solemnly: "I, the Emperor of Daliao, have come at the invitation and will meet as scheduled. This is your Majesty's hospitality. Dao?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Liu simply sat beside the chariot shaft and said calmly: "The strong soldiers and generals are only for guarding! However, the Lord of Liao is very powerful. When Privy Xiao came, I thought he was here to declare war!"
Emperor Liu spoke lightly, but Xiao Husi's face tightened and he said seriously: "The Han army has hard crossbows, and the Liao army has strong bows, that's all!"
Seeing how tough he was, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel happy. However, Xiao Husi sent Han Dynasty many times, and the two peace talks were signed under his auspices. Emperor Liu's attitude towards his "old friend" was still tolerant.
The smile faded and he said seriously: "Please reply to Lord Liao, I am very happy that he can keep the appointment. However, such a large battle between the two sides is too chilling. It not only scared the people, but also frightened the birds and animals, and destroyed Beautiful scenery all around.
I sincerely invite you, and have no other intention. I am just here on my northern tour, and that's all. By the way, we have a discussion to seek some peace for the friendship between the two countries, for the common people of the world, and for the millions of people.
There is no need for you and me to be so tense. How about I order people to hold a banquet beside this river, each with his entourage and guards, drink and have fun, and talk about heaven and earth? "
Emperor Liu looked sincere. Xiao Husi silently took note of Emperor Liu's meaning, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty said, the foreign minister will definitely bring you truthfully!"
Soon, Yelujing gave feedback and agreed. Therefore, under the efficient work of the camp craftsmen, a banquet venue was set up between the two armies on the bank of the white water.
Emperor Liu and Yelujing each introduced people to their seats, of course, under the close supervision of the two military camps. As the two emperors entered the table, the momentum of the Han and Liao armies in the north and south became more condensed. Instead of relaxing, they were ready to attack at any time...
