The Yehuling Defense Line is not a city gate that can be closed by one man but cannot be opened by ten thousand men. It is a defense system built with the Lingkou Fortress as the mainstay, supplemented by the Great Wall and mountain fortresses.
Although they are linked together and have road transportation, they can support each other. However, after the more than 20,000 defenders led by Liu Tinghan spread out, their forces were slightly scattered. Excluding the cavalry, there were only about 13,000 Han troops actually deployed on Yehuling's defense line.
Therefore, if Yelvxian had made up his mind to move forward without hesitation, take advantage of the victory to attack, concentrate his superior forces, and attack one point, the result is still unknown. Looking back at the things we imagine, any outcome is possible and any situation can happen.
But now, with the continuous replenishment of troops and the transfer of elite troops to the west and stationed in the rear, there is no need to consider the original necessity anymore.
On the contrary, on the Yehuling side, a counterattack is almost ready to be launched, and the Yehuling side is also cooperating with Shanyang's actions.
As the Han army in Wende County, led by the commander Li Hanqiong, was fully mobilized and arrived at the front line of Yehuling one after another, the counterattack from the Han army also reached the point where it had to be launched.
Backed by the Yanshan Mountains and facing the Saibei Plateau, the Yehu Ridge in late autumn and early winter seems a bit desolate. The vast mountains and vast wilderness are all full of desolation. Only the colorful Han military flags flying among the Guanling Forts are the most beautiful. It adds a little bright color.
Behind the Lingkou Fortress, a camp rose up in a limited space. It was tightly laid out and had simple facilities. The 25,000 Han soldiers who came with them were moving in under the guidance of the camp generals. It was just a temporary camp, and the accompanying officers and soldiers only had more than one night of rest before they would devote themselves to the attack on the Liao army outside Yehuling.
The arrival of the imperial commander also made the already depressing atmosphere of the Han army in the fort even more solemn. The military fort was built according to the terrain, with simple furnishings, but it was sturdiness visible to the naked eye.
Before closing the door, under the leadership of Liu Tinghan, the generals of Lingkou Fortress lined up respectfully to welcome Sheng Gong. The Han army officers and soldiers responsible for the escort were fully equipped. The vigilant officers and soldiers even spread out along the ridge, standing in the cold wind like a rock. They generally remained unwavering and showed their most spiritual appearance to the emperor.
"Let's all get back together!" Looking at Liu Tinghan and other generals who were prostrating themselves, Emperor Liu simply waved his hand, his tone was a little flat, and his attitude seemed less enthusiastic.
At the moment when Emperor Liu was serving the country, the saying "You can't be polite when you are wearing armor" is no longer popular in the army. The imperial power is supreme and overrides everything. When the emperor comes, regardless of whether he is wearing armor or not, he can bow when he should and kneel when he should. Gotta kneel.
And these soldiers prostrate themselves respectfully and humbly at the emperor's feet, which profoundly reveals the truth that the era of arrogant soldiers and fierce generals has completely passed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" With the sound of armor leaves colliding, Liu Tinghan and others stood up. Perhaps the power given by Emperor Liu was too powerful, and their movements were even more awe-inspiring.
"Take me to the fort to have a look!" Emperor Liu simply looked at the soldiers and the pass and ordered.
"Yes! Your Majesty, please!" Liu Tinghan hurriedly turned sideways to guide.
Along the way, Emperor Liu did not say anything, but silently observed the fortress. This put greater pressure on Liu Tinghan. Since his defeat, he had been responsible for the arrangement of the Yehuling defense line here and had no chance to meet the emperor.
Emperor Liu's obviously cold attitude made him even more uneasy. After walking through the main road of the fortress, which was not long, Liu Tinghan had a little cold sweat on his forehead.
Until they climbed up to the Beiguan Tower of the fortress, Emperor Liu stood facing the wind and looked far into the distance. Liu Tinghan finally couldn't bear it anymore and said solemnly: "In the battle of Tianling, I was not vigilant enough and was taken advantage of by the enemy. The army suffered a loss. The soldiers suffered losses and did not have time to face the Holy Spirit to apologize..."
"It's over now, so don't worry too much!" Emperor Liu finally spoke again: "Just give me another victory and avenge my previous shame!"
"Your Majesty is magnanimous, and I am so grateful that I will fight to the death!" Liu Tinghan's expression became more serious.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu turned sideways, put one hand on the wall of the gate building, looked at Liu Tinghan, and pointed to his messy beard in the wind with one hand: "It's been a long time since I took care of my beard. It's messy. You are an army man." Commander, you must pay attention to your image. I see that the officers and soldiers look neat and majestic, and you, the commander, should be more energetic!"
Hearing that Emperor Liu was not talking about military matters or the enemy's situation, but was concerned about his own image, Liu Tinghan was stunned for a moment, but the tension in his heart did dissipate a lot. He met Emperor Liu's eyes and solemnly responded: "Your Majesty, don't break the Liao army, I don’t want to trim my beard!”
"Okay!" Seeing his firm expression, Emperor Liu's cold face finally broke into a smile and said: "In addition to bringing you follow-up troops, I am here to watch you conquer the Liao Dynasty. !”
"Your Majesty, please wait and see!" After hearing this, Liu Tinghan immediately promised: "From the ministers down, the soldiers are all eager to avenge their shame and intend to defeat the Liao Dynasty!"
"How are you preparing? Are there any problems that need to be solved?" Emperor Liu nodded, affirmed his attitude, and asked.
When Gu mentioned this, Liu Tinghan was obviously more excited. He pointed to the north and said: "The Liao army has about 30,000 soldiers. Most of them are stationed in Yanzi City twenty miles away. The smaller ones are wandering around and plundering. I have been Staring at them, there was no movement.
The minister plans to attack in two directions, one way out of Lingkou and all the way out of Taoshan. The cavalry will go first, the infantry will follow, and the Liao army will be surrounded! If nothing happens, the battle can be resolved in one day.
Then, he turned to the west, rushed to support Shanyang, and surrounded and suppressed the Liao Emperor! Now, the soldiers and horses are ready, just waiting for the order to attack. However, the situation on the other side of Yunzhong is not clear yet. If it is launched early, something unexpected may happen! "
"What are you afraid of? Afraid of surprising the Liao army and causing them to run away early?" Emperor Liu asked.
"Exactly! It would be safer if we could receive news about Kang Yanze's army first and then act randomly!" Liu Tinghan was obviously hesitant.
Seeing this, Emperor Liu became firm and said: "The news is clear. It may only take one or two days, but how can we grasp the changes in the war situation in these two days? Since we can't grasp it, why insist on being complete and proper?"
The military situation is changing rapidly. Now that you are ready, there is no need to hesitate! It's better to attack early than late! The overall situation of the counterattack has long been decided. On the other side of Yunzhong, I believe that Jiuyuan Hou and the others will adapt to the situation! "
"Yes!" Emperor Liu's words completely relieved Liu Tinghan of his burden. Obviously, the previous failure still had a considerable impact on him.
"Call the generals participating in the war directly and arrange tasks!" Emperor Liu ordered.
"yes!"
Soon, the sound of drums sounded in the Lingkou Fortress, and dozens of mid-level and upper-level officers gathered together. Without any delay, Liu Tinghan skillfully arranged combat tasks.
After the discussion, the generals who received the military orders filed out. Emperor Liu left Liu Tinghan behind and said seriously: "Since the Northern Expedition, you have fought against Han Kuangmei several times in Monan, and the outcome has never been determined. This time, too, It’s time for a result! I want this person’s head!”
"Your Majesty, don't worry! I will sacrifice the head of the enemy chief!" Liu Tinghan said without any hesitation, with a decisive look on his face.
The enemy general outside Yehu Ridge was Han Kuangmei, the envoy to southwestern Liaoning, a Han official who dedicated his life to the Liao Kingdom. At this time, Liu Tinghan felt a surge of anger in his heart, the anger of revenge, and the ambition to defeat the enemy!
The Battle of Yehuling between Han and Liao took place on October 1, the eighth year of Kaibao. The Han army had about 60,000 infantry and cavalry, while the Liao army was less than 30,000. The battle broke out in the small town of Yanzi, 20 miles away from Yehuling.
The Han army was led by generals Liu Tinghan and Li Hanqiong. Liu Tinghan left the military fortress at Yehulingkou, and Li Hanqiong left Taoshan Fort to encircle and annihilate the Liao army. The Han army's attack was like a thunderbolt. Although the Liao army responded in time, they ultimately responded in a hurry.
The distance of twenty miles between the plains is not really long. In an emergency, the Liao army commander Han Kuangmei dispatched cavalry to intercept the Han cavalry and buy time to gather troops to defend against the enemy.
However, before Han Kuang's troops could get out of the hurry, the Han cavalry had broken through the blockage and arrived at Yanzi City. Afterwards, naturally and naturally, the two armies violently collided under Yanzi City.
The Han cavalry was small, but they were united and marched forward bravely without any worries. Although the Liao army was large, it was dwarfed by comparison. The combat power of Han Kuangmei's men could not be called strong. Naturally, the elite soldiers and generals followed Emperor Yelvxian.
As a result, Han Kuang's American troops were tightly entangled by the attacking Han cavalry. When the Han army's backup gradually approached, the Liao army was quickly defeated. It was Han Kuangmei who took the initiative to order the retreat. When the battle came, the retreat naturally turned into a defeat easily.
Han Kuangmei had no choice. He knew that if he did not withdraw, the whole army might be wiped out when the main force of the Han army arrived. It was not a difficult decision to choose the lesser of two evils.
The Han army's encirclement plan was not fully realized because it failed to completely wipe out the Liao army in Yanzi City. However, as far as the results are concerned, it is still good. The Han army was completely victorious and the Liao army was completely defeated. Most of the results came from the pursuit.
In particular, the enemy's leader, Han Kuangmei, led his army with Yuhou Tianrenlang, the capital of the Longjie Army. They had no other targets and just stared at Han Kuangmei's flag. They refused to let go and pursued them sixty miles northwest of Yanzi City. Yuanyangbo caught up and fought fiercely, killing Han Kuangmei in formation.
The battle of Yanzi City, with the death of Han Kuangmei, completely established the victory of the Han army.
