At the end of the year, after a lively celebration, the whole Chengdu became quiet again.
However, before the Lantern Festival, information had already been sent back from the direction of Dingzhou.
"Over in Lizhou, Chang Sheng has slowly gathered troops, which have exceeded 100,000. The former commander of the West Route Army, Shen Tuguan, as the general of the army, began to train troops. In the direction of Hebei, according to the reports of Ye Xiao from several routes , and also re-opened many grain roads to transport grain and grass to Bocheng in the Lizhou area."
"Gou Fu, Bocheng in Lizhou is now where Beiyu is stationed."
"Exactly, it's less than two hundred miles away from Luoyan City, which I captured in Western Shu."
"Where is the Luoyan City garrison?"
"There are only three thousand. Eastern Military Advisor said that Luoyan City is not easy to defend and is not suitable for use as a frontline city pass."
Xu Mu was silent. He believed in Dongfang Jing's judgment. But the situation in Lizhou can be said to be precarious. Except for Dawan Pass, the rest of the places are not suitable for garrisoning. But in this case, Xi Shu's strategy would come to a standstill and he would have to defend the Dawan Pass.
Different from accumulating grain and casting weapons in peacetime, the war has begun. If things go on like this, Xishu's aggressive momentum will not be able to gain an advantage, and it will slowly be counterattacked by Beiyu.
Furthermore, if the "ship surprise attack" plan can have support from the direction of Lizhou, it will really be more effective with half the effort.
"Lord, it's time to increase our troops."
"indeed."
No matter what happened, it was time to send the 50,000 Mountain Overwatch Camp to Dingzhou. It's a pity that the Shanyue people are familiar with mountain and forest warfare, but the area around Dingzhou and Lizhou is mostly open terrain, suitable for horse fighting.
"I know what your lord is thinking." Little Dog Fu suddenly said, "If you follow my suggestion, the Shanyue Battalion will be organized into infantry and archers, and the remaining soldiers can be organized into horse pawns and infantry. After all, everyone in Shanyue has a Very good at shooting."
Listening, Xu Mu smiled. For now, Puppy Fu's suggestion is a good workaround.
"In the open terrain, the cavalry is the most important. We have Wei Feng's 3,000 heavy cavalry in Xishu, and there are more than 30,000 light cavalry. Looking at Beiyu, the information obtained by Ye Xiao shows that there are more than 60,000 cavalry in total. Twenty thousand of them are Yanzhou's bow cavalry."
The difference between war horses is not too much. The difference is that Western Shu has more than 3,000 heavy cavalry, while Beiyu has 20,000 bow cavalry.
The archers are composed of the Central Plains border people in the north of Yanzhou. Because of their proximity to the grassland, these Central Plains border people, like the Rouran people, have been familiar with equestrian skills since childhood and have developed the ability to ride and shoot. Later, he was enlisted as a cavalry archer by Gongsun Zu.
After the fall of Gongsun Zu, Chang Laosi followed his example and also conquered the border people and formed a bow cavalry.
In addition, in terms of infantry, Beiyu has elite infantry such as the Rice Selling Army, Silver Halberd Guard, and Jiaolong Guard.
Xishu will also have an elite force, equipped with large shields made by Chengdu Iron Works, hand crossbows, and spears more than one foot long.
Xu Mu's plan was to establish an organization of 5,000 people. Unfortunately, there was a shortage of resources and it was reduced to 3,000. Even these three thousand people must be matched with five thousand auxiliary troops like Wei Feng's heavy cavalry.
It can be seen that such an elite army, with a small family background, really cannot afford to fight.
"It's not as good as a dog. You can go through the military strength of Xishu." Xu Mu said seriously.
The puppy was so happy that he cupped his hands and said, "The army of Western Shu has a total of 100,000 people. Sixty thousand of them are in the Dingzhou area. Now, Miao Tong has 20,000 naval troops, and the lord brings 20,000 of his own. In Chengdu. The Western Region Alliance Army, totaling 20,000 people, will arrive in Liangzhou after next spring."
"The South China Sea Alliance has gathered 30,000 people, led by Zhao Dong, son of Zhao Di, and is stationed in the Dingzhou area. There are 50,000 people across the mountains and 30,000 people across the sea, totaling 80,000."
"There are also Li Xiaoyao's Xiaer Rebel Army, about 20,000 people."
"Our military strength in Western Shu is nearly 300,000."
Xu Mu nodded with satisfaction.
Last year's winter war in Xishu resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. Fortunately, the new round of recruiting troops and accepting surrenders have turned out well. Unfortunately, there are still many new troops who need some training.
As for the food, grass and baggage, Xu Mu was not worried.
As for grain and grass, the rice in the Jiangnan area has already been abundant. Together with the grain buried land left by Lao Huang, it is enough to sustain several years of war.
As for baggage, not only the Chengdu Iron Works, but also many Xishu craftsmen rushed to make a lot early.
"The strength of Beiyu's troops, if calculated in total, is close to forty-five or six in tens of thousands. Among them, there are still many battalions of veterans of hundreds of battles."
The military strength is incomparable, and the food, grass and baggage are even less comparable.
If the recruitment fails, I am afraid that Xi Shu, including a few "vassals", will still have more than 200,000 troops.
"Lord, I have a hunch that next year... we, Xi Shu and Bei Yu, will have an unprecedented war."
Throughout the ages, the world-wide war between the two has been equivalent to a decisive battle to determine the fate of the world. Whoever wins will almost have the initiative to conquer the Central Plains.
If Xiao Qiaofu has this kind of thinking, there is no doubt that Chang Sheng will also have this thought. As the war rages on, the issue of Dayuan Pass has become a major concern for both sides.
"My lord, Li Xiaoyao, Wei Xiaowu, and several young generals are waiting outside." Just as Xu Mu was thinking, Sun Xun ran back from the palace and hurriedly came to report.
"welcome."
Originally sitting on the chair, at this moment, the puppy Fu also stood up, without any arrogance, and stood respectfully aside.
Xu Mu didn't dissuade him, he understood what Little Dog Fu meant. Next year, these nearly ten little generals will go to the battlefield as warriors of Western Shu, just like the little dog Fu.
"Greetings, my lord!"
"No gift."
Xu Mu raised his head and looked at the eight young faces in front of him, including Puppy Fu. The oldest Li Xiaoyao is only twenty years old. The youngest is the little puppy Fu, who has just finished bunting his hair and is only sixteen years old.
For a long time, their fathers and brothers stood in front of them and gave them a stable life, where they could study in the general hall and grow up slowly.
But the veterans are withering away, and the talent in Xishu cannot be cut off. After all, some young faces are needed to slowly support the great cause.
Just like Wei Xiaowu, as the fire kindling of Qingtian Camp, he was once a little stick man, but he has grown a sharp and angular outline.
"I only ask if you and the eight others are willing to go out with the army next year. If not, then you can stay in Western Shu and follow the master to learn political affairs and govern the county."
"I am willing to go out with my lord!" Eight voices sounded in unison, and there was an unconcealable perseverance in their faces.
The proud son of Western Shu will soon be able to make famous names in thirty states across the world.
"Lead the armor." Xu Mu felt a little moved. He asked Sun Xun to get the armor and gave one to each of the eight young generals.
"Li Xiaoyao, don't forget the faith of Captain Li Zhiqiu."
"Lu Zhong, your clan brother Lu Xiu is a famous general in the world. I am looking forward to your performance."
"Zhang Zu, when your father and brother died in battle, you were worthy of being a hero in the world!"
"Wei Xiaowu, you are from Qingtian Camp!"
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