Last year, something unpleasant happened between Feng Duhu and the Queen.
Then Feng Duhu went to Lantian to pay homage to the prime minister and inspected Wuguan's combat readiness.
Before leaving, Feng Duhu had ordered the two of them to pay more attention to the situation in Jingxiang.
This is a prepared idea.
I didn't expect it to come true so quickly.
In Wuguan City, a huge sand table is placed on the combat table, and a huge map is hung on the wall.
Ju Fuzheng held on to his long whip and explained to Feng Duhu the situation on Wuguan Road.
Meng Yan added a few words from time to time.
The terrain of Caoqiao Pass is basically a replica of Wuguan Pass.
It is located on the flat land of a mountain stream, facing water to the east, west and south, surrounded by Danshui, and leaning against the Qinling Mountains to the north.
The only difference from Wuguan is that the mountain stream where Caoqiao Pass is located is a long and narrow valley basin.
In the direction of Guanzhong, there is a piece of flat land, facing Caoqiao Pass across Danshui.
The soldiers from Guanzhong left Wuguan, and when they arrived here, they could garrison the army.
Wuguan is just the opposite. Facing the direction of Jingxiang, there are four dangerous peaks, which are extremely steep.
The Wuguan garrison could rely on them to prevent the enemy from coming directly to Wuguan City.
It is precisely because of this difference that Caoqiao Pass is destined to be unable to be compared with Wuguan Pass.
Wuguan is about a hundred miles away from Caoqiao Pass.
If the distance of a hundred miles is on flat ground, it can only be reached in one day for the Han cavalry, regardless of the horsepower.
The one hundred miles between Wuguan and Caoqiaoguan are all between rivers and valleys, making it difficult to travel in rugged areas.
"The general thinks that this is not a good time for us to send troops, because it is the rainy season and there are often flash floods in the mountains."
"The Wuguan Road mostly runs along the waterside of the valley. Once the water rises, it will submerge the road and make it difficult to pass."
Although he knew that Feng Duhu might not like to hear these words, Jufu still reminded him seriously:
"A hundred-mile mountain road may not seem too long at first glance, but in fact if you encounter a flash flood, without preparation, you may not be able to finish it in ten days."
Fortunately, there was no displeasure on Feng Duhu's face. Instead, he moved closer to the sand table and compared the map on the wall.
After looking at it for a while, he raised his head and said with a slight sigh:
"What Xiaoxing said is true. When marching and fighting, what matters is the right time, the right place, and the right people."
"It's just that nine out of ten things in this world are unsatisfactory. How can everything always be satisfactory?"
"The timing of this battle is unknown, and the location is favorable. However, the land we occupy will at least be peaceful."
"Hehe?" Jufu looked thoughtfully at the location of Jingzhou on the map, "Is Zhongduhu from Wu on the south side?"
It is said that the Wu people were attacking Jingzhou Pizhong (i.e. Nanzhang, Hubei Province, southwest of Xiangyang) at this time, attracting the Wei army from Xiangyang.
"That's right." Feng Duhu nodded, "This time we send troops to attack Caoqiao Pass in response to the request of the Wu State, so the Wu people will support us in the south."
Fighting from the north and south with the Wu people should be considered a one-man battle, right?
"The Protector of the Central Government is from Wu and has rat-like ears. He can't be trusted!"
Feng Duhu smiled calmly:
"Why don't I know that the Wu people can't be trusted? It's just that this time, the Wu people are asking for help from the big man."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and clicked on the map, "Lu Xun wants to capture Xiangyang, and we will take the opportunity to capture Caoqiao Pass."
"As long as Wuguan is in our hands, the pass will be fine. But if Xiangyang is in the hands of Wei thieves, the Wu people in the south will have trouble sleeping and eating."
Especially when the Han Dynasty's advantage in facing Wei gradually became clear.
No one knows how the situation in the world will change in the future, and whether the Han Dynasty can destroy Wei.
But as the decision-makers of Wu State, Sun Quan and Lu Xun had to consider this possibility.
And we must also take into account the worst situation Wu faced after the destruction of Wei.
It was obvious that Lu Xun planned to capture Xiangyang this time, and then rely on Xiangyang to build the Xiangfan defense line.
After all, after being suppressed by Wei for so many years by using Xiangyang, Wu should know the importance of Xiangyang to Jingzhou now, even if it becomes iron-clad again.
"Guanzhong can live without Caoqiao Pass, but Jingzhou cannot live without Xiangyang."
Feng Duhu's finger drew a circle between Xiangyang and Nanling:
"Without Xiangyang, it can be said that half of Jingzhou, which Wu controlled, has been lost."
Don't look at the fact that Wu State nominally controls most of Jingzhou.
But the effective control area is actually only south of the river.
This large plain between the Dajiang River and the Han River was actually a buffer zone between Wei and Wu.
Yes, neither side can get such a large piece of plain, but they are unwilling to let the other side get it, so they would rather turn it into a no-man's land.
Jianghan Plain Jianghan Plain is a plain formed by the alluvial of the river and the Han River.
The flat land between the Dajiang River and the Han River is the essence of the Jianghan Plain.
Now, due to the war, this land has been abandoned for more than 20 years.
In the early years when Wei still had the upper hand, the elite cavalry of the Wei army often set off from Xiangyang and galloped across the plains to harass Nanjun.
Even the letters written by Sun Quan to the Emperor of Han or the Prime Minister of Han were in danger of being captured by Wei when passing through Jingzhou.
One can imagine how powerless the Wu army in Nanjun was when facing Wei's elite cavalry on the plains.
In recent years, the Han Dynasty has put increasing pressure on the Wei State, forcing the Wei State to continuously mobilize troops from various places to fill the vacancies on the Western Front.
Only then did the Wei army in Xiangyang gradually move south.
With one ebb and another rising, the Wei army's life was difficult, but the life of the Wu army in Jingzhou was getting better and better.
In particular, the generals of the Jingzhou Army prospered in sugarcane cultivation, and their pockets gradually bulged.
There is no need to worry about being constantly on guard against the elusive raids of the Wei army's elite cavalry, as before.
After Wei lost Guanzhong, Jingzhou had to face the Han army to the west and the Wu army to the south at the same time, and its military strength was already somewhat stretched.
They had to shrink their troops, let alone send cavalry to attack south at will.
After two or three consecutive years of not seeing any Wei troops crossing the border, many people in Wu State and Jingzhou felt that these days were really getting more and more promising.
Under such circumstances, it was normal for Lu Xun or Sun Quan to have the idea of capturing Xiangyang.
As long as Xiangyang is captured, the main area of the Jianghan Plain will be officially under the control of Wu.
If it can be properly managed, Jingzhou will be able to have at least hundreds of thousands or even millions of acres of more fertile farmland within ten years.
At that time, maybe we can get rid of the situation where Jingzhou's food is controlled by the Han.
Therefore, whether it is to build a stronger Jingzhou defense line to prevent the worst situation in the future.
Or to better govern Jingzhou and get rid of the constraints of the Han Dynasty.
Wu Guodu had reasons to capture Xiangyang.
Of course, some of the secrets and conjectures involved are not suitable for public disclosure.
But even if Feng Duhu didn't go into details, Jufu and Meng Yan were both very convinced of Feng Duhu because of his outstanding military exploits over the years.
Now seeing that Feng Duhu was so sure that Wu Ren was sincerely cooperating with the big man this time, the two of them naturally no longer had too many doubts.
"Then according to what the Central Protector sees, what should we do when we send out troops this time?"
"Soldiers are valuable and quick. Now we don't know how the Wei and Wu armies are fighting in Jingzhou. Naturally, the sooner we send troops, the better."
Feng Duhu's eyes did not leave the map, "To be honest, I don't believe the Wu people either."
"It's not that I don't believe their intention to take Xiangyang, but I don't believe how long they can hold on."
"If we send troops too late and the Wu people have already retreated, then Wei can concentrate its forces against us."
"When the time comes, with the strength we have, I'm afraid we won't be able to capture Caoqiao Pass."
Jufu could not help but remind him in a low voice again:
"But the Central Protector, even if the Wei thieves don't send reinforcements from Wancheng, I'm afraid the soldiers in Wuguan won't have enough troops..."
Feng Duhu nodded:
"Don't worry, am I one of those people who underestimates the enemy? I'm just leading my cavalry to come here ahead of time. After a while, there will be soldiers, horses and baggage coming from behind."
net
After hearing this, Jufu and Meng Yan knew that Zhongduhu had made up his mind and no longer had any doubts.
Meng Yan suggested:
"Zhongduhu, General Yuju, under the orders of Zhongduhu, has never relaxed his reconnaissance to the east."
"As far as we know, if you want to get to Wancheng, in addition to walking through the Danshui River Valley, there is actually a mountain trail used by woodcutters."
"This mountain trail is to the east of Wuguan. Although it is difficult to walk, it may not be impossible for the old people of Wudang Camp led by Mo General."
(Note: This is the second half of Wuguan Road that was changed after the Tang Dynasty)
"The reputation of the Zhongdu Protector is astonishing throughout the world, and everyone in the world has heard of the power of the Zhongdu Protector. As long as the thieves know that the Zhongdu Protector is personally leading the troops to attack Caoqiao Pass, the Wancheng thieves will definitely come to the rescue with all their strength."
"When Wancheng is empty, the last general only needs to lead three thousand elite troops to the gates of Wancheng, and he will be able to defeat it with one blow."
When Feng Duhu heard this, his heart moved.
If Lu Xun personally led the troops to attack Xiangyang, or even captured Xiangyang, Meng Yan's plan seemed dangerous, but in fact it was very reliable.
only……
Feng Duhu finally shook his head:
"This is the best policy, but the time has not come yet. At this time, when the Han Dynasty takes Wancheng, it is in danger of being attacked from both sides, so it is better to leave it in the hands of the Wei thieves for the time being."
Without Wancheng, Xuchang would be frightened and would definitely fight back with all his strength.
Who knows what Lu Xun in Xiangyang will think at that time?
Without Xiangyang, Wancheng would be useless.
But the Wei thieves had no choice but to defend.
Because once Wancheng is lost, Xuchang will be waiting for troops to attack the city at any time.
Even if they don't attack the city, enemy soldiers who appear under the city for a brief march are enough to make the city sleepless and uneasy.
As for the future, if the Han war in Hebei goes well and the demise of Wei is a foregone conclusion, Wu will definitely take advantage of it.
Crossing the water from Xiangyang to the north to capture Wancheng and even reach Xuchang is a huge temptation that is difficult to resist.
When the time comes, Cao Shuang, who has nowhere to go, will inevitably have to fight with Wu Guo in Wancheng...
"So this time, we should not divide our forces and just attack Caoqiao Pass with all our strength."
"As for this dangerous road, let's keep it for now and just pay attention to it on weekdays."
From Wuguan, you can take this dangerous road to Nanyang, but coming from Nanyang, you still have to pass through Wuguan in the end.
Therefore, as long as the martial pass is not lost, this dangerous road poses no threat to Guanzhong.
The Central Protectorate has already deduced many times whether to take Wancheng or not, and the situation they will face after taking Wancheng.
Feng Duhu briefly explained to the two of them that it was still necessary to unify their thoughts before the war.
Sure enough, after hearing Feng Duhu's explanation, Meng Yan, who was originally a little disappointed, was immediately convinced:
"Good opinion from the Central Protector!"
"What advice can I have? This is all a result of the joint efforts of everyone in the Central Protectorate and the collective thoughts of everyone."
Feng Duhu waved his hand, "Just like this time, if I want to achieve success, I need to rely on two generals."
These words were pleasant to hear. When General Jumeng heard the words, his face turned a little red and he even stopped breathing.
"Since Xiaoxing said that Wuguan Road may be flooded by flash floods during this season, I want to send 5,000 troops as the vanguard to open roads in the mountains and build bridges in the water."
Feng Duhu took the opportunity and said:
"I wonder which one of you two is willing to take on this important task?"
The two of them were feeling a little agitated when they heard Feng Duhu's words and clasped their fists in unison:
"The general will go where he wishes!"
Seeing the two of them like this, Feng Duhu smiled and said, "This is really embarrassing for me."
His eyes turned around the two of them a few times, and then he spoke again:
"General Meng has been in Nanzhong for a long time and is familiar with the mountains. General Ju, why not give this opportunity to General Meng?"
Hearing what Zhongduhu said, although Jufu was a little disappointed, he could only reply:
"What Zhongduhu said is very reasonable, and I am willing to follow it."
When the prime minister was on his southern expedition, Feng Duhu passed through Zhuti County. When he saw Gofu for the first time, he thought he was quite talented and recommended him personally.
After the Northern Expedition, Feng Duhu was entrusted with important tasks after his military exploits, and he never forgot to promote him.
Therefore, both in the eyes of outsiders and in Jufu's own mind, he was considered a direct descendant of Feng Duhu.
Since they are direct descendants, there is definitely no need to worry about being treated poorly.
What's more, if you follow the Central Protector on an expedition, why worry about not having the chance to make meritorious deeds?
Meng Yan, on the other hand, said loudly and excitedly:
"The final general will definitely live up to the trust entrusted by the Central Protector!"
"In that case, the matter is settled. General Meng, go to the camp and select the soldiers who are familiar with the mountain roads. Once you are ready, set off immediately."
"Here!"
There is naturally a reason to let Meng Yan be the striker.
In addition to coming to Meng Yan to be more familiar with the mountains, there is another reason.
That is, among the defenders of Wuguan, there are some soldiers who are also from the Wudang Army in Nanzhong.
It is naturally more convenient to let Meng Yan lead these people as the vanguard than Jufu.
Jufu and Meng Yan, especially Jufu, are generals who can leave their names in history books, and their abilities are naturally trustworthy.
In addition, some of the defenders they led were still from the Nanxiang Army.
After receiving the military order, Wuguan immediately started operating at high speed.
The Wei army, which was hundreds of miles away in Caoqiao Pass, never dared to relax in the direction of Guanzhong.
On the second day after Meng Yan set off with 5,000 troops, the guard general of Caoqiao Pass got news of the changes of the Han army in Wuguan.
After confirming that the Han army is coming towards Caoqiao Pass along Wuguan Road, the Caoqiao Pass guard will send messengers as quickly as possible to send the news to Wancheng.
Two days later, Guanqiu Jian, the governor of Jingzhou in Wei State who was personally stationed in Xiangyang, received the news and let out a long breath:
"finally come!"
The heart that had been hanging for a long time could finally fall back to its original place.
