Wokuotai had just listened to Cui Li's advice and was ready to rest while waiting for the inner city garrison to run out of food.
Originally, everyone in Mongolia thought that after fighting for only half a year, they could breathe a sigh of relief and wait for the end of the war.
Who knew that Zhao Tai would suddenly come to help at this time, which made Wo Kuotai very angry.
Many Mongolian generals were angry when they heard that Zhao Tai was coming to rescue Kaifeng again.
This guy is really annoying and makes it impossible to relax.
It's not that Wo Kuotai is afraid of Zhao Tai, it's just that Zhao Tai is too annoying.
There are now more than 100,000 Mongolian troops under Kaifeng City, and Wokuotai is stationed here. If Zhao Tai dares to come, he will definitely annihilate them in one fell swoop.
Subotai said: "Zhao Tai is very cunning. He claimed to rescue Kaifeng before, but no matter how long he waited, he never came to die. This time we are almost finished fighting, and he claimed to come to rescue Kaifeng again. Will there be another one? What’s the trick?”
As soon as these words came out, there was a lot of discussion in the big tent, and everyone felt that this was a possibility.
Wo Kuotai said with a dark face, "Last time he asked Wu Xian to bluff and captured Jinan himself. This time he does it again. Where does he want to attack?"
Since Kaifeng was besieged, Zhao Tai claimed to rescue Kaifeng and sent troops westward several times, but it was all a bluff.
Now that Zhao Tai has really come to rescue, the Mongols are a little suspicious.
Kublai Khan said: "Great Khan, you should immediately send a scouting horse to find out Zhao Tai's intentions."
Wo Kuotai nodded: "It's up to you to handle this matter. Be sure to find out what Zhao Tai's tricks are."
Kublai Khan accepted the order and left. Ogedai had no intention of drinking, so everyone could only end the banquet hastily.
~~~~~~
Caozhou, Dingtao County on the east bank of the Yellow River.
Zhao Tai was serious about the rescue of Kaifeng this time. He mobilized 20,000 people from his headquarters, 10,000 Wuxian, plus 10,000 horses given by Li Fen, for a total of 40,000 troops.
Although the three towns claim to have more than 100,000 people, during the war, many troops cannot move, and only tens of thousands of troops can go out.
During this rescue of Kaifeng, Zhao Tai was very high-profile. The purpose was to tell the northern military and civilians that he, Zhao Tai, was a loyal man and that he really sent troops to rescue Kaifeng.
Therefore, 40,000 troops set out from Jinan and marched westward with great fanfare and noise.
It was impossible for the Mongolian army not to pay attention to such a big movement made by Zhao Tai. When he led his subordinates to Dingtao County in Caozhou and prepared to cross the Yellow River from here, a group of Mongolian soldiers came from the east bank of the Yellow River.
At this time, Zhao Tai was stationed on the bank on horseback, looking at the other bank. He saw the Mongolian cavalry on the river bank, and there was a smile on his lips that was not easily noticed by others.
"Your Majesty, the scouts reported that there are Mongolian troops blocking the other side!" A general came running over and reported urgently.
Zhao Tai looked surprised, "No, the Mongolian army must be prepared! It seems that we can only order the army to camp on the spot first, and then look for opportunities to cross the Yellow River after exploring the situation on the other side!"
When the general behind him heard the order, he immediately clasped his fists and said yes, and then went to command the army to set up camp.
Many Jurchen generals in the army heard the words, but they were worried and a little restless.
Seeing this, Zhao Tai reassured Wanyan Chengde and other generals, "If the Mongols are prepared and cross the river rashly, they will suffer heavy losses. But don't worry, everyone will cross the river as soon as possible and march into Kaifeng."
Wanyan Chengde said: "Your Majesty, the outer city of Kaifeng has been captured by the Mongolian army. The inner city is in danger. I'm afraid it won't be able to defend it for a long time. We should cross the river immediately!"
It was already February and the Yellow River had melted, making it impossible for the army to cross the ice.
Zhao Tai made great efforts all the way, hoping that the Mongolian army would stop him.
It wasn't that Zhao Tai didn't want to save Kaifeng, but that he didn't dare to go deep alone. He had to wait for the Southern Song Dynasty to send troops before he had the courage to approach Kaifeng.
After all, there were more than 100,000 Mongolian troops under Kaifeng, and 40,000 of them were seeking death by rashly crossing the river.
Zhao Tai had to consider the whole army, but the Jurchens in the army were anxious but did not understand, so Zhao Tai could only try to delay.
"I know you are worried about Kaifeng, but I am also very anxious!" Zhao Tai patted Wanyan Chengde on the shoulder, "There are Mongolian troops on the other side, and you have seen them too. If you are really anxious, go find and make the equipment to cross the river. !”
After many Jurchen generals learned that the outer city of Kaifeng had been captured, they were extremely anxious and rushed to Kaifeng desperately. They did not want the Mongolian army to appear on the other side, and it was useless for them to worry.
At the moment, they could only follow Zhao Tai's order and set up camp in Dingtao County on the east bank of the Yellow River, and then prepare equipment to cross the river while inquiring about the news.
At this time, there were actually not many Mongolian troops on the west bank of the Yellow River. Zhao Tai could have forced the crossing, but he camped on the east bank and ordered his soldiers to build more equipment.
This made the Jurchens in the army think that Zhao Tai wanted to cross the river, but in fact, Zhao Tai was stalling for time, waiting for the Song army to move to the south.
After all, there were more than 100,000 Mongolian troops under the city of Kaifeng, but he only had 40,000. He would undoubtedly die if he crossed the river rashly.
~~~~~~
Mongolian camp.
A group of scouts came galloping from the east and entered the camp to report.
After a while, Kublai Khan raised the curtain and came to Ogedai's sweat tent, where he saw Ogedai standing lost in front of the map.
"Khan!" Kublai Khan called out.
Wokuotai came back to his senses and glanced at Kublai Khan. Thinking that people on the grassland said that Kublai Khan was extremely talented and his future achievements would surpass those of Tuo Lei and Meng Ge, he couldn't help but asked casually: "Shanghai Zhao Tai bluffed once and ended up stealing Jinan. What is his purpose this time?"
Wokuotai did not think that Zhao Tai would come to rescue Kaifeng. Previously, the Kaifeng defenders still had fighting strength. If Zhao Tai killed them, they could still cooperate with the Jin army in the city.
Now that the Jin army in the city has lost its combat effectiveness, it is basically unable to help. When Zhao Tai comes again, he will face the main force of more than 100,000 Mongolian troops alone, and there is no doubt that he will die.
Therefore, Wokuotai did not believe that Zhao Tai would come to reinforce Kaifeng. He must be bluffing and intended to attack other areas.
Wokuotai was standing in front of the map just now, thinking about this problem, but he couldn't figure it out.
Zhao Tai was able to attack the east and west and seize Jinan last time, but this time he attacked the east and the west again, but there was no suitable target.
Kublai Khan said: "Great Khan, the scouts have detected that Zhao Tai has arrived in Dingtao with 40,000 troops and horses!"
Wo Kuotai was a little surprised. He knew that the three towns of Zhao Tai, Wuxian, and Li Fen could only dispatch about 40,000 soldiers.
Although the three towns have a combined army of more than 100,000 on paper, and Li Fen's family alone claims to have 80,000 troops, excluding the men and horses stationed in various places, there are actually not many elite soldiers capable of mobile combat.
"Forty thousand troops? Almost all the soldiers and horses came out. Does Zhao Tai really want to save Kaifeng?" Wo Kuotai looked at the map, "Has he started to cross the river?"
Kublai Khan said: "Reporting to the Great Khan, Zhao Tai is stationed on the east bank of the Yellow River and has not directly crossed the river."
"Since he came to rescue Kaifeng and I didn't arrange any troops on the west bank to stop him from crossing the river, why didn't he move?" Wo Kuotai looked confused: "Now that Kaifeng's outer city has been destroyed, the Jin soldiers in the inner city are already starving. With only half a life left, the situation is very critical. Since Zhao Tai has come to rescue, he should quickly advance to Kaifeng. His army is parked on the east bank of the Yellow River, and he probably has other plans."
Kublai Khan thought for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Khan, I thought Zhao Tai might be waiting for someone!"
"Who are you waiting for?" Wo Kuotai frowned and suddenly his eyes widened, "You mean~"
Kublai Khan said: "We have an army of more than 100,000 people gathered under the city of Kaifeng. Zhao Tai knows very well that his 40,000 people are simply unable to rescue Kaifeng. This is why since Kaifeng was besieged, Zhao Tai has repeatedly claimed that he will rescue Kaifeng. , the reason why it has failed many times. If he crosses the river now and advances towards Kaifeng, once he hits our main force, he will be defeated miserably. Therefore, I suspect that he is waiting for a helper, a helper who Zhao Tai believes can defeat us. !”
Wokuotai reacted and strode to the map, pointing at Suzhou, "Last year Zhao Tai gave up Suzhou and Sizhou and gave these two states to the Southern Song Dynasty. In the past six months, the Southern Song Dynasty has successively sent more troops to the two states. According to The scouts found out that they have more than 80,000 troops stationed here. The helper Zhao Tai is waiting for must be the Song army."
Kublai Khan said: "Great Khan, if the Song army goes north and attacks us with Zhao Tai, there may be variables in the battle of Kaifeng!"
Wo Kuotai stared at the map. If it were the beginning of the war, Wo Kuotai would not have even the slightest fear of Zhao Tai and the Song army. But now that the Mongolian army has been fighting Kaifeng for half a year, the army is tired and the supplies are lacking, which makes him feel a little disappointed. end.
After all, the Mongolian army has been attacking the city, while the Song army is recuperating on the sidelines. Once the war starts, the Mongolian army may not be able to defeat them.
Thinking of this, Wo Kuotai's face turned ugly, "Send someone immediately to the south to see if there is any abnormal movement of the Song army."
~~~~~
Suzhou, Song Army camp.
A group of cavalry galloped to the camp. In the camp, Huaixi's envoy Quan Zicai immediately led a group of generals out of the camp to greet them.
Zhao Kui reined in the horse, and Quanzi stepped forward to hold the reins for him, saying, "Mr. Zhizhi!"
Zhao Kui stood up and dismounted, and said in a deep voice: "Commander, the imperial court has issued a decree for the Northern Expedition of the army. I am ordered to be the commander of the Huai Army and march into Kaifeng. You are the deputy commander and we will recover the three capitals together!"
Quan Zi raised his eyebrows and said, "The imperial court has finally decided on the Northern Expedition!"
After Zhao Tai gave up Suzhou and Sizhou, Quan Zicai led the Huaixi elite and stationed in the two states.
In the past six months, watching the Mongols attack Kaifeng, Quan Zicai worked hard to train his army, and finally waited for the order from the court to attack.
Zhao Kui looked a little excited, "In this Northern Expedition, in addition to our Huai army, Jingxiang and Sichuan will also send troops. In addition, Zhao Tai will march from the east to the west of Shandong. Our four-pronged army will definitely be able to conquer the three capitals!"
After Wang Bin arrived in Lin'an, he lobbied the Southern Song Dynasty to send troops. The Song Dynasty felt that this was an opportunity. Zhao Yun had just taken charge and wanted to do something else, so he ordered the Song army to launch a large-scale Northern Expedition.
It is unclear what the situation is in Jingxiang and Sichuan. The Song army in Lianghuai has indeed been preparing for war.
Quanzi then said: "The Mongols have been unable to attack Kaifeng for a long time and are already exhausted. Our army will win this battle!"
Zhao Kui said: "Zhao Tai has mobilized all his troops from Shandong and is approaching Kaifeng. We must send troops immediately."
Quan Zicai nodded, "I have already prepared for you and am waiting for the court's order. Now that Kaifeng has not been captured by the Mongols, it is the best time for us to march in force."
At that time, Zhao Kui established an envoy under the Lianghuai system and, as the commander-in-chief of the Huai army, ordered the Song army stationed in Suzhou to commit to the Northern Expedition.
Suddenly, military orders were passed down, and the Song Army camp, which had been recuperating for many days, immediately became excited. Under the command of the officers, the soldiers quickly brought their equipment and gathered outside the camp.
The cavalry of the Song Army jumped on their horses, rushed out of the camp, and headed north to explore the way for the infantry.
The Song army in Suzhou had been keeping an eye on Kaifeng and was ready to recapture the three capitals at any time, so the Song army only made a brief mobilization and immediately sent its troops northward.
Naturally, the movements of the Song army could not be hidden from the Mongols. When the Mongolian scouts discovered that the Song army was heading north, they immediately reported to Wo Kuotai.
…
Dingtao, Qi army camp.
The Mongolian scouts were paying attention to the Song army's movements, and Zhao Tai was also observing the Song army.
After Zhao Tai's army arrived at the edge of the Yellow River, they delayed time on the pretext that there was a Mongolian army on the other side.
That day Zhao Tai stood on the river embankment, looking to the west and observing the other bank.
The key to success in the rescue of Kaifeng this time lies in the Southern Song Dynasty.
If the Southern Song Dynasty is willing to send troops, then this battle can be fought. However, if the Southern Song Dynasty does not send troops, then Zhao Tai can only show off and lead his troops to withdraw to Shandong.
Suzhou is very close to Dingtao, and the Song army there has long been prepared and can go out at any time.
Zhao Tai had been waiting for three days, but there was still no news of the Song Dynasty sending troops.
This made Zhao Tai a little disappointed, but at this moment, Chen Zhong hurriedly came to the river embankment and shouted: "Your Majesty!"
When Zhao Tai heard the sound, he turned around and saw Chen Zhong, dressed in armor, climbing up in a hurry.
Zhao Tai's heart was moved. When he came to him, he blurted out: "The Song army moved?"
"Move!" Chen Zhong gasped: "Your Majesty, Zhao Kui, the envoy of the Lianghuai system, has ordered the Huaixi army to march north! The Song armies of the Lianghuai army will follow up and march northward!"
"Okay!" Zhao Tai couldn't help but exclaimed. The Song army sent troops, and his confidence immediately increased. "Since the Song army is heading north, let's cross the river immediately and join them!"
Zhao Tai gave an order, and the military camp that had been silent for a long time immediately came to life. Wanyan Chengde and other Jurchen generals couldn't wait to move the prepared river crossing equipment to the bank, preparing to cross the river in a large scale.
~~~~~~
Outside Kaifeng City, the Mongolian army camped.
The Mongolian soldiers, who originally thought they could rest and recuperate while waiting for the Jin army in the city to run out of food and no longer have to fight fiercely, cheered up and started training.
At this time, in the Mongolian army's company camp, densely packed soldiers were walking through it, which seemed a bit busy.
In the middle of the camp, in the Mongolian army's commander's tent, the senior generals of the Mongolian army gathered around the campfire to discuss the military situation.
Wokuotai had a gloomy face and said in a deep voice: "I originally thought that taking Kaifeng was a sure thing, but I didn't want Zhao Tai to come and cause trouble again. According to the scout report, Zhao Tai has stationed troops in Dingtao and is ready to cross the river at any time, while the Song Dynasty in the south The army has left Suzhou and entered Guide."
Subotai frowned and said: "Kaifeng has not been captured yet, but Zhao Tai and Song Jun are pressing forward. Khan, our question now is whether to open Kaifeng first or defeat Zhao Tai and Song Jun first!"
After hearing this, many Mongolian generals nodded one after another. Everyone thought that they should come out in order of priority, otherwise it would easily cause chaos.
Wo Kuotai glanced at everyone, "Do you think I should open the seal first, or defeat Zhao Tai and Song Jun first?"
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