Han Shizu

Chapter 1286 The Battle of Yaozhou

Probably because they heard the voices of the people, the heavens could not bear to continue to bake the earth. After the high temperature lasted for more than half a month, a heavy rain came as expected, and it washed away the heat in Luoyang City happily, and also brought the people of Xijing A rare coolness and pleasure.

The pouring rain poured down, splashing, hitting the bricks and tiles, dripping on the ground, the doors and windows were open, the more violent the wind and rain outside, the more stagnant the indoor atmosphere.

Emperor Liu sat in the military computer room of the Privy Council with a silent expression. Perhaps because he came in such a hurry, his robe, crown belt, and boots were all wet, and there was obvious rain on his hair.Yan Tuo held Zhang Sipa and wanted to wipe it for Emperor Liu, but he pushed it away.

Shi Shouxin, Cao Bin and other officials of the Privy Council stood aside with serious expressions, not daring to speak casually.After touching his bun, Emperor Liu got up, stood under the military map, and stared at the densely marked Liaodong area in a daze.

Looking at this posture, it is obvious that there is something wrong with the battlefield ahead.Weiji, there was a rush of movement outside the hall, Prime Ministers Zhao Pu, Song Qi, Li Ye, Minister of Countermeasures Shen Yilun and Minister of the Ministry of War Pan Mei arrived one after another, arranged the court ceremony outside the door, and then entered.

"Everyone is seated! Everyone is here, let's talk!" He stretched out his hand to stop the saluting people, and Emperor Liu's face had recovered his composure, signaling for Shi Shouxin to report the situation.

Emperor Liu gave up his seat, but in this atmosphere, he himself was standing, and the others were also concentrating, as if they were standing around.Shi Shouxin saluted, took a deep breath, and just opened his mouth, a gust of wind blew, and the window lattices that were propped up fell down in a dream, shocking everyone present.

Looking at Emperor Liu, Shi Shouxin said in a deep voice, seeing that his expression was the same, "I just received the urgent battle report just now, and our army suffered a slight setback at Yaozhou City."

"What is a slight setback? If you lose, you lose. There is nothing bad to say. Are you afraid of losing face?" Emperor Liu turned his head directly, staring at Shi Shouxin with aggressive eyes: "You, Shi Shouxin, have also learned to speak such occasional words. Defeat, do you need to save your dignity?"

"Yes!" Shi Shouxin showed a little embarrassment on his face, and his expression became more serious, and said: "The former, after crossing the sea to increase troops in Liaodong, Liaodong deployed An Shouzhong and led the army to attack Chen and Yao. Next, they advanced to Yaozhou. The Liao army was heavily guarded. Although the army upheld the will of the imperial court and resolutely attacked and opened up a route to attack Liaoyang, it failed to conquer the city due to insufficient strength.

By May [-]th, the Anshou Zhongjun had already suffered setbacks in Yanyuan City for more than half a month.After repeated attacks, morale was damaged, and the weather was hot, and there were many soldiers who were not acclimatized. Su, Fu, and Ningzhou were very unstable due to the destruction of the Liao army when they retreated northward, and it took a lot of energy.

On the morning of the [-]th, the Liao army suddenly changed their retreat and defended, and with tens of thousands of people, they suddenly rushed out and dealt a sudden blow.Although our army did not lose its vigilance, it was defeated by the Liao army for a long time, and the soldiers were exhausted. Although generals such as An Shouzhong and Shi Yande organized soldiers to fight hard, they were eventually outnumbered and defeated by the Liao army, and the camp fell.

All the way back, fighting and walking, fortunately, with the cover of the Donghai Navy, they were able to retreat to the city of Chenzhou and guard the city, so as to save the defeat.Although the Liao army had the heart to take advantage of the victory and attack the city, it was repelled by our army relying on the city."

Hearing Shi Shouxin's description, he couldn't help being amused, but his smile was a bit embarrassing. Looking at Shi Shouxin, he said, "You have summed up the defeat of Yaozhou well. Are you justifying An Shouzhong and the others?"

Under the gaze of Emperor Liu, Shi Shouxin also seemed a little embarrassed. He showed a wry smile and replied, "What I said was also based on the real situation on the front line. After interrogating the prisoners of the Liao army, I learned that the Liao army was planning to counterattack this time. It has been prepared for a long time, and Yelu Xiezhen, the great king of the Southern Court, personally led the troops, and they almost left Liaoyang. The Privy Council was also responsible for the failure because they failed to predict the enemy first."

That's what he said, but Emperor Liu always felt that Shi Shouxin was a bit of a hindrance to Xiangyang Wang An Shenqi's face.

"Now is not the time to share responsibilities!" Emperor Liu waved his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Continue to talk about the situation on the Eastern Front. How much was the loss in the Yaozhou battle?"

Hearing this, Shi Shouxin continued: "According to the post-war statistics, An Shouzhong finally took over [-] soldiers and horses in Chenzhou. Excluding the previous siege losses, more than [-] troops were lost in the battle of Yaozhou. However, there should still be a lot of escaped soldiers who can be taken in. In Chenzhou City, there are still a lot of reserves, which can be used for defense. until complete failure."

Taking a careful look at Emperor Liu, Shi Shouxin said again: "Right now, the Anshou Zhong army has stabilized its position. The Liao army suffered a lot of losses in the first battle. During the scuffle, they were also injured. Now they have withdrawn to Yaozhou!"

After listening to his narration, the atmosphere in the hall became more and more solemn. Everyone's expressions were serious, including Song Qi, who was not very supportive of the Northern Expedition, and there was a little worry on her brows.

As Shi Shouxin said, despite the setbacks and losses, he has stabilized his position and has not suffered irreparable losses.However, the problem should not just look at the surface. After this defeat, the eastern front is basically abolished, and the loss of food, equipment and supplies is certainly distressing, but the morale of the army has been seriously hit. This is the key. Jinzhou on the western front is still deadlocked. If Because of this defeat, it will affect the offensive and defensive situation of the entire East Road, and that is the big problem.

All the important ministers present were quickly calculating the consequences and impact of this defeat in their minds, but they remained silent for a while, and their eyes could not help but fly to Emperor Liu.

But Emperor Liu's face gradually eased. Seeing the solemn atmosphere, he chuckled lightly: "What are you doing so seriously? Wouldn't it be a defeat, and some soldiers, horses and supplies? Fighting, I want to fight a hundred battles." Bai Sheng, how can it be easy? With such a defeat, it is good to have a long memory. Obviously, the Liao army is not as easy to deal with as we imagined. With this setback, it is good to dispel the pride of the frontline soldiers!"

When Emperor Liu said such words, the others also breathed a sigh of relief. They were really afraid that Emperor Liu would be furious because of this battle. Emperor Liu, who was furious with Longyan, is very scary
"Yelu Xiezhen, he lives up to his reputation. This is indeed a dangerous enemy. We thought he was tied up, but in the end he was able to risk everything and give our army a sudden blow!" Emperor Liu couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

Pan Mei then said: "Using troops on both fronts, east and west, marching side by side, pinching Liaodong, choking its throat, making it suffocate. The defeat of Yaozhou, like breaking a clamp, will also give Liaodong Liaojun more breathing room!"

"Your Majesty, envoy Wu De please see me!"

"Xuan!"

Soon, Li Chongju arrived, but there was still water dripping from his forehead, whether it was sweat or rain.His complexion was not good, he lowered his head, and said: "Your Majesty, according to the investigation, as early as last month, the Liao army mobilized a troop from Shangjing to support Liaodong. The number of people was no less than 30,000 people."

"Okay! After receiving the defeat report, you will understand the situation!" Emperor Liu said in a flat tone.

Without even raising his head, Li Chongju could feel the permeating meaning in Emperor Liu's eyes. Li Chongju's heart trembled, and he immediately knelt down to plead guilty: "I'm not doing my job well, please."

"Okay!" Emperor Liu waved his hand: "It's rare that you are so active in taking responsibility!"

Looking at Shi Shouxin and the others: "In your opinion, after Yaozhou's defeat, where will the battle in Liaodong go?"

Several people didn't speak for a while, they were all thinking about it. After waiting for a while, Emperor Liu called Cao Bin by name: "Cao Bin, tell me!"

Cao Bin still acted cautiously, but when he was named, he responded calmly: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the defeat of Yaozhou has suffered a lot, but it has limited impact on the overall situation. Zhouzhou is still in hand, and the navy is still firmly in control of Liaohai.

The only thing to worry about is that after this defeat on the Eastern Front, if you want to revive your morale and restore your offensive capabilities, you will need a period of time to adjust and replenish your troops, horses, food and equipment!

In addition, Jinzhou will inevitably be affected, and we need to remind the camp to deal with it! "

"What adjustment plan does the Privy Council have?" Emperor Liu looked at Shi Shouxin.

Shi Shouxin replied: "The most important thing right now is to continue to send more troops to Liaodong to replenish supplies, so as to quickly restore strength and boost morale before advancing.

However, we can no longer rush forward in haste, and the rainy season in Liaodong is approaching, so we should take precautions.In addition, the navy should play a greater role, and should look for opportunities to enter the Liaohe River. If they can break through the blockade of the Liao army and invest a certain amount of troops in its hinterland, they should also be able to break the deadlock."

"Why didn't you do this before?" Emperor Liu asked, but he quickly made a decision, and ordered: "The Privy Council should adjust it in time. Soldiers, horses, food, civilian husbands and armors, supplement what needs to be supplemented!"

Emperor Liu's words were aimed at everyone present. His gaze was so compelling that even Song Qi had no room to object. Increased the burden on the court and the people.

At the end, Zhao Pu reported, "Your Majesty, there is a loss on the Eastern Front, how to arrange for the general, and whether to send him to another post?"

Yes, after all, it is defeated, and someone must take responsibility, otherwise, it will be difficult to convince the hearts of the army.Emperor Liu thought about it, and said directly: "Let Gao Huaide go across the sea to Chenzhou to preside over the war on the Eastern Front! An Shouzhong and Shi Yande will stay in their posts in spite of their guilt and serve in the army. Take a word to An Shouzhong, be brave after knowing your shame! I watched from Xijing, and the soldiers who died in Yaozhou City also watched from the sky!"

Regarding this, the civil and military people present did not have any objections, but they all knew that if An Shouzhong and Shi Yande did not achieve anything in the future, their future would inevitably be worrisome.

Since Emperor Liu gave them the opportunity to commit crimes and make meritorious deeds, he also cut off their retreat. If there is a mistake, it will be settled together.

(End of this chapter)