Five Dynasties River Mountains Fengyue

Chapter 138 Southern Tang Comprehensive Counterattack ([-])
At the beginning of August, there were still various battle reports in the south. Shi Congyun was in Daliang, and he began to think about how to marry the sixth son of the Fu family as soon as possible.

That way he feels more secure.

Since he and Guo Rong returned to Daliang, the situation in Huainan has become more and more unfavorable.

The war is still going on in the south. Every day when Shi Congyun goes out of the city to Bianshui camp, he will encounter soldiers coming and going, wearing dusty cloaks and carrying flags on their backs. city.

From time to time, I can meet a few people I know and chat for a few words. Now Shi Congyun has a great reputation and high prestige in the army, and all the soldiers are willing to talk to him.

According to them, they didn't dare to leave the Wokou side. The Southern Tang army in Haozhou had begun to advance towards Shouzhou along both sides of the Huaihe River, so they only dared to go down to Cai's side.

Shi Congyun remembered that he and the officials came back through Weikou, but he didn't expect that Weikou was lost now.

In fact, these days he also went to the Privy Council for free, and he knew almost the officials of the Privy Council, so he heard a lot of news.

Among them, the most frustrated is Liu Renshan's counterattack.

Shi Congyun felt that the casualties on the front line must have been much greater than the hundreds of people they reported. If that was the case, how could Li Jixun sit back and watch a large number of siege equipment be burned?Powerless to continue the siege.

In all likelihood, they were overwhelmed by Liu Renshan's sudden counterattack, causing serious casualties and being unable to organize a counterattack, resulting in the burning of a large number of siege equipment.

There are less than 1 people stationed in the right side of Hujie stationed outside the city for the siege, and there are many township soldiers conscripted by various states. How could it be possible for hundreds of people to be killed in battle and then completely collapsed, not even daring to fight back, let Liu Ren Supported by burning down the siege equipment.

Li Jixun on the front line was afraid of being punished by the officials, so he underreported a lot of people. Shi Congyun thought so in his heart, and was a little disappointed with the eldest brother among the legendary "Ten Brothers of Yishe". He was not as good as he thought. Making pies is also problematic.

Later, when Zhu Yuan of the Southern Tang Dynasty recovered Shuzhou and Hezhou, Shi Congyun also inquired about Luo Yanhuan's news with the messengers who came and went, and he was relieved after learning that he was fine.

It is said that Luo Yanhuan fought with Zhu Yuan in Shuzhou, but the result was unfavorable, losing more than 400 people, so he gave up Shuzhou, retreated to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, joined forces with Li Chongjin who rushed to the rescue, and repelled the subsequent counterattack of the Southern Tang Dynasty .

Moreover, Wu Yue, the younger brother of Hou Zhou, was also defeated by Nan Tang, and Taizhou was also recaptured by Nan Tang.

The two sides started a protracted battle in Yangzhou. Fortunately, Shi Yanchao was there, and he defeated the enemy with thousands of cavalry on the riverside in the north of Yangzhou, beheading more than 500 Southern Tang troops, and more than a thousand were scared to kneel and surrender on the spot.

After defeating the Southern Tang soldiers, the Southern Tang army in Yangzhou did not dare to recklessly counterattack.

However, a large number of Southern Tang troops had followed the Dajiang waterway, walked the canal into the Huaihe River, and assembled in Haozhou. Along the north and south banks of the Huaihe River, relying on the powerful navy in the river, they were steadily advancing towards Shouzhou. The situation became more and more unfavorable for Dazhou.

On the battlefield, Southern Tang began to counterattack, and these counterattacks were indeed effective. Among them, Liu Renshan's counterattack frustrated the Zhou army the most, both in terms of morale and actual effect.

The officials were also furious, and wanted to punish Li Jixun severely, but fortunately, everyone dissuaded them, and finally decided to remove Li Jixun from the post of commander of the guard and infantry, and transferred him away from the Huainan battlefield.

Although he was in Daliang, he was very clear about these things, but Shi Congyun always felt that there was something missing in Southern Tang's counterattack, and he couldn't remember it for a while, so he didn't think much about it in the end.

At the end of August, dozens of fast horses galloped into Daliang City in one day. That night, Shi Congyun was called to the Privy Council and told the news from the south, and it was very bad news.

He is now also one of the ten senior officials of the two military divisions. If there is any disturbance, the Privy Council will notify him as soon as possible, and it will be the same this time.

When he arrived at the Privy Council on horseback, everyone was already waiting.

The situation is not simple at first glance. It is not Wei Renpu who sits in the main seat above the office room of the Privy Council today, but an official who is wearing a black and gold round-neck robe and has a very bad face. Wei Renpu, Wang Pu and others can only stand by. There are also several officials from the Privy Council, the Third Division and the Ministry of War.

Shi Congyun immediately understood what was going on. He was the only senior official of the two armies who was still in Beijing at this time. Even Xiang Xun, who originally knew Kaifeng Prefecture, was transferred to replace Han Lingkun. The battle of the whole country.

He hurriedly prepared to salute, but was stopped by the officials: "No need, since you are also here, Wei Renpu can explain the situation."

Wei Renpu nodded, turned around and said to the crowd: "The news arrived this morning that in August, General Lin Renzhao of the Southern Tang Dynasty broke through the water fence of Haozhou and attacked the South Village of Shouzhou.

Unexpectedly, in late August, Lin Renzhao personally led more than 1000 dead men, loaded firewood and pastures in boats, and set fire to Xiacai Daban pontoon bridge. Successfully, nearly half of Xiacai's pontoon bridge was burned down, and many guards at the bridgehead were killed and injured. The cross-strait connection was temporarily cut off, and the situation was critical! "

Shi Congyun was very nervous when he heard this, and his heart skipped a beat. He seemed to have forgotten something. Isn't there Lin Renzhao in Nantang's counterattack!

But he remembered that Lin Renzhao was old and unlucky. When he was about to rush to the pontoon, the wind direction changed, which caused the plan to fail. How could Wei Renpu mean that Lin Renzhao succeeded?

"Lin Renzhao really burned down the pontoon bridge?" Shi Congyun asked in amazement, and then felt the eyes of everyone, Shi Congyun realized that he was abrupt, and even explained: "I think Zhang Dianshuai has always been brave, and Wang Shenqi is a calm and strategic person." , and the soldiers of the Crane Army have fought many battles with me, and the commanders of several armies Wang Zhong, Shao Ji, Dong Zunhui, and Shen Zhiyi are all veterans, so it should not be so easy to win."

Hearing his explanation, everyone understood, Wei Renpu said: "It is clearly written in the battle report that almost half of the southern section of the pontoon bridge was burned down, and it will take time to repair it."

Shi Congyun nodded, thinking that it might be because his Zhengyang battle was played too smoothly, and his father Shi Yanchao, a fierce general, did not die in Shanxi like in history, which led to changes in the battlefield, and Lin Renzhao's attack time also changed. Changes, that day he just didn't meet the headwind day.

At the moment, he just wants to get this kind of explanation.

"Leaving aside the rest, let's talk about the countermeasures." The official said first, setting the tone for the discussion.

Shi Congyun thought that Guo Rong was worth learning from Guo Rong. As a leader, he should be able to ask questions accurately and limit the scope of his subordinates' speeches, instead of letting them argue.

"Officials, why don't you send more troops to solve the urgent need? The strength of Daliang is running out, but there are still some that can be mobilized." Someone suggested.

Wang Pudao: "I feel that the pontoon bridge in Zhengyang should be repaired immediately. Although the road is far away, it is better than useless. If the army food road in the south is broken, it can last for a month at most, and there will be trouble after that."

Wei Renpu nodded slightly, and pondered for a while: "Transporting water can't quench thirst. This is indeed reasonable. It's better to restore the floating bridge nearby."

"But where are there so many ship craftsmen?"

"Prosperous Tang and Gwangju are still in our hands, at least Zhengyang is safe, and we can only rely on it at the moment." Everyone is talking about each other.

Shi Congyun was also thinking about countermeasures in his mind. At this time, many water warfare tactics that Si Chao had taught him emerged in his mind. He also found that these ministers had their own reasons, and there were no specific measures.

If Li Gu was here, he wouldn't say that, Shi Congyun thought.

Because Li Gu is not an ordinary civil servant, but a person who can really do things and solve things.

When he was thinking, the official looked at him, "Shi Congyun, tell me."

Everyone in the wing room fell silent, Shi Congyun didn't know why the officials named him, probably he was the only general with actual combat experience, so he took a step forward without hesitation, cupped his hands and said: "The officials, there are some countermeasures."

Facing everyone's eyes, he took a deep breath, and said calmly: "I feel that the words of the privy minister are reasonable, and the long-term thirst cannot be quenched, and sending troops from Daliang will definitely not be able to catch up, and this is an itchy way of scratching the feet.

The emergency of the war cannot be delayed for a moment. If the Southern Tang Dynasty sent troops a few months earlier, they might have forced Mr. Li Gu back to Huaibei, and they would not have fought so badly in Huainan, because they waited three months before sending troops to rescue Shouzhou, the Chinese reinforcements have arrived, we must not learn from them. "

"That makes sense!" Guo Rong nodded.

"The pontoon bridge cannot be moved to Zhengyang. As long as the Southern Tang navy is there, the pontoon bridge is not much different between Zhengyang and Xiacai. They can easily travel hundreds of miles a day. They can attack Xiacai and Zhengyang. With the protection of a large army, we will disperse our troops when we arrive in Zhengyang, and allocate a part of our troops to defend the Zhengyang pontoon bridge."

"What does Brother Yun mean?" Wei Renpu looked at him.

Shi Congyun said: "Officials, my husband, I thought there was an emergency repair on the spot!"

"What if the thief comes to set fire again?" Wang Pu asked.

Shi Congyun said, "There are two ways to deal with it. On the Zhengyang side, let Zhang Dianshuai, the owner of the Wangxiang (after Shi Congyun returned to Beijing, Wang Shenqi was promoted to the commander of the left chamber of the control crane) to cut wood and build huge wooden piles. Two miles away, put one in the water every three steps, pull up the iron net in the water a hundred steps away from the pontoon bridge to stop the boats, and then rush to repair the pontoon bridge on the spot.

On the other hand, we can send the water army from the Bianshui camp to go south with great fanfare, pretending to go to Sizhou to attack its back. "

"Will the new navy be able to fight?" the official asked in surprise.

Shi Congyun shook his head: "Not yet, just put on a show so they don't dare to advance."

Before the officials could speak, Wang Pu nodded, "This method works."

Wei Renpu also said: "Shi Jieshuai is worthy of being a man who has led the army to win many battles and dealt with many specific matters, and the methods he came up with are indeed much more thoughtful and meticulous than we thought.

The veteran also thinks that Shi Jieshuai's method is probably the most feasible at the moment, but I don't know how to operate the two methods of distance from the enemy ship you mentioned. It would be best if there is a detailed process for the craftsmen to follow. "

"I know this. These are several methods commonly used by the navy to deal with enemy ships. I can explain them to my husband and officials in detail." Shi Congyun believed that Si Chao had taught him these things in order to lead the navy. He also studied hard.

The official glanced at him, and nodded slowly: "Then follow this method, explain the detailed method, and send out the edict before tonight."

Everyone started discussing again.
The next discussion gradually became centered on Shi Congyun. After all, it was his idea, so the scene was a bit weird. Many middle-aged and elderly people surrounded a young man, asking questions from time to time, as if asking for advice.

But everyone's minds are on urgent matters, no one cares about this, the pontoon bridge is cut off, which means that the food road and back road of the Huainan army are cut off, and if it is not handled properly, the whole situation may collapse!

It was not until the officials outside changed the lamps in the house that there was a final conclusion. Wang Pu quickly wrote it into a document, and it was too late for the officials of the Imperial Academy to polish it. The people who have already sent it out quickly.

"Everyone is tired, go back and rest first." Then the official said, leaving Shi Congyun alone, and said: "In this situation, I will have to go south again soon, and your navy will be able to use it. "

Shi Congyun cupped his hands and said: "Don't worry, the officials will definitely pay close attention to training."

"Well, on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, I will personally go to Bianshui camp to inspect the whole army." The official said again.

Shi Congyun nodded, "Don't worry, officials!"

"You are also tired all day, go back and rest."

On the way back to the Long Live Hall from the Privy Council Office, Guo Rong suddenly asked the eunuch Wei Min who was holding the lamp next to him: "This is the first time you have seen Shi Congyun."

The eunuch truthfully agreed, "Reporting to the official's house, it is indeed the first time I have seen this slave and maidservant, and I have only heard of fame before."

"What do you think of others?"

"Very talented, I feel that the methods that my husbands have come up with are not as effective as his, and he knows so much, not only can he win battles on the ground, but he also understands water warfare, and he speaks in such detail.

The officials are really astute, and such a young man has also been discovered among many soldiers. "

Guo Rong didn't answer, Wei Min even bowed his head and held the lamp.

Hearing Wei Min's words and thinking about Shi Congyun's performance today, Guo Rong inexplicably felt some regret.

He shouldn't have brought Shi Congyun back, so maybe Huainan wouldn't be in the corrupt situation that is causing him headaches today.

He really needed someone to help train the navy, and he also used this reason to transfer Shi Congyun back, but at first he wanted Zhao Kuangyin to be in charge of this matter, and he didn't think about letting Shi Congyun come back.

In all fairness, both Zhao Kuangyin and Shi Congyun were able to fight, but Zhao Kuangyin gave him a feeling of being thick and capable of bearing great benevolence.

On the other hand, Shi Congyun is wild, and his wildness is reflected in his battles. He doesn't pay attention to rules and tricks in battles, and he has his own way, but he can often destroy the enemy and make the opponent unable to parry. He likes this very much.

But Shi Congyun has another kind of "wildness". If Zhao Kuangyin saw him, he would be respectful and not squinting. In Huainan, Zhao Kuangyin's father passed by the city guarded by Zhao Kuangyin at night and wanted to enter the city to rest. However, Zhao Kuangyin said that it was a rule not to open the door at night. He led soldiers for the emperor, and even his father could not enter, so he forced his father to stay outside for a night.

This kind of style is what he likes very much, and he puts him above his own father.

But if Shi Congyun was replaced, he would definitely open the door and let Shi Yanchao in. For a person who dared to look at his queen carefully in front of him, where would he be placed in his heart?
It was precisely because of these that he temporarily decided to bring Shi Congyun, a wild man, back to Daliang.

He felt that he was magnanimous enough, he put the world's most important things first, and didn't pursue it much, but now that he thinks about it, he still regrets it. It would be good to keep him in Huainan. At least if Shi Congyun was in Zhang Yongde's position, Guo Rong felt that Lin Renzhao would not There will be a chance!
"Go back to Huainan as soon as possible after dealing with the affairs of the court and China!" Guo Rong seemed to be talking to himself.

(End of this chapter)