Traveling through the early Tang Dynasty starts with hanging

Chapter 1403 Just destroy it

It was already dark, outside Yangqu County, Tuli Khan asked again and again, and Ashina's association rate was very conclusively confirmed.

It is true that a large group of Tang cavalry was stationed around Huangdan Town on the south bank of the Fen River, but they had already retreated southward at dusk. Ashina Jishe led a scout across the river to investigate, and there was no trace of the Tang army within at least thirty miles to the south.

"Li Huairen still has some credibility." Tuli Khan breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Ashina Sunisu, "How about over there at Shiling Pass?"

"The scouts reported that three to four thousand Tang cavalry came north from the south side of Yuci and were stationed ten miles north of Yuci County."

"Continue to go north tomorrow and take over Shiling Pass." Tuli Khan nodded, "We will transport grain, grass and goods northward overnight without waiting for tomorrow."

Ashina Jishe led the way and said: "We need to send the troops of Xinzhou and Daizhou out of Yanmen Pass first."

Tuli Khan glared at his brother fiercely, "I have seen stupid people, but I have never seen anyone as stupid as you!"

Ashina Sunisu remained silent on the sidelines. He knew well in his mind that no one was sure whether the Tang army would break its promise and pursue the enemy. The Great Khan must keep heavy troops in his hands to cover the movement of grain, grass and property northward.

After thinking about it in his mind, Tuli Khan looked at Ashina Jisheshu and said, "You stay here tomorrow and hand over the father and son to the Tang army at noon."

Ashina Jisheshu nodded helplessly. Tuli Khan knew that his brother was quite afraid of Li Huairen and did not dare to cause trouble... Otherwise, given the relationship between Zhang Wenguan and Li Huairen, others would come forward and kill him with one knife to vent his anger. It's hard to say, but it's still possible to get a few serious blows.

When Dubu Khan had returned north to the grassland, Tuli Khan was unwilling to offend Li Huairen to death... Although it would be difficult for Li Huairen to lead troops into battle in the future, it is difficult to judge this fact.

"Yes." Li Daozong nodded and said: "Since the Turkic troops attacked Loufan Pass, in the past few years, two thousand soldiers were sent to guard Loufan Pass. After all, unless it is winter, the Hui River will continue to flow and it will be difficult for the Turks to break through the pass."

"Loufang Pass relies on the Huihe River as a natural danger, but now that winter has entered, the Huihe River must have dried up. The river valley can accommodate more than ten riders marching together."

At this moment, in Jinyang County, Li Shanzheng was listening to Li Daozong's arrangements with a gloomy face.

This is certain. Lanzhou has never been a key area for Turkic plunder. Bingzhou alone has been robbed, as well as Fenzhou, Jinzhou, Shizhou and even Yizhou.

Tuli Khan thought over and over in his mind everything about setting off tomorrow. With Zhang Wenguan and his son in their hands, they would be safe at least until they arrived in Xiurong County.

The generals below were silent, some looked hesitant, some were quite calm, and some were extremely excited... Everyone heard that Wei Siwang wanted to use his cavalry to attack Poloufan Pass and reach Shuozhou.

"There are Luliang Mountains in Lanzhou, and the terrain is quite high, but the cavalry can quickly pass through and reach Loufan."

Su Dingfang looked at Li Shan, "It shouldn't be difficult to break Loufan Pass."

Liu Shirang and Li Shiji still have nearly 10,000 troops under their command, and there are also quite a few cavalry. When the time comes to block Yanmen Pass... it is possible that Tuli Khan will be blocked in Daizhou.

Su Dingfang asked: "Remember that the Bingzhou Army originally deployed a garrison at Loufangguan?"

"But whether it is possible to break through Loufan Pass..." Li Daozong hesitated, "It's hard to say. Since the Turks invaded Bingzhou, they have no contact with Lanzhou. However, it can be confirmed that Lanzhou does not have a large Turkic force."

"The key is food and grass." Li Daozong was a little helpless, "If there is no food and grass, even if there is a good horse, it will be difficult to travel long distances."

Li Shan said expressionlessly: "Yu Chigong should have entered Lanzhou. The army only carries three days of food and grass. If the three counties of Jingle, Yifang and Ningwu are not attacked by the Turks, they should have food and grass reserves."

Everyone remained silent, and the communication between Bingzhou and Lanzhou had long been cut off. Although the Turks might not plunder Lanzhou on a large scale, no one knew whether it had been breached or not... If food and grass cannot be provided, the cavalry will be unable to follow up. Even if they arrive at Loufangguan, they will be short of men and horses, and their combat power will be greatly weakened.

Li Shan thought for a moment, then turned to look at Cheng Mingzhen who was coming, "When will we arrive?"

"Huang Junhan and Shuang Shiluo led the cavalry to set off before dusk and left Bingzhou from the well." Cheng Mingzhen said loudly: "We can reach Yizhou before dusk on October 25th."

After a pause, Cheng Mingzhen added: "The Turks deployed troops at the west end of Feihu Trail. Shuangshiluo attacked several times and failed to capture it, but sent more than a thousand soldiers to guard the east side of Feihu Trail."

"Not enough." Li Shan said indifferently: "This battle is surrounded on three sides. Tuli Khan still has tens of thousands of cavalry, which should not be underestimated. Even if he does not take the Flying Fox Trail, it is possible to escape from Yuzhou."

"There are many mountains in the south of Yuzhou, making it difficult for large groups of cavalry to escape quickly. However, this battle is not about beheading, but about Tuli Khan. If we cannot capture Feihu Trail and Lingqiu County, Tuli Khan will surely be able to easily Get away.”

"Now that Dubu Khan is dead, if Tuli Khan is allowed to escape and return to Wuyuan County, the Turks will inevitably be unified."

Li Shan stood up suddenly, "Guqin will lead the Chinese army, assisted by King Rencheng, King Huaiyang, Zhang Shigui, and Liu Heier, and will march to Xinzhou tomorrow afternoon."

"Su Dingfang led two thousand light cavalry, carrying more food and grass, and set off tonight, crossing the Fen River and entering Lanzhou along the Wengu River to replenish Yuan Shou, Zhang Baoxiang, and Qu Hong. Yuchi Gong's troops are under your control."

"After breaking through Loufanguan, it's up to you to go north and east, and contact Liu Shirang and Li Shiji."

"Cheng Mingzhen, you set off tonight to rush back to Hebei and gather troops. It is necessary to break through Feihu Trail, capture Lingqiu, and cut off Daizhou and Yuzhou."

Li Shan took a deep breath, "Although there is no perfect strategy for this battle, all generals should do their best!"

All the generals responded in unison, and Han Liang thought in his heart that if King Wei Si could really accomplish great feats this time, even if His Highness the Crown Prince had some restraint, he would never let King Wei Si lead the army again in this life.

The change in the battle situation completely exceeded Li Shan's expectations, but fortunately, he had been prepared before. He had considered this direction. If he wanted to defeat the Turks or even capture the Turks, they must cut off the opponent's route back to the grassland.

After taking Yanmen Pass and Feihu Trail, Tuli Khan actually had many routes to return to the grassland. He could take Shuozhou, Yunzhou to Yunzhou, or even take a detour to Hebei.

Li Shan had discussed with Li Shimin before that according to this plan, after the first battle, not to mention the destruction of Daizhou and Xinzhou, the losses of the Tang army would also be huge.

In the past two years, the war in Lingzhou has not stopped. This time, Dubu Khan and Yi Nan invaded Jingzhao. The Taoist soldiers in the pass suffered a lot. In addition, the Daizhou army was crippled... After this battle , It’s really a big loss of vitality.

But the death of Dubu Khan directly caused Li Yuan, Li Shimin and even Li Shan to take action against Tuli Khan.

To put it bluntly, I don’t want to fight, but I have to fight.

As for breaking the promise...just break it, Li Shan doesn't care anymore.

That night, the entire Turkic army knew that they would return north tomorrow, but some of the generals of the Tang army went east and some to the west, disappearing quietly.

(End of this chapter)