At the end of the Sui Dynasty

Chapter 850 The decisive battle at the east of the river (bottom middle)
On the edge of Fen River in the northeast of Huoyi County, amidst the sound of fierce war drums, Qi Jun and Tang Jun launched a tragic battle. The horses kept trampling on the ground, and the soil was poured over and over again, forming a dark brown mud. There were broken soldiers and broken arrows everywhere, and corpses piled up like mountains.

Boom - boom - boom
Dozens of cannons behind the Qi army's position kept roaring in turn, and the violent shells whizzed past the top of the head, smashing into the Tang army's formation, blowing up people's backs and flying blood and flesh.

After losing hundreds of cavalry, Tang Jun's three thousand mysterious armored cavalry successfully broke through the dense artillery cover, and continued to advance indomitably with the momentum of crushing rivers and mountains.

The three thousand mysterious armored cavalry was built by Li Shimin with years of painstaking efforts and countless money. It is the trump card to win, and also his last hole card.

The power of the Xuanjia iron cavalry is indestructible, and it is an invincible weapon for rushing into the formation. Even your copper and iron walls will be crushed to powder under the iron hoof.

Seeing such a terrifying army of armored monsters coming in a row, Su Dingfang couldn't help his eyelids twitching, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. If he was in charge, he would definitely send Youzhou iron cavalry and the opponent's Xuanjia at this time The iron cavalry used head-to-head to counteract the terrifying momentum, but Li Jing, as the coach, seemed to have no such intention. He waved the command flag expressionlessly, and a group of infantry phalanxes holding huge shields charged forward.

bang...

The giant shield phalanx collided violently with the black armored cavalry advancing at high speed, and it was torn apart on the spot, the shield shattered and everyone died. The entire phalanx collapsed in less than ten seconds, causing heavy casualties.

Li Jing didn't change his face, and continued to wave the command flag. Another huge shield phalanx rushed towards the Xuanjia iron, and there was a loud bang, blood and flesh flew everywhere. The speed of the armored cavalry also dropped further.

bang - bang - bang
The mysterious armored cavalry destroyed five giant shield phalanxes in one breath, and finally slowed down completely. When it hit the sixth giant shield phalanx, it was already a little immobile. Dozens of horses as the forward even fell to the ground due to exhaustion. .

But at this time, more giant shield phalanxes surrounded from all directions, surrounded the group of black armored cavalry, and compressed them in the middle without any haste.The mysterious armored cavalry was already bulky and inflexible in steering. After being continuously compressed, it was even more difficult to get out and fell into a great predicament.

At this time, the hook and sickle hands of the Qi army rushed forward one after another, and the sharp hook and sickle spears protruded through the gaps in the giant shield, specially hooking the horse's feet, and breaking them with one hook.The cavalry who had their horses' legs broken by hooks fell to the ground one after another, and once the knights in heavy armor fell off their horses, they couldn't even get up, and could only be slaughtered.

If Zhang Xutuo's Bafeng Battalion is the pinnacle of infantry, then the infantry trained by Li Jing is another peak. After years of actual combat training, Li Jing has already mastered the tactics of various infantry, and has mastered all kinds of infantry tactics. The infantry has been honed to a high degree of proficiency, and can deal with various types of arms and various tactics with ease.

Seeing that the unstoppable mysterious armored cavalry was actually trapped, Su Dingfang was relieved, and he was even more impressed.Last year Gao Bufan sent him to serve under Li Jing's command, Su Dingfang still didn't take it seriously, because Li Jing was too low-key, and his military exploits seemed to be limited to the Hedong area. When the emperor grabbed territory in Youying Erzhou, Li Jing didn't have a share; the emperor expanded in Hebei Li Jing had no part when it came to territory; Li Jing had no part when the emperor competed in the Central Plains, fighting against Li Mi and Wang Shichong;

So in Su Dingfang's view, Li Jing is far behind Xu Shiji, even inferior to Lu Sheng, Yu Chigong and others. With twice as many soldiers and horses, Li Jing doesn't seem to be afraid, and the stronger he gets, the stronger he is at any time.

At this time, two more light cavalry rushed out of the Tang army, and rushed towards them at a high speed. Obviously seeing the defeat of the black armored cavalry, they came to make a rescue.

Li Jing waved the command flag again, and the thousand Youzhou iron cavalry led by Wu Daqing immediately rushed out to meet a light cavalry of the Tang army.The Qingqi of the Tang army was terrified, and immediately turned their horses' heads and walked around, not daring to poke their front.

Li Shimin's face was ashen. Li Jing was too stable in using troops, and it was too difficult to take advantage of him. He had no choice but to drop ten meetings at once, so he immediately ordered the whole line to press up and use the superiority of troops to fight. win.

For a while, the Tang army advanced across the board, but there were soldiers from both sides fighting all over the mountains and plains. The battlefield stretched for more than ten miles. The description seems a bit pale.

In the end, the mysterious armored cavalry managed to break through the siege, but they also lost nearly a thousand cavalry, and one-third of them disappeared. This made Li Shimin tremble with heartache. However, under the full attack of the Tang army, the Qi army was also forced to attack. After retreating for several miles, the casualties were equally heavy.

This tragic battle lasted until the evening and there was no victory or defeat. The two sides camped two miles apart to rest, each collected the body of Pao Ze, and saved it for another battle tomorrow.

"My lord, just received the news from Luoyang that the emperor has captured Hangu Pass." Su Dingfang entered the camp excitedly with an official document.

Li Jing was overjoyed when he heard the words, hurriedly took over the official document and read it, then stroked his beard and smiled and said, "That's great, no wonder Li Shimin is eager for a decisive battle, it turns out that Hangu Pass has fallen."

Shi Chuliang, the commander of the army, said happily: "Your majesty is always able to do what others can't. He took down Hangu Pass in less than a month. Li Shimin is now sitting on the wax. Put all your eggs in one basket, trying to defeat us with all your strength first, and then go back to rescue Tongguan."

Su Dingfang rolled his eyes and said: "In this case, why don't we use the plan and retreat, pretending to be defeated, and lure the Tang army to go deep, lengthen their front, and then wait for an opportunity to counterattack. Anyway, Li Shimin is eager for a decisive battle, even if he knows it is a plan, he will choose to pursue it .”

Li Jing shook his head and said: "It's too late, if we had received the news a few days earlier, this plan is feasible, but now the enemy and ourselves are in the stage of wrestling, if it is a close shot, there is a danger, pretending to be defeated at this time, maybe it will be a coincidence It is clumsy to make a fake come true, once the army is defeated like a mountain, there is no way to recover."

Su Dingfang's heart trembled when he heard the words, he cupped his hands and said: "What the general manager said is very true, it's because the subordinates didn't think carefully."

In fact, it is easy to understand this principle with an analogy. For example, in a tug-of-war contest between two sides, both sides are in a stalemate wrestling stage, and both sides are trying their best. Give the other side the victory.

Chu Liang's eyes flashed and said: "The Tang army fought bravely during the day today, and their morale is not weak. It can be seen that Li Shimin must have blocked the news. The soldiers of the three armies still don't know that Hangu Pass has fallen. The general manager can send someone to spread the news overnight. Greatly hit the morale of the Tang army."

Li Jing nodded and said, "This plan is feasible."

"Leave this task to me." Han Laoshi said lightly.

Han Laoshi is Bai Yunshang's biological father, Han Qingyuan. Since Li Jing was assassinated last time, Gao Bufan asked Han Laoshi to stay by Li Jing's side to protect him.

With Han Laoshi's skill, sneaking into the Tang army camp to spread leaflets was still easy, so Li Jing nodded and said: "Then I will trouble Brother Han."

Mr. Han is now the head of the state, but he refuses to accept the public office that Gao Bufan rewarded, so he is still white now. According to his own statement, after Gao Bufan dominates the country and the disputes between Buddhism and Taoism are resolved, he will bring his wife, Bai Shi, back to seclusion and no longer It's too late.

On the second day, the sun rose in the east, and the blood-red morning glow dyed the eastern sky red. At this moment, subtle changes had obviously taken place in the Tang army camp. The soldiers eating breakfast were whispering to each other, discussing in a low voice, and the atmosphere was strange.

In the big tent of the Chinese army, Li Shimin took a note from Liu Hongji, and his expression turned cold instantly.Liu Hongji said cautiously: "Someone threw these notes into the camp at night last night, and the general confiscated them immediately after discovering them, but...the news has already spread in the army."

Li Shimin said coldly and loudly: "This is just a dirty trick of the Qi army to disturb our army's morale. Hangu Pass is as solid as gold, and now it is still firmly controlled by our army, and it has not been breached at all. Please appease your subordinates immediately. Anyone who discusses it privately will be killed without mercy!"

After a series of iron-fisted suppression methods, no one in the army dared to discuss it in private, and quite a few honest people also believed that this was a conspiracy by the Qi army, but the quick-witted people began to think about it. The generals were even more ominously cast in their hearts.

Next, the soldiers of the three armies were full of food and drink, and the battle between the two sides kicked off again. The battle was more tragic and bloody than yesterday, but this time the Qi army obviously took more defensive positions, using fortifications to resist the Tang army's attack.

Obviously, Li Jing wanted to use defense instead of offense to consume the Tang army's vital strength at the smallest cost. After all, time was in the Qi army's favor.

Although Li Shimin was well aware of Li Jing's conspiracy, he was helpless, so the more he fought, the more anxious he became, and he was as anxious as ants on a hot pot, urging the three armies to attack continuously, just like the waves in the sea, slapping the Qi army one after another. position, but died in waves on the beach.

At this moment, rivers of blood flowed in front of the Qi army's position, and corpses piled up like mountains, like a purgatory on earth.

"The brothers under the command of the last general are about to be wiped out. I implore the emperor to allow them to withdraw and rest." The general Guo Zihe came to Li Shimin and begged with red eyes.

Li Shimin had no expression on his face, and suddenly swung the waist knife in his hand without warning, Guo Zihe's head rolled into the dust, and blood sprayed high like a fountain, pouring over Li Shimin's body.

Li Shimin let the blood slide down his cheeks, and said coldly: "Those who retreat, die, and those who disturb the morale of the army, die!"

There was an awe-inspiring look all around, and there was no sound!

"Yin Kaishan, you succeed Guo Zihe and attack the right wing of the Qi army." Li Shimin shouted in a deep voice.

Yin Kaishan took the order and went away. For a while, the Tang army's offensive became more fierce and the battle became more tragic. The defense line in front of the Qi army became a flesh and blood mill, constantly grinding the flesh and blood of the soldiers on both sides...

"Your Majesty, General XX died in battle!"

"Let General XX go on top."

"Your Majesty, General XX was seriously injured by an arrow!"

"Let General XX go on top."

"Your Majesty, General Yin killed 15 Qi soldiers in a row and died in battle."

Li Shimin paused, and looked at Hou Junji, who came out with reddish eyes, and said with a sad and indignant expression: "The last general invites you to fight and avenges Lao Yin."

Li Shimin nodded, just as Hou Junji was about to turn around and leave, the former suddenly shouted: "Wait!"

Hou Junji stopped, and Li Shimin said in a deep voice, "Come back alive!"

Hou Junji's heart warmed, he clenched his fist with his right hand and beat the breastplate vigorously, turned around and strode out of the tent.

Kill, kill...

Tang Jun rushed forward like a tide, and Qi Jun's arrows rained down, both sides were red-eyed. Now the competition is about endurance.

Su Dingfang has already broken three bows. The thumb and index finger of his right hand are wrapped with bandages, but blood can still be seen oozing out. His hands are already shaking slightly due to loss of strength. Looking at the mountain of corpses and sea of ​​blood in front of him, even his heart trembles. It was the worst battle he had ever experienced, bar none!

Li Jing stood at a height and observed the entire battlefield with an unprecedented solemn expression. Li Shimin went all out, regardless of the cost and life. If it is strengthened again, the Qi army may not be able to withstand it.

At this moment in the Tang army camp, Li Shimin also stood on a high place to observe the changes on the battlefield. He sent out all the forces he could. If he still couldn't defeat the Qi army's defense line, then the consequences would be severe!

"—report!"

A fast horse galloped to Li Shimin's face like lightning, and the latter had inexplicable heart palpitations, and forced himself to calm down and look forward.Immediately the messenger got off his horse, knelt profusely in the dust, and said loudly: "Linfen City was captured by the Qi army, please the emperor decide!"

Li Shimin's whole body was shocked, his complexion turned from white to red, then from red to purple, suddenly a mouthful of blood spurted out, his body was shaking, the nearby soldiers turned pale with fright, and rushed forward to support him.

Li Shimin vomited blood three times in a row, and then cursed: "Qu Tutong misunderstood me, damn it!"

Changsun Shunde, Zhang Gongjin, Tang Jian and others all looked pale. When it was over, the Qi army quietly copied the army's back route. This is a big trouble. The 10,000+ soldiers are fed by horses, and the daily consumption is immeasurable A few days, and Linfen City is the nearest logistics supply point to the army, and now it is breached by the Qi army. Once the army's logistics is cut off, it will collapse within a few days without the Qi army attacking.

"Your Majesty, the situation is not good, hurry up and withdraw your troops, or the whole army may be wiped out if you delay." Zhang Gongjin said in a deep voice.

Li Shimin spat out another mouthful of blood, and roared with red eyes: "Qu Tutong is a waste, I gave him [-] elite soldiers, but he can't even defend Linfen City, I want to kill him - withdraw!"

After all, Li Shimin gave the order to withdraw the troops. Hou Junji and Changsun Shunde were in charge of the rear, and tens of thousands of Tang troops hurriedly retreated westward along the Fenhe Valley Road.

"The Tang army actually retreated?" Su Dingfang was relieved and was surprised. Li Jing was also very surprised, but as an outstanding general, he could tell at a glance that the Tang army's retreat was not a fake, so he immediately ordered the pursuit.

As the saying goes, an army is defeated like a mountain, no matter how elite your army is, once it is defeated and cannot organize an effective front, it will only be slaughtered.

Hou Junji was very brave, and Changsun Shunde was also good at fighting, but in the end he couldn't resist the Qi army that was descending like a tiger.

Li Jing led the army to chase all the way to the Linfen city, and found that the flag of Qi State was erected on the top of the city. After a closer look, he found that it was Xue Li's general flag. Then he suddenly understood why Li Shimin withdrew his troops hastily.

Su Dingfang said pleasantly: "I love Xue Rengui, this kid actually won the Linfen County, yes, Mr. Manager is really a famous teacher and a great disciple."

Li Jing stroked his humility and said a few words, he was overjoyed in his heart, the future is awesome, he didn't expect the three young generals to give him a big surprise.

At this time, the gate of Linfen City opened, three young generals Xue Li, Han Xiaoyun and Miao Yu rushed out, ran straight to Li Jing's horse and clasped their fists in front of his horse, saying, "See you sir."

Li Jing rarely smiled and praised: "Good job!"

Xue Li and the three looked at each other happily. Mr. Guan is a serious and strict person. It is not easy to get a compliment from him.

By the way, how did the three of Xue Li win Linfen County?
It turned out that Han Xiaoyun and Miao Yu led a small group of Qingqi to harass Tang Jun's logistics team continuously, which completely angered Qu Tutong.Qu Tutong was a brave and foolish man who personally led the cavalry out of the city in an attempt to destroy the Qi army's cavalry.

Han Xiaoyun and Miao Yu deliberately lured Qu Tutong to the direction of Changping County. The latter fell into Xue Li's ambush and was captured after a fierce battle. Xue Li took the opportunity to attack Linfen City with lightning. It was won in one fell swoop.

After hearing how the three young generals captured Linfen City, Su Dingfang couldn't help secretly admiring, and a little envious. The three of them made such great achievements at such a young age, and they have a bright future, especially Xue Rengui, who has great potential. Will become a leader among the younger generation.

Li Jing didn't stay in Linfen for too long, and picked out elite troops to continue the westward pursuit along the Fen River Valley Road. This pursuit led to Wenxi County, Jiangjun.

At this time, Li Shimin finally stabilized his position and assembled his troops in Wenxi County to resist the Qi army. He barely kept the Hedong County behind him. However, the loss of the Tang army in Huoyi was too heavy. There were only more than 15 left, and two-thirds of them disappeared. The news spread back, that there was a huge earthquake in Guanzhong, and a huge earthquake in Chang'an.

Behind Hedong County is the Yellow River, and on the other side of the Yellow River is the Guanzhong Plain. Once the Qi army successfully crosses the river, Guanzhong will be in danger. With Li Shimin's current strength, it will be very difficult to resist the Qi army for a long time!
Sure enough, Li Shimin quickly gave up Wenxi County, even the entire Hedong County, withdrew the remnant army to the west bank of the Yellow River, guarded the natural danger of the Yellow River, and confronted Li Jing across the river. Only then did he completely stabilize his position.

(End of this chapter)