Shuhan

How to use troops?

Zhang Fei pondered for a moment and said: "Lianshao, between Chongquan and Zheng County, there is a small city of Xiagui. If we defeat it first, we can cut off the connection between Zhang Liao and Zheng Hun's armies. Zheng Hun's troops are not elite." , we can first destroy Zheng Hun and capture Pubanjin, and then deal with Zhang Liao and capture Tongguan."

Everything is easy first and then difficult.

The soldiers from the prefectures and counties under Zheng Hun must be easy to bully. It is a very safe way to capture Zuo Fengyi first and then Tongguan.

But the downside is that he is too safe.

By the time the main force of the Wei army joins Zhang Liao, the Han army's time advantage will be gone, and the only thing left is a head-on confrontation with the Wei army.

Zhang Fei saw the thoughtful expression on Liu Chan's face and said: "This is the safest and least variable way. Also, even if we capture Xian, we can't defeat it. We can ambush Zheng Hun and Zhang Liao on the way. I want to attack the city, but I want to annihilate its vitality.”

Surround the spot for reinforcements.

After hearing this, Liu Chan finally nodded.

"This method is good, maybe it can be more radical." Liu Chan said with a smile.

"Why?"

Zhang Fei had a look of confusion on his face.

Can you be more radical now?
"How many cavalry troops do we have?"

"Twenty thousand."

"How many mounted infantry?"

Cavalry and mounted infantry are two different things.

The cavalry is a unit or detachment of the army that rides horses to perform tasks. It can fight both on horseback and on foot. Strong sensitivity and high maneuverability. Usually responsible for frontal assault, roundabout encirclement, pursuit, attack and other tasks.

As for the mounted infantry, they are mainly infantry, and they just use horses to move.

"The number is five thousand."

Five thousand people is not a small number.

"If the infantry army besieges Zheng County, and the mounted infantry army rushes to Tongguan, is it possible to capture Tongguan first?"

Conquer Tongguan first?
This was something Zhang Fei didn't expect at all.

Even Fazheng and Zhuge Liang on the side had already frowned.

"Even if we rush to Tongguan, how can we attack the city without any siege equipment? Tongguan is the most powerful pass in the world!"

The river flows south of Guan Nei and Tongjiguan Mountain, so it is called Tongguan.

Tongguan borders the Yellow River to the north and the mountainside to the south.

It is located at the crossing of the Yellow River, straddling the post road from Chang'an to Luoyang, and is the key to entering and exiting the Three Qin Dynasties. Therefore, it has become a must-pass and key pass for entering the Central Plains from the east and Guanzhong and the Western Regions from the west since the end of the Han Dynasty. It has always been a battleground for military strategists. , known as "the most dangerous place in the region", "the throat of four towns", and "one hundred and two important passes".

The situation of Tongguan is very dangerous. There are Qinling Mountains in the south, Forbidden Valley in the southeast, and 12 Liancheng in the south of the valley. In the north, there are Wei and Luo Rivers that meet the Yellow River and hug the pass down, and in the west it is close to Huayue. The surrounding mountains are surrounded by mountains and peaks, with deep valleys and cliffs. The mountains are high and the road is narrow. There is a narrow catwalk in the middle, which can only accommodate one car and one horse.

In the past, people often compared the dangerous situation here with "the thin road is dangerous and the apes compete" and "the human road ends at Tongguan Pass".

Besides, Tongguan will not be in disrepair.

It was originally built in the first year of Jian'an, but it is only twenty or thirty years old now.

"A surprise attack at night, with internal support, can it be defeated?"

Internal response?

If there is an internal response, it might be possible.

But Zhang Fei immediately said: "Zhang Liao is occupying Zheng County and has no access to food and grass. Even if he captures Tongguan, how can he hold it for a long time?"

"Transport grain by the Wei River."

"There are not many ships in Chang'an, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to transport so much grain and grass."

Liu Chan's expression was very calm.

“Just build it.”

What Liu Chan said was undoubtedly a risky plan, but it was also a risky plan that yielded the greatest rewards.

If his strategy can really be achieved, taking Tongguan will not only prevent Wei's reinforcements from Tongguan, but also kill all Zhang Liao's 20,000 men.

In this case, the vitality of the Wei State was severely damaged, but the Han Dynasty not only did not lose anything, but instead gained more than 10,000 prisoners and 20,000 soldiers and armor.

From a purely military perspective, Han's strength has increased.

"His Highness's plan may be tried, but it cannot be used as the only way. The Art of War says: Use the right combination to win by surprise. The grand strategy is to cut off Xiagui, capture Zuo Fengyi, and besiege Zheng County. The plan is just as His Highness said, to attack Tongguan by surprise."

Perhaps because he felt that what he said was a bit disrespectful to Liu Chan, Zhuge Liang continued: "Tongguan is an important pass. You should not place all your hopes on dangerous strategies. I hope your highness will learn from it."

"Hahaha~"

Liu Chan smiled softly, without any concern on his face.

If a king doesn't even have this kind of capacity, how can he be a leader?
"Rightness and strangeness are combined, and yin and yang complement each other. Righteousness can become strange at any time, and strangeness can also become right at any time, so there is no need to stick to the form when dealing with rightness and strangeness. The right way is that soldiers have no constant momentum, and water has no constant shape. On the battlefield, there should be How can I not understand the Prime Minister’s ability to adapt to changes in the enemy’s forces?”

Liu Chan knew in his heart that what he just said was a dangerous plan.

If it can go as he wants, that would naturally be the best.

But the situation cannot really turn out the way you think.

Specific variables will require the commander to adapt accordingly.

Zhuge Liang still focuses on safety in his military use and does not like to take risks.

"What Gu said today is just to give the cavalry general an idea. On the battlefield, the decision will have to be made by the cavalry general according to the situation."

Zhang Fei nodded immediately.

"You will finally understand."

After discussing other matters with the ministers in the inner court, Liu Chan also waved his hand and said, "It's getting late, please take a rest."

Liu Chan traveled thousands of miles from Jingzhou to Chang'an, and didn't get much rest during it. He lost a lot of essence while riding a horse and whip on a beauty presented by a noble family in Guanzhong. Now he is racking his brains again. Liu Chan said that now he Just want a good night's sleep.

"Your Majesty, please leave!"

Zhuge Liang and others were also very sensible, so they all dispersed.

After everyone left, Liu Chan told the eunuch who was holding the seal: "Let Fei Yi come in."

Not long after, Fei Yi, dressed in official robes, slowly walked inside.

Fei Yi had just finished his salute when Liu Chan's words came out.

"Is the internal response in Tongguanzhong really reliable?"

Fei Yi thought for a while and said: "In terms of business, Pei Wei is trustworthy, but I don't know if he will join me like Jingzhao Du Family, Jingzhao Wei Family, and Martial Arts Su Family." Big man."

Tongguan does have internal responses.

The general who defended the city was from the Pei family of Hedong, or the Wenxi Pei family.

When the Han merchant alliance passed the pass, the Tongguan guard Pei Wei spent a lot of effort in it. Of course, he also made a lot of money and silk from it. He also used the merchant alliance's things to make friends, including those in Guanzhong. There are many foreigners who are friendly with the Wenxi Pei family.

"Where's the other one?"

Although the Wenxi Pei family was not as important as the Yingchuan gentry in the Wei State, they were not excluded.

Wenxi's four sons of the Pei family, Pei Qian, Pei Hui, Pei Ji, and Pei Wan, can be said to hold important positions in the Wei Kingdom.

In addition, under the nine-level Zhongzheng system, the imperial power of the Wei State was actually shared with the aristocratic families.

Would this kind of aristocratic family really fall into the arms of the Han Dynasty?
Loyal to the Han Dynasty?

Do not make jokes.

After a large number of loyal ministers were expelled by Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, how many truly loyal ministers are there in the Han Dynasty now?

"The other one is just a centurion, and he only guards the city for three days in a month. Even as an internal response, he can only open the city gate."

This centurion is more reliable.

Because his family members are all in the hands of the Han Dynasty, and he is treated generously with money and silk, there should be no problem with his loyalty.

"Pei Wei can't be trusted, so tell the cavalry general about the centurion!" Among the aristocratic families, there is indeed a habit of not putting all eggs in one basket.

It is not impossible for the Pei family to rebel and become an official in Han Dynasty.

But Tongguan was dangerous, and Pei was afraid that he would not dare to blame Guanzhong on Wei Guo's back.

When marching and fighting, safety must still be the priority.

"promise!"

Liu Chan thought for a moment and continued: "Chang'an City is not stable, but there are too many spies from the School Affairs Office?"

Liu Chan's Jianjunsi was so useful that the Wei State now also vigorously supports the school affairs office. Although his ability is not as good as that of Jianjunsi, it is already enough to cause headaches to the Han State.

"There are some who are hiding among wealthy families or disguised as citizens."

"Find a way to find out. In addition, public opinion propaganda in Chang'an City must also start. Only when the people's hearts are stable can long-term peace and stability be achieved."

This military department was used by Liu Chan as a propaganda tool from the beginning. As a future generation, he naturally knows the power of public opinion propaganda.

Sometimes this publicity can be as strong as thousands of troops.

"Your Majesty, I understand."

Since Zhou Che took maternity leave, the heavy work of the military department has fallen on Fei Yi.

This is both power and hard work.

Visibly to the naked eye, Fei Yi looked haggard.

Now Liu Chan wants to sing a song in front of Fei Yi:

Brother, you have lost weight.
After handling these matters, Liu Chan went to the East Palace accompanied by the round bright moon.

The East Palace was naturally dilapidated, but after more than ten days of repairs, several palaces that were still usable were built for Liu Chan to rest.

Even Weiyang Palace is now under construction.

It's not a big deal, it's just about building the main hall and then Liu Bei's bedroom.

As an emperor, basic pomp is still required. This is not only enjoyment, but also represents the foundation of the country.

It is the face and dignity of an empire.

There happened to be many prisoners of the Wei army who could be used as free labor, and the cost was not much, just a meal for them.

Arriving at the East Palace, Liu Chan gradually fell into sleep while being attended by three beauties.

But this does not mean that Liu Chan's work is done.

in contrast.

His story has just begun.

The next morning.

Liu Chan first went to inspect the army outside the city, distributed rewards, personally sent Zhang Fei off to the expedition, and then met with various major figures in Guanzhong.

This is both a familiar face and an exchange of interests.

The powerful nobles from all over the country exchanged money, food, and tribes for their status in the Han Dynasty, and Liu Chan accepted these gifts and recruited talented people from his clan.

Even in one day, there were two more beauties around Liu Chan.

For a person of his status, there is no shortage of women around him.

Because there is always a group of people who are eager to put all the beauties in the world next to you.

Offer sacrifices to heaven, recruit talents, and go to court
Although Liu Chan did not lead the troops in battle, his life in Chang'an seemed to be more difficult than when he led the troops in battle.

Liu Chan here is in pain and happiness in Chang'an City, but on the other side.

Ba Ling.

Wei Yan had a look of excitement on his face after receiving the military order, and his body like a tiger and bear was trembling with excitement.

"The raid on Tongguan is really a strange plan, really a brilliant plan!"

Wei Yan's eyes began to glow.

As the person who can come up with Ziwu's strange plan, Wei Yan's adventurous spirit goes without saying.

They bypassed Zhang Liao and attacked Tongguan by surprise.

This is something no one expected.

Zheng County has Wei troops lying across it, and Zuo Fengyi has not been defeated. How could anything happen in Tongguan?
The Han army thought so, and the Wei army must have thought the same.

But if His Highness's plan is used, something might really happen in Tongguan.

The current Han army is no longer what it used to be.

With cavalry, or even one cavalry equipped with three horses, the speed and distance of their attacks were no longer comparable to those of the Han army that had not reached Guanzhong.

After taking Guanzhong, the first order Liu Bei issued was to collect war horses.

Some of the horses collected were bought, some were borrowed, and some came with people and horses.

Only by gathering all the war horses in Guanzhong can we gather nearly 20,000 cavalry.

If these war horses are used up, the Han cavalry will not be able to replenish them in a short period of time, unless they capture Xiliang, or go north to capture Beidi and Shuofang, and buy horses directly from the grassland.

"It's a strange plan, and it's even more dangerous."

Zhao Yun has a short beard and looks much older.

He was a strong man, with long, slender, calloused hands, and patted the dust on his body, and said, "I'm afraid it won't be easy for the governor to lead the troops to encircle Zheng County."

The main force of the sneak attack was of course not Wei Yan, but Zhao Yun who led the cavalry.

"Zhang Wenyuan is indeed difficult to deal with, but I just need to contain his troops and let you go east smoothly. It is not difficult."

It is not to eliminate Zhang Liao's troops, nor to defeat Zhang Liao's troops. It is just to let Zhao Yun lead his army to bypass Zheng County silently. How difficult is this?
"Your task is to maintain water transportation. It's not that easy."

Zhao Yun's cavalry, on the one hand, attacked on land, but they also needed to rely on ships along the way to transport supplies.

Now when going to Zheng County, it is no longer possible to defeat the enemy with food.

The reason is very simple. The Wei army built a wall to clear the wilderness. In the wilderness, there was no food and grass supplies available.

"General Chariot and Cavalry is on the north bank of the Weishui River to deal with Zheng Hun. Our journey is at best a partial force."

If we only count the soldiers, there are less than 20,000 people on their way, and including the civilians, there are less than 50,000 people.

As for Zhang Liao, who was on the opposite side, his number of soldiers was far greater than theirs.

Listening to the intelligence from the Military Department, these people all spoke with Jianghuai accents. They looked like Zhang Liao's headquarters, so they were even more difficult to deal with.

"He Zhang Wenyuan is a famous general. He can defeat a hundred thousand Jiangdong army with eight hundred men. I, Wei Wenchang, am not an ordinary person. I want to marry him this time to learn how powerful Zhang Wenyuan is!"

Zhang Wenyuan can make the children of Jiangdong stop crying, and I, Wei Yan, want the children of Wei State to stop crying when they hear his name!

Wei Yan was quite excited about this confrontation with Zhang Liao.

"In that case, send out troops!"

"Send troops!" Wei Yan had already sharpened his sword.

So, in the early morning, the Han army stationed around Baling immediately headed towards Zheng County. They marched eastward along the Wei River. On the second day, the front army scouts began to fight with the Wei army scouts. .

The scouts engaged each other, and Zhang Liao's troops were already not far from the Han army's headquarters.

On the north bank of the Weishui River, Guan Xing had already arrived at Xiagui.

There is no need to say more.

When Guan Xing arrived at Xiagui, he immediately lined up his posture, used various siege equipment, and headed towards Xiagui.

Although the siege posture was large, the intensity of the siege was not great. They only used catapults and gunpowder to scare the Wei troops in the city. There were no Han troops to attack the city to the north of Xiagui, so they deliberately left a way out for them to dispatch. The soldiers were ordered to go to Lianshao and Chongquan to invite reinforcements.

The drama of surrounding the spot and calling for reinforcements has slowly begun. (End of chapter)