The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 292 Surprise
Although he heard the contempt in General Zhang's tone, Jia Huan was not angry. After all, his age and position were indeed disadvantages. To convince the generals below, he still had to show his true ability, so he said calmly: "There is a saying in the art of war: take the enemy by surprise and attack him unprepared. As we all know, the north and south ends of Chongming Sand are filled with floating mud swamps, overgrown with reeds and grasses, and cannot be crossed by people or ships. However, because of this, the thieves on the island are all over the place in both directions. Without defense, if we make a sudden attack, it will be miraculous and catch them by surprise. Will Zhang Shen think so?"

Zhang Shenjiang heard this, with a hint of joking on his face, and asked: "But the question is, how will our people get through that man-eating quagmire?"

Jia Huan ignored General Zhang, turned to look at Zuo Dashou, and asked: "Since Zuo Baihu just proposed to attack from the north and south, there must be a way to pass through the swamp, right?"

Zuo Dashou nodded and said, "I do have an idea, but I don't know if it will work."

Jia Huan encouraged: "Let's talk and listen first. It's best if it works. It doesn't matter if it doesn't."

Zuo Dashou then laughed and said: "My subordinate's hometown used to have a two-acre pond. Every winter, the pond water was released to catch fish. However, the bottom of the pond was covered with thick silt. Even an adult could sink waist-deep. It was very inconvenient to catch fish." , so I thought of a way to use two bamboo baskets as footrests so that the fish catchers would not sink when they step on them.”

Everyone present couldn't help but look at each other, and Feng Ziying asked doubtfully: "Zuo Baihu, does your method really work?"

Zuo Dashou patted his chest and said confidently: "It will definitely work. I dare to use my head as a guarantee. Don't worry, the mud will sink as soon as you step on it. But as long as you use a bamboo basket to step your feet, even a strong man of 200 kilograms will not be able to sink. It shouldn’t be a problem to move through the swamp with just the bamboo baskets, but the speed will be slower.”

Although a number of talented mathematicians emerged in ancient China, they were limited by the productivity and the means of disseminating knowledge at that time. The vast majority of people were illiterate, and there were very few people who knew physical knowledge such as pressure and force area. They were ignorant. The principles of things are just various experiences and skills accumulated from life practice.

This is quite the case with Zuo Dashou. He only knew that using a bamboo basket to prop his feet would prevent him from sinking into the mire, but he could not explain its principle. Fortunately, Jia Huan was a time traveler, so he naturally understood the truth immediately, so he nodded and said: "Zuo Baihu's method will definitely work!"

General Zhang glanced at Jia Huan doubtfully and asked, "Why is Jia Xiucai so sure? Could it be that he has also gone down to the mud pond to catch fish?"

Although Jia Huan is a concubine, as the saying goes, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The ancestors of the Jia family were the founding heroes of the Jin Dynasty. They were the dukes of two countries. Such a prominent family, even if it has declined now, is not comparable to ordinary people. Zhang The generals naturally didn't believe that Jia Huan went down to the mud pond to catch fish.

Jia Huan said calmly: "Have you never eaten pork, have you never seen a pig running away? Many insights in this world can be learned from books. If General Zhang Shen doesn't study the Four Books and Five Classics, doesn't he even read the Military Book?"

Zhang Shenjiang was sarcastically remarked by Jia Huan. He looked a little embarrassed and argued forcefully: "Seeing is believing, hearing is believing. It is related to the life and death of brothers, so I feel it is necessary to verify it."

Jia Huan nodded and said: "I want to verify it. I will not play with the lives of the soldiers."

Feng Ziying smoothed things over and said, "It's easy to verify Zuo Baihu's method. There are swamps and shoals nearby. Just find two bamboo baskets and you'll know."

"It's all right!" Jia Huan nodded.

At that moment, Feng Ziying ordered people to free up two bamboo baskets containing supplies, and the group held torches and came to a marsh near the river.

Jia Huan picked up a stone and threw it into the swamp. He heard a thud, and the palm-sized stone sank without a trace. Even the hole created was quickly refilled with the surrounding mud. No trace is left.

"Just here!" Jia Huan ordered.

Zuo Dashou immediately volunteered to step forward, but Zhang Shenjiang shouted loudly: "Wait a minute!"

Zuo Dashou had no choice but to stop. General Zhang turned around and picked out a big, muscular man from among his own soldiers and said, "Mo Laoshi, come here!"

The soldier named Mo Laoshi came out in response. He was over 1.8 meters tall and very strong, estimated to weigh nearly two hundred pounds. He had a naive face, but he lived up to his name.

General Zhang asked several other soldiers to tie Mo Laoshi's waist with a rope to prevent accidents. After taking safety measures, he waved and said: "Go!"

Mo Laoshi walked to the swamp with two bamboo baskets and threw one into the swamp first. Immediately, sewage seeped in from the gaps in the bamboo baskets. He couldn't help but stick out his tongue and said: "My dear, this thing works." ?"

Zuo Dashou said angrily: "Don't worry, you will know after you try it."

Mo Laoshi carefully stepped one foot into the bamboo basket, and saw that the bamboo basket suddenly sank a little, and the sewage rushed in. The guy was so frightened that he took his foot back, shook his head and hummed: "This thing won't work!"

Zuo Dashou was so angry that he rolled his eyes and cursed: "You can't do it, you're a coward, you bitch, you've lost all your strength in vain!" After saying that, he jumped into the bamboo basket with both feet.

The bamboo basket suddenly sank slowly, and everyone was shocked. However, after a slight tilt, the bamboo basket stopped sinking. Zuo Dashou even jumped twice in the basket, but it was still stable.

"Look, where did it sink?" Zuo Dashou took the other bamboo basket from Mo Laoshi and threw it in front. He walked in with one step, then turned around and took the first bamboo basket and threw it in front of him. They alternated in this way. Walked to the middle of the swamp and walked back safely.

All the generals present looked happy when they saw this and gave a thumbs up. Namo Laoshi then tried the same thing, but he was not skilled in the movements and it took him twice as long to walk back and forth. During the process, he also knocked over a bamboo basket and almost got into danger and was covered in mud.

"Boss, this thing seems to really work." Mo Laoshi wiped the mud off his face and said with a naive smile, like a hippopotamus that had just rolled out of a mud puddle, making people both angry and funny.

"I know, if you still don't back down, it's embarrassing!" Zhang Shenjiang scolded angrily.

So Mo Laoshi retreated.

Zhang Shenjiang cupped his hands in front of Jia Huan and said, "Zuo Baihu's method really works, but I am ignorant and ignorant. Please don't worry about it, Mr. Huan."

Jia Huan smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, it's a matter of life and death for the brothers. It's always good to be more rigorous. There is nothing wrong with Zhang Shen's move."

After hearing this, Zhang Shenjiang bowed his hands again and said nothing. Jia Huan's generosity made him feel a little ashamed.

After everyone returned to the boat again, Jia Huan said loudly to the generals: "I have just verified that Zuo Baihu's method is feasible. It happens that the day after tomorrow will be the night of the full moon. According to my observation, it will be at dawn the day after tomorrow. There is a high tide, and most of the swamps on the island will be submerged by the tide, which is perfect for our sneak attack. "

As soon as this statement came out, all the generals present showed doubts. Although everyone who often lives at the beach knows that the tide will rise when the moon is full, the tide time is different in each place. Why is Jia Huan so sure? Chongming Sha Liming Was there a big wave before?
Jia Huan did not explain, but continued: "Zhao Qianhu, you will be responsible for collecting bamboo baskets and baskets and other items tomorrow. Prepare as much as you need. It is not enough. You can also collect more wooden boards and hay."

That Zhao Qianhu was a Qianhu under the Gaoyou Guards. Hearing this, he cupped his hands and said, "The general will get the order at the end."

"Brother Feng and Zuo Baihu, each of you will lead one hundred elites. When the tide rises at dawn the day after tomorrow, you will take a small boat and quietly land on the island from the north to the south. There must be no mistake!"

Both Feng Ziying and Zuo Dashou solemnly agreed.

Jia Huan finally turned his attention to Zhang Guizhang and said solemnly: "At sunrise tomorrow, Zhang Shen will lead his troops to continue the feint attack from the front and try to consume the thief's ammunition and energy as much as possible." As the saying goes, an expert can tell whether there is a target as soon as he takes action. Jia Huan At this time, the command was determined, and all orders were given very reasonably. Zhang Guizhang finally understood that this son was not a playboy who relied on nepotism to get to the position, so he handed over and said: "I will do my best, general."

On the next day, the generals went about their business in accordance with Jia Huan's orders. Zhao Qianhu led people to collect bamboo baskets and other items; Feng Ziying and Zuo Dashou each selected a hundred elite soldiers to practice using them in the nearby swamp. They walked with bamboo baskets; while General Zhang Shen led the navy to continue the attack on Chongsha, consuming the thieves' energy and supplies.

After the officers and soldiers retreated last night, Golden Tooth Dog ordered his thieves to repair the burned water stronghold, and the island's defense line was also re-reinforced, so he was not afraid at all and faced the Jinling Navy's attack with full confidence.

This fierce battle lasted from morning to evening, and the Jinling navy finally returned empty-handed. Although they also burned down the bandits' water stronghold, they were still unable to set foot on the island, which was even worse than yesterday!

At this moment, the golden-toothed dog stood on a high place on the island, pointed at the evacuated ships of the Jinling Navy, spat, and laughed arrogantly: "The combat power of the regular navy is only this, what can you do to me, a group of people who eat the imperial food?" Waste, hahaha!”

Brothers Zhu Jinfu and Zhu Jinyue looked at each other hesitantly, only to hear the former frown and say: "Something's wrong!"

The golden-toothed dog stopped laughing and asked, "Old Jiu, what's wrong?"

Zhu Jin said: "The officers and soldiers seemed to be very powerful today, but the intensity of the attack was obviously not as strong as yesterday."

Zhu Jinyue nodded and said: "That's true. It's a bit of a feint, and there must be deceit in it."

The golden-toothed dog smiled disapprovingly and said, "You are overthinking it. The officers and soldiers suffered heavy casualties yesterday. Even Yi Hong, the commander of the Jin Yiwei, was killed by Old Shi with one arrow. Isn't it normal for morale to be greatly affected?"

When Zhu Jinfu heard this, it seemed to make sense, but he still reminded: "We'd better be careful and beware of a night attack by the army tonight."

The golden-toothed dog chuckled and said: "They want to eat shit, but they can't attack during the day, and it's even more impossible at night, unless they want to live longer... Huh?"

As soon as Golden Tooth Dog finished speaking, he saw some shadows of sails on the river to the east. He couldn't help but feel nervous, thinking that the officers and soldiers had gone and returned. After taking a closer look, he recognized the flag of the great master Kang Dayong, and he suddenly became energetic. Zhendao: "It's the boss who has returned from doing business."

That's right, the fleet coming from the east at this moment is Kang Dayong's group. They have been plundering the Huai'an Prefecture for a few days and are now returning to Chongming Island to rest and replenish supplies.

Soon, Kang Dayong's fleet approached Chongming Sand and landed at the dock.

Zhu Jinaxe and Zhu Jinyue were originally a little worried that the army would attack at night, but when they saw that Kang Dayong came back with his people and the power on the island increased greatly, they felt relieved.

Let's talk about Kang Dayong's return to the island. Immediately, some scouts on sentry duty on the river reported to Jia Huan and others. When the generals learned that Chongmingsha's bandits had been strengthened, they couldn't help but become worried. However, Jia Huan remained very calm. , only issued orders to continue to act as planned.

After nightfall, all the sergeants had eaten and drank enough and began to recharge their batteries. Near midnight, a bright moon hung high in the sky. Jia Huan gave an order, and General Zhang Shen led more than fifty warships of the Jinling Navy. , rushing directly towards Chongming Sand.

Because the moon was white and the wind was clear, the visibility on the river was still quite high even though it was night. Therefore, as soon as the large warships of the Jinling Navy approached the river half a mile away from Chongming Sands, they were immediately discovered by the thieves on sentry duty on the island. The gong warning sounded immediately.

bang bang bang...

"The officers and soldiers are here, brothers, copy the guy!"

"Copy guy!"

"Fuck, I won't let anyone sleep anymore!"

Chongming Sand, which was originally silent, soon began to boil, and torches were lit one after another. The thieves on the island were cursing, grabbing their weapons and rushing out, quickly entering the fortifications.

Tonight, Golden Tooth Dog just happened to get a young village woman who had just been snatched away from Kang Dayong. After dark, he hugged her and had a good time. The consumption was a bit too much, so he fell into a deep sleep. He was suddenly disturbed by the thundering sound of cannons. He woke up, quickly picked up his pants and rushed out, only to bump into a minion.

The gold-toothed dog raised his hand and gave a big slap in the face, while cursing: "I'm going to blind you if I mess with you!"

The minion was so beaten that stars appeared in his eyes, and he said cautiously: "The officers and soldiers are coming to attack the island. The boss has boarded the ship to fight. Let Mr. Jin lead the defense and don't let the officers and soldiers attack the island."

Hearing this, the gold-toothed dog didn't care about his disheveled clothes. He fastened his belt and ran towards the dock, cursing: "Damn dog officers and soldiers, they are really attacking at night."

Moreover, Kang Dayong was inherently brave and bloodthirsty. When he saw the officers and soldiers coming to attack, instead of cowering in the port, he actually led his ship out of the water stronghold and rushed towards the fleet of the Jinling Navy.

Boom boom boom...

The sound of cannons one after another tore apart the tranquility of midnight, but thousands of sails were seen competing on the river, flames were rising into the sky, shouts of killing, and the sound of gunshots were heard all the time.

At this moment, Jia Huan's boat was still moored on the right bank of the Yangtze River, and there were dozens of light boats nearby. There were seven to ten soldiers on each boat, and these soldiers were all young and strong men. What is strange is that in addition to weapons and oars, these soldiers also carried two bamboo baskets.

Jia Huan stood quietly on the bow of the ship. The bright moon in the sky projected his figure on the deck, and it became longer and longer as time went by.

Mandarin stood behind Jia Huan holding a shield, her bright sapphire eyes sometimes looking at the bright moon in the sky, sometimes looking at the tide on the river.

"Jia, are you sure there will be a big tide before dawn?" Mandarin finally couldn't help but asked.

Jia Huan did not answer, but took out a pocket watch from his arms and took a look at it, and then continued to wait quietly. The sound of cannons rumbled in the distance, and the battle was obviously very fierce.

Mandarin stretched her neck and looked towards the river, but she could only see flashes of fire. She couldn't help but feel anxious secretly. She took another look at Jia Huan's handsome profile and found that this guy was as calm and calm as ever. He couldn't help but muttered: "What a mysterious guy.!"

Time passed minute by minute, the bright moon set to the west, and Jia Huan finally uttered two words: "Let's go!"

With an order, the two hundred elite soldiers led by Feng Ziying and Zuo Dashou took the speedboat and disappeared like arrows on the vast river...

(End of this chapter)