Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 354: The Mighty Tang Army Accomplished Multiple Kills

Cheng Mingzhen did not make any special arrangements, but just led Chen Qingsi, Liu Rengui, and Hei Techang to the Yingzhou military camp.

As the forefront of the Tang Dynasty, facing constant threats, the entire Liaodong and Liaoxi were in a state of full preparation for war.

This place is originally a place where Hu and Han are mixed, and it is bordered by various tribes. The folk customs can no longer be described as sturdy.

But they are brave enough to commit suicide. There are many people who have lost their lives due to quarrels and conflicts here. The soldiers here are inherently more murderous than elsewhere.

Cheng Mingzhen knew Chen Qingsi's intentions, but he felt that the Tang army was invincible and there was no need to treat him specially.

This is also true. As soon as he entered the Yingzhou military camp, Chen Qingsi noticed a chilling atmosphere.

Cheng Mingzhen specially chose to come when the soldiers were training. When the training of the soldiers was intense, the whole camp was filled with shouts of killing.

Arriving at a huge school ground, a thousand long shields were walking forward holding up large shields that could cover most of the people. They held high the huge long shields to wrap themselves up, and walked side by side with each other, perfectly aligned.

Behind the shield bearer is a column of spearmen holding long spears. After the spearmen are sword and shield soldiers holding round shields and Tang knives. Next are crossbowmen, archers, and finally cavalry. They move independently in the rear.

Thirty paces in front of the army stood rows of straw men.

The shield-bearers advanced like a wall, and when they were twenty steps closer to the straw man, the archers suddenly rained down arrows.

When the archers in the back row were shooting, all the Tang troops did not stop, even the shield bearers at the front still did not stop.

The dense arrows jumped over the crowd and hit the straw man.

Chen Qingsi was a little surprised, but he didn't think this was very impressive. After all, he had seen the formation of the world's largest army, seen the charge in real images, and had seen all kinds of film and television special effects. This kind of scene was small. scene.

Black Teeth Changzhi looked shocked.

The vest is the weakest point on the battlefield. The archer's shooting range depends on the individual soldier and is not fixed. With the same bow and arrow, people with different arm strength cannot shoot at the same distance.

The archers were sixty paces away and shot at the vanguard at close range, twenty paces away from the enemy.

This was unthinkable among their Baekje army, but the Tang army in front of them did it easily.

Hei Te Changzhi knows very well what advantages soldiers will gain if they can do this when attacking on the battlefield.

Just as he was calculating in his mind, the shield-bearer who had been advancing suddenly retreated.

The spearmen behind him stepped forward at the same time, and the two sides reversed their positions in a few breaths.

After being covered by the archers' arrows, the shield formation turned into a spear formation in an instant. They lunged quickly and stabbed the straw man to the ground with the spears in their hands.

The spearmen advanced step by step, and the sword and shield soldiers appeared on the left and right wings of the spearmen at the same time. They became the spearmen's shields and could also move forward to support and participate in the fight at any time.

Hei Te Changzhi thought that if there were cavalry, they could avoid the sharp point, detour to the flank, and cut into the sword and shield hand.

With this thought, he found that the crossbowman had appeared in the middle of the sword and shield men.

If the cavalry really wants to come, they will have to take one or two rounds of crossbow shots before they get close...

really!

At the next moment, with a "squat"

The sword and shield players were all squatting on the ground, and the powerful crossbows whizzed past their heads.

At the same time, the cavalry followed suit.

Although there were no real enemies, he was amazed by the cooperation between long shields, sword shields, spears, bows and arrows, crossbowmen, and cavalry.

Hei Te Changzhi glanced around and found that he seemed to be the only one who was stimulated. Others such as Liu Rengui, Zhao Chiman, and Cheng Boxian were all slightly excited without much disturbance. As for Chen Qingsi, the governor of Xiongjin Prefecture in Baekje, he was the most calm, with a little extra reaction. nothing.

Is it possible that Tang Jun is all at this level?
Black Teeth Chang's throat moved up and down slightly, a little frightened.

In fact, he was right to think so.

The training method of the Tang army originated from the battle formation method passed down by Li Jingliu, the military god of the Tang Dynasty.

Before the Tang Dynasty, most of the armies of previous dynasties were under the direct control of generals. They were either private troops or clan troops. Until the Tang Dynasty reformed and implemented the government army system, the generals and soldiers were separated. All soldiers were returned to the state and were managed by local government soldiers. Unified training.

This standardized training and training methods have also changed. It is no longer a separate training of assassination formations for individual arms, but a mixed combat training of all arms.

Li Jing divided his soldiers into units such as Tiaodang soldiers, Qi soldiers, front troops, crossbowmen, archers, and horse troops. Tiaodang soldiers were the main assault force used to deal with the enemy. As a reserve force, the Qi soldiers were mixed with the cavalry to launch a counterattack as a reserve force for the jumping soldiers. Crossbowmen and archers also cooperated with the jumping soldiers and Qi soldiers...

Generally speaking, the Tang Army has formed an overall tactical change under the genius of Li Jing. The Tang Army is a complete combat team when it goes into battle.

You can attack or defend, advance or retreat.

This is also the reason why the Tang Army is invincible in the world at this stage.

Not only the equipment, but the entire military system was ahead of this era.

Chen Qingsi looked at the positions of the various formations of the Tang army and suddenly said: "Captain Cheng, these two formations in the front and back and one on the left and right are arranged like six-petaled flowers. Is this Li Weigong's six-petaled formation?"

A trace of respect flashed in Cheng Mingzhen's eyes, and he nodded and said: "It is the Liuhua Formation. Our army often trains with this formation and uses it to fight the enemy. So far, we have not suffered a single defeat."

His tone was full of pride.

Chen Qingsi also nodded slightly. During this period, he was at the Ministry of War, studying hard day and night, and already had a certain understanding of military affairs.

The Rikka Formation fully utilizes the characteristics of many soldiers, and is not static. It can flexibly rely on the characteristics of the soldiers to deal with various situations.

Theoretically, this array can handle all situations, but of course it's just a theory.

When really encountering a fierce battle, the general's command and the coordination between the troops will definitely not be so smooth and natural.

For some reason, it is necessary to achieve an unstoppable victory, which is a great test of the general's ability and the self-level of the soldiers.

Not to mention that the three-three system of warfare is like a god in the hands of the disciples, but in the hands of others it is just as good as before.

Chen Qingsi glanced at Hei Te Changzhi and saw that his expression was complicated, but she also knew that his goal was achieved.

A group of people stayed in the military camp to have a meal. They were all martial men. After getting to know each other, they met to compete in horseback riding and archery on the school field.

Chen Qingsi also saw how powerful Xue Rengui was.

Zhao Chiman is known in the history books as being able to fight tigers and run horses. Hei Te Changzhi is also a famous tiger general, but none of them can cross the ten-height gap in Xue Rengui's hands. The huge Fang Tian painted halberd was lifted easily in his hand, leaving no trace behind.

Zhao Chiman and Heijia Changzhi faced off against them, but they lost the ability to fight back after just three rounds, and they were able to hold on until they were defeated.

Chen Qingsi looked at the majestic Xue Rengui, her mouth watered, and praised: "General Xue is as brave as the overlord in the world."

Cheng Mingzhen was at the top, his eyes full of approval. In his impression, Xue Rengui's personal bravery even surpassed that of Qin Qiong and Yuchi Jingde.

Chen Qingsi's mind wandered and she said, "Captain Cheng, we hit it off as soon as we met. Can we discuss something with you again?"

Cheng Minzhen frowned, looked at Chen Qingsi warily, and said, "What?"

Chen Qingsi laughed along and said: "Baekje's situation is not easy to break. I am short of good hands. If I can get help from General Xue, I will get twice the result with half the effort."

Cheng Mingzhen cursed in his heart: "Scholars and literati really don't have any good things. They confide in themselves and want to poach themselves?"

He showed a look of embarrassment and said: "This is not easy to handle. General Xue is not directly under my subordinates. His Majesty personally arranged for him to be under the command of a certain person to deal with the bad situation in the Northeast. What a certain person said does not hold true..."

Chen Qingsi said casually: "This is not a problem. As long as Governor Cheng agrees, I will make the decision on your Majesty's side."

When Cheng Mingzhen heard this, his face immediately darkened. Everyone knew that Li Zhi valued Chen Qingsi, and there was no guarantee that he could really accomplish this. He said dissatisfiedly: "Captain Chen is not kind. General Xue is someone's right-hand man. You What's the point of cutting off someone's arm?"

However, Chen Qingsi smiled apologetically and said, "When Governor Cheng said this, he was out of touch. They are all working for the imperial court, so why should they be so clearly distinguished? How can we let Governor Cheng say the conditions?"

Cheng Mingzhen refused: "It's impossible. Even if I let anyone go, I won't let General Xue go."

Chen Qingsi asked: "Including your son?"

Cheng Mingzhen said decisively: "Including Quanzi!"

Chen Qingsi slapped her thigh and said, "Okay, let's take the young general."

Cheng Mingzhen was startled at first, then slapped his thigh and said, "The governor is tricking me!"

Chen Qingsi smiled apologetically and said: "How can this be said to be a lie? I really admire your son, but he is under the governor's tent and his ambitions cannot be realized. It is better to let someone take him to Baekje."

A trace of complexity flashed in Cheng Mingzhen's eyes, and he felt a little grateful when he looked at Chen Qingsi who was smiling.

As a father, how could Cheng Mingzhen not know that his son's abilities, literary skills, and military skills were better than his own, but he did not dare to promote his son.

Cheng Mingzhen was not a pure martial artist. He was famous for governing prefectures and counties and had a certain political sense.

The imperial court granted too much power to the border commander. Cheng Mingzhen knew that he had accumulated a lot of prestige in the army while sitting in Liaodong over the years. Once he re-employed his son, Cheng Wuting would rely on his prestige in the army in a short time. Gathered a lot of prestige and became the young commander of the Liaodong Army.

This is a very dangerous thing in Cheng Mingzhen's opinion, especially when the current emperor is Li Zhi, and Cheng Mingzhen was once the favorite general under the hidden prince Li Jiancheng.

Of course, Cheng Mingzhen didn't know Li Zhi well. He had only met Li Zhi a few times. Li Zhichao was in quite a turmoil because he had to confront Guan Longxungui. He speculated that he was not an easy emperor to get along with, so he was wary.

Cheng Mingzhen has trained his son over the years, mostly by keeping him with him as a personal guard, teaching him by words and deeds, and even if he has merit, he will share it with others.

Cheng Wu has made many achievements over the years, but his official position is still that of a school captain.

When Chen Qingsi saw Cheng Wuting, he felt strange that a young marshal of the Liaodong Army had to brave the wind and snow to lead a hundred cavalry to greet him.

After entering Yingzhou and meeting Cheng Mingzhen, I realized that Cheng Wuting was just a small school captain now.

Under such differential treatment, Cheng Wuting did the most tiring work to train himself, but his position was not promoted.

Chen Qingsi saw Cheng Mingzhen's true intention from his attitude towards her, and she had the intention of taking Cheng Wuting for her own use.

Cheng Mingzhen did not dare to use Cheng Wuting in Liaodong. It would be a humiliation to keep him, so it was better to let him use it.

As for Xue Rengui, it was just a gimmick.

Of course, if Cheng Mingzhen really wanted to give it, Chen Qingsi would not refuse.

Cheng Mingzhen's original idea was to hone his skills in Cheng Wuting first, then return to his hometown after becoming an official and retire, and then rely on his achievements over the years to find a general in Beijing for his son, so that he can conquer the world on his own. Now Chen Qingsi wants to take Cheng Wuting away, but it is also a good thing. I have delayed my son for many years, and now I have the opportunity to show him his fangs. How can I miss it?
"That's it!" Cheng Minzhen cupped his fists and bowed, "Cheng thanked the Governor."

Chen Qingxi squinted her eyes, feeling comfortable in her heart.

Cheng Mingzhen was a benefactor of Mingzhou. When Liu Heitai rebelled, Cheng Mingzhen's mother Pan and wife Li were captured by Liu Heitai on the way. At that time, Liu Heitai was transporting grain and grass by water and land in Ji, Bei, Cang, Ying and other states. to resist the Tang army. Cheng Mingzhen led more than a thousand soldiers to intercept Liu Heitai, captured Ji, Bei, Cang, Ying and other states, blocked grain transportation channels, and destroyed all Liu Heitai's land and water transportation tools.

Liu Heitai killed Cheng Mingzhen's mother and wife in a rage.

Cheng Mingzhen was so sad that he did not marry again for a while. He did not marry until he was middle-aged and had Cheng Wuting.

Cheng Mingzhen had a son in his middle age. He was still a Qilin son and he doted on him very much. From today onwards, facing Baekje and Liaodong, those who are congenital will be a head shorter.

Chen Qingsi did not stay in Yingzhou for long and embarked on the road to Baekje.

Chen Qingsi was very satisfied with this trip to Liaodong. Not only did he establish business relationships with Liaodong, he also gained a general, and he also gained favors from Cheng Mingzhen. He really achieved multiple things with one stone.

Because crossing the Baekje from the Liaodong Strait requires passing by Goguryeo by sea, Cheng Mingzhen specially arranged for the Liaodong Navy to escort him.

Compared with the invincible army of the Tang Dynasty, the navy of the Tang Dynasty seemed somewhat unknown.

But even if it is unknown, it is ahead of any country in this era, including the West that develops around the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea.

Even if Western false myths and history are included, there is no record of a hundred thousand troops fighting across the sea.

In this era, the Tang Dynasty had the strength to transport 100,000 troops, soldiers, horses, and food from the Jiaodong Peninsula to the Haidong Peninsula.

The battleship Chen Qingsi was riding at the moment was the leading ship of the Liaodong Navy. It was modified from the Sui Dynasty's Five-Toothed Ship. It was twenty-five feet long, sixty feet high, and three stories high.

The five-toothed ships of the Sui Dynasty were used for operations in the Yangtze River and lakes. They were taller and more intimidating, but they were built so tall on the sea that they could easily capsize.

Therefore, the Tang Dynasty's three-story ship was not as tall as the five-tooth ship, but it was longer, wider, and stronger.

Hei Te Changzhi stood on the second floor of the building, looking towards the direction of Baekje in the distance with a complicated expression.

"General Black Teeth, do you feel timid about being close to home?"

Chen Qingsi appeared behind Hei Te Changzhi.

(End of this chapter)