Three Kingdoms.

Chapter 3433 Unexpected

"Woooooooo..."

"Beep, beep!" 』

With the sound of horns and brass whistles, the hussars began to move.

Is there a process?

Of course that's good, but it doesn't mean that process can represent everything and rule everything.

Everything needs to be based on reality, and sticking to the process and using the process to block people will inevitably fall into the category of dogmatism.

And what's very interesting is that most people in Shandong know that the so-called processes are actually used to hinder their own people.

Once you meet an outsider, all the so-called processes will automatically fail.

Even though ordinary people in Shandong are obsessed with rules and procedures, once they encounter people outside who don't abide by the rules and procedures, they have no way to deal with it, and even stop their own people who abide by the rules and procedures. People, please show humility to outsiders who do not abide by the rules and procedures...

The reason is that it is a country of etiquette and humility.

In fact, if you can't control those who don't follow the rules and procedures, don't you have to control the rest who follow the rules?

According to the procedure, it is not time to eat.

Therefore, these soldiers of Cao's army had to work hard with empty stomachs.

However, under the urging of the officers, they still took action, pointing their swords and guns at the hussars and preparing for battle.

Cao Hong's original wound had somewhat recovered, but this time the battle caused the wound to burst again, and blood flowed down his legs and feet.

The guards could only re-apply herbs to Cao Hong, and then use straps to restrain him tightly.

"Xu Chu, Xu Zhongkang!" 』

Cao Hong popped out a few words from between his teeth.

Although Cao Hong hated Xu Chu very much, and saw his enemy right in front of him, he also had an expectation of revenge, but when he saw the chaos of his soldiers on the front, his heart continued to sink. The soldiers he brought were already very good, belonging to the elite ranks of Cao's army. At least when facing the hussar soldiers, they did not think of turning in immediately, but comparing them with each other, there was still a big gap. .

This is a problem for Shandong as a whole and cannot be changed by Cao Hong alone.

Yes, everyone in Shandong said so, so since Liu Xiu established his capital in Shandong, the Han Dynasty has not changed much, but has gone back to the old path.

Regardless of whether Xinmang was a time traveler or not, Xinmang made some perhaps impatient and inappropriate reforms based on some of the social and national ills at that time. From this point of view, Wang Mang is indeed too impatient. If his methods were gentler or slower, the results might be different.

However, the big man has no if.

Just like Cao Hong now, there is no what if.

He took the risk to fight, carrying the pain that had not yet healed, not for what-ifs, but for the ultimate victory.

For the victory that Cao Hong hopes for!

From a certain perspective, this is Cao Hong's psychological sunk cost. He paid too much for Cao's success, so he did not allow or accept Cao's failure. Even if Cao Cao told him that this failure was not a big deal, Cao Hong still felt uncomfortable in his heart.

Therefore, after Zhang Tiansheng's attempt to recapture Suoyang Pass failed, Cao Hong and Cao Cao proposed a wave of "siege and reinforcements"...

It's great if it succeeds, and it's not a big problem if it fails.

However, Cao Hong still believed that he could succeed!

Facing failure, the pain in my heart far exceeds the physical pain!

The more Cao Hong thought about it, the angrier he became. Suddenly he threw the bag in his hand to the ground and roared loudly: "Man!" Die or die! How can you beg for a meal? It’s convenient for me today! Fight to the death with you all! Let these thieves in Guanzhong also know that I am a strong warrior and have heroic spirit! 』

How can a real man be so humble just for a meal?

In addition to meals, there are also poems and distant places!

Isn't it?

The surrounding soldiers of Cao's army looked at each other and could only hold their weapons and follow Cao Hong forward.

Cao Hong's guard on the side also quickly bent down to pick up the bag on the ground, wiped the dust randomly, then quickened his pace and walked a few steps to catch up with Cao Hong.

…

…

Cavalry versus infantry array.

Before thermal weapons, this was not a simple matter.

The cavalry has an advantage over the infantry, but it may not have an overwhelming advantage against the infantry array, especially after Cao Jun has made correspondingly arranged defenses.

Life and death are undoubtedly the most powerful driving force for the evolution of war.

Cao Jun suffered losses and quickly made corresponding improvements in defense.

The speed of this change far exceeds the timeliness of ordinary affairs in Shandong.

At first, Cao Jun thought that the hussars were all lancers similar to those of the early Hu people. At most, they were melee lancers with reinforced armor. As long as they were not overwhelmed, they could fight in a real confrontation. After all, when the Han Dynasty first fought against the Xiongnu, wasn't it the same way?

But when Fei Qian came to Xu County for the first time, Cao Jun discovered that it was wrong to simply describe the Hussars as "enhanced version of Hu Cavalry". The defensive methods of locking the fort, tightening the suspension bridge, and huddled in the city, originally used to deal with the barbarian cavalry, dissipated together with the smoke of gunpowder amidst the roar of gunpowder.

So Cao Jun quickly developed a method of using mud, sand and rocks to block the city gates. The main purpose was to strengthen the defensive power of the turtle shell. However, Shandong discovered that the hussars had evolved again, with catapults, kerosene bombs and other lethal weapons appearing. A sexual weapon, a simple turtle shell, cannot resist both physical and magical damage...

All kinds of things.

Every time Guanzhong improves, Shandong, whether it actively wants to improve or reacts passively, must keep up, otherwise it will be beaten badly.

The archer cavalry tactics shown last time also caused Cao Jun to suffer a big loss, so now in front of Cao Jun's position, even when the dawn light is not very good, Xu Chu can see some large and small things on the ground, like Pockmarked black spots.

That's a trap.

Specializes in trapping horses' legs.

Don't the cavalry have to fire their bows quickly at close range? Now all "close range" positions have dug pits like this.

It's not impossible for Xu Chu to really make people rush up, but he definitely won't be able to run like before.

Once the cavalry cannot run as fast as it can, the damage it will suffer will definitely be greater.

This is obviously not what Xu Chu wants, but if we continue to use the old traditional cavalry tactics...

Turning in front of the formation, feinting on the flanks, pulling the array, scattering the enemy troops, etc. These are all common methods used by cavalry to deal with infantry arrays equipped with long spears, halberds, and strong shields and trenches.

However, Xu Chu was also reluctant to use these tactics because it would be slower.

Slow means giving the opponent more time to prepare and react, which also means a reduction in the survival probability of other hussar soldiers in Suoyang Pass.

The reason for being slow before a battle is because you need to prepare, adjust your formation, and restore and reserve your physical strength and horsepower. But once the battle begins, you cannot be slow. You must defeat the enemy formation quickly and effectively like thunder. Only in this way can you show your full potential. The strength of the Hussars made Cao Jun lose the confidence and courage to resist.

Xu Chu summoned Li Li and asked, "Cao Jun's infantry formation, how to defeat it?" 』

"The previous method obviously didn't work. I'm also thinking about how to fight..." Li Li squinted his eyes and asked, "What do you mean, general?" 』

Xu Chu nodded and looked at Cao Jun's formation in the distance, "Cao Jun's defense here is to lure you and me into the formation." 』

Li Li turned his head and looked in the direction of Zhongtiao Mountain Camp, "Haha, that's interesting." We used Suoyang Pass to fish out Cao Jun, and Cao Jun also used this idea to fish out us! Really...haha! 』

Xu Chu also smiled, then pointed at Cao Jun's infantry array, "Test its quality first." Although it seems that the formation is neat now, I still have to give it a try! 』

Li Li asked: "Should we use bows and arrows?" 』

"No." Xu Chu waved his hand and pointed at some Hu cavalry in the ranks of the troops, "Let them use throwing ropes." 』

"Throw a line?" "Li Li thought for a moment and then understood, "Throw grenades with a sling? 』

Xu Chu nodded, "If the formation is chaotic, it will be a break-in." However, caution is needed. Since there are traps in front of the formation, there are probably traps in the formation as well. 』

Li Li accepted the order and went down to prepare.

The horn and brass whistle were blown again, and this time it seemed more urgent and powerful, seeming to indicate something...

…

There is no such clear boundary between offense and defense.

Cao Hong's attack on Suoyang Pass was an attack, but in the blink of an eye it became a defense.

As soon as the battle started, Cao Jun discovered some new changes in the hussars.

At the moment, although Cao Hong did not completely capture Suoyang Pass, he and others were suppressed in the small stone fort. The narrow doorway and stairs at the entrance of the stone castle meant that it was difficult for Cao's army to enter, and it was also difficult for others to break out, so it meant that they had no worries.

But even if Cao Jun focused all his attention on facing the hussars, it would be difficult to resist the flexible and changeable tactical system of the hussars, and he was even a little tired of dealing with it!

With a glimmer of dawn on the horizon, Li Li led 800 cavalry and rushed to Cao Jun's position.

"Hold on!" Hold on! 』

The military academy in Cao's military line shouted.

Cao's archers have to wait until the opponent is within fifty steps before they can have greater direct lethality. Although ordinary projectiles can reach a hundred steps away, for cavalry covered with armor and wearing horse clothes, the lethality is very low. Actually very average.

Conversely, the same is true for cavalry. Running and shooting looks cool, but its lethality against armored units is also not very good.

More importantly, neither side relies on the base camp to conduct operations, and the number of arrows they carry is limited.

Cao's army will have more, but the Hussars basically only have two bags of arrows, sixty arrows.

If you just throw it out quickly, even a slow hand can shoot out more than a dozen arrows in a minute, and then all the arrows you carry can be shot out in a few minutes.

Then it was like Zhang Tiansheng won...

Therefore, in the initial stage of both sides, sporadic arrows were not intended to kill or injure each other, but to confirm the distance.

Li Li led the cavalry in front.

He and his cavalrymen all leaned forward slightly, lowered their waists, and relied on their waist and leg strength to sit on the horse at a distance.

Somewhat similar to standing horse stance.

It is not a static horse stride, but a dynamic horse stride that follows the ups and downs of the war horse.

This can maintain a relatively stable upper body on horseback, which is conducive to weapon control.

Every time Cao Hong saw such cavalry, he would feel a pain in his heart.

Because there used to be such troops among the Cao family, and the number was not large. But in the Battle of Hedong, such troops were consumed a little on the left and a little damaged on the right. Now, those who can mount a horse and run without falling off are already Can serve as cavalry.

If Cao Jun can get more war horses...

Before Cao Hong could finish recalling, the hussars and horses had already launched an attack.

To Cao Hong's surprise, this time the hussars did not try to get within twenty steps of the infantry formation!

But it only started to spread out and turn around after fifty steps!

this…

Why is this so fat? !

The last time Cao's infantry formation was destroyed by the hussars in one round, it was because the hussars showed the power of the archers' armor-breaking heavy arrows at extremely close range. At a distance of about ten steps, The infantry, whether with spears or halberds, could not inflict damage to the hussars, and the Cao army's archers in the middle and rear of the infantry line were blocked from shooting angles by their own soldiers, which meant that both long-range and short-range attacks were blocked. Unable to fight back, can only be beaten passively!

After learning from the painful experience, Cao Hong and others worked out how to counter the Hussars' tactics.

The best way is of course the Lancers.

It's a pity that Cao Jun doesn't have it.

Therefore, we could only study how to use infantry to restrain the cavalry tactics of hussars, so the Battle of Suoyang Pass came about.

In terms of combat deployment, Cao Jun found a slightly sloping mound, which allowed the archers in the rear to gain a certain height difference and some shooting angles.

Of course, the best way is for the infantry to line up at the intersection, and the archers to be on the high ground on both sides, so that they can freely and safely pour out long-range firepower. However, this kind of terrain is generally hard to come by, so most of the time, as long as you find a place with a The height difference is already pretty good.

In addition, there is another condition: the hussars must take the initiative to attack!

This is even harder than finding a suitable terrain.

But at Suoyang Pass, it seems that such conditions can be achieved reluctantly...

Cao Jun's reaction speed was not slow. Seeing that the hussars did not seem to have the intention to move forward, although it was not clear why the hussars did this, they instinctively knew that they could not let the hussars complete various tactical changes so calmly. So Cao Jun's military academy shouted loudly: "Archers!" All available! Strong wind! Strong wind! 』

After giving the order, Cao Jun's archers got busy.

"aim! 』

"Everyone has it, ten quick shots!" 』

"wind! Strong wind! 』

Amidst the sound of bow strings, arrows and crossbow bolts roared out, passed over the heads of the large shields and spears in the front row, and rushed towards the hussars.

The archers of Cao's army used short bows.

To a certain extent, it can be roughly regarded as the entertainment bow and arrow of later generations.

The biggest advantage of this short bow is that it is cheap.

But the result is a reduction in shooting distance and power.

The arrows of a short bow are comparable to pistol bullets within fifty steps. The closer the distance, the greater the power. However, once it exceeds fifty steps, the kinetic energy decays very much, so there is a saying that it cannot penetrate Lu Tao.

Even the damage caused by projectiles is due to the smaller weight of the arrows of short bows, so the lethality cannot be compared to that of long bows with longer arrows or heavier arrows.

The hussars were really stuck on the edge of the maximum lethality of the short bows of Cao's archers.

The reason why the card can be so accurate is that the hussars are basically good players with bows and arrows. Naturally, they are very clear about the distance control of bows and arrows. However, the hussars also did not expect that Cao Jun not only led the ordinary marching troops. Short-stepping bows, long bows, and powerful crossbows!

Longbows not only take longer to make, but also cost more.

It often takes more than a year to make a longbow, and the isinglass wood also requires relatively high quality.

The cost of making a long bow can often be used to make three short bows, or even more inferior, four or five short bows can be made.

Short bows also reduce the need for arrow quality.

This kind of short bow, or relatively inferior ordnance, is the mainstream in Shandong. The reason is naturally that there are many people in Shandong...

As for strong crossbows, they require high-quality materials, special craftsmanship, assembly techniques, etc. Therefore, Cao's army has always had mostly short bows and fewer long bows, let alone large-scale strong crossbows.

But this time, the archery troops led by Cao Hong included many longbowmen and crossbowmen.

In the land of Shandong, during the war in the Central Plains, these things were not very useful, and naturally there was no demand before. However, the Han Dynasty originally had powerful crossbows, and they developed well in the early stage.

After rummaging through boxes and cabinets, I found some items in stock.

In fact, the tactics used by Cao Hong cannot be regarded as the original creation of Cao Hong and others. As early as the early Han Dynasty, Li Ling, who was finally defeated and captured, used this tactic to restrain the Hu Qi at that time. If the bows and arrows had not been exhausted in the end, Li Ling might have been able to retreat to the Han Dynasty with most of his troops. At that time, Li Ling sighed, "Recovering dozens of arrows is enough to escape." 』

Of course, this is not the "tens of arrows" of Li Ling alone, but the ammunition base of the entire army. In other words, under Li Ling's tactics at that time, if there were still two base numbers, that is, fifty or sixty arrows and crossbows, it would be enough to break out.

Unlike later movies and TV shows where the crossbows are thrown with their buttocks backwards on the ground, the crossbows on the real battlefield are fired stably in a half-kneeling position on both sides of the array, closer to the front.

When facing short bows, a distance of about fifty steps is a relatively safe distance, but when facing long bows and powerful crossbows, a distance of at least a hundred steps is required to be considered relatively safe. As a result, Cao Jun's short bows basically scratched the hussars' cavalry, but the long bows and crossbows mixed in them really caused casualties to the hussars!

Cao Jun had not used it before, but now he suddenly took it out, which naturally caused the hussars to suffer a loss. As Cao Jun's long-range firepower poured out, some of the hussars were shot and fell to the ground!

"good! When Cao Hong saw this, he was very happy and said, "Good shot!" good! Did you see that? ! The Hussars are not made of iron! If you hit him, you'll die! 』

Cao Jun's soldiers also cheered up.

However, before Cao's soldiers could cheer for shooting many hussars, the hussars attacked...