Chapter 901: Facing the Priory
After the Western Wei army arrived in Hongnong and rested for a while, they continued eastward.
From Hongnong to Luoyang, the only way you can walk is the two roads of Xiaohan. The North Road is slightly more dangerous, but it can go straight to Luoxi. Although the South Road is long and winding, the road condition is better. Important ordnance and large quantities of baggage usually still need to enter and exit through the South Road.
The Chinese and Foreign Affairs Offices came out in full force this time, and all the armor and horse ordnance they had accumulated for many years entered the army. The main army must enter the Heluo area via Nanxiao Road.
However, because the Northern Qi Dynasty has strengthened its defenses in Luoxiduo in recent years, if the forward attack of the army does not go smoothly and the army is stranded in the middle, both supplies and morale will be quickly consumed, so it is also necessary to make two-way preparations, and one more person will be added to the two-way march. The breakthrough point is also a safe choice.
Although the North Guo Road is short, its exit is closer to the core area where the enemy is focused on defense. If it can be used well, it will naturally hit the key point and hit the enemy's center.
But if you don't perform well and your teachers are exhausted, you will become a lonely lamb waiting to be slaughtered. It is very likely that you will be surrounded and annihilated by the enemy, which will make it difficult for the entire war to continue and can only end in failure.
The Battle of Xiaoguan in the early years of the Eastern and Western Wei Dynasties was such a situation. At that time, Gao Huan's troops were divided into three groups and attacked Guanzhong with great momentum. Yuwentai concentrated his superior forces and went straight to Dou Tai's army in the middle. After defeating Dou Tai's group, The remaining two routes were in danger without fighting.
Therefore, although the troops on Beikiao Road are just a partial division, the results they can achieve will determine the subsequent direction of the entire war. Naturally, the choice of generals to lead the army needs to be cautious.
Of course, Yu Wentai wanted to lead the main force forward. As for the commander of the North Road, after weighing it, he finally decided to hand it over to Grand Tutor Li Bi. Li Bi would lead eight thousand elite troops to kill Heluo via Xin'an.
Yuwentai attaches great importance to this war. Although Li Bi's abilities have always been guaranteed and disappointments rarely happen, before leaving, Yuwentai couldn't help but give some advice: "Although there are many young men in the country, there are few who can hold important positions and defeat powerful enemies as often as a certain person did in the past. The march on the North Road has a heavy responsibility, and it cannot be expected without the Taifu himself! I am still crazy and hope to meet with the Taifu. Luoyang, attack the powerful enemy together, and make the world famous again!"
"I will never forget the story of those days. This time, I will live up to your Majesty's use!"
After Li Bi heard the words, he quickly clasped his fists and said, but there was still a somewhat complicated look in his eyes that he couldn't wipe away.
Twenty years have passed since they established the rule of Kansai. Twenty years is enough for a generation to grow up. Twenty years is also enough for the young and powerful military generals to have gray hair and declining ambition. Nowadays, Li Bi has already passed the age of sixty years. Although he still has the courage to be honest and honest, he still lacks a bit of the high-spiritedness he had back then. Now that he has taken on important responsibilities, he is more or less reluctant to do it.
It's not like there was a talent gap in the Western Wei Dynasty. The old ones were declining and being eliminated, and new ones were emerging all the time. There was even a supernova that was the best in the world.
However, it is precisely because of this that other equally outstanding young men in the country are overshadowed. Even some old guys who have already become famous are on pins and needles and still have to work hard to prove themselves. The Eastern Expedition, which was supposed to be a grand event, could not help but become a little dejected.
As the two groups of troops marched separately, Yu Wentai ordered his troops to speed up in order to reach the battlefield as soon as possible. Not only did the soldiers have to travel day and night, but he himself was not able to get enough rest in the increasingly cold winter. Inspired by the passion, lying in the snow and drinking ice is just an ordinary thing.
Of course, during this busy and hard march, there were some people who still remained leisurely, such as Da Sima Duguxin, who also accompanied the army on the expedition.
Not to mention Li Bi, who marched in separate lanes and was responsible for breaking the war, the other Zhuguozhong Da Xiwu who accompanied the army was the vanguard of the division and led the front troops to advance at full speed. Zhao Gui, who was the commander of the rear, also He is responsible for all things and is responsible for the logistical support of the army.
However, Dugu Xin was the first Zhuguo to confirm that he would go out with the army, but he did not have any leadership in the army. Although he served as a staff adviser, since the march, Major Otsuka Zai also rarely called him into the Chinese army. to discuss military affairs. So much so that a dignified Sima was reduced to a transparent person in the army.
If Otsuka Zai hadn't specially arranged for the confidants in the tent to follow and protect Da Sima's personal safety, then Dugu Xin's presence in the army would have been even weaker.
Of course, transparency also has its advantages. At least you don't have to brace yourself to deal with various complicated military affairs during the march. Since there was no fixed military itinerary for him, Dugu Xin's travels were quite random. He would go out at sunrise and stay overnight in the afternoon. When encountering windy, cold and snowy weather, he would simply stop for the whole day.
When he set off from Hongnong, Duguxin was still walking with the Chinese army, but when he entered the mountain road of Xiaoshan, he gradually fell behind and was walking with the rear troops and baggage teams.
"Da Sima is really a blessed person. Everyone is busy and busy, but Da Sima is as leisurely as an immortal."
As the commander-in-chief of the rear army, Zhao Gui took some time off from his busy schedule. After camping, he got into Dugu Xin's tent and saw Dugu Xin drinking and pouring himself leisurely. There were several government officials and scribes reading poems to him. Zhao Gui, whose eyes were filled with blood, couldn't help but sigh.
Duguxin raised his hand to signal the waiter to prepare a felt banquet and wine utensils for Zhao Gui. After Zhao Gui took off his outer robe and fur coat that was already covered with frost and snow, he sighed and said: "Why do you mock me, Duke Nanyang? I am now Don’t you know the situation and treatment?”
Hearing Dugu Xin's words were so straightforward, Zhao Gui laughed dryly and stopped elaborating. He picked up the warm wine and drank several cups. When some warmth rose in his body, he looked at it again. Dugu Xin said: "Although we are separated in two places, there are always swan geese sending messages. This army's eastward expedition is a rare and powerful move in the country in recent years. King Tao of Taiyuan has a sophisticated strategy and far-reaching plans. I don't know if he has any good words to send to Da Sima. ?”
When Dugu Xin heard this, he frowned slightly. He looked at Zhao Gui carefully before waving his hands and saying, "Although I went out with the army, I was just an idler. Duke Nanyang came into the tent to look for some wine. I I sincerely welcome you, but if you want to talk about military aircraft, you will have to stay away from me, let alone discuss these extraneous matters with the general of Guanwai Town. "
"Oh, I am so clumsy and annoying that I made a gaffe. I should punish myself with three cups of wine!"
After Zhao Gui heard what Dugu Xin said, he also showed an apologetic expression on his face and raised his glass to apologize. Such an informed and conscious look made Dugu Xin feel a little embarrassed, so he drank with Zhao Gui. After a few drinks, the atmosphere between them, although not too passionate, was still harmonious.
As the army on the south road gradually left the mountains and gathered along the Luoshui River Valley towards Jiuqu City, Li Bi's troops on the north road, which had a shorter distance, had also arrived at Hangu Pass.
Hanguan City was previously occupied by Han Xiong, Wei Xuan and other generals from western Henan. The Northern Qi garrison attempted to capture it several times but failed. In order to ensure the safety of the west side of Heluo, they had to find another plan. The city garrison continued to be built east of Hanguan to block the way out of the city.
After Li Bi arrived here, he had no time to rest and recuperate, and immediately began to proactively distribute troops to attack the surrounding city garrison.
News that the front line of the Wei army had arrived in Luoxi was soon reported to Jinyong City, where the Heluo Garrison Center is now located. Today's Jinyong City is more complete, and there are many large and small forts scattered along the Luoshui River for dozens of miles to the south, forming a very large and complete defensive system.
The governor of Luozhou was exposed. He was originally a general under Hou Jing. He surrendered after Hou Jing's rebellion. With the recommendation of Gao Yue, the king of Qinghe, he was able to serve for his crime and made meritorious service. Therefore, he also knew the situation between Heluo and Heluo very well. Luozhou Sima Dugu Yongye was promoted and appointed as a confidant by Qi Lord Gao Yang, and he was also shrewd and capable. The two had a tacit understanding of this cooperation. When they heard the news that the Western Wei army was about to attack, they dispatched troops to strengthen defense.
However, as the Pingqin King Gao Guiyan arrived at Jinyong City as the vanguard of the reinforcements, some differences arose in the originally harmonious situation.
"The bandits have entered Xin'an, why not gather troops to attack them?"
When Gao Guiyan saw that the garrison reports in Luoxi cities reported the military situation of the attack, and the two defenders in the city did not take it seriously, he immediately raised his objection with dissatisfaction: "Now the thieves are coming from far away." , the process is uneven, it is time to attack them separately while they are tired. Now you two are distributing orders and only know how to prepare for the battle once the bandit army reaches Heluo."
Hearing Gao Guiyan's doubts, Luozhou Governor Baoxian did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, the North and South Roads are now under the control of thieves, and it is difficult to predict the true strength of the thieves. Our army has continuously increased the number of soldiers in recent years. Defense requires only strong defense on all sides and it will be difficult for thieves to defeat them. Once the army of the country arrives, it will be very easy to defeat thieves..."
"Nonsense! The imperial court spends tens of thousands of money, food, and soldiers every year. Is it just to make you and other cowardly and mediocre generals shrink back? Whenever there is a military disaster, we need to rely on the country for strong support. We will station you and other generals here. What’s the use!”
Gao Guiyan had just succeeded in framing his cousin Gao Yue in the country. Just when he was satisfied with his ambition, and now he was entrusted with such an important task by His Majesty the Emperor, he also wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to show off his invading enemies and show his power to the people. He is also a good person, so it is natural to replace Gao Yue.
Dugu Yongye, who was standing next to him, saw that Gao Guiyan was quite contemptuous of the enemy, so he quickly stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, please be patient. This attack is definitely not ordinary. They are all stubborn old men among the Western thieves... "
"When thieves come, the old thing is the old man. When thieves come, they are as young and strong as Li Boshan. How can they be easily defeated? No one, young or old, can fight against them. Why are the thieves so weak and I so strong now?"
Gao Guiyan waved his hand to interrupt Dugu Yongye's words, and immediately said loudly: "There are tens of thousands of troops stationed in the city now. Come with me to attack and kill this bandit army to fight first!"