Chapter 487 Chapter 490 Destroyed
The enemy's Sanzhai alarm bell sounded, and teams of Tang troops marched out from Sanzhai to prepare for change outside the village. Their actions were fast and not chaotic, which fully demonstrated the high efficiency and well-trained Tang troops.

Xu Ziling, Ma Chang and Yang Gongqing each led their cavalry out of the city at this time, and after forming three horizontal formations, a cavalry formation composed of a thousand or five men blocked the enemy's sight, preventing the enemy from seeing the ten bows and crossbow arrows and five arrows coming out of the city. NTU Feishi also has [-] wooden donkey carts and over a hundred toad carts.

Five thousand city residents were organized and sent bags of sand and mud outside the city.

Xu Ziling observed the mobilization of the enemy's soldiers from a distance, and he couldn't help but reinforce the arrow tower position on the edge of the second trench. Among the enemy's three armies, the army led by Lu Jun'e himself was the strongest, reaching 6000 people, and the other armies from the left and right villages , with a strength of 3 people, plus the Tang soldiers guarding the twelve arrow tower formations, the total strength of the Tang army in front of them is close to [-], which is four times their strength.

Yang Gongqing said: "The leader of the left village of the Tang army is Feng Liben, and the leader of the right village is Qin Wutong. Both are Li Yuanji's confidant generals."

The opponent was Li Yuanji instead of Li Shimin, Xu Ziling felt relieved, and asked: "Lu Jun'er's soldiers are divided into two formations, front and back, instead of the usual second or six formations. Is it considered irregular?"

Ma Chang explained: "This is the formation method. The army is divided into two formations, the front and the back, and each formation is divided into three teams. The spears are in the front, the archers are in the second, and the crossbowmen are in the back. Squat down to fight, and those who stand up will slash, so they can't retreat; the archers of the second team kneel to fight, and the crossbowmen behind stand up and shoot. When the arrows in the front line are exhausted or the casualties are too heavy, the front line will retreat and the back line will be replaced, hence the name It is an array. An array is good for defense and not easy for offense, so it is not easy to break through."

Xu Ziling nodded and said: "So that's the case. It can be seen that Li Yuanji strictly ordered his subordinates to intercept the siege, and not let us break through the siege to join Xia's army. Is there any way to make Lu Jun'er really believe that we are going to break out of the siege?"

Yang Gongqing said: "In the situation where the enemy is heavily surrounded, only the light cavalry can barely break through. If we work a little bit on the mobilization of the cavalry, we can surely deceive the enemy."

Xu Ziling said: "This method is reserved for future use. Our strategic goal tonight is to fill up a section of the first trench, use large flying stones to destroy the two arrow towers in the second trench, and set up a turret that can face the enemy across the trench." Stabilize the soil and mud bag position, and you're done."

With an order, the trumpeter blew the horn, and the central army led by Ba Yegang began to advance towards the first trench, and the left and right armies moved accordingly.

Shan Xiongxin, the leader of the left army, advanced along the west bank of the Yishui River; Duan Da, the leader of the right army, although the west was empty and there was no danger to defend, there were ambush soldiers from Dingding and Houzai gates.

Behind the Dingding Gate and the Houzai Gate, there were about two thousand-man cavalry regiments, led by Wang Xuanshu and Meng Xiaowen.

Xu Ziling's cavalry team also moved forward slowly, followed by 50 wooden donkey carts, and each wooden donkey cart contained [-] fortification soldiers, responsible for transporting soil and filling the trench.

Ten eight crossbow and arrow machines and five flying stones walked slowly among the cavalry, and the battle clouds outside the city were dense.

The enemy's war drums sounded in unison, shaking the Yiluo Plain outside the south of the city. The enemy Gaozhai rushed out a cavalry team of nearly 20 people and came to the rear of Lu Jun'e's formation.

Lu Jun'e's main force began to move, advancing towards the second trench to support the two arrow tower formations facing the Changxia Gate along the trench.As long as it can withstand the counterattack of the city defenders, the Tang army can cut in from the gap in the second trench and attack the defenders who have crossed the first trench.

The war is about to start.

……

While Shen Mu was thinking hard in the inner hall, Xu Xingzhi and Chen Lao sought to see each other.

The three of them sat down around the table, Chen Laomou said: "Just now I was discussing tactics with Army Master Xu, and Mr. Xu raised some concerns, I think he should directly tell the young commander, so I forced him to come to see you."

Shen Mu heard the string song and knew the elegant meaning, and knew that false deeds must have contrary opinions, but he dared not raise it in front of everyone, so he told Chen Laomou in private, hoping that Chen Laomou would remind him.He smiled happily and said, "If you have any opinions from the military advisor, you can tell me frankly. How can I, Shen Mu, be a narrow-chested and intolerant person like Wang Shichong?"

It should be embarrassingly false.

Chen Laomou said: "According to the information we have, Wei Qing, the businessman who bought Liu Zhicheng, handed over two carrier pigeons to Liu Zhicheng, left Chenliu overnight, and disappeared without a trace. Mr. Xu thinks this matter is very serious."

Shen Mu looked at Xu Xingzhi in astonishment.

The way of false action: "Li Shiji is not only talented, but also has rich experience. The young commander transported food to Luoyang last time, and was attached by the Tang army. With the young commander's shrewdness, how can he not be suspicious and will thoroughly investigate the traitor. I am afraid Li Shiji had already guessed that the young marshal would expose Liu Zhicheng's activities, so he planned to deal with us instead."

Shen Mu frowned and said, "It's a bit of luck that we were able to expose Zhicheng so quickly this time, how could Li Shiji know?"

The way of false action: "Our opponent is the famous and cunning Xiang Yushan. It is impossible for him to be late in this matter. He can buy Zhicheng or other people. After all, our young commander has not been able to get up and down. Just like one, people who are not firm-willed can easily be taken advantage of by Xiang Yushan. If there is such a person among Zhicheng's subordinates, and Zhicheng is suddenly detained and replaced by someone else, then Zhicheng's identity as a traitor is exposed. Enemies are no longer secrets."

Shen Mu was startled and said: "The military adviser's thinking is indeed more careful than mine, alas! What should we do now? Isn't our plan of mantis catching cicadas unworkable?"

Chen Laomou said: "This matter can be discussed in detail, let's first assume that the guess of Xu Junshi is correct, and make another plan, maybe we can still teach Li Shiji a big loss."

With Shen Mu's intelligence, he still felt a bit overwhelmed, and muttered in a dazed way: "What's the plan? Is there any plan?"

The way of false action: "Wen Yuan is leading an army of 5000 people from the East China Sea. If they are deployed properly, they may become a surprise soldier. This matter will be handled by my subordinates. I will not only deceive the possible traitors, but also deceive Xiang Xiang. Yushanbu is a spy in our country."

For the first time, Shen Mu felt that Xiangyu Mountain was a serious threat to the Young Marshal's Army, so he nodded and said, "Leave this matter to the master."

Chen Laomou said: "The military division has two more proposals, both of which are aimed at the defeat of Dou's army, and our young commander's response will be later."

Shen Mu was overjoyed and said, "I can't sleep peacefully because of this, sir, what's your suggestion?"

Xu Xing hesitated to speak, and finally said after a long while: "Before leaving, Master Ba pulled me aside and said a few words."

Shen Mu was stunned and said, "What did he say?"

The way of false action: "He said that if the young commander does not give up the idea of ​​joining forces with Dou Jun in Hulao, and does not wait for the fall of Luoyang, our young commander will not be able to hold his position first."

Shen Mu's whole spine felt chilly, because he had always secretly held this idea, thinking that no matter how Dou Jiande treats him, based on his loyalty in the world, he must not just sit and watch him being destroyed by Li Shimin.

He remembered Ba Fenghan's words again: "Whoever is ruthless can survive."

That's what war is all about.

The Way of False Action: "Master Baba said something else, he said that if your young commander can apply the sword technique to the art of war, then Li Shimin is no match for him."

Chen Laomou took the case and exclaimed: "Xiao Ba's views are very precise."

Shen Mu murmured: "I first use the art of war to enter the sword. If I can use the art of sword to enter the art of war, wouldn't the young general be as sharp and nimble as my long sword? His grandma's opinion, Xiong, why didn't he directly address it earlier?" Tell me?"

Xu Xingzhi said in a low voice: "Grand Baba instructed that you can only confess his views to the young marshal until you attack Kaifeng at all costs."

Shen Mu's eyes turned red, he deeply felt Ba Fenghan's love and care for him, he actually changed his usual style of "worshipping him at the head", and carefully gave him advice through false words, using such thought, the effect was even more obvious .If soldiers are used like knives, when the swords are facing each other, there is no place for the "benevolence of women" that the Turks have always despised.

Xu Xingzhi's voice continued to spread into his ears and said: "King Xia is already suspicious of the young marshal. If the young marshal tries to enter the tiger prison according to the original agreement, King Xia will misunderstand that Song Que's army has arrived. Shuai has worked hard, maybe something will go wrong, which will be harmful to both parties."

Chen Laomou interjected: "Mr. Xu's words are reasonable. We should defend rather than attack. Li Shiji is not an idler, and he has Xiang Yushan's secret help. We really shouldn't take the risk to attack."

Shen Mu took a deep breath, sobered up a little, and said blankly, "We really shouldn't act rashly, otherwise, if Dou's army is defeated, our way back to Chenliu will definitely be cut off by Li Shiji. What better way do you two have to deal with?"

Xu Xingzhi said in a deep voice: "Dig a tunnel and take Xiangyang."

Shen Mu's body trembled violently, he came to his senses completely, and repeated what Xu Xingzhi said: "Dig a tunnel? Take Xiangyang?"

Chen Laomou said: "I came up with the trick of digging tunnels. I am an expert in this field. I will preside over it. You can rest assured. Also, there is a chapter in the volume of Lu Miaozi's legacy that the young commander gave me." When we talk about the "vertical well rolling method", we are talking about how to dig deep and long tunnels, as long as we dig three tunnels, we can escape quickly when Luoyang falls."

Shen Mu nodded and said: "Now Luoyang seems to be under our control. There is no problem in digging tunnels. The proposal of finding the old man is indeed feasible. How many people are needed to find the old man?"

Chen Laomou said: "To dig out three deep, wide, and long tunnels leading directly to the outside of Luoyang City without anyone noticing, not only special tools but also skilled craftsmen are needed. There are 100 strong men, and the young commander will send another hundred strong men to help me, and the old man is sure to complete the feat of digging three tunnels within a month."

The way of false action: "In the current situation, even if the young commander can escape Luoyang safely when the city of Luoyang is broken, it is also a trap to retreat eastward to Chenliu. The only way is to flee to the south to find a foothold. If you can reach the waterway The city of Xiangyang, which extends in all directions, can enter the Huai River via the Han River, take a boat downstream to Zhongli, and take a roundabout route back to Liangdu, and it can attract the Tang army to pursue it for thousands of miles, ease the pressure on Chen Liu, and kill two birds with one stone."

Shen Mu frowned and said, "Xiangyang?"

The way of false action: "Although Xiangyang is not a major city, it is located in the upper reaches of the Han River, bordering Bashu in the west, controlling Jingchu in the south, and Heluo in the north. If Xiangyang is not captured, the young commander will also be intercepted by the Kaifeng Tang army in the east. There is no way forward, and there are pursuers behind, so the situation is critical."

Shen Mu asked, "What's the current situation in Xiangyang?"

The Way of False Action: "According to Qifei's information, Xiangyang was captured by Li Shimin's general Luo Yi in more than ten days. Zhu Can and Qian Duguan were captured on the spot and taken to Guanzhong. Both sides suffered heavy casualties. Xiangyang's moat was filled. The city wall has been damaged in many places, and it will not be possible to repair it in a few months. Therefore, if we attack Zhongli at this time and take advantage of the fact that all the naval forces of the Tang Dynasty are concentrated in Luoyang, Hulao and Kaifeng, unable to defend the waterways, we will have a lot of trouble. It has a great chance of successfully attacking. But the time to attack Xiangyang must be precise, if it is too early, the Tang army will have plenty of time to counterattack, and if it is too late, it will not be able to cooperate with the young commander to withdraw from Luoyang."

Chen Laomou said: "The success or failure of the attack on Xiangyang is kept secret, so we must deploy carefully. It is best to leave this matter to the military division."

Shen Mu said in a deep voice: "What if it is unexpected and it is Dou Jun who wins?"

Xu Xingzhi replied: "The young commander still has to leave Luoyang immediately, otherwise Dou Jiande may turn his face and be ruthless and refuse to let the young commander leave, and come to catch him in a urn. People's hearts are unpredictable, although the young commander treats people with sincerity, he may not be able to win Return the same."

Shen Mu recalled that Dou Jiande ordered Liu Heitai to stay in the rear, and it is very likely that there was such a plan to defeat the Tang army first, and then wipe out the young marshal's army.

At the same time, he also saw that his chief adviser was not only intelligent, but also well-versed in human relationships.He came to persuade himself with Chen Laomou, because the latter was half teacher and half friend when he met him, even if he pointed at Shen Mu's nose and scolded him, he would just listen respectfully.

He sighed and said, "Are you sure you will guard Chenliu and Liangdu on the one hand, and send troops to attack Xiangyang on the other?"

False way: "For more than ten days, we have strengthened the city defenses of Chenliu and Liangdu day and night, built more forts along the coast, and have airships defending the river. Although Li Shiji's army is more than twice as strong as ours, he is still incapable. Conquer Chenliu in a short period of time and break through the northern front of our army. When the young commander returns to Luoyang, Li Shiji cannot sit idly by. As long as we have good tactics and cooperate with each other under the command of the young commander, we should be able to defeat Li Shiji severely. One day Dou Jun's threat to Tang Jun has not been eliminated, and the young commander will have no worries."

Shen Mu secretly sighed again, he was thinking of Dou Jiande, Ba Fenghan was thinking of him and Shen Mu, Xu Xingzhi and Chen Laomou were thinking of the honor and disgrace of the Young Marshal Country; there were many conflicts between them.Since I am the leader of the Young Marshal Army, I should put those who follow him in the first place, and I must not push the Young Marshal Country into danger because of my own selfishness.

The most convincing part of Xu Xing is that it is Shen Mu's wishful thinking to join forces with Dou Jiande. Dou Jiande may not appreciate it, and it may be counterproductive.

At this time Luo Qifei came in a hurry, just looking at his expression, he knew that there was something urgent to report.

……

Outside the city, there was a lot of shouting and killing, and the fighting was fierce.

After nearly two hours of repeated fighting, the siege army and the city defenders were still at loggerheads, and both sides suffered casualties.

Lu Jun'e deserved to be a well-known general of the Tang Dynasty who had experienced many battles. He didn't have a common plan, so he divided his troops and attacked along the trench from the direction of Houzai Gate, immobilizing the [-] cavalry who were ambushing behind the Houzai and Dingding Gates.

The Tang army concentrated all its strength to forcibly attack the city defenders who had successfully filled the first trench, crossed the trench and attacked the two arrow tower positions on the outer edge of the second trench.

The main force of Gaozhai led by Lu Jun'er all forced to the south edge of the second trench, and used arrows to cooperate with the strong bow and catapults in the two positions to forcefully resist the defenders from the trench, preventing the defenders from pushing forward. Unable to fill the trench.

The enemy troops in the other two villages took turns to attack the defenders who crossed the trench from the right side of the gap in the second trench, crushing the attacks of the defenders wave after wave.

One of the two arrow towers was destroyed by a large flying stone, and the other was set on fire. However, more than a dozen trebuchets behind the protective wall piled up with mud packs still exerted a huge lethality.

Arrows filled the sky, coming and going.

About [-] wood donkeys from Xu Ziling's side were smashed by stones, some of them could not resist the rockets, and some were burned.Fortunately, there are still seven of the ten and eight bows and arrows intact. They are used to block the enemy attacking from the side. They can penetrate the opponent's shield and even block the arrow, and play an important role in defending against the enemy.

The three large flying stones that have not been destroyed have concentrated on attacking the enemy's mud and rock formations and become a super weapon that threatens the opponent's trebuchets.

When the contradictors and archers of the Tang Army who attacked the second trench were forced to retreat again, the infantry and cavalry of the Tang Army who attacked from the side also retreated like a tide.

Seeing the opportunity, Xu Ziling gave an order and led his thousand-five cavalry to attack the enemy. Holding a shield in his left hand and a gun in his right, he took the lead. If he can shoot two rounds of arrows in time, he will catch up with him. The spears are everywhere, and the enemy soldiers are turned on their backs, and the formation is in chaos.

The chaos spread like a wave, instantly affecting the entire Tang army that retreated from the gap to the second trench. The cavalry behind Xu Ziling flocked to kill them. It was a mess.

Yang Gongqing and Ma Changchang had already seized the opportunity, and commanded the second team of their own troops to fill the position of the front army, and launched a new round of attacks on the enemy's position, so that the pressure on Lu Jun'e's main force suddenly increased, and it was difficult to send troops to meet the troops who came out of the gap. Xu Ziling and Qianwu Jingqi.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the enemy's left and right villages dispatched two cavalry teams of 2000 to intercept Xu Ziling's cavalry that broke through the gap. If Xu Ziling were allowed to cross the battlefield and attack Lu Jun'er's main force guarding the trench from the flanks or rear, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Lu Jun'er's reaction was in line with the law of war. He personally led [-] cavalry to form a formation on the left side of the trench guards, waiting for work with ease. As long as Xu Ziling dared to attack, he would deal a head-on blow.

For a while, hooves roared and the sound of killing shook the sky, pushing the battle to a fierce peak.

Xu Ziling broke through the gap first, guessing the enemy's strategy in a flash of thought, assuming he recklessly attacked Lu Jun'er's much stronger main force, once the retreat was cut off by the cavalry from the other two villages, they would become a lone army , There is death and there is no life, I am afraid that no one can retreat from the gap.

At this moment, a person sprang out from nowhere, and flew towards Lu Jun'e's cavalry formation from a distance like flying.Xu Ziling's eyesight is so sharp, he recognized Ba Fenghan at a glance, he hurriedly gave up the idea of ​​retreating, and shouted wildly: "Follow me!"

He led a thousand and five cavalrymen and rushed towards Lu Jun'e who was three thousand paces away. As long as he could attract Lu Jun'er's attention to them, Ba Fenghan would take advantage of it.

At this time, the defenders at the two gates to the east opened the gates to attack. Their task was to fill in the trenches instead of defending them, and their role was to contain Li Yuanji's commander-in-chief.

(End of this chapter)

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