Chapter 310: The Great Battle, Turning Defense Into Offense, Attacking the Heart First

On March 10, the eighth year of Jiayou's reign, Wei Yuan arrived in Tangyin.

Because the 200,000 southern troops led by Lin Zhaoyuan trekked all the way, they rarely rested along the way.

Therefore, we arrived in Tangyin two days earlier than Wei Yuan.

In the past two days, in addition to resting and reorganizing the army, Lin Zhaoyuan also surveyed the terrain of Yonghe.

At this moment, Wei Yuan and Lin Zhaoyuan were wandering around Tangyin City.

The latter briefly explained some situations in the city,

"Before our army arrived, the Liao army stationed about three thousand troops in this city."

"The Liao army is not good at defending the city. It only took our army about an hour to recover the city."

"However, since the Liao army captured Tangyin, most of the people in the city moved south to avoid disaster, leaving only some large clans with deep roots."

Although there are still some wealthy people who have not left Tangyin, Tangyin is extremely deserted at this moment, and it is difficult to see ordinary people on the streets.

"Have you heard that the surname with the most people in Tangyin is Yue?" Wei Yuan asked curiously.

Lin Zhaoyuan nodded slightly, "It seems his surname is Yue. Why did Commander Wei suddenly ask about this?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said: "It's nothing, let's talk casually and let's talk about business. You should understand the situation in Yonghe Town, right? How long do you think it will take to regain this town?"

Lin Zhaoyuan asked: "How many soldiers and horses does the commander of the Wei plan to give to the last general?"

Wei Yuan suddenly stopped and said seriously: "The two hundred thousand soldiers you brought from the south are all at your disposal."

Two hundred thousand?

Lin Zhaoyuan was startled and quickly bowed and said: "The general is not capable enough and cannot lead 200,000 soldiers!"

Wei Yuan laughed loudly and said: "Back then, Han Xin was just a pawn under Liu Bang, and then he transformed into the commander-in-chief of the Han army. Now you are only allowed to lead 200,000 troops, but are you under pressure?"

Only two hundred thousand

Lin Zhaoyuan smiled bitterly and said: "Commander Wei, throughout the ages, there has only been one Immortal Soldier. At the end of the day, the general will lead 200,000 soldiers. I'm afraid Pao Ze will be dissatisfied."

Wei Yuan patted his shoulder and said earnestly: "You and I are soldiers of the same year, right?"

Lin Zhaoyuan shook his head and said: "The commander-in-chief of the Wei joined the army in the third year of Huangyou, and the last general was in the fourth year of Huangyou."

Huangyou is the third to last reign title used by Zhao Zhen, with a total of six years. There is also a Zhihe reign title in the middle, which lasts two years, and Jiayou has eight years.

From this, Wei Yuan's age is calculated, and he is already twenty-nine years old this year.

To be in charge of a million-strong army at the age of twenty-nine is an extremely rare thing in all dynasties.

"There was only one year between you and me when we joined the army. Now I can command an army of one million. Why not let you command an army of two hundred thousand?"

Wei Yuan spoke slowly.

Lin Zhaoyuan bowed and said: "How dare you compare yourself to the Commander-in-Chief of the Guards?"

"Commander Wei, General Xiao is more stable than me, and General Shen is better at using troops than me. In terms of qualifications, I can't compare. After all, I am a scout, and they are all the generals who guarded Yanmen."

Wei Yuan stood with his hands behind his back and stepped forward slowly, "There is no need for you to be arrogant. I know your abilities very well. You are more meticulous than Xiao Yuming and more considerate of the overall situation than Shen Qing. This is a military order and you are not allowed to refute it."

Lin Zhaoyuan had nothing to say, so he had no choice but to bow and say, "No."

Wei Yuan said in a deep voice: "On March 15th, we will launch a general attack on Yonghe. You still have a few days to prepare. Don't worry, fight hard and slowly. As long as you can recapture Yonghe and Tang before the armies arrive at their scheduled locations." That’s all.”

Lin Zhaoyuan nodded firmly, "Commander Wei, please rest assured."

Wei Yuan hired Lin Zhaoyuan for one reason.

Lin Zhaoyuan's biggest advantage is his tenacity and ability to fight hard.

When the battle of Xiangzhou begins, Tangyi and Yonghe will be the places bearing the heaviest pressure on the overall situation.

Even Wei Yuan felt that two hundred thousand was not enough.

However, in order to effectively annihilate the main force of the Liao army, it is really not possible to send more troops to the two places.

After Wei Yuan arrived in Tangyin, the entire Central Plains seemed to be stirred up.

Troops were mobilized from various places and strategic deployments were made. In short, no place or army was idle.

Mobilizing an army of millions may seem easy, but there is still considerable resistance in putting it into practice.

However, Wei Yuan was not in a hurry, it was Yelv Renxian who should be anxious.

If the latter does not want to fight in Xiangzhou, then it will have to abandon Xiangzhou. However, once it abandons Xiangzhou, the Liao army's overall strategy of dividing the territory will be frustrated.

Therefore, Yelvren had to fight and win this battle.

For Wei Yuan, the battle of Xiangzhou is equivalent to his first battle since taking command, and he must win.

In the past few days, the Zhou army in various places has been in a state of excitement and everyone is gearing up.

Even in Tangyin Camp, the faces of every soldier were filled with excitement, as if they were looking forward to the start of the Battle of Xiangzhou.

Wei Yuan also noticed something strange. On March 14, he summoned Xiao Yuming and others to discuss matters. Before they reached the tent, he heard their laughter.

Later, Wei Yuan walked into the big tent and asked curiously: "What's the matter, so happy?"

Chen Daniu laughed and said: "Commander Wei, you have been mobilizing the armies for several days, but the enemy troops in Xiangzhou have not made any movements yet. It is obvious that they have accepted this letter of challenge."

"Since the Liao army went south, including the Battle of Damingfu, we have been passive in fighting and have to be led by the nose."

"But after you, Self-Defense Commander, took command, we took the initiative to launch the war and led them away. How can we be unhappy?"

Xiao Yuming echoed: "General Chen is right, Commander Wei, now all the soldiers in the army agree that under your leadership, our army will be able to regain the lost territory."

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "Discuss the matter."

As soon as the words fell, the officers and soldiers of the three armies stood up solemnly.

Wei Yuan waved his hands towards them, signaling them to relax, and then asked about Shen Qing,

"Where are Lin Zhaoyuan and the others?"

The latter responded: "We are already stationed in the Yishui area, only fifty miles away from Yonghe."

Chen Daniu chuckled, "Lin Zhaoyuan is really brave. He dared to set up camp fifty miles away from Yonghe."

"Stop talking." Wei Yuan looked at Shen Qing again, "Continue talking."

Chen Daniu curled his lips and stood aside.

Shen Qing made a 'promise', came to the sand table, and slowly said:

"The intersection of the source of Youshui River and Tangshui is where General Lin is stationed. The terrain is relatively high and you can overlook the entire Yonghe."

"An hour ago, General Lin sent a scout. He said that before launching the general attack at noon tomorrow, he hoped to break the dike and release water to attack the city with the force of the water."

Wei Yuan nodded, "How many people are there in Yonghe Town?"

Shen Qing said: "About thirty to forty thousand."

Chen Daniu couldn't hold it any longer and spoke again: "There are 30,000 enemy troops in Yonghe City. Use their lives to bury the people of Yonghe City with them!"

The implication is that he agreed with Lin Zhaoyuan's plan to breach the embankment and release water.

Wei Yuan frowned deeply and said, "Go and get the Ten Army sticks outside the tent."

Chen Daniu was dissatisfied, cupped his fists and said, "No!"

Just when he was about to walk out of the tent, Wei Yuan suddenly shook his head, "That's all, today is a meeting in Japan. You shouldn't be asked not to speak. Stop talking."

Chen Daniu said: "I will go and get the military stick. After the beating, I will come back and continue the discussion."

Having said that, it was time to open the curtain of the tent.

At this time, Xiao Yuming persuaded him and said: "General Chen, please be patient and don't be impatient. It's not too late to lead the army after discussing the matter."

When Chen Daniu heard this, he thought it made sense and returned to his original position.

Wei Yuan glared at him and said seriously: "In your eyes, breaking the dikes and releasing water will only result in tens of thousands of casualties."

"But do you know how much public support will be lost once this matter is spread?"

"Without the support of the people, how far do you think our army can go?"

"His Majesty has just ascended the throne. At this moment, our army must be an army of justice."

Chen Daniu was thoughtful.

Wei Yuan sighed.

He discovered more than once that Chen Daniu's military methods were becoming more and more extreme.

He is murderous by nature, and either releases water or burns mountains, which is too unethical.

Fighting is not just about winning.

Moreover, Wei Yuan was also worried that once the water was released, the people who suffered from floods would be extremely susceptible to diseases due to various factors. What would happen if a plague broke out?

But if we don't release water, we will lose the advantage of geographical location.

Wei Yuan always believes that when it comes to military use, the right time, right place and people must be taken advantage of, and at least two of them must be used to effectively ensure the development of the war situation and final victory.

If you only occupy the same position, that's called a last-ditch battle.

"Save the land and lose the people; lose the people and save the land."

Wei Yuan sighed and asked again: "Who is the guard general of Yonghe?"

Shen Qing replied: "My name is Xiao Yan. In the battle of Yanmen in the first year of Jiayou's reign, this man was a senior general and fought with you."

Xiao Yan?

Wei Yuan frowned, as if he wanted to find this person in his memory, but after thinking for a long time, he didn't have any impression.

"I only remember that during the Battle of Yanmen, there was a guy named Yelu Guozhen. Who is this Xiao Yan?"

The two major surnames in the Liao Kingdom were Yelu and Xiao. Moreover, the royal family of the Liao Kingdom once said that Yelu and Xiao had been nephews and uncles for generations, and they share the same righteousness.

Just like the descendants of Wei Yuan and Minglan, they will always be nephews and uncles and will never betray each other.

Shen Qing said: "The general doesn't know much about this person. I just heard that he values ​​​​loyalty. Once, Yelv Ren went to war first, and Yelu Guozhen violated military law and openly drank alcohol in the army."

"Yelüren wanted to kill Yelv Guozhen first. Later, Xiao Yan begged Yelv Ren to spare Yelv Guozhen's life. He also said that he and Yelv Guozhen were as close as brothers."

"If Yelvren wants to kill Yelu Guozhen first, it will be like cutting off his limbs. Without limbs, what's the point of living? I want Yelvren to kill him first."

"Later, Yelu Ren was moved by Xiao Yan's benevolence and spared Yelu Guozhen's life."

Chen Daniu said in surprise: "In a barbarian country, there are still such heroes who value love and justice?"

Xiao Yuming smiled and said: "General Chen, the Liao Kingdom has been well aware of our culture in the Central Plains for a long time. Now, whether it is their official system or their emphasis on Confucianism in governing the country, they are all following the example of our Great Zhou Dynasty."

"There are even many people in the Liao Kingdom who claim to be the orthodox of China and the destiny of China. They believe that the land of Kyushu is not only the homeland of our Han people, but also their homeland."

Everything Chen Daniu thinks about.

At this time, Wei Yuan suddenly smiled and said: "Love and justice are important. This problem is easy to solve."

"Send an envoy to summon Xiao Yan and tell him that I value him very much, appreciate him, and want to make friends with him, even sworn sworn friends. If he can return to Zhou, I will report to the imperial court and give him a high official and generous salary."

"Instruct Lin Zhaoyuan to hold his troops temporarily and postpone tomorrow's general offensive plan."

As soon as these words came out, everyone was confused.

"Commander Wei, the situation of the war is still unclear, and we and the Liao army are also at a loss. How can the Liao general surrender to me, the Zhou Dynasty?"

"Yes, there are very few Liao generals who surrender. I'm afraid it will be difficult for them to do what the commander of the army wants!"

"."

Wei Yuan nodded, "I knew that, but I didn't expect Xiao Yan to surrender to our army."

ah?

Everyone was even more confused.

Then why do you still want to recruit Xiao Yan? Isn't it unnecessary?

Although Xiao Yuming and others were confused, they did not dare to disobey Wei Yuan's order and had no choice but to follow Wei Yuan's wishes.

On the same day, Zhou Jun sent envoys into Yong'an City, met Xiao Yan, and expressed Wei Yuan's wishes.

Yong'an County Government Office.

Xiao Yan summoned the generals and met with the Zhou army envoy. After hearing what the other party said, a hint of cheerful arrogance suddenly appeared on his face.

"You mean, your commander-in-chief, Wei Yuan, wants to sworn sworn sworn sworn brother with me? And you want me to surrender?"

According to Wei Yuan's wishes, the Zhou envoy acted very humbly, "We, Commander Wei, will not say anything. Even if you don't surrender, Commander Wei is interested in making friends with you, because we Commander, Commander Wei, know that General Xiao is a man who values ​​affection and righteousness." people."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan burst out laughing and said, "Go back and tell you Commander Wei that I, the general, appreciate his kindness. But now, the two armies are fighting, and I look forward to fighting Commander Wei again."

Zhou Envoy clasped his fists and resigned.

Then, a group of Liao generals slowly spoke:

"General Xiao, could this be Wei Yuan's estrangement plan?"

"Yes, this Wei Yuan is the enemy's coach after all. I'm afraid he doesn't have any good intentions. Please be careful, General Xiao."

"."

Xiao Yan said disapprovingly: "Wei Yuan's military skills are as good as those of a general. How could he use such a divisive tactic that can be seen through at a glance?"

"My general's reputation for righteousness is known all over the world, and Wei Yuan was named the Marquis of Zhongyong by the Emperor of the Zhao family. Since ancient times, the most loyal and brave person is the one who is benevolent and righteous."

"It is understandable that he wants to make friends with me. It is a pity that the two countries are at war now. Otherwise, I might become close friends with Wei Yuan."

The Zhou envoy brought the news of Xiao Yan's rejection to Wei Yuan.

The latter seemed very calm.

Shen Qing was puzzled, "Commander Wei, I really don't understand, what do you mean?"

Wei Yuan smiled and said, "In two days, you will know."

The next day, Wei Yuan sent an envoy again and delivered a box of gold and silver. The envoy fully expressed Wei Yuan's "will".

"General Xiao, Commander Wei said that you must accept this box of belongings. Commander Wei has no intention of alienating us. This can be witnessed by all the Liao generals present here."

"The Commander-in-Chief also said that the war between the two countries was a last resort. The Commander-in-Chief will lead his troops to attack the city in the next few days. The Commander-in-Chief said that there is a blue cloak in the box containing the property."

"On the day the city is destroyed, if you put on this cloak, the soldiers of the Zhou army will not shoot you, but can save your life. When the war between the two countries is over, if both countries are alive, Commander Wei is willing to have a drink with you and talk about friendship. , don’t talk about state affairs.”

Hearing the sound, Xiao Yan was deeply moved.

In fact, when Wei Yuan sent an envoy yesterday, he was a little moved.

Who is Wei Yuan? That is as famous as the Marshal!

Hero of the world!

Such a big shot would actually come up with the idea of ​​making friends with him after learning about his friendship, and that was during wartime.

Every emperor of the Zhao family was very suspicious.

For Wei Yuan to do such a thing, he must have expected some consequences, but he still had to do it.

What kind of behavior is this? This is how you think highly of yourself!

Xiao Yan was greatly moved, opened the box, took a look at the blue cloak covering the gold and silver, and said to the envoy:

"Please tell Commander Wei that I appreciate his good intentions, but it is fate for soldiers to be buried in leather."

"If the city is destroyed, I, the general, will not live alone and defend this city to the death."

"If Commander Wei is unable to attack for a long time and is suspected by the Emperor of the Zhao family, Commander Wei can come to Daliao. Even if I risk my life, I will ask the Emperor of Daliao to give Commander Guard a high salary and a worry-free life!"

The Zhou envoy resigned.

Later, some Liao generals expressed their opinions on this matter.

"This Wei Yuan actually values ​​General Xiao so much!"

"Who doesn't admire General Xiao for his righteousness? And Wei Yuan is no exception!"

"This is a bit strange, hard to explain."

"."

When the generals of the Zhou army learned that Wei Yuan asked Xiao Yan to wear a blue robe without killing anyone, they all subconsciously thought that Commander Wei would not really take Xiao Yan seriously, right?

Just because Xiao Yan values ​​love and justice?

But there are too many people in this world who value love and justice!

"What does Commander Wei mean?"

"I do not know!"

"."

Chen Daniu and others discussed it for a long time, but they couldn't come up with a reason.

Another day passed.

Wei Yuan sent an envoy again. This time, he gave Xiao Yan two military books, both of which could be found everywhere in bookshops. The only difference was that these two military books were signed by Wei Yuan.

The Zhou envoy said to Xiao Yan,

"Everyone knows that Commander Wei loves military books, and Commander Wei carries these two military books with him all the year round. Commander Wei said, since General Xiao does not love things outside of himself, then please be sure to accept these two military books. It can also be regarded as a tribute to Commander Wei and you. God gave it to me.”

"On the day the city is broken, if General Xiao is determined to fight to the death, Commander Wei respects your idea. Commander Wei will set up a memorial tablet for you in his ancestral temple, letting the world know that your loyalty is not inferior to that of Guan Gong in ancient times."

"The commander-in-chief also said that when the two armies are fighting, it is reasonable for the soldiers to die on the battlefield. This can be done in the name of loyalty. But the soldiers died on the battlefield, and they deserved their death. They should not let the people in the city suffer in the flames of war. "

"Therefore, Commander Wei suggests that you let the people in the city leave Yong'an. In this way, the people in Yong'an City will praise your name of loyalty, and Commander Wei can let go of his hands and feet and fight with you in an upright manner."

"By the way, the Commander-in-Chief said that he admires your loyalty. Therefore, when attacking the city, the Commander-in-Chief will only use ten thousand more troops than you. You will be the one defending the city. This way, both sides will be fair. ”

"We, Commander-in-Chief, urgently hope to have a fair fight with you. This battle is destined to go down in history!"

The more he spoke, the more excited Xiao Yan became. He couldn't help but sighed to the sky,

"I never thought that my confidant would be in the enemy country. Alas!"

"Please tell General Wei that if he leads his army to attack, it doesn't have to be only 10,000 more than our army. Regardless of whether I can defend this city, I have no regrets in my life to be able to fight General Wei."

After that, the Zhou envoy left.

Afterwards, even some Liao army generals felt that Wei Yuan was a true hero, not just a conspirator.

Xiao Yan said to all the soldiers: "General Wei is right. The battle between the two armies is the business of the generals on both sides, and has nothing to do with the people trapped in the city."

"Send an order to let the people leave the city and find a way out!"

As soon as this was said, a Liao general stood up to object,

"General Xiao, no, if it is difficult to defend the city, they may help our army!"

Xiao Yan shook his head and said: "After all, they are the people of Zhou, and they will not help the Liao wholeheartedly. Moreover, withholding the baggage and food in the city and letting those people find a way out will not affect our army, and it can even add some reputation for benevolence and righteousness to our army."

The Liao general wanted to say something else, but was stopped by Xiao Yan,

"Okay, the matter here is settled, you all follow the order!"

The Liao generals stood up and bowed, "Yes!"

In the eighth year of Jiayou, on March 18, Xiao Yan opened the city gate and let the people leave the city.

On March 20, Wei Yuan personally ordered the flooding of the city.

On the same day, Xiao Yan thought of Wei Yuan's three envoys and became angry and vomited blood. He sighed to the sky:

"Wei Yuan, a thief!"

On March 21, Wei Yuan ordered Lin Zhaoyuan to launch a general attack on Yong'an.

Two hundred thousand troops surrounded the city on all sides and attacked Yong'an, which was flooded at the same time.