Chapter 1440 Liquidation
The military meeting ended on the second day.
Zhang Li and Yan Peng led a total of 100,000 troops to the north.
The strength of Daning's West Route Army was reduced again, with less than 80,000 combat troops left. This is why Guan Ning decided to use harassment and attrition as the main strategy.
After the war, more than 40,000 Zhenbei troops were sent in hot pursuit. They will also become the main force, while more than 30,000 infantrymen will slowly advance to take back the areas occupied by Liang's army.
The problem of insufficient troops has always existed, mainly on the battlefield. This time Daning really encountered an extremely difficult situation.
Fortunately, things have eased now, at least the threat in Liang has been greatly reduced.
In addition, Daning also had an army in Beilin Province, which was besieged in Wuyou City at the beginning of the war, with a total of 50,000 troops.
This is a chess piece that can play a big role at critical moments.
Guan Ning stayed behind and stayed in charge. He had to make arrangements before leaving, mainly to ensure that the situation was stable and that Liang Guo would not counterattack. However, under the pursuit of the Zhenbei Army, Zhu Zhen would not be easy, and he was afraid that he would not have the energy for the time being.
Consider this…
The curtain was heavy, and the light from the burning fire seemed particularly bright.
This is a flat area in the wilderness, where Liang Jun, who was being pursued, stopped to rest.
Even though it was night, the army did not dare to neglect. They were ready and alert to incoming enemies at any time.
A soldier yawned and said in a depressed tone: "I don't know when these days will end."
This is a team on duty outside.
Through the light of the torch, you can see that each of them is wearing sackcloth and mourning.
When the emperor dies, the whole country mourns.
Naturally, they paid tribute to the emperor.
"I want to go home and don't want to fight anymore..."
"The war will be over soon."
Another soldier also echoed, everyone was listless and their mood was extremely low.
February is a cold time.
It has been half a month since they fled after the failed battle in Ba City.
The main force was infantry, and the marching speed was not very fast. They had to be on guard against enemy raids at any time. The journey was really exhausting both physically and mentally.
The weather was cold and there were no supplies.
They did not dare to stop in small towns along the way for fear of being completely trapped, so they had to hurry up. The soldiers were hungry, cold and sleepy.
At first, people were furious because of the emperor's death, but as a spiritual support, they could maintain their fighting power and protect the deceased emperor's spirit.
But as time goes by, this kind of spirit weakens and turns into endless sadness.
The defeated army and the late emperor died.
All these things make them unable to see the future...
"Go back, I won't keep it anymore."
"My legs are weak from hunger. If the enemy comes, I may die."
"I won't keep it either."
"Come on, let's find a place to sleep with fur."
The soldiers of this duty team ran away.
They no longer have the heart to be loyal to the country.
The center of the temporary military camp, which was surrounded and closely protected, was the camp of Zhu Zhen, the new king of Daliang and the orthodox emperor.
It looks very crude and lacks the majesty of the emperor at all. This is also a time when there is no other way. It is still resting and recuperating, and it may be necessary to evacuate at the next moment.
In the camp, many generals gathered together, and everyone looked exhausted and low in spirit.
Zhu Zhen was also in poor spirits.
In these short twenty days, he experienced the most severe blow in his life and endured many hardships. Although he became emperor, he was not happy at all.
What he expected was right, a mess fell on his head.
What he has to consider now is not how to clean up, but what to do next?
When the emperor passed away, the first priority was to return to the capital to pay his respects. He couldn't just wander away and do it hastily.
Zhu Zhen is not yet relieved.
Having just experienced a major defeat, it was a time when people's hearts were in a state of change. He followed the army, which could calm the soldiers' morale. Also, he had the spirit of the late emperor, which could have the effect of mourning the soldiers and ensuring victory.
When the enemy attacked, the soldiers fought bravely. Although they suffered casualties, they were able to resist.
But the enemy's intrusion comes and goes like the wind, which is really annoying to the extreme. If things go on like this, it will be unbearable. If it continues like this, I don't know when it will reach Beilin City...
Zhu Zhen looked very serious.
He said: "The late emperor passed away, how can he travel around with the army? I have decided to escort the late emperor back to Beijing to mourn for him!"
After hearing this, no one had much reaction, and they all knew that it would be difficult to delay it any longer.
The most important thing is not to return to Beijing to mourn the late emperor, but to return to Beijing to ascend the throne...
"After I return to Beijing, Fan Cang will be in charge of military affairs, with defense as the main task and offense as the supplement."
He paused and continued: "Although our army suffered a huge defeat in Ba City, it has not yet been completely defeated. The situation facing Daning is still severe, and we are not without opportunities."
He didn't want to mention it, but he had to face it.
During the retreat, he had already sent a message to the entire army, placing all the blame for the defeat on Liu Huai, the general of the Tianxiong Army.
It is indeed bad to do this, but there is no other way. He cannot ascend to the throne with a stigma behind his back.
"The morale of the entire army is low, but you can't have such emotions. The war in Daliang is not over yet!"
Zhu Zhen felt that it was necessary to mobilize, but his generals did not respond much.
For Liang Guo, this war is over. The next thing to consider is not to attack the enemy, but how to defend against the enemy's attack.
As for what His Majesty said, is there still a chance?
Simply ridiculous!
How could there be a chance?
The troop losses were huge, morale collapsed, logistical supplies were gone, and the allies themselves could not protect themselves...
There are too many questions.
Zhu Zhen didn't know what everyone was thinking, so he continued: "We in Liang State still have a reorganized army of 200,000 people that has not yet been invested."
Everyone trembled slightly.
They all knew that His Majesty was talking about the army besieging Wuyou City.
There were 200,000 troops left at that time, and indeed they have not been used until now.
"Inform Wu Yong immediately and send 100,000 troops to Beilin City."
Zhu Zhen gave the order.
This time he was preparing to retreat to Beilin City. Zhu Zhen was preparing to establish a new defensive stronghold in Beilin City and wait for the opportunity to find a fighter opportunity.
"His Majesty."
Fan Cang said: "There are enemy troops stationed in Wuyou City. Is there anything wrong with mobilizing troops outside the city?"
"It's been a year."
Zhu Zhen said: "We have besieged Wuyou City for a whole year. We have been informed before that the enemy troops in Wuyou City were in trouble due to insufficient supplies. Even if they have hoarded food and grass, how much can they support?"
Everyone is nodding.
How could the enemy withstand such a long siege without supplies?
And now, it is necessary to replenish troops to deal with Daning's attack.
Even if 100,000 troops are mobilized, there are still 100,000 left, which can be dealt with.
Zhu Zhen said: "This matter has been settled. Next, we will recall our troops to spread out and concentrate on defense. Our troops will be hoarded in Beilin City."
"Your Majesty, how should we get supplies?"
Which pot does Fan Cang not open and lift?
Zhu Zhenping said calmly: "We must overcome it first. After I return to Beijing, I will find a way to pay for it."
He didn't give others a chance to speak at all, and he didn't know how to solve this problem.
"Before I leave, there is one thing that must be dealt with."
Zhu Zhen's tone began to turn cold.
"Who is the mastermind behind the opening of the market!"
Chapter completed!