Who doesn’t miss their loved ones, who doesn’t want to reunite with their families, and who doesn’t want to have a happy New Year?
But in the war years, such farewells were commonplace and not unusual at all.
Without the bloodshed and sacrifice of soldiers, without the separation of life and death, how could peace and happiness come?
Guo Dajing had no better way to avoid it, but he had tried his best to make the sacrifices of the soldiers more meaningful.
That is so that their relatives and friends can stay away from the war, so that their descendants can enjoy eternal peace, and so that their families can have food and clothing without worries.
If this battle is won, southern Liaoning and eastern Liaoning will be connected together, and the Jianlu forces in Liaoshen and Liaoning will be surrounded from three directions, and the leveling of Liaoning and Liaoning will be just around the corner.
Letters and orders have been conveyed to all departments participating in the war, and intense and orderly preparations for the war are in full swing.
Uiju.
Cui Xiaoyi put down the letter and immediately summoned the generals to make arrangements.
An Zonglu, Jin Nianliang, An Kecheng, Zhang Xifan and others were all sitting upright, with their backs straight, waiting for the general's arrangements.
Cui Xiaoyi glanced at the generals, feeling a sense of pride and emotion in his heart.
These people include his followers and other Korean martyrs, but they are all bloody warriors who stepped forward to resist Jianlu when Ding Mao was in chaos.
Moreover, these generals have been trained in the Dongjiang Army and have experienced actual combat. Their loyalty and bravery are trustworthy.
"Shuai Guo sent a letter. The Dongjiang Army has mobilized its troops and made preparations to encircle and annihilate the Dongjin captives." Cui Xiaoyi patted the letter on the desk, "This time, we are also seeking revenge. A good opportunity to avenge shame."
Ding Mao's disorder is regarded as a shame to North Korea from top to bottom. However, the royal family and ministers are not as strong as the middle and lower classes.
If you don't have the ability, you can only swallow the humiliation yourself, and it's futile to gnash your teeth and be cruel.
But now, after several years of hard work, several years of armed preparations, and an army of nearly 20,000 people, Lin Qingye, Cui Xiaoyi and others also have the confidence and confidence to fight against the Jianlu.
I dare not call it a field battle. With the city, fortifications, and sharp firearms, it will definitely not be as vulnerable as when Ding Mao was indiscriminate.
"The intention of Jianlu's invasion this time was not to attack the city, but to plunder the population and supplies. Of course, if the city defense is not strong, Jianlu will not let it go."
"With the interception and containment of Dongjiang Army in Liaodong, it is estimated that the number of enemies attacking our country is at most 20,000. Our army, plus the friendly forces from Pidao, is basically equivalent to the strength of Jianlu."
"The arrangement is as follows: Yizhou leaves five thousand troops to defend, and the rest of the troops and Dongjiang friendly troops are divided into units of two thousand to intercept Jianlu at various dangerous passes. At the same time, be prepared to strengthen the walls and clear the country, and Jianlu will launch immediately. Evacuate the people..."
If the fortifications are strong and the defense relies on strongholds, two thousand men and horses are enough to withstand the attack of four to five thousand enemies. Excluding the Uiju defenders, the coalition forces can form six interception troops, arranged in depth, which will greatly delay the Jianlu's advance.
Guo Dajing also made it clear in his letter that the coalition forces did not need to persist for too long. As long as the retreat was cut off, the Jianlu troops would definitely retreat. Next, there would be an encirclement and annihilation operation by the Dongjiang Army in Liaodong.
Although Jianlu would not attack fortified cities in principle, Yizhou could not afford to lose, and the five thousand troops must be left behind, even though they would probably not be used.
"Sir, Xuanchuan Pukou may be a weak point, so it is better to let Dongjiang Army take charge." An Kecheng suggested: "Our army is deployed around Yizhou to fight with Jianlu."
Cui Xiao nodded and said, "I think so too. With the combat power of the Dongjiang Army, it can indeed withstand tens of thousands of captives."
Casting his eyes on Jin Nianliang, Cui Xiaoyi continued: "It's up to you to select five hundred people as guides to cooperate with the Dongjiang Army in attacking the Jianlu."
"I will obey the order." Jin Nianliang said nothing and bowed to accept the order.
"An Kecheng, Zhang Xifan, you two are responsible for the defense of Yizhou." Cui Xiaoyi turned to the two generals and solemnly explained: "Just defend the city and do not go out to fight."
An Kecheng glanced at Zhang Xifan and bowed to take the order with some reluctance.
Jianlu may attack Yizhou, but it will only be tentative and will not use all his strength. Once he realizes that the city is difficult to break, he will withdraw his troops and the battle will not be particularly fierce.
"The rest of the generals will follow Cui to set up defenses around Uiju and intercept the invading Jianlu." Cui Xiaoyi glanced at the generals again and said loudly: "I hope you will follow Cui to fight bravely and let the Jianlu pay for their blood."
"General, I obey." All the generals bowed in unison, their voices sonorous and powerful, making Cui Xiaoyi smile, extremely satisfied.
Morale cannot be seen or touched, but it is a crucial factor in the outcome of the war and the strength of the army.
Hearing that Jianlu was about to invade, he was not panicked, not afraid, and even looked forward to it, which is very rare and very gratifying.
In Liaodong, the special operations battalion has also received orders and has been deployed.
Four thousand defenders were left in Zhenjiang Fort, while the rest were waiting for opportunities to harass and attack in the surrounding area.
On the road leading to Zhenjiang Fort, three more blocking positions were set up to slow down Jianlu's advance and buy time for the North Korean side.
"Hou Xie will move eastward in the next year, approaching Fengcheng and Zhenjiang Fort." Feng Xijian stood at the top of the city, looking into the distance, and slowly said to Wang Zhan: "There are also flying cavalry, which can be launched at any time to rush to Liaodong's aid."
As the guard of Zhenjiang Fort, Wang Zhan naturally knows his responsibilities. Not only must he guard the castle, but he must also contain considerable enemies.
In other words, not only must we defend, but we may also attack, so Jianlu must send troops to monitor or besiege outside the city.
"Don't worry, Sir, we will take action in time and cooperate with the troops outside the city to contain more Jianlu." Wang Zhan replied in a deep voice: "We will just wait for the friendly forces to arrive and annihilate the Jianlu."
Feng Xijian nodded slightly and said: "This battle is of great importance. If we win, southern Liaoning and eastern Liaoning will be connected together, occupy Fengcheng, and suppress Liaoshen. Jian's captives can only sit back and wait for death."
Wang Zhan chuckled and said: "There are 30,000 enemies, but the actual number of captives is less than 20,000. Those Mongolian soldiers and Han troops are vulnerable. Adding the Korean army to our army, the total strength is already twice that of the enemy. There should be no problem in winning."
.”
"Don't underestimate the enemy." Feng Xijian warned, but from the slightly pursed corners of his mouth, it could be seen that he and Wang Zhan had similar judgments.
Turn around and look at the tall flagpole erected at the top of the city. There are flags during the day and lights at night. Using binoculars, you can get in touch with friendly forces outside the city and coordinate with each other to launch a counterattack.
Looking straight, what Feng Xijian saw was the artillery arrayed on the city. The thick barrels were pointed outside the city. It seemed that he could see them roaring and spraying fireworks, and smashing the heavy shells at the enemy.
There are several trenches surrounding the city, and under the cover of snow, you can still see mottled black soil. The construction of the prismatic city wall puts the attacking enemy under fire from two or even three sides.
Breathing out the white mist gently, Feng Xijian felt that he had nothing to worry about. With such city defense and such weapons, it was no problem to withstand five or six times the enemy.
Wang Zhan pointed with his hand and said: "There are one hundred and twenty mortars in the city. The attacking enemy will be bombarded three miles away; then there are Hongyi cannons, and then there are light and heavy muskets..."
Feng Xijian smiled and nodded. This was not an original strategy for defending the city, but he was willing to listen. Because such a story clearly enhanced their confidence in victory.
This must be the first New Year's Eve for the soldiers to spend outside. Feng Xijian waited patiently for Wang Zhan to finish, and then asked carefully: "The supplies in the city are relatively abundant, so the soldiers will definitely eat dumplings stuffed with meat during the New Year."
"
Wang Zhan nodded vigorously and said, "Don't worry, sir. The noodles and meat have all gone down. You can make them by yourself in sheds. Even if you are clumsy, the dumplings you make will definitely be weird, but it won't have a big impact."
Feng Xijian thought of a group of old men chopping stuffing, kneading dough, rolling out skins, and making dumplings. He couldn't help but show a slightly weird smile and said, "It's a dumpling with meat stuffing on it. It doesn't have any shape."
"My lord, stay here after the New Year before leaving?" Wang Zhan asked tentatively: "It's better to be in the city than in a camp in the mountains."
Feng Xijian waved his hand and said: "It's better to go back to celebrate the New Year. Don't let people think that Feng is just enjoying himself. I will leave soon, and the city defense will be left to you."
After a pause, he warned again: "It's basically confirmed that Jianlu will be launched in the first month. Fortunately, we can celebrate the New Year and eat dumplings."
Wang Zhan smiled and said, "I caught a lot of big fish during the winter fishing in the Yalu River a few days ago. I took them with me when I left so that we can add them to the New Year's Eve dishes."
Feng Xijian patted Wang Zhan's arm hard, without saying too many polite words, turned around with a smile and walked off the city wall.
………………
Eating dumplings during the New Year is an ancient tradition of the Chinese nation.
No matter you are poor or rich, whether you are meat or vegetarian, you should try your best to eat dumplings with your family during the New Year to celebrate the New Year.
Guo Dajing is not unaware of this and has been maintaining it for several years.
It is inevitable for soldiers to be away from home all year round, as part of their normal work. They miss their loved ones during every festive occasion, and this major festival is no exception. It is a good way to dilute their thoughts with food and drink.
Kong Youde led the Qianxie Association to the east along the frozen valley of Dayang River and stationed at Wangjiabao and Guanjiagou, forming a triangle shape with Fengcheng and Zhenjiang.
This arrangement shifted the focus of the battle to Liaodong, which was somewhat different from the original battle plan to attack Fengcheng.
In fact, in Guo Dajing's view, the strategic goal has not changed. They still try their best to encircle and annihilate the eastward advancing Jianlu Corps, but the tactics have been slightly adjusted.
All roads lead to Rome. As long as you can achieve your goal, why bother with the intermediate process?
Even if Jianlu increased his troops, he would not dare to stay far away from Liaoshen. It could only be used to strengthen the security of the retreat route. If he did not attack Fengcheng, the battlefield would be limited to the edge of the Liaodong area, so that Jianlu's increased troops would not be able to play their due role.
effect.
And those who can quickly enter the battlefield are the flying cavalry. As long as the Jianlu troops increase, Mao Wenlong will send the Feihu battalion to assist. The three flying cavalry battalions will reach 12,000, which will be the decisive force.
The troops currently in the Xiuyan area are the commendable Zhongxie, a battalion of Zuoxie, with 5,000 recruits, and two flying cavalry battalions, Feibiao and Feibao.
If Jianlu did not increase his troops, he could launch an attack on Fengcheng and capture it with just these troops. This would return to the original battle plan.
Therefore, the arrangement made by Guo Dajing was recorded. It can be used to advance and attack, and to retreat and defend. There is a lot of room for timely adjustments.
"Thanks to the large amount of food and grass supplies stored in Xiuyantun, this battle was not too hectic or even impossible to carry out."
He Kegang walked into the hall, shook off the snow dust on his body, sat in front of the iron stove to warm his hands, and did not forget to compliment Guo Dajing, "This is all the result of Guo Shuai's planning!"
Guo Dajing knew that this was also true. If the Xiuyan area was not used as an important basis for management, the mobilization of so many people this time would indeed be hindered by logistics, at least the deployment would not be completed so quickly.
Similarly, if a large number of mules and horses were not used to improve the army's transportation capacity, the troops would not be able to quickly rush to the designated location and wait for orders.
But this is not enough, the supplies transported from the rear are still uninterrupted. Weapons and ammunition produced overtime and grain stored in warehouses are still being shipped continuously.
"What we fight in war is logistics. This is the tradition that our Dongjiang Army has formed." Guo Dajing did not directly humble himself, but taught He Kegang, "Water transportation accounts for most of it, and it is more difficult in winter."
He Kegang's eyes narrowed and he thought seriously. Although it is simple, it has a similar meaning to "before the troops and horses move, food and grass go first", but it is not exactly the same.
In our Dongjiang Army, Guo Dajing's seemingly casual words touched He Kegang's heart. If others don't see outsiders, he shouldn't always harbor grudges and find it difficult to integrate. He will always be an outsider.
Guo Dajing looked through the letters urgently sent from the special operations camp and the North Korean side. He felt that their arrangements basically implemented his intentions and did not need to make any changes. He was very relieved.
Whether it is the thinking habits of the generals, the positioning of the combat power of the troops, and the confidence in facing the enemy, this is what Guo Dajing hopes to see.
Obviously, after several years of subtle changes, the progress of the generals made Guo Dajing satisfied.
Guo Dajing raised his head and looked at the stove where he was still sitting.
He Kegang, who was standing next to him, said with a smile: "Today's dumplings taste pretty good, which is a big improvement over last year."
He Kegang didn't know what last year's dumplings were like, so he laughed and said, "It's really hard for a group of rude soldiers to make dumplings. The taste is really good. The dumpling fillings are well prepared. I heard that Guo Shuai came from Shandong.
The recipe you collected?"
As long as there is meat, the taste will not be too bad. However, Guo Dajing has eaten good food, so the taste will naturally be higher.
It was a pity that he couldn't eat the dumplings made by A Xiu and A Ying. Guo Dajing felt a little regretful, and he was even more concerned about Hide Fujino who was about to give birth.
In this era of backward medical science, giving birth to a child is quite dangerous, and can be described as a journey through hell.
For a moment, Guo Dajing did not answer He Kegang immediately, which made He Kegang feel strange.
Guo Shuai thinks about his relatives every festive season, right? He Kegang immediately thought of this possibility, because today, Guo Dajing has been in a similar state several times. This chapter has been completed!