Chapter 478: No way out, fierce battle against North Korea
The sun has risen, there is no warmth, and the cold wind is blowing away the black smoke floating in the sky above Tangzhan Fort.
The sound of gunfire was heard in the distance, but it did not affect the rear-association soldiers from cleaning up the battlefield and starting to build blocking positions.
Liu Xingzuo, Kong Youde and Feng Xijian walked together, patrolling and discussing the next combat operations.
The surprise attack on Tangzhan Fort went smoothly. Under the bombardment of artillery, a fire quickly ignited inside the fort. As the fort gate was blasted open, the seven or eight hundred defenders suffered heavy losses and were defeated in one fell swoop.
At the same time, an infantry battalion of the Hou Xie intercepted and blocked thousands of enemies who came from Fengcheng for reinforcements.
The battle is still continuing, but Tangzhan Fort has been occupied and the enemy's intentions have been shattered. After retreating, they will be pursued by the Flying Cavalry Battalion.
"There are only a few thousand Jianlu garrisoned outside Zhenjiang Fort. Obviously they don't know that Tangzhan Fort has been captured yet, so it's a good time for a surprise attack."
Liu Xingzuo quickly imagined a battle plan in his mind, "attack from the front and back, defeat the enemy, destroy his camp, and burn his food, grass and luggage."
"I am going to use the Flying Cavalry Battalion and the Lancers, totaling 10,000 troops." Liu Xingzuo looked at Feng Xijian and smiled: "We also need the special operations battalion to send guides to contact the Zhenjiang Fort defenders and attack at the right time."
With the cavalry attacking quickly and retreating quickly, the Jianlu who had already invaded North Korea probably would not have time to return for reinforcements.
Having an absolute advantage in terms of military strength, even if they could not completely annihilate the enemy, defeat them, and destroy their food and supplies, the Jianlu would have been in dire straits if they had not captured them in Korea.
Feng Xijian nodded happily and said: "Our unit has sent one or two hundred cavalry to cooperate with General Liu's actions. The rest of the troops must rush to set up defenses and block Jian's other escape route."
"Leave this to the rear association, you can act with confidence." Kong Youde said confidently: "If the special operations battalion feels that its troops are weak..."
Feng Xijian chuckled and said with the same confidence: "Don't worry, two generals, the special operations battalion guarantees that not a single prisoner will escape from the north road."
Liu Xingzuo nodded vigorously and said: "After our troops finish attacking the enemies outside Zhenjiang Fort, we will dispatch a cavalry battalion under the command of two generals to annihilate all the captives."
Although the battle situation is a mixture of the enemy and ourselves, the Dongjiang Army has the advantage. Relying on the position to block the attack is not only conducive to the use of firepower, but also the strength of the Dongjiang Army.
As for the Jianlu captives who were trapped in Liaodong, they did not bring much food and grass and could not hold on for long. If they could not break through, they would starve to death.
Of course, the Dongjiang Army would not give Jianlu too long, blocking in the front and attacking in the rear. Guo Dajing still hoped to resolve the battle in the shortest possible time.
Flying cavalry has become a crucial factor in winning. They have maneuverability and dare to launch active attacks. It is their mission to deliver the final blow to the exhausted Jianlu who suffered heavy losses.
The ones who cooperated with the flying cavalry were naturally the lancers. Guo Dajing drew three thousand from various associations and co-organized them with the flying cavalry.
The plan was decided, Liu Xingzuo organized his troops, carried a small amount of supplies, and headed straight for Zhenjiang Fort under the guidance of the guide sent by the special operations battalion.
The counterattack was launched at a speed that Jianlu was stunned by, and Amin and others who had invaded North Korea did not know it yet. But they were not easy either. They were experiencing the suffering of frequent attacks and enemies everywhere.
The attempt to attack Yiju ended in failure. Amin stopped his losses in time, and the casualties reached 1,800 people.
This was a big blow to him, and he also realized that the North Korean army and the Dongjiang Army had a deep collusion, their weapons and equipment were almost the same, and their combat capabilities were no longer what they used to be.
The key is that they don't have many men and horses. If they attack the city with all their strength, even if they are captured, the casualties will be unacceptable, and it will definitely be a loss-making business.
After leaving Yiju City, Amin sent troops to plunder the surrounding towns and villages. The situation was similar to that of Duduna. The strong walls and clearing of the wilderness meant that the captives had little to gain.
Not only was there little looting, the Jianlu captives were also subjected to constant attacks and ambushes.
Choi Hyo-il and other North Korean generals dispatched dozens of teams of a hundred or fifty or sixty people, dispersed and hidden in the mountains and forests, and used their familiarity with the terrain to launch continuous raids and ambushes against the invading enemies.
These teams were not greedy for merit and did not seek great results. They hit and ran, which kept Jianlu in a state of tension.
After a volley of musketry, the captives were thrown off their backs. Dozens of Korean soldiers disappeared and appeared in the mountains and forests, and quickly retreated.
Jala'er Zhenzhu Ketu rushed to the scene of the striker's attack. Looking at the mess on the ground, he gritted his teeth angrily, but was powerless to do anything.
Mines, muskets, crossbows, and even traps were the warm welcome Jianlu enjoyed on Korean soil.
The loss at one time is not big, only a dozen riders killed or injured at most, but you can't stand it up and keep going around you.
In addition to the activities of small groups, there are also sneak attacks and sniping attacks by small groups, which are more concealed and difficult to prevent. They can even be bombarded with muskets in person, and then turn around and rush into the forest, leaving Jianlu unable to catch up.
In order to improve efficiency, Jianlu had to divide into several teams and go to various villages and towns to plunder. This arrangement undoubtedly gave the North Korean army ambushing around Yiju an opportunity to attack the enemy.
Zhuketu reorganized the more than a thousand troops in his hands and continued to move towards the predetermined target. It was a larger village and he hoped to arrive before the villagers escaped.
Boom, boom! The forward was hit by landmines again. Not only that, the dense obstacles on the road made it difficult for the troops to move forward and they had to stop.
Listening to the roar of the muskets in front, Zhuketu realized that something was wrong, and without waiting for the forward's report, he rushed his horse to the front.
Ice, snow, branches, stones and other debris blocked the road, stretching for dozens of meters. Then there were the enemies occupying the road, engaging in musketry and bow and arrow exchanges with the forwards.
"Sir, there are almost a thousand enemies on the opposite side." A Niulu Erzhen rushed over to report to Zhuketu and pointed out the introduction, "There are steep mountains on one side and woods on the other side. It is not easy to break through the middle.
, the slaves are organizing the troops and leading them personally to launch a roundabout attack through the woods."
Zhuketu hated the environment here in North Korea. There were many mountains and forests, which was not conducive to the cavalry's field battles, but it was very conducive to the harassment and ambush of the North Korean army.
After carefully looking at the surrounding terrain, Zhuketu nodded and agreed to Niulu'erzhen's combat deployment.
In such a narrow place, the troops cannot be deployed. If you want to break through from the front, you will have to clear the roadblocks and withstand the bombardment of the enemy's muskets. The casualties will be huge.
Although the North Korean army also had muskets similar to those of the Dongjiang Army, Jianlu still looked down upon them and believed that the North Korean army was no match for them in horseback riding or melee combat.
If the opposite side is the Dongjiang Army, with equal strength, Zhuketu will not try to break through, but will directly turn around and retreat, or take a detour.
However, he never expected that the North Korean troops on the opposite side were not one thousand, but two thousand; behind the steep mountain, another two thousand North Korean troops were making a circuitous route, heading straight towards the retreat of these thousand captives.
Cui Xiaoyi was in the forest opposite at this time, observing Jianlu's actions with a telescope, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a bit of a sneer.
Nearly five hundred captives had to make a detour through the mountains and forests, but there were a thousand North Korean troops defending this side. Moreover, simple fortifications were also built.
"Sir, the artillery has been prepared." An Zonglu came closer and bowed and said: "I only need to wait for your order to open fire and bombard."
Cui Xiaoyi put down the telescope, shook his head slightly, and said: "Don't worry, the time has not yet come."
An Zonglu grinned twice, stayed beside Cui Xiaoyi, and said no more.
If it can encircle, annihilate, or severely damage this group of rebels, it will be the best record of the North Korean army since the war against the rebels, and it will be a great encouragement and encouragement to the morale of the military.
Cui Xiaoyi's idea was also very simple, which was to first consume the Jianlu's effective strength as much as possible and create better conditions for the final encirclement and annihilation.
"Inform Zhang Xijun, Jin Zongmin and other generals. After repelling the roundabout rebels, they will pursue them one after another. A certain leader will provide reinforcements from behind." Cui Xiaoyi turned around and ordered the messenger, "Instruct Li Zhongjie and Hong Longhai to lead people to support the flanks."
Jianlu had no intention of attacking and breaking through from the front, so there was no need to leave too many troops for defense. The roadblock not only blocked the enemy, but also separated the Korean army. If he wanted to attack from both sides, he could only go through the woods on one side.
Before the decisive battle, it could cause at least three to four hundred casualties to the Jianlu. When the siege came, it would be a five to six times advantage in strength.
Cui Xiaoyi made another calculation in his mind, and his confidence in victory also increased. What's more, the terrain here is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it difficult for the Jianlu cavalry to display its strengths.
The roar of muskets came from the woods, which was the beginning of a fight between the enemy and ourselves. Separated by dozens of meters of obstacles, the two sides also distanced themselves and faced each other nervously.
Behind the array of North Korean troops, dozens of mortars were ready, with their muzzles pointing diagonally toward the sky.
The gunshots became more and more intensive, accompanied by shouts of death and shrill screams, echoing in the cold wind.
Whether it was bows and arrows or muskets, shooting in the woods was greatly hindered.
But this seems to have a greater impact on Jianlu, because the North Korean army has an absolute advantage in strength and has well-constructed positions.
Regarding the use and tactics of muskets, the Korean soldiers were even earlier than the Dongjiang Army. After replacing the light and heavy flintlock muskets, their combat effectiveness was also greatly improved.
As for the weakness, it is the fighting will of the Korean soldiers. Especially in close combat, their timidity and fear are not at all in the eyes of Jianlu.
In fact, the current North Korean army is still very weak. Except for Lin Qingye and Choi Xiaoyi, there are 15,000 troops formed and strictly trained.
The more important factor is that the middle and lower-level officers have basically been trained in actual combat in the Dongjiang Army. They have little fear of the Jianlu, and their hearts are full of hatred for the Jianlu.
People like Zhang Xijun, Jin Zongmin, Li Zhongjie, Hong Longhai, etc. were all the leaders of the rebels who formed a volunteer army during Ding Mao's chaos and fought bravely against the rebels.
Behind a simple breastwork piled up with snow and reinforced with tree trunks, several rows of musketeers took turns firing to compete with Jianlu's bows and arrows.
Bullets and arrows were flying in the air, and people kept falling down screaming.
Although the casualties on both sides were similar, Jianlu relied on his bravery and stubbornly pushed forward relying on the trees, and finally broke into the defensive position and started a close combat with the Korean soldiers.
Zhang Xijun and Jin Zongmin led their soldiers to shout for death and urged the soldiers to rush forward. Relying on their numerical advantage, they fought hand-to-hand with Jianlu on the battlefield.
Generals are brave soldiers, and the two of them knew that there were many unarmed soldiers in their army. Compared with a shooting confrontation at a distance, they were likely to be intimidated by the fierce captives, causing chaos and collapse.
The actual situation was just as they expected. Facing the Jianlu who broke through the defense, many Korean soldiers were frightened and backed away when they saw their howling and ferocious faces.
At this moment, the veterans who had been trained in the Dongjiang Army and the commander's exemplary performance saved the situation that was about to collapse.
"Kill, kill, charge, kill!"
Amidst the deafening shouts of killing, seeing the veterans charging forward bravely with bayonets in hand, the recruits stopped retreating. There were still some timidities and hesitations, but there were many people and they were brave, and they gradually joined the battle group.
Boom, boom, boom... The experienced officers loudly ordered the soldiers to rush forward and shoot at Jianlu from a distance of only a few feet.
Although it may accidentally injure a comrade, such a strike is extremely effective. The hit rate is extremely high, and a hit is equivalent to killing the enemy.
Troops led by Li Zhongjie and Hong Longhai also rushed forward to support them, putting the nearly 300 captives who had rushed into the position into a disadvantageous situation of one versus three or one versus four.
The crowds were so dense that there was no room to move or dodge. Several or more than a dozen bayonets were stabbing them here and there. No matter how advanced their martial arts skills were, there was no room for them to display.
Coupled with the continuous firing of muskets, it was difficult to guard against the enemy. The enemy soldiers were fighting less and less, and the situation became increasingly unfavorable.
This is a bit like the scene of conquering a city. After all, there are only a few people who can climb up the city with ladders, so we have to use less to defeat more. As long as the defenders on the city are not panicked or confused, there is still a high possibility of defeating the enemies who have climbed onto the city.
In movies and TV shows, a large area can be wiped out with a single blow. In actual combat, it is almost impossible, or it does not exist at all.
Unless it is in some special circumstances, such as chasing down broken soldiers who dare not even turn around, or old and weak remnant soldiers who have very weak will to fight.
Obviously, this is not the current situation. At the cost of human life, the Jianlu who rushed into the defensive position only caused panic to the Korean soldiers at first, but they were quickly reversed by the encouragement of the North Korean officers who took the lead.
Boom! An oncoming shot hit Niu Luzhen's chest. The heavy lead bullet did not penetrate the armor's stomach, but all the huge kinetic energy was transferred to his body.
He staggered back two steps, blood spurted from his mouth, his vision blurred, and his legs and feet became weak. Although he tried his best to support himself, he still knelt down on one knee weakly.
Several bayonets were stabbed at him, and with a popping sound, there were several holes in his body. Blood spurted out, and he fell down, still staring in disbelief.
Zhang Xijun's face was so pale that he was unconscious. He was carried away by the soldiers. One of his arms was broken at the elbow, and the white cloth wrapped with it still oozed blood.
Jin Zongmin, Li Zhongjie, and Hong Longhai gasped and watched with concern as their close comrades were carried down, regrouped their troops, loaded ammunition, left the position, and advanced in a roundabout way.