Luo Youdu listened to the shouts of death that had receded, yawned, and continued to lie down. Thinking of his son, he couldn't help but muttered: "You shouldn't be ugly now!"
He still cares about the appearance of his eldest son.
"Report, the incoming enemy cavalry has been repulsed!"
Cao Bin's voice came from outside the tent.
Luo Youdu came back to his senses and said: "Okay, I understand. Continue to be vigilant, the other party may attack again, don't give them an opportunity."
"yes!"
Listening to the sound of Cao Bin leaving, a smile appeared on Luo Youdu's lips.
As expected, fighting is all about one's breath.
If I am strong, the enemy will be weak; if I am weak, the enemy will be strong.
After long-term research on the situation of Guo Rong's Northern Expedition in history, Luo Youdu was not optimistic about the results of Guo Rong's Northern Expedition.
He believed that with Guo Rong's ability, if he didn't die, he would have a high chance of regaining the Sixteenth Prefecture of Yanyun.
But it may not be the Northern Expedition in history.
It’s no wonder that half of the generals are unwilling to fight. It’s really more likely that they will continue to fight.
Taking the four states and three passes was already the best and most satisfying result at that time.
There is no other reason. Historically, the Zhou army fought too smoothly and too hard, which directly frightened Xiao Siwen, who was not good at military skills, to dare not go to war, and all the heavy troops huddled under the Youzhou City.
Just looking at the performance of the Zhou army in attacking Shouzhou, we can deduce that the Zhou army was indeed slightly deficient in siege.
I'm afraid it will be even more difficult to defeat Youzhou, which has a stronger city defense, more troops, and stronger combat effectiveness.
What's more, in addition to Youzhou City, they also have to face the sleeping emperor's support of 100,000 light cavalry.
The Khitan's combat effectiveness was not comparable to that of the Southern Tang.
Based on this "lesson", Luo Youdu's first thought was to slow down and control the rhythm of the attack.
Facing Xiao Siwen, Binggui's speed was of no use.
If the opponent is too timid, too stable, and too aggressive, it will be detrimental to the outcome of the battle.
Therefore, this time they went north and only captured one pass and one state. The Zhou army pretended to be less energetic and began to divide its troops in various directions.
One group was led by Luo Youdu, stationed south of Waqiao Pass, and attacked Waqiao Pass.
One group was led by Han Tong and attacked Yingzhou.
One group was led by Murong Yanzhao and attacked Mozhou.
The last one is the Central Army led by Guo Rong, holding an array near Zhangshui, ready to support various ministries.
At first, Luo Youdu was still showing off, crossing Yishui and intending to surround Waqiao Pass. However, with the support of the opponent's five thousand light cavalry, he decisively gave in and retreated from Yishui to the south of the pass.
This is what happened when Yanyundi was lost.
Waqiao Pass was the most important pass in the Song Dynasty's defense against the Khitans.
In history, countless large and small battles have occurred around the three passes of Hebei, headed by Waqiao Pass, Yukou Pass, and Yijin Pass.
But compared to the fortresses that really occupy the most advantageous location, whether it is Waqiao Pass, Yukou Pass, or Yijin Pass, they are all built along the river. They seem to be holding back the fortress, but people and horses can easily pass by the pass.
It is only used for early warning and cannot truly prevent intrusions.
With Xiao Siwen personally leading his troops, the strength of the troops at Waqiao Pass increased to 30,000, and the Khitan army became more confident.
It seemed that he was no longer satisfied with passive defense and began to attack Luo Youdu's military camp at night.
The Khitan cavalry were the best at various night attacks, and Luo Youdu personally told Cao Bin, Pan Mei, and Guo Tingwei to let them take turns on duty.
This time they met Cao Bin. Before the Khitan Qingqi could get close to the antlers, he was driven back by a burst of powerful crossbow fire, leaving only a hundred corpses.
"Thirty thousand!"
Luo Youdu smiled even more as he read out the numbers of the Khitan army near Waqiao Pass.
It seems that Song Xiong's hidden move has paid off.
Only by moving Youzhou's soldiers and horses to the front line as much as possible, the cost of taking Youzhou will be smaller.
**********
Waqiao Pass!
Xiao Wei returned to the pass with an annoyed look on his face, threw his helmet heavily on the ground, and vented his dissatisfaction.
This is the first battle in his life, and he thinks that he must achieve decent results and prove himself no matter what.
As a result, before they even got close to the enemy camp, they were immediately driven back by crossbows and arrows, killing nearly a hundred soldiers.
Xiao Siwen looked at his eldest son, not caring about his defeat at all, and said: "Okay, let's not think about who the opponent is? That is a famous general from the Central Plains who is famous in the world. So far, he has not lost. How can it be so easy?
Just for you to take advantage of?"
"My son should remember this lesson and never underestimate the people of the world."
"Remember not to fight a meaningless war. Why bother with Luo Youdu? As long as we persist until the emperor comes, we will win."
Xiao Si Wenbao read books from the Central Plains. He may lack practical experience, but he understands the principles.
Understand the reason why Xiang Yu becomes weaker the more he wins, and Liu Bang becomes stronger the more he loses.
He was not that good, so he guarded the pass honestly, stalling for time, waiting for Yelujing to arrive with his army, and then transfer the command.
Isn't this perfect?
Why risk defeating the enemy to win!
If it weren't for Xiao Kuiyin's repeated requests, Xiao Siwen would not have allowed his son to conduct a tentative night attack.
No, the lives of more than a hundred soldiers were lost in vain.
Xiao Wei had suffered a loss and had nothing to say. He could only express his understanding angrily, but he was not convinced in his heart.
Xiao Siwen didn't say anything when he saw this. He knew his eldest son's ability and character, but he couldn't help but think of his daughter Xiao Hunian, and thought to himself: How wonderful it would be if she were a boy.
Xiao Siwen ignored Xiao Kuiyin, as long as his son came back safely, he could rest peacefully.
Early the next morning, Xiao Siwen called Yelu Xiezhen.
"Xie Zhen, how is the situation of the Central Plains Army?"
Yelv Xiezhen is the grandson of Yu Yue (the highest honorary title, awarded to a person with special merits) Yelv Holu. However, because Yelv Xiezhen did not manage his livelihood well, he completely ruined the inheritance left by his grandfather. He is a famous prodigal in Khitan.
Being despised.
However, Xiao Siwen saw Yelv Xiezhen's good qualities and knew that he was a libertine on the outside but extremely capable on the inside, so he recruited him under his command and entrusted him with important tasks.
Yelu Xiezhen said: "Just like yesterday, Han Tong and Murong Yanzhao are attacking Yingzhou and Mozhou. Our scouts can't go deep into it and we don't know the details. But the general estimates that it is more likely to be bad than good. In a few days, we will be there."
Fall."
Xiao Siwen nodded and said: "Being able to sustain it to this day is beyond my expectation. Regardless of life or death, I will remember them for their contribution. Also, increase the number of scouts and spread out widely along Baiyangdian, Yishui and Juma Rivers.
Scouts monitor every move of the Central Plains army. The Central Plains people like to use tricks and surprises most in war, and don't give them the chance to use surprises."
The reason why the pass was built at Waqiao Pass is because it is the only land entrance to the north.
Other roads heading north are blocked by rivers, and the bridges that allow for quick passage have been destroyed by us.
Of course the river is not fast and can be crossed forcefully.
But as long as scouts are widely spread on the north bank of the river, unless the Zhou soldiers have wings, all changes will be under their surveillance.
Xiao Siwen's greatest advantage is that he is self-aware. He knows that he is not good at military strategy, so he is not aggressive and easy to move, and is as steady as an old dog.