Listening to Lu Duoxun's analysis, Luo Youdu just pondered for a moment and said: "I have great control over the world, so there is no reason to be timid in fighting. Send an order to Marshal Ma, asking him to continue to harass and entangle the opponent. In addition, let Han Lingkun and Cao Bin go.
Ma Shuai retreats in the direction. Even if he cannot inflict heavy damage on the enemy, he still has to bite off a piece of flesh from their body."
His words were full of confidence.
This is not about underestimating the enemy, nor is it arrogance. It is the self-confidence cultivated by Dayu soldiers who are invincible in every battle. No matter how many people there are on the opponent's side, no matter how bad the situation is, they all have the idea of victory.
Without any unnecessary hesitation, Luo Youdu immediately mobilized all the cavalry under his command and approached the Khitan army.
He is in no hurry to fight.
The Khitan authorities have exhausted their calculations, which means they are well prepared.
They are more familiar with the terrain, and fighting in the dark cannot give full play to their own advantages.
At dawn, the situation between the enemy and ourselves is clear at a glance, and only then can we make the most correct choice.
Luo Youdu went all the way north for more than ten miles. Under the guidance of Gao Huaide, they arrived at a place called Gu Heli at the fourth watch of the day.
Gao Huaide reported the situation in person: "Your Majesty, the enemy has stopped retreating after retreating here. It seems that they intend to fight us here."
The surrounding terrain appeared in Luo Youdu's mind. He had never been here personally, but within the coverage of the sand table, he had a general understanding of the situation here.
Luo Youdu was keenly aware of the key point of this place and said: "I remember there was a creek here in ancient times."
The place names given by the Khitan people are weird to begin with, but when translated into Chinese, they become even weirder.
Lu Duoxun had done a lot of homework and had a photographic memory, so he quickly answered: "It was first called Guqianli Water, which was a tributary of the Laoha River. It was also a wide river at the beginning. Later, for some unknown reason,
, the Laoha River changed its course, and the ancient water turned into a stream, which is more than ten feet wide. There is water in spring, summer and autumn, but it dries up in winter. Because it is a big river, the terrain here is lower than that of ordinary streams. The other party is here
They stopped here, obviously intending to take advantage of the low-lying terrain here to fight with our army."
Luo Youdu said: "This is to deceive our army because it has no infantry and it is difficult to fight a critical battle. The situation has changed, it is really interesting."
In the battles between the Central Plains and the Khitan, the Central Plains always relied on the coordination of arms, with a mixture of infantry and cavalry, while the Khitan relied on all the people on cavalry.
Now their infantry are either tired and injured, or they have to maintain order in Dading Mansion, and they only have cavalry at hand. Although the Khitan still mainly uses cavalry, most of the Jingzhou army is horse-mounted infantry.
This ancient calendar must have been the battlefield they chose.
Luo Youdu put his hands together and said, "Then I will try their depth."
The winter morning came late, accompanied by the biting frost, the sun was reluctant to jump out of the horizon, but the light still drove away the darkness, and heavy fog enveloped the grassland.
The breaths exhaled by people and horses are like clouds and mist, shrouding people in them.
Zhao Kuangyi was sitting on a high slope looking at the enemy on the opposite side through the morning fog. In this winter, his palms were filled with cold sweat.
Against the Central Plains army, Zhao Kuangyi had done all his calculations this time, and many situations were as he expected. With his understanding of Luo Youdu, a powerful enemy in the Central Plains, he calculated many things accurately and successfully widened the gap between the enemy and ourselves.
But during the final pursuit, something went wrong.
Zhao Kuangyi knew that Luo Youdu was bold in using troops and was good at seizing opportunities, so he knew that he would not miss the opportunity to pursue. He originally planned to use the melee at night to win with superior force.
Even in the Central Plains, it is difficult to maintain large-scale battle formation coordination in this chaotic melee.
In this way, the advantage between the enemy and ourselves can be further expanded.
There is every chance to succeed in one fell swoop by pulling in the Southern Dynasties.
Zhao Kuangyi, who was calculating every step, made a mistake in the last step.
Zhao Kuangyi did have good intelligence, but he underestimated Gao Huaide, who had experienced many battles.
Gao Huaide was born in the fifth generation of generals. He joined the army as a tooth general at the age of thirteen. He rose to prominence at the age of twenty and made many military exploits. During this period, he single-handedly protected his father to fight his way out of the thousands of troops. Not only did he bravely win the three armies, but he also has the most experience in battle.
Rich, did not let Zhao Kuangyi succeed, but sent cavalry to harass all the way, delaying the Khitan's retreat.
This time Zhao Kuangyi became a little passive.
Regardless of the situation, withdrawing to Linhuang Mansion in Beijing is the ultimate goal of the Khitan.
Even if they really defeated the cavalry of the Southern Dynasty, they would have to withdraw to Shangjing to deal with the two armies of Lin Renzhao and Pan Mei.
Now, not only did they fail to take advantage of the opportunity to win, they also let Gao Huaide bite them, making it impossible for them to retreat calmly.
In fact, at this time, Zhao Kuangyi had a way to cover Yelv Bishe's retreat calmly.
That is, the strong men cut off their wrists and sacrificed the Jingzhou Army. The cavalry such as the Pishi Army and the Tribe Army immediately followed Brother Yelvxiu's retreat method and were able to withdraw from the battlefield with minimal casualties.
This plan is better than Brother Yelvxiu personally taking the throne.
Brother Yelvxiu couldn't think of such a vicious plan as burning Dading Mansion.
However, Zhao Kuangyi was not willing to do this.
The Khitan military was highly xenophobic, and Zhao Kuangyi knew this very well. As a Southern Dynasty native, it was extremely difficult for him to command the Khitan's most elite Pishi Army. The Jingzhou Army was his greatest reliance.
Sacrificing the Jingzhou Army and preserving the Pishi Army was indeed a good thing for the Khitan. But for Zhao Kuangyi, it was equivalent to breaking his arm.
Driven by selfishness, Zhao Kuangyi chose a difficult path and had a real fight with the chasing Southern Dynasty cavalry.
They have the terrain advantage, they have the strength advantage, and they may not have no chance of winning.
Zhao Kuangyi turned the horse's head and returned to Yelu Bishe's side.
Yelu Bishe was listening to the news reported by the generals. When he saw Zhao Kuangyi arriving, he hurriedly asked: "How is Superintendent Zhao?"
Zhao Kuangyi said calmly: "Everything is as expected. They suffered a night of losses and did not dare to fight again. They planned to delay it until dawn. According to the news from the scouts, the number of soldiers and horses they pursued this time was no more than three.
Ten thousand are all cavalry. Without the cooperation of infantry, the opponent's strength will be greatly reduced."
Yelv Bishe laughed loudly: "Sure enough, the hero has the same view, and Xuncai Xunning also said something similar."
Zhao Kuangyi glanced at Brother Yelvxiu calmly. Ever since Yelu Wuzhi died of illness, he was most afraid of Brother Yelvxiu.
Zhao Kuangyi has a good eye for people, and he has already seen that the only person who threatens him the most next to Yelv Bishe at this moment is this person whom Yelv Bishe affectionately calls "Xun Ning".
During this retreat, he gave himself a lot of suggestions, which benefited him a lot.
"This guy wants to take credit for his own work?"
Zhao Kuangyi's heart was ringing with alarms. He had created the current advantage, so how could he let the other party take advantage of it?
He instantly turned his retreat into an advance and said: "The commander of Yelu's army is both wise and brave. He is indeed a well-deserved hero. I only have occasional gains and do not dare to compare."
On the one hand, he said that he was not worthy to be compared with Brother Yelvxiu, but on the other hand, he emphasized that all strategies were his "accidental gains".
How could Brother Yelvxiu compare to Zhao Kuangyi in the political arena? Hearing him praise him, he hurriedly said: "The current advantages are all planned by the supervisor of the army, and I am no better than Ya Huier, the commander of the army."
He is truly humble.
Yelu Bishe glanced around and said, "You two are my right and left arms, there is no need to be humble."
He said with a solemn look on his face, looked at the surrounding generals, and said in a deep voice: "This battle is related to the survival of the Liao Dynasty, and there is no room for failure. I ask myself that the military strategy is not as good as the enemy leader, nor as good as Zhao Jian. Here, the general
The power of command is entrusted to Zhao Qing. At this critical moment, you must not be angry. If anyone makes any mistake, I will personally hold him accountable."
Yelu Xidi and Sahedi, the king of the second family, both looked unfair.
Brother Yelvxiu knew the key to this battle and said hurriedly: "At the end of the day, I am willing to listen to the command of the military envoy."
Although Brother Yelvxiu was a rising star, his military exploits were not inferior to those of many veteran generals. When they saw him, they all came out to support him. Even if the Khitan generals were dissatisfied, they did not say anything.
Yelu Haili, the king of the South Campus, also set an example at this moment, nodded and said: "I will all obey the arrangements of the military envoy."
Zhao Kuangyi was overjoyed and said: "Our troops are far superior to the opponent's. Now is the best opportunity to decide on a battle with more encirclement and less encirclement. This place is located in a depression, which is not conducive to cavalry galloping, but it is open to the left and right, suitable for large armies to move.
It would be best to ride here and coordinate with each other. I thought the troops should be divided into nine armies..."
He bowed deeply to Yelu Haili and said: "In the past, when Taizu went on the western expedition, your Majesty personally led the troops and horses deep into the country, and with careful command, he defeated Tuyuhun. Your Majesty's reputation has now spread to the north and south, and no one in the Liao Dynasty is dissatisfied. So he and
In the formation below, I am the central army and the central guard army, commanding, coordinating and supporting all the soldiers and horses. How about it? In terms of prestige, I am far inferior to the king. Without the support of the king, it is absolutely impossible to rely on just one person below."
Yelu Haili had a high prestige in the Khitan, but his military exploits were not significant. Following Yelu Abaoji in the conquest of Tuyuhun was his only successful achievement. It was difficult for the other party to praise him so much, so it was hard for him to accept the offer.
Seeing that Yelu Haili was taken care of, Zhao Kuangyi was very high-spirited. He looked at Yelu Xidi and said: "I heard that General Xidi is the best warrior of our Khitan. He holds a mountain-breaking ax and has courage that no man can match. This former army commander's position is undeniable.
.”
Yelu Xidi was a reckless man. When he heard Zhao Kuangyi praising him in front of everyone, he smiled with joy. The little bit of unhappiness disappeared and he said: "The supervisors have good eyesight. They say that there are many fierce generals in the Southern Dynasties. That's because they have never met a certain person."
The axe. I heard that Gao Huaide across the street was brave enough to conquer the Southern Dynasties, so I asked you to go and meet him."
His eyes are like lightning and his fighting spirit is high.
Zhao Kuangyi said: "You lead the cavalry in the center of the formation. You are the vanguard and lead the first six armies!"
Yelu Xidi opened his mouth and said: "Leave it to me!" As a Khitan warrior, he often did the vanguard's work. Charge into the battle, that was his specialty.
But why it was the first six armies, Yelu Xidi did not study in detail.
Zhao Kuangyi looked at the number one general in the North Courtyard, King Sahe of House B.
"The King of House B, Sahejieshuai!"
He called out and said: "I have heard from Your Majesty many times that the commander-in-chief used his troops calmly, seasoned and as solid as a rock. Especially in the Battle of the Yellow River, he used a thousand lone troops at the rear to resist the attack of 50,000 thieves and retreat calmly. It is true that
It’s admirable…”
He was talking about the pinnacle battle of King Sahe of House B: In the past, Yelu Deguang entered the Central Plains, but because of his perverse behavior in the Central Plains, he was driven back by the uprising armies from all directions and had to return to the Central Plains.
When heading to Hebei, King Sahe of House B was ordered to go to the rear and blocked the 50,000 rebels with a thousand soldiers and horses on the south bank of the Yellow River.
This battle was the most glorious moment in the life of Prince B Sahe, and he always had plenty of food and wine to brag about.
When Zhao Kuangyi mentioned it on such an occasion, he felt his face light up and said politely: "Military Inspector Miuzan!"
Zhao Kuangyi continued: "Jie Commander is the most prudent. He is placed on both sides of the rear of the central army to prevent the enemy from outflanking our army from both wings and the rear."
Sahe, the king of House B, naturally had no objection.
Yelvbi took photos and saw that Zhao Kuangyi had easily taken down the three highest-ranking people. He was overjoyed. He really did not trust the wrong person.
After arranging the front army, the middle army and the rear army, he appointed Yelvxiu Ge to command the right-wing army, and Xiao Taogu to command the left-wing army.
Under normal circumstances, the army formation is mostly composed of five armies, but Zhao Kuangyi was ingenious and refined the nine armies. In addition to the normal five armies at the front, rear, left, and right, there are also the center guard army, the front guard army, the left guard army, and the right guard army.
Among the nine armies, there are further refinements: "General Wu Tao, you are on the right side of Commander Xi Di, and you are ambushing on the right front; General Du Zhenghong is leading the infantry on the left wing of the formation, and you are ambushing on the left front..."
He issued a series of orders, such as left forward, right forward, left forward and right forward, and left wing back and right wing back.
Eighty thousand Khitan soldiers and more than 130 generals and officers all had tasks, forming a huge circular formation, connected end to end, as neatly as a chessboard.
Zhao Kuangyi's series of orders made his mouth go dry.
Many officers and generals were confused after hearing this.
Only Brother Yelvxiu understood Zhao Kuangyi's intention.
Brother Yeluxiu once saw Zhao Kuangyi's Wanquan Formation. The formation deployed by Zhao Kuangyi this time was slightly different from the original Wanquan Formation. It must have been re-improved, but the general situation is still the same.
Brother Yelvxiu could understand Zhao Kuangyi, but he was worried that others would not understand, so he bit the bullet and said: "Supervisor, the formation you have laid out is too complicated, and I am afraid that it will be difficult for the generals to execute it."
Zhao Kuangyi sighed and said: "This is also what I am most worried about. The strength of our army is not inferior to that of the Central Plains. We have repeatedly failed because we are not accustomed to fighting formations. Now we have no time to practice. Fortunately, we are outnumbered and outnumbered.
As long as you can obey the orders, it will not be difficult to defeat the enemy. Gentlemen, I know that most of you are untrained and a little confused, but when encountering a situation, do not hesitate to act upon the command flag. In the end... Daliao will win!"
He raised his arms enthusiastically.
Yelu Bishe came all the way to see Zhao Kuangyi and planned to make sure everything was done. Today, he commanded Ruoding again. He was very upset. If he had known about this, he would have forced the generals to accept his training.
"If we win today, Supervisor Zhao will definitely train the three armies!"
This thought flashed through Yelu Bishe's mind, he drew out the sword from his waist and shouted: "Da Liao will win!"
The generals also raised their swords and guns and shouted: "Da Liao will win!"
As the morning fog dissipated, a huge and complete formation composed of 80,000 troops appeared in front of 30,000 Central Plains cavalry...