In the wilderness east of the Wangjiatao River, some fires were lit one after another. The third division of the garrison battalion and the personal troops were respectively deployed along two official roads. At this time, they were sitting on the ground eating hot meals.
The lights on the Puzikou city wall were brightly lit, and many city defenders were talking loudly with the people, telling those who came after them about the great scene they had seen in the afternoon. Watching the battle on the city wall was safe and had a good perspective. It was like a VIP seat. No wonder they were excited.
On the Taiping Bridge across the city moat outside Wanfeng Gate, Mr. Hou was talking to a policeman from Puzikou, who was always lowered in a hanging basket from the city wall. The two were having a heated conversation.
Unlike other places that ignored them, Puzikou's attitude was more enthusiastic. It probably had something to do with the garrison battalion's defeat of the bandits in public. Both the common people and the officials had a good impression of the reinforcements from upstream, and they also paid for their purchases. As a business
Developed towns can provide good logistical support as long as you give them money.
The garrison camp was mainly based on the local defense of Anqing. Pang Yu paid more attention to the mobility of operations along the official road. The farthest Wangjiang was within a few days' journey, and there were many towns along the way.
Pang Yu's biggest shortage is combat power. The more streamlined the troops, the faster they can move, so they don't pay much attention to professional logistical support, not even the firepower deployed in the Qi family army.
Even when he started to prepare for the rescue of Jiangpu, Pang Yu only prepared food on the ship and along the river, but did not prepare a specialized logistics force. After disembarking at Puzikou this time, the troops all disembarked to fight. The boatmen were busy unloading the goods, and no one prepared dinner.
matter.
Now the hot meals that the soldiers eat are purchased from Puzikou, including a complete set of bowls. Pang Yu hopes that Puzikou will provide some more supplies, including meat, vegetables, grass bundles, firewood, tung oil, etc., so that the soldiers can spend the night.
They need to be more comfortable so that their combat strength can be restored better. In addition, they need some trauma doctors who can help to deal with wounded and sick soldiers to some extent.
As an important thoroughfare between Guan and Tianjin, there must be a gathering of goods. There is no shortage of supplies at Puzikou, and it has now entered the bargaining stage.
Pang Yu knew that those officers and soldiers were just middlemen, and they bought many of their goods from merchants in the city. They might even have bought them at low prices, and then sold them to the garrison after being built up the city wall, which was probably higher than the market price.
He had brought 10,000 taels of silver on board. As long as the money could be spent to solve the logistics, Pang Yu didn't care, but he couldn't let these local snakes think that the garrison camp was rich, so necessary bargaining was necessary.
It was already dark in the wilderness outside the city, and bonfires were lit at Yinding Bridge and Menghu Bridge, which were very conspicuous in the dark night.
The artillery assault at Yinding Bridge killed a bunch of people and interrupted two flag-recognizing troops. Shortly after the infantry counterattack began, it got dark. The first division dispatched two bureaus to pursue the troops for half a mile before retreating back to the camp and capturing hundreds of prisoners.
The official road was full of people who had been trampled to death by rogue bandits. Yao Dongshan only dragged the corpses back under his banner and was looking for the prisoners to identify the heads of the thieves.
There were heavy casualties in the direction of Menghu Bridge. The dead bodies piled up in the market, and both sides were mixed together. The total casualties have not yet been counted, but when the cavalry and Tang Ma counted them, there were only forty people left, seven of whom were seriously injured, and almost everyone else was dead.
There were minor injuries.
Wang Zenglu sent two bureaus of infantry to sweep the wilderness before dark. Most of the scattered horsemen panicked and drowned in the river without choosing the right path.
About two or three old thieves did not cross the river, but took refuge in the wilderness on horseback, taking advantage of their speed to circle the infantry. However, most of them survived. When it got dark, Wang Zenglu withdrew his infantry and was busy deploying defenses.
Therefore, there are still fleeing horse soldiers in the wilderness. Although they are no longer a combat force, they are still a psychological threat to the soldiers. Pang Yu himself feels insecure, but he has no good way to deal with these people after dark.
From the experience of Yunji Temple, Pang Yu had an understanding that he should not hold up torches at night during combat. Fang Ba and his group held torches and were shot at by Wang Guohua in the dark, while Pan Ke was rushing on with torches and was shot at by Wang Guohua in the dark.
Pang Yu and others discovered it from a long distance, giving them time to change their plans.
But if you don't use torches to suppress the bandits, the garrison camp will lose its organizational advantage, making it difficult for your own people to fight in the dark.
The garrison battalion was not familiar with night battles, because night battles relied on trumpet and drum command, which required high combat skills and coordination. It was difficult for Pang Yu's troops to execute, but Pang Yu still decided to let them attack, just to reduce the scale.
"After the meal, the Third Division sent out three flag teams and the Guards sent out two flag teams. Each flag team was attached with five archers. They were deployed every other mile along the Yinding Bridge Avenue. After they were in place, they started with drums.
Use the sound as a signal to advance from south to north. When advancing, pay attention to the direction of the fire at Menghu Bridge. They must advance together, and the line can only go north to avoid attacking each other."
After Pang Yu finished speaking, he looked up at Zhuang Chaozheng and Guo Fengyou. The infantry of the Third Division and the Guards had not participated in the battle in the afternoon. Naturally, they should be the main force in the evening attack.
These mopping up teams could not wipe out all the remaining horsemen during the night, but they could prevent those men from reorganizing.
Both of them responded immediately. Pang Yu looked at Guo Fengyou and saw that his face was still wrapped in cotton cloth with blood oozing from it.
"Fengyou fought fiercely at Menghu Bridge in the afternoon. You shouldn't have to work anymore, but you are leading the Guards. The infantry and cavalry are all fighting bravely. The Guards are directly under the Chinese army, and they must lead by example, so you can't
Rest."
Guo Fengyou stood at attention and said loudly, "The Guards are the pacesetters of your Majesty. As long as your Majesty orders them, the subordinates will execute them immediately."
Pang Yu smiled and nodded, with an inexplicable sense of accomplishment in his heart. During the Spring Festival last year, Guo Fengyou was just a fast-shift helper guarding the city gate. Most of the soldiers were civilians at that time. When he heard that the rogue bandits were coming, he turned pale with fear. He integrated a suitable
Resources, deployed together with these people, turned into a garrison that defeated tens of thousands of bandits before our eyes.
"Go and prepare. The two of you will personally deploy tasks to each flag team."
"I understand, sir. Please rest assured."
Zhuang Chaozheng saluted Pang Yu and walked towards his team.
Pang Yu glanced at Zhuang Chaozheng's back. This player was not as good as Yao Dongshan and Wang Zenglu. The training results of the third division were also slightly inferior, but Pang Yu felt closer to him. He himself couldn't explain why.
.
"My lord, your meal."
Pang Ding's voice sounded from behind. Pang Yu turned around and saw Pang Ding waiting there holding a big bowl.
After defeating the rogue cavalry at Tiger Bridge, Pang Yu let Pang Ding go ashore. At least today, the rogues could no longer threaten the dock.
I took the big bowl, which was still hot, with five or six pieces of meat piled on top, and some vegetables underneath.
His stomach was already growling, so Pang Yu picked up a piece of meat and put it into his mouth to chew. The meat was well seasoned with salt, and the delicious juice stimulated his taste buds. Pang Yu sighed happily.
"Master, please eat slowly. Do you want to eat in the room over there? It has been packed and there are tables and chairs."
Pang Yu waved his hand and stood in the street gobbling up his food, just like the soldiers around him.
After eating half a bowl like this, the feeling of hunger subsided. Pang Yu slowed down and said vaguely to Pang Ding while still chewing something, "You will take a few soldiers to Yinding Bridge later."
"What am I doing there?"
"Silver Ingot Bridge naturally counts silver."
Pang Yu whispered, "The money and food stored by the bandits were found in the market. At first, it was guarded by the marines, and now it is guarded by the suppressing troops. You go and count them, and gather them in one place for storage. The soldiers and the suppressing soldiers are guarding them together."
.”
At this time, the surrounding soldiers had finished their meals and began to form a team to prepare for the night mopping up mission.
Pang Ding glanced at the soldiers and then scratched his head. He knew that Pang Yu cared about money the most. "It's just a matter of keeping the pacification team on guard. You can't bring any money with you when you go on an expedition. If you find it, you'll be beheaded. Who dares to hide it privately?"
.”
"What's wrong with not being able to bring any money? If I were the young master, I would find a place to hide the money when I see it, and come back to get it after a while."
Pang Yu said as he ate, "This guy who is living in vain will dig a hole by the river and bury it. No one will be able to find it. Even if he finds the boat, he will immediately take the money and run to Nanjing. I will catch him wherever he goes."
If there is too much money, someone will definitely take risks, so I can rest assured if you take care of it."
Pang Ding exclaimed, "This silver matter is the most important thing, so why doesn't the young master go to Yinding Bridge in person to supervise the matter?"
"I have no time. The damage to the Tiger Bridge is much greater than that of the Silver Ingot Bridge. The cavalry is full of casualties. The second division has not had hot meals yet. I have to go there first anyway. The dock needs to check supplies.
There are still some things that need to be done before dawn, and it won’t work after today.”
Pang Yu took a few mouthfuls of rice and took a few mouthfuls. After chewing it and swallowing it, he added, "There are also some ox carts and donkey carts in Yinding Bridge. You also need to find someone to use them. This is very important to us. At present,
We, 1,500 people, are divided into four parts, respectively at the dock, Wanfengmen, Yinding Bridge and Menghu Bridge. I need those frames to transport the wounded and supplies, so that the troops can restore their combat effectiveness in time."
"You know, the villain..." Before Pang Ding could finish speaking, Pang Yu suddenly said loudly, "Why are there six pieces of meat in my bowl?"
The soldiers surrounding the whole team looked over secretly from the corners of their eyes. Pang Ding was stunned, "Here, I took a few more pieces..." "I just saw that each soldier is three pieces of meat. I have already said
However, when officers and soldiers go out to fight, they share the joys and sorrows as one body. No matter what position the official holds, there are no exceptions. This includes me, why did you knowingly commit the crime?"
"I..." Pang Ding rolled his eyes and looked around, and found that the soldiers and generals were paying attention. He quickly said loudly, "This subordinate is confused and asks for punishment."
"I will fine you three months' salary. If there is a next time, I will not let you go lightly."
Pang Ding lowered his head and rolled his eyes. He had countless money. Pang Yu always gave him money, which was far more than his salary. So he never went to the bank to get any military pay.
"The adults teach the little ones and keep them in mind."
"Go and execute the military order immediately."
Pang Yu thrust the bowl into his hand and strode toward a courtyard at the west end of Taiping Bridge under the admiring gazes of the surrounding soldiers.
Pang Ding looked down and saw that the bowl was empty under the surrounding firelight. He murmured, "Why didn't you tell me before you ate?"
... Pang Yu, who had a bulging belly, had just walked into the compound. The door was quickly closed. There were seven or eight soldiers inside, as well as three people in civilian clothes, including Jiang Fan.
Pang Yu asked him, "Is it good to choose people?"
"Each of the Eight Thieves and the Sweeper King's camp have one person each, both of whom are in charge of the team. The man in the Eight Thieves' camp is nicknamed Er Locust. He was originally a domestic slave of the Jin gentry in Shaanxi Province. He knows about a hundred words, is well-dressed and afraid of death. He is originally
It’s really a bit hasty to choose a few more..." "Bring the Eight Thieves here first."
The soldiers immediately entered the room and dragged out five or six bandits who had their hands and feet tied, with basically only minor injuries. Finally, they dragged out a person who was being held alone from a room.
They were surrounded by officers and soldiers holding knives. In front of them was a man who looked like a general, who looked like he was about to be executed. Some of the bandits started wailing.
Jiang Fan pointed at the man who was dragged out alone, "This is a treasure flag from the Eight Thieves' Camp. The bandit's name is Nine Dragons. He is the leader of the Two Locusts. He was shot in the leg at the Tiger Bridge."
Pang Yu nodded, "Who are the two locusts?"
The wailing bandit below hurriedly took a step forward and said, "This is my villain. I was forced by those eight thieves. I have never killed anyone. I am willing to follow you and destroy those bandits."
Pang Yu said to a soldier, "Let go of his hand."
The soldier immediately went to untie the rope. The two locusts looked around in fear. The other bandits were still tied up. He did not expect that he could persuade the general so easily.
Pang Yu pulled out his sword and threw it in front of him with a clang, making the two locusts fall back in fright.
"Aren't you going to exterminate the bandits?
Kill the nine dragons of your eldest family, and you will live."
"This, this..." Two Locusts lay on the ground and looked at Pang Yu in panic.
Several other bandits were panting. The atmosphere in the small courtyard was very solemn. Their lives depended on the general. They didn't know what it meant to let the two locusts kill the nine dragons, let alone whether they would let the two locusts kill them again.
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"I'll count to five and before you take action, I'll replace you with one."
The two locusts turned around and saw the nine dragons lying on the ground, looking at them fiercely.
The eyes of the two locusts slowly showed a fierce light, and then they looked at the other bandits.
"Two..." Er Locust stood up and knelt down, "Can your Lord let the villain kill these thieves together?"
Pang Yu looked at him coldly, "They are all witnesses to your killing of the elders in the camp. How could you be allowed to kill them? You can only kill whoever I ask you to kill. Three."
Sweat was pouring from Er Locust's forehead. He had no time to think and slowly held the handle of the knife on the ground.