Chapter 1957 Guizijuan Conspiracy Linqing Tyrant Tiger Feng He

He Huchen's eyes were solemn, staring at the thick city walls of Linqing City in front of him. Before dawn, the top of the city was as dark as a ghost, and his fists were almost filled with water.

After biting his lip for a while, He Huchen took out the telescope from his waist and pointed it straight ahead, slowly adjusting the rotation to make it in the best condition.

Looking at the tall city walls, the flickering lanterns on the walls, and the soldiers popping up from time to time, He Huchen understood that it might not be that easy to make a sneak attack.

 But there is not much time left for yourself.

His own army has crossed Mingdukou in the southeast of Qinghe County.

This is where the Yellow River burst its banks during the reign of Emperor Han Yuan. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, Feng Kui, the captain of the Qinghe River, once advised the Gutunshi River to be diverted, but was rejected. Later, the Yellow River burst its banks again, annihilating this area of ​​several counties, forming a miserable no-man's land. But now this area has become a densely populated area, with Solu water flowing through it, which is quite fertile.

Further east, it is very easy to be discovered by the Datong Army's scouting horses. Even if they are hiding in the Mingdukou area, tens of thousands of horses can hide for two or three days. Once discovered, I am afraid Sun Shaozu will It would be even harder if they realized their intentions and quickly sent reinforcements south.

This battle is very difficult to fight.

Because Sun Shaozu was very cautious, even if You Shilu captured the old city and threatened Wucheng, Sun Shaozu only mobilized soldiers and horses from Wucheng and Dezhou for reinforcements, and basically did not mobilize the Linqing garrison.

This means that there are still nearly 10,000 troops stationed in Linqing City, and they are all Datong troops. In contrast, Dongchang Fucheng in the south has less than 5,000 troops. This is enough to show that Sun Shaozu is shrewd and would rather put seemingly The more important Dongchang Fucheng was evacuated, and the defense of Linqing Prefecture was not relaxed.

If nothing unexpected happens, it can be said that it will be very difficult to defeat Linqing City by myself and Yang Zhaoji alone.

Even if it can be defeated, the losses will be extremely heavy, not to mention not saving one out of ten, at least half of it will be lost.

 But for himself and Yang Zhaoji, this battle must be fought.

You Shilu fought very bravely and brilliantly in the north. After taking the ancient city, he was met with a crazy counterattack by Sun Shaozu. The two sides launched a fierce attack and defense between the ancient city, Wucheng and Dezhou. After half a month, both sides suffered heavy casualties. Tragic.

Sun Chengzong had only one order, which was to use the Jizhen Army to firmly attract the Datong Army on the Dezhou and Wucheng lines, weaken the Datong Army on the Linqing and Dongchang Prefecture lines to the maximum extent, and prepare for his side to capture Linqing Prefecture. bedding.

It should be said that You Shilu's fierce attack at all costs was achieved, but it is said that the relationship between Sun Chengzong and You Shilu deteriorated sharply. You Shilu even wrote to the Ministry of War, accusing Sun Chengzong of being a strategist and a scholar, and that he was not worthy of his responsibilities.

Linqing is one of the most important cities in the Shandong section of the entire canal. Its strategic location may not be as important as Dezhou and Jining, but it is because it connects the Huitong River (canal) and the Wei River, and is right between Beizhi and Shandong Due to the special geographical location of the junction, commerce is particularly developed. It radiates to the entire east of Shandong and the south of Shuntian Prefecture and Guangping Prefecture. It is the most important material distribution center in Shandong. The significance of winning here is obvious.

Especially now that Xia Town in the south has been captured by the Northwest Army and the canal transportation has been interrupted, and the Datong Army and the Xuanfu Army need to collect considerable material supplies from Shandong along the canal, the importance of Linqing Prefecture has become highlighted.

Master Feng also mentioned that this battle must be fought with momentum, either Dezhou, Dongchangfu, or Linqing. There are only three places to choose from.

Dongchang Mansion is too far south, and there are garrisons in Yanggu and Tangyi to protect it, so it was abandoned directly, leaving only Dezhou and Linqing.

To attack Dezhou, it is almost a forceful attack without any tricks. It can easily lead to a duel between the two sides. And in this kind of offensive and defensive duel, when the defenders have the support of the canal, it is difficult for the attacker to take advantage.

Then the only option is actually Linqing Prefecture.

Linqing Prefecture is naturally also the focus of the Datong Army's defense, but compared with Dezhou's heavy troops pressing down on the border, its defense is certainly not as heavy as Dezhou's. This is our own opportunity.

 But this opportunity may also require the sacrifice of countless soldiers.

Even so, if he cannot win by surprise, he and Yang Zhaoji may not be able to win even if they want to sacrifice their lives. This is what He Huchen is most worried about.

"Sir?" The soldiers around him were a little anxious when they saw that the sky was getting brighter. This was too close to Linqing Prefecture City. Once noticed by the enemy, they would not even have a chance to escape.

“I know, have they come back?” He Huchen asked in a deep voice.

"I'm afraid it will take some time. The Longjing Lieutenant's spies and the Criminal Department's informants in the city belong to different parties. One is in the west of the city and the other is in the south of the city. It will take half an hour for our people to get on the line, and the distance is not close. "The soldier lowered his voice: "How about we retreat to Dafu first, where the trees are tall and the grass is dense, making it easier to hide..."

Dafu is on the north side of the city, not too far away. He Huchen thought for a moment before nodding. If he couldn't get accurate information from the Longjing Lieutenant and the Ministry of Punishment in the city, he would never feel at ease. If he really wanted to attack hard, what would he have to do? The price is too high.

Luo Dingbiao returned to his mansion with a gloomy expression. This was a large mansion not far from Bixia Palace and not far from Dongshui Gate. His unit was stationed not far from Dongshui Gate.

Several soldiers who were following behind them filed in, and the door was quickly closed.

"Sir, the people from the Feng family are already waiting." The soldier whispered.

Luo Dingbiao took a deep breath, waved his hand, and signaled the soldiers to go down first, while he still had to think about it.

Sun Shaozu didn't treat him too kindly, but he didn't treat him badly either. After all, he was not his direct descendant, so it was not easy to do this.

There are three troops stationed in Linqing City, one is stationed in the east and south, one is stationed in the west and north, and the other is slightly less powerful and serves as a reserve force.

Luo Dingbiao also knew very well that even in his own unit of 3,000 people, Sun Shaozu had placed his people, or he had bribed his subordinates, but it was difficult for Luo Dingbiao to find out who was bribed.

Everyone is suspicious, and it is possible for everyone. Even Sun Shaozu did not hide it too much. Perhaps he used this method to remind himself to prevent himself from having different intentions or having other intentions.

But there was a lot of urgency outside, and people in the city came from time to time to deliver news, which made Luo Dingbiao have a little doubt about whether he could hold Linqing City.

The longer this drags on, the more incompetent and furious it becomes on the Nanjing side. Even the weapons and food provided have been replenished on the spot by soldiers. However, the situation in Linqing is slightly better, but it is not optimistic either.

The imperial court has deep roots in Shandong. Although the army controls the city, they can still find themselves through various channels anytime and anywhere.

If he had not had much contact with the Feng Duan family on the surface, he would not have been left in Linqing City to defend the city.

Linqing is the hometown of the Feng family, and the Feng family is also a big family in Linqing. However, the Feng Tang lineage has a small number of people. The Feng family in and outside Linqing City is more of a distant branch.

But regardless of whether it is a distant branch or not, now the Feng clan members have secretly come to the door through various methods, and the purpose and intention are obvious.

Luo Dingbiao naturally cannot refuse, but he will not believe anyone easily, even if it is the Feng family.

Sun Shaozu had a tight grip on this army. It was hard to tell who his trusted generals were and who were secretly connected with him. This was what Luo Dingbiao was most worried about.

The Feng family came directly to the door at this time. It was obviously at the last moment. There must be enemy traces outside Linqing City, but it was not clear how many people came.

Zhu Yunqi, who was in charge of the entire defense of Linqing City, was Sun Shaozu's confidant. He was also very suspicious and took a very close look at himself. If the Feng family had not had deep connections in the city, he would not have been able to pass through the house and enter his house so easily.

It's time to make a decision. Luo Dingbiao sighed. This decision will make him reach the sky and sink to the ground.

 “Invite him in.”

 The person who comes every time is not the same person, but he has the seal left by the Feng family, which is enough to believe him.

"Lord Luo, this is the last time we meet. If Lord Luo still can't decide, then let this matter go." The visitor got straight to the point and made it clear: "The imperial army will launch an offensive against Linqing in the near future. If you still can't decide now, If I can’t decide, I’m afraid I won’t have a chance.”

Luo Dingbiao looked at the other party steadily, but the other party was very indifferent and said to himself: "I just brought the message, and the task of bringing the message to me will be completed. If you are interested, then let me spread the news. If No intention, I turned around and left."

Luo Dingbiao was silent for a long time, then he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "What should I do?"

"Your Majesty, has it been decided?" The other party was not surprised. There were only two outcomes, either do it or not do it. It was as simple as that. Luo Dingbiao just chose the one with a greater possibility.

"Decided."

"Well, tomorrow the army will arrive at the city and launch an attack. How about the ugly hour and three quarters in two days? Open the city gate at Binyang Gate..." the other party made a request.

Luo Dingbiao hesitated for a while and shook his head, "Binyang Gate is the focus of Zhu Yunqi's guarding. With his own soldiers watching, I'm afraid it will be difficult to succeed..."

"Then you have to choose a breakthrough point, right? Dongshui Gate?" The visitor was obviously very familiar with the situation in Linqing City. "Dongshui Gate needs a floating bridge, and the sluice can easily be blocked..."

"Just the Dongshui Gate!" Luo Dingbiao gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind, "My people can only fully control the Dongshui Gate. As for the pontoon, that's simple. There are many rafts at the lumber market. I'll arrange for people to prepare some. If you put it down at that time, you can come in along the water gate. After entering, you can take the Binyang Gate to the north and the Jingdai Gate to the south. It depends on the situation."

 (End of this chapter)