Chapter 88: Fighting in the Northwest (I)

After the Yellow River passed Xihuizhou, it turned around and ran north. The rushing river water washed away the spiritual mountains and rivers of the Yangtze River in the south of the Yangtze River. Here, scenes of golden swords and iron horses were staged. Many heroes have left legendary stories on this stage, passed down from generation to generation.

On August 4, the third year of Xiande of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Feng Jiye, the governor of Lingzhou, led a 6,000 reinforcements to the south gate and prepared to go to Jingzhou. After walking less than ten miles, he received the 800-li urgent document sent from Shanzhou. Feng Jiye's expression changed several times after reading the 800-li official document, and he urgently ordered the Lingzhou army to retreat to Lingzhou City.

Shortly after the army returned to the city, several teams of Lingzhou cavalry crossed the west gate and rushed towards the border between the west and the Dangxiang people in the west.

The 30,000-Dangxiang Army was invisible in an abandoned military camp outside the city of Xihuizhou. This military camp was once a Tang army camp. One night, the Tang army was attacked by the Tubo people, and all 4,000 Tang army members were killed in the military camp. Since then, this military camp has been regarded as an ominous place. Over the past century, many of the masters of Xihuizhou have been changed, but the troops of various ethnic groups dare not be stationed here again. The new military camp was moved to another dangerous place ten miles away. In this abandoned military camp,

At that time, you can find white bones. When thunderstorms are mixed, you can also hear the sound of weapons colliding, rumbling horse hooves and screams. A brave Dangxiang man once did not believe it and bet with others that if you sleep in the military camp for a night, you can get some money and food. The Dangxiang man was really unlucky. On the night of entering the military camp, there was a sudden storm. The next day, the Dangxiang man left the military camp in a daze and kept nagging: blood, blood all over the ground.

For Fang Dangming, who was ambitious, this abandoned military camp was of course the best place to hide. After a simple ceremony was held to comfort the dead, the Dangxiang army entered the military camp.

The Fangdang tribe on the Qingshui River has gathered recently. The most important place is that Fangdangdang is the Five Tigers, the Second Hu Fangdangdang Baige leads his army to guard Wuliu Pass, and the other four tigers are all in Fangdangming's military tent. They are the Big Tiger Room Dangming, the Three Tiger Room Danghai, the Four Tiger Room Dangdu, the Five Tiger Room Dangdu, the Fangdangdangdu is brothers, and Fangdanghanhai, the Fangdangdanghu is Fangdangming's cousins.

At this time, four tigers gathered in the tent, Fang Dangming was wearing the white clothes that Dangxiang people liked the most. His eyes were not big, and he always seemed to be squinting, but when he stared at people, he was extremely sharp. His nose was slightly hooked downward, very much like an eagle that looked proudly in all directions. In addition, the military flag of the Dangxiang Fangdang tribe was an eagle, so Fang Dangming was also called Eagle Shooter.

Fang Dangming finished reading the information he sent in detail, without any expression on his face. He handed the note to several brothers, and then walked to the door of the tent and stared at the direction of Lingzhou.

Several goshawks soar freely in the air, flying higher and higher, losing their traces after passing through a cloud.

After Fang Dangming returned to the tent, the three tigers in the tent were talking quietly. When they saw him come in, they stopped and looked at Fang Dangming together. Fang Dangming was actually not a few years older than them, but he was very prestige among Fangdang clans. In recent years, Fangdang clans have risen rapidly. Fang Dangming can be said to have made great contributions. Sanhu respected and loved him and had a little fear.

"You see what to do now." Fang Dangming's voice was very low.

Fang Dangyong He was a hot-hearted person, and he said loudly: "The army has set off. It's like an arrow on the string, and I have to fire it. What are the things that Lingzhou Army is afraid of when he comes back? He will still kill him."

Fang Dangdu was the youngest tiger, only 23 years old. At the age of seventeen, he began to follow his elder brother to fight south and north. He was extremely clever and liked to seize the enemy's back. Once he confronted the Khitans. At the most critical moment, he led 500 cavalry to cut off the Khitans' retreat. The Dangxiang people finally returned to defeat and Fang Dangdu made great contributions. After this battle, Fang Dangdu was included in the ranks of the Five Tigers. He said: "Sige is reasonable. The Lingzhou army is only more than 10,000, and there are already many of us in the city. With the inside and outside, Lingzhou City cannot be defended no matter what."

Fang Danghanhai was a little hesitant, and he opposed: "Our Party Xiang Army has never been good at attacking the city. Judging from the latest information, the Lingzhou Army is obviously guarding against it."

Fang Dang-chan before Fang Dang Hanhai finished speaking, interrupted: "Where can we find everything? For Lingzhou, we have been preparing for so long, but just because the Lingzhou army seemed to be prepared, it was too cowardly."

Fang Danghanhai retorted: "Did you forget Jingyuan City? Jingyuan City is only two thousand Uighur soldiers, far less solid than Lingzhou City. We are also losing troops and losing generals under the city. Attacking the city is a solution."

Fangdangyanhe immediately replied: "If there is a strong city, we avoid fighting, then our Fangdang tribe will always guard the small area of ​​Qingshui River, and let those stupid and cowardly Central Plains people always occupy those vast and abundant lands. Look at the Tuoba tribe, which occupied the rich land of Yin, Xia, Sui and Yu, and the Tuoba tribe has become the most powerful tribe among the eight tribes of the Dangxiang tribes. If Fangdang tribes are strong, they must dare to fight with the Central Plains people and snatch the land from the Central Plains people, otherwise they can only be bullied."

Fang Dangming listened quietly to the arguments of several people. Fang Dang Xuanhe's last few words reached his heart, and he said, "Yunhe's saying makes sense."

When Sanhu heard Fang Dangming speak, he naturally stopped arguing and looked at Fang Dangming.

Fang Dangming said slowly and resolutely: "The new emperor of the Zhou Dynasty was a promising king. He defeated the Han army and the Khitan army in Gaoping, and his troops were extremely strong. The main force of the Zhou army is now heading south with all his might. If the Zhou army defeated the southern countries, he would definitely do his best to deal with the tribes in the north. Now he would take advantage of the main force of the Zhou army's army's opportunity to seize Lingzhou in Huainan. This also puts pressure on the Zhou Dynasty and makes him have some concerns about the use of troops in the south. He should not miss the opportunity and never come again. Our Fang Dang tribe must seize this opportunity."

Fang Dangming walked around the tent a few times and said, "We divided the troops into two places, and there are two purposes. One is to attract the Lingzhou army to go south. This purpose has been achieved. Yesterday, Feng Jiye led the main force of the Lingzhou army to leave Lingzhou City, but for some reason, he only left ten miles away. The entire army hurried back to the city, and immediately strengthened the city defense and sent several cavalry teams to the western border. It seems that the Lingzhou army is already alert to us, and we have done a good job before we leave the army.

Preparing for work, it is logical that the news will not be leaked. Why did the Lingzhou army suddenly judge the intentions of our army? Second, if the Lingzhou army is not deceived, Bai Ge's men will fight in Jingzhou, and the Fengxiang army, the Banzhou army, the Black Eagle army and the Yongxing army will be firmly attracted to the Jingzhou area, so that they cannot go north to reinforce and try to reduce our pressure. Bai Ge's burden is not light. Once we take action, he will have to go out to Wuliu Pass again and deal with the Great Zhou army."

On August 5th, in Lingzhou City, under the strict order of the Jiedushi Feng Jiye, the number of soldiers patrolling the streets increased significantly, and the number of soldiers on the city walls was twice as high as usual. The four gates in the east, west, south and north also increased guards, and the inspection efforts were increased. There were 4,000 troops stationed in Shitou Pass, seven miles west of the city, and 3,000 troops stationed in the old military camp of Sufang, four miles north of the city. There were 3,000 troops stationed in the city, with 6,000 troops stationed in the city, and the total strength of the Lingzhou Army reached 13,000 troops, which was not counted as the 5,000 troops stationed in the Yanzhou Army. Although it was too far from the nearly 100,000 troops stationed in the Tang Dynasty, the jurisdiction of the Sufang Army in the Tang Dynasty was more than ten times the current jurisdiction of the Lingzhou Army. Just from the degree of density of people and horses, the Lingzhou Army was not smaller than the Sufang Army.

Feng Jiye was wearing soft armor and his gray beard floated on his chest. He stood on the city wall and looked back at Lingzhou City, which had been guarding for several years.

Lingzhou City is a major border defense center in the north. There has been no war in the land in recent years. Although there is no Daming Mansion, Hezhong Mansion and Zhengzhou as prosperous as famous counties in the city, it is also peaceful and tidy. There are all kinds of small shops. The business of the rich shops that have been opened for half a year is very good. People come and go every day. There is a small dam at the entrance of the rich shops. Various small vendors place their own goods in the dam, and the rich shops have gradually become places for the people in the city to relax.

Feng Jiye followed Wang Tengxiang, the Ground Ground General, said: "It seems that Hou Dayong, the governor of Xiongsheng Army, must be the recruitment of the Northwest Front. The imperial edict will definitely arrive later. Hou Dayong, in just one or two years, broke out on the strange peak of the Great Zhou Dynasty military. I have never seen him. I don't know what his temperament and command level are?"

Wang Tengxiang is about thirty years old. He is not tall. However, he is extremely burly and has a thick body that stretches his armor. Wang Tengxiang has been following Feng Jiye for nearly ten years and is Feng Jiye's confidant general. Although he looks rough and generous, his mind is very delicate. He smiled and said, "The Black Eagle Army has really fought several good battles in Fengzhou, especially in the Weishui battle, which forced the Uighur veteran to death. It's amazing. Besides, his background is not comparable to ordinary people. If he recruits envoys, who will not be the one he wants to be an official? Some people in the court are easy to be an official. This time he can send 800 miles to call the police in Shaanxi, which is extremely decisive and has a bit of a general."

Feng Jiye nodded and said, "Your Majesty is using troops in the south, and the main forces of the imperial guards are concentrated in the south. Hou Dayong, a recruiting envoy, has not many troops that he can command at will, and the distance between the northwest is far away and the military situation changes rapidly, so he may not be able to command it."

Wang Tengxiang showed a hint of worry on his face and said, "The left and right wings of Lingzhou are all Dangxiang people. If they join forces and attack Lingzhou from the left and right at the same time, there will be a fierce battle in Lingzhou."

The wind blows strongly on the city wall, and the military flags whistled. Although it was August, the strong wind made people a little cold. Feng Jiye looked at the strong king Tengxiang and patted his shoulder with his hand, saying, "Tengxiang has been with me since he joined the army in Mizhou. It has been more than ten years. We have fought countless evil battles together, bloody battles and hard battles. The soldiers come to block the water and soil. I have been afraid of anyone. The Dangxiang people are coming to fight, so we have no choice but to fight them to the end." He also said, "Li, the governor of Dingnan,

Although Yi Yin was a Dangxiang people, they surrendered to the Tang Dynasty during the Tang Dynasty and became a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. They received the favor of the emperor and would not easily rebel. The possibility of being in charge of Lingzhou with Dangxiang Fang was very small. The Dangxiang people rode and shot through the enemy, but they could not attack the city. Lingzhou was well-equipped and had enough food, and the city defense was strong. There were two armies outside the city to support each other with Lingzhou. It was not that easy for Dangxiang people to capture Lingzhou. What I was worried about was that the Dangxiang people in the city had a house and a tribe who were in the tribe and the inside and outside, but it was not easy to deal with."

After hearing the Jiedushi's heroic words, Wang Tengxiang straightened his chest and said, "Most Dangxiang people live in the east of the city. I have ordered the strengthening of the defense of the East City. If the Dangxiang people dare to move, they will definitely be killed. At night, the guards of each city gate gate have increased to fifty people. The soldiers on the city wall can come down to help at any time, and are not afraid of the Dangxiang people causing trouble."

Feng Jiye added: "Every night, the bell of Dayun Temple is called as the sound. After the bell rings, those who walk around the city without authorization will be killed."

One month ago, there were six monks who had to hold orders in Dayun Temple. Since the Tang Dynasty, the incense of Dayun Temple has been very popular. There have always been many monks who come from Yunyou to Dayun Temple. After Chai Rong sorted out Buddhism across the country, a large number of Buddhist temples were destroyed, and several temples of a certain history and scale were left in various places. The Dayun Temple in Lingzhou City is the official reserved temple. Because many temples were destroyed, there were more monks in Dayun Temple. These six monks were extremely ordinary. They did not attract anyone's attention.

In Dongcheng District where the Dangxiang people live, for more than a month, famous mountain people have been wandering around the city carrying wild game. No one pays attention to these mountain people carrying wild game. After entering Dongcheng District, they disappeared into the dense and somewhat dilapidated urban area. There are also many peddlers who have come to the city to carry empty loads from four gates in the east, west, south and north. Some pretend to be selling goods back to the city after selling goods, and some pretend to be buying goods in the city. Like the mountain people, they have gone around and never seen each other again.

Lingzhou is a place where the Hu and Han people live in a mixed residence. Dangxiang people, Central Plains, Tubo people and Uighurs live in a mixed residence. After the war, the majority of the people in Lingzhou were Dangxiang people and Central Plains. Fang Dangming had been operating Lingzhou for a while, and there were many Dangxiang people in the city and outside the city. He could get information in time when the Lingzhou army left the city and returned to the city. These monks, mountain people and peddlers were all Dangxiang soldiers sent by Fang Dangming to the city. Before the beacon was set off.

Sixty-nine Dangxiang people entered Lingzhou in various identities, and they did not attract anyone's attention. After Bai Ge led his army from Guyuan to attack Zhou, all infiltration activities completely stopped. The communication was all done by the original Dangxiang residents in the city. In order to prevent the intrusion of the city, the Lingzhou army searched the city from door to door several times. These sergeants hid in various secret rooms that had been repaired and avoided searches again and again.

On the evening of August 5, the 30,000 Dangxiang army, who had been lurking in the Xihuizhou military camp for a long time, rushed straight to Lingzhou City like a tiger coming out of the mountain. On the way, a small group of Lingzhou cavalrymen were shocked when they saw the Dangxiang army and flew back to Lingzhou City.

The army of the Dangxiang Fangdang tribe divided into three groups, one by one, five thousand people headed straight to Shitouguan, and the other five thousand people headed to the old military camp of Sufang to prevent these two troops from reinforcementing the city of Lingzhou. Fang Dangming led an army of 20,000 to Lingzhou and surrounded the four gates. Fang Dangming stood outside the east gate on a horse. Behind him were eight huge flying ladders, four chariots, and two cannon cars that were rarely seen in the northwest.

Flags were waving on Lingzhou City, and Lingzhou soldiers stood all over the city. Feng Jiye, Wang Tengxiang and generals and officers at all levels all went to the city to fight the aggressive Dangxiang Army. The governor Feng Jiye looked heavy. In his memory, the Hu people rarely carried so many heavy siege weapons. In the past decade, the Uighur Army, Dangxiang Army and Khitan Army had galloped under the city of Lingzhou. This was the first time he saw the Hu cavalry with so many siege weapons.

A soldier Dangxiang came over on a horse and came to the archery route. The soldiers on the front of the city did not receive the order to fire, but just aimed at the crossbow bow. The soldier Dangxiang calmly shot an arrow on the city and then returned to the Dangxiang army.

Feng Jiye saw the letter of persuasion sent by the Dangxiang Army. After torn it to pieces, he threw it away disdainfully. The paper scraps were quickly blown away by the strong wind. Wang Tengxiang ordered: "Bed crossbows fire." The four bed crossbows on the top of the Dongmen City had already been prepared. After receiving the order, four crossbow arrows rushed towards the Dangxiang Army with whistling sounds, which was the answer to the Dangxiang Army's persuasion to surrender.

At this point, the Lingzhou War began. When the war began, neither Fang Dangming nor Feng Jiye expected that the Lingzhou War would be recorded in history due to the tortuous and severe killings and the profound impact on history.

On August 5, just when Fang Dangming led his army to siege Lingzhou City, Hou Dayong, with his fifty personal guards and the 500-infantry army sent by Sun Yanjin, the deputy envoy of the Bangzhou Jiedushi, after a short rest in Qiaojiabao, he bid farewell to Li Hui, the governor of the Bangzhou, stationed in Qiaojiabao, and went to Jingzhou. Jingzhou is located in a moderate location and the city wall is tall and strong. It is an excellent location for the establishment of the Northwest Front Command. Hou Dayong went to Jingzhou to establish a front command in Jingzhou.

Li Hui was once the governor of Cangzhou and was the boss of Hou Dayong. When Hou Dayong was leading the army, he transferred 500 infantry from the Banzhou Army when Hou Dayong left the pass and acted as a personal guard for Hou Dayong. At the same time, Li Hui also sent people overnight to inform Han Lun, the regiment training envoy stationed in Jingzhou, to prepare for the preparations for the governor of the Xiongsheng Army, Hou Dayong, the governor of the Yongxing Army, Wang Yanchao, and Shi Ying, the Privy Council. After all, Jingzhou is very close to Wuliu Pass, and the Dangxiang Army is still eyeing Wuliu Pass. If an accident occurs, the entire northwest war will be affected.

Wang Yanchao, the governor of the Yongxing Army, was a very famous general in the Great Zhou army. He rushed over from Huazhou to reinforce and was stationed in Qiaojiabao. Qiaojiabao was not big, and the Yongxing army and the Fengzhou army were crowded together, which seemed to be very crowded. Hou Dayong set up the Northwest Front Command in Jingzhou, so Wang Yanchao naturally led 5,000 Yongxing army and Hou Dayong to Jingzhou together.

Everything went very smoothly. Just when I entered Jingzhou, a small incident that happened occasionally made Hou Dayong have the idea of ​​integrating the army in the northwest.

Hou Dayong and his party arrived outside Jingzhou City, and Chen Meng came to report under the city gate. After a stick of incense, the soldiers on the city wall hung a basket and asked Chen Meng to put the relevant documents in the basket. The city guard had to inspect the documents before opening the city gate. When Chen Meng heard this request, he looked back at Hou Dayong. Hou Dayong nodded, and Chen Meng put the relevant documents in the basket. Hou Dayong understood this matter quite well. He also had a slight affection for the soldiers on the city wall. After all, Jingzhou had just been taken back from the Dangxiang Army, and the Dangxiang Army also occupied Wuliu Pass. The generals guarding the city strictly inspected the relevant procedures according to the rules, which was beyond reproach. And it should be affirmed.

However, the following things were a little difficult to understand. After the relevant procedures were delivered, at least one incense stick passed. There was still no movement in the city. Qian Xiangnan couldn't see it anymore, so he rode his horse to the city to ask. However, the soldiers on the city said, "Person Liu has sent the documents, and they have not received the order to release it yet."

Another incense stick passed, but there was still no movement.

Chen Meng, who was standing outside the city gate, was waiting for the ghost fire. He shouted to the sergeant at the city gate: "Hurry up and open the door, we are the Black Eagle Army. Haven't you taken the document up? You are so slow."

The sergeant at the city gate was a irritable sergeant. He cursed at Chen Meng: "What's the name? I'm asking me to give you an arrow."

Chen Meng heard the soldiers above speak rudely and cursed back: "You are looking for death, and you will be beautiful when you enter the city later."

The soldiers at the city gate did not say anything, Zhang Gong even had an arrow, and the soldiers at the city gate did not dare to shoot. He shot casually. He wanted to scare Chen Meng, but the arrow was led by a gust of wind. He headed straight to Qian Xiangnan. Qian Xiangnan lowered his head, and the iron arrow flew over Qian Xiangnan's head. Chen Meng did not expect that the soldiers at the city gate would really dare to shoot. He shouted to Qian Xiangnan: "A hero will not suffer any loss in front of him, leave the city gate quickly." Qian Xiangnan and Chen Meng turned their horses and left the city gate. Chen Meng stood outside the arrow and cursed.

When Chen Meng was bickering with the soldiers on the city wall, Hou Dayong looked at the two of them with interest. He did not expect that the soldiers on the city wall would shoot and shoot, and almost hit Qian Xiangnan. At this time, Hou Dayong was a little unhappy and thought to himself: "Han Lun, the commander of the Qingzhou regiment training, is too arrogant. Li Hui, the governor of the State Administration of the State, has sent a letter. He knew that his party was about to arrive, and after receiving the document, Han Lun should have arrived at the city gate at this time. If he does not believe in the document, he can go to the city wall to see clearly."

Wang Yanchao, the governor of Yongxing Army, stood beside Hou Dayong, and saw Hou Dayong's face darkened and explained: "Han Lun, a person who hates ghosts and hates them personally. When he walked to that place, he had a bad relationship with the upper, lower, left and right. His son Han Lingkun was a hero. Everyone saw his son's face and did not seriously care about him."

Hou Dayong had already known the relationship between the two, but he was surprised and said: "It turns out that Han Lun is the father of Han Lingkun, the commander of the military commander of the Ministry of Guards. No wonder, no wonder."

While the two governors were talking, the city gate "Hulala" opened. A middle-aged man with a high-headed horse appeared at the city gate. Behind him was a team of guards in fresh clothes and angry horses. The middle-aged man bowed to the Yongxing Army Jiedushi Wang Yanchao and smiled: "The governor is here, and the subordinates are in a farewell welcome."

After Wang Yanchao bowed his hand and replied, pointing at Hou Dayong and Shi Ying, he said, "This is the recruitment of the camps in the northwest, Hou Dayong, the governor of Xiongsheng Army. This is Shi Ying, the Privy Council, who received the orders from Shi Ying."
Chapter completed!