Riding and cutting the imperial pirates of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 535 The Virtue of Art and My Enemy
On the night of the same day, the troops led by Wang Zheng arrived at the city of Shouchun. At this time, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan had already set up camp, and the whole army immediately moved in.

The deep cold of autumn, coupled with the recent thick layers of dark clouds that push forward and back like waves, completely cover the stars and the moon tonight, leaving no light to show, making the wilderness completely dark.

The gradually increasing wind seems to be tightly trapped by the darkness, struggling left and right, unable to break through, and the evening wind becomes more and more humid, with the smell of land and forests, it seems to remind people all the time , a thunderstorm is coming.

And in this gloomy Jiangdong land, Shouchun City, where every battlement was torched, became the only bright torch point, illuminating the surrounding miles.

Of course, no matter how huge the only shining torch is, it can only illuminate a few miles around.

The endless darkness around it surrounded it, forcing it. If a god looked down from the clouds, he would feel that this candle was standing in the wind, and it seemed that it might be blown out at any time.

At this time, Wang Zheng had no time to rest, so he took Qiao Wan and others, and quietly left the camp to observe Shouchun's reality.

A group of people did not light a torch, and quietly boarded a high ground near the city. They were in the dark, and the enemy was in the light. Everyone was physically strong and had excellent eyesight, so they could clearly see the situation on the top of the city.

Gan Ning is young, but he has been through battles for a long time. The defensive arrangements on the top of the city are well-organized. The defensive equipment such as trebuchets, trebuchets, wood, tiles, and boiling oil are in their positions. Gunners, crossbowmen, pistols, and other types of arms are well matched. From time to time, officers like Du Bo, with brightly armored patrol troops, yell loudly to be careful, while ostentatiously swaggering Pass.

Seeing this, Qiao Wan's eyes were faintly worried, and she slowly moved to Wang Zheng's face, and said softly: "The morale in the city seems to be good?"

"Yang Hong's resourceful man, Gan Ning's fierce general, and his generation are fighting at home. If morale was already low before the battle, then there is no need to fight this battle."

Wang Zheng didn't take it seriously, but kept looking at the top of the city, and said in response: "Let's see how his morale is after the battle starts tomorrow."

Huang Zhong and Wei Yan who were on the side also followed. The two of them came two days earlier. Compared with Wang Zheng, they knew a little more about Shouchun's city defense. Remind Wang Zheng of the places that need attention.

Shouchun was first established in the Warring States Period. In the 22nd year of the Kings of Chu, in order to avoid the edge of Qin Yingzheng from the west, the Chu people were forced to move their capital from Chen (Huaiyang, Henan) to Shouchun, but this important town really shines. But it was during the two periods of confrontation between the North and the South during the Three Kingdoms at the end of the Han Dynasty and the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the Southern and Northern Dynasties.

In the original history, Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor in Shouchun, and then he was defeated by the whole world. This place was later acquired by Cao Wei. Cao Cao turned Shouchun into an important town in the southeast. In order to protect Shouchun, he moved the defense line to the south. After that, Hefei County was built and expanded, and generals were sent to guard it, which made it difficult for Soochow to make any progress in a hundred years.

In the Jin Dynasty, the strategic significance of Shouchun was brought into full play. According to historical statistics, in the 280 years of the Southern Dynasties, the northern regime used troops against the South on a large scale for [-] times, of which [-] were directed at Shouchun. Second, the proportion is as high as [-]%!

This is because the defense system of the southern regime relies on the Jianghuai water system, and if the north wants to go south, there are basically four routes:

[-]. From Pengcheng in Xuzhou to Xiapi and then to Guangling, and finally landed from Nankou (Zhenjiang) in the Jiangxi River. This is the Surabaya River entering the Huai River, and then crossing the Yangtze River through the Zhongdu River (ancient Hangou).

[-]. From Peiguo in Yuzhou to Shouchun, and then to Hefei, this is from the northern central Heluo area along the Honggou to Yingshui and Huaishui, and then enters the Yangtze River from Feishui, and lands in Caishiji.

[-]. Cross the Rushui River from Runan to Shangcai, and then proceed by land.

[-]. From Nanyang County to the south along the Fau River, enter the Han River in Xiangyang, and then enter the Yangtze River through the Han River.

Among these four routes, the first one crossing the river is the closest to Jiankang (Nanjing, now called Moling, which belongs to Danyang County), the political center of the southern dynasties. It must pass through Guangling, and the Guangling section of the river is wide and often stormy. It is difficult to cross the river, and it is more likely to be intercepted by the defender's navy.

The third route can only reach Jiangxia, and the fourth route is too far away from Jiankang, so these two routes often take the wrong direction.

In comparison, the second route passing through Shouchun has the greatest advantage, so it is naturally the first choice.

First of all, the starting point of this route is Pengcheng in the hinterland of the Central Plains, which is convenient for gathering soldiers, horses, food and grass. At the same time, the distance to Jiankang after landing is not too far or close. More importantly, this road is in the middle of each route, suitable for multiple routes Concurrent support operations.

and most importantly
Once Shouchun is occupied, this stronghold can control the four major waterways of Wei, Ying, Huai, and Fei at the same time, especially the two Huai Rivers. There is not even one of the "hub city, a must-see" in the true sense of the word!

The strategic significance of Shouchun is so important to the northern regime, and the same is true for the southern regime, whether it is as a defense or a counterattack to the north.

If the southern regime wants to defend the north, almost all dynasties will heavily fortify the three strongholds of Guangling, Shouchun, and Jiangxia, forming an isosceles triangle with mutual horns, and Shouchun is the highest angle of the triangle. Starting from two fronts, if there is not enough troops to encircle or conquer Shouchun, there is a possibility that the southern regime will launch a counterattack from Shouchun, attacking and cutting off the retreat of the army.

If the southern regime were to make a northern expedition, they would choose the reverse route of the first and second northern invasions.

The purpose of choosing the first option is to continue northward after taking Pengcheng, and capture the Shandong area, which is weakly defended by the northern forces.

For example, Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, as the only commoner emperor in the history of the Chinese dynasty, the only founding monarch who successfully unified the Northern Expedition by the Southern Expedition, chose the strategy of the Northern Expedition: "Take Shandong first, withdraw its shield; turn to Henan, break its wings; pull Tongguan And defend it, according to its household threshold, the situation of the world is under my control, and then enter the capital of Yuan, then the enemy will be alone and helpless, and it can be conquered without a fight. After conquering the capital, go west with drums, Yunzhong, Jiuyuan and Guanlong It can be swept down."

If you choose the reverse version of the second Shouchun line, you will be heading towards Henan, the core area of ​​the northern forces. This can almost be said to be the Northern Expedition launched with the ambition to destroy the country.

For example, in Song Wudi Liu Yu's two Northern Expeditions, the first time to destroy Nanyan was to seize Shandong first, and the second time to destroy Houqin, he directly attacked Yuzhou, and then went west from Yuzhou to seize Guanzhong.

Therefore, it can be said that until the Southern and Northern Dynasties, once the southern regime of the Celestial Dynasty made the Northern Expedition, there was almost only one choice for the important town and command center, which was Shouchun.

However, after the Southern and Northern Dynasties, with the excavation of the Grand Canal, Yang Guang, who was the prince of the Sui Dynasty at that time, guarded Jiangdu (Yangzhou) for ten years, which further intensified the eastward shift of the Chinese economic center of gravity, followed by the formation of the Maritime Silk Road. And growing, Yangzhou has become the trade center of the south of the Yangtze River, and at the same time, it has also made the eastern waterway closer to the sea the best choice for water transportation.

After the Grand Canal entered the Huaihe River, it directly led to the northward turn of the Suzhou Tongji Canal east of Shouchun, and the status of the central waterway guarded by Shouchun declined, followed by a series of chain reactions.
Because the more developed and prosperous the waterways on the east line, the more prosperous the waterways on the middle line of Shouchun are. Chun's strategic position has been dealt another fatal blow.

However, although the famous city has begun to decline, it is still an important fence in the southeast. In the late Tang and Five Dynasties, Shouchun was named Shouzhou, and it was still an important military town in the southeast.When Liu Renzhan in the Southern Tang Dynasty returned half of Huainan to the Zhou Dynasty, he stood alone in Shouzhou for three years, trying to keep Shouchun alive.

Just because Shouzhou was not lost, the Zhou army was still unable to occupy the two Huaihe Rivers and cross the river, and the Southern Tang Dynasty lingered for more than ten years.

The real decline of Shouchun was in the Southern Song Dynasty. After the Jingkang Revolution, the Southern Song Dynasty was on the left side of the Anjiang River. The northern nomadic forces did not repair water conservancy, which caused the Bian River to dry up, making it impossible for boats to pass, and the northern section of the Shouchun Waterway was cut off.

The north and south waterways are broken, and after occupying Shouchun, they can only guard the Huai River. The strategic position of the "Southern Important Area" has finally been completely lost.

After the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, the Huai River was not repaired, floods and droughts continued frequently, and the generation of Shouhao gradually declined.And the canal runs through it, the north and the south are one, and Shouchun is not an important place.

However, in Guo Jia's hegemony blueprint for Wang Zheng at this time, Shouchun is extremely important, even irreplaceable!
There are many low hills around Shouchun, which are easy to defend and difficult to attack. Thanks to the king's government this time, Huang Zhong and Wei Yan's vanguard troops arrived first. They came quickly and did not give Gan Ning and Yang Hong a chance to set up positions outside the city. The nearby hills and highlands, rivers and streams have been seized first.

Compared with Huang Zhong who was handpicked by Wang Zheng, Wei Yan's position as deputy general was snatched from Wang Xiong, Zhou Tai and others by all means. No matter how important Sun Ce was, he was at the end of the road at that time, and the decapitation was nothing to say.

Therefore, Wei Yan was very eager to make meritorious service at this time. Soldiers can only rely on fighting if they want to make meritorious service. Among military merits, no matter beheading the general or ascending first, the vanguard officer naturally has the greatest chance.

But Wei Yan never imagined that Yang Hong and Gan Ning refused to fight and did not meet him face to face, which was very embarrassing.

So at this time, Wei Yan was actively suggesting to Wang Zheng: "Zhou Mu, the moon is dark and the wind is high at this time, and it is time for a surprise attack. The general thought that he should not wait until tomorrow. Why not send a team tonight at the third or fourth watch tonight?" Try a night attack? The last general is willing to be the vanguard!"

Hearing this, before Wang Zheng could answer, Qiao Wan on the side frowned and said, "You and General Huang have been here for a few days, and the enemy has already prepared. If they are prepared, what's the use of making a surprise attack? The moon is dark and the wind is high." The only thing left is that it is not suitable to go to war."

Hearing the words, Wei Yan glanced at Qiao Wan dissatisfied, and snorted. Because she knew the opponent's skill, she just cursed "Women's opinion" in her heart, but said: "Because we have been stationed for several days, guarding The army also naturally thought that we would not choose a sneak attack, which is called doing the opposite, and attacking at this time will definitely have a miraculous effect!"

Qiao Wan was about to refute, but Wang Zheng waved his hands and said with a smile: "Haha, why should Wen Zhang be anxious, I would have known that you are eager to make contributions, but there are more than [-] counties in Yangzhou, so you are afraid that you will not succeed if you don't have credit?"

"As long as Shouchun is captured, our army can do whatever it takes, but Shouchun City is the first to outsmart and the second to attack."

Now that Wang Zheng had spoken, Wei Yan naturally didn't dare to say more, so he could only ask: "How do Zhou Mu think that he should outsmart him?"

But Wang Zheng didn't answer him first, he drove his horse around and looked at Shouchun City for a while, he probably knew it in his heart, then he turned to Wang Xiong and asked, "Is everything ready?"

"Ready."

"It's the second watch now, wait another hour, and call a thousand archers to cast together. Han Sheng and Wen Chang just said it well. The key point of Shouchun City's defense is the east gate, while the west gate is relatively weak. We will put all the things we prepared into West City Gate."

Wang Xiong accepted the order awe-inspiringly: "Here!"

What is Wang Zheng preparing for?It's just a few thousand persuading letters.

Wang Zheng and Guo Jia agreed that there are two key points in capturing Shouchun, the first is internal response, the second is alienation, and the two complement each other.

Taking advantage of the fact that Yuan Shu was not in the city at this time, he pretended to write letters in the tone of Wang Xiong, Zhou Tai and others, and the acquaintance of the Shouchun generals and schoolmen, whether the recruiting and rebellion were successful was not important, the important thing was that the letter of surrendering could be accepted by Yang Hong and Gan Ning saw it.

As long as they have a little doubt, the next thing will be easy to handle.

As long as the estrangement strategy is used properly, it will definitely achieve favorable results, because the main purpose of this tactic is not to convince the enemy, but to arouse the enemy's suspicion!
The most feared thing for the attacking side is that the defenders are united as one. Once the defenders are suspicious of each other and there is a gap in trust, the attacker can take advantage of the vacancy. As long as it is used properly, it will be able to obtain results that are beneficial to itself.

Another point is that this can also muddy the water, making Gan Ning and Yang Hong look away from those real "undercover agents".

After watching the enemy city for a long time, Wang Po turned his horse back, and after walking not far, he heard a commotion at the top of the city.He looked back, and saw a dozen or so people suddenly appearing on the top of the city. The others were all neatly dressed, and only one person was wearing a blue turban and a white robe with wide sleeves. , looked particularly conspicuous, it was Yang Hong.

Qiao Wan saw this person, but she showed disgust on her face, and couldn't help but spit softly: "This guy has a head and a mouse, dare to imitate Yu Shengqing?"

Yu Shengqing is Yu Xu.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu completely surrendered, but the Western Qiang rose again. During the reign of Emperor Han'an, he repeatedly attacked and plundered the frontier. , defeated the Qiang army with the strategy of increasing the stove, crushed the Siyi, and stabilized Wudu. He can be called the number one Confucian general in the Eastern Han Dynasty!

Wang Zheng smiled slightly when he heard the words, Yu Xu Shizaifeng is handsome, but Yang Hong's long is not too bad, and in terms of the situation, Yuan Shu's regime is precarious at this time, and it has a lot in common with the Eastern Han Dynasty at that time, Yang Hong thought that when thinking
Is it also like Yu Xu who "turned the tide and helped the building to collapse"?
such a pity.
"The virtuousness of art," Wang Zheng looked up at the top of the city, nodded Yang Hong from a distance, the light in his eyes woke up, and suddenly sighed: "My enemy is also."

Maybe it was because his eyes were too hot and bright, Yang Hong seemed to have a feeling, and looked at him at this time.

Under the cloud, on the top of the city, in the firelight, in the deathly silence, the eyes of the two collided soundlessly.

The next moment, Jiao Lei suddenly rolled over, rumbling non-stop.

Lightning suddenly cut through the night, completely lighting up the entire world!
The light came so suddenly, beyond the expectation of Wang Zheng and others, and also beyond the expectation of Yang Hong and Gan Ning's generals. In an instant, shouts and clamor rang out at the same time.

"Wang Zheng is there!"

　The number of words in this section of popular science is a bit too much, not hydrology

　　Do you think it is still necessary to introduce the importance of Shouchun at that time.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)