Fenghou

The ladder is already on fire. Even if the fire is extinguished, it probably won't be used anymore. We must leave quickly. There are Song troops in the city, and it will be troublesome if they set the whole city on fire.

The fire burned bigger and bigger, and the soldiers became more frightened. The driver drove the ox cart more slowly, and the soldiers were anxious, rushing out of the city ahead.

Liu Qiong had been waiting for them for a long time, and when the soldiers ran out, he shouted, "Kill!"

The five hundred cavalry attacked at the same time, the dust was flying, and the murderous aura was soaring. The momentum of the five hundred cavalry was like a thousand troops, and they charged at the Xixia soldiers not far away...

The Xixia soldiers were already flustered, but when they left the city, they saw a large group of cavalry killing them. Everyone thought they were ambushed by the Song army, and they were scared out of their wits, and ran wildly on the official road.

Five hundred cavalrymen chased and killed nearly half of the enemy troops for more than a dozen miles. They stopped chasing and turned around to look for the cart. They found it soon. There were lit torches everywhere in the city, and there were many black shadows in the firelight. It turned out that the residents in the city ran out to grab the rice and became a mess.

Liu Qiong asked the soldiers to stop the soldiers from grabbing rice, and said loudly to them: "There are two thousand shi of these grains in total. We only take a small part and leave the rest to everyone. Everyone should hide the rice well and don't leak the news, or you will be punished by Xixia." Revenge!"

More than a thousand people knelt on the ground and kowtowed to thank.

Liu Qiong asked the soldiers to unload [-] shi of grain and let the common people take it home. They only took [-] shi of grain, completely burned the siege ladder, and drove the cart to leave Tongxi County and return to Tongxi Fort. .

……

Cao Baozong's support army was still a step late. His logistics team was attacked by Song cavalry, causing heavy casualties. The siege ladder was burned and food was robbed. The worst thing happened.

The attacked logistics team was actually just a tentative logistics team. Cao Zongbao specially arranged for this team to take a trip in order to test whether it was safe along the way.

The [-] shi of grain that was looted meant little to them. On average, each soldier only had a bucket of rice. The [-] siege ladders were even more meaningless to them in attacking Longxi County, and the [-] siege ladders were about the same.

After the news of the robbery of the material team came, Cao Zongbao ordered the news to be blocked. He didn't want this kind of news to affect morale.

At this moment, the men who went to Jingzhao to contact Qi Jun came back.

Li Taiyue rushed to the big tent of the Chinese army. Seeing that Cao Baozong was in a bad mood, he felt a little bad, so he quickly asked, "How is it, is the Qi army willing to send troops to us?"

Cao Baozong shook his head, "They rejected it straight away!"

Mrs. Li was stunned, "Why?"

Cao Baozong sighed, "Our news is too confusing. The Song army is counterattacking the Central Plains. Jingzhao's Qi army has been transferred to the Central Plains to fight. The Jingzhao Qi army has less than 2 people, and Fengxiang's Jin soldiers are even more powerful." There are only about 1 people, and they can hardly protect themselves at this time, so how could they join forces with us to deal with Chen Qing again, this timing is not well chosen!"

"However, when the general came out of Xingqing Mansion, the military department didn't tell the general about this situation!"

"The gang of bureaucrats who are rich and rich, only think about how to do business to make a fortune all day long, so they don't care about this kind of thing, and the emperor was also deceived."

The more Cao Baozong talked, the more disappointed he became, and the more he said, the more annoyed he became. He said: "There is another news. The supply team sent by Dingxi County was attacked by the Song army. It is said that there are one or two thousand cavalry."

"Didn't the humble post ask the general to send troops to support him?"

"The army was dispatched, but it was a step too late. We only received the remnants and defeated generals who were hunted down. One thousand guards, half of the casualties."

Li Taiyue was speechless for a while, it seems that they were very unlucky, they were unlucky when they sent troops at the beginning, the Qi army was restrained by the Central Plains war situation, they didn't even know it, and now they were even more unlucky, the army sent to support the logistics team unexpectedly Only half a day late.

After a while, Li Taiyue asked: "What is the general going to do?"

"What else can I do now?"

Cao Zongbao sighed and said: "We don't have siege weapons, and we are not opponents in combat. It is impossible to enter or stay. Then we have to withdraw our troops!"

Mrs. Li nodded, "I support the general's withdrawal, the sooner the better!"

……

In the middle of the night, Chen Qing got the news from the patrolling soldiers that there was a change in the enemy camp. Chen Qing got up quickly, put on his clothes, and followed the soldiers to the city.

Li Muqing was on duty tonight, seeing Du Tong coming with a large group of soldiers, he hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "See Du Tong!"

"What happened?"

"The patrolling soldiers noticed that there was a change in the opponent's camp. A large group of soldiers came in and out. The humble officer also observed for a while, and felt that the opponent should be retreating!"

"retreat?"

Chen Qing frowned slightly, and the army will be withdrawn after only a few days?

He came to the front of the battlements and looked towards the other side's camp. The moonlight was bright, and under the moonlight, there was indeed a large army mobilizing. Although they couldn't see clearly, the movement was obvious.

"Dutong, do you want to send troops out to test it out?" Li Muqing asked in a low voice.

Chen Qing shook his head, "You can send scouts to investigate, but don't send troops. If the other party really retreats, we will have many opportunities. Don't rush this moment!"

"Follow your orders!"

Li Muqing immediately sent a scout team to investigate the enemy's movements.

Chapter 4 Thirty Paper Soldiers

Just after dawn, Chen Qing received a report from the scouts that the Xixia army had indeed withdrawn to the north, and the camp became an empty camp.

Chen Qing then led his men to the enemy's camp. The board-walled camp was very rough and covered with large flags.There were more flags planted than usual, and on the high observation deck, there was actually a dummy made of straw, wearing armor and holding a crossbow, staring at the city wall solemnly.

The large tents were not taken away. It is estimated that there are not enough large carts to carry them. There are nearly ten thousand stones of grain in the warehouse tents that have not been taken away.

On the one hand, the Xixia army couldn't carry it, and on the other hand, they left the food and tents intact to themselves, hoping that they would not pursue them and let them leave safely.

But there is no such good thing in the world, if you want to leave safely, you can sit down and talk, show enough sincerity, such as withdrawing from Lintao Prefecture, etc., maybe you will let them go.

Throwing something that you can't take away to Song Jun now, what is the difference between giving a little leftovers to beggars?

More importantly, with the [-] Xixia army, Chen Qing still couldn't find a chance to defeat them one by one. Now that they sent [-] troops to their door, how could he let him go?

Chen Qing immediately ordered: "Order, [-] cavalry must gather and prepare dry food for six days!"

Ten thousand cavalry quickly assembled, and the logistics battalion quickly prepared dry food for six days. The Song army had standard dry food, one serving a day, and one serving included two catties of flour bread, which contained sesame oil, diced green onion and salt. would be too bad.

In addition, there is also a piece of cured dried meat in each dry ration, mainly mutton and venison, about three or four taels. in the dry food bag.

If the cavalry were marching in winter, they would still have to carry fodder, but they didn't need it now. There were usually large grasslands by the river.

The [-] cavalry quickly assembled, took dry rations, and set off in a mighty way. Led by Chen Qing himself, they chased north along the official road in the middle.

At this time, the 40 Xixia Army had left Longxi County for more than [-] miles. The [-] army consisted of [-] cavalry and [-] infantry. The team also carried a small number of heavy vehicles, mainly food and meat consumed on the road. .

Cao Baozong was really worried that Chen Qing would lead his army to pursue and kill them, so he didn't dare to stretch his team too long for fear of being cut off by the opponent and defeated one by one.

Although many generals thought that Chen Qing would not chase after getting the tent and food, but Cao Baozong believed that Chen Qing would definitely continue to chase. It is impossible for the person in the hand to watch him escape.

Military adviser Li Taiyue also agreed with Cao Baozong's judgment, more than 2000 tents and [-] shi of grain could not buy Chen Qing, Chen Qing has never been a soft-hearted person, as can be seen in several battles with Xixia and the previous dealings with the puppet Qi army. He is always beheaded and killed, how could he easily let go of the [-] Xixia army.

Soon they got the news that Chen Qing personally led [-] cavalry to chase and kill them.

Li Taiyue immediately said in a hurry: "General, there is no other way now but to cut off your arms to survive. I suggest to throw away the luggage, and then use [-] cavalry to ambush the enemy. Our infantry may be able to keep most of the main force by running and marching with dry rations on their backs."

This is undoubtedly the most traditional and wisest solution, sacrificing a small number of soldiers in exchange for the successful evacuation of most soldiers.

But Cao Baozong did not agree with Li Taiyue's plan to survive with a broken arm. He knew that the Song army had only [-] cavalry, and they had [-] elite troops. Why didn't they fight against the Song army?Instead, the army should be separated and the Song army should be defeated one by one.

"General, once the soldiers retreat, their morale will be drained. Unless it is a desperate fight, there is absolutely no chance of getting back. I hope the general will be careful!"

Cao Baozong smiled and said: "The military commander is too worried. Soldiers are not tired of cheating. The soldiers don't know the truth. If I tell the whole army, I just pretend to retreat and draw the enemy to a decisive battle. The morale will be completely different. How does the military commander feel?"

"This one……"

Li Taiyue was speechless for a while, isn't this deception?

If you retreat, you will retreat, but if you have to use retreat to make a fuss, I am afraid that the gains will outweigh the losses in the end.

Li Taiyue finally understood that this Cao Baozong was the second Zhao Kuo, and he thought how powerful he was, but it turned out that it was all on paper.

Li Taiyue was originally an official of the Song Dynasty, and he was born as a Jinshi. He worked in the Transit Department of Shaanxi Road.

But his talent was favored by Cao Jie, Prime Minister of the Western Xia Dynasty, and he was used as an aide, and he was highly valued. After Cao Jie passed away, he continued to be Cao Baozong's aide, and made great contributions to Cao Baozong's step by step becoming the confidant of Li Qianshun, the son of Xixia. .

This time Cao Baozong was appointed by Li Qianshun as the commander-in-chief of the southern army, and Li Taiyue also served as a staff member and became Cao Baozong's military adviser.

What needs to be explained here is that Li Taiyue is not a military adviser of the Xixia Army. The Xixia Army does not have the position of a military adviser. At most, there are national advisers. .

Li Taiyue has been with the Cao family for ten years. Of course, he knows Cao Baozong better. Cao Baozong is talented and intelligent. He has learned a lot of military arts. He is also good at martial arts. In addition to his father's prestige, he is valued by the emperor Li Qianshun. He has been a general in the court. Served as a general.

But in fact, he has never commanded a real war. Even if the most brilliant stroke in his resume, he participated in the Song Xia battle and defeated the Song Dynasty Taiwei Tong Guan, he also participated in the war as a rear support general. How could his father let his son Enter the front line of combat.

Li Taiyue originally thought that Cao Baozong was a genius general and had high hopes for him, but now he slowly realized that Cao Baozong had no actual combat experience at all, and everything was taken for granted.

It can be said that it is not clear to rush to advance the army without getting in touch with the Qi army;

Unknown, careless and unwise, with such a coach, the Xixia army is in danger this time.

Li Taiyue stopped persuading him and went to arrange the luggage by himself.

Cao Baozong made up his mind, he summoned hundreds of generals, and said to them: "We didn't carry siege weapons, and we couldn't attack Longxi County, so I decided to use the strategy of luring troops, pretending to retreat, and leading the Song army to go north. counted.

Brothers, the Song Army has only [-] cavalry, while we have an elite army of [-]. This is an opportunity to wipe out the Song Army and capture Chen Qing alive. class. "

Cao Baozong gave an impassioned speech. Except for some low-level generals who were moved by his promise, most of the generals were relatively calm. It's just a good idea.

Now that the coach has made up his mind, everyone can only wave their arms and swear an oath listlessly.

Cao Baozong was really proud of himself, he turned from passive to active, with [-] troops against [-] troops, this move was really exquisite.

……

In the afternoon of the next day, Cao Baozong set up a large formation of 2 people on the wasteland to fight a decisive battle with the Song army's chasing troops.

Chen Qing looked at the large formation in the distance on the hillside more than ten miles away, hehe sneered, "The defeated general wants to fight me, what is he thinking?"

Chen Qing immediately ordered: "Where is General Liu Cui?"

Liu Cui stepped out and clasped his fists and said, "The humble job is here!"

Chen Qing took out a command arrow and said: "General Liu led [-] cavalry from the ninth and tenth battalions to detour to attack the opponent's logistics. Be sure to burn all the enemy's rations and grain vehicles, and there must be no mistakes!"

"Humble post obeys orders!"

Liu Cui took the command arrow and left. Chen Qing said to Yang Zaixing again: "General Yang led the [-] cavalry of the [-]rd Battalion to ambush here. I will go to a decisive battle with the enemy. You disguise yourself as an army of [-]. Be sure to let the enemy go." When the spies saw it, they had to make a mistake!"

Yang Zaixing was a little puzzled and said, "Dutong, why did you let the enemy see it?"

Chen Qing smiled lightly, "The so-called true and false, false and true, everything we do is to buy time for General Liu!"

Yang Zaixing was stunned, and immediately bowed and said, "I obey the order!"

Chen Qing immediately ordered in a loud voice: "The brothers from the first battalion to the fifth battalion will fight with me!"

"Woo-woo-"

The song army's low-pitched horn sounded, and under the leadership of Chen Qing, five thousand cavalrymen rushed like a torrent to twenty thousand enemy troops more than ten miles away.

Chapter 431 The Battle

Five thousand cavalry charged forward in a mighty manner, and formed a formation two miles away from the enemy army. Chen Qing held Fang Tian's painted halberd, rushed to one mile away and shouted: "General Cao, do you dare to fight me one-on-one? "

The distance was far away, and a soldier reported it to Cao Baozong after hearing it. Cao Baozong sneered and said, "He is really addicted to duels. General Abao, go and fulfill him!"

Weiming Abao was the only one among the three fierce generals who did not go into battle. He was either borrowed or a general in the army. Weiming Abao witnessed Chen Qing's martial arts with his own eyes. Dare not to refuse, so he had to bite the bullet and shout, "A certain family is here to meet you!"

As soon as he urged the horse, he rushed towards Chen Qing with a [-]-jin heavy door knife. His characteristics were fierce and powerful, but he didn't have special skills such as meteor hammer and throwing knife, so he was relatively ordinary.

At this time, Deputy General Shang Dongyan felt something was wrong, he whispered to Cao Baozong: "Is there a problem with the number of the other party? I feel that it is far less than 1 people."

Cao Baozong snorted, "Another part of the enemy's army must be in ambush. Chen Qing personally served as a bait to lure us to chase. Does he think I can't understand? I have sent people to investigate."

Shang Dongyan hurriedly looked into the distance, and more than a dozen miles away, he also faintly felt that there seemed to be a hidden murderous intent. At this time, a spy rushed over and reported with fists folded: "Commander Qi, there are about 5000 people in an ambush from the Song army." Behind the hills more than ten miles away."

All the generals were convinced, and bowed together: "The general has a clear understanding of the details, and I admire my humble position!"

Cao Baozong laughed triumphantly and said: "Chen Qing thought we were from Xixia and didn't know the art of war. His 2 troops could not defeat our [-] men. He could only use ambushes to lure our cavalry, and then turn around and attack with all his strength. Only in this way can he win. How could I follow his wishes?"

He immediately ordered, "Order the cavalry to surround from both sides, Chen Qing is not allowed to escape."

……

The drums sounded like thunder on the battlefield. Chen Qing and the Weiming Abao fought for forty rounds, and there was no winner. Everyone was amazed. This Weiming Abao was no match for Li Chenghuang in ten rounds. Fighting Chen Qing for forty rounds is unbelievable. Is it Chen Qing's abnormal performance, or Weiming Abao's bravery?

"Boss, something seems wrong!"

Shang Dongyan saw the clues, Chen Qing obviously didn't use all his strength, it was more like testing the opponent's martial arts.

Cao Baozong's martial arts skills were also good, but he also felt that something was wrong, and immediately ordered: "Order to recall Wei Ming's Abao!"

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

The sound of the gong sounded, which was the signal to withdraw troops. Wei Ming A Bao just prepared to withdraw, but something happened. Chen Qing's horse suddenly accelerated, and Fang Tian's painted halberd struck out at several times faster speed. Wei Ming A Bao Cuo Unprepared, his neck was cut off by a halberd, and his head fell to the ground.

The Xixia army was in an uproar, and Chen Qing raised his halberd and shouted, "Attack!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The drums of the Song army rang, and five thousand cavalry suddenly broke out and charged at the Xixia army two miles away.

Cao Baozong also shouted: "The archers are ready, the three armies are ready to fight!"