Du Song was a fierce general who would charge forward bravely as long as there was a battle. Just like his brother Du Tong, the two of them were brave generals among the border generals. They had rendered meritorious service many times, but due to their limited experience and knowledge, Du Song could not see things as clearly as Li Ruzhang.
Li Chengliang's political wisdom was more or less imparted to his children. But after receiving Xiao Ruxun's secret letter, Li Ruzhang began to waver.
Not to mention that Xiao Ruxun's spies were able to penetrate deep into these places to spy on intelligence, but the facts stated by Xiao Ruxun were very convincing.
Li Wen was now certain of his final victory, and the struggle of the Northwest Army was meaningless. The Grand Canal and Sichuan under his control had cut off the Northwest Army's food supply. If the Northwest Army did not surrender to him, then there would be no food to eat.
Was Li Wen more important than the entire Northwest Army's food supply?
Without food, even the strongest army would not be able to fight. Not to mention, Xiao Ruxun's army has always been Daming's most powerful army. Forcing a war with Xiao Ruxun, especially in a rugged and mountainous area like Hanzhong, the power of the cavalry would not be able to be displayed. So what advantage would he have?
Besides, isn't Li Rusong's position enough for him to consider?
Li Ruzhang knew that he was far inferior to his brother. If even his brother didn't dare to participate, then how would he dare to participate?
After thinking about it, Li Ruzhang decided to feign civility with Li Wen and use various methods to delay the marching time. In any case, Li Wen wanted Li Ruzhang to lead his troops through the Praise Xie Road. So as long as they enter the road, how they move forward, isn't it all up to him?
Li Wen will lead his troops through the Lianyun Road, so how can Li Wen control him?
Li Ruzhang quickly decided on his own course of action in this war.
Du Song clearly did not understand Li Ruzhang's thoughts. He simply wanted to fight and wanted to explain some things to him. It was a little complicated at the moment. It would be better to wait until they entered the Path of Praise Xie.
"For this battle, we need to enter the Baoxian Valley to fight against the rebel army. Most of our troops are mounted on horseback. They are good at fighting on horseback but not in the mountains. If we suddenly enter the mountains to fight, I'm afraid that the army will not be used to it. Therefore, I think we can slow down and let the soldiers get used to the rugged terrain. This will be more advantageous for the battle."
Du Song frowned, not understanding Li Ruzhang's meaning. He felt that this explanation was a bit forced. They were clearly walking on the land of Guanzhong. How was it rugged?
But when he saw Li Ruzhang's impatient expression, Du Song wisely didn't continue to ask.
He could understand the atmosphere a little.
On the eighth day of the eleventh month, Li Wen led Niu Bingzhong and forty thousand soldiers to Baoji. After consolidating the city's defenses and taking away the provisions, they continued south to Dashan Pass.
On the same day, Li Wen's vanguard army arrived at Dashan Pass and entered the Chencang Ancient Road. They had to enter the valley first to make some preparations for the main force, such as searching for the enemy. Although the scouts had gone further, they did not know if they were lying in ambush on the road ahead.
Their route was to cross Dashan Pass and take the Chencang Ancient Road to Feng County. From there, they would set up the Lianyun Plank Road. After passing the Abandoned Hill Pass and the Chai Pass, they would arrive at Liuba. From Liuba, they would head south to Hanzhong.
The road was steep and difficult to walk. It was difficult to transport provisions. Li Wen could only do his best. For example, he ordered every soldier to carry three days' rations to reduce the burden of the carriages and horses. The military horses were also responsible for carrying provisions and water. They found a guide who was familiar with the road near Dashan Pass to lead the army.
In comparison, the route taken by Du Tong was a little easier. Although the journey was longer, there were many rivers along the way that could be used. They could use boats to transport provisions, which greatly reduced the burden of the army. Maybe they could even walk faster.
As for Li Ruzhang's Baoxie Road, starting from Mei County, they would also have to pass through Liuba. Simply put, after reaching Liuba, they could follow the same path along the Lianyun Plank Road to go south, although it would be equally difficult.
For the Northwest Border Army, which was good at conquering the grasslands and fighting on horseback, this was indeed a huge test.
But Li Wen had no other choice. He could only hope that the border army was relatively strong.
After all, the army was short of provisions. If they did not capture Hanzhong and recover Sichuan as soon as possible, it was hard to say whether the army would continue to obey orders. After all, as the old saying goes, the emperor does not use hungry soldiers. If the army was not given food, the army would not starve to death like the refugees.
Of course, the refugees would not necessarily starve to death.
On the tenth of November, Li Wen led the army to Dashan Pass. After a little reorganization, he personally led the main force into the Chencang Ancient Road and began to advance towards Feng County. On the same day, Ma Qiancheng and Qin Liangyu received a letter from Ma Wei.
Ma Wei hoped to borrow the help of the white pole soldiers who were familiar with the terrain and were good at fighting in the mountains. So he hoped that Ma Qiancheng and Qin Liangyu could lead their white pole soldiers north to Hanzhong to help them fight against the invasion of the Tripartite Governor Li Wen.
Ma Wei promised them money and at the same time, said that he could ask for rewards from Xiao Ruxun. As long as they came and made contributions, they could get a better military position. For example, they could ask the emperor to appoint Ma Qiancheng as the Head of Sichuan.
The letter also said that Xiao Ruxun had blocked the source of food for the Northwest Army and the court. The court and the Northwest Army were facing a situation where they were out of food. As long as they could survive the last wave of madness from Li Wen, Shen Yicheng's court would inevitably be destroyed.
Everyone was a meritorious subject.
After receiving the letter, Ma Qiancheng immediately discussed with Qin Liangyu.
"Should we go?"
Qin Liangyu looked at the letter for a long time and said: "I've actually sent people to inquire about Xiao Ruxun's progress. The news we received is similar. Xiao Ruxun has already gained the upper hand. With the blockade of Sichuan and the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal, the court will face a food shortage. These past few years, the harvest in the north has been very poor. Without Jiangnan and Sichuan, the court will certainly be short of food.
So, what Ma Wei said is not a lie. As for what Xiao Ruxun will do after defeating Shen Yicheng and entering the capital, we can't predict. But if we support Xiao Ruxun to win the war, we will certainly get some benefits. Now that the court is in a state of decline, even if we support the court, it won't help. But whether to wait or to support Xiao Ruxun, husband, it's up to you. "
Qin Liangyu still respected his husband's opinion. Ma Qiancheng was not a small man without his own opinions. He took out Ma Wei's letter and read it for a long time, hesitating.
"All these years, the court has been good to me …"
As soon as this sentence came out, Qin Liangyu already knew her husband's thoughts.
If they wait and see, they can only stay here and do nothing, and there won't be any big development in the future. But if they go all out to help Xiao Ruxun's army, and if they win, they will be rewarded according to their contributions, won't they also have a big breakthrough?
The court has been good to me, and this was the last psychological barrier for Ma Qiancheng.
"No matter what choice you make, husband, I will support you."
Qin Liangyu clearly expressed her support for her husband.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
