Chapter 1189 Pioneer
Last year, something unpleasant happened between Feng Duhu and the Queen.
Feng Duhu then ran to Lantian to pay homage to the prime minister, and by the way inspected the war readiness of Wuguan.
When leaving, Feng Duhu once ordered the two of them to pay more attention to the situation in Jingxiang.
This is a well-prepared idea.
I didn’t expect it to come true so quickly.
In Wuguan City, a huge sand table is placed on the combat table, and a huge map is hung on the wall.
The sentence strengthened the strong whip and explained the situation on Wuguan Road to Feng Duhu.
Meng Yan added a few words from time to time.
The terrain of Caoqiao Pass is basically a replica of Wuguan Pass.
Located on the flat land of a mountain stream, facing water on three sides from east to west and south, surrounded by Danshui, and leaning against the Qinling Mountains to the north.
The only difference from Wuguan is that the mountain stream where Caoqiao Pass is located is a long and narrow valley basin.
In the direction of Guanzhong, there is a piece of flat land, facing Caoqiao Pass across Danshui.
The soldiers from Guanzhong left Wuguan, and when they arrived here, they could garrison a large army.
Wuguan is just the opposite. Facing the direction of Jingxiang, there are four dangerous peaks, which are extremely steep.
Wuguan garrison can rely on them to prevent the enemy from coming directly to Wuguan City.
It is precisely because of this difference that Caoqiao Pass cannot be compared with Wuguan Pass.
Wuguan is about a hundred miles away from Caoqiao Pass.
The distance of a hundred miles could only be reached in one day on flat ground for the Han cavalry, regardless of the horsepower.
The one hundred miles between Wuguan and Caoqiaoguan are all through rivers and valleys, making it difficult to navigate.
“The general thought that this was not a good time for us to send troops, because it was a rainy season and flash floods often broke out in the mountains.”
"The Wuguan Road mostly runs along the waterside of the valley. Once the water rises, the road will be submerged and it will be difficult to pass."
Even though he knew that Feng Duhu might not like to hear these words, Jufu still reminded him seriously:
“A hundred miles of mountain road may not seem too long at first glance, but in fact, if you encounter a flash flood, you may not be able to finish it in ten days without preparation.”
Fortunately, there was no displeasure on Feng Duhu's face. Instead, he got closer to the sand table and compared it with the map on the wall.
After looking at it for a while, he raised his head and said with a slight sigh:
"What Xiaoxing said is true. When marching and fighting, what matters is the right time, right place, and right people."
“It’s just that nine out of ten things in this world are unsatisfactory. How can we always be satisfied with everything?”
“The timing of this battle is unknown, and the location is favorable, but at least there are people who can make peace with what we occupy.”
“Renhe?” Jufu looked thoughtfully at the location of Jingzhou on the map, “Is the Zhongduhu from Wu on the south side?”
I heard that the Wu people were attacking Jingzhou Pizhong (i.e. Nanzhang, Hubei Province, southwest of Xiangyang) at this time, attracting the Wei army from Xiangyang.
"That's right." Feng Duhu nodded, "This time we send troops to attack Caoqiao Pass in response to Wu's request, so the Wu people will support us in the south."
The attack with the Wu people from the north and the south should be regarded as a one-man battle, right?
“The Protector of the Central Government is from Wu and has rat-like ears, so he cannot be trusted!”
Feng Duhu smiled calmly:
“Why don’t I know that the Wu people are untrustworthy? It’s just that this time, the Wu people are asking for help from the Han people.”
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand and clicked on the map, "Lu Xun wants to capture Xiangyang, and we will take the opportunity to capture Caoqiao Pass."
"As long as Wuguan is in our hands, there will be no obstacles in the pass. But if Xiangyang is in the hands of Wei thieves, the Wu people in the south will have trouble sleeping and eating."
Especially when the Han Dynasty's advantages in facing Wei gradually became clear.
No one knows how the situation in the world will change in the future, and whether the Han Dynasty can defeat Wei.
But as the decision-makers of Wu State, Sun Quan and Lu Xun had to consider this possibility.
And we must also take into account the worst situation faced by the Wu State after the destruction of the Wei State.
Obviously, Lu Xun planned to capture Xiangyang this time, and then rely on Xiangyang to build the Xiangfan defense line.
After all, after being suppressed by Wei State for so many years by using Xiangyang, Wu State should know the importance of Xiangyang to Jingzhou even if it is determined again.
“Guanzhong can be without Caoqiao Pass, but Jingzhou cannot be without Xiangyang.”
Feng Duhu’s finger drew a circle between Xiangyang and Nanling:
“Without Xiangyang, it can be said that half of the Jingzhou occupied by Wu has been lost.”
Don’t look at the fact that Wu State nominally controlled most of Jingzhou.
However, the effective control area is actually only south of the river.
This large plain between the Dajiang River and the Han River was actually a buffer zone between Wei and Wu.
Yes, neither side can get such a large piece of plain, but they are unwilling to let the other side get it, so they would rather turn it into a no-man's land.
Jianghan Plain Jianghan Plain is a plain formed by the alluvial of the river and the Han River.
The flat land between the Dajiang River and the Han River is the essence of the Jianghan Plain.
Now, due to the war, this land has been abandoned for more than 20 years.
In the early years, when Wei still had the upper hand, the elite cavalry of the Wei army often set out from Xiangyang and galloped across the plains to harass Nanjun.
Even the letters written by Sun Quan to the Emperor of Han or the Prime Minister of Han were in danger of being captured by Wei when passing through Jingzhou.
You can imagine how powerless the Wu army in Nanjun was when facing Wei's elite cavalry on the plains.
In recent years, the Han Dynasty has put increasing pressure on the Wei State, forcing the Wei State to continuously mobilize troops from various places to fill the vacancies on the Western Front.
The Wei army in Xiangyang gradually moved southward.
With one thing going down and the other going up, the Wei army was having a hard time, but the Wu army in Jingzhou was getting better and better.
Especially the generals of the Jingzhou Army, their sugar cane cultivation has flourished, and their pockets have gradually grown.
There is no need to worry about being constantly on guard against the attacks of the Wei army's spirited cavalry, as before.
After Wei lost Guanzhong, Jingzhou had to face the Han army to the west and the Wu army to the south at the same time, and its military strength was already somewhat stretched.
They had to shrink their troops, let alone send cavalry to attack southward at will.
No Wei troops have been seen crossing the border for two or three consecutive years. Many people in Wu State and Jingzhou feel that these days are really getting more and more promising.
In this case, it is normal for Lu Xun or Sun Quan to have the idea of taking Xiangyang.
As long as Xiangyang and the main area of the Jianghan Plain are captured, it will be officially under the control of Wu State.
If it can be managed well, Jingzhou will be able to have at least hundreds of thousands or even millions of acres of more fertile farmland within ten years.
At that time, maybe we can get rid of the situation where Jingzhou’s food is controlled by the Han.
So, whether it is to build a stronger Jingzhou defense line to prevent the worst situation in the future.
It was still to better govern Jingzhou and take the opportunity to get rid of the constraints of the Han Dynasty.
Wu Guodu had reasons to capture Xiangyang.
Of course, some of the secrets and conjectures involved are not suitable to be spoken out publicly.
Even if Feng Duhu didn’t elaborate, Jufu and Meng Yan were both very convinced of Feng Duhu because of their outstanding military exploits over the years.
Now seeing that Feng Duhu was so sure that the Wu people were sincerely cooperating with the Han this time, the two of them naturally no longer had too many doubts.
"Then according to what the Central Protector sees, what should we do when we send out troops this time?"
Feng Duhu's eyes did not leave the map, "To be honest, I don't believe the Wu people either."
“It’s not that I don’t believe in their intention to take Xiangyang, but I don’t believe in how long they can hold on.”
"If we send troops too late and the Wu people have already retreated, then Wei can concentrate its forces against us."
“By then, with the strength we have, I’m afraid we won’t be able to capture Caoqiao Pass.”
Jufu could not help but remind him in a low voice again:
“But Zhongduhu, even if the Wei thieves don’t send reinforcements from Wancheng, I’m afraid the soldiers in Wuguan won’t have enough troops..."
Feng Duhu nodded:
"Don't worry, am I one of those people who underestimates the enemy? I'm just leading my cavalry to come ahead. After a while, there will be soldiers, horses and baggage coming from behind."
Hearing this, Jufu and Meng Yan knew that Zhongduhu had made up his mind and no longer had any doubts.
Meng Yan suggested:
"Zhongduhu, General Yuju, under the orders of Zhongduhu, has never relaxed his reconnaissance to the east."
“As far as we know, if you want to get to Wancheng, in addition to taking the Danshui River Valley, there is actually a mountain path used by woodcutters.”
"This mountain trail is to the east of Wuguan. Although it is difficult to walk, it may not be impossible for the old people from Wudang camp led by General Yumo to cross it."
(Note: This is the second half of Wuguan Road that was rerouted after the Tang Dynasty)
At the earliest stage of the Wudang Army, most of them were composed of barbarians and Han people in southern China, and they walked on mountain roads as if they were walking on flat ground.
At that time, Feng Duhu led his army to attack Longguan, and Wudangjun was one of the main forces.
“Zhongdu Hu’s reputation is shocking all over the world, and everyone in the world has heard of Zhongdu Huhu’s majesty. As long as the thieves know that Zhongdu Hu is personally leading the troops to attack Caoqiao Pass, the Wancheng thieves will definitely come to the rescue with all their strength.”
"When Wancheng is empty, the last general only needs to lead three thousand elite troops to the gates of Wancheng, and he will be able to defeat it with one blow."
When Feng Duhu heard this, his heart moved.
If Lu Xun personally led the troops to attack Xiangyang, or even captured Xiangyang, Meng Yan's plan may seem dangerous, but in fact it is very reliable.
only…
Feng Duhu finally shook his head:
“This is the best strategy, but the time has not yet come. At this time, when the Han Dynasty takes Wancheng, it is in danger of being attacked from the front and back, so it is better to leave it in the hands of the Wei thieves for the time being.”
Without Wancheng, Xuchang would be frightened and would definitely fight back with all his strength.
Who knows what Lu Xun from Xiangyang will think at that time?
Without Xiangyang, Wancheng would be useless.
But the Wei thieves had no choice but to defend.
Because once Wancheng is lost, Xuchang will be waiting for troops to attack the city at any time.
Even if you don't attack the city, enemy soldiers who appear from time to time and march around the city are enough to make it difficult for the city to sleep and eat.
As for the future, if the Han war in Hebei goes smoothly and the demise of Wei is a foregone conclusion, Wu will definitely take advantage of it.
Crossing the water from Xiangyang to the north, capturing Wancheng and even Xuchang, was a huge temptation that was difficult to resist.
At that time, Cao Shuang, who has nowhere to go, will inevitably have to fight with Wu in Wancheng...
“So this time, let’s not divide our troops and just attack Caoqiao Pass with all our strength.”
“As for this dangerous road, let’s save it for now and just pay attention to it on weekdays.”
From Wuguan, you can take this dangerous road to Nanyang, but when you come from Nanyang, you still have to pass through Wuguan in the end.
So as long as the military pass is not lost, this dangerous road poses no threat to Guanzhong.
The Central Protectorate has deduced many times whether to take Wancheng or not, and the situation we will face after taking Wancheng.
Feng Duhu simply explained to the two of them that it was still necessary to do a good job of unifying their thoughts before the war.
Sure enough, after hearing Feng Duhu’s explanation, Meng Yan, who was originally a little disappointed, was immediately convinced:
“The Central Protector has a good opinion!”
"What advice can I have? This is all the efforts of everyone in the Zhongdu Protectorate to gather everyone's thoughts."
Feng Duhu waved his hand, "Just like this time, if I want to achieve success, I need to rely on two generals."
These words were pleasant to hear. When General Ju Meng heard these words, his face turned a little red and he even stopped breathing.
“Since Xiaoxing said that Wuguan Road may be flooded by flash floods during this season, I want to send 5,000 men and horses as the vanguard to open roads in the mountains and build bridges in the water.”
Feng Duhu looked a little excited at the two of them and took the opportunity to say:
“I wonder which of you two is willing to take on this important task?”
The two of them were feeling a little agitated when they heard Feng Duhu's words. At the same time, they clasped their fists and shouted in unison:
“I will go there in the end!”
Seeing the two of them acting like this, Feng Duhu smiled and said, "This is really embarrassing for me."
His eyes turned around the two of them a few times, and then he spoke again:
“General Meng has been in Nanzhong for a long time and is familiar with the mountains. General Ju, how about giving this opportunity to General Meng?”
Hearing what Zhongduhu said, Jufu was a little disappointed, but he was also free and easy:
“What the Central Protector said is very reasonable, and I am willing to follow it.”
When Prime Minister Feng was on his southern expedition, Duhu Feng passed through Zhuti County. When he saw Gofu for the first time, he thought he was quite talented and recommended him personally.
After the Northern Expedition, Feng Duhu was entrusted with important tasks after he made military exploits, and he never forgot to promote him.
Therefore, both in the eyes of outsiders and in Jufu's own mind, they all thought that he was a direct descendant of Feng Duhu.
Since they are direct descendants, there is definitely no need to worry about being mistreated.
Moreover, if you follow the Central Protector on an expedition, why worry about not having the chance to make meritorious deeds?
Meng Yan, on the other hand, said loudly and excitedly:
“The final general will definitely live up to the trust entrusted by the Central Protector!”
"In that case, the matter is settled. General Meng, go to the camp and select the soldiers who are familiar with the mountain roads. Once you are ready, set off immediately."
“Here!”
There is naturally a reason for Meng Yan to be the forward.
In addition to coming to Mengyan to be familiar with the mountains, there is another reason.
That is, among the defenders of Wuguan, there are also some soldiers who are also from Nanzhong.
Let Meng Yan lead these people as the vanguard, which is naturally more convenient than Jufu.
Jufu and Meng Yan, especially Jufu, are the generals who can leave their names in the history books, and their abilities are naturally trustworthy.
In addition to the garrison they led, some of them were still based on the Nanxiang Army.
After receiving the military order, Wuguan immediately started operating at high speed.
Especially many of the old men in the Nanxiang Army were very excited when they heard that the Zhongduhu personally led the army in this battle.
But the Wei army, which was a hundred miles away in Caoqiao Pass, never dared to relax in the slightest when facing the direction of Guanzhong.
On the second day after Meng Yan set off with 5,000 men and horses, the guard general of Caoqiao Pass received news of the changes of the Han army in Wuguan.
After confirming that the Han army is heading towards Caoqiao Pass along Wuguan Road, the Caoqiao Pass guard will send messengers as quickly as possible to send the news to Wancheng.
Two days later, Guan Qiujian, the governor of Jingzhou in Wei State who was personally guarding Xiangyang, received the news and let out a long breath:
"finally come!"
The heart that has been hanging for a long time can finally return to its original place.
(End of this chapter)