Sui and Tang Dynasty Generals

Chapter 103 The decision to divide the troops, the excitement of the people in the east city of Jinyang
"That bastard has been hiding in the city all day long. It's no wonder that everyone called him the Rat Lieutenant!"

Tang Zhenhao complained in the commander's tent.

After hearing Tang Zhenhao's words, several generals and many counselors in front of the terrain sand table all fell silent.

From the beginning of the siege until now, no one had expected that a small Jinyang East City would be so difficult to capture. So much time had passed, and the siege had continued for days, but Jinyang East City showed no signs of being breached.

"General, if we continue to consume at this rate, not only will the morale of the soldiers be greatly affected, but even the supply of food and fodder will be difficult to follow up!"

The person who spoke was Liang Xuansu, who was from the Shuofang Liang family.

Upon learning that Wei Daoer had sent General Zhen Zhai'er to lead an army of more than 100,000 to attack Taiyuan, Liang Xuansu, unwilling to be idle in Shuofang, came to join Zhen Zhai'er with his eldest brother's son Liang Dan.

Because of their background in the Shuofang Liang family, Liang Xuansu and Liang Dan were highly regarded by Zhen Zhai'er as soon as they arrived.

"It is better to besiege the city instead of attacking it. When the food and grass in the city are exhausted, the people will be in a state of panic. Then it will be easy to break the city!"

Liang Xuansu suggested to Zhen Zhai'er that he disagreed with continuing to attack the east city of Jinyang.

In Liang Xuansu's eyes, the people in East City of Jinyang are now stable, and the morale of the defenders and the people in the city is high. Zhen Zhai'er's long-term attack will inevitably affect morale and waste food and grass. Even if he attacks by force regardless of the consequences, it will only cause the army to lose more soldiers and horses. It is far better to surround the enemy without attacking and wait for the enemy to break through on its own.

"Xuan Su thinks that the most important thing for our army right now is to occupy all the other fourteen cities in Taiyuan County except Jinyang. If the east city of Jinyang is not taken, we will continue to attack Xihe County! In this way, our army can obtain food and grass, soldiers and terrain. Only when the morale of our soldiers is strong can we deter the Sui army from going north!"

Liang Xuansu analyzed to everyone.

After listening to Liang Xuansu's words, generals such as Tang Zhenhao, Yang Boyao, and Qin Guangzhi all looked at the map and felt that Liang Xuansu's analysis made sense. Even counselors such as Cai Ran and Yu Lichuan nodded and agreed with Liang Xuansu's words.

But being rational is being rational. If they really gave up attacking the east city of Jinyang, everyone would feel depressed.

This was especially true for generals like Tang Zhenhao and Yang Boyao. They felt choked up at the thought that Fu Zihou, the captain of the Sui army who had humiliated them, was safe and sound in the East City and might even laugh at them for leaving.

"Brother Liang!"

Just when everyone was silent, Chu Bo, who had just been rescued last night, spoke to Liang Xuansu.

"Brother Liang, you don't know that when the general discussed with Duke Wei, they also planned to wait for Pan Changwen to die, take advantage of the Jinyang garrison being leaderless, immediately seize the East City, then surround the West City, and then attack other cities in Taiyuan!"

After Chu Bo finished speaking, he glanced at everyone, then continued to look at Liang Xuansu with a helpless expression.

"But a Fenwu officer suddenly appeared and stationed in the East City, causing the plan to change again and again! When Chu Bo was in the East City, he first heard about the various actions of the city guard captain Fu Zihou and realized that he was not an ordinary general. Now that he has been guarding the city for many days, it can be proved that it is so!"

Chu Bo still looked a little weak due to his injury, but he continued talking while looking at the map.

"If we divide our forces rashly, our troops will be scattered. Unlike the West City of Jinyang, the East City is ruled by one person, Fu Zihou. He is the only one who is in charge of the people and soldiers of the East City. His words are as trustworthy as his orders. In addition, it is located in the heart of Taiyuan County. If we cannot capture the East City of Jinyang, this city will be a great threat to our army!"

Chu Bo said this and looked at Zhen Zhaier.

"General, Chu Bo believes that we should continue to send troops to attack the East City of Jinyang. We can select 3,000 elite soldiers from the army, wait in secret, and find the right opportunity. When the East City is exhausted, we can break through the East City in one fell swoop!"

Chu Bo suggested.

Contrary to Liang Xuansu's suggestion, Chu Bo not only did not recommend Zhen Zhai'er to divide the troops, but he also stated publicly that Dongcheng was the greatest threat to this southward march, and Dongcheng must be eliminated before troops could be divided to attack other cities.

After hearing Chu Bo's words, Tang Zhenhao, Yang Boyao, Qin Guangzhi, Cai Ran and others all remained silent.

Chu Bo's suggestion was obviously a desperate one. Everyone could hear his fear of Jinyang East City and his determination to get rid of East City.

But everyone felt that Chu Bo's words were a little too exaggerated.

The Sui general Fu Zihou did have some abilities, but considering the troops in the east city of Jinyang, it was an overestimation to say that he was a serious threat to the south.

It is no exaggeration to say that as long as Fu Zihou, the defender in the East City, dares to lead his troops out of the city for a surprise attack, he will never be able to return. Their army has more than 100,000 soldiers and can withstand the harassment, but for the East City of Jinyang, if they fail once, they will only have one way to go, and that is death.

"What you two said makes sense! I have decided to select 3,000 elite soldiers tomorrow to ambush outside the East City, leaving 20,000 soldiers to surround the East and West Cities! The rest of the army will attack other cities in Taiyuan!"

Under the gazes of Liang Xuansu, Chu Bo, and other generals and counselors, Zhen Zhai'er made the decision.

Zhen Zhai'er not only adopted Liang Xuansu's suggestion, but also adopted Chu Bo's method. Starting from tomorrow, he would attack other cities in Taiyuan and would not leave Jinyang East City alone.

"Liang Dan, please let me stay!"

Seeing the opportunity, Liang Dan quickly raised his hand to salute Zhen Zhaier and volunteered to stay.

Although Liang Dan is Liang Xuansu's nephew, they were born in the same year and are both 34 years old now.

Among the Shuofang Liang family, Liang Xuansu was the eighth son of Liang Pi, and he had seven older brothers: Xuankan, Xuande, Xuance, Xuanmo, Xuanxu, Xuanxiu, and Xuanzhen.

Liang Dan is the eldest son of the eldest brother Xuan Kan.

"it is good!"

When Zhen Zhai'er heard Liang Dan's words, she nodded in agreement. Seeing that Tang Zhenhao was abnormally silent at this time, she understood what Tang Zhenhao was thinking.

"Pass on my order. Tomorrow Yang Boyue will be the commander-in-chief and lead 20,000 troops to garrison Jinyang and surround the East City and West City! Let Liang Dan be the deputy commander and lead 3,000 soldiers to ambush outside the East City!"

Zhen Zhai'er gave the order.

When Yang Boyao heard Zhen Zhai'er asking him to stay, his face was full of surprise, but when he saw Zhen Zhai'er looking at him, he quickly raised his hand to accept the order.

Liang Dan's face was full of joy and excitement.

"General, Chu Bo was captured by the Sui general. Chu Bo would like to ask the general to allow Chu Bo to go south with the army!"

When Chu Bo saw Zhen Zhai'er looking at him, he immediately bowed and asked without waiting for Zhen Zhai'er to speak.

Seeing this, Zhen Zhai'er thought about it and nodded.

Under the night.

The rest of the people in the general's tent left one after another. Chu Bo was about to leave as well, but was left alone by Zhen Zhai'er.

"Huai Yan! Are you worried that if you stay and something goes wrong, you will be suspected? In fact, no one in the army will suspect you!"

Zhen Zhaier spoke.

Looking at Chu Bo's expression, Zhen Zhai'er would not doubt Chu Bo even if she knew how Chu Bo escaped from East City, let alone escaped by himself.

Not to mention that they had known each other for many years, just from Chu Bo's story about his experiences in Dongcheng and the situation in Dongcheng, and the fact that he dared to risk his life to shield Xiang Yifeng in such a dark night, no one would doubt Chu Bo.

Not to mention, if Chu Bo hadn't reminded us before, Jinyang East City would probably be even more difficult to conquer right now.

"General, Chu Bo has a hunch that if you insist on dividing your forces, I'm afraid that the Sui general from East City will find an opportunity in the end!"

Chu Bo did not hide his worries, and looked at Zhen Zhai'er with a serious and earnest face, wanting to persuade Zhen Zhai'er again to get rid of Dongcheng first and then divide the troops.

This was Chu Bo's sincere words from the bottom of his heart. Chu Bo had already made an agreement with Fu Zihou that after leaving the city, Chu Bo would continue to assist Zhen Zhai'er as always, and would also use all his strength to help Zhen Zhai'er attack the east city of Jinyang.

"But outside the East City, there are not only 10,000 defenders, but also 3,000 elite ambushes!"

Zhen Zhai'er looked at Chu Bo, and after he finished speaking, he waited for Chu Bo's reply, telling him what methods Jinyang East City could use to break the impasse under such circumstances.

In Zhen Zhai'er's eyes, with the troops of Jinyang East City, let alone breaking through the encirclement of 10,000 defenders, even if they faced the 3,000 elite troops head-on, once a battle broke out, the defenders of Jinyang East City would have no chance of winning.

Looking at Chu Bo who was sighing in silence, Zhen Zhai'er knew that Chu Bo actually couldn't think of any way out of the impasse.

See this.

Zhen Zhai'er comforted Chu Bo and told him not to worry too much.

"What Liang Xuansu said is actually true. Our army is currently in a state of shortage of food and morale. The army has already begun to waver because of the long-standing siege of East City! And..."

Zhen Zhai'er said this and motioned Chu Bo to follow her.

Inside the commander's tent, next to a huge hanging map, Zhen Zhai'er looked at Taiyuan County and other counties in the north.

"The arrival of Liang Xuansu and Liang Dan is a test of the Shuofang Liang family! As long as we occupy Taiyuan and Xihe counties as soon as possible, the Liang family will definitely respond with Shuofang County! Duke Wei owns Shanggu County. Once he gets Taiyuan and Xihe counties, he can join forces with the Turks to annex Mayi, Yanmen, and Loufan counties. Then the Liang family will surrender Shuofang County to Duke Wei in exchange for the Duke of Zhuguo! In this way, the northern territories will all be in the hands of Duke Wei, and the great cause will be accomplished!"

Zhen Zhai'er told him the whole situation, her own considerations for dividing the troops, and the reason why she appointed Liang Dan as deputy general.

"The Sui army commander guarding the east city of Jinyang is very difficult. It may be difficult to capture the east city in a short time! I have always wanted to get rid of the commander Fu Zihou as soon as possible, but seeing the arrival of the Liang uncle and nephew, I know that now in the north, not only the famous families are waiting and watching, but even the clans in other places have set their sights on Taiyuan! They are all watching whether I can capture Taiyuan County and occupy these northern territories for Duke Wei!"

Zhen Zhai'er took a deep breath when she said this. She felt a lot of pressure, but also a heroic feeling in her heart. Now all the famous families and clans were watching. How could she let the East City of Jinyang hold her back in attacking the city?

Beside Zhen Zhai'er.

After listening to Zhen Zhai'er's narration, Chu Bo finally understood why Zhen Zhai'er, who had clearly issued an order to massacre the entire city, gave up the idea of attacking the east city of Jinyang after several days of siege.

Indeed, compared with the grand ambitions, the small East City of Jinyang is simply insignificant.

Chu Bo no longer insisted on persuading them to get rid of Jinyang East City first, but he still wanted to leave Jinyang with Zhen Zhaier.

..............................

The next day.

On the city wall of Jinyang East City.

The sky had just begun to brighten when the people in the city had already arrived at the top of the city wall.

The city walls that were broken by huge rocks yesterday have been repaired at night, and the collapsed platform has been propped up again.

In the city road.

There were black bloodstains everywhere. Although there were no corpses, it was obvious how many people had died in the city during these days.

Fu Zihou, as the defender of Jinyang East City, also arrived at the top of the city wall early. Compared with before, in addition to the sword hanging around his waist, Fu Zihou also had a knife.

As a young man, he has been busy running around and leading troops in battles. Compared with his earlier time in the village, Fu Zihou's appetite has not only increased greatly, but his physique has also been changing.

more importantly.

Inside the mansion, there was a girl who looked like she was raising pigs, forcing Fu Zihou to eat every day.

"Captain! Everyone is here!"

Yin Tianzong came to Fu Zihou and bowed to report.

"Tell the soldiers that the bandits are losing momentum day by day, and now they are fighting to the last breath. Whoever can hold out longer is fighting to see who is more ruthless! Tell the people that once the city is captured, the bandits will definitely massacre the people in the city. Not only will their wives and children die, but they themselves will also die! The bandits are different. They don't have wives and children in the city, so their momentum will definitely not be as strong as ours! We will win!"

Fu Zihou instructed Yin Tianzong.

Motivating the soldiers defending the city and the people in the city is basically what Fu Zihou has to do every morning.

Fighting day after day, not only will the defending soldiers be exhausted, but even the common people will be confused and hesitant. At this time, they need encouragement. Otherwise, facing the bandits' siege all day long, the soldiers and common people will be very tired and feel fear.

Sometimes the power of language is so great that it can even change a battle or a country.

This is also why Fu Zihou kept telling the soldiers and the people in the city that they would win!
"Here!"

Yin Tianzong bowed and accepted the order, then turned and left.

In the hazy morning, all the people and soldiers in the city looked solemnly towards the east outside the city, at the dark plain under the mountains.

Because right there in the plain, there was a huge army of bandits, ready to attack the city and kill them at any time.

soon.

A glimmer of light gradually reappeared on the mountains, and the scenes around East City became clearer and clearer. Slowly, everyone could see the scene on the distant plains.

However, to everyone's surprise, the bandit army that would have sounded the drums to attack the city at this time in the past did not show up on this day. There was no movement and the plain was still silent. Only a few spotted figures could be seen vaguely, who seemed to be stationed and patrolling.

"what happened?"

"I don't know! The bandits haven't attacked the city yet!"

"Could it be that the bandits will not attack the city today?"

Inside the city, all the citizens who were very nervous at first, after confirming that they were not seeing things and that the bandits did not appear as usual, began to talk about it.

Amid the hustle and bustle, the soldiers defending the city were also confused, but they all breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

"Colonel Captain!"

Yin Tianzong, Xiong Ruixiang and others all ran to Fu Zihou, with puzzled expressions on their faces. They looked at Fu Zihou and then at the empty plain outside the city.

"Strange! Has the bandit changed his nature today?"

"This is abnormal! Logically, the bandits would never give up attacking the city!"

Wu Liuzi, Ma Huer and others couldn't help but start chatting.

"Send someone on horseback out of the city to investigate!"

Fu Zihou also looked puzzled. He frowned and gave instructions to Wu Liuzi.

"Here!"

Wu Liuzi took the order and turned around to make arrangements.

However, before the city gates were opened, several scouts went out of the city gates. Fu Zihou, Yin Tianzong and others saw a huge army of bandits carrying weapons and supplies, rushing towards the south from the distant plains under the mountains in the north.

"Captain! The enemy general seems to have given up attacking the city!"

"Captain! The bandit army is dividing its forces and marching south! Are reinforcements coming?"

Xiong Ruixiang and Yin Tianzong excitedly said to Fu Zihou that they couldn't believe that the bandit army would give up attacking Jinyang East City at this time!

"Great! It seems the bandits have given up attacking the city!"

"It must be the Sui Dynasty reinforcements that have arrived!"

"Reinforcements have arrived!!!"

Cheers rang out throughout the city, and smiles and joy of surviving the disaster appeared on the faces of every citizen and every soldier in the city.

Amidst countless cheers, Fu Zihou looked at the actions of the bandit army outside the city with a look of surprise.

The bandits divided their forces!

Originally, Fu Zihou thought that he had to at least hold on and wait for the heavy rain to give him this opportunity, but he didn't expect the bandits to split up their forces so quickly.

"It doesn't make sense..."

Fu Zihou frowned slightly, looking thoughtful, he lowered his head to look at his sword and saber, then raised his hand and slowly touched the hilt.

Logically, Zhen Zhai'er would not divide his troops at this time. Jinyang is an important military location, and at least one of the two cities, the east and the west, must be captured. Therefore, Zhen Zhai'er should make up his mind to capture the east city of Jinyang.

Now the bandit army suddenly left.

In Fu Zihou's eyes, there are only two possibilities. One is that Zhen Zhai'er deliberately set up a conspiracy, and the other is that something happened suddenly, forcing Zhen Zhai'er to divide his troops!

Listening to the discussions all around, listening to the words of Yin Tianzong, Xiong Ruixiang, and the defending soldiers and civilians.

Not the Sui Dynasty reinforcements!

Fu Zihou raised his head and looked towards the plain outside the city, gazing at the huge army of bandits in the distance.

If it was the Sui Dynasty reinforcements heading north, the bandit army should have hurried south, and there would be no sightings of the bandit cavalry!
Compared to the bandit army that others speculated was heading south to fight against the Sui Dynasty reinforcements, the bandit army in the distance gave Fu Zihou the feeling that it was more like going to attack other cities.

Unfortunately, the distance was too far to see whether there were any siege equipment components in the checked baggage.

"We'll find out when we leave the city tonight!"

Fu Zihou was not sure about his guess, so he could only wait patiently until tonight and take his men out of the city to get information.

If the bandits really divided their forces and marched south, it would be an opportunity for Fu Zihou to defeat them one by one.

However... the cities in the south will probably be in trouble!

Fu Zihou looked towards the south, hoping that the cities of Taiyuan could hold out for a while. He also hoped that no other reinforcements from the Sui Dynasty would encounter this large army of bandits!
(End of this chapter)