Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 437 The whole court celebrates!

Zhao Chiman took the most remote route. The weather was cold and the area was sparsely populated. The mountain road was vast and desolate, and even with a map, it was easy to lose one's way.

At this time, Cheng Wuting's experience in Tibet came in handy. By combining astronomical observations with the map in his hand, he quickly navigated around the vast mountains and caught up with Cangyan City.

Cangyan City was a small earthen city. It is estimated that Goguryeo did not expect the Tang army to attack such a remote city, so the city walls were built low and short.

The biting wind blew, and the bright yellow Tang army battle flags fluttered in the wind on the city wall.

He sent someone to inquire at the foot of the city wall and learned that the city had also been captured by the Tang army. Zhao Chiman left only 500 Tang soldiers to garrison the city and continued to advance forward.

Cheng Wuting continued his pursuit southeast, and two days later, he finally caught up with the army by a river.

To Cheng Wuting's surprise, Zhao Chiman was not in the camp. When he asked the deputy general who was left behind, the deputy general refused to tell him!

Cheng Wuting suppressed his anger and said, "I am here on the orders of Chief Steward Li to meet with General Zhao. Please tell me General Zhao's whereabouts!"

The lieutenant said, "General Zhao ordered us to wait for him here, and specifically instructed us not to reveal our whereabouts!"

Cheng Wuting said in a deep voice, "This war is of utmost importance. General Zhao abandoned his army and left alone. Is this the behavior of a general?"

The lieutenant said, "Our General Zhao has his own reasons for fighting, General Cheng, please watch your words!"

Wu Minzhi, standing behind Cheng Wu, was furious and said, "When my General Cheng was assisting General Xue Rengui in attacking Tibet, your General Zhao was still a commoner from Liangzhou!"

The deputy general was immediately enraged and said, "That's because General Zhao didn't have the opportunity to go to the Tibetan battlefield, otherwise he could have made meritorious contributions just the same!"

Seeing that the two sides were about to start arguing, Cheng Wuting reached out to stop Wu Minzhi and bowed to the deputy general, saying, "Then I will wait in the camp. Please arrange a tent for me."

Soon, Cheng Wuting and his group were seated in a large tent.

Wu Minzhi snorted, "Brother Cheng, these soldiers are so arrogant and contemptuous. Why didn't you let me scold them a few times just now?"

Cheng Wuting glanced at him and said, "Why are you scolding him? Don't you think his attitude is quite interesting?"

Wu Minzhi asked in surprise, "What do you mean?"

Cheng Wuting said, "This is Zhao Chiman's first time leading troops, and he has already won the support of his soldiers so quickly, which shows his ability."

Wu Minzhi nodded and said, "Now that you mention it, it's true."

Cheng Wuting said, "I originally thought that Zhao Chiman was able to advance so quickly because the cities he attacked were not fortified. Now it seems that he is indeed capable of leading troops."

Wu Minzhi frowned and said, "But he left the army here and then disappeared without a trace. Is that considered good military leadership?"

Cheng Wuting thought for a moment and said, "I think something urgent must have happened."

"An emergency?"

Cheng Wuting said, "Think about it, this camp's location is not the best. The foot of the mountain we passed on the way here is only a mile away. It is the best place to set up camp, nestled against the mountain and by the water. Why did Zhao Chiman set up camp here?"

Wu Minzhi said, "Doesn't this just prove that he can't lead troops?"

Cheng Wuting shook his head and said, "No, Zhao Chiman is as famous as Jiang Ke, he wouldn't be so ignorant of such a simple principle. When you passed by the stables just now, did you notice that all the warhorses in the army were gone?"

Before they came to find Zhao Chiman, they already knew a great deal about this army, including that it had a thousand cavalrymen.

Wu Minzhi thought for a moment, then slapped his thigh and said, "That's right, we really didn't see any warhorses!"

Cheng Wuting said, "So I think it's like this: when General Zhao led his troops here, he suddenly received an urgent message, so he ordered the army to set up camp on the spot and left with his cavalry."

"What urgent news could it be?" Wu Minzhi asked.

Cheng Wuting shook his head and said, "Then I can't guess."

……

Twenty miles east of Shicheng, in a valley, Zheng Rentai sat on a large blue rock, a large knife stuck in front of him, his face covered in blood, his hair disheveled, looking extremely wretched.

The valley was very narrow, with the sky overhead squeezed into a slit. The soldiers were crammed into the canyon, and they all looked very dejected.

At this moment, Wei Daijia walked over from one end of the canyon and said to Zheng Rentai, "General, they are building fortifications at the exit. It seems they want to block the exit and let us starve to death!"

Zheng Rentai said coldly, "No, they want to exhaust and starve us before trying to recruit us, thus creating a psychological blow to the other Tang armies!"

Wei Daijia gritted his teeth and said, "It's all my fault for being greedy for merit and rushing forward, which led to us falling into the enemy's ambush!"

Zheng Rentai shook his head and said, "This is not your fault. It was my mistake in ordering you to advance at full speed that led to the brothers being in this predicament."

Since the start of the campaign, Zheng Rentai's army has lagged behind others in every aspect.

When attacking Jian'an City, the enemy retreated on their own because Xue Rengui and Zhao Chiman marched swiftly.

The same was true for the subsequent cities; the enemy was forced to retreat because of the bravery of the other two armies, not because of Zheng Rentai's efforts.

Therefore, although he advanced triumphantly all the way, he was extremely frustrated and longed to win a real victory as soon as possible to avoid being ridiculed.

When the army arrived outside Shicheng, the enemy actually retreated again.

Shicheng is an extremely fortified mountain city. The fact that the enemy gave up so easily is undoubtedly due to the combined forces of Xue Rengui and Zhao Chiman!

Zheng Rentai could no longer hold back. Without resting in Shicheng, he led his army on a rapid march, intending to catch up with the retreating enemy forces and launch a pursuit battle!

Unexpectedly, when they reached this valley, they were ambushed by the enemy.

The terrain here was too treacherous. The Tang army was forced into a long line by the valley, unable to deploy its forces and quickly trapped in the canyon, unable to advance or retreat.

Wei Daijia slammed his spear into the ground and said, "General, why don't we charge out and fight them to the death?"

Zheng Rentai shook his head and said, "Under these circumstances, we can't break through no matter what. It will only lead to a decline in morale. Let's wait a little longer."

Wei Daijia asked anxiously, "Wait for what?"

Zheng Rentai said, "During the chaos, I saw a small team break out of the encirclement. They should be able to carry the message out. We should wait for Xue Rengui or Zhao Chiman to send troops to our aid before we launch another attack. Only then will we have a chance to turn the tide!"

Wei Daijia looked up at the narrow valley and the confined sky, and said, "What if there are no reinforcements?"

Zheng Rentai did not answer. Without reinforcements, the 20,000-strong army would only have one fate: total annihilation.

As darkness fell, Zheng Rentai told everyone to rest and recharge, but in this situation, who could possibly get a proper rest?
It was November, and the nights were exceptionally cold. Unable to set up camp in the valley, the soldiers could only huddle on the ground, shivering, wearing their icy armor.

Zheng Rentai couldn't sleep at all. The only thing he could do at the moment was to patrol around and soothe the soldiers' emotions.

A gust of wind blew by, carrying with it faint screams and what sounded like the clash of swords.

Zheng Rentai's ears twitched like a rabbit's, and he asked a soldier beside him, "Did you hear anything?"

The soldier was stunned and said, "No!"

Just then, Wei Daijia rushed over, and in his haste, he tripped over a soldier sleeping on the ground.

He quickly got up and said excitedly, "General, the scouts report that the enemy troops at the western exit of the valley seem to be in some disarray!"

It's impossible for the enemy to be in disarray without a reason, especially at night.

There is only one explanation: reinforcements have arrived, which is why the enemy forces were in a hurry to mobilize, resulting in chaos!
Upon hearing this, Zheng Rentai remained calm. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "Order the entire army to prepare for a breakout from Xigu!"

Zheng Rentai, holding a long-handled horse-slaying sword and a ring-pommel sword at his waist, led his soldiers to gather at the exit of the West Valley. The soldiers were all wearing armor, and from where they stood, they could faintly hear the sounds of fighting outside.

There's no mistake, reinforcements have indeed arrived!
At Zheng Rentai's command, a squad carrying shields charged out first, and the sound of arrows whistling through the air immediately filled the air.

Zheng Rentai knew from the sound of arrows that the enemy's encirclement had indeed loosened, especially the arrows coming from the southwest, where the sound was the sparsest.

"Deputy Commander Wei, you lead the infantry squad in a charge from the southwest. You must break through their defenses!"

Wei Daijia shouted, "Yes!" Holding a spear, he led a battalion of two hundred men and charged towards the valley entrance.

Zheng Rentai listened to the changing sounds of battle outside, assessed the situation, and issued military orders in an orderly manner.

The Tang army was all crammed into the valley; if they rushed out together, it would only cause chaos.

Therefore, it is necessary for battalions to rush out in an orderly manner, slowly pushing the enemy away and making room so that more soldiers can rush out of the valley.

Wei Daijia's infantry battalion, like a steel blade, successfully pierced the enemy's defenses. His success was due to Zhao Chiman leading a cavalry unit, who was charging in from the southeast!

After Wei Daijia tore open the gap, the Tang army forcefully created a fan-shaped space at the entrance of the valley.

However, the enemy launched a strong counterattack, attempting to push the Tang army back.

The night was pitch black, making it difficult to distinguish between enemy and ally, but there was no need to make a judgment. The Tang army's mission was to charge outwards, while the Goguryeo army's mission was to push back.

At the forefront, both sides engaged in close combat, charging towards each other's weapons with their own bodies.

The Tang soldiers behind him kept roaring and shouting!

Hold on! Hold on!
A Tang soldier, his left cheek pierced by a javelin, still gripped his spear tightly, leaning forward as he took steps, enduring the excruciating pain as the spear pierced his head deeper and deeper!

It was with this tenacious fighting spirit that the Tang army managed to carve out a small space.

Zheng Rentai quickly dispatched another archer battalion, which fired three volleys of arrows.

The pressure from the Goguryeo army ahead suddenly lessened, and another Tang army squad tore open a gap, allowing the Goguryeo army to slowly retreat.

The battle continued until dawn, by which time a third of the Tang army had broken out of the valley.

Seeing that defeat was inevitable, the Goguryeo army withdrew through another mountain path.

Having suffered a loss, Zheng Rentai dared not pursue any further and ordered his army to form ranks and defend, allowing the remaining Tang troops to withdraw from the valley.

At this moment, at the exit of the East Road of the valley, the rising sun shone on a large bald head, making it appear exceptionally shiny.

The Goguryeo general who ambushed Jeong In-tae was none other than Shin-seong.

After joining Quan Nanjian's forces, he volunteered to lead 30,000 of his own troops near Pyongyang to relieve the original garrison of Liaodong City.

There was nothing that could be done. Because of his act of letting Quan Nansheng go, Quan Nanjian did not trust him and would not allow Xincheng's 30,000 troops to continue to stay near Pyongyang.

Xincheng was very sensible, so he volunteered to go to the front line.

For him, defeating the Tang army was the top priority; the conflict with Molizhi could be put aside for now.

In this battle, Xincheng fully exploited the weakness of the Tang army's four-pronged advance, induced Zheng Rentai to lose his composure, and led him to advance recklessly with light troops, thus launching a brilliant ambush.

Unfortunately, the Tang army's reinforcements arrived too quickly.

If this drags on for another day or two, even if reinforcements arrive, the Tang army in the canyon will be exhausted and unable to break out.

Beside Xincheng was a young general, his son Xinyi. He said, "Father, the Tang army's reinforcements number only a thousand cavalry. If we bypass the valley and join forces with the army west of the valley, we might not necessarily lose. Why did you order a retreat?"

Xin Cheng glanced at him and said in a deep voice, "We were able to win this ambush by taking advantage of the terrain, but that doesn't mean our combat strength is superior to the Tang army. Back then, Qibi Heli defeated my tens of thousands of troops with only eight hundred cavalrymen. Do you think the Tang army got its reputation as the Iron Cavalry from that?"

Xinyi gritted his teeth and said, "That was because the generals who led the troops back then were incompetent. I don't believe that my five thousand armored cavalrymen could not defeat a thousand Tang soldiers!"

Just as Xincheng was about to speak, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves. He turned around and saw a messenger galloping towards him, bringing Quan Nanjian's transfer order.

After reading it, Xincheng looked up to the sky and sighed deeply.

"Is it truly beyond saving?"

Xinyi's expression changed, and he asked, "Father, what happened?"

Xin Cheng said with a wry smile, "Both Anshi City and Wugu City have been captured by the Tang army, and Mo Lizhi has ordered me to return to Pyongyang to garrison them!"

Xinyi exclaimed, "What? Putting aside Wugu City, how could Anshi City have fallen? Wasn't the defending general Eulji-jin? Just two old generals from the Tang army, how could he have lost?"

Xin Cheng shook his head and said, "I don't know what happened either. There's no need to say more. Now that Wugu City has been lost, Xue Rengui could attack us from behind at any time. Let's go!"

Upon hearing the name "Xue Rengui," Xinyi felt a chill run down his spine. He stopped being stubborn and immediately followed Xincheng, leading his troops toward the Yalu River!

News of the Tang army's capture of Wugu City and Anshi City quickly reached Chang'an, shocking the court and the public.

When Xue Rengui captured Wugu City, everyone thought it was normal.

It was unbelievable and a pleasant surprise that the two veteran generals, Qibi Heli and Cheng Mingzhen, were able to break through Anshi City so quickly!
Emperor Taizong, leading a large number of civil and military officials, was blocked outside Ansi City and could not advance an inch. Now that the city has finally been breached, all the courtiers who participated in the Goguryeo War twenty years ago are cheering and celebrating.

Even Changsun Wuji, upon learning of this, danced the Qin King's Battle Song at home to express his joy!
The news also reached the inner palace.

Upon hearing this, Xu Jin composed a poem entitled "Song of Victory" and ordered it to be shown to Li Zhi.

While Li Zhi was admiring the scenery in Ganlu Hall, a servant came to report that Consort Zheng had invited him over.

Li Zhi knew it was about Zheng Rentai.

Zheng Rentai suffered a defeat this time and his entire army was almost wiped out.

If it weren't for the victories of Xue Rengui, Qibi Heli, and Cheng Mingzhen, which overshadowed the impact of his defeat, Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) would certainly have punished him severely.

Now that Anshi City has been captured, the situation is basically stable.

Instead of punishing or dismissing Zheng Rentai, Emperor Li Zhi issued an edict ordering Zheng Rentai to atone for his crimes through meritorious service.

Upon arriving at Xunfeng Palace, Consort Zheng indeed led her entourage to kneel at the palace entrance, pleading guilty to Emperor Gaozong.

Li Zhi laughed and said, "It was Zheng Rentai who lost the battle, what does it have to do with you? Get up." He then helped her up.

After entering the palace, Consort Zheng first danced a "Breaking the Battle Formation" to congratulate Emperor Li Zhi on the great victory at the front.

She usually prefers quiet dances, but today's powerful and majestic dance has a unique charm, showing that she has been practicing in secret for a long time.

After the dance, Consort Zheng sat next to Emperor Gaozong and inquired about the details of the battle at the front.

Wu Meiniang had already asked once that morning, and Li Zhi, in a good mood, didn't find it annoying. He patiently repeated it to her again.

It was easier for Xue Rengui to attack Wugu City because when he attacked Chifeng City, he had already eliminated 10,000 of Wugu City's reinforcements.

The morale of the garrison in Wugu City is very low.

Xue Rengui stationed himself outside the city and ordered his engineers to cut down trees to make siege equipment. The defenders of Wugu City retreated into the city and did not even dare to harass them.

After preparing the weapons, Xue Rengui personally led his army to attack the city. He first shot down the Goguryeo flag on Wugu City with an arrow, and then ordered sixteen suicide squads to charge with ladders.

On the first day of the siege, the Tang army fought bravely. A young soldier named Li Mutang was the first to scale the city wall. The other Tang soldiers were also in high spirits and fearless of death. Within a day, the Tang army broke through Wugu City.

The attack on Anshi City was even more dramatic.

Originally, Qibi Heli and Cheng Mingzhen were simply attacking in a methodical manner.

Unexpectedly, on the fifth day of the siege, a general named Liang Daichun in the city shot out a letter under cover of night, expressing his willingness to surrender to the Tang Dynasty and offer up Anshi City.

The two sides agreed on a time for the surrender of the city. As expected, the city gates opened after midnight, and Cheng Mingzhen personally led a Tang army into the city.

Just as a few hundred men entered, the city gates suddenly slammed shut, and arrows rained down on the Tang army, including Cheng Mingzhen, who were entering the city.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Mingzhen was prepared. His soldiers were all carrying large shields, which they used to hold off enemy arrows while turning around to seize the city gate.

The Tang army outside the city also began to cooperate in the siege. With the Tang army inside the city working hard, they finally captured Anshi City. However, most of the hundreds of Tang soldiers who entered the city were killed or wounded.

Cheng Mingzhen once again demonstrated his enduring strength, fighting bravely to the very end despite being hit by four arrows.

Upon hearing this, Consort Zheng asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, is General Cheng alright?"

Li Zhi laughed and said, "Don't worry, none of the four arrows hit any vital organs, so he's fine. He was even clamoring to continue leading troops into Pyongyang, but Li Ji forcibly removed him from his post and sent him back to Yingzhou to recuperate."

Consort Zheng breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

The following day, Li Zhi held a banquet in Chengqing Hall to celebrate the soldiers at the front.

After the banquet, Li Zhi received a report from the Anxi Protectorate, which made him frown.
It turns out that the Arab civil war has ended, and Mu'awiya has become the new king of the Arab world. Pei Xingjian has requested permission to attack Tokharistan.

Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) was currently focused on Goguryeo and did not want to start another war, so he rejected Pei Xingjian's request.

(End of this chapter)