Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 368 The War Begins (Part 1)

Taking a city is never an easy task.

The defending side, protected by the city walls and commanding a high vantage point, naturally holds an advantage. The attacking side, on the other hand, must overcome the enemy's superior strength by scaling the walls to engage them. Unless their forces far outnumber the defenders or they have an inside agent to open the city gates, a protracted siege is highly likely.

Pei Qinghe had a plan in mind. On the first day of the attack, the offensive was not rapid, and the troops were withdrawn in the afternoon.

The Bohai Army, having successfully defended the city, breathed a sigh of relief. As General Zhang personally went to the city gate, someone boasted arrogantly, "Everyone says how powerful the Pei family army is, but after seeing it today, they're nothing special."

"Exactly. As soon as we showed our strength, they retreated."

"If we hold out for a few days, the Pei family army will probably retreat when they realize they can't defeat us."

General Zhang glared coldly at his trusted subordinates: "This is only the first day. Pei Qinghe is declaring war on the Zhang family, and also announcing to the North that she wants to fight the Bohai Army."

"The force attacking the city today is not the main force of the Pei family army. Your successful defense is nothing to brag about. The real battle is yet to come."

"Everyone, cheer up! If we win this battle, I, the general, will reward you handsomely."

The crowd responded in unison.

General Zhang, with his years of experience leading troops, possessed keen insight and was indeed correct. The army attacking the city on the first day was the Fanyang army led by the Lü brothers.

The next day, Pei Qinghe sent Li Chi. They also fought for half a day before withdrawing.

On the third day, the Guangning Army was dispatched.

The Pingyang army brought by Song Dalang set out on the fourth day.

It was called a siege, but it was more like using the battlefield to hone new recruits.

"General, it'll be our turn tomorrow!" Gu Lianfeng had been itching to go into battle for a long time and volunteered.

Pei Qinghe didn't agree immediately, but instead tested the two of them: "You've been watching the siege for a few days, what are your thoughts? Why don't you tell me?"

Feng Chang spoke first, saying, "Bohai County is indeed a fortified city. General Zhang is also skilled in warfare, and there are plenty of men at the city gates. If a group is killed or wounded, the men will be replaced immediately."

Gu Lian chimed in, "Continuing to wear down our forces like this is disadvantageous. We've come from afar, but our total strength is less than that of the Bohai Navy. We should quickly send our troops up and forcefully breach the city!"

This battle is bound to be tough, and everyone is mentally prepared. In the Battle of Pingye, even the two Bohai naval forces are no match for the Pei family army. But with the Bohai naval forces hiding behind the fortified city gates, no matter how powerful the Pei family army is, it's impossible for them to breach the city in just a few days.

If, as Gu Lian suggested, we were to forcibly breach the city, not only would the city not be able to be captured, but the casualties would inevitably be extremely heavy.

Yang Hu was the first to frown and object: "A forced attack on the city is not advisable! Too many casualties will damage morale."

Gu Lian retorted without hesitation: "General Yang may fear casualties, but I, Gu Lian, am not. Tomorrow I will lead the troops to attack the city."

Yang Hu remained calm, showing no anger: "Our goal is to kill the Zhang family. Continuing the siege is to put pressure on the Emperor, forcing him to hand over the Zhang family. Do you expect us to slaughter all 80,000 Bohai soldiers?"

Gu Lian's brows twitched, about to retort. Pei Qinghe's voice rang out: "General Yang is right."

Gu Lian immediately shut her mouth.

Pei Qinghe's gaze swept over the varied expressions on the faces of the crowd, and he slowly said, "This battle will not be easy, and it is unrealistic to take the city in a short time. I want to avenge the elders of the Pei family, but I also cherish the lives of our soldiers and cannot let them die in vain." "We will first besiege Bohai County and then slowly attack the city. This will also give all the garrisons in the north time to think and deploy their troops."

Gu Lian's heart skipped a beat, and she whispered, "Does the general intend to use the siege to win over the hearts of the northern army?"

Pei Qinghe's eyes flashed: "That's right. We must fight a tough battle, and I also need the morale of the army and the people in the North."

Step by step, we have arrived at this day. The banner of the Pei family army has been raised, and like the rising sun, may it shine brightly upon the northern lands!
Everyone was thrilled. Especially the Lü brothers and Li Chi and Yang Hu, whose expressions were particularly excited.

They could have each ruled their own territory, so why did they surrender to Pei Qinghe? Firstly, they were impressed by Pei Qinghe's magnanimity, courage, and strength; secondly, they were also looking for a better and brighter future.

As military generals born in chaotic times, if they were fortunate enough to encounter an enlightened ruler, they should strive to achieve great deeds and establish their careers. If Pei Qinghe were to remain in Youzhou and be unwilling to expand his power, they would feel a sense of disappointment.

The old women of the Pei family paved a path with their lives and blood, and Pei Qinghe led his army straight to Bohai County. Having come this far and already fought, they couldn't just stop by killing the Zhang father and son. It would be even better if they could use this opportunity to win over the hearts of the people and gather a few more troops.

In the year prior, quite a few armies had private dealings with the Pei family army. Otherwise, the rumor of "the dragon vein falling and the Zhang family rising" wouldn't have swept across the north so quickly and so wildly.

The Pei family army has raised its banners here; those who wish to join will naturally come. The Pingyang army was the first to send troops; it remains to be seen who will be the second to arrive.

A few days later, the flag of the Taiyuan army fluttered beneath the city gate of Bohai County.

General Zhang's face was ashen with rage. He slammed his fist on the table and demanded, "The Taiyuan army has really arrived?"

The soldier who came to report said tremblingly, "Yes! The flags of the Taiyuan army have been raised. The army attacking the city today is the Taiyuan army."

General Zhang, enraged, laughed: "Good! Well done, Taiyuan army! Issue my order: today send three thousand more soldiers to the city walls and slaughter all these fickle scoundrels!"

The guards obeyed and left.

The siege that day was exceptionally fierce, with heavy casualties both on and off the city walls.

Pei Qinghe specially comforted the Taiyuan army general whose face was pale: "The Taiyuan army was extremely brave in attacking the city today, and I saw it all. Bohai County is the most famous fortified city in the north. It will not be easy to take it in a short time. General Fei, please settle the wounded soldiers first. There is no need to go out to fight for the next few days."

General Fei took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and replied, "I will obey your orders, General."

The Taiyuan army has a total of 7,000 soldiers, and this time 2,000 elite soldiers were dispatched, led by General Fei's second son.

Before General Fei set off, his father instructed him: "When the Pei family army fights the Bohai army, we will place our bet on the Pei family army. If they win this battle, the north will belong to General Pei. Once you arrive, obey General Pei's orders in everything you do."

General Fei agreed verbally, but he was actually a little resentful. Upon arriving, he immediately volunteered for battle, and Pei Qinghe granted his request.

As a result, they failed to demonstrate the might of the Taiyuan army and nearly suffered a crushing defeat under the city walls.

General Fei, looking disheveled, instructed all his soldiers to settle down and recover from their injuries. The next day, he followed the main army to the city walls.

Perhaps sensing General Fei's intentions, Pei Qinghe, who had been directing operations from the rear, personally led the troops to attack the city today.

After the daily routine of verbal battles and stone-throwing confrontations, the craftsmen of the Pei family army quickly assembled the towering cloud chariot from timbers of varying thicknesses.

Using the cloud chariot as cover, Pei Qinghe quickly approached the city wall.

(End of this chapter)