Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

Some people fled that very night.

After escaping for a while, they realized...

Yao Gu secretly ordered his personal guards to return to camp.

They waited along the route they were sure to take to escape.

We can't stay on guard forever.

There will definitely be more people running away in the future.

Retaining half of the staff would be enough.

The longer it goes on, the more people will stay.

Especially after the seeds are sown,

They paid for their labor.

If they are not exploited too much

They will not easily give up the land they cultivate.

Even this land,

The Western Xia could attack at any moment!

...

The Western Xia dynasty was already at its last gasp!

They were forced to negotiate peace after being defeated by Tong Guan back then.

It's because all the grain was harvested.

With soldiers but no food, it's impossible to continue fighting.

After finally recovering for two or three years,

Richard then led an army of 30,000.

They traveled to the grasslands to rescue Emperor Tianzuo, who had fled.

This battle resulted in the complete loss of their elite troops.

Moreover, the military rations that had been painstakingly collected...

They were all captured by Wanyan Zonghan.

Then it slowed down for another two or three years.

They were ordered by the Jin state to attack Shanxi.

They achieved nothing and consumed a large amount of grain and fodder.

Last year, taking advantage of the situation, they invaded and conquered Han territory.

They have already emptied the Western Xia treasury of money and grain.

They did manage to conquer a large area of ​​territory.

But judging solely from the grain that was seized,

It's definitely a losing proposition.

Their next step is to capture the Hehuang Valley.

Because that area is relatively "wealthy".

At least we can store up food and fodder by farming.

Upon receiving Li Yuchang's letter requesting assistance,

Richard quickly assembled his troops and set off.

Although Li Qianshun, the ruler of Western Xia, did not want to fight.

Moreover, they were wary of Richard's high prestige.

However, with the Southern Army Commander surrounded,

We have no choice but to listen to Richard in everything.

This emperor and his minister were not confused about matters of state.

At the height of the Western Xia Dynasty

The total military strength is approximately 400,000 to 500,000.

Don't think it's outrageous.

It's simply a matter of the entire population being mobilized for war.

Normally, they graze livestock and farm.

Enlistment during wartime.

There are very few full-time professional soldiers.

And most of them guard the capital.

Richard brought out all the capable Central Army soldiers.

Only three thousand iron hawks,

Five thousand hostage soldiers (sons of powerful families or tribal nobles).

Five thousand steps

More than a thousand Poxi Army (three hundred camels carrying small catapults).

These elite troops numbered no more than ten thousand.

He set off from Xingqing Prefecture (Yinchuan).

Heading south along the Yellow River, we went straight to Huizhou (Jingyuan).

Along the way, more and more members of the "Capture the Living" army joined them.

Some border guards stationed at the castle,

They were also drawn to accompany the expedition.

By the time they arrived in Huizhou, they had already amassed over 60,000 troops.

Even Huizhou City was seized last year while the city was vulnerable.

It had previously been in the hands of the Song Dynasty's border troops.

Continuing south along the Yellow River from Huizhou

They were able to reach Lanzhou, where Li Mi was stationed.

Lanzhou is a fortified city and not easy to capture.

Richard chose to take the land route instead.

That is, to go around from the silver side.

Furthermore, he did not directly bypass the Southern Army Command.

Because the last leg of the journey was too difficult.

It requires too much time and supplies.

This fellow chose to be between the Southern Army Commandery and Lanzhou.

Head south along the valley and head straight for Xiguanbao (Xigu District, Lanzhou City).

Once Xiguan Fort is captured

To the east, it could threaten Lanzhou.

Heading west would allow them to outflank Yang Zhi from the rear.

In coordination with the garrison of the Southern Army Command,

Block Yang Zhi in the Karuochuan Valley!

Even if we can't capture Xiguan Fort,

It can also be used to relieve the siege of Wei by attacking Zhao.

This forced Yang Zhi's army to return to reinforce.

......

Chapter 1708 Robbery

At this time, it was close to Yang Zhi's siege of the city.

More than forty days have passed.

Richard's army is about to reach Xiguan Fort.

However, the garrison commander of Xiguan Fort was Zhong Shidao.

Zhong Shidao has been in a good mood lately.

Although he was thrown in to serve as Yang Zhi's chief of staff

However, his official title was Deputy Prime Minister (Cabinet Minister).

Most of his sons, nephews, and grandsons have become civil servants.

A few are still serving in the military.

A few days ago, we had a series of good news.

Yang Zhi had already bombarded and destroyed the city walls of the Southern Army Commandery.

Yao Gu successfully captured Zhenwu City.

The state and individuals,

The situation is very favorable.

"Father, there's a signal fire!"

Zhongxi rushed into the back house.

There was a hint of excitement in his voice.

Zhong Shidao was reading when he heard this and suddenly stood up.

"Immediately send a message to General Yang (Yang Zhi) and Governor Li (Li Mida),"

"All nearby residents have been evacuated to Jincheng Pass and Lanzhou City!"

The overall plan for this troop deployment,

It is mainly based on the principles of the Master-Disciple system.

Yang Zhi's main force attacked the Southern Army Commandery.

This attracted the Western Xia army to their aid.

Yao Gu marched slowly.

Seize the opportunity to capture Zhenwu City.

Take it if you can.

If they can't take the city by force, they will besiege it.

The Gansu Military Command (whose core headquarters is in Zhangye) will provide aid wherever needed.

Yang Zhi and Yao Gu were both able to act according to the situation.

Richard's Imperial Guard and other military units

In order to save time during the march

They will most likely attack Lanzhou or Xiguanbao.

Lanzhou's fortified city was well-defended.