Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 727 How to Put an Elephant in a Refrigerator

In the western route of Jiangnan, Hongzhou was the dividing line between the "imperial court" of Jingxiang and the "imperial court" of Bianzhou. The two sides used Poyang Lake as the boundary. Hongzhou in the west was under the jurisdiction of Jingxiang, and Raozhou in the east was under the jurisdiction of the Bianzhou court.

The troops of both sides were stationed in Yuzhang, the capital of Hongzhou, and Poyang, the capital of Raozhou, respectively, and water forts were built on the east and west sides of Poyang Lake. A confrontation pattern had been forming for several years.

However, the Jingxiang court began to intensify the training of the navy in Poyang Lake not long ago. After the Jingxiang army suffered a great loss when entering Guanzhong through Wuguan Road last time, they have learned their lesson and turned their breakthrough points to other places.

That is, the western part of Jiangnan where the military strength of all parties was relatively weak, and the Poyang Lake line in the southeast, attempting to take Jiangdong first and then Huainan.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated that day, but the iron chains on the wooden gate of the Jingxiang Army's water fort in Poyang Lake had already been untied.

Commander Lu Jiong stood on the high platform of the ship with his hands behind his back. The paper armor glowed bright red in the morning light. Well, that was for commanding, and the paint on the paper armor was specially applied. It was a bit like Fang Chongyong's COS in his previous life.

The defensive power of this thing is really average, but one advantage is that it can survive a short period of time in the water. The density of paper armor is lower than that of water, and it can also be used as a life buoy, so it is widely equipped in the navy, and its popularity is much higher than that of iron armor.

Now, the governor of Jiangnan West Road, who was also the defense commissioner of Yuezhou and the admiral of the navy, was knocking on the wooden railing with his knuckles. The three-meter-high "Lu" flag on the ship fluttered in the wind.

It is guarded by a group of small boats on all sides, with flags fluttering and looking majestic and majestic.

"Beat the drums!" Lu Jiong shouted. As soon as he finished speaking, the flag-bearing officer began waving the war flag. The cowhide war drums on the arrow towers of the surrounding warships suddenly roared, startling flocks of egrets in the reed marshes.

More than a hundred warships were seen filing out of the water fort's sluice gate. The large ships broke through the turbid waves on the lake, and the fast boats shuttled through them. The fighting warships were lined up in strict formation, and the colorful battle flags on the masts were whistling.

Immediately afterwards, Deputy General Zhao Xiang waved the command flag, and the battle formation immediately transformed into the shape of a double-winged crane.

A cold light suddenly appeared on the bow of the front row Mengchong ship. Dozens of crossbows were strung at the same time, and the fine iron arrows flashed like stars in the mist.

The target was heading straight for the target ship of this exercise, which was hundreds of feet ahead.

"put!"

As Lu Jiong shouted loudly, the command flags changed, and crossbow arrows tore through the morning mist like locusts, like a rainbow piercing the sun, shooting the wooden target on the target boat in the middle of the lake into flying wood chips.

Then, shouts of killing suddenly came from the fighting ships in the back row, and hundreds of shirtless soldiers swung long hooks, and the iron chains across the river stirred up a water curtain several feet high, just like a dragon swinging its tail.

"Turn the arrow formation!"

Lu Jiong drew his sword and pointed it at the target ship ahead.

I saw red flags hoisted on the masts of all the ships. Suddenly, large battleships rushed forward from both wings. The copper-clad rams on the bows cut through the waves, plowing more than ten snow-white grooves on the river surface.

The deck of the ship suddenly burst open, revealing the "stone cannon" mounted on it. Pottery pots filled with kerosene were loaded into the cannon's ejection port, veins popped on the foreheads of the gunners, and the sound of the capstan turning was like thunder.

This kind of "cannonball" has a flint on it. After hitting a hard object, the sparks will ignite the surrounding kerosene, and there is no need to shoot rockets to ignite it. This can be regarded as a "new technology" that Yan Zhenqing and his colleagues have recently discovered from the arsenal of the prosperous Tang Dynasty through "archaeological research and development."

Just when Lu Jiong was feeling very proud and thinking about taming Poyang Lake, he suddenly noticed that the formation on the west side was slightly disrupted.

A warship deviated from the course, and its bow was heading straight for the central army flagship! Its momentum was so fierce and its intentions were so malicious that it was difficult to tell whether they were deliberately causing trouble.

The corner of Lu Jiong's eyes twitched, and he drew his sword with his right hand and wanted to chop someone, but he endured it for a long time and just whispered a few words to the flag-bearing officer.

But when the sound of breaking air was heard, the ships around the flagship aimed their stone cannons at the ship that deviated from the planned course, and threw out pottery jars of incendiary oil. Soon the ship caught fire and sank into Poyang Lake.

“From now on, anyone who disobeys orders will suffer the same fate as this ship.

"Retreat to the water fort and reorganize the troops! Investigate the spies!"

Lu Jiong's voice was colder than the winter river breeze. His ambitious mood was completely destroyed by what he had just heard.

He turned around and looked at the deputy generals and staff behind him who were too frightened to speak, and sighed helplessly. He wanted to say something, but felt that he had nothing to say.

The fleet turned around and returned to the water fort. During the change of formation, a terrible accident occurred in which a tower ship capsized the turning warship.

The true nature of the entire army began to be exposed: this was a motley crowd of naval personnel with relatively good quality!

They act like human beings during normal training, but when faced with unexpected situations, they have trouble even changing their formations.

He was as fierce as a tiger when leaving the village, but as timid as a mouse when returning to the village. After returning to the water village and getting off the boat, Lu Jiong immediately felt extremely sick.

They have trained so many times, and they are all fishermen who man boats on the lake. They usually sail very smoothly, but how come they can't change their formation at all after gathering together?

Lu Jing also knew that enforcing orders in the army was not a one-man show.

Being good at forming battle arrays to fight the enemy and being able to sail well are two completely different concepts. This newly organized army, which is composed of naval soldiers, is extremely powerful, and there are many skilled sailors in the army.

But there is no discipline and I can’t understand the formation.

As I said, food must be eaten bite by bite, soldiers must be trained day by day, any so-called "quick success" has great hidden dangers.

Lu Jing returned to Yuzhang City in a depressed mood and saw that the military supervisors from the imperial court had already arrived. Li Lu was deeply aware of the bad influence of eunuchs interfering in politics, so the military supervisors were all promoted from civil officials.

The person who served as the military supervisor this time was Lu Qi, currently serving as the Minister of War. He was eloquent and had already made a name for himself during the reign of Ji Ge, and was quite trusted by Li Lu.

This time, Lu Qi, the Minister of War, came to Yuzhang for important military affairs.

"General Lu, His Majesty is urging us to take a look. Please take a look as well."

Lu Qi handed the imperial edict to Lu Jing with a very humble attitude and flattering words.

Lu Jiong looked at Lu Qi thoughtfully. He had heard some rumors. Some people said that Lu Qi was jealous of talented people and that he and Yan Zhenqing were incompatible in the court.

However, Li Lu thought highly of him. It seemed that it was not because Lu Qi was anything special, but because Yan Zhenqing had too much power, which made Li Lu feel insecure.

Therefore, it was necessary to borrow Lu Qi to suppress Yan Zhenqing.

Haha, it’s just some boring infighting among intellectuals.

Lu Jiong figured out the key point and took the imperial edict without saying a word. After reading it, his expression changed from gloomy to bright.

"General Lu, what does the imperial edict say? I have not seen the secret edict."

Lu Qi asked cautiously.

"Minister Lu, please read it yourself."

Lu Jiong sighed and handed the yellow silk in his hand to Lu Qi.

Lu Qi took the imperial edict and was so frightened that he broke out in a cold sweat. The imperial edict clearly stated: Take advantage of the window period when the Bianzhou army is in Hebei and the main force has not yet been completely withdrawn, and quickly capture Raozhou.

It’s too late, the chance will be gone!

In this way, they could use Poyang Lake to defend the southern line, and they could attack western Zhejiang and look at Jiangdong! When the main force of the Bianzhou Army arrived at the Jiangnan West Road, it would take time to recapture Poyang Lake.

I have to say that, on the surface, there is nothing wrong with this imperial edict, and it contains a lot of profound truths.

It's like an elephant enters the house. How many steps are needed to put the elephant into the refrigerator?
Open the door, install the elephant, close the door.

It only takes three steps. Now Lu Jing is facing a similar problem. How many steps are needed to conquer western Zhejiang?
Also three steps.

The first step is to clear the enemy forces at all ports in Poyang Lake.

The second step was to capture Poyang County, the capital of Raozhou.

The third step is to use this as a bridgehead to advance into western Zhejiang.

Gone.

However, what are the difficulties in achieving these strategic goals?

The emperor doesn't care! Difficulties are the people's business, otherwise, why would the emperor pay salaries to support these people?
If there are no difficulties, we will create them and move on!

I don’t care how to put an elephant into the refrigerator, I know it only takes three steps!

"Minister Lu, to be honest, during the drill this morning, one of our warships disobeyed orders, and another warship was rammed and sunk on the way back to the water fort. If we rashly send out troops under such circumstances, I'm afraid... the outcome is hard to predict."

Lu Jiong explained with an embarrassed look.

Hearing this, Lu Qi's face stiffened.

It seems like Lu Jiong is really not good enough, he's not being arrogant on purpose!

At this moment, Lu Qi's heart sank to the bottom.

This time, Lu Qi originally expected Lu Jing to take him on the flight. With the merits of this battle, he would be able to firmly suppress Yan Zhenqing!
Therefore, he had already thought of an excuse. No matter what Lu Jing asked for, whether it was money, food, or soldiers, it would be fine!

But how the hell can you say no when the time comes!
"General Lu, how can I tell His Majesty when I return to Xiangyang?"

Lu Qi was like an ant on hot pan, running around in a panic.

"Your Majesty has high hopes for you. You said you can't fight. How can you not fight?"

Lu Qi almost let the cat out of the bag and said "Lu" instead of "Your Majesty".

"Minister Lu, I am just telling the truth. If we really lose the battle, we will be ashamed of our country.

If your majesty is dissatisfied with me, you can transfer me back to Xiangyang."

Lu Jiong was a very down-to-earth person. He clasped his fists and bowed to Lu Qi, not wanting to explain any further.

"Oh! It's over, it's all over this time!"

Lu Qi held his head and wailed, looking like a groundhog, very funny.

"Well, I have military duties to attend to, so I won't bother Minister Lu."

When Lu Jiong saw that Lu Qi looked miserable, he felt very embarrassed too, so he apologized and left in embarrassment.

Only after Lu Jiong left did Lu Qi calm down.

In this situation, Poyang has become a hot potato, and we must get out of it as soon as possible. However, how can we get out of it legitimately?
Lu Qi's eyes rolled and he thought of a vicious plan!
……

"Everyone, the southwest is unstable now, and the battle of Poyang Lake is imminent. How should we deal with it?"

In the study of the Bianzhou government office, Fang Zhongyong sat on a cushion with his horse and sword, looked around at everyone in the room and asked.

After Hao Tingyu delivered the urgent military intelligence, Fang Chongyong called Yan Zhuang, Li Quan, Liu Yan, Che Guangqian, Zhang Tongru, Yuan Zai and others here to discuss countermeasures.

It's not without reason that Fang Chongyong enjoys high prestige and is deeply trusted among his confidants.

Whenever he had something to discuss, he would call his subordinates to discuss it together, allowing these people to have a sense of participation in "dominating military and political affairs." This feeling of exercising power is priceless.

To put it bluntly, everyone likes to follow a boss who is willing to listen to advice.

"Your Majesty, the most important thing now is to stabilize Hebei. We really cannot spare any troops to support Huaixi."

Yan Zhuang said in a deep voice.

Hearing this, everyone frowned.

Li Guangbi’s current base is not in Poyang, but in Xunyang, Jiangzhou, a considerable distance north of Poyang. This place is at the entrance of the Yangtze River in Poyang Lake and has a very important strategic position.

Once the Battle of Poyang Lake fails, Xunyang will not be able to be defended, and the chain reaction will be terrible.

If Fang Chongyong saw the imperial edict that Li Lu sent to Lu Jing, he would sigh that "heroes think alike". This battle is of great strategic value. If the Jingxiang army fails, it may retreat all the way to Dongting Lake!

By then, the troops of the imperial court in Bianzhou will be training the navy in Dongting Lake, and the location of the next battle may be Jiangling!
Now that Jiangling has been taken, how far can Xiangyang be?

"This battle must be fought, and the sooner the better. The navy under Li Guangbi's command was the original Bianzhou navy. In order to prevent him from dominating Huaixi alone, his original troops were replaced.

The Jingxiang navy is probably just beginning to train. The longer we delay, the more elite their troops will be, and the more difficult it will be to fight."

Li Quan shook his head, disagreeing with Yan Zhuang's opinion.

In order to check and balance Li Guangbi and test his loyalty, Fang Chongyong exchanged the organization and personnel of the Bianzhou navy, which had been formed long ago and had many military achievements, with the elite cavalry under Li Guangbi on the grounds that "the southern cavalry is difficult to use".

On the surface, this transfer seemed fair, and no one suffered a loss in terms of combat effectiveness. In fact, it separated Li Guangbi from his direct line of troops.

If Li Guangbi accepts, he will be incorporated into the system of the Bianzhou court and enjoy the same logistical support. If he refuses, Fang Zhongyong will immediately lead troops to suppress the rebellion and attack Li Guangbi!
After much consideration, Li Guangbi accepted the transfer and went to Huaixi to take up his post. It should be said that Fang Zhongyong's considerations were not entirely political.

When arriving at a place like Poyang Lake, cavalry is completely useless and is far less effective than the navy.

"Your Majesty, I also think that the sooner we fight, the better. But I'm afraid it will be difficult to reach Dongting Lake in this battle. I guess occupying Yuzhang is the limit.

And we really can't mobilize a large number of troops to go to the south to plunder land. The land reform in Jiangnan is also ongoing, and troops are needed at any time to suppress it. It is really not suitable to fight in Jingxiang."

Che Guangqian also persuaded.

"So, you're leaving Li Guangbi to handle it alone?"

Fang Zhongyong finally came to his senses. In fact, Yan Zhuang and the others were saying the same thing.

This battle must be fought. It is impossible to get reinforcements, let alone maintain a long war.

You can only play fast and fast.

Hebei has completed all the reforms that need to be done during the three-year tax exemption period. After freeing up its hands, it can naturally follow the waterway between Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake, go west to Dongting Lake, and then go north to Jingxiang.

"In that case, let's give Li Guangbi a military order and let him decide the outcome of the battle and take down Yuzhang first."

Seeing that everyone nodded silently, Fang Zhongyong gave the order decisively.

(End of this chapter)