Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 674: Attack on the Goguryeo Imperial City

Deputy General Li Meng stood up first. He was a big man with a full beard that made him look particularly brave. He said loudly, "General, I am willing to lead the vanguard troops to attack the capital of Goguryeo! I don't believe that with our strength, we can't take down a small Goguryeo!"

Jia Changsheng smiled slightly, with approval in his eyes, but shook his head and said: "Li Meng, although Goguryeo has been seriously injured, the defense of the royal city must be more stringent, and they will definitely fight to the death. We can't attack rashly, we need to make long-term plans."

At this time, Staff Officer Zhao Wen stood up, pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose, cleared his throat and said, "General, I think we can start with the surrounding cities of Goguryeo, gradually reduce their living space and cut off their supply lines. Goguryeo's royal city now relies on surrounding cities for food and supplies. Once these supplies are cut off, the defenders of the royal city will inevitably be in chaos."

Jia Changsheng nodded slightly, motioning Zhao Wen to continue.

Zhao Wen walked to the map, pointed to several cities on the border of Goguryeo and said, "Look, these cities are located on important transportation routes and are important barriers to the Goguryeo royal city. We can divide our troops into several groups and launch attacks on these cities at the same time. As long as we capture these cities, we can get closer to the royal city and form a strategic encirclement."

Li Meng scratched his head and said, "Zhao Wen, what you said makes sense. But if we divide our troops into several groups, won't it disperse our forces and allow the enemy to defeat them one by one?"

Zhao Wen explained: "General Li Meng, this is where we need to plan carefully. We can reasonably allocate troops according to the defense situation of each city and the strength of the enemy. At the same time, the various troops must maintain close contact with each other, so that if one route encounters difficulties, other troops can quickly provide support."

Jia Changsheng continued, "What Zhao Wen said is very true. We must also make good use of intelligence warfare to understand the enemy's deployment and movements in advance. I have arranged a large number of spies to infiltrate Goguryeo, and they will provide us with accurate intelligence. With the support of intelligence, we can better formulate combat plans, know ourselves and the enemy, and fight a hundred battles without danger."

At this time, another general, Sun Hu, expressed his concerns: "General, Goguryeo's terrain is complex, with many mountains and passes. During our attack, we may encounter ambushes and stubborn resistance from the enemy. This will cause great difficulties for our march and combat."

Jia Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "Sun Hu, the question you raised is crucial. During our march, we must strengthen reconnaissance and vigilance to prevent sneak attacks by the enemy. At the same time, we must give full play to our advantages. For example, our cavalry is highly mobile and can quickly penetrate and break through the enemy's defenses. Moreover, we can also use advanced weapons such as artillery to destroy the enemy's fortifications."

Zhao Wen added: "General, we can also launch a psychological warfare. By spreading rumors and creating panic, we can undermine the morale of the enemy. Goguryeo is in a critical situation now, and the people and soldiers are under great psychological pressure. We can use this to create chaos among them."

Jia Changsheng nodded in agreement: "Psychological warfare is indeed a good idea. We can post notices in Goguryeo to publicize our policies and tell them that as long as they surrender, we will guarantee the safety of their lives and property. This will divide the enemy and reduce our resistance."

Then, a young general, Liu Feng, stood up and said, "General, I have an idea. While attacking Goguryeo, we can send a surprise force to bypass the enemy's defenses and directly attack their food and grass storage areas. Without food and grass, the enemy will be in chaos without a fight."

Jia Changsheng's eyes lit up and he said, "Liu Feng, this is a good idea! However, this requires an elite force, and the operation must be absolutely secret. Are you willing to lead this special force?"

Liu Feng said firmly: "General, I am willing! I will lead the troops and complete the mission!"

Jia Changsheng patted Liu Feng on the shoulder and said, "Okay, I believe you! This special force is now in your hands. You must select the most elite soldiers and develop a detailed action plan. Remember, the action must be fast and accurate, without the slightest mistake."

Afterwards, the generals had an in-depth discussion on the details of the battle plan. From troop deployment, marching routes, logistics support to combat strategies, every link was carefully planned. Jia Changsheng listened carefully to the opinions and suggestions of each general, and raised his own ideas and questions from time to time.

When discussing logistics, General Wang Qiang, who was in charge of grain transportation, said: "General, our grain reserves are still sufficient, but as the war progresses, transportation will be a big problem. The roads in Goguryeo are rugged and may be damaged by the enemy. We need to strengthen the protection of the transport team and find a more convenient way of transportation."

Jia Changsheng said: "Wang Qiang, you need to quickly organize a group of guides who are familiar with the local terrain and have them lead the transport team. At the same time, we can set up some supply points along the way to ensure the safe transportation of food and fodder. In addition, we must also consider that winter is coming, and we must stock up enough winter clothes and heating supplies in advance to prevent the soldiers from freezing."

When discussing siege strategies, Chen Gang, the general in charge of siege equipment, said: "General, our siege equipment is ready, including catapults, ladders, battering rams, etc. But the walls of Goguryeo are tall and strong, so we need to improve some of the siege equipment and increase their power."

Jia Changsheng nodded and said, "Chen Gang, you need to organize craftsmen as soon as possible to improve the siege equipment. At the same time, you need to strengthen the siege training of the soldiers so that they can master the use of siege equipment. We cannot waste too much time and manpower on siege."

The meeting lasted until late at night, and the atmosphere in the tent was always heated and tense. Under the leadership of Jia Changsheng, the generals formulated a thorough and detailed battle plan. This plan fully considered various possible situations and formulated corresponding countermeasures.

Jia Changsheng looked at the generals in front of him with confidence. He knew that this would be a tough battle, but he believed that with their wisdom and courage, they would be able to defeat Goguryeo and realize their ideals.

"Generals," Jia Changsheng said at last, "this war concerns our survival and the future of this land. We must go all out and fight bravely for victory, for peace, and for the happiness of the people!"

"For victory! For peace! For the happiness of the people!" The generals shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the sky, full of the belief that they will win.

As the meeting came to an end, Jia Changsheng's army began to make intensive preparations for the war. Soldiers stepped up their training to familiarize themselves with new tactics and weapons; craftsmen worked day and night to improve siege equipment; and transport teams were busy preparing food and supplies. The entire military camp was filled with a tense and orderly atmosphere, and a war that would determine the fate of Goguryeo was about to begin.

The night was as dark as ink, and everything was silent. Only the candlelight was swaying in the tent. The light and shadow danced on Jia Changsheng's face, outlining his resolute and thoughtful appearance. On the table in front of him, there was a detailed map of Liaodong, on which the passes and important towns of Goguryeo were marked with red ink. Those marks were like fortresses that needed to be conquered, weighing heavily on his heart.

"Sir, the terrain of Goguryeo is complex and easy to defend but difficult to attack. Their army is always brave. We must be cautious in this expedition." Deputy General Li Ping stood aside, looking worried and concerned. Jia Changsheng nodded slightly, his eyes did not move away from the map. His fingers moved slowly along the mountains and rivers on the map, as if he had already started a silent war in his heart. "I have carefully studied their tactics and defense layout. This time, we will follow the ingenious strategy offered by my men and let Goguryeo know that the majesty of our Great Sui Dynasty is inviolable."

A few days ago, a counselor familiar with the terrain of Liaodong offered Jia Changsheng a strategy - avoid the strong defense line of Goguryeo in front, go through a hidden valley path behind it, and go straight to Huanglong. This path is rarely known, and it is said that only local hunters occasionally set foot on it. Because of this, Goguryeo's defense in this area is extremely lax.

Jia Changsheng knew that although this plan was risky, if it succeeded, it would catch Goguryeo by surprise and disrupt its entire defense system. He made a prompt decision and decided to adopt this plan.

The troops quietly set off under the cover of night, and the soldiers all looked solemn, but their steps were extremely firm. They moved forward with difficulty along the secret path, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense jungles, and the roars of wild beasts from time to time made people shudder. But these veteran warriors were not intimidated by fear. They followed the team closely, with only one belief in their hearts: to complete the mission and expand the territory for the Sui Dynasty.

After several days of rapid march, Jia Changsheng's troops finally bypassed Goguryeo's frontal defense line and appeared near Pyongyang, a major city in the rear. When the news came, the Goguryeo government was shocked, and the king hurriedly dispatched 100,000 troops to urgently rescue and try to fight Jia Changsheng's troops to the death under the city of Pyongyang.

When Jia Changsheng's troops arrived at Pyongyang, they could see flags flying and swords and spears standing on the city walls from afar. Outside the city, Goguryeo's 100,000-strong army was already waiting in formation, with shields like forests and spears like clusters, flashing a cold light in the sun.

Jia Changsheng pulled the reins and stared at the enemy in front of him with a cold gaze. Behind him, the Sui army soldiers also quickly formed a battle array, and the atmosphere was so tense that it seemed to ignite the air.

"General, the enemy is large in number and their morale is high. How should we respond?" Li Ping looked at the Goguryeo army opposite and couldn't help feeling a little worried.

Jia Changsheng smiled slightly, his expression calm and composed: "If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth. Although the enemy has many troops, we have traveled a long distance and attacked them unexpectedly, and their morale is high. Moreover, our army is well-equipped and well-trained, so why would we be afraid of them?"

After that, he waved his hand, and a burst of passionate war drums sounded in the Sui army. The drums sounded like thunder, shaking the earth, and the blood of the Sui army soldiers was instantly ignited. They shouted in unison, and the sound shook the sky.

In the Goguryeo army, a general wearing heavy armor rode out on his horse, holding a long sword in his hand, and shouted loudly: "Sui army, listen! You have trespassed into our Goguryeo territory without permission, and today is your burial place! If you know what's good for you, retreat quickly, otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

Jia Changsheng snorted coldly, drove his horse forward a few steps, and responded loudly: "Goguryeo has repeatedly invaded the border of our Great Sui Dynasty, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of evil. Today, I am here on the order of the Emperor of the Great Sui Dynasty to fight against the thieves. If you want to live, you must surrender obediently. Otherwise, when the city is broken, both you and me will be destroyed!"

After a battle between the two sides, the battle was about to break out. The Goguryeo army took the lead in launching an attack, and their cavalry rushed towards the Sui army like a tide, the sound of horse hooves was like thunder, and dust was raised all over the sky.

Seeing this, Jia Changsheng was not in a hurry. He ordered: "Archers, get ready!"

Following his order, thousands of arrows were fired from the Sui army, raining down on the Goguryeo cavalry. The Goguryeo cavalry at the front were hit by arrows and fell off their horses. The cavalry behind them panicked a little, but soon stabilized their position and continued to charge forward.

"Shoot!" Jia Changsheng ordered again. Another round of arrow rain, the casualties of Goguryeo cavalry continued to increase, but they were still fearless and rushed towards the Sui army regardless of everything.

Seeing that the Goguryeo cavalry was about to rush over, Jia Changsheng decisively ordered: "Spearmen advance, shieldmen provide cover!"

The Sui army quickly changed their formation. The spearmen, holding spears, stood in front of the formation like a row of steel walls. The shieldmen followed closely behind the spearmen, using their shields to provide them with cover.

The Goguryeo cavalry and the Sui army engaged in close combat. For a moment, the shouts of killing and the sound of weapons clashing were intertwined, deafening. Blood and flesh flew all over the battlefield. Soldiers on both sides were blood-thirsty and engaged in a desperate fight.

Jia Changsheng galloped back and forth in the battle formation, commanding the battle. The spear in his hand was like a dragon emerging from the sea, and every swing could take the life of an enemy. Under his leadership, the morale of the Sui army was greatly boosted, and they fought bravely.

However, the Goguryeo army was large in number and its combat effectiveness should not be underestimated. Although the Sui army fought desperately, they were gradually unable to resist the Goguryeo army's repeated attacks.

"General, the enemy's attack is too fierce. We can't hold on any longer!" Li Ping ran to Jia Changsheng breathlessly and said anxiously.

Jia Changsheng looked at the fierce battle on the battlefield and knew that if the Sui army continued to fight like this, it would suffer heavy losses. He pondered for a moment, and suddenly an idea came to his mind. He said to his men: "Pass the order, let the cavalry on the left and right wings go around to the rear of the enemy and raid their baggage train!"

The military order was as firm as a mountain, and the cavalry on the left and right wings of the Sui army moved quickly. Like two sharp arrows, they circled the battlefield and rushed to the rear of the Goguryeo army.

At this time, the Goguryeo army was attacking the front of the Sui army with all its strength and was completely unaware of the situation in the rear. When the Sui cavalry suddenly appeared in front of their baggage train, the Goguryeo army was immediately thrown into chaos.

(End of this chapter)