Song Xiu

Chapter 113 Re-entering the Enemy's Narrow Encounter

Mid-September of the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty.

Zhao Dexiu finally received news from the Southern Tang in his command tent.

A few days ago, Li Jing appointed Lin Renzhao, the military governor of Zhenhai Army, as general and led 30,000 elite troops northward from Nanchang Prefecture, with their forces aimed directly at Yangzhou.

Upon hearing this news, Zhao Dexiu smiled and addressed his subordinates behind him:

"If the Tang army makes a move, my plan will succeed!"

Previously, Zhao Dexiu had received a promise from Li Jing in private.

But as long as Li Jing doesn't send troops north, Zhao Dexiu will not easily trust him.

Upon learning of the Tang army's actions, Zhao Dexiu ordered the drums to be beaten to summon the generals.

The sound of drums resounded, and in an instant, it spread throughout the area outside Chuzhou City.

Soon after hearing the drumbeats, all the Song generals gathered in the command tent.

After the generals assembled, Zhao Dexiu took out the message sent back by the Southern Tang spies and showed it to them.

When the generals learned that the Tang army was about to launch a surprise attack on Yangzhou, they all showed joy on their faces.

Seeing the joy on everyone's faces, Zhao Dexiu said:

"The rebels have gathered in Lai'an, which is like a fishbone stuck in my throat."

The time is ripe; this obstacle can be removed!

After speaking, Zhao Dexiu turned his gaze to Cao Bin, who was sitting in the room.

"Cao Bin!"

As soon as Zhao Dexiu called out, Cao Bin immediately stood up:

"The general is here!"

As the deputy military governor of Chanzhou, Cao Bin's status among the generals was not low.

"Once Li learns that Yangzhou is in danger, he will surely retreat in panic."

I order you to lead five thousand elite troops ahead, and act as the opportunity arises to attack the rebels!

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's instructions, even the usually composed Cao Bin couldn't help but feel excited.

Cao Bin knew that this was an opportunity given to him by Zhao Dexiu.

If he can seize this opportunity, his future career will be on track.

"I will obey your orders!"

Seeing Cao Bin's resolute expression, Zhao Dexiu nodded in satisfaction.

Zhao Dexiu was not worried about Cao Bin's abilities.

However, considering that Cao Bin was leading troops for the first time, Zhao Dexiu then turned his attention to Yang Ye:

"Yang Ye!"

Yang Ye was looking at Cao Bin with envy, but unexpectedly, Zhao Dexiu intended to give him this opportunity as well.

Yang Yelian stood up and bowed to Zhao Dexiu.

Looking at Yang Ye, Zhao Dexiu first asked in an encouraging tone:

"You are renowned for your invincibility. If you were to encounter the rebels, what would you do?"

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's question, Yang Ye clasped his hands in a fist and replied:
"We shall tread upon this path for the king!"

Yang Ye's answer made Zhao Dexiu burst into laughter.

"With such a mindset, what do I have to worry about?"
You may serve as Cao Bin's deputy general.

Yang Ye is currently the Military Commander of Chanzhou Army.

As the name suggests, the military commander was the first military commander under the governor and his deputy.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's assignment, Yang Yelian bowed and accepted the order.

After Zhao Dexiu gave his orders, Cao Bin led Yang Ye quickly out of the tent.

After Cao Bin and his companion left, Zhao Dexiu looked at the other generals present and gave another order:

"Order the entire army to pack up their supplies; we will march on Yangzhou tomorrow!"

Upon receiving this order, everyone in the tent rose to their feet, their faces filled with excitement.

"The last general takes command!"

The suppression of the rebellion in Huainan has entered its final stage.

When the Song army took action, Li Chongjin, who was in Lai'an City, felt increasingly uneasy.

Li Chongjin's unease stemmed from his veteran's intuition, and even more so from the tactics Zhao Dexiu had been employing recently.

The failure to capture Zhao Guangyi during the night raid half a month ago left Li Chongjin feeling quite ashamed and annoyed.

However, Li Chongjin gained a great deal from that battle.

The biggest gain was that the morale of the Huainan army soared after that battle.

With morale soaring, the idea of ​​pressing forward in one fell swoop came to Li Chongjin's mind.

With this idea in mind, Li Chongjin transferred tens of thousands of soldiers from Yangzhou to Lai'an.

With the combined forces from both sides, the Huainan army's regular troops inside and outside Lai'an City numbered nearly 20,000.

Although their troop strength was still less than that of the Song army, the incompetence of one general led to the death of the entire army.

If Zhao Guangyi were still the commander-in-chief of the Song army, Li Chongjin would be confident of defeating the Song army again.

But God did not fulfill people's wishes.

Zhao Dexiu entered Huai in time and became the new commander of the Song army.

Upon learning this news, Li Chongjin ordered his men to investigate the Song army's movements.

After investigation, Li Chongjin quickly learned that Zhao Dexiu's tactics were:

"Split your forces in Huaixi and hold your fortified positions."

As an opponent, Li Chongjin immediately saw that Zhao Dexiu adopted this tactic in order to "strengthen the foundation".

First, stabilize the Song army's base in Huainan, then seize Yangzhou when the opportunity arises.

This tactic was like a shot in the arm for the Song army, which had just suffered a defeat.

As time goes by, the Song army will establish more and more bases in Huainan, and the morale of the Song army will be able to recover quickly.

In the long run, the advantage he gained through night raids will gradually dissipate.

Despite knowing this, Li Chongjin was unable to stop Zhao Dexiu.

Despite having a numerical advantage, Zhao Dexiu insisted on becoming Wang Jian, while he, with a numerical disadvantage, had no choice but to become Xiang Yan, even if he was unwilling.

Seeing their advantages being gradually eroded by Zhao Dexiu, how could Li Chongjin feel at ease?

Li Chongjin also considered a way to break the deadlock—to contact the Southern Tang.

Unfortunately, even after sending several groups of envoys to Jinling, he still hadn't received a clear reply from the Southern Tang.

In recent days, Li Chongjin has been racking his brains for a new way to break the deadlock.

While deep in thought, Li Chongjin met Zhai Shouxun today, holding a military report in his hand, and came to him.

Li Chongjin was somewhat pleased when he first saw Zhai Shouxun arrive.

Previously, he had entrusted Zhai Shouxun with the entire matter of contacting the Southern Tang.

With Zhai Shouxun's arrival, could it be that the Southern Tang is willing to send troops?
The joy didn't last long before Li Chongjin noticed the somber look on Zhai Shouxun's face.

What happened?
Was Li Jing's request too unreasonable?

Li Chongjin voiced his question.

As a participant in the Battle of Huainan, Li Chongjin witnessed firsthand how devastating the Tang army's defeat was.

To help Li Jing escape the shadow of his past, Li Chongjin offered very tempting terms.

"If we can defeat the Song army, we are willing to acknowledge the Tang Dynasty as our suzerain."

This was the highest price Li Chongjin could offer; what more could Li Jing possibly want?

Could it be that Li Jing intends to take this opportunity to strip him of his military power?

With suspicion, Li Chongjin took the military report from Zhai Shouxun.

It would have been better if he hadn't read it. After reading the contents of the military report, Li Chongjin's expression changed drastically, and he immediately flew into a rage:
"What a foolish and stupid ruler! He's as dumb as a pig!"

No, that's even dumber than a pig!

Like a beast whose scales have been touched, Li Chongjin began to hurl insults at Zhai Shouxun.

After finishing his rant, Li Chongjin seemed still not satisfied.

Enraged, he forcefully tore the military report in his hand to shreds. It's no wonder Li Chongjin lost his composure; the contents of the report were simply too impactful.

"He was afraid of the elite troops in the Central Plains and was unwilling to rashly offer assistance."

Why would you still help Zhao Dexiu, who intends to lead his army to attack Yangzhou?

After berating Li Jing, Li Chongjin, still unwilling to give up, launched into a series of angry questions at Zhai Shouxun.

After noticing the unusual movements of the Tang army, the garrison commander of Yangzhou immediately sent this military report to request reinforcements.

The Tang army's treacherous intentions directly drove Li Chongjin into a desperate situation.

Hearing Li Chongjin's roar, Zhai Shouxun was secretly delighted.

Li Jing hesitated to send troops to help Huainan, mainly because he feared the Central Plains like a tiger.

Besides this reason, it is also related to some methods he secretly implemented.

However, like Li Chongjin, Zhai Shouxun initially assumed that the Tang army would remain neutral.

Unexpectedly, the Tang army suddenly sent troops to assist the Song army in suppressing the rebellion.

This change in the Tang army is likely the result of a scheme orchestrated by the Prince of Taiyuan.

Li Chongjin, who was filled with resentment, soon realized this as well.

"It must be Zhao Dexiu."

Such a cunning mind at such a young age!

When Zhao Dexiu first arrived in Huainan, Li Chongjin casually joked with Zhai Shouxun:
"The Central Plains are known for their eloquence, virtue, and strategic thinking."

I have already witnessed Guangyi's swift departure.

We should see more about Zhao Dexiu and see how cunning he is.

Li Chongjin's teasing voice still echoed in his ears, and he was truly amused by what he had witnessed.

While Li Chongjin was still furious, a scout rushed in from outside the hall to report:

"General, several thousand Song soldiers are marching north."

Upon hearing this, Zhai Shouxun almost burst out laughing.

The battles should be fought in a way that is interconnected and interdependent.

Despite his inner joy, Zhai Shouxun's face showed great shock as he said:
"You scoundrel, how swift you are!"

After shouting this, Zhai Shouxun hurriedly advised Li Chongjin in a "panicked" manner:
"General, quickly order the retreat."

If we don't evacuate now, it will be too late.

Zhai Shouxun's words immediately made Li Chongjin realize the seriousness of the matter.

With Yangzhou at risk of being lost, it was only right to withdraw troops and return to defend it as soon as possible.

Zhao Dexiu sent this elite force to delay his return.

Upon realizing this, Li Chongjin immediately issued the following orders:
"Order the entire army to return to Yangzhou immediately!"

Li Chongjin's orders already carried a hint of panic.

Among the three armies, soldiers are of various kinds and are often distinguished by their special skills.

Further subdivisions include those who serve their country, those who dare to speak out, and those who are competitive.

Today, the five thousand elite troops that Zhao Dexiu has placed under Cao Bin's command are mostly "flag-grabbing soldiers" in the army.

The flag bearers were light-footed and agile, running like galloping horses.

The reason for specifically choosing the flag-bearers to be under Cao Bin's command was so that Cao Bin could reach the city of Lai'an as quickly as possible.

Unexpectedly, not long after Cao Bin led his troops away from the Song army camp, scouts reported that they had detected the whereabouts of the Huainan army.

Upon learning this news, Cao Bin glanced at the distant terrain and immediately understood Li Chongjin's intentions.

The surrounding terrain consists of rivers and hills, which is not conducive to the deployment of tens of thousands of troops.

It is likely that after Li Chongjin learned of his army's arrival, he planned to seize advantageous terrain to block his own army from the front.

Li Chongjin truly deserves the title of a veteran general for being able to think of this.

The Song army and the rebel army are advancing in the same direction, and an encounter battle is inevitable.

While ordering his soldiers to rest, Cao Bin gazed at the approaching Huainan army.

"I have heard that Li Chongjin has a elite cavalry force in Huainan."

That must be it.

Yang Ye, riding beside Cao Bin, looked in the direction Cao Bin was pointing and saw an army of several thousand men:
"The King of Taiyuan wants to destroy the enemy's elite troops."

Upon hearing Yang Ye's words, Cao Bin nodded in agreement.

Zhao Dexiu knew that he could receive information about the Tang army's movements, and so could Li Chongjin.

Upon learning of the danger in Yangzhou, retreating was an inevitable choice for Li Chongjin.

Once Li Chongjin withdraws his troops, the Song army will have an opportunity.

Because the Song army was large in number and had countless supplies, Zhao Dexiu could not issue orders all at once, so he ordered tens of thousands of imperial guards to march towards Lai'an County.

But this did not affect Zhao Dexiu's decision to first send an elite force to hold off the retreating rebels.

To ensure the safety of the army, Li Chongjin had only one choice after learning the news: to lead his elite troops to the rear to cover the army's retreat.

This is the choice Zhao Dexiu wanted to see.

"Only by defeating the elite rebel forces in one battle can we live up to the trust placed in us by the Prince of Taiyuan."

"Elite against elite, Yang Sima, are you confident?"

Cao Bin looked at Yang Ye and asked these questions.

In response to Cao Bin's question, Yang Ye laughed loudly:
"Our lord's success hinges on this one battle; how could I possibly cling to life and die behind the army?"

After saying this, Yang Ye raised the gleaming spear in his hand.

“I have heard the Lord say that when two armies meet, the brave one will prevail.”

"This battle should be commanded by the deputy envoy, while I will personally lead the charge!"

Cao Bin did not refuse Yang Ye's suggestion.

While Cao Bin was keeping an eye on the Huainan army, Li Chongjin was also observing the Song army.

Looking at the Song army that was resting, Li Chongjin's face occasionally showed contempt.

Upon learning that a Song army was rapidly approaching Lai'an City, Li Chongjin, realizing Zhao Dexiu's intentions, couldn't help but feel somewhat flustered.

Tian Chongjin, Wang Quanbin, Li Hanqiong, Ma Renyu, and others were all fierce generals in the army.

To avoid repeating the mistakes of the Northern Han army, Li Chongjin had no choice but to personally lead his elite troops to cover the rear.

Upon learning from the scouts that the generals leading the troops were Cao Bin and Yang Ye, Li Chongjin's panic dissipated.

Judging from their military ranks, Li Chongjin learned that Cao Bin and Yang Ye were both confidants of Zhao Dexiu.

However, Li Chongjin had never heard of these two men before.

It seems that Zhao Dexiu underestimated the enemy and sent his trusted confidant here to gain merit.

In addition, the attacking Song army was roughly equal in number to his own elite troops.

With an equal number of people, what can be avoided?
As the thousands of Song soldiers drew ever closer, Li Chongjin secretly vowed to make Zhao Dexiu pay the price for his contempt.

With the intention of blocking the Song army, Li Chongjin would naturally adopt a defensive posture given his advantageous terrain.

At Li Chongjin's command, when the Huainan army was only a hundred paces away from the Song army, the Huainan army began to form ranks.

Since the Tang Dynasty, infantry formation has been a very important tactic in warfare.

Formations such as the long snake formation, the wild goose formation, and the arrowhead formation frequently appeared on the battlefield.

Of course, ordinary battle formations are not too complicated, and the idea of ​​"combining eight formations into one" is indeed a pipe dream.

As the Huainan army gradually formed its battle formation, Cao Bin, observing the enemy lines, confidently remarked:

"The Xuanwu Formation?"

It appears to be a tight security measure, but it's not difficult to break through.

What most people don't know is that Cao Bin, who has always kept a low profile, was already very familiar with the common military formations of the time.

After speaking, Cao Bin raised the command flag in his hand.

As the general's flag appeared, the formation of the five thousand imperial guards immediately changed.

The sharp, imposing arrowhead formation gradually took shape under Cao Bin's command.

One defends, one attacks—it's a battle of skill!
After the five thousand imperial guards formed a wedge formation, Yang Ye, wielding a black iron spear, rode his horse to the front of the formation.

If the Song army, forming a wedge formation, were likened to a sharp arrow, then Yang Ye would undoubtedly be the tip of that arrow.

(End of this chapter)