My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 450 Jing Army's Backup Plan
Su Fei nodded and turned his gaze to Deng Long: "Yun Sheng, do you have any other strategies?"

Deng Long gave a wry smile: "If we're talking about strategies, I do have one."

Su Fei and Zhang Hu were both delighted upon hearing this.

But Deng Long's next words extinguished their hopes.

"That is to send someone to Governor Cai to ask for help, requesting him to send at least another thousand small boats and red horses to assist."

At this point, Deng Long shook his head: "Otherwise, we would probably be in grave danger."

Zhang Hu's face was full of bitterness, but he had no choice but to nod and agree with what Deng Long said.

"No!"

Suddenly, Su Fei shouted, "It's not hopeless! Yun Sheng, Wen Wei, judging by the time, Chen Sheng should be arriving soon!"

Deng Long and Zhang Hu suddenly realized what was happening, their expressions changed drastically, and a surge of joy welled up inside them.

Zhang Hu said happily, "That's right. We've agreed on a time with Chen Sheng, and he should be arriving soon. As long as he launches an attack from the rear of the Yangzhou navy, we might be able to turn the tide."

Deng Long said excitedly, "That's right. Even if we can't turn the tide, we can at least avoid a major defeat."

Just as Su Fei, Deng Long, and Zhang Hu had thought, Chen Sheng's fleet had arrived behind the Yangzhou navy and was entering the battlefield. The Yangzhou army was now facing the biggest test of this battle.

Less than a quarter of an hour after Zhou Tai launched his full-scale attack, a fleet suddenly appeared behind the Yangzhou navy on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

This fleet consisted of three or four hundred ships, all of which were small boats, not even a single large warship. However, their location at this moment was extremely critical.

Because only Liu Feng's flagship and about twenty red-horse and light boat escorts remained behind him.

The first person to discover this fleet was Lü Meng, who immediately realized something was wrong.

In order to achieve a great victory, Liu Feng mobilized almost all of his naval forces. Only the fleets of Chen Wu and Ling Cao cooperated with the land forces to blockade Xiakou, which was a crucial place that could not be left for even a moment.

Since Chen Wu and Ling Cao are unable to move, and the Yangzhou army has no other naval forces, then there should not be a fleet of such size coming to their aid at this time.

Lu Meng judged almost immediately that the other party was an enemy, not a friend.

However, Lu Meng did not immediately raise a loud alarm. Instead, he quietly walked to Liu Feng's side and cautiously said, "My lord, something has happened."

At this moment, Liu Feng was beating the drum with all his might to encourage his soldiers. Hearing Lü Meng's words, he was momentarily speechless.

This is not Liu Feng's fault. At this moment, the enemy is advancing with unstoppable momentum. The Jingzhou navy's front line has collapsed and is scattering and fleeing, or kneeling down to beg for surrender.

Zhou Tai's main fleet had already charged forward and began massacring the enemy's central army, which had not yet been able to disband.

This battle was easier than expected, mainly because Liu Feng had made thorough preparations.

First came the fire attack, then the smoke attack, and finally, the ultimate weapon—the battering pole.

After approaching the enemy, the large fleet personally supervised by Zhou Tai did not immediately attempt to ram or board the enemy. Instead, it activated the booms at the bow and stern of the ships.

The so-called trebuchet was originally placed on chariots and also utilized the lever principle. However, unlike the catapult, the trebuchet was a short-range melee weapon.

The vanguard ships of the large fleet commanded by Zhou Tai have begun using battering rams to attack the Jingzhou navy.

The Jingzhou navy was completely unaware of this tactic, only realizing its danger when the boulders struck them on the head. Even the Jingzhou navy's large ships, though incredibly sturdy, became extremely vulnerable under the impact of boulders weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Moreover, the giant warships of the Yangzhou navy had not just one battering pole, but eight to ten in total, which allowed them to attack enemy ships from all directions after charging into the enemy formation.

Just then, the Jingzhou navy was unchaining their ships when they were caught red-handed by the Yangzhou navy, a classic case of misfortune never coming singly.

The soldiers of the Jingzhou navy were already suffering from red, swollen eyes from the thick smoke, and could barely open them. Now, after such a heavy blow, their already low morale was on the verge of collapse.

For the Yangzhou navy, the situation was already very favorable, and a complete victory seemed imminent.

It's no wonder Liu Feng was caught off guard.

"My lord, look behind you."

Lu Meng quickly added, "A fleet is approaching from afar. We don't know yet whether it's friend or foe. In my opinion, we should prepare as soon as possible!"

A look of surprise flashed in Liu Feng's eyes as he finally realized that Lü Meng had something to say.

Liu Feng immediately put down the drumsticks and turned to the spot where Lü Meng had been standing.

Sure enough, in the distance where the water and sky met, there were indeed black dots appearing.

Although Liu Feng, unlike Zhou Tai and Lü Meng, couldn't estimate the enemy's numbers from the black dots, he still came to the conclusion, based on his instincts, that the enemy numbered in the hundreds.

"Is this the Jingzhou navy?"

Liu Feng's question seemed to be directed at Lü Meng, but also at himself.

Although it was highly likely that this part of the navy was an enemy rather than a friend, Liu Feng still couldn't figure out where the problem was and how such a large Jingzhou navy could have been overlooked.

"Apply water!"

A sudden thought flashed through Lü Meng's mind: "This Jingzhou navy must be hiding in the Tu River. Their arrival at this time is precisely to attack my rear."

After hearing Lü Meng's explanation, Liu Feng finally realized the truth.

"My lord, shall we go ashore first?"

Xu Chu usually never interrupted, but at this moment, worried about Liu Feng's safety, he couldn't help but offer his advice.

Just as Xu Chu said, although the Jingzhou navy appeared behind their side, the two sides still maintained a considerable distance.

As long as Liu Feng agrees, they will be able to land before the Jingzhou navy arrives. Once ashore, it will be much easier for Liu Feng to decide whether to fight or retreat.

Upon hearing this, Lü Meng and Ling Tong's expressions became unnatural.

This scene did not escape Liu Feng's notice, so he asked, "Ziming, Gongji, what are your thoughts?"

Xu Chu's speech was naturally entirely for Liu Feng's sake, with Liu Feng's safety as the top priority. While not entirely wrong, Xu Chu's perspective was quite limited, as he prioritized Liu Feng's safety above all else.

Therefore, Liu Feng should not blindly believe Xu Chu's opinions, but should also listen to the views of others.

"My lord, we absolutely cannot retreat now!"

Ling Tong spoke first: "My main fleet has just set out and is currently engaged in a bloody battle with the Jingzhou navy. Behind them, there are only my lord and us. If my lord abandons the ships and goes ashore, it will be tantamount to exposing the back of the main fleet to the Jingzhou navy. At that time, if the enemy general sets a fire, I'm afraid my Yangzhou navy's elite troops will be wiped out here."

Liu Feng's expression shifted slightly, as if the scene Ling Tong had described was still vivid in his mind.

Liu Feng knew very well that what Ling Tong said was true.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the newly arrived fleet consists entirely of small boats, not even a single large warship. Even if the number of ships were ten times greater, they would still be no match for Zhou Tai's main fleet of giant ships. This illustrates one of the most crucial factors in naval warfare: larger ships have an advantage.

The problem is that the Jingzhou navy, which appeared downstream, also seized the opportunity to some extent.

Now they are just like the Yangzhou navy before them, enjoying the advantage of favorable winds. As long as their commander is not stupid, he will surely think of using fire to attack.

Even if we sacrifice some of our ships, or even if we throw them all in, as long as we can annihilate the main force of the Yangzhou navy, it will be an unprecedented victory, and a complete turnaround.

Liu Feng never underestimated his opponents. Despite his seemingly dismissive remarks, those were merely tactics to suppress his rivals and boost his own morale. Deep down, he always took his opponents very seriously.

Otherwise, Liu Feng wouldn't have revealed so many trump cards at once in this decisive battle on the Zhouling River.

After hearing Ling Tong's words, Liu Feng immediately rejected Xu Chu's suggestion in his mind.

Abandoning ship and going ashore is like being a stray dog, and he's even trying to trap his own main fleet. How could Liu Feng possibly be competent?

Lu Meng chimed in, "My lord, we are currently in a situation where the brave prevail when our forces meet on a narrow path. If our army retreats, the Jingzhou navy will pursue us relentlessly, and I fear..."

Before Lü Meng could finish speaking, Liu Feng raised his hand to stop him: "No need for further words. I have fought for many years and have never deserted in the face of battle. Today's decisive battle is a matter of life and death. I will either return in triumph standing tall and glorious, or lie dead on the battlefield wrapped in my horse's hide. Anyone who speaks of desertion will be executed!"

Immediately, Liu Feng began issuing orders.

"Send someone to immediately inform Zhou Tai, Gan Ning, and Dong Xi that there has been a change in the rear."

Liu Feng first ordered, "Order Gan Ning and Dong Xi to each select one hundred elite ships to return and reinforce the flagship. Tell them that they are not allowed to concern themselves with matters in the rear. Let them focus all their efforts on attacking the enemy. I will take care of things in the rear."

Xu Chu, Lü Meng, and Ling Tong bowed and accepted the order without daring to disobey.

"The flagship changed course to prepare to sail downstream and meet the enemy head-on."

Liu Feng then looked at Lü Meng and Ling Tong, and asked with a smile, "Ziming, A Cao, are you willing to be my vanguard?"

Lu Meng and Ling Tong showed no fear, but instead responded with great joy: "Our lord has given the order, how could Meng (Cao) dare to disobey?!"

Liu Feng laughed heartily and said, "Excellent! In that case, I will give you ten warships and a hundred elite soldiers. Do you dare to follow me to meet the enemy?"

Lu Meng and Ling Tong were filled with righteous indignation, so how could they refuse Liu Feng's order?
The two men immediately knelt down and bowed deeply to Liu Feng, pleading, "We beg you, my lord, to stay behind and watch us defeat the enemy!"

"good!"

Liu Feng immediately ordered Xu Chu to select two hundred men from the armored soldiers on the warship, dividing them into two groups. Lü Meng and Ling Tong each selected a group to lead. They then disembarked from the warship and boarded the red horse to prepare for battle.

Liu Feng's warship was a behemoth, capable of carrying a total of 600 people, including 400 armored soldiers and 200 sailors, who could also fight in armor.

Liu Feng immediately allocated half of them to Lü Meng and Ling Tong. If Liu Feng himself hadn't planned to join the battle, he wouldn't have wanted to keep the remaining two hundred armored soldiers.

However, since the decision has been made to participate in the war, armored soldiers must be left on the warships to prevent the enemy from boarding.

Given the size of the giant ship Liu Feng was on, there were only two ways the enemy could harm him: either board the ship or use fire.

If the enemy chooses to switch sides, then the two hundred armored soldiers led by Xu Chu will surely give them a huge surprise.

Soon, Liu Feng's flagship successfully turned around on the empty river, completing its maneuver. The other small boats, such as the Red Horse and the Light Boat, also formed a thin, single-line formation around the flagship.

The flagship that Liu Feng was riding on was the core of the formation and the most central point.

By the time Liu Feng had finished turning and deploying his forces, the newly arrived fleet on the other side could clearly see its flags; it was Chen Sheng's naval force from Jingzhou.

Chen Sheng's forces were larger than Lü Meng's initial estimate, with as many as 600 red-horse boats and light ships, and a force of about 3,000 men.

However, Liu Feng was not afraid. Moreover, they only needed to hold off the enemy for a short while, and Gan Ning and Dong Xi would surely send their elite troops back to reinforce them.

As long as Chen Sheng is not given the opportunity to launch a fire attack on Zhou Tai, the Yangzhou army can still achieve a great victory.

"Pass the order."

Liu Feng stood on the balcony, watching Chen Sheng's fleet gradually approach in the distance.

"Order Lü Meng and Ling Tong to anchor, and they are not to advance without the flag of my flagship."

Upon hearing this order, Xu Chu asked in shock, "My lord!?"

Liu Feng, however, appeared extremely relaxed: "Zhongkang, with you by my side, I dare to face even ten thousand troops. What is there to fear with just a few hundred sampans?"

Xu Chu saw Liu Feng's seriousness and persistence, so he stopped making excuses and turned to give the order.

Soon, Lü Meng and Ling Tong, who had received the order, were also greatly shocked and suspicious. However, Liu Feng's order was very firm, so they could only stay where they were.

Thus, Liu Feng's flagship gradually broke away from the escort of other ships and charged towards the other side at high speed with the momentum of one against a thousand.

"Put on your armor."

Soon, Liu Feng was covered in heavy iron armor, with additional accessories such as a neck guard, making him almost like a human tank.

This suit of armor weighs a whopping 34 kilograms.

But Liu Feng could afford it, and it didn't seem to be too much of a strain on him.

After donning his armor, Liu Feng stood on the platform and continuously issued orders.

"Maintain speed, full speed ahead."

"Prepare to defend against the enemy."

"Do not be afraid of collisions."

"Free firing of bows and crossbows."

"Beware of arrows."

Xu Chu, clad in double-layered iron armor, stood guard closely behind Liu Feng, while also directing the armored soldiers on the ship to defend against the Jingzhou navy's boarding maneuvers.

Under Liu Feng's command, the flagship sailed against the wind, but because it was downstream, its speed was not slow, reaching 15 li per hour, which is equivalent to a speed of four knots in later times.

In this era of sailing and ocean currents, being able to sail against the wind at such speeds was already quite an amazing feat.

At such a high speed, after charging into Chen Sheng's forces, it immediately collided with the enemy's ships.

Liu Feng's flagship was a state-of-the-art warship, equipped with rams. Coupled with the huge difference in tonnage, Chen Sheng's ships could hardly stop Liu Feng's flagship, and seven or eight ships were capsized and sunk in succession.

What terrified the Jingzhou navy even more was that this was not the upper limit of Liu Feng's flagship.

However, after witnessing the horrific state of the ships that had been capsized and sunk earlier, the Jingzhou navy quickly avoided them and dared not block Liu Feng's flagship any further.

(End of this chapter)