Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 788 Yang Yuan's cannon is still useless
Dasan Pass stands on Dasan Ridge, where the mountain is steep and rugged, with peaks upon peaks. One man can guard the pass against ten thousand men.

However, Baoji defender Tang Kuo Wuye had to launch a forceful attack regardless of the sacrifices.

Because Dasan Pass is a key location at the throat of Sichuan and Shaanxi, it is a place that military strategists must fight for.

If the Jin Kingdom wanted to move south from Shaanxi and advance towards Hanzhong, thereby threatening the Wu army to withdraw from Western Xia, it had to first capture this important pass.

"Haha, you don't overestimate your capabilities!"

Shi Han stood on the city wall of Dasan Pass, overlooking the Jin soldiers who were swarming like ants below the pass with a look of contempt.

The wind was very strong today, causing his scarlet cloak to flutter in the air.

Deputy Governor-General Guo Di really wanted to ask him, the wind is so strong that it’s about to blow you away, do you have to wear a cloak to show off?

Don’t you think it’s strangling your neck?
Shi Han is now the co-commander of all the imperial troops in the central route of Lizhou. When Yang Yuan is not around, he can temporarily take over Yang Yuan's power.

Guo Di, the son of Guo Hao who was transferred from Lizhou East Road, is now the deputy commander-in-chief of the imperial army of Lizhou Central Road, half a level lower than Shi Han.

Therefore, there is some competition between the two people.

The Jin army's catapults were roaring and throwing huge rocks up. Wherever they hit, there was a terrifying noise and debris flew everywhere.

However, Shi Han stood proudly on the top of the city wall, not afraid.

Just like some veterans walking on the battlefield, when they hear the whistling sound of a cannonball, they can accurately judge how far the cannonball will land, and then make evasive or no-evasive moves in advance.

It is easier to calculate the landing point of a thrown stone. For a veteran like Shi Han who is rich in battle experience, he only needs to take a glance to know whether he needs to dodge.

The main purpose of throwing stones was not to kill soldiers, but to cause damage to the city.

However, Dasan Pass was extremely solid, and it was obviously not easy to destroy it by throwing stones.

On top of the city wall, the heavy crossbows were also calmly counterattacking.

The huge arrows, as big as spears, were not used to kill the Jin soldiers, but to find siege vehicles, catapults, etc. in the Jin army's positions and destroy these large, heavy and difficult-to-move siege equipment.

Secretary Lu You stood aside and said happily: "General Fu has successfully captured Tianshui, and after a few days of reorganization, he led his troops eastward.

When the time comes, it will be time for us to leave Dasan Pass and take the initiative to attack."

Guo Di smiled and nodded: "When Tang Kuo and Wu Ye withdraw their troops, that will be the day when General Fu arrives. We have been waiting for too long."

Tang Kuo Wuye was the commander-in-chief of Baoji’s military. Yang Yuan’s flag was erected at Dasan Pass, and he always thought that Yang Yuan was at Dasan Pass.

Taking a detour to attack Qinzhou is theoretically possible, but in reality it is difficult to achieve. Tang Kuo and Wuye never thought that Yang Yuan would choose a longer route and attack Tianshui instead of the nearby one.

The reason is that the road is high in the west and low in the east, and the garrison commander on the Tianshui side has troops stationed in the dangerous pass in the mountains.

As long as the traces of the Song army are found, the fortress can be easily controlled.

The Song army was blocked in a narrow valley, the road behind them was relatively long, and it was difficult to transport baggage and food, so it would be very easy for the whole army to be wiped out.

Furthermore, Dasan Pass was in the hands of the Song army, so now they could attack or retreat, and it was the Song army that held the initiative.

Why didn't Yang Yuan lead his troops into Guanzhong from Dasan Pass, but instead took a detour through Tianshui?
Now the defenders of Dasan Pass neither want to fight nor retreat, and are obviously taking a defensive stance just like the Song army on the battlefield in Lianghuai.

All they had to do was to ensure that the Song army currently fighting in Western Xia would not be pinned down by the Jin army from behind.

Therefore, Tangkuo Wuye had no choice but to launch an attack on the Song army regardless of sacrifice.

He wanted to seize Dasanling and take the initiative.

On Dasanling Mountain, in addition to the sturdy Dasan Pass, many defensive fortifications were also built on its periphery, making it more difficult to attack from below.

Shi Han took advantage of the layers of fortresses to continuously deplete the Jin army's manpower and morale.

In such a strategic location, a few thousand people can hold off the fierce attack of tens of thousands of people.

Therefore, Shi Han still has time to have a round of battle.

Each unit of troops would withdraw after guarding for a day or two, and be replaced by another unit to continue guarding Dasanling.

Let many officers and soldiers who have not seen blood for a long time become familiar with this cruel killing battlefield.

Two countries, two generals, two decisions.

What was presented was a scene where people swarmed like ants on Dasan Ridge, with swords flashing and shouts of killing filling the air.

The corpses, with their blood, watered the land.

……

Yang Yuan's army marched eastward from Tianshui in a mighty force.

The sturdy carts carrying cannons were each pulled by six Qinchuan donkeys. As the cannon carts passed by, dust flew up.

Yang Wanli, the commander of the camp guards, was in charge of guarding the central army. Along the way, he could not help but feel inspired to write poetry, and from time to time he produced several excellent works.

This time, most of his poems were military poems with majestic momentum. They were not "The little lotus has just shown its pointed tip" or "The lotus flowers are especially red in the sun". They sounded particularly heroic.

However, Yang Yuan had not had time to read his draft poems. He would probably have to wait until the war was over and the printing house in central Sichuan printed these military poetry collections before he would have time to read them.

By then, he will find that many of the poems directly mention him.

Even some people in later generations who do not like history will know that there was such a famous figure in history through hymns like "Geshu Carrying a Knife at Night".

At this moment, Yang Yuan was marching along, thinking about the subtle adjustments of Shaanxi's strategy.

The entire strategy was discussed and decided by him and more than 20 generals and more than 10 staff members under his command at Dasan Pass.

However, the battlefield situation changes rapidly, and no matter how carefully and completely a strategy is considered, it is necessary to make minor adjustments at any time based on the battlefield situation.

Generals Zhou Cheng and Murong Qianyu were both knowledgeable about tactics, and they took the opportunity to rest during the march to discuss the details of the operation with him.

Yang Shou, Xu Cheng, Gan Quan and others are pure military generals. They can punch hard and chop with sharp knives, but they cannot do any work that requires thinking.

"General Fu, the easiest way to fight is for us to go straight to Baoji City."

Zhou Cheng said excitedly: "When we go out of the ancient road to seize Tianshui, the first thing we do is to block the road to Guanzhong, allowing people to enter but not leave. The Jin army in Baoji doesn't know that Tianshui has fallen yet, so we can catch them off guard."

Murong Qianyu said: "I think we should take Jianxun Ridge first."

He placed stones on the ground to represent several large cities such as Baoji and Fengxiang, as well as the dangerous passes in between. The route he marked was the passable route.

Murong Qianyu said: "General Fu, look, Jianxu Ridge is located on the top of a mountain in the south of Qianhe River in Qianyang, a remnant of the Longshan Mountains. The mountain is high and steep, and the terrain is rugged, guarding the north-south road.

From Qianyang to Baoji, one must go south along the Guishan Ridge, cross Jianxu Pass, and then reach Baoji City from Xiangongchuan. Those who plan to attack Qin from Shu will attack Jianxu Pass instead.

If we attack Baoji first and let the Jianxunling defenders take precautions, I'm afraid..."

Yang Yuan nodded and approved Murong Qianyu's plan.

However, he did not do this because once Jianxu Pass was guarded in advance, it would be difficult to open this passage.

His cannon was pulled out from central Sichuan, but it has not been used yet.

This is his secret weapon, and the longer it can be exposed, the better.

In this way, Murong Qianyu did not understand how powerful their sharp firearms for attacking cities and seizing land were.

In his opinion, it should be a newer type of catapult, and its power is slightly stronger than that of the catapult, but it is limited.

However, Yang Yuan agreed to his plan not because if he attacked Baoji first, Jianxu Pass would be prepared in advance, the pass fortifications could be reinforced, and reinforcements could be sent from Fengxiang.

But because... "Take them by surprise, attack the Arrow Pass first! Otherwise..."

Yang Yuan said this and looked towards Baoji City.

"We'll attack Baoji first. I'll defeat Tang Kuo and Wu Ye, so we'll break out and escape back through Jianxu Pass."

Yang Yuan pointed to Baoji City and said, "I want to swallow this piece of fat meat in one gulp!"

……

Jianxu Pass is not that easy to conquer.

Jianxunling is an important transportation route from Qianyang to Baoji. In modern times, the country built a highway here and adopted methods such as cutting bends, lowering slopes, building stones and laying sand to build a flat oil residue surface.

But even so, the slopes are still steep and the turns are sharp. Once it snows, the road is cut off and cannot be passed for several days. It was not until the late 1990s that an underground tunnel was dug under Jianxu Pass, and the natural barrier became a thoroughfare.

In this era, one can imagine how difficult the road is.

Therefore, when Yang Yuan's army suddenly appeared and arrived at the foot of Jianxu Ridge, Yang Yuan did not rush to launch an attack on Jianxu Pass.

His strategic goal was to cut off the retreat route of the Jin army in the direction of Baoji and directly swallow up this Jin army in one gulp.

Therefore, Yang Yuan ordered to set up camp on the spot, and all kinds of defensive facilities such as chevaux de frise, caltrops, and horse traps were set up with all their might.

This was to prevent Tangkuo and Wuye from decisively abandoning Baoji and retreating to Jianxunling before the Song army at Dasan Pass went north.

Now with him standing in the middle, the first strategic goal has been achieved.

After setting up camp here, Yang Yuan led the camp guard Yang Wanli, as well as the two chief and deputy commanders of the Crazy Army, Yang Shou and Xu Cheng, and more than a hundred warriors to climb up Jianxu Ridge to observe the situation at Jianxu Pass.

To know how dangerous and difficult this pass is, you have to see it with your own eyes to get an idea of ​​it.

As they trudged along, Yang Yuan said, "The road is indeed steep and difficult to travel. This mountain road was paved for merchants and military food transport, right? It's too crude. It will take at least two or three days to transport our cannons up here."

Yang Shou said: "Uncle, let's..."

Yang Yuan glared at him and said, "In public, it's called position."

Yang Shou smiled awkwardly: "Ah, little... Commander Fu, is our cannon really that weird?"

Yang Yuan said: "It is a great weapon that I can rely on. However, after a long journey, I have limited ammunition. In addition, it is the first time for the enemy to see it, so it will have an additional effect. Therefore, I will not use it if I can. However..."

Yang Yuan panted and looked up at the steep mountain road, sighing, "To capture this pass without heavy artillery, it will require huge sacrifices. This time, I have to use it even if I don't want to. I can't take shortcuts."

……

The Song army arrived suddenly and arrived at the foot of Jianxun Ridge. When they set up camp, the Jin defenders on the ridge discovered them and immediately began to hastily reinforce the defenses, carry rolling logs and stones, set up crossbows, and began to prepare for war.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, there was no sign of Pucha Alibu, the captain of Jianxunling.

At this moment, he was sitting in his own mansion, his face gloomy and his brows tightly furrowed.

He was less than 40 years old, with a sturdy build and thick black eyebrows.

Next to him, across from him, on a small table placed on the kang, his wife, Guaerjia, also placed one hand on the table.

Guaerjia was less than 30 years old, like a ripe peach, showing the charm of a mature woman.

Guwaljia is also called Gulijia by some people. This is caused by the different accents when the Han people called this Jurchen surname. In fact, it is the same surname.

"Nakchu (uncle), why are you still hesitating? Do you really think you can defend this Jianxu Pass? Old Yang... How powerful Yang Yuan is, don't you know? The battle of Lingbi seriously damaged the vitality of the Jin Kingdom, and it has not recovered until now."

Wanyan Ping spoke in a somewhat naive manner, using the attitude of a junior speaking to an elder.

Li Qinglu immediately chimed in: "That's right, what kind of person is Wanyan Liang? He killed loyal ministers, raped other people's wives and daughters, and did evil things. He has no conscience at all.

Besides, what has the Jin Kingdom become now? Lord Arib, do you really want to follow him all the way to the end?"

Wanyan Ping and Li Qinglu came here, one wearing a moon-colored Taoist robe, and the other wearing a stone-blue gauze robe, with a leather belt tied around their waists and folding fans in their hands, both dressed like young gentlemen.

However, the two of them had red lips and white teeth, skin as smooth as jade, bright starry eyes, and shallow dimples. At first glance, they were young girls who had changed their hairpins into hats.

Pucha Alibu was the commander of Jianxu Pass and held the rank of Qianhu.

He is Wanyan Ping's uncle. Although he is not a biological uncle, they are indeed relatives.

"Hey, Na Kechu, Tianshui has been lost."

"The Song army has gathered heavily inside Dasan Pass, and Yang Yuan is now attacking at Jianxun Ridge. Lord Alibu, think about what will happen to Tangku Wuye. Do you really want to die for Wanyan Liang?"

Pucha Alibu frowned and said, "Ping'er, Qinglu, why don't you stay in Shangjing? You came all the way here to persuade me to surrender to the Song people?"

Wanyan Ping chuckled: "What's so strange about this? Xinjin and Song are allies. Uncle, you haven't figured it out yet, have you?"

Pucha Alibu said slowly: "Although the Song army appeared at the foot of Jianxun Ridge, where can they fight to and how long can they stay here? Once Master Tushan's troops leave Fengxiang and drive the Song army back to the south of Dasan Pass, where should I, Alibu, go?"

"Then let's retreat with the Song army!"

Although Wanyan Ping admired her teacher Yang very much, she did not think that Yang Yuan could gain a foothold in Shaanxi in one battle and bring it back into the territory of the Song Dynasty.

Therefore, she could only dispel Pucha Alibu's concerns from another angle.

"Uncle, if you surrender to the Song Dynasty, you will be well received by them. You will be given a high position and generous salary. How can you be left out?"

Li Qinglu glanced at Guarjia and said, "If Lord Alibu fails to defend Jianxun Ridge, Wanyan Liang will not let you off easily given his volatile temper.

If you hold on and achieve great success, it will be even worse."

Pucha Alibu was stunned: "If I had defended Jianxun Ridge and made great achievements, why would it be bad?"

Li Qinglu sighed quietly: "Lord Arib, if you make great achievements, Wanyan Liang will notice you. Then he will want to know more about you.

Once he gets to know this, he will know that your wife is very charming. Given his habit of seizing the wives and daughters of his subjects and killing them to eliminate future troubles, Lord Alibu, do you think it would be worse if he succeeded in his mission?"

When Wanyan Ping heard this, she immediately said, "I don't want my aunt to enter the palace to serve Wanyan Liang. Wanyan Liang has more than 3,000 concubines in his harem. He will definitely stop liking me in a few days."

Pucha Alibu was confused and didn't quite understand his niece's train of thought.

Are you worried that your aunt will get tired of His Majesty after sleeping with him for a few days?
No, is that the point?

Pucha Alibu slammed the table and said angrily: "What nonsense! Is this a matter of whether your sister-in-law has fallen out of favor or not? It is your uncle who has had his wife taken away by someone and is about to be beheaded! You stinky girl, whose side are you on?"

Wanyan Ping smiled brightly: "That's true, uncle, do you still want to die for Wanyan Liang?"

Guaerjia glanced at her husband and said, "Forget it. It's hard to persuade a damned ghost with kind words, and it's hard to show mercy to a person who has committed suicide. So don't try to persuade him."

Guaerjia took out a hand mirror with a feathered figure pattern from somewhere. While looking in the mirror, she pinched her fingers together, picked up a snow-white silk handkerchief, and wiped the corners of her lips.

She said smugly: "With my beauty and figure, if I serve you with all my strength, I might even be able to become your favorite concubine."

"You stinky bitch..." Alibu was furious.

"What are you yelling about? Do you want to die? Do you want to stop me from having a good life?"

Guaerjia was even more ferocious than him. She immediately frowned, glared at him, and slammed the table in anger.

Pucha Alibu was depressed and said dejectedly: "I... don't know Yang Yuan at all, how can I contact him?"

Wanyan Ping was overjoyed and patted his chest: "Uncle, I will help you!"

(End of this chapter)