Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

They were so frightened that they turned their warships around and fled.

Lei Dejin led the remnants of the Chu navy,

When they successfully retreated to the shallow waters of Qingcao Lake,

They were horrified to discover that only about twenty warships remained.

"Don't chase it, it's likely to run aground there,"

Yingxuan, who had been watching the whole thing, finally spoke up.

"General Pang, please rescue as many people as possible who have fallen into the water,"

"Do not kill prisoners if they do not resist."

"They are all good soldiers!"

Pang Dingzi knew that the Crown Prince valued Yingxuan.

There's no need to make things unpleasant over trivial matters.

Immediately issue military orders in accordance with the British propaganda's advice.

The Ming navy allowed the remaining enemy troops to escape.

Extending out bamboo poles,

Go and pull those enemies who have fallen into the water up.

Those who were rescued were all dejected.

He sat there obediently and got tied up.

There were also sailors with unwavering faith.

He absolutely refused to be rescued.

They swam with all their might toward the shore, which was several miles away.

Yingxuan felt increasingly sorry for Pang Dingzi and said:

"General Pang, some are floating on the surface,"

"Just injured and unconscious,"

"Let's rescue them too."

"There are too many floating corpses in Dongting Lake,"

"It could easily trigger an epidemic."

Pang Dingzi, barely suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, gave the order:

"The entire army is mobilized to rescue people; those who are still alive should be taken back for treatment."

"Drag the dead ones ashore and burn them!"

Meanwhile, Lei Dejin led the remaining naval forces back to Deer Horn Village.

He knelt before Zhong Yi and wept bitterly:

"Prime Minister, it is my fault for poor command,"

"You've killed so many brothers."

"Just cut off my head!"

Zhong Yi felt a breath catch in his throat.

I'm so angry I don't even want to swear.

Zhou Lun said, "Prime Minister, let's abandon Deer Horn Fortress."

"The entire army retreated to Xiangyin."

"With such a disastrous naval defeat, the enemy will inevitably control the grain routes along the Xiang and Miluo Rivers."

"Tens of thousands of troops here will eventually run out of food."

"While the enemy's main force has not yet arrived,"

"We must leave here as soon as possible."

Chapter 1900 Guarding the Stronghold and Covering the Rear

Zhong Yi did not hesitate for long before giving the order:

"The entire army retreats."

Who will guard the stronghold and cover the retreat?

Zhou Lun said, "I am the garrison commander of Deer Horn Fortress."

"It is my duty to hold the rear guard to the death."

Zhong Yi's eyes welled up with tears.

Holding Zhou Lun's hand, he said:

"General, take care!"

Just as the main force of the Chu army was packing up its supplies,

As preparations were made to evacuate by land,

The scouts who had been observing the enemy's situation in the north galloped back:

"The Ming army's vanguard has arrived!"

Lin Chong and Wang Yuan's tens of thousands of troops,

They were stationed just twenty miles away.

The Ming navy has already made its move.

How could the army possibly sit idly by?

.....

Losing control of Dongting Lake

The Chu army at Lujiaozhai wanted to retreat.

We had to travel south by land.

But forty li to the south

Then the Miluo River lay across the way.

The Ming army is approaching.

The Chu army then dared not retreat directly.

Because of the victorious Ming Dynasty navy

We can sail leisurely to the mouth of the Miluo River.

Then smaller ships were separated.

Inquire about the whereabouts of the Chu army along the way.

They deliberately harassed them when they were crossing the river.

Contact and coordinate with the army to launch a surprise attack while the enemy is crossing the river.

"We cannot retreat directly south,"

"But we have no choice but to retreat," Zhou Lun said.

Several generals of the Chu army,

Gao Lai has already died in battle.

Yang Yao was seriously injured and captured.

Despite his crushing defeat, Lei Dejin was still in a daze.

Now, only Zhong Yi and Zhou Lun can make the decisions.

Zhong Yi was always looking ahead and behind.

At this critical moment of life and death,

They've actually become more responsible:

"Retreat eastward first,"

"There are many small rivers over there."

"As long as our troops retreat in an orderly manner,"

"We can attack pursuing enemies at any time while they are halfway across the river,"

"The Ming Dynasty wouldn't dare to pursue at full speed."

Zhou Lun pointed to the map and said:

"There is a water fortress at the mouth of the Guiyi River,"

"The friendly forces there can support the main force."

"A fast ship can be dispatched to report to Pingjiang County,"

“Let them collect all the ships,”

"Choose a secluded spot at night for the main force to cross the river."

"Let's just retreat to the mouth of the Guiyi River and never leave,"

Zhong Yi said,

"We have Pingjiang County to rely on in the east,"

"The county seat can be evacuated at any time,"

"There will be no more shortage of military rations."

"If His Majesty leads reinforcements,"

"They could also garrison troops at Guiyi Water Fortress,"

"We will wait for an opportunity to rescue Lujiao Village."

The Luo River flows from northeast to southwest.

The Miluo River flows straight west from Pingjiang County.

The two rivers converge to form the Miluo River.

The confluence of the rivers, namely the mouth of the Guiyi River,

That is, the location of the Miluo city area in later generations.

Zhong Yi and Zhou Lun quickly finalized their battle plan:

Zhong Yi led the main force in a flanking retreat.

Zhou Lun led 5,000 troops to defend Lujiaozhai and cover the rear.

The fundamental reason for the main force's retreat

It is unknown when Zhong Xiang will lead his troops to provide assistance.

Even if they come,

Reinforcements may also be blocked at the Miluo River.

There are too many soldiers at Lujiaozhai.

Moreover, the supply lines will soon be cut off.

If this drags on for a month or two, there will inevitably be a food shortage.

At that time, they will only be able to make a living by fishing and collecting river clams.

The main force withdrew to Guiyijiang Estuary.