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

"What about Dingzhou?" Zhong Zi'ang asked.

Zhong Xiang said dejectedly, "The navy suffered a crushing defeat."

"Dingzhou is destined to fall."

In the south, warfare relied mainly on water transport.

The Ming Dynasty navy completely controlled Dongting Lake.

This effectively separated the northern battlefield.

Chenyang and Yuanjiang were besieged.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Yiyang is very close.

However, in a situation of lack of soldiers and food...

The garrison in Yiyang dared not move an inch.

Three days later,

Zhong Xiang dispatched the fierce general Chen Gui,

He led a thousand elite troops out of the city for a night raid.

That area was the stronghold of the rebel army in Daozhou and Hezhou, centered around Cao Cheng.

Nominally, they were all under Cao Cheng's command.

In fact, it was divided into more than ten factions.

Chen Gui successfully set fire to a camp.

Soaring flames accompanied by shouts of battle

The rebel troops in the nearby camps scattered and fled.

Chapter 1912 Landlord Armed Forces

in the darkness,

Cao Cheng dared not go to the rescue.

He feared that his own troops might also collapse.

He was able to quickly reassure his troops.

To prevent the enemy from taking advantage of the situation and breaking in.

He can already be considered a good general.

The camps of Li Gong, Yang Zaixing, and Tang Danian were far apart.

It was too late to save them.

When their troops arrive...

Chen Gui has already led the Chu army back to the city.

Two consecutive losses have demoralized the team.

After Cao Cheng rallied the defeated troops,

They actually retreated twenty miles and set up camp.

Tang Danian immediately contacted Yang Zaixing.

They also got in touch with Li Gong.

After detailed discussions among the three parties

Finally, the troops joined forces.

Let's set aside our prejudices and work together to deal with Zhong Xiang.

At this point, Zhong Xiang had no way to break the deadlock.

His only option was...

They were just relying on having elite troops at their disposal.

They took the initiative to leave the city and engage in a decisive battle with the allied forces.

Another night raid is virtually impossible.

Staying in the city is just waiting to die.

Among the allied forces outside the city,

Li Gong's troops were the best equipped.

However, most of them were from local militia backgrounds.

This refers to the so-called landlord militia.

They had only submitted to the Ming Dynasty for three or four months.

They didn't even have time to reorganize them.

Their combat effectiveness and morale are just so-so.

As for Tang Danian and Yang Zaixing's troops,

If we're talking about well-equipped and elite troops,

There are only three or four thousand people in total.

Many soldiers lacked even leather armor.

If Zhong Xiang goes out of the city to fight,

There is still a chance to win.

Because his opponent was "too bad"!

After repeated consideration,

Zhong Xiang ordered his son to guard the city.

He personally led the main force in the decisive battle.

Li Gong, Yang Zaixing, and Tang Danian,

However, they remained steadfast in their camp and did not venture out.

They knew their troops were too weak.

We must enlist Cao Cheng's troops to have any chance of success.

Li Gong summoned Yang Zaixing and Tang Danian.

After repeated discussions on the battle plan,

I still feel that I don't have enough troops.

After the two left,

Li Gong paced back and forth inside the tent.

After much deliberation, he finally made up his mind and said through gritted teeth:

"That scoundrel Cao Cheng is just trying to save face,"

"Then give him plenty of face!"

He left the camp to his son to defend.

Li Gong personally rode south.

They took a detour of more than thirty miles to reach Cao Cheng's camp.

"Why is Li Jinglue here?"

"They are truly a rare guest."

Cao Cheng got angry as soon as he saw Li Gong.

One of his cousins ​​died at the hands of Li Gong.

Li Gong said, "General Cao, we used to serve different masters."

"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; death and injury are inevitable."

"Actually, there is no personal grudge involved."

"Today we are both subjects of the Great Ming Dynasty,"

"We should work together to serve the court."

"If I have made any mistake,"

"I will apologize to the general today."

"I hope the general will be lenient with me."

"After we defeat the enemy, we will hold a banquet to apologize!"

After speaking, Li Gong, in front of everyone,

Suddenly, he knelt on one knee and bowed to Cao Cheng.

Cao Cheng was so startled that he took two steps back.

My vest was already sweating.

Li Gong is now the Military Commissioner of Guangxi under the Ming Dynasty.

To so humble himself and publicly apologize,

Cao Cheng, a general who had just been appointed as commander, could hardly accept such a position.

If you don't give them face

How will I face people if word gets out?

This is a slap in the face to the Ming Dynasty!

Moreover, Li Gong's humble attitude...

This also greatly pleased Cao Cheng.

A sense of pride inevitably arose in my heart.

All the resentment that had accumulated over the years was swept away.

"Strategist, please rise quickly!"

Cao Cheng hurriedly went to help him up:

"I also made mistakes,"

"Now we are both subjects of the Ming Dynasty,"

"We should set aside our grudges and work together with the strategist on important matters."

Li Gong was actually very frustrated.

He was helped up by Cao Cheng.

He grasped Cao Cheng's hand and said:

"Within Hengyang City, all are Zhong Xiang's elite troops."

"Without the general's help,"

"I really have no chance of winning,"

"Please lead your troops back as soon as possible, General."

"I'll set off tomorrow,"

"The strategist should return and await further news!"

Cao Cheng immediately made a promise.

Li Gong knelt on one knee.