Tang Dynasty: The Holy Prince, the Dragon that Reigns Over the World

After receiving the military report that Su Dingfang had completely annihilated the coalition forces in Silla, Li Dejian, after careful consideration, discussed with Li Chongyi repeatedly. He felt that his 13 troops were enough to deal with the defenders of Zhouliu City. So he decided to support Gao's army to continue to besiege Zhouliu City without attacking.

The fleet was ready to fight against the Japanese reinforcements at the Baekgang River. Su Dingfang led more than 1 Tang troops and more than 4 Silla troops to enter Baekje to recover Baekje's lost territory.

After the discussion, Li Dejian sent a letter by express horse to seek Su Dingfang's opinion. After receiving the letter, Su Dingfang readily agreed and replied that he would carry out Li Dejian's plan.

After Su Dingfang replied, he immediately ordered the entire army to abandon the plan to rescue Zhouliucheng and instead recover all parts of Baekje. While Li Dejian sent a letter to Su Dingfang to inquire, he also urgently reported the plan to Li Chengqian.

After receiving the report, Li Chengqian approved it immediately and ordered the remaining 10 garrison troops of Silla to prepare and immediately set out to Baekje to assist Su Dingfang in recovering Baekje. After receiving the letter from Li Chengqian, Queen Seondeok of Silla immediately ordered the 10 garrison troops of Baekje to set out and obey Su Dingfang's orders.

After receiving the order from Sundeok, the 10 Baekje troops advanced at full speed and took a shortcut to catch up with Su Dingfang's troops. The two forces joined forces, with Su Dingfang leading more than 1 Tang troops and more than 14 Baekje troops, a total of nearly 16 troops from the two countries, and began to sweep across Baekje in a planned manner.

As the Tang-Silla coalition swept across Baekje, the Tang army landed in Baekje, occupied the Ungjin Castle, and laid siege to Jurye Castle. The Japanese and Baekje armies in Silla were annihilated. The news that the 16-strong coalition army of Silla and the Tang swept across Baekje reached the three-nation coalition forces in Goguryeo.

After receiving the military report, Atanbirov was shocked, and then became furious.

"Baga! The Tang people are so cunning. They disguised themselves as Silla troops and hid in Silla. They also attacked us from behind and surrounded our rear supply base. We are now surrounded by enemies in front and behind, and our logistics base is surrounded. Gentlemen, do you have any good strategies for me?"

At this time, the three-nation coalition forces in Goguryeo had been fighting with the Tang army for many days, and there were less than 30 troops left. In front, there were 8 Pyongyang Tang troops led by Li Ke who harassed them from time to time, and in the back, there were 13 troops under Li Dejian of the Tang army, who surrounded Zhouliu City. Su Dingfang's 16 troops were sweeping across Baekje and could support Li Dejian's troops at any time. The three-nation coalition forces were in crisis.

"Sir Atumirufu, our army should send troops to rescue Baekje. We must not let the Tang army occupy Juliu City. Juliu City is our army's logistics stronghold. Once it is lost, our army will be in danger." Buyeo Yici said anxiously.

"Humph, Mr. Buyeo Yici is making it sound easy. Although our army still has nearly 30 soldiers and horses in Goguryeo.

But Li Ke used his troops unconventionally and was cunning. The coalition forces in Goguryeo suffered losses many times under his hands. If we return to rescue them now, will Li Ke let us go easily?

Besides, the combat power of the Tang army can only be dealt with by us Japanese samurai, and right now we have less than 3 samurai.

"We, the Japanese warriors, have no time to split up and send troops back to help. As for the Goguryeo and Baekje armies, humph, pardon my frankness, but returning to Baekje is also suicide." The Japanese general Di Jingbinglang sneered.

"Sir Di Jingbinglang, please be careful with your words. This time, Baekje has put all its national strength into fighting together with your country. However, you have repeatedly humiliated Baekje and Goguryeo. Isn't this chilling to the hearts of the soldiers of our two countries?" Buyeo Yici said angrily.

Although Atanbirafu looked down on the Goguryeo and Baekje armies from the bottom of his heart, the Japanese army was weak at this time and still needed the help of the armies of the two countries, so he scolded Di Jingbinglang with a dark face.

"Alright, alright. The coalition forces are under attack from both sides and are in danger. We must unite as one to achieve victory. Di Jingbinglang, don't insult the armies of friendly countries in the future, otherwise you will be punished by military law."

"Hello. I am a military man with a reckless personality. If my words have offended you, please forgive me, Your Excellency Buyeo Yici." Although Di Jingbinglang was not convinced in his heart, he was also aware of the situation of the Japanese army at the time, so he had no choice but to bow his head and admit his mistake.

"Your Excellency Atanbirov, I think our army can implement the strategy of besieging Wei to save Zhao. The coalition forces in Goguryeo do not need to return to support, and we can launch a large-scale attack on Li Ke's troops in Pyongyang.

Although Li Ke was proficient in the art of conspiracy, his troops were far smaller than ours. Our army attacked with all its might, forcing Li Ke to retreat and defend Pyongyang, and our army then surrounded Pyongyang.

When the Tang army in Baekje sees the three princes trapped in Pyongyang, they will surely send troops to rescue them. Our army can take advantage of their rest and ambush the Tang army on their way to rescue them. After our army has completely wiped out the Tang army, we can take Pyongyang as quickly as possible and capture the three Tang princes while the Tang army is still not able to react.

In this way, our army can obtain supplies in Pyongyang. Secondly, the Tang army commander was captured, and the Goryeo king's palace was destroyed, which would greatly reduce the morale of the Tang army. Thirdly, our army can use the three Tang princes as a threat to negotiate with the Tang country and let the Tang withdraw from Goryeo.

Even if the Tang Dynasty could not be forced to withdraw from Goryeo, the three Tang princes could be used as hostages to make the Tang army afraid to fight with all their strength.

In this way, our army will be able to reverse the unfavorable situation and remain invincible. "Yuan Nanji, the son of Yuan Jingtu, said.

In history, Yeon Jeong-do surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. After surrendering, he stayed in Silla and his descendants merged into the Silla Kim clan. There is no historical record. So the author made up a name. After Yeon Jeong-do's death, Yeon Nam-ji took over as the commander of the Goguryeo army.

"What my nephew Nanji proposed is indeed a good strategy. But the Tang army in Pyongyang is defending stubbornly, and I am afraid it will be difficult to capture Pyongyang for the time being. By that time, Pyongyang will not be taken, and Zhouliu City will be captured by the Tang army. If the Baekje Tang army arrives, what should our army do?" Atanbirov stroked his beard and frowned.

"Mr. Atumiharafu, have you forgotten that the 5 reinforcements from the main camp have already set out and will arrive at Baekje in a few days? Zhouliu City is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces water on one side. The terrain is difficult to defend and difficult to attack. The city is well-stocked and has 5 soldiers guarding it.

Moreover, these 5 defenders are composed of Baekje's former royal guards and border troops. They are Baekje's elite soldiers who have been through many battles and can definitely hold out until our reinforcements arrive.

At that time, the Japanese reinforcements will land and work with the defenders to contain the Baekje Tang army. In this way, the Tang army will be dispersed, and even if reinforcements come, there will not be too many troops, and the pressure on our army will be reduced. The strategy proposed by my nephew Nan Jixian can also be achieved. "Buyu Yici smiled.

"Yoshi! Lord Buyeo Yici is right. In that case, let's carry out the plan." Atumihara stroked his beard and laughed.

At this time, in the Sea of ​​Japan, 5 Japanese reinforcements were heading towards Baekje at full speed under the leadership of Japanese general Hata Raitsu. The Japanese reinforcements had learned that the Tang army had landed in Baekje, and had taken control of the Ungjin River estuary and Ungjin Castle, and had laid siege to Zhouliu Castle.

In order to rush to Zhouliu City as quickly as possible and avoid a major battle with the Tang army to reduce losses, the Japanese general Qin Tianlaijin ordered to change the route and go directly to Baijiangkou (Baikgangkou is a tributary formed at the mouth of the Ungjin River (now the Geum River in South Korea) on the Korean Peninsula, and the mouth of the Baekchon River). Then go down the river to rush to Zhouliu City.

On this day, the Japanese reinforcement fleet was about to arrive at the Baekgang River. When the Japanese general Qin Tianlai was sitting in the cabin of the flagship with his eyes closed, a Japanese soldier came in to report that the Tang army fleet was spotted ahead.

Qin Tianlaijin quickly stood up and walked out of the cabin, and saw more than 120 Tang army ships lined up in front of him. Qin Tianlaijin saw that the warships of the Tang army fleet were much larger than his own, and each one was like a small mountain, and sighed.

"The national strength of the Tang Kingdom is indeed far superior to that of Great Japan. Moreover, the Tang Kingdom's shipbuilding technology is so advanced that it can build such a huge warship. In this respect, Great Japan is not as good as the Tang Kingdom."

"Hey, why do you want to boost others' morale and destroy your own prestige? I have observed that the Tang army has only 130 ships and 400 naval forces. However, our army has 13000 warships and naval forces.

Moreover, the Japanese people regard the sea as their home, and everyone is familiar with water. 5 land forces can also be equivalent to 5 naval forces. The number of our ships and the number of people far exceed the Tang fleet.

Although the Tang army's ships are tall and powerful, their flexibility, speed, naval warfare and ship control are far inferior to ours. As long as our army advances at full speed, flexibly evades the Tang army's long-range shots, and engages in a boarding battle with the Tang army, the Tang army will surely be defeated. "

Soga Kuramaro, Soga no Emishi's younger brother, said with disdain.

Although Hatada Raitsu did not like Soga Kuramaro's tone, he could only remain silent due to his status. He then ordered the Japanese fleet to advance at full speed, with each ship avoiding the long-range attack of the Tang army on its own and approaching the Tang army at full speed. Prepare for a boarding battle and encircle and kill the Tang army.

At this time, on the gunboat of the Tang army fleet, Li Chongyi was looking at the Japanese reinforcement fleet not far away with a monocular telescope and smiled.

"Hey, look, brother. The dwarf's fleet has quite a lot of ships, probably about 400. What do you think of the Japanese fleet of this size?"

"Tsk, what's the use of having more? A large number of ants can kill an elephant, or a large number of sheep can beat a wolf. To use the words of our prince, in the face of absolute strength, numbers are of no use. Under the absolute advantage of firepower, no matter how many people there are, they are nothing but floating clouds, all scum.

In my opinion, the Japanese invaders are nothing more than military merits, and the Tang army can take whatever they want. "Li Chonghui, the second son of Li Xiaogong, the King of Hejian of the Tang Dynasty, curled his lips and said disdainfully.

While Li Chongyi and the other were talking, Li Chongyi discovered through a monocular telescope that the Japanese fleet began to accelerate, dispersed, and rushed towards the Tang army in a swarm.

"Hey, the dwarf is charging. He wants to take advantage of the flexibility and speed of his ships, the large number of ships and the large number of naval personnel, and prepare to fight me in close combat.

Only when they were within the range of my fleet did they begin to disperse at an accelerated speed. They were eager to give us military merits, and they were really too polite.

Come, pass on my order. While the Japanese fleet is still not dispersed, with the gunboats as the center, 48 battleships and 56 secondary battleships will form a battle line on both sides.

All ships are free to fire. Leave the biggest one in the middle for me. Let's teach those dwarfs on the other side a lesson. What the hell is fire coverage? Tell the brothers below to hit hard for this commander and shoot accurately.

The prince said that if I let a single weapon or soldier from Japan land, my father would spank me. If I get spanked, you will also have to accompany me, and I will spank you personally.”

The ships of all levels received the order and quickly formed a battle line, each selecting a target and launching iron mines and rockets. Hundreds of iron mines and rockets were launched and smashed hard into the Japanese fleet. When Qin Tianlai saw the iron mines and rockets coming, he shouted in panic.

"All the Tang army's ships are equipped with firearms, and their range is so long. All ships immediately dispersed and hid."

The Japanese fleet hurriedly maneuvered their ships to evade, but the Tang army's firearms could explode, and the range was not small. In a short time, dozens of ships in the Japanese fleet were sunk or damaged, and many ships were set on fire by the Tang army's firearms. For a while, screams and sounds of falling into the water were endless.

"Oh, the effect is good. Oops! This shot missed the target a little far. Where did it go? Which ship and which combat position? Go back and give this commander three whippings. Practice well. Aim the gunboat at the largest one in the middle and hit it hard." Li Chongyi ordered while observing the battlefield.

The gunboats built by the Tang army were built based on the drawings of the fourth-level sailing gunboats that Li Chengqian bought from the system, which is what later generations called a three-masted cross-sail cruiser. It was not that Li Chengqian did not want to build a higher-level gunboat, but because it was impossible to build it with the current shipbuilding technology and material level of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, a compromise was chosen to build a three-masted cross-sail cruiser.

The three-masted square-rigged cruiser has a double deck and is equipped with 50 guns. The caliber of the guns is 3 inches, and the shells weigh 6 kilograms. This is also the largest ship-use gun that the Tang Dynasty can cast now. The Armament Bureau is stepping up the development of larger caliber guns.

The gunboats received the order and immediately adjusted the firing parameters of the guns, loaded the propellant and projectiles. As the command to fire was given, 25 guns fired at the largest Japanese ship in the middle at the same time. Black smoke accompanied by deafening gunfire and fire, and iron projectiles flew towards the Japanese ships at high speed.

"What is that? It's so loud and there's so much black smoke." Soga Kuramaro asked in confusion. Before he could react, the iron shell hit the flagship hard.

Although the hit rate of the old artillery was extremely low, and the caliber of the artillery equipped by the Tang army was small and the lethality was low, multiple volleys increased the hit probability to a certain extent. In addition, the Japanese army did not know the power of the artillery and was at a close distance at this time. Many shells still hit the Japanese ships.

The warships built by the Japanese army were all small warships with low protection. They were instantly pierced with several holes by artillery shells. Wood chips flew everywhere and those that were hit were torn into pieces.

Soga Kuramaro was stunned for a moment when he saw such a powerful artillery. Before he could wake up, a shell hit his head, shattering his head. His body sprayed blood upwards and slowly fell down.

Qin Tianlai was sprayed with blood all over his face, and he was terrified. He also saw that the Japanese army was severely damaged by the Tang Dynasty firearms, with more than half of them dead or wounded. He shouted in fear.

"Retreat, retreat all troops. The Tang army is a devil, retreat quickly, otherwise we will all die here."

Upon receiving the order, the Japanese ships turned around and retreated as if they had been pardoned.

"Ah, you want to run? You can come as you please and leave as you please. Do you respect us? Have you obtained my consent? The entire army will pursue and annihilate the Japanese invaders." Li Chongyi gave the order coldly.

The Tang fleet began to pursue at full speed. Although the Tang warships were large, they were not slow. After all, they were warships far beyond this era. The Tang army quickly caught up with the Japanese army and used their long range to slaughter them wantonly.

The Japanese general Qin Tianlai was blown to pieces by a cannonball, and his ship sank soon after. For a while, the sea was full of Japanese warships that were sinking and burning fiercely. The air was filled with the smell of burning wood and barbecued meat, which was nauseating.

The Battle of Baekgang lasted a whole day and ended with a complete victory for the Tang army. The entire battle process was completely a one-sided massacre of the Japanese army by the Tang army.

In this battle, the Japanese reinforcement fleet was completely wiped out, and all the Japanese reinforcements were eaten by the fish, with no one surviving.