Chapter 29: Wind and snow all over the north, surprise the elite out of the wilderness

November, December... As time went by, in the heavy snow, the soldiers and civilians of the new city ushered in the Spring Festival.

In this new year, the Rebel regime called it "three years of auspicious prosperity". Originally, in the spring of the second year of Xiangxing, after the Battle of Qishan, the Song Dynasty had been destroyed. Unexpectedly, in this thousands of miles away, another regime continued the year and entered the three years of Xiangxing.

Under the benevolence of the general, the rebel soldiers who turned over as slaves had an unprecedented Spring Festival, and their morale was high. The craftsmen, coolies and female slaves in the city who got free are also living a good life. Many men and women have also begun to start a family. Recalling the bitterness and sweetness, they are grateful to the general who led the rebels to rise up. Despite this, many people are still worried that the Dongsi will besiege again, and even more worried that Mokuo Timur will lead the army to return from India. What should they do at that time? There are also people who think further and worry that the supplies in the city will run out. How long can they live a good life?

It is never difficult to unify people's hearts, so not everyone follows the general enthusiastically. In the process of inspecting the people's situation, Zhao Jin found that some people were pessimistic and depressed. But it doesn't matter, as long as you can use the useful people well.

So Zhao Yu began to think about how to expand his territory after winter. At this time, a man asked for a meeting and proposed, "Lord, the soldiers are very fast. Why don't our army take advantage of the winter to attack the north?"

"Did you send troops in the middle of winter?" Zhao Jin felt unimaginable. However, the person who came to propose is brave and resourceful. He should not say anything as soon as he pats his head as he thinks like He Pan. He must have been carefully considered. Zhao Jin asked, "Is this feasible?"

"It's feasible." After getting along with each other for several months, their subordinates have learned a lot of Mandarin from their masters. Qi Jin explained to Zhao Yu: "Lord, the principle of military tactics - it is the best strategy to attack it unprepared. Nowadays, in the middle of winter, it is not suitable to send troops. However, everything is absolute. Since ancient times, there have been some famous generals who have taken advantage of the snowy day to achieve unexpected strategic goals.

Zhao Yu thought about what Qi Jin said and nodded: "I know this. However, isn't it dangerous for us to send troops in the middle of winter?

Qi Jin gave Zhao Jin an analysis: First, our soldiers are all from a bitter background and are not afraid of the cold. Second, our military supplies are abundant, and there are enough military horses. Third, our army's morale is high, and the soldiers have the determination to go through fire and water. Fourth, unlike when the siege was just lifted, our army has already had basic training.

Zhao Jin felt that it made sense and asked again, "So, what is your combat plan?"

"Lord, there are not many soldiers. The master can take 2,000 light horses with the last general, and then carry 4,000 military horses with grain and tents, and the last general vows to sweep the north!"

"Magnificent!" Zhao Jin praised and thought, with such determination, how can I lose to him? He said, "Let's just be the commander. You be the vanguard. Let's fight this battle together!"

So Zhao Jin gathered the generals to discuss the next day, and the opinions were suddenly fierce. Some generals are very excited and willing to go with the master; some generals think that it is not appropriate for the master to take risks in person, so they should go together; some generals think that the adventure plan itself is not workable.

In the end, Zhao Jinli escaped the public and said, "Northern land must be taken quickly!" Otherwise, Mongolia in the east and hair in the west. I'm afraid that after the warm weather, they will attack, and our army will not even have room for manoeuvre. As for me to come out in person, it is also necessary - the regime was created, how can I not share joys and sorrows with the soldiers? In this way, our army is more likely to take the northern land quickly. Therefore, I have made up my mind!"

Zhao Jin said so, but someone came out of duty and said, "Slow it! Lord! I will have something to say at the end."

Zhao Yu looked at General Li Gui and said, "Please tell me."

"How can the lord bully Changmao that there is no capable person in the country?" Li Gui, who is familiar with military tactics, said generously: "The north road is far away and densely forested. If there are one or two capable people in Changmao country, or set up an ambush or cut off the back road, our army will be in danger!"

Isn't it? The north is densely forested, with few roads and must pass through the wilderness. As long as there are one or two powerful capable people in the northern country, they can ambush everywhere and easily cut off the back road of the rebels.

More than that, Li Gui said, "What's more, although the hairy countries in the north are small, there are castles to take on. Lord, don't underestimate the small city. If there is no artillery, it will be difficult to attack the city!"

This is also reasonable. In ancient times, it was really not easy to attack the city. Don't underestimate some small cities, which are often difficult to attack. In history, there are many cases where a large army surrounded a small city, but they can't be beaten over the years.

General Shi Wei heard this and said, "Why is there no artillery in our army? Isn't it enough to capture eight statues at the time of the uprising? Shi Yi is one of the 22 riders. He is loyal and brave, hoping that the regime will grow quickly, so he is determined to fight. Many generals agree with this idea.

"I don't know anything about the ranking." At this time, General Lu Xiang came out of the class and said, "Although our army has cannons, there is no cannons, and cannons are not available." It turned out that Lu Xiang, as a blacksmith leader before the uprising, participated in the casting of artillery and was well aware of the problems in the use of artillery. Now he explained to the generals that during the Mokuo Timur expedition, he not only took away the ready-made artillery and gunpowder, but also the craftsmen who can make artillery and gunpowder and saltpeter raw materials. The eight artillery captured by the rebels were placed in the palace for decoration. There was no medicine and could not be used.

"So, how to make gunpowder?" Shi Yu frowned and asked. Gunpowder is the secret of this era, and ordinary people don't understand it at all.

Lu Xiang didn't know much about gunpowder and shook his head and said, "I don't know. Only know that gunpowder must be saltpetre. Saltpeter is produced in Samarkand, but there is nothing here.

Zhao Jin listened to them and interrupted with a smile, "Ha ha... I know a little bit about the formula of gunpowder. It's nothing more than the three raw materials of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal, but I can't remember the proportions of each. I have the conditions to study these in the future. At present, our current situation is that there are no craftsmen who can make artillery and gunpowder, and there are no raw materials. It is impossible to attack the city with cannons. Practically speaking, it's better to discuss the way to get to the north quickly first.

Lu Xiang and Shi Yan arched their hands and said, "What the lord said is very true." All returned to the class.

Zhao Jin said to Li Gui again, "What General Li said certainly makes sense. But I want to discuss with you: Regarding the problem that attacking the northland is easy to be ambushed and cut off, won't we have these problems if we don't take advantage of winter? It's the same! Therefore, it is better to send troops as soon as possible!"

When Zhao Jin said this, Xiao Yu came out of class and said, "The Lord is wise. In previous years, the last general once guarded the border for the Khanate, and he knew that the northern road was far and dense, close to the extinct. The Khanate repeatedly sent troops to invade the west, but it did not invade the north, because it was difficult to attack because it was prepared. Nowadays, the north may not know the establishment of our rebels. How can we beware of it? And in the middle of winter, even if there is a defense, it will not be as warm as the weather. Our army just took advantage of its unpreparedness and attack it unexpectedly, which is a good strategy!"

Xiao Lu speaks with his own practical experience for a good reason. In the past, the Khanate often sent troops to oppress the East Slavic countries in the west, but did not fight in the north, mainly because the road was long and dense, and there were only one or two roads, which were particularly easy to be cut off. Besides, all countries in the north are small countries with little oil and water. This time, the Dongsi countries jointly sent troops to resist the Tatar, but did not invite the northern countries belonging to the Dongsi race to cooperate, considering that the northern countries were too small and too difficult to contact them. I'm afraid that the northern countries don't know that the rebels have established power and are ready to eat them! While they don't know, the rebels should fight quickly so that they don't know to be wary.

Although all countries in the north are small countries, this "small" only means that the population is sparse, but the territory in the north is very vast, and the products are actually very rich. Therefore, it is of great significance for the rebels to take the north. Xiao Yu fully agreed with Zhao Zhen and Qi Jin's opinion that it was necessary to quickly take the northern land, so that the Rebel regime could get a vast backyard, and the strategic situation will greatly improve.

Listening to Xiao Yu's analysis, everyone nodded one after another. Li Gui arched his hand to the master, then arched to Xiao Yu and returned to the train.

"Lord, the last general still has a doubt." Wu Yiping but cautious Lin Mi came out of the class and said, "The road is far away and the sky is cold. Our army will not be able to move too many people to the north. At the end of the year, it will be up to three or five thousand. Well, with these three or five thousand people to take more than a dozen countries in the north, I'm afraid they can't take it.

Zhao Yu smiled and said, "What you said also makes sense. However, there are not many soldiers, but the use of the law. In the past, there have been many surprise battles, and it is enough to use thousands of troops. During the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao attacked Wuchao and led 5,000 troops. Wei Yan wanted to go out of the path to attack Chang'an, but he only asked 5,000 soldiers. Unfortunately, Zhuge Liang did not give it and insisted on sending troops to fight for a long time through the road. As a result, he worked hard and did not work. No wonder later military judoers say that Zhuge Liang is politically outstanding and militarily. Li Jian, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, took Caizhou on a night. In spite of the bad weather of 'heavy rain and snow, flag cracking', he drove directly to Wu Yuanji's nest with tens of thousands of soldiers. He used only 9,000 soldiers, including 3,000 soldiers, but he actually did not participate in the war.

Lin Mi thought for a moment and arched his hand and said, "What the lord said is very true. The last general is too worried." So he retreated.

Zhao Jin got up and said, "Well, if you want to do it, don't delay in the discussion! Generals, help me prepare for the dispatch as soon as possible!"

When everyone heard this, they all arched their hands and said, "Obey the order!"

In fact, Zhao Jin still has some ideas that he hasn't told everyone. It's enough for him to know these. According to Zhao Jin's understanding of the military and civilians who are familiar with the situation in the north, the indigenous peoples in the north have been under the cruel rule of the Dongsi people for many years, and their life can be said to be profound. Therefore, Zhao Jin wants to fight for them and include them in the camp of the Rebel Army! That is to say, on the one hand, the rebels can launch a surprise attack, and on the other hand, they can also widely mobilize the people of the north to attack the rulers of East China, which has a double chance of winning!

Not only that, uniting indigenous peoples also has long-term political significance, which is conducive to building a harmonious and powerful regime and long-term stability. Zhao Jin discussed this with He Anping, and He Anping deeply agreed.

And Li. In order to have rich experience, Zhao Jin naturally has to discuss with him. After careful consideration, Li also agreed to take the north quickly. He told Zhao Jin that it was actually just right to send troops in the middle of winter. At the beginning of winter, the weather changes greatly and the road is difficult to travel. In the middle of winter, the snow on the ground is stiff, the weather changes less, and the human body also adapts to the cold temperature, which is easier to walk. In the north, experienced hunters set out in the middle of winter to hunt mink and deer. The businessman who is the best at doing business spares no effort to buy fur first in the middle of winter.

After many understandings, what other concerns do you have? Therefore, saying "I have made up my mind" in public is not out of stubbornness. It is impossible for a leader of a regime to explain everything carefully to his subordinates.

The new Rebels are full of vigor and vigor. The next day, the people who went on the expedition had been selected, and Zhao Jin gathered the generals on the school grounds, pulled out the order flag and arrows, and issued orders.

Before sending, a general bravely came forward and shouted, "The Lord is on! The last general is willing to be the vanguard!"

Zhao Jin's head was big. This is He Pan. After more than two months, He Pan finally learned that it should be "the lord at the top" rather than "the last general at the top". He is eager to be a pioneer and has a commendable spirit. However, he is really not the vanguard candidate Zhao Jin wants. Thousands of miles of surprise attack, how can the vanguard use rough people?

"Very good, very good." Zhao Jin then praised with a pleasant face: "He Pan is highly motivated and deserves praise. However, in this surprise attack, the first is to be a fine person, and the second is to be a person who can work politically. You are still studying, and we will see if there is a chance to let you be a pioneer next time. So Zhao Yu waved the flag: "All the generals will listen to the order!"

The generals hurriedly stood up and arched their hands.

Zhao Jin pulled out an arrow first: "We are energetic!"

"The end will be here!"

"You are the vanguard, lead 500 elite riders, and move forward first! Goal - the largest country in the north will campaign against the Marquis of Lu! We should attack its capital and capture its lord as soon as possible! Take down the Ovalu, and the rest of the small countries will be swept over the clouds. It's a matter of great importance and should not be neglected!"

"The last general will get the order!" Qi Jin listened to the order and took the arrow. Zhao Jin's shouting was not to listen to Qi Jin, but to the majority of soldiers to let them understand.

"Yan Shizhong, Dai Degong!" Zhao Yu called again.

"The end will be here!"

"The Lord is on the top, and the last general will listen to the Lord's orders!"

"You two, as deputy generals of the Chinese army, select 1,000 cavalry and 3,000 horses. In addition to weapons, they only carry the most basic dry grain, grass and march tents. The rest are heavy and not taken with them. Let's follow the general and sweep north!"

"Order!" Yan Shizhong and Dai Degong came forward to take the order arrow.

"Lu Xiang, Liu Shang!"

"The end will be here!"

"The last general will wait for the master's dispatch!"

"The two of you led the army to transport supplies with mule carts and horse-mounted vehicles as the successor. Your basic task is not to fight, but to publicize the villages of various indigenous peoples. Every time I go to a place, I help poor people who lack food and clothing. Be sure to let them understand the benevolence of the general. Of course, if the surprise attack of the army in front of you does not work and the battle turns into a strong attack, you will still be useful.

"Order!" Lu Xiang and Liu Shang came forward to receive the arrow.

The vanguard, the Chinese army and the backup have been arranged. Without the "last general", He Pan was unhappy. Zhao Jin looked at it, pulled out another arrow and shouted, "He Pan, Yao Manzi!"

He Pan's spirit was greatly refreshed, and the tiger stepped forward and shouted like a shock: "The last general is here!"

Yao Manzi also came forward energetically and bowed silently.

"You two lead 200 warriors as the guardians of the general. Take turns to take the guards when marching, and follow closely when fighting. There must be no mistake!"

"The last general knows!" He Pan took the arrow and felt very glorious. He held it high in one hand, pulled Yao Manzi in the other hand, and walked down with his head held high.

Zhao Jin also arranged various work left behind, leaving Li Da, He Anping and Wu Da to take overall responsibility. Another day, the Rebel Northern Expedition team got up early in the morning, opened the new city in an orderly manner, and marched towards the snowy land in the north.

(to be continued in the next section)