Chapter 281: A failure

"Lord, the army of the Tatars has entered Huaian Road." Luo Guanzhong said.

Huai'an Road? The Tartars' speed is really fast! They set off from Dadu on the eighth day of September. It has been more than a month since they arrived at Huai'an Road. Zhang Yang thought of it.

"How is the cavalry harassment plan between Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao going?" Zhang Yang asked.

"It went smoothly at first, but later the Tartars changed their tactics and did not take advantage of them. The Tartars used a new weapon." Luo Guanzhong said, taking out an arrow sent by Zhao Zixiong.

Zhang Yang took it and took a look. He knew that the Tartars had indeed invested heavily this time. If the Tartars used this kind of thing in large quantities, it would really cause some trouble for themselves.

Ordinary arrows, however, have a bamboo tube tied on them, and the inside is already blackened. Needless to say, this is the rocket booster. Zhang Yang knew that in this era, firearms have actually started to be used. The three-eyed musket sent by Zhao Zixiong last time opened Zhang Yang's eyes.

Originally, the three-eyed musket shone brightly under Zhu Yuanzhang's hands, but unexpectedly, the Yuan Dynasty Tartars had already had such a powerful weapon. However, in Zhang Yang's eyes, what he valued more was its materials: all of them were cast of copper, and these coppers were the raw materials he was in urgent need of.

With copper and the coal mine discovered by Bian Yuanheng, Zhang Yang was in a very good mood recently. The Tartars came in a fierce manner this time. Before the war officially started, they first gave him two big gifts. They originally wanted to develop directly south. Therefore, Zhang Yang asked Bian Yuanheng's navy to leave the necessary guarding force, the rest were mainly used to transport coal to the killing port. First, they met their recent needs, and they would definitely send troops to garrison there in the future. The coal was black gold.

Although the three-eyed musket has strong firepower and can be fired three times, its disadvantages are also very obvious. Like other muskets, the range is relatively close and it will definitely not be hit if it is outside a hundred steps.

But this kind of arrow is not necessarily the case. The arrows and feathers are originally very stable. With gunpowder boost, they can increase the range without reducing the accuracy. The range can reach 150 steps. The effective range of your musketeer hits is 200 steps. A small number can shoot at the opponent at 300 steps, and a very small number can exert their power at 400 steps.

However, I had already dug a trench in front of Gaoyou Mansion. The trench was very beneficial to the defenders. Most of the bows and arrows could not harm the soldiers hiding in the trench.

However, if the cavalry fights the opponent in field, it will be a bit dangerous. The advantage of their range is offset by such rockets. For the cavalry that is rapidly attacking, the distance of dozens of steps will be reached soon. Once they are in hand-to-hand combat, their cavalry does not have the advantage. Those cavalry teams have been saved up by themselves and cannot be consumed in vain.

"Lord, Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao didn't get much advantage when the Tartars marched, so I wanted to sneak attack when the Tartars crossed the Yellow River." Luo Guanzhong said.

The messenger sent by Zhao Zixiong sent this new type of arrow and his plan.

Crossing the river? Zhang Yang repeatedly weighed in his mind that a team was the most vulnerable in crossing the river. The two generals must have not gained any chance in the past few days, so they wanted to do the big ones and attacked the Tatars while crossing the river. Although the Tatars had hundreds of thousands of people, if there were not enough boats, they could only cross the river in batches, which provided a good opportunity for the sneak attack on the other side.

However, in terms of force comparison, his cavalry has only a few thousand, which is not an advantage after all. In addition, the Tartars will definitely prevent harassment when crossing the river. If they attack strongly, it may cause too much loss. Is it cost-effective?

Seeing Zhang Yang falling into deep thought, Luo Guanzhong knew that the lord was weighing the pros and cons, so he continued: "The two of them also felt that the chance of winning was not great, so they asked General Bian's naval army to help. With General Bian's naval army, they could stop the Tartars on the north bank of the Yellow River."

Zhang Yang's eyes lit up. Yes, there is a navy army, that's another situation.

However, Bian Yuanheng's navy is currently transporting coal, leaving only a few guards of Gaoyou Lake in Gaoyou Mansion. If you want to notify Bian Yuanheng to support the battle between the two, it is probably not that easy to contact.

"Notify the base that after General Bian arrived, he asked him to lead the fleet to support Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao." Zhang Yang said.

This is only a solution. It takes more than ten days for Bian Yuanheng to travel back and forth. Whether or not hesitates the opportunity to fight is only destined by heaven.

"Yes, lord." Luo Guanzhong replied.

"Also, let Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao seize the right position. If the navy does not arrive, then if there is a chance, the two of them will come hard. If there is no chance, they cannot work hard. It is second to defeat the enemy. It is important to preserve their strength. Also, if General Bian's fleet enters the battle, you must be careful when firing artillery. It cannot be launched on the shore, but can only shoot the Tartars' ships!" Zhang Yang said solemnly.

This is the Yellow River, a river on the ground. If Bian Yuanheng's artillery fires, hits the shore with one shot and opens the river bank, it will cause great trouble.

"Yes, lord." Luo Guanzhong also knew the interests of it and continued: "There is another thing."

"Tell me."

"A few days ago, Miss He took a boat to Yangzhou."

Miss He? He Zhaoyi? Zhang Yang frowned, "Yangzhou is her hometown, so she can go back to Yangzhou."

"In addition to Miss He, the Minmin from last time was also with her." Luo Guanzhong saw that Zhang Yang was indifferent and then added.

Minmin? Zhang Yang was a little curious now. She brought a large group of troops to encircle her. She dared to go to Yangzhou? Are you not afraid of threatening her?

"What's wrong with her coming?"

"It is said that it is for the purpose of canal transportation. The grain prices in Dadu have increased several times now. They are probably trying to find a way to transport the grain to Dadu." Luo Guanzhong said.

Then Zhang Yang suddenly realized that He Zhaoyi and Minmin had another identity, that is, most of the big grain merchants, with such high profits, they naturally had such an attempt. After all, merchants value profit.

"Send someone to monitor them closely and report them immediately if there is any situation." Zhang Yang said.

Unconsciously, I had reached the point where I am today. Thinking about going to Yangzhou to sell salt, thinking about the first meeting with He Zhaoyi, everything seemed to be vivid in my mind.

There is also the saying that makes him moved. When you see you, you will be ruined forever!

Zhang Yang withdrew his thoughts and his eyes gathered on the map again. Qingjiang should be the place where the Tartars must pass, and they should choose this place to cross the river.

At present, it depends on whether Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao can seize the opportunity, or whether God can give this opportunity, which may cause losses to the Tartars, or they may be prepared for it and they will not have the chance to achieve results.

Zhang Yang also knew that harassment was just a delay in the Tartars' actions. In the end, the Tartars would still pounce in front of Gaoyou Mansion. A battle with the Tartars was inevitable.

Zhang Yang was full of confidence.

"Sir, the soldiers have been running all day, let's take a break first." The deputy general said to Yue Kuocha'er.

Since Yuekuochaer and Xuexue returned from the Central Army, 60,000 vanguards were divided into two parts. Some marched quickly and rushed south, while the other part took the lead and headed west.

The soldiers followed Yue Kuocha'er and ran around all day. They were already trapped and exhausted, and the base of their thighs was so painful that they were so sharp that they were elite cavalrymen.

Looking at the exhausted cavalry behind him and looking at the sunset in the sky, Yue Kuocha'er gritted her teeth: "Let the soldiers hold on for a while, and when they arrive in Siyang, they can rest."

Siyang? The deputy general was stunned. Siyang was still dozens of miles away from here. Even if he kept running, he couldn't get there before dark.

"We are all cavalrymen, and we don't carry baggage. We are camping in the wilderness and are easily attacked by the other party. Only by entering Siyang City can we rest for a night." Yuekuochaer explained: "Send the order, speed up the pace, and strive to reach Siyang before sunset. This is a military order."

"Yes, sir." The deputy general replied.

Yue Kuocha'er looked at the field ahead, sighed, and rode his horse to follow the large army.

Whether the army can cross the Yellow River smoothly has undertaken a very important task. If the Qingjiang Ferry cannot be ensured to be safe, then it will be very dangerous for the army to cross the river. His army is the most elite guards' personal army. Yue Kuocha'er has no other way, so he can only order the soldiers to speed up the horse's hooves and go around as soon as possible.

On the moon rises to the willow branches, exhausted soldiers rode into Siyang City on their already out of breath.

Yuekuocha'er breathed a sigh of relief and saw the county magistrate of Siyang. In addition to letting him settle his soldiers, he also gave him another task: collecting the ships here.

The next morning, Yuekuochaer left a team of 100 people waiting to escort the ships collected from Siyang, and took the water route to the Qingjiang Ferry, and the rest set out on the journey again.

After crossing the Yellow River in Siyang, Yuekuocha'er led the cavalry and rushed along the Yellow River to the predetermined army crossing the river: Qingjiang Ferry.

It is still necessary to go around this circle without directly choosing to cross the Yellow River from the Qing River. The ships along the way can be collected for the army to cross the river. It can also be sure that the other side is safe and prevent them from falling into the siege of the other party.

Thirty thousand cavalrymen act together and will not be afraid of the other party's small harassment. As long as they do not divide their troops to chase them, they can ensure that they will not fall into ambush.

The cavalry of Zhao Zixiong and Pan Yuanshao were already in place and were waiting for the arrival of the Tatars at the Qingjiang Ferry.

At this moment, they were anxiously waiting for the messenger of Bian Yuanheng's naval army.

"Reported, the young man came back from Gaoyou Mansion. My elder brother said he agreed to our combat deployment, but he had to ensure that the principles set by my elder brother should not be head-on, and he would only take advantage of the advantages and not suffer losses." said a soldier who came back hurriedly.

"Well, did you say something else? Can you mention the navy?" Zhao Zixiong asked.

"It's been mentioned, but the navy has transported coal. The eldest brother cannot contact you for the time being." The soldier said: "Also, the eldest brother said that even if the navy participates in the war, it can only destroy the other party's ships and is strictly prohibited from shooting on the shore."

Zhao Zixiong nodded: "I understand."

If you use the scattered fireworks, you can consume a lot of Tartars who are preparing to board the boat. Unfortunately, the terrain is limited, so you can't do it rudely!

"Send additional personnel. Once the navy is discovered, ask for help immediately!"

Several people showed concern in their eyes. This morning, they suddenly found that there were traces of Taurus cavalry on the other side. It seemed that the Tartars must have accelerated their march and rushed to the ferry. If nothing unexpected happens, the Tartars will definitely look for ships and cross the Yellow River in the past few days.

At most two days, if you can't contact the navy, you have to retreat. Go back to the vicinity of Gaoyou Mansion and wait for an opportunity to attack the Tartars from the back when they attacked the city.

"Reported, important situation was discovered." Another scout hurried in.

Important situation? Everyone's faces sternly. Pan Yuanshao looked closely and saw that this scout was the most capable general under his command. Looking at his solemn look, was there anything big of a deal?

"Zhao Shan, what did you find?" Pan Yuanshao asked.

"I came back from Taoyuan and found that the Tartars had crossed the Yellow River." Zhao Shan said.

What? The Tartars have crossed the Yellow River? Or are they from Taoyuan? Everyone was stunned.

Taoyuan is located more than 200 miles upstream of the Qingjiang Ferry. It was originally expected that the Tartars would go south most directly and cross the Yellow River from the Qingjiang Ferry. Unexpectedly, the Tartars turned a corner and crossed the Yellow River from the upstream?

Zhao Zixiong frowned and asked, "Did you see clearly how many Tartars have crossed the Yellow River?"

"The Tartars are very vigilant. I didn't dare to get too close. However, looking at that, there were at least tens of thousands of people crossing the Yellow River from Siyang on the other side. I was afraid of delaying the situation, so I quickly whipped back and exhausted a war horse." Zhao Shan said.

Tens of thousands of people? Zhao Zixiong knew that he had been waiting in vain these days.

The Tartars' move was indeed ruthless. If Zhao Shan hadn't discovered them, maybe these people of his own would have been surrounded by the Qingjiang Ferry. No wonder there were Tartars guarding the other side, but none of them came here to see each other across the Yellow River. It turned out that they were waiting for Tartars here!

"It seems that we have to withdraw." Zhao Zixiong said.

"Retreat? Then we have been in vain these days?" said Qianhu, "Sir, let's wait a little longer, maybe we will wait for the opportunity."

Pan Yuanshao also said: "Yes, although there are tens of thousands of Tartars, aren't the Tartar army still tricked by us? We will find opportunities. If we retreat, there will be no chance."

"No," Zhao Zixiong said firmly: "These tens of thousands of Tartars are coming for us. The plan we originally made was to attack. When the Tartars sent people to the shore, we would kill their vanguard. However, the Tartars clearly realized this danger. The Tartars had sent people to cross the Yellow River from the upper reaches and were rushing towards this side. On the other side, the Tartars had arrived, but did not cross the river immediately. I'm afraid they were waiting for these Tartars."

"Then we will kill these Tartars." said a thousand households.

"No, we only have a few thousand people. It's okay to bother each other, but if we really eat these tens of thousands of Tartars, we don't have that ability and will expose our strength."

"We buried the remaining gunpowder here. When the Tartars came, we bombed them into the sky, and the ferry was still ours."

"Not even more, what should I do if the Yellow River breaks its dam?"

Zhao Zixiong said patiently that he knew that the people under him were not disobeying. They were just unwilling to accept it and prepared to deal with the Tartars this time. As a result, they were about to leave before they could work, and they felt uncomfortable.

"I know everyone's ideas, but our mission is to harass the Tartars, not to fight against the Tartars. The soldiers are all good. We have to find fighters and adapt to the situation. The Tartars have crossed the river and there are still tens of thousands of people. They are responding to the opposite shore. If we do not withdraw, even if we can eliminate these Tartars, we will suffer great losses. At that time, who will have the face to see the elder brother? When we return to Gaoyou Mansion, we still have battles to fight. Tell the soldiers that if we keep their bullets, we should prepare for the Tartars!" Zhao Zixiong said.

Everyone was silent. They knew that this time it was completely useless.

The battlefield situation changed rapidly. As a commander, Zhao Zixiong was very qualified. He withdrew from this opportunity that could have severely damaged the Tartars because the Tartars were already prepared.
To be continued...