Standing on the embankment of Silver Carp Mouth Fortress, Bi Xiao's face was filled with excitement and fanaticism. Rows and rows of soldiers had begun to build fortifications at this famous fortress to prevent the enemy from destroying it. After all, the enemy still had control. With powerful water weapons, one's own water power is simply not enough to withstand the opponent's attack. The only way is to build a powerful fortification on this waterway, and then install giant catapults and powerful ballistae to block this waterway. water channel to prevent the enemy from entering the Dongting Lake area from the water. Perhaps only in this way can the coast of the Dongting Lake area, which has become our own hinterland, be protected from sudden attacks by the enemy's navy.
Looking to the south, the vast expanse of the lake is as far as the eye can see. A few hints of dark green can be seen flickering in and out of the depths of the lake. Occasionally, there are two fishing boats sailing in and out. They are the extremely famous North Dongting Islands in Dongting Lake. Together with the South Dongting Islands, they constitute the most beautiful green mountains and green waters in Dongting Lake. However, these islands are the main producing areas of Dongting Pekoe, the top-quality green tea famous in the mainland. It is said that it is only produced on these islands with the rain and fog of Dongting Lake. The tea mountains in China are the authentic origin of Dongting Pekoe, while most of the popular Pekoe in the mainland market is produced in the tea gardens along the Dongting Lake.
As the leading general of the three corps, Bi Xiao had reason to be proud. With almost no losses, he fought all the way from the border to the core of Baling. At this time, the city of Baling was probably deserted. Well, although it is located on one side of the rivers and lakes, the defense system of Baling City is not very strong. One side faces water and three sides face land, making it more like a commercial center. The developed water transportation industry and food planting industry make this place a One of the most famous rice markets in the empire, his twelfth regiment must have entered Baling City and is waiting for him to review the style of Balingfu City.
However, Bi Xiao did not let Bei's achievements get to his head. As the son of Bixili Khan, he knew the heavy responsibilities he shouldered and the image he needed to establish in the eyes of his colleagues. Any irrational move might lead to negative consequences for his subordinates. and other influences in the eyes of his colleagues, he had to be strict with himself. Although it is not yet clear what the battle situation is at Wen Ning Mansion in the east, Bi Xiao knows that as his boss, General Yan Ning is his father's most valued general, and that the Minister of State, Mr. Lei, is following him. The army of four regiments It is enough to destroy any imperial team within the territory that dares to challenge. He believes that the other party can resolve the battle in the shortest time.
"General, the Twelve Corps has come to report that they have entered Baling City and are now taking over the defense of Baling. All Tanghe troops in Baling City have evacuated, and the Twelve Corps has not come into contact with them. In addition, as of So far, the Twelve Corps has not found any enemy fleet, and no enemy fleet has been found in the rivers and lakes." A horse came galloping, stood beautifully in front of Bi Xiao, dismounted and gave a standard military salute, respectfully Report.
"Oh? Still haven't found the Tanghe people's naval fleet?" Bi Xiao frowned slightly, and his feverish joy slowly calmed down, and a cautious look appeared on his face, "You sent a search team along the waterway Have you searched?"
"Back to General, two groups of search teams have been sent to search north along the waterway, but no abnormality has been found so far." Officer Machihan who came to report did not dare to be careless at all and quickly answered.
He lowered his head and made a circle on the spot, then turned his gaze to the vast lake to the south. Bi Xiao had a headache. When he set out, General Yaning had specifically reminded himself that he must find a way to find the enemy's navy fleet. Whereabouts, although the Dongting Lake Fleet is only a river fleet and not large in scale, its role in the Five Lakes area with dense river network and numerous lakes is very important and effective. Its mobility is far more effective than its own cavalry force. Much more. Especially after our own side occupied Dongting Lake, the coastal area became an area where the enemy could harass them wantonly. The enemy could come ashore anywhere on the lakeshore at any time to launch an attack on our side. This threat would be a great threat to our defense. Prevent yourself from ruling this land.
"Well, you go back immediately and pass on my order. Your 12th Corps will send out more scout teams to step up the search of rivers, lakes and waterways. In addition, let people from the intelligence department contact our people and ask them to also mobilize to find the whereabouts of the enemy's navy fleet. As soon as you have any news, report it to me immediately!" After careful consideration, Bi Xiao finally made a decision, "Baling City will strengthen security and strictly prohibit those who violate military discipline. Anyone who violates the order will be killed. Tell your regiment commander that I will be there soon."
When the officer mounted his horse and returned, Bi Xiao immediately ordered all ministries to strengthen their alert. At the same time, he ordered a large number of search teams to be sent back to search along the shore of Dongting Lake to prevent the enemy navy fleet hiding in the lake from launching an attack on his side. At the same time, he also ordered his side to The situation was reported to the coach Yaning of the Eastern Front.
After receiving the urgent report from Tianshui, Liang Chong couldn't help being surprised. In fact, he had already received information that the Taiping Army had begun to make large-scale military adjustments in Heshuo. He had been judging whether the enemy wanted to move along the cross-river river. Should they march westward along the main road in the Shuo area, or march southward towards the Five Lakes, but judging from the current posture, it seems that the Taiping Army's purpose is to capture Tianshui. Given the situation of Tianshui's defenders, it will be quite difficult to defend Tianshui. . Sure enough, as soon as the Taiping Army took action, Situ Jun's envoy arrived.
I'm afraid it's time to make a decision on my own. How to progress to Tianshui? This problem bothers Liang Chongxin. He might have wanted to enter Tianshui based on his original intention, but now he only has the First Division in his hands, and the police force in Longdong has just been established. It is still difficult to maintain law and order in the mansion. It is unrealistic to place hope on them. Xiong Daoyuan's division was able to rush to Longdong as soon as possible, but there were only two divisions, and the necessary troops to guard Longdong had to be left behind, which was really weak. On the Xikang side, Shenei has already dispatched two regiments to garrison Sishui Ridge and Jianmen Pass respectively. Xikang Mansion only has three regiments left. Will it be difficult for him to recruit more people? On Lulong's side, there are only Mi Feng's garrison division assistants. Fortunately, the Kang Jianguo Department of the Second Division of the Nanjie Locke Corps in Merlington in the north and the Zhan Botao Division stationed in the empire have been integrated and can be reinforced at any time. Lulong, otherwise Lulong's safety would still be quite problematic, let alone the idea of garrisoning Lulong.
Liang Chongxin has never been so embarrassed. He usually prides himself on strategizing and solving all problems, but the current dilemma makes him undecided. An emergency letter for help has been sent out, but by the time Qingyang replies, it will be too late. Situ Jun has made it clear that his three divisions will completely withdraw from Tianshui within three days. If the Northwest Army If you don't take over the defense immediately, you will be responsible for all the consequences. This is really outrageous. Liang Chongxin smiled bitterly. There is such a thing in the world. He only cares about escaping for his own life, but he wants others to take care of him. But this is what he has in front of him. In one situation, if I don't make a decision immediately, Tian Shui may really have to take the surname You.
On March 26, 697 in the mainland Gregorian calendar, Liang Chongxin resolutely led more than 23,000 men of the First Division out of Longdong and entered Tianshui. They officially set foot on the land of Heshuo, 180 miles away from Tianshui in Longdong. The First Division It only took one day and one night to arrive at Tianshui City. At this time, the three divisions of the Fifth Army that had originally promised to give Liang Chongxin three days had completely evacuated Tianshui, and the local structure of Tianshui Mansion was also scattered. When it was learned that His Highness the Third Highness had already When they led three divisions to leave Tianshui and go south without a trace of the Northwest Army, almost everyone felt that they had been abandoned by the empire.
The local government officials following Situ Jun's collective escape to the south made the situation even more uncontrollable. The entire Tianshui has fallen into a state of complete anarchy. The flow of people and vehicles fleeing, and the mob taking advantage of the situation have turned the entire Tianshui into a mess. What's more, Moreover, even the police force collectively participated in the looting of Tianshui Fucheng. This has almost become a rule. Whenever a city is in crisis, the first to cause chaos must be the local government, and the person who will push the chaos to the climax must be the local government. The local police force of the city.
When Liang Chongxin's vanguard troops quickly advanced toward Tianshui, Liang Chongxin noticed the abnormality of the situation. It almost blocked the entire flow of people and vehicles on the road from Longdong to Tianshui, catching Liang Chongxin off guard and seriously hindering the marching speed of the First Division. The people fleeing for their lives could not listen to any explanation at all. Liang Chongxin had to order the troops to leave the main road and travel through the trails day and night.
After taking over Tianshui City, Liang Chongxin did not have time to breathe a sigh of relief. It took him half a day just to control the chaotic situation in the city. At this time, bloody suppression was the only effective way to solve the problem. When the intersections were filled with the heads of mobs and police soldiers who participated in looting, the whole city gradually became calm. Without hesitation, all the remaining security forces were imprisoned. Only then did Liang Chongxin have time to inspect the city's defense facilities. Situ Jun is quite benevolent. After taking control of Tianshui City, he still put a lot of effort into the city defense facilities. The strong and solid city walls have long been repaired and repaired. There are three giant catapults on each city head and a small number of fixed crossbow racks. Sometimes he stayed and let the Northwest Army work for him, but it was too late to evacuate, and they were still intact on the tower. A large number of rolling logs, broken stones, ash bottles, and even iron pots used for heating oil were neatly arranged, which made Liang Chongxin feel a little pleased.
However, this was not enough to make Liang Chongxin let go of his worries. What really made Liang Chongxin breathe a sigh of relief was when the Xiong Daoyuan Division, which was only half a day slower than the First Division, saw the dark northwest soldiers and Xiong Daoyuan's simple face appearing on the tower. At the end of the day, Liang Chongxin smiled for the first time in several days.