Under the winter sun, the cold wind swept across the vast land. Although the square formations moved forward slowly, they were like huge monsters gradually devouring the distance between the two sides.
When Xiao Siwen looked back, the Liao cavalry in the rear were packing up their tents and retreating. The front army was also preparing to ride away on horseback, and everyone in the king's tent unanimously agreed to retreat to avoid a head-on battle with the Zhou infantry.
At this moment, they suddenly saw a large group of horses from the left wing rushing towards this side from afar. Yelu Jing gave an order, ordering the left wing cavalry to fight back.
As time went by, before the Zhou army advanced, the cavalry on the left wing had already engaged in battle. In the distance, men and horses were rushing back and forth, and the reflections of sharp weapons were like stars in the sea of people.
The world is so vast that shouts from afar seem to come from the void.
The Liao army mounted their horses and gradually withdrew from the battlefield. After walking a little further, the Zhou cavalry did not advance rashly. The army retreated northwest to the camp north of Zhuozhou and withdrew from the battlefield, ending the confrontation between the two armies.
Xiao Siwen and the Liao people believed that the main force of the Zhou army's infantry would rush to Zhuozhou nearby. The Zhou army's strength in Zhuozhou City would exceed 100,000, and a larger-scale confrontation between the north and the south would soon take shape.
The generals followed the Liao emperor to a village in the northern central army camp where all the people had been captured. They were all covered in dust. Neither side suffered any casualties in this battle, but the Liao army was obviously very frustrated.
By the afternoon, Yelu Xiuge and Yelu Xizhen also led their elite troops back to the Zhuozhou camp, and the Liao army's strength was regrouped and strengthened.
However, the battle of Zhuozhou still could not be fought. With more than 100,000 Zhou troops in Zhuozhou and protected by city fortifications, the Liao army could not defeat the Zhou army here. Even if they could, they could not do so desperately.
Yelu Xiuguo suggested: march westward and besiege Jinzhou
Yelu Xizhen objected, saying: The Liao Dynasty is already behind and has insufficient food and fodder. It would be better to withdraw to Youzhou first and make plans later.
Many people supported Yelu Xizhen's proposal to retreat first. This kind of war was really pointless and nothing could be gained. The attitudes of many noble tribal leaders became increasingly negative.
Xiao Siwen remained silent and did not support either side, even though he had a better relationship with Yelu Xizhen.
If we support Yelu Xizhen's proposal to withdraw first, then the Liao army's southward march this time can basically be declared over. Just by observing the attitudes of the Khitan generals around, we can understand that once they return to Youzhou, it will be difficult to inspire everyone to launch a new campaign.
However, Yelu Xiuguo advocated an immediate attack on Jinzhou. Moving the battle line eastward would require more supplies and food, and the morale was also insufficient. Xiao Siwen also doubted whether the eastward advance would be effective.
The dispute lasted only until the next day. Under pressure from the majority, Yelu Jing decided to temporarily withdraw his troops from Youzhou.
Just as Xiao Siwen expected, as soon as the tribes retreated back to Youzhou, some people began to write letters asking the main force in the north to withdraw from the Youzhou area.
Dong Zunhui arrived at the Bazhou Palace. As soon as he entered the hall, he saw a group of civil and military officials on both sides. The whole room was full of people, including Wei Renpu and other senior officials. Everyone looked at him with admiring smiles on their faces.
General Dong is the bravest among the three armies. He is truly a great man, Wei Renpu said loudly.
Finally it was his turn. Dong Zunhui was enjoying the glory of being the center of attention. In the Great Zhou, the supremacy of military force had never changed. Anyone who won fame for the country would be treated like this.
This is the center of the army, but Dong Zunhui believes that his glory and fame will soon spread throughout Tokyo.
General Dong, please come in. The emperor has been waiting for you for a long time. Wang Zhong, the eunuch beside the emperor, bowed with a smile on his face.
Dong Zunhui responded with a fist salute and strode inside.
Entering the inner house and passing through the quaint corridor, the sunlight shone in from between the pillars and sprinkled on Dong Zunhui's face. He was a little intoxicated. The warmth on his face made him feel that spring seemed to have come early.
The inner chambers of the palace were extremely quiet and peaceful, and every pore of Dong Zunhui's body exuded a sense of comfort and ease that was indescribable.
After walking into a wooden door, Dong Zunhui first saw a tall and strong figure from behind. Guo Shao was wearing a purple round-necked robe with a golden hairpin inserted in his hair. He was standing by the wall with his hands behind his back, looking up at the hanging map.
Dong Zunhui walked in and knelt on one knee. The heavy armor on his body clanged with a powerful sound. He saluted and said loudly: "I have been ordered to march north to attack the Liao army's food supply route. I have lived up to your majesty's high expectations and destroyed the Liao army's baggage train at the north entrance of Lulong Road. I am returning to report."
Guo Shao turned around, looked at Dong Zunhui with a smile, and said: "Come here, help General Dong up and take off his armor." Guo Shao said kindly, "How can you eat with me when you come to see me wearing such thick armor?"
Dong Zunhui quickly stood up.
Guo Shao said: The troops on the front line in Hebei have suffered heavy losses, so it is not appropriate to hold a big banquet to celebrate your success. I will first invite General Dong to drink alone, and when the troops return to the capital, I will hold a big banquet in Jinxiang Hall to celebrate General Dong's success.
Dong Zunhui was dizzy, and he clasped his fists and said: "First, in the lobby, the Wei deputy envoy also praised me. But I feel that I can't bear such a great honor. They are all Liao army baggage and food teams, and their guards have almost no ability to fight back against the elite cavalry of the Great Zhou. We cut melons and vegetables and burned and killed them all, circling around Youzhou, it doesn't seem to be a big battle.
Guo Shao smiled and shook his head: General Dong did a good job and played an important role in this battle, but it cannot be compared with the amount of gains he made.
Dong Zunhui hurriedly said humbly: Your Majesty, please help me solve my doubts.
Guo Shao turned his head and glanced at the map, then slowly said: The Liao army had more than 100,000 troops, but not all of them were elite troops. The combat power of each unit was different. The Liao people wanted to attack the reinforcements halfway, so they divided their troops into two places. General Dong caused heavy losses in the rear of the Liao Kingdom, which affected a large number of elite troops of the Liao army, so the Liao army divided its troops again.
Otherwise, how could Li Chuyun dare to easily dispatch troops to attack from the north
Li Chuyun attacked the northern line of Zhuozhou, where there were a large number of Liao infantry and siege troops, and the Liao people would definitely send troops to rescue
Guo Shao flicked his sleeves and said calmly: At this time, the main force of the Great Zhou infantry and cavalry may go to Zhuozhou or counterattack with momentum. It is still up to us.
Dong Zunhui hurriedly said: Your Majesty is wise and brave in planning and strategizing.
Guo Shao smiled, looking much more relaxed. After this battle, the Liao people would have to see how we react to where they attack. We lost many soldiers and generals, but we didn't gain any advantage. If they continue to stay in Zhuozhou, we won't be afraid. The Liao people still have to consider whether they will be hungry.
Dong Zunhui couldn't help but laugh along.
Guo Shao said: Now the morale of the Liao army is low and they are retreating to Youzhou. I will wait and see what they are going to do.
At this time, Wang Zhong stepped forward and said with a smile: Your Majesty, I sent the cook to cook a few dishes with the sheep sent by General Dong. Those sheep were snatched by General Dong from the Liao people.
Guo Shao raised his head and laughed: Very good, lamb and wine should taste good.