Chapter 867

Ren Fang decided to postpone the attack on Jinyang and first take the latest chapter of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng near Jinyang. He looked around at the generals on his left and right and asked: "According to the intelligence we know, how many troops are there in the garrisons of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng?"

Jin Zhuo said: "Our army has spied three times in a row, and the results are the same each time. The total number of defenders in the three cities is less than 5,000."

Nie Ze responded: "That's right! The intelligence we spied is the same."

The total number of troops in the three cities is less than 5,000. Ren Fang doesn't believe such data at all, thinking it violates common sense. He thought for a moment and said: "I decided to send 150,000 troops, divided into three routes, to attack Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng at the same time. General Nie, what do you think?"

The garrisons of the three cities are only 5,000 people. It is a bit of an exaggeration to mobilize 150,000 troops. However, considering that they have to occupy the cities after breaking them, sending 50,000 people to each city is acceptable. He nodded and said, "General Ren, I have no objection. Let's do as you say!"

"Okay!" Ren Fang took out the map, then waved to the generals and asked them to gather around. Then, he pointed at the map and said, "I will send 100,000 troops from Sichuan to take Songqiu and Taifeng. General Nie will send 50,000 troops to attack Ningding. How about that?"

Nie Ze did not answer immediately. He looked at the map and remained silent.

Ren Fang only arranged for the Zhen army to attack one city. It seemed generous, but in fact, this city was not so easy to attack.

The camp of the Sichuan-Zhen coalition was located in the south of Jinyang, while Ningding was located in the north of Jinyang. The Zhen army had to bypass Jinyang to attack Ningding, but on the way, it was easy to be intercepted by the Feng army. Even if Ningding was successfully captured, because it was too far away from the camp, once it was attacked, the camp might not be able to send troops to reinforce in time. However, Songqiu and Taifeng were different. One was located in the northwest of the camp and the other was located in the northeast of the camp. The distance was close, and it was much easier to send troops to help.

Nie Ze pondered for a long time, nodded, and said, "Since General Ren has arranged it this way, I have no objection."

"Well, at the second watch tonight, our two armies will go separately to Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng..." Ren Fang decided on the attack plan.

After leaving the central army tent, Nie Ze and his generals returned to the Zhen army camp.

On the way, the Zhen army generals expressed dissatisfaction with Ren Fang's decision. "The Sichuan army sent out 100,000 troops to attack two cities, while our army sent out 50,000 troops to attack one city. It seems that our army has taken advantage, but Ningding is more difficult to attack and defend than Songqiu and Taifeng combined. Ren Fang simply treats us as fools."

"That's right! The main force of the Feng army and Feng Wang Tang Yin are in Jinyang. Instead of attacking Jinyang, we have to attack the other three cities. Isn't this deliberately giving Tang Yin and Feng army a chance to breathe? When Pingxiang was attacked, the Feng army killed all our soldiers, but did not move a hair against the Sichuan army. I think there is a secret collusion between the Sichuan Kingdom and the Feng Kingdom!"

Hearing this, people's doubts burst out collectively, and they echoed: "Yes! This matter is indeed weird! General, Ren Fang arranged for our army to attack Ningding. Isn't it a trap?"

At this time, the Zhen army had already developed a sense of distrust towards the Sichuan army, but due to the relationship of the alliance, it was not easy to tear their faces in person.

As a general, Nie Ze's mind is not simple. If you say that Chuan and Feng are secretly colluding, he will never believe it. The reason why Feng army attacked Pingxiang but did not kill Chuan army is probably a tactic to sow discord. Its purpose is to make its own soldiers suspicious of Chuan army. As for Ren Fang's arrangement of attacking Ningding, it is even less likely to be a trap, but it is definitely true that Ren Fang has selfish motives.

Nie Ze looked at his generals and said in a deep voice: "No more nonsense. Whoever dares to talk nonsense will be punished for disturbing the morale of the army!"

Hearing this, all the generals shut their mouths, looked at each other, shook their heads and sighed.

Back to the general's tent of Zhen army, everyone sat down one after another. Qian Cheng, the general of Zhen country, intervened and saluted, and asked: "This time our army attacks Ningding, I wonder who the general will send to lead the army?"

Nie Ze didn't think of a suitable candidate in his mind. Among the generals under his command, there are many fierce generals, but few of them are smart. To attack Ningding, a general who is good at adapting to circumstances must lead the army. It is definitely not enough to rely on force and momentum alone.

While Nie Ze was thinking, one of the generals stood up and said, "General, I am willing to lead the army!"

Nie Ze looked up and saw that the person who spoke was not someone else, but Han Ba, a first-class fierce general who was famous in Zhen State.

Han Ba ​​was granted the title of Marquis of Xiaoping by King Zhen and the rank of Lieutenant General. He was born in the southern part of Zhen State and came from a humble background, but he was strong in spirit and martial arts and was hard to find an opponent. Before he joined the army, he was known as the Southern Tyrant in Zhen State. Later, he joined the army and was deeply loved and trusted by King Zhen Li Hong. He also served as Li Hong's personal guard.

Nie Ze looked at Han Ba ​​and shook his head secretly. Han Ba ​​was brave enough, but his mind was too simple and he was too easily fooled. He was not suitable for leading the army, let alone fighting Ningding. Seeing that he hesitated, Han Ba's eyes widened and he asked in a serious tone: "Does the general think that I can't take Ningding City?"

Nie Ze didn't appreciate Han Ba ​​very much, and he hated his arrogant personality relying on the king's love, but he also knew that Han Ba ​​had a bad temper. If he went against him, he might cause trouble! He smiled and said: "General Han is a general in our army. Isn't it a waste of talent to go to fight Ningding in person?"

Han Ba ​​felt very comfortable when he heard this. When he was feeling complacent, Nie Ze looked away and saw Xiao Chong, who was silent with his head down. He said: "Let General Xiao lead the troops to attack Ningding!"

In Nie Ze's eyes, Xiao Chong was a general whose military rank was far lower than his actual ability. Xiao Chong is now just an assistant general, not even a full general, but he is resourceful, knows the art of war, knows battle strategies, and is good at using troops. In addition, he chose Xiao Chong to dispel Han Ba's dissatisfaction. His intention was that to attack Ningding, only one assistant general was enough, and he would not send a lieutenant general.

really. Seeing that the person Nie Ze chose was Xiao Chong, Han Ba ​​didn't even bother to fight.

When Xiao Chong heard that Nie Ze had hit him, he hurriedly stood up, took two steps forward, knelt on one knee, and stepped in to give the order: "General, I will obey!"

"Okay, if there is nothing else to discuss, all generals should go back. Xiao Chong will stay here. I have something to explain." Nie Ze waved to everyone.

The generals left one after another, and not long after, only Nie Ze and Xiao Chong were left in the tent.

Nie Ze waved to Xiao Chong, motioning for him to sit near him, and then asked: "General Xiao, what do you think of this attack on Ningding?"

Xiao Chong pondered for a moment and whispered: "General Ren left us the most dangerous and difficult place to defend."

Nie Ze nodded secretly. He was indeed the one he had chosen. He could see the key to the matter at a glance. According to the intelligence report, Ningding's defenders only had 2,000 people. It was easy to capture Ningding, but it was not so easy to defend Ningding. Nie Ze said with a smile: "This attack on Ningding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. If the battle goes well, your military exploits will greatly increase and your position in the army will rise. But if the battle goes poorly, you will I’m afraid I’ll never get ahead in the military.”

Xiao Chong took a breath, straightened his face, and hurriedly raised his hands and said, "Thank you for the promotion, General. I will never let you down."

"Yes!" Nie Ze nodded and said, "Go back and prepare. In the second update tonight, you will lead the army to Ningding."

"yes!"

On the Zhenjun side, Nie Ze selected Xiao Chong and asked him to lead 50,000 Zhenjun to attack Ningding. On the Sichuan army side, the two generals Zhang Lan and Yu Pan were allowed to choose, each leading 50,000 Sichuan troops to attack Songqiu and Taifeng.

After nightfall, at the second watch of the day, the three armies split up and headed straight for the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng.

The reason why Ren Fang decided to send out troops at night was naturally to cover Feng Jun's eyes and ears. However, their actions were discovered in time by the hidden arrow personnel lurking near the Sichuan-Zhen coalition camp, and they immediately returned to the city to report to Tang Yin.

The Sichuan and Zhen armies left camp late at night and headed in three directions: northeast, northwest and due north. What were they doing? After hearing this, Tang Yin, who had already fallen asleep, immediately sat up, put on a coat, and asked someone to find a map and light a candle. After a closer look, he immediately understood that the Sichuan-Zhen Allied Forces had changed their tactics and gave up the attack on Jinyang. , and instead attacked Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng around Jinyang. The purpose was to trap Jinyang in them.

Realizing the enemy's intentions, Tang Yin immediately sent an order to summon Qiu Zhen and other generals in the army, asking them to come directly to his dormitory to discuss military affairs.

The order was passed on, and it didn't take long. Qiu Zhen and others hurried to Tang Yin. After arriving, they all asked: "Your Majesty, what happened?"

"I just got the news that the Sichuan and Zhen armies have sent 150,000 troops, divided into three groups, heading towards the three cities of Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng respectively." Tang Yin said expressionlessly with his eyes rolling around.

Qiu Zhen's expression changed and he said in surprise: "The enemy's targets are Songqiu, Ningding and Taifeng. If these three cities are occupied by the enemy, Jinyang will be in dire straits!"

Of course Tang Yin knew the seriousness of the matter, so he remained silent.

At this time, Lotte said: "Your Majesty, don't worry. The counties of Songqiu, Ningding, and Taifeng have respectively sent county troops and county troops as reinforcements. I think the reinforcements will almost arrive now."

Qiu Zhen said worriedly: "Relying only on local armies such as the county army and county army may not be able to withstand the regular central armies of Sichuan and Zhenzhou!"

Think about the 150,000 Zhen Army led by Li Cheng, which fought all the way from Baguan to Wancheng. The local armies in various places were no match at all. Even the Chifeng Army was completely defeated. In terms of frontal combat, our side did not have any advantage.

As soon as he finished speaking, someone at the end of the crowd echoed: "What Prime Minister Qiu said is reasonable. To use the county army and the county army to block the Central Army of Sichuan and Zhenzhou is tantamount to asking for death and destruction!"

Even though this was the case, the words were too direct. Everyone's expressions changed at the same time, and they all looked back. When people saw clearly who was speaking, their noses were almost crooked with anger.