Moma Liangshan

Chapter 238 Military Review and Reorganization for Another Battle

Wanyan Zongwang was no fool. He said, "It's getting late, and it's not advisable to launch a full-scale attack. How about we fight again tomorrow?" Wanyan Zonggan was slightly surprised, but then said, "That's fine too!" The two remained silent, creating an awkward atmosphere. Wanyan Zonggan then said, "Then I'll go back and prepare the troops for battle!" Wanyan Zongwang replied, "Thank you for your help, Your Majesty!" Wanyan Zonggan smiled and said, "We're brothers, why stand on ceremony?" With that, he turned and left.

After Wanyan Zonggan left, Wanyan Zongwang immediately summoned his trusted aide and ordered, "Take men and collect timber immediately. Tomorrow I need to bind the timber to make a bridge." The aide nodded repeatedly and then asked, "How much do you think is appropriate, sir?" Wanyan Zongwang pointed to the trench ahead and said, "I want to use the timber you collect to completely cover the trench!" The aide glanced at him unconsciously, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he didn't dare to ask further and replied, "I will do it immediately!"

The Jurchen army of 60,000 suffered a crushing defeat, greatly boosting the morale of the allied forces. When the Jurchens had retreated a hundred paces, the Khitan soldiers had already begun to cheer. Yelü Dashi remained calm, silently watching the enemy retreat. A moment later, Xiao Yu arrived and said, "General Dashi's command was skillful, his advances and retreats measured; truly a divine man!" Yelü Dashi gave a wry smile and said, "Although the enemy suffered an initial setback, their strength is not yet diminished; tomorrow will surely bring a fierce battle!" Xiao Yu sighed slightly and said, "The disparity in strength is too great. If the tribal armies do not come to our aid, it will be too difficult for us to win alone!"

Yelü Dashi looked at Wang Hao and the Shu princess on the high platform and said, "That Duke of Bohai from Song is indeed no ordinary person. He deserves half the credit for today's victory!" Xiao Yu was somewhat puzzled and said, "This victory was won by tens of thousands of us who risked our lives. Why should he claim half the credit?" Yelü Dashi said, "Firstly, I am not the commander-in-chief of the allied forces, but the Duke of Bohai was able to get Her Highness the princess to hand over command of the army without reservation, which is extraordinary. Secondly, his trench strategy was a timely help, giving our army a real advantage. Thirdly, by standing on the high platform with Her Highness the princess, he seemed to be watching from the sidelines, but in reality, he was maximizing the stability of the army's morale!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu nodded repeatedly and said, "After seeing Her Highness the Princess's bright red cloak, my soldiers' pre-battle anxiety and panic vanished, and they vowed to fight the enemy to the bitter end!" Yelü Dashi nodded slightly and said, "If Her Highness hadn't been standing on the viewing platform, but had instead gathered with you and me, then the outcome of today's battle would have been uncertain!"

As the Jurchens gradually disappeared into the distance, the Shu princess and Wang Hao descended the platform together to reunite with the others. Overjoyed with their initial victory, everyone was jubilant. The Shu princess spoke first, saying, "The victory in this initial battle is a testament to the great contributions of all the generals and soldiers, but if we were to rank the greatest credit, it would undoubtedly go to Yelü Dashi!" Yelü Dashi was already renowned, and with today's triumph, no one could dispute his merit. However, Yelü Dashi looked at Wang Hao and said, "Looking at the Duke of Bohai now, I can't help but think of an era, a figure, and a place!" Yelü Dashi's sudden remark made the Shu princess even more curious than Wang Hao, and she asked, "Who?" Yelü Dashi said, "Zhou Yu of the Three Kingdoms at the Battle of Red Cliffs!" The Shu princess was very clever and said, "With a few words, the enemy's ships and towers were reduced to ashes!" Yelü Dashi nodded in agreement and said, "The Duke of Bohai's talent is comparable even to Zhou Yu if he were alive!" Wang Hao shook his head helplessly and said, "I have another suggestion!" Yelü Dashi immediately said, "Please enlighten me, Duke of Bohai!" Wang Hao said, "Send some food and water to the Jurchens in the trenches, don't let them die like this!" Xiao Shanbie immediately echoed, "Yes! Yes! As long as these people are alive, those Jurchens outside can only watch helplessly!"

No one could fully predict how the battle would unfold. On the morning of the second day, the 60,000-strong Jurchen army spread out in full force, preparing to launch an attack on the east and north sides of the allied camp. According to the agreement between Wanyan Zongwang and Wanyan Zonggan, the Sanhe army would attack first from the east to draw the main force of the Liao army, while the Pituo army would take advantage of the situation to break through the enemy's northern defense line in one fell swoop.

Having learned from Wanyan Zongwang's mistake, the Sanhe Army decisively adopted a steady and methodical strategy. Under the cover of shield carts, baskets of earth were filled into the trenches. Catapults from both sides exchanged fire, resulting in casualties on both sides. This was the beginning of a fierce battle, where even the most cunning schemes and tricks would have little effect. On the eastern front was Xiao Yu's defense zone, where 20,000 Yunzhong troops stood ready, prepared for close combat at any moment.

On the Jurchen side, upon receiving news of the Sanhe army's attack, Wanyan Zongwang immediately ordered, "The entire army will launch an attack in half an hour!" His confidant, puzzled, asked, "According to the agreement with the Crown Prince, we should have launched the attack in an hour!" Wanyan Zongwang smiled wryly and said, "If the Sanhe army can fight with increasing ferocity, an hour later would indeed be the best time for our army to attack. But how could my elder brother's mind be so simple? When we truly engage in close combat, I'm afraid his offensive won't be so fierce!" The confidant seemed to understand and replied, "Your subordinate will immediately go to prepare for battle!"

Wanyan Zonggan's Sanhe Army was primarily composed of Donghu people from the Greater Khingan Mountains. Although Wanyan Aguda officially classified them as Jurchens, they were essentially subordinate tribes. Among Wanyan Aguda's many sons, Wanyan Zonggan was the eldest, but born out of wedlock. Furthermore, Wanyan Wugumai was the recognized first in line to the throne, thus Wanyan Zonggan's status was insufficient to place him among the top ten. Wanyan Aguda, Wanyan Wugumai, Wanyan Gao, and Wanyan Sagai formed the true decision-making body, and among the Jurchen's seven main military forces, the Sanhe Army's overall strength was at best average. However, Wanyan Zonggan was a man unwilling to accept the status quo, making these 30,000 troops his most prized possession, one he dared not lose.

Wanyan Zongwang did not believe that the Sanhe army would launch a real offensive, so he prepared to go all out from the beginning of the war.

Yelü Dashi knew that Xiao Yu was no incompetent man, but the Jurchens were coming on strong, and it was difficult to estimate how long the eastern defense line could hold out! However, based on the battles of the past few days and the news from the scouts, Yelü Dashi was very clear that the truly terrifying enemy was the Pituo army before him. Although the Sanhe army also had 30,000 men, they had not experienced many major battles, while the Pituo army was indeed one of the main forces of Wanyan Aguda at the beginning of his uprising, and could be described as well-trained and battle-hardened!

When Wanyan Zongwang gave the order to attack, hundreds of shield carts rolled forward, but what lay behind them was completely invisible.

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