Chapter 668 Before the War
Although Gu Nanxi intended to block the news, the news that Anwu County was captured by Gu Nanxi still spread.
Li Aotian had just arrived at Suining County with his troops when he received the express report. He sighed and said, "I am still a step late after all."
Suining County was a military settlement town.
After Kong Wei, the Tongpan of Henan County, arrived at Suining County with an army composed of the old, weak, sick and disabled, he had been busy reorganizing the army, and it was only in the past two days that he began to see some results.
After Kong Wei learned from Li Aotian about the current situation of Henan County and Guangde Prefecture, his heart felt like it had fallen into a frying pan and was fried crispy.
"General Li, can you thank Lord?"
Li Aotian had been traveling for many days and a look of fatigue appeared on his face.
Now that Duke Yun has taken over Anwu County, they don't have to travel in such a hurry anymore.
"Come here! Set up camp and repair on the spot!"
Li Aotian took out his treasured map and pondered for a long time: "For Henan County, we can only trust Lord Xie. Don't even think about coming back for help. The heavy snow in Henan County has blocked the roads. Even if you rush back, it will be too late. What's more, can your soldiers withstand the winter march?"
Li Aotian revealed Kong Wei's innermost thoughts in one sentence.
Kong Wei was speechless because what Li Aotian said was true.
No matter how much he cared about Henan County, he could not mobilize troops privately without the order from the government. He could only hope that Ding Ze could hold on for a few more days and wait for the reinforcements from Xie Yunzhang.
Kong Wei collected his thoughts and focused on how to resist Duke Yun and save Guangde Mansion: "Sir Li, Anwu County has fallen into the hands of Duke Yun. Which county do you think she will head to next?"
Anwu County was the water transport hub of Guangde Prefecture. Through the Jinsha River, they could easily reach the other four counties.
The charcoal basin in the tent suddenly made a slight popping sound, and the charcoal became even redder.
Li Aotian took off his armor, and his muscular body made his robe bulge out.
"Duke Yun's attack on Anwu County this time was a surprise attack, and she only used eight ships, which means that her troops did not exceed 4,000. Excluding casualties from the siege, at least 3,000 people were needed to defend Anwu County, so she only had less than 1,000 soldiers left."
In fact, it is very likely that there are less than 500 people!
Kong Wei was puzzled: "Shuozhou, Yunzhou can't send troops over?"
Li Aotian chuckled: "Do you think that soldiers who can fight are the leeks in the field? There is always another crop after you cut it. Don't forget that Duke Yun has been fighting non-stop for the past year. If it weren't for the fact that Duke Yun has great prestige in Yunzhou, someone else would probably be dragged down by these wars!"
Just like Emperor Yang of Sui, the foundation of his rule was shaken because he waged wars everywhere, which led to the damage of national strength and public resentment.
This is also one of the reasons why the current emperor always wants to take action against Duke Yun.
After Duke Yun went north for the decisive battle, everyone in the Great Zhou court thought that her strength had been weakened, and they wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to suppress her.
Unexpectedly, Duke Yun was so tough that he took over Shuozhou directly.
When everyone thought that Duke Yun was doomed, she reappeared like a corpse and took over Hezhong Prefecture!
The emperor believes that this time, Duke Yun’s troops will soon be defeated!
As a result, Duke Yun's counterattack was even more fierce. He actually fought on two fronts, attacking Guangde Prefecture and Henan County at the same time!
What is surprising is that she actually achieved such great results.
However, Li Aotian's judgment is the same as the emperor's. Duke Yun must not have many soldiers available for war.
Not to mention the huge casualties that would result from fighting so many battles in a row, just the stability of the rule over such a large territory is definitely not something that can be achieved by just talking or relying on personal prestige.
Military force, indestructible military force is the basis of rule!
Ding Ze thought for a moment, "According to this statement, Duke Yun will definitely not attack our Suining County and Jianping County."
Li Aotian nodded in agreement: "That's right! Duke Yun's intelligence is always fast, she must know that the court will send out Kyoto garrison troops. She never fights a battle she is not sure of, she will either defend Anwu County and take it step by step, or even if she has to fight, she will only choose Xuanzhen County, which has weak defenses!"
Kong Wei suddenly realized that Li Aotian's inference was too correct! He was indeed the general Longwu who was deeply trusted by the government!
The other person is indeed capable, Kong Wei is convinced.
"In your opinion, what should we do?"
Li Aotian: "Our enemy is Duke Yun, so we can't be too cautious! So we have to defend layer by layer, and we can't be reckless! Don't worry about the gains and losses of a city. If we can keep Duke Yun in Guangde Prefecture for half a year, we will be successful."
Compared with Da Zhou, Yunzhou cannot compare with Da Zhou in terms of foundation, resources or accumulation.
Li Aotian's goal is to drag Gu Nanxi into a protracted war, and rely on comprehensive strength and time to force Gu Nanxi to retreat!
By next spring, Duke Yun will have to send people to do the spring plowing, right?
She has so much extra land, how can she cultivate it all relying solely on refugees?
In every war, if there are 300,000 soldiers, 150,000 of them are civilians, most of whom are farmers.
Li Aotian absolutely did not believe that the Yunguo Guild would give up a year's spring plowing for the sake of Guangde Prefecture!
If she really gave up, that would be even better.
Yunzhou's foundation is too weak. Without spring plowing, it will be completely unable to be self-sufficient in food. By then, as long as the Great Zhou cuts off the trade route, Yunzhou will fall into crisis.
Li Aotian and Kong Wei discussed overnight how to set up a defense line to stop Duke Yun from moving south!
…
Anwu County.
Li Mingde was worried: "Godmother, are you really planning to go to Xuanzhen County with only 300 soldiers?"
Gu Nanxi's slender fingers were wrapped around the horsewhip, and she looked so relaxed, as if she was not going to attack the county town, but to enjoy the mountains and rivers.
"Anwu County is an important nail we have nailed into Guangde Prefecture. You must make sure it is firmly nailed here! We can rely on Anwu County to advance, attack and retreat, and it can also prevent Li Aotian from acting rashly."
Gu Nanxi repeatedly emphasized to Li Mingde the importance of Anwu County. Li Mingde nodded solemnly: "As long as Anwu County is here, I am here! If Anwu County dies, I die!"
Gu Nanxi smiled: "It's not that serious. If we can take it down once, we can take it down a second time! You are much more important than Anwu County."
Hearing this, Li Mingde felt warm in his heart: "Godmother, the court sent Li Aotian. Based on his understanding of you, he must know that your next step will be to attack Xuanzhen County. Otherwise, why don't you bring more soldiers?"
Li Aotian and his godmother had a romantic relationship, so he must know her better than others.
However, there are no fathers and sons on the battlefield, let alone this kind of love.
Li Mingde didn't think that his godmother would show mercy to Li Aotian because of this. He was only worried that Li Aotian would plot something!
Gu Nanxi jumped on the horse and patted Li Mingde on the head: "We don't have many people to begin with. Once I leave, some ghosts will definitely appear in Anwu County. Don't show mercy. In troubled times, we must use severe punishments!"
"Yes! I understand."
After Gu Nanxi handed over Anwu County to Li Mingde, he led three hundred soldiers towards Xuanzhen County.
At the same time, in order to motivate the soldiers, Li Aotian sent his son Li Shaoyan to Xuanzhen County!
After Li Shaoyan arrived at the county seat, he immediately took over the defense of Xuanzhen County and was ready for battle!
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