Chapter 3326 Who are you
Before the real battle begins, there will be more or less tentative attacks.
It will not invest large-scale troops, but it will focus on testing the opponent''s strength.
??Just like the chess pieces on the chessboard, it is impossible to just throw the general of the Chinese army out from the beginning, whether it is a general or a king, to fight in a one-on-one battle?
Five miles away from the trench of Cao Jun''s camp, Xu Chu set up a crab formation.
??If it were changed to the description of the formation in later commentaries, it would probably belong to the "Two Dragons Emerging from the Water Formation"...
Because the left and right wings are all cavalry, each is equipped with a cavalry general as the main general, two cavalry generals as auxiliary, each with a thousand cavalry, and the center has two thousand infantry as the central formation commanded by Xu Chu, and in the middle There are also a thousand cavalry in reserve behind the formation.
The cavalry on the left and right are like the open pincers of a crab, showing a state of both offense and defense. They can not only attack the opponent''s array head-on, but also look for opportunities to penetrate the enemy''s flanks and disrupt the enemy''s rear line.
?? And Cao Jun also showed his style as a strong infantry soldier in the Central Plains, at least on the surface it didn''t look bad at all.
?At the same time that Xu Chu formed the formation, Cao Jun also built a simple plank bridge over the trench and formed a formation on the open ground in front of the trench...
Xu Chu looked at Cao Jun''s formation carefully, touched his chin, and smacked his lips, "Hey, that''s interesting." 』
At this moment, both sides are just setting up formations, and there are no specific offensive arrangements. Therefore, the generals of each branch of both sides are beside the main general, and then they will gradually go to each department to lead the battle in the subsequent battle process.
The leaders of both sides probably have the cards in their hands before they play them for the first time, but once they are played, it is relatively difficult to change the array or other tactics.
In a fierce battle, the team fighting with the opponent may not be able to see the signal flags transmitted by the central main formation, nor may they be able to hear the sound of horns and drums in time, so the secondary command will not only have a high delay, There is also the possibility of erroneous reactions.
?For example, when the military commanders on the front line are overly angry or injured and confused, the troops appear to be completely contrary to the central orders...
The first time both sides play their cards often determines at least 50% to 60% of the outcome of the war.
Therefore, as soon as Xu Chu opened his mouth, he naturally attracted the attention of Li Li and others beside Xu Chu.
?Li Li failed to block Cao Jun''s cavalry yesterday.
This is not a strange thing, because Cao''s cavalry all know how powerful the hussar is, and even though Li Li used the soil **** to block the movement in the initial stage, as soon as the war horse started running on the loess plateau landform, the yellow hustle was raised. Dust can''t be controlled no matter what.
However, it cannot be regarded as Li Li''s trip in vain. It was precisely because Li Li led the cavalry to outflank and intercept Cao Cao''s cavalry that they were forced to retreat, allowing Xu Chu and others to clean up some of the troops in the formation area. Obstacles and traps.
Cao Jun did learn a lot of "bad things"...
The loess terrain is very suitable for digging small traps with pits when the weather is dry.
?These simple traps will basically not cause any major problems if the war horse walks slowly. Even if they are stepped on, there will be no danger. Only after the war horse starts running, will it cause great harm. This is a similar concept to people spraining their feet when walking and falling while running.
??There are also some sporadic iron caltrops scattered among the grass and shrubs, or snagging ropes pulled on short tree stumps, etc. Anyway, Cao Jun''s main focus is that not every trap can trap the hussars, but as long as one works, then there is no loss.
So Xu Chu''s current forward battle is not only a display of strength and competition between soldiers, but also a way to clear a suitable area for the subsequent battle.
Li Li also followed Xu Chu''s gaze and stared at the Cao Jun infantry in formation, "General, what''s the problem with this Cao Jun...?" 』
Xu Chu didn''t mean to hide his secrets. He pointed at the Cao Jun infantry array and said, "Look carefully... Cao Jun''s infantry came out from the camp, and the formation was not scattered... This means that the array had probably been adjusted in the camp last night." , and now we just move forward..."
For the formation, some were temporarily assembled, and some were naturally prepared in advance.
Xu Chu observed Cao''s army''s current formation, which was one that had been prepared in advance. In the middle of the night, he adjusted the formation in the open space in the formation, and then went out to fight according to the original formation.
This method naturally has its benefits.
Everyone knows that as long as there are more people, there will inevitably be those guys who "get into trouble" with others no matter what. And in a queue of thousands of people like this, if there are just a few who don''t get along, big problems will arise. , and by arranging the queue in advance, the formation will look particularly neat and tidy, giving it a more well-trained feel.
The key is smoke.
If it was a temporary assembly, Cao''s army should have gathered in front of the formation from different places in the camp. Then, although the camp was covered by the walls of the camp, it should be filled with smoke and dust. However, it is obvious that the only place where the smoke and dust of Cao''s army is floating is in front of the camp. This small area…
Hearing Xu Chu describe the situation of Cao Jun, Li Li reacted and said: "General, you mean these Cao Jun are not as well-trained as they seem?" Is it just an act? 』
Xu Chu nodded, but added: "Whether it is just pretending or not, you have to try it to know." Are you all ready? 』
Li Li and others responded in unison, "Everything is ready!" 』
Xu Chu turned back to look at the low and widespread smoke rising from Cao Jun, "According to yesterday''s arrangement, the two wings will conduct a trial attack first!" Right first, then left! The Chinese rear army will make a decision based on the battlefield situation! No trespassing is allowed in areas that have not been cleared! Always pay attention to the changes in Cao Jun’s camp! I wanted to catch Cao Jun''s **** yesterday, don''t be caught by Cao Jun as a **** today! Say it again! Be careful of Cao Jun’s trap! Do you understand? ! 』
"Understood! 』
Xu Chu waved his arms, "Marquis Li Jun!" If you have a chance, try the new tactics you mentioned! But don’t force it! Okay, pass on my general order! Attack one after another! 』
…
…
Cao Jun array.
Infantry is different from cavalry. The cavalry is spread out widely, but the infantry is tightly clustered together.
Soldiers and soldiers rely on and support each other.
? ? Shields connected with each other to form a shield wall, and spears were arranged to form a dense forest.
?Humbled human voices echoed one after another behind the shields and spears.
『Damn it, if you don’t have enough to eat, you still have to fight…』
『I have stayed up most of the night, and I have to stay up now! 』
『The opposite side is a hussar...』
『Damn it, if I die, I don’t know what will happen to the mother-in-law at home? ! 』
『Don’t worry! She must have used your pension to find a young man! 』
"Ha ha…"
『Fuck you to death! Old thieves! 』
‘Anyway, I can eat enough for myself, so the whole family won’t have to worry about it! 』
…But damn, I’m not full now…”
『Well…also…』
In the midst of the formation of Cao''s soldiers, there suddenly fell silence.
?So since they didn’t have enough to eat and stayed up until midnight, what kind of power did these Cao soldiers dare to leave the camp to meet the enemy?
If you raise your gaze, for example like a **** looking down at an angle of 45 degrees, you will find that behind the exposed military formation of Cao Jun, under the cover of the camp wall, there is a whole row of hurled stones. car…
? ? Even though the manufacturing process of the simple catapult was hasty and there is still a lot of bark on the thick catapult arm that has not been cleaned off, this does not prevent these guys from becoming a murderous weapon. The thick wooden catapult arm is the core component of the trebuchet. One end is loaded with stones or other projectiles, and the other end is fixed on the axis of the catapult. The projecting arms that didn''t even have time to be polished show that these guys were rushed out during this period of time and were not completely dried in the shade. The projecting arms were not painted or wrapped with hemp rope. The durability and toughness of the projecting arms will be compromised. Big problem, I don’t know how many times it has been used.
This is even more unreliable than buying second-hand computers from second-hand dealers in later generations.
But the only thing that can be certain is that the original strength of the original wood is still sufficient.
??And these trebuchets did not seem to be prepared for secondary use, because the wheels that were supposed to be on the base were not installed at all, but were replaced with a thicker wooden structure.
The thrown leather bags are now lying limply on the ground, and beside the leather bags, rows of trembling civilians are standing, waiting for orders.
?Each catapult is manned by a group of soldiers, holding a small red flag and looking up in the direction of the high platform of the central army. Under the projecting arm of the trebuchet, there are three or four people responsible for adjusting the direction of the projecting arm...
??Although the accuracy of this thing is purely random, the huge rocks falling from the sky have a huge impact on the enemy''s morale. And when there are too many, a blind cat can always encounter a few dead mice.
?Cao Hong had a sullen face as he described the hussars in the distance.
Beside him are the soldiers and horses leading the army.
Have horses.
?Hmm, that''s right, it''s not Cao Hong''s original private troops, but the central and leading troops that Cao Cao later added to him.
Not only did Cao Hong lose his son, Cao Hong''s own troops and private soldiers also suffered heavy casualties in the battle with the Hussars.
For the generals of Shandong, the directly subordinate tribes and private soldiers were not only a symbol of their power, but also the key to maintaining their status, expanding their influence and ensuring their survival in times of chaos.
It would be a big mistake to just regard their private soldiers as tools that can only be used on the battlefield. Because of the political system in Shandong, the private soldiers of these generals have nothing to do except undertake combat tasks. In addition, he will also become an instructor for recruit training, responsible for regular tactics and weapons use training for counties, or other newly recruited soldiers, to improve the overall combat capabilities of the troops and their ability to respond to emergencies. At the same time, he is also the "gendarme" within the army, maintaining the internal order of the army and reducing internal conflicts. Well, mainly to reduce the number of people who cause problems.
In addition, generals can use private soldiers to build a huge interest system openly and openly, and through marriage, adoption and other means, they can establish closer family or blood relationships with key figures in the tribe and enhance the relationship between individuals. Trust and loyalty. Provide material rewards, such as money, land, etc., as well as high-level positions and promotion opportunities to the subordinates and private soldiers who perform well. This can easily enhance the loyalty and sense of belonging of the private soldiers to the generals.
Therefore, in non-war times, these private soldiers will also become the link between generals and local gentry and powerful gentry, or form alliances with other generals, and advance and retreat together at certain times...
Anyway, this thing has many benefits, and the only way to use it is to use it with one heart.
?Of course, like many other political systems in Shandong, the benefits are private, what are the disadvantages...
Cao Hong''s original private armies were very large and effective, allowing him to control the huge army through his private armies. However, as the number of casualties increased, the newly added central leaders still needed some time to understand and integrate. , can the original level of tacit understanding be achieved, so the command effectiveness that Cao Hong can exert at the moment is actually compromised to a certain extent.
Just like the current forward battle, if it had been before, Cao Hong would not have used such rigid tactics and asked Cao''s soldiers to start gathering in formation at midnight. After all, if Xu Chu did not come the next day, wouldn''t it be in vain?
But Cao Hong''s many years of combat experience helped him.
So he bet that Xu Chu would immediately launch a tentative attack after clearing the traps on the side of Cao Jun''s camp.
In fact, at this moment, or perhaps at an earlier point in time, the offensive and defensive situation between Fei Qian and Cao Cao has been reversed...
At the beginning, Cao Cao was very aggressive and led his soldiers and horses in several directions to besiege Guanzhong. However, now he has formed a joint camp in Anyi and built a huge military fortification to resist the attack of the Hussars.
The key is that this time when Shandong attacked Guanzhong, Cao''s army was fully mobilized.
Under the fierce battle, not only the generals were worried about their own private soldiers, but also the gentry and gentry in the rear were also desperately trying to ensure their own food, causing Cao''s army''s supply to become even more tense.
Fortunately, Cao Cao had anticipated this situation and allocated some more food and grass beforehand. Later, when he saw that the situation was not good, he quickly abandoned some of the population. After adding and subtracting, he was barely able to survive until now.
But it’s also very dangerous…
??If the Hussars delay for a while, then Cao Jun will conquer Anyi and withdraw immediately after receiving reinforcements.
But the Cavalry arrived at this point!
It’s good to come!
Cao Hong gritted his teeth and said, "Instruct all ministries to prepare for battle according to the original plan!" Notify the entire army! Those who have merit must be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes must be punished! If anyone holds back the whole army, be careful of your own head! 』
?The leading soldiers beside Cao Hong responded loudly and immediately rushed to the trebuchet arrays in various parts of the military camp and the infantry lines in front of the camp to convey the order.
…
…
??Cao Jun''s messengers carried the recognition flag on their backs, shouted and passed Cao Hong''s orders, and rode past.
??The yellow dust kicked out by the hoofs of the war horses flew up with the wind, curled up and flew towards Bao Zhong''s face.
Bao Zhong seemed to be in a trance and did not dodge. He was suddenly choked by the dust and coughed twice. Then he raised his eyes and saw the messenger carrying Cao Jun''s flag running past in the distance. He only heard the leading messenger in the center. Loudly encouraging Cao Jun''s soldiers in the infantry line to cheer them up.
Bao Zhong couldn''t help but sigh softly.
At this time, a voice suddenly came from beside Bao Zhong, "The war is about to begin, and General Bao is actually sighing at this time... If the Prime Minister finds out, then... it won''t be good..."
??This voice was very small, but it was like a sharp blade, which suddenly hit Bao Zhonghou''s heart, making his hair stand on end!
??Bao Zhong quickly turned his head to look, only to see the people standing behind him were the Heluo surrender troops who had been assigned and replenished two days ago.
Bao Zhong, like Cao Hong, suffered serious losses in his bodyguards and troops.
Moreover, Bao Zhong''s son was seriously injured during the attack on Anyi. Although other military generals blamed Bao Zhong for not conquering Anyi in time, Cao Cao did not go along with the situation and punish Bao Zhong for this. Added some troops and soldiers to Bao Zhong.
?Of course, those who supplement Bao Zhong will definitely not be the elite central leaders and central guards of Cao''s army.
So the soldiers who surrendered under the Yang family in Heluo came to Bao Zhong''s command.
??This person''s surname comes from his given name. He smiles all day long. He greets everyone he sees with a smile, which is not annoying. At first, Bao Zhong kept him by his side. On the one hand, Bao Zhong''s own soldiers were indeed severely damaged. If he brought his own private soldiers into battle this time, it would be impossible to lose all of them here. How much would it be? Need to save some seeds…
?Hmm, this is very Shandong style. No matter civil or military, they all need some seeds.
Another reason is that Bao Zhong''s son was seriously injured and is currently being treated in the back camp and needs manpower to take care of him. Moreover, Bao Zhong was also thinking in his mind that if something really happened and the army was defeated, if there were no people around his son and he was seriously injured, then he would really be like meat on the chopping board!
So this time when he left the camp to fight against the hussar vanguard, Bao Zhong only brought a few personal guards, and the rest were replaced by these newly deployed Heluo soldiers. At the same time, because this guy was the leader of this group of surrendering soldiers, he deliberately stayed by his side. However, he didn''t expect that when the battle came, he suddenly heard such a sentence said by him!
?Bao Zhong''s personal guard on the side heard this and wanted to step forward to twist Li Cheng, but was stopped by Bao Zhong.
?At this point, even if you twist it, it will lead to riots!
??If a little bit of mishandling happens, Cao Hong''s war-fighting sword can just cut it down with one slash!
?Perhaps it is precisely because he is aware of this that this guy is so bold.
??Bao Zhong squinted his eyes and stared at Qiu, "You... you''d better make it clear... what did you mean by what you just said?" 』
Bao Zhong''s voice was also very low, as if it was squeezed out of his throat.
Jieng raised his eyebrows slightly, but still had a smile on his face, as if he had a smile mask that stayed on his face all day long. No one knew what the expression was under the mask. "General Bao, logically speaking, your son is seriously injured now, and he has a grudge against the hussar... But, in a war, swords and guns have no eyesight. The real grudge is not you and me, it''s just a matter of loyalty to the emperor..."
…” Bao Zhong frowned and remained silent.
??In the array of Cao''s army, various sounds came and went, and war drums roared. From a slightly farther distance, there was a lot of noise, and he couldn''t hear anything clearly. So in the end, Bao Zhong didn''t hold back and asked directly: "Who are you?" 』
(End of this chapter)