bookcurios Chapter 280: Delaying military operations?
Chapter 280: Delaying military operations?
At this time, on the south bank of Ling River, a new batch of reinforcements of Chen’s army had arrived at the shore and began to arrange riverside defenses.
Compared with Yan State, Chen State obviously did not have many naval forces to stop the Yan army, so they could only set up defenses on the south bank of Ling River to prevent the Yan army from suddenly crossing the river.
Now that the two countries have gone to war again, the so-called peace agreement has become a piece of waste paper.
The State of Yan has officially declared war on the State of Chen, but there has still been no fighting along the entire border.
At this moment, facing the Chen army's continuous reinforcement of defenses on the south bank, Chen Xiu was extremely anxious.
But Jiang Zuo was still unhurried at this time, observing the other side of the river with a telescope.
The court had already received the emperor's order, and could launch an attack on the State of Chen at any time.
The final command of this southern expedition is in the hands of Jiang Zuo. Chen Xiu also has a certain degree of command, but the emperor has previously ordered that Chen Xiu and Jiang Zuo must discuss it at the same time before they can launch an attack.
Now the Huainan Army led by Chen Xiu is eager to cross the river and head south to launch an offensive as soon as possible.
If an army of hundreds of thousands were to delay for even a day, the amount of food and grass consumed would be enormous.
"Your cannons have all been loaded onto the ship. We can launch a surprise attack tonight."
Chen Xiu came to Jiang Zuo again and tried to persuade him.
But Jiang Zuo still said: "The night is too dark, it is not conducive for our army to cross the river, let's wait for another two days."
Jiang Zuo was going to use 40 cannons for this crossing, but if it was dark, it would be hard to see the enemy's position. And if they had to cross the river in the dark, it would be hard to distinguish between the enemy and us, so they couldn't use firepower to carry out precise strikes in the first place.
Moreover, the main reason for waiting for another two days is that the artillery shells and gunpowder in the rear have not yet been fully delivered. Although the cannons have arrived, the current amount of ammunition is not enough to inflict a major blow to the enemy.
The more reinforcements there are from the other side, the less tense Jiangzuo is.
The so-called advantage in military strength is completely insignificant compared to the firepower advantage of the Anding Army.
"What? Wouldn't it be better for us to cross the river after dark? Last time you said we would wait for three days, why is it another two days? If this continues, the Chen army will have built fortifications. If our army forces a crossing, we will be in a completely disadvantageous position."
Chen Xiu couldn't understand Jiang Zuo's thinking at all.
But Jiang Zuo still looked calm, and said calmly: "Master Jiu, calm down, trust my judgment, there will be heavy fog in the early morning of two days."
"Are you so sure?"
Chen Xiu didn't understand.
Jiang Zuo added: "When the fog arrives, our Anding Army will launch the first wave of offensive. At that time, the Huainan Army will be required to prepare in the rear and cross the river at any time."
Chen Xiu frowned and said, "You want the Anding Army to lead the charge, but the Anding Army only has more than 3,000 people."
In his opinion, although the Anding Army had many new weapons, its manpower was too small. Compared with the tens of thousands of defenders on the other side, the Anding Army might not be able to break through the enemy's defense line at all.
Jiang Zuo still insisted on his point of view and said: "Let the Huainan Army at the ferry be ready at any time. In the early morning of two days, we will launch a river crossing attack."
At this moment, there were many generals of the Huainan Army behind Chen Xiu. When they heard Jiang Zuo's words, they were immediately displeased.
Instead of attacking when there were so many opportunities before, the attack was delayed until two days later.
Looking at Jiang Zuo's persistent expression, Chen Xiu couldn't dissuade him.
Although he is the Ninth Prince and the main person in charge of this southern expedition, all decision-making power is still in Jiang Zuo's hands.
As long as Jiang Zuo does not make a fatal mistake, Chen Xiu cannot object.
Ever since he got to know Jiang Zuo, Chen Xiu was convinced that the person His Majesty trusted would definitely not be a mediocre person.
Even if Chen Xiu does not agree with Jiang Zuo's plan now, in order to maintain the unity of the army, he will definitely not argue with Jiang Zuo in person.
"My Lord, there is urgent news."
At this time, Huainan Army Deputy General Su Yingrui came to Chen Xiu and leaned over to report: "Your Majesty, our army has launched a feint attack in the direction of Changzhou City, and the main force of the enemy is gathering towards Changzhou."
Hearing this, Chen Xiu became even more anxious.
Since a feint attack has been launched in the direction of Changzhou City at this moment, Chen Jun's attention must be on Changzhou City, and there are no extra troops to defend other areas. This is the best opportunity to cross the river and head south.
If we miss this opportunity again, we will definitely miss the military opportunity and delay the entire war. Chen Xiu doesn't know how to explain to His Majesty.
"Jiang Zuo, what do you think?"
Chen Xiu had a complicated expression and turned to look at Jiang Zuo.
But Jiang Zuo still had a calm face and said in a calm tone: "Very good, continue the feint attack, create more illusions, confuse the enemy, and tie up the enemy's forces. The Chen army does not have many troops at hand now. If we wait any longer, they will definitely be exhausted."
Chen Xiu said: "That's not what I mean. Now that Changzhou City has started to move, we must also cooperate. Otherwise, the enemy will definitely discover our plan."
"No, you guys prepare well first. We will launch the attack in two days. I will go check the status of the weapons first."
Having said that, Jiang Zuo left.
Looking at Jiang Zuo's leaving figure, Chen Xiu felt a little helpless.
The Huainan Army general beside him also frowned.
"Your Majesty, do we really have to obey the orders of Inspector Jiang?"
Someone said, obviously confused by Jiang Zuo's order.
"Three days and another three days, and he is still so indecisive. Does this Jiang Patrolman understand military affairs?"
Some generals in the Huainan army raised questions about Jiangzuo.
Generals like them, who came from a professional military background, actually looked down on the Jiangzuo people who came from a civil service background.
However, Jiang Zuo, as the supreme commander of this southern expedition, has the highest command authority. Even though the Ninth Prince Chen Xiu is there, he was only sent by His Majesty to assist Jiang Zuo.
Since Chen Xiu did not oppose Jiang Zuo in person, the generals of the Huainan Army naturally would not have any opinions about Jiang Zuo. They could only complain to the Ninth Prince in secret.
At this moment, Chen Xiu was as anxious as their group of generals, but in this situation, he could only choose to trust Jiang Zuo.
What he was more curious about was what kind of weapon Jiang Zuo had been preparing for so many days?
With this time to prepare, perhaps they would have already crossed the Ling River and started to attack the State of Chen from the south.
The progress of the southern expedition was obviously much faster than planned.
I still remember that Jiangzuo once made a lofty ambition to march south and destroy the State of Chen within two months. But now, several months have passed, and the army of Yan has not even set foot in the State of Chen, let alone recover the three states in the east of the lake.
"Your Majesty, why don't we report this to the Emperor?"
A general suggested.
After all, perhaps the only one who can command Jiangzuo now is the emperor.
Now the entire Huainan Army dares not speak out against Jiangzuo.
But after thinking for a moment, Chen Xiu shook his head.