Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3326 Who are you?

Before the real battle begins, there will be some tentative attacks.

There will not be a large-scale deployment of troops, but the emphasis will be on testing the opponent's strength.

Just like the chess pieces on the chessboard, it is impossible to throw the main general of the central army, whether it is a general or a king, directly out for a duel?

Five miles away from the trenches of Cao's camp, Xu Chu set up a crab formation.

If it is changed to the formation description in the later storytelling, it is probably a "two dragons out of water formation"...

Because the left and right wings are all cavalry, each equipped with a cavalry general as the main general, two cavalry generals as assistants, each with a thousand cavalry, and the center is two thousand infantry as the central formation commanded by Xu Chu, and there are a thousand cavalry as a reserve behind the central formation.

The cavalry on the left and right sides, like the open claws of a crab, present a state of both offense and defense. They can not only attack the opponent's formation head-on, but also look for opportunities to penetrate the enemy's flanks and disrupt the enemy's rear line.

The Cao army also showed its style as a strong infantry in the Central Plains, at least on the surface it looked no worse.

While Xu Chu was arranging the battle array, the Cao army also built a simple wooden bridge on the trench and formed a battle array on the open ground in front of the trench...

Xu Chu looked at the Cao army's battle array carefully, touched his chin, smacked his lips, "Hey, it's interesting."

At this moment, both sides were just arranging the battle array, and there was no specific offensive deployment, so the generals of each division of both sides were beside the main general, and then they would gradually rush to each division to lead the battle in the subsequent battle process.

Before the main generals of both sides played the cards for the first time, the cards were probably in their hands, but once they were played, it would be relatively difficult to change the battle array or other tactics.

In the fierce battle, the team fighting with the other side may not be able to see the signal flag transmitted by the central main formation, nor may they be able to hear the sound of the horn and drum in time, so the secondary command will not only have a high delay, but also may have a wrong response.

For example, the commander of the military academy on the front line was too angry or injured and confused, which made the troops go in the opposite direction from the central command...

The first move of both sides 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 around Xu Chu.

Li Li failed to stop the cavalry of Cao's army yesterday.

This is not surprising, because the cavalry of Cao's army knew how powerful the cavalry was, and even if Li Li used the earth slope to cover the initial movement, the yellow dust raised by the war horses on the loess plateau terrain could not be controlled.

However, it cannot be said that Li Li's trip was in vain. It was precisely because Li Li led the cavalry to make an encirclement and interception move that forced the cavalry of Cao's army to retreat, and allowed Xu Chu and others to clear some obstacles and traps in the array area.

The Cao army did learn a lot of "bad things"...

The loess terrain is very suitable for digging some small pits in dry weather.

These simple traps would not cause any major problems if the warhorse was walking slowly, and there would be no danger even if it was stepped on. Only when the warhorse was running would it cause great harm. This is similar to people spraining their ankles when walking and falling down when running wildly.

There were also some caltrops scattered in the bushes, or tripwires pulled on low tree stumps, etc. Anyway, the main point of the Cao army is that not every trap can trap the cavalry, but as long as one works, then there is no loss.

Therefore, Xu Chu's current vanguard battle is not only a display of strength and competition between soldiers, but also to clear a suitable area for the subsequent battle.

Li Li also followed Xu Chu's gaze and stared at the Cao army infantry in formation, "General, this Cao army... is there any problem? '

Xu Chu did not mean to hide anything. He pointed at the formation of Cao's infantry and said, 'Look carefully... The formation of Cao's infantry is not scattered when they march out of the camp... This means that they probably adjusted the formation in the camp last night, and now they are advancing directly...'

For the formation, there are temporary assemblies and naturally there are also those that are prepared in advance.

Xu Chu observed that the current formation of Cao's army was the kind that was prepared in advance. In the middle of the night, the formation was adjusted in the open space in the formation, and then they went out to fight according to the original formation.

This method naturally has its advantages.

Everyone knows that as long as there are more people, there will inevitably be those who will "fight" with others. For a formation of thousands of people, if there are a few people who don't get along, there will be big problems. If the formation is arranged in advance, it will appear particularly neat when it goes out, and it will have a more well-trained flavor.

The key is smoke and dust.

If it was a temporary assembly, Cao's army should have gathered from different places in the camp to the front of the battlement. Although the camp was covered by the camp wall, there should be smoke and dust inside. However, it was obvious that the only place where Cao's army's smoke and dust was floating was the small area in front of the camp...

After listening to Xu Chu's description of the situation of Cao's army, Li Li reacted and said: "General, do you mean that these Cao's army are not as well-trained as they look? Are they pretending?"

Xu Chu nodded, but added: "Whether they are pretending or not, we have to try it to know. Are you all ready?"

Li Li and others responded in unison, "All ready!"

Xu Chu turned back to look at the low and widespread smoke rising from Cao's army, "According to yesterday's arrangement, the two wings will test the attack first! Right first, left later! The central army and the rear army will make a decision based on the battlefield situation! No entry into areas that have not been investigated! Always pay attention to the changes in Cao's camp! If you wanted to catch Cao's bastards yesterday, don't let Cao's army catch you as a bastard today! Say it again! Be careful of Cao's traps! Do you understand? ! '

'Understood! '

Xu Chu waved his arms, "Li Junhou! Try the new tactics you mentioned when you have a chance! But don't force it! Okay, pass on my order! Attack in order! '

...

...

Cao's army array.

Infantry is different from cavalry. Cavalry is spread out, but infantry is tightly clustered together.

Soldiers rely on each other and support each other.

Shields were connected to form a shield wall, and spears were arranged to form a dense forest.

Fragmentary voices rose and fell behind the shields and spears.

『Damn it, we have to fight even if we are not full...』

『We have to endure the night and now we have to endure it!』

『The enemy is the cavalry...』

『Damn it, if I die, I don’t know what will happen to the wife at home? !』

『Don’t worry! She will definitely take your pension and find a young man!』

『Haha...』

『Kill you! Old thief!』

『Anyway, if I eat enough, my whole family will not worry!』

『...But damn, I am not full now...』

『Uh...that’s right...』

The Cao army soldiers suddenly fell silent.

So since they were not full and had to endure the night until now, what force made these Cao army soldiers dare to go out of the camp to meet the enemy?

If you raise your sight, for example, look down at a 45-degree angle like a god, you will find that behind the exposed army formation of Cao's army, under the cover of the camp wall, there is a whole row of catapults...

The crude catapults, although the manufacturing process was hasty, there are still many barks on the thick throwing arms that have not been cleaned in time, but this does not prevent these guys from becoming a killing weapon.

The thick wooden throwing arms are the core components of the catapults, one end of which is loaded with stones or other projectiles, and the other end is fixed to the axle of the car. The throwing arms that have not even been polished in time show that these guys were rushed out during this period of time. The throwing arms that have not been completely dried, painted, or wrapped with hemp ropes will have great problems in durability and toughness, and the number of uses is unknown.

This is even more unreliable than buying second-hand computers from second-hand dealers in later generations.

But the only thing that can be confirmed is that the original strength of the original wood is still sufficient.

Moreover, these catapults did not seem to be prepared for a second use, because the wheels that were supposed to be on the base were not installed at all, but replaced with a heavier wooden structure.

The leather bags for throwing are now lying limply on the ground, and beside the leather bags, rows of civilians are standing trembling, waiting for orders.

Each catapult is managed by a squad of soldiers, holding a small red flag and looking up at the direction of the central army platform. Under the catapult arm, there are three or four people responsible for adjusting the direction of the arm...

Although the accuracy of this thing is purely random, the huge stones falling from the sky have a great impact on the morale of the enemy. And when there are many, you can always catch a few dead mice.

Cao Hong frowned and traced the cavalry army in the distance.

Beside him are the soldiers and horses of the Zhongling Army.

There are horses.

Yes, that's right, not Cao Hong's original private soldiers, but the Zhongling Army that Cao Cao later added to him.

Cao Hong not only lost his son, but also suffered heavy casualties in the battle with the Cavalry Army.

For the generals in Shandong, the direct subordinates and private soldiers are not only a symbol of their power, but also the key to maintaining their status, expanding their influence and ensuring their survival in the chaotic period.

If you only regard their private soldiers as tools that can only be used on the battlefield, it would be a big mistake. Because of the political system in Shandong, the private soldiers of these generals, in addition to undertaking combat missions, will also become instructors for the training of new recruits, responsible for regular tactical and weapon training for counties or other newly recruited soldiers, to improve the overall combat capability of the troops and their ability to respond to emergencies. At the same time, they are also the "gendarmes" in the army, maintaining the internal order of the army, reducing internal conflicts, and mainly reducing the number of people who cause problems.

In addition, generals can use their private soldiers to openly build a huge interest system, and through marriage, adoption and other means, establish closer family or blood relations with key figures in the troops, and enhance trust and loyalty between individuals. Provide material rewards, such as money, land, etc., as well as high-level positions and promotion opportunities, for outstanding troops and private soldiers, so that it is easy to enhance the loyalty and sense of belonging of the troops and private soldiers to the generals.

Therefore, in peacetime, these troops and private soldiers will also become a link between the generals and local gentry and powerful people, or form an alliance with other generals, and advance and retreat together at certain times...

Anyway, this thing has many benefits, and the best way to use it is to be determined.

Of course, like many other political systems in Shandong, the benefits are all private, and the disadvantages...

Cao Hong's original private soldiers were very large and effective, which made it convenient for him to control a large army through private soldiers. However, as the number of casualties increased, the newly added Zhong Lingjun needed some time to understand and integrate before they could reach the original level of tacit understanding, so the command effectiveness that Cao Hong could exert at the moment was actually discounted.

Just like the current front-line battle, if it was before, Cao Hong would not use such a rigid tactic and require those Cao army soldiers to assemble and line up in the middle of the night. After all, if Xu Chu did not come the next day, wouldn't it be a waste of a night?

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 this side of the Cao army 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 had already reversed...

At the beginning, Cao Cao was aggressive and led his troops to attack Guanzhong in several directions, but now he formed a joint camp in Anyi and built a huge military fortification to resist the attack of the cavalry.

The key is that this time when Shandong attacked Guanzhong, Cao's army was fully mobilized.

Under the fierce battle consumption, not only the generals were concerned about their own troops and private soldiers, but also the gentry in the rear were desperately trying to ensure their own food, which made the supply of Cao's army even tighter.

Fortunately, Cao Cao had anticipated this situation and allocated more food and grass in advance. Later, when he saw that the situation was not good, he quickly abandoned some people. With one plus one minus, he barely supported it until now.

But it was also very dangerous...

If the cavalry dragged on for a while, then the Cao army would conquer Anyi and withdraw immediately after being replenished.

But the cavalry came at this point!

It's good to come!

Cao Hong gritted his teeth and said: "Order all units to prepare for battle according to the original plan! Notice to the whole army! Those who have made contributions will be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes will be punished! If anyone drags the whole army down, watch out for his head! '

The soldiers of the Central Army beside Cao Hong responded loudly, and immediately ran to the trebuchet arrays in various parts of the military camp and the infantry line in front of the camp to convey the order.

...

...

The Cao army messenger carried the recognition flag on his back, shouted to convey Cao Hong's order, and rode past on horseback.

The yellow dust kicked up by the horses' hooves was blown up by the wind, and rolled towards Bao Zhong's face.

Bao Zhong seemed to be in a trance, and did not dodge. He was choked by the dust and coughed twice. Then he raised his eyes and watched the messenger carrying the Cao army recognition flag running far away. He only heard the messenger of the Central Army loudly encouraging the Cao army soldiers in the infantry line to cheer them up.

Bao Zhong couldn't help but sigh softly.

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from Bao Zhong's side, "The war is imminent, and General Bao is sighing at this time... If the prime minister knows about it, then... it's not good..."

The voice was very small, but it was like a sharp blade, which suddenly hit Bao Zhong's back, making him shudder!

Bao Zhong turned his head and saw that the people standing behind him were the Heluo surrendered soldiers who were assigned to replenish the troops two days ago.

Like Cao Hong, Bao Zhong's guards and troops were seriously damaged.

Moreover, during the attack on Anyi, Bao Zhong's son was seriously injured. Although other military school generals blamed Bao Zhong for not conquering Anyi in time, Cao Cao did not punish Bao Zhong for this. Instead, he supplemented Bao Zhong with some troops and soldiers.

Of course, the supplements given to Bao Zhong would definitely not be the elite Central Commander and Central Guard of the Cao Army.

So as a surrendered soldier under the Heluo Yang family, he came under the command of Bao Zhong.

This man is smiling all day long, and he greets everyone with a smile, which is not annoying. At first, Bao Zhong transferred him to his side, on the one hand, because Bao Zhong's own troops were indeed severely damaged. If he brought his own troops and private soldiers to the battle this time, it is possible that all of them would be lost here, and some seeds must be preserved...

Yeah, this is very Shandong style. Regardless of civil or military, some seeds are needed.

Another reason is that Bao Zhong's son was seriously injured and is now receiving treatment in the rear camp, and he also needs manpower to take care of him. And Bao Zhong was also calculating in his heart that if there was really a chance, when 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 went out of the camp to fight with the cavalry vanguard, Bao Zhong only brought a few personal guards, and the rest were replaced by these newly deployed Heluo surrendered soldiers. At the same time, because this guy was the leader of this group of surrendered soldiers, he deliberately stayed by his side, but he didn't expect that when he was about to fight, he suddenly heard such a sentence from Conglai!

Bao Zhong's personal guard heard it and wanted to step forward to grab Conglai, but was stopped by Bao Zhong.

At this point, even if Conglai was grabbed, it would cause chaos!

If it is not handled properly, Cao Hong's war knife will directly cut it down!

Perhaps it is because of this realization that this guy is so bold.

Bao Zhong narrowed his eyes and stared at Conglai, "You... you'd better speak clearly... what do you mean by what you said just now?"

Bao Zhong's voice was also very low, as if it was squeezed out from his throat.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, still smiling, as if he had a smiling mask on his face all day long. No one knew what expression he had under the mask. "General Bao, logically speaking, your son is seriously injured now, and he has a grudge against the cavalry... But in war, swords and guns are blind, and the real grudge is not you and me, but a matter of loyalty to the emperor..."

"..." Bao Zhong frowned and remained silent.

In the Cao army formation, various sounds came one after another, and the drums roared. A little further away, the noise was so loud that nothing could be heard clearly, so Bao Zhong couldn't help but asked directly: "Who are you?"