Chapter 184 Nan Jiyun kills the Tubo Marshal and wins the Battle of Jiuqu

"Pfft!"

Nan Jiyun jumped on his horse with a spear in hand and hit a Tibetan soldier holding a shield with one strike.

When Nan Jiyun pulled out his gun and missed, the Tibetan soldier fell down in confusion.

"Pfft!"

"Pfft!"

The first wave of Tang cavalry, with the help of their horses, faced the Tibetan soldiers who were like living targets, stabbed them to death in front of the battle line, and continuously weakened the Tibetan troops in the front.

The Tibetan soldiers did not expect that the Tang army would disguise themselves as their own army, and their formation was thrown into chaos.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Tang army's cavalry poured in continuously.

The Tang cavalry did not charge straight to the rear along the roads between the Tibetan formations, but aimed to break up the Tibetan formation.

Faced with the attack of the Tang army's elite cavalry, they didn't even have a chance to defend themselves.

Nan Jiyun led the armored cavalry, broke through the Tibetan line and divided Tibet.

The Tubo Marshal Shang Zanmo was trapped in the Tang army's intersection and could not retreat.

"This is……"

"They are Tang troops in disguise!"

"Defend! Kill them!"

After Shang Zanmo reacted, he slapped himself hard, yelled, and tried to organize a defense.

At the same time, Shang Zanmo's personal guards kept him closely guarded.

Faced with the sudden "counterattack" of the two thousand cavalry, the Tibetan cavalry was unable to organize any defense and could only watch the Tang army moving back and forth in the formation and killing people.

They were unable to protect themselves, and the slave soldiers were the first to become weak and wait for an opportunity to escape.

Such a huge chaos naturally alarmed the Tibetan soldiers in other directions. They saw a group of chain mail cavalrymen who had already broken the southern front into pieces.

This situation is definitely impossible to make up for.

Moreover, the Marshal's military orders were nowhere to be found.

"Rumble..."

To make matters worse, the Tang army's armored cavalry were suddenly rushing towards them from the east.

In the galloping, besides the sound of horse hooves, there was also the clanging sound of iron sheets.

Like a steel torrent!
In the north, Li Xuan ordered the infantry under Geshu Han and Murong Xihao to advance with shields and spears to fight against the Tibetan soldiers.

In the west, Li Xuan ordered the Bailang Qiang cavalry under Dang Jian to prepare to charge in.

"Dong dong dong..."

The rapid sound of war drums sounded, and the light cavalry and elite cavalry of the Tang army from all directions charged into the battle formation together.

Countless Tibetan shields fell to the ground, and some Tibetan soldiers turned around and fled.

Since the Tang army broke into the center from the south, it was impossible for the Tubo formation to hold the center.

The Tang cavalry removed the deer antlers one by one and charged into the enemy formation.

Even if there were still strong Tibetan soldiers who wanted to hold their formation, they would be led astray by the slaves and cowards next to them.

A single tree cannot hold out, and some isolated teams could not resist for a moment and were dispersed by the Tang army.

Especially the heavy cavalry of the Tang army was the most lethal.

Although they rushed from the east, they also went around from the south side, leaving the defense wide open.

The Tibetan formation was riddled with holes, and heavy cavalry broke in from the south and charged north.

Dozens of Tibetan soldiers were knocked away, and the heavy cavalry started killing indiscriminately. In a short time, they broke through the Tibetan formation.

The Tibetan vanguard troops were killed before they could even use their chevaux de frise.

The Tang army had almost formed a pincer attack on the Tibetan infantry from both inside and outside.

Nan Jiyun had already seen Shang Zanmo being escorted by his personal guards.

He fought hard with his gun, going in and out all around, and all who blocked his way were defeated.

The soldiers under his command were all brave and valiant. They wiped out the Tibetan infantry around Shang Zanmo one by one and came to the aid of their general.

At this time, there were no Tibetan soldiers able to rescue Shang Zanmo, and they could not save themselves either.

Nan Jiyun led dozens of cavalrymen and charged at Shang Zanmo's personal guards again. His spear shot out like a dragon, attacking continuously.

Shang Zanmo's personal guards fought bravely, but how could it be easy to defeat cavalry with infantry?

In less than a quarter of an hour, all the guards obeyed the order.

"I have failed today and I have no face to enter Luoshui City again."

"drink!"

Shang Zanmo watched his personal guards fall one by one and the battle flags falling in the formation, his eyes were bloodshot.

He shouted loudly, drew his sword, and rushed towards Nan Jiyun.

He would never live a life of mediocrity.

The heavy snow is filled with grandeur!

"block!"

Nan Jiyun shook his spear and knocked Shang Zan's precious sword away.

"Pfft!"

With a backhand thrust, the spear blade pierced Shang Zanmo's throat.

This Tibetan general who later followed Enlanda Zhalugong to capture Chang'an left the stage early.

Nan Jiyun didn't know that he was the governor of Jiuqu, otherwise he would have spared his life.

As blood and snow continued to fall, the large banner of the Tubo central army was also chopped off.

The Tibetan soldiers had no will to fight and fled in all directions.

Hoping to escape the Tang army's pursuit.

But they have two legs after all, and the Tang army still has light cavalry.

Countless Tibetan soldiers were caught up and killed by the light cavalry before they could escape far.

Li Xuan also led the Shen Ce Guards and killed many enemy troops.

He attacked towards the north, cooperating with Geshu Han.

There are also five hundred elite jumping cavalry around to assist.

When it got dark, the Tang army beheaded 15,000 heads. The other 3,000 Tibetan soldiers saw no hope of escape and knelt in the snow to surrender.

Another five hundred elite cavalrymen led the Tuyuhun cavalry and pursued the Tubo cavalry relentlessly.

When Li Xuan learned that the Tibetan cavalry were circling within dozens of miles and were waiting for an opportunity to support the main force, he immediately sent out all the light cavalry.

The light cavalry replaced the spare horses, and they divided into teams to block the enemy, constantly making detours, until late at night, when they surrounded the Tibetan cavalry.

With more than 10,000 cavalry against less than 3,000 cavalry, the result is predictable.

In one hour, they were defeated.

Hundreds of riders fled again.

But they had nowhere to escape at Jiuqu. The Tibetan cavalry was exhausted and could not chase them for less than thirty miles. They were completely wiped out.

While the light cavalry was pursuing the Tibetan cavalry, Li Xuan sent Wang Nandi to lead two thousand elite cavalry to march south to Baigu City overnight.

The purpose was not to attack Baigu City, but to surround Baigu City to prevent the Tibetan leader Xijia Zang from escaping.

If the news of Shang Zanmo's defeat reached Baigu City, Lun Xijia Zangbao would have escaped on a sheepskin raft.

Li Xuan wants to prevent this from happening.

Since all the secrets are hidden in Jiuqu, we must seize this military achievement in our hands.

The next morning, the Tang army returned with the bodies of their comrades.

The main force of the Tang army had been resting for a night in the south of Wanxiu City.

"Nanba, I heard that you killed the Tibetan Marshal Shang Zanmo. Congratulations, you are going to become a general."

Early in the morning, the soldiers gathered around a campfire in the snow and ate boiled mutton.

Li Xuan heard Cen Shen's report and knew that Shang Zanmo was killed by Nan Jiyun.

Nan Jiyun is now the General of the Left Guard. According to Li Longji's edict, Nan Jiyun can become the general.

Many Jiedushi and deputy envoys did not have the status of generals.

"I am ashamed to accept this reward. The reward should be given to the soldiers."

Nan Jiyun knew that he was where he is today thanks to Li Xuan's support.

That's why he was able to become the deputy ambassador of the Lintao Army in less than two years.

He was very grateful to Li Xuan!

Killing Shang Zanmo was just luck. If it weren't for the soldiers' efforts, he wouldn't have been able to get close to Shang Zanmo.

"That's not how merits and demerits are calculated. Nanba, you deserve this reward. But I have another important task for you."

Li Xuan shook his head slightly and spoke solemnly to Nan Jiyun.

"Please give your orders, Marshal Li. I will do my best."

Nan Jiyun bowed to Li Xuan.

"The reinforcements sent by the Tibetan leader Moluqiongsang Woermang have arrived near Hongji Bridge. There is no way they can break through Hongji Bridge. I am worried that they will cross the Yellow River. General Nan needs to lead the light cavalry to patrol and guard the Yellow River. Once the Tibetans cross the Yellow River, they will be destroyed immediately. The Bailang Qiang cavalry will carry out the mission together with General Nan."

Li Xuan instructed Nan Jiyun.

Before the four cities of Wanxiu, Hongji, Damomen and Baigu are captured, Jiuqu will not be considered as the one that has been taken.

The Yellow River is now frozen, but people and horses cannot move around, so we must capture these four cities before the river freezes solid.

After resting, the Jiuqu Tuyuhun cavalry will be sent by Li Xuan to subdue the Jiuqu Tuyuhun infantry.

There is still a lot to do inside.

After being surrendered, the Tuyuhun infantrymen would also go to Hongji Bridge.

"As you command, I will lead the troops there immediately."

Nan Jiyun bowed again.

"No hurry. It's snowing so heavily. Let's eat mutton first and let the soldiers have a bowl of hot soup to warm their bodies."

Li Xuan said to Nan Jiyun with a smile.

Li Xuan then told Geshu Han some more matters and asked him to prepare to attack Wanxiu City.

The cavalry from Wanxiu City, Damomen and other cities went out of the city to fight in the field, but were annihilated by the Tang army.

There are only three thousand soldiers in Wanxiu City now.

By assembling more than 10,000 Tang troops and Tuyuhun soldiers and adding powerful siege equipment, they could launch a fierce attack.

After the mutton was cooked, Li Xuan drank a bowl of mutton soup, which was better than wine to warm the body. It was precious to do so in the heavy snow after the battle.

……

Baigu City.

Since the Tang army's cavalry arrived at Baigu City last night, all the soldiers in the city were awakened.

There are still 2,500 soldiers left in Baigu City, and they are holding their ground on the city walls.

But the Tang army appeared in the snowy night, with only scouts patrolling the city gates, and Lun Xijia Zang had no idea of ​​the Tang army's intentions.

At midnight, a Tibetan scout arrived at Baigu City to report the news that Jiuqu Tuyuhun and Bailang Qiang had rebelled, and that two thousand Tang soldiers had disguised themselves as our cavalry and attacked our camp...

As soon as the scout finished his sentence, he was shot to death by arrows from the elite cavalry of the Tang army outside Baigu City.

"Shang Zanmo misled me!"

"Zanpu promoted him to Jiedushi. Is this how he repays Zanpu?"

When Lun Xijia Zang heard the news, he was filled with anger.

How is it that Shang Zanmo is even dumber than the commander of Shudun City?

The Tang army marched south to Baigu City at night, obviously targeting him.

Now, there are only a hundred cavalrymen in Baigu City, and he doesn’t even have the chance to retreat to Qinghai.

"Dalun, the Marshal is proficient in battle formations and has been tested by the Zamp. We can't blame the Marshal entirely. Jiuqu Tuyuhun and Bailang Qiang rebelled, and the Tang army disguised themselves as our army. Anyone would have failed."

The commander of Baigu City defended Shang Zanmo.

When he heard these key words, he felt that failure was inevitable.

Perhaps it will be more difficult after knowing the details.

"If we lose, we lose. Why would we need to find an excuse? If Shang Zanmo escapes, not only will the Zamp hold him accountable, but his family will also be disgraced."

Lun Xijia Zang simply didn't listen to the defense of the commander of Baigu City.

"Let the slaves who carry food in the city also help defend the city."

Seeing that the commander of Baigu City didn't say anything, he gave a stern order.

Now all we can do is to hold the city and wait for support from Moluqiongsang Woermang.

"As you command! Even if I die in battle, I will protect the safety of Dalun."

After the commander of Baigu City accepted the order, he distributed weapons to the people and slaves in the city and asked them to participate in defending the city.

It was rare for the king to surround the city without attacking. He was obviously waiting for the main force and siege equipment to arrive...

……

By noon, the Tang army arrived outside Wanxiu City.

Wanxiu City was built on a small hill with rammed earth. Although the hillside is not steep, it enhances the strategic value of Wanxiu City.

The rammed earth layer of Wanxiu City was only half a foot thick, and the city wall was two feet high. There was only one gate on the east side, and the west side was steep, making it impossible to attack. The only way to attack was from the east, south, and north.

Fortunately, the Tang army's catapults were able to be transported to the hillside to launch an attack on Wanxiu City.

The bed crossbow can also be transported closer.

Before the attack, Li Xuan sent Shang Zanmo's head to the foot of Wanxiu City.

This is to tell Wanxiu City that the reinforcements supporting Wanxiu City were annihilated yesterday. Their marshal was also killed. If they persist in their wrongdoings, they will be doomed.

Although the defender of Wanxiu City was afraid, he did not surrender, but mobilized the entire city to defend it.

He also looked forward to reinforcements from Yu Molu, Qiongsang and Woermang.

Seeing this, Li Xuan did not waste any more words and ordered the soldiers to push the catapults and crossbows to the hillside and find a suitable position.

The ladder truck and barrier truck were also prepared.

Things like battering rams are not useful in Wanxiu City.

The best outcome of attacking Wanxiu City is to use catapults to destroy the city walls of Wanxiu City.

After all, most rammed earth layers are not very thick.

Of course, this is also a bit difficult!
In addition, the two thousand sets of chain mail that were previously disguised as Tubo troops were handed over to the Tuyuhun soldiers.

Let them reduce casualties when attacking the city.

Before climbing up the hill to attack the city, Li Xuan gave a speech to the soldiers.

"Comrades, we are here to recover Jiuqu. Tubo has lost the will of heaven and the people's hearts, and is no longer worthy of being a country. We, the Tang Dynasty, are fighting on behalf of heaven, with the help of God..."

"The first to ascend the city will be awarded the first-class merit and the third rank of medal. But I also hope that the soldiers will obey the military orders. Huang Shigong said in "Military Power" that we should use the wisdom, courage, greed and stupidity of the soldiers. Can we do whatever we want after entering the city? I don't think so. The soldiers who kill the enemy more bravely will get military merit and rewards. Merits and faults can never be offset. In this siege, we must obey the military orders. Anyone who dares to create unrest after breaking the city will be beheaded..."

Li Xuan did not like an army that improved its combat effectiveness by indulging its soldiers.

After breaking into the city, they indulged themselves for three days, raping and looting at will.

This is taking advantage of the soldiers' greed.

Although it can improve combat effectiveness, it doesn't work on Li Xuan.

Because Li Xuan will lead his troops into the Central Plains in the future.

History has proven that when soldiers rape and plunder, they don’t care whether they are from the same ethnic group or not.

This situation will happen countless times if Li Xuan indulges it once.

There is no possibility of plundering foreigners and forgiving one's own people.

After all, it is impossible for Li Xuan to stay in the army forever.

If you violate military regulations, Li Xuan will be executed. You can't use merit as a golden ticket to avoid death.

Not only Wanxiu City, but also other cities, as well as the residences of Tubo and Tuyuhun in Jiuqu.

"I will follow Commander Li's orders!"

The soldiers shouted in unison, shaking the sky.

"I am with you all, with the bow in my hand. Prepare to attack the city!"

After Li Xuan gave the order, he handed over the siege to Geshu Han.

With the soldiers of Jishi Army and Tuyuhun, they climbed up the hillside and surrounded the east, south and north sides.

The defender of Wanxiu City looked at the aggressive Tang army and felt that the city was shaking.

The head of Shang Zanmo at the foot of the city cast a dark cloud over the hearts of the Tibetan soldiers on the city.

"Whoosh..."

Soon after the Tang army took their positions, catapults were launched with thunderous sounds.

"Oh!"

The specially made stones would splash dirt and soil when they hit the city wall, and even if they fell into the city, they would form a small pit.

The first wave did not hit anyone, but the Tibetans all hid behind the women's wall.

In fact, the Tang army had no intention of hitting anyone. All the catapult operators aimed at a certain part of the city wall and kept hitting that place, preparing to destroy it.

However, the catapult's accuracy and the operator's skills were somewhat lacking, so the stones could not hit the same place at the same time.

However, taking advantage of this opportunity, Geshu Han commanded the crossbows to move 150 steps closer to the three walls of Tubo.

At this distance, they could hammer and shoot at Wanxiu City at any time.

The Tibetan defenders thought that the Tang army was going to focus on destroying the city walls, so they immediately leaned out.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa..."

The Tang army fired their crossbows at the city wall, directly pinning several Tibetan soldiers to death on the tower behind them.

This told the Tibetan defenders that the Tang army's siege equipment was no joke.

"Bang!" "Bang!"

The catapults continued to hit.

Geshu Han found that it was difficult to knock down the Wanxiu city wall on this hillside with the power of the catapult.

Their catapults had to be placed on three sides and could not be concentrated in one place.

So Geshu Han ordered the catapults to throw catapults at the city walls and inside the city.

"Oh!"

In just a quarter of an hour, a big hole was smashed in the city wall, and several unlucky people in the city were hit.

After another half an hour, several parapets were destroyed and the city walls were covered with scars.

Geshu Han ordered a thousand crossbowmen to approach the three walls with crossbows.

At the same time, two thousand Tuyuhun soldiers wearing chain mail and one thousand Tang soldiers wearing iron armor appeared. They pushed barrier carts and ladder carts, preparing to attack from three sides at the same time.

"Everyone, get up! The Tang army is about to attack the city."

The Wanxiu City defender immediately gave orders.

But as soon as they stood up, the crossbows from all sides were fired at the same time.

In addition, the powerful crossbowmen on the three sides of the city walls started shooting with crossbows from a hundred steps away.

Although it was impossible to aim at the enemy at this distance, the Tang army tried their best to suppress the enemy and buy time for the soldiers to attack the city.

The ladders, climbing ladders and barrier vehicles soon arrived at the city wall of Tubo.

The Tibetan defenders braved the arrows and stones and shot at the Tang soldiers attacking the city, but were blocked by the chariots and shields.

Instead, many of them died at the hands of the Tang army's powerful crossbows.

One hundred and twenty steps outside the east city wall, Li Xuan, protected by his personal guards, held a strong stone bow.

He did not shoot the first arrow for a long time because he was observing the person who was suspected to be the main general of Tubo.

As long as he showed up, Li Xuan would be sure to shoot him to death.

The commander-in-chief will be on the city wall, commanding the soldiers to fill in the gaps in all directions.

When the Tang army began to attack the city, a Tibetan general would occasionally show up to take command.

Although he was surrounded by guards holding shields, there were always gaps when he walked on the wall.

Li Xuan stared intently, waiting for an opportunity...

The Tang army's eight ladders in the north were already firmly positioned under the city.

The ladder has also been hooked onto the city wall.

Before the Tang army started to climb the city wall, the Tibetan soldiers picked up stones and threw them down the city, which showed that they were very anxious.

Wanxiu City was a small city after all, and the city walls could not accommodate too many people. When the Tang army arrived at the city wall, the Tubo defenders' attention was all attracted by the people climbing the city wall.

Geshu Han saw through this and ordered the crossbowmen to move forward fifty steps and aim at the Tibetan soldiers on the city wall and shoot.

Some Tang army warriors began to climb onto the ladder trucks and ladders...

Those who climbed the city were all equipped with iron armor...

(End of this chapter)