flstandardbreds Chapter 160: Reinforcements from the city.
Chapter 160: Reinforcements from the city.
Wu Bin frowned, knowing the true situation of the Northwest Army. Although the list clearly stated that there were 50,000 troops, there was a lot of water in it. Those false numbers were just empty words. The only ones who could actually be deployed on the battlefield were the 10,000 cavalry led by Zhou Kai, who were like lone wolves in the desert, tenacious and lonely. The rest were either unqualified or old, weak, and disabled, barely supporting the illusion of such a huge number. The elite soldiers in the city were responsible for defending the city and could not be withdrawn for reinforcement.
Food, as the lifeblood of war, Wu Bin had already considered it. He knew that it was not difficult to squeeze out some food from the treasury, but how to deploy troops to support the front line became a problem in his mind. Just as he was thinking, Qin Ming's figure came into his sight. The general had a stern face and a hint of disdain in his eyes, and was obviously dissatisfied with Zhou Kai's rise.
Qin Ming stepped forward, bowed, and said in a sonorous and powerful voice: "Governor, I still have two thousand elite soldiers under my command. I am willing to take your orders and deliver food and supplies to the front line!" There was a gleam of desire in his eyes, as if he had foreseen his heroic performance on the battlefield and the glory after Zhou Kai's defeat.
Wu Bin nodded slightly, but his heart was in turmoil. He naturally knew Qin Ming's thoughts. This general was ambitious and wanted to take this opportunity to surpass Zhou Kai and become the leader of the Northwest Army. However, war is not a joke, and one cannot act rashly because of personal grudges.
"General Qin, I know your loyalty and courage." Wu Bin spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "But war is no small matter and requires careful consideration. Your elite soldiers are brave, but whether they can handle the long journey and the heavy task of transporting food and grass still needs to be carefully considered."
Qin Ming's face flashed with displeasure when he heard this, but he knew that Wu Bin's words were not without purpose. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Governor, please rest assured. I, Qin Ming, am willing to sign a military order. If I cannot complete the task, I am willing to accept the punishment!"
Wu Bin looked at Qin Ming's determined eyes and was moved. He understood that although this general was ambitious, he also had extraordinary courage and bravery. He nodded and said in a deep voice: "Okay! Since you are so determined, I will allow you to lead the troops to the battle! I hope you can successfully complete the mission and make great contributions to the Northwest Army!"
Qin Ming was overjoyed when he heard this, and he immediately bowed and saluted: "Thank you for your trust, Governor! I, Qin Ming, will live up to your expectations!" After that, he turned and left, ready to start preparing for the expedition. Wu Bin looked at his receding back, and an inexplicable worry surged in his heart. Judging from the current situation, he always felt that those rebels were not simple refugees! They should know how to march and fight! Could it be that the barbarians in the north sent people to those refugees! He knew very well that this war might change the entire northwest pattern...
The reinforcements sent by the Northwest Prefecture to escort the grain and grass had just set out when they were discovered by the people sent by Yuan Quan to get the news. These people had already prepared fast horses. After discovering that the army had set out, they galloped back to deliver the message.
After all, Qin Ming and his men were escorting food and fodder, so their speed was still much slower.
Soon, Du Chong, who was guarding the road they had to pass, learned about their situation from the man who was riding a horse at full speed.
"Report to the general! The army sent by the capital city has about 2000 people! They also brought a lot of food and supplies, as well as some civilians who escorted the food and supplies! A total of about 5000 people!" The person in charge of getting the news was originally a descendant of their village. He had been influenced by them since he was a child, so when it came to getting the news, what kind of information was the most important? So he found out how many soldiers Qin Ming brought with him? How much food and supplies were there? And how many civilians were there who escorted the food and supplies?
"Don't worry about those civilians! If the war goes badly, they will all run away!" Du Chong saw this very clearly. Those civilians were just doing the work, and it was impossible for them to fight together. They had to deal with those more than 2000 soldiers.
"It's clear how strong those soldiers are! How are their military appearance and discipline!" Du Chong had spent several years in the most elite Northeastern Corps in the entire Dakun Empire. He had also participated in battles with the barbarians, so he knew how to tell whether an army was elite.
"Those 2000 people are wearing standard militia uniforms! The weapons in their hands are also sophisticated! And as they march, we can see that they are all strong and powerful men! It seems that they are really the elite soldiers in the government army!" The person who inquired for the news replied immediately!
"I didn't expect that there are people in the government army who can train such elite troops. It's worth my waiting here for a few days!" Du Chong was not nervous but happy when he heard it. You know, they used to lead the most elite Northeast Army. They were trained by the entire Dakun Dynasty with countless efforts. Although the time for training is still short, it is definitely much longer than that of the local army. Moreover, these people have no way to retreat. If they don't follow them, they will starve to death. So they have a fearless spirit. Du Chong wants to meet this elite.
"General Du! There are more than 2000 enemies and so many civilians. I'm afraid our 1000 men are not enough! I think we should send someone to find the young marshal and send some more people!" Someone suggested at this time!
"Okay! Send someone to report the situation here to the young marshal immediately! Let him send some people to prepare to transport food and grass! After all, with so much food and grass, and more than 1000 of us having to guard here, it may be difficult to transport!" Du Chong now has the advantage of terrain, and he is still confident that he can defeat the 2000 people.
"Yes, sir!" At this time, a young man beside him responded and walked out quickly.
Then Du Chong began to prepare. They were now in the path that the army had to pass through, on the hillsides on both sides. In the bushes beside, they had already prepared a lot of stones. As long as those people passed by here, these stones would cause them heavy casualties and completely disrupt their formation!
"Everyone, take some time to rest! When the enemy arrives, we will have a tough battle! As long as we win this battle, I promise to ask the young marshal to reward each of you with ten kilograms of food!" Du Chong said loudly to the more than 1000 soldiers!
At this time, food can arouse the passion of these soldiers more than those gold and silver utensils. You know, many of these soldiers have families to support. They rely on their soldiers to support them. Is this also the reason why Yuan Quan and others can develop so fast and these people are willing to risk their lives?
"Thank you, General!"
"Thank you, General!"
When Du Chong's order was passed down, everyone cheered! If this battle is won, 10 kilograms of food will be enough for the family to eat for several days. Although it can't fill them up, it can barely support them.