Chapter 9: The Battle of Longyou, Divine Soldiers Descend from Heaven

Regarding the upcoming great battle, Liu Xiu actually wanted Gu Xiao to bring more generals and troops.

But Gu Yi refused.

He only brought Lai Xi and two thousand men.

In fact, in history, it was Lai Xi who led two thousand men on a surprise attack to accomplish this.

But now, it is different.

After all, according to various service records, Gu Xiao is the one under Liu Xiu's command who most enjoys conducting surprise attacks.

This task belongs to none other than Gu Xiao!

The army set out rapidly.

Because the purpose of this time was a surprise attack, few people knew the specific itinerary of the entire army.

But Gu Yi did not lower his guard.

It was fortunate that there were only two thousand men.

Although Gu Xiao's command ability was average, he could still manage a mere two thousand soldiers.

Not to mention that the famous general Lai Xi was there.

The army marched forward all the way, heading straight for Longyou.

And Liu Xiu's preparations for this battle were not limited to just this.

There was also Ma Yuan.

This man, who once came to help Wei Xiao see what kind of person Liu Xiu was, had originally been stationed in the Sanfu region to farm, but this time he took the initiative to submit a memorial, wanting to go and persuade the generals under Wei Xiao.

Regarding this, Liu Xiu agreed directly and even gave him five thousand men.

The status of Longyou belonged to Xizhou, which is Liangzhou.

It is a key region for the entire Central Plains to reach the Hexi Corridor and the Western Regions.

The terrain of Liangzhou is high in the southwest and low in the northeast, and Longshan is located at the southeastern border of Liangzhou; the overall terrain can be described as easy to defend and difficult to attack.

The purpose of Gu Xiao's trip was to take a detour and launch a sneak attack.

Although this land of Longyou is not as difficult as the Shu roads, achieving the goal of this trip perfectly is still exceptionally extraordinary.

Not only must they open paths through the mountains, but they must also guard against enemy scouts.

It can be described as a matter of life and death.

Gu Yi had been watching all of this, wanting to minimize the risks.

But for this kind of thing, he had no other way.

Danger is certain.

When the Gu family walked a different path and began to rise, this was what the Gu family had to face.

Everything has a corresponding price; as long as you obtain it, there will be a corresponding sacrifice.

The Gu family is no exception.

The army marched on, and before long, they had passed the easiest roads and it became increasingly difficult.

As the commander, Gu Xiao naturally did not need to do the work of clearing the path.

But as the commander, he had other responsibilities.

That is to stabilize the morale of the army.

For an army on such a long trek, having to travel through mountain roads with a path ahead that is full of uncertainty, morale is the hardest thing to maintain.

Many times, Gu Xiao had to risk his own life.

He had to lead by example as the commander-in-chief to maintain the soldiers' confidence.

However, it was fortunate that Gu Yi had applied all modern training methods, and the soldiers following Gu Xiao this time were almost all his old subordinates.

The combat effectiveness of these men can be said to be the most elite in the current Han Dynasty.

Every one of them is a veteran.

Experienced in a hundred battles.

Many of them had followed Gu Xiao and killed their way through.

And under Gu Yi's deliberate training, they now far surpassed other armies in terms of obedience.

This morale naturally had to be much more stable.

Days passed like this, one by one.

When the army stepped into the great mountains, the speed of the march became slower and slower.

It must be said that Lai Xi is worthy of being one of the famous generals who can leave a name in history.

Although he did not enter the list of the twenty-eight generals of Yuntai in history, his ability is absolutely not low.

If there had been no interference from Gu Yi.

His ability far exceeded Gu Xiao's.

As the situation of the army became increasingly difficult, he also gradually took over the heavy burden of commanding the army without realizing it.

Gu Yi naturally would not have any dissatisfaction with this.

Who is Lai Xi?

An existence that can be recorded in history.

And what about him?

Although he has the perspective of a modern person, you cannot expect a graduate who has never been exposed to military affairs to directly lead two thousand men to overcome obstacles.

This kind of thing is too unrealistic.

Gu Yi brought Lai Xi because he wanted him to shoulder the heavy burden.

Of course, Lai Xi's attitude toward Gu Xiao had never changed.

In the current Han Dynasty, no one would be so blind as to provoke this general whom Liu Xiu cares about very much.

He only offered some suggestions at the right time.

And the army continued to move forward slowly under these circumstances.

Xunyi.

Inside the military camp.

Feng Yi's mood was somewhat inexplicably heavy at this time.

He had been in a standoff with Wei Xiao here for a long time, although he would occupy some advantages each time.

But facing the terrain of Longshan, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack, no matter what he did, he could not break in; during this period, Feng Yi could be said to have exhausted every method.

Even a person with his level of intellect could not help but feel a bit desperate.

If even he was like this, let alone the other generals.

"Hmph!"

"If one day I can kill my way into the city, I will definitely exterminate the entire clan of that Wei Xiao!"

Wu Han gritted his teeth, his face full of anger.

His mood was clearly even worse than Feng Yi's.

This kind of long-term standoff is not a trivial matter for generals like them.

Not to mention the pressure in their hearts.

The most critical thing is that they could never relax their vigilance.

Because Wei Xiao would kill his way out from time to time.

They had to remain vigilant at all times, yet they could not attack through no matter what.

This made Wu Han feel only stifled.

The other generals were the same; this battle was indeed too stifling for them.

If it drags on like this.

Sooner or later, the Han army will definitely be dragged until all their sharpness is lost.

"General, is there any good strategy?" Wu Han looked at Feng Yi again and asked.

"Sigh."

Feng Yi sighed helplessly, just about to speak.

At this moment, an armored soldier suddenly rushed in from outside the tent.

"Report!!"

"General, a letter from His Majesty!"

These words instantly attracted everyone's attention.

The generals stood up almost instinctively, walked toward the outside of the tent one after another, and took the letter directly from the messenger.

Because it was not an imperial edict, there were not so many formalities.

Opening the letter to look.

Feng Yi's expression changed vividly in an instant.

"General..."

Wu Han and the others stared closely at Feng Yi and asked eagerly, "Does His Majesty have any instructions?"

Regarding the question of who is the number one commander of the current Han Dynasty.

These proud generals had no arguments at all and had a very unified answer.

That is Liu Xiu.

Not to mention other battle achievements, just based on a battle like the Battle of Kunyang, they were convinced.

"His Majesty has ordered us to ensure the enemy is never allowed to relax!"

Feng Yi did not waste any words; he passed the letter directly to the others and said, "Wait for news from the Grand Marshal!"

"The Grand Marshal?"

Looking at the contents of the letter, everyone was completely bewildered.

They had instinctively assumed that Gu Xiao would be coming to the front lines.

But if he were coming, why would there be such instructions?

Not let the enemy relax?

Doesn't not letting the enemy relax at a time like this mean they have to fight?

In truth, these men were convinced by Gu Xiao's abilities; at the very least, many of his surprise attacks were things they themselves might not have been able to pull off.

But to compare Gu Xiao with Liu Xiu?

Naturally, there was no comparison.

In the current situation, what could Gu Xiao do even if he came to the front lines?

"General, can the Grand Marshal have a strategy to break the enemy?"

Wu Han instinctively asked this question.

Gu Xiao's personality was extremely martial, and given his status, they actually all had good relationships with him.

But as for who had the best relationship?

Naturally, it was someone like Feng Yi, who had prior dealings with Gu Xiao.

Yet Feng Yi was equally full of doubt at this moment; he took the letter from the others again and examined it carefully.

After pondering for a long time, he finally guessed a few things.

He then spoke up: "His Majesty likely has things he did not say."

"The Grand Marshal is skilled in surprise attacks."

"I imagine he must already have a strategy to break the enemy, and it cannot be stated clearly in the letter."

His analysis was reasonable and logical.

In an era like this, sending letters carried risks, especially when sending them to the front lines; important matters would never be stated directly.

Hearing this, the officers and soldiers were instantly startled.

A strategy to break the enemy?

Could there really be a strategy to break the enemy in this terrain?

"Everyone, no need to overthink it. The Grand Marshal's surprise attacks far exceed those of ordinary men; with our abilities, I fear we cannot guess them."

Feng Yi's expression turned serious as he spoke again: "We only need to act according to orders!"

Having said that.

He did not waste any words and stood up immediately, "Pass on my command: starting from tomorrow."

"The officers shall lead their troops to attack the city in turns!"

"You must not let the enemy army relax!"

Upon hearing this, the officers and soldiers immediately stood up and bowed to Feng Yi:

"Understood!"

Jixian.

"Report!!!"

"My Prince!"

"The Han Army has suddenly launched an attack and is already at the city walls!"

Looking at the armored soldier who had suddenly burst in, Wei Xiao was stunned for a moment, but then a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Hahaha!"

"Good! Very good!"

He laughed wantonly, "Do these people really think Longshan is so easy to break through?"

"Pass on my order!"

"The entire army must not leave the city; hold the Han Army back!"

"As soon as the Han Army's vigor begins to fade!"

"We can then engage them in a decisive battle, and we will surely defeat them!"

"At that time, our army can march into Guanzhong, and the great cause will be achieved!"

Wei Xiao's train of thought was very clear.

Hearing this, the generals under his command were also encouraged, each and every one of them filled with fighting spirit.

This was destined to be a bloody battle.

The terrain of Longshan was Wei Xiao's greatest trump card at present.

In this situation of looking down from a height, facing the Han Army that was attacking against the terrain, they held an absolute advantage!

The volleys of arrows were like raindrops, covering the sky and earth.

Among them were mixed rolling logs and boulders!

Facing such a situation, the Han Army had almost no chance of winning.

But even so.

The Han Army still fought to the death, charging upward.

One day;

Two days;

Three days;

Gradually, even Wei Xiao became somewhat numb.

He sensed that something was wrong.

Although Liu Xiu was not on the front lines, judging by Feng Yi's reputation, he was definitely not the type of person to fight a war like this!

But no matter how much he doubted.

Facing the Han Army that attacked almost every day, he could never have imagined that someone could actually cross Longshan and strike directly at his rear hinterland!

In this era, an army crossing mountains was truly too inconceivable.

Not to mention how treacherous the mountains were, just the wild beasts in the mountains and the diseases caused by having so many people would be enough to kill countless men.

But just as Liu Chan did not expect Deng Ai to strike directly at Chengdu.

Finally, after half a month.

News from Lueyang was finally sent over.

This military stronghold located behind him.

Was lost!

Upon hearing this news, Wei Xiao was completely stunned.

The previous doubts were resolved in an instant on this day.

Understood, understood!

The Han Army had attracted the attention of his elite forces to sneak attack Lueyang!

Gu Xiao!

This name, which he had already recited countless times, escaped his lips once again.

Only, unlike before;

Previously, he was mostly mocking how someone like Gu Xiao, who did not go to the front lines, could become the Grand Marshal of the Great Han.

But this time, it was because of Gu Xiao's previous battle record!

He determined almost instantly who the leader of this surprise attack was.

What followed was terror!

Lueyang was a vital stronghold that could directly threaten Jixian.

Now that the Han Army's elite were in front.

If there were people in the rear as well, then this Jixian...

Must retake Lueyang!

This was the thought that instantly surged into Wei Xiao's mind.

A surprise attack by an army would never involve too many troops; as long as he could quickly retake Lueyang, all risks would be resolved!

And if he could capture Gu Xiao, this Grand Marshal of the Great Han.

That would surely strike fear into the current Han Army!

No sooner said than done; Wei Xiao was not a man who would hesitate. He immediately divided his forces to guard Jixian, while he himself led his elite troops straight toward Lueyang.

"Report!!!"

At the Xunyi military camp, an armored soldier rushed in: "Report to the General."

"Scouts from Jixian have sent word."

"Wei Xiao is personally leading his army to reinforce Lueyang; according to scout investigations, the Grand Marshal seems to have... led his army to occupy Lueyang!"

Although they had already had some expectations in their hearts.

But when great generals like Feng Yi and Wu Han heard this news, their first feeling was still that it sounded like a fantasy.

Occupied Lueyang?

They naturally could not be unaware of what kind of place Lueyang was.

Yet, how could such a position be taken by a surprise attack?

The group of generals felt somewhat bewildered.

But regarding such a strategic opportunity, how could they fail to react?

Wu Han and the others immediately wanted to launch a decisive battle.

But Feng Yi still needed to calm down at this moment; the main army had been fighting continuously and was already extremely exhausted.

And although the defending troops inside Jixian were also fighting every day, in this terrain, their current state would certainly be better than that of the Han Army.

Launching a grand decisive battle under such circumstances—

If they were defeated, it would surely be a crushing defeat.

Feng Yi calmed down immediately, looked at the generals, and said, "The three armies are exhausted; let us rest for a few days."

"General!"

Wu Han looked astonished, "How can we abandon such a strategic opportunity?"

"Our army is indeed exhausted, but the enemy is now being attacked from both front and rear."

"Moreover, the Grand Marshal is currently in Lueyang."

"Since it was a surprise attack, he certainly cannot have brought many troops. If Wei Xiao breaks through Lueyang, the Grand Marshal—"

"The Grand Marshal will definitely be able to hold it!"

Before Wu Han could finish, Feng Yi interrupted him directly, stating this with exceptional resonance.

"Hmm?"

Wu Han could not help but be stunned!

"The Grand Marshal will definitely be able to hold it!"

Feng Yi repeated it once more, looking earnestly at the officers and soldiers before him, and said, "I have never seen the Grand Marshal make a mistake in military affairs. Jixian is not so easy to break, even under these circumstances."

"The Grand Marshal absolutely understands this point. Since that is the case, then if he acts this way, he will definitely be able to hold it!"

"I will submit a report to His Majesty."

"If any accident occurs, I am willing to accept punishment!!!"

Feng Yi forcefully suppressed the generals and sent the news by fast horse to Luoyang.

What no one expected was that Liu Xiu had actually come to the front line himself.

And he did not blame Feng Yi as the generals had guessed, but rather, just as Feng Yi had said, he stated very firmly in front of everyone:

"The Grand Marshal is the number one fierce general of our Great Han."

"How could he fail to hold a mere Lueyang?"

Liu Xiu's confidence in Gu Xiao exceeded everyone's expectations and directly settled the matter once and for all.

Of course, Liu Xiu naturally would not just wait like this forever.

Once the army's morale was completely restored, he personally led the main force to break Jixian and marched toward Lueyang.

At this time, four months had already passed since the day Gu Xiao captured Lueyang.

And Gu Xiao had not disappointed anyone.

He held Lueyang, and under the pincer attack from front and rear, the Wei Xiao army was soundly defeated; Wei Xiao died in the military formation from a surge of blood to the heart.

——————

"In the Battle of Longyou, Wei Xiao relied on the dangerous terrain to defend, holding the key mountain passes to block the sharpness of the Han Army, resulting in a long stalemate between the two armies with the outcome undecided.

The Han Army had come from afar, and the transport of grain and fodder was difficult and hard to sustain, causing the worry in the army to grow.

The Emperor wished to pacify Longyou to stabilize the four directions, so he summoned his ministers to ask for strategies.

At that time, Grand Marshal Gu Xiao, possessing courage and strategy, harbored a brilliant plan and stepped forward to say: 'Your Majesty, I have observed the terrain of Longyou. If we lead the main army through the lands of Fanxu and Huizhong, we can send a surprise force to strike directly at Lueyang. Once this place is taken, it will be like a sharp blade hanging over Jixian. Wei Xiao will surely return to rescue it, and a strategic opportunity will emerge.'"

The Emperor heard this, deeply agreed, and followed his plan.

Gu Xiao received the order and led his army in stealth, truly like a divine force descending from heaven, capturing Lueyang in one stroke.

Wei Xiao was greatly alarmed, fearing an attack from both front and rear, and urgently withdrew troops from various places to rescue Lueyang. The Han Army thus gained a strategic opportunity, but the campaign had been long, the soldiers were exhausted, and the generals all had the heart to fight to the death, wishing to strike while the momentum was in their favor."

Feng Yi then said: "Grand Marshal Gu Xiao has always possessed military strategy. Now that he has occupied Lueyang, he will certainly be able to hold it firmly."

The Emperor also said: "The Grand Marshal is the number one fierce general of our Great Han. How could there be any reason for a mere Lueyang to be lost?"

Thus, Gu Xiao, with a force of two thousand, blocked Wei Xiao's army of tens of thousands. With arrows and stones flying and smoke obscuring the sun, Gu Xiao supervised the soldiers and defended the city. For four months, despite repeated fierce battles, Lueyang remained in his hands, as firm as a rock, and Wei Xiao was ultimately unable to break it.

His prestige thus spread throughout Longyou, laying the foundation for the Han Army's subsequent advances. People of the time all praised Gu Xiao's merit, and it was passed down as a fine tale in the military."

— *Book of the Later Han: Biography of Gu Xiao*

Kneeling and begging you brothers for support~ I've been writing in isolation since the book started. The author is bewildered!

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(End of this chapter)