Chapter 351 Decent
The Tang Army and the Yan Army had extremely high similarities in their tactical arrangements, almost completely replicating each other's tactics.

So much so that in Li Yuanhui's opinion, it was like a mirror match of the final round of the peak battle, just like the line in Evil Does Not Suppress Justice, "We were all taught by the same master, and I can't break his moves."

Liu Xuanji and Li Erfeng were certainly not taught by the same master, but their strategies for employing troops were almost the same.

They all advanced head-on with elite infantry, supported by large groups of cavalry on both sides, and held the most elite armored heavy cavalry, looking for opportunities to strike and kill the enemy with one blow.

At the same time, they also dispatched a special force to carry out a long-distance attack from behind to attack the enemy's camp, create chaos, and shake the enemy's morale.

Almost exactly the same.

In addition, the Tang army also dispatched a large number of infantry, taking the opportunity to besiege the earthen city built by the Yan army on the riverside.

The reason why the deployment is so similar is actually due to caution and attention. Both sides have taken out the most prudent and direct military strategies, and dare not reveal too many flaws in front of the other side.

The fierce battle lasted until nightfall, when both sides stopped fighting.

The enemy forces on both sides failed to achieve a decisive tactical effect. Although the 5,000 cavalry led by Li Huaizhen broke into the Yan army camp and burned a lot of food and grass in the tents, because both sides carried out almost the same actions, the Tang army's camp was also attacked by the Yan army's surprise troops and suffered a lot of losses.

However, the two coaches' unshakable composure prevented the long-distance run, which could have been the finishing touch, from becoming the deciding factor in the battle.

From the beginning to the end, the elite cavalry led by the commanders of the two armies did not take any action, but just watched the battle from behind the infantry. They just sat there and watched the infantry fight to the death in front of them without doing anything. But there was no way, war was so cruel.

After both sides withdrew their troops, Li Yuanhui left Zhu to garrison on the north bank and reminded him to beware of the Yan army's sudden attack at night to recapture five of the twelve cities captured by the Tang army.

Zhu Deyu agreed carefully, and then Li Yuanhui led his personal soldiers back to the camp on the south bank.

After the battle, Li Yuanhui did not rush back to the central military tent as usual, but first asked about the casualties of each unit, arranged medical treatment, asked whether the soldiers had eaten, and then encouraged them.

After everything was done, Li Yuanhui went to the central military tent to discuss matters with his two brothers and generals.

There were dozens of people who were able to enter the Daozhong military tent, including the three brothers, the King of Qin, the King of Jin, and the King of Qi, as well as their main staff and military generals above the rank of governor.

The first thing was to count the losses and results of the battle. On the first day of the battle, five cities were captured, more than 2,000 enemies were captured, and more than 4,000 were beheaded.

Our own casualties also approached 5,000.

Apart from taking five earthen cities on the first day, there was basically no gain.

Although the casualties of 5,000 people may seem insignificant to the 200,000 Tang troops, these 5,000 people are all elite soldiers, and their combat effectiveness is incomparable to that of ordinary soldiers.

The war had only been going on for one day, but the casualties were so great, which was somewhat unexpected.

Everyone was amazed at the fighting power displayed by the Yan army today, and there was some hesitation and slackness in their words.

"Are you all afraid because the Youzhou army is good at fighting?" Li Yuanhui's words caused an uproar. Everyone stood up and shouted, saying that they would fight again tomorrow and were willing to be the first to charge into the battle line and lead the troops without any second thoughts.

Everyone expressed their opinions and the atmosphere became heated. Li Er also decided to fight again tomorrow.

In this battle, all the clever strategies that both sides could use were basically ineffective. In the end, everyone still had to fight on the battlefield with swords and guns, and the outcome of the battle would be decided.

After arranging the battle sequence for the second day, everyone withdrew to rest, leaving only the three brothers in the big tent to discuss in secret.

And Li San, who had been in charge at the back today, also brought out a piece of important news.

"Aye's secret letter arrived today. He had previously sent envoys to the Turks, wanting to exchange Shu brocade and tea for war horses, and also informed the Turks of the strengths and weaknesses of Youzhou. He wanted the Turks to enter Bingzhou from Daibei and attack the Yan army from both sides. The Turks agreed, and they are probably on their way now."

Li Sanlang handed the secret letter to Li Er, who read it and then handed it to Li Si.

Li Si looked at the letter and was surprised by Li Yuan's plan. This old man was quite resourceful. Yang Kan of Qingzhou, Cao Xuan of Jingzhou, and Cao Yuanjing of Jiangdong all showed their swords when the Tang army was fighting in Jinyang. It would be strange if there was no Northern Yan fanning the flames behind this.

I didn't expect the old man to be so good at this trick, and even more ruthless than them. He directly brought the Turks here. Old Liu is doomed.
Li Er said: "We should be careful when dealing with the Turks. They are full of ulterior motives. However, if the Turks can really come from Dai County and attack Northern Yan from both sides, then Liu Xuanji will definitely lose this war. If Jinyang is ours, Hebei can be settled and the world can be at peace. However, will the Turks really come to Bingzhou? Wouldn't it be better to attack the empty Youzhou and Jizhou at this time?"

Li Er's view on this news was mostly positive. After all, this news was extremely beneficial to the Tang army. Whether the Turks would raid Bingzhou or invade Youzhou, it would make the enemy army in front of them unstable.

If the Turks attacked the Yan army from behind and the Tang army marched north, the morale of the Yan army would be in chaos, and the siege of Jinyang would not be lifted. There would even be a chance to take advantage of this opportunity to advance into the heart of Hebei in one go.

But Li Yuanhui's idea was completely different. After reading the letter, he remembered a very similar incident and immediately slammed the table and said, "We should tell Liu Xuanji about this news immediately."

Upon hearing this, Li Er and Li San were both stunned for a moment, and then frowned.

Li San was about to say that Si Lang should not act on impulse, but then he thought of the subtlety of Li Si's proposal. He then laughed and said, "You want Liu Xuanji and the Turks to lose both sides? Hahaha. Si Lang, you are so kind! I thought you were just being soft-hearted."

Li Silang shook his head and said, "Not only that, if we don't tell Liu Xuanji about the Turkic invasion, he will not hold back in the next war. If our Tang Dynasty suffers heavy losses and both it and Northern Yan suffer losses, then the Turkic wolves may take advantage of us. When Liu Xuanji learns of the Turkic invasion, he will definitely retreat, and our Tang army can take Jinyang."

The reason why Li Silang made this suggestion was inspired by the Battle of Xiangfan. At that time, Sun Quan was about to attack Jingzhou, and Dong Zhao advised Cao Cao to inform Guan Yu of the news. At present, the situation in Jinyang was very similar to that in Xiangfan. Liu Xuanji had besieged Jinyang for more than half a year, but he couldn't take it down, so he flooded it. But he couldn't take Jinyang down. If he took Jinyang down, the Tang Dynasty would have to withdraw its troops and retreat to Hedong and Henei.

Li Er also reacted and clapped his hands in praise, "Well done, Silang is full of wisdom and strategies, he is really not inferior to Zhuge Kongming."

Li Silang heard this compliment and couldn't help wondering, is this what my second brother wants me to do? Not compete with him for the throne? Or is this just a casual remark?
The higher the position you hold, the more suspicious people become.

But he didn't have time to think too much, so he waved his hand and said, "Second brother is going to roast me on the fire, but it's just a fool's a thousand worries, but there will always be one success. How can it compare to Zhuge Wuhou?"

Li Er said: "Hahaha, fourth brother is too modest. However, Jinyang is strategically located. This time, our Tang Dynasty sent 200,000 troops here and fought with Liu Xuanji for more than half a year. We can't just end the siege of Jinyang and return home, right?"

After saying that, Li Er looked at his two brothers with interest.

Li San also smiled. "If Liu Xuanji retreats, won't our 200,000-man army be able to take Jinyang?"

Li Si shook his head and said, "Tuoba Jun is now a vassal of the Tang Dynasty after all. Let him serve as an official in the court. Chang'an doesn't need a house for him. The Tang Dynasty was just founded, and there are many heroes who have not yet submitted to us. It's better to give him some respect."

"What if he doesn't want to be respectable?"

"Then help him look decent."

(End of this chapter)