Chapter 44 Learning by doing
Ta Tianbao hesitated for a moment, but still expressed his doubts, "Since it is a royal secret, Mr. Huang is not worried about it being spread out and obtained by the enemy?"
Li Laiheng laughed and said: "Sun Tzu's Art of War is widely circulated. It can be said that it is a must-read for warriors. It can be used by both the enemy and ourselves, but there is still a difference between victory and defeat in war, so why?"
"Your Majesty, it's great to see you." Ta Tianbao looked astonished and said with admiration: "It's so simple and yet profound, it will enlighten the general at once."
Li Laiheng waved his hand and said with a smile: "I don't have any high opinions. This is what Mr. Huang said."
Ta Tianbao blinked his eyes, his smile was a little stagnant, but then he returned to normal and said: "The Duke is too humble. Just being able to understand Mr. Huang's subtle words and great meaning is beyond the reach of rough guys like the general."
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"Let's not talk about this!" Li Laiheng said with a smile: "It's rare to get together again, let's go and have a drink. It's not only a greeting, but also a farewell party."
"The Duke is so kind, I dare not obey my order." Ta Tianbao chuckled, got up and followed Li Laiheng.
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In ancient times, marches were divided into 30 miles, which means you can only walk about 30 miles a day.
But this is only an approximate distance. Usually, without harassment or obstruction, walking forty or fifty miles is not too far.
More than forty miles per day, this is the result of discussions between Yuan Zongdi and others. The distance from Xingshan to Yiling is about two hundred and forty to fifty miles, and the plan is to arrive at Yiling in six days.
"It turns out that we march without armor, so that we can maintain the physical strength of the soldiers. When there is an enemy situation, we will wear armor and prepare for battle."
"The so-called boundless, all-embracing, all-encompassing, flag-waving, fine-armored sun-dazzling thing is an exaggeration of art and nonsense."
Huang Li rode on his horse, complaining as he walked: It's really not like playing house in novels and movies. Every five to ten miles in the army, the army has to stop for a brief rectification to keep the queue orderly.
There is also the importance of scouts and reconnaissance cavalry. They are usually released at least five miles in front of the army. After entering the enemy's territory, they even have to be scouted for more than ten or dozens of miles.
Even the soldiers have strict regulations on how to relieve themselves. They cannot just go to the roadside to solve the problem. If you leave the queue without reporting and permission, you will be beheaded.
Setting up camp is a tedious task, and it is by no means as simple and easy as Huang Li thought.
For example, the location for setting up camp must be ventilated, dry and sunny, and must be able to stabilize and suppress enemies, as well as ensure convenient transportation of food, fodder, fuel and drinking water.
Fortunately, there are professionals to take care of this matter. The army usually has officers who manage camps, plan construction and other tasks, so you don't have to worry about it yourself.
"There are several ways to set up camps. Square areas are generally used in plain areas, and semicircles are used when leaning against mountains. It is necessary to have camps within camps and teams within teams, so that they can communicate with each other and support each other."
Next to him, Li Yue was still imparting common sense to Huang Lipin, "Defensive measures must be established outside the camp. Such as trenches, deer camps, traps, etc."
Huang Li listened attentively, nodding his head from time to time, asking questions from time to time, and learning humbly.
"These military common senses are all recorded in the "General Military Classics", but they are not static and need to be adjusted according to the actual situation."
Huang Li nodded and said: "The "Martial Classics General Essentials" is the military manual of the Song Dynasty. It must be out of date now. Which of the military manuals of this dynasty are more practical?"
Li Yue thought for a while and said: "In terms of practicality and comprehensiveness, it should be "Military Bei Zhi". If you want to read it, sir, I have a copy there, but it is a little old and a little damaged."
"It doesn't matter, I have read tens of thousands of books!" Huang Li said with a smile: "I also want to read the military books and strategies familiarly, so as not to make people laugh."
Li Yue said with a smile: "No one is laughing at Mr. Huang. The so-called profession has specialization. Mr. Huang has extensive knowledge, but there is no need to be proficient in everything."
That's right, I'm actually very sparse in everything. I know a little bit about everything, but when it comes to in-depth discussion and specific and minute details, I'm far inferior to the ancients.
It's already the third day of departure, and Huang Li has indeed learned a lot, which is far beyond what can be mastered by just reading.
Perhaps, continuous learning and growth in practice is more effective and practical than reading military books.
Huang Li thought like this, and many generals who grew up from the grassroots flashed through his mind, and there were really quite a few.
As dusk approached, the long queue finally stopped, ending the day's march and it was time to eat and rest.
Due to the hard work of the vanguard led by Hao Yaoqi, the army had a ready-made camp. Although it was simple, it was protected by a large number of carriages and carts, which also served as a camp wall.
Many carts are modified from ordinary carts, that is, they add a carriage, and the wooden board in the front is higher. Food and supplies can be loaded inside, and the wooden board in the front can protect bows, arrows, and muskets.
What's more, this place is still far away from Yiling. The Huguang Qing army, which has just experienced a disastrous defeat, should not have the strength and confidence to take the initiative to intercept.
"In three days at most, we will be able to reach Yiling City. At that time, it will be a crucial battle for whether we can counterattack and make a comeback." Huang Li sat down to rest in the tent arranged for himself, his thoughts racing.
The closer you get to the target, the more uneasy you will feel. Because apart from Yiling, there is no better target to counterattack. It is not an exaggeration to say that victory or defeat depends on this.
Once defeated, the troops will be damaged, morale will be further reduced, and the Qing army will gather large numbers of soldiers, the situation will probably be worse than in history.
"Time is also very tight. If we cannot conquer Yiling within twenty days, we can only retreat sadly and return without success."
Huang Li estimated the time and couldn't help scratching his head again. Although it would take about two months for the Eight Banners soldiers to arrive, the supply of food and grass limited the time for counterattack.
"Mr. Huang, Duke Jingguo invites you to come and have dinner with us." Outside the tent, Liu Xiang made an announcement.
Huang Li agreed, tidied up a little, then left the tent and headed to Yuan Zongdi's tent with a few soldiers.
The two tents were very close to each other, and Huang Li quickly saw Yuan Zongdi. After finishing the ceremony, they took their seats.
"Mr. Huang, this is an urgent report just sent by Duke Yi." Yuan Zongdi took advantage of the opportunity before the food was served and handed the military intelligence report to Huang Li.
Huang Li took it and looked at it, and found that there was nothing unusual, so he returned it to Yuan Zongdi.
"According to the current marching speed, we will be able to reach Yiling the day after tomorrow." Yuan Zongdi said with a smile: "According to my wishes, the marching speed can be slowed down so that the forward, middle army, and rear troops will not be out of touch."<
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Chapter completed!