When the Ming army entered within a hundred miles of Yiling, it slowed down its march, but its reconnaissance and spying work was once again intensified.

The distance between the forward, middle, and rear troops became closer and closer, and in the end they were only a few miles apart, and only thirty or forty miles away from Yiling City.

"We will arrive at Yiling City today." Yuan Zongdi pointed with his whip and said: "According to the information sent by Duke Yi, the Qing army's scouts are retreating quickly, and the Qing army should be preparing to defend the city."<

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Huang Li nodded and said: "Based on the number of troops, it is not surprising that the Qing army adopted the strategy of holding on first and then counterattacking."

"A strong attack will hurt soldiers, and a long siege will waste food." Yuan Zongdi seemed a little worried and said in a low voice, "Since ancient times, attacking fortified cities has been very difficult."

This may be similar to the mentality of timidity in the hometown. You are full of confidence before doing something, but you are hesitant when it comes.

Huang Li did not blame him for this. After all, this was the last chance before the Qing army gathered, and victory or defeat was of great importance.

"We are fully prepared and have high morale. If we still cannot conquer Yiling, it will be God's will."

Huang Li said calmly: "Even if we return without success, our army still has a chance to survive. Now that we have reached the city, we will concentrate on fighting this battle without thinking too much."

Yuan Zongdi glanced at Huang Li. The young face was full of determination. He couldn't help but smile to himself and said, "I am indeed worried about gains and losses, which makes Mr. Huang laugh."

Changes in mentality are sometimes unconscious. Yuan Zongdi can be said to have experienced hundreds of battles, but at this time, the heavy pressure made him lose his composure.

Huang Li, on the other hand, is not afraid of tigers as a newborn calf. Facing the first battle in his life, he is looking forward to it and even a little excited.

"My lord, I would like to rush to the vanguard and learn from Duke Yi the military knowledge of engaging the enemy and setting up camp." Huang Li felt that it was boring to drive slowly. He also felt that his riding skills had improved, so he wanted to gallop on the horse.

.

Yuan Zongdi pondered for a moment, then agreed, and then solemnly explained to Li Yue, Yuan Dongbao and others that they must protect Huang Li's safety.

Huang Li cupped his hands, raised his horse's head, and galloped forward.

The speed was not fast at first, but after leaving the Central Army, the road became wider. Huang Licai held the horse's belly with his legs, feeling the joy of galloping.

The distance to the forward was no longer very far, and Huang Li and others quickly caught up.

Hao Yaoqi was a little surprised when he saw Huang Li coming, but soon he smiled broadly and rode alongside Huang Li, chatting as they walked.

"The Qing army withdrew their scouts and did not quarrel with our army. They should be afraid of being captured and leaking the situation in the city." Hao Yaoqi said slowly: "More than ten miles ahead is Zhenjing Mountain. Our army will camp against the mountain. Tomorrow

Then go to the city."

Zhenjing Mountain is the gateway to the north of Yiling City. It is about six miles away from Yiling City and faces Wangzhou Gang. If Zhenjing Mountain is occupied, the Ming army can drive south to the city.

Huang Li had no objection to this. The military manual said that camping against the mountains was also a common principle for selecting camps.

"My lord, this -" Huang Li pointed at something wrapped in bright yellow silk on Hao Yaoqi's chest and asked in surprise: "Is that a telescope wrapped?"

Hao Yaoqi nodded and said: "I always carry it with me. Such a treasure will definitely not be damaged. Don't worry, Mr. Huang."

"No..." Huang Li unconsciously made two circles in the air with his hand, and said helplessly: "My lord, you don't need to cherish it so much, right? It's just an object that can see far away."

In ancient times, bright yellow could only be used by the royal family, or even as the exclusive color of the emperor. How could Huang Li not understand this common sense?

"It is disrespectful to only wrap the royal things in silk." Hao Yaoqi said matter-of-factly: "This is an expedient method only for convenience."

Huang Li rolled his eyes secretly and said to himself: If you do this, I wonder what rumors will appear in the army.

At this time, Hao Yaoqi had already changed the topic and said: "According to the reports from the spies sent to Yiling, there have been a lot of ships transporting grain and grass supplies to Yiling City in the past few days, and the accumulation in the city should be extremely large.

Abundant and abundant."

This is not surprising. When the Huguang Qing army attacked Xingshan, Yiling was the material transfer center and logistics base. Of course, it was necessary to continue to enrich the food and grass for the subsequent siege.

Huang Li chuckled and said, "Isn't this what we hope for? According to intelligence, there are three Qing army towns in Yiling, Yunyang, Xiangyang, and Chenchang. They should be empty. As long as Yiling is destroyed, a chain reaction will occur."

Hao waved his flag and said yes, saying: "Fangxian County has not been lost. Our army has also marched into Yunyang and Gucheng several times. Although we have not attacked the city and taken out the stronghold, we have still gained a lot. Now that the Qing army has occupied Fangshan, we have

I'm afraid the army won't be able to take advantage of the weakness."

Yunyang is to the north of Fangxian County, and Xiangyang and Gucheng are to the east of Fangxian County.

Gansu and Shaanxi Green Camps and Henan Green Camps now occupy Fangxian County and play a protective role in Yunyang and Xiangyang. If we attack north from Yiling, only Yuan'an and Dangyang will be left, which is of little significance.

"It's too far away from Xiangyang and Yunyang." Huang Li realized that his idea was unrealistic, so he couldn't help but sigh and said, "Let's continue to attack eastward, such as Jingmen and Jingzhou."

Most of the Qing army in Huguang is in Yiling. As long as a breakthrough is achieved, the towns with empty defenses will be opened to the front of the Ming army.

We don’t insist on annihilating more enemies, but we only need to destroy local areas, weaken Huguang’s ability to raise food and supplies, and sow the seeds of resistance in the hearts of Huguang people.

At the same time, a lot of soldiers should be recruited to enhance the strength of the Ming army in preparation for the decisive battle with the Manchu army.

It's just that time is tight, and the counterattack troops have to return to the division to prepare for the next battle.

"Yiling must be conquered. This is the key to a counterattack and a comeback." Huang Li slightly narrowed his eyes, calmed down, and secretly encouraged himself.

………………

The Ming army occupied Zhenjing Mountain and set up camp against the mountain. The forward camp was about two miles away from the north gate of Yiling. Judging from the flags, there were three troops: Hao Yaoqi, Yuan Zongdi, and Li Laiheng, with a total strength of about 30,000 to 40,000.
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Intelligence was continuously sent to the case of Huguang Admiral Dong Xueli, and the atmosphere of war was also thick and spreading in Yiling City.

Dong Xueli was somewhat reassured. The enemy's troops had a slight advantage, but the defenders had a solid city and were not at a disadvantage.

"Struggle to the death in order to succeed." Dong Xueli boarded the North City, looked at the Ming army camp in the distance, and curled his lips lightly.

Since the enemy is eager to fight, our own army should be as stable as a mountain and stand firm and wait for changes.

"The Battle of Wushan lasted for twelve days. Under the Yiling City, I want to see how long the bandits can hold out?" Dong Xueli stroked his beard with a contemptuous sneer on his face.
Chapter completed!