Chapter 3, Impenetrable Walls
Compared to those old generals who were still obsessed with Cao Wei, Deng Ai's feelings for the Sima family were even deeper. This time, the campaign against Shu was referred to as a three-pronged assault; however, Deng Ai did not see his role as merely a subsidiary force.
Although the hardness of raw cement is somewhat inferior to that of熟水泥, as long as it can dry quickly, Zhao Guang can build a series of interception dams along the Bailong River Valley.
Over the years, Jiang Wei's Shu army has launched several northern expeditions, and Yang Xin and others are not unfamiliar with the generals in Jiang Wei's army. When recounting Zhao Guang's past military achievements, they can only be described as lackluster. How has he suddenly become so formidable
Shooting skill: lv8, the effect of breaking through in the heat of battle is indeed extraordinary. Although it seems like a small step from level 7 to level 8, it is important to note that Zhao Guang has practiced the family gun technique for over 20 years and has only reached level 6.
Limestone is the primary raw material for producing lime and cement, and it also serves as a flux in iron and steel smelting. When the word 'cement' flashed through Zhao Guang's mind, he felt a sudden jolt in his heart
"Duke Deng, the Tufa tribe has lost its leader, and there are fears of internal strife. Our Great Wei must take precautions against this situation." The governor of Longxi, Qian Hong, wore a serious expression, disregarding Yang Xin's subtle intentions.
Qian Hong's father, Qian Zhao, hails from Liaoxi and is one of the few individuals in Cao Wei known for his literary and martial talents. In his early years, he had interactions with Liu Bei; however, later on, Liu Bei moved south to develop in Xuzhou, while Qian Zhao remained in Youzhou
In the camp of Deng Ai, the torches burned brightly. Upon receiving the news of the defeat of the bald-headed Xianbei people in the front camp, Deng Zhong did not dare to conceal it and immediately ordered a messenger to deliver the news to the central army
Yang Xin, a person of no ability
Deng Ai, now sixty-seven years old, initially served as a scholar in charge of agricultural affairs and as an assistant in agricultural administration. He was later recognized by Sima Yi and was recruited as an official in the office of the Grand Commandant, subsequently being promoted to the position of Secretary.
The total martial strength increased from 80 to 81, and by defeating a Wei general, the overall martial strength rose by 1. This filled Zhao Guang with both surprise and joy, as the enhancement of martial strength signifies that Zhao Guang has the opportunity to develop into a first-class or even super first-class general
"Come here, summon Chief Chen!" Zhao Guangxin, filled with confidence, believed that in the face of advantageous terrain and technological advancements, the numerical disadvantage could indeed be compensated.
Here, Chen Shou's logistics troops utilized limestone as the main material, and the raw cement, mixed with crushed stone, was air-dried for two days and nights, becoming the binding agent for the new pass, allowing the Shu army to continue their steadfast defense here
Map skills: lv3, still at level 3, but Zhao Guang has a vague realization that he is quite familiar with the mountains and forests around Wudu and Yinping, perhaps due to years of field surveying
The total values of talent and skills remained unchanged, but the individual skill in marksmanship brought great joy to Zhao Guang
Upon hearing this, Yang Xin exchanged a glance with Wang Qi, feeling reluctant to withdraw. The power of Cao Wei had already been completely controlled by the Sima clan three years ago. The Grand General Sima Zhao had been appointed as the Prime Minister and conferred the title of Duke of Jin.
Qian Hong, possessing strategy but lacking courage
Mining Skill: Level 3, the mining skill inexplicably leveled up, leaving Zhao Guang quite puzzled. He merely ordered the soldiers to set fire to the rocks on the side of the mountain to obtain rubble for blocking the path. Could it be that these stones have some significance?
The Shu army suffered over 300 casualties. Liu Lin, leading by example, commanded the troops left by his father, the Kou clan, to charge ahead. After years of warfare, the total number of Kou clan's private soldiers was less than 50. Each time one fell, it caused Liu Lin immense heartache.
At the same time, there were nearly a hundred members of the Sima family, including the Marquis of Fengting. Although Cao Huan was the emperor, he actually held no power and had no influence among the ministers and the military, completely becoming a puppet of the Sima clan
The fierce battle was truly thrilling. Zhao Guang did not have time to examine the various attribute values he hoped for. Once he settled down in the central military tent, he began to carefully check them one by one. To his astonishment, Zhao Guang discovered that the attribute values, which had originally made him anxious, had undergone some changes.
In later generations, China is referred to as the infrastructure madman, with the role of cement being crucial
Zhao Guang, filled with doubts, ordered the soldiers to bring some crushed stones. Upon holding them in his hand, he realized that the Shu army, in their efforts to blast the mountains and split the rocks, had inadvertently uncovered a limestone mine.
First of all, the levels of military strength are different
The casualties of Wei troops were nearly six times that of the Shu army, and the defeated soldiers of the Tuoba tribe were driven away by Deng Zhong, suffering even greater losses. Additionally, the reinforcements led by Deng Zhong also incurred significant losses.
In front of the Wei army on the western route, there was only the solitary force of Zhao Guang. By eliminating Zhao Guang, the two divisions of the Wei army could then encircle and attack from both the front and rear, trapping Jiang Wei's army to death on the Konghan Road
After Liu Lin withdrew, Ma Cheng took over the Qiang troops, and Zhao Guang immediately led the armored soldiers to launch a fierce attack. Wei and Shu engaged in continuous fierce battles, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. On the sixth day of steadfastly defending Shimen, Zhao Guang led his troops to retreat to the western end of Konghan Road
Deng Zhong received orders to urgently attack Shimen. Liu Lin led the Shu army, taking advantage of the favorable terrain, and fought fiercely against the Wei army. Both sides battled from noon until dusk before finally ceasing hostilities
Yang Xin, Wang Qi, Qian Hong, and other generals of the Wei army were taken aback upon hearing this report of defeat, unable to believe it. If it were said that Tu Fa Shu was killed by Jiang Wei, that would be somewhat understandable, but who exactly is Zhao Guang?
Dangchang, Didaokou
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Yang Xin, a descendant of the Hongnong Yang clan, was stationed in Jincheng, which is present-day Lanzhou. This location serves as a strategic point controlling the throat of Longxi, being a crucial juncture on the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty, as well as a node connecting the Western Sea with Yong and Liang.
The Longshan area was once an ancient ocean, and the distribution of geological minerals here is quite complex. Sulfur mines, iron mines, copper mines, and others have been exposed on the surface due to the erosion of flowing water, while some have become paving stones for mountain paths
Yang Xin had long heard of the elite soldiers of the Tu Fa Xian Bei tribe and had always wanted to annex them. However, he was unable to match the strength of Deng Ai, especially with the formidable general Tu Fa Shu Ji Neng on his side. Now that Shu Ji Neng was dead, Yang Xin's mind began to race, and he immediately started to devise a plan.
Zhao Guang returned to the camp to rest
Compared to the fresh recruits, the twenty-four-year-old Zhao Guang is not particularly old in Jiang Wei's army. However, in terms of battlefield experience, Zhao Guang has participated in the Northern Expeditions three times, which qualifies him as a "veteran." Of course, this is relative; when compared to seasoned generals like Jiang Wei, Liao Hua, and Zhang Yi, who are in their fifties and sixties, Zhao Guang is indeed among the younger generation.
Speed is of the essence in military affairs
In contrast, Deng Ai placed greater importance on his son Deng Zhong, reinforcing the Wei army's vanguard camp with soldiers from the Tufa tribe, and then supporting the attack on the passes with the elite troops of Deng Zhong. No matter how capable Zhao Guang was, how long could he hold out against this
Limestone is primarily formed in shallow marine environments. Over the years, sediment transported by flowing water incorporates the skeletal remains of deceased organisms into the rock formation
Deng Hou, the Xianbei people are indeed unworthy of heavy reliance. I, a subordinate of limited ability, am willing to reorganize the Tufa troops and soldiers for training, to forge a strong army for our great Wei. " The Governor of Jincheng, Yang Xin, clasped his fists and bowed to Deng Ai, saying. A year ago, Deng Ai was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei by Sima Zhao and appointed as the General of the Western Expedition, commanding the Wei army in the western part of Yongzhou and the area of Liangzhou.
Limestone, water, and scrap iron ore can all be found in the Tashan Valley. With these three raw materials, by crushing them in a ratio of 40% limestone to 60% of the other minerals, and adding an appropriate amount of water, a liquid form of cement raw material is produced.
Bald-headed, the Bald Tribe, however, does not cross the Hexi—one branch of the Xianbei. They cannot stir up any great waves. These barbarians are a waste of military provisions. Order Deng Zhong to quickly lead the soldiers to attack the pass. Those who disobey the order shall be executed!" Deng Ai glared with his leopard-like eyes, stammering as he shouted.
At the time when Cao Zhang defeated the Wuhuan, Qian Zhao submitted to Cao Cao, initially serving as a military advisor, and later was appointed to govern Youzhou, playing a significant role in stabilizing the northern region for the Cao Wei.