The Fox of France

Chapter 484: You Shall Return Like Lightning (3)

the overall situation was indeed determined. the turks lost this battle as they failed to break through the russian defenses today, and on their own front, they couldn't hold back the russians, losing the most critical high ground. under such circumstances, there was no possibility for them to break through the russian defenses tomorrow. at this point, it was difficult for them to avoid collapse. in fact, if it weren't for the approaching evening, which hindered new military actions from both sides, the turkish forces might have collapsed right then and there.

the arrival of night temporarily saved the turkish army but did not change their dire situation. the turks were now unable to advance or retreat, and they wouldn't last much longer.nôv(el)b\\jnn

by noon the next day, the situation became even more unfavorable for the turks as the russian danube river fleet also joined the battle. this fleet wasn't large, equipped with only a little over ten cannons. however, their participation provided crucial supplies to general bagration. now, there was absolutely no chance for the turks to break through bagration's defenses.

of course, with the manpower of the russian army, it was not possible to completely encircle the numerically superior turks. in fact, they simply controlled the roads. if the turks abandoned the roads, they could potentially escape. however, the risk was significant because the artillery and all their logistics depended on the roads, meaning they would have to abandon everything and march on foot.

they could carry only a limited amount of weapons, ammunition, and food. with the enemy controlling the roads and moving faster, they would easily crumble under continuous attacks.

often, the side with the upper hand on the battlefield would create a situation of "encircling three and missing one," seemingly offering the enemy a route to escape. however, if the enemy took this escape route, they would likely be easily eliminated in the subsequent pursuit. compared to a tight encirclement and assault, this tactic was much cheaper in terms of time, life, and material costs.

thus, the russian attempt to stop the turkish messengers was unsuccessful. using their horses' speed and endurance, most of the messengers easily evaded the russians.

but the russians had complete logistical support. the turks, however, had no supplies. to last longer, the turks began rationing their food. the soldiers' rations were halved, and soon they were dizzy with hunger, their legs trembling. but the food quickly ran out.

then, the turks began slaughtering their horses, but the number of horses was limited, and each soldier's share was naturally very little, so most of the soldiers were still desperately hungry.

the russians, skilled at exploiting others

' misfortunes, didn't directly charge to attack but did something even more horrifying. they chose an upwind position and started cooking sausages, letting the wind carry the aroma to the turkish side.

they also shouted to the turks, telling them that if they came over with their weapons and surrendered, there would be pork sausages and vodka waiting for them.

according to the teachings of the star and moon faith, these two items were strictly forbidden. so theoretically, it should have been difficult to tempt someone who followed the star and moon faith with these items. but still, many turkish soldiers, followers of the star and moon faith, came running over, weapons in hand, and started eating (the grilled sausages) and drinking (the vodka), becoming disgraced apostates.

after enduring for half a month like this, when even the local rats had moved away for safety, the turks, driven to desperation by hunger, finally sent out representatives, hoping to discuss surrender terms with the russians.