1127年(nian),金(jin)(jin)朝統(tong)治者(zhe)滅亡北宋(song)后,不(bu)斷(duan)發(fa)兵向(xiang)江(jiang)南(nan)侵擾,宋(song)統(tong)治者(zhe)一味逃跑(pao),不(bu)敢抵(di)抗,但黃河兩岸的(de)(de)(de)廣大愛國軍(jun)民在抗戰派將領的(de)(de)(de)率領下以各種(zhong)形式給金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)以沉重的(de)(de)(de)打擊。南(nan)宋(song)抗金(jin)(jin)戰爭到建炎四年(nian)(1130年(nian))時,雙方力(li)(li)量對比發(fa)生了(le)有利于南(nan)宋(song)的(de)(de)(de)變化,金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)的(de)(de)(de)精(jing)銳部隊接連受挫,戰斗力(li)(li)大大削弱。
紹興五年(1135年),金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)與(yu)(yu)偽(wei)齊聯合攻宋(song)遭到失敗,更加暴(bao)露了(le)金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)的虛弱情況。但盡(jin)管如此,宋(song)高宗(zong)仍一(yi)心一(yi)意與(yu)(yu)奸臣秦檜合謀,不斷派使臣向金(jin)(jin)(jin)求和(he)。金(jin)(jin)(jin)國統治者為達到不戰而使南宋(song)屈服的目(mu)的,同時,給金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)一(yi)個休整的機會,紹興九年正月,與(yu)(yu)南宋(song)簽訂了(le)一(yi)個和(he)約。根據這一(yi)和(he)約,宋(song)方須割地、賠款,對金(jin)(jin)(jin)稱臣。
當南(nan)宋(song)統治者慶賀和約(yue)成立、大(da)肆封(feng)官(guan)進爵(jue)之時(shi),金(jin)(jin)軍在不到一年的時(shi)間內作好(hao)了戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭準備,遂(sui)撕毀約(yue),于紹興十年(1140年)五月(yue)兵分四路(lu),再次發動南(nan)侵戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)爭,戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)線從東部的淮水(shui)下游一直延伸到西部的陜(shan)西。南(nan)宋(song)統治者對(dui)金(jin)(jin)軍進攻(gong)毫無戒備,河南(nan)、陜(shan)西的地方官(guan)大(da)都是原先(xian)的偽齊官(guan)吏,這時(shi)紛紛降金(jin)(jin),因(yin)此金(jin)(jin)軍進攻(gong)初(chu)期氣(qi)勢洶(xiong)洶(xiong)。但不久(jiu)即遭到岳飛、劉锜(qi)、韓世忠、吳璘等南(nan)宋(song)軍民的頑強抵(di)抗,從而(er)遏止(zhi)了金(jin)(jin)軍的進攻(gong)氣(qi)勢。其中以劉锜(qi)指揮的順(shun)昌保衛戰(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)(zhan)最為(wei)突出(chu)。
中國南(nan)(nan)宋紹(shao)興(xing)十年(金(jin)(jin)天眷(juan)三(san)年,1140),南(nan)(nan)宋軍(jun)民為(wei)阻擊(ji)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)進(jin)攻,在順昌(今安(an)徽阜陽)進(jin)行(xing)的(de)城邑(yi)守衛(wei)戰。
紹(shao)興九(jiu)年,宋、金(jin)(jin)達成以(yi)(yi)黃河為界的和(he)議。次年五月,金(jin)(jin)熙(xi)宗完顏(yan)亶(完顏(yan)合剌)和(he)都元帥完顏(yan)宗弼,以(yi)(yi)收回河南(nan)(nan)、陜西之地為借口,撕(si)毀(hui)和(he)約(yue),兵分(fen)四(si)路出山東(dong)、陜西及汴(宋東(dong)京,今(jin)開(kai)封)、洛(luo)(luo)(今(jin)洛(luo)(luo)陽(yang))兩(liang)京,大舉攻(gong)宋。宗弼親率(lv)主力10余萬,奪取東(dong)京后,揮師(shi)南(nan)(nan)下(xia)(xia)。南(nan)(nan)宋新任東(dong)京副(fu)留守(shou)(shou)劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)北上赴任,五月十(shi)五行至順昌,聞金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)前(qian)(qian)鋒已進至陳州(zhou)(今(jin)河南(nan)(nan)淮陽(yang)),距順昌約(yue)300里。順昌地處淮北潁水下(xia)(xia)游(you),為金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)南(nan)(nan)下(xia)(xia)必經之地。劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)為屏(ping)蔽江(jiang)淮,決(jue)定以(yi)(yi)所率(lv)“八字(zi)軍(jun)(jun)”等約(yue)兩(liang)萬人與知(zhi)府陳規共同堅守(shou)(shou)順昌。戰前(qian)(qian),劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)鑿沉船只,激勵將士決(jue)心守(shou)(shou)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng);廣(guang)派斥(chi)候(hou)察明(ming)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)動向;發動民眾環城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)修筑土(tu)圍,用以(yi)(yi)護城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)屯兵;同時加固城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)池,增設障(zhang)礙,準(zhun)備迎戰金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)。
二十(shi)五(wu)日(ri),金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)游(you)騎進(jin)(jin)抵順昌(chang)城(cheng)郊,劉锜(qi)(qi)設伏擒獲金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)千戶兩人,得知(zhi)金(jin)將韓常和(he)翟將軍(jun)(jun)(jun)部(bu)屯(tun)駐距城(cheng)30里的白龍(long)渦。劉锜(qi)(qi)乘其(qi)(qi)不備,派兵(bing)(bing)千余人夜襲(xi)其(qi)(qi)營,斬(zhan)獲甚眾(zhong)。二十(shi)九日(ri),金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)三路都(dou)統和(he)韓、翟兩軍(jun)(jun)(jun)3萬余眾(zhong),渡潁水(shui)迫近城(cheng)下。劉锜(qi)(qi)使用(yong)(yong)疑兵(bing)(bing)計,大開城(cheng)門,金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不知(zhi)虛(xu)實,不敢冒進(jin)(jin)。劉锜(qi)(qi)乘其(qi)(qi)猶豫(yu)之(zhi)際,以強弓勁弩齊射,繼以步兵(bing)(bing)持(chi)長槍、大斧猛沖。金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不支,向潁水(shui)潰退,多(duo)落(luo)水(shui)中(zhong)溺死。六月初二,金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)移駐城(cheng)東拐(guai)李村,劉锜(qi)(qi)利用(yong)(yong)金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)騎兵(bing)(bing)不善(shan)夜戰的弱點(dian),派驍將閻充率銳(rui)卒500夜襲(xi)金(jin)營,大敗(bai)金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)。
宗弼(bi)得(de)悉前(qian)鋒軍(jun)(jun)連遭重創,親(qin)率精兵(bing)10余萬由東(dong)(dong)京馳(chi)援,進(jin)抵潁水北(bei)岸,人(ren)馬(ma)蔽野。劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)部將中(zhong)有人(ren)恐寡不敵(di)眾,建(jian)議退(tui)守(shou)江南。劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)召(zhao)集諸將曉以(yi)利害,激勵將士(shi)背城(cheng)死戰(zhan)。并派(pai)曹成等二人(ren)去金(jin)營行間,詭稱劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)是太平邊帥(shuai)之子(zi),只圖(tu)逸樂,不懂戰(zhan)守(shou)。宗弼(bi)信以(yi)為(wei)真(zhen),將攻城(cheng)的鵝車(che)、炮具留下,率龍虎大王完顏突合速、三路都統、韓(han)、翟將軍(jun)(jun)人(ren)馬(ma),合圍順(shun)昌。宗弼(bi)見城(cheng)垣簡陋,聲(sheng)言可以(yi)用靴尖踢(ti)倒,遂遣精騎攻東(dong)(dong)西(xi)兩門(men),自(zi)率親(qin)兵(bing)4000,往來為(wei)援。兵(bing)皆(jie)鐵盔重鎧號“鐵浮圖(tu)”。時值盛夏,金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)不慣炎熱。早(zao)晨天氣涼爽,金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)猛攻,劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)堅守(shou)不戰(zhan);午后,天氣酷熱,金(jin)兵(bing)力疲氣衰,劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)派(pai)數百人(ren)出西(xi)門(men)佯攻,繼以(yi)5000精兵(bing)潛出南門(men),攻擊金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)側翼,大敗金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(一說(shuo)劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)還(huan)在潁水上游及草中(zhong)置毒(du),金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)人(ren)馬(ma)食水草后致病)。宗弼(bi)不甘失敗,移駐城(cheng)西(xi),企圖(tu)久圍順(shun)昌。時連日大雨,劉(liu)锜(qi)(qi)又(you)頻頻派(pai)兵(bing)夜襲,十二日,宗弼(bi)乃(nai)率部退(tui)回東(dong)(dong)京,順(shun)昌圍解。
此戰(zhan),劉锜以(yi)順昌城為防御(yu)要點(dian),利用(yong)金(jin)軍(jun)不慣炎(yan)熱(re)、不習夜(ye)戰(zhan)的(de)弱(ruo)點(dian),以(yi)攻為守,以(yi)長擊短,重創金(jin)軍(jun)主(zhu)力,粉碎(sui)了金(jin)軍(jun)的(de)進攻,成為南(nan)宋抗金(jin)戰(zhan)爭中,以(yi)少(shao)勝多(duo)、以(yi)步(bu)制騎的(de)著名戰(zhan)例。
1140年5月中(zhong)旬(xun),新(xin)任東(dong)(dong)京(jing)(jing)(jing)副留守兼節制軍(jun)馬的(de)(de)劉(liu)锜,率領軍(jun)隊(dui)前往東(dong)(dong)京(jing)(jing)(jing)駐防。剛由水路抵順昌(chang)(今安徽(hui)阜陽)時,就傳來(lai)了(le)(le)金(jin)軍(jun)攻陷東(dong)(dong)京(jing)(jing)(jing)開封的(de)(de)消息。3天之后,攻陷東(dong)(dong)京(jing)(jing)(jing)的(de)(de)金(jin)軍(jun)繼續(xu)向南(nan)侵擾(rao),距東(dong)(dong)京(jing)(jing)(jing)不(bu)遠的(de)(de)陳州(今河南(nan)淮陽)也(ye)被(bei)攻占。離(li)陳州僅150公(gong)里(li)的(de)(de)順昌(chang)成(cheng)了(le)(le)宋金(jin)對(dui)峙的(de)(de)前沿陣地。
順(shun)昌(chang)北瀕潁水,南(nan)有淮河,東(dong)接(jie)濠州(zhou)(今安(an)徽(hui)鳳陽)、壽州(zhou)(今安(an)徽(hui)壽縣(xian)),西(xi)接(jie)蔡(cai)州(zhou)、陳州(zhou),是屏障淮河的要(yao)口(kou)(kou),通汴梁的交通要(yao)道。在大(da)敵壓(ya)境之(zhi)際,劉锜(qi)沉(chen)著(zhu)果斷,親自(zi)視察城(cheng)(cheng)內外的防御(yu)工(gong)事和(he)地(di)形,鑿沉(chen)船(chuan)只,加(jia)高(gao)加(jia)厚城(cheng)(cheng)墻,構筑防御(yu)工(gong)事。號召大(da)家(jia)同心協力(li),保衛(wei)順(shun)昌(chang)城(cheng)(cheng)。他(ta)將自(zi)己全家(jia)老少搬到一座廟(miao)里,在門口(kou)(kou)堆滿干柴,囑咐守(shou)衛(wei)的士兵,萬(wan)一城(cheng)(cheng)被金軍(jun)(jun)攻破(po),即放火焚燒(shao)他(ta)的全家(jia),以此激勵士兵和(he)百姓,誓死保衛(wei)順(shun)昌(chang)城(cheng)(cheng)。根(gen)據地(di)形和(he)兵力(li),以后軍(jun)(jun)統制(zhi)許清守(shou)御(yu)東(dong)門,中軍(jun)(jun)統制(zhi)守(shou)御(yu)西(xi)門,右(you)軍(jun)(jun)統制(zhi)焦文通,游奕軍(jun)(jun)統制(zhi)鐘彥守(shou)御(yu)南(nan)門,左(zuo)軍(jun)(jun)統制(zhi)杜杞守(shou)衛(wei)北門。派出偵探(tan),并依靠當地(di)人作向導,不(bu)斷偵察金軍(jun)(jun)行(xing)動方向。經過一個星期(qi)的努(nu)力(li),初步完成了(le)順(shun)昌(chang)城(cheng)(cheng)的防御(yu)準備。五(wu)月二十五(wu)日,金軍(jun)(jun)游騎數千(qian)渡過潁河,進迫順(shun)昌(chang)城(cheng)(cheng)郊。
宋軍(jun)(jun)伏兵(bing)(bing)活捉金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)銀(yin)牌千戶(hu)阿赫(he)殺(sha)阿魯(lu)等2人。劉锜(qi)從俘(fu)虜(lu)口(kou)供中了解(jie)到(dao)金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)韓、翟二頭領帶(dai)領部分兵(bing)(bing)力在(zai)距城15公里的白沙渦一帶(dai)安(an)營扎寨,便乘其(qi)初至,毫無作(zuo)戰(zhan)準備,派兵(bing)(bing)千余乘夜(ye)前(qian)往(wang)劫(jie)營,一直(zhi)激戰(zhan)到(dao)次日凌晨,宋軍(jun)(jun)首戰(zhan)告捷。金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)殘兵(bing)(bing)于二十七(qi)日逃到(dao)陳州,向其(qi)突合速及三路都統葛王完(wan)顏(yan)褒(bao)(完(wan)顏(yan)烏(wu)祿,后改名(ming)完(wan)顏(yan)雍(yong),即金(jin)世宗)報告了慘(can)敗(bai)的經過,金(jin)軍(jun)(jun)主力迅(xun)速向順昌集結(jie)。
二十(shi)九日,3萬余金軍(jun)(jun)四面包圍了順昌城,進行強攻,企圖一(yi)舉而下(xia)。劉锜領(ling)兵(bing)從西門迎戰。金軍(jun)(jun)逼向(xiang)城墻,一(yi)邊搶奪吊橋,一(yi)邊以(yi)(yi)強弓(gong)硬弩(nu)向(xiang)城上的宋軍(jun)(jun)射擊。宋軍(jun)(jun)以(yi)(yi)勁弓(gong)強弩(nu)還擊,矢如雨下(xia),金軍(jun)(jun)死(si)傷甚眾(zhong),被迫后(hou)撤。劉锜抓緊戰機(ji),乘勢以(yi)(yi)步兵(bing)出擊,金軍(jun)(jun)潰亂,倉(cang)皇渡水(shui)逃命(ming),溺死(si)甚眾(zhong)。時近黃昏,仍有數千金軍(jun)(jun)的鐵騎在河外逗留(liu),劉锜派兵(bing)連續向(xiang)其發起進攻,大獲全勝(sheng),繳獲甚多(duo)。
順(shun)(shun)(shun)昌(chang)被圍第四天(tian)(tian),金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)從陳(chen)州(zhou)等地向順(shun)(shun)(shun)昌(chang)增調兵(bing)力(li)(li)(li),一(yi)部(bu)分金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)扎(zha)營(ying)于距順(shun)(shun)(shun)昌(chang)10公里的東村。順(shun)(shun)(shun)昌(chang)處于金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)的鐵(tie)壁合圍之中(zhong)。金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)把主(zhu)要注意(yi)力(li)(li)(li)放在攻占順(shun)(shun)(shun)昌(chang)城上,卻忽略了對營(ying)寨的防守。宋軍(jun)(jun)(jun)利(li)用雷雨天(tian)(tian)氣(qi),派驍(xiao)將(jiang)閻(yan)充選拔五(wu)百壯士,乘(cheng)黑夜(ye)突入敵營(ying),等電光一(yi)閃,宋軍(jun)(jun)(jun)便一(yi)躍而(er)起,奮勇進殺(sha)(sha);電光過后,宋軍(jun)(jun)(jun)全(quan)都潛伏(fu)不動。金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)不知宋軍(jun)(jun)(jun)底細,滿營(ying)大亂,宋軍(jun)(jun)(jun)則(ze)按戰(zhan)前約定的暗號,時(shi)分時(shi)聚。金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)惶恐之中(zhong),自相殘(can)殺(sha)(sha),等到天(tian)(tian)明,金軍(jun)(jun)(jun)已無力(li)(li)(li)還擊,只(zhi)得(de)退(tui)去。
這三次戰(zhan)斗,宋軍智(zhi)勇結合,使(shi)圍攻順昌的金軍元氣大(da)傷,取得(de)了順昌保衛戰(zhan)的初步勝利。
宗弼在開封得知金軍(jun)進(jin)攻(gong)(gong)順(shun)昌失敗(bai)的(de)(de)(de)消(xiao)息后,率(lv)兵(bing)十(shi)余(yu)萬晝夜(ye)兼程,用(yong)不(bu)到7天的(de)(de)(de)時(shi)間從開封直趨順(shun)昌。宗弼所部是金軍(jun)中的(de)(de)(de)精銳部隊(dui),攻(gong)(gong)城略地,兇悍無比。其(qi)(qi)專攻(gong)(gong)城池的(de)(de)(de)士(shi)兵(bing)號稱(cheng)“鐵浮(fu)屠”(鐵塔(ta)兵(bing)),士(shi)兵(bing)都穿甲戴盔(kui),配(pei)備最精良(liang)的(de)(de)(de)武(wu)器。其(qi)(qi)作戰(zhan)方法(fa)是每(mei)3人分為一(yi)個戰(zhan)斗單位,后面緊跟著拒馬(ma)子(zi),士(shi)兵(bing)每(mei)前(qian)進(jin)一(yi)步(bu)(bu),就將(jiang)拒馬(ma)子(zi)往前(qian)移(yi)一(yi)步(bu)(bu),以示一(yi)往無前(qian),決不(bu)后退。又在左(zuo)右兩翼以鐵騎相配(pei)合,號稱(cheng)“拐子(zi)馬(ma)”。宋(song)金交戰(zhan)以來,凡難攻(gong)(gong)之城,都使用(yong)這一(yi)隊(dui)伍去攻(gong)(gong)打,屢次取得勝利。
當初戰取勝之后(hou),宋軍中有人提出乘(cheng)宗弼(bi)未到撤(che)離(li)順昌(chang),保存實力(li)。劉(liu)锜認為(wei)(wei)宗弼(bi)援兵將(jiang)至,如果南(nan)撤(che),不僅前功盡(jin)棄,而且一旦被敵追及,必(bi)遭覆滅。更為(wei)(wei)嚴重的(de)是,金軍將(jiang)長驅(qu)直入,侵擾兩淮,震(zhen)動江南(nan),造成嚴重后(hou)果。為(wei)(wei)今之計,只有“背(bei)城一戰,于死中求生”。眾(zhong)將(jiang)同意這一方案,雖(sui)然(ran)處于劣勢,但愿奮力(li)一戰,保住順昌(chang)。六月(yue)六日,劉(liu)锜派人將(jiang)順昌(chang)城東(dong)門(men)、北門(men)外停泊的(de)船只全部鑿(zao)沉,下定(ding)決心背(bei)水(shui)一戰。
六月七日,宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼領兵(bing)扎寨于(yu)(yu)(yu)順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)外的(de)(de)(de)潁水北(bei)岸,連營十(shi)余公里(li)。宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼看到(dao)順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)垣簡(jian)陋,竟狂妄地說:順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)可以(yi)用靴尖(jian)踢倒(dao)。并(bing)(bing)當(dang)即(ji)下(xia)令(ling),九日在順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)(nei)(nei)府衙中吃早飯,城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)破之后,女子玉帛(bo)悉聽諸(zhu)將擄(lu)掠(lve),男子一律殺死。宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼的(de)(de)(de)氣(qi)焰十(shi)分囂張,根(gen)本(ben)不(bu)把(ba)劉(liu)(liu)(liu)锜(qi)(qi)等(deng)(deng)(deng)放(fang)在眼里(li)。劉(liu)(liu)(liu)锜(qi)(qi)一方面(mian)加緊備(bei)戰(zhan)(zhan),另方面(mian)為(wei)了進一步(bu)麻痹宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼,派(pai)曹(cao)成等(deng)(deng)(deng)2人(ren)為(wei)間諜,隨探騎(qi)行動(dong),故意(yi)(yi)讓金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)俘虜。曹(cao)成等(deng)(deng)(deng)2人(ren)向金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)散布劉(liu)(liu)(liu)锜(qi)(qi)喜好聲色(se)、貪圖(tu)安樂、無所作(zuo)為(wei)等(deng)(deng)(deng)假情報(bao)。宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼聽后信(xin)以(yi)為(wei)真,下(xia)令(ling)留下(xia)攻(gong)(gong)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)車、炮具(ju),輕裝急進。六月九日,宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼指揮金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)向順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)發(fa)起總(zong)攻(gong)(gong)。這天(tian)天(tian)明,宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼率(lv)金(jin)(jin)兵(bing)渡過(guo)潁河,沿(yan)城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)列成陣勢,從(cong)東門(men)到(dao)南(nan)門(men),從(cong)南(nan)門(men)到(dao)西門(men),把(ba)四(si)門(men)連成一片,并(bing)(bing)吶喊不(bu)停,企(qi)(qi)圖(tu)在精(jing)(jing)神上嚇倒(dao)順(shun)(shun)昌城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)(nei)(nei)的(de)(de)(de)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)民(min)。城(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)內(nei)(nei)(nei)宋(song)(song)(song)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)絲(si)毫不(bu)為(wei)所動(dong),一心(xin)一意(yi)(yi)迎戰(zhan)(zhan)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)。當(dang)時,諸(zhu)將都(dou)認為(wei)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)中韓常部(bu)較弱,宜先打(da)擊(ji)該部(bu)。劉(liu)(liu)(liu)锜(qi)(qi)認為(wei)擊(ji)敗韓部(bu),仍(reng)不(bu)能阻(zu)擋宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼精(jing)(jing)兵(bing)的(de)(de)(de)進攻(gong)(gong),不(bu)如先打(da)敗宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),則整個金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)將無能為(wei)力(li)。這時正值天(tian)氣(qi)炎熱,金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)遠道而來,沒有休(xiu)息(xi)(xi)即(ji)投(tou)入(ru)(ru)戰(zhan)(zhan)斗,人(ren)困馬(ma)乏(fa),只好休(xiu)兵(bing)立營,準(zhun)備(bei)再攻(gong)(gong)。宋(song)(song)(song)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)則輪番(fan)休(xiu)息(xi)(xi)于(yu)(yu)(yu)羊馬(ma)垣下(xia)以(yi)逸待勞,主動(dong)出擊(ji),突入(ru)(ru)宗(zong)(zong)(zong)(zong)弼營壘,打(da)敗其裝備(bei)最好的(de)(de)(de)三千牙兵(bing)。金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)以(yi)鐵騎(qi)拐子馬(ma)從(cong)左右兩(liang)翼企(qi)(qi)圖(tu)包圍宋(song)(song)(song)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun),由于(yu)(yu)(yu)宋(song)(song)(song)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)奮勇作(zuo)戰(zhan)(zhan),金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)企(qi)(qi)圖(tu)未能得(de)逞(cheng)。盛(sheng)夏酷署(shu),金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)給養不(bu)足,人(ren)馬(ma)饑(ji)渴,大(da)量飲食被宋(song)(song)(song)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)施放(fang)了毒(du)藥(yao)的(de)(de)(de)水草(cao),中毒(du)病倒(dao)者甚眾。劉(liu)(liu)(liu)锜(qi)(qi)又(you)乘烈日當(dang)空的(de)(de)(de)中午(wu),時而派(pai)遣(qian)數百(bai)人(ren)于(yu)(yu)(yu)西門(men)擾敵,時而又(you)從(cong)南(nan)門(men)襲擊(ji),大(da)敗金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)(jun)。
十日,風云突變,大(da)雨(yu)傾盆(pen),天(tian)氣(qi)于(yu)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)不利(li),金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)又(you)(you)屢攻不下,士卒死亡病疾又(you)(you)多,不得不改變方案(an),企圖長(chang)期圍困(kun)順昌,于(yu)是移營(ying)城西,掘壕列陳,與宋軍(jun)(jun)相峙(zhi)。為(wei)了(le)推垮金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun),劉锜(qi)派100多名騎兵(bing),或(huo)乘(cheng)雨(yu)大(da)作,或(huo)乘(cheng)大(da)雨(yu)停歇,不間斷地(di)襲擾(rao)金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun),重創金(jin)(jin)軍(jun)(jun)于(yu)城外。
十一日,金(jin)軍中又(you)打響戰(zhan)鼓,劉(liu)(liu)锜(qi)不(bu)動聲色(se),密切注(zhu)視(shi)金(jin)軍動向(xiang),并撫(fu)恤(xu)陣(zhen)亡之宋軍將(jiang)士家屬,再勵(li)士氣。金(jin)軍久攻不(bu)下(xia),士氣低落,宗弼(bi)開始(shi)引兵退(tui)走。劉(liu)(liu)锜(qi)乘(cheng)此時機,全軍出動,尾(wei)隨(sui)追擊,大敗金(jin)軍。
十(shi)二日(ri),宗弼被迫率(lv)全部金(jin)軍撤走順(shun)(shun)昌(chang)回(hui)開封,順(shun)(shun)昌(chang)保衛戰(zhan)取得了(le)徹底(di)勝(sheng)利。劉锜所部不滿(man)2萬,其主力是原來(lai)王(wang)彥率(lv)領的(de)著名(ming)的(de)“八字軍”。但能(neng)出(chu)戰(zhan)者(zhe)(zhe)只有5000。劉锜率(lv)領將(jiang)士同(tong)心協力,堅決抵抗,采取了(le)正確(que)的(de)戰(zhan)略策略,這就是先發制(zhi)敵(di),挫敵(di)銳氣;麻痹敵(di)軍,制(zhi)造戰(zhan)機;以逸待勞,乘其不備(bei)。加之城內(nei)居(ju)民的(de)廣(guang)泛支(zhi)持,終(zhong)于以少勝(sheng)多(duo),以劣勝(sheng)強,大滅(mie)了(le)金(jin)軍的(de)囂張(zhang)氣焰,擋住了(le)金(jin)軍自(zi)兩淮南侵的(de)鋒芒(mang)。這一戰(zhan)是金(jin)軍南侵以來(lai)遭到的(de)最重(zhong)大的(de)慘敗(bai)之一,震撼了(le)金(jin)國(guo)統(tong)治者(zhe)(zhe)。出(chu)使金(jin)國(guo)的(de)洪皓,曾就此戰(zhan)奏報宋高(gao)宗說:“順(shun)(shun)昌(chang)之役,敵(di)震懼喪魄,燕(yan)之珍寶(bao)悉取而(er)北,意欲捐燕(yan)以南棄之。”
順(shun)昌大捷沉重(zhong)打擊(ji)了(le)金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)主力部隊,因而對宋(song)(song)軍(jun)抗金(jin)(jin)(jin)的(de)戰(zhan)局產(chan)生(sheng)了(le)重(zhong)大影響(xiang),它策應了(le)宋(song)(song)軍(jun)在東、西兩(liang)翼及西京地區的(de)作戰(zhan),從而全線抑(yi)制(zhi)了(le)金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)的(de)攻(gong)(gong)勢,為(wei)南宋(song)(song)軍(jun)民大舉反攻(gong)(gong)金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)創(chuang)造了(le)良好(hao)的(de)條件。當順(shun)昌之戰(zhan)激烈進行時,進攻(gong)(gong)陜西、京西、淮東的(de)金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)也分(fen)別為(wei)宋(song)(song)將吳(wu)璘、岳飛(fei)、韓世忠所敗(bai),金(jin)(jin)(jin)軍(jun)再(zai)次發起的(de)全面進攻(gong)(gong)又以失敗(bai)而告終(zhong)。劉锜因此戰(zhan)功,被宋(song)(song)高宗授予武(wu)泰軍(jun)節度(du)使、侍(shi)衛馬軍(jun)都虞侯、知順(shun)昌府(fu)、沿淮制(zhi)置使等職。