Wu Jie, the commander of the Northwest Dudu Mansion and commander of the Fourth Army, stood in front of the Dudu Mansion located in Yumenguan City.
This city was in the hands of the Eastern Chagatai Mongols during the pre-Ming Dynasty.
In the former Ming Dynasty, Jiayuguan was built to resist the Mongolian forces in the northwest.
Before the unification of China, Wu Jie led troops to regain the Gansu region, repel the Mongolian raids on the border in Eastern Chagatai, and recover the ancient city of Yumen Pass.
This thousand-year-old city was protected by muskets and cannons. Even when the main force of the Fourth Army entered the pass to fight, it was never captured by the Mongolian forces again.
The Mongolian forces could only take advantage of the weakness of the Central Plains dynasty to act cruelly.
They encountered the powerful Royal Army of Great China and could no longer move forward.
Fourth Army Chief of Staff Fu Xiucheng held a stack of documents.
He came over and reported: "Captain, there are currently 40,000 main members of our Fourth Army gathered at Yumen Pass, and a total of 60,000 soldiers and militiamen.
The 3rd Cavalry Division and the 4th Cavalry Division, 26,000 cavalry.
The Mongolian cavalry led by Ezhe, Bagir, and Butlu totaled 78,000 people.
The weapons of these Mongolian cavalry are mainly old revolvers and equipped with steel knives.
They are all naturalized Mongolian tribes, so they have no problem fighting with the wind.
Not counting civilians and regular troops with firearms, our army has 200,000 people."
After Wu Jie listened to Chief of Staff Fu Xiucheng's report, he said in a relaxed tone: "An army of 200,000 is attacking the Mongolian forces in the northwest. This is a lot of strength.
Even if you give me a million people, I don't dare to ask for it.
The fragile logistics supply lines in the Northwest can only supply supplies for 200,000 people, which is the limit.
The staff department also wants to mobilize troops for me and ask the Second Army and the Seventh Army to cooperate with us from Wusizang and Mobei Mongolia.
I directly reject this arrangement from the General Staff.
The General Staff did not know that the logistics and supply lines in the Northwest were fragile.
With their method of mobilizing troops, the troops on the front line can be directly dragged to death by the logistics."
Fu Xiucheng nodded in agreement and said: "That's true, Eastern Chagatai Mongolia and Erut Mongolia.
Their army is still a cold-weapon army, not even equipped with matchlock guns.
With the current strength of our army, it will be easy to take down these two Mongolian forces.
The most difficult thing we encountered in the northwest region was the climate here in the northwest and the security war after we captured this place.
Especially here in Eastern Chagatai Mongolia, they do not believe in Lamaism.
Beliefs are confused and tribal conflicts are complicated, which is difficult for us as an external force to reconcile."
Wu Jie said confidently: "We don't know how to fight a public security war. The way we fight this time is to cut through the mess quickly.
The more timid you are, the more troublesome it will be to fight. Let go of all restraints and this battle will be easy to fight.
Our military will only focus on fighting this time. Your Majesty has made arrangements and a large number of civilian officials have come to Yumen Pass.
The northwest governor sent by His Majesty was the Governor of Song Dynasty during the reign of Song Kangnian.
I chatted with Governor Song for a while. He was a ruthless man and was by no means a weak scholar.
He also has a kind of fanaticism that is rare among others.
how to say?"
Wu Jie recalled Song Kangnian's state and wanted to summarize it in penetrating words.
He saw that there was not a single foreigner in Yumen Pass under the rule of Song Kangnian.
Wu Jie concluded: "Governor Song only regards Han people as human beings.
Regarding foreigners, Governor Song treated them like animals.
I will never forget that look in his eyes.
If these foreigners in the northwest dare to rebel, Governor Song will definitely suppress them with the most brutal means.
Even if it is militiamen and patrolmen, if they use their firearms arbitrarily, the rebellion will be suppressed quickly."
Fu Xiucheng recalled Song Kangnian's eyes, as if he was thinking of some terrible scene.
His eyes were a little wandering, and he agreed: "That's true, if you don't treat the other person as a compatriot.
The speed at which firearms kill people is so fast."
Wu Jie didn't want to talk about this topic, so he changed the topic and said: "Wang Zhixin went to receive the imperial decree, hoping that this is the imperial decree to send troops.
Our Fourth Army received the imperial edict last year, and last autumn I led the entire army to Yumen Pass to prepare for the dispatch of troops.
Under the orders of the general staff, armies from all sides arrived at Yumen Pass one after another.
Before New Year's Eve, Song Kangnian came, and after New Year's Eve, Yang Zhengfeng came.
One is a senior official of the first rank, and the other is a senior official of the second rank.
None of them brought an imperial edict to send troops."
Wu Jie was just complaining. He expected that the imperial edict to send troops would be issued soon.
It is already very cold here in Yumenguan in winter.
The white-haired wind howled, and flocks of cattle and sheep froze to death.
When going on an expedition in winter, even if they have warm clothing such as cotton coats and gloves, soldiers will freeze to death directly outside.
In the white-haired wind, even if the soldiers were three to five meters apart, they could not hear the sounds in front or see the people in front.
Once a soldier breaks away from the team and loses his tent and campfire, he will freeze to death outside no matter how warmly he is dressed.
The northwest region is inherently harsh, and when marching in spring and summer, you need to worry about logistical supplies.
If you really march in autumn and winter, you don't need Mongolian cavalry.
Just the howling white-haired wind can reduce the number of the army by more than half.
Wu Jie only listened to the guide's report on the climate conditions in the northwest region.
Especially in winter in mountainous areas and deserts.
He gave up the idea of sending troops in autumn and winter.
Even if we occupy the city in the northwest, we can only go on the defensive in autumn and winter and cannot send troops.
Fu Xiucheng agreed: "The imperial edict to send troops should come during this time period.
It is already April, which is the best season to send troops. I think Your Majesty will not miss this time.
In order to prevent us from advancing rashly, we should have chosen the right time and sent the edict in advance."
While they were discussing, they saw a fast horse running from the east city gate and heading straight for the northwest governor's mansion.
They all recognized this person. This was Ma Xiaoqi, the guard next to Master Wang Zhixin.
Ma Xiaoqi stopped his horse in front of the gate of the Northwest Governor's Mansion and said excitedly: "Master Wang asked me to send a message to Master Wu that the imperial edict to send troops has arrived.
Mr. Wang is escorting military pay and a batch of supplies to Yumen Pass."
When Wu Jie heard the news, he was extremely excited and immediately asked the guards to notify the army generals outside the city.
Let them come to the Northwest Governor's Mansion to discuss the plan to send troops.
…………………………
Han Mingtong, commander of the 3rd Cavalry Division, saw his father Han Shuliang in military uniform.
"father."
Han Shuliang's eyes widened and he reprimanded: "There is no father and son on the battlefield, so we should call him Master Han."
He saw that his son had grown up and his status was half a step above him.
The cavalry division leads the troops alone.
Su Yanyan, commander of the Second Division of the Fourth Army, said with a smile: "You father and son, please don't reminisce at the door.
This time the governor convened a military meeting, there should be more important matters planned.
During this period, many military meetings were held, and everything that could be arranged had been arranged.
I already know the marching route by heart.
The governor cannot be bored and arrange another marching route."
Wu Jie was waiting in the war room. He saw that all the army generals had arrived.
He unfolded the map of the northwest region, which was very detailed.
There are several small villages on the edge of the desert.
Most of the territory of Eastern Chagatai Mongolia is desert.
The army is lost in the desert. If they can determine their position and find a small village, they can find water.
Villages in the desert are built on oases. Without water, there would be no village.
These detailed maps were drawn by caravans heading to the northwest in recent years.
The Mongolian forces in the desert are extremely short of supplies.
They simply cannot refuse the benefits of normal business exchanges.
Among them, Eastern Chagatai is now divided into two parts, and the leader of the eastern forces close to them, Abrun Muhammed Azi Khan, has a more stable force.
They are also relatively open and welcome businessmen from Dahua to do business there.
As the northwest governor's office, it is an important direction for the next expansion.
Among the Mongolian caravans heading to East Chagatai were many professional cartographers.
Erut Mongolia is more exclusive and can only move with the help of Mongolian caravans. The map is not very detailed.
Wu Jie pointed to the detailed map and said with a serious face: "I will tell you the march plan again.
This march was very simple, with no tactics or tactics, and an upright army to directly crush the Eastern Chagatai Mongols.
We fought directly from Yumen Pass to Yarkand.
If Erut Mongolia does not unite with Eastern Chagatai Mongolia, it will be easier for us to advance and encroach on Eastern Chagatai Mongolia step by step.
Erut Mongolia really sent troops, especially the most powerful Junggar tribe.
We don’t have to worry, with an army of 200,000, even if these two forces unite, we will definitely be able to defeat these people."
Chief of Staff Fu Xiucheng added: "Don't worry, everyone, we will win this battle.
Eastern Chagatai Mongolia and Erut Mongolia are united without any gaps, so we don’t need to worry.
The various Mongolian tribes in Eastern Chagatai were originally attacking each other, and are now divided into two major forces, the East and the West.
They wanted to destroy each other before, even if they were united because of foreign enemies, they were not united.
The Jungar tribe is very ambitious. They have always wanted to annex the Eastern Chagatai Mongolia, try to unite the Khalkha Mongols, unify the Mongolian strength in the west, and restore the strength to the strong period of their ancestors.
Before our army arrived, these people were in chaos.
If they want to work together, it's simply impossible."
The generals listened to Fu Xiucheng talking about the weaknesses of the Mongolian power and boosting their morale. They were all excited.
In the previous meetings, Fu Xiucheng did not mention these things. It seemed that he was really going to send troops.
Wu Jie waited for Fu Xiucheng to finish speaking. He received a report from the messenger that Wang Zhixin was about to arrive at the Northwest Governor's Mansion with the imperial edict.
He slapped the table and said: "You don't need to guess anymore, His Majesty has issued an imperial edict for us to send troops to attack the strength of Mongolia in the northwest.
Brothers, the time has come to make great achievements, and no one is allowed to hold back this time."
As soon as Wu Jie said these words, the war room immediately became excited.
The generals have been waiting for this imperial edict for half a year.
While the generals were celebrating, Wang Zhixin opened the door and walked in.
When he saw the situation here, he understood what they were celebrating.
He immediately took out the imperial edict from the box.
The officers present saw Wang Zhixin about to read out the imperial edict.
They all stood up and saluted the military salute in the direction of the imperial edict.
Wang Zhixin unfolded the imperial edict and said: "Your Majesty issued an edict authorizing Wu Jie, the governor of the northwest, to command all forces at Yumen Pass and wait for an opportunity to attack Eastern Chagatai Mongolia and Erut Mongolia."
Wu Jie stepped forward and took the imperial edict with both hands.
"The last general Wu Jie received the order."
He then passed the imperial edict to other generals for viewing, so that these people could confirm the authenticity of the edict.
Wu Jie waited until all the generals had read the imperial edict, and then he announced: "Generals, please return to camp and make final preparations.
On April 8, troops were officially dispatched to attack the Mongolians in Eastern Chagatai."
They have prepared everything and are ready to go to war at any time.
In order to be more secure, Wu Jie gave the entire army three days to prepare.
Wang Zhixin waited until Wu Jie announced the date for dispatching troops.
He stood up and said: "The people from the imperial court not only sent the imperial edict to send troops, but also sent military pay and a large amount of supplies.
Including special military uniforms, one set of summer clothes and one set of winter clothes, all must be carried by the soldiers.
The weather here in the northwest is unpredictable, especially in the desert. It can be unbearably hot during the day and unbearably cold at night.
The letters from the post office will come with the supplies, and I will have people deliver the letters to each camp."
After the formal meeting, Wu Jie went to inform Song Kangnian, Governor Song, of the war.
Fu Xiucheng was responsible for mobilizing the armies of all parties and the marching routes were fixed.
But which army is in front, which army is behind, and which army is in charge of the flanks all need to be arranged according to the situation.
Wang Zhixin was responsible for distributing military pay to officers and soldiers, and conducting ideological mobilization before the war began.
…………………………
The Fourth Cavalry Division is stationed outside the west gate of Yumen Pass.
Squad leader Li Zhigao returned to the camp carrying a box of letters.
He saw his soldiers, some of them were counting the silver coins in their hands, and some of them were having fun with their bankbooks.
Including himself, he had just received his military pay.
Military pay is paid directly to soldiers.
They can carry their military pay themselves, or they can remit their military pay to their homes through banks in the military.
The military will not bypass the soldiers and remit military pay directly to their families. Only pensions will be paid in this way.
Li Zhigao looked at these soldiers. They were all very happy after receiving their military pay. It is only natural that they serve as soldiers and eat the royal rations.
He shouted: "The letter from home has arrived, and everyone came to pick up their letters.
For those who don’t know how to read, come to my tent at night and I will read the letter for you.”
The veterans are all literate and are reading their letters.
Only a small number of recruits can only write their own names and look at others awkwardly while holding letters.
"My wife gave birth and gave me a daughter."
"My son is in elementary school, and he even wrote me a paragraph in person, saying that my son has the talent of being the top scholar."
"Mom, I'm so sorry for you. I can't go back even if you die."
Li Zhigao watched the soldiers crying and laughing. The whole battalion was almost in this state.
He also wanted to comfort the soldiers when he suddenly heard a rapid whistle.
Li Zhigao shouted loudly: "Gather, everyone gather immediately."
He had just finished gathering his troops and was notified by his superiors that their 4th Cavalry Division had been selected as a reconnaissance force.
You must leave the camp one day in advance and serve as the vanguard for the large forces at the front.
The 4th Cavalry Division carried good weapons and simple baggage.
One cavalryman was equipped with three horses, and the huge cavalry marched towards the west of Yumen Pass.
April 8, 4336 (1639 AD).
In the school field outside Yumen Pass, drums were beating and the troops were lined up neatly.
Wu Jie stood on the commander's platform and announced: "According to your Majesty's order, the Royal Army of Dahua will attack Buchen.
The soldiers went out to fight and established the majestic reputation of the Royal Army of Great China."
He beat the drum himself, and the troops marched out of the west gate of Yumen Pass in an orderly manner according to the instructions of Chief of Staff Fu Xiucheng.
A huge transport team, driving camels, mules and other livestock, and pulling trucks transporting large amounts of supplies, followed closely behind the army.
Song Kangnian, the governor of the northwest, led the civil servants of the two northwest provinces to follow the army closely.