Chapter 2318 Confrontation between Japanese pirates
Things are changing.
Dongbai enjoyed many times of protection from China.
Now it is their turn to serve the Ming Dynasty.
In the Yamen of the Ministry of War.
"Dedicating land to the emperor for deification is their greatest honor as a vassal state." the Minister of War shouted.
Several other yamen also laughed at Dongbai people for not knowing how to commend themselves.
To include you in the Ming Dynasty is to think highly of you.
The Ming Dynasty still wanted those ruined lands that could not support people.
For example, the Far West.
It's really impossible to stay there.
Even though we are thousands of miles away from the desert, it is difficult to find even water.
To travel long distances, you have to rely on water transportation.
This challenge is really too great.
Far inferior to the east and south.
Although it is hot and humid in the south and there are too many insect pests, basic water and food are guaranteed.
It's up to people to cultivate the rest.
…………
However, the situation gradually changed.
What changed was the group of Japanese pirates.
The Japanese pirates in the island country also began to increase their troops in large numbers.
Because their ambitions have also become bigger.
They found that their opponent was weak this time.
I was still resisting desperately before.
This time, the gentry and ministers collapsed at the first touch.
"Strange, why are you so weak?" A Japanese pirate leader grabbed a leading minister and asked.
"Hmph, the Ming Dynasty to the west wants to take our land, and you guys want to take it too. The country is already subjugated anyway, so why are we still resisting?" said the leading minister.
"Hahaha, I see, it is indeed the hypocritical Ming Dynasty." The Japanese pirate leader keenly discovered the opportunity.
In the past, they had never defeated the Ming Dynasty.
They believe that it is mainly the local people who are resisting.
Don't give them any effort to transport food.
On the contrary, everyone supported the Ming Dynasty and delivered food to the Ming Dynasty people.
But now both sides are competing for Dongbai, so it’s a tie.
What they sent this time were real warriors.
Not those wandering ashigaru.
Moreover, the Japanese pirates never took Ming Dynasty seriously.
That's true.
When Qi Jiguang fought against the Japanese, he defeated the pirates.
But the Japanese pirates did not really admit defeat.
On the contrary, he looked down upon Ming even more.
Because they were just a group of wandering warriors hired by Ming pirates, they caused the Japanese pirate rebellion for decades in Ming Dynasty.
It took a lot of effort to calm it down.
Therefore, although the Japanese pirates were defeated, by the time of Wanli, the Japanese pirates dispatched 200,000 regular troops from the country.
They felt that useless and wandering warriors could damage the Ming Dynasty.
These 200,000 solid, elite soldiers from the Warring States Period should be enough to destroy Dongbai and capture the Ming Dynasty.
It can be said that the combat effectiveness is quite strong.
But they have a fatal weakness, which is poor equipment and poor cavalry.
The Japanese pirates had few iron mines and few horses.
This is also an important reason why they lost historically.
Although there are many mountains in the east, it is not conducive for cavalry to travel.
But there are still many places where the cavalry can move forward.
Historically, the cavalry in Liaodong tortured the Japanese pirates very much.
Of course, because of the many battles, the Liaodong cavalry suffered heavy losses.
Therefore, the Japanese pirates are very powerful in combat.
Their cavalry is very poor.
And he is also weak in armor.
But they also have the advantage that they are good at using iron cannons and like to use iron cannons.
But now Ming Dynasty is also good at using matchlock guns.
This thing is much stronger than the fire door gun.
Can be equipped on a large scale.
So they don't have an advantage in this aspect.
As both sides are increasing their troops.
The first conflict finally emerged.
In fact, it was also because Dongbai started to swing from side to side.
On the one hand, they told the Ming Dynasty that as long as the Japanese pirates were defeated, they would surrender as a whole country.
On the other hand, he told the Japanese pirates that if they defeated the Ming Dynasty, they would be willing to be subordinates.
This is normal.
Even in modern times, Japanese pirates still swallowed Dongbai.
What’s more, it’s the 17th century now?
The two sides came into contact on Pingcheng Road.
This is located exactly on half of the land of Dongbai.
The Japanese pirates first dispatched 8,000 troops of Masamune Konishi to conduct tests.
As for the Ming Dynasty, the total strength of the Ming Dynasty's expedition to Dongbai at the beginning was 80,000, plus 30,000 civilians.
Later, it was changed to the method of long-term stationing.
So the people came out from Dongbai.
Withdraw 28,000 civilians.
After all, the people of the Ming Dynasty had to pay money.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t give it, then you will have to reduce your power.
Because the people traveled long distances, it can be said that if one person dies, the whole family will go bankrupt.
Although during the recruitment process, priority was given to bridal sons-in-law, prisoners, beggars, refugees and those with many children.
But the burden is also heavy.
Then half of the 60,000 infantrymen were withdrawn, leaving only 30,000.
There were 20,000 cavalrymen, and half of them were withdrawn, leaving only 10,000 men.
The purpose is to reduce expenses.
Being stationed overseas would cost a lot of money.
After all, what we want now is to annex the land, not to plunder it.
We need long-term peace and stability.
In fact, they were stupid.
The best way is to directly learn from the Chinese people.
But after all, Dongbai has been paying tribute for many years, so he can't do it.
Then the consumption will be huge.
Therefore, the total strength is 50,000 infantry and cavalry.
In addition, 20,000 farmers were recruited from the local area.
When the enemy appeared, they sent 2,000 cavalry and 4,000 infantry to fight.
It is impossible to dispatch a large number of troops at the beginning.
It consumes too much.
Moreover, the battlefield cannot contain so many people.
People behind can only watch.
Therefore, multiple battlefields need to be opened.
Therefore, it is sometimes not a mistake to advance troops from multiple directions.
Instead, it improves efficiency and distracts the enemy.
Of course, it won't be useful if you encounter a strong opponent.
Maybe every path will be broken by the opponent.
This is the Battle of Salhu.
But now, after seeing their opponents, they directly formed a majestic formation.
If you want to play tricks and ambush, firstly, the requirements for soldiers are relatively high, and secondly, you must be familiar with the terrain.
They went on an expedition to Dongbai and were unfamiliar with this place.
Although we have stepped up our efforts to draw maps, it is still impossible to compare with the locals.
They may not be any more familiar with this terrain than the Japanese pirates.
Both sides are playing away from home.
Therefore, the best way is to use a majestic formation, use your own strength, combat effectiveness, and organizational advantages to crush them.
The Japanese pirates advanced menacingly.
They took the lead in sending an iron artillery team of 100 people to test and try to disrupt the Ming team's position.
At this time, a Ming general and deputy general saw the Japanese pirates approaching.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! He immediately ordered the car formation to be set up.
Infantrymen guard the vehicle formation.
The cavalry was roaming outside, ready to attack at any time.
Of course, this 100-person team will not waste their energy.
If you do that, you will be scolded to death.
The difference between being elite or not is reflected here.
In the later period, when the Ming army saw the enemy coming, they began to panic.
Shooting guns indiscriminately, beating horses indiscriminately, and shooting arrows indiscriminately.
There is no war rhythm to speak of.
Naturally, the opponent will catch the flaw at once, such as the cooldown period of the musket, the exhaustion period of the horse power, and the exhaustion period of the archer.
This is a fighter plane.
On the battlefield, concentrate your advantages and attack the enemy's disadvantages.
It is always the unchanging law of war.
Give full play to your own advantages, including military strength, elites, organization, armor, logistics, and mobility. Whatever you have advantages in, you must give full play to them.
That’s why we need to know ourselves and our enemies.
If you don't know this information, how do you know you have the advantage?
But now the other party only sent a hundred people to test.
Naturally, the lieutenant general would not make a big move.
Instead, they sent out tiger crouching cannons and bows and arrows to attack the enemy.
This is naturally improved, but its range is still much shorter than that of a matchlock gun.
Generally, you can only hit 40 to 50 steps to be lethal.
The matchlock gun can still be lethal at 80 to 100 steps, but it loses accuracy and has to be hit in a row.
Whoever is fooled is who.
But the advantage is that it can shoot large scatters to prevent the opponent from getting close.
It just didn't work until later, because the craftsmen in the late Ming Dynasty were cheated too hard.
The weapons and equipment are all crudely made.
The Japanese pirates walked directly forward.
The Japanese pirate soldiers were all very aggressive.
But just halfway through, two Ming artillery guns opened fire first.
These are two optimized red cannons.
That is, the Western cannon.
It has a long range and has aiming equipment.
You can also change direction.
Two shots were fired, but of course they missed.
Passing over the opponent's team's head.
The next step is to change the coordinates.
The speed of one round in three minutes.
"Impossible, how could the Ming Dynasty's cannons be so well-made?" Konishi Masamune was shocked.
He is knowledgeable, and once he sees the collapse of the country, he is very skilled.
The artillery is also very elite.
Of course he didn't know that it all cost enough money.
A specially invited Western gunsmith.
The money given can fill a cellar.
Moreover, the cannons were inspected one by one by the supervisor of the Ministry of Works.
It can be said that such a waste of energy is unimaginable.
If you were to replace those administrators in the past, how could they do these troublesome things?
It will only be left to the craftsmen and officials.
Only if you are so serious about becoming a god for yourself, you would do this.
You must know that it is immortality and becoming a god.
Something that the Emperor of Qin, Han, Wu and Tang could not do.
They don't fool around.
They are all tested one by one in person.
The process is very strict.
Finally, it was brought to the soldiers for use.
That's why it can be made so well.
Soldiers are also willing to take careful aim.
Because I know that the cannon will not explode and the materials used are sufficient.
As long as the army is well-paid and well-equipped, Ming soldiers are invincible.
After the introduction of Western casting methods, Daming firearms were also quite advanced.
It can be said that this place in East Asia is not lagging behind.
Then the bow and arrow were thrown.
The Japanese iron gunner was beaten to death and wounded by a barrage of bows and arrows.
At this time, the range of iron cannons was not as far as that of bows and arrows.
Their iron gunners wear bamboo hats to protect themselves from arrows.
If the range is far enough, there is no need to wear this thing.
The Japanese pirate front wavered slightly.
The opponent's front is very stable.
They cannot attack.
And they can't stay here forever.
the reason is simple.
Dongdao is poor and cannot compete with Ming Dynasty in terms of logistics.
At this time, the Ming Dynasty was frugal and frugal from top to bottom.
Just for the great cause of canonizing gods.
The emperor only ate two meals a day, slept only four hours, and wore only four sets of clothes.
The same goes for the cabinet.
The rich people also donate their money.
Not many people dare to be as greedy as before.
Whoever is greedy is seeking death.
After all, this is touching the emperor's dream of immortality.
"No, Tiepao is no match for them!" At this time, Konishi Masamune became anxious.
"Order them to come back quickly."
"First use the big cannon to hit them for a while to break up their formation."
The Japanese pirates then began to fight with Guobeng.
But the hit rate was really low.
Generally, this kind of large tube is used to deal with dense infantry positions.
And it has to be very close so that it can be opened.
But now that the opponent also has artillery, it will be difficult for them to fight in this area.
Both sides used artillery to bombard each other's infantry formations.
Obviously you can't be passively bombarded.
When the lieutenant saw the enemy using cannon, he began to dispatch his cavalry.
A small group of cavalry began to attack the enemy's artillery position.
Enemy infantry moves immediately.
At this time, he immediately used artillery to bombard the opponent's infantry array and provide cover for the cavalry.
The cavalry began to take a circuitous route.
Xiaoxi was scared.
He was afraid that the enemy's cavalry would cut off his retreat.
You must know that during a war, the supply and transportation camps are not on the battlefield.
In other words, there are one or more passages for combat troops and baggage camps, guarded by one or more troops.
If the back road is cut off.
Not to mention anything else, if they were trapped for a day without food or water, the soldiers would have to cross.
The morale of the soldiers is not that high.
Therefore, during battles, troops are often withdrawn at night to allow the soldiers to rest and eat.
And once the retreat is cut off, morale will naturally be shaken.
The Kuomintang and the Communist Party also used fraud here, and they also used artillery to attack.
Of course, it was still impossible for artillery at this time to shoot accurately.
After fighting for a while, the Japanese pirates found that the effect was not good.
And the opposing cavalry also came over.
Moreover, the opponent's car formation is well-arranged, and it is obvious at first glance that it is not easy to fight.
Anyway, Xiaoxi wants to retreat.
This is the real battle.
Unless he discovers the enemy's weakness, the general will not want to fight tooth and nail.
People like Nurhaci knew the weaknesses of the Ming Dynasty.
Only then can I press it on.
Victory is basically determined long before the battle.
However, the other party has already cut off the escape route.
This is the advantage of cavalry.
If you don't want to attack, the opponent can force you to attack.
Attacking often results in losses.
Only modern attacks take advantage.
As soon as they came up, they were bombarded with artillery fire.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Xiaoxi has no choice but to use the cheapest ashigaru to fight.
Send out two thousand ashigaru, and then rush back.
Then, as expected, these ashigaru were taught how to behave by the opposing cavalry using three-eyed blunderbuss.
He immediately sent out iron gunners to fight again.
The opposing cavalry chose to retreat.
At this time, Ming Dynasty also began to dispatch infantry.
Archers and matchlocks, together with shield bearers, attack together.
As soon as he entered the shooting range, he shot for a while.
Only then did Xiaoxi discover it.
Not only is it incompetent in close combat, but its long-range projection is also far behind.
Almost all opponents have long-range projection.
Even the shield bearer has several thunderbolts.
As soon as he got close, he lit it and threw it over.
The explosion didn't kill a few, but it deafened a few.
Morale plummeted again.
After a while of parrying.
I really can't stand it anymore.
For a moment, the soldiers were wavering.
Seeing the cavalry surrounding him.
Konishi simply took his confidant Hatamoto Samurai and fled directly.
More than 400 elites fled, leaving thousands of others abandoned!
But it doesn't matter.
These people are all the second and third sons anyway, and they all went out to serve as soldiers without food.
Even if you die in a wave, you will save food.
Before leaving, he ordered some warriors to control the army and cut off his rear.
These warrior families are under his control, and they naturally have to obey his orders.
Then a killing began.
The formation collapsed, shooting from long range and slashing at close range.
Xiaoxi's 8,000-strong army collapsed!
However, his ashigaru still managed to hold on for a while despite being slashed by the swords of the samurai who voluntarily stayed behind to cut off the rear.
Finally, the lord was given time to escape.
It wasn't until all those warriors were killed that they collapsed completely.
Seeing this, the deputy general of the Ming Dynasty also sighed.
"These Japanese pirates are indeed formidable enemies, not comparable to forces like Dongbai."
