The brazier beeped softly in the hall, and heavy snow fell silently outside.
Zhang Yuan had a long talk with Yang Hao. He had to work hard to express his concerns about the situation in Liaodong to Yang Hao. Rushing forward could lead to defeat, and the best strategy is to defend and counterattack.
"Whether the old slave is willing to exchange Li Yongfang or not, as long as the news comes out, Li Yongfang will be in panic all day long, which can enhance the fighting spirit of the Ming Dynasty soldiers. After Fushun City was destroyed, Qinghe took sole responsibility and became an isolated city hundreds of miles around Fushun, defending the city.
General Zou Chuxian is loyal and courageous, and must be rewarded for his meritorious service in defending the city. It is also necessary to take advantage of the retreat of the slaves in winter to strengthen the defense of Qinghe City. Qinghe originally had 5,250 soldiers, and 8,000 infantrymen accustomed to defending the city were urgently mobilized.
Reinforcement with soldiers, equipped with artillery, muskets, strict orders to hold fast, no fighting allowed, as long as the Qinghe River can be defended, the slave chiefs will not dare to go deep into Liaodong, and then our army Xu Tu will rebuild Fushun City."
Yang Hao frowned slightly and said: "If we had to hold firm as a strategy to resist the enemy, the emperor would not have summoned me from Shangqiu to the capital. Current opinions all say that we must fight, fight quickly, and win a great victory. If I insist on holding on,
If you hold on to the city, you will be accused of being cowardly and fearful of the enemy, and you will be dismissed from office before leaving Shanhaiguan."
Zhang Yuan nodded silently. What Yang Hao said was absolutely true. Now the government and the public in the capital are unanimous in wanting to start a war. They are all filled with indignation against the old slaves in Jianzhou who dare to offend the imperial power and invade. They all look so loyal and courageous that they wish they could rush in and kill the enemy.
, these people neither know the enemy nor themselves, and are blind and arrogant. If anyone insists on persevering at this time, they will definitely be called a coward.
Zhang Yuandao: "The defense is only to defend Qinghe, and the defense of Qinghe is to cooperate with our army's attack. It is certain to start a war, but we must not rush to mobilize the troops. From the defeat of General Zhang, we know that our army's guns and artillery have almost no lethality. Therefore, we are rectifying our armaments.
It cannot be ignored. The defensive power of the Eight Banners Army's armored soldiers must be studied. How to inflict maximum damage on the enemy. Also, how to unify the command of the various armies and horses is also a problem. I think that next autumn and winter will be a good time to use troops.
Until then, we must hold on to the danger.”
Yang Hao nodded and said: "Zhang Zanshan has a sound plan. I will refer to Zhang Zanshan's advice. This battle must be won but not defeated. If defeated, the entire Liao will not belong to our Ming Dynasty, and Ye He in Beiguan cannot protect it."
Zhang Yuan thought: "As long as it is not a big defeat, my Ming Dynasty's bones will not be damaged. If you want to completely eliminate the threat of slave creation with this battle, you are underestimating the enemy and being arrogant." But after saying this, it is useless to say more.
, Zhang Yuan could not control many things. Even Yang Hao, who was ordered to manage Liaodong, could not make the decision in everything. The public opinion between the government and the opposition was overwhelming.
…
After coming out of Zhang Yuan's apartment, Yang Hao got on the carriage and headed towards Lige Old Hutong. It was already Zhenghai, and the snow had fallen less. But the temperature was getting colder. The carriage drove slowly through the snow-covered West Chang'an Street, and Yang Hao
Hao Hu said: "Let's go to Fangge's old mansion again."
It was late and cold in the night. Fang Congzhe, who was over sixty years old, had already gone to bed. The old concubine who was sleeping with him was pinching his feet. When he heard his family knocking on the door to report that Yang Shilang had come to see him again, Fang Congzhe got up immediately. The Liao Dynasty was critical.
, Yang Hao must have something important to do when he leaves and comes back, and he dare not neglect it.
Seeing Fang Congzhe, Yang Hao complained about the crime of harassment and told him directly about the long conversation he had just had with Zhang Yuan. Yang Hao knew the subtlety of his situation. He had been away from the center of the imperial court for twenty years, and his connections were thin. Fang Congzhe and him
He is from the same sect, and he is also the chief minister of the cabinet. If he leads troops abroad without the support of senior officials in the court, his merits will be in vain. If he makes any mistakes, he will be punished. Therefore, although Yang Hao was surprised and admired Zhang Yuan's calculations and insights, but
The strategy Zhang Yuan mentioned to defend against the enemy was contrary to public opinion in Beijing and was difficult to implement. Moreover, the grievances between Zhang Yuan and Fang Congzhe were also something he had to consider. He paid more attention to Fang Congzhe's feelings. He could not lose Fang Congzhe's trust, otherwise what would happen?
Can't do it
Fang Congzhe combed his long eyebrows with his fingertips. After listening to Yang Hao's words, he said for a long time: "Zhang Yuan is so scheming. It's beyond my expectation. Does Jingfu know Zhang Yuan's intentions?"
Yang Hao did not dare to answer easily, for fear of misunderstanding Fang Congzhe's meaning, so he said: "Zhang Yuan's strategy is unique, I am still thinking about it."
Fang Congzhe sneered: "He wants to take this opportunity to bring me down."
Yang Hao took a breath of air and didn't understand how Fang Congzhe could come to such a conclusion!
Fang Congzhe slowed down his tone and said: "Jingfu, you think Zhang Yuan has extraordinary knowledge, so it's not surprising to be confused by his clever tongue. This son is also a little talented, but he doesn't follow the right path and specializes in secret schemes, just like Yan Fenyi's son back then.
Yan Shifan is reborn, but it’s a pity that he doesn’t have a strict father, so it’s not easy for him to carry out evil deeds.”
Yang Hao was as silent as a cicada and listened to Fang Congzhe lashing out at Zhang Yuan. He only heard Fang Congzhe say: "Zhang Yuan has great ambitions. He wanted to seize power after being a Jinshi for more than a year. The Hanlin Academy was originally a place for studying and raising a career, but he refused.
He is law-abiding and extremely active. He often wants to interfere in the affairs of the country. When he went to North Korea as an envoy, he turned North Korea upside down. I don’t know how he knew that you would revolt. He wrote a long letter to you in advance to make you marvel at his foresight, but his intentions were
Wanting to put you and me in trouble, the slave chiefs raised troops, the emperor was furious, and issued repeated orders to send troops to attack. The people in the capital were also eager for revenge, but Zhang Yuan came up with a clever plan to hold on.
The crime is for you, the master, to bear in the future, and you were recommended by me. If you are convicted, I will have no face to walk in the cabinet. Zhang Yuan's advisor Wu Daonan can be justified as the chief minister. My dear brother, you understand this.
What's the stakes?"
Yang Hao was sweating on his forehead. After listening to Fang Congzhe's words, he deeply realized the fierceness of the party struggle between the DPRK and China. Fang Congzhe's prejudice and resentment towards Zhang Yuan could no longer be resolved, but Yang Hao was not a mediocre person who followed what others said. When he had a conversation with Zhang Yuan, Zhang Yuan
He was moved by his desire to serve and care for the country. Fang Congzhe said that Zhang Yuan was all a selfish conspiracy, which was hard for him to agree with. However, he could not defend Zhang Yuan, otherwise he would have to go back to where he came from.
Fang Congzhe's eyes were bright, and Yang Hao had to express his position. Yang Hao solemnly nodded and said: "What Brother Fang said is absolutely true. Zhang Yuan's plan to stick to Liaodong is not advisable. If I do it, I will be punished by thousands of people."
Fang Congzhe twisted his beard and smiled and said: "Zhang Yuan's plan is not entirely undesirable. It is urgent to increase troops in Qinghe. Qinghe must be defended."
Yang Hao's heartstrings relaxed slightly and he responded: "Yes, the soldiers and horses who came to the rescue years ago are about to rush to Qinghe. Defending Qinghe City will be of great benefit to our general offensive of several armies, and it can contain the soldiers and horses of the Jiannu."
Fang Congzhe nodded: "The emperor is very eager to use troops. You will work with the officials of the Ministry of War and the generals who are going to help to formulate a specific plan for the march before the year."
Yang Hao said: "My brother has been in the field for many years. Most of the generals in the army are not familiar with him. I'm afraid I can't do it if I have orders."
Fang Congzhe said: "Don't worry about this. Since the emperor has entrusted you with a heavy responsibility, he will not let you be restricted by others. I will ask the emperor to give you Shang Fang's sword to strengthen your authority. If you dare to disobey orders under the command of the general, you can punish them with military law. No need to
Let me know in advance."
Yang Hao was overjoyed and left his seat to say thanks: "Yang Hao will devote all his energy to the country's strategy for Liaodong. He will live up to the high expectations of my dear brother."
…
The winter of the forty-fifth year of Wanli was extremely cold. The Ming troops from Jimen, Xuan, Da, Shanxi, Shandong, and Sichuan braved the severe cold and gathered in the capital and Shanhaiguan area. On the 12th day of the twelfth lunar month, Du Song, the new commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan, led 16,000 soldiers.
Thousands of troops arrived at Shanhaiguan, and the army was stationed in Shanhaiguan. Du Song himself led dozens of personal guards to Beijing at night to report to the Ministry of War, and met with the commander Yang Hao. Yang Hao had been given the Shangfang Sword, which could kill generals below the commander-in-chief in battle. Du Song reported to the
Yang Hao made an impassioned speech and expressed his willingness to lead the way to the enemy's nest. Knowing that Du Song was a fierce general, Yang Hao commended him and ordered him to return to Shanhaiguan to rectify the army and wait for military orders.
Du Song quietly visited Zhang Yuan on the eve of returning to Shanhaiguan. Accompanying him to Lige Old Hutong were Mu Jingyan, Hong Ji, and Hong Xin. Mu Jingyan has been promoted from a trial hundred households to a full-time sixth-grade hundred households. Goodbye
Mu Jingyan was naturally happy about her daughter and grandson, but Mu Zhenzhen was worried. She learned from Zhang Yuan that the situation in Liaodong was dangerous and the Jiannu cavalry was fierce. Her father was already an officer of the Ming Dynasty. Of course she would follow Du this time.
The general soldiers are on the battlefield, the battlefield is ruthless, and it is uncertain whether dad will live or die.
Mu Jingyan was not as worried as his daughter Mu Zhenzhen. He was as high-spirited as Du Zongbing and comforted Mu Zhenzhen by saying that he would definitely win and return.
Different from Yang Hao's dubious attitude, the straightforward and brave Jun Song was sincerely convinced by Zhang Yuan. Since he met Zhang Yuan in Zhenfeng Village, Jiangnan three years ago, what Zhang Yuan said to him has come true. Now he is the commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan.
He was about to go to Liaodong to fight against Jiannu. Of course he had to ask Zhang Yuan again to see if Juniper could make a great contribution.
Zhang Yuandao: "General Du is the bravest of the three armies and has a great reputation. Jiannu has always heard of the general's name and must strictly guard against the general's troops. The battlefield is changing, and there is no good strategy for victory or defeat. But I want to ask General Du to keep in mind the six
Character'"
Jun Song asked hurriedly: "Which six words are they? Please tell Zhang Zhuangyuan. Jun Song will follow them all."
Zhang Yuandao: "Don't divide your troops, don't rush into the army. Remember, General Du must remember that this may help to achieve meritorious service, otherwise the bones will not be able to return to their hometown."
Du Song asked timidly: "How powerful are the slave soldiers?" He was also the commander-in-chief of Liaodong ten years ago. At that time, Nurhachi was still surrendered to the Ming Dynasty.
Zhang Yuandao: "I am not praising the enemy and belittling myself. The Eight Banners Army has been fighting for many years, and its combat power is far superior to that of the Ming Army. The Eight Banners Army is concentrated while the Ming Army is loose. Therefore, General Du must not underestimate the enemy. Try to keep in touch with other Ming armies and do not fight for them."
It’s a head start.”
Jun Song frowned and thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "I listen to Zhang Zhuangyuan. Zhang Zhuangyuan's calculations are not wrong."
Zhang Yuan smiled and said: "Of course I still have to listen to Yang Shilang's command, but don't forget to send these six words to General Du before the battle." After another conversation with Mu Jingyan, he sent twenty pairs of telescopes.
He and Jun Song strengthened the sentry during the march, and then sent Jun Song and Mu Jingyan out. When they came back, they saw Mu Zhenzhen standing outside the hall holding Xiao Mingqian, and asked: "Can my father come back victorious?"
"
Zhang Yuan touched his son's face and said to Mu Zhenzhen: "It is Uncle Mu's ambition to use martial arts to win military honors and earn a family background. How can it be called a battlefield if there is no danger?"
…
The cold winter of the forty-fifth year of Wanli passed with the deployment of troops and generals, and the preparation of troops and horses.
In the 46th year of Wanli's 46th year, Emperor Wanli still did not attend the court meeting. This old emperor did not attend the court meeting before because of neglect of government. Now he is really weak, dizzy, suffers from frequent diarrhea, and has weakness in his hands... all kinds of symptoms have broken out.
Where can I still watch the dynasty, but Emperor Wanli is still very concerned about the Liaodong war. The emperor is guarding the country, and establishing slaves has threatened the foundation of his Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Wanli ordered Crown Prince Zhu Changluo to preside over the New Year's Day meeting on his behalf. The Ming Dynasty monarchs and ministers were very happy with the congratulatory form presented by the North Korean envoy to express gratitude. The North Korean King Li Jie, who was recently ennobled by the Ming Dynasty, requested to send troops to assist the Celestial Dynasty in conquering the rebellious slaves in Jianzhou, and
Ask China to send an envoy to Pyongyang to supervise the army
The Ming Dynasty was about to launch a large-scale attack on Jianzhou, and originally planned to send troops and artillerymen to North Korea. Emperor Wanli's edict to the King of North Korea, drafted by the Hanlin Academy, was being rushed to Seoul. Unexpectedly, North Korea took the initiative to request troops to assist in the battle, and even invited angels.
Yang Hao, the military governor stationed in Pyongyang, was particularly happy. He immediately discussed with the North Korean envoys to recruit 5,000 gunners, 3,000 archers and 8,000 infantry from North Korea to cross the Yalu River and listen to them. The Ministry of War also reported that the emperor should go to North Korea to confer those who had not yet returned to the country.
Xu Guangqi temporarily stationed in Pyongyang to supervise the army and coordinate the Ming army and the Korean army in order to unite the Liaodong campaign.
By the beginning of February, reinforcements from all towns had arrived, and Yang Hao's battle plan was approved by the Ministry of War, the Cabinet, and the Emperor. It was still a divided attack strategy, divided into four routes: the west route was led by Du Song, the commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan. , Baoding commander-in-chief Wang Xuan and Zhao Menglin assisted on the left and right, with deputy patrol envoy Zhang Quan as supervisor, commanding 28,000 troops. They would attack via Fushun and attack Hetuala, the home of Jiannu, from the west;
The North Road is led by Kaiyuan Commander-in-Chief Ma Lin, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Ma Yan, Tieling Guerrilla General Zheng Guoliang as an assistant, Kaiyuan Commander-in-Chief Pan Zongyan as Supervisor, and joins the troops and horses sent by Ye He in Beiguan. Twenty-five thousand troops came out of Jingan Fort and attacked the north of Hetuala;
The South Road is also called Qinghe Road. It is led by Li Rubai, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong, He Shixian, the Liaoyang military commander, and assisted by the guerrilla generals Zhang Yingchang. Yan Mingtai, the garrison counselor, is the supervisor. He leads 23,000 troops out of Crow Falcon Pass to attack Hetu. South of Allah;
The East Road, also known as the Kuandian Road, was led by Sichuan General Liu Yao, Kuandian guerrilla Zu Tianding, Nanjing Sixth Battalion Commander-in-Chief Yao Guofu assisted, and Haigai Military Preparation Deputy Kang Yingqian supervised the army, totaling 18,000 steps. The cavalry, as well as more than 10,000 Korean reinforcements were also under Liu Yao's command. They set out from Liangmadian and attacked Hetuala from the east.
The four-pronged army, with more than 100,000 men and horses, said to be 400,000, set off on a different day.
On the ninth day of February, the snow in Liaodong had not yet melted, and the four armies had not yet advanced. Nurhaci took the initiative. He had already learned that the Ming army was going to attack Hetuala in a large scale, so he did not wait for the weather to get warmer and the snow to melt, and took the lead in sending out the Crow Falcon troops. Pass, it is necessary to pull out the isolated city of Qinghe before the Ming Dynasty army advances. This can prevent the Ming army from leaving Crow Falcon Pass through Qinghe to attack Hetuala.
After the fall of Fushun in October last year, Qinghe defender Zou Chuxian had already begun to build forts and towers to defend the city from Jiannu siege. Years ago, Liaodong manager Yang Hao sent guerrilla Zhang Hao with 5,000 troops to help defend the city. The city has 10,000 soldiers, and its defensive power is far stronger than that of Fushun. However, Nurhaci is determined to capture Qinghe City. He personally leads the main force of the Four Banners, totaling 40,000 troops, to capture Qinghe City within three days.
The weather is really hot. The high temperature of 38 degrees has lasted for more than 20 days. The air conditioner is good and bad, which is a bit miserable. (To be continued. Mobile phone users please read it here.)