Almost all of the Qing army's more than 100,000 troops have withdrawn from Zhending City. Huang Taiji and his kings, Beile, have arrived in Huolu to deploy their troops. One after another, well-equipped troops have been transferred westward, blocking the road in Shun.
After the army left Jingxingkou, it was on the only way to Zhending to relieve the siege.
The intelligence connection between Zhending and Jingxing had already been completely blocked and intercepted by the Qing army. Although Gu Junen deployed more than 10,000 infantrymen out of the city, keeping an eye on the tail of the Qing army's retreating troops, and slowly advanced, they were still unable to capture Zhending.
The changes were notified to the Jingxing side - not to mention that even among the Zhending defenders, many people believed that the Qing army was forced to withdraw from the siege because it was unfavorable to attack the city and the morale of the Qing army was weakened by the fortification of the city.
In Hebei in May, the weather was slightly sultry, and occasionally two hot winds blew through, which was not unbearable for the Manchus who were accustomed to the bitter cold climate outside the customs.
It's just that Huang Taiji's physical condition was so bad that when a small breeze blew by, people felt as if he was about to sway and break in the wind.
Prince Duduo of Yu led the vanguard troops of Gebusixianchaoha and moved to the rear of the vanguard army. Hong Chengchou knelt on the ground. He kowtowed to Huang Taiji first, and then asked tentatively:
"Your Majesty, Emperor Chongzhen... Emperor Chongzhen is still in the army. Do we still need to raise the banner of Emperor Chongzhen in this battle?"
The two imperial tents under Zhending City were actually empty, but it was just a deception used by Huang Taiji to confuse the Zhending defenders. Emperor Chongzhen was always controlled by Huang Taiji. Now there are about three people in the Qing army.
One-third of the troops came from the Ming army, and of course it was necessary to use Emperor Chongzhen's appeal.
It's just that there was no one in Emperor Chongzhen's imperial tent, and Chongzhen himself had not appeared in public for such a long time. Rumors inevitably spread within the Ming army. Some people boldly speculated that Emperor Chongzhen had killed the Qing army after the Huailai Incident.
When he took control of the city of Beijing, he committed suicide and died for his country.
Many generals of the Ming army were dubious about this rumor, and they must have had a considerable degree of suspicion in their hearts. Hong Chengchou and Wu Sangui spent a lot of energy to clarify the rumors and try to reassure people, so that the commotion of the Ming army gradually calmed down.
It's just that now the great battle between Shunqing and Qing Dynasty to decide the ownership of the world is about to break out. At this critical time, it seems that even Hong Chengchou has begun to feel that it is necessary to let Chongzhen show up to calm the hearts of the Ming army generals.
Not only Hong Chengchou, but Ming generals such as Wu Sangui, Gao Di, Liu Zeqing, etc., no matter what their true thoughts about Emperor Chongzhen were, no matter deep in their hearts, did they still have any thoughts about the Ming Dynasty that had already existed in name only?
Half a cent of loyalty.
It is necessary for these people to at least act loyal and patriotic in front of their officers and soldiers, and in front of the government and the public.
Several old Ming army generals, including Wu Sangui, were waiting behind Hong Chengchou. No matter what, they had to show off to their subordinates.
Huang Taiji glanced at the old Ming army ministers in front of the horse, and felt an unprecedented sense of absurdity and comedy in his heart. However, his determination was so strong that there was still no wave on his face, and finally he just smiled lightly and said:
"I have my own thoughts on this matter. After the war started, our army still flew the Chongzhen flag. The Ming Dynasty is a country of brothers to our country, and Emperor Chongzhen is like my brother. During the war, he will naturally ride out the horse, but in front of the battle
Boost the morale of the soldiers."
After Hong Chengchou heard this, he immediately kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty has made arrangements, and I will obey your orders!"
Wu Sangui, Liu Zeqing and other former surrendered generals of the Ming army knew that each other had no attachment to this leaky sunken ship of the Ming Dynasty.
However, considering that there were still many Qin officers and soldiers loyal to the Ming Dynasty among his subordinates, in order for these people to fight bravely, it was necessary to borrow the reputation of Emperor Chongzhen for his righteousness.
After Hong Chengchou, several people knelt down and kowtowed together, thanking each other in unison, as if Huang Taiji was indeed the biological brother of Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty.
The Han slaves in Huang Taiji beside him all laughed in their hearts. Although they themselves were Han Chinese, some of them were Han people outside the Pass who had been plundered as slaves after the Qing army captured Liaodong in the early years, and some were captured by the Qing army in recent years.
Slaves taken during the first raid.
However, these slaves in disguise felt that they were Huang Taiji's domestic slaves and had lived under the rule of the Qing army for many years. They felt that they were no better than the traitors of the Ming Dynasty such as Wu Sangui. Instead, they felt that the Qing army was invincible.
How proud of it.
The leaders felt that the stronger the Qing Dynasty, the more hopeful and bright their lives would be. The more the Qing army turned Han people, like Wu Sangui and others, into good dogs wagging their tails and begging for mercy, the more they would be able to enjoy a condescending, moral
a sense of superiority.
"The Han army should also fight to take the lead in this battle. The task of suppressing the bandits does not distinguish between you and me. Regardless of whether it is the Qing army or the Ming army, Emperor Chongzhen and I will give double rewards to those who have made contributions in this battle. The generals should work hard to do their best.
...Okay, generals, please return to the army as soon as possible. I see that the bandits are coming unexpectedly, and a battle to capture the deer will affect the prosperity of the world, so we must be cautious."
After Hong Chengchou and Wu Sangui took the lead in kowtowing again, the Ming army generals slowly retreated. Then Huang Taiji summoned Azige, the king of Duoluowuying County. Azige was the eldest of the three Dorgon brothers and had the same temperament.
The most cruel person.
The three Dorgon brothers were the most powerful among the Eight Banners. Once Huang Taiji really passed away, no matter what, there would be a place for this group of people on the political map of the Qing Dynasty.
Duduo and Dorgon are both shrewd, capable and cunning people, while Azig is a simple-minded and rough man. Therefore, Huang Taiji left Dorgon, the most skillful one, in Datong, and let the ambitious and cunning Duo
Duo served as the vanguard general, leaving only Azig on his left and right to control the central army.
Tian Cong Khan's method of employing people and generals was already planning for his own funeral, and it was also making a balanced arrangement for the political territory after the Qing Dynasty won the battle of Huulu.
"Ajige... I always have some bloodshot eyes. I often cannot see the nearby scenery. I can only see a blood-red light... Azig, what did you see?"
Azig was confused about the purpose of Huang Taiji's question: "I didn't see anything, it was just our army's soldiers and horses."
Huang Taiji's waist was leaning on the saddle of Takahashi. His body, which had become thinner due to the deterioration of his condition, was like a fallen leaf hanging on the horse.
"We must keep an eye on those Han soldiers. There are always some shameless and unscrupulous scum among the old officials of the Ming Dynasty. They can betray Chongzhen and become traitors of the Ming Dynasty. They may also betray the Qing Dynasty at any time and become traitors of others."
Azig sneered and said: "The Han people are all dishonest pigs and dogs. After this battle is over, we might as well kill them."
Huang Taiji looked at the stubborn Azige and said warmly: "The shameless and unscrupulous people are in the minority after all. There are few people in the Eight Banners, and there are many Han people in the pass. If we want to rule the Central Plains, we cannot do without the help of the Han people. Not to mention the best among the Han people.
Like Hong Chengchou, they are all well-read in poetry and well versed in the Tao of Confucius and Mencius. What is the Tao of Confucius and Mencius? The Tao of Confucius and Mencius is loyalty to the emperor and loyalty to the court. The Han people are willing to pay the price with their lives for the Tao of Confucius and Mencius."
Azig curled his lips and said: "If the Han ministers are really willing to pay the price with their lives to be loyal to the imperial court, how can we Eight Banners soldiers have the opportunity to come here today?"
Huang Taiji chuckled several times: "Ajige! You still don't understand. Mencius said: If a king treats his ministers like his hands and feet, then his ministers will regard him as his heart and soul; if a king regards his ministers as dogs and horses, then his ministers will regard him as a fellow countryman;
If the king treats his ministers like dirt, his ministers will regard him as a bandit. The Ming Dynasty regards its ministers as slaves, so naturally the ministers will not be loyal to the court. I am open to all rivers, employ people in an eclectic way, and regard my ministers as close friends. How can I worry about the Han Dynasty?
The rebellion of the minister?"
Azig felt that Huang Taiji's words actually made no sense, and were nothing more than strong words. Huang Taiji also felt that Azig was simple-minded, so he stopped talking and ordered him to organize his troops and prepare to fight against the bandits.
In fact, Huang Taiji's emphasis on Han Chen seemed to be eclectic, but in fact it was always suppressed by the Eight Banners Group of the Manchu and Mongolian alliances over Han Chen. Of course, there was no need to worry about Han Chen's rebellion.
After Azig left, Huang Taiji summoned Yi Bilong who was beside his bodyguard, narrowed his fox-like eyes, and asked: "E Bilong, Li Laiheng is still trapped in Shenzhou. Are you sure that this thief is
The most cunning of thieves?"
Since the defeat of Dangshan, Ye Bilong, like Tan Tai, has been reviled. However, he was of noble birth and was originally one of the young Manchu talents that Huang Taiji focused on cultivating. He was soon promoted again and served as Huang Taiji's personal attendant.
.
Ye Bilong thought of the battle at Dangshan, and there was still a flame of hatred burning in his chest. He said very carefully:
"Based on my observation during this period, the strength of the invaders' troops is similar to that of the Qin Army and Guan Ning Army. Only Li Laiheng is a bandit, and his tactics are cunning and cannot be planned with common sense."
Huang Taiji looked far away in the direction of Shenzhou and said calmly: "He will not be able to catch up with the battle of harvesting the deer."