After all, defending Lushun is not defending the mountains. When the Jianlu came to attack, the season would not necessarily be winter, so tricks like pouring ice and spreading snow would not work.
As for the conventional defense of the city, it was nothing more than rolling logs and rocks, using blunderbuss and bows and arrows. Now even though there were mines, trebuchets, and wooden cannons, Li Weiluan felt that it was still not enough.
Guo Dajing thought for a while and then slowly said: "Actually, there is no invincible fortress. But it can still be achieved by striving to be complete in defense. Only strengthening Lushun, I feel that the flexibility is not enough. If it is defense in depth, it may be better.
Some."
Lushun, to be precise, should be called Lushun Fort, which is a fortress smaller than the city.
If we were limited to Lushun Fort and huddled in the fort, it would be the end if we were attacked by the Japanese invaders, and there would be no room for buffering or diversion.
The defense in depth that Guo Dajing talked about was to fight against Lushun instead of fighting against Lushun. It expanded the battlefield outwards, set up multiple lines of defense or positions, defended layer by layer, and continuously consumed the captives.
To put it bluntly, defense is equivalent to one line of defense, which is relatively thin; defense in depth is multiple lines of defense, which is relatively thick. If one line of defense is breached, there will be a second and third line.
Guo Dajing proposed such a defense concept, which does not sound new. But at that time, the Ming army could only rely on fortified cities to fight against the Jianlu.
"Brother Guo, please tell me in detail." Li Weiluan cupped his hands with an eager but humble attitude.
Although field fortifications existed at that time, they were far less mature and complete than the theories and facilities for defending a city.
Guo Dajing has indeed thought about it a lot, because it will definitely be used in the future, and he already has a general idea and layout.
"Actually, fortifications need weapons to support them. Bows, arrows, swords and guns cannot exert their power. Muskets and crossbows, because of their shooting postures, the protective effect of the trench parapets is greatly enhanced..."
Guo Dajing said it very realistically. Without suitable weapons, the trench parapets were of little use and would hinder the normal operations of the troops.
To use bows and arrows, you have to straighten your back and arms, hide in the trench and shoot into the sky. To use swords and guns, you have to fight in formation.
In other words, what kind of weapons the army is equipped with must be what kind of fortifications are built.
At that time, trenches, deer villages, and horse barriers could be classified as blocking, preventing the enemy from rushing forward quickly. To fight and fight, both the offensive and defensive sides had to keep their feet on flat ground.
Of course, trenches and deer villages still play a very important role, mainly to defend against the cavalry charge of Jianlu and to block the advancement of martyrs.
"Trenches are necessary. They are wide and deep, making it difficult for the captives to cross with simple tools." Guo Dajing gestured with his hands to explain his idea. "When the cart stops in front of the trench, the riprap truck can be used to strike first...
…”
The trebuchet has been changed into a trebuchet, which can be pushed to a suitable distance. Whether it is stones, mines, or fire bombs, they are all parabolic, similar to the principle of mortars, and can kill the enemy behind the trebuchet.
Between the trench and the garrison position, a narrower trench, or a deer camp, or sharp stakes can be set up to impede the advance speed of the enemy who crosses the trench. At this time, it is the killing distance of bows, arrows, crossbows, and muskets.
The defenders can have multiple trenches, which can be retreated or advanced, and they can engage in entanglement with the enemy.
"Landmines can be made smaller, about one or two kilograms, and a strong person can throw them more than twenty steps. The distance between trenches is also the same. Our army can throw them at the enemy occupying the trenches, and can also use wooden cannons to bombard them.
…”
This is very similar to the throwing of grenades and close-range firefights in trench warfare in later generations. However, there are no prisoners, and it is a unilateral bombing attack by the defenders.
"The picket array does not need to be densely deployed, leaving a narrow passage to limit the Jianlu's attack surface. Our army will concentrate firepower here to kill it. In addition to the picket array, it can also be filled with water to form a swamp, which can also make it difficult for the Jianlu to advance.
…..”
In winter, ice and snow were poured on them, and in spring, summer and autumn, the front of the position was transformed into patches of paddy fields, making it difficult for the Jianlu to extricate themselves.
Li Weiluan laughed loudly when he heard this, and seemed to be able to see Jianlu crawling and rolling in the mud, his shoes were all sticky.
It has to be said that Guo Dajing has so many evil ways. Li Weiluan is now beginning to feel sad for Jianlu. If he meets Guo Dajing, he doesn't know how many evil tricks he will suffer.
"Defense cannot be a fixed model. It must be adjusted and improved according to the situation of the rebels." Guo Dajing thought of the joke about throwing away his shoes and grinned. "Before fighting, you must anticipate more and what possible measures the enemy may take."
Only by preparing appropriate means and countermeasures can we win the battle."
Li Weiluan nodded vigorously, knowing that this is called empathy, and said with a smile: "If we are fighting against the city, there are condescending firepower on the city, and complete defenses below the city, it will be difficult for the captives to attack the city, wouldn't the city be impregnable?
?”
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "You are just talking about war on paper. General Li has experienced hundreds of battles and has more experience than Guo. He must have more ideas and methods."
"Don't be modest. Li has really benefited a lot. I would like to thank you." Li Weiluan cupped his hand and continued without waiting for Guo Dajing to speak: "Jinzhou Daheishan is Mr. Guo's hometown, so there will always be some nostalgia for him, right?
"
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "If there is a chance to restore Jinzhou, Guo will go all out. But I'm afraid it won't work this year. We are not fully prepared and we should not act rashly."
"That's natural." Li Weiluan said: "Crossbows and mines are very good, and trebuchets are also powerful. After this battle, a certain man returned to the brigade and mobilized craftsmen to make more and stock up on supplies. After all, it won't be ready until next year.
."
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "It's a matter of sharpening your sword and chopping firewood. The more prepared you are, the greater your chance of winning. We must not only recover Jinzhou, but also severely inflict heavy losses on the invading Jianqi. Only then can we firmly occupy it."
Li Weiluan sighed and said: "If the imperial court is willing to pay, it only costs one hundred thousand taels. If the land is cut off near Nanguan and seawater is introduced, Jinzhou will be considered an unbreakable foundation."
Can't even get out one hundred thousand taels?! It's not that I can't get it out, but I don't want to invest in Liaonan and I can't see the stakes in it.
Guo Dajing had no choice but to build something like Jinzhou and Daling River. How many times did he build it, and how much money did it cost?
With just one hundred thousand taels, it is possible to change the situation in southern Liaoning, but he is stingy and refuses to take it. I don’t know what kind of stupid brains the princes in the court have.
What if he could use his own money or food to mobilize the people to dig a trench more than ten miles long? Guo Dajing thought about it and thought it was still possible, but he couldn't say now.
I am already conspicuous enough, but I still haven't taken out everything in the space. If I want others to know that I have tens of thousands of kilograms of grain and several boxes of gold and silver, wouldn't I be inviting trouble?
You have to take your time and use some excuses to gradually put these supplies to use, so that you don't attract attention.
Moreover, Guo Dajing now urgently needs to buy a heavy matchlock gun, and the little money he has on hand may not be enough!
Money - gold, silver, jewelry, Guo Dajing's desire is getting stronger and stronger.
………………..
Xuan Chuan.
The dawn is dim, and the air is filled with the smell of dawn.
Guo Dajing, who arrived overnight, did not disturb Mao Wenlong's rest. Instead, he found a guide and conducted some reconnaissance outside Xuanchuan.
The city was neither big nor strong, but Guo Dajing still conducted his reconnaissance very carefully. He often took out his scope to inspect and find the weak points of the city.
Every time a city is conquered and every group of Jianlu is annihilated, it is meaningful. However, there are not many Jianlu troops left in the captured city. This is their negligence and it is also a great opportunity for the Dongjiang Army.
Blasting the city gate is the simplest way to break the city, but Guo Dajing believes that it is less efficient. If it is not in a confined space, gunpowder cannot reach its maximum power and waste a lot of money.
Now that he had a trebuchet, Guo Dajing wanted to try another siege method. Of course, this also depends on whether the conditions are suitable and the time it takes.
Time is precious. While the main force of the Jianlu forces is retreating in large and small vehicles, the sooner the isolated enemy is eliminated, the better.
Only then can we arrange raids and interceptions. Tieshan, Cishan, Maoluo Mountain, Jianshan, Cisheng Mountain... the dangerous places that the Jianlu passed along the way will no longer be as easy to pass as when they attacked the dynasty.
It is now nearly April, and the melting of ice and snow can be seen with the naked eye, and the river will also be an obstacle for Jianlu to retreat unscathed and return home with a full load.
When Guo Dajing returned to the camp, it was already dark, and the officers and soldiers in the camp had already gotten up and started busy preparations.
"The general will finally meet the commander-in-chief." In the big tent, Guo Dajing saw Mao Wenlong and bowed to salute.
Mao Wenlong raised his hand with a smile and said: "I came here all night without rest and went to reconnoiter the city defense. It was really hard work."
Guo Dajing smiled innocently, bowed and stood in silence, waiting for Mao Wenlong to continue asking.
"How did the reconnaissance go?" Mao Wenlong asked: "Do you have a plan in mind for how to attack the city?"
Guo Dajing said in a deep voice: "The general believes that the west side is a weak point. Jianlu has attacked it before, and the destroyed city wall has not been repaired."
Mao Wenlong nodded, looked at Guo Dajing with admiration and encouragement, and said: "Yes, I have also sent people to conduct reconnaissance, and I agree with you."
Guo Dajing continued: "Together with the city gate and the entire west wall, our army will be the focus of the attack. I will lead my troops to attack the wall south of the city gate."
Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and smiled: "Tell me about your attack method and let others learn from it. You won't be too proud of yourself, right?"
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "This is Dongjiang Paoze, how can the general hide his secrets? The general is going to play tricks on the captives and inflict a certain amount of damage on them before breaking the city. The specific method is this..."
After hearing this, Mao Wenlong laughed loudly, stretched out his hand to point at Guo Dajing, and said: "You kid, why are you so bad? Tell me, Longgu Mountain City, Xiaotieshan, Longchuan, Longwang Tuozi, Jianlu were fooled by you.
How many times?"
Guo Dajing clasped his fingers solemnly and said: "It seems that there are so many times when Jianlu is stupid. If he doesn't fool them, it would be a disgrace to the conscience of heaven and earth."
Mao Wenlong laughed more and more heartily, and said while laughing: "Okay, let's use your method to play Jianlu again. You go down and rest first, and I will ask other troops to help you prepare!"
Guo Dajing took the order and went out, returned to the camp of his troops, and lay down to rest.
The general offensive was scheduled for the afternoon. When Chen Jisheng led his troops to Xuancuan, the Dongjiang Army's strength would reach 12,000, occupying an absolute military advantage.
After Mao Wenlong led his troops to Xuanchuan, they were not idle and had already begun to make arrangements. When the army gathered, more intercepting troops would be dispatched.
Xuancuan, Pukou, and Mao Wenlong prepared to defeat the Jianlu troops one by one. He sent two thousand interception troops to the enemies who might come to Pukou for reinforcements.
While waiting for Chen Jisheng's troops, a large number of stones were collected and transported to ensure sufficient ammunition for the siege.
Guo Dajing's command brought more than twenty trebuchets, plus those carried by the main force and those rushed out, there will be more than fifty when the city is attacked, and the ammunition consumed is not a small amount.
Mao Wenlong gave strong support to Guo Dajing's plan to attack the city. More than fifty trebuchets were all under his command, concentrated in the west of the city, and a number of mines were deployed.
Now, landmines are becoming a commonly used weapon by the Dongjiang Army. With the gunpowder supplies shipped from Denglai, the soldiers and civilians in Yuncong and Phidao are rushing to make landmines.
The pottery kilns are burning day and night, and the filling workshops are also busy day and night. The rough clay mines have also been regulated, two kilograms, three kilograms, five kilograms. Therefore, they are simple and easy to make, and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians can manufacture the number of mines every day.
Very big.
This is due to the improvement in understanding of Mao Wenlong and the generals of the Dongjiang Army. It is actually a simple arithmetic problem. Even if one landmine only injures one enemy, the results of thousands of mines are astonishing.
The key is to lay and use mines, which is a safer way to fight than fighting in battle. With the firing tube, there is no need for people to control it, and you can just watch the enemy being bombed from a distance.
With the trebuchet, mines can be simplified and open flame fuses can be directly used, making them easier to manufacture.
As for another type of wooden cannon that was simple and easy to make, the main force led by Mao Wenlong also carried hundreds of them.
The wooden cannons are all installed on small carts. Each cart has three or four guns. They can be fired at any time. If they encounter Jianluo in the wild, they can also resist them.
It was precisely because of these many simple but powerful weapons that Mao Wenlong dared to lead the main force to attack Xuanchuan and Pukou.
In less than three months, Guo Dajing did not expect that his invention would be popularized and applied so quickly.
In fact, if you think about it carefully, it is not surprising. It is a critical moment of the war, and the urgent need for weapons is like a hungry beggar who has no choice but to choose.
Mines, wooden cannons, and trebuchets are at least acceptable in terms of power, and there are no technical barriers to manufacturing. If they are given some rice grains as payment, the people who are idle in winter can just have a few more meals.
Guo Dajing only slept for two hours before getting up to make arrangements for the siege.
"General Zhang, thank you for coming to help." Guo Dajing bowed and warmly invited Zhang Pan to participate in the military meeting.
Zhang Pan led a thousand men to join Guo Dajing's troops on Mao Wenlong's order, strengthening the siege force.
"Lord Guo, you don't have to be like this." Zhang Pan looked at Guo Dajing, who was doing the courtesy very respectfully, and hurriedly returned the gift, but he was filled with emotion in his heart.