Chapter 216: Join forces to fight against Huang Taiji, the South Pass Line of Defense
Just as Daishan was worried, Mang Gurtai in Shenyang also saw the stickers and postponed the dispatch of troops to demolish Jinzhou and other cities.
"Amma, Aibali is back." Mang Gurtai's son Ebilun quickly entered the house and bowed to report.
Mang Gurtai drank the wine in the bowl and ordered: "Let him come in."
Aibali, as the Jia La Ezhen of the Zhenglan Banner, was a close confidant of Mang Gurtai, and was sent by him to Kaiyuan, the residence of his sister Mang Gurtai, to handle an important matter.
"This slave has seen Lord Beile." Aibali hurriedly entered the room and bowed to salute.
Mang Gurtai waved his hand and asked eagerly: "How?"
Aibali hurriedly reported: "Back to Lord Beile, Leng Sengji is a clansman of Chief Yehe's Jintaishi. When the princess moved to Zonomuduleng, she accompanied her as a domestic slave."
"Yehenala, family slave!" Mang Gurtai's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and then asked: "Did you bring him back?"
Aibali said: "Don't worry, Mr. Baylor, I have brought Leng Sengji back and kept a close watch on him along the way. What else does he know about?"
Mang Gurtai nodded slightly, with murderous intent on his face, and said in a deep voice: "You lead people to deal with him secretly, don't let outsiders know."
Aibali was surprised. Since he brought him back, he killed him without even asking. If he had known how to deal with it, why would he bother to bring him back!
Mang Gurtai glanced at Aibali and said: "I would rather kill him by mistake than let him go. No matter what happens in the future, this hidden danger must be eliminated. I am too lazy to ask, and I can't ask anything now."
Rumors spread, and Mang Gurtai felt like a thorn in his back. Thinking that he had suffered an unbearable death and that his brothers, sisters, sons, and close relatives would all die a happy death, he woke up from sleep in a cold sweat from time to time.
Regardless of whether something terrible will happen or not, Mang Gurtai's fear has filled his body and mind. The Zhenglan Flag is the basis for his safety and survival, although it is not enough.
"Ama." After Aibali left, Ebilun came closer and suggested: "Er Beile asked for orders to guard Xiuyan, Zhenjiang and other places. He must be thinking of being safe outside."
He couldn't afford to offend and could afford to hide. Amin really didn't want to be under Huang Taiji's nose, lest he find trouble. Xiuyan, Fengcheng, and Zhenjiang were also important lines of defense in the Jianlu ruling area. Huang Taiji was out on an expedition, so he didn't stop him too much.
But now that Mang Gurtai thinks about it, he feels that this trick is very clever. Under Huang Taiji's surveillance, or going on an expedition with him, wouldn't it be easy to cause trouble for you?
Just like what was said in the post, as King Khan, I order you to attack a certain city and a certain place. If you win, your strength will be depleted. If you lose, you will be said to be ineffective in fighting and there will be no way to escape.
Of course, with the help of men and support, Huang Taiji had to be cautious and not dare to do anything rashly if he wanted to inflict crimes at will.
As Daishan expected, Mang Gurtai's first thought was Amin. After attacking North Korea, Amin took the initiative to show his goodwill and wanted to join forces to fight against Huang Taiji.
Mang Gurtai heard the hidden meaning of his son's words, nodded his head vigorously, and said: "The matter of joint resistance must be carried out in secret. I feel very confident. As a father, I still have to lead people to demolish Jinzhou and Daling River.
City, lest Huang Taiji find trouble."
Looking at Ebilun, Mang Gurtai continued: "You secretly go to Xiuyan and bring stickers and gifts. Amin will understand. When my father comes back, I will find an opportunity to talk to him face to face.
talk."
"Don't worry, Ama." Ebilun bowed and accepted the order.
Mang Gurtai also wanted to win over Daishan, but he was still hesitant. Daishan was no better than Amin, and he was afraid that he would be self-defeating, and would instead be caught by Huang Taiji.
"Avoid Jierhalang." Mang Gurtai warned again: "Amin must have noticed it too, so I won't take him with me when I go to Xiuyan City."
Although Jilharang is Amin's younger brother, his relationship with Huang Taiji is extraordinary. When he attacked North Korea, he opposed Amin's march to Pyongyang, which was disgusted by Amin.
Ebidu nodded in agreement, and suggested tentatively: "As for Da Beile, if we can join forces, Huang Taiji will also bow his head."
Mang Gurtai shook his head and said: "We'll wait and see. If it weren't for his support, Huang Taiji would not be the king of Khan. Although Yue Tuo and Shuo Tuo are dead, Saha Lian is close to Huang Taiji.
, must be on guard against it.”
Huang Taiji's real team is the two yellow flags. The two white flags of the Dorgon brothers are not absolutely loyal.
If Mang Gurtai and Amin join forces, Huang Taiji will no longer dare to act rashly. It doesn't matter whether there are two red flags for good deeds.
Of course, if Daishan sides with Huang Taiji, he will still pose a great threat to the two blue flags, and Huang Taiji's power will increase greatly.
But you can't prevent this kind of thing even if you want to, and Mang Gurtai is not good at planning, so he simply ignores Dai Shan and waits to see what happens before making a decision.
……………….
The breath of spring is stronger, the ice and snow melt quickly, and only the blackened snow remains in the depressions.
The moist and warm land is exposed, the smell of thawing gradually rises, and the fresh smell of budding trees is refreshing and full of the atmosphere of revival of life.
The more than ten miles long trench in Nanguan is being dug deeper every day, especially when it is warm at noon, when tens of thousands of people are busy working.
The design of the main trench is three feet wide and two feet deep, but it does not completely separate the north and south, but leaves several passages about more than ten feet wide. The other two auxiliary trenches are slightly narrower, one foot wide and one foot deep.
The excavated earth ramparts will be built and compacted to build fifteen forts, which will house the Hongyi cannons brought from Lushun Fort.
Between the fort and the trench, there are two trench parapet fortifications, with high and low configurations, which can overlap firing and increase the density of firepower. Both of them are covered with roofs to block arrows.
To the north of the main trench, between the trenches are densely dotted with sharp wooden piles pointing diagonally to the north, stretching for seventy or eighty meters.
The wooden pile array does not cover the entire area, and there are also passages left. But just like the trench, it attracts the captives to take shortcuts. The intensive firepower of muskets and muskets will cause heavy casualties to the enemy.
The distance of the defensive facilities was carefully measured. The prisoners advancing in front of the wooden stake array were just within the effective shooting range of the musketeers in the trench breastworks.
Projectiles were also placed inside the breastworks of the trenches, which could also use bombs to bombard enemies in front of the wooden stake array.
The Hongyi cannon on the fort bombarded the battle formations within the effective range, that is, within five to six hundred meters, and prevented them from getting close to the command.
Whether it is trench parapet fortifications or forts, they are all arranged at different heights, which is conducive to cross-fire and increased lethality.
The tensely constructed defense line undergoes great changes every day, and the confidence of the troops is enhanced every day.
The power of artillery, heavy muskets, and catapults to throw bombs has been witnessed by both Fort Lushun and the participating troops in Xiaoheishan.
Now, sharp weapons and equipment have been deployed on the Nanguan defense line. Not only is it impregnable, it is also daunting. How many troops do Jianlu have, who can break through the defense line under such fierce firepower?
Even so, the defense system is constantly being adjusted. Imaginary attacks are improving the defense line again and again.
"It is impossible to attack and it is difficult to break through." Bathed in the warm sunshine, Chen Jisheng stood on the fort, looked at the busy crowd, and said with emotion: "Even if there are 50,000 or 60,000 people coming, I am afraid they will be defeated."
Mao Wenlong put down the telescope in his hand and said with a smile: "Fifteen to six hundred heavy muskets, fifteen Hongyi cannons, plus projectiles, we can withstand several times the enemy. We are still confident."
Chen Jisheng nodded in agreement and said: "The defenses in Xiaoheishan are far inferior, but they can cause heavy casualties to the captives. The Nanguan defense line is so strong, I am absolutely assured."
Mao Wenlong pondered and said: "I originally thought that the garrison of the two associations was not very reliable. Now it seems that I am overly worried."
After a pause, he continued: "In terms of importance, Jinzhou is actually higher than Pidao. Only when you sit here will I feel completely at ease."
Chen Jisheng thought for a while and said: "The imperial court has no plans to move the town. It doesn't matter much if the commander-in-chief is here, right?"
"Who knows if anyone will mention it again?" Mao Wenlong shook his head slightly and said: "If I sit here, wouldn't it leave an excuse for others? It's better to do less than to do more. It's better to be on Pidao."
Mao Wenlong's memorial to Emperor Tianqi at that time emphasized that the terrain of Liaodong was suitable for Dongjiang Army operations, and received support from Emperor Tianqi.
If he goes to Jinzhou to take charge now, wouldn't it mean that Liaonan is more important and he will be slapped in the face? If someone in the DPRK proposes to move the town again, Mao Wenlong will not be able to argue.
Moreover, the conflict between Liao Town and Dongjiang Town was difficult to resolve. Mao Wenlong would rather accept the nominal control of Governor Denglai than get too close to western Liaoning and give the Governor of Liaodong an opportunity to intervene.
It is also ironic to say that he was called the governor of Liaodong, but he only passively defended a corner of western Liaoning. It was Dongjiang Town who really dealt with the Jianlu in Liaodong.
Chen Jisheng smiled helplessly and said: "The commander-in-chief has left half of the navy in Jinzhou. Doesn't the Pidao headquarters seem empty?"
Mao Wenlong pointed at the direction of the sea to the west and said: "It is difficult to break through the front of the Nanguan defense line, but the weak point is on the coast. It freezes in winter, so we have to guard against raids. Only with naval patrols can we ensure safety."
"As for the Pidao headquarters, Jianlu has no navy and it is difficult to attack, but it is very safe." Mao Wenlong paused and said: "Besides, shipbuilding is also within the plan. Even if the navy is fully restored, there is no danger.
.”
Chen Jisheng nodded and said: "According to Dajing's plan, a small number of troops will be stationed on the Liaonan Islands, and a large number of ships will be needed."
"Not only does he want to station troops on the islands, but he also wants to enter the Sancha River and go deep into the land!" Mao Wenlong said: "Liaoyang and Shenyang are both connected by waterways, and his plans are not small."
Chen Jisheng's eyes flashed, but he still suppressed what he wanted to say, and said: "I'm afraid this is not a goal that can be achieved in the short term. It would be too risky to go deep with the navy."
"That's why I want you to take charge." Mao Wenlong smiled and said, "You are young and energetic, and you are bold. You have to be more restrained."
"I know, Commander, just don't worry." Chen Jisheng nodded vigorously.
The working people were already sweating profusely under the warm sunshine. Many of them took off their cotton-padded clothes and were wielding spades and pickaxes in thin clothes.
Yang Daman swung the pickaxe, dug and dug, and a piece of soil that had not completely thawed was dug out.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeves and took off his gloves. His grip on the pickaxe was a bit weak, and he was worried about throwing it out and hurting someone.
After being captured by the raiding team led by Han Zhong and learning his identity as a wrapped slave, Han Zhong did not have any trouble for him. He and other escaped or injured wrapped slaves were put under centralized custody and taken to Nanguan.
In addition to Yang Daman and others, there were also the wrapping slaves who escorted the grain and grass, and they also became laborers in the construction of fortifications.
There was no beating, scolding, or abuse, and there was no special care. They were given plenty of food and a fire to sleep in, but they had to do their jobs well.
For Yang Daman and others, this was already a rare treat. Not having their heads chopped off was already a surprise. After all, they helped Jianlu pull carts of food and came to attack, kill and plunder.
There is no big difference between the wrapped slaves and Aha. They are all slaves. They can be enslaved and abused by Jianlu, and they can even be beaten, scolded and killed at will.
They work as coolies in peacetime and cannon fodder in wartime. This is their fate.
Compared with the Liao people who escaped from the rule of the Jianlu, these slaves simply lacked the spirit of resistance, lying down and letting fate whip them, leaving life and death up to fate.
A group of coaters worked hard until the supervising soldiers came to call for a break, then they stopped working with picks and shovels, and sat down in the sun to take a breath.
Another group of wrappers took over their work, working in turns, with a clear division of labor. Even how to work was planned by Guo Dajing to improve efficiency.
An iron pot was set up on the fire to boil water. The coatmen drank hot water and basked in the sun. Since the supervising soldiers were not around, the atmosphere became a little more lively and they chatted with each other.
"I still have a wife at home, but I don't know if I can survive?" someone sighed.
Someone curled their lips and said, "Even if you are lucky enough to come back alive, how much longer can you survive? Food is extremely expensive, and the captives are very tight. If you don't open your mouth less, maybe your family can live longer."
"In the hands of Jianlu, we will die sooner or later." Yang Daman interrupted angrily: "During the war, we were asked to rush to the front to die, and when we were escaping, we were asked to walk in front. Now we can still breathe, because we picked it up!"
A middle-aged man glanced at Yang Daman and sighed: "That's true, but who doesn't miss his family?"
"Why don't we go back and die together?" Yang Daman mocked: "If you want to be a slave to Jianlu again, you can talk to the Dongjiang Army and let you go."
After a pause, Yang Daman's look of disdain became more serious, "When the Jianlu come again to attack the Dongjiang Army, you can help them by pushing carts and transporting grain."
Those who said they missed their homes and loved ones did not say anything. The Dongjiang Army did not kill them, but they did not let them go back to work and help build the captives.
"How many Liao people did not hesitate to die on the road due to cold and hunger, and they had to escape from the slavery of the Jianlu in a narrow escape, and then take revenge on them. Is there anyone who rushes to jump into the fire pit? If you have the ability, go and kill the Jianlu.
Rescue your own relatives as well."
The loud words made everyone turn their heads to look, but it was Han Zhong who strode over.