Zhenjiang Fort, also known as Jiulian City, has the Gehe River and Yalu River in the east, and Zhendong Mountain in the back.
Historical records: A detailed analysis of the boundaries of the trenches revealed that they were surrounded by long and short squares and circles. There were nine camps in total, and they were separated from the earthen city next to the tribute road on three sides.
Zhenjiang Fort is nearly square, with two east and west gates, 225 meters long, built of rammed earth, and a wall of four meters high.
When Mao Wenlong and others arrived, the Zuo Xie rear battalion had surrounded the east gate and was digging trenches and piling soil, using semi-circular fortifications to block the way out of the east gate.
Kong Youde's troops were besieging the west gate, using the same circular trench.
On the city wall, the Jianlu who had retreated into the city were busy running, preparing for defensive operations to withstand the imminent siege of the city by a large number of enemy troops.
Luo Gea's face was covered with dirt and blood, and he looked as embarrassed as he could. At this time, he stood at the top of the city and looked at the enemies who were constantly rushing to the city. His face was extremely ugly.
He rushed to fight with two thousand cavalry, plus the reconnaissance cavalry from Ma Shi Island and Jiang'an, totaling 2,400 to 500 people. He never expected that he would be beaten and defeated in embarrassment.
Fortunately, he had already sent a messenger asking for help, and there were still 500 people left to guard the city. Eight or nine hundred people returned after the defeat. Zhenjiang Fort was not that big, so it was possible to hold on and wait for help.
If he were to sum up his experience and lessons, the most profound ones should be the enemy's powerful firepower and ultra-long-range artillery.
If the cavalry had not been in disarray under the attack of guns, how could the enemy's cavalry defeat the galloping Jianzhou warriors?
As for the embarrassment of escaping and even being chased in the end, it was entirely because the Jianzhou warriors were unable to form a team in the chaos and mount a powerful counterattack, and were defeated again and again along the way.
"Sir, the enemy seems to have no siege equipment." An officer said what he had discovered. "Maybe they haven't arrived yet."
Roga shook his head and said: "The number of ship-borne transportation is still limited after all. The enemy should be preparing to build it on the spot, which does not take much time. It is just a simple ladder, which will take more than half a day at most."
It took most of the day for the messenger to rush to Fengcheng. Thinking of this, Luo Gea breathed a sigh of relief and felt that he was more sure of holding the fort.
Jianlu's strength lies in riding and shooting, as well as in close-quarters combat. Because of this, Luo Gea is relatively confident in holding on to the fort.
It won't take too long. After the Fengcheng garrison receives the call for help, if they operate overnight, they will be able to arrive at about 6:00 tomorrow (9-11 a.m.).
Luo Gea's confidence increased a bit, and he arranged his troops to conduct flood defense in sections, preparing to start an offensive and defensive fight with the enemy.
"Commander." Guo Dajing rode up to greet Mao Wenlong and greeted him.
Mao Wenlong smiled and waved his hand and said: "No need. This is like sealing the slaves in the fort and becoming a dying trapped beast."
Guo Dajing bowed and said: "It's still a little short of the mark, but the musketeers are enough to block the narrow city gate, making it difficult to break out."
Mao Wenlong nodded and said: "In this way, we can safely arrange the siege. It is still under your command. It will also open my eyes to the commander."
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Commander, just don't worry. The earth camp has begun surveying. If we work overnight, we will be ready tomorrow."
"Go and do your work!" Mao Wenlong waved his hand and said, "Don't accompany me, the war is more important."
Guo Dajing bowed and bowed, and then bowed his hands with the other generals before pulling out his horse and leaving.
Zhenjiang Fort has only two gates and no moat, which is very beneficial for tunnel operations. As for the bombardment, Guo Dajing did not want to waste ammunition. It was not easy for the cannonballs to accurately land on the city wall.
Fengcheng's reinforcements were of course also considered in the battle plan.
Even if they tried their best to come to the rescue, they would only have 3,000 men and horses. Two battalions under Kong Youde went to ambush them, which was another great victory.
Geng Mingzhan, an officer from the local camp, came to report that the survey had been completed and he had chosen to start tunneling operations on the south wall.
"There are no artillery in the city, and the range of bows and arrows is only two hundred steps. The general is going to dig the ground for construction at the nearest point." Geng Mingzhan was a little excited. The first actual battle was also a time when the camp showed its strength, which was impressive.
Guo Dajing followed Geng Mingzhan to see the southern city defenses and agreed to Geng Mingzhan's plan. He mobilized soldiers and began to dig trench breastworks, using the range of heavy muskets to launch diversionary fire at the enemies on the city.
At the same time, the earth camp located the entrance of the tunnel behind the breastwork of the trench, which increased the concealment of the construction and made it difficult for the enemy to detect it.
"General Guo." Kong Youde came up to greet him. After bowing his hands in greeting, he said with a smile: "As agreed, a certain unit will attack the city. There will be no change, right?"
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Of course it won't change. Our rear camp will serve as a reserve team, and the victory in seizing the city must be attributed to the rear alliance."
Kong Youde felt relieved and said: "The combat power of General Guo's army is actually the best in the Dongjiang Army. If our army faced the Jianlu cavalry, even if we could resist it, we would not be able to fight with such ease."
When it comes to being able to do things with ease, Guo Dajing does not want to be modest. This is indeed the evaluation that the soldiers in the rear camp deserve, although it is not perfect.
When it comes to specific tactics, Guo Dajing also has the idea of adjustment and improvement, and will intensify arrangements and training after returning to the army.
For the Dongjiang Army, Mao Wenlong, and Guo Dajing, this battle was a rehearsal to prepare for the attack on the capital.
After the success of this battle, Mao Wenlong will throw away his last worries and launch with confidence.
"General Li led two battalions to set up an ambush, plus the special operations battalion, there should be no problem." Guo Dajing said: "The flying cavalry originally scheduled to participate in the battle will be unnecessary at some point."
The flying cavalry performed outstandingly in today's battle, but the losses were not small. Almost three hundred people lost their combat effectiveness. Guo Dajing was very distressed and did not want the flying cavalry to fight against the Jianlu who came for reinforcements again.
Kong Youde nodded in agreement and said: "Six to seven thousand men and horses versus two to three thousand slaves are an ambush. We have a position to rely on, so victory is certain."
Kong Youde could not show weakness for his troops. It would be a bit embarrassing if he insisted on letting Fei Qi help.
Guo Dajing followed Kong Youde and watched the fortifications blocking the city gate. It was a simple semi-circular trench parapet, but five to six hundred musketeers were deployed.
The narrow city gate made it impossible for Jianlu to break out amid the hail of bullets and bullets. Even if there were corpses as pillows, they would return in vain.
Since Kong Youde's department was responsible for the task of siege, Guo Dajing transferred soldiers from the rear camp and took over the task of blocking the city gate.
The battle will begin tomorrow. A battalion of 3,000 men from the rear alliance will be the main attack force, and the rear camp from the left association will have a reserve of 1,000 men. If they enter the city, they will surely win.
In ancient times, once a city was breached, there might be street fighting, but the scale would not be very large, and the defenders would basically be unable to recover.
One reason is psychological. The city is the defender's biggest support. Once it is breached, the defender's fighting spirit will decline, and the fear and panic of the impending doom will be inevitable.
Another reason is that ancient buildings have little reinforced concrete and little masonry. Most of them are wooden houses, which are not suitable for street fighting. If they are burned, they will all be reduced to ashes.
It was almost dusk after all arrangements were made to block the city gates, dig tunnels, and dispatch reinforcements.
The setting sun dyed the sunset in the west bright red, and the Zhenjiang Fort was shrouded in blood, which seemed to indicate that a bloody battle was about to come.
Thousands of men and horses set up camp outside Zhenjiang Fort. In fact, it was not too troublesome to cut down trees and erect fences and walls. They were just simple tents and lit fires. Most of the soldiers even slept on the ground.
Fortunately, the weather has gotten warmer, and the soldiers are used to hardships. Even if it is a little cooler at night, spread out tarpaulins, wrap up in quilts, and stay by the fire for a night or two, there will be no problem.
Gunfire sounded from time to time, and the heavy musketeers fired at the figures on the city wall. It didn't matter whether they hit or not, they made it difficult for the enemy to survive and covered the excavation of the tunnel.
Geng Mingzhan came out of the tunnel in disgrace. He saw Guo Dajing at the entrance of the cave and hurriedly saluted him.
Guo Dajing waved his hand and said with a smile: "Hurry up and eat. It's hot. It was just delivered."
Geng Mingzhan opened his mouth and smiled innocently, wiped it carelessly, and then sat down with Guo Dajing to eat and drink.
A large pot of horse meat soup and pancakes brought with the army were eaten by the two of them. While eating, they talked about the work of tunnel excavation.
"Construction takes turns, without stopping." Geng Mingzhan chewed horse meat and said vaguely: "It can be completed before dawn. Before Jiannu wakes up, we will blow open the city wall and attack in."
Guo Dajing chuckled and said, "There's no need to be in such a hurry. When Jianlu wakes up, has eaten and drank enough, and climbed onto the city wall, we'll give them a hard beating."
Geng Mingzhan blinked his eyes in confusion, but he soon understood. Just blowing up the city wall was not enough. He had to kill and injure Jiannu as much as possible. The troops who entered the city would suffer a lot less casualties.
"General Guo's wisdom will put me to shame." Geng Mingzhan chuckled twice and expressed his admiration in words.
Guo Dajing took a big spoon and scooped up a lot of horse meat for Geng Mingzhan, and said: "Originally, you are not suitable for the work in the earth camp. Mainly because you are a bit tall, and the tunnels that need to be dug need to be wider."
"The general can get in and out by bending down." Geng Mingzhan was a little anxious and defended: "It won't affect the speed of excavation at all."
Guo Dajing was a little helpless. If it weren't for the lack of manpower, Geng Mingzhan had a brain and was a miner, he would not have allowed Geng Mingzhan to lead the camp.
Smiling and waving his hand, Guo Dajing said: "Since you like it, then I won't transfer you for promotion. The scale of Tuying is so big, I'm afraid your promotion will have an impact."
Geng Mingzhan was nonchalant and said: "The general is a proficient at this, but he is terrible at leading troops in battle. The general still has this kind of self-knowledge."
Seeing Geng Mingzhan's stubbornness, Guo Dajing no longer forced himself, chatted and finished the meal, and gave some instructions before returning to the camp.
"Brother Shen, why haven't you rested yet?" As soon as Guo Dajing arrived at the camp, he saw Shen Qizhong and Shen Shuoqing coming up to him, and he hurriedly bowed his hands in greeting, "Have you eaten? The accommodation arranged is simple, please forgive me."
With a smile on his face, Shen Qizhong said: "I also had a military career, and the food and accommodation conditions now are very good. General Guo is busy with military affairs, and he has taken good care of me and Shuoqing. I am really grateful."
Shen Shuoqing also echoed: "Many of the soldiers who fought bravely were sleeping on the ground. It is really shameful for Shen and others to enjoy such preferential treatment without having accomplished any merit."
Guo Dajing smiled and said, "You two don't have to be polite."
"Today I saw the combat power of the Dongjiang Army, which is really shocking and impressive." Shen Qizhong extended his hand to greet you and said, "General Guo, if you have some free time, I have some confidential matters that I would like to discuss with you."
Guo Dajing hesitated for a moment. He was really a little tired, but he still nodded with a smile and followed Erchen to their tent.
Being able to sleep in tents is the treatment that mid-level and senior officers and wounded soldiers receive. After the wounded were treated, the lightly injured ones were carried on the ship and transferred to the island. The seriously injured ones were unable to move, and they would be able to retreat with the army after a day or two.
There were no tables, chairs or beds in the tent. Oilcloth was spread on the ground with bedding spread out on it. Shen Qizhong and Guo Dajing sat down casually, while Shen Shuoqing was outside the tent, as if watching the wind.
Guo Dajing looked at Shen Qizhong with a smile, waiting for him to speak.
Shen Qizhong pondered for a moment and then said slowly: "In the past, King Xuan was invaded by Daobarbarians and lost his country and moved westward. Emperor Shenzong worked hard to rescue him and our country was rebuilt. This will never be forgotten."
"Anyway, King Injo had an affair with Lord Gwanghae and became a slave, forgetting the kindness of rebuilding the Ming Dynasty. However, after Ding Mao's chaos, King Injo was cowardly and surrendered to slavery. My brother and the court officials who hated slaves were all very sad..."
Guo Dajing nodded slightly and said: "Master Shen's loyalty is admirable. Guo cannot guarantee anything else, but Master Shen needs it. If it is beneficial to the Ming Dynasty and North Korea, the Dongjiang Army will definitely go all out. As for the imperial court, There is also a distinction between Mao Shuai and Mao Shuai."
Shen Qizhong showed his dissatisfaction with Injo, but he did not explicitly say that he wanted to abolish the old and establish the new, but there was some implicit meaning.
Guo Dajing did not explain it clearly, but only expressed his support for Shen Qiyuan and Mao Wenlong's attitude. He believed that Shen Qizhong could also understand.
If it hadn't been for the beautiful battle today, with the shocking strength of the infantry, cavalry and artillery, I believe Shen Qizhong would not have revealed his true intentions so early.
In Shen Qizhong's view, the rise of Dongjiang Town has been unstoppable, which can be seen clearly in the past two or three years.
If Shen Qiyuan wanted to abandon the old and establish the new, the best way was to get the approval of the Ming court through Dongjiang Town and Mao Wenlong.
You can even rely on the strength of the Dongjiang Army. The simplest way is that the recruits trained by Lin Qingye and Cui Xiaoyi will benefit from the Dongjiang Army and Guo Dajing.
From the fact that Mao Wenlong granted full command authority, we can also see Guo Dajing's status in the Dongjiang Army. Through him, he can make suggestions to Mao Wenlong and get twice the result with half the effort.
Compared with those pedantic civil servants who advocate great justice and orthodoxy and "accuse the guilty", military generals like Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing consider actual interests more.
When Injo was in power, Mao Moon-yong, who had a great say in the Korean issue, reached a tacit understanding with Injo's regime, pointing out that King Gwanghae was ungrateful and rebellious, and that Injo was sincere and understanding.
It can be said that Mao Wenlong gave a lot of help at the critical moment when the Ming Dynasty finally recognized Injo's rule and granted him the title of canon.