If there were other options and methods, Huang Taiji would not launch a detour into the pass before solving or significantly weakening the Dongjiang Army.
However, they could either wait for death and weaken under the influence of the great famine; or they could take a risk, plunder people and supplies, and resist the Dongjiang Army's diversionary attack.
Huang Taiji believed that he had done his best to achieve the best of both worlds and curb Hou Jin's decline.
Moreover, 40,000 troops were left behind, but if necessary, the Manchus could be mobilized, and even strong women could go to the city to defend, thus doubling the number of troops.
Therefore, as long as you don't fall into the trap and don't waste time fighting, you can still be sure of saving your hometown.
As for the battle after detouring into the pass, Huang Taiji was more confident of winning. Even if the troops from Liao Town came to fight, he didn't care much.
Fighting in the field, riding and shooting, Huang Taiji believed that the Jianzhou warriors could equal ten to one, while the Ming army was fighting with five scum and was no match at all.
Among the Baylor nobles who stayed behind, Haug was his son and could be trusted; Jilharang was stable and there was no need to doubt his loyalty; Amin could not be trusted, but Xianglan Banner's strength was greatly damaged, so he took away some of them.
A few soldiers have no power and cannot stir up any trouble.
Accompanying Huang Taiji on the expedition were Dabeile Daishan, Sanbeile Manggurtai, and the Dorgon brothers. This was a candidate who was decided upon after repeated deliberation.
If during the march, Daishan and Mang Gurtai opposed the attack on the Ming Dynasty, Huang Taiji could force the two Baylors to obey their orders by virtue of his status as the Khan King and the support of the Dorgon brothers.
This is the reason for keeping Amin in Shenyang, to divide and rule the three Baylors and weaken their right to speak.
At the same time, the troops dispatched were called the Eight Banners, but the main force was the Zhenghuang Banner, and the other flags were only part of it. From the perspective of strength, Huang Taiji also had a great say.
While inspecting the city defense deployment, Huang Taiji's eyes moved and found the absent-minded Jierhalang. He frowned secretly, stretched out his hand to call him over, and asked with a smile: "What are you thinking about? You look preoccupied."
Jierhalang hurriedly bowed and said: "Back to King Khan, I was thinking about the intelligence I received recently. Yuan Chonghuan and Mao Wenlong are attacking each other, and the generals are at odds. Can it be used?"
Mao Wenlong even wrote a memorial to impeach Yuan Chonghuan, which seems to be reenacting the history of the feud between Wang Huazhen and General Xiong Tingbi during the Tianqi years.
Due to the discord between the generals, Guangning suffered a disastrous defeat, suffered huge losses in personnel and materials, and allowed the Jianlu to occupy almost the entire Liaodong.
Now, Liao Town and Dongjiang Town are at odds again, which seems to give Jianlu an opportunity to take advantage of them.
But in fact, Huang Taiji knew that there was no gap. The reason was very simple. Liao Town and Dongjiang Town were two independent groups, and there was no precedent or possibility for coordinated actions.
To put it bluntly, you are you and I am me; you hit yours and I hit mine. Although it is not very accurate, it is similar.
When Liao Town was attacked, Dongjiang Town would restrain the rebels and relieve the pressure on western Liaoning; but when Dongjiang Town was attacked repeatedly, Liao Town remained motionless and even struggled with food and supplies.
Mao Wenlong now impeached Yuan Chonghuan, making it clear that he wanted to strengthen his independence and not be subject to Yuan Chonghuan's control and command. This was a consideration and action based on strength, that is, he already had the combat power to contend with Hou Jin on his own.
"If Liao Town and Dongjiang Town are groups that are sincerely united and coordinate operations, and the generals are at odds, they can naturally be exploited." Huang Taiji said slowly: "But they are relatively independent in nature, and the split is nothing like before. Both."
"King Khan is wise." Jierhalang bowed and said, "I thought simply."
Huang Taiji nodded slightly, turned around and continued to patrol along the city wall. Although he was still confused in his heart, he could be considered to have overcome it for the time being.
The defense systems of Liaoyang, Shenyang, Anshanyi, Lianshanguan and other places all learned from the Dongjiang Army model. Trench, obstacles, etc. were also equipped with as many artillery as possible, although they were old-fashioned.
I have to admit that Hou Jin, as an emerging force, is more proactive and quick in learning and accepting new things.
On the contrary, Ming Dynasty showed old and rigid thinking, procrastination, and even repeated and useless actions.
As the famine spread, Jianlu was at a critical moment of life and death.
However, the imperial court and Yuan Chonghuan did not notice it and seized this very favorable opportunity to increase the difficulties of rebuilding the captives.
On the contrary, Yuan Chonghuan's rice theft in the city alleviated the difficult situation of the captives to a certain extent; and Emperor Chongzhen was even more bizarre, suspending the market rewards of the Chahar tribe, and actually wanted to take advantage of the great disaster in the northern grasslands to completely eliminate the tigers. Duntu.
As a result, Huang Taiji was able to make arrangements calmly and did not need to think too much about the food and grass needed for long-distance attacks, because Haraqin and other Mongolian tribes provided them.
This is fighting the Ming Dynasty by eating the Ming Dynasty's food. Isn't it paradoxical and strange? But it happened in the weird and bizarre era at the end of the Ming Dynasty.
However, the Chahar tribe, which was cut off from market rewards, was "very tired, very hungry, and very poor", and its soldiers were severely depleted, "with only 40,000 horses and less than 50,000 troops."
Historically, when Huang Taiji conquered the Chahar tribe again, Hu Duntu was unable to resist and could only flee to Qinghai.
The defeat of Lin Dan Khan made all the Mongolian tribes in Xuanfu, Datong and other areas outside the country submit to Hou Jin. It also gave the traitors like Shanxi merchants a channel to smuggle money to the enemy and harm the country.
Except for Guo Dajing, no one could deduce the harm caused by this series of chain reactions to the Ming Dynasty, pushing the Ming Dynasty one step closer to the abyss of national subjugation.
At this time, Supervisor Yuan was writing furiously at his desk, and started a quarrel with Mao Wenlong, who suddenly turned against him and criticized him.
Mao Wenlong's attack was very sudden, which Yuan Chonghuan never expected. This not only disrupted his plan to continue murdering Mao Wenlong, but also caused accountability from the court and the emperor.
The key is that Mao Wenlong did not just talk in vain, but provided specific intelligence and cited relatively accurate data, confirming that Haraqin and other ministries resold grain to Houjin.
Mao Wenlong opened the lid, and there were many others who impeached Yuan Chonghuan.
Chen Renxi, an editor at the Hanlin Academy who was on business in Liaodong, heard rumors on the way from Beijing to Liaodong that the Haraqin Ministry was reselling grain to Hou Jin.
After arriving in Ningyuan, Wu Jinshi Wang Huaida and others revealed the truth to him even more angrily and sadly:
Every time the Kalaqin tribe came to Gaotaibao to buy grain, it was mixed with a lot of fine work. Under the banner of the Kalaqin tribe, they only needed to pay some mink fur and firewood to easily buy this life-saving grain in batches. Money will be paid after delivery.
After Chen Renxi returned to the court, he angrily complained that Yuan Chonghuan's selling of grain was "to accumulate grain for the construction of captives (later Jin Dynasty)" and led to "the exhaustion of border reserves."
In Mao Wenlong's memorial, he first described the tragic situation of the great famine among the Jianchu captives, and then changed his tone and said that after rice was stolen from Yuan Chonghuan City, the situation of the great famine was alleviated, "Eight taels of silver per dou of rice, now it has been reduced to six two……".
Mao Wenlong's impeachment memorial was not limited to this. He also pointed out that Haraqin and other tribes had surrendered to the Jianlu, and were likely to lead the Jianlu to take a detour to enter the pass.
This is a very fatal accusation, and it is also a big trap for Yuan Chonghuan's conviction.
Didn’t you swear that Haraqin and other ministries are trustworthy and will be loyal to the Ming Dynasty after receiving the food? Well, then you will endorse them and take responsibility for their rebellion.
"The barbarians would rather use their wives as hostages than lure slaves into Jiliao... There is always a way to drive them. If you can control their violence and soften their hearts, they will be of great use to me. And drive all the barbarians away. If you don't use it for me, there are other ways to deal with it. How dare you leave your king and father behind as a captive and cause provocation to seal the border?"
Yuan Chonghuan stopped writing, checked it again, and then breathed a sigh of relief, feeling very satisfied.
The various Mongolian tribes resold grain to Hou Jin. Even Wu Jinshi at the border could see it clearly. Did Yuan Chonghuan really not know?
The fact is: Although there was intelligence, Chonghuan did not believe it. He was so stupid and stupid that there was really no cure.
Although Yuan Chonghuan was still defending himself and using beautiful words to deceive Chongzhen, Emperor Chongzhen's attitude was different from that in history.
Perhaps it was the "beginning of border reserves" that stimulated Chongzhen. He issued a very strict tone. Not only did he require Yuan Chonghuan to report the exact number of grain sales, but he also said, "If there is any omission, he will be punished for the crime of barbarian communication."
Chongzhen was probably thinking that he had already tried his best to supply Guan Ning's army with food and grass supplies and was facing financial difficulties.
During the long journey from the mainland, "grain trucks were damaged, cattle and horses fell dead, and countless others were killed." The loss of grain was very serious.
It's a good thing for you that you sold all the grain to Haraqin and other Mongolian tribes, but you haven't seen any real benefits. You want the court to tighten your belt and deliver money and grain to Guan Ning.
"Sir." Cheng Benzhi signed in and bowed to salute.
Cheng Benzhi was Yuan Chonghuan's disciple, and now he is a staff member in the army. He is highly trusted by Yuan Chonghuan.
Yuan Chonghuan nodded, stretched out his hand to signal Cheng Benzhi to sit down, and said slowly: "Mao Wenlong's accusations and false accusations have caused many officials in the court who do not know the truth to follow suit and impeach. Long Live seems to be wavering."
Cheng Benzhi listened carefully. The recent news was indeed unfavorable to Yuan Chonghuan. He wanted to know how Yuan Chonghuan would deal with it.
On the one hand, presenting a defense is also extremely important to win over the big shots in North Korea and China to support Yuan Chonghuan.
Yuan Chonghuan continued: "Go to the capital and meet Mr. Qian, the second assistant, and Mr. Wang, Minister of the Ministry of War, tell us about the difficulties in the headquarters, and expose Mao Wenlong's wolfish ambitions..."
Qian Longxi was a bachelor of the cabinet after Chongzhen ascended the throne, and he was the second assistant. He also strongly recommended Yuan Chonghuan to be the commander-in-chief of the Guan Ning Army to consolidate the border defense.
Yuan Chonghuan had the intention to kill Mao Wenlong, and he hinted in his letters to Qian Longxi and Wang Qia, "Wenlong can work together as one, so he should have no suspicion; otherwise, if he is beheaded, Chonghuan will use the force of his sword." .”
But now, Mao Wenlong took advantage of the Dongjiang Army's repeated victories to turn against foreigners, vigorously impeached Yuan Chonghuan, and changed the emperor's attitude. Yuan Chonghuan realized the crisis and had to turn to the two big bosses for help.
After listening to the instructions, Cheng Benzhi bowed to accept the order and then suggested: "Don't you impeach Mao Wenlong and suppress his arrogance?"
Yuan Chonghuan smiled lightly and said: "This department has already reported to the court to impeach Mao Wenlong for several serious crimes."
It is disrespectful to come and go without reciprocating, and to engage in verbal quarrels is exactly what civil servants are good at, and it is also Yuan Chonghuan's strong point.
Cheng Benzhi was relieved, took Yuan Chonghuan's letter, and left.
There were Yuan Fen and Mao Fen in later generations, but the Yuan fan at that time was none other than Cheng Benzhi. After Yuan Chonghuan was executed by Ling Chi, Cheng Benzhi also submitted a memorial to redress his grievances and was killed by Chongzhen.
Therefore, as a fan, you must have a brain and your own analysis and judgment. Blind fandom will eventually harm yourself.
………………
Capital City, Imperial Palace.
Along with the spread of rumors among the people, Mao Wenlong repeatedly impeached Yuan Chonghuan, the governor of Jiliao, which indeed caused controversy and shock in the court.
"On the 19th day of the first year of the lunar month (July 19th), it was reported that four lamas from the Haraqin tribe led 530 people to... On the 25th, a big banquet was held for the envoys. On the third day of August, with
The Karaqin tribe negotiated peace and swore to heaven and earth that..."
Chongzhen threw the information on the table, looked up at the Jinyiwei commander Luo Yangxing, and said in a deep voice: "So, what Mao Wenlong said is true that the Haraqin tribes have surrendered to Jianlu."
Luo Yangxing bowed and said: "Long live Hui, this is the information I got from you."
"What about the people who buy grain?" Chongzhen continued to ask.
Luo Yangxing hesitated for a moment, but then said truthfully: "The tribe that Shubu is in is a branch of the Haraqin tribe."
Chongzhen lowered his eyes and was speechless for a while, frowning in thought.
Luo Yangxing secretly lamented that although he was close to the Donglin Party, he was helpless.
When Yuan Chonghuan sold grain to Shubu, the border officials thought it was unacceptable. Only Yuan Chonghuan acted arbitrarily. News that Shubu was building a rice cellar for prisoners and plotting against Jixi had spread in the border areas.
"Step back!" Chongzhen did not make any decision, he just waved his hand and ordered Luo Yangxing to step back.
Just when Luo Yangxing was about to bow out and resign, Chongzhen warned again: "The Zhenfu Division must strengthen intelligence reconnaissance in the border areas and report it from time to time. Don't be negligent."
"Yes, I obey the order." After Luo Yangxing saluted, he bowed and stepped back.
The hall fell silent, Chongzhen's face was gloomy, his brows were furrowed, and his fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of the dragon chair.
Mao Wenlong's impeachment was sudden and violent.
Originally, Chongzhen didn't take it seriously, but because it was related to the food and wages of Liao Town, he issued an order to ban Yuan Chonghuan from selling rice and asked him to "measure the amount of rice he needs to exchange", thinking that Yuan Chonghuan would comply with the order.
However, with the impeachment of Mao Wenlong, more and more officials expressed their opposition to Yuan Chonghuan City Miyu Haraqin and other departments.
More and more facts came to light, and Chongzhen discovered that the amount of grain sold by Yuan Chonghuan to the Haraqin tribes far exceeded his estimate.
When it came to money and food, Chongzhen had to pay attention to it. You know, he saved and saved to get it together, and he was worried about the money and food in other border towns all day long!
Mao Wenlong not only impeached the emperor, but also gave the emperor a detailed description and analysis of the complex situation of the Mongolian tribes outside the pass. He pointed out that after the Chahar tribe was weakened, it was inevitable for the Mongolian tribes to seek refuge in Houjin.
Since Mao Wenlong's impeachment was true and well-founded, some civil servants also followed the trend.
Among them, there were people like Chen Renxi, the editor of the Hanlin Academy, who were informed and angry, and there were also those who were partisans and opposed to dissidents and took the opportunity to step on them hard.
Even Qian Longxi, Wang Qia and others defended Yuan Chonghuan, but they were well aware of the stakes involved and did not dare to speak too harshly.