During the daytime battle, Huang Taiji personally commanded. Outside Dede Gate, the troops of Hou Shilu, the commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu, were first defeated by Jianlu. Mangui's troops stepped forward alone to fight desperately, but were accidentally hit by artillery from the Beijing camp at the head of the city, causing heavy losses.
Yuan Chonghuan's troops also performed unsatisfactorily in the battle at Guangqumen against the small number of Jianlu.
The great victory at Guangqumen recorded in history was actually neither a main battlefield nor a small battle in which both sides lost little. It is very simple to draw this conclusion, which can be seen from the comparison of the strength of Guan Ning's army before and after.
However, in the face of thousands of captives, Guan Ning's army was almost defeated, and Governor Yuan was almost beheaded. They finally managed to survive. But again, nothing was gained, not even a single head was captured.
If Guangqumen's battle against Guan Ning's army can achieve a decent victory, such as hundreds of beheadings, then there may be room for redemption.
But this embarrassing victory may have become the fuse that ignited all the dissatisfaction and suspicion in the emperor's heart.
The citizens of the capital who were watching the battle at the top of the city also saw the virtue of Guan Ning's army, which could be described as "a matter of fact", and public opinion was even more unfavorable to Yuan Chonghuan.
In this battle, Guan Ning's army clearly had the advantage in strength, but could not defeat Jian Lu. However, its own casualties were not large, which inevitably made people think that Guan Ning's army was playing tricks on Jian Lu.
And these subjects were even more convinced that Governor Yuan had an affair with Jianlu and deliberately lured Jianlu troops to weaken the capital. When Yuan Chonghuan was cut to pieces, perhaps it was these people who were the most active and enthusiastic in buying Governor Yuan's meat.
Chongzhen stroked his forehead, feeling very upset and taking great pains to summon King Qin and his generals tomorrow.
My suspicion about Yuan Chonghuan can no longer be concealed. Wang Chengen knows my heart well, but he does not dare to come forward to persuade him easily.
No matter what, it is not appropriate to deal with Yuan Chonghuan when Jianlu troops are approaching the city. After all, Guan Ning's army is still the largest force among the king's army outside the city.
"Yuan Chonghuan insists on entering the city, but I am suspicious and will not allow it." Chongzhen suddenly raised his head and said to his most trusted eunuch, Wang Chengen.
Wang Chengen hurriedly bowed and said: "Your Majesty is wise. King Qin does not allow foreign troops to enter the capital. This is a rule left by our ancestors. Mangui fought bravely and bloodyly, and only the remnant troops remained. Your Majesty made an exception. This is because of your great kindness and benevolence."
Because Mangui's troops suffered heavy losses, Chongzhen specifically allowed him to lead the remaining troops into the urn at Deshengmen to rest and reorganize.
Yuan Chonghuan also made a request to enter the city for rest and recuperation, citing the example of Man Gui. Why can he enter the city but I cannot?
But Chongzhen was already suspicious, how dare he let Guan Ning's army enter the city?
Even at this time, Yuan Chonghuan may not have noticed the change in the emperor's heart, and thought that the emperor would trust him as before.
Unfortunately, just outside the capital, Yuan Chonghuan and the Guan Ning Army led by him failed to reverse the negative public opinion with actual performance and continue to gain the emperor's support and trust.
Now that the emperor had opened his mouth, Wang Cheng'en also admonished him in a timely manner: "Your Majesty, I will summon the generals of King Qin tomorrow and encourage him so that we can drive away the Jianlu captives as soon as possible."
Chongzhen raised his head and glanced at Wang Chengen, thought for a while, and said in a deep voice: "I have my own reasons and will put the overall situation first."
Wang Chengen secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed again, "Your Majesty is wise."
Chongzhen's mind was finally settled, and his thinking returned to normal. He remembered something and said: "Liu Zhilun, a commoner, recommended the righteous monk Shen Fu to the court, saying that he was proficient in the art of war, and even more skilled in fire attack, and could destroy the captives. I want to go to the palace."
Summon him and inspect him carefully."
Wang Chengen said: "There may be strange people among the people. The emperor is cautious and checks first before making use of them. A wise king will not be able to do so."
Chongzhen gave a rare smile, waved his hand, and said: "The Jianlu army has gone deep into the country alone. I will mobilize people from all walks of life in the Ming Dynasty to make it difficult for their horses to return, so that we can show the prestige of the Ming Dynasty."
At this time, Chongzhen did not have a clear understanding of the combat power and situation of both sides.
Of course, as the emperor, he naturally hoped to inflict heavy losses on the Jianlu, or even annihilate them all in the Gyeonggi area.
In order to achieve this goal, he did not care much about the casualties of the Ming army. Even if the price was five to one or ten to one, Chongzhen would definitely be willing to pay.
In his opinion, even if it was ten to one, it would be worthwhile to kill ten thousand Jianlu, or defeat the Jianlu until they were defeated, and it would make him vent the bad anger in his heart.
If it was as easy as Chongzhen thought, in a certain sense, it would be worthwhile. After the Jianlu were severely damaged, at least they would not enter the pass again to plunder, because the cost was too high.
Unfortunately, war is not such a simple numbers game, nor can victory or defeat be determined by just looking at the comparison of military strength.
………………
The waves were split by the sharp bow, the sails were fully spread, and the ship was already reaching its maximum speed, but Fang Zhenghua was so impatient that he wished he could fly to the capital.
As a eunuch overseeing the army, Guo Dajing deceived him by sending troops.
At this time, Fang Zhenghua already understood that the previous troops approaching Sanchakou, waiting for an opportunity to recapture the Gaizhou Guard, etc. were all lies to him.
This must have been a long-planned action. Just because tens of thousands of people made the expedition across the sea in a very short period of time, Fang Zhenghua knew that this preparation had not taken a day or two, but could have taken several months.
"Father-in-law." Jiang Baohe looked at Fang Zhenghua's sullen face and cautiously consoled him: "Guo Dajing led the army to serve the king. He was outnumbered and the enemy was in danger. He should be worried about the safety of the father-in-law, so..."
Fang Zheng gave Jiang Baohe a white look and told the guy to close his mouth and lower his head.
Being diligent to the king is a good thing, it is loyal to the king and patriotic, and it is worried about the king and his father.
But the report that Fang Zhenghua received was that King Qin's army veered off course due to wind and waves, drifted back and forth, and finally managed to anchor near Qinhuangdao and Laolongtou.
Therefore, Guo Dajing had no choice but to adapt to the situation, lead his troops to land, rush to Zunhua, block the Jianlu's retreat, and prevent their horses from leaving the pass.
Excuse, nine times out of ten, he is deceiving himself again. If King Qin doesn't go to the capital to rescue the siege, then what is King Qin called?
Although Fang Zhenghua also knew something about military affairs, he knew that it was the most advantageous tactical strategy for the Dongjiang Army to rob Zunhua and then wait for work to fight the Jianlu.
But with the emperor here, any favorable considerations should be put aside, and protecting the emperor's safety is the overriding task.
"There are tens of thousands of troops in the capital camp, and together with the King's army from all walks of life, it is enough to protect the capital." Fang Zhenghua looked at the sea in the distance, seeming to be talking to himself or murmuring to others.
Jiang Baohe and Shen Zonggui looked at each other, and this time it was Shen Zonggui who answered, "What my father-in-law said is absolutely true. How can a mere 20,000 captives shake Shenjing?"
Fang Zhenghua seemed to have received some comfort. He sighed softly and said, "The Dongjiang Army is located in a remote place overseas, but it is loyal and patriotic, and has traveled thousands of miles to help. This is worthy of praise."
Fang Zhenghua figured it out. No matter how much Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing tried to deceive them, he could not directly reveal it to the court and the emperor.
Not only could they not tell the truth, but they also helped the Dongjiang Army try their best to cover it up, making it logical and inevitable for the Dongjiang Army to plagiarize and build a retreat for the captives.
The reason is simple. Fang Zhenghua has realized that if he does not do this, he will create conflicts and barriers between the court and the Dongjiang Army.
During the war in the capital and the critical moment when the capital was attacked, Fang Zhenghua felt that by speaking for the Dongjiang Army, he was taking into account the overall situation and could win the battle as soon as possible and relieve the emperor's worries.
At the same time, Fang Zhenghua also has his own selfish motives, that is, he cannot involve himself in it.
When you complain bitterly about all the deceptions of the Dongjiang Army, aren't you saying that you are incompetent? If the Dongjiang Army really achieved a great victory, wouldn't it mean that you have your own merits?
After weighing the situation, it was not surprising that Fang Zhenghua made such a decision. In fact, this was what Guo Dajing and Mao Wenlong had expected.
"Father." The captain was called over and bowed to salute.
Fang Zhenghua asked in a deep voice: "How long does it take to reach Tianjin?"
The captain looked up at the sail and said: "At the current speed, we can reach Tianjin in two or three days at most."
Fang Zhenghua nodded and said, "That's good work. You must know that the military situation is urgent, and the Za family is very anxious."
The captain bowed and said: "Please don't worry, father-in-law. I will do my best to send my father-in-law to Tianjin quickly and safely."
Fang Zhenghua praised a few words and watched the captain return to his position. He focused on the sea again, letting the sea breeze blow, and squinted his eyes slightly, wondering what he was thinking about.
……………………
Moved to Panzhuang Town in the west.
After Jianlu entered the pass, people here were in panic. Many people fled for refuge, but most of the people still had nowhere to go and could only resign themselves to their fate.
Where is it safe? Where can a person with a family and a family escape to?
Of course, it's not like lying down and waiting for a knife or ax to hit your neck. Several mountain forests not far from the town, although not high or dense, have become temporary refuges for many people.
The town suddenly became depressed. Some families only had a guard to look after the house and nurse the home, while others moved their Xinrui to the mountains and forests to hide. Everyone was nervous, could not sleep at night, and had to run for their lives at the first sign of trouble.
Only the blacksmith shop in the town stopped for most of the day and then resumed its work.
"Lao Yang, do you still have work?" A middle-aged man walked past the blacksmith shop carrying a baggage and greeted Lao Yang, the blacksmith who was still busy inside.
Lao Yang, who had a copper-colored face and even sideburns, stopped his hand when he heard the greeting and said, "Yes, I promised to build it for others, so I can't break my promise."
The middle-aged man nodded, thinking that this is the character of ordinary people and the credibility of business. But he also reminded with concern: "It's time to pack up and hide the valuable household items. Who knows when the braided soldiers will come?"
Lao Yang smiled and said: "There are no valuables, just some ironware and household items. The slaves came over and threw them all away!"
The middle-aged man pointed and said, "If the braided soldiers come, just drive your car and run into the forest. Maybe you can hide there."
"Well, who knows?" The middle-aged man sighed again after finishing speaking.
"Okay, go ahead and don't worry about me!" Lao Yang nodded vigorously, watched the middle-aged man walk away, and then swung the hammer again.
A young man was doing something to Lao Yang, and he was a little absent-minded, or rather distracted.
After hesitating for a long time, the young man asked tentatively: "Master, how much more do we need to build? There is almost no one in the town. Mr. Li's family also ran to Yongning, leaving only the housekeeper and two servants."
Lao Yang snorted and said: "Work hard and don't think about useless things. Wherever you can go, life is still very precious!"
The young man was speechless after being scolded, so he reluctantly picked up his energy and started banging the formed thin iron cylinder with a sledgehammer.
The young man didn't know what these round iron cylinders were about two meters long. They looked like chimneys, but they were all piled up in the warehouse. There were two to three hundred of them, but they had not been sold.
There was also that kind of indescribable iron frame, and the young man didn't know what it was for. After asking, Lao Yang said that the customer wanted to build it this way, and he just took the money and did it.
The sound of horse hooves suddenly sounded in the distance, which immediately caused people to panic. But the direction was to the east, and the people had not blown up their camps and fled, but just closed their doors, and no one was seen on the street.
"It's officers and soldiers, it's officers and soldiers!" There are also officers and soldiers in the town, and they can also act boldly to call the police at intersections.
Their shouts made the people feel a little calmer, but they didn't dare to open the door and just looked around secretly.
Hundreds of horsemen came clanging along the official road, not very fast. Behind them were large groups of infantry, accompanied by large and small vehicles, and they could not be seen at a glance.
Are they here? Lao Yang was both excited and a little nervous, worried that it was not the army he had been looking forward to for more than half a year.
The cavalry passed by proudly without even raising a flag, but Lao Yang had already recognized that these were the men he was waiting for.
"Shuanzi, go to the backyard and prepare the carriage." Lao Yang put down the hammer in his hand, took off his leather apron, and ordered the young man.
Shuan Zi didn't know why, but he still followed the instructions and went to the backyard.
Meng Hao rode a horse and led a group of soldiers into the town, then went straight to the blacksmith shop.
"I have met you, sir." Lao Yang strode out of the shop and bowed to salute.
Meng Hao jumped off his horse and said with a smile: "Old Yang, are you ready? We are going to get through this."
Lao Yang also laughed and said, "I've already prepared it, just load it into the car and leave."
Is it good to live in Gyeonggi? At least Lao Yang doesn't think so. In Jinzhou, he works in a workshop, and his family is assigned fields. He has no worries about food and drink, and is even safer than in Gyeonggi.
Living here for more than half a year, Lao Yang felt that it was not easy. If it were not for the subsidies from the intelligence department, the blacksmith shop would have closed down long ago.
Not only is it difficult to run a blacksmith shop, but also the people who farm the land have a hard time living. With the Liaoning salary added, the taxes are very heavy. Good weather is better, but there are droughts and floods, and it is not so easy to have enough to eat.
If the greatest benefit of the mainland was safety and the absence of war, this time the Jianlu invaders shattered all hopes.
The Ming army in the mainland was so unbearable, and the gap with the Dongjiang army was too obvious. Let alone taking the initiative to attack, even defending in the city could not do it.
You say, how can you feel safe here? It’s not even as good as in Jinzhou!
Meng Hao didn't say much, leaving behind a group of soldiers under the command of Lao Yang to carry the launcher and various tools. The ancient army also had craftsmen accompanying them, which was similar to the logistics support arms of later generations.
"Are we going to Mr. Li's house?" Lao Yang saw Meng Hao and his people about to leave and said casually, "I heard that when he went to the city, he hid all the food in the cellar."
Meng Hao chuckled and said, "It's not just the lack of food, but the more the better. I have to let Mr. Li make some contribution."
After saying that, he led another group of soldiers towards the largest house in the town.