In a certain aspect, Guo Dajing felt that he and Huang Taiji had something in common, that is, in order to achieve their goals, they dared to go all out, or take risks and gamble.
From a small soldier to a lieutenant, Guo Dajing has fought over a hundred prisoners. He was willing to take risks in many battles and was not afraid of sacrifice.
Huang Taiji launched a detour into the pass, which also meant a military adventure. It not only achieved the purpose of surviving the great famine, but also strengthened his authority and realized his dream of becoming emperor.
Historically, Huang Taiji did achieve both goals.
With the promotion and consolidation of his authority and status, he successively found excuses to punish and imprison Mang Gurtai and Amin, forcing Daishan to surrender and make history for the four Baylors to sit facing each other in the south.
Because of this, Guo Dajing was 70% to 80% sure of intercepting Jianlu in Zunhua. If he had not returned the same way, the purpose Huang Taiji wanted to achieve would have been greatly compromised, or even had the opposite effect.
What do you think the current support of Mang Gurtai and Daishan is for? Of course, it is continuous and easy victories, as well as generous looting and seizures.
In addition, the Mongolian tribes who followed Jianlu into the pass were also motivated by money and silk, so they gave strong support and fought hard.
Exiting the pass empty-handed, even if it kills a large number of Ming troops, is a failure for Huang Taiji, and will be opposed and liquidated. The Khan's position will definitely not be preserved.
Huang Taiji, a gambler, will definitely lose if he falls into his own scheme. Maybe even the dog head will be left behind to become capital for his promotion.
Guo Dajing pursed his lips slightly and raised his binoculars again, looking at the busy crowds on the official road in the distance and the gradually forming fortifications.
Even if the frozen soil is difficult to dig, trench breastworks must be provided to provide the soldiers with as much protection as possible.
Anyway, tens of thousands of people were concentrated in Zunhua City, and tens of thousands of people were strong. They took turns to work without stopping, and they still worked very quickly.
The picket array is also indispensable. After watering and freezing, it is very strong and difficult to remove.
In the mountains and forests on the other side, the sound of axes, saws and noises can be heard from the city. They are building an instrument similar to a cart, which can attack and defend, and can be relied upon reliably by musketeers.
And here is the second line of defense. Five miles away is the first line of defense. It is not so complete. It is mainly used to dampen the enemy's energy and consume the enemy's use.
Guo Dajing was worried that a too strong defense line would frighten Jianlu, so he took a step-by-step approach.
Here, Jianlu could either attack the city, open a passage from the official road, or do both, there were still options.
However, no matter what the choice is, Guo Dajing believes that the outcome will be the same.
"How could this tall city wall be breached by Jianlu in just an hour?" Shen Shuoqing reached out and knocked on the newly erected hanging sign on the city, talking to Liu Qishi about his doubts.
Liu Qishi shrugged his shoulders and said: "Without defense and soldiers without fighting spirit, no matter how strong the city is, it cannot be defended."
He pointed at the bottom of the city and said: "Look at the current layout, it will be difficult for the Jianlu to get close. No matter how high the muskets are, it will be difficult to break through the city even if there are casualties and casualties."
Although the moat under the city had frozen and lost its blocking effect, countless pickets and wooden sticks were frozen to the ground, forming an obstacle that was difficult to overcome quickly.
In fact, just piling up messy things like tables, chairs, and benches and then pouring water on them to freeze them on the ground is quite a headache.
Unfortunately, when Jianlu attacked Zunhua, the defenders neither set up obstacles outside the city nor watered the city to freeze it and reinforce the city's defences.
This is the huge difference between the wartime in Liaodong and the peacetime in the mainland.
There is a city that looks strong and tall, and there are defenders, but they are unfamiliar with how to defend the city. In addition, the soldiers who have not fought have no fighting will at all.
Shen Shuoqing reached out and patted the city wall and said: "In ancient times, there was an ice city that resisted enemies. It seems that our army can follow suit."
Liu Qishi glanced at Guo Dajing and said, "There's no hurry. Let's build the fortifications outside the city first. Even if the captives come, it won't be too late to pour ice to solidify the city."
Guo Dajing put down the telescope and said with a smile: "Shuo Qing's suggestion is very good. If we have enough manpower, we can start now."
Dousing the city with ice is an old trick. Guo Dajing had already used it, but Shen Shuoqing didn't understand it. Of course, Guo Dajing and Liu Qishi didn't want to discourage him.
Shen Shuoqing's suggestion was adopted, and he immediately felt relieved. He proved his worth, didn't he?
"Guo Shuai, will Jianlu really fight to the death with our army in Zunhua?" Shen Shuoqing still had doubts about this and was worried that all preparations would be in vain.
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Even if you don't come, so what? Can you take a detour to get out? I don't think Huang Taiji will escape without a fight."
It was like being forced by a great famine to enter the border and plunder to take a chance; in the current situation, Huang Taiji actually had no other choice.
It seems that there is another way to go, but when it comes to Huang Taiji, all kinds of factors have been taken into consideration, and he cannot choose freely.
It is normal to have to achieve your goals and take responsibility at the same time. It is normal for you to have no control over yourself. For example, Chongzhen wanted to leave Beijing for refuge, but that was a decision he could make casually?
This is fate. Meeting Guo Dajing was Huang Taiji's misfortune, but it was a blessing for thousands of Chinese people. Even Chongzhen would like to thank Guo Dajing. Victory in this battle will extend the life of the Ming Dynasty.
"Huang Taiji, I shouldn't be disappointed." Guo Dajing raised his head and looked to the west, "This is a fateful battle between you and me. Sooner or later, no one can avoid it, but don't let me look down on you."
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In fact, the Jianlu troops retreated in a leisurely manner. On their way back to the army, they also captured and plundered Zhangjiawan City in Tongzhou. The silks, satin, cattle and horses they captured were distributed as rewards to various tribes.
Moreover, Jianlu also made a comeback and defeated more than 7,000 Shen Fu's men who were forced out of the city to pursue them. Shen Fu was killed in battle.
According to the records in the history books, Shen Fu was a magic stick who claimed to know all kinds of magic, while Chongzhen was ill and sought medical treatment. After summoning him, he was appointed as his deputy and allowed to recruit soldiers by himself.
Because the soldiers recruited by Shen Fu were regarded by the scholars who wrote history books as ruffians. After Shen Fu died in battle, they tried their best to slander and ridicule him.
In any case, Shen Fu did fight with blood and arrows, and died a heroic death. And the so-called ruffians, weren't they enthusiastic citizens who wanted to fight for the country?
Shen Fu originally wanted to train his troops well and then go out to fight in the city. Unfortunately, the powerful officials in the court did not know how to fight, and they were jealous that he was being used as a commoner, so they issued orders to mobilize troops one after another, urging Shen Fu to go to war.
But from Guo Dajing's point of view, Chongzhen was indeed ill and sought medical treatment. For several years, he personally risked his life and fought many bloody battles with Jianlu before he was promoted to deputy general.
As for Shen Fu, what credit did he have? He just made a generous speech to express his loyalty when the emperor summoned him, which was the same as his own rank. How can you explain this?
At least, Chongzhen's rewards and punishments are unclear, which is evident from this. Those who have merit are not rewarded, and those who have no merit are promoted. This is really a major drawback of his employment.
The good news is that after repeated discussions, the Ming court finally made the final arrangement, appointing Liang Tingdong and Man Gui as civil and military managers respectively, leading 20,000 Qinwang troops to follow Jianlu eastward.
Chongzhen finally listened to what he said, and Man Gui, Sun Zushou, Hei Yunlong and others were fortunate enough to avoid being forced to attack and suffer defeat and death.
You must know that although Mangui is brave, he is not reckless. He knows the gap in combat power between the Ming army and Jianlu. He is following, but he is cautious and does not dare to get too close to the enemy.
The generals like Mangui thought that Zunhua was blocked by the Dongjiang Army anyway. If the Jianlu could break through, they would not have to fight the Jianlu. If the Jianlu failed, they still have the ability to take advantage of their tens of thousands of troops.
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Among the Ming army, Mangui and his troops were the ones who dared to fight against Jianlu in the field. Although there was a gap in combat power, this spirit was commendable.
The reason may be that there are many naturalized Mongolians in Mangui's troops. It may also be that the general's sentiment determines the troops. As the saying goes, "One soldier is a raging soldier, and a general is raging in a nest."
However, in several battles in the capital, Mangui's troops suffered heavy casualties, so it was understandable that he became cautious.
At this point, Jianlu gradually moved away from the capital, and the people of the capital could relax a little. Although the martial law was still there, Ma Shilong and other Qin Wang troops were still camping outside the city to guard.
"The Dongjiang army came across the sea, recaptured Zunhua, and cut off Jianlu's retreat, forcing Jianlu to retreat."
"Jianlu wanted to fight back again. They had already reached Marco Polo Bridge. When they heard that their way back was cut off, they retreated in panic."
"I wonder if the Dongjiang Army can intercept Jianlu and not let any of them escape. Cut off all the heads of Jianlu's dogs and they will never dare to come again."
When He Guizhong walked into the tavern, he heard the diners talking.
As soon as the tension and panic have eased, people need to vent their emotions. This is also normal. Although there are not many guests in the pub, only two or three tables.
"Boss He." A familiar diner greeted loudly, "We are short of a lot of ingredients. We have to replenish them quickly after the city opens!"
He Guizhong nodded repeatedly, smiled and said, "I'm sorry, the stock has been out of stock for more than two months. It's not easy to get these muttons. Please bear with me, please bear with me."
"I don't mean to blame you." The drinker waved his hand and said, "These two months have not been easy for anyone. Come on, just be busy!"
He Guizhong cupped his hands, walked behind the counter, and asked the waiter to serve small dishes to several tables of drinkers. He then casually looked through the accounts and made calculations.
Jianlu invaded the capital, attacked the capital, and Yuan Chonghuan stepped down... all these things happened. The Dongjiang Army also attacked across the sea and successfully cut off Jianlu's retreat.
Among them, the intelligence department, including He Guizhong, played an indispensable role. However, looking back on He Guizhong now, it is simply unbelievable.
He Guizhong admired Guo Dajing so much that he fell into admiration.
The drinkers were speculating and discussing, but he firmly believed that this battle would be won, and the Dongjiang Army and Guo Dajing would become known to the world again.
It will take a month at most to see the outcome. By then, it will be time for me to leave the capital and return to Jinzhou.
He Guizhong looked forward to returning to Liaodong as soon as possible. Although the capital was more prosperous, it did not make him feel at ease and safe.
Looking up at the tavern and estimating the price, He Guizhong didn't feel too nostalgic. This was because the tavern was going to be transferred, and a group of spies from the capital would also be withdrawn.
Whether it was reduction of personnel or replacement, He Guizhong didn't want to know. In his guess, it should be reduction.
In other words, the Dongjiang Army no longer needs to rely too much on the court and must closely grasp the trends of the court. Moreover, the fall of Yuan Chonghuan also made Guo Dajing feel relieved.
"Boss." Xiaocui came over and said, "Did you see that the shop next door is being rented out?"
He Guizhong nodded and said: "Let's not rent it now! We will wait until the situation is completely clear."
It took two or three months to expand the business scale. But He Guizhong was going back to Liaodong, the intelligence staff was also shrinking, and the shops had to be resold and discounted, so there was no need to rent a shop.
Xiaocui reminded her, but seeing that Boss He didn't take it seriously, she turned around and continued working on her own business. She didn't know yet that the tavern was going to be gone, and she and her brother would have to work hard for life again.
He Guizhong lowered his eyes and wondered whether he should tell the siblings about returning to Liaodong. If they agreed, going to Jinzhou would not be more difficult than making a living in the capital.
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For the common people, having food, drink, and no war is happiness and satisfaction.
The people in Zunhua City did not expect that they would be able to enjoy a life without worries about food and clothing after the disaster.
"Two bags of noodles are made into pancakes and will be handed over tomorrow." Sister Wu directed the women and said loudly: "These are for the army. The soldiers must carry them with them to hunt down the slaves."
The women agreed, and those who lit the fire, those who fetched water, those who kneaded the dough immediately got busy.
After a few days of running-in, some of the selected administrators have been replaced and some have been retained. The order is getting better and better, and the work is getting smoother and smoother.
Osmanthus helped Xiaoqin sit down and said, "I'll help too, and you just have a good rest."
Xiaoqin nodded and said: "Bring me the needle and thread, I can mend it."
Although the injury has not healed, his life has been saved, and he is getting stronger and stronger. Even Xiaoqin is embarrassed to rest and not work when he sees others busy.
Guihua took the needle, thread and rags, then turned and went outside to help make pancakes.
Let the people manage themselves, and the Dongjiang Army withdrew and no longer occupied soldiers. The city was also divided into areas, and the areas where the army was stationed were clearly separated from the people's lives.
She hadn't seen Yang Daman and other soldiers for a few days, and Osmanthus wanted to express her gratitude, but she had nothing to say. And not only she, but also others, had never seen a unit like the Dongjiang Army.
"I heard that the Jiannu will fight back in a few days." A woman rubbed her face and said with some worry: "The Dongjiang Army is reinforcing the city and preparing to fight a big battle with the Jiannu!"
"The city walls are covered with ice, so the slaves can't climb up, right?" Another woman said uncertainly: "The Dongjiang Army can knock down the city, but it can also defend it."
Osmanthus blinked her big eyes and said, "Didn't Sister Wu just say that the cakes are for the army to take with them to hunt down Jianlu. That means the Dongjiang Army is definitely sure of victory."
"Osmanthus fragrans is right." Someone echoed: "In the past few years, the Dongjiang Army has always won battles, and Jiannu is definitely no match."