Three hundred and fiftieth chapters have their own minds
Except for Mao Wenlong, Guo Dajing, and relevant personnel from the military intelligence department, no one else knew about Yuan Chonghuan's resignation.
But Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing had already calculated very clearly that as long as the Jianlu detour entered the pass, Yuan Chonghuan would be doomed, or at least he would be dismissed from office.
Because of this, Mao Wenlong was not afraid of breaking up with Yuan Chonghuan. In other words, he drew a clear line in advance to avoid being implicated and unlucky.
Although Mao Chenglu was puzzled, he saw that Mao Shuai didn't want to say more and stopped asking questions. He just stayed beside him and casually talked about the military deployment.
Although in the memorial, Mao Wenlong boasted about going on an expedition due to illness, and about recovering Fuzhou and marching into Gaizhou. However, the real military operation did not start. Instead, he strengthened the defense to guard against the attack of Jianlu.
This was also planned in advance. Guo Dajing estimated that the casualties after the war would be considerable. He would need to rest and replenish his troops after returning to the division, and would not be able to return to the original strength and combat power immediately.
Surrendering the enemy without fighting is the highest level of military use. Let the great famine continue to torture the Jianlu and weaken their strength. When they are so hungry that they can no longer carry swords and guns, is it still difficult to push Liaodong flatly?
Of course, this is just an optimistic hope. It is certain that Jianlu will be weakened, but it is still too naive to expect that hunger will lead to victory without a fight.
"This year is the year when the largest number of Liao people have been recruited." Mao Wenlong said thoughtfully: "The original plan was to expand significantly after next autumn, with a total of more than 60,000 troops from the Five Associations."
Mao Chenglu said: "Actually, the expansion of our army is still very restrained. If the imperial court can provide sufficient food and salary, one hundred thousand troops can be recruited very quickly."
Mao Wenlong smiled and said: "What about swords and guns? Expanding the army alone is not enough. We also need to be equipped with artillery and guns. We also need to stock up on food and grass to prepare for emergencies. It is also very difficult for the court, so we can't put all our hope in it."
above."
Looking at Mao Chenglu, Mao Wenlong said earnestly: "I feel old and frail. Fortunately, Dongjiang Town can develop stably, and young people like Guo Dajing and you are here to help."
"The Marshal is strong and healthy, how can he be old and frail?" Mao Chenglu said with a smile: "General Guo's contribution to Dongjiang Town is obvious to all, and his ability is also admirable."
Mao Wenlong nodded, patted Mao Chenglu's arm appreciatively, and said nothing more.
Compared with other generals, Mao Chenglu was somewhat special because of his relationship with Mao Wenlong. Mao Wenlong was also worried that he would have a problem with Guo Dajing.
But Mao Chenglu's words were sincere, and he could feel relieved.
"There is a messenger." Mao Chenglu looked outside the city and said with a smile: "It's someone from the Military Intelligence Department. Isn't it the news from the capital?"
Mao Wenlong calculated the time and realized that it was very possible, so he ordered his soldiers to go down to the city and bring the messenger over directly.
Soon, the messenger went up to the city wall, paid his respects and presented the secret message.
Mao Wenlong started to watch, a smile gradually appeared on his face, he reached out and waved away the messenger, turned to Mao Chenglu and said: "Yuan Chonghuan was sent to prison, and the Jianlu soldiers also withdrew from the capital and went east."
"It's all good news." Mao Chenglu looked happy and said: "General Guo is waiting for work in Zunhua to fight against Jianlu. A great victory can be expected!"
Mao Wenlong laughed, but felt his heart was at ease. Yuan Chonghuan's downfall was as if a huge boulder had been lifted from his head, and he felt relaxed.
"The Guan Ning army ignored the attack on the capital and the safety of Long Live and his subjects, and fled without authorization, which is equivalent to ruining Yuan Chonghuan." After Mao Wenlong smiled, he said with emotion: "In the future, the status of Dongjiang Town and Liao Town in the imperial court may be
There will be big changes.”
"The imperial court should have made great efforts in Dongjiang Town." Mao Chenglu had a bad impression of Guan Ning's army and complained about the imperial court. "The dogs guarding the city are getting millions of silver a year, which is annoying."
Mao Wenlong laughed, feeling unfair but helpless.
"I want to report to the court to impeach Yuan Chonghuan and severely punish Guan Ning's army." Mao Wenlong turned and walked towards the city and said: "If the court needs it, our Dongjiang Army can divide half of its troops to garrison Ningyuan and protect Guan Ning City.
.”
Mao Chenglu's eyes widened and he was stunned for a moment. He never expected that Shuai Mao would have such ambitions.
This means that Ping Liao will destroy all the captives. Western Liaoning and southern Liaoning are all occupied by the Dongjiang Army. How could the imperial court agree?
Soon, Mao Chenglu figured out that this was just a gesture to express.
That is to tell the emperor, don't spoil Guan Ning's army. If they dare to take advantage of it and stop working, our Dongjiang Army can stand up to them.
"The commander is so smart!" Mao Chenglu quickly followed up and said with a smile: "Ningyuan has a strong city and red barbarian cannons. Our Dongjiang Army only needs 20,000 to be impregnable. It is much more economical than Guan Ning's army."
Mao Wenlong laughed and nodded repeatedly. With his heart at ease, his steps seemed as light as flying.
………………
Guan Ning's army became almost a warlord, and Dongjiang Town was also difficult to control in the eyes of the emperor and civil officials.
The court may also be happy to be half a catty. Because this is also a kind of balance, which is much better than a single family.
But in the eyes of Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing, Guan Ningjun was no match. In other words, he was no longer worthy of being an opponent of the Dongjiang Army.
Weapons and equipment are only part of the strength. The most important thing is the spirit and will to fight, as well as the military system.
The Guan Ning Army, which is made by servants, is very good if one or two thousand of the ten thousand troops can really fight. How can it be compared with the Dongjiang Army?
Of course, the reform of the Dongjiang Army has not yet been completed. However, the generals' deduction of military pay has been basically eliminated.
In the final analysis, it is the advantages of the system, relative incorruptibility versus corruption, and determination to be enterprising versus conservative and backward. As time goes by, the advantages of the Dongjiang Army will become more and more obvious.
Compared with Jianlu, the same is true. Whether it is weapons and equipment, resource channels, or military organization, the Dongjiang Army draws on the nutrients of the Liaodong land, and one day it will have a crushing advantage.
Jianlu, who returned home with a full load, may not have realized this yet, or someone may have seen the clues, but the situation has developed so far that there is not much room for maneuver.
It was originally a military adventure, just a gamble. It has already been played, and all that is left is to deal with the cards. Can you still take back the chips that were pushed to the table?
Even if Jianlu wants to surrender, he will lose half the battle, but it still depends on whether Guo Dajing and the Dongjiang Army agree.
The Jianlu retreat seemed to be calm, but Huang Taiji sent out sentries from time to time to detect the movements of the Ming army sneaking behind, looking for opportunities to surprise and win.
It's just that the Ming army, with tens of thousands of troops, marched slowly, always keeping a distance of fifty or sixty miles, just like a farewell. Moreover, they were heavily guarded as they advanced along the road, giving Huang Taiji no chance to launch an assault.
If he attacked forcefully, Huang Taiji was sure to defeat the Ming army, but his own battle losses were inevitable. With the Dongjiang Army intercepting the enemy ahead, Huang Taiji appeared to be more cautious.
On December 21, the Jianlu Brigade camped in Jizhou. The last chance to escape appeared, but Huang Taiji did not consider it.
At this time, Huang Taiji's prestige should be at its highest. Whether it was Beilebeizi who participated in the war or the various Mongolian tribes, they all praised him.
"With the blessing of heaven, thanks to Khan's great blessings, I have defeated powerful enemies in a row, and all the things I have obtained, Khan and the Beile did not choose first..."
Huang Taiji put down the memorials from his ministers, and the slight hesitation was gone, replaced by firm confidence.
The rich looting proceeds and the consecutive victories made the morale of the Manchu-Mongolian coalition forces strong and made it difficult for Huang Taiji to make a weak and timid choice.
Especially the Mongolian tribes, how could they know that the Dongjiang Army was powerful? The Manchus would not tell them that they had already failed against the Dongjiang Army several times.
In this invasion, not many Mongolian tribes actually sent troops to participate, and the total number was only more than 10,000 cavalry. Obviously, although the Mongolian tribes surrendered to Houjin, they still had doubts about Zhengming.
But as long as the invasion and plundering can be successfully completed, the Mongolian tribes will completely change their attitude and become a force that Hou Jin can mobilize at will.
"It's a pity that Fan Wencheng is dead, and there is no one to advise me for the time being." Huang Taiji felt a little regretful that he had lost a loyal servant.
"Ning Wan from the literary library is also very talented. I can try to reuse him after I return." Huang Taiji quickly thought of the slaves who might be able to replace Fan Wencheng.
Quickly putting aside these non-urgent questions, Huang Taiji stood up and walked out of the tent.
At this time, the moon was bright and the stars were scarce, and the hustle and bustle in the camp gradually calmed down, but there was still a tinkling sound in the distance.
The craftsmen selected from the plundered people were building carts, which could not only carry items but also be an indispensable tool for attack.
Successive victories resulted in the acquisition of nearly 10,000 war horses, armor and weapons, allowing the Manchu and Mongolian coalition forces to be fully equipped. This was also one of Huang Taiji's confidence.
Until now, Jianlu still believed that the Dongjiang Army only had more than 10,000 elite troops coming across the sea. In other words, they still had a considerable advantage in terms of military strength.
"King Khan." Abahai came over, bowed and saluted, and said: "Ye Chen of the Haraqin tribe, Ashan wants to lead his troops north from here and exit through Gubeikou."
Huang Taiji frowned and said, "No."
When they get rich, they want to run away. They don't have to worry about the long and difficult journey, because after exiting the border wall from Gubeikou, it's not too far from Haraqin's hometown.
There was a big enemy blocking the road ahead. They left at this time, obviously not wanting to fight hard, but nothing could be that cheap.
After Abahai saluted, he took the order and turned around to leave.
Huang Taiji had his hands behind his back, his expression was not very good, he looked at the night sky and fell into deep thought again.
The plundered gold, silver, brocade and other items were basically divided equally among the ministries. The leading minister was also given a good horse. Only he, in order to win people's hearts, only took a bad horse.
But even so, the selfishness of the Mongolian tribes was still exposed, making Huang Taiji dissatisfied.
It seems that after returning, the establishment of Mongolian troops under direct leadership must be put on the table. There are Manchu Eight Banners, there should also be Mongolian Eight Banners, and even Han Eight Banners.
The troops of the Eight Banners of Manchuria alone are obviously insufficient in number and difficult to quickly replenish. In the past few years, they have been repeatedly defeated by the Dongjiang Army, and the shortage of troops has become even more obvious.
As long as this operation is successful, with the help of the rising prestige, these ideas will be realized. And his own road to becoming emperor will take another big step forward.
Huang Taiji took a long breath, put away his thoughts, and went into his tent to rest.
The fire flickered and crackled from time to time, reflecting the bright and dark faces of the Dorgon brothers.
"The Dongjiang Army is stationed in Zunhua. Although our army has the advantage, it is still a hard battle." Dorgon gently lit the fire with the wooden stick in his hand and said in a deep voice: "Be careful that Huang Taiji is found guilty. When he returns to the army, he can borrow
This punishment."
Azig said: "It's nothing more than cowering forward and ineffective in fighting. Just be more careful."
Duduo nodded repeatedly, fully agreeing with his elder brother's opinion. He was still young, and even though he was the leader of the same banner, he still listened to his two elder brothers' opinions.
"Actually -" Dorgon hesitated and said, "I think the Dongjiang Army may have been underestimated. It may not be appropriate for our army to retreat along the same route."
Duduo blinked his eyes and asked, "Does the Dongjiang Army have more than 10,000 troops? Even if it were more, they certainly wouldn't be able to carry the Hongyi cannon."
Azig also didn't believe Dorgon's guess and said: "If we attack a long distance across the sea in a hurry, we won't have many troops, and we won't be able to bring many heavy weapons."
"Hasty?" Dorgon smiled bitterly and said, "I think so. Couldn't it be that it has been planned for a long time? Mao Wenlong reminded the Ming Dynasty more than once that our army might enter the pass through a detour."
"After repeated warnings, the Ming Dynasty's border defense is still so exhausted and neglected to take precautions?" Azig shook his head with a hint of ridicule and said, "You are worrying too much!"
"I hope I'm overly concerned!" Dorgon sighed helplessly and said, "I always feel that the Dongjiang Army appeared too quickly, too coincidental, and hit in one hit, which makes people have to worry."
Azig smiled nonchalantly and said: "Except for gods, if there is any divination, it must be a coincidence."
Dorgon was just guessing and had no solid evidence to convince others. Seeing what his brother said, he stopped arguing.
"If he can successfully exit Guanqiang, Huang Taiji's prestige will definitely rise, and maybe he will become emperor." Duduo said angrily: "But the position of Khan King belongs to the second brother."
Dorgon waved his hand quickly, looked around again, and reminded: "Be careful what you say. You must not let outsiders hear these words, otherwise disaster will happen."
"Don't worry, everyone has been abandoned by me." Azig said: "I'm just worried that no matter how careful we are, Huang Taiji will be afraid and will inevitably be suppressed."
Dorgon said slowly: "Even if he is King Khan, he cannot do whatever he wants. If he wants to suppress and punish us, we must have convincing charges."
"It's a pity that Daishan no longer wants to make progress." Azig said: "Mang Gurtai can't do anything alone, and the strength of Amin's troops has been greatly damaged. It is not very beneficial to form an alliance with them."
Dorgon believed deeply and said: "Because of this, our two white flags will not take sides for the time being, and we will wait and see how Huang Taiji will deal with the three Baylors who are sitting in the south with him."
Just because the two white flags did not form an alliance with Amin and Mang Gurtai, even Huang Taiji could not easily punish them. He even had to win over one or two.