Four hundred and twentieth chapters before the battle
Crow Falcon Pass was built by Han Bin, the deputy commander-in-chief of Liaoyang in the fourth year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty, in order to restrict the access of Jurchens in Jianzhou and prevent Korean envoys from peeking into the reality of Liaodong. There were three gates and barriers, so it is also called "Three Passes".
After exiting the customs and going northeast for more than eighty miles, you can reach the city of Hetuala; after entering the customs and going south for seventy miles, you will reach Qinghe Fort, an important town in Liaodong. Its geographical location is crucial and it has always been a key point guarded by military strategists.
The three passes are each one mile apart. The first pass is located one mile south of Sandaoguan Village, Weiziyu Township, Xinbin County, and the pass city is built to the mountain ridges on both sides;
The second pass is located in the valley where two cliffs face each other, with stone masonry as a barrier; the third pass is located next to a huge boulder protruding from the ground. This stone pillar is about thirty meters high.
In the Ming Dynasty, Crow Falcon Pass was the main passage from Liaodong Town to Jianzhou Guard, and it was also the only way for Korean envoys to pay tribute.
Since Crow Falcon Pass was built, due to its important military status, the Ming Dynasty and the Jianzhou Jurchens had very frequent battles here. The pass was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.
In the twenty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming government built Sanyangyu Fort in Guanxi in order to strengthen the defense of Crow Falcon Pass. By the end of Wanli, Liaodong's armaments gradually weakened, while the Jianzhou Jurchen tribe became increasingly powerful.
In the thirty-fourth year of Wanli, Li Chengliang, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong Town, gave up the six castles including Gushan in Liaodong Town on the grounds that "the land was lonely and difficult to defend", and then gave the land outside Crow Falcon Pass to Nurhaci.
Abandoning the Six Fortresses of Liaozuo and forcibly driving the more than 60,000 households living there to the inland, even causing many bloody incidents. This not only gave up a piece of territory, but also created conditions for the rise of Jianzhou Jurchens.
After the cavalry troops destroyed Hetuala, they quickly withdrew and met up with the brigade. Liu Qishi led his troops to catch up with the vanguard, commanded by Mao Chenglu, and rushed to Crow Falcon Pass.
The rear team led by Guo Dajing included two battalions from Li Weiluan, one battalion from Mao Chenglu's front alliance, and Liu Xingzuo's cavalry battalion, with almost 12,000 men and horses behind them.
When they were less than thirty miles away from Crow Falcon Pass, the detective horses and detective cavalry called the police one after another. There were more than a thousand Jianlu cavalry who were pursuing them.
"Jianlu has sent reinforcements after all, and the Qianqi cavalry should be just the vanguard." Liu Xingzuo looked at Guo Dajing and asked for instructions: "Commander Guo, before the enemy's brigade arrives, our army can take the initiative to fight and severely defeat the enemy."
Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "Don't worry, we will wait until we find out the details of the enemy."
As for the flying cavalry, Guo Dajing did not want to use it lightly because it was difficult to train. As for Liu Xingzuo's judgment, he also agreed that the Jianlu who would pursue them would not be the only Qianqi.
"General Li, fight while retreating. The task of intercepting the enemy at all levels will be left to you." Guo Dajing called Li Weiluan and explained it seriously.
Li Weiluan didn't say anything, he bowed and accepted the order, and immediately went to arrange it.
To build simple fortifications to block the enemy, Dongjiang Army's various departments have the most training and rich practical experience, and they also have landmines, iron pear and other weapons.
We do not want to engage in a decisive battle with the enemy for the time being. Firstly, we do not know the enemy's true and false strength. Secondly, the terrain is not conducive to the deployment of troops, and it is difficult for artillery and rockets to exert their maximum power.
Leaving Liu Xingzuo's cavalry battalion to cooperate with Li Weiluan, Guo Dajing led the baggage and artillery to continue advancing, and sent people to notify the forward troops.
Guo Dajing has already made two preparations and will only make a choice based on the specific situation.
If there were really not many Jianlu who caught up with him, he would prepare to fight on both sides, attacking Crow Falcon Pass and resisting the pursuing enemies. Otherwise, he would send a battalion to watch the defenders at Crow Falcon Pass and concentrate his efforts to defeat the pursuing enemies first.
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But no matter what, it is necessary to attack in front of Crow Falcon Pass. For example, use rockets to bombard it first, so that the special operations battalion can get the signal to launch an attack and contain the defenders of Crow Falcon Pass.
The three levels are no more than a mile apart, and the loud noise of the explosion can be completely transmitted. Even the flag flower rockets flying into the sky can be seen.
Crow Falcon Pass seems easy to defend and difficult to attack, but it was built according to the standards of the previous army. Facing the weapons and equipment of the Dongjiang Army, it seems a bit inadequate.
Just like Hetuala, there is no need to destroy the city. The overwhelming rockets can burn the city into ruins, which is no different from destruction.
Guo Dajing paid more and more attention to rockets, which have been renamed rocket launchers. In addition to being light, easy to carry, and flexible, their destructive effect on ancient buildings is even more critical.
Moreover, the impact of rocket launchers on cavalry has also been fully demonstrated in several battles.
Historically, rocket launchers have indeed achieved impressive results.
In the Battle of Copenhagen in the 17th century, the British army fired tens of thousands of rockets at the Danish capital, almost razing the city to the ground, forcing the Danes to surrender and hand over the Danish fleet in Copenhagen port.
In the Battle of Danzig, the Swedish army relied on three rounds of rocket attacks launched by the British rocket artillery unit, allowing this important Baltic town to surrender without a fight.
In the Battle of Leipzig in the same year, the Swedes repeated their old tactics and used rocket launchers to attack a French infantry column of more than 2,500 people. The French infantry column collapsed without a fight.
The most lamentable and detestable thing was that during the Opium War, the invaders used a large number of rockets, which frightened the Qing army and caused major damage to many cities.
Rockets were originally invented in China, and there were many types in the Ming Dynasty. However, after the Manchus took over the world, they failed to recover. Like other firearms, they completely lagged behind the West.
Ignorant and backward, insensitive, closed-minded and arrogant, China's decline has reached its peak, and it has transformed from a celestial kingdom into a weak country that can be bullied by everyone.
Now, the history of humiliation will not repeat itself again.
The Dongjiang Army's firearms were the strongest and sharpest not only in the Ming Dynasty, but also in Asia and in the world. And this was the root of Guo Dajing's ambition.
Not only rocket launchers, but mortars are also very similar in power and effect, but they are not as portable as rockets. But in terms of manufacturing cost, they are worse than rocket launchers.
Guo Dajing's idea of vigorously developing and manufacturing rockets and mortars is also very simple. If the enemy can be consumed from a long distance, there is no need to get close. The smaller the casualties of one's own troops, the better.
Based on the current weapons and equipment, Dongjiang Army's tactics are becoming more and more consistent.
Or you can lure the enemy to fight close by, and all the firepower from far, medium, and close ranges will burst out, giving the enemy a covering blow. Or you can attack Jianlu from a distance, confusing the formation, and forcing Jianlu to charge forward, and then
Unleash the power of field artillery and muskets.
The tactical strategy was basically determined, and after practicing, Guo Dajing had the confidence to lead his troops into Jianzhou, attack Hetuala, and break out.
After Mao Chenglu received the notification, he immediately sent cavalry to carry some rockets to Crow Falcon Pass, and ordered a battalion of musketeers to go forward and set up blocking positions to resist the Jianlu who might leave the pass to fight.
After this arrangement, Mao Chenglu led his troops back three or four miles and set up formations in an open field, waiting for Guo Dajing's troops to arrive and jointly fight the Jianlu.
After several defensive counterattacks, the Dongjiang Army's combat effectiveness and confidence have been greatly improved.
If there is a simple defensive position to rely on, it can be enough to stop the enemy with a similar strength, or even twice as many enemies.
Because of this estimate, Guo Dajing had the confidence to fight on two fronts and defeat more than 10,000 Japanese reinforcements.
Nearly three battalions of musketeers, plus 6,000 flying cavalry, amounted to almost 15,000 to 15,000 troops. The artillery and rockets they carried were all here, and the firepower was powerful and sharp.
Boom, boom, boom... The explosion spread out, sending up plumes of black smoke in the galloping ranks of Jianlu, and gravel and shrapnel shot out in all directions. People screamed and horses neighed, and there was chaos all of a sudden.
Although they already knew that the enemy was ahead, and Jianlu marched very cautiously, they were still constantly paying the price under the unpredictable mine attacks.
Either individually, or in multiples, in the middle of the road, or by the side of the road. Those in front are not stepped on, but there are unlucky ones behind.
Jianlu was quite helpless about this, so he could only keep a distance, observe carefully, and move forward cautiously.
Landmines alone could not stop Jianlu's pursuit, and Guo Dajing did not have such extravagant hopes. But the time gained would make it easier to deploy the formation to meet the enemy.
With a gloomy face, Jilharang led his team to catch up. Explosions sounded from time to time in front, and the forwards kept sending people to report back, which made him feel a little complicated.
Finally we caught up with the enemy, and the enemy's intention became obvious, which was to break through the barrier and take the shortest route back to Liaodong.
"Master Baylor, should we attack with all our strength and try to attack from both sides at Crow Falcon Pass to severely injure the enemy?"
Turge, as the deputy, has not expressed much opinions. After all, Jilhalang and Dudu are both Baylors, and their status is very different. But at this time, he became impatient.
In his opinion, when the enemy intercepts, they are afraid of fighting, hoping to delay here, attack with all their strength there, and break through the barrier early to escape.
However, Jierhalang was still more cautious. There had also been incidents of layer-by-layer interceptions during the Battle of Nanguan. Just when everyone thought that the Dongjiang Army was timid, it suffered a heavy blow.
But the enemy does seem to be in danger of being attacked from two sides, and the blockade here is probably to buy time. As long as the enemy breaks through Crow Falcon Pass, their pursuit will be in vain.
Du Du saw Jilharang's hesitation and said from the side: "It is also a good choice to increase the number of troops and attack violently. Let Turge lead 3,000 troops in the front, and the brigade will respond in the back. If something happens, there is still room for maneuver.
land."
Jierhalang thought for a moment and nodded slightly.
Turge bowed down to accept the order, and without waiting for Jilharang's order, he went down to organize the troops, and soon led his troops to set off, rendezvousing with the forward, and speeding up the pursuit.
As a balance, the mobile force was composed of troops drawn from the Eight Banners, and the interests of all parties were also taken into consideration in the appointment of commanders.
Jilharang is Amin's younger brother. Although he is similar to Daishan, he has always been relatively low-key and considerate of the overall situation, and is not biased towards Amin.
Turg is a member of Haug, and Dudu is a veteran Baylor. They mainly play the role of peacemaker, coordinating and harmonizing when there are disagreements.
This was Dorgon's helplessness. When Houjin's strength was greatly reduced, he tried his best to avoid civil strife and even a sword fight.
Under the increasing pressure from the Dongjiang Army, both Amin and Hauge have temporarily suppressed their ambitions and dissatisfaction. But when it comes to sincere unity, they have not yet reached that level.
Everyone wants to be the supreme ruler, and everyone feels that they can turn the tide. If Dorgon makes a big mistake, it would not be a surprise for Amin and Hauge to challenge him.
Du Du saw it more clearly. Watching Turge lead his troops to leave, he slowly said to Jierhalang: "The enemy broke into Jianzhou and burned Hetuala. It was another heavy blow to me, Dajin, and even more...
It's a shame. If our army doesn't gain anything, I'm afraid it will be suspected of being afraid of war, and it won't be easy to explain to the Khan."
Dorgon will shoulder this responsibility, and of course his prestige will not be damaged, although this is inseparable from his insistence on reoccupying Haizhou, which has led to an even more insufficient use of troops.
Jilharang's caution is understandable, but by letting his enemy go away peacefully as if he was sending off a farewell, Dorgon's chosen scapegoat is likely to be him.
Let Turg lead the army to attack violently, which is the way to avoid this outcome. The pursuing troops went through a bloody battle and suffered a lot of losses. They have tried their best to win or not.
Jierhalang gave a bitter smile and cupped his hands towards Du Du, expressing his gratitude without saying it clearly.
Not long after, fierce gunfire came from the front, indicating the escalation of the battle.
After Turge led 2,000 men to join the vanguard, he abandoned the slow pursuit and accelerated forward regardless of the mines and casualties.
After being attacked by several more landmines, Jianlu finally stopped in front of the first interception position set up by the Dongjiang Army.
The cut branches were piled randomly in the road. Although it was not a deep ditch barrier, it was difficult for a horse to pass through it.
Three teams of 900 musketeers formed formations on the front and sides of the road, using artillery carts and trees as cover, and stood ready.
Behind the musketeers were two thousand flying cavalry led by Liu Xingzuo, responsible for covering their timely retreat.
After Turge observed for a while, he gave the order to attack. Jianlu jumped off his horse, held a shield and moved forward with a sword, followed by archers who were responsible for covering.
The enemy and we did not wait and see too much, and then started a fierce battle.
Arrows flew through the air, lead bullets kept firing, and both sides were using long-range attacks to defeat the enemy across obstacles blocking the way.
Turg did not like this method of fighting, even though Jianlu defeated many Ming armies in Liaodong by relying on the dense rain of arrows.
But he did not dare to act rashly, because there were not only infantry but also cavalry on the opposite side. If he could not defeat the enemy or ensure that he had enough troops to break through the obstacles, his own soldiers would be attacked by the opponent's cavalry.
Jianlu not only used bows and arrows to attack, but also constantly cleared obstacles on the road to create conditions for the cavalry to charge.
At the same time, Turg also sent two groups of soldiers to attack along the woods on both sides of the road, forming a roundabout and outflanking trend.
Boom, boom! Two explosions made loud noises. The Jianlu who were clearing the obstacles triggered the mines, and several of them were blown down.
It was not easy for the Jianlu who advanced in the woods and weeds. Not only were there lead bullets fired from the opposite side, but there were also trip mines and iron pear under their feet, which constantly caused them casualties.