Chapter four hundred and sixty seventh Jianzhu's struggle
As long as there is still a little bit of hope, people's luck will not be shattered. As long as it is still in their hands, no one wants to lose it.
Zu Dashou's psychology is also normal, almost the same as Jianlu who continues to shrink in Liaoshen. He is obviously in decline, but he still doesn't give up and wants to struggle desperately.
Of course, Jianlu did not have the clearest understanding yet and thought they could continue to compete with Dongjiang Town.
After all, Jianlu still occupies far more territory in Liaodong than the Dongjiang Army, and has tens of thousands of elite soldiers and generals, although this is a superficial balance of power.
Strictly speaking, the Dongjiang Army's base area is only the three states in southern Liaoning and the area south of Xiuyan. It only accounts for one-third of the Jianlu territory.
But strength is not determined by how much land it occupies. Just like when Jianlu was compared with the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty was still a behemoth, but it was at a disadvantage in the war.
A small territory has its own small advantages, that is, it does not have to be divided into four defenses, and it can give full play to its internal advantages and concentrate its forces to fight big battles.
Of course, Jianlu also saved a lot of troops after shrinking the defense line. However, they had very few attack points to choose from.
Needless to say, in southern Liaoning, the Dongjiang Army was heavily defended, with strong and complete castles and fortifications, as well as a large number of artillery.
The prisoners built in Lushun Fort and Nanguan had suffered successive defeats in the two battles. They had developed a fear of attacking fortresses and did not dare to invade easily.
Only Ningyuan was left alone in western Liaoning, and we still had to travel a long distance beyond Guangning and Jinzhou. It was no longer worth the effort to launch an attack.
Only the Liaodong side is left, which is considered the weak area of Dongjiang Town. If the Dongjiang Army in Liaodong can be defeated, it can intimidate, threaten, or even rob the weaker North Korea.
Dorgon needs a victory, even on the surface, to improve his reputation. Because he knows in his heart that when the situation becomes increasingly bad, people's hearts will be unstable and his opponents will be restless.
"Judging from recent intelligence, the Dongjiang Army in Liaodong is basically huddled in Zhenjiang Fort. The rest of the troops should have returned to Pi Island to rest according to their annual habit."
"The Dongjiang Army has increased its troops in the Xiuyan area, to about 20,000 people."
"The North Korean side has added more garrison troops in Yiju, about 10,000."
Dorgonyu looked at the information with no expression on his face.
After a long while, he raised his head and asked in a deep voice: "Did the Dongjiang Army increase its troops in the Xiuyan area in anticipation of our army's actions, or was it because of immigration needs that the people were resettled and cultivated in the south of Xiuyan?"
Xifu thought for a while and replied: "There are a large number of immigrants in Dongjiang Town who need to be resettled. The current land is not enough, so I thought it was used for farming by the immigrants."
Li Yongfang bowed and replied: "Back to King Khan, I also think that the latter is the most likely reason."
Dongjiang Town has always attached great importance to the protection of its people. Especially after Guo Dajing rose to prominence, he has been strictly guarding and guarding since the liberation of Jinzhou.
Dorgon lowered his eyes and fell into deep thought.
He agreed with Li Yongfang's judgment that the influx of immigrants and the placement of officers and soldiers in Liao Town alone were obviously not enough for the three states in southern Liaoning.
Heavy defense to ensure the safety of the people and protect the harvest is indeed the style and method of Dongjiang Town.
But with 20,000 troops, could it be that they were just for defense and protecting the people? Dorgon would not be so naive.
If Amin's troops penetrate deep into Liaodong, Xiuyan's enemies attack from the flanks to cut off retreats and supply lines, which is also a normal counterattack.
"What do you think about mobilizing 10,000 troops from Liaoyang to ensure the retreat of the Eastern Expedition troops?" Dorgon raised his head and glanced at Li Yongfang, Xifu, and Gang Lin.
Dorgon's judgment is the same as that of Guo Dajing and Mao Wenlong. They do not believe that their opponents will launch an attack in southern Liaoning in the short term.
But necessary precautions must be taken. After all, although the distance is far, the opponent can reach the city in two days.
Gang Lin had already had this idea, and he immediately bowed his head and agreed, "I think it is most appropriate to move troops to Lianshanguan. If you advance, you can go to Fengcheng, if you retreat, you can assist Liaoyang."
Even if troops can be mobilized from Liaoyang, it should not be too far away. Once the Dongjiang Army launches an attack, it will be completely late to return reinforcements.
There are already 5,000 defenders at Lianshanguan, plus 10,000 horses. If there is an emergency in Fengcheng, reinforcements can be sent out.
Xifu opened his mouth and said: "I believe that the Eastern Expedition troops should leave a heavy defense in Fengcheng to echo Lianshan Pass. As for the enemy's guarded city, if the defense is tight, they will bypass it and not attack. If the enemy attacks,
, then we can eliminate them in the wild."
Li Yongfang also agreed and said: "I second the proposal."
In fact, launching this Liaodong campaign was not only because Dorgon wanted a victory to increase his prestige, but it was also very important for Jianlu's long-term persistence.
This year's harvest was pretty good, but after the defeat of Zunhua and the defeat of Jianzhou, we suffered serious losses in both military strength and population.
If you want to maintain the front line and confront the increasingly powerful Dongjiang Army, you need to maintain a considerable number of troops.
However, the military strength cannot be reduced and must be maintained in a state of war preparation, which means a significant reduction in labor force. If there is no one to cultivate and produce, the Jianlu will be defeated without fighting.
Because of this, Li Yongfang, Xifu and others agreed to the battle plan to attack Liaodong. If tens of thousands of people could be plundered to make up for the losses in the defeat of Jianzhou, a considerable standing army could be maintained.
The strategic passivity and the weakness of the overall strength may not be so clear on the surface, or to outsiders. Only you can understand that you are stretched everywhere and unable to cope with everything.
Perhaps the person who knows you best is your enemy, your opponent.
Dorgon would always think like this. Ever since Dongjiang Town publicly announced the "Three Years of Ping Liao", he was even more shocked by his opponent's insight and judgment.
If the decline is irreversible and faced with the enemy's continuous compression and advancement, Dorgon is sure that it will be difficult to persist for three years, although he usually behaves calmly and confidently.
"Since there is no objection, let's make the arrangements as planned and launch them as scheduled!" Dorgon said with a serious face: "You all know the current situation very well. If we don't fight, we will just sit back and wait for death. If we lose again, it will be even more unimaginable."
Everyone bowed and saluted, and then left one after another.
Dorgon put away his pretentious attitude, leaned back into his chair, closed his eyes slightly, and let out a long sigh.
The current situation is even more difficult than when Lao Nu died and Huang Taiji first came to the throne. It can even be said to be the most critical period.
At that time, it was just a blockade from all sides and supplies were scarce. However, neither the Ming army in western Liaoning, nor the Dongjiang Town on a remote island, nor the North Korean and Chahar tribes had the strength to launch an active attack.
It is precisely because of this that Huang Taiji was able to attack Chahar first and then conquer North Korea, breaking the dilemma of the four-way blockade.
In Dorgon's opinion, he would do better than Huang Taiji, because these are not too difficult. In fact, when he conquered North Korea, he encountered strong resistance from Dongjiang Town and suffered considerable losses.
But now, Dorgon is facing hellish difficulties, but Dongjiang Town has already overwhelmed him.
Although Lin Dan Khan was driven out of his hometown by his elite cavalry again, the effect was extremely limited. The Chahar tribe was still in Jizhen, carrying out large-scale external activities, and could still block the connection between Hou Jin and the smugglers of the Ming Dynasty.
As for North Korea, although the alliance has not been broken, in fact, trade has been cut off, which has almost completely cut off the channels for Jianlu to obtain supplies.
Well, there is another way to obtain commercial goods such as silk and cotton, which is through the Mongols trading with the horse market in Dongjiang Town.
Dorgon had known about this for a long time, but he did not stop it because they could also get some supplies from it.
However, the restrictions here in Dongjiang Town are very strict, and Hou Jin did not get much from it. But giving back less is better than nothing.
Dorgon also knew that this was to drink doves to quench thirst. Compared with silk and cotton, war horses and livestock were more effective in improving the strength of the Dongjiang Army and had more strategic value.
But he also knew that not only Houjin needed these materials, but the Mongols also needed them. If they were forcibly banned, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among the Mongols.
Besides, it is difficult to ban it. Not only Panjin, but also Jinzhou. The coast is so long, Dongjiang Town can always find a place to trade with the Mongols. By that time, it will be impossible for Houjin to get a share of the profits.
Caressing his forehead, Dorgon felt a lot of pressure and his future was bleak. However, he thought hard but could not find a solution.
For now, even if Dongjiang Town does not get the support of the Ming court, it can still compete with Jianlu for a long time and gain the upper hand.
Therefore, unless there is internal strife in the Dongjiang Army, or there is a different intention, and they do not want to fight to the death with the Jianqiu. Just like Li Chengliang, if you respect the Jianqiu, you can reduce the pressure on Houjin.
But now it seems that Dongjiang Town has no signs of doing so. Especially the hatred between Hou Jin and Mao Wenlong, Guo Dajing and other Dongjiang generals cannot be easily resolved.
"It all depends on human effort. How will you know if you don't try it!" Dorgon opened his eyes and felt that no matter what method, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, he might as well use it.
They should also send someone to show weakness to the Ming court, not saying that they are negotiating for peace, but only saying that they are willing to return to Jianzhou and return to the state before the rebellion against the Ming Dynasty.
Maybe, in order to save money and trouble, the Ming court would ask the Dongjiang Army to stop the offensive, giving Hou Jin a chance to breathe, and also causing a rift between the Ming court and Dongjiang Town.
"To report to the King of Khan, Leng Geli is requesting an audience outside." The guard came in to report, interrupting Dorgon's thoughts.
Raising his head in displeasure, Dorgon scolded: "Tell him to go back. This king is dealing with national affairs and has no time to care about his troubles."
Leng Geli was a general under Zhenghuang's banner and could be regarded as a close confidant of Huang Taiji. Because he stayed in Shenyang with Hauge, he survived and did not die in Zunhua.
Dorgon also knew what Leng Geli came to see him for, but it was just a complaint, and the matter could be traced back to Amin's conquest of North Korea.
Although Amin's troops suffered considerable losses at that time, they were still victorious and returned to the DPRK. They also plundered a lot of property and some Korean women.
Among them was a North Korean beauty whom Amin was very fond of and wanted to stay privately. However, this was against the rules and was blocked by Jilharang, Dudu and Azig.
These three Beile advocated that the beauties and property should be presented to Huang Taiji first, and then Huang Taiji would distribute them. This was the rule of Jianlu, and they should be presented to the Khan first. If the Khan did not accept them, they would be distributed among the Beile.
Amin reluctantly succumbed to the suggestions of several Baylors, but after offering it to Huang Taiji, he regretted it, so he sent his deputy Namutai to ask for it. However, Namutai was in a dilemma, and after struggling for a day, he left a little late.
Huang Taiji was obviously very unhappy about this and said angrily: "Why didn't you say it yesterday? You said it now. I already live with him, how can I get along with him?"
Amin felt unhappy because of this and kept complaining behind his back.
Huang Taiji heard that Amin was resentful for this, and said very dissatisfied: "For the sake of a woman, I actually ignored brotherhood, which is extremely stupid."
So, he simply rewarded the girl to Leng Geli, which was considered as an end to Amin's thoughts, but he deliberately made Amin unable to be satisfied.
No one expected that Amin was still thinking about this incident. Taking advantage of the death of Huang Taiji and the weakness of the two yellow flags, Hauge was sent to Liaoyang to guard, and actually sent someone to snatch the Korean beauty away from Leng Geli's house.
.
Dorgon knew about this, but didn't want to care about it. He was also very resentful of Huang Taiji, and naturally he didn't like his close friend Leng Geli either.
What's more, for this attack on Liaodong, Amin has been confirmed as the commander, and he does not want to cause trouble at this time, make Amin resentful, and lead to unexpected situations in the battle.
The guards retreated, but Dorgon was still a little angry. He was still fighting over a woman at all times. He was a bastard.
………………
On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, Guo Dajing rushed to Xiuyan under the protection of the cavalry battalion.
This is not the first batch of troops to participate in the war, nor is it the last batch. It is expected that all participating troops will not be assembled until the 28th of the twelfth lunar month.
Even so, there is still enough time. Because the action will not be launched until Jianlu launches its campaign and goes deep into Liaodong, or even reaches North Korea.
Because of preparations in advance, Xiuyan will serve as a stronghold that must be defended to protect the large number of immigrants resettled in the south, and a large amount of ammunition and materials have been accumulated.
Nowadays, transportation from Dalian is without interruption, and most of the products produced are transferred here.
The room was as warm as spring, and the air was filled with the tempting aroma of meat and wine. Monk Kong Youde happily arranged a banquet to welcome Guo Dajing, He Kegang and other generals.
"Finally, another big battle is about to be fought." Kong Youde chuckled and toasted to each other, "Knowing that Commander Guo is coming, the general will know it soon. That's what he's been waiting for!"
Guo Dajing looked at this great traitor in history. Although he still had some small grudges, he had almost put them aside.
"If this battle can really happen, I'm afraid it will be very fierce." Guo Dajing picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and said slowly: "Jianlu will definitely make as thorough preparations as possible. If he wants to win, he must fight bravely and defeat the strong.
enemy."
Not despising the enemy has always been Guo Dajing's greatest characteristic. Even if he is sure of victory, he never takes it lightly and must go all out.
Shang Ke nodded happily and said: "If our army wants to attack Jianlu from a flank, we must also be prepared to be attacked by a flank. Although the fight may be fierce, our army's advantage in relying on solid defense can still ensure a high chance of victory.