The New Year's Day is very short, only lasting three days. For the militiamen who have transportation tasks, the busy work of transporting grain and ammunition to the front line begins again on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
The people naturally have a lot of leisure. Even if the government tries its best to provide jobs, they are still in a relatively leisurely state in winter.
The war finally kicked off on the sixth day of the first lunar month. Amin, Dudu and Jierhalang led 30,000 Manchu and Han troops out of Shenyang, crossed Benxi and Lianshan Pass, and arrived in Fengcheng on the ninth day of the first lunar month.
At the same time, Azig led 10,000 additional troops to Lianshan Pass as a mobile force to ensure the retreat of the eastward advancing corps.
Three thousand Han troops and two thousand Jianlu were left in Fengcheng to garrison. Amin and other slave chiefs led their troops to continue their march eastward, aiming directly at Zhenjiang Fort.
The Dongjiang Army, aware of the changes in Jianlu's behavior, also began to mobilize troops and generals and make targeted deployment adjustments.
Mao Wenlong mobilized the garrison in southern Liaoning and sent the remaining mobile forces, a flying cavalry battalion and two thousand lancers to Xiuyan to concentrate his forces in Liaodong.
Guo Dajing sent two flying cavalry battalions and a thousand cavalry to the east to join Kong Youde's troops and aim at Tangzhan Fort east of Fengcheng in preparation to cut off the Jianlu's retreat.
When reinforcements from Gaizhou arrive, he will personally lead his troops to advance towards Fengcheng, not only to contain the captives in Lianshanguan and Fengcheng, but also to cooperate with the encirclement and annihilation operations in Liaodong.
Although he could not go to Liaodong to fight separately, Guo Dajing appointed Liu Xingzuo as the commander, Kong Youde, and Feng Xijian as the deputy commanders, believing that their abilities could successfully fight this uncomplicated battle.
The reason why he wanted to sit in Xiuyan and command the battle in the middle was also in line with Guo Dajing's style, which was to seek stability and caution.
The Zhongxie, which is quite gratifying, has 5,000 new soldiers, plus 5,000 flying cavalry and lance cavalry, as well as an infantry battalion of the Zuoxie under his direct jurisdiction. The strength is not strong.
Relying on these troops, we must not only contain the Jianlu, but also ensure that the Zhuanghe area south of Xiuyan is safe. The pressure is actually greater than the encirclement and annihilation war in Liaodong.
On the tenth day of the first lunar month, Guo Dajing left the Zuoxie infantry battalion and two thousand new soldiers to defend Xiuyan, and personally led all the remaining troops to march north, pointing directly at Xielie station between Lianshanguan and Fengcheng.
Unexpected victory, anticipated defeat. Although Guo Dajing was full of confidence, he still used the most cautious deployment to ensure the safety of the back road and the Zhuanghe base area.
The snow on the road was either trampled by the vanguard or pushed to the side of the road, making the subsequent convoys and sleds move relatively smoothly.
Jianlu would probably be delayed for a day at Zhenjiang Fort. Coupled with the rush and the interception by the special operations battalion, it would be around the 13th or 14th day of the first lunar month before he could cross the Yalu River and attack North Korea.
It is not ruled out that the Jianlu troops would divide into two groups, one to besiege Zhenjiang Fort and the other to invade North Korea, but the time would be similar.
If nothing unexpected happens, the troops should also arrive at Xielie Station or around Fengcheng, which is about the same time as Jianlu attacked North Korea.
Guo Dajing sat on his horse, letting the cold wind blow on his face, and mentally calculating the opportunity to launch a diversionary attack.
Try to make the attacking troops know as late as possible that their retreat has been cut off, so as to buy time for the blocking troops to deploy their defenses. The timing of launching must be carefully calculated.
"Guo Shuai." Fang Zhenghua rode closer and asked, "Before the Zajia came, we reported to the court that the launch of Jianlu was a desperate struggle. Is it appropriate?"
Guo Dajing was stunned for a moment, broke away from his thoughts, glanced at Fang Zhenghua, and pondered the meaning of his words.
It is right to make a desperate struggle, but it is also possible to launch an active attack and attack North Korea from a distance. This should be the paradox that Founder is struggling with.
After thinking about it, Guo Dajing smiled faintly and said: "What Eunuch Fang said is absolutely true. This is indeed Jianlu's death struggle. If he loses, not only will he lose the ability to stand up, but he will also lose the capital to confront our army."
Fang Zhenghua bowed his hands politely and humbly asked, "Please ask Commander Guo to clarify my doubts."
Guo Dajing pondered, organized his words, and then slowly said: "My Ming Dynasty has hundreds of billions of people and a territory of thousands of miles. How many standing armies can we possibly maintain? The Yongle period should be the highest, 2.8 million; now, 100,000
Wan Shang Xia..."
There is a big difference between a standing army and a half-soldier-half-peasant army. A half-soldier-half-peasant army can support itself, but a standing army needs to be supported by the common people.
Therefore, the standing army in the past dynasties was not very large, or in other words, it had to maintain a certain ratio with the total population to make it affordable for the people.
During the Yongle Dynasty, it was said to be 2.8 million, which Guo Dajing believed was justified. Due to the flight of military households and the glorious tradition of "eating on empty pay", the actual number of troops was about one-third less.
But by the Chongzhen period, due to financial difficulties and the collapse of the military household system, the standing army had dropped to less than one million.
"It's not that we can't recruit soldiers, it's that we can't get food and wages, and the people can't afford to support them."
Guo Dajing patiently explained to Eunuch Fang: "If it were the previous situation, Jianlu could only take the initiative to attack, and our army could only defend passively. Jianlu could have half an army and half a people, and there would be enough time to mobilize and recruit..."
This is the greatest danger of the strategic initiative changing hands, which forces Jianlu to face pressure from the Dongjiang Army at all times and maintain a considerable standing army.
The disastrous failure of entering the customs via a detour meant that Jianlu could not make up for the impact and losses caused by the great famine. Although last year's harvest was good, it was only a slight relief.
The large number of Shaotou Liao people fleeing and the loss of population due to the failure of founding the state caused a serious shortage of labor for the Jianlu people. Without enough labor, how could they maintain a large standing army?
Therefore, it is not surprising at all that Jianlu launched this campaign. If it were Guo Dajing, he would also find ways to solve the population and labor difficulties.
"I remember that when the Guanningjin Defense Line was being built, some people in the DPRK raised objections. They thought that more than 100,000 troops were living in western Liaoning and were living in poverty, with annual expenses of millions. Even if the rebels could not defeat them, the imperial court would have to be fed and paid.
It’s ruined.”
Guo Dajing flicked his horsewhip, pursed his lips, showing a bit of contempt, and said in a deep voice: "Today's Jianlu is also in the same predicament. Even if our army does not take the initiative to attack, how can Jianlu maintain the food and grass supplies of the standing army?
How long will it last?"
If he had not wanted to pacify Liaodong as soon as possible, Guo Dajing could have used two years to exhaust the last bit of Jianlu's supplies and weaken them to the lowest point, and then mobilize the entire army in the third year to pacify Liaodong in one fell swoop.
In fact, Guo Dajing still admired the official who opposed the Guan Ning Jin line of defense. He was really a sensible person, with a thorough and long-term perspective.
"In ancient times, there has never been a battle in which Master Chen failed to advance for several years; there has never been a case where the enemy was far away and only a hundred thousand soldiers were forced to sit and eat. There was no such thing as a garrison, rather than an advance.
also."
"Today we have a force of 140,000 people and an annual fee of six million. Although we say that we only seek the enemy, in fact, we can't do anything, we can't consolidate the battle, and we can't defend it. It's a waste of time and money, and we don't worry about what's behind us."
This was the advice given by the military officer at that time to Li Lusheng during the incident. Looking at it now, it can be described as hitting the nail on the head.
It not only revealed the dangers of the Guan-Ning Jin Defense Line, but also tore down the fig leaf that the troops stationed in western Liaoning were not on an aggressive journey and could only retreat to defend the city and squander food and pay.
It is a pity that this official's sophisticated analysis was completely overshadowed by the status of the emperor's master Sun Chengzong in the emperor's mind in the fifth year of the Apocalypse, as well as those righteous remarks about preferring death to retreat.
If Emperor Carpenter had adopted Li Lusheng's suggestion, perhaps the situation would not have deteriorated to that extent by the time Chongzhen ascended the throne.
Fang Zhenghua understood, showed a sudden look, nodded repeatedly, and praised: "Guo Shuai's words made the Zanzha family suddenly enlightened. Jianlu is really struggling to make a fortune from North Korea. If he can't make it, he will just wait to die."
After chuckling a few times, Fang Zhenghua suggested again: "Shuai Guo also has the power to report, so why does he rarely say anything? If the emperor knows the reason, there is no need to worry."
Guo Dajing also understood that this was Chongzhen's suspicion again, and he was probably wondering whether he would be deceived again by the "Three Years of Ping Liao".
Thinking about Chongzhen's various actions in history, Guo Dajing could only shake his head helplessly.
Three years of Ping Liao, the clock has just begun, why can't I bear it anymore, and become suspicious again? Is it normal for Jianlu to just lie down and be beaten?
Regarding Fang Zhenghua's suggestion, Guo Dajing said casually and perfunctorily: "Guo is not sure about the writing and language of the memorial, and is afraid of causing any trouble. Besides, my father-in-law Fang is in Dongjiang Town, so I can just transcribe it for him."
I am uneducated, and I am not on the same channel as Chongzhen, so I am too lazy to pay attention to him. Guo Dajing thought so in his heart, but he said it more euphemistically, and put Fangzhenghua in a more important position.
Fang Zheng believed it to be true and said, "That's good. Then the Za family must keep in touch with Guo Shuai and ask for advice."
After a pause, he said with some dissatisfaction: "If the Zajia family hadn't heard about this battle, they would have missed it. Guo Shuai, don't forget to inform the Zajia family next time."
Guo Dajing smiled awkwardly and nodded repeatedly, indicating that he would not do this again.
Guo Dajing didn't have much dislike for Fang Zhenghua. He just felt that it was a bit troublesome to be with him. Eunuch Fang was really too studious and easy to ask questions, so he wasted a lot of saliva in vain.
However, Guo Dajing was still willing to do so by becoming a founder, giving some suggestions to Chongzhen, or getting the support he deserved.
The most important thing to maintain the relationship with the court is support for immigrants, which is indispensable for the development of Dongjiang Town and the future management of Liaodong.
As for inquiring about the news in the court, Guo Dajing did not have the leisure and energy.
Everything is aimed at pacifying Liao and exterminating the captives. At this stage, this is the overriding task. Even if the imperial court imposes restrictions, Guo Dajing will not waver.
Obviously, Fang Zhenghua still underestimated Guo Dajing's determination. He thought that Guo Dajing would try his best to please the emperor in order to get Dongjiang Town food and salary and successfully annex Liao Town.
"Your Majesty is worried about the rebellion in Liao Town. Guo Shuai shouldn't push too hard. It's a surprise to be able to dig out 10,000 troops, right?"
In response to Fang Zhenghua's persuasion, Guo Dajing just smiled and nodded in a noncommittal manner, perhaps in agreement with Fang Zhenghua.
If this battle can achieve a great victory, Guo Dajing will not listen to Fang Zhenghua's advice. He will use the power of victory and use strong methods to force Liao Town to submit by cutting off food and salary.
As for rebellion, although it is possible, it is very small.
As the saying goes: A good bird chooses a tree to roost in, and a good minister chooses his master to serve him. Jianlu is already on his last legs. Is Zu Dashou blind, or has water in his head, and will he stupidly jump into the pit of fire?
Even if Zu Dashou was deceived by the lard and surrendered to the rebels and was willing to be cannon fodder, Guo Dajing believed that it would not have much impact on the overall situation of Ping Liao.
At most, if it is delayed for one to two years, Dongjiang Town can still level Liao Town in three years, and also eliminate the cancer of Liao Town.
Liaodong can only have one army with orders and prohibitions, and that is the Dongjiang Army; Liaodong can only have one voice, and that is Dongjiang Town.
"To promote the planting of potatoes and corn, there seems to be no movement from the imperial court." Guo Dajing changed the topic and asked with doubts: "The civil unrest is getting worse, and it's not because of the lack of food. My father-in-law is in Dongjiang Town, so he should know about potatoes. High yield, drought tolerant of corn, right?”
"Of course the Zajia knew about it and reported it to the Emperor." Fang Zhenghua looked helpless and said, "As for why there is no intention to promote it, the Zajia don't know the reason."
Guo Dajing just asked casually. He really didn't dare to compliment Chongzhen and the princes in the court. He couldn't do business, but he felt that he was very capable, pedantic and conservative, but he didn't know it.
In fact, the current promotion of planting high-yielding crops may not have a decisive effect.
Because land annexation has become very serious and major disasters are reaching their peak, nothing can be planted in a thousand miles of red land.
But at least there will be more food to harvest, and fewer people will starve to death. Moreover, the promotion and planting of high-yielding crops is a matter of time, and it will always go through a process before it can be recognized and accepted by the people.
There is no need to delve into the reasons. The corruption and inefficiency of the bureaucracy is enough to explain everything.
………………
The shouts of killing gradually subsided, but the snow and dust blown by the cold wind had no time to cover up the blood and mess on the battlefield.
Another attack failed, and most of the casualties were Han troops and Mongolians. However, Amin, Dudu and other slave chiefs still looked livid and resentful in their hearts.
Fengcheng, as the biggest obstacle on the way forward, was easily captured without fighting. The enemy abandoned the danger and refused to defend it, which gave the Jianlu people a great illusion, thinking that as they expected, most of the enemy had retreated to the island.
However, on the road that was still dozens of miles away from Zhenjiang Fort, they encountered a powerful blockade by thousands of Dongjiang troops, which surprised Jianlu.
Some of the dozens of destroyed carriages were broken into pieces, while others were still burning with flames. On the ground were scattered corpses and broken swords, guns and flags. A formation of picket stakes stretched across the road, which seemed to be an insurmountable chasm.
"If you guard the road, even if there are thousands of troops and horses, it will be difficult to steal it." Jierhalang seemed to understand something, and said in a deep voice: "Although Fengcheng is strong and dangerous, our army can bypass the city, so the enemy Abandon and not keep.”
Amin glanced at his brother, then turned his head and said slowly: "The enemy's resistance is very tenacious, but I'm afraid they just want to delay our army, rather than making it difficult for our army to advance any further, right?"
Du Du pondered for a moment and said: "It should be a delay to buy more time for the troops behind to prepare and adjust." This chapter has been completed!