Chapter 500 Comprehensive Preparations and Political Offensive
To seize control of the trenches, it is necessary to fill the trenches and advance so that mortars and rockets can reach the range and bombard the city protected by the trenches.
A large number of explosive bombs were used to burn down the houses, warehouses, and baggage in the city. The interior of the city was reduced to ruins, which not only devastated the enemy's military morale, but also deprived them of the food and grass supplies they needed to hold on.
"After experiencing Hetuala and other battles, the Jianlu should be on guard." Guo Dajing thought about it and said slowly: "Maybe use earth and stone to build a warehouse that is not afraid of fire, or maybe wet the roof with water. In short, we can't put it down
Siege is too simple."
Li Weiluan nodded repeatedly and said, "Then just knock open the city wall. With our army's Hongyi cannon, we can definitely do it."
Guo Dajing smiled and nodded, and said: "I have estimated that with the many weapons, if our army attacks the city, the casualties will be almost the same as those of the captives, or even less than the enemy."
As long as the casualties are equal, the Jianlu are going to destroy themselves if they fight to the death. They stick to the city and have the idea of defeating more with less, expecting huge casualties to scare away the Dongjiang Army.
However, due to the careful and meticulous preparations of the Dongjiang Army, Jianlu's illusions were bound to go bankrupt. Defending the city to the death was like defending the city to death, which was exactly what Guo Dajing wanted.
"In siege operations, the attackers have always suffered heavy casualties, and Jianlu must have thought so too." Li Weiluan smiled disdainfully and said, "With all the strength in field battles, it can be seen that Jianlu is at the end of its rope and has no way to recover."
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "Whether it's a field battle or a city defense, Jianlu no longer has the capital to compete with our army. After all, they have no people left."
In history, the number of Jianlu people was only a few hundred thousand, and the total number of troops was less than 100,000. It was only by plundering the Ming Dynasty that the population in Liaodong was enriched; by relying on the surrender of the Han army, they had the strength to compete for the world.
As long as the Jianlu were not given the opportunity to plunder and enrich themselves, and there was no need to send out large armies to attack, the Jianlu could only segregate themselves into a corner and would not pose a fatal threat to the Ming Dynasty.
But even for such a small request, the Ming Dynasty in history could not do it, which is really incredible.
The shouts interrupted Guo Dajing's thoughts, and he raised his telescope again. The simulated attack troops had already rushed into the trenches, knocking down the deployed dummies with their weapons, and advancing along the trenches.
Li Weiluan was somewhat innovative in the weaponry and tactics of the offensive troops.
Among them is the tactical team proposed by Guo Dajing, which mainly consists of trench sticks and trench knives, as well as crossbowmen. They form groups of ten to cover and cooperate with each other.
"Very good." Guo Dajing praised without hesitation: "Two crossbowmen and eight melee soldiers. This tactical team is very practical and should be promoted throughout the army."
A look of pride appeared on Li Weiluan's face, but it was fleeting. By the time Guo Dajing put down the telescope, he had returned to normal.
"Our army still needs a large number of ladders, either to cross trenches or to climb the city to attack." Guo Dajing said slowly: "I remember which military book contained such equipment as trench bridges, but I don't know if they are practical?"
Li Weiluan said: "The general is not sure which military book it is, but there are indeed trench bridges, which can allow the siege troops to pass through the moat or trench."
The moat bridge is a vehicle-type traffic bridge used in ancient times to ensure that siege troops can pass through the moat. Two large logs are used as beams on both sides of the bridge deck, and horizontal boards are laid on top to form a surface. A pair of wooden wheels are installed underneath for maneuverability.
Even if Guo Dajing didn't know the specific shape and size, he could draw drawings that he thought could be used in actual combat through imagination.
A folded wooden bridge is pushed to the front of the trench, and the high end is lowered and placed on the trench, so that the infantry can pass over it.
But faced with trenches one after another, the trench trucks seemed to be powerless. It was difficult to advance too far and it was impossible to cover all the trenches.
You can build some, but you can't rely on them too much. The most effective way is to kill or drive away the enemy and occupy the trenches.
Bloodshed and sacrifice are unavoidable, but this is necessary for peace in the world and for the soldiers and civilians to live and work in peace and contentment.
Guo Dajing has done his best and has a clear conscience. You must know that this decisive battle in Liaodong is related to the life and death of China, although no one knows the significance of it.
"The Infantry League has been expanded to 12,000, a total of six leagues. Adding in the Special War League, there are more than 80,000 troops."
Guo Dajing stretched out his hand and pointed to the north, and said confidently: "The Four Associations will be the main force and attack straight north; the rest will outflank Liaodong and destroy the captives in one battle."
Li Weiluan nodded vigorously and said: "It's just the main force of men and horses, plus the flying cavalry, they already have an absolute advantage. There is no doubt that the Jianlu will be destroyed."
Although he had the superiority in firepower, in order to ensure safety, Guo Dajing also had to crush Jianlu in terms of military strength.
"Occupy Haizhou first, and then attack Anshan Post." Guo Dajing seemed to have made up his mind, turning to Li Weiluan and said: "The Right Association is ready. Your troops will be the main offensive force in the first battle."
"General, I will obey the order." Li Weiluan bowed in response, feeling very happy in his heart.
Guo Dajing smiled slightly and looked at the battlefield of the drill again, as if he saw the Dongjiang Army charging into the battle with overwhelming force, fighting bloody battles, and taking back all the land in Liaodong that the Jianlu had stolen.
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The news of Jianlu's disastrous defeat in Liaodong could no longer be concealed. Even if it was whitewashed, the loss of nearly 30,000 troops had shaken the foundation of Jianlu's rule.
The propaganda offensive launched by Guo Dajing before has become more and more powerful due to changes in the situation.
But he was not satisfied. After consulting Mao Wenlong, he once again ordered the intelligence department to publicize the new policy within Houjin.
The original Jianlu head was reduced from fifty taels to thirty taels. Although the Jurchen tribes such as Yehe, Huifa, and Hada were separated from the Jianzhou Jurchens and granted forgiveness, conditions were added.
Surrendering will receive different treatment anyway. Those who do not perform meritorious service will be no different from being prisoners of war and will not be forgiven.
Similarly, these policies also apply to the Mongolian tribes that defected to the Jianlu. Don't think about not contributing and wait until the Jianlu are defeated before turning to the Dongjiang Army.
What's more, Ye He and other Jurchen tribes, as well as the Mongolian tribes, are still acting as accomplices of the Jianqi. They want to surrender when they are defeated. How can there be such a cheap thing?
The news gradually spread in the areas ruled by the Later Jin Dynasty and the various Mongolian tribes, and its role was different from before.
As the saying goes: The hozens scatter when the tree falls. The tree is good and no one has the thought of fleeing. But the tree is rotten and is about to fall. Who doesn’t want to find a way out for themselves?
Regardless of whether those guys are able or not, whether they dare to act or not, suspicion within Houjin will definitely arise. This is human nature and is unavoidable.
The most interesting thing is that Hu Duntu, after learning that Jianlu suffered another disastrous defeat, began to make preparations to return to Chahar's hometown.
However, this guy's judgment was quite accurate and his running speed was fast enough. In his opinion, it would be difficult for the Jianlu to send troops to attack Chahar. Even if they did come to attack, he could still do it with both feet.
If the Jianlu were defeated, Hu Duntu would launch a merciless attack on the traitorous Mongolian tribes. Among them, the Horqin tribe should be the primary target of his hatred.
Obviously, Lin Dan Khan's actions will inevitably cause panic among the Mongolian tribes who have taken refuge with Jianlu. The decline of Jianlu also forced them to look for the next strong man to join them.
"Hu Duntu's return eastward will be very beneficial to our Pingliao." After learning the latest information, Guo Dajing made a judgment with a sneer, "I'm afraid Jianlu will not have the strength to take care of the Mongolian tribes, so they will speed up
I'm looking for another supporter."
If the Mongolian tribes would not shed tears until they saw the coffin, and would not take action until the Jianqi were defeated, then the Chahar tribe's return eastward was a catalyst that made them unable to wait any longer.
If you want to surrender to the Dongjiang Army, you must obey orders, just like you are obedient to Jianlu. Although the strength of the Dongjiang Army is already enough to level the Liao Dynasty, it is always good to add more strength.
"We have to pacify Liao and take care of the Mongolian tribes at the same time. I'm afraid it will strain our army's energy." Liu Xingzuo had a different opinion on this. "Should we increase the number of troops stationed in Ningyuan to fight against the Chahar tribe?"
Guo Dajing waved his hand and said: "No, no. Before Ping Liao, our army will try not to make many enemies. I want to redefine the relationship between the Jianlu and the Mongolian tribes."
Liu Xingzuo blinked his eyes and guessed: "Is he going to return?"
change?"
Guo Dajing smiled, without comment, and said slowly: "The regulations have not been drawn up yet, but they are definitely different from the previous ones. Besides, what Hu Duntu wants to attack are also the Mongolian tribes north of Liaodong, which we have no control over for the time being."
To the north of Liaodong is the Horqin Prairie. It is impossible for Lin Danhan to abandon the near and seek the far away and rush into Jinzhou and Guangning areas.
The Horqin tribe was a die-hard ally of Hou Jin. Even if they regretted it now and wanted to defect to Dongjiang Town, they would not have the courage to do so across the Hou Jin's ruling area.
Naturalization is naturally better than loose attachment and surrender, although this may require Dongjiang Town to devote more resources and take better care of it.
But there will be rewards if you pay the price. To march into the vast and boundless grasslands of Monan and Mobei, the Dongjiang Army alone may not be enough.
Liu Xingzuo blinked, knowing that Guo Dajing might already have a strategy, but it still needed to be perfected, so he didn't say it easily.
"Anyway, as long as it doesn't affect Pingliao." Liu Xingzuo didn't want to go into details and said, "The top priority is to transfer Ningyuan's troops over as soon as possible and add them to various departments. Otherwise, if Feiqi wants to coordinate people from various departments, there will be a lot of resistance."
If you just adjust people and don't add anything, of course the infantry associations will have opinions.
However, Guo Dajing has already made arrangements. Once the sea ice on Juehua Island melts, the navy will be dispatched and 20,000 troops will soon be sent to southern Liaoning and eastern Liaoning.
"In ten days and a half at most, the sea ice will melt and we can set sail for transshipment." Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "In this way, I will issue an order to the associations and promise them to replenish them as soon as possible so that they can support the selection of flying cavalry troops.
.”
Liu Xingzuo laughed, nodded repeatedly, and said, "Who dares to disobey Guo Shuai's order? Okay, I have nothing else to do, so I'll leave first."
Guo Dajing smiled and waved his hand, not politely, lowered his head and continued to read all the information sent by the Military Intelligence Department.
Although Dongjiang Town is still recruiting soldiers, the personnel recruited by the Flying Cavalry Battalion from various associations are not rookies who need to be trained in everything, which saves a lot of time.
Of course the various infantry associations will have opinions, but this should be the fastest way. After all, the infantry training cycle is much shorter.
When the troops and horses arrive in Liao Town, they will be replenished in various associations. The training cycle will be similar to that of flying cavalry, and they will be able to go into battle to kill the enemy.
Guo Dajing read the intelligence, took out a pen and paper, and began to write letters to the various association officials. Hard orders were fine, but explanations in letters would be more humane.
Taking the overall situation into consideration is the purpose, and each association is not anyone's private soldier. If Guo Dajing can't even do this, then there is no need to be the head coach.
Well, Zu Dashou and others should have arrived in Fuzhou. It would be good to be kept by Mao Wenlong, so as not to waste energy by being around.
Guo Dajing couldn't help but shook his head when he thought about this.
The town of Liao fell into this state, and the ancestors' business in the Liao Dynasty for four generations also ended in disgrace. It was all their own fault. Anyone who has the country and the people in his heart will not be like this.
History has completely changed. Guo Dajing not only wanted to pacify Liaodong and revive the Ming Dynasty, he also wanted to eliminate the long-standing abuses so that those bastards who harmed the country and the people would no longer appear in the Ming Dynasty.
Obviously, Chongzhen was still working as a paper painter, repairing here and there, maintaining the great Ming Dynasty with ventilation from all sides. But in fact, the Ming Dynasty was close to splitting into three parts.
Liaodong, which is in a state of war, is one large area, the other is north of the Yangtze River where civil unrest is raging, and the third is Jiangnan, where singing and dancing are flourishing.
As long as Chongzhen has the vision and courage, he can also realize how much difficulties these three estrangements in different situations will bring to the Ming Dynasty.
Jiangnan, the richest region, cannot collect taxes, and the increased taxes are almost entirely borne by the people in the north. This is the source of civil unrest. If it is not completely eliminated, even if it is temporarily extinguished, wildfires will still spread again.
This time, it may not be Li Zicheng or Zhang Xianzhong. But no matter who it is, it does not matter whether it is sooner or later. If the Dongjiang Army stands still, the final outcome of the Ming Dynasty will not change.
"Shuai Mao must stay in Liaodong so that Guo can act as he pleases and achieve the greatest achievements at the lowest cost."
After Guo Dajing finished writing a brief letter, he stood up and walked outside. In the early spring when there was still a chill, he sobered his mind and looked forward to the future.
Come.
"As long as there is a shortage of money and food, civil unrest will only disappear and rise again. In the end, even the officers and soldiers who suppressed the rebellion will join the civil unrest because of lack of pay and food."
Guo Dajing was certain that Chongzhen could not solve the financial problem, which was the root cause of the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.
There were once two great strategies to save the country before Chongzhen, and they had already seen results in trials. However, Chongzhen was capricious and gave up halfway.
"It is said that the emperor guards the country, and the king dies in the country. Letting thousands of people live in dire straits is your dereliction of duty. Even if you die, you cannot escape the blame."
Guo Dajing narrowed his eyes slightly, pursed his lips, and revealed a sneer with unknown meaning.
Perhaps, these are all excuses. He is just ambitious and wants to reach the pinnacle of power. This may also be a common problem among time travellers. They lack a sense of security in feudal society, and becoming the Ninth Five Supreme Being becomes the ultimate goal.
But no matter what, Guo Dajing believed that if he dominated the Ming Dynasty, he would be a hundred times more powerful than Chongzhen and could make China stand on top of the world.
Are these reasons not enough? Any plot to usurp the throne or any disloyal traitor are nothing to Guo Dajing.