Chapter 553: Soldiers and civilians unite to build the difficulties of captives
"Everyone, please work harder. After taking over the land from the old Zhao family, we can go back to eat." Shen Dalong straightened up, wiped the sweat on his forehead with his sleeves, and gave instructions loudly.
Due to the shortage of manpower, the autumn harvest is planned as a whole and everyone participates. It is no longer possible to distinguish one family from another. Of course, the harvested crops will still be clearly identified.
Mr. Zhao bowed his hands to Shen Dalong repeatedly to express his gratitude. Although the villagers had to harvest each family's land collectively, it would be safer to do it earlier.
Xingzi was carrying a basket and had just transported the potatoes to the car at the edge of the field. Hearing the man's voice, Xingzi smiled, but she was also a little concerned and distressed.
Although Shen Dalong has a prosthetic leg, he can still walk no better than a normal person.
Kyoko sighed silently, worried that the flesh on the man's legs would be worn out and bleed by the prosthetic legs again.
Who made him the village chief? Directing the young and old in the village to harvest is a job he has to do well and a process he enjoys very much.
In fact, in addition to worrying about a man's body, Kyoko also likes the feeling of being an official and commanding others.
Xingzi returned to her husband along the field stalks, put the potatoes he had picked out into a basket, and warned with concern: "Take your time and work, everyone knows your legs and feet, no one can pick them."
Shen Dalong chuckled twice and said, "Don't worry, I know what's going on. I won't be tired."
Xingzi pursed her lips, stopped talking, and asked casually: "After Pingliao, should we go back to our hometown, or should we continue to live here?"
Shen Dalong said: "If there is enough land, I think this place would be quite good. In fact, after defeating Jianlu, it will be the same everywhere."
Xingzi listened to her husband and got used to living here. If more villagers returned to their hometowns, the fields would be freed up, so she didn't have to worry about the lack of cultivated land for planting.
"Ping Liao is certain." Shen Dalong straightened his back and said with confidence: "Guo Shuai personally led the army and has already reached the gates of Liaoyang City. He has never lost a battle and is a famous general who is victorious in every battle."
Xingzi nodded vigorously and said: "Guo Shuai is the most powerful in fighting. Everyone believes that he can quell the Liao Dynasty and destroy the captives, so that everyone can live in peace."
Unknowingly, Guo Dajing's reputation is gradually surpassing that of Mao Wenlong. Just because he has never had a defeat, he is not comparable to Mao Wenlong.
Of course, this is also the feeling of some people. It is not surprising that Shen Dalong has such thoughts after receiving the favor from Guo Dajing.
At this moment, a messenger came on horseback, shouting the name of the village chief. When he saw Shen Dalong approaching, he handed him something like a newspaper, said a few words briefly, and then galloped away.
This messenger is also a staff member of the government, equivalent to a postman, and is affiliated with the inn. Private communications are gradually expanding and improving. In addition to delivering letters to surrounding villages and towns, there are also government announcements.
Shen Dalong's eyebrows were dancing and he was smiling, waving the government notice in his hand and loudly informing the villagers in the field as he walked.
"A great victory, a great victory! Our Liaodong Corps broke through Lianshanguan, Motianling, and Benxi, killing and wounding thousands of captives. It is advancing towards Liaoyang and is about to encircle Liaoyang City!"
The news of victory on the front line brought strength to the tired people, lifted their spirits, and aroused their discussions.
"The day before yesterday, Guo Shuai had already led his army to Liaoyang City. Now that the Liaodong troops have arrived, the Liaoyang prisoners have not escaped."
"Leave no one behind. Kill all the damn Jianlu to satisfy their hatred."
"When did Guo Shuai show mercy to Jianlu? He hates Jianlu the most."
"We have captured all of Benxi, which is not far from Shenyang. It seems that we are very sure to destroy the Jianlu this year."
People were discussing and talking about their opinions. They forgot about their tiredness and their hands and feet became more agile.
“Go back to your hometown next year!” Some people expressed longing for it again. “Although we have to rebuild houses and reclaim the land, our ancestors’ graves are there, so we can’t leave them alone!”
“I don’t know what happened to my hometown due to the scourge of the rebels?” Someone sighed: “I guess there are a few good houses in the village, and the ground is full of weeds.”
"Just treat it all as abandoned!" Someone interjected: "Rebuild it. The government should help the new immigrants."
Shen Dalong did not participate in these discussions. On the contrary, he was still in a state of excitement and agitation.
"It's like this every time, and it's a great victory every time, so you can rest assured!" Xingzi picked up the basket again and teased her man, "Ping Liao will fight many battles, and there will be many happy moments!"
Hehe, Shen Dalong nodded vigorously, his eyes not leaving the announcement. Over the past few years, he had learned a lot of words and could barely understand them.
"Lianshanguan and Motianling have blocked the way for Jianlu to escape eastward. As for Benxi, this is a bit strange. There is no need to go so far away?"
Xingzi looked at her husband, who was still thinking, and couldn't help but shook her head and walked towards the end of the field.
Fang Zhenghua was able to broadcast live broadcasts to Chongzhen and the court, and Chongzhen also issued edicts to the world to boost the morale of the people. The same was true for Dongjiang Town, reporting victory to all soldiers and civilians, inspiring and inspiring greater strength.
Unity is the foundation and guarantee for victory. The army is on an expedition, the militia are mobilized to support the frontline, and the people are actively producing. From top to bottom, they are all working towards the ultimate goal.
On the contrary, the atmosphere in Shenyang is depressing and heavy, like thick clouds shrouding it with no trace of sunshine.
Mandahai led his troops to retreat from Benxi, and Azig led his troops to retreat to the north bank of the Taizi River. Unfavorable news came one after another. Dorgon did not hide it, and took the opportunity to hold a political meeting and began to formally discuss moving north to avoid disaster.
"Even as a preventive measure, it is necessary to relocate some old, weak, women and children." After the Battle of Benxi, Mandahai's attitude has changed and he no longer resists the relocation of people.
Dorgon was very satisfied. It seemed that the private communication had worked. As long as he didn't object, the matter would be easy to handle.
There are only a few slave chiefs with the highest status at present. Daishan's sons Barama and Mandahai, Manggurtai's son Maidali, plus the three Dorgon brothers, Hauge who has been surrounded in Liaoyang can be eliminated.
outer.
As an important minister, Tu Lai also agreed with the arrangement in advance and said: "I second the suggestion. The old, weak, women and children are of little use to the autumn harvest and to resist the enemy. Evacuating in advance is a foolproof plan."
Li Yongfang sighed secretly and said: "While the enemy is besieging Liaoyang, it is necessary to take precautions to see if he still has the strength to continue his northern attack. To prepare for a rainy day, I also agree to relocate some people first to reduce the burden of the war."
The battle still has to be fought, even if it is resisted step by step and delayed as much as possible. But before the Liaoyang city is lost, there is still hope for the Jianlu captives, and it is impossible to start a mass rout now.
Although news of the defeat came one after another, the number of men and horses lost was not large, and most of them were in the Liaoyang area. In fact, this was what Jianlu could foresee.
Since they were unwilling to engage in a decisive battle with the Dongjiang Army in Liaoyang with an overwhelming force, it was not surprising that the Dongjiang Army fell into passivity in Liaoyang with its firepower and military strength. Wasn't the idea of building a captive army to defeat the enemy by holding on to Liaoyang?
Dorgon slightly nodded his head. The proposal to relocate the people was proposed by Mandahai, which was the best result. In this way, without damaging his prestige, the plan could be implemented smoothly.
Duduo's final statement can be regarded as finalizing the issue of relocation.
No one objected anymore. The powerful offensive launched by the Dongjiang Army and the unexpected timing made it difficult for Jianlu to cope with it.
As long as there is no water in your head, you will calmly think about how bad and dangerous the current situation is.
With the current military strength alone, once Liaoyang is captured, it will be impossible to defend the vast territory. At that time, let alone relocating the people, even fleeing in panic, I am afraid it will not be possible.
"Since everyone has suggested relocating the people, let's start taking action without further delay." Dorgon said slowly: "In addition to relocating the old, weak, women and children, when Dajin's life and death are at stake, everyone else must mount up with arms.
Always be ready to face the enemy."
Hou Jin claimed that all the people were soldiers, mounted for war and dismounted for farming, fishing and hunting. He was truly an all-rounder, even many strong women were no exception.
Now, we have finally reached the point where everyone is mobilized and everyone is fighting. Making such a decision is painful and helpless.
The slave chiefs all knew that the gap in combat power between veterans in their fifties and sixties, young men in their fifteenth and sixteenth years, and strong women was obvious.
If they participate in the war, under the overwhelming artillery fire and sharp musketry of the Dongjiang Army, the casualty ratio will be horrific.
After the political meeting ended, Dorgon assigned tasks, and the slave chiefs went down to carry out their tasks. Relocating civilians would definitely cause chaos, but this is an inevitable price.
Duduo, Li Yongfang, and Tu Lai, these three important ministers or confidants, soon returned to the Khan Palace to hold secret discussions with Dorgon.
"How long do you estimate that Liaoyang can be defended? When will the Dongjiang Army attack Shenyang?"
Dorgon's face was solemn, which was very different from the calm demeanor at the political meeting just now. Obviously, his judgment of the situation may be more severe.
It can be judged from his questions that he did not consider whether the Dongjiang Army would stop attacking due to food and ammunition problems, allowing Hou Jin to survive the winter.
Everyone also knows that even if they survive this winter, what they will do next year may be even more troublesome. What should they do about spring plowing? Should they do it or not? They have already started migrating, are they going to move back again?
Perhaps if Liao cannot be defeated this year, the Ming court will change its attitude towards Dongjiang Town and reduce its support.
But this does not seem to change the momentum of Dongjiang Town's continued development and growth. Dorgon also feels that he cannot rely on this empty and unrealistic fantasy to formulate strategies.
What was waiting for change was that Dongjiang Town became stronger and stronger, and Dorgon was completely disappointed with this.
Duduo was sitting in the chair. Although he was young, his status was very noble. He frowned slightly and said: "Liaoyang City has been repaired and reinforced, and tens of thousands of people are defending it. I estimate that there should be no problem if it can be defended for two or three months."
After a pause, he added: "Even if you can't keep it for two or three months, it's not difficult for one month, right?"
One month is enough time for Jianlu to have an autumn harvest and get relief in terms of food and grass supplies. However, Dorgon is not very confident in this optimistic estimate.
Seeing Dorgon's gaze moving over, Tu Lai bowed and said: "I think that only by preparing both hands can we have a complete plan. It doesn't matter if it's a month or two or three months. It's probably very difficult to reverse the decline."
After a pause, he continued: "Relocating people now to avoid disaster is not only forced by the situation, but also to prepare for the future. If there are no major accidents, it should be a wise move for Daikin to implement a strategic retreat."
Tu Lai and Dorgon share the same pessimism about the future. The current support is just to try to maintain the internal stability of Houjin so as not to cause too much chaos or even collapse.
Li Yongfang sighed secretly in his heart and said in a deep voice: "Ajigbele has led his army to retreat across the Taizi River, and Liaoyang has become an isolated city. It is obviously impossible to contain the entire Dongjiang Army."
"The total strength of the Dongjiang Army has exceeded 100,000, and 50,000 to 60,000 have besieged Liaoyang. There are still 40,000 to 50,000 that can be mobilized, but this is the key to guard against. According to Guo Dajing's character, since he launched in advance, he will not stop easily.
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Dorgon pondered for a moment and said: "This is why King Khan felt embarrassed because of this concern. Judging from the intelligence, the enemy not only wants to attack the city and occupy the land, but also try to consume as much of my Dajin manpower as possible."
Houjin had a small population and a weak foundation. This weakness had been firmly grasped by Guo Dajing and was continuously amplified in actual combat, giving Dorgon a headache.
Behind Dongjiang Town is the mighty Ming Dynasty with billions of people, and the lost troops can be replenished quickly.
However, Jianlu continued to fight less and less. Not only was the battle stretched thin, but farming and production were also greatly affected, even brought to a standstill.
If the Dongjiang Army only pursues occupying land and seizing the city, Dorgon feels that it will be easier to deal with. He may even be able to find the flaws in its eagerness to advance and concentrate its forces to win one or two battles.
Duduo shook his head and said: "Since we still have to fight, I don't think we should think too much. Otherwise, if we look forward and backward and calculate the casualties, it is better not to fight."
Duduo was dissatisfied with Azig's easy retreat across the Taizi River. Instead of fighting with all his strength, the enemy could see his flaws and use his troops even more unscrupulously.
Whether to fight a big war and be defeated cleanly; or whether it is to be constantly consumed, and the morale of the people will decline as a result, making the enemy more arrogant. This is the difference in the thinking of Duduo and Dorgon.
Dorgon stroked his forehead, smiled bitterly, and said: "If you are outnumbered and outnumbered, you can naturally fight with all your strength. But facing the enemy's superior strength, it may not be wise to fight to the death."
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"From Benxi to Lianshanguan, Motianling, and then to Liaoyang and Taizihe, the Dongjiang Army used large numbers to attack small numbers, giving full play to its strength advantage, making it difficult for our army to take advantage of the opportunity."
Dorgon explained helplessly, and finally couldn't help but sigh and said: "Guo Dajing uses his troops carefully, there are no flaws to be found!"
Why didn't he want to defeat them all and repeat the classic and glorious Battle of Sarhu? But the actual conditions and the steady and steady attack of the Dongjiang Army gave him no chance to take advantage of them.
The most important thing is that today is no different than in the past. During the Battle of Sarhu, Jianlu had only one Jianzhou, and its troops and population were concentrated. It did have the advantage of having an inside line when maneuvering in a small area.
But now, when the Dongjiang Army launches, Liaoyang must be defended, Shenyang must be defended, and even Shangguan and Benxi must be defended. The territory occupied is too large and out of proportion to the strength of the troops, and how can a sufficient number of mobile troops be deployed?