For more than 1,600 years from the Western Jin Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, Zhongxiang (now the Jingmen area) has been the seat of counties, prefectures, and prefectures in successive dynasties. Because it was the hometown of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Shizong of the Ming Dynasty had his birth and career here, so the county was named "Zhongxiang".
It means "Zhong Gathering Auspiciousness". In the tenth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1531 AD), Chengtian Mansion was built by the emperor, which was one of the three most famous mansions in the country at that time (Shuntian Mansion - today's Beijing, Yingtian Mansion - today's Nanjing, Chengtian Mansion - today
Zhongxiang), it was very prosperous and was the political, economic and cultural center of Jianghan and Huguang.
The initial attack was assisted by intelligence work, and the Qing army was unprepared. The progress of the Shuo army was smooth. But after the troops pointed out Zhongxiang, although the march was still very fast, the connections between the various units became closer, and the long-range
The close-range scouts came and went for reconnaissance, showing their caution.
Getting closer and closer to Zhongxiang, the Ming army's advance began to slow down, and the expedition horses sent out became more frequent. Until they occupied two counties and towns without any blood, there was still no trace of the Qing army. Not only that, but also the Yamen and the Treasury.
It was empty, all the officials had fled, and there were very few things.
"Abandon the counties and towns and gather troops to defend the capital?" Liu Tichun and others had this suspicion, but did not dare to be so sure.
When the Ming army inquired from house to house, a civilian close to the Ming Dynasty finally secretly gave him some advice and found a county official who was hiding in his home. From his mouth, he finally found out the truth.
"It's easy. If you defeat Zhongxiang, you'll have everything. The surrounding prefectures and counties have been evacuated. It doesn't matter if you don't go, but you don't have to divide your troops."
As soon as this argument came out, it was immediately approved by the vast majority of people. The main purpose of this expedition was not to capture the city, but to rob the population and materials to strengthen itself, which was the long-term plan.
"The defense in Zhongxiang City has been strengthened, and reinforcements may arrive from elsewhere." Chief of Staff Wang Yougong still analyzed calmly, "It is not enough to just attack the city. There must be troops to fight for reinforcements and block reinforcements."
"If it's by water, the Wuchang Qing army can go north from the Han River; if it's by land, only the Jingzhou Qing army can get there the fastest." Liu Tichun ordered his people to spread out the map and start discussing with the generals.
"Based on time, the Qing army in Jingzhou should not have arrived yet." Hao Yaoqi stretched out his hand and roughly measured it, and said: "Should we attack the city first, or send reinforcements first, or attack the city while blocking reinforcements? We must also be careful on waterways. If there are two
If we punish the troops, I'm afraid the siege force will not be enough."
"If we set up a shipwreck downstream of Zhongxiang, we might be able to delay it for some time." Yang Laijia, as the commander of the temporarily formed navy, knew that it was difficult to fight with the current strength, so he cautiously put forward suggestions to stop it.
"Here?" Wang Yougong looked carefully at the bend of the Han River pointed by Yang Laijia, and said thoughtfully: "What if our army changes the direction of the attack?" His hand passed by Zhongxiang, south of Zhongxiang.
Stop. "The whole army is gathered here to block the reinforcements of the Qing army in Jingzhou. It can also respond to the navy and resist the enemies coming up from the water."
Everyone fell into deep thought and did not easily express their opinions on this proposal.
"It's doable." Hao Yaoqi clapped his thigh and said, "Gather the whole army. If the enemy's reinforcements arrive, we can block or annihilate them first depending on the situation. If the enemy's reinforcements don't arrive, we can attack the city with all our strength. The river here is narrow and winding, and the water
The divisions setting up obstacles and the army setting up artillery can also make it difficult to advance."
If we still follow the attack direction from north to south and retreat if the situation is unfavorable, the risk will naturally be the least, and the city will be broken because of the uncertainty of Qing reinforcements, so there is not much certainty. We go around to the south of Zhongxiang and completely block the Qing reinforcements.
It can be divided or combined, it can be fought or blocked, but if it is unfavorable and retreats, it will obviously not be so satisfactory.
The risk is not small. But compared with Zhong Xiang, a big piece of fat - Liu Tichun thought for a long time, gritted his teeth and made a decision under the aggressive gazes of the generals.
…………….
The detour of Tushuo's army seemed very cautious, but the Ming army generals discovered that Zhongxiang's defenders had no intention of leaving the city to attack, and——
"The city gate is blocked?" Liu Tichun was surprised.
Kneeling in front of the generals was a Qing soldier captured by Ming army scouts. Although the city gate was blocked, the Qing army guarding the city would not protect the situation. They hid some people and horses outside the city, and they could attack him.
After passing the news outside, the city can also send people to fly out of the city and report the situation in the city to Wuchang and Jingzhou.
After confirming again, Liu Tichun waved his hand to the soldiers to take away the prisoners, and then smiled at the generals, "Zhang Changgeng, a dog officer, doesn't know the soldiers at all, but he commands blindly."
"A guy who is not satisfied with a bottle but is half a bottle." Hao Yaoqi sneered: "Well, he should have read military books, but it's a pity that he has never actually fought. Those who know how to fight will not do this. Of course, the city gate is contested by the two armies.
focus, but it also has its uses.”
"In this way, our army can safely dig tunnels without having to worry about the enemy defending the city and attacking, nor the enemy in the city and reinforcements attacking." Wang Yougong sneered and said: "This is really setting us up for death. Let's give it a try."
The enemy has left a way to survive, but none of them can escape."
…………
"Don't you know, Lord Governor, that blocking the city gate is a wrong move?" General Zhong Xiang looked depressed as the Ming army outside the city changed from cautious to fearless, drove past the city, and set up camp in the south of the city.
The lieutenant general did not have much combat experience. Although he felt that the general was right, this was an order from the governor. Under the supervision and supervision of the city magistrate, and according to Zhang Changgeng's temperament, even if he won the battle, the consequences of disobeying the order would be miserable.
"Sir, be careful what you say!" the deputy general warned carefully, "even if the governor's order is inappropriate, you cannot disobey it. The prefect is already at odds with you. If you are caught, report it to the governor.
The same situation, what can I do?"
The guard general sighed softly, paused for a long time, and said quietly: "Perhaps the traitorous general made the governor have to take this strategy to block the city gate, but it also stopped some people from thinking about opening the city to meet the enemy. It's just that
——Oh, forget it, let’s focus on defending the city, and we’ll talk about the rest when the reinforcements arrive!”
"Should we send someone out of the city to send the latest intelligence to the reinforcements?" the deputy general suggested tentatively.
"Wait until the enemy troops pass by and observe and observe." The guard was still a little unsure of the Ming army's intention of action. Whether it was to attack the city with the entire army; to monitor the city and divide the troops to attack the reinforcements; or to make a deliberate illusion.
Any action?
"The enemy has not yet laid siege to the city, so the strength may be insufficient, right?" The deputy general watched from a distance, estimating the number of Ming troops.
"If it is a normal attack and defense, the enemy army does not have much advantage in numbers. Let alone siege the city." The guard explained and taught. He still valued this trusted subordinate very much, "But the city gate
Being blocked, the enemy has a lot less to worry about. Not to mention there is no need to keep too many troops outside the city gate."
Under normal circumstances, the attacker's remaining troops at each city gate have to guard against the defenders' counterattack out of the city, so they need to be very strong. If the strength of the troops is not several times the strength of the troops in the city, it will not be possible to completely surround the city. If the siege is forced
, cutting off internal and external communication, the troops will inevitably be very thin and dispersed. This will expose the weak points and be attacked by the defenders in the city.
………………
The purpose of the Ming army was to conquer Zhongxiang and seize all the money and materials in the city. Therefore, they did not make arrangements for siege. Letting some deserters escape would have little impact. However, Zhongxiang blocked the city gate, which unexpectedly allowed the Ming army to gain
The actual effect of the siege.
A circular trench surrounds the city gate; the river is blocked for drainage, rendering the moat ineffective; trees are cut down to build scaffolding and ladders are made... Under the smoke screen of intensive preparations for the siege, the engineering troops begin to quietly dig tunnels. Because they are close to a river and a lake, the tunnels are
Support as you dig to prevent landslides and injury to people.
After constant combat drills, the engineers of the Ming Army already had rich experience in choosing the orientation of excavation tunnels, how to dewater and drain water, how to construct in various soil types, moisture-proof sealing of gunpowder, and several methods of detonation.
Therefore, although this military operation did not carry heavy artillery, it is still possible to conquer most of the cities and blast tunnels. This is also indispensable for the contribution of the intelligence department and the contributions provided by the soldiers of the thirteen families who have fought here.
information.
The meticulous and comprehensive work of the staff group also benefited the generals of the Tushuo Army a lot, and they realized that in terms of combat, the rise of the Southwest Ming Army was not accidental. They were indeed advanced and unique in planning and military command.
Although their combat methods are not all outdated, some of them are indeed no longer suitable for the current Tushuo army, especially the troops equipped with flintlocks and bayonets.
You can't do it if you don't accept it, and you can't do it if you don't learn. Many generals have realized that the establishment of military academies is not simply to win people's hearts and divide their original mountain top doctrine. The gap does exist, and this has to be admitted. If all of them are equipped with new weapons
After being equipped, the combat methods and command routines are still the original traditions, and it is inevitable that the position will be replaced by others.
"Fujian Province has been completely recovered." Yang Laijia sat on the boat and sighed to Hong Fu: "I wonder when I can go back?"
"Now is not the time to go back." Hong Fu looked disapproving, "The navy is no worse than the Zheng family, so where can we have a place? Here, there is a shortage of water and war talents. Waiting for a full-time official position,
Even if you retire and return to your hometown to farm and fish, you are still not comparable to ordinary people."
"You do know the rules of the army?" Yang Laijia scolded with a smile: "You are still farming and fishing, are you going to be successful?"
"Hehe." Hong Fu smiled and said, "Then let's work hard and make a prince or something, majestic and dignified enough!"
"You still want to be a prince? Well, this will be a great future." Yang Laijia kicked Hong Fu in a fit of laughter, and his face suddenly darkened, "This Tartar is really not a thing. He brought us to the hinterland, and we can't smell the fishy sea.
We also carried out a border relocation along the coast, and some relatives came all the way to join me and told me about the tragic events over there. Our families were ruined!"
Hong Fu sighed, "Who says it's not the case! You have relatives and friends who are in trouble? If it weren't for this, I wouldn't be rebellious - no, I would be courageous anyway!"
"This chess move must be the right one." Yang Laijia said thoughtfully: "When the Zheng family is in civil strife, it is inevitable to kill some people. The prince has not learned anything else, but the old prince's decisiveness in killing has taught him everything. Hmm.
, this is also the tradition of the Zheng family. Every time the head of the family changes, a batch of heads fall to the ground."
"This time is no better than before." Hong Fu sneered: "The Ming army occupied Fujian Province, how can those Fujian soldiers of the Zheng family not want to return to their homeland? If he dares to kill, others will dare to run away. Your Highness Min is a responsible person.
When Lao Wang was alive, even the loyal and brave princes would dare to take in your master, let alone a young boy like Zheng Jing now?"
"Well, that's what it is." Yang Laijia nodded in agreement, "One thing is going down, the other is going up. Your Highness Min has the righteousness of the court, and the Zheng family is probably going to fall."
"With an opponent like His Highness Tan Shang Min, both the Tartars and the Zheng family are in trouble." Hong Fu curled his lips and said, "Let's see, in a year at most, the whole south of the river will be dominated by the Ming army.
I'm afraid that Wu Sangui will surrender anyway. Well, he is the only one of the three Han princes left, right?"
"Wu Sangui, hehe, all the smuggled tea leaves have gone to Henan." Yang Laijia laughed and said, "You guy, you have received a lot of benefits from the tea merchants, right?"
"There is no way to support the family." Hong Fu smiled and spread his hands. "Don't you think Tong Guoyao didn't know about this? The court turned a blind eye and squandered money and food. As long as Wu Sangui didn't help, he dared to talk to the court
Go against it?"
"People's hearts are broken, things are going to change today!" Yang Laijia lay down on the boat, looked up at the sky, and seemed to be smiling.
Not only was the war of resistance against the Qing burning raging south of the river, illuminating the hearts of the people who missed the Ming Dynasty, but the Han officials who originally relied on the Manchu and served for them also began to switch sides. Yang Laijia and Hongfu were just one of them, while Guangxi
General Sun Yanling changed his banner under the pressure of the Ming army, which shocked the Qing court even more.
On September 21st of the 16th year of Yongli reign (the first year of Kangxi reign), Sun Yanling took her family, received Zhu Yongxing's decree and reward, and left Guilin. He rushed to Nanning to take up his post. The Syrian male Ma Weixing led his army to Guilin and began an intense war.
Reorganization and training. The Xishuo Army is now fully organized. However, the three divisions are stationed in Guilin, Hezhou, and Shaoguan and cannot be mobilized yet.
On September 26, the 16th year of Yongli (the first year of Kangxi), probably when the Qing court received the urgent report of Sun Yanling's rebellion, Jin Crown Prince Li Sixing led the Zhengshuo Army to set off from Shaowu and invaded Jiangxi.
Destroy Jianchang (Southern City of Jiangxi Province). The troops pointed directly at Fuzhou, an important place known as "leading the Jianghu and controlling Fujian and Guangdong".
Fuzhou is also known as "the outskirts of Nanchang and the close neighbor of Fujian and Taiwan". If it fails, Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, will face a direct threat. At that time, one part of the Jiangxi Qing army was in Ganzhou and the other part was reinforcing Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The province's military strength was quite empty. Dong Weiguo, the governor of Jiangxi, was anxious.
He wrote to Shangshu and requested the imperial court to send troops for rescue. He also urgently mobilized Qing troops from Yuanzhou, Ji'an and other places to the provincial capital to assist in the defense.
In order to coordinate the westward march of Shuo's army, King Ma Bao of Wei ordered his troops Wang Sancai and Yan Weilong to go out of Fenshui Pass and pretend to attack Wenzhou. The navy also launched a raid on the coast of Zhejiang, so that Zhejiang officials hurriedly exclaimed: Ninghai, Xiangshan
In the four counties of Xinchang and Yuhang, "thieves have sprung up and are vying to join the enemy."
At that time, the Qing troops in Jiangsu and Zhejiang were the largest, but the Ming army in Fujian Province used feints to contain the situation. The coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang were frequently harassed, and they were almost completely trapped. Facing the turn of the Ming army's offensive, the Qing troops in Jiangsu and Zhejiang could only do limited things.
Support and response. Counselor Military Guard Commander Sang Wei, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Xibu led an army of 15,000 from Quzhou, Zhejiang, and went south to reinforce Fuzhou.
However, the well-prepared Zhengshuo Army let the enemy know what it means to attack and plunder like the wind. They reported back and forth, organized their troops, and rushed for reinforcements. This time was enough for the Zhengshuo Army to complete the first step of the battle plan for entering Jiangxi.
It took three days to defeat Fuzhou, and two days later, it invaded Raozhou (now Shangrao area), and moved down to Dongshan, Yujiang (now Yingtan area) and other counties. One part built fortifications in the Hengfeng area to meet the Quzhou Qing army moving south; the main force moved along Wanzhou.
In 1941, he moved to Leping and advanced to Qamdo (now Jingdezhen).
……………
The door was pushed open violently, and several soldiers barged in. They frowned and waited for orders from their superiors.
"General Zhao, the prince wants to see you, please come with me!" Zhang Jianpi, Wu Sangui's bodyguard, smiled and took a step forward and cupped his hand hastily.
Sighing, Zhao Liangdong put down the book in his hand, stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the house. The sun was dazzling, and he squinted his eyes for a moment, then slowly opened them wide, stretched his arms, and said comfortably: "The weather is nice.
Ah, it's a good day to hit the road."
Hey, Zhang Jian sneered twice and stretched out his hand to signal, "General Zhao is a sensible person, so please come!"
Zhao Liangdong smiled lightly and said as he walked: "What has the pseudo-clan done? The prince is in a hurry to buy it with the head of a certain family. Something big must have happened, right?"
"It's okay to tell you." Zhang Jian said nonchalantly: "Anyway, Sun Yanling of Guangxi acted righteously, Guilin has been occupied by the Ming army; the land of Jingxiang has been captured by the Thirteen Families, and they have conquered five cities; the Ming army entered from Fujian
Gan, Fuzhou, and Raozhou were defeated in succession; the Ming navy was fierce, and the coasts of Jiangsu and Zhejiang were in danger."
Zhao Liangdong paused in his steps and frowned. He had been detained for a long time and had no information, but Zhang Jian's account still shocked him.
"The pseudo-clan is really very human. If the Southern Ming Dynasty is not destroyed, this person will be sent down from heaven!" Zhao Liangdong sighed and shook his head repeatedly, then smiled and said: "Sun Yanling rebelled and surrendered. The Ming armies in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces have become a pincer attack. No wonder the prince is impatient.
La! Haha, if a certain family’s head can please the pseudo-clan, a certain family would be very honored!”
"Zhang Yong, Wang Jinbao, and you are the people that Min Fan will want to get rid of quickly." Zhang Jian rolled his eyes and said disdainfully: "If you repent now, you can still live. Your Majesty can give it to you.
When you go to Guangzhou, your life or death will be decided by His Highness."
"Repent?" Zhao Liangdong suddenly showed a sarcastic smile, tilted his head and said to Zhang Jian: "Then the prince has repented? First surrendered to Chuangni, then to the Qing army, and then to the Nanming. How does it feel to be a slave of these three surnames?
"
"Fart! You are so shameless, tie me up and beat him." Zhang Jian was furious. With a wave of his hand, several powerful soldiers rushed forward, knocked Zhao Liangdong to the ground, and bound him with ropes.
"Haha, haha..." Zhao Liangdong was beaten with blood all over his face, but he still kept laughing and swearing, "Wu Sangui, don't you have the face to see me? For that bitch Chen Yuanyuan, you sold Zhu
So what if your family is rich and powerful now? Are you going to give your wife, daughter, and granddaughter to the fake clan to flatter you..."
"Shut up, shut up his mouth." Zhang Jian was furious and kicked Zhao Liangdong hard in the face, and ordered the soldiers to block Zhao Liangdong's mouth and drag him away.