Therefore, giving full play to the power of the navy, pushing the army eastward along the Yangtze River, and finally annihilating the Qing army in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in one fell swoop was the most certain winning strategy made by Zhu Yongxing and his staff after repeated discussions.
But even though the plan is like this, it is not static. Due to the existence of the Qing army in Nanchang, if the Ming army continues to advance along the river and attacks Wuchang, the threat it faces on the flanks is obvious. The Qing army in Nanchang can advance north and attack the Ming army under Wuchang City.
army; you can also march westward and attack Yuezhou or Changsha.
Prudence is still Zhu Yongxing's character trait. After meeting with King Zheng Liu Tichun and explaining in detail the future combat characteristics and tasks of the Shuo Army, he rushed back to Yuezhou to take charge and immediately made strategic adjustments.
The Zhengshuo army contracted towards Yuezhou and formed a quarrel with the friendly forces in Jingzhou, which not only prevented the Qing army from invading Wuchang, but also made Yuezhou worry-free.
An order was sent for the Dangshuo Army to march north from Pingxiang and Yichun to attack Nanchang; Wei Junzhong's First Division of the Mie Shuo Army in Fuzhou and the First Division of the Zhengshuo Army in Ji'an joined forces and advanced toward Wuchang from the southwest; the Yangtze River Navy
One part of the army was dispatched along the river to harass Wuchang, preventing the Qing army in Wuchang from fully reinforcing it.
The strategic initiative is in the hands of the Ming army, and time is also in the Ming army's favor. Weapons and equipment are being shipped from the rear. The army against Shuo and the army against Shuo are being formed, re-equipped, and trained. The army against Shuo is growing in strength, and the navy is
The Marine Corps is expanding its establishment, and anti-Qing riots in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are spreading...
Of course, adopting steady advancement and controlling the pace of strategies and tactics has a deeper meaning. Because Zhu Yongxing did not limit his sights to the south of the river, but was laying out the world. In the eyes of the Qing court, this important place and that key point was in
It seems that Zhu Yongxing is just a corner of the big chessboard. He can be taken slowly or not for the time being. This is not an urgent matter for the whole big layout.
Not to mention the south of the Yangtze River where the war is currently taking place, from Gansu to Shaanxi and Henan, to Shandong and Zhili, and then to the capital and Liaodong, a comprehensive combat plan is being prepared intensively. It is not just a plan on paper.
There is the hoarding of supplies, the use of personnel, and the mobilization of troops. It can be said that every action of the Ming army is in service of this overall layout.
Although Zhu Yongxing was based in Yuezhou, he commanded more than just the Ming armies fighting around him. Secret messages and intelligence constantly sent from Guangzhou enabled him to constantly adjust every chess piece, and the overall situation of the world became increasingly clear.
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"The battle between Lao Nu (Battle of Sarhu) and Wang Jikai's victory. The battle between Hongtai (Battle of Songjin) and the emperor's career was determined. His Highness wanted to stab his throat with a sword, but he must fight against Songjin, and did the opposite.
." Wu Sangui faced the map, scratched it with his fingers, thought over and over, and murmured to himself.
The Battle of Saarhu, the Battle of Shen-Liao, and the Battle of Songjin are three milestones in the history of the founding of the Qing Dynasty, reflecting three major historical turning points in the rise and rise of the Qing Dynasty.
The Battle of Saarhu was the beginning of a major military conflict in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, marking the transformation of the military posture of both sides - the Ming and Liao armies switched from offense to defense. The Jin army later switched from defense to offense: the Shen-Liao Battle was the first of the fierce military conflicts in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
**, marking the transformation of the political situation of both parties - the end of the Ming Dynasty's rule in Liaodong. The establishment of Hou Jin's rule in Liaodong; the Songjin War was the end of the military conflict in Liaodong during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and marked the break of the military deadlock between the two sides in western Liaoning -
With the Ming army suddenly losing its military power, the Qing army turned to a new strategic offensive, laying the foundation for breaking through Shanhaiguan, establishing Yanjing, and taking control of the Central Plains.
Zhu Yongxing's overall plan was the Northern Expedition, which was not conventional, but it was to cut off the communication between Liaodong and the Central Plains and eliminate the main force of the Manchu Qing Dynasty in the Central Plains. This plan seems a bit whimsical, but after careful study, it has certain reasons.
and the basis for success.
First of all, after the Manchu and Qing dynasties took control of the Central Plains, there were not many soldiers left in Liaodong. They were all busy going to the prosperous places of the Central Plains to enjoy themselves, and who wanted to stay in the bitter cold land. Moreover, the Manchu and Qing Dynasties did not allow Han people to colonize wasteland and live outside the customs.
That was what they kept as an escape route. They thought that one day they could no longer survive in the Central Plains and would be able to return to the outside world.
Therefore, if we follow the normal steps of the Northern Expedition in history, when the defeat is certain, the Manchu Qing Dynasty is likely to plunder wantonly and withdraw from the customs with a large number of people and property. Then send troops to Shanhaiguan, Jinzhou, Dalinghe and other places
Holding firm will create many difficulties for the Ming army to regain Liaodong.
Secondly, Zhu Yongxing was wary of Tsarist Russia and did not want the Manchu Qing Dynasty, who had retreated outside the customs, to have the opportunity to collude with Tsarist Russia. In history, Tsarist Russia instigated and supported separatist forces to encroach on China. This was its usual tactic. Mongolian Galdan,
The rebellions such as Alabutan all had the shadow of Tsarist Russia behind them. If the Manchus were defeated and retreated from the pass, the situation would naturally be different from that in history. It would be entirely possible for the Manchus to become pawns of Tsarist Russia and harass and attack the Ming Dynasty. In this way, the Ming army wanted to
To regain Liaodong, we will inevitably face greater difficulties and a more complicated situation.
Zhu Yongxing once gave a vivid metaphor for this battle plan that is beyond ordinary people's imagination, called "prevent wolves in front, fight dogs in the back". The wolves refer to the Manchus in the Central Plains, and the dogs refer to the Qing troops who stayed in Liaodong. One large and one small.
, one is strong and the other is weak, that is the difference between wolves and dogs.
After the Qing troops entered the customs, the Shengjing area was regarded as the Longxing place of the Qing Dynasty. General Shengjing was under the jurisdiction of one person, with four deputy capital commanders, one deputy commander-in-chief, eight city guards, and ten assistant commanders.
Five people, two defensive lieutenants, 131 assistants, and more than 200 riders in the cavalry school; the main garrison areas are Shengjing, Xingjing, Fengcheng, Yizhou, Niuzhuang, Jinzhou, Jinzhou, and Liaoyang
, Xiongyue, Fuzhou, Ningyuan, Guangning, Tieling, Kaiyuan, etc. There are more than 7,000 officers and soldiers of the Eight Banners under General Shengjing. Counting their family members, there are nearly 100,000 people.
That's right, more than 7,000 soldiers are almost the entire military strength of Liaodong. Even if family members are mobilized and the Qing soldiers from the Heilongjiang River Basin are added, how much can the military strength and combat effectiveness be increased? According to the saying in the art of war, "avoid the reality and attack the fictitious"
, the troops pointed at Liaodong, it was not considered a violation.
One defense and one strike highlight the characteristics and methods of combat. Once the connection between the inside and outside the pass is cut off, it will be an attack on Liaodong and a defense on the inside. This is a conclusion drawn after analyzing the strengths of both sides.
. Attack the weak first, then attack the strong. This is also in line with the art of war.
Of course, the idea of this grand layout is very ambitious. If it succeeds, it is not an extravagant hope to conquer the world in one fell swoop. However, there are still many difficulties to overcome in the process of realization.
The first is the strategic maneuverability of the large corps, as well as the ability to ensure the supply of grain, ammunition and other materials. The Ming army can now mobilize thousands of large and small ships. If it is transported by sea, it should be able to meet the transportation needs. In order to avoid mistakes as much as possible,
Zhu Yongxing's idea is to establish material bases on Jeju Island or Changdao and Denglai in Shandong to reduce variables as much as possible during transportation.
The transportation capacity can be met, but supplies need to be hoarded. Not only food and ammunition, but also quilts, cotton-padded clothes and other items needed for fighting in low-temperature environments. There are also soldiers. Zhu Yongxing believes that the most ideal strategy is to open up a new battlefield in Shandong.
Then recruit at least one army in Shandong. When it comes to breaking through Guandong, Shandong people are the most numerous. Crossing the Bohai Bay is Liaodong. In terms of climate adaptation, Shandong people are the most suitable to take root in Liaodong and fight in low-temperature environments.
The second step is the formation of the cavalry force. In the northwest is King Jin's Zhenshuo Army. In the northeast! Zhu Yongxing's idea is to transfer some officers from the Zhenshuo Army, and then recruit good cavalrymen from each army. Then use North Korea to purchase goods on Jeju Island
The horses must undergo closed training, and at least three thousand motorized cavalry are needed to be more confident in conquering Liaodong.
Finally, there are various small aspects, such as reconnaissance and surveying of the sea conditions, tides, reefs, etc. in the area where the landing operation is to be carried out. This task has been handed over to the Ming Army squadron pretending to be pirates in Changdao; such as the assembly of participating troops, landing, etc.
How to keep the location of the ship secret; how to mobilize the Qing army as much as possible to make its defensive force weaker; how to create an illusion so that the Qing court can continue to stay in the north and find it difficult to make the decision to escape back to its home base...
The Chinese New Year is coming soon. Zhu Yongxing’s plan is to launch operations in the late spring of the year after next year after a year of preparation. From late spring to early winter, even if the southern soldiers are not adapted to the climate, they can still fight for more than half a year. Even if
If the Tartars cannot be completely eliminated, establishing a solid foundation in Liaodong should not be a problem.
It is precisely because of the existence of this general layout that Zhu Yongxing adopted a steady advance strategy, which not only consumed more of the Qing army's power, but also did not scare the Qing court. Just like during the War of Liberation, the four fields were temporarily not allowed to enter the pass, thus keeping the Qing government in check.
Fu Zuoyi Group is as stable as Pingjin.
There are still four months until next spring. As long as the south of the river is recovered within these four months and farming is not delayed, there will be enough food and grass to support the war the year after next; and more than a year
, all the preparations were almost completed, and it was time to seal the throat and thrust out the sword.
"Songjin! Dalinghe, Jinzhou, Songshan..." The flesh on Wu Sangui's face twitched twice. As a witness who participated in the Songshan War, the experience of only escaping from that tragic defeat left him still frightened.
The long-distance travel footprints of the ancients before the Liao and Jin Dynasties did not pass through the Western Liaoning Corridor. After the Qin Dynasty destroyed the Six Kingdoms, Qin Shihuang ordered the Chi Road to be overhauled. Only Wuzhong (Jixian County, Tianjin) to Jieshi (Huludao Suizhong) was opened here, with Yuguan in between
(Shanhaiguan) to Jieshi is the westernmost section of the Western Liaoning Corridor, which means that the Western Liaoning Corridor was not connected during the Qin Dynasty. From the Qin and Han Dynasties to the Sui and Tang dynasties, the main route from the Central Plains to the Northeast was to leave Yuguan and then follow the Daling Valley through Jianchang (
Now under the jurisdiction of Huludao), Chaoyang turns eastward and crosses Yiwulu Mountain to Liaoyang, an important town in the northeast.
Why is this? The coastal areas of western Liaoning have undulating hills, widespread rock masses, and sparsely populated areas. Although there are grassy roads, they are still in a closed desert state. There are no important towns or fortresses. It is also a place where ethnic minorities live. They are mainly nomadic and the residents are scattered.
In the longer-term local government, local officials were just ethnic leaders who submitted to the Central Plains court. The court and the people had no requirement to open up the Western Liaoning Corridor.
The development of the Western Liaoning Corridor began in the Liao Dynasty and developed in the Jin Dynasty. After the Khitan established the Liao Kingdom, it invaded and occupied the sixteen states of Yanyun and approached the Yellow River. Western Liaoning has become the hinterland of the Liao Kingdom. The Liao army captured a large number of Han people from the plains and placed them as slaves in western Liaoning.
The Han people engaged in handicraft production, cleared wasteland for farming, and built cities. The reclamation of land in the Western Liaoning Corridor promoted the development of roads.
The Western Liaoning Corridor was perfected in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the early Ming Dynasty, western Liaoning, except for the Western Liaoning Corridor, was all under the Mongolian sphere of influence, and ethnic conflicts became increasingly fierce. In the fourteenth year of Hongwu (1381), Wei Guogong Xu Da founded Guancheng at the junction of Hebei and Liaoning.
Shanhaiwei was established, and it was originally named Shanhaiguan.
"Outside the Pass" is the place east of Shanhaiguan, which people are accustomed to call "Guandong". The east of Shanhaiguan includes most of the present-day Liaoning Province, also known as Liaodong. The location of Shanhaiguan is exactly at the throat of the western end of the Liaoxi Corridor, like a big
The lock firmly locks the land passage from the Northeast into North China. The ancients praised: The two capitals have an unparalleled lock and key, and they are the first pass of the Great Wall.
In 1442, the Ming Dynasty ordered the construction of a border wall to consolidate the security of the Western Liaoning Corridor and protect the Ming Dynasty's dominance in Eastern Liaoning. After the construction of the border wall, the ancient roads from Northeast China to the Central Plains through Chaoyang could no longer be passed at will, and the Western Liaoning Corridor played a prominent role.
If the Western Liaoning Corridor could be cut off, the Qing government could still pass through the dangerous Yanshan Mountains from the border wall north of the capital. It would then circle back to Liaodong from Inner Mongolia, but how long would it take to drag the family with the family and the heavy baggage? Moreover, it would be defeated from the capital.
It means that the Manchu Qing Dynasty is at the end of its rope. Will those seemingly submissive Mongolian tribes let these big fat sheep return safely? At least the Chahar tribe will pounce on them like evil wolves to avenge the shame of the past.
“Guangning Zhongqian Suo (Sui Zhong Qian Suo), Guangning Qian Tun Wei (Sui Zhong Qian Wei), Guangning Zhong Hou Suo (Sui Zhong), Ningyuan Zhong You Suo (Xingcheng Sha Hou Suo), Ning Yuan Wei (Xing Yuan Wei)
City), Lianshan Post (Lianshan), Ningyuan Zhongzuo Suo (Lianshan Tashan), Xingshan Post (Xingshan, Jin County), Guangning Zhongtun Suo (Jin County Songshan), Guangning Zhongzuo Tuenwei (Jinzhou)
..." Wu Sangui's fingers slowly traced along the Liaoxi Corridor with mountains on its back and the sea on its side, reciting the names of places one by one.
It is backed by mountains and faces the sea, with undulating hills and a dangerous situation. It is an important passage between the inside and outside of the pass, and has always been a must-pass for military strategists. The Ming and Qing Dynasties fought for and conquered here for many years, and it can be said that it is full of blood.
Although Zhu Yongxing gave Wu Sangui the research topic of landing and attacking in Liaodong Bay, it was actually more so that he could kill time in Guangzhou.
It has been planned to land in Liaodong Bay, Huludao, Jinzhou Bay, or directly upstream the Liao River from Panjin or Yingkou into Liaodong. Among other things, Zhu Yongxing knew about the Liaoshen Campaign, so he decided to land on Huludao to reinforce Jinzhou.
Because the current warships have a shallow draft, the Ming army can directly enter Jinzhou Bay and even bypass Tashan. It can approach Jinzhou from the shore defense lines such as Dayushan Island.
A burst of laughter interrupted Wu Sangui's deep thoughts. He looked up with some displeasure. Through the glass window, he saw his wife walking over holding her grandson Wu Shilin. Behind him were his son Wu Yingxiong and his daughter-in-law Jianning Gaoming.
As Zhu Yongxing said, the residence arranged for Wu Sangui was once the residence of the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi in the Qing Dynasty. It cannot be said to be magnificent, but it can be regarded as one of the best in Guangzhou. When it comes to uniqueness, it naturally uses some new materials, such as the rich man who just lived in Guangzhou
Glass lattice windows, dressing tables with large mirrors, etc. are popular in homes.
Oh, woman! Being able to be with your children and grandchildren is the greatest happiness. Wu Sangui sighed helplessly, put together the unfinished Liaodong strategy and put it aside.
"Your Majesty, I haven't seen you out and about when I arrived in Guangzhou? There are a lot of novelties to see!" Mrs. Zhang walked into the room, smiled happily, and said: "Today, the princess invited me to listen to the opera. The opera was sung really well. It was from Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
Where’s the team that’s coming!”
What kind of princess is she, just a concubine? Wu Sangui slandered, but forced a smile on his face and said: "As long as you are happy, don't you have official duties? Your Highness solemnly explained it, how can you treat it carelessly?"
Wu Yingxiong and Jianning entered the room and saluted. Wu Sangui nodded, smiled and picked up his grandson Wu Shilin. He sat in the chair and played with it for a while before handing it back to his wife. After chatting for a while, Mrs. Zhang got up and talked to Jianning. After his grandson left,
At the house, Wu Yingxiong was stopped by Wu Sangui.
After being kidnapped and surrendering, Wu Yingxiong worked as a small official in the Intelligence Bureau. He was not busy or tired at work. He just edited and summarized some situations in the capital. For example, he knew the temperament, weaknesses and strengths of the officials in the capital, etc.
material.
Of course, due to Ye Hu's instruction, Wu Yingxiong also had access to some more confidential information and brought it to Wu Sangui for reference. This was not a fear of him leaking the secret, but it was an invisible deterrent. Through him, he could also
Wu Sangui knew how big and pervasive the intelligence agency was, which made him calm down.
"Father, the Qing government is planning to mobilize troops from Shanhaiguan and Xuanfu." Wu Yingxiong waited for Wu Sangui to sit down before he said: "Among the Mongolian tribes, only Horqin and Khalkha are sending troops, and the rest are either delayed, or losing horses, and privately
I told the soldiers in the north that they are not used to fighting in the south, so don’t lose your troops."
Wu Sangui was secretly alarmed. The Intelligence Bureau had penetrated into the various Mongolian tribes and knew all their movements and words. It seemed that some high-level officials of the Mongolian tribes might have colluded with the Ming court!
"Father, I am afraid that the Qing government will not be able to sustain itself in the south." Wu Yingxiong continued: "I have seen the Ming navy at sea. Their ships are as big as towers and their masts are like forests. They are really invincible. With this kind of water,
Division, the entire coast from Jiangsu and Zhejiang to Liaodong will be threatened. Continuously moving troops southward will waste strength and leave the north empty. This is a fool's opinion."
"Well, my son's judgment is good." Wu Sangui nodded appreciatively and said: "Despite this, the Qing government is riding a tiger and has to compete with the Ming army in the south. At least it cannot show weakness. Otherwise, people's hearts will change, and even the north may be affected.
It’s not stable anymore.”
"If you continue to waste it like this, it will play into His Highness Min's plan." Wu Yingxiong sneered and said: "Now we are laying the foundation for the Northern Expedition. Can the Qing court not see it?"
"Whether you can see it or not, who of the four major auxiliary officials dares to cower or propose peace talks?" Wu Sangui clicked heavily on the map, "It is impossible to rule by crossing the river. How can His Highness Min be willing to abandon it?"
Already occupied land? Yellow River? That would be giving up without a fight, and none of the four major auxiliaries can shoulder this responsibility." (To be continued...)