The Red Mansions

Shandong, Dongchang Prefecture
  This Fucheng is also known as Liaocheng in later generations. It is early May, the sky is blue, the air is fresh, and the fragrance of vegetation is everywhere.

  A large number of cavalry troops led by Jia Heng arrived in the fields thirty miles away from Dongchang Fucheng. They had just asked their soldiers to dismount and rest. They had lunch and the horses were fed fodder.

  After a while, Li Shu, the leader of Jinyi's personal guards, came over and said with cupped fists: "Captain, Baoding's soldiers and horses have arrived in Dezhou and are rushing to Jinan Prefecture for reinforcements."

  Jia Heng frowned and asked: "Where are the soldiers and horses in Henan?"

  "At this moment, we have entered Caozhou Mansion." Li Shu said.

  When Jia Heng was in Shenjing, he sent a quick horse to inform Zhongjing Hou Shi Ding of Henan and Kang Hong of Baoding, and ordered them to recapture Wuding Prefecture north of Jinan Prefecture from Baoding and attack from Henan. Caozhou Mansion recovered the lost cities in the two places.

  If Hauge and Chen Yuan lead tens of thousands of troops to attack Jinan Fucheng, it means that most of the rebels from the guard posts in these two places have been mobilized to accompany Chen Yuan and Hauge on the expedition, and there will be no soldiers left to defend the city. too much.

  Jia Heng frowned slightly, turned to look at Chen Xiao aside, and said in a deep voice: "If Jinan Fucheng is not breached now, it probably won't be breached in the next few days. Let's divide our troops and capture Dongchang quickly. Yanzhou Prefecture, and at the same time send troops to attack Yanzhou Prefecture directly to stop the enemy from returning."

  Dongchang Mansion, Wuding Mansion, and Yanzhou Mansion were all previously infiltrated by the White Lotus Sect's guards and captured the cities.

  Chen Xiao's cold and frosty jade face showed a trace of thought, and he said in a clear voice: "That's fine, if Dongchang Mansion is not taken, the supply route will be cut off easily, so you have to be careful."

  After all, he comes from a family of military commanders, so he obviously understands the intention.

  Jia Heng said: "Go and summon Cai Quan, Xiao Lin, and Du Feng."

  Upon hearing this, Li Shu, the guard of the Jinyi Mansion, clasped his fists and said yes, and then went to find Cai Quan and other generals.

  A short while later, Cai Quan, Du Feng, Xiao Lin and others, dressed in the official uniforms of a second-grade military general, came quickly with armor on their faces. They looked respectful, cupped their fists and said, "I have seen the commander-in-chief."

  Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "General Cai, you will lead six thousand cavalry to capture Dongchang Mansion and protect our army's food route. You must make no mistakes."

  Cai Quan looked solemn, cupped his hands and said, "Yes, Commander-in-Chief."

  Jia Heng said, then cast his cold eyes on Du Feng and Xiao Lin, and said: "General Du, you lead eight thousand troops to Yanzhou Mansion and recover Yanzhou City."

  Du Biao had a firm look on his face and said yes.

  Jia Heng turned to look at Xiao Lin aside and said: "General Xiao, Tai'an Prefecture is the place where Jinan Prefecture must retreat its troops. You lead [-] troops to Tai'an Prefecture City to cut off the return route of Jinan Prefecture's soldiers and horses. Food Road.”

  There is still a supply of food and fodder for the march of the official army, but the rebels are not robots who do not eat or drink. They also need to collect food and fodder to supply the army.

  Xiao Lin looked solemn and said yes.

  After the generals led their soldiers and horses to the big city, Chen Xiao said: "There should not be many soldiers and horses left in Jifu City, but many people are bewitched by the teachings. If we cooperate to defend the city, the resistance will not be too weak."

  Jia Heng said: "The imperial court's troops are stronger than the White Lotus Sect, and they brought a lot of thunder and other gunpowder with them on this trip. It won't be too difficult to break the city, not to mention the troops are several times that of the enemy. It should be There won’t be any problem.”

  There are people in the city who are bewitched by the White Lotus Cult, and there are also some loyal ministers and righteous men who are loyal to the court.

  Chen Xiao warned: "Don't underestimate it."

  Jia Heng nodded and said: "Chen Yuan and Hauge will probably run to Tai'an Mansion and Yanzhou Mansion recently, and send people to block their way to block their way."

  Chen Xiao thought for a while and said: "If Jinan Fucheng has not been defeated, they will definitely retreat to Yanzhou and Tai'an. There are many foothills there, so they can hide their whereabouts."

  At this moment, the sergeant had already brought the steaming food and walked closer.

  Jia Heng's face calmed slightly and he said, "Let's eat first."

  Chen Xiao nodded and didn't say much else.

  The two of them had lunch together.

  In two days' journey, we will approach Jinan Fucheng. Along the way, Jia Heng led his troops and horses in a similar rush.

  ……

  ……

  At this moment, the troops from Baoding, Hebei Province had arrived at Wuding Mansion first, and the leader was Kang Hong, the military affairs chief of Hebei Province.

  Kang Hong, who is nearly fifty years old, has gray and white hair, a resolute face, and deep decree lines. At this moment, he is leading [-] soldiers and horses to support Wuding Mansion. At this moment, he is looking at Wuding Mansion City in the distance and said to the deputy general on the side: "All The army attacked and besieged Wuding Mansion."

  On the top of Wudingfu City, sergeants and Ding Zhuang were patrolling back and forth, almost as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

  Zhan Dongjin, the commander of the original guards and the leader of the White Lotus Sect, pondered for a moment and said: "Ding Zhuang goes up to the city and coordinates the defense. In addition, bring the two Folan cannons over to block the official offensive."

  The officers and soldiers rushed to the rescue, and the White Lotus Sect could not abandon a city and carry out the so-called breaking into pieces. In fact, there was no place to hide.

  As the war drums sounded "dong dong", the sound of the drums was almost as dense as raindrops, and a large number of soldiers and horses began to flood towards Wuding Fucheng.

  Although the Han army came rushing to help this time, the siege equipment was well prepared. At this moment, the entire army was on the offensive, and the offensive was very fast and fierce, like a steady stream.

  Zhan Dongjin was a little unable to resist. After all, the Jinan Prefecture Guards had been brainwashed, but their training level, military skills, and strict military discipline were far from comparable to the Hebei frontier army under Kang Hong.

  The Hebei soldiers and horses, who were like wolves and tigers, were attacking the city continuously.

  "kill!!!"

  A large number of sergeants charged towards the city. Not long after, there was a sound of "ding, clang, clang" and the sound of "puff" as the blade penetrated the flesh.

  From noon to evening, the setting sun was like blood, and the sunset was brilliant. Under the city wall made of blue bricks and stone, corpses were lying on each other, and the blood immediately soaked the soil.

  The two vermilion city gates with peeling copper nails were already wide open. Many soldiers rushed in, and shouts of killing rang out from time to time in the city.

  The original Wuding government office has been occupied by the Hebei frontier army. As you enter the government office several times, you can see soldiers wearing red uniforms and armor. They hold a long knife in their hands, and there are still traces of residue on their faces. The evil spirit of hunting after the fight.

  Kang Hong frowned, sat on the chair behind the bill, and said, "Take inventory of the treasury, gather the grain and fodder together, and leave for Jinan later."

  At this time, Lieutenant General Tang Xiang said loudly: "Your Excellency, Duke Wei's troops have arrived. Do you agree to march together, or do you want to march together again?"

  Kang Hong's face was majestic and resolute, and he said in a deep voice: "According to Duke Wei's intention, several groups of troops will attack Jinan Mansion."

  "We attacked Jinan Prefecture first. I just heard from the general that there are not many rebels besieging Jinan Prefecture." Lieutenant General Ye Weiheng lowered his voice.

  Kang Hong couldn't help but frowned and said: "You must not underestimate the enemy and rush in. This time there are Jurchens among the thieves. The Jurchens are good at concentrating their forces and annihilating them along the way. Their greed for merit is the most exploited by the enemy."

  At the beginning, during the Longzhi period, the Han army's defeat in Liaodong greatly weakened Chen Han's vitality. As a witness, Kang Hong was naturally wary when he heard that the Jurchen Prince Hauge was also among the rebels.

  Lieutenant General Ye Weiheng raised his hand and said yes.

  Kang Hong then ordered: "Carefully torture the traitors and capture all the traitors in the city who colluded with the White Lotus Sect."

  Shandong, Caozhou Prefecture
  There are still blood stains on the blue-gray city walls of Fucheng, and the flags on the city gate towers are filled with thick gunpowder smoke. Many Han troops in red uniforms and black armor are passing by with weapons in hand.

  After nearly a day of offensive and defensive efforts at all costs by Henan Dusi's [-] troops, Caozhou finally put up a flag embroidered with the word "Han", fluttering in the wind and making a hunting sound.

  Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, has also regained the capital of Caozhou. At this moment, the Marquis of Wu is wearing mourning clothes and his face is quite sad.

  Baoling Hou Shi Nai died in a royal affair. When the bad news reached Henan, Shi Ding was deeply saddened by it and reported to the court, preparing to send troops to Shandong.

  Because even if he was the governor of Henan, he could not use soldiers without the decree of the cabinet and the military aircraft department. Fortunately, Jia Heng acted very quickly and sent an envoy to tell Shi Ding to lead troops to Shandong for reinforcements.

  "Master Marquis, the rebels in the city have been completely eliminated." At this time, Shi He, the general of the Shi family, walked into the official office with his head held high, and said with fists clasped towards Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing.

  Shi Ding, the Marquis of Zhongjing, said in a deep voice: "Carefully screen out the White Lotus demons in the city. Anyone who commits himself to serving the enemy will be charged with treason and punished on the spot!"

  It can be said that the death of his brother Baoling Hou Shi Nai made Wu Hou feel extremely angry.

  "Yes." Shi He looked solemn and said yes with his hands raised.

  Shi Ding turned around and ordered again, saying in a cold voice: "Collect grain, fodder, gold and silver from the city's treasury to purchase grain to support the army." Henan Dusi also sent troops hastily. Many soldiers and horses went to Caozhou, but the actual grain, fodder and baggage were They were also transferred to the rear counties, mainly to quickly recover the capital of Caozhou and put out the rebellion in Shandong.

  As time passed, Cai Quan, Du Feng, Xiao Lin and others led their troops to several cities and began to recover the cities one after another.

  However, some encountered considerable resistance, such as Du Feng and Xiao Lin of Yanzhou Prefecture and Tai'an Prefecture. Until Jia Heng entered Jinan Prefecture, they were still fighting on offense and defense.

  Jinan Fucheng
  After two days and two nights of non-stop siege, this majestic city despite the wind and rain was much dilapidated, but it was still as solid as a rock and unmoving.

  Outside the city, at the Chinese army's tent, Chen Yuan and Hauge's troops gradually returned to the city.

  At this moment, Hauge felt a sense of powerlessness in his heart. He looked at Chen Yuan aside and said, "This city cannot be conquered. There is no chance."

  In fact, in the history of the "Slaughter of Jinan" after the Qing army entered the customs, [-] Qing troops attacked Jinan Fucheng, which was guarded by only a few thousand people. It took a full [-] days to break the city. In the era of cold weapons without gunpowder, , attacking a city is not that easy in the first place.

  Previously, the reason why Hauge and Chen Yuan led troops to attack Jinan Fucheng was because they felt that there was an internal response in the city and they could attack it at once. If the city of Jinan was destroyed, it would mean that there was a Korean base near the sea, and then they could fight with the Han Dynasty. Ting resisted.

  But now that the internal affairs have failed, everything will come to an end.

  "There is no food in the city, and it can last for another three to five days at most. It is about to break the city, so it is better to hold on for two more days." Chen Yuan said with cold eyes and some reluctance.

  Under Hauge's thick eyebrows, those tiger eyes filled with ferocious light were glaring, and he said in a deep voice: "If the fight continues, reinforcements from all walks of life will arrive in Shandong. With several attacks from all directions, we have no way to escape. We should think of the next step." Here’s a strategy for advancing the army.”

  As for this moment, the offensive and defensive battle in Jinan Fucheng has completely failed. Chen Yuan and the White Lotus Sect will completely shrink and wait for the official army to suppress them.

  Chen Yuan felt a little unwilling in his heart, and said in a deep voice: "What does the prince mean?"

  "According to my wishes, I will lead my troops into Jiangsu and disrupt its rich and powerful territory, and then move to Anhui to fight, follow the tactics of the rogue bandits, and disrupt the Han Dynasty." Hauge said in a low voice with his eyes flashing aggressively under his thick eyebrows.

  This is undoubtedly the best solution for the Jurchens.

  Chen Yuandao: "In the land of Jiangsu, the imperial court still has heavy troops stationed in the Jiangbei Camp and the Jiangnan Camp. We, the troops, alone cannot escape the encirclement and suppression. As time goes by, there will only be fewer and fewer troops."

  In fact, Jinling, as the old capital of the Chen and Han Dynasties, had not experienced war for a long time. If the Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps had not been organized and trained by Jia Heng, there would still be a chance of success.

  But now, after the baptism of naval battles and several bandit chaos in Jiangnan, it is not that easy to deal with at all.

  Hauge said: "Although there will be few soldiers and horses, as long as it is operated properly, the Han Dynasty can only run exhausted."

  It has to be said that Hauge's strategy is quite feasible. It can imitate the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and Li Chuang's rogue methods and cause chaos in several provinces.

  When Chen Yuan heard this, he frowned and said in deep thought: "The bandits are rogue, where does the food and fodder come from? Besides, the Duke of Wei who leads the army this time is a general. If he leads the cavalry to block it, we will still be like turtles in a urn, with nowhere to go." escape."

  The White Lotus Sect has been accumulating power in the land of Qilu for a long time, and now it has finally launched a major event. However, it is only because of the failure to attack Jinan City. From then on, it has been idle, but it has to fight in the north and south, risking being encircled and suppressed.

  Seeing this, Hauge said: "Then he can only die in Shandong by being besieged by Jia Heng'er's soldiers and horses."

  Chen Yuan took a deep breath, suppressed the anger that kept rising in his heart, and said: "Your Majesty, let's go to Yanzhou Mansion and Tai'an Mansion first. There are heavy troops stationed in both places, and the terrain is dangerous. We can hold a stalemate with the officers and soldiers. Your Majesty, we can Write a letter to the regent in Shengjing and send all-out troops to attack Ji Town to respond to the situation in Shandong."

  In fact, Chen Yuan was a little dissatisfied with Prince Jurchensu's bossing around, but he had been secretly enduring it.

  Now that the attack on Jinan Fucheng is unfavorable, Chen Yuan is already full of negative emotions, and he feels that his grand plans will be ruined.

  Especially before, Chen Yuan reminded Hauge several times to mobilize Shengjing and North Korean troops to cooperate with Shandong's actions.

  Hearing this, Hauge said: "We already suffered a big defeat last year. Now Shengjing can't mobilize too many troops. Moreover, the Han people have sharp firearms and it is difficult to advance."

  Chen Yuandao: "Now is a rare opportunity to send troops. Last year in the Northwest War, the imperial court suffered heavy losses. After successive wars, the national treasury gradually bottomed out. If the Han court was allowed to settle the internal chaos again, at that time, with the national strength of the Han court and the strength of Najia, With Heng Xiaoer’s methods, it is only a matter of time before Liaodong is destroyed.”

  In fact, what Chen Yuan said is clear to onlookers. Since the victory of Ping'an Prefecture, the national power of the Han Dynasty has indeed become much weaker, the national treasury is empty, and the generals and soldiers of the Beijing camp also have a certain degree of war weariness.

  Therefore, the entire seventeenth year of Chongping was originally intended to recuperate and work hard, but the sudden chaos in Shandong did not give Chen Han officials much opportunity.

  Hauge's face was gloomy and uncertain, and he said: "I will send someone to send a letter to Shengjing to urge you."

  Chen Yuan said in a slightly complaining tone: "When the situation was good, the prince should have asked Shengjing to send troops to the north. At that time, the imperial court was unwilling to negotiate peace."

  If the Jurchens send troops, Jia Heng's son will not lead them at all.

  "The princes and nobles of Shengjing are not fools. They have made moves a few days ago. Waiting for the news from northern Xinjiang, it was originally planned to enter the pass from the north after the capture of Jinan Fucheng." Hauge frowned, feeling a little unhappy in his heart. surge.

  Chen Yuan said: "There hasn't been much military information coming from the north recently."

  As Hauge said, he changed the subject and asked, "What's going on with Li Yanqing? Can he stop Denglai's reinforcements?"

  Coincidentally, while Hauge and Chen Yuan were discussing, a burly general with a short beard came up on horseback, cupped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, General Li sent someone to say, Denglai There are many reinforcements coming from the front, but General Li said that the troops are not enough and can withstand it for a day or two at most."

  Li Yanqing led a small number of soldiers, and his own cavalry only had [-] troops. They were originally rogues and thieves, so naturally they were mostly cavalry.

  In addition, some cavalry troops from the rebel side of the Shandong Guard Station were mobilized under his command to resist the Denglai side, so the two sides were superimposed, six or seven thousand... Therefore, they are not light cavalry in the strict sense. In fact, there are not many Many problems.

  Although the Denglai soldiers and horses are naval forces, it does not mean that the navy soldiers cannot be used as infantry to attack the city, nor does it mean that there are no supporting cavalry troops as shore defense guards to protect the ships and ports and provide mobile response.

  The total strength of the infantry and the cavalry of the Denglai Mansion Guards was between seven and eight thousand. The cavalry that Li Yanqing cobbled together suddenly encountered the enemy and was unable to withstand it.

  Hauge glanced at Chen Yuan solemnly and said, "We can't stop it anymore. Let's withdraw our troops."

  The situation is over and nothing can be done. At this moment, there are only eight words lingering in Hauge's heart.

  Of course, no matter what, as long as the man's vitality is consumed and he is tired of dealing with civil strife, it will be a profitable business for the Jurchens.

  Chen Yuan also noticed the change in the situation, and felt a little frustrated for no reason.

  ……

  ……

  Shandong, Zhangqiu County
  When Jinan Fucheng was originally besieged, this majestic county town was also captured by Chen Yuan's divided troops, who plundered the grain and fodder to supply the needs of the army. Therefore, Li Yanqing led the cavalry to block Denglai's reinforcements, but failed to defeat them. After being defeated, they retreated to Zhangqiu County, intending to use the county's city defense to resist Denglai's naval troops.

  At this moment, Mu Sheng, the crown prince of Dongping County, had already led Denglai's troops and horses and came in a mighty manner. The two armies on horseback and foot carried flags, covering the sky and the sun, and it seemed that they could not see the end.

  Mu Chen, the family general, walked side by side, holding a horse rein on his side. He glanced at the flag fluttering in the wind on top of the city. His eyes became a little solemn and he said: "Your Majesty, the rebels and the White Lotus cult bandits want to use the city to refuse to defend it. .”

  Mu Sheng didn't take it seriously. He pondered for a moment and said, "Jinan Fucheng is not far away. You divide your troops here to besiege the city. I will personally lead the troops to help Jinan Fucheng. We cannot let Jinan Fucheng be destroyed."

  Mu Chen nodded and ordered the general beside him, "Prepare the siege equipment and attack the city immediately!"

  It's just a county town. The city is not that high, so it doesn't need any large siege equipment.

  At this moment, Li Yanqing stood on the top of the city, looking at the Denglai Navy in the distance, with a solemn look on his face, and asked the deputy general Hao Congyuan beside him, "How much food is left in the city, and it can last for a few days?" ?”

  Hao Congyuan looked solemn and said: "It can only last for three days at most."

  "Pass the message out and ask Mr. Chen Yuan to withdraw his troops and send people to break out." Under his thick eyebrows, Li Yanqing's resolute eyes showed a hint of thought, and he suddenly said decisively.

  Hao Congyuan responded, and then ordered someone to deliver the letter.

  "Brother, the imperial army has been divided." At this moment, another man with a square face and a beard said in a deep voice.

  With the sound of drums "dong dong..." Mu Chen had already led the Denglai troops to attack the city.

  Li Yanqing looked solemn and said loudly: "Meet the enemy and defend the city!"

  If the imperial army divides its troops and rushes to support Jinan Fucheng, then the retreat is a foregone conclusion, and they can just wait two days to lead the troops to break through to Yanzhou.

  Accompanied by the "clang clang..." sound of weapons clashing, the sound of a large number of soldiers fighting was noisy. Within a short time, blood and corpses could be seen scattered under the county wall.