The Red Mansions

Chapter 1243 The matter is urgent, so you should use cruel methods to serve the king!

  Shengjing, Palace Garden

  In fact, since the Han court sternly rejected the Jurchens' request for peace, it didn't take long for the Jurchens to receive the news. Dorgon and other senior Jurchens were furious, but they were helpless.

  Because the offensive and defensive dynamics between the Han and the Manchu Qing were different.

  At this moment, the Xiande Hall was crowded with people, and the civil and military ministers stood with their hands crossed. The atmosphere in the hall was a bit depressing. And in such a meeting place, there was a familiar figure behind the courtiers. It was Sun Shaozu, who was currently in Aji. Do things for Ge's subordinates.

  Sun Shaozu lowered his head and listened quietly to the discussions of the Manchu and Qing officials.

  In the middle of the golden dragon chair in the middle of the hall sat the young emperor Fulin, and on the chair beside him was the regent Dorgon.

  Dorgon said: "Now that there is civil unrest in the White Lotus Sect in Shandong of the Han Dynasty, Prince Su has gone to help deal with the affairs. Do you think that the Qing Dynasty will send troops to help Shandong and attack the Han Dynasty from both inside and outside?"

  In fact, Hauge was originally going to be questioned, but after Fan Xiandou's persuasion, at the expense of Hauge going to Shandong to mess up the Han court, Dorgon opened the door and showed his openness to the Jurchens and other high-ranking officials. On the other hand, it is also a waste utilization of Hauge.

  Among the princes and nobles below, Du Du came out and raised his hands and said: "Prince Regent, now that the Han people are tired of dealing with the chaos in Shandong, it is time for us to use troops to avenge our shame. From Qinglong Pass in Jizhen and Xuanfu Enter the Han territory and support Prince Su."

  Before Du Du could finish his words, Man Dahai, the Minister of Household Affairs of the Manchu Qing Dynasty, went out to object and said: "Prince Regent, since the tragedy of Ping'an Prefecture, our Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty have suffered many casualties. Although they have been supplemented in the past few months, We have used up a lot of money and food. If we fight this battle again, we will not be able to capture the Han Dynasty if we allocate too few troops and horses, but if we allocate too much, we will not be able to allocate enough grain and fodder for the treasury of the Ministry of Revenue."

  Shuosei pondered for a moment and said: "Now the soldiers and horses of Jizhen, Datong and Xuanfu are difficult to deal with."

  Ao Bai clasped his fists and said: "Prince Regent, we can't completely ignore Shandong. Prince Su is now going deep into the Han Dynasty for the sake of our Qing Dynasty. We can't ignore it. If the Han people are allowed to calmly calm down the chaos in Shandong, they will use their full strength to deal with us." , please also ask the regent to send troops."

  At this time, Azige looked angry and said angrily: "Send troops! Since the Han Dynasty is unwilling to negotiate peace, then beat them!"

  Jirharang's lips moved, but he didn't say anything after all.

  Since the battle of Ping'an Prefecture, when Huang Taiji was killed by the Hongyi Cannon, Jierhalang has been criticized a lot, and he has rarely spoken out in discussions among the Jurchen high-level officials.

  Dorgon was silent when he heard this. He seemed to think about it for a while, then turned to look at Fan Xiandou, who was looking down, and asked, "What do you think, Mr. Fan?"

  Previously, Dorgon followed Fan Xiandou's advice and chose to be "generous" on the Haug issue.

  Fan Xiandou was present at this moment, squinting his eyes slightly, his face covered with age spots seemed to be lost in thought. Hearing Dorgon's call, he cupped his hands and said: "I thought that when we send out troops, not only our Eight Banners elites, but also the Korean water The division should also send troops to Shandong to put pressure on the Han court and not let the Han court gather heavy troops to strangle the righteous men of Shandong!"

  At this moment, Fulin was sitting on the dragon chair paved with bright yellow mattresses, looking down at the discussion below, his smart eyes subconsciously looking at Dorgon.

  There was a trace of resentment hidden deep in his heart.

  Uncle Fourteen bullied his mother and concubine. Can he be worthy of his father?

  Dorgon hesitated for a moment and said thoughtfully: "At this time, the food supply is insufficient, so it is not suitable for a national war, right?"

  "If the Han court were to calmly quell the Shandong rebellion, it would be even more difficult." Fan Xiandou said with determination in his old eyes.

  Dorgon nodded, his face thoughtful.

  This opportunity was really rare, or it could be said that during the chaos in the Central Plains, it was also a suitable time for the Jurchens to invade, but they were quickly put down by Jia Heng.

  Fan Xiandou cupped his hands and said: "Prince Regent, in last year's northwest war, the Dzungars and the Heshuote people both suffered losses at the hands of the Han people. Later, they formed an alliance with the Qing Dynasty. If the Qing Dynasty sends troops, we can lobby to send troops together."

  The Junggar and Heshuote families all sent people to Shengjing to contact each other and agreed to jointly resist the Han court.

  But with the rise of the Han Dynasty and the suppression of the barbarians, a group of small countries from all over the world began to unite vertically and horizontally. However, due to the long distance, it was impossible to act in unison unless agreed in advance.

  "They are still recuperating since their defeat, and they can't catch up now." Dorgon shook his head and said.

  After thinking about it again, he said: "Then send troops to enter the pass again, even if it attracts the attention of the Han court, and attracts the attention of the Han court for Prince Su."

  After hearing this, all the princes and ministers below also began to prepare.

  ……

  ……

  Jinan Fucheng
  After several days of brutal offensive and defensive battles, the soldiers on top of the city suffered a lot of casualties, and if Zhao Qi persisted for another two or three days, the situation of reinforcements would be slightly different.

  It has really become a "go in two days" as the Chinese people say, but in fact it is far away.

  Zhang Dai led a group of soldiers on guard with swords. At this moment, as the casualties of the soldiers increased, the morale of the strong young people in the city was already a bit sluggish.

  Zhang Dai visited the generals who were guarding the city one by one. After completing his inspection, he went to the wounded barracks to inspect the wounded soldiers.

  While Zhang Dai and his party were walking on the messy streets, they suddenly saw a horse coming from the direction of the city center. He approached and dismounted. It was the officer sent by Zhao Qi, the governor of Shandong. He cupped his fists and said, "General Zhang, the governor is calling you." past."

  Zhang Dai nodded and led several soldiers to the governor's Yamen.

  The governor's yamen, among the official offices——

  After Zhang Dai greeted him, Zhao Qi looked eager and asked, "General Zhang, are there any new movements in the troops outside the city? There have been a lot of casualties recently and morale is low."

  Zhang Dai said: "Sir, the rebels outside the city have been frustrated in their attack on the city, and their morale is also low."

  "There have been too many casualties in the past few days. It is not an option to continue like this. Does General Zhang have any strategy to defeat the enemy?" Zhao Qi asked with eager eyes.

  Zhang Dai comforted him and said, "Don't be impatient, sir. Reinforcements will arrive within a day or two."

  Zhao Qidao: "The food in the city is almost at its lowest, and there have been thousands more casualties in the past few days. According to General Zhang's estimate, how long will it take to hold on until reinforcements arrive?"

  Estimating food consumption and actual consumption is another matter, because in war, the actual consumption of soldiers is much more than usual.

  Zhang Dai said: "Lord Zhongcheng, you might as well hold on for a while, only for two or three days at most."

  "At this point, there is no other way but to persevere." Zhao Qi's expression changed, and he finally sighed and whispered.

  Although the defensive potential of Jinan Fucheng is definitely more than this, I have never experienced many things, and I don't know if it can really last for two months.

  Zhang Dai said: "Master Zhao, Duke Wei should have arrived at the border of Shandong at this moment. He will reach Jinan Fucheng in a few days at most. Don't worry, sir."

  Zhao Qi's expression returned to his dark and mysterious look, with murderous intent in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "General Zhang, I will continue to raise food and fodder, and General Zhang will defend the city."

  Now that the situation is extremely critical, it is time to plunder all the rice and grain in the city to supply the army.

  The matter is urgent, so you should use cruel methods to serve the king!

  Zhang Dai cupped his hands, then turned and left without saying another word.

  When Zhang Dai left the governor's office, Zhao Qi looked up at Shandong Chief Envoy Peng Bingyu and Deputy Chief Envoy Dong Heling, and said in a deep voice: "Master Peng, you send people to the Zhang family, Li family, Yu family and other places to borrow grain." , be sure to borrow the rice and grain."

  The Zhang family and the Li family are both wealthy families in the city, running many shops and industries, and stocking many granaries at home.

  Peng Bingyu hesitated for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "Sir, the Zhang family was a little unhappy last time, and sarcastically said that the New Deal had already paid a lot of rice, so how could the vassal treasury be short of food and rice? Now I want to borrow it again, I’m afraid I won’t allow it.”

  "Tell them that after the rebel army enters the city, they will definitely massacre the city and plunder the gentry. They cling to the grain and it was snatched away by the rebel army. Tell them that if they borrow rice or grain, the court will pay it back double." Zhao Qi looked indifferent and said slowly Then he suddenly said sternly: "Take the people over, and anyone who disobeys will be charged with colluding with the White Lotus Demon and will be arrested and imprisoned!"

  Peng Bingyu's expression suddenly changed and he said, "Sir, is this how the royal censor of the DPRK is impeached?"

  Zhang Jiayuan was also the official official of the Longzhi Dynasty. He was regarded as the home of the county magistrate in Shandong. He also had children serving as officials in the court. If something really happened, the censor would definitely impeach him.

  "If anything happens, I will keep an eye on it." Zhao Qi said in a deep voice with a stern face.

  Peng Bingyu and Dong Heling looked at each other, stunned for a moment, and then said yes.

  As time passed, the Shandong vassal yamen began to raise grain from large households in the city to supply the army, and the grain crisis in Jinan Fucheng was temporarily overcome.

  Outside the city of Jinan City, under the sky, dark twilight fell like a curtain. The western setting sun dyed the sky red, and smoke was rising around the military village, and the army seemed to be burying pots to make rice.

  If there were not broken knives, broken guns, and corpses outside the city not far away, there would be a bit of poetic romance of war, but the bloody smell of hunting and the groans of wounded soldiers.

  However, Hauge and Chen Yuan had already made up their minds to withdraw their troops early tomorrow morning.

  In the military tent——

  The atmosphere was also solemn. The battle between Qilu and Qilu, which was like a raging fire and started a prairie fire, had been turned into a bad battle.

  Hauge said: "Li Yanqing said that he would stay in Yanzhou for a while before breaking out. It is time to withdraw his troops."

  Chen Yuan frowned and said: "That's the only way to go, then withdraw to Yanzhou first."

  Hauge said: "Since we have to withdraw our troops quickly, we will have to wait for food and withdraw overnight, so as not to give the Han court a chance to pursue." Comparing to Chen Yuan who rarely experienced military affairs, Hauge has fought many battles since his youth. He understands the importance of using troops.

  Chen Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Then withdraw the troops overnight."

  Then, the troops of Hauge and Chen Yuan quickly set off towards the camp.

  At this moment, a burly young man from the school ran up all the way, with a look of fear on his face, and said urgently: "Your Majesty, Young Master, something is not right."

  Chen Yuan shouted coldly and asked, "Why are you so nervous?"

  The small colonel said: "The Han army was found thirty miles away. The Han army from Denglai and Denglai have arrived."

  Since Mu Sheng, the governor of Denglai, divided his troops to attack Li Yanqing in Zhangqiu County, he has been marching non-stop, night and day, leading his army to the border of Jinan Prefecture.

  Hauge looked solemn and said solemnly: "It will not be easy to withdraw our troops."

  Chen Yuan frowned, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, and asked, "Li Yanqing didn't block Denglai's troops?"

  Hauge said: "Now is not the time to talk about this. I will stay behind to resist. You can lead your troops to retreat to Tai'an and Yanzhou, and then join us later."

  When Chen Yuan heard this, his heart was shaken, and the resentment in his heart had dissipated a lot.

  Cutting off the queen is always a dangerous thing, but Hauge is willing to do such dirty work to fight for the survival of the army. It is certainly a plus to fall in Chen Yuan's heart.

  When dusk falls on the earth, a bright moon hangs in the sky, everything is silent, a few horses neigh suddenly, and a sad mood seems to envelope the earth.

  Hauge led a group of soldiers, mainly composed of elite Jurchen Eight Banners, to meet the enemy thirty miles east of Jinan Fucheng.

  Chen Yuan summoned Pei Yuan, the elder of the White Lotus Sect, and another elder, and summoned the commanders of several guards to discuss the withdrawal of troops.

  At this moment, at the top of Jinan Fucheng——

  Zhang Dai led a group of soldiers to patrol the city to prevent a Jurchen attack.

  At this time, a small school came down from the watchtower, walked quickly to Zhang Dai, cupped his hands and said: "General, there seems to be a new movement in the rebel camp."

  The small schools selected as lookouts all have excellent eyesight, can see from several miles away, and are quite experienced in detecting signs of troop movements in the army.

  Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai paused for a moment and looked around. He saw piles of military tents with bonfires flickering in the distance. There seemed to be sergeants and war horses coming and going. Under the light of the lights, the flags were chaotic and swaying like shadows.

  It was obvious at first glance that something had happened.

  "The rebels are... are they about to withdraw?" Zhang Dai frowned, thought for a moment, and suddenly realized.

  Zhou Qi, the deputy general next to Zhang Dai, said, "Are reinforcements coming?"

  Zhang Dai said: "It should be so. Our city is under siege. I don't know the external situation. It seems that reinforcements have already arrived in Jinan Mansion."

  Under Zhou Qi's thick eyebrows, his eyes seemed to flash, and he muttered: "It's better to rob him."

  Zhang Dai looked at Zhou Qi in surprise and said, "Brother Zhou, have you forgotten that the city has been sealed off from the inside?"

  When Zhou Qi heard this, he was stunned at first, and then said after realizing it: "Look at my brain, it's almost like a battle."

  Although it can still be broken open from the inside, it is impossible to pursue the remaining enemies in a hurry.

  Zhang Dai's eyes flashed coldly and he said in a deep voice: "Don't be careless. Be careful. It's a trick by the bandits to lure their troops. The city is still on guard."

  At this moment, I felt relieved. It seemed that Jinan Fucheng was finally saved.

  On the other side, Haoge led his troops to the east of Jinan Fucheng. After a while, the forward scouts had already fought with the sentries sent by Denglai, and the two sides started chasing and fighting.

  Wu Yangao, the general of the Han army flag next to Hauge, paused slightly and said in a deep voice: "Does the prince really want to cut off the queen for that Chen Yuan?"

  Hauge said: "Hold it for a while, and after the soldiers and horses retreat, we will also withdraw to Tai'an Mansion."

  "Your Majesty, things in Shandong can't be accomplished." Wu Yangao frowned and said.

  "It couldn't have happened originally. It's just that if the timing of this incident was the chaos in the northwest, they would be solved one by one now." Hauge said in a low voice with a gloomy look.

  Although the gourd was pressed down and the ladle lifted again, it also gave Han Ting a chance to breathe.

  At this moment, a Jurchen general came quickly and said: "Your Majesty, a large number of Han cavalry are coming, they are already three miles ahead."

  "Meet the enemy!" Hauge said loudly, and he picked up a big knife in his hand. Although he had one sleeve and one arm, he was very strong, and the big knife in his palm was still dancing like a wind and rain.

  Not long after, Mu Sheng led the army and cavalry to rush over quickly, like a black torrent, killing the soldiers and horses led by Hauge.

  "boom……"

  It's like two torrents of steel colliding, swords and guns colliding, blades piercing the torso, knights wielding sabers, like scythes harvesting dead grass, people borrowing horse power, horses adding power to each other, slashing at each other.

  At this moment, Mu Sheng also caught a glimpse of the one-armed Haug surrounded by knights. His eyes were filled with coldness. The spear in his palm was like stars in the sky, swaying and flashing, and he was charging towards Haug.

  "clang!"

  When the weapons collided, there seemed to be a harsh scream, which instantly drowned out the noise in the entire battlefield.

  Hauge's body swayed, his mind was shaken, and the horse under his crotch went to the side, and he was secretly shocked by the bravery of the general.

  As the saying goes, the waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead, and a new generation replaces the old.

  Since he lost his arm, his strength has gradually declined, and he is no longer a match for such powerful generals.

  Hauge thought about this, and couldn't help but feel an unspeakable sadness in his heart.

  However, Mu Sheng didn't say much. He raised the spear in his hand and swung it at Hauge. The Mu family's marksmanship, the king of Dongping County, was originally known for its exquisite moves and weatherproofness. At this moment, it was like lifting a huge weight, almost making Hauge unable to resist.

  If Hauge didn't have a broken arm, he would be able to deal with it with ease, but now that Hauge is missing an arm, he would be a little unable to withstand such a fierce and brave general.

  At this time, Hauge's Jurchen general, who was standing by him, was holding a long knife to help, and the sword and spear stabbed out diagonally, with a bit of frost.

  When night falls, the moon is high in the sky, and the moonlight is quiet and soft.

  Hauge turned his horse and fled toward the mountains and forests to the south, and his soldiers also fled after resisting for a while.

  Mu Sheng, on the other hand, led his troops in hot pursuit, vowing to keep Hauge and other Jurchen soldiers behind.

  I chased them until midnight that night, when the wind kept blowing through the mountains and forests, making a rustling sound.

  Mu Sheng then led his troops to stop the pursuit and rushed towards Jinan Fucheng.

  Hauge's move naturally bought valuable time for Chen Yuan under Jinan Fucheng.

  At this point, the crisis in Jinan Fucheng has been resolved!
  ……

  ……

  At the same time, Jia Heng also led an army to Qihe County.

  This place is very close to Jinan Prefecture. Jia Heng sent Shao Chao to lead his troops to Jinan Prefecture to inquire about the enemy's situation.

  "Caozhou Mansion and Wuding Mansion have been recovered." Chen Xiao pondered for a moment and said.

  Jia Heng said coldly: "There are not many soldiers and horses left in the two places, so it is not surprising that they can recover quickly. I don't know where Chen Yuan got the confidence to start an uprising in Shandong?"

  This period of history probably has only a brief paragraph in the Han Dynasty: "It coincided with the great chaos in Shandong and the fall of various prefectures and counties. On Dingsi in the fifth month, Han soldiers conquered Caozhou and Wuding, and the bandits' rampage was somewhat curbed..."

  Chen Xiao sighed, a look of thought appeared on his jade face as clear as snow, and said in a clear voice: "The imperial court is no longer the imperial court it was three years ago."

  If it were the imperial court three years ago, with Wen Tian and Wu Xi, it would have been difficult to quell such an uprising. It can only be said that the master has missed the opportunity.

  Jia Heng nodded and said, "Let the army speed up its journey and head to Jinan Mansion as soon as possible."

  In fact, this chaos did not require him to send troops. Firstly, the emperor and the ministers were concerned about the chaos, and secondly, it was indeed more efficient to use him.

  The army marched towards Jinan Mansion in a mighty manner.

  (End of this chapter)