The Red Mansions

Chapter 956 Jierhalang: Brother Emperor, Ping An Prefecture has arrived...

Ping'an

Following Jia Heng's questioning, the general surnamed Hu didn't dare to neglect, and said: "Back to the general, there are two thousand cavalry troops in the city, and seven thousand infantry, and under the command of Cui Jiedu, we haven't waited yet. Check, as for the movements of the Jurchen, Tiqi has been secretly sent to the north in the past few days, and there is no trace of the Jurchen invading Ping'an Prefecture."

Jia Heng pondered and said: "Recently, we should send fewer scouts, and we must not startle the snake."

As he said that, he looked at Cui Ling, the envoy of the Ping'an Festival, and said, "Master Cui, the imperial court has set a military quota of [-] in Ping'an Prefecture. How many soldiers are there in the city now?"

Cui Ling's heart skipped a beat, but facing those sharp sword-like gazes, he braced himself and cupped his hands and said, "Back to the general, there are [-] troops in the city, but the battle has been sparse for a long time, and the court has not seen any reinforcements. There are many fugitives, the officials are incompetent, and the restraint is weak."

When it came to the end, he didn't know how to justify his previous lack of money, he hesitated for a while, and didn't dare to say more.

Jia Heng's face was as indifferent as ice, and he said in a deep voice, "How many soldiers and horses are there in the city, and how many are worthy fighters?"

Cui Ling looked hesitant, he hesitated and said: "Back to the general, this matter..."

Jia Heng snorted coldly, shouted loudly, interrupted Cui Ling's argument, and said: "Now that things are going on, do you still want to deceive each other with lies? Someone, take this beast down, take it down for further questioning, and put it on trial."

Among all the border generals, Jiang Zining was the only exception. All the other border towns would be dealt with. As for whether it would cause resentment among the border generals, it was fine.

Because at present, all grievances have been dealt with in sevens and eighties.

Hearing this, Cui Ling's complexion changed suddenly, his heart was filled with fear and trembling, he said in a trembling voice: "General, what crime did you commit?"

I really didn't expect that I greeted you with a smile before, and my confidant and old friend would suddenly attack me the next moment.

At this time, two guards of the Jinyi Mansion stepped forward and held Cui Ling's arm, and without any explanation, they walked towards the outside.

"General Qi, immediately take over the original battalions of soldiers and horses in the city of Ping'an Prefecture, and organize them into teams to assist the Beijing battalion in defending the city. In addition, they will send people to seal off the city to prevent them from leaking out." Jia Heng looked serious, ordered said.

Hearing this, Qi Jianhui's complexion changed, he clasped his fists and said, "The last general will pass here."

After Qi Jianhui took the order to leave, Jia Heng ordered the soldiers and horses of the Beijing camp to rest in the city and have dinner, and then ordered the soldiers to set up the Hongyi cannon on the top of the city, and then quietly waited for the Qing army to attack.

In the backyard, a wing room temporarily requisitioned by Jia Heng. There are various bookcases and desks in it, and bedding is placed on the bed in the inner room.

Chen Xiao looked at the boy in python suit who was writing the memorial at the desk, the clear eyes under the willow eyebrows moved slightly, and asked, "Do you think Huang Taiji will come?"

Jia Heng said: "If you send generals to besiege, it may not be cheap to conquest personally. Now that Ping'an Prefecture is down, you can rush to Taiyuan if you go forward, and cut off our army's food road if you go back. Huang Taiji will definitely not be able to hold back, and most likely he will lead his troops to come in person."

For such things cannot be left out of human hands.

Chen Xiao's eyes flickered, and she said softly: "If we win a big victory this time, then the Jurchen main forces in Datong will also be terrified when they hear the news, and maybe this battle will end sooner."

Jia Heng said softly: "There is already a fight over there in Beiping Mansion, let's wait for news from them."

Now the two fronts are east and west, his side is the main battle, but there is no guarantee that there will be another moth in Beiping Mansion.

Just as Jia Heng was using troops on the state city of Ping'an Prefecture, Emperor Chongping in Shenjing City was summoning several cabinet ministers and ministers of military affairs to discuss matters, to be precise, to share the success of Xuanhua City.

This battle defeated the Jurchen Han Army's two banners and eighty-nine thousand people, as well as more than two thousand elite cavalry from the Bahrain tribe of Mongolia, beheaded and captured more than seven thousand to eight thousand people.

In the Hanyuan Hall, just after noon, the spring afternoon sunlight shone in the hall, casting shadows on the floor of the jade steps, they were all the cabinet ministers and military planes of the Han Dynasty summoned by the inner eunuch sent by Emperor Chongping. .

The few people in the hall were discussing privately in low voices.

Han Huang and Zhao Mo on the side were talking, and asked Shi Jie, the servant of the Ministry of War, and Hang Min, the commander of the military aircraft, the impact of this victory on the entire battle situation.

At this moment, the Jie Yin in the capital has spread all over the streets and alleys, and Han Huang and Shi Jie, the servant of the Ministry of War, naturally also received the Jie Yin.

Although the victory in Xuanhua City was not as shocking as the Jurchen elite who wiped out Jierhalang outside Datong City, it was like a timely rain that gradually calmed down the anxious and irritable hearts in Shenjing City.

But not everyone is as happy as Han Huang. The king of Nan'an County is in the train at the moment, his eyes flickering coldly.

Xie Zaiyi's victory in Xuanhua City completely suppressed the recent public opinion in Beijing, and the memorabilia of the court officials attacking Jia Heng suddenly became water without a source and a tree without roots.

"Your Majesty is here." Just when everyone was thinking differently, the sharp voice of the inner warden next to the colonnade came to the hall, and all the cabinet ministers and military planes present looked serious and suddenly fell silent.

Immediately, the tall and straight middle-aged emperor emerged from the curtain of the palace, with a majestic face and calm eyes, accompanied by Dai Quan and other eunuchs, sitting on the golden chair behind the case.

"The ministers have seen the Holy Majesty, long live, long live, long live." The civil servants were headed by Han Huang, and the military generals were headed by the King of Nan'an County, and saluted the emperor after the case. Although there were not many people, they still had a posture of shouting long live .

Emperor Chongping looked a little kind, and said: "You are free from courtesy."

All the officials in the palace thanked each other and got up.

Emperor Chongping glanced at the courtiers below, suppressed the joy in his heart, and said: "I thought about it and heard that Lubu's victory was announced. The Xie Zaiyi tribe in Xuanhua City defeated the two banners of the Jurchen Han army and the Mongol Jingqi in the first battle, annihilating seven enemies. There are more than a thousand, and there are no Jurchen elite soldiers outside Xuanhua City to besiege, and the crisis in the Xuanfu war zone has been resolved."

After Emperor Chongping finished speaking, his eyes fell on the faces of all the civil and military officials below.

Shi Jie, the servant of the Ministry of War, held a wat board, and the more people came out, he said: "My lord, after the Jingying cavalry army goes out of the city to defeat the Jurchen elite cavalry, the elite Jurchen headquarters who invaded Beiping Mansion will definitely be shocked. They dare not go deep into our Han soil unscrupulously Slaughter, at that time, the cavalry led by Xie Bu, if you pursue it again, you will get twice the result with half the effort, I congratulate you on behalf of the Holy One."

Emperor Chongping said: "This is also what I said the day before yesterday. Although the Beiping Mansion is aggressive and lacks troops, the Xuan Mansion should not rush to help rashly. It is easy for the enemy to take advantage of it."

Then, he looked at Nan'an County King and said in a low voice, "Yan Qing, what do you think?"

King Nan'an: "???"

Did you ask him on purpose?

Gathered up his mind, thought for a while, went out of the class and cupped his hands and said: "My lord, I think that although the Xuanfu direction won, but the Beiping direction is rampant, and the Marquis of Yongning has more than [-] troops in Datong. Now there is no war in Datong. , we should send troops to help Beiping, and now that Beijing and China are raging, we should also send troops to help Hebei and other places."

But Shi Jie retorted: "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Yongning has over [-] troops in Datong, confronting the main force of Jurchen, so don't divide the troops rashly."

Han Huang's face was as deep as a deep, and he cupped his hands and said, "My lord, I think that since the siege of the Xuanfu has been lifted, can the Xuanfu send more troops to Beiping at its discretion?"

Emperor Chongping said: "Xie Zaiyi mentioned the enemies in Beiping Mansion in his memorial, and planned to send troops to expel them. Earlier, the Marquis of Yongning also mentioned the Jurchen soldiers and horses in the direction of Beiping. He temporarily planned to fortify the walls and clear the wilderness, encircle and gather them together. Since the Marquis of Yongning has already made arrangements, When there is a good news recently, when we wait for the monarchs and ministers to receive military information at the center, we have lagged behind the front line for many days, and we cannot control the front line remotely."

Although, as in previous years, Beiping is still ravaged by the enemy bandits, and the people of Yanzhao are sinking into iron hoofs, but this time is different. Whether it is Datong or Xuanfu, the two good news have proved that Jurchen is not invincible.

The dawn of victory is not far away.

It was not easy for the people present to say anything else.

Emperor Chongping pondered for a moment, and said: "For the front-line war, there must be no shortage of military rations and supplies. If the military plane is delayed due to the shortage of military supplies and supplies, I will definitely punish them severely!"

Han Huang cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, my lord, Beijing has already allocated money and food, and there is no shortage of food and fodder so far, please let me know."

Emperor Chongping nodded, and said: "The other one is Xie Zaiyi, who has made great achievements this time, and the imperial court should reward him for his special merit."

In the early years of Chongping, when the military was sluggish, it was enough to establish a model to be a marquis. However, since Jia Heng had previously defeated the elite of the Jurchen headquarters, he inadvertently increased the appetite of the Han officials.

It feels like it's a lot less meaningful to be named third-class again.

Holding an ivory jade wat, Shi Jie cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the battle has not yet been settled. I thought it would not be too late to discuss the meritorious service after the battle is over. As far as I know, he is now a first-class Mingwei." General, after this battle, you should be among the fifth-class nobles."

"What Shi Qing said is not bad, then wait until the end of the war to confer the title." Emperor Chongping paused, and said: "But the cabinet can draw up a commendation edict to commend the bravery of the frontline generals and encourage them I am a big man general."

At this time, Han Huang bowed to accept the order, but deep in his heart was covered with a thick haze.

And Zhao Mo frowned, and a look of worry flashed in his old eyes.

This Xie Zaiyi is a close confidant of the Marquis of Yongning, if after the war, if he was conferred a title, wouldn't the Jia party become more powerful, if things go on like this, it may be a disaster rather than a blessing for the country.

But this is precisely what is inevitable. After each war, the Wu Xun Group that has made contributions will expand its power a little bit.

At this moment, the Prince of Nan'an's face was silent, his eyes were gloomy, and there was a secret vigilance in his heart.

If Xiao'er wins the Northern Xinjiang this time, it is possible to form a circle of martial arts around himself, and then there will be a place for their founding heroes to gain a foothold?
Wait until the meeting of the civil and military ministers is over.

As time passed, the news of Xie Zaiyi's victory spread throughout Shenjing, soothing the resentment that Jurchen had crossed the pass and entered the land of Yanzhao.

But I do not know when a new kind of speech came up, that is, why did the Marquis of Yongning not have a decisive battle with the Jurchen? Two battles and two victories. The time for the decisive battle is ripe. ride stomp?

In this way, the public opinion in Beijing, or the entire Han Dynasty from the north to the south, is paying attention to this war that affects the national destiny, and Xie Zaiyi's victory again undoubtedly gave the Han court another burst of confidence.

The two governments of Rongning and Ningxia were originally worried about the public opinion in Beijing, but they gradually let go of their hearts.

At this moment, the city of Beiping has been shrouded in battle clouds, and the Jurchen elite soldiers fought fiercely with the Han army relying on the city.

"Dong dong..."

A large cowhide drum hung above the city gate. The sound of the drum was as dense as raindrops, and it was deafening, covering up the sound of fighting on and off the city wall.

The soldiers and horses of Jurchen's two red flags and Zhenglan flag at the bottom of the city wall were attacking Beiping Town. The Jurchen soldiers were carrying ladders and pushing carts, their pupils were blood red, and their faces were ferocious like beasts.

Li Zan looked into the distance through the binoculars in his hand, his eyes swept over the Jurchen Banner Ding, and his eyes flickered coldly.

"Has the news of the victory of the officers and soldiers in Xuanhua been let go?" Li Zan put down the binoculars in his hand, and asked Qiu Liang, who was wearing a flying fish suit and an embroidered spring knife, beside him.

Qiu Liang said: "The secret agents have been sent out, and the Jurchen Banners outside the city know the news that our Han army has won in Xuanhua."

Not only did they tell the Jurchen who were besieging Beiping that the Han army had won two victories, but Jinyi Mansion and the Beiping Camp also sent people to tell their soldiers about the two consecutive victories that the Han army had won in Xuan Mansion and Datong.

Li Zan nodded and said: "Although the Jurchen is strong, it is not invincible. The generals have also discovered the two days of attack and defense. They are not afraid of death, but as long as our Han army withstands a wave of offensive, Things are still changing.”

When the generals heard the words, they nodded in agreement.

Kang Hong said with relief: "Don't worry, Elder Ge, they won't be able to break through the city, it's just a futile effort now."

"Don't underestimate the enemy." Li Zan shook his head and said in a low voice, "Even if the Jurchens can't break through the city, the entire land of Yanzhao, not just Beiping, the Jurchens have already begun to divide their forces to plunder in the past few days."

At this moment, compared to Li Zan's anxiety, Hauge, Yue Tuo, Daishan and his son in the distant military tent also heard the news of the defeat from outside Xuanhua City.

In the military tent, the atmosphere was a little dignified.

Looking at Hauge, whose face was as gloomy as ice, Yue Tuo said: "It was because of my improper arrangement earlier that I didn't let Li Guohan withdraw his troops in time, which led to this big defeat."

Hauge said: "Brother Wang is not to blame for this matter, I also made mistakes."

Seeing the two embracing each other's mistakes, Dai Shan said expressionlessly: "Now that the big defeat has been brewed, it's useless to talk too much. Now it's time to fight or go, and we need to make an early decision."

Hauge said loudly, "Uncle, in my opinion, take down Beiping Fucheng in one go!"

Dai Shandao: "It is so easy to win Beiping Prefecture? Now it is reasonable to divide the troops and break up a few county towns to help your father and emperor share the pressure of the Han army in the direction of Datong."

"Your Highness should have seen the offensive and defensive battle during the day just now. The morale of the Han army in the city is high and the will to resist is undiminished." Yue Tuo said.

Hearing the words, Hauge cast Yiyi eyes on Daishan, and asked, "Uncle, what should we do for the present plan?"

Dai Shan pondered and said: "Tomorrow, we will divide our troops to plunder in four directions. If the Han army can't sit still and wait for work with ease like the Xuanfu story, my Zhenghong Banner can take advantage of the situation and ambush the soldiers to cover up the killing."

This is to sell a flaw to the Han army, and then look for a fighter to take advantage of the situation to cover up the kill.

Hauge nodded and said, "Then follow Uncle's words."

In this way, Hauge, Yue Tuo and Dai Shan made a decision. In short, they will no longer seek to break through the city of Beiping.

Ping'an

Just at dawn on the second day when Jia Heng entered Ping'an Prefecture, the morning light was slightly dew, and the blue sky was completely cloudless. Zuolan County, fifty miles away, was on the southwest side of a barren mountain, under the moonlight. , Rulin's flag appeared in a corner.

"Brother, Ping'an Prefecture has arrived." Prince Zheng Jierhalang said in a low voice with a respectful expression on his face.

At this moment, Jierharang obviously didn't know that this sentence was comparable to: "Marshal, Huanggu has arrived."

At this moment, Huang Taiji took advantage of the dawn light in the distance to look at a bright red flag above Ping'an Prefecture, and said: "Look, the soldiers on the tower are completely unguarded, and we just happened to capture Ping'an Prefecture by surprise and approach Taiyuan."

De Gelei said: "Your Majesty, although Taiyuan is an important town, the Shanxi merchants have agreed to respond internally at any time, and contact the Taiyuan town soldiers who refused to accept Wang Chengyin's killing."

This Manchu clan, who lived more than ten years longer than the parallel time and space, is the son of Nurhachi, and has always been known for his bravery and combat skills in the army.

Huang Taiji said in a deep voice: "Burn the pot to cook, and attack the city in half an hour!"

A look of determination appeared in Jierhalang's tiger eyes, and he said in a high-spirited voice: "My lord, attack the city now, and don't delay breakfast."

Huang Taiji glanced at Jierhalang, and warned with a stern face: "Don't be careless, a lion fights a rabbit with all your strength."

As he said that, he whispered to De Gelei on the side: "Lead the troops to test the attack tomorrow. If the defense in the city is strong, the army will attack together. Don't give the Han people time to react and attack the city with all their strength. I suspect that the big man Yongninghou The strategy should be to send reinforcements to Ping'an Prefecture."

When De Gelei heard the words, he clasped his fists and said yes, and then ordered the soldiers to go.

This time, Huang Taiji brought Zhenghuang Banner and Xianglan Banner plus some Han Army Banners, and there were about 5000 people.

Huang Taiji thought for a while, and said: "Let's rest first, and attack later."

But at this moment, as the Jurchen army approached the city, the Han army in Ping'an Prefecture also noticed the movement and reported to the commander's office in the gate tower.

Jia Heng is now instructing the soldiers to hide the Hongyi cannons in the turrets around the city wall, because they are mixed with the Fran cannons, and there is nothing unusual when viewed from below.

Chen Xiao said in a low voice: "Your flag cannot be planted in the city, otherwise that Huang Taiji might be alarmed and leave."

Jia Heng nodded and said: "Let others go to the top of the city, we will go there quietly."

With Huang Taiji's heroic nature, he is often as cunning as a fox, but if something is wrong, it may arouse suspicion.

It is really possible to develop an intuition for the battlefield when facing the battle. If you see him appearing in Ping'an Prefecture, you may feel a little vigilant.

Jia Heng said: "Later, you and I will hide by the city wall and look down at the situation."

If you really see Huang Taiji's handsome flag, or if you really have no other way, you must defeat Huang Taiji's inlaid yellow flag in one fell swoop.

Chen Xiao nodded, and didn't say any more, but there was a faint expectation in her heart.

If he can really win the chieftain and return to the capital with a reputation, then he will be famous among the big men, and his power in the court will be even more prominent, and he can even be named the Duke of the state.

A young Duke under the age of 20, except for those hereditary titles, has never been seen since the founding of the Han Dynasty.

Just like that, as the sky was getting closer and the sun was in the middle, because it was spring, it didn't look sultry. With the desolate horns of "Woo-woo", the Han army in Ping'an City seemed to have finally found that it was approaching the city wall. The Qing army in Sanli began to blow their horns, indicating that the enemy's attack was steep, and they formed an array to meet the enemy.

Teams of soldiers gradually prepared crossbows and equipment, scattered above the city to hold on to the city, and looked indifferently at the elite of the Eight Banners coming down like a yellow tide.

"Dong dong..."

Accompanied by the shocking sound of war drums, the Han soldiers above the crenels of the city wall had drawn their knives, drawn their bows, and set up their crossbows, aiming at the elite Jurchens who were gradually coming through the crenels of the female wall.

"Whizzing!!!"

Accompanied by the sound of arrows piercing the air, the arrows were like locusts, like rain, and shot towards the incoming Jurchen elite bannermen.

"Puff blah blah..."

The sound of arrows piercing into the flesh was accompanied by a mass of blood mist exploding, and the entire Jurchen offensive came to a halt, but soon came again like a tide.

And Dege, who was approaching by the warlord, had a stern face, obviously unmoved by this, but ordered the soldiers beside him to wave the command flag, urging the elite Jurchen troops to advance.

In the rear, Huang Taiji, who was surrounded by a group of personal guards, frowned and looked solemn.

And Jierhalang said: "The soldiers and horses in this city don't look like the soldiers and horses in Ping'an Prefecture."

Huang Taiji said in a deep voice: "Then the Marquis of Yongning should have sent troops to reinforce Ping'an Prefecture, and now it is the Han court's Jingying cavalry who are fighting with our army. They have sent some soldiers and horses earlier."

With hesitation on his face, Jierhalang asked, "Brother Emperor, what should we do now?"

Now that the Han army is prepared, can they take the city by surprise?
Huang Taiji looked deeply under his thick eyebrows, and said: "In the past two years, the combat power of the Han court's Beijing camp has gradually returned to its old outlook. If things go on like this, it will become even more difficult to deal with. It will become more and more difficult for the Qing Dynasty to gain control of the Central Plains."

This is actually true insight. As time goes by, after the Han army baptized by victory cheers up, it will only become more difficult for Jurchen to crush as usual.

Ji Erhalang said: "Brother Huang."

Huang Taiji said: "The conquest of Ping'an Prefecture cannot be delayed, otherwise, the Marquis of Yongning will definitely come to his rescue. At that time, our army's intention to enter Taiyuan will be exposed, and we can only lead our troops back north."

Jierhalang said: "Brother Emperor, that minister will personally lead people to the city, vowing to win Ping'an Prefecture this morning!"

"The flag of the Chinese army is up, and I will personally supervise the battle!" Huang Taiji said with a stern expression on his face.

(End of this chapter)