inspire-indiana Chapter 1416 Mu Sheng: No one can escape!
Chapter 1416 Mu Sheng: No one can escape!
Chapter 1416 Mu Sheng: No one can escape!
Shengjing City
Hu Sai quickly left the hall and led 8,000 cavalry out of Shengjing City.
At this moment, it is the height of summer, the grass is green and lush, and on the big trees by the roadside, autumn cicadas, full of food on the branches, are chirping non-stop.
Hu Sai, accompanied by his personal guards, came closer. Under his thick eyebrows, a cold light flashed in his eyes. He shouted, "Is that officer Jia Fang?"
Earlier in the Xiande Hall, Lekedehun had mentioned that the person in front of him was Jia Heng's nephew Jia Fang.
Jia Fang said loudly: "It's your grandfather, little brat over there, why don't you tell me your name quickly!"
Previously, Jia Fang had been taken advantage of by Lekedehun, so he put his knowledge to good use and deliberately angered the officers of the other side.
Hu Sai was furious when he heard this and cursed, "You are courting death!"
As he spoke, he took the reins and quickly drove the horse. Along with the neighing of the horse, the long knife in Husai's hand was like a sharp light, slashing towards Jia Fang's face.
At this moment, Jia Fang had a stern look on his face as he led a group of cavalrymen and had just set up a wooden camp. In his hand was a frosty long sword, the light of which was flashing.
"clang……"
With the sound of the blade snapping, sparks flew everywhere.
Both of them were shocked.
Jia Fang stepped back with a look of surprise on his face.
Hu Sai was not much worse either, and thought to himself, no wonder Prince Shuncheng remembered him, he must have some skills.
The two men fought for twenty or thirty rounds, but the sword energy was so fierce that the soldiers around them did not dare to look at each other.
The cavalry of both sides quickly engaged in combat, and the Han cavalry began to fight. This group of border troops from Hebei were not afraid at all when facing the bannermen of the two yellow flags of the Jurchens.
……
……
Jinzhou City
The Jade Rabbit sets in the west and the Golden Crow rises in the east, and before you know it, a night has passed.
The next day, the sky was bright and the golden morning light of summer shone on the earth. The eaves and houses seemed to be covered with a layer of golden red gauze. It was the height of summer and the morning breeze blew away the dry heat in the air, making everyone feel cool.
"Dong dong..."
As the sound of drums as dense as raindrops sounded, the big soldiers in the wooden camps, wearing black armor, quickly came out of the military tents, with goose-feather knives on their waists and muskets in their hands, ready to attack the city walls.
Jia Heng rode a maroon horse and stood with Chen Xiao under the banner of the central army.
At this moment, the commander-in-chief of the Beijing Camp led a group of personal guards and urged a large number of soldiers under his command to attack the city wall.
Many Han soldiers wearing black armor carried wooden ladders and attacked the towering city walls.
The logs on the battering ram were rushing towards the city gate.
At this moment, the soldiers of the Eight Banners of the Jurchens were also on top of the towering city walls, rolling logs and rocks down to smash them.
Along with the Han army's constant wailing, the Han army below also opened their bows and crossbows and shot arrows in retaliation, while the soldiers of the Eight Banners of the Jurchen on the top of the city fell down from the top of the city.
Jia Heng was wearing a suit of black iron armor with a mountain pattern on it, riding on a maroon horse, holding a monocular telescope in his hand, watching the battle in Jinzhou City.
Chen Xiao, who was standing by, had a pair of clear eyes with sparkling eyes under his willow-leaf eyebrows. He asked, "How is it?"
Jia Heng shook his head and whispered, "We can only attack the city for now, and leave the rest for now."
At this moment, the sound of cannons rumbled, and shells fell towards the top of the city one after another, and then exploded quickly. Soon, screams were heard.
The Jurchen soldiers, armed with weapons, also fought back against the Han army. The red cannons on the artillery platforms on the city walls also roared and billowed thick smoke.
Under Jia Heng's command, the Han army's red cannons were aiming at the city wall. After a short while, the sound of cannons could be heard, and the cannons on the corner tower turrets were suddenly blown up to the sky.
Then, a desolate and distant horn sounded, the sun set, the setting sun was as red as blood, and the Han army's siege for another day came to an end.
Jia Heng didn't care too much about it. The outcome of an attack or defense of a big city like this could not be decided in a short time.
After Jia Heng sat down at the commander's desk, Cao Bianjiao strode into the military tent with his head held high. He clasped his fists and said, "I greet the Duke of Wei."
Jia Heng looked at the young general in white robes, nodded, and said loudly: "Do you have any new ideas for today's siege?"
Cao Bianjiao nodded and said, "General, I think if we continue to attack and defend the city like this, it will be difficult to capture Jinzhou even if we fight for three months."
Jia Heng said: "Of course we won't keep attacking like this. Marquis Xie has already led his soldiers and is ready to attack Shengjing City at any time."
Is it feasible to ignore the Jurchen troops in Jinzhou City and directly attack Shengjing?
Of course it is feasible. It is said that Deng Ai captured Yinping with wisdom, which is why Shu Han was established. Your Majesty and I are ready to fight to the death, so why did you surrender first?
Cao Bianjiao, with a look of hope in his eyes, said loudly: "If we can attack from behind, then the war will be more successful."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Earlier, the Jiangnan navy of Prince Beijing had already besieged Shengjing City. If Marquis Xie sends another troop to attack Shengjing, Dorgon's troops in Jinzhou will certainly not be able to sit still."
In other words, the main force of his Beijing camp was only confronting Dorgon's troops, in order to attract the main force of the Jurchens and leave enough room for his soldiers to use their troops.
At this moment, the Jinyifu guards brought the dishes into the military tent. The steaming food was emitting a fragrant aroma.
Jia Heng smiled and said, "Let's use some together."
This is how to respect the wise and humble yourself to others, which can easily win the hearts of heroes and great men.
Cao Bianjiao nodded, responded softly, and then sat down nearby.
Jia Heng smiled and said, "We can't rush the attack. We must first wear down the Jinzhou defenders. Jinzhou now has a lot of troops and horses, so it won't take three or two days to decide the outcome."
Although he has always been confident and likes to create miracles, it also depends on the situation on the battlefield.
Cao Bianjiao nodded and said, "That's right, Marshal."
Jia Heng paused for a moment, then said in a clear voice: "After the city is captured, we will have to rely heavily on General Cao's bravery to chase the enemy northward."
Cao Bianjiao paused for a moment, and said in a clear voice: "General, your words are really embarrassing to me. In terms of martial arts, no one can match you. Who in the nine provinces of the world can compare to you?"
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Now that I am alone against ten thousand troops, it is not convenient to charge in."
The two chatted and before they knew it, they had finished their meal and Cao Bianjiao left the central military tent.
Jia Heng also came to the tent with Chen Xiao to chat.
Chen Xiao said: "We have sent people to Xiaoling River. The water level has risen sharply in the past few days, but it is not enough to dig it up and flood Jinzhou City."
Jia Heng paused for a moment, then said in a clear voice, "It may rain again in a few days, let's see."
In fact, he didn't have much hope, but it was better than nothing.
Chen Xiao shook his head and said, "There is no news from North Korea yet."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Wait a little longer. The Prince of Dongping is both wise and brave, so there shouldn't be any problem."
Chen Xiao paused for a moment, and said softly, "The key to this battle is still in Jinzhou City."
In this way, this offensive lasted until August 15th of the 19th year of Chongping.
That day was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Han army was in a state of rest and recuperation, and no longer besieged the Jurchen city of Jinzhou.
贾珩
Chen Xiao asked: "What are you thinking about?"
"In the fourteenth year of Chongping, I married Keqing."
Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at Jia Heng and said, "Do you still remember the day we got married?"
Jia Heng's face was stunned for a moment, his mind racing, but sometimes things were so mysterious that he just couldn't remember that day.
"Forgot?" Chen Xiao's eyes flashed with a dangerous light under his brows.
Jia Heng smiled and said, "It's the eighteenth year of Chongping, the Double Ninth Festival."
Chen Xiao gently released his hand from the Embroidered Spring Knife and said, "I'm glad you still remember."
Jia Heng picked up the teacup and said, "The Jurchens in the city have resisted for so long, their morale should not be as high as it was at the beginning."
Chen Xiao said softly: "Xiaoling River is already full of rain, we can try to flood it."
Jia Heng said: "Our army will move to the high ground, let the soldiers dig up the Xiaoling River and flood Jinzhou City first."
Chen Xiao said: "I will send someone to take care of this matter right away."
After Chen Xiao left, Jia Heng came to the screen where the map was hung, looked at the mountains and rivers on it, and a thoughtful look appeared between his brows.
If the city walls were destroyed by floods, it would be of no use.
Given the thickness of Jinzhou City's walls, they might not be destroyed all at once, but being soaked in river water could cause the walls to gradually rot.
Then, after the flood receded, the Han army could attack the city again, which would obviously be more effective.
In Jinzhou City——
Dorgon also stood in front of a map, thinking about how to defeat the enemy, his brows gradually furrowed.
"Brother, the Han army has been silent for the past two days." Ajige walked into the hall, looked at Dorgon who was standing with his hands behind his back, and asked.
Dorgon turned around and looked at Ajige in confusion.
Ajige's face was solemn and his eyes were cold. He whispered, "I think this Jia Heng kid is probably up to something."
Dorgon looked at Ajige and asked, "What do you mean?"
Ajige frowned and whispered, "It's just a vague intuition."
Dorgon's face was as calm as a dark pond. He suddenly turned his eyes and looked at the yellowed map of mountains and rivers. His pupils shrank and he said, "I know."
Ajige's eyes were filled with surprise under his thick eyebrows.
"The plan of flooding." Dorgon frowned, his eyes flashing fiercely, and said firmly.
Ajige nodded and said in a deep voice: "Yes, some time ago, there were several days of heavy rain, and the water level of Xiaoling River rose sharply, making it very easy to use the flooding strategy."
Dorgon paused for a moment and said, "In the next few days, the city should quickly prepare boats and rafts to prevent the river from destroying the city walls."
No matter how strong human power is, it is not as powerful as the power of nature.
Gunpowder may not bring down a city wall, but a flood may.
Upon hearing this, Ajige quickly responded, then turned around and ordered the eight banners in the city to prepare the boats.
……
……
Liaodong, Niumao Village
At this moment, Mu Sheng, accompanied by several personal guards, stood on the hill, holding a monocular telescope and looking at the defense situation of the Jurchen stronghold.
At this moment, in the mountain village, Qing Dynasty flags embroidered with dragon flags were fluttering in the wind.
Mu Yan, the family general beside Mu Sheng, looked serious and said in a deep voice: "Sir, there have been many casualties in the past few days. The morale of the Jurchens is high. If this continues, it will still be difficult to conquer in a short time. However, our army is short of food and fodder, and it is difficult to continue."
Mu Sheng frowned and said in a cold voice: "The commander of the village thinks that our coalition forces are not strong enough, so he is so confident. We need to select a group of elite warriors who dare to fight."
In the previous battles to attack the mountain stronghold, Man Dahai led the Eight Banners to rush down the mountain several times, breaking up the Han army's lines.
Mu Sheng's method of selecting elite troops is to prevent the brave from being mixed in with the cowardly ones, who would be isolated and helpless and be surrounded and exterminated by the Eight Banners.
Selecting a group of brave and skilled warriors and concentrating them together to use them can actually reduce casualties.
Mu Yan clasped his fists and said, "Then I will follow your wishes, my lord. I will return to the Beijing camp and select elite soldiers and horses."
Mu Sheng snorted coldly and shouted, "I just don't believe it. With an army of more than 100,000, you can't even pick out 20,000 or 30,000 brave warriors!"
Having said that, he returned to the camp accompanied by his personal guards.
At this moment, Man Dahai, who was stationed in the mountain stronghold, was toasting and chatting with a group of officers.
With less than 30,000 soldiers, Man Dahai was able to stop the more than 100,000 troops of Korea and the Han court, which was enough to make him very proud.
Man Dahai put down his wine cup and said, "During this period of time, the Han army has been exhausted. If we hold on for a while longer, the Han army and the Korean army will inevitably be short of food and fodder. When their morale is low, that will be our army's chance."
The dignified commander on the side said, "Your Highness is right. The Han army has hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses. It won't be long before the food and fodder are exhausted. That will be our chance to lead the troops to counterattack."
Man Dahai smiled and said, "That's exactly what I meant. When the morale of the Han army is low, I will lead the army and attack down the mountain."
Another officer with a purple face and no beard under his chin, with a pair of bright eyes under his thick eyebrows, showed a hint of worry, and said: "Your Majesty, my army has suffered a lot of casualties in the past few days. The red cannons and thunder bombs of the Han army have caused a lot of casualties to my army."
Man Dahai said in a heroic voice: "The Han army's artillery and guns are not endless, so don't worry about them."
The two officers on the side didn't say anything else, but picked up the wine cups and drank with Man Dahai.
The two Han armies followed Mu Sheng's idea. In the next five days, the Korean army and the Han army did not launch a siege. Instead, they selected elite soldiers and launched another attack on the mountain stronghold where Man Dahai was located.
On the sixth day, after the initial elimination and training, a large number of Han soldiers, armed with weapons, launched a fierce attack on the Niumao Village.
The Han army's artillery roared, and one bomb after another was thrown towards the Jurchen stronghold, exploding with a "crack".
"boom!"
After the thunder bomb exploded, the Han army and the elite Korean soldiers all over the mountains rushed towards the mountain stronghold like a tide.
At this moment, Man Dahai ordered his men to pass on the order and wave the apricot-yellow triangular flag. Soon, two Jurchen commanders led a large number of soldiers and followed the same method to counterattack downwards.
And all this is just a replay of what happened a few days ago.
However, as soon as the two sides fought, the Eight Banners under Man Dahai felt an unspeakable pressure coming upon them. Compared with the situation of collapse at the first charge the day before, the Han army this time was obviously quite resilient. Not only did it maintain its front line without collapse, but it was also able to counterattack quickly.
It can be said that Mu Sheng's operation of picking the best players worked quickly.
Below, Mu Sheng, who was riding on a horse, put down the monocular telescope in his hand and stared at the attack and defense on the mountain village.
Mu Sheng said: "The central army will advance and defeat the stronghold in one fell swoop."
At this moment, Mu Sheng decisively seized the fleeting opportunity, selected those who dared to fight as the elite, and then led his troops and put all his weight on the line.
The army quickly pressed forward, charging upwards, with shouts of killing reaching the sky.
Man Dahai was currently standing under the dragon flag in the military camp. As a veteran who had fought in many battles, he naturally sensed this change keenly and was extremely anxious.
During this period, the Jurchen soldiers also suffered many casualties, and they were accustomed to bullying the weak Han and Korean soldiers. When the opponent suddenly increased the intensity of the attack, they naturally could not withstand it and were defeated.
By the afternoon, the Han army had already rushed up to the mountain stronghold.
"Your Highness, we can't hold on any longer." At this moment, a bearded officer stumbled up to Man Dahai and spoke.
At this moment, a large number of Han soldiers could be seen throughout the mountain stronghold, burning all over the mountain like a sea of fire, while the Jurchen Eight Banners were struggling to hold on and were killed by a large number of Han court troops and Korean soldiers.
Upon hearing this, Man Dahai looked at the soldiers who were struggling under the attack of the Han army. His expression suddenly changed, and he made a prompt decision and said, "Retreat!"
At this point, Niumao Village has become a dead end. Staying here will only result in the loss of the few elite soldiers.
However, in this way, the old village in Hetuala was under the attack of the Han army.
Just like this, Man Dahai did not insist on staying, but led more than a thousand soldiers down the mountain. After a short while, a large number of soldiers could be seen rushing towards the mountain stronghold.
It was not until the night fell and the moon was at its highest point in the sky that the shouting and screaming in the mountain village gradually died down, as if it had finally come to an end.
At this moment, Mu Sheng, surrounded by a group of personal guards, looked out at the mountain stronghold and breathed a sigh of relief.
After almost a month, they finally captured the mountain stronghold and opened up the checkpoint to Liaodong.
The pine oil torches around crackled and the flames were bright, almost like two fire dragons.
"Prince, the enemy has been completely eliminated, but it's a pity that the main general escaped." The Mu family's retainer said.
Mu Sheng said coldly: "No one can escape!"
Mu Yan paused, nodded, and said, "Should we send out cavalry to pursue them?"
Mu Sheng said: "It's late at night and the road is hard to tell, don't chase after desperate enemies."
Mu Yan responded softly, and then said nothing more.
Mu Sheng said coldly: "Take over the stronghold and return to the military camp with me to report the victory to the commander-in-chief and the court."
Mu Yan responded softly with a "yes", and then returned to the military tent with Mu Sheng.
……
……