The Red Mansions

Chapter 1374 Jia Heng: This is indeed a fighter opportunity

Chapter 1374 Jia Heng: This is indeed a chance for war...

North Korea, Royal Capital

A night passed, and both sides spent the New Year's Eve of the 18th year of Chongping on guard against each other.

When dawn came, it was the first day of the first lunar month of the nineteenth year of Chongping.

At this moment, dark clouds can be seen above the sky, and it seems that a new snowstorm is brewing.

However, a large number of Han troops were camping at the foot of the city and had not yet launched an offensive. It was obvious that they wanted to spend these few days celebrating the New Year with the soldiers from both sides.

At this moment, Jia Heng was standing on an unknown hill, accompanied by several Jinyifu guards. He held a monocular telescope in his hand and looked at the capital of Korea.

At this moment, the originally majestic and magnificent Wangjing City has become bumpy, and some gaps in the city walls can be seen, all caused by the war in the past few days.

As time passed, a hint of contemplation appeared in his cold and crystal eyes, beneath his brows that were as sharp as swords.

Mu Sheng retracted his gaze from afar and said, "Zi Yu, how is it?"

Jia Heng said: "Let the Korean side shoot arrows into the capital city, tie a piece of cloth to it, and tell them that if they surrender to the Han Dynasty, they will forgive the past."

Mu Sheng's eyes lit up as he looked at his sword-like brows. He said, "Zi Yu's strategy of using rumors to shake the morale of the Korean soldiers is brilliant."

Mu Sheng whispered, "Can we use explosives to dig a tunnel near the city wall of Wangjing, put in the explosives, and blow up the city wall?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "You can give it a try, but this is a strategy that Oboi used before, so he will be prepared."

It’s not that the Han Dynasty could no longer use the strategy after Oboi used it, it’s just that it is more difficult to implement the strategy, and the effect may not be as good as expected.

Mu Sheng asked: "Zi Yu, do you want to follow the example of Japan and completely bring Korea under your rule?"

There was no outsider here, so Mu Sheng simply asked about the doubts in his mind.

Jia Heng said, "What the young prince said is true. Since the time of the Western Han Dynasty, Korea has been one of the four Liaodong counties. In the future, when maritime trade flourishes, if we want to control Japan, Korea will be indispensable."

He was really fed up with the mutual destruction among the monster houses in East Asia in later generations.

Mu Sheng's sword-like brows showed a hint of shock in his eyes. He exclaimed: "Zi Yu is really ambitious."

If this kind of territorial ambition meets an emperor who is ambitious and dedicated to expanding the territory, it would surely become a beautiful story of harmony between the monarch and his subjects.

Jia Heng's eyes sparkled as he said, "It is just to solve the problem once and for all for future generations."

Mu Sheng nodded and said loudly: "In fact, when my father was in Yunnan, he also thought about taking back the homeland of Nanyue, but the court regarded it as a show of grandeur and used military force to expand its influence."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then looked at Mu Sheng intently and said, "Prince of Dongping, do you also think that Nanyue should be recovered and that prefectures and counties should be set up for the use of the court?"

This was a consensus reached on national policy with a military hero like the Prince of Dongping.

The so-called party members not only have the same political interests, but also the consistency of national policy tendencies.

The Mu family, the Prince of Dongping, who had ruled Yunnan for generations, obviously had the motivation to encourage expansion into South Vietnam.

"Since the Qin Dynasty, Nanyue has been our Chinese homeland. However, officials later regarded it as a place of smoke and miasma, and thought it would be better to abandon it. My father often lamented that the Han homeland was lost in a foreign country, which was the loss of our Chinese nation." Mu Sheng paused and said in a low voice.

Jia Heng said, "Yes, the civil officials only guarded one acre and three mu of land, but they didn't know that when China was established, Chu and even Lingnan were all barbaric lands. If it weren't for the sages of previous generations who overcame difficulties and blazed a trail, how could China be so great and rich?"

It can be said that after Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty abolished all schools of thought and promoted Confucianism alone, Confucianism has gradually become endogenous and conservative, and is far inferior to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, when a hundred schools of thought contended with each other.

Therefore, any time traveler who wants to completely transform China must also re-grasp the definition and development direction of culture.

Mu Sheng said: "Zi Yu is right. When I was in Japan, I saw that although the people of this country are short in stature, they are tough. If this continues, they will become stronger and the Japanese chaos during the reign of Emperor Taizong will inevitably happen again."

During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Chen Han, a situation similar to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea occurred. During the reign of Emperor Taizu, Chen Han also experienced harassment from Japanese pirates in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "So we should convert the barbarians into Chinese. Now, the world of Zhou Fang, such as the Dutch, has been developing trade on the sea. With the benefits of maritime trade, the country is growing stronger and stronger."

The Netherlands is now the coachman of the sea.

Mu Sheng nodded and said, "What Zi Yu said is very true. Just as Zi Yu said in his previous memorial, if our Han Dynasty can support the people of the world through maritime trade, it will no longer exploit the people's labor through taxes."

Jia Heng paused for a moment, and said, "A Confucian in appearance but a legalist in spirit, cruel inside but tolerant outside, that's all."

This can be said to be a thoroughly weak culture, which is actually far inferior to the culture of the pre-Qin period.

The rise of the great Chinese nation was precisely due to the introduction of certain theories representing the cause of human liberation.

And one of the theories is to export revolution abroad.

In other words, once its edge is blunted, this culture will revive, so it is no surprise that Confucius encountered...

The castrated Confucian culture itself was a mixture of the Legalist's five techniques of keeping the people ignorant, a technique of rule tailored for rulers like Emperor Wu of Han.

The ruling elite nurtured and cultivated by this culture naturally tends to be conservative and closed.

That’s why the old man said, what do they know about capitalism?

This is the old man's consistent and profound understanding of the inheritance of his country's national character and culture among the elite class. He only tried to improve it from the cultural field later.

Don't talk about state affairs.

Mu Sheng paused for a moment, nodded, and said with deep agreement: "Zi Yu is right."

Jia Heng said in a clear voice: "Its rise is rapid, and its fall is sudden. If our Han Dynasty wants to escape the situation of prosperity and decline, then we have no choice but to expand outward. The so-called way of heaven is to reduce the surplus and provide for the deficiency, and the way of man is to reduce the deficiency and provide for the surplus."

Mu Sheng looked deeply under his thick eyebrows, nodded, and said loudly: "Zi Yu is right."

At this moment, Jia Heng did not know that these words would be studied in detail by historians of later generations.

"On the Evolutionary Process of the Reshaping of Chinese Native Culture - Starting from the Joseon King's Conversations in Beijing Four Hundred Years Ago".

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said loudly: "Otherwise, after a hundred years, we will inevitably die and the government will cease to exist, and we will have to worry about abandoning the newly developed land."

As for what you will do, only God knows.

Only immortal culture and common blood can allow generations to pass on the torch and ensure the continuity of policies and ideas. Therefore, the backward and conservative culture of Confucianism must be swept into the garbage dump of history.

The emperor is an all-round leader in religion, culture, and politics, and he should be able to comment on and interpret the scriptures.

Mu Sheng looked at the young man in the python robe, and there was a hint of reverence in his eyes on his resolute face.

"If Zi Yu's words were to spread to the capital, I'm afraid it would cause an uproar among the Confucian scholars, and Brother Jia would become the target of public criticism." Mu Sheng said softly with a hint of worry in his eyes.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Civil officials are like this. When they debate the scriptures, they have different opinions and cannot agree on one. Today's Confucianism should also be changed."

The bigger the achievement, the bigger the things you do. To transform a person's mind is much more difficult than to destroy him physically.

He is not yet at the level of Jia Ziyu in discussing state governance.

Therefore, destroying Liaodong is only the first step. Reshaping the Chinese soul and preparing to stand tall among the nations in the future is a long and arduous journey.

Otherwise, if it really is the Eighteen Provinces of Han again, it would be better to conquer the Qing Dynasty on the Haitang map.

Everything will be handed over to future generations anyway, so it is better to leave it to a large family with a vast territory.

Then, Jia Heng looked up at Mu Sheng and said softly, "Brother Mu, let's go back."

To put it simply, some things involve the consistent Confucian culture.

Mu Sheng nodded, feeling that the boy had remembered something, and didn't say anything else.

While Jia Heng was talking, he went towards the military tent without saying much.

The next two days were spent in a quiet standoff between the two sides, and the Korean soldiers on guard in the capital seemed to have gradually become accustomed to the Han army's inaction.

Jia Heng did not urge the troops to move forward in the past two days. Jin Yu, who was just escorting food and fodder to the front line, came to Jia Heng's tent on the fifth day of the first lunar month and asked to see Jia Heng.

"Mr. Jin, you have had a hard journey." Jia Heng invited Jin Di to sit down and said softly.

Jin Yu smiled and said, "I don't feel tired at all. Duke Weiguo, why haven't you taken any action during this period of time?"

Jia Heng paused for a moment, and said in a clear voice: "It was the New Year's Day a few days ago. Besides, many soldiers were killed and wounded, so they need to rest."

Jin Yu nodded and said, "Yes, we need to rest. I wonder when the Duke of Wei plans to start the war?"

Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "Wait another two or three days. As the saying goes, attacking the city is inferior, attacking the heart is superior."

Jin Yu asked, "Why did the Duke of Wei say that?"

Jia Heng said: "Now that the army is approaching, after the siege in the past few days, the Korean soldiers have already known the combat power and offensive of our Han-Korean coalition army. The Jurchens only have nearly 10,000 elite soldiers, and they have also suffered a lot of losses during this period. It is time to keep up the pressure and wait for chaos to occur, and then we can advance."

Jin Yu nodded and said, "Duke Weiguo's words make sense."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Jin Yizheng, siege is a protracted process and takes time."

Jin Yu said: "I am not in a hurry, but the prince asked me about this before, so I said this."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Then Councillor Jin might as well persuade the prince to wait patiently for a few more days before returning to the capital."

Jin Yu's heart trembled, he nodded, and said softly: "Don't worry, Duke Weiguo, I will write a letter to the prince."

After Jia Heng said this, he didn't say anything else.

Jin Yu smiled and said, "Duke Weiguo, this time the country has sent some wine and meat to reward your country's heavenly soldiers."

Jia Heng nodded and said loudly: "Let the marching chief take over and distribute it to each camp later."

Jin Di responded, then said goodbye and left.

……

……

Jia Heng said nothing more and returned to another private military tent. When he raised his eyes, he saw Gu Ruoqing.

Gu Ruoqing was wearing a beautifully embroidered black and red brocade flying fish dress, and a mountain-shaped wingless crown on her head. Her oval face was as white as jade, and she looked heroic. She stared at the young man in the python dress and said in a gentle voice, "Are you back?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "The weather has changed today. It seems like it's going to snow."

Gu Ruoqing said: "It's a bit cold here in the winter, and it should be summer when it warms up."

While Jia Heng was talking, he sat down and took the cup of tea brought by Gu Ruoqing.

Just as he sat down, Jia Heng's personal bodyguard, Jinyi deputy captain Li Shu, came to report from outside: "Governor, please review the intelligence of the secret agents in the city."

Jia Heng put down the blue and white porcelain teacup in his hand, stood up, looked at Li Shu intently, and asked softly: "What's the information about the city?"

Li Shu was slightly startled and handed the piece of paper in his hand over.

Jia Heng took the paper, read it attentively, and a hint of joy appeared in his eyes.

It was recorded in the letter that the generals in the city had already intended to rebel, but the Qing army's patrols and defenses were very strict, so they had no chance to start an uprising. They hoped that the Han army would intensify its offensive in the next few days.

It can be said that as the spies secretly launched their operations, many North Korean generals were tempted and were ready to return to the arms of the Han Dynasty.

Gu Ruoqing's eyes showed concern and asked, "What's wrong?"

Jia Heng smiled and said, "The internal support is ready. In the next few days, we will prepare and launch a large-scale attack on the city."

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful face also showed some joy, and she said, "That's the best."

During this period, she watched the army attacking the city and also felt that the battle was brutal. It would be a good thing if the city could be captured as soon as possible.

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Ruoqing, you stay here, I will go and gather the generals to discuss the matter."

In fact, this is a critical juncture, which means that the capital of North Korea already has the opportunity to break into the city.

Gu Ruoqing's eyebrows were curved like willow leaves. After thinking for a while, she said softly, "I'll go with you."

She also wanted to be like her junior sister and be inseparable from him.

Jia Heng nodded, and without saying much, accompanied by Gu Ruoqing, he quickly walked towards the military tent again.

At this moment, in the tent of the Central Army Camp——

The Han generals and Korean officers summoned by Jia Heng went to the central army tent one after another.

Jia Heng sat on a throne behind a lacquered wooden desk with a stern look on his face. On the lacquered wooden table next to him were bamboo tubes containing command arrows.

Mu Sheng had already taken his seat at the bottom, with some guesses in his mind.

"Greetings, Duke Weiguo." The Korean officers who entered the military tent saluted towards Jia Heng and said.

Jia Heng looked at the Korean officers in the military tent and said, "Generals, there is no need to be polite. Please take your seats."

The Korean officers, led by three Korean generals including Li Shang and Tian Siquan, expressed their gratitude and then sat down.

Jia Heng looked at the officers below with a fixed gaze and said, "Generals, it's been a while since we last rested. Prepare the engineering equipment these days. When we attack the city tomorrow, the entire army will be dispatched. We must attack the city from the west city without any mistakes."

Upon hearing this, all the officers and soldiers present responded in unison.

Jia Heng nodded, and then gave orders to the officers and soldiers regarding their combat missions.

After all the generals received their orders and dispersed, only the Prince of Dongping, Mu Sheng, was left. He looked thoughtful and asked Jia Heng, "Zi Yu, is there any new change in the capital of the Joseon Dynasty?"

Jia Heng said: "The accomplices in the city have agreed to respond to the army. In the next two days, our army will intensify its offensive and wait for changes in the city."

Mu Sheng asked, "Have you sent a messenger to agree on the method of raising the army?"

Jia Heng said: "That's not the case. The Jurchen soldiers in the city are well-defended, so it's inconvenient for them to communicate with each other. However, the Korean soldiers are the main force in the city. If we just want to welcome the army into the city, it shouldn't be a difficult task."

Mu Sheng nodded and said, "That's good, so that Aobai in the city won't notice anything."

Jia Heng said firmly: "The success or failure of the siege depends on this one move."

The sooner he could solve the Korean issue, the better he would be able to return to Beijing as soon as possible. After returning to Beijing, there were still some matters related to the preparation for the war in Liaoning that needed his personal attention.

Mu Sheng said: "Zi Yu, I will go and mobilize the soldiers."

Jia Heng watched Mu Sheng leave, thinking about how to deal with the aftermath.

The morale of the North Korean military has hit rock bottom, like a shaky house that will collapse with just one kick.

Well, that's ominous.

All in all, this was indeed a chance to fight.

At this moment, Gu Ruoqing's face, as clear as snow, showed a look of concern, and she said, "Is everything settled?"

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Everything is ready. I hope everything will go well this time."

Gu Ruoqing stared at the young man in the python robe, his face as cold as jade showing a hint of infatuation.

Since ancient times, beauties have loved heroes. As she spent more time with Jia Heng, this high-quality, older single woman became more and more attached to him.

……

……

North Korea, Royal Capital

As the Han army and the Korean siege troops began to move one after another, the Manchu and Korean soldiers in Wangjing City also felt the tense atmosphere of impending storm.

In the palace——

Oboi sat behind a square table, and below him sat his second brother Zhuobutai and fourth brother Baha, as well as a group of Korean officers.

In addition, there is the North Korean fake king Gui Sizhe and two councilors.

As the royal capital seemed to be as stable as a rock, the rulers and ministers of the pseudo-Korean dynasty temporarily put their minds at ease.

Baha said in a muffled voice: "The Han army suddenly reorganized its military preparations, and it seems that they are planning to launch a large-scale attack on the city."

Zhuobutai frowned and said, "It's almost the same in Nancheng. It looks like the Han dogs are planning a big offensive."

Aobai's face was strong and resolute, and there was a hint of anger in his fierce eyes. He said in a gentle voice: "We have rested for a few days and are ready to take down our capital city in one go."

Baha nodded and said, "I think the Han court still wants to attack with red cannons this time. During this period, we have suffered many casualties."

Aobai's face was filled with sternness, and he said in a deep voice: "In the next few days, all the troops should be on guard carefully on the top of the city. We can't let the Han army get a chance to attack the city!"

Everyone shouted yes.

Baha said: "Our red cannon has been damaged a lot in the past few days."

Although the Jurchens' red cannon had a much shorter range than the Han army's red cannon, it still caused considerable casualties in defending the city and brought considerable trouble to both the Korean and Han soldiers.

But after many days of high-intensity fire support and continuous bombardment, the gun barrels have been scrapped and can hardly be used.

Aobai said: "When our great Qing warriors marched across the border and defeated the Han court's army of hundreds of thousands, they also did not have red-haired cannons. Now that the Han army has the advantage of cannons and guns, can we not fight this battle?"

Yabulan, the first general under Aobai, nodded and said loudly: "Shaobao is right. If the Han army wants to break through the city, they will eventually have to climb the city."

Aobai looked at the Korean generals calmly and said, "I hope you can hold on for a few more days. As long as we can stop another wave of Han army attacks, I think the Han army will surely collapse. Meanwhile, our Qing army is winning victory after victory in Haizhou and Gaizhou in Liaodong."

Of course, the reality is that the two Acropolis have been like two wedges, firmly driven into the land of Liaodong.

When some North Korean generals heard this, their eyes flickered with uncertainty and strange expressions appeared on their faces.

Obviously he doesn't believe this.

Aobai said: "The Han army has come from afar and cannot last long. The previous rest and no attack means that the siege has been frustrated. In addition, the soldiers are homesick, which has led to low morale. As long as we resist for another two months, the Han army will surely be defeated."

Upon hearing this, the North Korean generals present did not refute but echoed it one after another.

At this moment, a rumbling sound came from outside, which startled the Jurchen generals and Korean officers who were in the meeting.

Oboi stood up, looked fierce, and said loudly: "The Han army has launched an attack. Everyone, follow me to the gate tower to defend the city."

A group of officers responded to the order, and then followed Oboi and walked quickly out of the hall.

(End of this chapter)