After receiving the victory report, Emperor Chongzhen and the cabinet ministers could not believe it at first. In the recent victory in Qingdu, Lu Xiangsheng reported that he had killed more than 300 slave-level weapons. Everyone thought it was reliable. Afterwards, the merit examiners of the Ministry of War also confirmed this. a little. However, this great victory in Dingzhou, beheading 1,980 people, is too amazing!
A large number of officials from the Cabinet, the Ministry of War, and the Jin Yiwei all rushed to Gaoyang on the orders of Emperor Chongzhen. The incident was indeed verified to be true. The whole city of the capital was immediately shocked. All the storytellers in teahouses and restaurants used their imaginations. The battle was vividly described and exaggerated greatly. In their mouths, Lu Shangshu, the protagonist of the great victory, and the generals have turned into monsters with three heads and six arms.
Emperor Chongzhen held court meetings for several days, and hundreds of officials expressed their congratulations. Then, under the protection of heavy soldiers, the 1,980 heads of Qing soldiers with white flags were transported to the capital.
As the large vehicles entered the city, the entire capital was boiling, and countless people watching crowded the streets and alleys along the way.
Emperor Chongzhen ordered the decapitated heads to be stacked up in the Western Market to form a palace in the capital. The people in the capital who watched every day could not squeeze into their own seats unless they lined up in the middle of the night. The next day, Emperor Chongzhen presented the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the whole city reveled...
On this day, Yang Sichang came out of the Nuan Pavilion of Qianqing Palace and walked to the door. The joy on his face had disappeared. He looked gloomy and murmured to the sky: "We can't let Lu Xiangsheng go on like this.
Just two days later, in the Nuan Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Chongzhen frowned as he read a newspaper from Shanxi: "The slaves and thieves are heading west to Shanxi, Taiyuan is in danger?"
Emperor Chongzhen threw the pond newspaper on the case and paced back and forth in the pavilion with his hands behind his hands. Yang Sichang stood respectfully below, but his eyes moved from time to time following Emperor Chongzhen's figure.
After a long time, Emperor Chongzhen made up his mind and said to Yang Sichang: "We must not lose the important land of Taiyuan. I have ordered Lu Xiangsheng to rush to the rescue. What does Yang Aiqing think?"
Yang Sichang said respectfully: "Your Majesty, most of the slaves and thieves are really determined to go south. The military situation is urgent. Lu Shangshu knows that the soldiers are brave. At this critical moment, we must not leave."
He seemed to be deep in thought, and then said after a while: "Under the command of Lu Shangshu, there is Wang Pu, the chief soldier of Datong Town. Commander Wang is also brave in fighting. The victory of Qingdu was achieved by his bloody battle. Commander Wang rushed to the reinforcements of Taiyuan. , the prediction will be foolproof and relieve the panic of the people in Taiyuan."
Emperor Chongzhen nodded slowly, but he had another layer of worry: "Lu Xiangsheng's subordinates only have more than ten thousand officers and soldiers. After General Wang leaves, his troops may be insufficient."
After a series of great victories, Lu Xiangsheng was now very important in the heart of Emperor Chongzhen, second only to Yang Sichang. After the news of the victory came, he had repeatedly issued decrees to reward Lu Xiangsheng and the generals. He was also prepared to ask the Ministry of War to send an order to Lu Xiangsheng to go south to continue to intercept the Qing troops and make new achievements.
Yang Sichang smiled and said: "Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. Under Lu Shangshu's command, there are the Shandong Dusi Liu Yan's troops, as well as the general soldiers of Xuanfu Town and the general soldiers of Shanxi Town. The elite main force will not be lost."
He said: "This great victory in Dingzhou was the result of a wild battle in which Liu Yan, the capital of Shandong, defeated most of the slave bandits. With such a fierce general accompanying Lu Shangshu, the emperor can rest assured."
Mentioning Liu Yan, Emperor Chongzhen also had a smile on his face. When the Qing soldiers invaded, the number of heads they captured in Liu Yan's hands exceeded a thousand. At this time, Emperor Chongzhen was already thinking about how to reward Liu Yan after the battle. Of course, Liu Yan was so young now and had such high military merits. How to increase the reward was a headache for Emperor Chongqu.
"not to mention……"
Yang Sichang added: "The Gao Jianjun has led tens of thousands of Guan Ning's troops south, and Liu Gelao and Governor Chen have also led more than 10,000 elite troops south. By then, there will be 50,000 elites in Zhending Mansion. In terms of military strength, it can be said to be superior. "
Hearing what Yang Sichang said, Emperor Chongzhen was even more relieved. Moreover, Yang Sichang's words were prudent and prudent. They were indeed mature words for the country, and he had considered all aspects. Soon, two imperial edicts were issued from the capital, one to Lu Xiangsheng and the other to Wang Pu.
More than ten days later, at the foot of Gaoyang City.
Gaoyang is said to be the former capital of Zhuan Xu, with Baiyangdian and Anxin County in the north. Most of the territory is plain, with fertile land and a densely populated area. It's just that the winter here is very cold. Fortunately, the hot springs here have a lot of geothermal heat, so it won't be so difficult for the Xuanda and Shandong officers and soldiers stationed there.
After the great victory in Dingzhou, Lu Xiangsheng led his army to rest and recuperate under Gaoyang City for many days. Due to the large number of captured troops in Dingzhou, although most of them were left to provide relief to the victims of Dingzhou, the entire army still had enough food and grass to feed them for a month. In addition, there was an imperial edict to encourage people to come in a few days. Everyone in Xuan Da's army was in a good mood and took the opportunity to relax under Gaoyang City.
The same was true for Liu Yan, but he was not idle either. After the Battle of Dingzhou, his men suffered more than a hundred casualties. The loss of these soldiers made Liu Yan heartbroken. The ashes of the dead soldiers were turned into ashes and their clothes were put away, while the injured soldiers were placed in Gaoyang City to recuperate.
The camp of the new army in Xiahezhai is in a place known locally as Zhaojiazhuang. According to legend, a family named Zhao moved to Tingcun from Shanxi in the Ming Dynasty, so it was named this. There is a river to the south of the village, where drinking water is convenient.
On this day, Liu Yan came to his camp and saw Lu Xiangsheng's general Chen An waiting in front of the camp gate. He and several guards beside him, all wearing leather jackets, leather pants and leather hats, were wrapped like rice dumplings.
In the cold weather, the horses in everyone's mouths and under their bodies were breathing thick white air. The horses stirred a few times from time to time, grinding their iron hooves on the hard topsoil.
Seeing Liu Yan, Chen An smiled brightly, saluted on his horse and said, "General Liu is here by chance. The general is about to go to the camp to find the general on the order of the governor!"
Liu Yan immediately returned the greeting and asked, "I wonder what important matter the governor has to do, General Lamo?"
Chen An smiled and said, "Same as in the past, Governor Lu summoned soldiers from various towns and invited General Liu to give lectures."
Liu Yan smiled slightly. With this great victory in Dingzhou, Liu Yan's new army had strong combat power, especially the sharpness of firearms tactics. It amazed the generals and naturally aroused the general attention of the generals. Who wouldn't want his troops to be as brave as Liu Yan's troops? Good at fighting and constantly making meritorious deeds?
Everyone first paid a private visit to Liu Yan, especially Yang Guozhu, the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu Town, who hosted a banquet for Liu Yan for several days and asked about his experience. Then Wang Pu, the chief military officer of Datong Town, arrived and also cordially invited Liu Yan, making insinuations in an attempt to find out the secret to Liu Yan's victory.
Finally, at the strong request of the generals, Lu Xiangsheng specially recruited the generals and invited Liu Yan to come and give lectures.
According to everyone's speculation, some people think it is because of Liu Yan's firearms, while others think it is because Liu Yan's army is highly disciplined and well-trained. There is no consensus. In fact, Liu Yan has nothing to hide. Anyone with a discerning eye will know his tactics.
In fact, Liu Yan also thinks that his sharp firearms are part of it, but this is not the main thing. The weapons used by Liu Yan's army were only old items from the Ming Dynasty decades ago. The most advanced weapons in the Ming army were Lu Xiangsheng's Supervisory Biao Battalion. The Lu Mi blunderbuss already used was not available in his own army.
The key is that the firearms are of reliable quality. The reasons for this are complicated and involve many relationships, but with the respect of the commander-in-chief of each town, there is nothing that cannot be solved. As the commander-in-chief, they have to build hundreds or even thousands of high-quality fire guns, which is actually not a problem. Historically, Xu Guangqi spent a lot of money and hired Western craftsmen to build a large number of sophisticated firecrackers and artillery, but in the end they had no effect.
Constraints from all sides, strategic mistakes are only one of the reasons, and the lack of discipline in the military is also a very important reason. In the main barracks of the general soldiers of each town, at least basic food and salary can be guaranteed. However, there are too many ruffians in their army. As long as these people exist in the army, it will be difficult to maintain the military discipline of the Xiahe Village New Army. Strict, like an arm using its fingers.
Apart from anything else, just like the Xiahezhai New Army insisted on entering the shooting range before firing the gun during the battle, no one could do it. As a result, no matter how sophisticated the firearm is, it will not be able to exert its power. To be like the new army in Xiahe Village, the generals must first defeat most of their subordinates, which is impossible for everyone.
Finally, Liu Yan was not optimistic about their troops who were just paid and had no sense of belonging. If you have ten points of pay, you will have seven points of loyalty, if you have five points of pay, you will have three points of loyalty. Without food and wages, you will run away as soon as you can avoid the battle. It is strange that the warlord mentality combined with the arrogance and bravery of the generals is willing to fight tough battles.
Liu Yan and Chen An came to the barracks of Dubiao Camp, which was in the area of South Circle Head. From Nanquaitou to Weijiazhuang, along both sides of the Xiaoyi River, the sergeants of Xuanda Sanzhen set up a large camp, and the continuous flags seemed to be endless.
When Liu Yan came to the governor's residence, a group of gentry and common people who came to work in the army were being played and beaten away. Lu Xiangsheng was in high spirits and led the generals of the three towns and the generals to watch them go. At this time, Lu Xiangsheng did not forget to teach the generals: "...as long as our officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty work hard to kill the thieves and serve the country with all their heart, the people will eat pots of pulp to welcome the king."
All the generals agreed. Seeing Liu Yan coming, Lu Xiangsheng smiled and said, "General Liu is here?"
Everyone behind Lu Xiangsheng also greeted Liu Yan cordially. Wang Pu, the chief military officer of Datong Town, even shouted loudly: "General Liu, brothers and other military officers are all waiting eagerly for General Liu to explain his confusion and teach him the truth." Woolen cloth."
Liu Yan said hurriedly: "Don't dare, don't dare. It's time for the general to ask for advice from all the military sects."
One by one, they bowed their hands to several general soldiers and everyone rushed into Lu Xiangsheng's Chinese army tent to continue discussing the topics of the previous few days.
Everyone unanimously agreed that Liu Yan's army was brave and capable of fighting. In fact, weapons and armor were not the main problem. The officers and soldiers in the entire town did not dare to say that at least the main barracks of each family must have excellent armor and equipment. In fact, it was not a big problem.
Liu Yan even took the opportunity to ask Lu Xiangsheng for some advanced Lumi guns, hoping to study them carefully after returning. Lu Xiangsheng naturally agreed generously.
As for the formations, which one of the commander-in-chief’s study rooms and residences has not collected a large number of military books? Even if some people are illiterate, each family's subordinates must have a staff officer named Zan Hua. They come from a family of generals and have their own experience in battle formations, so this is not a problem.
Hu Dawei, the chief military officer of Shanxi Town, said thoughtfully: "In this case, it is a matter of soldiers and training."
Liu Yan said: "What Hu Junmen said is very true. Qi Shuai once said: Soldiers are chosen by you. There are regulations, soldiers have quotas, and pay is limited. The only way is to be precise. Therefore, he selects soldiers and pays homage to them." They are honest people from the countryside, not people who wander around the city. With such drills, the sergeants will be able to fear the military law and abide by the regulations. When fighting, they can use their arms and fingers like arms, and they can be in a dignified formation."
The above words of Liu Yan are one of the essence of Qi Jiguang's military training experience. In the Battle of Hunhe, Qi's army fought to the last man. His words are indeed good words.
Everyone was silent, and they understood what Liu Yan meant, but everyone knew about their own affairs. The military discipline of each battalion was ruined and the troops were ineffective. It was okay to be a deserter due to fear of war. It was even worse to kill good people and take credit for their merits. A large number of soldiers were ruffians. Some of these people may be brave and brave, but their presence in the army will do more harm than good.
If according to Liu Yan's words, these people will be laid off, then out of the thousands of people in the camp, only a few hundred people will remain. There is a shortage of soldiers. How to arrange the laid off people? Recruiting sergeants again, where will the food and salary come from?
Liu Yan said: "We can let them cultivate the fields. It turns out that there are many wastelands in the Ming Dynasty, but there is no shortage of places to farm."
Wang Pu, the chief military officer of Datong Town, asked: "Where do you get the funds for farming?"
Liu Yan smiled and said: "But the court must find ways."
The generals exchanged meaningful glances. The soldiers in Liu Yan's army were well-nourished. This was naturally because Liu Yan had a lot of money and food. Liu Yan is just a guard general, and he is only a defense officer at the Qianhu Station in front of Xiahe Village. Not only does the court not pay him food, but he also collects taxes. However, he has the ability to raise so many powerful sergeants. He must be able to earn it himself. The path to money.
This matter can only be understood, not talked about. This wonderful recipe is the core secret of Liu Yan's own success, and it is impossible for him to talk about it. But of all the people here, who can be the commander-in-chief of a town, who doesn’t have a couple of tricks, and who doesn’t have a way to make money on their own? Can they support their servants only by relying on the food and salary provided by the imperial court?
Liu Yanzhi's words opened up a new way of thinking for everyone. With Liu Yan's successful example in front of him, maybe everyone can give it a try.
In fact, what Liu Yan said to the generals had already been said to Lu Xiangsheng. Many things were simple for Liu Yan, but in Lu Xiangsheng's position, they were extremely complicated, which often made him powerless.
After everyone talked for a while, Lu Xiangsheng sighed, and then said seriously: "Okay, now the generals will discuss matters."
Immediately everyone in the tent sat up straight, and Lu Xiangsheng said: "After the great victory in Dingzhou, the capital was invigorated, the emperor issued imperial edicts to commend him, and the morale of the soldiers in each battalion was also high. Now most of the slaves and thieves are heading south to Zhending. Taking advantage of this enthusiasm, I declare The army has finished resting in Gaoyang. I have decided to send our troops to Zhending tomorrow to alleviate the suffering of the people there."
The armor clanged, and everyone stood up and shouted: "I am willing to follow the governor and saddle the horse, kill thieves, serve the country, and make new achievements."
After the great victory in Dingzhou, the fear of the Qing soldiers in the three towns of Xuanda was wiped away, and the military morale of all departments reached its peak.
Lu Xiangsheng was also very satisfied with this and said: "The victory of Dingzhou proves the nature of slaves and thieves who are fierce and internal. As long as our officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty have the courage to kill thieves, their heads will be our military merit. All the generals will leave their names in history." Please work hard on that day!"
Everyone shouted: "Kill the thieves to serve the country, kill the thieves to serve the country!"
Liu Yan also shouted along with the crowd. Encouraged by the great victory in Dingzhou, more and more Ming troops dared to go out of the city to attack the enemy in the field. The military situation is now optimistic. The invasion of Qing troops this time has been much more difficult than in history. Liu Yan has changed the direction of history somewhat.
33
Some people died, but not completely...
