"So urgent?"
Hong Chengchou was very surprised. During the Warring States Period, more than 200,000 soldiers went out to fight, and the related matters were extremely complicated. Just the logistics and supply matters alone took at least a month to prepare.
But judging from this order from the Ministry of War, the imperial court, or Emperor Chongzhen, could not wait any longer. The keynote of this battle was to win quickly.
Hong Chengchou's heart was heavy, and he clasped his fists and said, "I know this, please send me the order. Tomorrow I will lead all the soldiers to Beijing."
Ma Shaoyu, the head of the staff of the Ministry of War, and Zhang Ruoqi, the doctor of the staff of the Ministry of War, were very happy. Seeing that Hong Chengchou was very wise, they were full of expectations for this time to supervise the army. The dynasty has not had such a large-scale war for many years. This war not only gathered a huge amount of money and food, but also was a great opportunity to gain credit. Ma Shaoyu and Zhang Ruoqi smiled and sat at the table, sitting at the head of Wu Sangui, next to Hong Chengchou, Then he drank with everyone, not worried at all about the upcoming war.
Liu Yan looked at the two of them, as well as Wu Sangui, Ma Ke, Tang Tong and other general officers who kept toasting to the two of them, and couldn't help frowning: "It seems that the situation of this battle is not optimistic, just with these few pieces As expected, this battle has added a lot of variables!"
Liu Yan looked at Hong Chengchou again. Let's not talk about Hong Chengchou's character. In terms of his ability to lead troops, conservatively speaking, he can be ranked at least in the top five. If Emperor Chongzhen hadn't kept urging Hong Chengchou in the Battle of Songjin in history, Hong Chengchou would have been killed. Continue to fight steadily, and it is still unclear who will win in the end.
Liu Yan looked at Hong Chengchou's melancholy face and frowned in deep thought, obviously worried about the outcome of this battle.
“In the final analysis, it’s still a matter of money and food!”
In the historical Battle of Songjin, the Ming Dynasty could not even support the supply of 130,000 Ming troops. Now it has assembled an army of 250,000, which is almost double the military strength in history. Judging from the financial resources of the imperial court at this time, It definitely wouldn't last long, so it was reasonable for the military headquarters to send people to urge them before the army even set off.
"The historical Battle of Songjin lasted for more than two years and almost brought down the Ming Dynasty's financial resources. Now it seems that if the court can sustain it for half a year, it is considered an optimistic estimate!"
So Liu Yan made up his mind that if the war didn't go well, he would have to make plans early. These more than 80,000 New Army soldiers were China's hope and there was no room for failure!
Amid the worries of Liu Yan and Hong Chengchou, the laughter of Ma Shaoyu, Zhang Ruoqi and others, and the doubts of Cao Bianjiao, Yang Guozhu and others, the banquet ended hastily and everyone returned to the camp.
Early the next morning, Hong Chengchou beat the war drum to summon the generals and announced in public that the army was setting off. The entire army went to the capital to stand by.
Tongzhou is located in the southeast of the capital, but when Hong Chengchou led his army to the capital, he did not go directly west to Chaoyangmen and Dongzhimen, but all the way north. The entire army entered the capital from Deshengmen in the north of the capital.
Each gate in Beijing has its own special purpose. Desheng Gate is dedicated to the passage of large armies, which means "victory and triumph".
Liu Yan's troops were placed behind Hong Chengchou's supervision camp, which shows that Hong Chengchou attached great importance to Liu Yan's troops.
At this time, the army could already see the majestic city walls of Beijing from a distance. It was also the first time for Liu Yan to see the city of Beijing in this era. The towering city towers and stretching walls all told the magnificence of the city. Liu Yan was used to the reinforced concrete cities of later generations, and had also seen big cities such as Jinan Fucheng and Qingzhou Fucheng. But the moment he saw Beijing, he was still shocked by the heart of the Ming Empire!
Not long after, reports came in from the guards camp at night. Headed by Fan Fucui, the chief assistant of the cabinet, Li Rixuan, the minister of the Ministry of official affairs, Chen Xinjia, the minister of the Ministry of war, Li Daiwen, the minister of the Ministry of household affairs, as well as a group of officials from the capital, nobles, etc., I was waiting ten miles outside Desheng Gate to welcome the soldiers according to Emperor Chongzhen's order.
Liu Yan was also slightly moved. Such treatment was extremely grand and generous in this era. In Liu Yan's memory, Emperor Chongzhen seemed not to have prepared for such a spectacle. This was the first time, and I'm afraid it will be the last time. , which shows how much Emperor Chongzhen attached great importance to this battle.
In addition, Ye Ye who inquired about the news did not accept any reward. Outside Desheng Gate, countless people from the capital gathered after hearing the news.
The Battle of Jinzhou was related to the fate of the Ming Dynasty. The people in the capital had been at the emperor's feet for a long time, so they were naturally very concerned about national affairs, and their knowledge was far superior to the people elsewhere. This battle naturally attracted the attention of all the people, and everyone in the government and the public was even more concerned. It is said that when the army first gathered in Tongzhou, the major teahouses and wine shops in the capital were discussing the matter every day, and even storytellers had begun to make up jokes and prepare After the army comes out of the customs, give a speech and win a fortune.
This battle is related to the fate of the country. From the high-ranking officials to the common people, they are extremely concerned about the information of the generals who are leading the army to help. In particular, the Qinglai Town New Army, which is known as the strongest army in the world, has attracted countless people's attention.
At this time, the general situation of the various armies has been spread throughout the capital. It is said that the total number of the various armies is 250,000. The Qinglai Town New Army alone, known as the strongest army in the Ming Dynasty, has nearly 90,000 troops. The people of the capital Everyone is excited, and even some good people are already predicting: The Ming Dynasty will win this battle, and the Dongnu will be defeated miserably. From this battle, the troubles of Dongshi will no longer exist!
Liu Yan rode his horse and led the army to march, with banners covering the sky and the sun in front and behind. It must be said that at this time, all the troops and horses were the most elite among the Ming army. As they marched along, the troops of each unit were in order, which made The people who were accustomed to seeing the beggar-like appearance of the Ming army were shocked.
At this time, both sides of the official road leading to Deshengmen were crowded with people from the capital for more than ten miles. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the rumored heroic appearance of the new army soldiers in Qinglai Town.
In this regard, Liu Yan naturally would not miss the good opportunity to show off the new army in Qinglai Town. He ordered the soldiers of each battalion to sing "Army March" and "Victory Song" while marching. More than 88,000 new army soldiers immediately sang Standing up, the other soldiers of the Ming army raised eyebrows, and then they were also infected by the singing and began to sing along. 33
Hong Chengchou's expression changed slightly as he listened to the singing of the New Army in Qinglai Town: "This Liu Yan's method of boosting morale is really exquisite. This person is extraordinary!"
Soon, a burst of cheers suddenly broke out from the welcoming crowd: "Coming! Coming!"
The singing was like a sea wave, and everyone on both sides of the official road was in high spirits. There are so many heads, just look to the north.
I saw flags fluttering in the distance, covering the sky and the sun. Before the army arrived, the majesty arrived first, and as the army marched, the melodious and majestic sound of marching drums was faintly heard. The crowd was in an uproar, and everyone stretched their necks as hard as they could.
Suddenly, two huge side-by-side banners appeared in front of everyone's eyes. One had "Chief Military Officer of Qinglai Town, Liu" written on it, and the other had the blood-red wavy sun and moon flag, which was the military flag of the Ming army.
These two big flags are both extremely tall. They are carried on a big cart and pulled by strong horses. Behind the big hunting flags are dense drum carts. The drummers on them beat marching music. Every beat is shocking. Ye, the drummer behind him responded with the same color, and there were also musicians such as 筚, 铓, and 篞.
In the music of marching drums, people and horses marched closely together, and the song "Marching the Army" also floated, which shocked the hearts of the people on both sides of the official road.
The new army from Qinglai Town came out with such momentum that the onlookers cheered and shouted with satisfaction. Many people even pointed at the billowing sun and moon flags on the flag car.
In front of the Qinglai Town army were countless horsemen and soldiers, all of whom wore helmets and armor, and the armor shone with cold light and was extremely majestic. Following behind were rows and rows of cavalry officers wearing bright helmets and armor. This was the cavalry battalion. Then came the infantry soldiers of each battalion marching neatly, and finally the artillery battalion and the baggage troops and horses.
The officers and soldiers of the New Army were neatly dressed in uniforms and armor. They walked solemnly and calmly. Their military boots hit the road with a neat sound. The people of the capital were outside, and everyone tried their best to show off their might. All the soldiers held their heads high, did not look sideways, and just marched solemnly.
Xu Mingde, the commander of the night guard, and Xiao Dongzi, the flag commander, rode their horses and walked at the front of the army. They were very nervous, even more nervous than on the battlefield, for fear that they would be embarrassed somewhere and ruin the might of the new army.
Shen Wen, the commander-in-chief of the left wing of the rear camp, also had a tense face. He placed the gun tightly on his shoulder, raised his feet high and stamped them hard to the beat of the drums. The whole army was like this. The leader of the banner in front, Bai, also had a solemn look on his face, and the marching pace of the entire army caused a uniform roar on the ground.
Seeing the huge army rolling in, not to mention the people in the capital, Fan Fucui, the chief minister of the cabinet, and others who greeted them all also praised happily, saying: "With such a strong army, Jinzhou will have no worries."
Chen Xingjia, the Minister of the Ministry of War, even admired the new army in Qinglai Town. He thought: "Liu Yan's army management is indeed extraordinary. Such a strong army has tens of thousands of people. The Warring States Dynasty will definitely win. I, the Minister of the Ministry of War, will also be lucky. Maybe We can use the power of this battle to compete for the position of chief minister of the cabinet..."
When the army came to the front, Fan Fucui hurriedly led the people to greet them. Hong Chengchou also led the generals of the towns and other generals to dismount and walk over.
Fan Fucui and Hong Chengchou first complimented each other, and then asked which one was Liu Yan, the chief military officer of Qinglai Town. Liu Yan then stood up and saluted the chief minister of the cabinet, which aroused envy and jealousy from Wu Sangui and others. .
Fan Fucui smiled and praised, shook his head and said: "The flags are flying, the horses' hooves are rumbling, the slogans and the drums are echoing, so majestic. Our new army in Qinglai Town is really majestic. The army of our country... I, cough cough cough cough cough Ahem...that's so impressive..."
Fan Fucui, the chief minister of the cabinet, was old after all. He coughed repeatedly before finishing his sentence, but he still insisted on finishing the praise.
Subsequently, officials from the Ministry of Rites announced on behalf of the court to express condolences to the labor force. The 250,000 soldiers were rewarded with varying amounts of silver and cloth, and then informed the reinforcements of the arrangements for the troops.
Today the army is camping and resting outside the capital. Tomorrow Emperor Chongzhen will summon Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, and the general military officers in the main hall. A military parade will be held outside the city the day after tomorrow. After the military parade, all troops will immediately depart from the parade ground and set off for Liaodong.
Hong Chengchou, Liu Yan and other general military officers took orders one after another. The campsites of the various Ming armies were near Andingmen and Deshengmen, both outside the North City of Beijing.
Liu Yan's troops were placed five miles outside Desheng Gate. Liu Yan led a team of guards to patrol around the camp. Looking at the towering city wall not far away, he himself was wandering around Beijing.
It is said that after Emperor Yongle moved the capital to Beijing, he stationed 72 guards in Beijing, collectively called the Beijing Guards.
The Beijing Guards had their own camps in the capital. For example, the Wude Guard Camp was stationed in Andingmen, which was later changed to Wudaoying Hutong. The Jeju Guard Camp was stationed in Fuchengmen, which was later changed to Jizhiwei Hutong. The main camp of the three major camps of the Beijing Army was The teaching venues are located outside Deshengmen and Andingmen.
During the Wanli period, due to frequent wars, officials in the Beijing camp suggested that the teaching center be relocated to the city for the sake of safety, so it was located outside Xuanwumen, but a new teaching center was still opened within Nancheng. Although the teaching site occupies a huge area, people in the capital are still accustomed to calling the new teaching site the small teaching site and the original teaching site the big teaching site.
Naturally, it is impossible for the 250,000-strong army to enter the capital to camp, and can only be stationed near the cathedral, which is the best.
When the camps of various armies were gradually formed, Liu Yan and other general officers gathered in the Chinese army camp.
At this time, Chen Xinjia, the Minister of War, also came to the camp and chatted and laughed with Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao.
When the two saw the general military officers arriving one after another, they called everyone over, and Liu Yan also followed the crowd and came closer.
Chen Xinjia paid the most attention to Liu Yan and asked in his thick Sichuan accent: "This time, more than 250,000 troops from all walks of life were dispatched. I heard that there are more than 88,000 new army soldiers under General Liu's command?"
Liu Yan clasped his fists and said, "It's exactly what I am reporting to you."
Chen Xingjia twitched his beard and smiled: "Master Wang's armor is strong and sharp, and he can take advantage of it. This expedition to Liaodong will be a great victory."
Liu Yan said with emotion: "The elite slave thieves should not be underestimated. This time they will definitely come with an overwhelming force. However, our army is to defend the country and fight against foreign invaders, so the morale of the army will naturally be high. In this battle of Jinzhou, our army will be assigned to the slave thieves." A heavy blow!”
Chen Xinjia understood the meaning of Liu Yan's words and couldn't help but be overjoyed and said with a smile: "Okay, Commander Liu's words are enough. Commander Liu just calm down and do his best to fight with the generals under the command of the governor. As for the food in the rear Our troops will provide a steady supply of baggage and equipment for the king's division, so that the soldiers will never be hungry or cold."
Despite Chen Xinjia's guarantee, Liu Yan and Hong Chengchou were still very worried, and it was hard to say anything at this time.
At this time, Chen Xinjia kept greeting Liu Yan, expressing his concern and condolences for the army's hard work marching under the scorching sun. He also asked if the army had marching powder and other medicines to treat heat and detoxify?
Liu Yanze said that he worked tirelessly to serve the country. Although the army had some storage of medicines, there were not many. If the Ministry of War was willing to provide them, it would be great.
Chen Xinjia immediately agreed to raise some medicines for Liu Yan and various general military officers.
Everyone clasped their fists in thanksgiving.
Some people died, but not completely...
