At the end of August, Liu Yan led his troops into Shanhaiguan. The army passed through the majestic Guancheng and marched toward the capital in a mighty manner.
Liu Yan rode his horse to follow the army, and suddenly saw a group of people coming from the front. They were Wu Guojin, the chief of the intelligence department, and Wang Yang, the chief of the investigation team, and several other subordinates.
Since Liu Yan led his troops to participate in the Battle of Huangtuling, he ordered Wu Guojin to lead his people back to the pass, specifically to go to the capital and surrounding areas to explore the movements of the imperial court.
Liu Yan always understood that the key to victory or defeat in the Liaodong War was not actually on the battlefield, but in the capital and above the imperial court!
In fact, in the historical Battle of Songjin, if Emperor Chongzhen and a group of ministers did not have various "sexy maneuvers", and everyone did not constantly urge Hong Chengchou to fight decisively, but continued to increase troops in Liaodong and continuously supplied money, food, and military equipment, then Songjin It is still unclear who will win the battle. After all, the Ming army led by Hong Chengchou actually had some combat effectiveness in history. In the early and middle stages of the war, the Ming army and the Qing army fought vigorously.
After a while, Wu Guojin and Wang Yang rode their horses to the Central Army. Several people rolled off their horses and clasped their fists and said, "Your Majesty, there has been a personnel change in the court. The chief minister of the cabinet, Zhang Sizhi, has been dismissed by the emperor!"
Liu Yan frowned slightly. Zhang Sizhi was not very famous in history, which had a lot to do with his limited abilities.
"Did Zhou Yanru be changed to the chief minister of the cabinet?"
Wu Guojin and Wang Yang were stunned. They looked at Liu Yan in disbelief. Wu Guojin even asked: "This news just came out from the palace. Not everyone in the capital knows about it. How did you know about it?" ?”
Liu Yan smiled and said, "I dreamed about it when I was sleeping."
Wu Guojin and Wang Yang naturally didn't believe it, but looking at Liu Yan, they felt that Liu Yan was even more unfathomable: "Your Excellency, there must be other sources of information. It seems that we need to work harder!"
Liu Yan immediately ordered Wu Guojin and Wang Yang to follow the Chinese army on horseback, and then fell into deep thought.
Liu Yan disliked Zhou Yanru very much and even thought that he was worse than Yang Sichang. At least Yang Sichang still had some military talent. Although Yang Sichang eliminated dissidents and constantly attacked Lu Xiangsheng, he was able to lead the army in battle, and he was indeed capable. And what about Zhou Yanru?
Zhou Yanrunan was born in Yixing County, Changzhou Prefecture. It is said that he was smart since he was a child. In the 41st year of Wanli, he became the first scholar in the imperial examination and served successively as editor, right Zhongyun, Zuo Shuzi, Shao Zhanshi, Zhengzhan, and so on. The right minister of the Ministry of Rites and other positions.
However, although Zhou Yanru was very talented and learned, he was better at catering to Emperor Chongzhen's wishes. Finally, relying on his ability to cater to his superiors, he entered the cabinet in the second year of Chongzhen as the Minister of Rites and the Bachelor of Dongge University.
Then Zhou Yanru and Wen Tiren fought with each other and were kicked out of the cabinet for a time. Only at this time did he finally become the chief minister of the cabinet again.
Liu Yan still remembered that when Zhou Yanru was the chief minister of the cabinet, he relied on Wu Changshi, Dong Tingxian and other cronies, made friends with internal servants, and accepted bribes, which made the trend of corruption in the court even worse!
Even based on Zhou Yanru's various actions, after the Manchu Qing Dynasty entered the Pass, Zhou Yanru was directly included in the "treacherous minister transfer", which shows what kind of person he was.
"Since Zhou Yanru has joined the cabinet, the first thing he will do is probably to cut military expenditures in Liaodong. It seems that the war in Liaodong will become even more difficult!"
Liu Yan was even more worried, but now that things had come to this, he could not change it. The only thing he could do was to rush to the battlefield in Henan as soon as possible, rescue Lu Xiangsheng, and then stabilize the situation in the Central Plains to prevent the situation from getting worse.
The soldiers of each battalion of the New Army in Qinglai Town marched all the way from Shanhaiguan to Beijing in only eight days. It can be said that the troops were extremely fast.
When the vanguard of the army arrived outside Deshengmen in the north and the Ministry of War received the news, Chen Xinjia couldn't even believe it. Because according to the estimates of the Ministry of War, Liu Yan's troops will not arrive for another seven or eight days.
"So fast!"
Chen Xinjia praised: "The military report I received earlier stated that Liu Yan's troops had arrived at Shanhaiguan. According to the distance, Liu Yan traveled at least sixty miles a day from Shanhaiguan to the capital. This is true every day. It is really the style of a strong army!"
So Chen Xinjia ordered people to inform the palace and went out of the city to meet the soldiers.
Outside Desheng Gate, Chen Xinjia looked at the dusty soldiers of his new home. Although it was already September, the weather was still very hot. Although the soldiers of each battalion of the New Army were all sweating profusely, their armors and uniforms were stained with sweat. and stains, but the spirit of the soldiers was very high. They lined up outside the city and stood ready, like countless statues, motionless under the scorching sun, which shocked Chen Xinjia.
"It's incredible that our Ming Dynasty still has such a strong army!"
Liu Yan led a group of generals to see Chen Xinjia. Chen Xinjia looked at Liu Yan and others and said with a smile: "General Liu beheaded more than 9,000 slave thieves. It is truly the greatest achievement of this dynasty. Your Majesty has drawn up an edict to do it in great detail." I will reward General Liu and the officers of the new army. When they come to Beijing this time, General Liu and the officers can rest outside the city for three days. His Majesty will also choose an opportunity to summon them. Three days later, General Liu will lead his troops to Henan to rush for reinforcements."
Liu Yan clasped his fists and said, "General, I accept your order. It's just that our new army soldiers have been tired all the way, and the army is short of food and equipment. Please help me."
Chen Xinjia said sternly: "The New Army soldiers fought bloody battles, so naturally I cannot let the soldiers lack food and clothing. Don't worry, Mr. Liu, I will mobilize money and food within two days, and at least prepare a month's supply for the New Army soldiers." We need it. As for military preparations, there is indeed no inventory in the arsenal of the capital. The arsenal has been emptied out by the army before the expedition. At this time, General Liu has to find a way on his own."
Liu Yan said: "In this case, I don't need to trouble my soldiers. It's just that the money and food must be sufficient and timely. The money and food matter is related to the victory or defeat of the war, so please worry about it."
"Haha, this is natural, Mr. Liu, don't worry."
That night, Liu Yan led his troops to set up camp outside Deshengmen. The next morning, officials from the Ministry of War arrived escorting a large number of carriages and horses to transport part of the money, food and equipment for the new army soldiers.
Liu Yan ordered Xun Jingyun to take people to receive it, and at the same time ordered Bao Xuezhen to take medical officers from each battalion into the city to purchase as many needed medicines as possible.
Anyway, the army still carries a lot of silver. When it comes to places in Henan, silver is the most useless thing, because there is no place to buy things if there is money, so it is better to spend money to buy it here in the capital.
"grown ups!"
As soon as Xun Jingyun and Bao Xuezhen left the Chinese army tent, Miao Shao walked in quickly and said, "Sir, someone from the palace has come, saying that the emperor wants to summon you."
"Haha, Mr. Liu, long time no see. Do you still remember Xiao Shunzi?"
I saw an eunuch walking in with a smile and flicking the fly whisk in his hand. It was Xiao Shunzi, the eunuch who went to Qinglai Town to announce the decree to Liu Yan before setting off to Liaodong.
Liu Yan stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Haha, it's your father-in-law. Of course this town will remember it. Father-in-law, please sit down."
Xiao Shunzi was very respectful to Liu Yan. Liu Yan was originally the powerful military officer and was notoriously difficult to mess with. Now he has more than 9,000 slave heads in his hands. This is a great achievement that has soared into the sky. He is alone. Naturally, the eunuchs who were in charge of the ceremony did not dare to show off in front of Liu Yan.
"Haha, the Zajia family don't dare to sit in front of General Liu. Furthermore, since His Majesty has summoned General Liu, please prepare some preparations for General Liu. Let's leave now, okay?"
Liu Yan promised and asked Xiao Shunzi to wait for a moment. He went to the back of the camp and changed into the red official uniform of a general officer. Then he asked Miao Shao to prepare fifty taels of silver for Xiao Shunzi. But Xiao Shunzi couldn't close his mouth from ear to ear and praised Liu Yan for being generous and generous.
Then Liu Yan told Miao Shao and others to wait in the camp. He took a team of guards with him, followed Xiao Shunzi and a group of royal guards into the city, and entered the palace directly to the platform.
At this time, Emperor Chongzhen was already waiting here. A huge bright yellow umbrella was erected on the platform, blocking the scorching sun and making the platform very cool.
Liu Yan was also surprised when he saw this. Since ancient times, there was no such thing as letting the emperor and others say it. This shows how anxious Emperor Chongzhen was to see Liu Yan.
"My lord, Liu Yan, the chief military officer of Qinglai Town, bows to Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
"Liu Yan! Get back on your feet."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Give me a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After some courtesy, Liu Yan finally sat down and looked at Emperor Chongzhen. He saw that Emperor Chongzhen was much thinner than the last time he saw him. There was even some bloodshot eyes in his eyes. It can be seen that the wars in Liaodong and Henan had made this young man How anxious the emperor was.
Emperor Chongzhen asked directly about the situation on the Liaodong battlefield and Liu Yan's views on the victory and defeat of the battle without any official words.
Liu Yan looked at Wang Chengen next to him, and saw that Wang Chengen's face was as dark as water, without any expression, so he said bluntly: "Your Majesty, the situation in Jinzhou is now becoming stalemate. Our army and the Qing army are in a state of confrontation. Overall, Our army still has a certain advantage, with the geographical advantages of Huangtu Ridge, Jinzhou City, and Songshan Fort."
"But with the main force of our new army in Qinglai Town being transferred south, I have reduced our troops and combat power too much. Therefore, in the next war, I think our army should switch from offense to defense, with the help of Huangtu Ridge, Jinzhou City, and Songshan Forts and other fortifications and cities continued to consume the strength of the Qing army, and eventually forced the Qing army to retreat. In this way, our army can find loopholes in the Qing army, and perhaps look for opportunities to severely damage the army of slaves and thieves!"
In fact, Liu Yan said it more euphemistically, meaning in one sentence: Without the main force of the new army, the Ming army was no match for the Qing army. It could only defend and consume the enemy's forces. Everyone was happy when the Qing army left.
Emperor Chongzhen naturally understood, but he just sighed.
"Liu Yan, I know that the strategy you mentioned is a safe strategy and a mature way to plan for the country. But I also have difficulties. The battle in Liaodong has been unresolved for a long time, and the imperial court cannot sustain it and cannot afford to fight!"
Liu Yan hurriedly said: "Your Majesty must not be impatient! The battle of Liaodong is related to the fate of the country. Once our army is defeated, Liaodong will be worthy of being the territory of the Han family. The slaves and thieves will reach Shanhaiguan directly. It is best to be cautious!"
Liu Yan's words did not elicit a reply from Emperor Chongzhen, only a sigh was heard. Then Emperor Chongzhen stood up, stared at Liu Yan, sighed again, and walked away.
At this time, Liu Yan looked at Emperor Chongzhen's back in surprise, wondering why Emperor Chongzhen summoned him today.
"General Liu."
At this time, Wang Chengen said with a smile: "Did you understand what His Majesty just said?"
Liu Yan frowned, pondered for a while, and said, "I understand, the court has no money. Your Majesty is preparing to order Hong Duchen to fight the slaves."
Wang Chengen said: "General Liu is a smart man. If the Battle of Jinzhou is really defeated and the hundreds of thousands of Liaodong troops are defeated, then the Ming Dynasty will count on General Liu, and hope that General Liu will serve the country and your Majesty." Share the worries.”
Liu Yan only felt angry in his heart. Even if he was facing Wang Chengen at this time, he could not speak calmly: "Is the court really short of money? The ministers in the court and the powerful people from all over the country are not rich in wealth. Why can't your majesty make up his mind? There are no other places. He said that just around the capital, tens of millions of taels of silver could be copied!"
Wang Chengen didn't expect Liu Yan to be so excited. He stepped forward, blocked Liu Yan's mouth, and scolded Liu Yan in a low voice: "General Liu, be careful what you say! Although the old slave is an eunuch, he knows who is the mainstay! Listen to the old slave. I advise you, there is no room for maneuver in the matter of Liaodong. If we fight decisively as soon as possible, there may be a glimmer of hope. If we delay it any longer, the supply of the army will be cut off, and then we will really be doomed!"
"General Liu, don't be so reckless in the future. In the future, the Ming Dynasty will still count on General Liu to lead troops to defend!"
Liu Yan laughed and turned around to leave without saying a word.
Of course, in the evening, Xiao Shunzi once again led the Jin Yiwei to the new army guard camp and read out Emperor Chongzhen's edict in the Chinese army tent.
Liu Yan beheaded more than 9,000 people in the Battle of Huangtuling, which was a great contribution. Therefore, after discussion by the Ministry of War, Liu Yan was granted the title of Dinglubo and was given the seal of Dinglu General. At the same time, Emperor Chongzhen also rewarded Liu Yan with 3,000 taels of silver and a large army of soldiers. Each has his own reward.
However, there were no specific rewards for the officers and soldiers in each department. Xiao Shunzi said: "Haha, your Majesty has a verbal message. The time to rush to Henan is urgent. The contributions of the officers and soldiers of the army have already been recorded in the merit book. When General Liu returns in triumph, Let’s raise the reward together again.”
Liu Yan had no trouble in his heart at this time, but he felt that it was not worth it for the soldiers who died in such a series of battles. Such a court and such a world must change!
Of course, before that, "historical troublemakers" like Li Zicheng must be eradicated, and the Manchu and Qing Tatars must also be attacked, otherwise Liu Yan would not have the time and energy to accomplish such a feat.
After making up his mind, Liu Yan thanked Xiao Shunzi for his hard work and gave him a "hard work fee" of fifty taels of silver as usual. The commander of the capital said: "Password: Early tomorrow morning, the army will set off and go to Kaifeng Mansion to participate in the battle."
Some people died, but not completely...
