What orders did Li Rumei and Liu Wei receive?
"... We have learned that the Japanese chief Nadoshima Shengmo passed through Gangneung on the 13th and went south. Our tribe has tens of thousands of elite cavalry and is powerful. It is appropriate to divide the divisions at the same time, and the commander-in-chief Dong Yiyuan pursues them from the south to the north and suppresses them. On the middle road, don't let it go south to Busan, causing trouble to the southeast.
Nabeshima Katsushige Yongxing won the battle by luck, and now his morale is high. Dong Yiyuan went to pursue the case soon after he had rested, fearing that he might not be able to catch him. Your tribe should take this as a priority and resolutely destroy it, and do not allow the Japanese pirates to boast of their achievements. All matters should be decided by your own department, and the plans and movements should not be controlled remotely. "
"... I have read the previous report and found out that your troops did not have enough food to contain the Japanese army. There are remote small towns in Masan and other places, and there is not enough food, so it is difficult to mobilize. The general has ordered all places in Jeolla Province to hurry up. As soon as the amount of food is collected, it will be delivered by sea ships, so don't worry about it.
Although the current fighting is frequent, the Japanese pirates have been defeated at Lianhua Mountain and cannot advance further. Admiral Ma Gui has led reinforcements to Quanzhou and can reach Sichuan within five days, so the journey is not dangerous.
If the Japanese pirates return, your troops should be cautious and hold on. As long as the mountain is not lost, it will be a great achievement. If the Japanese pirates circle the city, your troops must not pursue them to avoid being ambushed. Now that the Japanese pirates' surprise attack was defeated and their morale was low, they returned to Busan. Their fighting spirit was gone and they were just dragging their feet and not worrying. "
The Japanese army was having a huge quarrel at this time. Suddenly, they heard that the Ming army in front of Lianhua Mountain took the initiative to abandon the defense and slowly retreated towards Sichuan. The generals were very confused as to what the Ming army meant by this move.
At this time, someone came to report great joy, saying that they had intercepted two Ming army messengers. Each of them carried military orders, which were originally intended to be sent to generals Li Rumei and Liu Wei, but they have been found.
The Japanese generals were ecstatic when they heard this and immediately started to take a look. These two military orders were timely for the Japanese army. All the generals looked at them and felt that "the sky is the limit" and "our army has been saved."
However, Kuroda Rushui was obviously full of doubts. He believed that the Ming army's cavalry was extremely elite, and its sentry cavalry had never been captured since the Renchen year. How could they capture two of them today? I'm afraid there's some fraud involved.
His statement is naturally very reasonable, but to say it so straightforwardly offends people, especially the owner of this Monogami show - Mouri Hidemoto.
The Maori family was actually the strongest among the legions in this expedition, with a total of 40,000 people, almost one family outnumbering four families. Since their family sent many troops, the scale of the Mononomiban was naturally also large. At this time, almost all the Monokenbans scattered around were from the Maori family.
When Kuroda Rushui said this, Maori Hidemoto's face became a little ugly, but out of caution, Maori Hidemoto still asked with a cold face about the situation of Mono Miban's subordinates intercepting the Ming army's messenger.
Mono Jianban immediately reported it, and it turned out that the messenger he intercepted was not a sentry knight, but a chieftain soldier messenger sent by Gao Pingshi. According to the messenger's account, Gao Pingshi sent three messengers to each of the two armies to avoid accidents.
They originally planned to take a shortcut through mountain roads, so they did not send Ming army sentry cavalry, but sent chieftain soldiers - sometimes chieftain soldiers took shortcuts through mountain roads faster than taking a horse race on the main road.
As for why they were intercepted, the main reason was that there were not enough people. There were five messengers on one route, and the two routes were together because they had not left Lotus Mountain yet, and there were only ten people in total.
As it turned out, by coincidence, the Mononomiban of the Mori family had a large number of people. A group of about a hundred people discovered their whereabouts, and finally surrounded them and captured them.
Now Kuroda Rushui had nothing to say. After all, sending multiple messengers during war was a routine operation, and it was completely reasonable for the Ming army to use chieftains to take shortcuts through mountain roads.
So, the question now is what meaning these two highly pragmatic military orders have to the Japanese army.
President Konishi was the first to speak, saying: "If this is the case, then the retreat of the Lotus Mountain Ming Army can be explained."
Everyone looked at him. Governor Konishi pointed at the map and said: "Gentlemen, please take a look. Gao Pragmatic's military order mentioned the movements of all parties. His military order to Li Rumei said that His Highness Nabeshima had a great victory over Dong Yiyuan. He was coming from Heading south from Gangneung—we already knew this news in Changnyeong, so there is no doubt that it is a fact.”
[Note: Gangneung here refers to Gangneung City in Gangwon Province, one of the eight roads in North Korea. It is on the seaside in the east of North Korea and is basically at the same latitude as Seoul. Gangwon Province is named after the first words of Gangneung and Wonju. ]
Everyone nodded and waited for him to continue.
Konishi Governor said: "Since the matter is true, then think about it, with the pride of the Ming army, how can you swallow this sigh of relief? Of course it is impossible. So this also explains why Gao Pragmatic would rather give up on us temporarily. In case of encirclement and suppression, Li Rumei must be ordered to divide his troops to intercept His Highness Naoshima's move."
This statement was immediately approved by Ukita Hideie, who said: "Yes, I also think this statement is reasonable. The arrogance of the Ming army has long been familiar to everyone. The dignified general Dong Yiyuan led an army of tens of thousands, but was His Highness Nabeshima defeated it with five thousand.
Under such a great shame and humiliation, if the Ming army cannot get revenge on His Highness Nabeshima as soon as possible, it will be disgraced. Therefore, I think the military order given by Gao Pragmatic to Li Rumei should be true. "
Everyone thought it was reasonable, so Governor Konishi continued his analysis and said: "The military order Gao Pragmatic gave to Liu Wei mentioned that Liu Wei's troops were short of military rations and could not be mobilized. This is also very likely to be true. Liu Wei's troops were originally stationed in Sanjia. Logically speaking, It is not too far for him to go to Mashan. Even if he goes in a hurry and does not bring enough food and grass, he can still be dispatched from Sanjia or even Jinzhou.
However, there is one thing here that both Gao Pragmatic and Liu Wei have to consider, and that is the whereabouts of our army. Gentlemen, please think about it, if our army abandons the westward march to Sichuan and changes its route to the north, whether it is transporting grain from Sanjia or Jinzhou to Mashan, is it possible that our army will intercept it?
Gao Pangshi and Liu Wei both knew that our army was in a hurry to go south, and the army's grain reserves would not be too much, so how could they let our army intercept this batch of grain and grass for no reason?
Therefore, Gao Jingshi planned to use the maritime advantage in his military order to collect grain from Jeolla Province and transport it to Liu Wei in Mashan. At this point, it makes sense both emotionally and rationally. "
Maori Xiuyuan touched his chin and asked: "Then why did the Ming army at Lotus Mountain abandon their defense line and retreat westward?"
"That's a good question, Your Highness Mouri." Konishi Yukinagako said: "In terms of normal combat, the Lotus Mountain defense line is quite strong. Our army just suffered a setback here. Logically speaking, Gao Pragmatic should choose to stick to it. But please, gentlemen. It is known that since Li Rumei's troops must be divided, although our army does not know where the Ming army in the north is, at least the strength of the troops will be diluted.
In this case, if our army really bypasses Lianhua Mountain and attacks Jinzhou, will Gao pragmatically dare to put all his hopes in Li Rumei, who has been continuously divided into troops? I don't think so.
Then, he can only temporarily withdraw the Lianhuashan Ming army, which wastes a lot of time, and there is no guarantee that this Ming army will be able to return to Sichuan before us. The danger is too great.
Because of this, Gao Pragmatic simply chose to withdraw the Lianhuashan Ming Army in advance. Although this may prevent our army from being actively threatened by the Ming army, allowing us to concentrate on attacking Sichuan, on the other hand, as Gao Pingshi said, Magui's army has arrived in Quanzhou, and it will only take about five days to reach Sichuan.
At this point, the key to the battlefield has become whether our army can break through Sichuan within five days - now it seems that at least Gao Pragmatic believes that our army cannot do it. "
Beesuka Housekeeper said: "Speaking of it, Sichuan is just a small town. It is not difficult to capture it, but if the Ming army insists on it..." He frowned and said: "Considering the lessons of the Battle of Biti Hall and the The Kuroda Army suffered a setback at Lianhua Mountain, so it may be difficult to break through the Ming Army's defense."
Maori Xiuyuan clapped his hands gently and said: "From this point of view, these two military orders can be confirmed to be true and trustworthy. So, how do you think our army should react in such a situation?"
Governor Konishi was still the same Governor Konishi, and immediately said: "Li Rumei divided his troops, Gao pragmatically reduced the defense line, and Liu Wei trapped the isolated city. Under such circumstances, although our army continued to attack Sichuan, although there were fewer constraints, it would be difficult to attack within five days. It would be unwise to break the city and then face Ma Gui's army moving south.
Since Sichuan can't do anything, then we should take this opportunity to jump out of the encirclement, return to Busan as soon as possible to establish a defense line, and wait for His Highness Taige's order. "
Governor Konishi himself did not expect that his statement this time would actually win the approval of the vast majority of the generals, especially Naoshima Naoshima who went even further and said: "If we can withdraw to Busan, I am willing to go forward to defend myself. At the same time, you can also wait for an opportunity to support my son's return to the south."
Naoshima Naoshima is Katsushige Nabeshima's father. Of course he hopes to support his son's move south. What's more, his son has shown his face to him this time. Once he returns to Japan, his reputation will be enough to ensure that he will inherit the family business and the Nabeshima family. Live up to his reputation—this is the most important thing for a Japanese daimyo.
Seeing that the military's morale was so high, Maori Xiuyuan was not polite and also agreed. The total number of Japanese troops is only about 90,000, and Mouri Hidemoto's family accounts for nearly half of the troops. Since he has made his position clear, even Ukita Hideie has nothing to do - and judging from the current situation, Ukita Hideie also feels that he should continue to attack Sichuan. There is no hope.
Kuroda Nagamasa was in a dilemma and could only look at his father helplessly. Kuroda Rushui sighed and said: "Since you have made your decision, I have nothing to say. However, it was my plan to come to Sichuan. Now that I have failed and returned, I have to take responsibility for this..."
Ukita Hideie was surprised, thinking that Kuroda Nishui was planning to have a caesarean section, and quickly tried to persuade him. However, Kuroda Rushui's next words made him feel relieved: It turned out that he had misunderstood.
Kuroda Rushui said: "...The Kuroda army is willing to cut off the rear for you, lest the Ming army changes their mind when they find out that our army has withdrawn, and follow us to pursue us. What do you think, His Highness Mouri and His Highness Ukita?"
Maori Xiuyuan naturally welcomed this and said with a smile: "Then there are Master Laorushui and Kuroda Jun."
Ukita Hideie was a little worried. After all, Kuroda Jishui was the military advisor designated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. If something happened, he would have a hard time explaining it.
However, even after some persuasion, Kuroda Ruishui insisted on keeping Duan Hou as "atonement". Ukita Hideya had no choice but to agree, but he still warned him carefully, hoping that the old military advisor would take care of himself. Kuroda Rushui smiled and said a few words of thanks.
The military agreement was settled, and the Japanese army immediately took action. Except for the Kuroda army who stayed behind, the other armies set off and retreated eastward. However, their retreat path was not back the same way, but slightly to the northeast. This move undoubtedly showed that they planned to bypass Mashan where Liu Wei was.
Kuroda Rushui quietly watched the Japanese troops evacuate one after another, but never said a word.
Kuroda Nagamasa couldn't bear it anymore and asked: "Father, why are you doing this? The Kuroda army has already suffered losses today, and there are quite a few wounded in the army. Now they have to leave behind them. What if the Ming army learns that the main force of our army is east?" If we retreat and attack, the Kuroda Army will be in serious trouble!"
Kuroda Rushui was silent for a moment, shook his head and said: "Busan is a place of death."
Kuroda Nagamasa did not expect that his father still insisted that Busan was a dead place. He really had a headache and said helplessly: "Even if Busan is a dead place, at least Busan and several surrounding cities have been improved and reinforced by our army several times. Even if the Ming army wants to If we attack, we can defend it longer, what if His Highness really sends reinforcements?"
Kuroda Rusui raised his chin slightly and said coldly: "I have never put my hope in others in my life. My own destiny must be in my own hands."
Kuroda Nagamasa said helplessly: "How to be sure? Our Kuroda army is only about 8,000 people and it is still considered complete. Could it be that an army of 90,000 people cannot take Sichuan, but 8,000 people can take it?"
Kuroda Rushui suddenly smiled softly and said: "Do you think that the 90,000-strong army is really unable to take down Sichuan?"
"Isn't it?" Kuroda Nagamasa spread his hands: "Today's battle has once again proved that the Ming army's defense line is really difficult to break."
"How many troops did you use to attack the Ming army? Only about 10,000." Kuroda Rushui snorted: "Although the terrain of Lotus Mountain is not suitable for a large army to deploy, if they were not so forward-thinking and continued to fight, the Ming army's Lotus Mountain would have been defeated. The defense line will be defeated in two days if it is too early, and it will be defeated in three days if it is too late."
"Even so, but so what?" Kuroda Nagamasa sighed: "We didn't know that Liu Wei was without food before! What's more, if we keep attacking Lianhua Mountain, how could Gao Pragmatic order Li Rumei to divide his troops? If Li Rumei goes south, we will Taking Sichuan is still as difficult as climbing to the sky."
"Has Gao Pragmatic's order mentioned where Li Rumei is today?" Kuroda Rushui asked indifferently.
Kuroda Nagamasa was stunned, frowned and said: "This is not true, but it must not be too far away."
"Then let me ask you again, why did Gao Pangshi only have 3,000 cavalry when he transferred reinforcements from Li Rumei?"
"This... maybe you are too pragmatic and conceited, thinking that three thousand is enough?"
"It's a joke." Kuroda Rushui shook his head and said, "That's because although the terrain of Lotus Mountain is not dangerous, it is still not a good idea to mobilize cavalry in such a place. Three thousand cavalry is almost the limit, and he can't use more. effect.
Because of this, even if Li Rumei's tribe was somewhere north of Lianhua Mountain, it was impossible for Gao Pragmatic to order him to enter the mountain in large numbers. And if our army can quickly defeat the Lianhuashan Ming army, even if Li Rumei's troops learn the news soon, they will have to take the main road to Jinzhou first, and then rush to Sichuan. "
Kuroda Nagamasa calculated the time and was still puzzled, saying: "Even so, our army will not take more than two days to capture Sichuan. This... I'm afraid it will be difficult to win."
"It's hard but it doesn't mean there is no hope, but after going to Busan, there is really no hope at all." Kuroda Rushui sighed and shook his head: "But the matter has come to this, and it is useless to talk about it. Let's talk about the current situation, you know Why would a father want to leave a divorced wife?"
Kuroda Nagamasa shook his head and expressed ignorance. Kuroda said calmly: "Because I still want to go to Sichuan."
"What!" Kuroda Nagamasa's eyes almost popped out: "If you go to Sichuan now, you will only die!"
Kuroda Rushui shook his head and said: "No, I am going to Sichuan now to survive."
"How is that possible?" Kuroda Nagamasa no longer cared about the dignity of father and son, or even about face, and said loudly: "We can't even defeat the Ming army in Sichuan!"
"When did I say that I am going to Sichuan now to attack Sichuan?" Kuroda Rushui sighed: "The navy army doesn't know that our army has withdrawn eastward. They are still going to Sichuan. We still have a chance to board the ship and leave when we go to Sichuan now. "
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