On the high platform of the Chinese army at the headquarters of Governor Ji Liao, everyone couldn't help laughing when they heard Chen Jiugao, the commander-in-chief of the front camp of Shenji Camp, boasting so brazenly.
The commander-in-chief, Cao Bianjiao, even smiled contemptuously and said: "That's true. There is nothing to be afraid of, just Tartars!"
Wang Tingchen also added: "The Tartars are nothing more than a head on their shoulders. We have more than a million soldiers in the Ming Dynasty. Even one by one, we can defeat him."
Hong Chengchou, Wang Chengen and other officials all had expressions of approval, but Chen Jiugao looked disapproving. He thought to himself: "I still have a beautiful wife and concubine at home, and I haven't enjoyed enough of the colorful world in the capital. But If we don’t want to fight with the Tatars, I can’t decide who will win.”
There was a trace of hallucination in his eyes, as if he had returned to the capital, and the noble dandy was holding a banquet in the Victory Tower. He was talking about the achievements of the Liao War in high spirits, and everyone was watching for a while. It was really a scene like no other!
Chen Jiugao thought about this aid to the Liao Dynasty. He had made several meritorious deeds before and after, especially in the battle of Changling Mountain, where he killed the slave king Duduo. Although he could not be present in person, after all, there was artillery support from the Shenji Battalion.
Besides, after returning to the capital, I can't just say whatever I want. What kind of dandy would go to Xuan Mansion to find Zhang Cheng and confront him over this?
Therefore, he no longer has the motivation to make new achievements. All he can think about is how to protect himself and the lives of the soldiers of the Shenji Camp. This is the capital for him to settle down in the Ming Dynasty in the future!
Just when Chen Jiugao was thinking wildly, he heard the voice of Ji Liao Governor Hong Chengchou: "After today's battle, you will definitely leave your name in history!"
Chen Jiugao's face turned into a smile and he said happily: "This is all the result of the governor's strategizing, and the prince and the prince are sitting here, arranging the weapons and food in a good way. It is necessary to leave a name in the history, and it is also the name of the governor and the prince that will be left in the history." .
How dare we Chen Jiugao, a reckless man, take such credit! "
Cao Bianjiao also said: "The achievements of the Liao Dynasty are all due to the military strategy and command by the governors. They also coordinated the transportation of grain, grass and baggage by the princes and stabilized the morale of the army.
The generals and others only go into battle to kill slaves. Even if they have some minor achievements, they are not worth mentioning. How dare you compare with governors and princes! "
After listening to what Chen Jiugao and Cao Bianjiao said, all the generals said yes, saying they did not dare to take credit.
The governor of Jiliao, Hong Chengchou, looked like he was sinking into the water. Although there was no wave at all, the moment he turned his head, the corners of his mouth rose, showing an imperceptible smile.
The chief eunuch Wang Chengen said with a sneer on his face: "We have done our duty and it is not worthy of boasting. But you, this time you have to fight with your life.
Although our eyes are not very easy to use, we are working for the emperor, but there is no trace of scum in them. If anyone dares to be greedy for life and fear death, and does not charge bravely without reporting to the emperor, we will take care of him first. The emperor killed him. "
The more he spoke, the colder his tone became, which made people feel as if they were falling into an ice cave. Finally, Wang Chengen asked even more sinisterly: "Have you all written down what we just said? "
Except for Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, all the generals on the Chinese Army Commander's Platform at this moment had a silent expression. Even Chen Jiugao, who also came from the capital and was a son of the nobles, did not even dare to speak out, let alone speak directly. Look at Wang Chengen's cold eyes.
He just followed Cao Bianjiao, Wang Tingchen and others and replied in unison with them: "The generals and others will remember the prince's admonitions and will serve their lives in front of the formation and bravely kill the slaves to repay the emperor's great kindness."
It was only then that Wang Chengen's sinister gaze softened slightly. He stopped participating in everyone's military affairs and said a few words to Hong Chengchou. Then, under the guidance of two small eunuchs, he went to a small warmer next to the Chinese army's tent. Go to the account bank.
Shortly after the great eunuch Wang Chengen returned to his small warm tent, Ningyuan's commander-in-chief Wu Sangui rode towards the governor's camp. The gate was guarded by a guerrilla.
Although he was very familiar with Wu Sangui, the governor's camp was no different from other places. In addition, Hong Chengchou had always been very strict in managing the army. Even when he passed the camp gate, he had to check his waistband and order arrows before he could pass.
However, after all, Wu Sangui was no better than other general soldiers. Although he had to check his waist badge before he could pass through the camp gate, he could gallop around the governor's camp and soon arrived at the Chinese military commander's platform.
"Ding-deng-deng..."
With a beautiful leap, he turned over and dismounted, and walked quickly up to the commander's platform. He came directly to Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, cupped his fists and said: "For the governor, all the troops and horses of Ningyuan are ready. We are just waiting for the governor to leave." Once the command is issued, we can immediately go into battle."
Hong Chengchou was very satisfied with Wu Sangui's performance. He nodded and said, "Uncle Chang, get up quickly."
He immediately added: "Today's battle for Ningyuan Army is the most critical, but as long as they attack the other side and build a pontoon bridge, it will be considered a great achievement. I will report to the court at the meeting and personally ask for credit for the officers and men of Ningyuan Army."
Wu Sangui clasped his fists again and said, "Don't worry, Governor Hong. The soldiers of the Ningyuan Army are determined to fight to the death. Even if they fight to the last man, they will never back down.
We will definitely be able to cross the river in one fell swoop and protect the pontoon bridge until the army crosses the river! "
"good."
Hong Chengchou's usually calm face also broke into a smile at this moment. He turned around and said to the generals on the stage: "Today's battle is no small matter. Now that the slaves and thieves are greatly weakened, it is a perfect opportunity for me."
His face straightened, and then he shouted loudly: "I hope you will serve in front of the formation, bravely attack the slaves, and live up to the emperor's grace!"
Wu Sangui, Chen Jiugao, Cao Bianjiao, Wang Tingchen, Zu Dale, Chen Zhongcai and other generals knelt down on one knee, solemnly clasped their fists and shouted: "The last generals will definitely serve in front of the formation, fight bravely against the slaves, and will never It’s a shame to betray the emperor’s kindness!”
Hong Chengchou was very satisfied with everyone's response and had nothing more to say, so he waved to them and said: "Each of you should return to camp and prepare to go. When the time comes, according to the orders of the Central Army Commander, everyone will do their best and report with the blood of slaves and thieves. Guo En!”
"...Use the blood of slaves and thieves to repay the favor of the country..."
The generals shouted in unison again, which actually caused the officers on duty in the audience to start shouting as well, for a long time.
…………
At this moment, Zhang Cheng, the chief military officer of Xuanfu and General Zhenshuo, did not sleep in. Although he was not interested in the military strategy of Jiliao Army on the banks of the Nuerhe River.
But that was actually just for outsiders to see. Even if he was not a native Ming Dynasty man, he was still a Han family after all, and the blood and spirit of the Chinese nation had already penetrated into his bones.
Even if it was based on the Han family's blood philosophy, he would not want Hong Chengchou to make a mistake in this battle, and he would not want the Tartars to win in this battle, so that they would lose their tail and harm the Han family for hundreds of years.
Before there was any light in the sky, he, accompanied by Zhang Chengfang and Zhang Mingyuan, climbed to the highest point of the Loess Ridge again and stood here staring at the still black sky in the north.
He seemed to be able to see hope in the afterglow of lights in the dark sky in the distance.
Yes, that is indeed a little bit of hope, but these sparks of hope are still too scattered. When they finally gather into a large group, they will surely light up the entire sky.
No, it should be lighting up the whole world!
Directly north of Huangtu Ridge is the bend of Xiaoling River from east to south. The army and horses of Datong Town are currently stationed on the ground under the leadership of General Wang Pu.
And what Zhang Cheng saw was the afterglow of the lights, which was also the campfire of the army and horses in Datong Town. The sky was not completely bright at the moment, and the sun only peeked out a thin edge, but it was too shy to reveal the full picture.
The entire land is still in a hazy state of darkness, so the campfires of the Datong Army have not yet been extinguished.
And as the sun rises lazily in the eastern sky little by little, wherever the sun's dim light shines, the campfires also dim down neatly.
Everything was so orderly and without any confusion, even though there were still Xuanfu cavalry and chariot soldiers stationed together with the soldiers and horses of Datong Town.
But Zhang Cheng watched carefully for a while, but he still didn't see the messy appearance of the campfire when it was extinguished. Even the soldiers and civilians who accompanied the men and women there were much more orderly than before.
Putting down the telescope in his hand, a heartwarming smile appeared on Zhang Cheng's handsome face that was already slightly weathered.
"It seems that the Datong Army has also been tempered in this Liaodong war. I hope that after today's battle, it can also become a strong army."
At this moment, Zhang Cheng felt a strange feeling in his heart. He remembered that in the original history, Wang Pu was a famous escapee general.
He vaguely remembered that in the history he had studied, it was this Battle of Songjin. When the Ming army was cut off by the slave chief Huang Taiji, their retreat and food routes were cut off, but Wang Pu was the first to lead the army and escape at night.
Although he was saved from death on the battlefield because of this, he was accused by the Ming Dynasty of fleeing and was beheaded and abandoned in the market. In the end, his head was missing and his family was humiliated!
However, when they sent aid to Liaodong this time, the performance of his people and the Datong Army in the war was very remarkable.
Zhang Cheng couldn't help but secretly sigh: "Perhaps, this is the so-called 'when you are close to vermillion, you are red, and when you are close to ink, you are black'!"
"Commander Father, I heard the camp call and it's time for dinner. The morning breeze is cold, so we'd better go back to camp early."
Just when Zhang Cheng was full of thoughts, Zhang Chengfang, a general of the Chinese army, stepped forward to remind him that it was time to return to the camp for breakfast.
He just said lightly: "I know."
However, his eyes were still fixed on the front. He looked at the vast land that was lighting up bit by bit in front of him. His eyes narrowed habitually, and countless memories flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.
Zhang Cheng still remembers his vow to make China a paradise and prevent all the regrets in history from happening again.
This battle at Songshan is one of his many regrets, and he is determined to change it!
…………
After the generals retreated, Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, also had a general ups and downs in his heart and could not calm down. He paced back and forth in the Chinese army's tent, but he still could not calm down for a long time.
Finally, he decided to go out for a walk, maybe blowing in the cool morning breeze could relieve his nervousness and soothe his agitated heart at the moment.
He took his close aides Xie Sixin and Li Song, as well as some personal guards. After getting off the command platform, he first inspected the camp, and then came to another hillside on the east side of the camp.
There is a mountain stream flowing down from Shimen Mountain, but the water flow here is almost non-existent, but even so, the morning breeze here is cooler than elsewhere.
Occasionally, a strong wind comes, hitting the rock wall of Shimen Mountain violently, and then rolls back, but it is stronger than usual, with a sense of desolation.
After he stood still on the hill, he looked around. There were military camps of the Ming Dynasty everywhere around him, densely packed like stars.
But now the campfires dotted here and there are flickering out and lighting up, and they are twinkling against the morning light in the sky.
Seeing Hong Chengchou standing there silently for a long time, his aide Li Song said beside him: "Director Hong, are you worried about the situation of today's battle?"
Hong Chengchou first sighed softly in his heart, and then said: "Yes, as the saying goes, the war is dangerous and the slaves and thieves are defeated one after another, but their power is still great, and my soldiers are still afraid of the slaves and are timid to fight.
In today's battle, one mistake was made, and all the elite troops were lost. If that were the case, how could I have the face to meet the Holy Emperor, and how could I live up to the great trust of the Holy Emperor and the imperial court! "
At this time, another confidant, Xie Sixin, stroked his beard and said: "Doctor Hong, don't worry about this. Judging from the previous battles, our division's combat strength is as good as that of slaves. As long as our division uses its troops carefully, Step by step, the odds of winning are still mine and I am no longer a slave.
Moreover, our division has been victorious in consecutive battles, and its fear of being slaves has greatly changed. Even if General Zhenshuo is not needed in this battle, as long as the eldest uncle is here, there will be no worries! "
Hong Chengchou looked at Xie Sixin intently and sighed: "I hope so."
He looked at his close aide Xie Sixin, who was about forty years old and a native of Xin'an, and had some friendship with Hong Chengchou.
Since Hong Chengchou visited Liaodong as the governor of Jiliao, he invited Xie Sixin to join the army, and he usually regarded him very highly.
In the original history, when Hong Chengchou was defeated in Liaodong and Songshan fell and was captured and surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, when he led the Qing army south to Huguang, he sent personnel to ask Xie Sixin to come out and assist him again.
But Xie Sixin is a man of integrity. He has always scorned Hong Chengchou, the second master of Leshi, so how can he be willing to help?
For this reason, Xie Sixin responded with a poem, saying:
"The lonely city fought bloody battles in Suiyang, and the scholar with a broken arm suffered a broken heart.
All the ghosts and gods in heaven and earth are confused, and the king, minister, father and son are all confused.
There is still Uncle Liu Wen in Nanyang, and there is still Zhang Zifang in Bolang.
It was just a dream to share the king with you that day. How long is the dream within the dream?
When he worked together in Liaodong, he had been very close to Wu Sangui. With Wu Sangui's strong efforts to win over him, he even became a close friend with Wu Sangui. Later, he accidentally fell off a horse and injured his upper arm, so he resigned and returned to his hometown.
By the time of the Battle of the Three Feudatories, Wu Sangui's army was so strong that Hunan, Guangxi, and Sichuan all surrendered at the point of his long whip. He even sent envoys to Huizhou secretly to hire Xie Sixin to come out.
However, Xie Sixin refused to go because he was not ashamed of what Wu Sangui had done. He also responded with a poem, accusing Wu Sangui of treachery towards Qin Muchu.
His poem says:
"Li Ling has been obsessed with things for a long time, and he has been living without pay for thirty years?
If the restoration of Chu failed to overthrow Chu first, why should Emperor Qin destroy Qin again?
Loyalty has long been changed by beauty, but history cannot forgive people with gray hair.
The sound of the horn in the night should keep me awake, and I would miss my son and not my family. "
Calculated in this way, this Xie Sixin is still a person of considerable standing.
…………
Now, Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, stood on the hill. He pondered for a long time and finally asked: "Xie Gong, look at General Zhenshuo and his uncle. Comparing them, Dunyou is superior." Dunyou?"
