Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, received an urgent report from Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of Ningyuan. He discovered the golden dragon banner of Dorgon, Prince Rui of the Qing Dynasty, in the slave bandit array opposite. There were also several dragon banner banners in the array. The slave bandits There are more than 30,000 soldiers and horses.
Although Wu Sangui did not urgently ask for help in the military report, he also said that Ningyuan's soldiers and horses would do their best to fight the slaves and thieves, and he only hoped that the governor would make proper plans for the overall plan.
Hong Chengchou was also worried at this moment. Seeing that after crossing the river and marching to the north bank, the originally good situation suddenly became so unfavorable that the troops at hand were already stretched thin and he was unable to mobilize any troops.
The Ming army's offensive today is divided into three routes. The west route army is composed of Tang Tong, Bai Guangen, and Ma Ke. Now Bai Guangen's army has been completely defeated. Tang Tong's Miyun army is also missing. Even Ma Ke's Shanhai navy It was also a heavy loss.
Hong Chengchou had previously received a military report from Wang Tingchen, the former garrison commander, saying that he had merged with the left and right battalions of the Ningyuan Army. Although the two Tatars and the Tatars of the Mongolian Zhenglan Banner were very fierce, there was nothing to worry about. If the horse power recovers a little, they will be able to continue marching north and cross the Xiaoling River to join Ningyuan's army.
However, the situation on the battlefield is changing rapidly. Just now, Wang Tingchen sent another urgent message. The commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan, Ma Ke, has led his troops east to join forces with Wang Tingchen. Only half of the troops in Shanhai Town remain.
After Ma Ke came a large number of Tatars with a blue banner from Manchuria, as well as some captive cavalry with a red banner, with nearly 10,000 men and horses. They had already merged with Wu Lai's Mongolian Zhenglan Banner. In addition to the Han army's thousands of Tatars, the strength was already Up to 20,000 people.
Wang Tingchen said that although his troops were obviously weaker than the slave thieves, and they were tired soldiers after fighting for half a day, the slave thieves and the cavalry in front of them were also exhausted, and their combat power was greatly reduced. Even the Tatars with blue flags in Jierhalang were They are also rushing back and forth, and the horses' legs are not strong enough.
At present, it seems that there is no danger on the western front, and it can still gather strength to attack, and there is a possibility of breaking through to the north!
In the middle direction, Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao had always been relied upon by Hong Chengchou. This time they were arranged together in the hope of a breakthrough in the middle.
Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao did live up to Hong Chengchou's expectations. After crossing the river, they immediately marched north as a team. They first broke through the defense line of the Han army and the two Tatars, and were waiting to continue their attack northward and press towards the west gate of Jinzhou.
However, they never expected to be blocked by the Manchurian Zhenghuang Banner and the Mongolian Xiangbai and Xianglan Banner troops and horses led by Tan Tai. Even if the ASEAN General Soldier Cao Bianjiao's cavalry crossed the river to assist in the battle, they were still unable to break through the Qing army for a while. Line of defense.
Although in the fierce battle with Tan Tai, Cao Bianjiao also led a team of elite cavalry to rush through the formation, but at this moment Chen Jiugao's Shenji Battalion artillery team had not completely crossed the river, especially the heavy artillery had not yet been transported, and was unable to attack the Qing army. The cavalry formation carried out a fierce bombardment.
Without the support of artillery and gun array, the cavalry of Ningyuan and ASEAN could not completely defeat the Qing army led by Tan Tai. The main force of Ming infantry behind them could not come over. Only a few elite cavalry led by Cao Bianjiao could not defeat them. succeed.
In desperation, he had no choice but to lead his troops into the Qing army's cavalry formation again, killed them all, and then returned to his own army formation.
Until Dorgon led the Qing army to come to the rescue, the pressure on Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao increased sharply. It was estimated that it would be difficult to break through to the north. Even if they saw Zu Dabi leading his troops from the city from a distance, they were surrounded by Mongolia with red flags and white flags. The Tatars were blocked in front of the trench in the southwest of Jinzhou, unable to advance even an inch.
Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao were naturally very anxious when they saw this, but after the arrival of a large number of Dorgon's Qing cavalry, it was difficult for them to break through the Qing army's captive cavalry battle formation, and the best opportunity to break the siege was missed.
For this reason, they urgently reported the battle in the middle to Hong Chengchou, hoping to get some reinforcements, break through the Qing army's cavalry formation as soon as possible, and join Zu Dabi's troops.
Hong Chengchou held the urgent report from Wu Sangui he had just received in his hand and asked Xie Sixin, the staff beside him: "What's the situation over there with Wang Pu?"
"The last military report from General Wang was received half an hour ago. He said in the military report: After crossing the river, we fought fiercely with the Han and Korean troops in front of us, fought hard to repel them, and successfully captured the north bank.
Then, the Xuanfu army arrived in time and had now crossed the Xiaoling River. They were fighting fiercely with the white banner and the two yellow Mongolian flags of the slave bandit and puppet king Azige. They had withstood two attacks from the slave bandit and the defense line on the north bank was impregnable. "
A trace of doubt flashed in Hong Chengchou's eyes, and he asked: "Is Zhang Cheng personally commanding the troops in Xuanzang?"
"Returning to the governor, it is General Zhenshuo who personally led his army to cross the Xiaoling River north and march to the south of Jinzhou City." Xie Sixin replied.
When Hong Chengchou heard this, he couldn't help but blurt out and asked: "Since Zhang Cheng personally commanded the battle formation, why couldn't he break through the slave-traitor battle formation?"
"Oh. This..."
Xie Sixin hesitated a little, and after a while, he said: "The Xuanfu army is traveling a long way in a hurry. Maybe its offensive has not started yet. Maybe there will be new battle reports in a short time."
Hong Chengchou looked to the northeast, nodded, and said, "I hope so."
He then asked: "Is there any reward from Zhang Zhongping?"
Xie Sixin replied unhurriedly: "Returning to the governor, Mr. Zhang Qian had news two quarters ago. He said: Datong Town is quite brave. When crossing the river, they were bombarded by slaves and thieves' cannons, and they were even more helpless." One person flinched.
However, after crossing the river, they were intercepted by the Tatars with the white flag of the slave king Azige. This Azige has always been brave and brave, and it is indeed difficult to defeat him. If the Xuan army wants to make a breakthrough, I am afraid that the casualties will not be small. "
He then continued: "However, there is one more thing that needs to be reported to the governor. Zhang Zhongping said in his report that Ma Baozhong, the general of the left-wing battalion in Datong Town, was timid in the face of the battle, which caused the whole battalion to be defeated and almost disrupted the Xuanfu military formation.
After Ma Baozhong was captured by the Xuanfu army, General Zhenshuo, in order to strictly enforce military discipline, beheaded him in front of thousands of troops as a warning to others! "
"oh?"
A cold light flashed in Hong Chengchou's eyes, and he was about to say something, but then he saw Li Song, a close aide, secretly shaking his head at him, and quickly changed his words and asked, "What does Wang Puke have to say about Ma Baozhong?"
"Returning to the governor, Wang Pu's military report was sent back before General Zhang Qian. It did not mention Ma Baozhong's timidity in the face of battle. Presumably there will be some report in the next military report." Xie Sixin replied.
Here, before Ji Liao Governor Hong Chengchou said anything, Supervisor Wang Zhizhen said hurriedly: "Governor, Zhang Cheng is extremely daring. He is only the chief military officer of Xuan Mansion. Even if he is General Zhenshuo, how can he not do it? After reporting to the governor for his decision, he dared to kill the third-grade general.
He really has no laws and regulations, and his behavior is really contemptuous of the court's dignity. Could it be that he really thinks that he is the governor of Jiliao? "
As Wang Zhizhen spoke, he squinted at the reaction of Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao. Although he was resentful because of the cold reception he received from Zhang Cheng at Xingshan Fort, he looked for Zhang Cheng's little feet everywhere and opposed him.
But as for what he said today, Zhang Cheng did have shortcomings and inadequacies. After being caught and magnified by him, it was unavoidable to provoke others.
After hearing what Wang Zhizhen said, Hong Chengchou's expression changed slightly, but he did not express his position on this. On the occasion of a great war, how could he offend a warrior with a well-known reputation for such trivial matters?
Hong Chengchou just said to Xie Sixin calmly: "Since he is timid in the face of battle, even if Zhang Cheng doesn't kill him, I will chop off his head."
Wang Zhizhen observed the words and expressions. Although he heard what Hong Chengchou said, there was no significant change in the expression on his face, but his brows wrinkled inadvertently.
Although it was fleeting, Wang Zhizhen saw it clearly, and he couldn't help but feel secretly happy. He secretly felt that what he said had definitely affected Zhang Cheng's impression and status in Hong Chengchou's heart.
However, Hong Chengchou did not take Ma Baozhong to heart. He thought for a moment and then asked, "How is Chen Zhongcai doing?"
Li Song hurriedly stepped forward and replied: "The slaves and thieves were attacking like tigers and wolves. General Chen was unable to resist them. Just then Qiu Futai sent someone to report: The slaves and thieves saw that our army was prepared and could not break through immediately, so they immediately retreated. Go west, leaving only Zhenghongqi and thousands of Tatars to monitor Chen Zhongcai's every move."
After hearing this, Hong Chengchou shook his head again and said: "In this way, Chen Zhongcai's Biao camp will be tied there and cannot move to support elsewhere."
"That's true. If Chen Zhongcai doesn't move, the Zhenghong Banner Tatars can't attack. At least the Chinese army can be guaranteed to be safe and the rear camp of Ningyuan Army and Cao Bianjiao can be protected."
Li Song also shook his head and continued: "But if Chen Zhongcai moves his troops, the Tatars under the Zhenghong Banner will definitely attack from the east. My governor's camp and the rear camp of the two generals Wu and Cao will be unsafe to defend."
Xie Sixin continued from the side: "But now that General Chang Bo has reported back, there is Dorgon's Longhu banner opposite it. It can be seen that the slave thieves must have designated General Chang Bo and General Xiao Cao as the main points for their breakthrough. .”
He paused for a moment before continuing with concern: "I'm afraid the pressure on General Changbo has increased sharply, and it must be extremely dangerous."
Li Song also added: "Nowadays, there are crises everywhere, and troops are needed everywhere, and our king's division also has limited troops and is not enough to use."
He secretly glanced at Hong Chengchou before continuing: "Master Governor, would you like to send an order to Commander Wang on the north bank of my daughter's river to break through the slave and bandit formations as quickly as possible and seize the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River to the north?
In this way, it may be possible to attract Dorgon's attention and relieve some pressure on General Chang Bo. "
Xie Sixin immediately took over and said: "Supervisor, the students also think that this plan is feasible. Although there are many slaves and thieves in front of General Wang Tingchen, Jierhalang's captives must be exhausted from running back and forth. He was tired and his energy was not as strong as before.
Although General Wang and Ningyuan's left and right battalions fought hard for a long time, they were always on the defensive. The soldiers had been preparing for a long time. At this moment, they happened to attack with all their strength, break through the slave-traitor battle formation, and seize the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River northward.
In this way, Dorgon will definitely divide his troops to rescue him, and the pressure on General Chang Bo will also be relieved, and maybe he can make a breakthrough, but it's not certain! "
Hong Chengchou nodded and said: "Just do it like this. Send military orders to Wang Tingchen quickly, asking him to break through the slave bandits as soon as possible, march north, seize the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River, cross the river and meet with Chang Bo outside the Xiguan of Jinzhou to fight the slaves. .”
He immediately added: "In addition, send someone to Xuan's army to pass the order, asking Zhang Cheng and Wang Pu to work together to break through Azige's blockade as soon as possible and march to the South Pass of Jinzhou.
He also told Zhang Cheng that if the slave thieves were strong and it was difficult to break through from the front, they could also consider bypassing the flanks and sending out a surprise force to the south of Jinzhou to cooperate with Zu Dashou to break through the slave thieves and create a passage. "
Xie Sixin carefully replied: "Yes, the student has taken note of it. I will arrange the appropriate people and set off immediately."
Hong Chengchou turned around, looked at the Nvnu River not far to the north, and murmured: "I worked hard and tried my best to plan, but things went against my expectations. I really didn't expect that the first victory in solving Jinwei would probably fall on Zhang Cheng in the end. !”
He suddenly raised his head and looked at the sky, thinking to himself: "Is this all God's will? Could it be that everything has been predestined in the dark?"
…………
Zu Dabi led four thousand Liao soldiers to fight against the slaves bravely. They first defeated the Han army stationed in the first trench outside Jinzhou Xiguan, and then turned south and advanced all the way.
Finally, they met the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner Tatars led by Yibai in the southwest corner of Jinzhou. However, thanks to the rapid advance of Zu Dabi's troops, although Yibai immediately mobilized the Zhengbai Banner troops to intercept them after receiving the report, they could not stop them in a short time. It is also difficult to gather all the troops and horses to come to the rescue.
However, the three trench lines of defense built by the slave thieves once again worked wonders, blocking nearly 4,000 Liao soldiers under Zu Dabi's command in front of the third trench.
Although the Liao soldiers under Zu Dabi had experienced many breakout operations, they were able to quickly dismantle the Qing army's tents and use all materials to either fill them up or build bridges.
But this third trench is wider and much deeper than the previous two trenches. The wooden planks obtained before are simply not enough to use. Even if we jump into the trench and use human beams to erect it like before, Even a human bridge cannot do it.
Zu Dabi commanded his soldiers to disperse the two Tatars of the Han army stationed there, and managed to fill in a very narrow strip, but the planks had not yet been laid on it. Although people could pass carefully, the cavalry could not pass by on horseback.
This narrow passage that has not been compacted is still filled with a lot of floating soil. It is easy for war horses to get stuck in it when passing through, and even sprain the horse's legs.
Because of the delay of this trench, the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner soldiers and horses led by Yibai came one after another and intercepted the Liao soldiers led by Zu Dabi here, and they were unable to break out.
Yibai, the Hesheli clan of Manchuria, whose full name is Hesheli Yibai. His ancestors lived in Zhaigu in his previous life. He was originally affiliated with the Zhenglan Banner of Manchuria. After Huang Taiji became emperor, he was awarded the Mongolian Gushan'e of the Zhengbai Banner of Mongolia for his merits. True duty.
He had always been loyal to Huang Taiji, and he was a fierce general of the Qing Dynasty. His Mongolian Zhengbai Banner was also a fierce force. Now, with him standing in front of him, Zu Dabi would be able to make a breakthrough.
What's more, Buyendai was also leading Mongolian Tatar soldiers with red flags in pursuit from the north. Their leading cavalry had already caught up behind Zu Dabi's formation, but they had not yet launched a charge.
Zu Dabi was covered in bright red. It was obvious that he must be at the forefront of the charge all the way to this point. He killed countless Mongolian slave thieves with red flags and two Tatar Han troops.
Unfortunately, after all, they still failed to break through the Qing army's defensive line. He was full of unwillingness, but he had no choice but to look at the dragon banner of Zhenyibai in front of the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner on the Gushan Mountain, and roared loudly: "Retreat, let's go Go to Nanguan."
