Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 328 Battle and Defense
Changsha Prefecture, the wing on the right side of the government hall was originally the office of the prefectural magistrate, but after the court moved into Changsha, this wing was converted into a warm room for ministers to wait for court.

In the warm room, the whole room was filled with officials in scarlet robes. Civil and military officials from all over Huguang gathered in the hall.

The civil and military officials sat in the hall, talking in low voices. On the left was Qu Shisi, and below him were Du Yinxi, the governor of Hubei Province, who had just arrived in Changsha yesterday, and Wen Anzhi and others.

Qu Shisi looked at Du Yinxi beside him and said

"Zhong Jian, Hubei Province may be able to sustain another war"

Upon hearing this, Du Yinxi's expression changed slightly, and he immediately bowed and replied
"Ezhou Province has been through many wars since the reign of Emperor Chongzhen. First, there was the rebellion of bandits in the west, and then there was the invasion of the Qing army. Since the Zhongzheng Camp surrendered to the court, there have been many wars in Hubei Province."

"Last year, Kong Youde and others entered Huguang, and the Qing invaders plundered Hubei Province to raise grain. In May and June, we followed the order of the court to attack Jingzhou. The Qing invaders in Jingzhou and western Hubei also plundered the people in an attempt to resist and hold out. The people in western Hubei could not bear the heavy burden and fled one after another."

"Although there are thousands of miles of fertile fields in Jingzhou and other places, the fields are overgrown with weeds. The price of rice in Jingzhou and other places is now as low as two ounces of rice."

"Although we have seized a batch of rice during our attack on Jingzhou, the army in Hubei Province now numbers nearly 50,000 to 60,000 people. The rice we have seized can only sustain the army for one or two months. The people of Hubei Province can no longer support the war in the court."

Wen Anzhi, who was standing by, also spoke up when he heard this.

"Although the imperial court recovered Jingxiang in one battle, there are now refugees everywhere. Moreover, because the troops advanced too quickly, many of the recovered prefectures and counties are still governed by the pseudo-Qing officials who surrendered."

"The imperial army is passing through the border, and people everywhere are in a panic, with bandits everywhere. After discussing with the governor, I believe that Hubei Province is in urgent need of officials with important positions to allow the people to recuperate."

Du Yinxi looked at Qu Shisi, who was frowning, and was silent for a moment before speaking again.

"Although Hubei Province is in trouble, we dare not interfere with the court's plan. However, the battle in Jingzhou has exhausted the people's strength. If the court still wants to use troops in Hubei Province, I am afraid it can only rely on Hunan Province to provide food and wages."

When Qu Shisi heard that the imperial court was required to pay for the food and wages, he shook his head slightly and said softly:
"It seems that we really can't fight anymore."

"Those military officials are warlike, but what they said this time is true. It is a pity that we cannot take advantage of the Qing army's collapse and recapture Wuchang in one fell swoop."

Qu Shisi sighed lightly, and then said no more. Qu Shisi looked at Du Yinxi beside him and spoke again.

"The defense of Jingzhou and Xiangyang has been arranged."

"Everything has been arranged according to the order of the court. Bai Gui of the Longxiang Army is in charge of the defense of Jingzhou, and Ta Xin Ce of the Tengxiang Army is guarding Xiangyang."

Upon hearing this, Qu Shisi nodded and said

"These two cities are different from other places. We still have to hand them over to the imperial army to guard them in the future. Li Guo and other thieves... these rebels are ultimately unpredictable. Before they are reorganized by the imperial court, we still need to be careful and guard against them."

When Qu Shisi said this, he glanced at Ma Bao and others opposite him, frowned slightly, and couldn't help but speak

"Your Highness is really too hasty this time. First it was the West Camp, then the Loyal Camp. Your Highness has successively transferred these bandit troops to serve as the Imperial Guards."

"These people are sharp, but the Imperial Guards are responsible for protecting the Forbidden City. This is no joke. How can we be so careless?"

Du Yinxi didn't care when he heard this, but looking at the dissatisfied old man in front of him, he didn't say much, but just responded respectfully.

The civil officials such as Qu Shisi were discussing matters of war and defense, while the military officials such as Ma Bao on the right were also gathered in one place.

At the top right, Jiao Lian and Ma Bao are wearing bright red python robes and sitting on chairs, talking in low voices.

The door of the greenhouse opened, and Gao Yigong and a burly middle-aged man walked into the room.
Ma Bao saw Gao Yigong and the other man walk into the room and whispered something to Jiao Lian, who then looked towards the door and saw a strange man in a Qilin martial arts uniform.
"Is that Li Guo?"

"Yes, there is a tiger in the rear camp, who is very famous in Shunying. According to the news from Qin Province, a few years ago, this man led 30,000 people in the rear camp to guard Yanyu and blocked the 70,000 to 80,000 people of the Qing King Ajige. In the past 20 days, this man led the army to fight seven consecutive battles with the Qing King, and each time they won and lost, Ajige could not make any progress."

"In the end, Li Zicheng was defeated in Tongguan, and Li Guo and his men had no choice but to abandon Yanyu. After Li Guo led his men to evacuate, the Qing army did not dare to pursue them, and the group of people finally escaped unscathed."

Upon hearing this, Jiao Lian nodded and said

"To defeat a large force with a small number of men, it seems that they are indeed brave and sharp. The troops led by Gao Yigong are also really elite. If the soldiers in this Loyalty Camp are all like those under Gao Yigong, then it is indeed appropriate to use the troops of this camp to form the Imperial Guards."

Jiao Lian retracted his gaze and spoke again

"But from what the court said, this person seems to have a rather unruly temper. It would be more appropriate for Brother Ma to take charge of this matter. Don't let this person ruin His Highness's plans."

Ma Bao heard this and chuckled, then said

"Now that he has entered the court, he has no say. Whether he is a dragon or a tiger, he has to stay in the court."

"I went there first"

Jiao Lian nodded slightly, and Ma Bao also stood up and walked towards Gao Yigong and the other man at the door.

Ma Bao sat down next to the two of them. He looked at the man in the bright red Qilin martial arts uniform sitting next to him and said:

"There is a tiger in Shunying. I have heard of its great name for a long time."

Gao Yigong whispered something beside Li Guo, and Li Guo immediately looked at the person beside him. The man opposite was wearing a bright red military uniform like the two of them, but on the chest of this man's robe was embroidered a majestic python.
Li Guo looked at Ma Bao beside him and immediately bowed and replied

"I dare not. Duke Huai killed thousands of Zhen Tatars in a single battle in Fujian and Zhejiang, and pacified hundreds of thousands of rebels in Yunnan Province in a few months. Duke Huai is a world-renowned general, and I have admired him for a long time."

Ma Bao heard this and laughed softly.

"We are all brothers from the same battalion, so there is no need for us to be so polite."

"Brother Li fought well in Jingzhou. Your Highness was very happy to know that Brother Li had come to the court."

"I dare not. This battle was all thanks to Governor Du's wise planning and the bravery of the soldiers of the Loyalty Camp. This is why we have achieved such a great success. I dare not take credit for it."

Mark waved his hand and said, "The governor has made great contributions in planning, but we, the military officers, should not underestimate ourselves. Without us, the military officers fighting in the battlefield, what is the point of dispatching troops from the rear? We should still give credit where credit is due."

"In the future, when you join the Imperial Guards as a general, you will have more dealings with the court officials, but you must remember that although we are soldiers of the court, we are also soldiers of His Highness."

"Whether the civil officials are trying to win us over or impeach us, we should just listen. The most important thing is to obey His Highness' orders. With His Highness here, we, the military officials, will not suffer any loss in the court."

Gao Yigong, who was standing by, looked thoughtful when he heard this, but Li Guo's expression suddenly changed and he said

"Join the Imperial Army as a general?"

"Didn't the court say that I could be selected at will? Why do I have to join the Imperial Guards as a general now?"

When Ma Bao heard this, the smile on his face disappeared instantly. Ma Bao frowned and looked at Li Guo beside him. After a while, he spoke softly.

"Why, Brother Li, do you think it's not a good idea to join the Imperial Army as a general?"

Gao Yigong heard what Li Guo said, and he secretly said in his heart, "Not good." At this time, he heard what Ma Bao said, and his expression became even more nervous. He immediately said

"Duke Huai, calm down. General Li is not..."

Gao Yigong was interrupted by Ma Bao before he finished speaking. Ma Bao looked at Li Guo beside him and said

"Brother Li, you know that although the court has decided to set up a fifth imperial army, this fifth imperial army is not specially set up for your Loyalty Camp."

"Although the Loyalty Battalion made great contributions in Jingzhou, which of the various military commanders in the court has not made great contributions to the court?"

"Zheng Wenxiong of Guangxi Province pacified Guangxi Province with 2,000 soldiers, and then went to Sichuan and Guizhou. Yang Zhan of Sichuan Province captured Chengdu in one battle and took Jiange in western Sichuan. Shi Jia of Fujian Province returned to the court in times of danger and assisted the court in defeating the Qing invaders in Fujian Province. Which of them did not make great contributions?"

"Your Highness wants to establish a new imperial guard, and various parties in the court are vying for recommendations. Among all the troops, the Loyalty Battalion has received the most criticism. As for why, Brother Li should know it well."

"But it was precisely because of the unanimous impeachment by the ministers in the court that Your Highness made up his mind to use the Loyalty Battalion as the fifth imperial guard."

"Why did Your Highness do this? It was because Your Highness was worried that the officials in the court were too biased and would discourage tens of thousands of soldiers in the Loyalty Camp on the front line. That's why you decided this against all odds. Brother Li may understand Your Highness's painstaking efforts."

Gao Yigong's expression changed slightly, and he was about to explain again, but Ma Bao stopped him with his hand, looked at Li Guo who was silent beside him, and continued

"As for General Li's statement that you can choose your own official position, I dare not speak rashly. I have never heard of a minister being able to choose his own official position in the court."

"General Li and I are from the same camp, so I'll say one more thing to the general. Since General Li has decided to accept the reorganization of the court, it means that he has decided to integrate into the court. If so, it seems that he should not have any more delusional thoughts."

"That's all I have to say. As for how General Li wants to act, it's up to him to decide. I can't interfere."

After Ma Bao finished speaking, his face was also indifferent, and he stood up and left.
Li Guo looked at Ma Bao who turned and left, and his expression changed slightly.
Gao Yigong stood up and tried to catch up to explain, but before he could open his mouth, the palace eunuchs came into the room and ordered all the ministers to come to the court to see him. Seeing this, Gao Yigong had no choice but to stop.
In the warm room, the civil and military officials straightened their clothes and then divided into two rows, following the guidance of the eunuchs to attend the court.
In the hall, civil and military officials took their seats. Although there were not many people attending the meeting, all of them were important officials.

On the left, apart from Qu Shisi, Liu Xiangke and other ministers of the Central Government, there were only Du Yinxi, Wen Anzhi, Zhang Tongchang and other governors of Huguang.

On the right side, apart from Jiao Lian, Ma Bao, and Li Dingguo, the three battalion commanders, there were only Li Guo, Gao Yigong, and Wang Guangtai. Even Ma Jinzhong, Yuan Zongdi, and others were unable to participate in today's meeting.

Zhu Lang asked people to give seats to everyone in the hall. After everyone sat down, Li Guoyong at the side spoke up.

"The matter we are discussing today involves military affairs, and we will discuss it according to the regulations of the Military Affairs Office."

"The discussion in the hall can only be recorded and filed by the Military Affairs Office. Those who participate in the discussion are not allowed to leak a single word afterwards, otherwise they will be punished for leaking military information. Ministers, please understand."

The ministers below responded respectfully. Zhu Lang glanced at Li Chengzhi below, and then Li Chengzhi also stepped forward and said

"The Imperial Guard has compiled the situation in Huguang based on reports from various civil and military officials, and has reported this to the court."

As Li Chengzhi reported, the current situation in Huguang began to become clear.

In Yuezhou, Kong Youde and his men abandoned the city and retreated northward along the river. They deployed defenses again in Jiayu County, south of Wuchang, to block the river.

Ma Bao ordered his troops to attack with light cavalry, but they found that the city was heavily guarded and there was no chance to take advantage of it, so the Ming army retreated to Yuezhou, Linxiang and other places.

It was only natural for the Qing army to strictly guard Jiayu. Jiayu was the last line of defense in the south of Wuchang City. If the Qing army did not defend Jiayu, the Ming army could go down the river and drive directly to Wuchang City.
Unless Kong Youde and others were prepared to fight the Ming army directly under the city of Wuchang, they would never give up Jiayu easily.

As for Jingzhou, after Bai Gui led his army to station in Jingzhou, he also took advantage of the situation to expand the territory eastward. Jingshan, Jingling, Qianjiang and other places east of Jingzhou were all recovered by the Ming army.

After the fall of Jingzhou, there were no decent garrisons in the prefectures and counties within Chengtian, Jingzhou.

The Qing court retreated eastwards and eventually re-arranged its defenses in Yingcheng and Hanchuan, east of Wuchang, to defend against the Ming army from Jingzhou. Hanchuan was only a hundred miles away from Wuchang.

In Xiangyang, Li Guo went east to capture Zaoyang, and then led his troops to besiege Suizhou.
Luo Xiujin sent General Tang Guochen of the Central Army with 5,000 troops to rescue in time. Li Guo was unable to defeat the siege and now led his troops back to Zaoyang. The Ming and Qing sides each held Zaoyang and Suizhou.
Gao Yigong led his troops northward to occupy Xinye. When Gao Yigong was besieging Dengzhou, he happened to encounter Zhang Yingxiang, the general of Henan Province of the Qing Dynasty, who was on his way to Jingzhou for rescue from Nanyang.

After the Ming army captured Xiangyang, they deployed troops in two directions: one was to attack Nanyang in Henan Province from the north, and the other was to continue to recover Huguang from the east.

Henan Province is a vast plain. Invading Henan Province may seem like a great gain, but it is simply unrealistic for the Ming court at that time.
Henan Province is a rich place with many farmlands, but the plains everywhere also mean that there is no strategic location to defend in Henan Province. Therefore, after the Ming court captured Xiangyang, it still focused on Suizhou in the east, preparing to completely recover Huguang.
Gao Yigong's detachment consisted of only 3,000 men. After discovering Zhang Yingxiang's reinforcements, they withdrew directly to Xinye City and monitored the movements of the Qing army in Dengzhou.

Wang Guangtai led his troops westward with Gao Doushu to recapture Yunyang. This group of troops was unstoppable.

Gao Doushu and Wang Guangtai had been guarding Yunyang for many years and were very prestigious in Yunyang Prefecture. When they led a large army to attack, there was almost no resistance in Yunyang Prefecture, so they opened the city and surrendered.

At this point, the entire Huguang territory, except for the eastern part of Hubei, had been recovered by the Ming army.
The Qing army in Huguang has now been compressed into the three prefectures of eastern Hubei. As long as the Ming army can capture Wuchang, the entire Huguang area can be recovered.

Now the Ming army wanted to capture Wuchang. They could go to Suizhou in the north, Jingzhou in the west, or Jiayu in the south. But no matter which route they took, the Qing army had already rearranged its defense line.

If the Ming court wanted to make further progress, it could only mobilize the army again to besiege. At this time, the court was hesitant about whether to continue to gather troops to attack Wuchang and recover the entire Huguang area.
(End of this chapter)