Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 189 I, Ma Yaozi, have been wandering for half my life, and now I finally meet a wise master!

The Qing troops on both sides of the Baoan Gate wall and in front of the city gate street quickly retreated in disgrace, especially the Green Camp troops. Their morale had already been exhausted by the forced attack by Aljin, and now they were attacked from top to bottom by the central army in front of the palace, and they quickly collapsed.

Ma Zhenfeng had even changed into a long spear at this time, and was leading the armored soldiers of the central army in front of the palace, chasing the defeated Qing army all the way from the city ladder, and quickly drove the Qing army attacking the city down the city ladder.

When Aljin saw Bayala, who was supervising the battle, being pushed back by the fleeing soldiers, he was furious. He went straight up and slashed several fleeing soldiers of the Green Camp with his sword, but he failed to calm down the fleeing soldiers who were swarming towards him. Instead, he was counterattacked by them.

If he had not been guarded by a dozen or so Eight Banners soldiers, the dignified Eight Banners leader would probably have died at the hands of those defeated Green Camp soldiers.

Faced with such a sudden change, Aljin was unable to react for a moment. He gnashed his teeth and ordered the Bayala leader beside him:
"Kartu, bring your men and follow this general to kill all those Nikans. They can't use firearms now. Without firearms, they will definitely not be a match for our Qing warriors. Fight back and kill them all!"

Aljin roared angrily, but the Qing army was already doomed to defeat, so how could he stop it just by being angry?
He did not think that the Ming army could defeat the fierce Eight Banners armored soldiers in close combat without the assistance of firearms, but the actual situation was that the so-called elite Eight Banners were retreating step by step.

The Bayara leader next to Aljin was also a veteran who had fought for decades and had a very fierce temperament. He had just killed five defeated Green Camp soldiers by himself.

But now, after hearing Aljin's order, he was speechless and hesitated, not daring to move forward. The other dozen or so armored soldiers around him were in the same situation.

Before Aljin could say anything more, the soldiers of the central army in front of the palace had already rushed up and woke Aljin up with their actions.

The Bayara leader, who had been a little at a loss just now, reacted quickly under the gaze of Aljin. He immediately rushed out with a dozen Eight Banners soldiers. The few people in the front held up shields and launched a insignificant counterattack against the rushing Ming army.

The Bayara leader under Aljin rushed to the front with a shield in hand. Looking at the Ming army coming at him in large numbers and the dense crowds of soldiers pouring down from the city ladders, he felt terrified and couldn't help swallowing.

"How is it possible that there are so many fearless and brave soldiers among these Nikan troops?"

But things had come to this, he had to rush forward, even though he knew he probably couldn't repel the Ming army rushing down from the city wall, but he had no choice but to be killed by those Han people in the melee.

"kill!"

Shouts and cries of killing came one after another from under the city wall. The Bayala leader led his Eight Banners armored soldiers and rushed towards the central army in front of the palace, howling. However, they were soon overwhelmed by the Ming army that surged like a tide. The Qing army was defeated step by step. The long spears, swords and axes emerged from the central army in front of the palace and kept stabbing and chopping at the Qing army that was fleeing with their backs to them. The hoarse and heart-wrenching wails were endless.

Looking at the tense battle situation in front of him, Aljin finally accepted the reality. The situation changed too quickly. His troops had just reached the top of the city, but in the blink of an eye they were defeated. This was really hard for him to accept.

But on the battlefield, once a mistake is made, it is often impossible to make up for it by waking up. The soldiers of the central army in front of the palace quickly rushed over. This time, Aljin had no time to retreat. In the blink of an eye, he fell on the battlefield along with the Eight Banners soldiers under his command.

However, not all Qing army generals failed to react. When the army retreated, Tunqi sent out the Bayala soldiers in advance, who quickly set fire to the houses on both sides of several main streets around, temporarily stopping the Ming army's pursuit.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang did not order the army to continue pursuing. The sudden rebellion and attack by Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren had caught the Qing army off guard. He now had an absolute advantage in the battle of Wuchang City.

"Pass on my military orders. The army must immediately build fortifications at the foot of the city walls on both sides of Baoan Gate. Send out a thousand soldiers from each headquarters to defend the towers. Wangshan Gate must be captured immediately. No mistakes!

In addition, the north and east sides of the city, immediately begin an all-out assault on the city. We must crush the morale of those Tartars and the Green Camp soldiers. I don't believe that if Tunqi can burn down Baoanmen Street, can he burn down the entire Wuchang?"

Zhu Cilang gave a loud order in front of Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren. Officers of all levels in the central army in front of the palace immediately turned around and went down the city, calling on their subordinates under the city tower and in the city wall to start the action.

At the same time, the Tianqi Army outside the city also quickly entered the city, but because of the fire on Baoanmen Street, a large number of soldiers were stranded in the city.

On the battlefield, unexpected events are unpredictable. The Ming army had originally planned to use fire to stop the Qing army, but the Qing army's offensive was far less powerful than expected. However, the combat effectiveness of the central army in front of the palace was extraordinary, forcing Tunqi to resort to this desperate measure.

After all, his current blocking method has completely disregarded Wuchang City, which is simply drinking poison to quench thirst!

Soon, the messengers from the Five Military Commandery were divided into three groups and released nine fireworks into the sky. Not only Chang Denggui, Lin Changfeng, Chen Fu, Tian Jianxiu and others were staring at them intently, but even Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren raised their heads and looked up along the rising trajectory of the fireworks, as if this was the first time they had seen such beautiful red fireworks!

As soon as the fireworks rose into the sky, the Wusheng Gate in the north of Wuchang City and the Binyang Gate in the east immediately erupted with thunderous artillery fire, followed by fierce shouts of killing. Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren's attention was immediately attracted over there.

This is the process of displaying power. Under the command of Zhu Cilang, the Ming army has the power to destroy everything!

Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren were stunned. After Zhu Cilang demonstrated his power, he immediately ordered them:
"My two beloved ministers, I know you still have many of your old subordinates in the city. They are elite warriors who have fought in countless battles, and they are also my people. I simply cannot bear to see them fall into such a state of confusion."

Although Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren came from military backgrounds, they were also old foxes. As soon as Zhu Cilang spoke, they understood what he meant.

Moreover, this is an opportunity given to them by Zhu Cilang to preserve their strength. At that time, all the Green Camp soldiers they recruit will be theirs, regardless of their original background.

"Your Majesty is benevolent and kind, and has blessed the world. We, your subjects, will certainly live up to your command!"

Zhu Cilang looked at the two men bowing their heads and being respectful, and nodded with satisfaction. Then he waved his hand, signaling them to quickly lead their servants and follow the walls on both sides of the Baoan Gate to pursue the Qing army's Palace Guards.

Although Tunqi sent troops to set fire to Baoanmen Street, the central army in front of the palace had already controlled the entire city tower. Chang Denggui also sent heavy troops to advance towards the city walls on both wings. The army advanced along the city walls on both wings and would not be affected in any other way except for the slow speed.

Of course, Tunqi has now arranged troops to block the enemy in other places. He has not given up resistance. Although he no longer hopes to defeat the Ming army, he is trying every means to break out of the city.

But all of this required ample buffer time and even greater chaos. Because the situation changed so quickly, most of the Eight Banners and Green Camp soldiers in the city were still unaware of the strength of the Palace Army.

Zhu Cilang stood on the top of the city wall and looked to both sides. At this time, from the Baoan Gate of Wuchang City to the north of the city wall, the endless marching column of the central army in front of the palace was marching towards the north. At a glance, he could see countless weapons flashing with cold light shaking.

On one side of these narrow streets and alleys, Tangma horses kept galloping by. However, they were not at the forefront, but were only responsible for transmitting military intelligence.

At this time, the central army in front of the palace was using the "bureau" as the basic combat unit and the "flag team" as the smallest combat unit, marching in three columns in these narrow streets and alleys.

Zhu Cilang naturally knew that the main force of the Qing army had long been gone near Baoan Gate. With the Qing army retreating step by step, Tunqi might not have enough troops to defend even the barricades on the north side, let alone send troops for a surprise attack.

However, the battlefield situation is unpredictable, and no one can guarantee that the situation will develop as predicted. The most basic marching conventions summarized by countless soldiers with their blood must be followed.

After Lin Changfeng entered the city wall with a Tianqi army of more than a thousand soldiers, he immediately came to Zhu Cilang. At the same time as him, there were also Tangma who came from the east and north directions of the city.

"Your Majesty, the Eight Banners Army has already begun to break out of the city. However, I had already made arrangements. As soon as they escaped from the small gate in the east of the city, they were killed by the ambush troops arranged by me. Only two people escaped." Lin Changfeng reported excitedly, his face covered with beads of sweat.

The Tangma sent by Chen Fu and Tian Jianxiu also immediately reported the battle situation in the north and east of the city. The Qing army defending the city there had already been breached under their fierce attack.

"Wuchang is in chaos now. If it weren't for this fire, the troops stationed in the south of the city by Tunqi would not be a concern at all. By tonight at the latest, Tunqi will definitely find a way to break out." Lin Changfeng said immediately after hearing this.

On the plains outside Wuchang City, the Tianqi Army under his command was the best choice to intercept and block the Eight Banners Cavalry, so he naturally wanted to take credit for this achievement.

"Well, Tunqi probably doesn't have the heart to defend the city now. He can take advantage of the chaos that is everywhere while my army is attacking the city from all directions, and he can break out."

Zhu Cilang nodded, then made a prompt decision:
"Lin Changfeng, leave behind a capable general among the troops within the Wengcheng. Then, immediately leave the city and personally command the Heavenly Cavalry outside to ambush and intercept Tunqi. If Tunqi leads the Qing army to break through, you will annihilate them all."

"Yes, I obey your command!" Lin Changfeng received the order and immediately led a few personal guards down the city. After giving a few instructions to the generals brought into the city, he immediately rode out of the city and soon merged into the marching army, and his figure could no longer be seen.

Just as Lin Changfeng rode away, two more horses sent by Chang Denggui came back. One of them was an officer, and this time he reported even more important news.

"Wang Fuchen's servant?" Zhu Cilang narrowed his eyes, a little confused. "Is he sure he's Wang Fuchen's servant? Is Wang Fuchen really planning to rebel and is now defending Binyang Gate for me?" "This, this can't be verified yet, but Admiral Chang thinks it's worth a try. Even if this is just a lie the servant told to save his life, if he can contact Wang Fuchen, maybe he can actually persuade him to surrender."

The officer sent by Chang Denggui analyzed the situation clearly and logically: "In the current situation, Tunqi is doomed to fail. Wang Fuchen is a Han Chinese, so I'm afraid there is no reason for him to continue to help Tunqi."

After hearing this, Zhu Cilang's lips curled up slightly and a smile appeared on his face:
"Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren have both defected. I sent them out to dismantle the Green Camp troops. Otherwise, it would be difficult to maintain order in the streets and alleys of Wuchang City. Wang Fuchen is not a loyal minister or a filial son. I'm afraid he's also thinking about defecting, but he just hasn't had the opportunity."

After Zhu Cilang finished speaking, the information coming from various places quickly flashed through his mind. Now that Baoan Gate was in his hands, Wangshan Gate would be captured soon. It was impossible for Tunqi to continue to defend the city, but it would take some time for him to completely wipe out or gather the defeated soldiers in the city.

The officer sent by Chang Denggui received the order and immediately rode two horses with two scouts from the central army with flags on their backs, and quickly galloped towards the front line of the army in the north. The prisoner who claimed to be Wang Fuchen's servant was being guarded there.

After Zhu Cilang finished giving the order, he looked up again. At this time in Wuchang City, the raging fire on both sides of Baoanmen Street continued to spread towards the wooden houses on both sides, and the laborers in the nearby houses fled screaming.

Most of the laborers and their families who were temporarily settled in other parts of Wuchang were still watching the situation with their doors and windows closed, extremely frightened.

They had been frightened by the dense gunfire inside and outside the city as early as midnight. Although the Qing army wanted to organize them, they had already lost their organization in the chaos.

Now, the city of Wuchang was in chaos. Many defeated Qing soldiers, especially those from the Green Camp, mixed directly among the civilians.

However, by this time, the houses on Baoanmen Street had been burning for quite some time, and the fire gradually subsided, but new fires seemed to have started in other places.

However, these places did not have the fuel and firewood prepared in advance by the army. During the retreat, the Qing army became increasingly chaotic and most of them had lost their organization. There were only fires everywhere, but there was no raging fire like the one on Baoanmen Street.

Tunqi has now fled to Wusheng Gate in the north of Wuchang City. After the great defeat caused by the failed attack, there are only a few hundred Eight Banners soldiers left by his side. Even if the defenders of Wusheng Gate and the troops temporarily gathered are included, there are only more than 2,000 soldiers.

Now, Tunqi no longer dared to think about defending the city. He just wanted to take advantage of the chaos inside and outside the city to break out with more soldiers. As long as he could break out to the plains outside the city, he would still have hope of crossing the river to the north. As long as he could cross the river, there would be hope for everything.

At this time, although there were still several thousand Qing troops capable of fighting in Wuchang City, and if the Green Camp Army was included, there were probably nearly ten thousand of them, but once the city was gone and they were oppressed by the superior forces of the Ming Army, these demoralized and defeated soldiers under his command would have no chance of defeating the main army of the Ming Emperor.

Although the Ming and Qing armies had fought several rounds at the Baoan Gate Tower, and the Ming troops on all sides seemed to be attacking the city with all their might, in fact, most of the towers in the entire Wuchang City were still controlled by the Qing army even now.

After all, if there is no internal support, it is almost impossible to break through the defense of the three city walls from the outside to the inside within a day, not to mention that the north and east directions of the city are not the most elite main forces of the Ming army, and the artillery is not powerful enough.

Information on the battlefield is often delayed, so there is no need to gather together to deceive. Many of the defenders in the city walls will continue to hold on out of inertia.

After the recent battle, Tunqi already knew the strength of the central army in front of the palace. This greatly undermined his confidence as the Qing Gushan, and even directly prompted him to give up defending the city.

As time went on, the central army in front of the palace bypassed the fire and began to advance northward with all its strength. The Eight Banners Army and the Green Camp Army that were defeated in the blocking battle were now gathering from all over the city to the vicinity of Wusheng Gate.

When Tunqi saw these defeated soldiers, he naturally knew that the main force of the Ming army would attack soon. He had also sent Tangma out of the city from the side of Zhongxiao Gate in the east of the city to inquire about the surrounding military situation in order to disrupt the judgment of the Ming army outside the city.

At the same time, Tunqi saw the fire still burning in the direction of the security gate in the south, and suddenly came up with a plan to stop the main force of the Ming army from pursuing.

He waved his hand, summoned the Bayala leader to his side, and ordered with a cruel look:

"Immediately take your men and move all the kerosene, gunpowder, and firewood from the towers that were originally used to defend the city. Pile them up in the streets and alleys within a mile of Wusheng Gate and burn down all the houses and shops along the streets. Once those wooden houses are ablaze, the Nikans will never be able to get through."

The Bayala leader received the order and immediately revealed a cruel smile on his face. He said immediately: "Zhe!"

However, just as the Bayala leader was about to leave, Tunqi suddenly thought of something and stopped him, saying:
"Send someone to inform Wang Fuchen that this general is planning to break out from Binyang Gate. Tell him to send troops ahead of time to test the military situation..."

"Zhe!"

At this time, on the Binyang Gate Tower, thousands of Green Camp soldiers, under the supervision of the Eight Banners soldiers, were fighting with swords, guns and firearms against the Ming army that was attacking the city, and the battle situation became increasingly tense.

Wang Fuchen was pacing in a side room of the tower, feeling extremely anxious. He had just seen the fire in front of the Baoan gate and knew that Tunqi was in danger. He was now wondering if he could turn the tables, and if he would be given a new position after that.

After all, no matter who started the fire on Baoanmen Street, it showed that the Ming army had already taken control of the Baoanmen tower.

With the Ming Emperor's military strength outside the city, as long as the Ming army controlled the Baoan Gate Tower, the Qing army inside the city would definitely not be able to turn the tables. At this time, although the future was not necessarily limitless, at least they could save their lives.

In fact, after seeing that the main force of the Qing army led by Dorgon had to retreat north, Wang Fuchen began to have other ideas.

He had no so-called loyalty to the Qing court. Now that the Ming Dynasty had hope of winning, he and many others who had originally surrendered to the Qing court only out of pressure from the situation and in order to survive were naturally ready to make a move.

However, he had no way to actively contact the Ming Dynasty, and he didn't dare to try it easily.

After all, if the details were to get out, he would surely be suspected by the Tartars and might even lose his head.

Wang Fuchen was hiding in the city wall, struggling with the question of whether to raise the flag of rebellion, when he suddenly heard footsteps outside the door. He was frightened and turned around to see that it was the head of his own servants.

In almost the blink of an eye, the panic-stricken expression on Wang Fuchen's face disappeared immediately, and turned into determination and composure. Since it was not the Tartars who forced him to go to the battlefield, he naturally had nothing to fear.

However, Wang Fuchen glanced coldly at the head servant who had hurried to his side, and asked anxiously:
"How's the situation in Tunqi? How's the battle situation in other parts of the city?"

"General, there's no news from Tunqi yet, but I'm afraid most of the city has been taken by the Ming army. There are Ming troops in many places. When I went to investigate, I saw at least fifty or sixty defeated soldiers, many of whom were Tartar armored soldiers. Those Ming soldiers are really fierce!"

After hearing this, Wang Fuchen's eyes lit up immediately, and his face was filled with joy. He knew that this was a sign that the Qing army had completely retreated, and he immediately said:
"Looks like there's no need to wait!"

"Did the Tartars really lose like this?" The head servant under Wang Fuchen looked puzzled, as if he couldn't believe it.

"But it's only been one night. How could the Tartars be defeated so quickly?"

"Humph!" Wang Fuchen snorted coldly, and directly pushed away the head servant who was blocking his way, and said with a smile:

"Dorgon is useless here, let alone a small Tunqi. I, Ma Yaozi, have been wandering for half my life, and now I have finally met a wise master!"

While Wang Fuchen was sighing, there was another sound of footsteps outside the door. It was the Tangma sent by Tunqi, who delivered the military information to Binyang Gate.

When Wang Fuchen heard the order from Tunqi, he burst into laughter. He racked his brains, but he couldn't figure out which gate Tunqi would escape from. This meant that even if he wanted to make a contribution, he had no way to do it.

But now, Tunqi's order is simply an act of self-incrimination.

"Quick, go out and gather our most elite brothers. Follow me and rebel against these Tartars. Let's forget about Binyang Gate and head straight for Wusheng Gate. Find a way to send a message to His Majesty along the way!"

"General, are we only getting these few brothers?" the head servant hesitated. He was still afraid of the Eight Banners soldiers.

"What are you afraid of? If you miss this opportunity, you will never see it again in your lifetime!" Wang Fuchen said, and then he kicked the servant in front of him and shouted:
"Go!"

(End of this chapter)