Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty
Chapter 191 Complete Victory
Chapter 191 Complete Victory
On the street from the Drum Tower to the Governor's Office in the north city of Wuchang Prefecture, the soldiers of the central army in front of the palace fought fiercely all the way. Zhao Zhengdong and Gu Defu led their armored soldiers in pursuit, stabbing and chopping at the Qing soldiers who were fleeing with their backs to them with their spears, swords and axes. In just half an hour, they killed hundreds of Qing deserters.
As thousands of defeated soldiers from the Drum Tower continued to pour into the street east of the Governor's Office, the panicked screams caused the elite Eight Banners soldiers who were originally guarding the barricades to completely lose their fighting spirit in the fierce attack, and most of them were forced to retreat.
Tunqi was not unprepared. In addition to the last line of fire barrier, he also sent troops to garrison in advance on the barricades on the only way to the Wushengmen Tower. Now, under the attack of the Ming army, they finally played some role.
The central army in front of the palace attacked all the way to the barricades north of the Governor's Office before finally encountering effective resistance and being forced to stop. The barricades here were heavily guarded, with no narrow alleys around to circumvent them, which greatly strengthened the Qing army's confidence in holding their ground.
The Eight Banners generals commanding the barricade did not block the fleeing soldiers from the beginning. They even took the initiative to open the barricades, allowing most of them to pass smoothly and withdraw directly before the central army in front of the palace could catch up.
As for those who fell behind, they were unable to break through the barricades at all. After being attacked by a wave of muskets and arrows, they no longer posed any threat to the barricades.
The officers in the central army in front of the palace were all veterans with rich battlefield experience. Although they were in a killing spree, they had not lost their most basic battlefield judgment. When they saw the barricade in front of them, they stopped immediately.
After all, during the pursuit, the troops in front of the palace were also inevitably in chaos, and now only the troops at the "bureau" level still maintain a complete organization.
The vanguard led by Zhao Zhengdong and Gu Defu consisted of only 150 to 160 people, and they did not have any artillery. If they charged directly into the barricades heavily guarded by the Qing army, they would be courting death.
However, behind them, there were still a steady stream of soldiers from the central army in front of the palace rushing over, which made the Qing army in the barricades dare not take the initiative to attack such a small team of more than a hundred people!
The defeated soldiers of the Green Camp and Eight Banners Army, who had fled in panic all the way and finally took shelter in the barricades, were still in shock. Some of the defeated soldiers who had just retreated into the city wall had even fled to the alley to the north.
Faced with such chaos, the Eight Banners soldiers stationed in the barricades had to suppress and reorganize immediately. They had not yet received the order to retreat, and they did not know that Tunqi had long planned to abandon them. In fact, because the situation changed so quickly, they did not realize that they were in a desperate situation.
Chang Denggui soon led his troops to catch up. The first to arrive was a thousand-man headquarters serving as a reserve force. They took the lead in attacking the barricade. Then, hearing the bugle call, the other two thousand-man headquarters attacking from other streets also quickly joined the battle.
As the central army in front of the palace breached the Drum Tower, the Qing army's control of the northern half of Wuchang rapidly shrank, with the defeated troops essentially retreating to the vicinity of Wusheng Gate. The barricades south of Wusheng Gate, and even the vicinity of the tower, were continuously flooded with fleeing Eight Banners and Green Camp troops.
However, at this time, the sky had gradually darkened, and the opportunity to break out that Tunqi had been waiting for was about to come.
Chang Denggui rode his horse to the front of the formation, and long spears were thrust out from the gaps between the shields in the front. The army was now ready to attack. The reserve troops he brought quickly replaced the troops of Zhao Zhengdong and others who were exhausted from the long battle.
Zhao Zhengdong felt a little regretful when he received the transfer order, but military orders were like mountains, and he had to obey them. Moreover, after fighting for so long, although most of the time was spent chasing the fleeing Qing army, wearing such heavy armor, even a warrior like him could not bear it.
Today, the situation in the city is still chaotic, and the defeated Qing troops in various places have not been completely wiped out. After Chang Denggui replaced these soldiers, he did not let them rest completely, but deployed them to key places in the city to ensure the army's comprehensive control of the city.
After all, the troops in the central army in front of the palace were not enough for the huge city of Wuchang. Chang Denggui was very worried that the Tunqi would take advantage of the chaos at night to make a feint to the east and attack in the west, or even defeat them one by one. The remnants of the Qing army in the city also needed to be vigilant and suppressed.
On the east and west sides of the Wuchang Prefecture Government Office, the soldiers who were originally chasing the defeated Qing army soon gathered from various streets. During the time when his soldiers were attacking and capturing the strongholds, Chang Denggui sent his personal guards to search for the small French cannons and general cannons left behind by the defeated Qing army in the barricades in the rear.
Although these small artillery pieces are not as powerful as four-pound cannons, they are still of some help to large armies in attacking strongholds.
"Pass on this general's order. After the artillery bombardment, the army will immediately begin the charge. We must reach Wusheng Gate before complete darkness. If you let that Tartar Tunqi escape, I will not forgive you!"
After Chang Denggui shouted his orders to his officers, he rode forward to the center of the army and took command personally.
He estimated the time in his mind. By this time, Lin Changfeng should have led the Tianqi Army to set up a tight net outside the city. No matter whether the Qing army broke out from Wusheng Gate or Zhongxiao Gate, they would only have a dead end.
In other words, if he pressed Tunqi a little harder, the latter would panic and hasten their retreat. On the plains outside the city, the Tianqi Army's surprise attack and crushing attack would be much more efficient than the street fighting inside the city.
At the same time, outside Zhongxiao Gate, the main force of the Tianqi Army led by Lin Changfeng had already ambushed under the cover of night.
Tuen Qi stationed near Zhongxiao Gate and deliberately revealed a flaw. Lin Changfeng was fooled and led the main force to ambush.
Of course, in addition to dispatching more than a thousand cavalrymen to enter the city to assist in the battle, the main forces of the Tianqi Army were all left in the east and north of the city. Lin Changfeng also deployed two thousand headquarters outside Wusheng Gate, ready to attack Wusheng Gate at any time.
However, due to the information barrier inside and outside the city, Lin Changfeng led the cavalry to run around. After the Tangma that delivered military intelligence left the city, it often took more than half an hour to find him, and it was even longer after dark.
Therefore, he has not yet learned about the latest battle situation in Wuchang City, nor did he know that Chang Denggui's progress would be so rapid that he had actually forced Tunqi into a desperate situation.
After all, except for the Binyang Gate, the Left and Right Palace Armies attacked the north and east sides of Wuchang City for a whole day but made almost no progress.
Lin Changfeng had just received the news that more than an hour ago, Chang Denggui was storming the Drum Tower in the center of Wuchang City, and it was impossible to break through quickly relying on the soldiers.
This made Lin Changfeng's ambush operations still very cautious at this time, for fear that he would use his troops in the wrong direction and let Tunqi escape under his nose.
However, Lin Changfeng was not completely without his own judgment on the situation in the city. He was now very certain that Tunqi would definitely break out of the city tonight.
After all, Tunqi's army was demoralized in the city, especially when his troops were outnumbered, it was impossible for him to continue holding on. He was even worried that if he didn't act quickly, he would not be able to get any credit.
From the military reports sent by Tangma in the city, Lin Changfeng also roughly understood the situation and combat effectiveness of the Qing army in the city. He knew that they were now in complete chaos. During the defeat of the army, many Green Camp soldiers secretly left the team and surrendered anyway.
In fact, when Lin Changfeng thought about this, he still felt a little bit unbelievable. Like most of the generals in the army, he thought that the battle would last at least half a year when the siege just started.
Even a radical in the army like him could not imagine that Chang Denggui could almost capture the entire city of Wuchang in one day.
In fact, at this time, the development of the war situation was no longer a question of whether the Ming army could capture Wuchang City, but such a bold and aggressive style of fighting. Lin Changfeng had not experienced it personally and did not dare to imagine it at all.
Of course, for Chang Denggui, it was another matter. He watched his army win victory after victory and the Qing army retreat step by step. Especially after he was sure that the Qing army had no strength to fight back, all he wanted was to seize the opportunity.
Such an offensive indeed dealt a heavy blow to the morale of the Qing army. How could they possibly defeat the powerful Palace Front Army when they had no fighting spirit at all?
However, at this moment, on the plain outside the Zhongxiao Gate Tower, where Lin Changfeng's army was ambushing, two Tang horses with flags on their backs suddenly emerged from the darkness, and they quickly rushed into the endless cavalry column.
When Lin Changfeng heard the sound of horse hooves, he immediately turned around, and the two Tang horses sent from the imperial camp appeared in his sight.
"Da da da"
After the sound of horse hooves, the Bayala leader sent by Tunqi returned to Wusheng Gate again. Without waiting for the other party to dismount, he walked up to him and asked impatiently:
"What's the situation in the south? How many troops has Nikan attacked now?"
The Bayala leader was obviously shocked when he saw this. He never expected that Tunqi would take the initiative to come forward. He immediately dismounted, knelt on the ground and replied:
"Master, those Nikans have temporarily stopped, but I'm afraid they won't hold out for much longer with just those few barricades. The morale of the various armies has been completely lost. Those Green Camp soldiers have either fled or defected, and no one dares to fight back. Even our Eight Banners soldiers are afraid of the enemy."
Upon hearing this, Tunqi's face became even gloomier. He looked up to the south, where bursts of cannon fire were heard again. In the dark streets, spots of light from musketry kept flashing.
But in order not to expose his plan, Tunqi could not order the army to light the fire early. He could only send out cavalry in advance, and at the same time as breaking through, send a signal and order them to take action, so as to catch the Ming army off guard.
Now, with darkness just beginning to fall, the Ming army outside the city was likely still on high alert, making it not the best time to break out. But looking at his own soldiers on both sides of the street, their heads hanging low as they heard the sound of gunfire, like frightened birds, Tunqi knew he couldn't wait any longer. If he waited any longer, these Eight Banners soldiers might all become rioters.
Moreover, in such a chaotic situation, he could not continue to convey military orders to all directions and gather troops, as the Ming army could attack at any time.
This is also the reason why Wang Fuchen dared to lead his troops directly here. He did not think that the Eight Banners soldiers at Binyang Gate could break through, and the Qing army at Zhongxiao Gate knew nothing about what happened at Binyang Gate.
After all, things developed so quickly that even among the defenders of the Binyang Gate Tower, not everyone could clearly explain what had happened.
Wang Fuchen saw Tunqi's gloomy face and immediately said:
"General, there were already over a hundred thousand Ming troops outside the city. Now, there are probably twenty to thirty thousand soldiers entering the city alone. I just heard from the soldiers guarding the gate that the Ming troops coming from the south are a massive mass, and more are constantly pouring in from the Baoan Gate..."
After hearing this, Tunqi's face became even more dejected. He had no doubt about Wang Fuchen's words at all. He even turned his head to look at the defeated soldiers on both sides of the street. The belief in his heart that the Eight Banners soldiers were invincible and invincible seemed to have collapsed long ago. Even his originally hot temper had no intention of flaring up.
Several city towers south of Wuchang City have now been captured by the Ming army, and the so-called invincible Eight Banners soldiers are no match for the Ming army in close combat. He has no possibility of stopping the Ming army in the city. Now there is no other possibility except breaking out.
But now, the Ming army has powerful cavalry and good field combat capabilities. If the more than 1,000 horsemen under his command break out, can they definitely escape?
Seeing that Tunqi and the Bayala leader were silent, Wang Fuchen couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He quickly said:
"General, we must break out immediately, otherwise we will be unable to escape if the Ming army attacks.
The main force of the Ming army has now entered the city. With so many soldiers and horses, they have a military advantage in every aspect. Although we have suffered a temporary defeat, it is understandable."
When Tunqi heard this, his frown instantly relaxed, and he actually felt a little relieved. It was normal for Emperor Ming to defeat him when he led so many troops to attack.
Moreover, there were traitors like Wang Tizhong and Wang Deren in the city. Otherwise, Emperor Ming would never have been able to break into the city.
The Bayala leader saw Tunqi's brows relax, knowing that he had regained some confidence because of Wang Fuchen's words, but still had not made a decision immediately. He was extremely anxious and had to continue to persuade him:
"Master, let's go quickly. I have just left over thirty armored soldiers on the other side of the street. As soon as I give the signal, they will start to set fire. No matter how fierce those Ming troops are, they will not be able to survive the sea of fire.
But if their attack is blocked, I am worried that they will bypass the main street of Wushengmen and attack from the side of the city wall. We have to retreat as soon as possible.
It's certainly dangerous to break out now, but if we wait any longer and the Ming army attacks, I'm afraid we won't even have a chance to break out."
Now, for Tunqi, the only option left was to break out of the city and cross the river to the north. He had originally dreamed of taking away the two to three thousand Eight Banners soldiers in the city, but given the current situation, that was almost impossible.
"Well, let's break out now." Tunqi finally made up his mind. He knew this was the last chance, but he changed the subject and said:
"We don't have enough war horses right now. I'm afraid the thousands of Green Camp soldiers on the city wall won't be able to break out with us..."
When Wang Fuchen heard this, especially after noticing that Tunqi was about to turn his head to look at him, he immediately understood what the other party meant.
However, this was exactly what he wanted. He absolutely could not take the initiative to ask for such a thing as staying behind to cover the retreat, otherwise it would definitely arouse Tunqi's suspicion.
In fact, Wang Fuchen originally wanted to raid Tunqi and capture the king first, but when he actually arrived at the Wushengmen Tower, he found that the troops he brought were not enough to defeat the Eight Banners Army, but he had been discovered and could only continue to disguise himself.
He was an opportunistic person and naturally would not risk his life to capture and kill Tunqi. Now he has compromised and wants to seize Wushengmen and make a small contribution.
After all, if he followed Tunqi to break out, he would most likely die at the hands of the Ming army's cavalry, which would not be worth it.
"General, I am willing to stay and appease them. I am Han Chinese and a close confidant of General Jiang. They are mostly from Shanxi and will definitely trust me. I only ask that you do not abandon me!"
Before Tun Qi could even speak, he heard Wang Fuchen's request. He was surprised, but also secretly delighted. Jiang Rang was nothing to him, but now that Wang Fuchen had brought him forward, it actually made him trust him even more.
"Okay, General Wang, don't worry. As long as you can appease those soldiers, I will never abandon you. When the time comes, you can withdraw before the arsonists and just meet them."
"I will definitely fulfill your mission!" Wang Fuchen responded immediately.
As long as he can get that opportunity legitimately, he can incite the Green Camp troops to rebel, and then maybe he can even kill many Eight Banners soldiers!
At this moment, there was a crisp sound of horseshoes hitting bluestone slabs, and another horse appeared at the corner of the street. Tunqi turned his head and saw that it was Bayala, whom he had sent out to scout the enemy situation outside Zhongxiao Gate. He felt something was wrong.
"Something happened at Zhongxiao Gate?"
"Master, the Ming cavalry ambushed outside Zhongxiao Gate have secretly withdrawn many of their troops, at least one or two thousand. They are very likely heading towards Wusheng Gate."
When Bayala saw Tunqi, he didn't have time to straighten his tilted helmet, and hurriedly reported:
"The Ming army has probably discovered our plan. We must break out before the main force of the Ming army outside the city arrives. If we are late, we will have no chance."
However, Tunqi was overjoyed when he heard this, as it meant that his previous plan had succeeded and the main force of the Ming cavalry outside the city was ambushed at Zhongxiao Gate.
Now, although the Ming army has noticed something unusual, they are moving in a hurry in the dark, so their speed must be slow, and it is difficult to ambush again in a short time. He is confident that he can deal with these unprepared Ming cavalry.
"There is no time to lose, we must break out immediately, Wang Fuchen, comfort those Green Camp soldiers on the city wall, I will be waiting for you outside the city!" Tunqi immediately said to Wang Fuchen.
However, before he could be happy for a while, a rumbling sound was heard again on the street in the south. He looked up and saw that the number of torches with light spots there seemed to have increased again.
Soon, another horse came galloping from the south. The familiar horseshoes hit the bluestone slabs on the street, and the crisp sound reached Tunqi's ears.
At the same time, this time the news was bad - the barricade that had been held for a long time had been broken by the Ming army, and countless Ming troops were rushing towards Wushengmen.
"The Ming army is coming soon. Send a message immediately and set the city on fire!"
Tunqi had completely calmed down at this time. Facing these expected news, there was no trace of panic on his face.
And his subordinate, the leader Bayala, received the order and randomly shot out the signal light he had been holding in his hand for a long time.
With a "bang" sound, the signal flare exploded in the air in Wuchang City. On Wushengmen Street, dozens of rockets instantly shot into the firewood piled up on the street, and the firewood dipped in tung oil quickly ignited.
The roaring flames ignited instantly, almost in the blink of an eye. Under the dim sky, the fire on both sides of Wushengmen Street spread rapidly, like a soaring fire dragon, wreaking havoc on the people.
The soldiers of the central army in front of the palace, who had just broken through the barricades and were about to rush forward, all quickly retreated under the threat of the blazing flames.
Tun Qi rode his horse out of Wusheng Gate and turned to look to the south. He felt very happy because he knew that his retreat was at least temporarily unobstructed. He could even hear the voice of Wang Fuchen suppressing the Green Camp soldiers on the city wall.
"This Wang Fuchen is really capable!" Tunqi smiled and immediately rode out of Wuchang City.
However, he didn't expect that the ambush that Lin Changfeng had originally arranged outside Wusheng Gate was not something he could easily get rid of.
He had just led his troops across the moat when they were ambushed. In the darkness, they were unable to escape the pursuit of the Ming army. In panic, he looked back and saw that a major incident seemed to have occurred on the Wusheng Gate Tower, with shouts of killing loudly...
(End of this chapter)
You'll Also Like
-
This villain is extremely cautious.
Chapter 635 3 hours ago -
In Douluo, the Pope's Palace was blown up at the beginning
Chapter 247 3 hours ago -
Rebirth of the Most Powerful Tycoon in Hong Kong
Chapter 829 3 hours ago -
System: Stand up straight!
Chapter 185 3 hours ago -
Perfect World: Supreme Ruler
Chapter 319 3 hours ago -
I make games to scare players to tears
Chapter 239 3 hours ago -
After rebirth, it's normal to be pursued by someone.
Chapter 474 3 hours ago -
I, Chen Tian, am the boy who brings wealth to the ancient times!
Chapter 471 3 hours ago -
The rich man started signing in at the canteen
Chapter 607 3 hours ago -
Douluo: Undercover Spirit Hall Who Asked You to Marry the Pope?
Chapter 291 3 hours ago