Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 274 Ambush
The sound of horse hooves was like thunder, shaking the battlefield under the cover of night. As the roar approached, Zhao Zhengdong's spirits suddenly lifted.

At this moment, the area he was guarding was located in the south, close to the main camp of the army, and was one of the key breakthrough points for the Qing army's attack.

Compared with the two city gates in the north, the hillsides there are sparse and the terrain is flat. Although blocked by the ruins outside the moat, the Qing cavalry can still operate on that open terrain.

For this reason, Zhu Cilang dispatched a large number of troops to the north to prevent the Qing army from breaking through the defense line and encircling from the rear to launch a devastating attack.

The ambush in the east is more urgent, and timing is crucial.

The Ming army must act decisively when the Qing army breaks out and must not allow them the opportunity to retreat back to the city.

If the Qing army retreated in the face of difficulty and chose to defend the city to the death, the Ming army would be caught in a time-consuming and laborious siege.

Zhu Cilang was well aware of this. He would rather fight a bloody battle with the Qing army outside the city than invest manpower and resources in a lengthy siege.

Therefore, in addition to setting up an ambush outside the city to prevent the Qing army from breaking out, he also planned to take advantage of the weak defense in the city and launch an attack from the south to prevent the remaining Qing army from retreating back to Cangzhou and holding on to the end.

The battle situation became increasingly tense. The Qing army in the east had quietly slipped out of two city gates and started a chaotic battle with the Ming army in the plains, mountains and abandoned villages.

The night was dark and the vision was limited. The actions of the two armies became increasingly chaotic, and officers at all levels could only rely on voice to command the battle.

As the fighting intensified, casualties on both sides gradually increased.

The Green Camp soldiers were driven by the Eight Banners soldiers and became the vanguard of the charge.

Behind them were the Baoyi soldiers, while the Eight Banners soldiers were commanding from a high position, riding on horses.

Although the Baoyi soldiers and the Eight Banners soldiers belonged to the same Qing army, they did not trust each other, and the Green Camp soldiers had the intention of rebelling, making the entire Qing army camp complicated.

The baoyi soldiers were caught in a dilemma, having to deal with the attacks of the Ming army while also being wary of the surveillance of the Eight Banners soldiers.

Although the Green Camp generals had long wanted to rebel and had made careful plans, the Eight Banners soldiers were not easy to deal with.

They made careful arrangements on the battlefield, deliberately pushing the Baoyi soldiers and Green Camp soldiers to the front line to form two meat shields, while they themselves supported them in the rear.

The Baoyi soldiers' position was not yet clear, and they were unable to take action. Once the Green Camp soldiers approached the battlefield, especially in deserted villages and mountainous areas, they would wait for an opportunity to disintegrate.

The defeat of the Green Camp soldiers created an opportunity for the Eight Banners soldiers. With the help of this chaos, the Eight Banners soldiers took advantage of the situation and approached the ambush position of the Ming army, avoiding the risk of being suddenly attacked.

What's worse, the defeated Baoyi soldiers and Green Camp soldiers inadvertently disrupted the deployment of the Ming army, causing the Ming army's offensive to be thwarted for a time.

In the mountains, shouts of killing and the sounds of gunfire were intertwined. Under the cover of night, the Qing army soldiers dismounted and fought, and flames flickered constantly.

The ferocity of the Qing army's attack far exceeded Zhao Zhengdong's expectations, but he did not rashly mobilize more troops to join the battle.

Although the rugged terrain of the mountain road greatly weakened the mobility and impact of the Qing cavalry, the fighting power of these armored soldiers should not be underestimated.

Zhao Zhengdong knew very well that in order to achieve victory, he must take advantage of the terrain and compress the Qing army into the narrow mountain roads instead of letting them disperse in the mountains.

In this way, the Ming army could concentrate its firepower, launch a devastating attack on the enemy, and minimize its own casualties.

Therefore, he temporarily kept his troops in place and waited for the Qing army to further enter the encirclement.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves in the distance became more frequent, and the Qing army's follow-up troops continued to pour into the battlefield.

Zhao Zhengdong quietly observed the enemy's movements, waiting for the best time to attack.

He had only one goal - to win the battle at the lowest cost while ensuring that the Qing army's breakout was successfully blocked.

As time went on, the Qing army's vanguard finally entered the narrow area of ​​the mountain road.

A gleam of light flashed in Zhao Zhengdong's eyes, and he decisively waved the flag in his hand.

For a moment, the Ming army ambushed on both sides of the mountain opened fire at full power, and the dense sound of muskets resounded through the night sky like thunder.

Amidst the flickering flames, the Qing army's vanguard fell into chaos in an instant, many armored soldiers fell to the ground, and the cavalry of the follow-up troops were forced to stop and were trapped in the narrow mountain road and unable to move.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhao Zhengdong ordered the second echelon to attack.

Ambush troops on both sides of the mountain swarmed out, armed with muskets and spears, and surrounded the Qing army from all directions.

Although the Qing army was well-equipped, it lost its advantage in the narrow mountain roads. With the fierce firepower of the Ming army in front and the defeated Green Camp soldiers and Baoyi soldiers behind, it was immediately caught in a dilemma of being attacked from both sides.

Under this circumstance, although the Qing army soldiers fought desperately, the narrow terrain and compressed manpower made it impossible for them to exert their full combat effectiveness.

The situation on the battlefield gradually turned, and the Ming army's ambushes became more and more effective.

Zhao Zhengdong was cautious. Although the situation had tilted towards the Ming army, he knew that the Qing army had not yet completely collapsed.

In order to ensure the complete annihilation of the enemy, he ordered his soldiers to continue the siege and not give the Qing army any chance to escape.

Gu Defu heard the sound of gunfire not far to the north, which gradually dissipated in the night with faint echoes.

He looked up to the north, but could see nothing but darkness and the occasional flicker of fire.

The gunshots were intermittent and intense but did not last long.

Gu Defu knew what was going on. Zhao Zhengdong had already told him that this blocking battle was just a feint to paralyze the Qing army and prevent them from becoming suspicious.

The real fight is yet to come.

He sighed softly and turned his attention back to the soldiers around him.

Some of these young faces still look childish, but at this moment they all have a silent determination.

Recalling the scene when he volunteered before, Gu Defu couldn't help but feel emotional.

When he announced that he would lead them to carry out this most dangerous mission, which also had the greatest chance of making meritorious contributions, almost all the soldiers raised their hands in support without hesitation.

Those young arms were raised high in the moonlight, seemingly filled with desire for battle and firm determination.

Although these soldiers had their own complaints on a daily basis, many of them always wanted to retire and go home to farm after this battle.

However, when it came to the real battlefield, they never retreated.

Those soldiers who usually liked to joke and complain about the hardships of war showed unexpected courage and perseverance at the critical moment.

Gu Defu knew that this was not just for the sake of military merit and promotion, but also out of a hatred deeply rooted in their hearts - hatred towards the Qing army.

This hatred is an important force that supports them in not fearing life and death on the battlefield.

The soldiers talked in low voices, some gently wiped the weapons in their hands, and some lowered their heads in thought.

Although they were tired, there was no fear in their eyes, only solemn expectation.

This spirit was fully embodied in every ordinary soldier of the Ming army.

Not far away, a young soldier suddenly said, "General Bai, do you think we can still get a turn this time?"

Gu Defu did not answer immediately. He glanced at the soldier and then said calmly:
"As long as we execute according to the plan, we have a great chance. The Tartars are now at the end of their rope, their morale is low, and they can't help but fight, but there are still many victories to be won."

As soon as he finished speaking, several veterans around him echoed him: "Yes, don't think too much. After this battle, let's drink and eat meat together and go home to hug our children!"

The soldiers laughed a few times at this remark, and seemed to feel a lot more relaxed in an instant.

At this moment, Gudefu knew that although these young soldiers were laughing and joking on the surface, everyone knew in their hearts that a life-and-death battle was waiting for them ahead.

They complained about the hardships of daily training and their desire to return home to farm, but once on the battlefield, they charged forward without hesitation. Every battle was fought to kill one more Tartar and avenge their grievances.

As the night deepened, the chill in the air gradually encroached. Each of them carried enough gunpowder and bullets, and their swords and guns were polished to a shine.

The gunfire from the north gradually died down, and darkness once again swallowed up the surrounding sounds.

Gudefu knew that the battle over there had come to an end and the symbolic blocking had ended.

Now, all attention is focused on this valley.

If the Qing army chose to break out from here, it would inevitably be a brutal battle.

He looked at the long and narrow mountain path again, thinking silently in his heart.

The Ming army's musketeers and sword and shield soldiers were ambushed on both sides of the mountain road. Once the Qing army entered this area, the ambush would start instantly.

Time seemed to slow down while they were waiting, and the soldiers' breathing gradually became even and heavy.

Suddenly, a slight sound of horse hooves came from afar, getting clearer and clearer as it got closer.

Gu Defu's expression tensed, he knew that the enemy had finally arrived.

"Everyone, get ready. Don't panic. Wait until they enter the ambush circle before taking action!"

He whispered the order, and the soldiers instantly tensed up, gripped their weapons tightly, and lay quietly on the ground, waiting for the moment that would decide their fate.

The sound of horse hooves was getting closer and closer, and finally, a group of Qing cavalry came into view.

They moved forward cautiously, obviously to explore the way.

Gu Defu's eyes became as sharp as a knife and his heartbeat gradually accelerated, but he still remained calm and signaled his men to continue to endure and not act.
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The night was as dark as ink, covering the city of Cangzhou. Fires flickered between the plains and mountains east of the city, and the battle between the Qing and Ming armies was in full swing.

At the same time, the western gate of Cangzhou slowly opened, and the Qing army began to break out.

The first to rush out were the Green Camp soldiers and Eight Banners soldiers who were responsible for blocking the main force of the Ming army, trying to buy time for the next main force.

Zhu Cilang's troops had already been fully deployed before the battle, and the rocket troops that had been so successful in the Battle of Xuzhou were once again put into battle.

These elite rocketeers relied on the mountains and took turns firing rockets at the plains to the west.

Each round of thirty rockets streaked across the night sky like stars falling to the ground, landing precisely in the Qing army's formation, erupting in sharp flames and explosions.

This move not only caused great casualties to the Qing army, but also plunged their operations into extreme chaos and panic.

The Ming army now has sufficient military supplies. After many rounds of replenishment and pre-war preparations, the rocket reserves are enough to support the rocket soldiers to continue shooting until dawn.

This continuous rocket attack dealt a double blow to the Qing army both psychologically and physically. The battlefield illuminated by the fire looked like hell, which frightened the Qing army.

At this time, there was another person in the city with ulterior motives, and that was Wang Zhong.

This old bondservant found a way to escape through day and night preparations.

As soon as it got dark, he took the opportunity to go to the toilet and hid secretly.

When the Qing army's breakout operation was in full swing and the city was in chaos, Wang Zhong finally slipped out from his hiding place.

As an old bondservant for more than ten years, Wang Zhong was familiar with all the roads inside and outside Cangzhou City. In addition, as a new Han Eight Banners musketeer after the raising of the flag, he was deeply trusted by the Eight Banners soldiers.

Through many previous patrols, he had already figured out the weak links in the city's defenses.

Tonight was his chance to use that familiarity to his advantage.

Wang Zhong was cautious along the way and avoided the patrols of the Eight Banners soldiers, especially the Bayala who were responsible for preventing deserters.

These elite Qing troops treated deserters ruthlessly. Wang Zhong knew that he was no match for them and that he would have a chance of survival only if he could take advantage of their unpreparedness.

However, he also knew that under the cover of night and war, it was not impossible to escape as long as he avoided Bayala.

Finally, Wang Zhong came to a remote corner of the alley and saw the figure of the contact person Kazakhtai from afar.

This was a crucial link in his life-threatening escape.

Kazakhstan is also currently waiting for a breakthrough.

He whispered the secret code they had agreed upon in advance: "Coo! Coo!" The voice was low and rapid.

As soon as the signal was given, Kazakhtai's response came.

After getting confirmation, Wang Zhong walked out timidly, carrying a heavy bag on his shoulders, which was filled with all the belongings he had taken with him when he escaped - gold, silver and jewelry.

When Kasaktai saw him, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Kazakhtai had long been tired of the blood and terror of war. He spent fifty taels of silver to bribe the Ezhen of his Niulu in exchange for tonight's opportunity.

In fact, not only Kazakhtai, but also Niulu Ezhen himself was plotting to escape, and planned to break out with more baoyi soldiers and spoils of war.

Obviously, for them, this breakout was no longer about the survival of the Qing Dynasty, but a struggle for survival.

"Master, I have come with treasures."

Wang Zhong was sweating profusely and the pain in his shoulder made his face pale, but he still handed the bundle to Kazakhtai with a flattering smile.

Kazakhtai took the bag, nodded slightly, and patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder, seeming to be quite satisfied with his performance.

"You're lucky. You weren't caught by Bayala on the way. Those two bondservants, Duotailan and Tandun, have long since disappeared. They were probably discovered along the way and chopped to pieces."

There was a hint of gloating in Kazakhtai's tone. Obviously, being able to reunite safely tonight had made him in a good mood.

"I dare not have any other thoughts. I just hope to follow my master back to the outside of the Great Wall safely." Wang Zhong lowered his eyebrows, smiled, and said submissively.

He knew in his heart that the situation tonight was unpredictable. Even Kazakhtai had only opened up a way to escape by borrowing money. No one could predict what would happen next.

Kazaktai sneered and looked at the mountains and fire in the distance.

"I'm afraid this breakout won't be easy. The Ming army outside the city is well prepared. Whether we can escape alive depends on luck.

But you must remember, once you get outside the border, don't expect to have an easy life as before.

When we entered the customs more than a decade ago, the land outside the customs had already been emptied. This time when we go back, we can hardly even get a full meal."

Wang Zhong nodded in agreement, but his heart couldn't help but tighten.

He recalled the Liaodong famine during his childhood, when he barely survived by digging up dead human flesh.

Today, the situation outside the Great Wall may be even more miserable than that of Liaodong back then.

Kazakhstan obviously doesn't have much expectations either.

He said no more, turned around and continued to sneak towards the outside of the city with Wang Zhong.

Along the way, the flames around them flickered, and the noise from the battlefield continued to come. The Ming army's offensive was becoming more and more fierce.

And their time is obviously running out.

(End of this chapter)