Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 325 Fan Wencheng

After listening to this, Zhu Cilang nodded repeatedly.

He deeply admired Zhang Huangyan's analysis. He was worthy of being a veteran with a broad vision and strong insight into the situation. He was not confined to the perspective of a particular place or a particular battle, but was able to proceed from the overall strategy. He was truly a pillar of the country.

After the military meeting ended, all the generals in the tent left one after another, but Zhu Cilang left only Zhang Huangyan.

He walked slowly to Zhang Huangyan, with a smile on his face, and gently patted Zhang Huangyan's shoulder with his tone full of appreciation and trust:

"Xuanzhu, every word you said just now was brilliant. It not only reflects the reality of the battlefield, but also demonstrates a global perspective. You are truly a rare talent in the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhang Huangyan did not look complacent when he heard this, and continued to clasp his fists and bow, saying:
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. I have only fulfilled my duties. I still need your guidance."

Zhu Cilang laughed loudly, and his words were filled with a bit of heroism:

"I'm not exaggerating. Your abilities have long been proven on the battlefield. I rely on you not only because of your military achievements, but also because of your loyalty and wisdom!"

The two looked at each other for a moment, and the atmosphere in the tent instantly became filled with a deep tacit understanding.

Zhu Cilang's gaze seemed to pass over Zhang Huangyan and look towards the vast battlefield on the map, where the situation was changing rapidly. His tone was calm and powerful:
"The revival of the Ming Dynasty requires not only a strong army, but also loyal ministers and capable generals like Xuan Zhuo.

At present, Dorgon is advancing step by step, and the Qing court is surrounded by jackals. My soldiers must deal with the foreign enemies with united strength.

I cannot afford to fail in this battle, Xuanzhu, do you understand?"

Zhang Huangyan's face was solemn, and he answered with a folded hand:
"I swear my allegiance till death and will not let down your majesty's trust!"

Zhu Cilang nodded, turned to look at the map, and began to carefully deduce again, as if he was planning a more detailed plan for the next action.

Zhang Huangyan stood aside, looking at this young but prestigious monarch, with a silent respect rising in his heart.

After hearing this, Zhang Huangyan was slightly stunned.

He originally thought that Zhu Cilang had kept him to discuss the specific battle situation or to inquire about some key defense details, but he did not expect that His Majesty would suddenly say such words of praise.

It was certainly an honor to hear such words, but facing such solemn praise in the big tent, he was a little at a loss for a moment.

After all, he was cautious by nature and accustomed to dealing with military affairs with a calm and composed attitude, and the praise at this moment obviously broke his psychological expectations.

Zhu Cilang noticed the subtle change in Zhang Huangyan's expression, and seemed to realize that he was having trouble adapting to these words, so he spoke again, with a hint of tentativeness in his tone:
"Does Xuanzhu think that I favor Ma Bao?"

Zhang Huangyan's face changed slightly when he heard this. He quickly straightened his body and clasped his fists in reply:

"I dare not!"

His voice was a little hurried and a little flustered, as he was afraid that his attitude would be misunderstood as dissatisfaction with His Majesty.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Cilang's expression softened a bit, and his tone became more soothing:

"Xuanzhu, there's no need to be so formal. Between you and me, ruler and subject, we share the same fate.

I will speak frankly today: this army may be able to do without Ma Bao, but it cannot lose you, Zhang Huangyan!"

The words were spoken sincerely and firmly, with an authority that was hard to ignore, and also seemed to carry a hint of enticement.

Zhu Cilang moved slightly closer to Zhang Huangyan and continued:
"Ma Bao is indeed a fierce general. With his talent, he will surely become a sharp sword that pierces the heart of the Qing court in the future.

But he has little wisdom but no great strategy. Although he can be trained to become an outstanding general, it is unlikely that he will reach the level of a general like Xuan Zhu, who can coordinate the overall situation and have a far-sighted vision, within ten years."

Zhang Huangyan was secretly pleased when he heard this, but he was unwilling to show any arrogance at this moment.

He clasped his fists and said humbly:

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your praise. I do not deserve it!"

Zhu Cilang smiled and waved his hand, with a hint of frankness in his tone:

"Between you and me, the ruler and the subject, there's no need to be so rigidly attached to these humble words. I've always been clear that Ma Bao is certainly useful, but the person who can best help me accomplish my mission right now is a pillar of talent like Xuan Zhuo."

Zhang Huangyan could tell that Zhu Cilang's words were not only encouragement, but also a silent trust.

After a brief pause, Zhu Cilang's tone became more serious, and he said:
"I've kept you here to ask you, if Gaizhou remains unconquered for a long time and the Qing army's main force arrives to reinforce, what should we do?"

Zhu Cilang deliberately avoided such issues that might cause instability in the military from the eyes and ears of the generals, and only left them to Zhang Huangyan for discussion. It was obvious that he had deep trust in the counselor in front of him.

However, the caution in Zhu Cilang's words also revealed his concerns about the current situation.

Zhang Huangyan pondered for a moment and said slowly:
"Your Majesty, are you worried that a prolonged battle, with no victory and heavy losses, will cause the army's morale to waver?"

Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, frowning, and said in a low voice:
"I have put all my energy into this counterattack. If the losses are too great, I can still raise food and fodder, but replenishing the troops will be no easy task.

After all, this is outside the Great Wall. Although the Qing army is currently besieged in Gaizhou, the main force in Liaozhong has not moved. They will definitely not sit idly by. Jirgalang and Dorgon are not easy to deal with.

After hearing this, Zhang Huangyan's eyes narrowed slightly.

He immediately realized that His Majesty's concern was not limited to the current war situation, but the turbulent situation in the entire world.

After a moment's thought, he said steadily:

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. While the war outside the Great Wall is currently the top priority, the situation in the south and northwest cannot be ignored either.

If we want to stabilize the situation outside the Great Wall at the lowest cost, we might as well adopt the strategy of surrounding but not attacking, first depleting their food supplies and morale, and at the same time send the Jinyiwei to strengthen reconnaissance and seize the enemy's flaws at any time.

If the Qing army sends reinforcements, we can take advantage of the difficult terrain in Liaozhong to divide and surround them and defeat them one by one."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang's eyes gradually brightened, as if he agreed with Zhang Huangyan's analysis.

He nodded, with a hint of relief in his tone:
"Xuan Zhuo's opinion is indeed sound. I have not mentioned this to anyone else today, hoping that you can give me a clearer judgment.

The outcome of the Liaodong campaign is uncertain, but I believe that with proper planning, we can turn danger into safety."

Zhang Huangyan lowered his head slightly, clasped his fists and said in a deep voice:
"I will do my utmost to live up to your Majesty's trust."

The flickering candlelight in the tent illuminated the solemn expressions of the two men. Zhu Cilang's gaze once again turned to the vast map, as if he were mentally enacting a life-and-death game outside the Great Wall.

Zhang Huangyan stood silently aside, but he had already begun planning the next step in his mind.

At this moment, he became more determined in his belief - no matter what the outcome of this battle, he would devote all his strength and even his life to this ambitious monarch.

"But the longer this battle drags on, the more disadvantageous the situation will be for our army.

If we don't fight now, it will be extremely difficult to win in the future when Dorgon's new four-banner army is formed!"

Zhu Cilang spoke in a firm tone, his brows slightly furrowed, but his eyes were full of determination.

Long before, he had advocated that the Qing Dynasty's military strength should be completely destroyed within a year. Now the situation is urgent and there is no time for hesitation, and the original decision will not be easily changed.

What he was thinking about was how to gain the greatest chance of winning at the lowest cost.

After all, if they take the initiative to attack at this time but fail to win, the situation will be more difficult when the Qing army regroups and Dorgon's newly recruited soldiers complete their training and confront them again.

We can’t afford to delay this battle, and we can’t afford to lose!

Although Ba Ming's night attack ended in failure, the Qing army did not stop preparing for war. Jirgalang in Gaizhou City was obviously not someone who would sit there and wait for death.

He quickly adjusted his deployment, mobilizing thousands of elite Manchu and Han troops at his disposal, turning defense into offense, intending to regain the initiative strategically.

Among the garrison troops of Gaizhou City, Wang Zhongzhen's Niulu was one of the most prominent firearm units. Even during training, this unit was renowned for its accurate shooting and strict discipline.

Therefore, Dorgon specially dispatched them to Gaizhou as an important city defense force under Jihalang's command, and also as the core force for emergency raids.

In the early morning, an order was quickly transmitted from the center of the camp to every unit:
"Tonight's action, target—Zhu Cilang's central army tent!"

After receiving the order, Wang Zhongzhen was shocked. He did not express his emotions directly, but began to check the equipment silently.

As an old bannerman who had been through many battles, his movements were steady and orderly, yet unusually cautious.

He had checked the supplies needed for the night attack three times: two sets of protective cotton armor and chain mail to ensure that there were no damages; muskets and gunpowder bags to check whether they were dry; even the cloth wrapping the horses' hooves was checked meticulously.

Logically speaking, Wang Zhongzhen had long been accustomed to the dangers of the battlefield. At least five Ming soldiers died at his hands, and he had participated in no less than three night battles.

But even so, he still couldn't hide his inner uneasiness. Tonight's mission was extraordinary.

"A surprise attack on Zhu Cilang's central army tent!"

When this order spread in the camp, every soldier's expression became complicated.

This "new emperor of the Ming Dynasty" was no longer an ordinary emperor who only knew how to sit in the capital. He had personally led the army into battle and was famous for his bravery and decisiveness on the battlefield.

Even the elite Manchurian forces found it difficult to defeat the troops led by Zhu Cilang head-on, but now they were going to send a hastily assembled baoyi army as the vanguard of the assault. In Wang Zhongzhen's view, this was tantamount to suicide.

"Forward..." Wang Zhongzhen repeated the word silently, his expression becoming more solemn.

As a soldier of bondservant origin, his status in the Qing army was already low, and this time he was sent to the most dangerous position. It seemed that he was being used as cannon fodder.

Dorgon placed high hopes on the "New Han Eight Banners", believing that they could become a surprise force to defeat the Ming army at a critical moment.

However, in the minds of these bannermen soldiers who "raised the flag", the real situation was much more complicated.

Although they were nominally promoted to the Eight Banners, their status was low and their position was awkward. Even among the Han Eight Banners, who were also Han people, they were regarded as inferior people.

As a member of the "New Han Eight Banners", Wang Zhongzhen encountered a lot of exclusion in the army. Many soldiers who belonged to the same musketeer organization had their "masters" also in this southern expedition army.

As the saying goes, "When beating a dog, you have to look at its owner." The musketeers who were protected by their masters were naturally treated much better, while soldiers like Wang Zhongzhen who had no backing could only endure cold treatment.

In name, these musketeers had become the "New Han Eight Banners" within the Qing court's organization after raising the flag, and had broken away from the direct control of their original masters, but the reality was far from that simple.

That underlying slavery relationship was never truly severed, and the distinction between master and servant continued secretly in another form within the army.

"Baiyi are Baoyi." Even the Han soldiers who had already raised their flags often looked at Wang Zhongzhen and others with a condescending look.

What is even more unacceptable is that after being slaves for so long, they have actually accepted this kind of contempt deep down in their hearts, and even think that "being sent to die" is a natural arrangement.

Wang Zhongzhen's mood at this moment was complicated and contradictory. He did have the idea of ​​struggling, but he also clearly understood that as a bondservant, he had no choice.

A fellow officer in the camp once whispered to him:
"How can I survive if I'm destined to work?"

These words pierced his heart like a nail.

He silently wiped his chain mail, the metal surface reflecting a cold luster in the morning light. He held the musket in his hand, repeatedly aimed, and carefully checked whether the seal of the gunpowder bag was tight.

Then he pulled out the dagger from his waist, carefully checked the blade to see if there were any nicks, and only after confirming that it was sharp did he carefully put it back into the sheath.

Despite this, the uneasiness in his heart still lingered.

The content of the bounty order repeatedly appeared in my mind:

"Anyone who can take Zhu Cilang's head will be rewarded with 50,000 taels of silver and promoted eight ranks. Anyone who kills Zhang Huangyan will be rewarded with 10,000 taels of silver and promoted five ranks!"

This is undoubtedly a huge fortune and also a promotion opportunity that countless low-ranking soldiers dream of.

But to Wang Zhongzhen, these rewards and fame seemed so far away. He sighed and muttered to himself:

"No matter how much the reward is, or how fast the promotion is, you still have to live to spend it and be an official!"

He had no expectation of achieving such a great feat, he just hoped that he could survive the war safely.

In the past few days, he had already experienced the strength of the Ming army, especially the night attack. Those elusive Ming soldiers rushed into the camp like ghosts and caught the Qing army off guard.

Even if we gather heavy troops to defend during the day, it is difficult to dispel the fear in our hearts.

"Now that we can retreat safely back to the city and keep our lives, it is already a great blessing!"

Thinking of this, he shook his head involuntarily, and his heart became heavier. This fear was not shared by him alone.

During the entire southern expedition, more and more soldiers began to feel deeply wary of the Ming army. This is why Jigalang insisted on fighting a tough battle to completely suppress this "fear of the Ming."

After checking his equipment, Wang Zhongzhen sat in a corner of the tent, quietly wiping his musket.

The mottled marks on the butt of the gun witnessed his repeated survival on the battlefield, but tonight, he didn't know whether he could come back alive.

"Wang Zhongzhen!" A low shout interrupted his thoughts.

He suddenly looked up and found that a Niulu Zhangjing was standing in front of him, staring at him coldly:
"It's time to go."

Wang Zhongzhen nodded, stood up, adjusted his armor, and then silently followed the team out of the camp.

With a hint of confusion and fatigue, Wang Zhongzhen walked out of the tent and looked up at the city wall in the distance. His eyes were quickly attracted by a group of people.

On the city wall, soldiers were surrounding two generals standing under the yellow dragon flag, one of whom was Jihalang's confidant Fan Wencheng.

Fan Wencheng seemed to be worried at the moment, his face was gloomy and his brows were slightly furrowed.

Although the night attack plan had been carefully planned for many days and should have been foolproof, he still had a lingering sense of unease in his heart.

It seemed like something hadn't been thought through, but it was hard to pinpoint exactly where the problem lay.

Fan Wencheng walked to the city wall and scanned the distant horizon, as if looking for something.

In the morning light, the wasteland outside the city seemed extremely quiet, but this quietness made him even more uneasy.

He whispered to the deputy general beside him:
"Although the night attack has been arranged, you must double-check the details, especially the retreat route, to ensure it is smooth.

If we are negligent, we may pay an unbearable price."

The deputy general quickly clasped his fists and responded:

"I understand. I will proceed with caution."

Fan Wencheng nodded, then looked up into the distance again. He did not notice that Wang Zhongzhen behind him was watching all this silently.

Although Wang Zhongzhen was just an ordinary musketeer, his intuition, honed from years of military career, made him feel that tonight's night attack might not be as sure as it seemed.

At this moment, Fan Wencheng stood on the city wall with his hands behind his back, his heart still full of worries.

He always felt that his opponents would not be unaware of it, especially old enemies like Zhu Cilang and Zhang Huangyan, who never revealed any flaws on the battlefield.

Although the night attack seemed to be well-planned on the surface, any small mistake could become a fatal loophole in the face of these scheming enemies.

"I hope this battle goes as planned." He sighed, a complicated look in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)