Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 327 Recommended
Yang Gao felt even more uneasy after listening to Fan Wencheng's words.

He had always thought that Jihalang only valued his bravery, and was even secretly proud of it, thinking that although he came from a humble background, he could still be valued because of his abilities.

But now Fan Wencheng's hint made him break out in a cold sweat: Could it be that the other party has another conspiracy?

Could it be that this surprise attack plan was to use him as cannon fodder, let him fight to his death, and then attribute all the merits to his son?

In a state of confusion, he suddenly knelt down in front of Fan Wencheng, his tone filled with an elusive sadness:

"Sir, I am but a common soldier. I am grateful to you for raising me up and treating me like your closest relative. You are like my second parents!
"I will obey the orders of the lord, whatever he commands. Even if he demands my life, I will not complain, and I will not hesitate!"

These words were so powerful that if the occasion had not been inappropriate, he would have recognized Fan Wencheng as his godfather on the spot to show his loyalty.

Seeing this, Fan Wencheng's face flashed with a complicated expression, but he reached out and helped him up.

"Yang Gao, what are you talking about? Why would I want your life?"

Fan Wencheng sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness and fatigue on his face. He shook his head slightly and said:

"I'm telling you all this today simply because I care about you and want to protect you, a rare and loyal warrior. If I didn't value you, why would I be telling you this at this critical moment?"

His tone was gentle, but his eyes were serious.

Yang Gao felt a pang of sadness in his heart and a slight warmth in his eyes when he heard this. He quickly bowed his head to express his gratitude.

However, Fan Wencheng immediately changed the subject and his tone became lowered:

"Even if I want to protect you, Jihalang is a Manchu after all. Even I cannot resist his will, so how can I protect you?
Now, you have been transferred to the troops to attack Zhu Cilang's central army camp at night, which is the general trend.

I can only remind you that in tonight's battle, unless you can kill Zhu Cilang with your own hands, you don't have to fight too hard.

After all, those achievements will most likely be taken away by Jihalang and his nephew."

Yang Gao suddenly felt mixed emotions, and subconsciously wanted to open his mouth to defend himself:
"But..." The words were on the tip of his tongue, but Fan Wencheng interrupted him by raising his hand.

"Yang Gao!" Fan Wencheng's voice was filled with a hint of solemnity:
"I've done my best to tell you this today. The rest of the decision is up to you.

Even though you are brave and skilled in battle, you are ultimately just a pawn in their eyes."

These words were like a heavy hammer hitting Yang Gao's heart. He stood there, his mind in a mess. He never thought that such a thing would happen to him.

Throughout the city of Shenyang, all the generals had long heard of Jigalang's style: in order to atone for his sins and avoid being stripped of his title and demoted by Dorgon, he did everything he could, even repeatedly ignoring the strength of the Ming army and insisting on taking the initiative to attack.

Under such circumstances, it is not impossible that Jihalang would take advantage of the night attack on Zhu Cilang's camp to embezzle the credit.

The more he thought about it, the more he trembled. If the night attack could be successful, especially if Zhu Cilang was injured or even killed, or if the Ming army was forced to move camp and retreat, such a victory would surely be enough to shock the court and the public.

Once this happens, Jighalang's motive for attributing the military achievements to his nephew becomes obvious.

Yang Gao took a deep breath, looked up at Fan Wencheng, and said in a hoarse voice:
"Guoshi, if this is really the case, what else can I do? Should I fight for merit, or..."

Fan Wencheng shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with pity and sadness:
"I can't make decisions for you on this matter. But I can tell you that, no matter what, saving your life is the most important thing.

The Manchus have usurped the Han generals' military achievements, even waiting until the situation is clear before they take action to clean up the mess and seize the final victory. This is not the first or second time. You should be aware of the Eight Banners' usual fighting methods.

These words struck Yang Gao's heart, and he recalled the past events in his mind: how many times the Eight Banners soldiers let the Han army charge first, but the Manchu army took action to steal the credit at the last moment; how many times the Manchu and Han generals cooperated on the surface, but actually had their own ulterior motives.

Now, he is just a pawn on this big chessboard.

There was silence in the tent for a moment. Yang Gao clenched his hands, his palms soaked with sweat, and whispered:
"Master, I understand. In tonight's battle, I will do my best, but I will also be cautious to protect my life. Master, I will remember your advice."

Fan Wencheng nodded, his expression slightly softened.
"I'm relieved that you think this way. Remember, always leave a way out for yourself. Don't let your mind get in the way and ruin your own life."

The cold wind blew in his face, and Yang Gao suddenly felt that there seemed to be a strong smell of blood in the wind.

"Jihalang wants to use me as a stepping stone, so I'll see who is scheming against whom!"

He swore secretly in his heart, and a hint of determination gradually appeared in his eyes.

As Fan Wencheng said, if Yang Gao wants to keep his credit, he must perform a world-shaking feat - such as personally killing enemy commanders such as Zhu Cilang and Zhang Huangyan, or charging into battle on his own and defeating Zhu Cilang's central army camp, shocking the entire battlefield.

Otherwise, even if he made great achievements, he would not be able to escape the fate of being swallowed up, and would not even cause a ripple, and no one would speak up for him.

Yang Gao's brows were furrowed, and his heart was heavy, but he was always good at observing people's expressions and he immediately figured out some clues.

He stepped forward, his tone filled with resentment:

"Master, you have been so kind to me that I have been reborn. The entire army knows that I, Yang Gao, am your disciple. Now this Jihalang is bullying me, not only not giving me a chance to live, but also clearly not taking you, Master, seriously!"

His words contained hints of temptation and provocation, and he was obviously trying to gain more room for maneuver.

Fan Wencheng sighed slightly, as if he was tired of these fights. He said slowly:

"Things have come to this. I am already half buried in the earth, and have long since lost interest in fame and fortune. As for you, I'm afraid you will have to endure it for a while.

Killing generals like Zhu Cilang and Zhang Huangyan is no easy task. Even injuring them is nearly impossible. How can I bear to force you to do so?

These words seem sincere, but in fact they are very powerful.

Fan Wencheng did not respond directly to Yang Gao's provocation, but his every word and action cleverly guided Yang Gao to take on greater responsibilities.

At the same time, the helplessness in his words about reality made Yang Gao feel guilty, as if he would be unworthy of the kindness of the countryman if he retreated a little.

After hearing this, Yang Gao was shocked.

He lowered his head, folded his hands, and bent over, his shoulders trembling slightly. He squeezed out two lines of tears and said in an excited tone:

"My dear lord, I cannot bear this insult even if it costs me my life!
If I cannot take Zhu Cilang's head amidst the chaos and claim the fifty thousand taels of silver reward, I am unworthy of being a human! Then, it will all depend on whether Ji Halang and his nephew dare to take all the credit for this incredible achievement!

Seeing this, Fan Wencheng thought to himself: The time has come. This warrior has been ignited by his words, and all he needs now is a little more fuel to fuel the fire and drive him to fight with all his might.

He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:

"You are worthy of being the most powerful general in my Qing army! With you here, I feel much more at ease.

To be honest, I originally intended to nominate you as the Governor of Liaonan. Back then, even a mediocre person like Shen Zhong was able to inherit the title of Duke, let alone one who is more famous than you?

As long as you can really chop off Zhu Cilang's head, the governor of Liaonan will only be the beginning of your official career!"

"Governor of Liaonan!" Yang Gao's heart was suddenly shocked when he heard it.

He had originally thought that Fan Wencheng's detours were simply an attempt to alienate him from Jihalang, and so he had always been loyal. However, Fan Wencheng's words were like a huge rock dropped on his heart, stirring up huge waves.

Admiral of Southern Liaoning! Yang Gao knew exactly what this position meant.

As he is only a first-class guard now, if he can really become an admiral, it would be a step to heaven!
Moreover, the southern Liaoning area is vast and has a strong military. If he can take control of the military and political power here, his future will be limitless.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little regretful: If Fan Wencheng had been frank earlier, why would he have gone around in circles and made him suspicious?
But on second thought, he understood Fan Wencheng's intention - it was precisely because of this "roundabout way to save the country" that made him cherish the opportunity before him.

Fan Wencheng saw Yang Gao's inner excitement and said slowly:

“This old man is not doing this in vain, but I hope you understand that this important task belongs to you.

If you succeed, you will be able to escape the contempt and calculations of those people and stand upright in the court. If you fail, it will only be a desperate struggle."

Yang Gao took a deep breath, his mind racing, his hands clenched into fists, and a look of determination gradually appeared in his eyes.

He knew he had no way out. If he could achieve remarkable success in the surprise attack, he would become famous and completely free from Jihalang's suppression; if he failed, he would die on the battlefield.

"I will always remember the great kindness of this patriot," Yang Gao said in a heavy tone, his eyes gleaming with a fiery light.
"In this battle, I will fight with all my might and live up to the high expectations of my countrymen!"

"You have such great ambitions, and you have lived up to my expectations! If you can really take the heads of Zhu Cilang or Zhang Huangyan tonight, the Ming army will surely be routed.

"When the time comes, even if it costs me my life, I will definitely fight for you to win the position of Governor of Liaonan and not let Jihalang have the slightest chance to steal your achievements!" Fan Wencheng spoke in a firm tone, his eyes as bright as a torch, clearly placing high hopes on Yang Gao.

"Don't worry, sir!" Yang Gao clasped his hands together and said in a resounding tone:

"My reputation, Yang Gao, is well-deserved! Tonight, I will make sure that Zhu Cilang is dead without a burial place!"

Before he finished speaking, a burning fighting spirit was already burning in his eyes, as if the outcome of this night attack was already certain.

However, in fact, before he said this, Yang Gao had not really made up his mind to fight to the death.

He had some concerns in his mind: although the enemy was trapped in an isolated city, Zhu Cilang's side was experienced in the battlefield, and his subordinates were even more brave and difficult to defeat. This operation was undoubtedly dancing on the edge of a knife.

However, Fan Wencheng's words acted as a catalyst, allowing him to instantly see the deeper meaning.

The promise given by Fan Wencheng was so tempting. The position of Governor of Southern Liaoning was a title that many people dreamed of.

Yang Gao was not a fool. He knew very well that this night attack not only concerned Zhu Cilang's life and death, but was also a turning point in his personal career.

Thinking of this, his hesitation gradually dissipated, replaced by a fierce smile.

Fan Wencheng nodded with satisfaction and looked at him with a half-smile:
"Alright, I await your victory report! Remember, the battlefield is extremely dangerous, but it also often creates true heroes."

The candlelight in the tent flickered, casting the shadows of the two people on the tent wall.

The night wind was slightly cool, but Yang Gao felt a burning flame in his chest. He bowed deeply, turned around and strode away, his back firm and powerful.

Fan Wencheng watched his figure disappear, and the expression on his face gradually became complicated.

He whispered to himself:
"Yang Gao, please don't let me down. The battlefield is like a chess game. With this move, you are gambling my last chip..."

*
Late at night, in Gaizhou City.

The night was dark, and a cool breeze mixed with the strong smell of gunpowder swept across the city, adding a sense of solemnity.

The Qing army had already completed the deployment of troops according to Fan Wencheng's plan. The generals led their elite troops and, with the cover of the sheep and horse wall outside the city, quietly sneaked out from the small gate under the city.

On the other side, Chen Shiyou and Zhang Zhong also set out as a team and sneaked out of the city through a secret exit.

Their mission was to draw the attention of the main force of the Ming army to the two wings and create opportunities for the real main attacking force.

And in this carefully planned game, the real main force has just begun to act.

Jihalang's nephew and Yang Gao each led an elite night attack force and quietly filed out from the small gate.

Their march was extremely secretive, making it look like they were the follow-up reinforcements of the previous two troops, thus concealing their whereabouts.

In fact, they are the blade of tonight, pointing directly to the lifeline of the military camp.

Yang Gao followed closely in the middle of the team, feeling the night wind blowing across his face, and cold sweat had unknowingly seeped out of his palms.

He whispered to himself:

"Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor are determined by heaven... If I succeed tonight, it will be the day when I, Yang Gao, will rise to prominence!"

When Ji Bai's team reached the front, he looked back at Yang Gao with a bit of arrogance and alienation on his face.

This look made Yang Gao secretly resentful, but he had to hide his dissatisfaction. He knew very well that if Ji Bai was present, most of the credit for this operation would be taken by him.

But it is impossible to completely sever ties with the matter.

At this moment, Yang Gao could only try his best to endure. If he wanted to win the credit, he not only had to try his best on the battlefield, but also had to be on guard against Ji Du's calculations at all times.

He secretly tightened the hilt of the knife in his hand, thinking to himself:

"Since Fan Guoshi trusts me, I must not let him down. I must take the credit and I must not lose my life here!"

The team marched silently, with only the occasional subtle clash of armor and weapons being heard.

Fan Wencheng's arrangements were closely linked, and everyone held their breath, fearing that the slightest movement would alert the enemy.

The scouts in front of the team frequently returned to report that the Ming army camp was still brightly lit and the soldiers were patrolling in an orderly manner.

Obviously, the enemy did not notice the Qing army's actions.

However, this seemingly calm situation made Yang Gao feel a little uneasy. He quietly spoke to the deputy general beside him:

"Although the Ming army is trapped in an isolated city, Zhu Cilang is known for his rigorous military management. Our army's actions have not been detected at this moment. Is there a trick?"

The deputy general's expression changed slightly, and he said in a low voice:
"Your Excellency is worrying too much, aren't you? If the Ming army had been prepared, how could they have had no reaction?"

Yang Gao did not respond, but his brows were furrowed more and more. His intuition told him that this operation might not be so smooth.

Thinking of this, he quietly gave orders, asking the personal soldiers around him to be prepared for any emergency at any time.

He knew in his heart that although Fan Wencheng's plan was thorough, if the battle situation changed, he must have his own way of retreat.

(End of this chapter)