Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 356 Strategic Determination
At the same time, setting up camps, digging trenches, building towers, setting traps... this series of tedious and critical tasks are also being carried out in a tense and orderly manner.

Zhang Huangyan did not dare to slack off in the slightest when it came to handling these details, especially the dispatching and management of the civilian laborers, which was related to the efficiency and discipline of the entire army.

If these civilians become disorganized and fail to reach the designated area on time, or even get separated or lost, it will not only be a problem of execution efficiency, but will also affect the success or failure of the entire battle.

How to organize these civilians and how to ensure coordination and cooperation between them and the soldiers was also one of Zhu Cilang's most concerned issues.

The marching columns of civilian laborers and soldiers walked side by side. The civilian laborers were divided into two columns. The column stretched for several miles, with carriages and baggage vehicles mixed in.

Since these civilians were not well-trained soldiers, their marching speed was slow and their steps were a little chaotic, but fortunately, with the strict maintenance and guidance of the soldiers, there was no obvious chaos in the team.

Under the strict constraints of the army, the coordination between the civilians and the army was very smooth. They crossed the pontoon bridge quickly and orderly and advanced towards their respective camps.

Liu Bin's troops were also in the marching team on the south bank. As one of the commanders, he worked together with the other three captains to ensure the safety and stability of the team.

Liu Bin's troops were temporarily sent to garrison on the southern foot of the hill on the east side. Their mission was to replace the battalion that had suffered heavy losses in previous battles, fill the vacancies and maintain the integrity of the defense line.

Following strict marching discipline, the soldiers maintained three neat rows of formation, with steady and powerful steps.

During the entire march, military orders were as strict as a mountain, and no one was allowed to make noise, look back or interfere with each other.

Every soldier was fully focused and strictly followed the route of advance. The military flag guided the team forward. Any slight negligence would be noticed and corrected in time by the disciplined officers.

Chen Liang walked in front of his troops. As the army marched, he occasionally looked up into the distance on the west bank, his eyes fixed on the imperial flag flying high.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration in his heart, especially for these officers who had experienced life and death on the battlefield and were the most loyal and brave soldiers of the Ming Dynasty.

As the army advanced, the various camps on the north bank gradually formed an orderly position.

Inside the camp, Zhu Cilang's eyes fell on the map on the table, but his mood was much calmer than he appeared.

Originally, according to his plan, after defeating the Qing army's ambush, the Ming army's cavalry would quickly launch a surprise attack and directly attack the four deserted villages on the east coast. The strategic position of these villages was crucial. Controlling these places was equivalent to controlling the initiative of the general battle.

The elite soldiers of the Ming army will take advantage of the situation and seize these key positions to gain an advantage in the upcoming battle.

But the reality was beyond everyone's expectations. The war situation took a sharp turn for the worse and became more complicated and difficult than expected.

Zhu Cilang's brows were slightly furrowed, and he already had a premonition in his heart.

Although these deserted villages are located in remote areas, their strategic locations are extremely critical. If the Ming army can occupy them, it will be able to control the offensive channels on the east coast, especially posing an effective threat to the Qing army's logistics supply lines.

However, the Qing army responded extremely quickly, leaving no room for the Ming army.

According to the reports from the scouts ahead, the Qing army quickly deployed heavy troops to guard the four deserted villages on the east bank after their retreat, and also strengthened the fortifications. Not only that, they also deployed a large number of troops on the surrounding hills, ready for battle.

What does this change mean?
This means that Zhu Cilang's original plan has failed. If the Ming army cannot capture these key deserted villages, it will be in an extremely unfavorable position in the next major battle.

Zhu Cilang knew that if the Ming army could not occupy these strategic strongholds, when the major battle officially began, he would not only have to divide his troops to defend these areas, but he would also have to be on guard against Qing army attacks from the flanks at all times.

The Qing army's strategic response was much faster and more accurate than he had imagined. Dorgon had obviously taken this into consideration and used the geographical advantage to deploy heavy troops to avoid any possible loopholes.

Despite the serious situation, Zhu Cilang did not show any panic in the face of the current difficulties. Instead, he calmly examined the current battle situation and made plans.

"We need to continue to deploy more troops to defend the hill on the east side and mobilize the civilians. The defensive fortifications on the hillside must be completed before midnight tonight." Zhu Cilang's voice was sonorous and powerful, with an irresistible majesty.

His command style was as usual, pragmatic and direct, immediately setting the goal for the next step.

"Xuanzhu." He turned to look at Zhang Huangyan beside him, a flicker of determination in his eyes: "You will be responsible for this matter. Make sure the defense line is completed before tonight."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Zhang Huangyan immediately bowed his hands in response, with a solemn expression, and took on the task without hesitation.

Although the defensive fortifications on the eastern hill are difficult to complete in a short period of time, if they are not strengthened as soon as possible, the Qing cavalry may take advantage of the opportunity to break through the defense line in one fell swoop and create a breakthrough.

Zhu Cilang turned his gaze to the map on the table again and began to plan the subsequent strategic deployment in his mind.

"We have not been able to gain a strategic foothold in the northeast, and the current situation is indeed quite unfavorable for us."

His tone was heavy, but then he swept his eyes over every general present:
"Chen Fu, continue to dispatch scouts to strengthen reconnaissance of the Qing army's movements north of the camp and be prepared to respond at any time."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chen Fu responded without hesitation.

He knew very well that behind every word of His Majesty was a precise grasp of the situation, especially the control of the enemy's movements, which determined the overall direction.

"Also, send out scouts to conduct reconnaissance. Try to find an opportunity to get closer and find out the situation of the four deserted villages to the north."

Zhu Cilang's eyes were firm, and his words revealed his unquestionable determination:

"Even if it's extremely difficult, we must at least take over the two deserted villages to the west. If we fail to do so, our situation will become even more passive."

Without exception, these orders point to one goal - to stabilize the situation and strive to turn the tide.

The Qing army's advantage is not only reflected in its military strength, but the key lies in their control of favorable terrain and strategic positions. If they cannot regain the initiative, the Ming army will fall into an even more unfavorable situation when the real battle begins.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chen Fu bowed again and responded, knowing full well the difficulty of this task.

The four deserted villages in the north are not only close to the main force of the enemy, but also have tight defenses, making it difficult to break through.

However, since His Majesty has given the order, as a general, he dare not slack off in the slightest. He has been silently calculating in his mind how to maximize the mobility and quick response of the Ming army to find out the Qing army's defense line.

The atmosphere in the entire tent was solemn, and all the soldiers realized that this battle was not as simple as they had imagined.

Every decision you make may affect the future direction. If you make a slight mistake, you will fall into the enemy's trap.

Zhu Cilang remained calm and composed. No matter how the situation changed, he knew that as the ruler of a country, he must maintain strategic composure and a clear mind at critical moments. He took a deep breath and spoke in a slowly emphasizing tone:
"We're not completely defeated yet. As long as we can regain the initiative from these deserted villages, the tide of battle can still be turned. Everyone, do your part and keep working hard!"

"Yes!" All the soldiers responded in unison.

Although the Ming army is temporarily in a passive position, it can still turn the tide as long as the strategy is appropriate.

“Also, please keep an eye on the situation in Gaizhou.

"Pass on my orders—everything should be done with caution. As long as we can effectively contain the main force of the Qing army in Gaizhou City, Dorgon will be powerless alone!" Zhu Cilang stood straight, his eyes sharp, his voice sonorous and powerful.

He glanced around at the generals in the tent, gently raised his baton, and continued commanding:

“Xuan Zhuo, after you have dealt with this matter, return to the camp outside Gaizhou City.

Our main force has arrived here. Jirgalang and Dorgon will not stand idly by and will definitely take action."

Before he finished speaking, Zhu Cilang quickly handed over the command to the important officials around him, and then he returned to the newly built central military camp with his personal guards.

Although he had just participated in the deployment of the front line and commanded the battle, his duties as commander were never relaxed at any time.

After entering the camp, Zhu Cilang did not choose to rest like ordinary people, but began to inspect the wounded who needed treatment due to battle injuries.

He personally comforted the wounded soldiers. As the king of a country, he not only had to command the battle, but also had to provide the strongest support for the soldiers' morale.

As night fell, Zhu Cilang finally returned to his tent. With candlelight flickering inside, he began to review the government documents sent from various provinces within the Great Wall.

The war situation in Liaodong was tense, and the shadow of war loomed over the land of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Cilang knew clearly that fighting might not bring lasting peace, so he had to always pay attention to domestic affairs, especially internal reforms and preparations.

Although war is his top priority for the time being, domestic stability is the foundation that supports the Ming Dynasty.

At present, the plan of "cutting down the vassal states" has been secretly prepared. Although it is not appropriate to reveal it too early, he understands that weakening the power of local tyrants is an important task in the future.

Those people are powerful forces in their respective regions. If they are not restricted, they will eventually become huge hidden dangers that the court cannot control.

However, Zhu Cilang was not in a hurry to go to war directly with these local powerful officials. He knew very well that blind suppression and conflict would cause more fluctuations and might even endanger the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

Instead of making enemies with all local forces, it is better to concentrate on attacking the most difficult enemy - Zheng Zhilong.

You know, Zhu Cilang had already made a careful plan for the use of power.

For many decisions, the sooner the better, but they should be made step by step based on the actual situation.

He knew very well that he currently controlled the richest area of ​​the Ming Dynasty. If he could stabilize this base, he would be able to use time as a bargaining chip to gradually weaken the power of his opponents and ultimately achieve his goal of ruling.

For example, protecting commerce and maintaining economic stability; enforcing military discipline and ensuring local stability; respecting the chieftain system in the southwest and winning the support of local gentry, all of these became bargaining chips in his hands.

The political benefits gained through military victory can also help him further consolidate his position.

His goal is not just to win, but to gain more political support while achieving victory and ultimately form a powerful political alliance.

The current "Ming Dynasty" is completely different from the "Ming Dynasty" ten years ago. Whether it is national strength, military strength, or social structure, earth-shaking changes have taken place.

In this environment, relying solely on force to achieve rule is no longer realistic.

The real test is how to use the resources at hand to promote reform, strengthen centralization, and establish a system that adapts to future development while maintaining national stability.

What he pursued was not an "empire" ruled by violence, but a strong country that could be stable, prosperous and governed by law.

This requires time, wisdom and patience, and we cannot be impatient for quick success.

In the future, he planned to gradually weaken the political power of other restless generals and ministers through the distribution of interests after the Liaodong Campaign.

At the same time, he also planned to gradually strengthen central power and reduce the independence of local forces through a series of institutional reforms to ensure the continued development of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Cilang did not fully disclose these plans. Political struggle is a long-term process that requires patient planning and well-considered decision-making.

Every step must be taken with caution and not be too eager for quick success.

For him, the Battle of Liaodong was just a part of it, and the next bigger challenge had just begun.

He knew very well that true victory did not lie in crushing the enemy on the battlefield, but in how to sit firmly on the throne after all the hardships and push the country into a new era.

At this time, it was late at night. Zhu Cilang closed the last memorial, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
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The next day, the battle started again. A fierce charge by the Qing cavalry was like a sharp spike piercing into the Ming infantry formation, directly causing serious casualties.

Hundreds of infantrymen were torn apart by this torrent of armor, blood flowed like a river, wailing was heard everywhere on the battlefield, and the formation collapsed in an instant. Even the troops of the right battalion were thrown into considerable chaos due to the tragic scene in front of them.

A similar scene was also happening in the Firearms Camp. The Ming army seemed extremely passive in the face of the powerful cavalry attack of the Qing army.

This is the cruelty of war. On the battlefield, no matter how brave the soldiers are, they will find it difficult to escape unscathed when faced with a sudden charge from fully armed cavalry and armored war horses.

The tremendous strength of the war horses combined with the cavalry's charge quickly destroyed many fulcrums of the Ming army's defense line, and morale was severely hit.

However, the Ming army's retreat was not completely out of control.

The troops covering the retreat were the elite soldiers under Chang Denggui. These battle-hardened soldiers were strictly disciplined and were known for their bravery and fighting skills.

After suffering the loss of hundreds of men, they quickly regrouped and maintained their basic formation. Although slightly weakened, they were still able to retreat southward in an orderly manner.

(End of this chapter)