Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Although these uniform improvements may seem superficial, they actually represent the entire army's readiness and confidence for future battles. These changes were not simply imitations or innovations, but rather improvements and unifications based on the traditional military uniforms of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Cilang understood that the strength of an army lies not only in its combat effectiveness but also in its soldiers' sense of belonging and identity. Through the standardization of military uniforms, Zhu Cilang hoped to foster a new sense of belonging throughout the army, allowing every soldier to deeply identify with the army and the country they serve.

But for Zhu Cilang, reforms went far beyond uniforms. His vision was broader, not just to improve the military's image, but to advance the overall development of the military at a deeper level. From soldier training to commander development, every aspect of the work was closely linked to the army's combat effectiveness.

Over the past few months, Zhu Cilang has placed particular emphasis on the selection and training of generals. He understands that only commanders with sufficient strategic vision and tactical capabilities can lead the army to victory. Therefore, behind this uniform change lies a broader plan for military development—plans that will be gradually implemented, ultimately forming an army invincible on any battlefield.

After the review, Zhu Cilang looked at the soldiers, who were in uniform and heroic, and a sense of pride welled up in his heart. He knew that after this series of reforms, the Ming army had been completely transformed, and the future would surely be an era that belonged to them.

Drums and trumpets blared, flags fluttered, and the entire parade ground was filled with the deafening sound of footsteps and the resounding blasts of military bugles. Troops quickly assembled according to the flags, their steps in perfect unison. Their armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and an air of iron and blood washed over them.

Zhu Cilang sat upright on a high platform, his gaze piercing the line of battle. Before him, four thousand soldiers stood solemnly, their gazes resolute, their postures erect as statues. At a single command, the four thousand soldiers roared in unison—"Tiger!" The roar resonated like thunder, shaking the heavens and earth with a commanding might.

Among the numerous military formations, the most eye-catching were undoubtedly the hundreds of elite cavalrymen of the Wuwei Battalion. Clad in fine armor, their warhorses arrayed in neat formation, their dual-horse formation greatly enhancing their mobility. The previous lack of mobility in infantry combat had now been completely overcome. The neatly-formed cavalry formation would undoubtedly become a sharp sword piercing the enemy lines on the battlefield. The Xiaoqi Battalions, stationed on either flank of the formation, were equally awe-inspiring. They wore yellow tunics and black armor, black helmets with red tassels, wielded razor-sharp swords, and their gazes were as sharp as eagles.

The soldiers of the Cavalry Battalion were battle-hardened warriors, trained for speed and surprise, adept at striking the enemy's vital points with lightning speed. Now, at the review, their swift postures and steady steeds displayed a supreme level of combat prowess.

The most eye-catching unit was undoubtedly the new Imperial Guard Battalion, stationed in the central phalanx. Unlike the carefully selected Wuwei Battalion, this unit consisted of ordinary soldiers drawn from various battalions, then rigorously trained and screened. While their march remained consistent and their formations relatively tight, they lacked the aura of those battle-hardened elites.

Even so, the fact that they had been able to train to this point in just six months was a testament to the unit's potential. This was a military reform experiment personally promoted by Zhu Cilang—how to rapidly transform ordinary soldiers into elite battlefield warriors through systematic training in a short period of time.

Compared with the "one in ten miles" selection model of the Wuwei Camp, the new camp is more like a mass-produced army in an "assembly line" manner. The armor, weapons, and food and wages they are equipped with are all supplied according to the highest standards. At the same time, they have the most elite instructors and the most rigorous training system.

Although it has not yet taken shape, as long as time is sufficient, it may be comparable to the emperor's personal army in the future, or even on par with the Wuwei Battalion and Xiaoqi Battalion, becoming another ace division in the Ming army.

All of this training relied not only on the traditional tactics outlined in Qi Jiguang's "Treatise on Military Training," but also on this basis, incorporating the actual combat experience of Ming army generals in recent years. The General Staff organized the commanders of each army and battalion to continuously discuss and summarize the experience, and developed a series of tactical exercises applicable to the modern battlefield.

These new tactics not only enabled soldiers to master formation changes and offensive and defensive coordination, but also added subjects such as surprise attacks, outflanking, and positional warfare to suit different battlefield environments, greatly enhancing the soldiers' tactical adaptability. The review ceremony was more than just a display of military prowess. At Zhu Cilang's signal, the troops quickly launched offensive and defensive drills.

On the parade grounds, commands echoed incessantly as soldiers from various divisions rapidly shifted formations, rehearsing tactics such as engaging the enemy, charging, breaking formations, outflanking, and harassing. Their tactics were agile and coordinated. When charging, their movements were like a surging stream of iron, their swords and spears flashing coldly. When breaking formations, the infantry advanced steadily, the archers provided precise cover, and the warhorses galloped through the smoke and dust, their momentum thick with murderous intent.

Zhu Cilang glanced across the battlefield, noticing the soldiers' increasingly harmonious coordination. He nodded slightly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. In terms of tactical coordination, the Ming army was no longer confined to traditional phalanx formations. Instead, they combined Western and Western military formations, flexibly utilizing tactics like infantry and cavalry coordination and long-range fire support, making the army's fighting style more varied and practical.

The Ming army was no longer the mob it once was, but a truly skilled army. It was unexpected that this newly organized Imperial Guard Battalion could become a direct subordinate of the Five Military Commandery, and even become the emperor's personal army.

Many generals had originally believed that only veterans with distinguished military achievements were worthy of joining the emperor's guards, but Zhu Cilang's arrangement broke this convention. This undoubtedly sent a signal to the entire army that the Ming Dynasty's military merit system was no longer limited to seniority, but would instead judge heroes based on military achievements and ability.

This move not only boosted the fighting spirit of the new battalion, but also stimulated a competitive spirit throughout the army, bringing the vitality and cohesion of the entire army to an unprecedented level. For Zhu Cilang, the rise of the Imperial Guards was not only a boost to combat power, but also a crucial means of consolidating imperial power.

If this new army can become a powerful force on the battlefield in the future, and even be on par with the Wuwei Camp and the Qinjun Camp, then his military power will be further consolidated, and his prestige as the leader of the Ming Dynasty's revival will also reach its peak in the army.

Zhu Cilang slowly withdrew his gaze, gazing at the countless soldiers on the parade grounds, a flood of thoughts welling up within him. The Ming army was now gradually on the right track, possessing stable territory, ample provisions, and a more scientific and rigorous training system. But this was far from enough—a truly strong army must be tempered by the flames of war. He knew well that theoretical strategizing alone could not cultivate truly formidable generals; only through life-and-death struggles could this army truly grow into an iron-blooded force. The coming war would be their testing ground, and the true test for Zhu Cilang to prove his worthiness to be called "Lord of the Restoration."

On the parade grounds, six armies lined up for drill, their flags fluttering. Guided by command signals, the troops advanced and retreated with unwavering determination, their steps in unison, their momentum thick with murderous intent. At the sound of the command, the musketeers in the center quickly adjusted their formation, poised for action. Immediately afterwards, two volleys of musket fire rocked the entire arena. The turtledove-foot muskets and bird muskets alternated, sending bursts of fire and filling the air with smoke.

Sixty paces away, the heavy iron armor targets were struck one after another, even the wooden planks behind them being easily pierced by the 1.5-ounce lead bullets from the turtle-foot muskets, demonstrating astonishing destructive power. This scene elicited nods from the observing generals, and the morale of the soldiers was greatly boosted. Surrounding the musketeers, soldiers from the veteran battalions and the new guards battalion were rigorously practicing a modified version of the Mandarin Duck Formation.

This method, originating from the Qi Family Army, emphasized the combined use of swords and spears, the synergy between firearms and long-range weapons, flexible coordination, and integrated offense and defense. However, Zhu Cilang did not regard it as the sole tactical model. As the supreme commander of the Ming Dynasty, his goal was to find the optimal solution, not blindly adhere to a single tactic.

He understood that in the application of tactics, science and economy must be balanced—maximizing combat effectiveness with minimal investment was the key to a protracted war. The improved Mandarin Duck Formation indeed performed remarkably well on the battlefield, capable of both small-scale battles in the mountains and adapting to the demands of large-scale operations, demonstrating its exceptional flexibility.

However, this formation placed extremely high demands on the individual qualities of the soldiers. Soldiers not only had to be proficient in the coordination of swords, spears, shields, and lances, but also in the use of muskets, and tactical coordination was extremely complex. Furthermore, the Mandarin Duck Formation relied on the coordinated operation of multiple weapons, which directly led to long training cycles, high costs, and enormous logistical pressures.

If one wanted to massively expand military power in a short period of time, this formation was clearly not the optimal solution. Zhu Cilang was well aware that while the Ming Dynasty possessed greater resources than its neighboring hostile forces, the essence of war remained a contest of attrition. Before achieving complete dominance over the enemy, he needed to carefully consider how to train an efficient and effective army within limited resources.

Moreover, the decisive battles of the future would ultimately take place on the vast steppes of the west and north. Cavalry was the dominant force on that vast expanse. While the Mandarin Duck Formation was excellent, it wasn't specifically designed to counter cavalry. On the vast grasslands, facing a large-scale cavalry charge, it didn't offer an overwhelming advantage.

Therefore, Zhu Cilang had to adjust his tactical layout and develop more targeted tactics for the Ming army. Based on this, Gao Jie and Chang Qingshan's troops, in addition to retaining the most basic Mandarin Duck Formation training, also focused on practicing another tactical system: square formation tactics that combined muskets, long spears, and light artillery.

Compared to the Mandarin Duck Formation, this phalanx tactic offered lower training costs, simpler organization, and highly standardized combat methods. It was ideal for training large numbers of soldiers in a short period of time, especially newly conscripted soldiers. As long as they could master basic formation shifts and weapon manipulation, they could be quickly deployed on the battlefield and unleash their combat effectiveness.

Specifically, the phalanx consists of three parts: spearmen are in the front row, responsible for resisting cavalry charges; musketeers are in the second row, using concentrated fire to weaken the enemy's momentum; and light artillery is located behind the formation, providing long-range fire support for the entire array.

The core of this tactic lies in crossfire coverage, using guns and artillery to coordinate attacks, inflicting heavy casualties before the enemy even approaches. Even if enemy cavalry manages to break through, they are met with an impenetrable array of spears, delivering a fatal blow in close combat. Compared to the Mandarin Duck Formation, the Square Formation has obvious advantages: a shorter training period, a simpler weaponry, and a greater suitability for combat on the vast plains of the north.

Under this tactical system, soldiers didn't need to master multiple weapons like the Mandarin Duck Formation; they only needed to specialize in one fighting style, greatly reducing training costs. Furthermore, the spear phalanx, backed by muskets and light artillery, was more than capable of withstanding any cavalry charge and could even withstand the impact of heavily armored enemy cavalry.

At that moment, on the parade grounds, Gao Jie and Chang Qingshan's soldiers were practicing a new square formation. Drums roared, flags fluttered, and at the command of the commander, the front row of spearmen quickly formed a musket formation, a solid forest of steel. The musketeers followed closely behind, raising their muskets and aiming their muzzles at the "imaginary enemy" ahead.

With a command, the first volley of musket fire erupted, hundreds of lead bullets whizzing out and fiercely hitting the target in front. Then, the musketeers quickly retreated, and the pikemen took the front position, ready to meet the enemy's attack.

At the same time, the light artillery in the rear roared, spewing flames from their muzzles. Amidst the deafening roar, dust billowed from the target area, and the wooden targets were blown to pieces. The observing generals nodded in agreement. While this tactic was simpler than the Mandarin Duck Formation, its practicality on the battlefield was undoubtedly extremely high.

Zhu Cilang stood atop the parade ground, gazing intently at the neatly arrayed soldiers on the training ground. Through rational tactical innovation, the Ming army was gradually adapting to the demands of different battlefields. In future battles, whether facing Dutch invaders to the south or Qing cavalry to the north, they would have a wider range of tactical options, no longer limited to a single combat mode.

As the drill concluded, Zhu Cilang slowly withdrew his gaze, a clearer strategic plan in mind. Military reform was far from over. His goal was not only to train a force capable of fighting, but also to ensure that this force held an absolute advantage in the future Ming Dynasty.

Whether it was the Mandarin Duck Formation or the new square formation, they were merely parts of the war chessboard; he was the master chess player. Since the beginning of last year, Zhu Cilang had been recruiting cannon-casting craftsmen from all over the country to strengthen the Ming Dynasty's firearms manufacturing system. Initially, he primarily recruited skilled artisans from ordnance workshops in the north, then expanded recruitment efforts in coastal areas like Fujian and Jiangnan. He then established several artillery workshops, striving to increase the Ming army's artillery production capacity as quickly as possible.

The primary mission of these newly constructed workshops was to manufacture two types of artillery: the four-pounder and the eight-pounder. The four-pounder served as a field support weapon, specifically providing firepower cover for the pike phalanx. Its faster rate of fire compared to muskets effectively compensated for the pikemen's shortcomings in long-range combat. The eight-pounder was specifically designed for sieges and fortifications, using its powerful destructive power to tear through enemy defenses and create conditions for the army's advance. (End of this chapter)