The Wanli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was extremely rebellious

Chapter 598 The Emperor Arrives at the General's Residence
Around noon, the sun was shining brightly.

At the confluence of the Heilongjiang and Asuri Rivers, fleets of centipede-shaped boats surged toward the river channels on both sides of Yongle Mountain, as if splitting the water.

It's been half a day, and it's still not over. There are already seven or eight thousand ships.

How many troops did the young emperor of the Ming Dynasty actually mobilize?

This centipede boat requires at least twenty people to operate.

In other words, the number of naval personnel on these centipede-shaped ships alone was at least 100,000 to 200,000.

The Jurchen scouts hidden in Yongle Mountain were filled with terror.

Just as the naval centipede ships were about to merge into the waterways on both sides, another long dragon suddenly sped towards them from the wide river to the west!

This long dragon was not made up of the standard centipede ships of the Ming Dynasty navy, but rather strange ships with waterwheels on both sides, and those waterwheels spun extremely fast, just like white streaks in the waves.

The Jurchen scouts couldn't even recognize what kind of ship it was.

This is naturally the latest flying shuttle ship equipped by the Ming Dynasty navy.

The shuttle boats were incredibly fast going downstream; even galloping horses couldn't catch up.

The Wanli Emperor and his entourage set off from the river port at the mouth of the Songhua River around 5 a.m., and in less than three hours, they had already covered four or five hundred li!
At this moment, in the middle of the fleet, on the flagship, Xiao Zhu Changxun held up his binoculars and looked at the scenery rushing past on both banks, his face flushed with excitement.

Qi Jiguang cautiously said, "Your Majesty, Yongle Mountain is just ahead. There must be many Jurchen scouts in the mountain. Should we land at the dock at the mouth of the Asuri River?"

Are you afraid that Nurhaci will come and fight me to the death?
Emperor Wanli shook his head calmly and said, "No need, just transfer to Asuri River."

Nurhaci only had 30,000 to 40,000 troops at most, and the 20,000 musketeers that Yun Qing brought could easily riddle them with bullets.

If he dares to come looking for me, that would save me trouble; Liangyu and the others wouldn't have to go through the trouble of chasing him down into the mountains.

Alas, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Qi Jiguang sighed inwardly, thought about it again, and decided not to try to persuade him any further.

By this time, the eight thousand naval centipede ships had already entered the lower reaches of the Heilongjiang River and the Asuri River, and the waterways west of Yongle Mountain were densely packed with warships.

Moreover, there are still more than a million troops on the west bank of the Asuri River. Unless the Jurchens have gone mad, they should not dare to charge towards the Asuri River.

Soon, the fleet turned into the Asuri River.

By this time, they were going upstream, and the fleet's speed had slowed down considerably. Squads of centipede boats could be seen swimming back and forth on the river, and densely packed camps could be seen on the west bank.

Xiao Zhu Changxun glanced at Yongle Mountain to the west, then turned his binoculars westward again, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, so many people!"

The number of people and horses on the west bank of the river is indeed frightening.

Originally, they only planned to bring in more than 400,000 troops from the Divine Pivot Fourth Battalion, the Divine Machine Second Battalion, and the Divine Martial Fourth Battalion to encircle them, but now they have added another million new recruits.

In other words, a total of more than 1.4 million troops were gathered along this riverbank, which stretches for about a thousand miles from north to south!
If we calculate in meters, a thousand li is about 500,000 meters. If an army of 1.4 million is evenly distributed, there would be two or three people per meter, and 1,400 to 1,500 people per li.

The densely packed camps on the west bank of the Asuri River stretched southwards, with no end in sight.

Wanli also raised his binoculars and scanned the area, then asked, "Yuanjing, the troops don't seem to be very densely packed. How did you deploy them?"

This doesn't need to be too dense.

Qi Jiguang explained in detail: "Your Majesty, I am using one million new soldiers as a warning."

They numbered about a thousand men per mile, evenly distributed along the riverbank, constantly watching the opposite bank. Once they spotted a Jurchen gathering on the other side, they would set off signal fires.

The Shenwu Camp cavalry was divided into four groups, each with 50,000 men. Each group was stationed about 200 li apart, with the two groups about 100 li apart.

In this way, no matter where the Jurchens were found to be building a pontoon bridge to cross the river, the Shenwu Camp cavalry could arrive in about an hour.

The Jurchens could not possibly build a pontoon bridge as quickly as we could; they could not possibly build one in an hour.

Moreover, there are naval centipede ships constantly patrolling the river; they haven't even had a quarter of an hour, let alone an hour.

These three layers of defense were indeed very tight, and it was unlikely that the Jurchens would choose to break through in this direction.

Wanli nodded slightly, then asked, "Where have you deployed the Divine Pivot Battalion and the Divine Machine Battalion?"

With so many men and warships, why would we need the Divine Pivot Battalion and the Divine Machine Battalion?

Without hesitation, Qi Jiguang replied, "Your Majesty, I have deployed the Shenshu Battalion and the Shenji Battalion to the vast plains about three hundred li from the mouth of the Asuri River. They will form a battle formation there to protect your camp."

Are you really afraid something will happen to me? You've left over 200,000 elite troops of the Beijing Garrison standing there doing nothing!
The shuttle boat was traveling upstream at a speed of less than a hundred li. It was past dusk, and the sun had already set. Finally, in the afterglow of the sunset, they saw a caravan about three hundred li away from the river mouth.

The Shenshu Camp and Shenji Camp chariots formed a super square formation spanning over ten to twenty miles in circumference, just as they had when they first arrived, looking like a colossal city with impregnable walls.

On the east bank of the river, rows of docks were even built, and thousands of shuttle boats could be moored together on both sides of the dock without any problem.

As the fleet approached the dock, Zhu Changxu, the Prince of the North, who had been scanning the area with binoculars, suddenly exclaimed in delight, "Hey, isn't that Sister Liangyu?"

what?
Why did Qin Liangyu come here?

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wanli turned to look at Qi Jiguang.

Qi Jiguang cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, don't you need to personally explain the strategy for the attack to Liangyu?"

This battle was a complete annihilation of strength. As long as they don't make silly mistakes like Yang Hao, the Jurchens have no chance at all.

Qin Liangyu is a female general whose name is recorded in history. Her White Spear Soldiers are also known for their fighting prowess, having won countless battles with fewer troops than their opponents.

She's definitely more than capable of fighting this kind of battle, so why would she need to explain the strategy for the attack?
You sent Qin Liangyu to meet the Emperor because you saw that I was personally leading the expedition, right?
Wanli shook his head slightly and said, "This place is probably more than a thousand miles away from the Sichuan Army camp. Why make Liangyu go through all this trouble?"

How can it be acceptable for the generals who are leading the army to suppress the rebellion to not come to pay their respects to the emperor?

As the two were talking, the shuttle boat had already docked at the pier.

The Northern King Zhu Changxu leaped onto the dock in a flash, hugged Qin Liangyu, and cheered, "Sister Liangyu, it's been so long! I've missed you so much!"

This little guy.

Qin Liangyu said with some helplessness, "Xiao Xuxu, be gentle, be gentle. Don't you know how strong you are? I can hardly breathe from your hug."

Oh my, I'm so happy, I couldn't stop myself.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Changxu, the Prince of the North, quickly released his grip and chuckled sheepishly, "Sister Liangyu is a great general, how could she not withstand my hug?"

At this moment, Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan also carried little Zhu Changxun onto the dock. Upon seeing this, Qin Liangyu couldn't help but run over with a face full of joy, hugging Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan and cheering, "Auntie, it's been so long! I've missed you so much!"

Xiao Zhu Changxun mimicked her tone, saying, "Sister Liangyu, be gentle, be gentle. Don't you know how strong you are? I can't breathe because of you."

These siblings are causing trouble.

Qi Jiguang and the Shenshu Battalion generals who came to greet him couldn't help but smile when they saw this.

Wanli smiled and shook his head, then looked at the sky and waved his hand, saying, "Let's go, let's go to the camp first, it's getting dark."

Soon, everyone mounted their warhorses and headed straight for the main camp.

The journey from the edge of the camp to the middle of the camp was more than ten miles, and it took them nearly fifteen minutes to ride their horses to get there.

In the middle of the camp were the same familiar large tents, and a campfire had already been lit in the open space in the middle of the tents.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Zhu Changxun couldn't help but cheer, "Great! We can have grilled fish and meat today!"

These past few days they've been either on the boat or at the Northern King's residence, where it wasn't convenient to light a campfire to grill fish and meat. Now that they're at the camp in the wild, they can finally grill.

During the Wanli era, people began to miss the taste of grilled fish and meat.

He asked his uncle Li Xuancheng to make some arrangements, and then invited everyone to sit down around the campfire.

At this moment, Qin Liangyu finally couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, is there any strategy for the campaign to be implemented?"

With your skills, do you need me to teach you how to take on tens of thousands when you have hundreds of thousands?

I came here mainly because I was worried that something might go wrong on the perimeter and the Jurchens might escape. There's nothing to worry about on your side.

Wanli bluntly asked, "How do you plan to suppress them?"

You're asking me?
Qin Liangyu quickly explained in detail: "Your Majesty, Yongle Mountain is four or five hundred miles wide. If we don't want the Jurchens to escape, we must push them across in a row."

I plan to divide our 400,000 troops into 40 teams, each about 10 miles apart, and advance together.

The Jurchens might try to defeat us piecemeal, but that's alright, as each of our squad leaders and guerrilla generals is equipped with a large telescope.

If the Jurchens gather all their troops to besiege one team, the two teams on the left and right will quickly converge and surround the Jurchens instead.

"Then we'll light the signal fires, and at least ten troop groups will surround them. The Jurchens will definitely not be able to escape."

Your tactics are fine.

The problem is, why are you only thinking about pushing things forward?

Emperor Wanli reminded him, "Liangyu, haven't you considered how to transport the grain in?"

That's not something I need to consider.

Upon hearing this, Qin Liangyu looked directly at Commander-in-Chief Qi Jiguang.

Qi Jiguang quickly explained in detail: "Your Majesty, I have already provided each soldier of the Sichuan Army with ten catties of beef jerky. This is for emergency use, and they carry it with them."

Furthermore, I have arranged for border cavalry, naval warships, and naval vessels to provide supplies in three directions.

The border cavalry followed behind the Sichuan army, clearing the way and transporting supplies inland; they were the main force in transporting provisions.

After Liangyu led his troops across, the border cavalry responsible for defending the western side would follow behind them with provisions to clear the way.

The border cavalry don't need grain carts; each warhorse only needs to carry a bag of grain. Crossing mountains and valleys is no problem for them. We've already scouted the specific routes, so there shouldn't be any issues.

The naval warships and vessels were prepared for replenishment. If Liangyu and his men did not receive supplies for three days, they could light colorful smoke signals along the coast.

At that time, nearby naval warships and vessels will carry provisions to the place where the smoke signals are rising. Each warship and vessel can deliver at least tens of thousands of bushels of grain, which should be sufficient to meet the urgent need.

Oh, so this is double insurance.

That's no problem.

Wanli nodded slightly and said, "Well, if there's no problem with the food supplies, then there's not much of a problem."

Liangyu, remember not to underestimate the enemy and advance rashly. All troops should maintain a distance of about ten miles and advance together. Don't fall into the Jurchens' trap.

Instruct all commanders and guerrilla generals that even if you see a large Jurchen force fleeing in panic ahead, do not chase after them. Maintain distance and advance as a whole.

Nurhaci was a very cunning fellow; he would definitely use the tactic of luring the enemy deep into his territory.

You must make this point clear to all the commanders and guerrilla generals.

Tell them that anyone who disobeys military orders, even if they catch up and win, will be beheaded as a warning to others.

Upon hearing this, Qin Liangyu nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will explain everything to them."

This battle should have been fine as long as no major mistakes were made. With Qin Liangyu's abilities and the Sichuan Army's White Spear Soldiers' familiarity with mountain warfare, let alone 400,000 against 30,000 or 40,000, even 40,000 against 30,000 or 40,000 Jurchens would not have been able to defeat them.

There doesn't seem to be anything else to explain.

Wanli thought about it carefully for a moment, then asked, "Liangyu, you've come all this way, how many days will it take you to get back?"

Without hesitation, Qin Liangyu replied, "Your Majesty, there are camps along the way that resemble post stations. If I change horses continuously and rush back, I can get back in less than two days."

You don't need to rush back so desperately.

Wanli shook his head slightly and said, "Don't run like that, it's too tiring. If you get too exhausted, you won't be able to run into the mountains."

"There's still plenty of time, no need to rush. How about this, we'll launch a large-scale attack on the first day of May. You just need to be back within four days."

My uncle is really good to me.

Upon hearing this, Qin Liangyu nodded repeatedly and said, "This subordinate understands."

At this moment, Li Xuancheng came over with the prepared meat skewers.

Xiao Zhu and Chang Xun were so excited they were practically dancing with joy, and even the Imperial Noble Consort Qin Lan could barely hold them.

Seeing this, Wanli immediately raised his hand and said, "Alright, everything that needs to be said has been said. Come on, let's have some barbecue."

(End of this chapter)