There is no such thing as the Kangxi and Qianlong eras

Chapter 242 Dividing the Army and Heading South
Blocking the Ganjiang River waterway is relatively simple, but the land route is more complicated.

Zhang Chengji, the governor, had only taken office at the end of last year and his control over the local areas was far from sufficient. He ordered all prefectures and counties to raise funds and grain, and to recruit laborers and local militia to fight against the bandits.

However, it was completely useless.

In Jiangxi, only a small number of prefectural officials obeyed the order. The rest did not disobey, but rather knew that obeying the order would be ineffective, as the local gentry completely ignored them.

This wasn't because the Han Dynasty had become famous, but rather because of the class characteristics of the gentry and landlords.

The rebels and Han traitors were still in Jiujiang. Nankang Prefecture was too close, so the gentry of Nankang had no choice but to recruit soldiers to help the government fight. But the remaining prefectures like Ruizhou, Fuzhou, and Raozhou were far from the Han traitors and not close to the bandits in Ji'an either. Why would they contribute money or recruit soldiers if there was nothing to do?

Having no other option, Zhang Chengji personally went to Ruizhou Prefecture to persuade the local gentry to contribute money to help the government recruit soldiers.

Just then, the prefect of Nankang sent back news that Ruichang County had fallen, the Han rebels were advancing south, and their troops were approaching Mount Lu.

If you don't recognize the true face of Mount Lu, then Mount Lu is the one located on the border of Nankang and Jiujiang prefectures.

Although Yang Fang was a military general, and the last fierce general of the late Qing Dynasty, he was still a scholar at heart. He studied for more than 20 years, but failed to pass the imperial examinations. Instead, he joined the army and made a name for himself in battle.

After Yang Fang led his troops across Mount Lu, he personally went to the foot of Mount Lu to observe and pay his respects to Su Shi.

After that, he led his troops directly south.

The Han army's land forces deployed a total of over 8,000 troops, leaving only 2,000 to garrison Jiujiang Prefecture and Ruichang County, ensuring the Yangtze River waterway remained intact.

The Han navy also followed south and has now basically controlled the mouth of the Yangtze River-Poyang Lake.

Because the Qing army had no navy in Jiangxi, the Han Chinese navy appeared rudimentary and dilapidated. However, at least in Jiangxi, they were invincible. It was just that their numbers and warships were too few, and controlling Hukou was already a struggle. To move south to the vast Poyang Lake was still beyond their capabilities.

a few days later.

"Report! Tens of thousands of rebel troops are approaching along Poyang Lake and are already twenty miles away."

"Explore again."

Zhang Dunpei, the prefect of Nankang, looked grave and anxious. He hadn't expected the Han army to arrive so quickly.

Moreover, he had already reported that the Han army was besieging Nankang Prefecture, but the governor's reply to him was just one sentence: tell him to hurry up and recruit soldiers to fight the bandits.

How is he supposed to fight off the thieves?

Zhang Dunpei, the prefect of Nankang, was also quite interesting. He was quite capable, but his abilities were all reflected in poetry and book collecting. In addition, the Zhang family, including Zhang Dunpei's lineage, consisted of three generations of great book collectors.

Moreover, in their pursuit of collecting books, they were indiscriminate in their pursuit of knowledge and used any means necessary. Even during the Daoguang era, there were instances of members of the same clan framing each other in a struggle for their respective collections.

Zhang Dunpei served as prefect for several years with almost no political achievements, but he did collect a considerable number of ancient books and scrolls. However, to the local people, this prefect was quite good, because he was only interested in books and did not like to be greedy or engage in unnecessary tinkering.

Seeing that the Han army was coming quickly, Zhang Dunpei hurriedly gave orders to the city's garrison: "Quickly, send the laborers down to collect more oil, logs, and boulders to defend the city. While there is still time, recruit more laborers and yamen runners from the prefectural and county governments to come up and defend the city as well."

Zhang Dunpei issued several military orders to defend the city, but when it came to the execution by officials at all levels, it was not so much orderly as chaotic.

Despite the fact that the city had recruited several thousand soldiers to defend the city, these soldiers were, frankly speaking, mostly able-bodied laborers. The only ones with any semblance of organization were probably the servants from various gentry families.

They are no longer just incapable of fighting; they simply don't know how to defend a city or fight a battle.

"Sir, how do we use these stones and logs?"

"Sir, I've found some kerosene. Where should I put it?"

"Sir, did I hear that right? Why would you cook shit in broad daylight?"

"..."

Zhang Dunpei was so annoyed by the constant torment that he had to teach the soldiers how to do things step by step, and even personally went up to light a fire and cook excrement.

I have to say, this gravy is absolutely rotten!

Especially after it was boiled, the scalding heat almost made the prefect faint.

The twenty-mile distance was covered in the blink of an eye. Yang Fang led eight thousand Han soldiers and two thousand civilians to set up camp a few miles outside the city of Nankang.

Along the shores of Poyang Lake, all the ships were temporary grain transport vessels requisitioned by the Han army.

Looking out from the city tower, Zhang Dunpei couldn't tell how many Han soldiers there were. He only saw that the Han army's camps were waving banners and that the surface of Poyang Lake was full of large ships.

Remembering the military strategy books he had read, he decided to send scouts to investigate first.

The Qing scouts rowed a small boat northward from Poyang Lake, but before they could get close to the Han army's camp on the lakeshore, they were discovered by the Han army.

The Han navy didn't send many warships; most were civilian boats. However, they still launched small sampans, and several sailors steered the small boats toward the Qing scouts.

"kill!"

The Han army sailors were exceptionally fast, charging straight towards the Qing scouts.

The Qing scouts were terrified and immediately turned their boats around to flee back to the prefectural city. However, they were all young and strong laborers temporarily recruited, and in terms of physical strength and time spent on the water, they were no match for the Han army sailors. Their small boats were quickly overtaken.

In a panic, several Qing soldiers jumped off the boat and swam away.

Upon seeing this, the Han sailors stood on the sampan, took out two crossbows, and fired accurately at the Qing soldiers swimming in the water.

After only a few arrows were fired, most of the Qing scouts were killed or wounded, with only two managing to swim away. The Han sailors did not want to continue the pursuit.

Having dealt with the Qing spies, the Han sailors swaggered to the outskirts of Nankang Prefecture, approached the local residents, and inquired about the Qing army's situation in the city.

They won't ask for nothing; they'll give you money and food.

"Report!"

“General, we have already questioned the people in the villages around Nankang. According to them, the puppet Qing prefect of Nankang only started recruiting soldiers in the city a few days ago. We don’t know exactly how many people he has recruited, but it should not exceed a few thousand.”

Yang Fang nodded slightly, as he had anticipated this. He hadn't expected to secretly send his troops south, especially since it wasn't like when he attacked Jiujiang Prefecture.

However, it is indeed too slow for the prefect of Nankang to start recruiting soldiers to defend the city after Jiujiang has been lost for so long. This shows that he has completely disregarded the Han Dynasty!
Yang Fang summoned his generals and instructors, explained the situation, and asked, "Nankang Prefecture is right in front of us. What do you all think we should do next?"

Nankang Prefecture only has a few thousand garrison troops, all of whom are newly recruited soldiers from just a few days ago. How can they possibly fight? Why not just charge in and take the prefectural city?
A commander surnamed Wang said, "Since Nankang Prefecture is so easily defeated and the Qing army is unprepared, let's mobilize the entire army and, like with Jiujiang before, take Nankang directly." Before he finished speaking, another commander surnamed Fang shook his head and said, "Nankang Prefecture has already recruited several thousand soldiers, which is different from Jiujiang. Jiujiang was easily captured because our army launched a surprise attack, and Jiujiang had internal collaborators, allowing us to breach the city so quickly. Nankang Prefecture is clearly prepared now, and taking it quickly won't be so easy. Once the real battle begins, Nanchang Prefecture won't stand idly by. If Nankang falls, the northern gateway to Nanchang will be opened."

Commander Wang asked, "What do you mean?"

Commander Fang grinned: "Let's split up our forces! How about we besiege the enemy's stronghold and ambush their reinforcements?"

Yang Fang became interested: "How do you plan to besiege the enemy's stronghold and attack their reinforcements?"

Commander Fang cupped his hands and said, "The main force will continue to besiege Nankang Prefecture, and then we will send troops south to attack De'an and Jianchang counties. If the Qing army comes to the rescue, we will encircle them. If the Qing army does not come to the rescue, we will take Jianchang and De'an to cut off the connection between Nankang Prefecture and Nanchang Prefecture, forcing the Qing army in Nanchang to move north."

No, you call this besieging a point to attack reinforcements?
Yang Fang was somewhat speechless, but Commander Fang said, "General, don't underestimate my method just because it's crude. Its advantage lies in its efficiency and practicality. Our southward march is precisely to attack De'an and Jianchang. Without attacking these two counties, our supply lines will definitely be unstable. If the Qing army comes to our aid, we can take them down. If they don't, we can either advance directly to attack Nanchang or retreat and encircle Nankang Prefecture. Moreover, if the Qing army in Nankang Prefecture sees that we have divided our forces, they may take the initiative to leave the city. In that case, our troops outside the city can be annihilated in one fell swoop."

That statement really does have a sense of being comprehensive.

Yang Fang couldn't help but laugh and said, "That's a good idea. What's your name?"

"This humble general is Fang Jie," Fang Jie quickly bowed and saluted.

"Ah."

Yang Fang nodded, indicating that she had remembered.

Once this battle is over and we return, Yang Fang will be officially promoted to division commander, and Fang Jie will definitely be given important responsibilities and promoted by Yang Fang.

Yang Fang glanced at everyone and said, "Does anyone have any new ideas? If not, then we'll use Commander Fang's plan. If the Qing army falls for it, we'll besiege the city and attack the reinforcements to eliminate their manpower. If the Qing army doesn't fall for it, then we'll take De'an and Jianchang counties and press Nanchang Prefecture."

A military instructor who was also at the meeting suddenly added, "General, if we are to divide our troops and march south, and not attack the city for the time being, we can first distribute land to the people in the surrounding villages and towns outside Nankang Prefecture. There are many wealthy and powerful families in Nankang Prefecture. When they see their own land being divided up, they will definitely be anxious and panicked. Once they are anxious and panicked, they will definitely put pressure on the prefect to come out of the city to meet the enemy."

Yang Fang clapped his hands and praised, "This plan is excellent. Let's divide our troops and head south tomorrow morning! Commander Fang, as the one who proposed it, your troops and Commander Wang's troops will go south to attack De'an and Jianchang counties."

"Yes."

The two responded in unison.

Yang Fang then said, "Mr. Liu, the task of overseeing the land distribution and household registration in Nankang Prefecture will be handed over to your instructor, Wen."

The instructor surnamed Liu bowed and said, "General, rest assured!"

The following day, the Han army divided its forces and marched south, sending nearly half of its troops away.

Zhang Dunpei saw things clearly, but he dared not leave the city to fight. His garrison was made up of able-bodied laborers, who were not capable enough to scout the enemy or defend the city. How could he dare to leave the city to fight?

But he dared not leave the city to fight, because someone would always force him to leave.

The Han army's civil instructors acted quickly. Although they were registered as military officers, they were all graduates of the military academy, so they knew exactly how to divide the land.

Not only that, they also brought their army to the countryside. All the landlords and gentry were forced to distribute land, whether they wanted to or not, the Han army's heavenly soldiers would come and make them willing.

If they encountered local tyrants or evil gentry with a particularly bad reputation in the town, after the land was distributed, they would be taken out and put on a public trial for the villagers.

In just a few days, the villages and towns surrounding Nankang Prefecture were all distributed to the Han army by the instructors.

Zhang Dunpei also noticed the Han army's movements and asked the minor official who was usually in charge of surveillance, "What are these Han traitors doing? Why are those people cheering and crowding around them?"

The lower-ranking officials looked at each other, unsure whether they should speak up.

Zhang Dunpei's face immediately hardened: "Speak your mind."

An old official said helplessly, "Your Excellency, this traitor is leading those common people and lowly people to redistribute land."

"Dividing the land? What do you mean by dividing the land?" Zhang Dunpei asked in confusion.

The old official replied, "It means dividing the land among the landlords. You can understand it as the Han traitors confiscating the homes of the landlords outside and then distributing the confiscated land to the people."

Zhang Dunpei was instantly shocked: "The traitors of the Han Dynasty are actually like this!"

He had only heard of the reputation of the bandits from Huguang before, who were said to like to divide the land of landlords among the common people in order to win over these ordinary people.

Now it seems that it was indeed true; the Han traitor was indeed incredibly audacious!

Zhang Dunpei sneered: "By dividing the land of the gentry with the common people, this traitor of Han is trying to cut himself off from the world."

None of the minor officials dared to speak.

The officials from Nankang who accompanied Zhang Dunpei on his inspection of the city walls immediately praised him, saying, "Your Excellency's insight is brilliant!"

Whether it was a brilliant insight is unclear, but Zhang Dunpei didn't have much peace for more than a few days before he was annoyed to no end by the clamor of the gentry.

It's quite simple. These gentry wanted Zhang Dunpei to go out of the city and take the initiative to fight. Their reasoning was that the Han rebels had already divided their forces, sending several thousand men, leaving less than four or five thousand Han rebels outside the city, while Nankang Prefecture had nearly ten thousand garrison troops.

With 10,000 against 5,000, the advantage is in my hands!
Zhang Dunpei wasn't stupid; he could easily see that the gentry were reluctant to give up their land outside the city.

Although these Nankang gentry lived in the prefectural city, their property was not entirely located there. Almost every family owned land outside the city, often amounting to thousands or even tens of thousands of acres of fertile land.

Now, so much farmland has been seized by the Han army, and not only that, it has been distributed to the people and tenant farmers.

How could these gentry and wealthy families tolerate this?

Their willingness to fund the recruitment of soldiers to help the government defend the city demonstrates their attitude; unlike the gentry of Jiujiang Prefecture before, they were unwilling to give up their land and property.

The gentry of Nankang Prefecture urged Zhang Dunpei to go out of the city and fight against the Han army, but Zhang Dunpei knew his own capabilities in battle and the capabilities of his own garrison soldiers.

Defending the city is already a struggle, let alone going out to fight?
Zhang Dunpei turned away all the gentry, and said that he had already written to the governor, who would soon be heading north, at which point the Han traitors would be trapped like turtles in a jar.

Whether the gentry of Nankang believed it or not, that was Zhang Dunpei's way of comforting himself. Because Nankang Prefecture was the gateway to Nanchang, the governor couldn't possibly allow it to fall.

The city of Nankang remained steadfast and did not venture out, while the Han army outside the city remained unhurried, brazenly dividing up the land outside the city.

If we can't wait for the Qing army from Nankang, then we'll wait for the Qing army from Nanchang!

Both sides were waiting. Nankang was waiting for reinforcements, and the Han army was also waiting for reinforcements. They were waiting for the same reinforcements.

(End of this chapter)