The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 393 Decision-making
After Zhou Wen was transferred, the military governor's office was left with two generals and four assistant generals.

One general and three adjutants were stationed at the front line, while the general and adjutant were stationed at the military headquarters to deal with emergencies. Wang Xin had not personally led troops for a long time.

“Zhang Jifu means,” Wang Xin said slowly, his expression grave behind the desk in the hall, “that all troops be withdrawn.”

"Let us abandon the area outside the Great Wall?"

Tang Ping suddenly looked up, wondering if he had misheard.

Wang Xin nodded.

The crowd looked grim, and Zeng frowned as he asked, "What if we don't withdraw?"

"Sever the trade routes to Datong." Wang Xin sighed.

Zeng Zhi's face grew even uglier. This was a direct blow to Datong's Achilles' heel. With its trade routes cut off, Datong probably wouldn't last even a month.

"Then let's fight it out."

Tang Ping said angrily that the consequences of cutting off trade routes were too severe. "If the court dares to do this, regardless of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Datong, then what are we doing staying in such a court? We might as well fight our way out instead of waiting to die."

Everyone pondered.

Whether or not to rebel has been a topic of ongoing debate among the top leadership.

It's better not to rebel.

Datong's foundation is too weak. Preserving the status quo and allowing Datong to continue to develop is the best outcome. With Datong's current momentum, the longer it develops, the stronger it will become.

"It probably won't be easy to break through," Yan Zhongzheng warned. "Ningwu Pass has been reinforced with troops, which seems to be a precaution against us."

Ningwu Pass guards the passage between Datong and Shanxi, and its terrain is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Historically, Li Zicheng led hundreds of thousands of troops toward Datong, but at Ningwu Pass, between Shanxi and Datong, he was soundly defeated by Zhou Yuji's 4,000 men and suffered greatly, almost to the point of despair.

While Zhou Yuji's bravery in leading troops in battle was one factor, it also indirectly proves that Ningwu Pass was easy to defend and difficult to attack.

There are 10,000 troops guarding Ningwu Pass now. Even if they have confidence in the Datong army, no one dares to say that they can definitely take Ningwu Pass, not to mention the price to pay—how many elite troops would have to die to fill the mountain streams on both sides of the pass.

The road south is blocked.

Xuanfu and Jizhou to the east each had 30,000 troops, scattered and stationed in various border forts. These forts were also strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and could be described as the Yanshan Chain, firmly blocking all external enemies.

Historically, the three towns of Xuanfu, Datong, and Jizhou surrendered to Li Zicheng voluntarily, which allowed Li Zicheng to enter Beijing smoothly.

Later, outside Shanhaiguan, the main force of the Qing army, relying on the valiant fighting of the Guan Ning Army, managed to take away Li Zicheng's main force and the troops of these three towns in one fell swoop. With the advantage of timing, location, and popular support, they naturally captured the three places.

The cause and effect are the same as when Nurhaci took over the entire Left Liao in one fell swoop.

Whether it was the elite troops or the garrison troops in Liaodong, they were all lost in Shenyang and Liaodong. There were no troops available in other parts of Liaodong. Facing the Later Jin army and the later Qing army, they couldn't even muster enough men to defend the city.

The reason why the Later Jin did not take advantage of the situation to swallow up Liaoxi was that the Later Jin was simply unable to digest the spoils of war. Swallowing up the entire Liaozuo left the Later Jin without the strength to continue conquering Liaoxi.

The eastward route was blocked, and the southward route was also different.

We can't go west; that would be a dead end. The more we fight, the poorer we become. We originally wanted to obtain supplies, but instead, we've ended up losing money.

"There is a way."

Tang Ping hardened his heart, and Yan Zhongzheng frowned. Sure enough, Tang Ping said, "Attack Pingxing Pass, enter Shanxi from here and take Daizhou as soon as possible, then head south to Taiyuan."

Pingxing Pass is located at the junction of southeast Datong and northeast Shanxi.

Pingxing Pass is the site of the famous Pingxing Pass Victory in later generations. It dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders by taking advantage of its terrain. The most difficult part was not its strategic location, but its location in the Taihang Mountains.

"According to General Tang's idea, we will probably have to abandon all material equipment and travel light, and then take control of each pass to establish a foothold. Otherwise, without follow-up supplies, it will be difficult to retreat in the face of enemy counterattacks."

Yan Zhongzheng did not think it was a good idea.

Tang Ping knew this was not a good thing, and his attitude was decisive: "If the court dares to cut off Datong's trade routes, it is tantamount to declaring war. Since it is a war, we must do everything we can to win, and spare no expense for victory."

If things come to this point, even if Datong wins, the price it pays will be too high.

No one was willing to speak up.

Even though Tang Ping himself proposed the method, he still wondered to himself, "This is only the beginning. We have to pay such a high price to open up the passage. Even if we destroy Shanxi, how far can we go?"

"Try using the Hongyi cannon."

Wang Xin said softly.

Everyone was shocked.

The breech-loading cannon and the arquebus were newly imitated firearms that played a significant role on the battlefield, greatly enhancing the combat capabilities of the militia. As for the cannons, they were not used much in battles outside the Great Wall due to the difficulty of transportation, and their effectiveness was not good.

"What are your thoughts, General?" Yan Zhongzheng asked hurriedly, while Liu Tong and Tang Ping both pricked up their ears.

When it comes to military strategy, the commander-in-chief often has unexpected insights.

Wang Xin wasn't just talking nonsense.

He was thinking of the Qing Dynasty. Although the Qing Dynasty had easily taken over the troops from Datong and Shanxi in a field battle outside Shanhaiguan and finally conquered the whole of Shanxi, Li Zicheng still made many preparations when he entered Shaanxi.

The Qing army encountered strong resistance when it entered Shaanxi and was blocked in many places. If nothing unexpected happened, the two sides would remain deadlocked, and the Qing army, which had been supplying supplies over a long distance, would inevitably fail due to lack of food and fodder.

At that time, Li Zicheng could not only defeat the Qing army, but also take advantage of the situation to recover Shanxi. Once Shanxi was stabilized, Henan in the south would be stabilized as well.

Huguang and Shandong will not fall completely into the hands of the Qing Dynasty.

The situation could then reverse.

At least Da Shun wouldn't lose so quickly.

The root of everything lies in the Hongyi cannon.

When the Qing Dynasty attacked Beijing and Shanxi, the local areas surrendered without resistance, and the Hongyi cannons were not put to use. However, the Hongyi cannons were still transported to the front line in Shanxi, and the Hongyi cannons that arrived at Tongguan in Shaanxi Province played a huge role.

The Shun army once held the upper hand and even launched attacks on the Qing army. However, on the day the Hongyi cannons opened fire, Tongguan was lost.

Point breaks through line breaks.

This led to a major defeat for the Shun army, and made a significant contribution to the Qing army's annihilation of the Shun army's main force once again.

Li Zicheng had never seen a Hongyi cannon before and was completely unprepared. In the end, he hurriedly fled to Huguang with his personal guards, and in his panic, he was killed by local militia in the mountains of Huguang.

Every weapon has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the appropriate scenarios for its use.

The correct use of the Hongyi cannons was to break through Ningwu Pass.

Purchasing a single Hongyi cannon from the Portuguese in Macau cost more than four thousand taels of silver, while ordering one from Master Li's cannon factory in Niuxinshan only cost eight hundred taels. Over the years, at Wang Xin's suggestion, Master Li's cannon factory increased its annual production from three to seven cannons, only to reduce it to three in the last two years.

"The Datong Army possessed thirty-two Hongyi cannons."

"The journey from Datong to Ningwu Pass is 400 li. Even if transporting the Hongyi cannons is difficult, it can be delivered within 15 days, and at the latest within 20 days."

"Thirty-two Hongyi cannons destroyed Ningwu Pass overnight. Taking advantage of Zhou Wen's unpreparedness and the fact that his troops were scattered and unable to regroup in time, they launched a surprise attack on Shanxi and captured Taiyuan, leaving the Shanxi army in a state of leaderlessness."

Yan Zhongzheng seemed to be listening to a foreign language.

Tang Ping and Liu Tong were all smiles. If they could capture Ningwu Pass in one night, giving the Datong army more time, the main force of Datong could take as many cities as they could while the court was caught off guard.

Datong has a large number of elite troops with excellent equipment, which allows for rapid expansion. Although this may lead to a decline in combat effectiveness, the problem will be much smaller as the country shifts from defense to offense to manage national affairs, and everyone will have more confidence.

However, Yan Zhongzheng asked doubtfully, "Can the Hongyi cannons really take Ningwu Pass overnight?"

This question is critical.

If not, the longer it drags on, the more likely Shanxi and the imperial court will react, or Xuanfu will react, putting Datong in a difficult situation where it cannot manage both ends, which will create a completely different situation.

In reality, Datong's strength is too weak.

To insist on confronting the imperial court single-handedly would not only make them a target of public criticism, but also make every step they take difficult. Although Zeng Zhi did not understand military affairs, he could see the confusion of the group and couldn't help but sigh, "Let's try to find a way to ease the tension with the imperial court."

At this point, everyone fell silent again.

The most powerful forces in the capital were undoubtedly the four major families. Since the goal was to ease tensions, it was necessary to have people of their own in the court.

Although Zhang Jifu was trying to win them over, he was also wary. He usually kept quiet, but if they dared to show their faces, he would strike them down silently. This was making things very difficult for the Datong army, leaving them in a limbo.

"First, all thirty-two Hongyi cannons will unleash their power. We've seen the power of Hongyi cannons before, but we haven't seen the power of bombarding a city gate. But I'm confident."

Are the cannons of the Qing Dynasty superior to our own?

The Qing Dynasty's cannons could do that, and our own cannons, if not better, are at least not inferior.

Therefore, Wang Xin did not believe it was impossible.

"Secondly, I don't think the court will completely turn against us. Zhang Jifu's threats are threats, but he will never break ties with me. Knowing him as I do, the more ruthless he is, the less I believe he will actually do something."

Without a 70-80% certainty, why would I undertake reforms in Datong?

If Zhang Jifu is really that amazing.

He could stabilize the court and the army amidst natural disasters and man-made calamities, ignore the emperor's sacrifices and drive himself to the brink of ruin, and even manage the various towns in Liaodong. How could he accomplish what he himself couldn't?
Although they still had doubts, everyone felt much more relaxed after Wang Xin spoke so decisively, trusting him as much as before.

"Now that the commander has been chosen, the worst outcome is that we will turn against the court. As long as we can break through Ningwu Pass in one night, I believe that the most difficult problem will be solved. If even the most difficult trouble is solved, what is there to be afraid of in the future?"

Tang Ping became more and more confident as he spoke, and said loudly, "When I was in Yangzhou, I disliked this court. If the court really doesn't care about the lives of the 800,000 soldiers and civilians in Datong, then I dare to pat my chest and say to the commander that more than 50,000 soldiers will follow the commander's lead."

Tang Ping's attitude towards the military commander was absolutely impeccable.

Yan Zhongzheng stood up straight and said, "I believe that General Tang is right."

"As long as the commander gives the order, the army will not hesitate," Liu Tong added.

Although the Datong Army was established a long time ago, the Datong Army of today was undoubtedly brought up by the military governor. No one doubts the high prestige of the military governor.

"There are no problems in the Jiedushi's office."

Zeng Zhi also expressed his opinion.

Although I don't think it's a good time, I still have to make a statement.

Wang Xin was not surprised by his subordinates' attitude. The Datong military town had an excellent style and was out of step with the outside world of the Great Zhou. The downside was that it was closed off, but the upside was that it was closed off. Everyone was willing to unite in the military governor's mansion because of their own recognition.

At the same time, due to the different style of the military governor's office, their value can only be reflected within the military governor's office.

At Tang Ping's command, the army carried it out strictly.

He didn't need to show respect to others, and others didn't need to show respect to him, so the military atmosphere was strict and orders were obeyed without question. However, this approach could only be used in the Datong military town.

For example, the Liaodong Army was also capable of fighting, but they followed a different route, relying on their own troops.

“I never said I wanted to rebel.” Wang Xin shook his head. “It was you who brought it up and listed several problems. I just came up with solutions to those problems.”

Everyone was speechless.

So all that excitement was just the General playing around.

Zeng Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Datong's financial situation all too well. He quickly said, "Since Zhang Jifu is bluffing and trying to force us to make concessions, we can't refuse directly, but we can talk to him first."

"Let's talk," Wang Xin said, making his decision. "Let's talk slowly."

The Beijing garrison was under Zhang Jifu's control, with an army of over 100,000 men. There were also troops from Xuanfu, Jizhou, Shanxi, and other surrounding areas. Many of the main generals in these places were also people replaced by Zhang Jifu.

To be honest, Wang Xin really didn't know how the emperor had won.

But it shouldn't be long.

If I remember correctly.

Whether the emperor wins or Zhang Jifu wins, the conflict has reached its final stage. Whoever wins will face a more complex situation and how to stabilize the new situation. At that time, no one will care about the Great Harmony.

Or, we also need to win over Datong.

Taking advantage of the favorable time, gather more disaster victims and cultivate more wasteland. Since our own butterfly wings cannot reach overseas, there is no reason why we cannot find sweet potatoes.

With the wasteland secured, and although the water supply was limited, it was enough to irrigate the sweet potatoes.

By the time.

Datong is situated in the Hetao region, with the Yellow River area and Daning area to the outside. By using sweet potatoes, they can turn wasteland into treasure. Even if each acre only yields a few dozen kilograms more, it is still extra yield.

"Who would be suitable at the moment?"

Zeng Zhi was troubled.

Neither I nor Zhang Yuncheng are qualified, let alone the rest of the military governor's mansion.

Previously, Jia Zheng, Wu Wenhua, and others had been there to protect them. Wu Wenhua is now the Governor of Guangdong, and Jia Zheng is a prominent figure with Lin Ruhai and other officials behind him. Therefore, the affairs of the court do not need to be handled by the military governor's office; others will handle them themselves.

"If only Jia Zheng could be as sensible as Xue Baochai," Wang Xin remarked.

After thinking about it, everyone agreed that it was indeed the case.

Datong values ​​commerce, but if business philosophies differ, the closer they get, the deeper the damage will be, just like the current situation between the Jieshuai Mansion and the Zhou family, whose cooperation was once quite deep.

The more importance is attached to something, the more it needs to have the same business philosophy to go further.

Otherwise, neither side will suffer.

The greater the losses suffered by the Zhou family, the greater the losses suffered by the Marshal's Mansion.

The core of Juzhongchang is still the Zhou family. Because of the Zhou family, Juzhongchang's business has been affected, and many things have suffered losses.

Fortunately, the grain and silver coupon shops did not choose to cooperate with the Zhou family. Otherwise, the military governor's mansion would have been hesitant to take action against the Zhou family for fear of causing serious consequences that the military governor's mansion could not afford.

“The right person has to step forward. Zhang Jifu made a big fuss, and without giving him a way out, there was no room for the matter to be resolved, and what was false became true.”

Zhang Yuncheng, being the person in the military governor's office who knew the court best, issued a stern warning.

"Whether or not there is a suitable candidate, preparations must be made. The Hongyi cannons should be transported to Shuozhou first, and the troops of each battalion should be ready to be mobilized at any time. The provisions along the way should be prepared in advance. When needed, each battalion can move south at a single command."

Wang Xin calmly said, "Zhang Jifu is powerful, and we cannot be weak. Otherwise, if he sees our difficulties, he will definitely stick to his original ideas even more. We cannot give him the wrong judgment."

"It would be good to have a fight."

After the analysis by the military commander and civil officials such as Zeng Zhi, Yan Zhongzheng had a better understanding of the situation. Since everyone was afraid, why couldn't the Datong Army be more aggressive?

“The grain merchants in Datong have more grain than we estimated. A lot of the old grain is almost moldy but they are unwilling to sell it at a low price. This is the case in Datong, and the grain merchants in Shanxi will have even more.”

The problem stemmed from a lack of food. Yan Zhongzheng suggested, "Ningwu Pass is difficult to breach, but the other passes are manageable. If you mean taking a few counties, that shouldn't be a problem. Let's secure our food supplies first."

Zeng Zhi and Zhang Yuncheng were still hesitating.

Tang Ping's eyes lit up, and he immediately became excited. "Now that everyone has expressed their opinions, there's no need to hold back. Making peace with the court doesn't mean we won't rebel. I believe the military governor is also dissatisfied with the court."

Wang Xin did not refute.

The fighting continued from south to north, but the enemy grew larger with each battle. To continue the fight, they had to obey the imperial court's orders to exterminate the people.

Should we listen or not?

He was already tired of fighting.

Seeing that the general remained silent, Tang Ping became even happier. "Since our slogan is to be invincible and defend our country, then what about the people in other places? Aren't they our homes? Shouldn't we protect them? Don't pretend to be deaf and dumb. Unless you clearly state today that the people outside of Datong are not our own people, then we have not fulfilled our slogan."

Everyone was silent.

Previously, the Right Route Army and the Datong Western Army were mostly internal reforms. Although there were some movements, the military commanders had strong connections behind them, and with their many years of military achievements, the court needed the military commanders to fight, so it was still within a controllable range.

Now, Datong is undergoing a major overhaul from top to bottom, which has shaken up the imperial court's authority.

It just didn't have the destructive power of an open rebellion. In reality, how could the imperial court not have taken it seriously? If the situation in the capital hadn't been more complex, Zhang Jifu wouldn't have waited until now to deal with it.

From the day it chose to gather refugees, Datong was destined for a path of no return.

Because gathering refugees inevitably requires change, there is no third way: either die with the refugees or lead them to obtain food from wealthy households.

That's why the counties couldn't accept the migrants.

(End of this chapter)