Ming Dynasty entry: I am Chongzhen, the greatest emperor of all time!

Chapter 101 Encirclement of Dorgon

Zhu Youjian arrived at Xifengkou, surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

Looking at the corpses scattered everywhere and the soldiers cleaning up the battlefield, I was filled with emotion.

At that time, the Qing army had just entered the pass, and he felt that the best outcome would be to block the Qing army and then hold out in the fortified city until the southern reinforcements arrived and the Qing army withdrew.

This is already his ultimate goal.

But who would have thought that his chaotic actions would actually turn the situation around!

Daišan was captured, the two Red Banners were annihilated, the Bordered Blue Banner fled far beyond the Great Wall, and all the Mongol tribes were wiped out.

Only two yellow and two white banners remained, and they were surrounded by his army inside the pass.

Even if Dorgon were to safely lead his troops back to the pass, given the losses suffered this time, the Qing dynasty would not have the strength to re-enter the pass within three years.

In just one month, the Ming and Qing dynasties underwent earth-shattering changes.

How could Zhu Youjian not be excited?

However, with the label "tyrant" attached, Zhu Youjian showed no joy whatsoever; even a slight frown exuded an oppressive aura.

Wherever the dragon flag went, whether it was the Ming army, the rebel army, or the Chahar cavalry who had come from afar with Zhang Shize, they all bowed their heads and paid their respects.

Zhu Youjian, dressed in golden armor and riding a white horse, with seven hundred imposing imperial guards carrying flags behind him, arrived at the collapsed south gate of Xifengkou.

The generals leading the troops had been waiting for a long time.

When they were still a mile from the dragon banner, they knelt down on the spot.

The person in the center is Huang Degong, the nominal marshal of this great battle. To his left and right are Zhang Shize, Jin Xuan, Li Guo, Li Guozhen, Wang Erhu, Qi Yuan, and Abu Nai, in that order.

It can be said that apart from Zheng Chenggong, who was far away in Liaodong, and Zhang Huangyan in Jiangnan, the most capable fighters of the Ming Dynasty were all here.

As Zhu Youjian approached, Huang Degong led the crowd in shouting in unison.

"Your subject, this humble general, this outer general, and this young prince pay their respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Youjian rode forward, his expression unreadable.

He gestured for everyone to rise, saying, "You have all worked hard and made great contributions, please rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As is customary, Huang Degong stepped forward first to report on the losses and results of the battle.

"Your Majesty, from the night battle at Feihu Ridge to the great victory at Xifengkou, we have captured 21,000 enemy leaders, more than 3,700 Jurchens, more than 60,000 Mongol cavalrymen, more than 200,000 warhorses, and countless weapons and armor."

"This is truly the greatest victory since the Tianqi era!"

Seeing it with your own eyes is one thing, hearing the numbers is another.

Even Zhu Youjian did not expect that he would capture more than 60,000 Mongol cavalrymen. Even if he picked and chose, he could still gather 30,000 elite troops.

Moreover, there are even more warhorses this time, more than 200,000, enough to build 100,000 cavalry!
It's just that we can't afford to raise them.

This achievement, however, surprised Zhu Youjian somewhat.

The two Red Banners together numbered about 60,000, but the number captured and killed was less than half.

The remaining soldiers returned to the border region, and after a period of rest, they became an important force that could not be ignored.

To defeat Daishan's 60,000 men, he used at least 100,000 troops in total.

This doesn't even include red-label armies like the Xuanjia Cavalry and Qi Family Army.

The fighting power of the Eight Banners soldiers was truly terrifying.

Coming to his senses, Zhu Youjian nodded, signaling Huang Degong to continue his report.

"Our army also suffered heavy casualties. The Xuanfu section of the Fifth Army lost 20,000 men, the Xuanjia Cavalry lost 1,200 men, the Three Thousand Battalion lost 2,000 men, the Qi Family Army lost 400 men, the Jizhou section of the Fifth Army lost 7,000 men, the Chahar tribe of the Outer Barbarians lost 3,600 men, and the rebel Li Guo's army lost 6,000 men, totaling more than 40,000 men."

If it weren't for the fact that Zhu Youjian hadn't noticed, his troops were still too mixed up. Even the Five Armies were divided into different departments, and any movement of them required his orders.

Not to mention the newly captured Mongol tribes and Li Guo who came to their aid.

In addition, there was the navy in Liaodong, Shi Kefa in Shandong, Prince Zhou in Henan, and Zuo Liangyu in Huguang.

Once it slips out of his control, this chaotic military system is bound to cause trouble.

Once the war is over, the establishment of a standing army system should be put on the agenda. Apart from the border troops, only standing troops should be kept in the country.

Huang Degong continued his report.

"Another 170,000 catties of gunpowder were consumed, along with countless arrows and projectiles. Seven of the red-coated cannons were unusable, nearly 80 other small cannons were damaged, and nearly 5,000 muskets were broken."

These are normal procedures. Although the added attributes reduce the chance of barrel explosion, normal wear and tear is something that firearms of this era cannot withstand.

Especially the night battle at Feihu Ridge and the attack on Xifeng Pass.

Each cannon has been fired at least a hundred times, so it's normal for it to be scrapped.

As Huang Degong reported the various data one by one, Zhu Youjian couldn't help but sigh that although the Qing army's combat effectiveness was not yet apparent, it was definitely not weak.

It should be noted that at Flying Fox Ridge, if Li Guo hadn't suddenly appeared, the best outcome would have been for him to escape unscathed.

At Feihu Ridge, he suffered more than 20,000 casualties before barely managing to defeat about 8,000 Qing troops, with the rest breaking through and escaping.

Even in subsequent pursuit and annihilation battles, the casualty ratio remained between 2 and 1.

Thus, in Zhu Youjian's memory, it was a great victory that was hard to come by.

Under normal circumstances, the casualty ratio between the Ming and Qing armies was usually 10:1. Sometimes, even with a 5:1 ratio and a few hundred casualties, the generals would still dare to call it a great victory.

The road to change is long and arduous.

He dismounted, patted Huang Degong on the shoulder, and encouraged him, "You've worked hard at Tiger Mountain. This great victory over Tiger Mountain deserves the most credit."

Huang Degong quickly declined, saying, "The victory in this battle was entirely due to Your Majesty's might; how could this humble general dare to claim credit?"

He wasn't just being polite this time; in his heart, this great victory had nothing to do with him.

From the very beginning, it was all orchestrated by Zhu Youjian. Zhang Shize marched west to the grasslands, Wang Erhu resisted Shanhaiguan, and later, troops were stationed in Xuanfu, where the Flying Fox Ridge Formation was set up.

He even went so far as to lure Dai Shan into a trap with the imperial banner, and the two edicts, "On the Han Traitors, Proclamation to the World," which caused the bandits to turn against him, were also written by Your Majesty.

No matter how you look at it, it's all thanks to Zhu Youjian.

However, the latter insisted on attributing the credit to Huang Degong.

Zhu Youjian wanted to consolidate the army, which required capable and loyal generals to take charge. Looking across the Ming Dynasty, there were only three people who could shoulder this important task: Zheng Chenggong, Zhang Huangyan, and Huang Degong.

The first two were not qualified enough to command respect.

Although Huang Degong was not very experienced, he had worked his way up to the rank of general and was even granted the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent.

If he were given more achievements, he could completely suppress the civil and military officials in the country.

With the assistance of nobles like Zhang Shize, the resistance will be much less.

After calming Huang Degong down, Zhu Youjian was about to ask Zhang Shize when Abunai, who had been holding back for a long time, spoke up first.

Abunai stepped forward, knelt down, and looked up at Zhu Youjian with tears in his eyes. His expression and gaze were so intense that Zhu Youjian could hardly bear it.

“Your Majesty the Great Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, I am finally able to see you in person. Even if I were to return to the embrace of the Eternal Heaven at this moment, it would be worth it!” Zhu Youjian saw the tears streaming down Abunai’s dirty face and took two steps back, but his expression was exceptionally kind. “You must be Abunai, the Taiji of the Chahar tribe.”

Abunai was startled and quickly shook his head, "No, no, no! Your Majesty the Great Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, I am Abunai, the Chahar King of the Ming Dynasty, not Taiji Abunai."

Zhu Youjian was full of questions. He knew that people should show loyalty, but was such an obvious and sycophantic show of loyalty something a tribal chief would do?

If it was truly his own doing, then Zhu Youjian should consider replacing the leader of Chahar.

Nobody wants their vassal kings to be like Liu Bang or Liu Bei, right?
Seeing Zhu Youjian's expression, Abunai panicked even more, "The great Ming Dynasty, waah..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Shize covered his mouth and pulled him behind him, scolding him repeatedly, "His Majesty has been working hard day and night. Shouldn't we let His Majesty enter the city and rest for a while first? What do you say, Your Majesty?"

The last two words were full of threat.

Then look at Zhang Shize and Jin Xuan, they're frantically exchanging glances.

Zhu Youjian immediately understood that these two men, like Fan Jingwen, had probably made a grand vow to persuade Abu Nai and his entire clan to come and join them.

However, Zhu Youjian was not angry. If all officials in the Ming Dynasty were this efficient, the Ming Dynasty would not have fallen to this state.

Zhang Shize could easily make the entire Chahar tribe surrender by making a few promises; Fan Jingwen could send Zheng Zhilong's own son with just one letter; and two imperial edicts could make Li Zicheng retreat in panic.

The Ming Dynasty was never in such dire straits.

If it were a capable emperor, or even one who didn't need to be capable at all, but could make good use of his ministers, then that would have been a better choice.

It wouldn't have led to the Ming Dynasty falling to this state.

But his lack of anger doesn't mean he's given up. His two months as emperor made him realize a profound truth.

Only tools and names should not be lent to others.

The sanctity of imperial power and the adherence to ritual and law were his best weapons.

He raised his hand and said, "I am indeed a little tired. All of you may leave now. Come find me again in an hour."

In short, he helped Zhang Shize out of a predicament and also hinted to the two that it was not too late for him to admit his mistake.

Kim Hyun immediately understood.

After everyone left, Kim Hyun volunteered to lead Zhu Youjian into his palace.

Although it is called a temporary palace, it was actually the former headquarters of the general before Xifengkou.

There are two courtyards in total, with no pavilions or towers, just a simple Ming Dynasty government office layout.

But when the dragon banner was erected in front of the gate and the Imperial Guards stood in straight lines all around, an aura of majesty immediately arose.

Zhu Youjian sat in the seat of honor in the central hall, took a sip of tea, and then went straight to the point.

"Tell me, what did you give Abnersh?"

Kim Hyun immediately knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

"Your Majesty, I falsely conveyed an imperial edict; I deserve to die!"

"However, at that time, the three thousand camps had no water or food, and the men and horses were exhausted. Moreover, the Duke of Yingguo was eager to serve his country and protect his monarch after learning that the Jurchens had knocked on the gates. In order to subdue the Chahar tribe as soon as possible, I remembered that His Majesty had instructed me before I came that it would be best to subdue the Chahar tribe."

"Therefore, this wicked subject falsely conveyed the imperial edict and arbitrarily negotiated peace with the enemy chieftain!"

That's why they say language is an art.

Kim Hyun's remarks, on the surface, appeared to be an admission of guilt, but in reality, they were a plea for mercy.

Zhu Youjian and Zhang Shize were both implicated.

My negotiations are also for the emperor's sake.

Is he guilty? Yes!
But if we're talking about crimes, the commander-in-chief, the Duke of England, is also guilty. Our crimes are both for serving the country and supporting the emperor.

Moreover, before you set off, Your Majesty even hinted that peace talks were possible.

Even if we were to determine guilt, it wouldn't be a serious offense; at most, it would be considered acting rashly and misinterpreting the emperor's will.

None of them deserved to die. Even if their merits and demerits could not offset each other, given the Duke of England's stature, he could bear all the blame.

Zhu Youjian couldn't help but laugh, and with a backhand, he took out a folded official document from his sleeve and threw it in front of Jin Xuan.

He laughed and scolded, "Still playing word games in front of me."

"This is the document to incorporate the Mongol cavalry into the Three Thousand Battalion. As for the specific arrangements, you and Zhang Shize can go and discuss it with Hushan yourselves."

"I have never blamed you for making peace with the Chahar tribe in private. As long as it is beneficial to the country, it is worth doing whatever you do."

Upon hearing this, Kim Hyun breathed a sigh of relief, but the next moment, Joo Yoo-chan suddenly changed the subject.

"Your crime is that you didn't report to me beforehand!? Do you think I'm that worthless!?"

"Have you ever considered what other interested tribes will think when I am questioned on the spot by the leaders of various minor tribes without my knowledge and am unable to answer? Won't they think that I, as the Son of Heaven, have broken my promise and then turn around and join the Jurchens?!"

Kim Hyun was so frightened that he immediately kowtowed, "I deserve to die ten thousand times! I deserve to die ten thousand times!"

Seeing that the effect was about right, Zhu Youjian's tone returned to calm, "Alright, considering that you did not cause a major disaster this time, I will not pursue the matter further. Your merits and demerits will be offset against each other. Remember to think twice next time."

Kim Hyun, however, dared not relax and could only express his gratitude repeatedly.

Zhu Youjian waved his hand, "Go down. In a little while, write down the promises you made to Abunai in a memorial and submit it, in great detail. Then tell Abunai that I will talk to him alone tonight about his matter."

"After you leave, have Huang Degong come to see me."

At this moment, Kim Hyun finally felt relieved and thanked everyone before backing away from the central hall.

Soon after, Huang Degong arrived in a hurry.

Zhu Youjian waved his hand, indicating that Huang Degong should dispense with the formalities.

"Tiger Mountain, is there any news of Dorgon?"

"Your Majesty, an urgent letter from the Prince of Zhou just arrived this morning." Huang Degong said, taking out a letter from his bosom and presenting it to Zhu Youjian with both hands.

"Based on the reconnaissance of the night scouts and the scouts of Minister Shi, it can be determined that Dorgon marched in two routes, but the Jurchen defenses were too strong to approach."

"I could barely make out that Dorgon's army of about 30,000 men was heading towards Shanhaiguan. They had already passed Zhengding Prefecture (the area around present-day Hengshui) and would arrive in Tianjin around April 30th."

"The other force marched along the Taihang Mountains, hiding during the day and moving out at night, and they also hid their flags and signals, so it was impossible to estimate how many people they had. But according to the information gathered by scouting at night, it seemed to be tens of thousands of troops."

"The Shandong Dodo troops have retreated to Dezhou and are wandering along the Yellow River collecting ferries to build a bridge. With the light boats left by General Zheng, there has been no progress for the time being."

Zhu Youjian nodded, which was similar to what he had thought. After Zheng Chenggong captured Lushun, Dorgon and Dodo should withdraw their troops.

Dorgon dared to divide his troops into two groups, one openly and one covertly, and it's unclear what his purpose was.

"We can't just let Dorgon return safely like this. We haven't avenged Kaifeng yet. Does Tiger Mountain have a good plan?"

Huang Degong nodded emphatically.

"Your Majesty, if the Jurchens want to retreat to the area outside the pass, they can only go through Zhangjiakou, Xifengkou, and Shanhaiguan. However, the Jurchens have penetrated deep into our territory and have very little food and supplies. Moreover, they are eager to return to our aid, so they will definitely go through Shanhaiguan."

"I believe that the old traitor Dorgon is cunning and scheming. The army in the open should be the main force, while the army in the shadows is deliberately misleading our royal army's judgment. Therefore, we should send a large army to guard Shanhaiguan, use three thousand cavalry battalions to wear down the Jurchens along the way, and send the Prince of Zhou to follow up with troops. When the Jurchens are exhausted, we should swarm them and surround them to death!"

"Dodo's tribe is temporarily unable to cross the Yellow River. As long as we swallow Dorgon's tribe, we can safely send troops to deal with the stubborn bandits entrenched in Shandong!"

(End of this chapter)