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

Chapter 94 I Will Head Straight to the Yellow Dragon's Mansion

It wasn't just Dorgon who was under pressure.

Even Jirhalang's side is not having an easy time.

In comparison, Jirhalang is the least useful, as he only needs to tie down the garrison along the Shanhaiguan-Jizhou line.

Even if Dorgon sent an urgent message instructing him to bypass the Jizhou army and attack Zhu Youjian from behind.

It only takes crossing the Jizhou line guarded by a mere 20,000 people.

The problem is that the Ming army opposite him is too brave!

With only a thousand or so men, they dared to go out of the city and fight him.

Moreover, their fighting style was extremely unpredictable; Jirhalang swore it was the most bizarre force he had ever seen.

They were all fearless and fought with increasing ferocity, seemingly without any limit to their stamina. Even when injured, they could fight and heal themselves, and their armor was repaired on the spot.

In that battle, he threw four Jiala (a type of weapon) to barely repel the thousand men.

They lost nearly a thousand men, but left behind fewer than a hundred corpses.

The Shanhaiguan Pass is only so long, and the Jizhou army guards the area thirty li outside Shanhaiguan Pass, so he simply cannot cross it.

Taking a longer route would waste four or five more days, potentially causing us to miss a crucial opportunity.

Therefore, Jirhalang is now in a particularly difficult position.

If Jirhalang meant it, he wanted to make a show of it, indicating that he couldn't cross the Shanhaiguan Pass and therefore couldn't support Daishan.

It would be best to wipe out Dorgon's entire faction in the heart of the Ming Dynasty!
He was a staunch supporter of Huang Taiji, and after Huang Taiji's death, he single-handedly supported Hauge's ascension to the throne, making the current emperor Fulin the crown prince.

He can be considered a leading figure in Huang Taiji's faction.

However, he was no match for Dorgon in political struggles, which led to the current situation where he and Dorgon jointly govern.

Although it was said that two princes assisted the emperor, in reality, after Dorgon took control of the two Yellow Banners and two White Banners, it became a one-man show for Dorgon.

The military arrangements reveal that Huang Taiji's faction only had Hauge and Jirgalang to offer.

Hauge was then assigned to transport grain and fodder, while Jirhalang was sent to Shanhaiguan to starve.

If Dorgon's plan succeeds, the credit for taking over the north will have nothing to do with their Hauge faction.

Dorgon's lineage will enjoy immense prestige outside the Great Wall, and he could easily ascend to the throne after moving his army.

Jirgalang had every reason to frame Dorgon.

But he still didn't do it.

Without him.

Don't be fooled by their current power and influence; they can conquer the Central Plains as easily as riding a horse.

But the foundation is still too weak.

Once Dorgon and Dodo were surrounded by the Ming army, the losses would be enormous.

If the loss exceeds 40,000 lives, it would be a disaster for the Qing Dynasty at present, and it would take at least ten years to recover.

It is true that he and Dorgon were political enemies, but they shared a common premise: that the tribe, which had been developed with great difficulty, should not be harmed for personal gain!
It was precisely for this reason that Dorgon was so confident in entrusting logistics to Hauge and retreat to Jirgalang.

The southward march of the army not only expanded the territory of the Qing Dynasty, but also enhanced its prestige and diverted political pressure.

Jirgalang had to admire Dorgon's political acumen.

It can be said that the Qing Dynasty is now riddled with loopholes. If any one of these loopholes is breached, it could lead to the utter destruction of this new dynasty.

However, thanks to their strong military power, coupled with the united front and public-spirited attitude of Dorgon and his generation, they managed to suppress all the loopholes within the empire!

Time passed by minute by minute.

Jirhalang stared at the candlelight, pondering all night.

I couldn't think of a solution that would satisfy both sides.

The final decision was to lead the army on a detour, even though it would take four or five days, to ensure the army's fighting capacity.

If war breaks out with the Jizhou army, the extent of the losses is another matter, but Jirhalang has no idea how long the war will last.

He couldn't determine how many of those sinister troops remained in the Jizhou army.

Just as he was about to give the order, an urgent letter from Zhangjiakou completely disrupted his plans.

Moreover, Jirhalang knew it was extremely urgent even before he had seen it.

Because urgent messages are delivered by carrier hawks.

In an era without long-distance communication, information involving military secrets was generally transmitted by messengers over long distances.

The carrier falcon was a unique method of communication used by the Mongols, and it was only adopted by the Manchus after the Khorchin tribe submitted to the Qing dynasty.

Because of the instability, a single letter often needs to be written in dozens of parts and sent out together, so that no matter how many arrive, the message will always be delivered.

However, it could also lead to interception by the enemy, so unless it was an emergency, the message eagle would never be used to deliver it.

Jirhalang quickly took the letter from his guard and unfolded it to read it.

There is only one sentence above.

"The Southern Emperor's army of 50,000 is engaged in a fierce battle at Feihu Ridge. The Chahar has rebelled; reinforcements are needed immediately!"

After just one glance, Jirhalang immediately ordered, "Beat the drums to gather the generals, and the army shall prepare food immediately!"

As the general's drum sounded, Jirhalang's spirits sank to rock bottom.

Based on his understanding of Dai Shan, he would never send a letter asking for help unless the situation had become dangerous enough.

Although Jirhalang couldn't understand how a mere 50,000 Ming troops plus 20,000 to 30,000 Chahar cavalry could have forced Daišan's 200,000-strong army to this extent.

However, he still decided to send troops to provide assistance immediately.

Soon, the officers and soldiers under the Blue Banner arrived in haste.

The Bordered Blue Banner had a total of 29,000 people, divided into 95 Niru, which were further divided into four Gushan and nineteen Jiala.

There was also a Gushan supported by Hauge, led by Abatai, the seventh son of Nurhaci.

Therefore, Jirhalang currently has a total of 36,000 people.

There were few capable generals, and no strategists.

Therefore, he could only consult with two people.

One was Abatai, and the other was Oboi, who was known as the first Baturu of the Qing Dynasty!

The latter, in particular, was highly valued by Jirhalang.

Ao Bai lived up to expectations, winning battle after battle and always taking the lead in every conflict, resulting in frequent promotions.

Once everyone was seated, Jirhalang got straight to the point, saying, "Prince Li has trapped the Southern Dynasty emperor at Feihu Ridge. The time has come to make his mark. Quickly muster your troops, take ten days' worth of provisions, and set off from the pass at 9:00 AM, heading straight for Zhangjiakou!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall erupted in an uproar.

They all thought this war had nothing to do with them, and were all prepared to gather some supplies at Shanhaiguan so they could go back to the outside world to enjoy themselves.

Unexpectedly, they even stumbled upon the good fortune of capturing and killing the emperor of the Southern Dynasty.

Excitement immediately appeared in their eyes and brows.

Jirhalang ignored everyone's reactions and continued speaking.

"Abatai!"

Upon hearing the call, Abatai immediately stood up and knelt on one knee.

"I order you to lead your troops to fight against the Jizhou army. Make a big show of force and create a great impression. After drawing away the main force of the Ming army, retreat to Shanhaiguan immediately. Do not allow any loss!"

"Whoo!"

"Ao Bai!"

Ao Bai, with his exceptionally robust physique and always clad in armor even when not in battle, immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in salute, and declared, "I order you to lead your troops on horseback at breakneck speed, as the vanguard, and relentlessly seize the three camps day and night!"

"Whoo!"

"All other units, proceed immediately from the Japanese lines!"

The twenty-odd generals in the hall bowed simultaneously, instantly enlivening the atmosphere inside Shanhaiguan.

This is thanks to the fact that the Manchu Eight Banners had not yet been established.

The order was given at Chenshi (7-9 AM), and at Sishi (9-11 AM), the army set off precisely on time.

Abatai, leading a Gushan from Zhenglan Banner and using the banners of Jirhalang and other Gushan from Xianglan Banner, was discovered by spies less than ten miles after leaving the pass.

Whether due to repeated victories or underestimation of the enemy, the Ming army launched an attack with over 10,000 troops from their main camp outside Shanhaiguan before even ascertaining the enemy's strength.

Military towns within dozens of miles also set out from their camps at the same time.

This saved Jirhalang unnecessary trouble.

After sending out a few dozen cavalry units to clear out the Ming spies,

With Ao Bai leading the way, the army followed and headed straight for Zhangjiakou.

However, this whole scene was clearly seen by Ye Bu, who was hiding in the shadows.

Abatai did not want to confront the Ming army head-on.

After Jirhalang left, the army withdrew and returned to Shanhaiguan.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the assembled Ming army pushed the defensive line forward by twenty miles, completely blocking Shanhaiguan.

……

The Yellow Sea shimmered with tiny silver light under the August sun. Zheng Chenggong stood on the third deck of the Flying Cloud warship, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade belt at his waist.

On the distant beach of Jiaozhou Bay, hundreds of warships were arrayed in the Twenty-Eight Mansions formation, with the towering nine masts of the treasure ships unfurling their sun and moon flags in the wind.

The twenty-year-old general had hawk-like eyes and a narrow face. There was an arrow scar about an inch long on his left cheek that was hidden in his temple. It was left from the suppression of bandits in Penghu last year.

He has been stationed here for three days.

For the past three days, he has stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance, eagerly awaiting a reply from His Majesty in the capital.

Although Zheng Chenggong's father was a notorious pirate, he was deeply influenced by Confucian culture. The young man was full of passion and wanted to make a name for himself, no longer relying on his father's influence.

In this era of scarcity, it was difficult to gain recognition from others, or rather, to gain recognition from the community.

The best path is to be loyal to the emperor and serve the country, emulating Zhong Jun of the Han Dynasty, who captured the enemy at a young age and sealed the wolf's lair!
Learn from Ban Dingyuan, a light cavalryman who could conquer a country across thousands of miles!
Ever since Zheng Zhilong ordered him to lead troops north to defend the emperor, Zheng Chenggong made up his mind that he would become the Marquis of Champion of the Ming Dynasty!
Moreover, young people have not been exposed to officialdom and value etiquette above all else.

Without an imperial edict, he dared only stay in Jiaozhou Bay.

Just when everyone thought they would have to return empty-handed again, a sudden urgent shout came from the rear of the deck from Zheng Ping, a personal guard.

"Young General! Young General! The envoy has arrived! His Majesty has issued a decree!"

Zheng Chenggong was taken aback at first, then turned around excitedly to look at Zheng Ping.

"An angel has arrived? Where is he?"

Zheng Ping was panting heavily, but he couldn't hide the joy on his face. "Young General, Commander Chen has already gone to meet us by boat. He should arrive at the main ship in about 3:45. I came to report the good news to you first."

"Excellent! Quickly set up the altar and welcome the angel." Zheng Chenggong's face finally showed joy.

It wasn't the imperial decree that he was overjoyed, but rather that he could finally achieve great things!

Zheng Chenggong's flagship, which was also the flagship of the entire task force, was a treasure ship, 149 meters long, 50 meters wide, with nine masts and twelve sails, and a draft of eight meters.

It carries 110 heavy artillery pieces.

The four decks are fully equipped with all kinds of facilities.

Even the eunuchs from the palace couldn't help but feel terrified when faced with such a large warship.

Moreover, Zheng Chenggong brought twenty treasure ships with him this time.

He put aside his contempt, stepped onto the deck, and treated Zheng Chenggong with great courtesy and respect, which was completely different from what Zheng Chenggong had heard about the eunuch faction.

After exchanging pleasantries, the eunuch politely declined the stack of silver notes that Zheng Ping offered.

Standing before the incense table, twelve Imperial Guards stood in two rows behind him, each holding a brocade spring knife.

Zheng Chenggong slammed one knee on the deck, the hem of his flying fish robe sweeping across the three-inch-thick tung oil deck.

"The Emperor, by the Will of Heaven, decrees this."

A sharp sound rang out, and the four hundred warships in Jiaozhou Bay suddenly fell silent; even the sound of the waves crashing against the shore weakened by a third.

"I know... I hereby appoint the General of Dengzhou and Laizhou... and bestow upon him the Emperor's Sword!"

After reading the lengthy imperial edict, the eunuch, seeing Zheng Chenggong still in a daze, bowed and walked up to him with a smile.

"Congratulations to General Zheng! At such a young age, you have been appointed as a general, carrying the Emperor's sword and commanding tens of thousands of troops for defense. You are truly a hero among men and a unicorn of the Ming Dynasty."

"Please accept the imperial decree first, General Zheng. I also have a personal letter from His Majesty to you, which you must receive in person."

"What?!" Before the eunuch could finish speaking, Zheng Chenggong was so shocked he almost jumped up.

He hadn't even distinguished himself in battle yet, and being appointed a general was already beyond his wildest imagination. Now, he even had a personal letter from His Majesty. If there weren't so many people around, Zheng Chenggong would have slapped himself twice. Look how ridiculous he's dreaming.

Who is he anyway? Even if his father is the General of Fujian with hundreds of thousands of troops under his command, compared to the emperor who rules the world, he is nothing.

Let alone him, even if Zheng Zhilong came, he would have to accept the handwritten letter with trepidation.

He stretched out his hands and tremblingly accepted the letter.

The envelope was opened in front of the eunuch, which was a way for the eunuch to go back and report.

Zheng Chenggong then did not get up, but held the letter and began to read it.

"You have besieged the city for fifteen days, awaiting my decree." Zheng Chenggong carefully read the bold, powerful characters on the silk, and the sea breeze suddenly became scorching hot.

He recalled last year at the Imperial College in Nanjing, seeing how those decadent Donglin gentlemen mocked the war in the north, and now, every word of the imperial edict in his hand was imbued with the cold glint of the emperor's sword.

After an unknown amount of time, Zheng Chenggong finally stood up with trembling hands. His personal guard, Zheng Ping, saw the young general's Adam's apple bob several times. He had never seen the young general suppress his tears like this before.

"Thank you for your help, Your Excellency and the Imperial Envoys, in providing me with the imperial golden scale armor," Zheng Chenggong said with a reddened eye and a hoarse smile.

"That's how it should be, why bother?" The eunuch smiled obsequiously, and twelve Imperial Guards presented Zheng Chenggong with a golden suit of armor.

After dressing, Zheng Chenggong knelt down again, facing the direction of the capital.

"I would be grateful if you could convey my message to His Majesty. His Majesty's grace is boundless, and he has shown such great favor to me. I am unworthy, and I would gladly die for you!"

"Of course." The eunuch bowed to Zheng Chenggong, then hurriedly left with the Imperial Guards.

"Order all ship commanders to hold a meeting in the command tent in three quarters of an hour!" Zheng Chenggong suddenly stood up, his eyes revealing an unprecedented gleam.

Dusk falls.

Zheng Chenggong stood in front of the three-foot-tall "Kunyu Dongyi Map" and the command room of thirty-four naval officers in chainmail was packed tightly together.

"Chen Ze will lead fifty Cangshan warships, along with fifteen smaller ships and three thousand soldiers. We will depart for Korea at 1:00 AM tomorrow." Zheng Chenggong pointed his sword at the northern tip of the Yellow Sea. "I don't need to instruct you on the specifics, do I?"

Suppressed laughter suddenly filled the room.

These men, who came from pirate backgrounds in southern Fujian, knew best how to intimidate and threaten.

Especially Chen Ze.

Chen Ze even deliberately brandished the Japanese sword at his waist, making a clanging sound; it was a trophy from last year's campaign against the Satsuma Domain's raiding ships.

"The main fleet will launch a beach assault in three waves."

Zheng Chenggong suddenly raised his voice, and the tent fell silent instantly. "Shi Lang will lead eighty sand ships ahead, and I, the general, will lead the treasure ships to provide artillery cover."

"Remember, the tide in Jinzhou Bay rises at 3:45 AM. The soldiers must occupy Wanghai Ridge before 7:00 AM!"

"In this battle, I will march straight to Huanglongfu!"

(End of this chapter)