Di Ming

Chapter 487 Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened! (Long Chapter)

Hao Yunlai said, pointing southeast, "Perhaps the Regent's army has already landed."

"If that's the case, then the Burmese stronghold has been captured. It's a classic stratagem of attacking what the enemy must defend. The Burmese army will have no will to fight, and Mang Yingli will inevitably have to withdraw his troops."

"Gentlemen, you must maintain unwavering resolve, inspiring the soldiers with an indomitable will to serve the king and repay the court. If you lose your fighting spirit, the soldiers will see it, and the morale of the army will be beyond saving. In critical moments, even if it's an act, you must make the soldiers believe that reinforcements are on their way..."

Although Hao Yunlai said this, he himself was not sure and found it hard to believe that Zhu Yin's army could successfully land in Burma. All things considered, Zhu Yin's army had only been deployed for less than two months.

But as the Governor-General of Yunnan and Guizhou, he held a high position and great power. As a regional official, he was responsible for guarding the territory. Of course, he could only use the toad as a cushion, and he would try to hold on for as long as he could.

When Chen Yongbin, the governor of Yunnan, Mu Changzuo, the Duke of Qian, Mu Qing, the head of the Mu family, and others heard Hao Yunlai say such things again, they couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Is the Regent's army about to reach Myanmar?
That's easy for you to say.

The vast ocean is fraught with danger, its waves likely stretching for miles. It would be a miracle if the Regent's army could even survive at sea, let alone land in Burma and launch a surprise attack.

It’s difficult.

But what could he say now, besides trusting Hao Yunlai once again? He couldn't very well say something that would undermine morale in front of the governor.
Speaking of this governor-general who was only in his early thirties, they admired him but could do nothing about it.

Six months ago, Yunnan, under pressure, had just submitted a petition to the Nanjing court when Governor Hao arrived with the imperial edict and flag.

The Yunnan governor was not in agreement with the Duke of Qian, and the Duke of Qian was not in agreement with the governor. The local chieftains were also wavering, had different ideas, and were outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant. The region was a disorganized mess, with each leader acting independently.

Otherwise, the entire eight-point defense line wouldn't have been lost in just one month.

But with Hao Yunlai's arrival, Yunnan seemed to have truly turned its luck around.

He took advantage of Yunnan's submission to the imperial court and the prestige of his regent's great defeat of She Chongming and An Bangyan in Sichuan. As governor-general, he represented the imperial court and skillfully divided and weakened the various factions in Yunnan. He used gold, silver, and official positions to buy off and win over generals and officials who had not been given important positions before. His methods were very shrewd.

Hao Yunlai then made an example of Sha Yuan, finding a pretext to kill the unruly Sha Yuan, and even his young son Sha Dingzhou. He also killed the Wan clan chieftain, who had been allied with the Sha clan through marriage for generations. He then distributed the Sha and Wan clan's followers among loyal and obedient chieftains.

He used this combination of kindness and severity, manipulating the situation to his advantage, and quickly established his authority, suppressing the governor and the Duke of Qian. Within a month, he had firmly grasped power in Yunnan and Guizhou, mobilizing grain supplies, commanding various tribes, establishing an anti-Burmese government, and controlling the military power of the entire Yunnan province.

Governor Hao was not only shrewd and ruthless in his dealings, but also extremely tactful in his actions, managing to unite the previously disorganized Yunnan into a cohesive force. He consolidated various military forces, gathering over 80,000 miscellaneous troops into a single, cohesive unit, and strategically deployed the Lancang River defense line, managing to hold off a 200,000-strong Burmese army at the Lancang River for five months!

To be fair, this man's cunning, methods, and audacity absolutely qualify him for the heavy responsibility of governor-general. For the past few months, he has been the undisputed ruler of Yunnan, and even the powerful governor and the Duke of Qian have had to obediently submit to his orders.

Hao Yunlai glanced at the crowd and continued, "I know what you are thinking. Even if we take a step back, do we have any other way out?"

“Governor Chen, both governors and viceroys have the responsibility to defend their territories. If Yunnan is lost, I myself will not be able to escape death. Brother Chen, you have a great sense of righteousness and loyalty, and of course you will live and die with Yunnan.”

He then looked at Mu Changzuo, "As for the Duke of Qian... he has been the governor of Yunnan for over two hundred years, sharing its fate with the country. He can only live and die with Yunnan."

He also did not forget Mu Qing, "And the Mu family, which is also an old and prestigious family in Yunnan. Not to mention that the Mu family has been loyal to the court for generations and would never abandon the land and flee, just the fact that the Mu family's hereditary territory in Lijiang will fall into the hands of Myanmar would be a disservice to the ancestors of the Mu family."

Mu Qing couldn't help but smile bitterly, "That's natural. It's just that my Mu family really can't spare any more soldiers. The Mu family has already lost tens of thousands of able-bodied men. Right now, we're not exactly at our wits' end, but we're practically broke. Governor-General, the Mu family has truly done its best."

Mu Qing's voice trembled as she spoke, her heart aching so much she could hardly breathe.

The tens of thousands of elite troops from Lijiang have retreated from Baguan to the Lancang River in the past six months, suffering heavy losses. The Mu family has been severely weakened.

He cursed Mang Yingli and the Burmese army a thousand times, ten thousand times in his heart.

Governor Chen Yongbin shook his head and said, "Not to mention that there are only more than 30,000 soldiers left who can fight, the military food is almost exhausted, and the 20,000 to 30,000 wounded soldiers who were withdrawn also need to eat. If we don't take care of them, the morale of the army will collapse."

"Yunnan's land is barren and it can't support too many troops. Transporting grain from other places involves rugged mountain roads and huge costs, so it's hard to count on them right now."

"Brother Huaji, the army only has seven or eight days' worth of provisions left. We should withdraw the troops now; there's still time."

"Withdraw troops?" Hao Yunlai narrowed his eyes. "Brother Chen, if I remember correctly, four years ago, in the twenty-first year of the Wanli reign, you had just become the governor of Yunnan when you spearheaded the contraction of the border, abandoned territory, and even built the Eight Passes. From then on, the area west of the Eight Passes was no longer the territory of the Ming Dynasty, is that right?"

Chen Yongbin's expression darkened slightly. "Brother Huaji, what do you mean by this? Yes, I did order the construction of the Eight Passes. If I hadn't built them, the Burmese army would have already invaded Yunnan. How could we have waited until today? Are the Eight Passes just for show?"

"But abandoning the territory west of the Eight Passes was not my idea! That was the Emperor Emeritus's will. How could I, a mere governor, dare to abandon hundreds of miles of territory without the Emperor's will and the court's consent?"

Hao Yunlai snorted coldly, "Even if it was the Emperor Emeritus's will at the time, and he didn't want to fight a big war with Burma, you were still the Governor of Yunnan! Why didn't you submit a memorial to the court and advise the Emperor Emeritus? By building the Eight Passes, you were treating the Eight Passes as the border between the two countries, abandoning hundreds of miles of territory, greatly boosting Burma's arrogance. Burma will take an inch and then a mile. When will there be peace?"

Chen Yongbin spread his hands. "What could I do? At that time, Goryeo was fighting against the Japanese pirates, and the court was already overwhelmed. Could Yunnan also be at war with Burma? Would the Emperor Emeritus agree to start a war in the North and South at the same time? Even if the Emperor Emeritus agreed, could the court afford to fight?"

Hao Yunlai said, "And now? Even if you have a point, why are you retreating today? Where can we retreat to? Last time you could retreat to the Eight Passes, and now you've retreated to Lancang. Where will you retreat to next? Where else can we retreat to?"

Chen Yongbin was also a little embarrassed and annoyed. "Retreat to Kunming! Retreat to Dali! Retreat to the two cities and hold out for reinforcements. We will not have to worry about food and supplies. We can protect half of Yunnan! As long as Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake are still there, Yunnan will not be considered to have fallen."

"Foolish!" Hao Yunlai roared. "Just because of a lack of food, you're going to abandon the natural barrier of Lancang? How are you going to retreat? Abandon the wounded soldiers? Leave them to be slaughtered by the Burmese? If you retreat, the morale of the army will be completely shattered. Before you even reach Kunming or Dali, the soldiers will have deserted halfway there. What will you use to defend the city then?"

Chen Yongbin's face flushed red. "But what if we run out of military rations and the new rations haven't arrived yet?"

Hao Yunlai waved his hand, "Then slaughter the warhorses! Isn't eating meat delicious?! Anyway, we don't need the cavalry right now, so why not just kill some warhorses and eat their meat? It's worth it! Zhang Xun, who guards Suiyang, even eats human flesh, so why can't we eat horse meat?"

"Whoever it is, if they dare to back down again, don't blame me for being impolite."

Duke Mu Changzu of Qian quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Your Excellency the Governor-General is right. Even if we run out of food, we can't retreat. If we don't retreat, we still have 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers ready for battle. But if we retreat, the Burmese army will cross the river and pursue us, and our army may scatter in all directions. Retreat... is the most difficult thing."

Retreat is the hardest part! Upon hearing this, Chen Yongbin couldn't help but sigh.

Mu Changzuo added, "However, what Lord Chen said is not without reason. The enemy is numerous and we are few, strong and weak. Lancang is no longer defensible, and retreating to Kunming and Dali is indeed a feasible strategy. However, our army is no longer able to implement this strategy."

Hao Yunlai's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "What the Duke said makes sense, and Brother Chen's plan is also correct. However, our army is just a makeshift force and cannot withstand the risk of retreating. We can only hold on here and wait for things to change. Every day we hold on adds another day of uncertainty."

"As the saying goes, 'Only in turbulent times can true heroes emerge.' Today, the Burmese army looms across the river, its power like a thunderbolt. This is the time for us to serve our country and sacrifice ourselves!"

He had barely finished speaking when suddenly a series of loud cannon shots rang out, and everyone's expressions immediately turned solemn.

The Burmese army's Western-style cannons are starting to unleash their power again.

On the Ming army's defensive line at Feilong Pass, Burmese artillery shells bounced and cratered the rocks.

More than one Ming soldier was either killed or wounded under the bombardment of Western cannons!

The Lancang River rushes through the Nujiang Gorge, its turbid yellow waters resembling a weary dragon, heavily pounding against the reddish-brown rock walls on both banks.

Feilong Pass is nestled at the strategic throat of this natural barrier. The pass itself is not particularly magnificent, but thanks to its steep cliffs and rushing waters, it has become a barrier soaked in blood and grime.

On the city wall, tattered flags fluttered helplessly in the mountain wind, which carried a mixture of moisture and the smell of burning, much like the wounded defenders on the city wall.

"Boom!" The Ming army's heavy cannons also unleashed their power.

However, the artillery of the Ming army in Yunnan was not the new artillery of the Jinghai Army. Its performance was inferior to that of Western artillery, and many shells landed in the river, failing to reach the enemy camp on the opposite bank. Only a few shells managed to hit the other side, making it difficult to inflict casualties on the enemy.

"Hahaha!" Loud laughter of mocking Burmese soldiers came from the other side of the river.

Song Wanhua, the head of the Song family of Shuidong and Marquis of Guiyang, stared coldly at the Burmese army's white elephant banner on the opposite bank, his face ashen.

Myanmar, how despicable!
……

On the west bank of the Lancang River, and as far as the eye can see on the opposite bank, lies a sea of ​​camps that inspire despair.

The Burmese army, still numbering 170,000, had its camps stretching for over ten miles. The sounds of elephants neighing and horses neighing could be faintly heard across the river, carrying a heavy, almost overwhelming, power.

The momentum was truly astonishing!

The Burmese king's golden tent stands on a high slope, as conspicuous as stars surrounding the moon.

Mang Yingli was standing on the watchtower, gazing into the distance, surrounded by a forest of guards.

This most distinguished man in Myanmar, the strongest ruler of the Indochina Peninsula, had a dark face, high cheekbones, and an undisguised desire for conquest in his eyes. He was clearly a powerful figure with a strong desire to kill.

He wore a conical gold crown inlaid with rubies and peacock feathers, a gorgeous silk longyi, a European-style breastplate, and a Burmese sword with an ivory handle at his waist.

"May Buddha protect my Great White Elephant Kingdom," the Burmese king said, his hands clasped together, his expression becoming somewhat devout.

"The two Ming emperors are hiding in their palaces in Beijing and Nanjing. The Ming army is like autumn leaves, utterly vulnerable. This Yunnan, this Lancang River, and even the land further north will become the new Buddhist Pure Land of my Great White Elephant Kingdom! The sound of chanting will resound throughout the land!"

His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of the Burmese Sangha, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch Zhi Guang, chanted the Buddha's name and spoke with a compassionate expression:

“My king, the all-powerful Dharma King of the world. I have heard that Zhu Yin, the regent of the Ming Dynasty, is persecuting Buddhism. He is a demon king in this world.”

"Your Majesty's Bodhisattva teacher and Yaksha army will surely subdue the demons and monsters."

He proclaimed loudly, “My Vishnus! Follow our King, follow our Chakravartin, and cross the Lancang River!”

Behind him stood the Burmese military commanders. Most of them had dark brown skin, short hair, and wore various headscarves or iron helmets. They were dressed in rattan armor or lacquered leather armor, and carried Burmese spears, round shields, and distinctive curved Burmese knives.

Everywhere in the army, one could see tall, large elephants draped in felt blankets and metal plates, with gleaming steel blades strapped to their tusks, and archers on their saddles with indifferent eyes.

Many war elephants were also equipped with cannons.

What is even more remarkable is that there are a full thousand Western mercenaries from Portugal and other countries in the army!
And their 30,000 newly trained Burmese firearms soldiers!

These 30,000 new soldiers wore semi-European uniforms, carried excellent matchlock guns, and stood in neat formation.

They were the new Burmese army that Mangye hired Gutt and spent a lot of money to build. The entire army consisted of firearms soldiers and were his personal guard.

Before the Western mercenaries stood a white man dressed in the uniform of a colonel from the Portuguese East Indies government. He was spirited, wearing gloves, and carrying a saber and pistol. He was none other than Colonel Gutt, the chief military advisor to Burma.

At this time, he had been granted the title of Duke by the Burmese King for his meritorious service in training troops, placing him on par with the royal family and giving him a very high status in Burma.

To be honest, the son of this Italian shoemaker was just a Spanish Navy sergeant in Manila back then, and he would never have been able to get an officer's rank in his entire life.

Strangely enough, every time he failed, he was promoted to a higher military rank.

Even Gutt himself came up with a "lesson": if he was defeated by that army but managed to escape, he would definitely be promoted.

"Offer sacrifices, pray, and then attack Flying Dragon Pass!" The Burmese king issued a military order in a chilling tone.

Pre-war sacrificial ceremonies are mandatory; the Burmese army always holds sacrifices to the god of war and the spirits of the fallen whenever there is a battle.

The Burmese army's pre-battle rituals are full of elements that blend Theravada Buddhism with local shamanistic practices.

Several monks dressed in crimson robes sat cross-legged on the altar, chanting scriptures for the protection of the nation and the army in a low voice. The chanting was melodious and solemn.

Below the monks, the army shamans wore feathered crowns and painted their bodies with ochre patterns. They leaped around the campfire, shaking ritual implements and sprinkling rice, spices, and wine onto the earth and the fire.

While singing, they said, "Pray to the gods and the spirits of our ancestors, that they may grant the warriors courage and strength."

The Burmese soldiers shouted in unison, "Pray to the gods and the spirits of our ancestors to give our warriors courage and strength!"

Then, the Sangha King, along with a group of monks, chanted mantras over Mangye, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground.

The Burmese king solemnly accepted the monks' blessings. He then accepted the shaman's application of sacred water to his body.

Finally, there was the banner for the sacrifice of the white elephant.

The sacrificial ceremony ends, and the great battle begins again!
……

Above Feilong Pass, Governor-General Hao Yunlai of Yunnan and Guizhou stood facing the wind.

He was dressed in a scarlet civil official's robe, covered by chainmail. Although he was a civil official, he stood ramrod straight, like a nail driven into the wall.

Hao Yunlai's gaze remained calm and profound, as if it could pierce through the smoke of war before him.

The governor's composure finally calmed the hearts of the Ming soldiers.

Over the past few months, they have developed a sense of trust in Hao Yunlai.

Duke Mu Changzuo of Qian, clad in gleaming armor, stood with a furrowed brow. On the other side was Mu Qing of the Mu family of Lijiang, dressed in Naxi-style patterned armor. Beside him was Marquis Song Wanhua of Guiyang.

The Yunnan Ming army was basically composed of officers and soldiers from the Duke of Qian's mansion who also served as the Yunnan General, as well as the private armies of various local chieftains and the personal guards of the governors and provincial governors.

Therefore, the Ming army was composed of a very mixed group of soldiers, which was quite remarkable for Hao Yunlai. It was this very mixed force that held off the Burmese army for several months.

This Ming army included Han soldiers under the jurisdiction of the Qian Kingdom, fierce and brave Yi soldiers skilled in mountain raids, Bai Man soldiers proficient in archery and crossbows, and hardworking Naxi and Miao soldiers.

They spoke different languages ​​and wore different clothes, but at this moment they were united under the bright red sun and the crimson moon of the Ming Dynasty, their fighting spirit undiminished.

"Hmph, the Burmese dogs are driving people to fill the ravines again." Hao Yunlai put down the binoculars Zhu Yin had given him, his voice filled with boundless anger.

A large contingent of Burmese soldiers led thousands of ragged Han and Yi civilians to the riverbank, forcing them to carry earth and stones to a shallow area blocked by artillery fire from the garrison. Those who tried to escape or resisted were immediately hacked down with Burmese knives, their bodies kicked into the river, their blood staining the turbid current.

This was also a tactic to torment the defending troops, luring the Ming army to open fire. However, it also stimulated the Ming army's fighting spirit.

Many Ming soldiers clenched their fists until their knuckles turned white and their teeth were clenched tightly.

Hao Yunlai watched expressionlessly, but a hint of helplessness flashed deep in his eyes. He spoke slowly, trying his best to remain calm:
"The Burmese chieftain is trying to demoralize our troops; we must not let him succeed. Prepare our artillery, but do not fire without my order."

The Ming army also had a considerable number of cannons and muskets, but most of them were old and inferior in range, accuracy, and power to the Western firearms on the other side of the strait.

The firearms of the Ming Dynasty were already outdated by this time. Not in terms of design, but in terms of manufacturing processes and materials.

Over the past few months, the defending forces have barely managed to maintain the front line thanks to their familiarity with the terrain, the bravery of soldiers from various ethnic groups, and Hao Yunlai's endless stream of strategies.

“Governor-General,” Mu Changzuo said in a low voice, “the provisions are only enough for five days, and the medicine is even more scarce… the number of combat-ready soldiers in each camp is less than 37,000. How long can Feilong Pass be held?”

Hao Yunlai did not turn around, his gaze sweeping over the nearby wounded soldiers' camp, which was filled with cries of agony.

"The Lancang River is a natural barrier, and the people of Yunnan are our foundation. Without their risking their lives to cross mountains and valleys to deliver some food and fodder, and without the all-out assistance of the various chieftains, we would have long since become dry bones in the river."

He paused, then sighed, "Natural defenses are reliable, but not so reliable indefinitely; human strength has its limits. Your Excellency, gentlemen, we may not be able to hold out for much longer, but every day we hold out is a glimmer of hope. Perhaps good news will come?"

Hao Yunlai turned around, his gaze finally fixed on the north, the direction of the capital, and also the direction of his family.

“We are deeply grateful to the nation and have a duty to defend our land. Given the current situation, we have no choice but to be loyal to our duties and repay the country with our lives. I, Hao, am prepared to die for this pass and will live and die with it to repay the nation’s kindness.”

That's all.

His words were calm and firm, without any impassioned slogans, yet they carried more weight than any vow.

Hao Yunlai was actually quite depressed; he didn't want to die here. He hadn't had enough of being an official, and his family was counting on him.

How could he accept death? He was unwilling.

But what choice did he have now? To run away? That would not only lead to certain death, but also eternal infamy, and would also implicate the Hao family!
Comparatively speaking, dying for one's country is the most worthwhile outcome. At least, it allows one's wife, children, and elderly parents to continue enjoying wealth and luxury.

If Zhihu feels guilty towards himself, he will treat his wife, children, and elderly parents even better.

Hao Yunlai's face was righteous and awe-inspiring, but in his heart he sighed and felt utterly helpless.

Governor Chen Yongbin said with deep emotion: "To sacrifice one's life for righteousness and to die for the country is the time to do so today."

Upon hearing this, Mu Changzuo also clasped his hands in a deep fist salute.

Mu Qing and Song Wanhua both nodded deeply. In the eyes of the surrounding generals and soldiers, fear and exhaustion were replaced by an almost numb resolve.

They didn't want to die either. But the governor, the provincial governor, the Duke of Qian, the Duke of Mu, and other high-ranking figures weren't afraid of death. Were their lives more precious?

If the governor-general is not afraid of death, then of course they should be even less afraid of death!

……

The other side.

Mang Yingli, who had been sitting cross-legged, finally stood up. He drew his ornate ivory-handled sword from his waist, pointed it at the opposite bank, and shouted sharply:

"This river has blocked our way for five months! This is an unforgivable sin!"

The Burmese king was furious.

He led 200,000 elite troops on a northern expedition against the Ming Dynasty, losing 30,000 men and fighting for five months, only to be stubbornly blocked here.

"After crossing the river! Kill every Ming person you see! Punish their resistance!"

"I will skin the Ming army commander alive and sacrifice him to the God of War!"

"Take Feilong Pass within three days!"

"attack!"

With a command from Mang Yingli, the deep conch shell and the rhythmic Burmese war drums shook the mountains and rivers.

The final and most intense offensive has begun.

The first to arrive were not infantry, but devastating artillery fire. From the Burmese army positions on the opposite bank, Western cannons unleashed a deafening salvo, heavy projectiles tearing through the air with deathly whistles as they slammed into the walls, passes, and rear camps of Feilong Pass.

To be fair, if it weren't for the Jinghai Army, the Burmese army's firearms force would be the most powerful in the entire East.

The bricks and stones of Feilong Pass crumbled, wood chips flew everywhere, the pass walls trembled violently, and soldiers were blown to pieces along with the crenellations from time to time.

Flesh and blood flying everywhere!
The Ming army's artillery fought back fiercely, and smoke filled the air, but the difference in firepower and accuracy was immediately apparent.

Under the cover of superior artillery fire, densely packed Burmese vanguard troops, riding bamboo rafts and leather rafts, began their forced crossing of the Lancang River like bloodthirsty leeches.

The river was swift, and rafts kept capsizing, sweeping people away, but more kept coming. Those who successfully reached the shore quickly formed a line on the mudflats, raised their shields, and began to climb the steep fortified walls.

"Kill the people of Light!"

The shouts of the Burmese army echoed throughout the Lancang River region.

"Fire arrows! Smash the stones!" Hao Yunlai's orders were relayed across the area through flags amidst explosions and shouts of battle.

"Watch out for the Burmese artillery!" Song Wanhua stepped forward and said, "Governor-General, please step back!"

Hao Yunlai shouted, "If the enemy army does not retreat, I dare not speak of retreating!"

The Ming army, like a taut bowstring released in an instant, displayed its formidable resilience.

"Kill the Burmese dogs!"

"Don't let them come ashore!"

"Protect the Governor-General!"

The Naxi people's strong bows and the Yi people's poisoned crossbows rained down arrows. Huge logs and boulders tumbled down the pre-designed channels, crushing bloody and mangled paths through the climbing Burmese troops.

"what--"

Screams, splashes, impacts, and the roar of artillery mingled together.

However, the Burmese army was too numerous, seemingly inexhaustible. Fearless, they surged upwards, stepping over the corpses of their comrades. Some Burmese warriors even used grappling hooks and ropes to attempt to climb directly onto the wall.

To be fair, the Myanmar army is very strong.

"Musketeers, three-stage volley! Duke, you command the left flank! Duke Mu, the right flank is yours. Use your skilled jumpers to cut down the siege ladders!"

Hao Yunlai's legs were trembling, but his voice remained steady as he continuously adjusted his deployment based on the enemy situation.

He did not personally wield the sword and fight, but his overall assessment of the battlefield was the sharpest weapon of this fortress.

He learned these skills from Zhu Yin, of course.

Mu Changzuo directed the Ming musketeers on the left wing to fire in turns, billowing white smoke and whistling bullets.

"Bang bang bang..."

Mu Qing led the Naxi warriors, moving nimbly like mountain demons across the city walls, specifically cutting the grappling hooks of the ladders attached to the walls, or smashing burning oil cans at the gathered enemy groups.

Song Wanhua led the Miao army to provide support to both flanks and fill any gaps.

The battle raged from dawn until noon, its ferocity unprecedented. Bodies piled up like mountains beneath the walls, staining the river red.

Even more frightening is that the main force of the Burmese army on the other side, especially the war elephants and Western-style firearms troops, are still on high alert, clearly waiting for the defenders to be exhausted.

They haven't made a move yet!
"Governor! The western city wall is under attack! The Yi soldiers have suffered heavy casualties, and the Burmese army has stormed the city several times!" A messenger, his face covered in soot and blood, reported hoarsely.

Hao Yunlai's pupils contracted slightly. The low west wall was a weakness he had anticipated and had prepared a backup plan for it.

"General Song! Order the reserve forces to reinforce the west wall immediately! Tell them to ignite the 'earth fire'!"

"Yes, sir!" When Song Wanhua's Miao soldiers arrived at the west wall, dozens of elite Burmese soldiers had already rushed onto the top of the wall, brandishing Burmese knives and roaring as they engaged in a brutal hand-to-hand combat with the defenders.

"kill!"

"die!"

The Yi and Bai soldiers fought to the death, but the defense line was already in grave danger.

For miles around, the sounds of fierce fighting echoed, sending chills down one's spine. Even the elephants on the opposite bank roared in unease.

Hao Yunlai's eyelids twitched. He took a deep breath and ordered the flag bearer beside him: "Raise the black flag and give the signal."

In an instant, gunpowder canisters, pre-buried and connected by bamboo tubes, were ignited in several inconspicuous corners inside the pass.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, but several muffled thuds came from under the foundation outside the west wall, accompanied by violent tremors and billowing smoke.

"What?!" Some of the Burmese soldiers who were climbing or had already reached the top of the wall were thrown into chaos by the sudden ground fire, and their offensive was greatly hampered.

"Ah—" Large numbers of Burmese soldiers' rattan armor was ignited by flames, and they screamed as they fell into the surging Lancang River.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the reserve garrison, led by Song Wanhua, roared and charged forward, pinning down the Burmese troops who had scaled the city walls.

Large groups of Burmese troops who had already advanced were finally forced to retreat back to the river surface by the terrifying flames and the counterattack of the defending forces.

The Burmese army suffered two to three thousand casualties and could only look on with envy at the pass.

Hao Yunlai had already calculated the limits of the critical points and meticulously planned this ground fire tactic.

"Damn it." The Burmese king watched this scene, his eyes darting towards the flames of the fortress on the opposite bank, his killing intent almost tangible.

However, this did not fundamentally reverse the course of the war.

This can only temporarily delay the war.

"Retreat!" The Burmese king knew that this attack had failed again.

The Ming army commander was cunning and difficult to deal with!
……

The next day, the Burmese army continued its offensive.

Driven by the supervisory team, the Burmese army launched an even more frenzied offensive.

More Burmese troops began to be mobilized, and the massive war elephant herds began to stir restlessly. The dark muzzles of Western-style firearms soldiers were pointed at Feilong Pass and bombarded it continuously.

In the following days, the Ming army was exhausted, and the Burmese army also suffered heavy losses.

Hao Yunlai's face revealed an undisguised exhaustion. He had few options left; his soldiers had reached their limit.

He silently calculated the time, preparing to issue the final order: once the outer walls were completely breached, they would retreat to the inner walls and could only ignite the gunpowder stored in the fortress.

Just as the Burmese army's elephant cavalry began to wade through the water and their artillerymen were about to enter a more effective firing range, the Feilong Pass defense line was on the verge of collapse...

Suddenly, a fast horse rushed into the Burmese king's tent from the direction of the Burmese army camp on the opposite bank.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!" The Burmese messenger, trembling, handed over a letter.

"Seven days ago, Wangjing was captured by the Ming army! Your Majesty! One hundred thousand Ming troops occupied Wangjing, and everyone was either killed or captured..."

"What did you say!" Mang Yingli roared in fury. "You lowly wretch! What nonsense are you spouting! The devil has bewitched your soul!"

Enraged, Mang Yingli plunged his knife into the messenger's chest and twisted it violently.

"You lied about military intelligence! You deserve to die!"

……

P.S.: The long chapter of nearly 8,000 words has finally been completed. Thank you, goodnight, and please vote with your monthly tickets!
(End of this chapter)