Di Ming

Chapter 492 The Battle of Gan Gaoshan!
The Ming regent's act of deposing and installing a new king in Burma shocked not only the Burmese but also Mangluo himself. He never expected that Zhu Yin would install him as the new king.

Even after Zhu Yin's men had helped him bathe, change clothes, and put on royal robes early that morning, he was still somewhat bewildered.

But Zhu Yin's words still echoed in my ears:

"Prince Mangluo, you want to avenge your parents, you want to serve the Ming Dynasty, what is the best way? Have you thought about it, Prince?"

The image of the Ming Dynasty regent's kind yet sinister face flashed before his eyes again.

Yes, the regent, both kind and sinister.

“Prince, do not worry. Since I am going to help you, I will help you to the end. Would you like to be the King of Burma? The new Lord of the White Elephant?”

The noble and unassailable regent of the Ming Dynasty smiled even more gently at this point, and even condescended to pour him a cup of tea.

He was so startled by these words that he almost dropped his teacup.

He thought it was a test from the regent, so he quickly knelt down and said that he dared not have any improper thoughts.

However, the regent helped himself up and said with a sincere yet incredulous expression that Myanmar needed a new king to stabilize the situation and to undermine the tyrant's popular support.

There is no one more suitable than yourself.

The Regent's voice was both like a soothing and peaceful Buddhist chant and like a seductive demon's voice, making him neither want to refuse nor dare to refuse.

So, he could only prostrate himself in gratitude, filled with both joy and sorrow, and with trepidation, thanking the Regent for his kindness and agreeing to become the new king of Burma!
The Ming Regent looked down at him from his high position, a gesture that seemed both a solemn promise and a gentle warning:
"The prince has become the new king of Burma. As long as he respects the Ming Dynasty and fulfills his duties as a vassal, he will be a very fortunate person. He will be protected by the gods and Buddhas and will always be safe and happy. Do good, do good."

He understood the Regent's meaning, and he didn't know what to feel.

But he knew very well that he could not go against the will of the Regent of the Ming Dynasty!
……

March 15th, the second year of the Taichang reign of the Ming Dynasty. Full moon day of the month of Tanzu, 958th year of the Burmese calendar.

An auspicious day. Everything is ready.

Zhu Yin officially supported the Burmese prince Mangluo to ascend the throne at the Maha Aung Myat Temple in Ava.

Early that morning, as the morning light pierced the fog over the Irrawaddy River, the coronation ceremony of the new king at the Maha Aung My Temple began.

Besides Ming generals and the King of Siam, those "invited" to the ceremony included high-ranking monks, wealthy merchants, and Western missionaries from the city.

Even the royal nobles and ministers who had been captured in Wangjing were temporarily released and joined Mangla's coronation ceremony.

The magnificent Mah Aung Myat Temple is adorned with the flags of both the Ming Dynasty and Burma. Outside the temple, along the riverbank, two thousand monks gather, begging for alms and chanting Jataka tales.

More than 10,000 monks from across the city chanted prayers together. The city was filled with the sounds of Buddhist chants, accompanied by the unique Burmese music played on drums, harps, and gongs, creating a truly magnificent spectacle.

These drums and harps are made from the bones and skin of brave warriors who died in battle, and are said to have the power to summon heroic spirits and suppress evil spirits.

The temple was packed with people, both inside and out.

A sacred elephant, draped in a gold net inlaid with rubies, carried a Burmese scepter and a golden stupa, and then, led by monks and elephant handlers, arrived at the temple square.

Thirty-six Burmese girls danced the celestial dance "The Birth of the Wheel-Turning Holy King," a dance with dislocated joints and bizarre movements, in the square.

The Burmese people watched this "dance of the celestial maidens" with great admiration and fascination. However, the Ming generals frowned and felt very uncomfortable watching it.

Zhu Yin knew, however, that women who practiced this dance often had short lifespans. This was because practicing this deformed dance from a young age, which caused joint misalignment, would severely damage their bodies. But it was considered the national dance of Myanmar, and indispensable in coronation ceremonies.

The new king, Manglu, wearing a pagoda crown and royal robes, walked somewhat absentmindedly to the sacred elephant, dipped his fingertips into the "Buddha's blood" from the silver urn, and smeared it on the elephant's forehead.

In fact, Theravada Buddhism does not permit blood sacrifices, considering them blasphemous. However, the Burmese nobility, deeply influenced by Indian Brahmanism, developed a "blood Buddha ceremony" with distinctive Toungoo characteristics.

Therefore, in the eyes of the Siamese, who also believe in Theravada Buddhism, the Burmese are actually considered "heretics".

Then the new king poured coconut water over his head, and then took the scepter made of Bodhi tree branches, which symbolized the royal power of Myanmar, and raised it high.

All the Burmese people around, whether they liked it or not, whether they acknowledged it or not, could only kneel down and congratulate the new king on his ascension to the throne. Their congratulatory messages varied from person to person.

The nobles' congratulatory message was: "May the Three Jewels protect you, and may the bloodline of the Holy King continue as eternally as the sun and moon."

The monks' blessing was: "May the new king's virtue be as vast as the earth, nourishing the field of wisdom for all beings."

When Mang Yingli ascended the throne, he slaughtered his brothers, showing no sign of celebration. In contrast, Mang Luo's ascension this time, though strange in many ways, was much more "peaceful."

Mang Luo, who had become the new king, looked at his people prostrating themselves in worship and listened to the uneven congratulatory messages. He couldn't help but feel bewildered and lost in thought.

Am I really the ruler of Myanmar?

But what can I decide?

Logically, he should have been joyful and excited at this moment, but he showed no joy at all.

Suddenly, a strange "attendant" whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, today is the joyous day of Your Majesty's coronation. Why is Your Majesty not smiling?"

Mang Luo turned around in astonishment, looking at the unfamiliar servant with a look of surprise and doubt.

The attendant didn't look like a Burmese; he looked more like a northerner (Ming dynasty person), but he spoke Burmese quite well.

The attendant appeared respectful and spoke in a sincere voice, "Your Majesty should smile. If Your Majesty doesn't smile, the Regent will think that Your Majesty has been wronged and will also be unhappy."

Mang Luo opened his mouth, but swallowed the words that were about to come out, and in the end, he could only force a smile.

He finally smiled.

The attendant smiled with satisfaction.

On the viewing platform, Zhu Yin, the regent of the Ming Dynasty, and Naresuan, the king of Siam, kept their eyes fixed on the new king, Mangluo. Seeing Mangluo smile and appear joyful, Naresuan said with a smile:
"The Regent is truly a great benefactor to the new King of Burma, and the new King is very pleased."

Zhu Yin smiled knowingly, "Prince Xuan is also his benefactor. Without Prince Xuan's protection, he would have died at the hands of Mang Yingli long ago. How could he have had the chance to return to the country and ascend the throne?"

Princess Dewi of Siam, who was not far away, felt great disdain upon hearing Zhu Yin and her father's words.

Hmph, what benefactor? You're all just using Mang Luo. One's offering feigned protection, the other's pretending to make him king.

She suddenly realized that people who wield power are not good people.

The King was like that, and so was Zhu Yin.

What about the Ming emperor we never met? Was he also only interested in power and the throne?
"The coronation is complete, the new king has ascended the throne!" A loud shout suddenly interrupted the Siamese princess's thoughts.

Then, a Ming dynasty man, holding a yellow silk handkerchief, stepped forward and read aloud:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, by the grace of Heaven, under the sun and moon, rule all under Heaven… Burma was originally a vassal state of the Great Ming… Now, the new King Mang Luo has ascended the throne, and the court, bearing this imperial edict, hereby bestows upon him the title of King of Burma and grants him this imperial decree…"

"May you uphold your duties as a subject, care for your people, and protect China... Respectfully!"

Mang Luo knelt to receive the imperial edict of investiture from the Ming Dynasty, and kowtowed, saying, "Your subject Mang Luo thanks the Emperor for his grace and will obey the imperial decree!"

The nobles and officials of Toungoo who were escorted to the square to participate in the coronation ceremony dared not speak out against the new king, Mangala, as he bowed to the north and submitted to him.

Although Myanmar has indeed been a vassal state of China since ancient times, starting with the late King Mang Yinglong, the Great White Elephant Kingdom destroyed more than ten kingdoms and expanded its territory by thousands of miles. The Ming Dynasty's vassal states were all annexed. The Great White Elephant Kingdom no longer regarded China with respect, and the tributary relationship existed in name only.

For many years, the Great White Elephant Kingdom has ceased to respect the imperial edicts of the Ming Dynasty. It no longer even offers the Ming a token of respect. Not only does it not consider itself a vassal state, but it has also harbored ambitions to launch a northern expedition against the Ming.

But today, Mang Luo has once again humbly submitted to the Ming Dynasty!
However, no matter how dissatisfied they are, they can only watch helplessly as all this unfolds. What can they change? They can't even control their own lives and fortunes, let alone matters of state.

After Mangluo accepted the investiture, his attendant immediately presented him with a "Dama Edict" drafted in his name, which was actually a formal edict written on palm leaves deposing Mangluo from the throne.

This "Dharma Edict" was not from Mangala's hand, but he was quite pleased to see this royal decree. Immediately, with a trembling voice, he personally read it aloud: "Mangala murdered his father and brother, became a demon in one thought, fell into the Buddhist realm, disrespected the Brahma lineage, burned the palm leaves... and defied the will of Heaven! As a result of his present-day calamity, a star fell from Ava, his sins filled the Angry River, the Buddha's eyes wept blood, and all living beings grieved. He has no virtue of a ruler, but possesses the evil of Mara... How can he be worthy of being a king!"

“Now, by the decree of my Buddha, I will sever his royal aura, wash his body and face with the cold water of the Seven Wells, take away his royal power tokens, shatter his peacock military tally, burn his white elephant necklace, demote him to a broom-bearing slave, atone for his sins before the eternal lamp, and repent by turning the prayer wheel in the corridor… On the full moon of the 958th year of the reign of Emperor Tanzu, the fifteenth day of the third month of the second year of the Taichang reign of the Great Ming Dynasty.”

"Excellent (So be it)!"

Once the royal decree was read, Mangyingli was formally deposed from his throne and reduced to the lowly title of "broom-bearing slave."

After Mang Luo finished reading the "Dama Edict" deposing his enemy Mang Yingli, he was overjoyed and tears of happiness almost streamed down his face.

Mang Yingli, you've finally met your match!
You are no longer the king! You are a broom-wielding slave!

Although Mangyingli still had more than 200,000 troops under his command, he would never obediently abdicate and become a broom-bearer because of this "Dama Edict". After all, in name, he had deposed Mangyingli from his throne!

The local monks, wealthy merchants, and missionaries who attended the celebration were unimpressed.

They all knew very well that as long as Mang Yingli still had a large army, he would still be the King of Burma and the Lord of the White Elephant!

No matter how much Zhu Yin and Mang Luo deposed Mangyingli from his throne, they could not change this reality.

Unless they can defeat Mangyungri on the battlefield and destroy his army, only then will Mangyungri truly lose his throne.

However, many people do not believe that Zhu Yinzhen was able to defeat Mang Yingli with fewer troops.

After Mangluo issued an edict to depose Mangyingli, he issued another edict ordering all the chief officials of the Miao people to pledge allegiance to the new king and come to Ava to pay homage as soon as possible, or else they would be dismissed from their posts and replaced by their deputies.

This was, of course, also Zhu Yin's plan.

Although the final outcome is decided on the battlefield, he must win the game outside the battlefield first!
……

Banghang Mountain Pass, Mengnai Mountain City.

March eighteenth.

After more than ten days of arduous marching, Mang Yingli finally led his army of 210,000 men across most of the Shan State Plateau, through the Bang Hang Pass, and arrived at Mengnai City.

Mengnai City was a small military city, not large enough to house a large army; it could only serve as the central military camp of the Burmese king.

It wasn't until they arrived at Mengnai City that Mangyingli ordered another rest and reorganization.

Marching on the plateau is extremely arduous, especially when carrying a large amount of supplies and traversing dense jungles. The physical exertion of both men and horses is immense, and a day of rest is essential.

Mang Yingli wished he could fly back to the capital. However, the larger the army, the slower their marching speed; sixty or seventy li a day was already considered fast.

Every two days, news would reach his troops. But the news was getting worse and worse.

Zhu Yin not only captured Wangjing, but also occupied Zhongdong Dongyuhe and Beijing Awa City. Awa City was surrendered by the Meng general Suti after killing the city's lord.

hateful!

The three capitals of the Great White Elephant Kingdom were ravaged by the Ming army, leaving only the western capital, Bagan. All the gold and silver treasures of the three capitals were looted by the Ming army.

The latest bad news is that King Naresuan of Siam has indeed led his troops to join forces with the Ming army! Moreover, Naresuan has also brought Mangala with him.

Upon receiving the message, Mang Yingli was furious.

Narixuan! I will definitely skin you alive and cut off your head!
But today, even worse news finally arrived.

Zhu Yin actually installed Mangluo as king in Ava City, deposed himself from the throne, and punished him by making him a broom-bearer!

"Zhu Yin!" Mang Yingli roared in fury, "You shameless scoundrel who wouldn't even save Buddha or Yaksha! I am the Holy Lord of the Great White Elephant Kingdom! What right do you have to make Mang Luo your king! Aren't you afraid of the karmic retribution that will condemn you to eternal damnation!"

"You think you can command millions of people in the Great White Elephant Kingdom by setting up a puppet? You're dreaming!"

Mang Yingli never expected Zhu Yin to do such a thing; it was too vicious and despicable. This move had a truly terrible impact.

Mangala was, after all, the grandson of the late king, and many people in the country sympathized with him over the years. Unfortunately, this good nephew had been hiding in the Siamese royal palace, and several assassination attempts had failed.

Now that Mangluo has returned to his country and, with the support of the Ming army, has usurped the title of king, he will surely deceive many people who are disloyal to him, and may very well find himself deserted by his own people!

Who knows who might be secretly loyal to this false king, Mang Luo?
When the Burmese military commanders and accompanying ministers learned of this bad news, they were all trembling with anger.

Zhu Yin was truly ruthless and vicious. This is not how the Ming Dynasty behaved.

Mang Yingli threw a tantrum, cursing Zhu Yin and Mang Luo to the point of both being reborn and ascending to heaven, but he didn't lose his temper because of it.

He immediately dispatched his trusted guards to Annam again, urging the Annamese ruler, Trinh, to send troops as soon as possible.

At the same time, he secretly instructed his subordinates to keep an eye on the tribal leaders, including the chieftain of Cheli, Dao Nuomeng, and the chieftain of Mubang, Han Jinzhong. He knew that Dao Nuomeng, Han Jinzhong, and the others were not truly loyal to him and could turn against him at any time.

However, the army had 120,000 elite 'royal troops' (central imperial guards) who were completely loyal to him, as well as 40,000 to 50,000 reliable 'local elite troops' (commanders of the Miao region). The vassal armies of Han Jinzhong, Dao Nuomeng, and others numbered only 40,000 to 50,000, so they probably wouldn't dare to do anything.

What Mang Yingli didn't know was that Zhu Yin's Tiger Fang agents had already infiltrated the ranks of Han Jinzhong, Dao Nuomeng, and others, and were trying to turn them against their cause.

Several days later, the Burmese army finally reached the Ganga Pass. After crossing the Ganga Pass, they left the Shan State Plateau and entered Mandalay.

However, the news sent back by the scouts at the front immediately made Mang Yingli and the others grit their teeth.

It turned out that Gangaoshan City had been occupied by the Ming army and was being held in a defensive position.

To enter the pass, one must either capture Gangao Mountain City or detour north, taking a long detour of a thousand miles, and then head south from Myitkyina!
Mang Yingli was eager to return home and fight the Ming army decisively. How could he possibly detour north? He immediately ordered an attack on Gangaoshan City.

In order to seize the easily defensible Gangao Pass as soon as possible, he directly deployed the "Ghost Ape Battalion," which was best at rock climbing and combat, and also deployed a Western heavy artillery battalion.

The plan was to use over a hundred heavy artillery pieces weighing over a thousand kilograms each to bombard Gangao Pass, providing cover for five thousand Ghost Ape Battalion warriors to climb the pass.

The Ghost Ape Battalion is renowned for its skill in rock climbing, scaling walls, and fighting. However, the Ghost Ape Battalion is not actually the "Royal Army," nor even the "Commander-in-Chief Miao," but rather the tribal army of the Su clan of the Shan people.

The Shan chieftain and Sanjiang garrison commander, Su Lun, had no choice but to send the "Ghost Ape Battalion" to attack Gangao Pass.

He wasn't exactly loyal to Mangyingli, but he didn't dare to rebel against him either. Moreover, he knew that his Ghost Ape Camp was indeed the most suitable to attack Gangao Pass, and the Burmese king's order was not without merit, so it couldn't be said that it was an opportunity to deplete his troops.

If the Burmese king were to expend tribal troops, he should have expended the most distrusted Dao Nuo Meng and Han Jin Zhong, not Su Lun.

At the command of the Burmese king, five thousand Ghost Ape Battalion warriors, who were at the forefront, stepped forward, wearing rattan armor and nailed shoes.

Meanwhile, Colonel Gutt's heavy artillery battalion, with elephants pulling it, was also setting up each of its heavy artillery pieces, each weighing over a thousand kilograms.

In the entire Eastern world, apart from Zhu Yin's Jinghai Army, the Burmese army had the most heavy artillery.

Behind the Ghost Ape Camp, another 10,000 "Commander Miao" were preparing to follow the Ghost Ape Camp in attacking the city. The Burmese army participating in the attack numbered as many as 15,000.

With more troops, the small battlefield would be too small to deploy.

Just as the Burmese army was launching an attack on the city of Gangao, the Ming general guarding the city was looking down at the Burmese army through a monocular telescope.

The Ming army commander was very young, only in his twenties, tall and straight like a pine tree, full of vigor and spirit.

It was Mao Wenlong!
"Strike first, strike hard." Mao Wenlong put down his binoculars. "We can't let the Burmese army fire first. While they're still setting up, we'll fire first."

After saying that, he revealed a cold smile and suddenly waved his right hand.

On the treacherous mountain city, the Ming army's cannons, which had been prepared long ago, suddenly roared with deafening fury.

"Boom boom boom!"

With the sound of cannon fire from the Ming army, the Battle of Gan Gaoshan finally broke out!
(End of this chapter)