The Ming Dynasty: Starting with the border troops, it was overthrown and the Qing Dynasty was destro

Chapter 130 Military Movements
After the territories were divided, the atmosphere of the banquet reached its climax.

The leaders of each family went around offering toasts, and the atmosphere was lively and bustling.

Jiang Han sat at the table, but his thoughts had already drifted far away.

In the Battle of Fantianmao, he defeated Cao Wenzhao, and Wang Jiayin also held off You Shilu in Kelan County.

The two main forces of the Shanxi government army suffered heavy losses.

In this way, the situation in Shanxi in the fourth year of Chongzhen's reign was forcibly reversed by himself.

Historically, Wang Jiayin should have been defeated and killed in this year, but now it seems that as long as he doesn't do something reckless, he should be able to survive this year.

This was undoubtedly a huge respite for the entire rebel army.

In the original history, the fourth year of Chongzhen's reign was an extremely difficult year for the rebel army.

With the defeat and death of Wang Jiayin in Shanxi, the various rebel armies were leaderless and could only be divided and suppressed.

Meanwhile, in Shaanxi, Yang He's policy of appeasement completely failed, and the surrendered troops from all sides rebelled again.

This eventually attracted Hong Chengchou, who was in charge of military affairs in the three border regions, and began a large-scale and brutal crackdown on the Shaanxi rebels.

Thinking of Shaanxi, Jiang Han could only sigh helplessly.

He could change the course of the war in Shanxi, but he was powerless to intervene in Shaanxi.

Yang He's attempt to win over Hong Chengchou was doomed to fail, and Hong Chengchou's rise was an inevitable historical trend that he could not stop with his current strength.

All he could do was take advantage of Hong Chengchou's continued suppression of bandits in Shaanxi to strengthen himself as much as possible in Shanxi, hoping to one day be able to challenge this "head-shaver" Hong.

He definitely wants to go back to Shaanxi. The major military towns and horse farms there are exactly the soldiers and warhorses he desperately needs.

In Shanxi, as long as he can stay in Fenzhou Prefecture for half a year, he shouldn't have to worry about the military pay and provisions for recruiting soldiers.

Only after returning to Shaanxi did he have the confidence to recruit border troops from several other military towns.

Just as Jiang Han was deep in thought, a messenger rushed into the courtyard, approached Wang Jiayin, and loudly reported:

"Your Majesty, urgent report from Kelan! You Shilu has retreated!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jiayin was overjoyed. He slammed his hand on the table and proudly boasted to everyone,
"Hahaha! They withdrew! They really did withdraw!"

"See? I told you so! That old codger You Shilu couldn't hold on any longer!"

The hall erupted in cheers as everyone raised their wine bowls to congratulate Wang Jiayin, creating a joyous atmosphere.

You Shilu did indeed retreat, and he did so very quickly.

The reason is simple: another incident has occurred in Shaanxi.

After a period of relative peace, the various peasant armies that had been pacified began to rise up in rebellion again in different places.

In particular, the Shenyi Kui tribe, which Yang He regarded as a pilot project and placed high hopes on, has recently been showing signs of rebellion after surrendering.

Yang He was in a terrible predicament. The troops in Shaanxi were insufficient and they were powerless to suppress the various rebel armies.

Therefore, he had no choice but to issue an emergency order to quickly transfer You Shilu, who was still in Shanxi, back to Shaanxi to stabilize the situation.

The situation was even worse for the Guan Ning army, which had suffered a defeat.

Cao Wenzhao's Guan Ning troops suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Fantianmao, with more than 700 killed, wounded, or scattered.

Guerrilla General Xiang Jun led eight hundred defeated soldiers on a desperate escape, finally returning to Shanxi Town, where morale plummeted to rock bottom.

As for Cao Wenzhao and his nephew Cao Bianjiao, thanks to the best efforts of the Shanxi town's medical officer, they were finally saved from the brink of death and regained consciousness.

However, both men were seriously injured, especially Cao Wenzhao, who was hit by artillery at close range and suffered internal injuries. He would not be able to recover without three to five months of rest.

When the news reached the capital, Emperor Chongzhen in the Forbidden City was so angry that he smashed his beloved teacup on the spot.

He had high hopes for the Guan Ning troops, expecting Cao Wenzhao to wipe out the bandits in Shanxi in one fell swoop, but he never expected it to end like this!

Not only did they suffer heavy losses, but their commander-in-chief was also seriously injured by the bandits. It was an utter disgrace!
Enraged, Emperor Chongzhen immediately issued an edict to dismiss Cao Wenzhao from his post and arrest him. He dispatched the Embroidered Uniform Guard to escort him to the capital, intending to imprison him in the imperial prison for rigorous interrogation and to hold him accountable for the military defeat. Just as Cao Wenzhao was about to be imprisoned, Sun Chengzong and Ma Shilong jointly submitted a memorial to the emperor, pleading for his life.

The memorial stated that Cao Wenzhao was known for his "fierce and prudent nature, and his decisive and courageous judgment," making him a rare and valuable military talent for the court.

This defeat was due to a moment of carelessness and falling into the enemy's treacherous trap, not a failure in combat.

We humbly request Your Majesty to consider his past merits and give him another chance to atone for his sins.

Although Emperor Chongzhen was still furious, he knew that the court was in dire need of capable people, and Cao Wenzhao was indeed a rare and valiant general.

In addition, thanks to the pleas of Sun Chengzong, the military governor of Liaodong, and Ma Shilong, the junior guardian of the crown prince, both of whom were important officials in the court, Emperor Chongzhen still gave them face.

In the end, Emperor Chongzhen suppressed his anger and withdrew his order to escort Cao Wenzhao to the capital, only demoting him but retaining him in service.

Furthermore, an imperial edict was issued reprimanding him and ordering him to atone for his crime by performing meritorious service. It was also stated that if he made any further mistakes in the future, he would be severely punished without leniency.

Upon hearing this, Cao Wenzhao was moved to tears. Ignoring his injuries, he climbed out of bed and kowtowed several times in the direction of the capital.

He immediately swore to kill all the bandits to repay the emperor's kindness.

But despite his vow, he can only lie in bed and recuperate for now.

Thus, the spring offensive launched by the Shanxi government forces came to a temporary end.

Summer is approaching, and the weather will be hot. Neither government troops nor rebel armies will launch large-scale campaigns.

Jiang Han and his group also planned to take advantage of this rare window of opportunity to enter the Fenhe Plain to recuperate and expand their strength.

Three days after the victory celebration, the Left Chancellor Zijin Liang also led his troops back from Kelan County, preparing to join forces with Wang Jiayin and march towards Taiyuan Prefecture.

Meanwhile, Jiang Han was also preparing to set off for Fenzhou Prefecture; the army was fully prepared, and supplies and provisions were ready.

But before leaving Jing Le, Jiang Han had one important thing to take care of.

He summoned all his officers to the back hall of the county government office and ordered Zhao Sheng to call Deng Yang over.

Deng Yang led two of his personal guards into the back hall, his heart pounding with anxiety.

For the past few days, he has stayed in his room, not daring to show his face, for fear that others would see him mingling with the rebels.

Now that Jiang Han has suddenly contacted him, he doesn't know whether it's a blessing or a curse.

"General."

Deng Yang forced himself to step forward and bow.

Jiang Han waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, and asked directly:

"What are your plans next?"

Deng Yang was taken aback by this, and tentatively asked:

"This humble general...this humble general doesn't know what to do either, please teach me, General."

"Do you think I could return to Kulong Pass and continue as a garrison commander?"

He still clung to a sliver of hope that Jiang Han would let him off the hook and allow him to quietly return to the ranks of the government army, as if nothing had ever happened.

But how could Jiang Han let Deng Yang go so easily?
He placed high hopes on Deng Yang, this pawn planted within the government forces.

Jiang Han shook his head and slowly said:

"Don't even think about it, you're not going back to Kulong Pass."

"I intend to keep you in the government army's camp and will also reward you with a great achievement."

"Would you like to listen?"

(End of this chapter)