1848 Great Qing Charcoal Burners

Chapter 336 It's Impossible Not to Head North to Xiangyin
In Hunan's officialdom, the will of the officials is overwhelming, and the will of the people is difficult to defy.

Even though Luo Bingzhang was highly respected in Hunan's officialdom, he still had to consider the opinions of most Hunan bureaucrats.

Furthermore, the court's lifting of the ban on local militias was a last resort. If the Eight Banners and Green Standard Army had put in some effort to contain the Taiping Rebellion and the Taiping rebels within Guangxi, the court would never have delegated military power to local authorities and placed its hopes on local militias to suppress the Taiping rebels.

Both Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji were well aware of this, but they kept it to themselves and didn't bring it up in public.

Provinces that have already lifted restrictions on organizing group training sessions.

Examples include the Ganyong Army organized by Li Mengqun in Jiangxi, the Eyong Army organized by Luo Raodian in Hubei, and the Huaiyong Army organized by Li Jiaduan in Anhui.

During this period, they were either fighting against the short-haired rebels who were on a westward expedition or the long-haired rebels who were on a northward expedition, and the fighting was fierce.

Regardless of the battle records of the Jiangxi, Hubei, and Huai armies, at least these provincial militias demonstrated their stance and proved their value to Emperor Xianfeng.

The Xiang Army, led by Zeng Guofan, Luo Zenan, and others, was originally the most favored local militia by Emperor Xianfeng. However, at the critical moment when the Taiping Rebellion was launching its northern and western expeditions, they avoided battle and retreated to southern Hunan to protect themselves.

The elite Hunan Green Standard Army had already been defeated and crippled, and Zeng Guofan's Hunan Army was still not contributing. Even if Emperor Xianfeng didn't think of other possibilities, it was hard to guarantee that other officials in the capital wouldn't.

Although Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji both wanted to protect the Hunan Army, they also knew that even if they had the ability to overcome public opinion and prevent the Hunan Army from leaving Hunan, thus protecting the Hunan Army from the enemy's advance.

Subsequently, Zeng Guofan and the Xiang Army faced a barrage of impeachment memorials and criticism from the court. Given their combined power, there was absolutely no possibility of protecting the Xiang Army.

After weighing the options, Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji decided to let Zeng Guofan lead the Hunan Army north to recapture Xiangyin.

Behind the Xiang Army, on the training ground outside Hengyang City, the capital of Hengzhou Prefecture, the sounds of battle were deafening. The newly recruited Xiang Army soldiers were practicing their formations again and again under the command of their officers and sergeants.

Although Yongzhou and Hengzhou were the rear areas of the Xiang Army, apart from some Hengzhou natives in Peng Yulin's navy, most of the Xiang Army members came from Baoqing Prefecture and Xiangxiang County, with Baoqing Prefecture having the most members.

The reason is simple: the predecessor of the Xiangyong was the Xiangxiangyong. Back then, Luo Zenan, Zeng Guoquan and others went south to Yongzhou and Hengzhou, where they plundered and massacred many cities and villages, thus creating a blood feud.

The people of southern Hunan have always been known for their fierce and valiant nature. Many young men from southern Hunan would rather join the anti-Qing secret society armed forces led by the Heaven and Earth Society than enlist in the Hunan Army.

Inside the weapons workshop next to the training ground, the clanging of metal echoed.

The artisans of the Xiang Army are busy repairing and forging swords, spears, cannons, and other weapons, creating a lively scene.

Zeng Guofan, the commander-in-chief of the Xiang Army, was stationed in Hengyang, single-mindedly implementing his strategy of steady and methodical advance, using battle as training, and making every effort to suppress the Heaven and Earth Society and other anti-Qing secret societies that were rising up in southern Hunan.

In Zeng Guofan's view, these anti-Qing secret societies in southern Hunan were an excellent whetstone, which could not only hone new bravery but also clear the rear and accumulate strength for future larger battles.

Inside the courthouse in Hengyang, Zeng Guofan was discussing with Luo Zenan, his two younger brothers Zeng Guoquan and Zeng Guohua, and others the matter of suppressing the anti-Qing secret society forces in southern Hunan.

Compared to the deteriorating situation in northern Hunan, the situation in southern Hunan can be described as stable and improving.

After more than half a year of encirclement and suppression by the Hunan Army and the efforts of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the originally powerful anti-Qing secret society armed forces in southern Hunan were gradually driven out of all prefectures and counties.

Only a few remnants of the Party, including the pseudo-Prince of Punan, He Jiangou, remained active in the mountainous area at the border of Hunan and Guangxi.

"Disheng!"

Luo Zenan pointed to Taochuan and Baixiang Town, located in the southwest of Yongzhou Prefecture at the border of Hunan and Guangxi, on the Hunan map. His tone was filled with excitement at the imminent success of the operation.

"The self-proclaimed King of Punan, He Jiangou, has fled to Taochuan and Baixiang Towns, southwest of Yongming County (Jiangyong County) in Yongzhou Prefecture. He Jiangou attempted to capture Longhu Pass and flee into Pingluo Prefecture in Guangxi, but was defeated by the Guangxi troops led by Governor Lao (formerly Guangxi Provincial Governor Lao Chongguang) and General Hui (formerly General Hui Qing of Zuojiang Town, Guangxi). He has fled back to Taochuan and Baixiang Towns to eke out a living."

All units of the Hunan Army are in position, awaiting only Commander Di's order. We will then join forces with Governor Lao and General Hui to launch a pincer attack from the east and west, wiping out this stubborn band of bandits in one fell swoop. At that time, southern Hunan will be pacified.

There were numerous anti-Qing secret societies and armed groups in southern Hunan, among which the Heaven and Earth Society led by He Jian Gou was the largest and most troublesome.

Once He Jiangou is eliminated, the remaining anti-Qing secret societies will be no threat. At that time, whether we continue the encirclement and suppression or change to pacification, the situation in southern Hunan can be quickly and completely pacified.

The impetuous young Zeng Guoquan chimed in, "Brother, this time we must finish this in one fell swoop! Only by wiping out this gang of bandits can our Xiang Army truly make a name for itself!"

Zeng Guohua stroked his beard, nodded slightly, and a look of relief appeared on his face, as if everything was progressing steadily according to their brothers' plan: "That's right, if we stabilize southern Hunan, our Hunan Army's money, food and manpower will be guaranteed."

Among the generals and commanders of the Hunan Army, only Zeng Guofan, the commander-in-chief, looked worried and did not seem particularly happy.

He Jiangou and his ilk were nothing more than a rabble, merely stepping stones on the road to the rise of the Xiang Army. Zeng Guofan did not regard He Jiangou as a formidable enemy, and there was no great sense of accomplishment in defeating such an insignificant opponent.

Zeng Guofan was now more concerned about the situation in Hunan, and he was already aware of the devastation in northern Hunan.

Zeng Guofan was worried that the fighting against the short-haired rebels in northern Hunan would be unfavorable, and that the Hunanese troops in southern Hunan would find it difficult to remain unscathed.

These days, Zeng Guofan has had a bad feeling and can't even sleep soundly.

Just as Zeng Guofan had predicted, this brief joy and excitement was abruptly shattered by the sound of extremely rapid hoofbeats and the guards' loud reports.

A messenger, soaking wet and covered in mud, stumbled into the courtroom, fell to the ground, and held a wax-sealed document bearing the urgent seals of Luo Bingzhang, the Governor-General of Huguang, and Zhang Liangji, the Governor of Hunan.

"Lord Zeng! A 600-li urgent dispatch from Governor Luo and Governor Zhang!"

Zeng Guofan felt a chill in his heart, as if seized by an ominous premonition.

He gestured to his personal guards to take the document, and after personally inspecting the sealing wax, he opened it.

Zeng Guofan's gaze swept across the paper, and his expression visibly darkened.
After reading the urgent documents sent by Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji, Zeng Guofan handed the official documents to Luo Zenan, who was standing next to him.

Luo Zenan quickly skimmed through the text, his face growing increasingly grim. By the end, he couldn't help but exclaim in shock: "They want my Hunan Army to immediately cease all bandit suppression operations, advance by land and water, and march north to recapture Xiangyin? To fight the short-haired rebels? This is utter chaos! It's self-destruction!"

At this point, Luo Zenan suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief and indignation: "Commander Di! Peng is a veteran of countless battles, coming with the ferocity of his newly captured Yuezhou camp, and his navy is aided by the powerful ships and cannons of the Western barbarians! Our Xiang Army is newly established, how can our few sampans possibly contend with them? Our land forces are only capable of suppressing the bandits in southern Hunan, how can they be a match for that old scoundrel? Heading north now is no different from throwing an egg against a rock!"

Zeng Guoquan was furious upon hearing this. He jumped up from his armchair, his face flushed, and exclaimed, "Brother! We absolutely cannot agree to this! Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji couldn't hold Xiangbei, so they want to use our Xiang Army to fill the gap! The troops we painstakingly built are meant for great things, not to be cannon fodder for them! Right now, we are about to wipe out the bandits in southern Hunan. If we retreat north now, all our previous efforts will be in vain!"

The slightly more composed Zeng Guohua also hurriedly advised, "Brother, Peng's forces are strong and at their peak. Avoiding their sharp edge is the best strategy. It would be better to use the excuse that the bandit suppression is at a critical juncture and it is difficult to spare troops to postpone the expedition. Wait until their momentum is somewhat weakened or their supplies run out before making any further plans. Going north now would be extremely dangerous."

Zeng Guohua advocated sending troops north to Xiangyin, but only after the short-haired army had retreated to its stronghold in the three towns of Wuhan, and then making a show of going north.

The Xiang Army Navy was trained by Peng Yulin, who knew better than anyone how much the Xiang Army Navy was capable: "Commander Di, you must not go north at this time! What is the foundation of my Xiang Army Navy? The largest ships are just warships converted from merchant ships, the cannons are old and worn-out earthen cannons and mountain-splitting cannons, and the sailors are only just familiar with naval warfare tactics and are far from proficient."

"And what kind of resources and strength does the short-haired navy have? Even the Dongting Water Contingent was wiped out in an instant! If the Xiang Army's navy is lost, how can the land forces survive? Please, Commander Di, think it over!" At the beginning of the Taiping Army's entry into Hunan, the Leiyang County militia led by Peng Yulin was defeated by the Northern Army and fled in panic.

Peng Yulin had fought against the Northern Palace's troops before, so he knew the strength of the Northern Palace's army.

Furthermore, Peng Yulin's adjutant, Yang Zaifu, was recruited by Zeng Guofan from the Dongting Naval Battalion, which had just been annihilated by the Northern Palace Navy.

After the Long Mao and Short Mao left Hunan, Peng Yulin could learn some things about the Dongting Water Transport Battalion after Luo Bingzhang's reorganization. He could also learn some things from Yang Zaifu, who had served as a Qianzong (a military officer) in the Dongting Water Transport Battalion.

According to Yang Zaifu, Luo Bingzhang's reorganization of the Dongting Water Transport Corps was quite effective, and the corps' appearance was greatly improved.

Even so, the Dongting Xieshui Camp, despite its advantageous terrain, couldn't hold out for even a day against the Pianshan Shui Camp, demonstrating the formidable strength of the short-haired navy, far beyond the reach of the still-developing Xiangyong navy.

Luo Zenan advised, “Commander Di, the Xiang Army is the result of our hard work and the hope for Hunan’s future. Under the current circumstances, the only right thing to do is to consolidate our foundation and develop gradually. Please, Commander Di, refuse to go north to Xiangyin. Even if you must go north to Xiangyin, at least delay it for a while. We will have a better chance of winning if we wait until the main force of the short-haired army has withdrawn.”

Zeng Guofan remained silent throughout, but how could he not know the dangers of heading north? Heading north to Xiangyin, the little capital he had painstakingly accumulated could very well lead him down the same path as Xiang Rong and Deng Shaoliang's Chu army and Zhengan troops.

Luo Zenan, Peng Yulin, and his two brothers only had to consider whether the war could be fought, while Zeng Guofan had many more things to consider.

He established local militias while serving as a retired vice minister, thus gaining military power. Many people in the court criticized this, and public opinion was already unfavorable to him.

Now that the provincial capital is in grave danger and waterways are about to be cut off, if Zeng Guofan were to sit idly by under the pretext of suppressing the bandits in southern Hunan, what would the capital think?
Emperor Xianfeng was already deeply wary of Han Chinese commanding troops. If someone with ulterior motives were to impeach him at this time for his arrogance and disloyalty towards Guo Fan and his inaction in the face of defeat, then what awaited him and the Xiang Army would be far more than just a simple military defeat.

The Xiang Army, which had been painstakingly built up, faced the prospect of either benefiting others or being disbanded on the spot.

Zeng Guofan was burdened with the hatred of his family, and the Xiang Army was the sharp weapon for his revenge. Neither of these outcomes was something he wanted to accept.

All the Hunan Army generals in the hall looked at Zeng Guofan, awaiting his decision.

After a long, heavy sigh, Zeng Guofan slowly stood up. His sharp, triangular eyes swept over every face in the hall—whether anxious, expectant, or indignant—and he said, “I understand your intentions. Heading north to Xiangyin is indeed a perilous undertaking with a slim chance of victory. Xueqin’s account of the enemy’s and our own naval forces is entirely true. However, this official document from Governor Luo and Governor Zhang is not merely a military deployment, but a matter of political life and death.”

Changsha is the cornerstone of Hunan, a matter of national pride for the court. If we stand idly by and watch it perish without offering assistance, if we ignore the disruption of its waterways, how will the court view Zeng Guofan? What will the scholars of the land say? The Hunan Army cannot bear the accusation of cowardice and failing to advance, of allowing the Xiang River waterway to be cut off! I, Zeng Guofan, cannot bear such a burden! At that time, even with a thousand reasons, I will be utterly unable to defend myself.”

Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji had a relatively harmonious relationship with Zeng Guofan, and the Xiang Army was able to be established largely thanks to the strong support of these two governors.

Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji wouldn't have pushed Zeng Guofan into a fire pit, nor would they have failed to see the situation in Xiangbei.

The Xiang Army's northward march to recapture Xiangyin was not a purely military issue, but a serious political one.

Zeng Guofan paused, then continued his persuasive speech to the leaders of the Xiang Army in the hall: "Your concerns are all well-intentioned and patriotic, reflecting your love and care for the brave soldiers of the Xiang Army. However, everything must be done with the greater good in mind. Personal gains and losses, the survival of an army, must give way to the laws of the court and the preservation of our homeland. We are not fighting for the sake of Governors Luo and Zhang, but for the honor of the Xiang Army in upholding loyalty to the emperor and defending the nation."

"Issue my military order! The suppression of bandits in southern Hunan will be entirely coordinated by Zhong Yue (Luo Zenan), who will lead the old garrison, along with the Guangxi governors and officials from Huiqing, to suppress the remnants of the Heaven and Earth Society bandits in Taochuan and Baixiang towns! Guo Quan and Guo Hua, follow me! Peng Xueqin!"

The bandits of Xiangnan were already at their wits' end, and the main force of the Hunan Army's northward march to Xiangyin would not delay the suppression of the bandits of Xiangnan.

The governor of Guangxi, Lao Chongguang, was a capable official. If we were to give Lao Chongguang face and have the Guangxi troops put in more effort, we could still wipe out the remnants of the Hunan bandits.

Peng Yulin's body stiffened, and he straightened up, replying, "Your subordinate is here!"

"I order your naval camp to immediately assemble all available ships, inspect and repair weapons, and prepare sufficient provisions. Even if you are not fully capable, you must be ready to set off! I will personally lead the six thousand land troops, excluding the main camp, to head north in a few days."

He saw the lingering resentment and worry on Peng Yulin's face, and Luo Zenan and the others hesitated to speak. Zeng Guofan softened his tone and added, "The primary purpose of this trip is to demonstrate our resolve, restrain the rebels, and show our power. It is not for reckless fighting, nor is it necessary to necessarily capture Xiangyin. If things prove impossible, we should prioritize preserving our strength and act according to circumstances. However, this northward journey is imperative and cannot be delayed."

Zeng Guofan ultimately played a trick; he did not lead the entire army north without reservation, but instead left Luo Zenan to lead the old camp in southern Hunan.

This was the best choice he could make, caught between loyalty to the emperor, protecting his homeland, and preserving his strength.

Zeng Guofan had already made his point to this extent, so the Hunan Army generals present could not voice any further objections or say anything more.

Meanwhile, the main force of the Northern Palace Navy gradually assembled at Linzikou (Linzikou) in Xiangyin County, preparing for the next phase of military operations.

This place is named after its location at the confluence of the Xiangjiang and Zijiang rivers. It is the largest market in Xiangyin County and is known as the "Little Hankou of Hunan".

Xiangyin County had a patrol station at Linzikou, which was specifically responsible for collecting commercial taxes from Linzikou.

However, the patrol office in Linzikou has now become Peng Gang's temporary headquarters.

In contrast to the Qing court's repeated defeats and constant bad news, the Northern Palace was experiencing a string of victories and good tidings.

"Mr. Zuo and Deputy Commander Peng repelled the Hubei soldiers who were invading Hanyang in the Yukou area of ​​Hanchuan County. They killed more than 230 enemy soldiers, captured more than 620 enemy soldiers, and obtained more than 210 boats of various sizes. The Qing government's remaining troops in Hubei fled at the mere sight of them, and Hanyang was no longer in danger."

Li Ruzhao, the official in charge of the Northern Palace, excitedly reported the news from the rear to Peng Gang.

Yunkou is a ferry crossing and market town located at the confluence of the Yunshui River, a tributary of the Han River, and the Han River.

The campaigns in the southern regions were mostly centered around waterways. When the Qing army, which was fighting in the remnants of Hubei, attacked Hanyang, Yunkou, a key point connecting the Han and Yun rivers, was a crucial battleground.

"Keep reading."

Upon learning that the Qing government's remaining troops in Hubei had not posed a real threat to the rear of the three towns of Wuhan, Peng Gang was very pleased and gestured for Li Ruzhao to continue reading.

"Taking advantage of the victory at Yunkou, Mr. Zuo, along with Deputy Commander Peng, sailed up the Yunkou River and easily captured the county towns of Yunmeng and Yingcheng. He also instigated Liu Qixian, the prefect of De'an, to defect. Prefect Liu Qixian and the security forces of De'an Prefecture then turned against us. Of the four counties and one prefecture in De'an Prefecture, three counties now belong to our palace." Li Ruzhao was so excited that his voice trembled.

Except for a small section of the lower reaches south of Changjiangbu that is within the territory of Hanyang Prefecture, more than 95% of the Yushui River basin is within the territory of De'an Prefecture.

The Northern Palace occupied Anlu, Yunmeng and Yingcheng counties in De'an Prefecture, which means that the Qing government only had one prefecture and one county in the upstream area of ​​De'an Prefecture: Suizhou and Yingshan.

With a broader strategic depth, the Qing army in the remaining Hubei region, if they wanted to continue threatening Hanyang, would first need to break through Anlu, not Hanchuan.

Compared to the previous campaign in Hubei, only Yang Xun, the magistrate of Huangmei County in Huangzhou Prefecture, took the initiative to surrender to the Northern Palace.

This time, two local Qing officials surrendered to the Northern Palace, either voluntarily or involuntarily. One of them was the first prefect to surrender land to the Northern Palace.

This shows that there were still some pragmatic officials among the local officials of the Qing Dynasty.

"How is the Taiping Army's Northern Expedition progressing? Is there any news?" Peng Gang asked about the progress of the Taiping Army's Northern Expedition.

(End of this chapter)