1848 Great Qing Charcoal Burners

Chapter 357 From Nothing to Something
In order to alleviate the logistical pressure on the main force of the Northern Expeditionary Army, and also to have a wider strategic space after occupying Tianjin, so as not to be tied down in the isolated city of Tianjin by the Qing army after occupying the city.

In addition to sending troops to garrison Jinghai County, which had already been occupied, Wei Changhui also dispatched Ji Wenyuan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of Spring and Autumn, to advance into Wuqing and Dong'an counties in the northwest.

They attempted to capture Wuqing and Dong'an counties so that, once the weather warmed up, they could directly march on the enemy stronghold of Yanjing.

Judging from the tone of the messenger from the West Palace, the battle situation in Wuqing and Dong'an counties was not ideal.

"What happened to Prime Minister Ji?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Fengxiang grabbed the Western Palace attendant's shoulder tightly before he could finish speaking and pressed him for an answer.

Ji Wenyuan was an old brother who joined the God Society a long time ago. He was a fierce general in the West Palace and Lin Fengxiang's right-hand man.

Lin Fengxiang was filled with anxiety and prayed to God the Father and God the Brother to protect Ji Wenyuan so that nothing would go wrong.

"Prime Minister Ji was injured by the Qing Demon Cannon and failed to capture Wuqing County. He could only gather four thousand holy soldiers to defend Yangcunwu and Beicang along the canal," said the West Palace Guard after catching his breath.

Upon learning that Ji Wenyuan was not dead but only wounded, Lin Fengxiang breathed a sigh of relief, and then inquired about the condition of the other generals: "Are the rest of the generals alright?"

"Inspector Zhu was covering the rear of the main force and there is still no news of him; his whereabouts are unknown," the messenger from the West Palace reported in detail.

There was only one Zhu-surname inspector who fought alongside Ji Wenyuan, and that was Zhu Xikun.

Zhu Xikun was not well-liked in the Taiping Army, and Lin Fengxiang was not as concerned about Zhu Xikun's safety as he was about Ji Wenyuan.

"Your Majesty, let me take some brothers and fight Wuqing and Dong'an again." Lin Fengxiang turned to Wei Changhui and volunteered.

"If we can capture Wuqing and Dong'an counties, Tianjin will be safer, and our brothers in Tianjin can rest and recuperate as soon as possible to prepare for the attack on Yanjing next spring."

Previously, the Northern Expeditionary Army had occasionally encountered minor setbacks.

The battle of Wuqing resulted in the loss of 2,000 men, a significant proportion of whom were veterans from Guangxi and Hunan. This was no small setback.

The morale of the Northern Expeditionary Army is already low. If a victory cannot be quickly achieved to sweep away the shadow of defeat, the negative impact of the defeat at Wuqing will inevitably spread among the main force in Tianjin, which will be very detrimental to the future attack on Yanjing.

Furthermore, capturing the county towns of Wuqing and Dong'an was part of the battle plan.

"Very well, with Prime Minister Lin leading the troops to attack Wuqing and Dong'an, there's no need to worry about Wuqing and Dong'an not falling." Wei Changhui was also worried that Ji Wenyuan's defeat in Wuqing might mean that his remaining 4,000 soldiers might not be able to stop the main Qing army from the direction of the capital.

Wei Changhui had kept Lin Fengxiang, Li Kaifang and others by his side to ensure a smooth takeover of Tianjin.

Although Lin Fengxiang, Li Kaifang, and others were not in the same hall as Wei Changhui, Wei Changhui had to admit that the generals in the West Hall were superior to those in his Auxiliary Hall in both quality and quantity.

Among the generals in the auxiliary hall, such as Lin Fengxiang, Li Kaifang, and Ji Wenyuan, who are capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities, Wei Changhui could only choose Wei Zhijun for the time being after much thought.

Now that Tianjin has been captured, the 60,000 to 70,000 Northern Expeditionary Army soldiers have a place to stay, and the problem of military food has been temporarily alleviated.

Sending Lin Fengxiang to attack the county towns of Wuqing and Dong'an would not be a big deal.

Compared to Ji Wenyuan, Wei Changhui had more confidence in Lin Fengxiang. Lin Fengxiang could fight any battle and always won, rarely suffering defeat.

After defeating Ji Wenyuan's attack on Wuqing County, Senggelinqin, Shengbao, and Xiling'a, who had just broken out of Tianjin, halted their troops at Langfang, not far from the county seats of Wuqing and Dong'an. (This is not a typo; after the Beijing-Fengtian Railway was built and a station was set up there in 1897, the names Langfang, Langfang, Langfang, and Langfang were used interchangeably for a long time. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was gradually officially named Langfang.)
Although Senggelinqin and Shengbao's cavalry, along with the local militias of Shuntian Prefecture and Tianjin Prefecture, defeated Ji Wenyuan's hungry, cold, and exhausted Taiping army in Wuqing.

In a rare occurrence, the two defeated their formidable rival Ji Wenyuan head-on for the first time in their encounters over the past six months, achieving a brilliant victory by killing and capturing two thousand Taiping rebels.

Moreover, half of the long-haired rebels were genuine old thieves from Guangxi and Hunan, but Senggelinqin and Shengbao were not very happy.

Senggelinqin and Shengbao originally thought that the Qing army, with its well-fed and clothed troops, could easily defeat the Taiping detachment, which was poorly clothed, starving, and exhausted.

After all, since the beginning of winter, this army of Taiping rebels fleeing north has been more like a beggar's group than an army.

Unexpectedly, this group of beggars, despite lacking food and clothing and suffering from hunger and cold, still displayed formidable fighting power.

Despite having Mongolian and Jilin cavalry units to reinforce them, the Qing army still suffered the loss of over 1,700 men in order to defeat Ji Wenyuan's Taiping army.

Among them, the Mongolian cavalry and the Jilin cavalry suffered a total loss of more than 400 people, and the remaining more than 1,300 people were the Zhili Green Standard Army and local militia.

Senggelinqin and Shengbao didn't really care how many people the Zhili Green Standard Army and local militias lost.

What they cared about more was the loss of the Mongolian and Jilin horse teams.

The Mongolian cavalry, Jilin cavalry, and Heilongjiang cavalry were among the few mobile troops in the north of the Qing Dynasty capable of field battles, and they were also the resources that Senggelinqin, Shengbao, Xilinga, and others had to fight against the Taiping Army in the Northern Expedition.

Without the Mengjihei cavalry to provide support, the Qing army would have had a hard time organizing even a decent field battle relying solely on the Green Standard Army militia in Zhili.

After the Battle of Wuqing, Senggelinqin, Nerjing'e, Shengbao, Xiling'a, and others discussed the matter and temporarily abandoned their idea of ​​a direct confrontation to defeat the fleeing Taiping rebels.

The decision was made to stick to the original strategy of defense as offense and long-term harassment and encirclement, which would be more prudent and would also minimize the losses for the Monggi Black Horse team.

After discussing the plan, Sheng Bao returned to the Qing army camp in Langfang.

Sheng Bao sat in his military tent, carefully reviewing the newly arrived list of prisoners. When he saw the name of the fake inspector, Zhu Xikun, his eyes narrowed slightly.

The inspector was a high-ranking official among the Taiping Rebels!
On the issue of how to deal with Taiping Army prisoners, Sheng Bao had a very different approach than Senggelinqin and Xilinga.

Senggelinqin and Xilinga advocated eradicating evil completely and eliminating it at its root. This was especially true of the Taiping soldiers captured by Senggelinqin.

Whether they were veteran Taiping soldiers from the south or new recruits brought to the north, they all faced certain death, not even given a last meal before their execution.

Sheng Bao preferred to recruit and accept defectors, hoping to recruit the brave and skilled Taiping soldiers to his own cause, so as to subdue the enemy without fighting and disintegrate the Taiping army.

To put it another way, the Long-haired Rebels were more capable fighters than the Green Camp militia, so in Sheng Bao's view, pacifying the Long-haired Rebels was a very worthwhile thing.

Since the Jilin cavalry began fighting in northern Anhui, Sheng Bao had started to recruit Taiping Army prisoners of war.

However, when the Qing army fought against the Taiping army in northern Anhui, Henan, and Shaanxi, most of the Taiping soldiers they captured were rear-area transport soldiers or even civilians. No Taiping generals of any significant rank were swayed by the high-ranking positions and generous rewards promised by Sheng Bao and surrendered to him.

The results of Sheng Bao's efforts to win over the enemy were minimal.

In the Battle of Wuqing, the Qing army captured 600 Taiping rebels. Sheng Bao was overjoyed and attached great importance to the matter. He even risked offending Senggelinqin to save 400 Taiping rebels who originally belonged to Senggelinqin.

After interrogating both new and old Taiping prisoners, Sheng Bao learned that among these old Taiping rebels was actually a high-ranking general like the Inspector. His smile was brighter than chrysanthemums blooming in autumn.

"Bring Inspector Zhu over here," Sheng Bao instructed Goshha beside him. Before his personal guard left his command tent, Sheng Bao added, "Remember to treat him with courtesy."

When Zhu Xikun was brought into the tent, Sheng Bao carefully examined this Taiping general who had caused him a lot of trouble.

Zhu Xikun's left arm was slinged to his chest with a simple strip of cloth, and his face bore scars from battle, but his eyes still held an untamed air. "Please have a seat," Sheng Bao gestured to Goshha to bring a chair, and asked with concern, "How is Inspector Zhu's injury?"

Zhu Xikun remained silent, avoiding Sheng Bao's gaze and refusing to acknowledge him.

Although Zhu Xikun was a rough and uncultured warrior, he often listened to "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties" to relieve his boredom. He knew that Sheng Bao's polite treatment of him was for the purpose of recruiting him.

Faced with Zhu Xikun's cold attitude, Sheng Bao remained calm and patient, continuing, "I know you don't trust us. But do you know where your six hundred-plus old brothers are being held?"

As he spoke, Sheng Bao stood up, walked to the tent entrance, and pointed to a military flag fluttering in the distance: "That is the Mongol camp of the Sangharaja. According to the rules, these prisoners should all be handed over to the Mongol camp for disposal."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xikun trembled and his face turned slightly pale.

As his arch-enemy since the Northern Expedition, he had a rough understanding of the character of several key Qing army commanders.

Senggelinqin refused to accept surrender and was bloodthirsty; almost none of the Taiping soldiers captured by him survived.

During the Battle of Wuqing, he personally witnessed Senggelinqin execute more than a hundred seriously wounded soldiers on the spot.

Sheng noticed the change in Zhu Xikun's expression and, seizing the opportunity, continued, "Zhu Xikun surely knows the temperament of the Prince Seng better than I do. He has always advocated eradicating evil completely, believing that those who have been misled by the Taiping Rebellion are only a threat if left alive."

At this point, Sheng Bao paused, and the command tent fell silent. Only the crackling of the charcoal fire could be heard. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Zhu Xikun's forehead, whether from the stuffy heat in the tent or from the tension in his heart, it was hard to tell.

“However,” Sheng Bao said after a moment’s hesitation.

“I am different from the Prince Monk. I have always believed that the government troops and the Taiping rebels are only fighting for their own masters on the battlefield. The captured Taiping rebels are also subjects of my Great Qing. If they can sincerely surrender, they may be able to atone for their crimes, reform themselves, and start anew.”

As he spoke, Sheng Bao took out a document and placed it on the table: "This is an imperial edict that just arrived from the Ministry of War, which authorizes me to establish the Loyalty and Righteousness Battalion with you. The battalion commander will be awarded the rank of Assistant General and a reward of three thousand taels of silver. All officers and soldiers under your command will be paid according to the Green Standard Army standard."

Zhu Xikun finally let out a cold laugh and said, "Does Lord Sheng want me, Zhu, to betray my master for personal gain?"

"Hong and Yang are arrogant and extravagant, building grand palaces and taking beautiful wives in Jiangning. The Hong and Yang families enjoy all the riches and honors of the world. Yet they forbid you, their brothers who fought for their country and risked your lives, from reuniting with your families. They make you endure the pain of separation from your own flesh and blood. What kind of reason is this?"
Why would I sell such a master? Inspector Zhu is brave and skilled in battle, and I have long admired him. I hereby grant Inspector Zhu the riches and honors he deserves, without him needing to ask for them. Wealth and honors should be enjoyed by the capable.

Sheng Bao was better at talking than fighting.

Sheng Bao's words struck a nerve with Zhu Xikun.

When Zhu Xikun was caught having an affair with his wife in Cangwu by Chen Chengrong, he was severely punished by Yang Xiuqing.

During the two years he was away from Cangwu, Zhu Xikun was only able to see his family once before the Northern Expedition, thanks to the efforts of Lin Fengxiang and Wei Changhui.

Zhu Xikun had long harbored resentment towards the practice of allowing only the families of the seven princes and three marquises to reunite.

“Inspector Zhu is a hero. Even if he doesn’t think of himself, he should at least think of his brothers. Do you know what will happen to these brothers if they are handed over to the Sangha King?”

Sheng Bao took out a list and said unhurriedly, "Many of these are your old subordinates, right? Zhu Xirui, your cousin, and Zhang Datou and the others followed you all the way from Guangxi. And this Liu Ermazi, I heard he took a knife for you on the battlefield. What a good brother."

Zhu Xikun's fists clenched involuntarily.

Seeing this, Sheng Bao pressed his advantage: "I can assure you that as long as you are willing to take command of the Loyal and Righteous Camp, these brothers will not only survive, but will also continue to serve under you, sharing life and death. You rebelled for wealth and honor, for your wives and children to be granted titles and privileges, right? What the rebel leaders Hong Xiuquan and Yang Xiuqing were unwilling to give you, our Great Qing is willing to give."

If you remain obstinate, I will have no choice but to follow the rules and hand you and the others over to the Prince Seng. Inspector Zhu, you'd better behave yourself.”

Just then, a commotion arose outside the tent, announcing that an envoy from Senggelinqin had arrived to urge the handover of the prisoners. Sheng Bao gestured for his guards to stop the envoy, while he himself kept a close eye on Zhu Xikun: "Inspector Zhu, time is running out."

Zhu Xikun closed his eyes in anguish, countless images flashing through his mind: the unity of the Jintian Army, the overwhelming momentum during the conquest of Hunan and Jiangnan, the various events during the Northern Expedition, and the rumors circulating in the army about Hong Xiuquan, Yang Xiuqing, and others indulging in pleasure in Tianjing.

When he opened his eyes again, his voice was hoarse: "I promise you."

Sheng Bao was overjoyed and immediately ordered: "Pass down the order that all Taiping prisoners be immediately incorporated into the Loyalty Camp, and the wounded be treated immediately! Tell the Seng King that these people are my new recruits, and I have them under my protection!"

Compared to the Northern Expeditionary Army's lack of food and clothing, the Northern Army, with its fleet and the well-developed water network of the Yangtze River, ensured that both the soldiers on the front lines and those stationed there were well-fed and clothed.

In mid-December, Peng Gang received three second-hand steam paddle steamers. He renamed them Baling, Linxiang, and Pingjiang and put them into service, specifically for transporting supplies between the three towns of Wuhan and the Yuelu Mountain camp to supply the frontline soldiers with food and military necessities.

Compared to the three paddle steamers that have been delivered, what makes Peng Gang even happier is that he has commissioned major foreign firms to purchase shipyard facilities in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and the hiring of a considerable number of shipyard workers in Shanghai and Hong Kong has been completed.

The plan to establish a shipyard in Hanyang was finally implemented before the end of the year.

Peng Gang personally went to Hanyang to cut the ribbon for the Hanyang Shipyard, met with the shipyard's technicians, and brought them apprentices selected in Jiangxia County.

Peng Gang offered very generous benefits to the first batch of skilled workers at the Hanyang Shipyard, and helped them settle down in Hanyang.

Regardless of whether they were foreign or Chinese laborers, their wages were 1.5 times higher than in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Of the 88 technicians from Shanghai Drapership, Hong Kong Lam Man Shipyard, Ho Pak Shipyard, and other shipyard companies, only about 20 were foreign technicians; the rest were all local Chinese technicians from Hong Kong and Shanghai.

After the signing of the Jiangning Treaty, in the early years, the technicians of the shipyard companies in Hong Kong and Shanghai were indeed all technicians hired by the shipyard companies from their home countries at high prices.

However, it was later discovered that the Chinese apprentices were very intelligent; they not only learned the skills diligently but also very quickly.

Most importantly, the cost of hiring technicians from countries such as England and the United States to work in China is very high.

The salary of an English technician working in China is equivalent to about four or five pounds per month, which is about twenty taels of silver per month. The cost of American technicians is even higher.

In the mid-19th century, the vast "free" lands of the West in America attracted a large labor force, requiring employers to offer higher wages to retain workers.

In contrast, England does not have a shortage of workers, so wages in the United States are generally higher than in England.

Even if it's an annual salary, twenty taels of silver is enough to hire a Chinese technician for a year.

Chinese technicians, whose skills are slightly inferior or even comparable, can be hired for one-twelfth or even less of the wages of local technicians.

Compared to Western technicians, Chinese technicians not only had lower wages, but also had less work, were more obedient, and did more work.

Therefore, in recent years, dock companies in Shanghai and Hong Kong have been keen to train and hire Chinese technicians who are more cost-effective.

Strictly speaking, these dockworkers from Shanghai and Hong Kong were the earliest proletariat on this land.

Although the Hanyang Shipyard was only in name and had only repair capabilities after it was put into use, it still had a long way to go before it could actually build ships.

But Peng Gang was still very happy, because at least under his leadership, there were factories that were related to industrialization and the first batch of skilled workers.

(End of this chapter)