Late Ming Dynasty: Special Forces in 1645

Zheng Hongkui, originally named Zheng Zhifeng, was the younger brother of Zheng Zhilong and was the second most important figure in the Zheng clan of Fujian after Zheng Zhilong.

In the thirteenth year of the Chongzhen reign, Zheng Hongkui passed the military examination and became a Jinshi. After the Hongguang regime was established, he was appointed as a general and stationed in Zhenjiang. After the Hongguang regime collapsed, he and his brother Zheng Zhilong supported Zhu Yujian, the Prince of Tang, to ascend the throne as the Longwu Emperor. Zheng Hongkui was granted the title of Duke of Dingguo and stationed his troops at Xianxia Pass.

If Fenshuiguan is the gateway from Jiangxi to Fujian, then Xianxiaguan is the gateway from Zhejiang to Fujian, and its strategic position is even more important!

The Xianxia Pass was crucial to the survival of the Fujian regime, which demonstrates the importance of Zheng Hongkui's garrison there.

After reading Zheng Zhilong's letter, Zheng Hongkui's expression turned gloomy, and he said in a deep voice, "I underestimated this bandit Li Chengming. I thought that a group of bandits couldn't cause any big trouble, but I didn't expect him to be so audacious."

Zheng Hongkui ordered his deputy, Xiao Gongchen, "Go and muster ten thousand elite troops. You will lead them to capture Xinzhou City!"

Xiao Gongchen hesitated and said, "My lord, shouldn't we reconsider our plans regarding the situation in eastern Zhejiang?"

Zheng Hongkui shook his head and patiently explained, "Although His Majesty has been urging us to send troops to eastern Zhejiang, if Xianxia Pass is lost after I leave, I'm afraid I'll be held responsible for a thousand deaths! Besides, the rebel army in Xinzhou is already plotting to seize Fenshui Pass. If Fenshui Pass in Jiangxi is lost, the rebels can directly march on Fuzhou. At that time, I'm afraid..."

Zheng Hongkui didn't continue, but his meaning was clear.

Zheng Hongkui was actually lying through his teeth. He could fool others with his words, but could he fool his own trusted subordinates?

Zheng Hongkui was stationed at Xianxia Pass and in charge of the war in Zhejiang. The defense of Fenshui Pass was the responsibility of Fuzhou, so what did it have to do with Zheng Hongkui?

Fuzhou still has tens of thousands of troops stationed there, so there's no need to touch the garrison at Xianxia Pass.

The reason Zheng Zhilong sent Zheng Hongkui to attack Xinzhou City was simply because he never intended for Zheng Hongkui to send troops to eastern Zhejiang to resist the Qing army.

Eastern Zhejiang was the territory of Zhu Yihai, the Prince of Lu, so what did it have to do with Zheng Zhilong from Fujian?

Zheng Zhilong can then use the excuse of insufficient troops at Xianxia Pass to legitimately shut up Emperor Longwu's constant urging of Zheng Hongkui to send troops to eastern Zhejiang!

Although Xiao Gongchen was Zheng Hongkui's loyal subordinate, he sighed inwardly when he saw that the Zheng brothers had no ambition and silently accepted his orders and left!

Zheng Hongkui breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that his capable subordinates did not object to sending troops to Xinzhou City. He could force Xiao Gongchen to lead troops into battle, and Xiao Gongchen would not dare to disobey the military order, but wouldn't it be better to make Xiao Gongchen willing to lead troops into battle?

......

Liangzicheng of Xinzhou and Li Chengming of Qianshan were unaware that danger was quietly approaching.

Li Chengming and Liang Zicheng were still discussing the matter of sending troops to Ehu Town:

The city of Qianshan has 4,000 troops. It is prepared to send 2,000 troops without cannons, leaving 2,000 troops and six new cannons to defend the city.

Xinzhou City has 3,000 troops, and is prepared to send 1,000 troops with eight new cannons to attack Ehu Town from both the east and west.

This time, the plan is to annihilate the garrison at Ehu. After taking Ehu Town, the Xingfu Army will not leave but will be stationed there to counterbalance the Zheng Army that has broken out of the pass.

After agreeing on the time to send troops, Liang Zicheng temporarily left the steel mill and devoted all his energy to preparing for the deployment.

That day, in Xinzhou City, Liang Zicheng, He Mingqiu, Huang Longkun, and Song Yourong were discussing the matter of sending troops.

A communications soldier rushed in and said, "Commanders, a large enemy force of at least five thousand has been spotted approaching from Guangfeng County. They are heading this way and will arrive at Xinzhou City in about an hour and a half!"

"Is the enemy coming from the direction of Guangfeng?" Liang Zicheng stood up and said, "If troops are coming from Fujian, they would have to cross mountains and valleys, so it doesn't seem like Fujian is the place!"

He Mingqiu took out his tablet, opened the map, and analyzed, "If it's not Fujian, then it must be Zhejiang. Do you remember why the captain set up an outpost here?"

Huang Longkun nodded and said, "I was right next to the captain at the time. He said that although it was unlikely, we still had to be on guard, specifically against an enemy from Zhejiang, or more precisely, Xianxia Pass!"

Song Yourong said, "Xianxia Pass is still within the Zheng family's sphere of influence; ultimately, it's still Zheng's army!"

Huang Longkun said, "It's Zheng Jun, the troops of Zheng Zhilong's younger brother, Zheng Hongkui. Zheng Zhilong has so many troops in Fuzhou, yet he insists on sending Zheng Hongkui. Is he crazy?"

He Mingqiu guessed, "If the troops from Fuzhou want to attack Xinzhou City, they'll have to go through Fenshui Pass. Although Xianxia Pass is a bit more remote and mountainous, it can achieve a surprise attack!"

Liang Zicheng shook his head and said, "Let's not worry about what Zheng Zhilong is thinking for now. Let's report the situation here to the captain and then prepare to meet the enemy!"

Then Liang Zicheng ordered the communications soldier, "Go to Battalion Commander Zhao and tell him to send out more scouts to gather intelligence on the enemy's movements. Report back to me immediately if anything comes up!"

"Yes, sir!" The communications soldier accepted the order and left.

On the other side, Li Chengming was also preparing to launch a second attack on Ehu Town when he received a message from Liang Zicheng.

After seeing the news that Zheng Jun had dispatched troops from Xianxia Pass, Li Chengming pondered for a long time.

It's impossible for troops to be dispatched from Xinzhou City now. So what should Li Chengming do?

Seeing this, Yan Huidong asked, "Captain, what happened?"

Li Chengming quickly made a decision: "A large number of enemies have appeared over Xinzhou City. Here's what you'll do: lead your cavalry company back to assist in the defense of Xinzhou City. Set off immediately, quick!"

Li Chengming decided that Ehu Town must be captured, as his army would be able to advance or retreat only after capturing Ehu Town.

Li Chengming turned to Zhou Lei and said, "Originally, I only wanted to take two thousand soldiers with me. Here, I will take two thousand five hundred soldiers and three new cannons, and leave you one thousand five hundred soldiers and three new cannons. The defense of this city will depend on you."

I have a feeling that Fenshuiguan won't remain inactive either; they're very likely to send a large force to try and retake Qianshan City! We don't have any extra troops to support you, so be prepared. This time, you'll have to defend the city on your own!

After Li Chengming finished speaking, he silently took out two rifle magazines from his body and handed them to Zhou Lei.

Zhou Lei looked at the magazine Li Chengming handed him, but didn't take it. He shook his head and said, "Don't worry, Captain. As long as I'm here, Qianshan City will..."

Li Chengming interrupted, "No matter what, you must protect yourself! The city can be taken back if it's lost. You seven followed me here, and I don't want any of you to get hurt, understand?"

Zhou Lei lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought, and whispered, "Understood!"

Li Chengming shouted, "Show some military spirit and answer again!"

Zhou Lei straightened his back and answered loudly, "Understood!"

"That's right." Li Chengming handed two magazines to Zhou Lei, saying, "I have another magazine here. I've only fired a few shots. The remaining twenty-odd rounds, along with a pistol, should be enough!"

Next, Li Chengming recounted 2,500 men, including 100 archers and 250 musketeers, each carrying three days' worth of dry rations, and they left with three new cannons.

Ehu Town is a thorn in the side between Xinzhou City and Qianshan City. If this thorn is not removed, the Restoration Army will face an awkward situation: if either Xinzhou City or Qianshan City is attacked, neither can come to the other's aid!

Therefore, Li Chengming decided that even if Xinzhou City could not send troops, he would still take Ehu Town on his own!