weaving

Chapter 755 Rumors
Songshan City was built in the fifth year of Xuande in the Ming Dynasty. It is located at the foot of Nanshan Mountain in Jinzhou City.

Now outside the south gate of Songshan City, Zhang Cheng and Guo Yingxian were completely naked, and behind them were the remaining less than [-] family members of the Ding family guarding Yang Guozhu's coffin and slowly moving forward.

Governor Hong Chengchou of Jiliao, Commander Zhang Ruoqi, Governor of Liaodong Qiu Minyang and other officials, as well as Chen Jiugao, Wu Sangui and other town commanders followed the hearse and slowly entered Songshan City.

Yang Guozhu's mourning hall was set up in the front hall of the official government office opposite the military preparation department in the city. Guo Yingxian personally led Yang Guozhu's family members and soldiers to guard the mourning for him.

He Zhenxiong and Tang Xiancheng also wanted to stay, but Guo Yingxian flatly refused, because the Xuanzhen army suffered heavy casualties in today's battle, and they are urgently needed to go back to stabilize the morale of the army.

In this way, on the first night, Zhang Cheng and Guo Yingxian guarded Yang Guozhu's spirit together, and the rest of the officers and generals followed Governor Hong Chengchou and Commander Zhang Ruoqi to pay homage to Yang Guozhu's spiritual seat, and then retreated one after another.

In the first battle against the Tartars by the Liao Wang Division aided by the Ming Dynasty, many generals and officers were killed from Xuanfu Town General Soldier Yang Guozhu down. For example, the deputy general Zhao Bangning was hit by a mace in his right arm and fell off his horse to fight and died; Defensive Luo Wenyao, Li Zhirong, General Qian Xianzhang, Liang Desheng, Du Si Liu Wenxuan, Wang Degong, etc. all sacrificed their lives and died on the battlefield.

In today's battle, the various units of the Ming army also suffered heavy casualties, and the most serious was the troops under Xuanzhen Yang Guozhu. Fortunately, they performed bravely on the battlefield. Although they were severely injured, they also caused a lot of casualties to the Tartars.

According to statistics, the three infantry battalions in Xuanzhen only killed nearly a thousand soldiers, and the cavalry of the Superintendent Biao Battalion also killed more than [-] people. In addition, nearly a thousand soldiers were injured.

The loss of Xuanzhen's Liao soldiers and horses was close to [-]%, and the main general was killed. It can almost be said that Xuanzhen's reinforcements are on the verge of collapse and will face the threat of being divided.

Overall, the total number of Ming soldiers killed in this battle has reached more than 3000, and 5000 people were injured. If the casualties of civilians and soldiers are added, the Ming army’s casualties in this battle are as high as [-]. It can be described as a heavy loss.

The casualties of the Ming army were so heavy that more than [-]% of the battle losses occurred in one day. All the commanders of the towns who participated in the battle suffered a lot of casualties. Nearly collapsed, the department lost nearly half, and now there are only more than [-] troops left.

The Qing army also lost a lot, except that Gushan Ezhen Heluo in Zhenghuang Banner of Mongolia was killed by Guo Yingxian in front of the formation, and the "Batulu" Zhunta of Gushan Ezhen in Zhengbai Banner was also beheaded by Zhang Guangda. forward.

In addition, Jia Lazhang Jingjue Luo Lantai, Hongke, Mu Husa, Niu Luzhang Jingzhang Kushan, Afu Niyue, Huilan and other generals died in battle.

The Manchurian banners also suffered more than 3000 casualties, the Mongolian Eight Banners had more than 2000 casualties, the Han army had more than [-] casualties, and the Tianyou Army also suffered more than [-] casualties.

Calculated in such a piecemeal manner, in today's battle alone, the Qing army lost more than 1 horses. If the coated handymen who helped build trenches on the front line were added, the total number of casualties would be nearly 5000.

The Qing army had less than [-] soldiers and horses outside Jinzhou City. After the war, the total number of soldiers and horses left was less than [-], which was only one-third of the Ming army.

Dorgon was also very worried. At the same time, after this battle, he also felt that the Ming army gathered outside Songshan City was different from the past. They were not only large in number, but also dared to fight bloody.

If there were two more big battles like today's, his soldiers and horses would be exhausted, and he didn't dare to push himself further. In desperation, he withdrew the defenders from Rufeng Mountain, Songshan Mountain and Maojiagou. .

He wants to concentrate his forces to besiege Jinzhou, and only stick to the main road of Shimen Mountain and Huangtuling in the south of the city. Send Feiqi back to Shengjing urgently and report to the slave chief Huang Taiji.

…………

Just when Dorgon withdrew his troops from Rufeng Mountain, Songshan Mountain, and Maojiagou, and sent a letter to Huang Taiji overnight, there was also an undercurrent in Songshan City, and all forces were eager to fight for the soldiers and horses left by Yang Guozhu in Xuanzhen.

After worshiping Yang Guozhu's spiritual seat, Li Fuming, the general soldier of Shanxi, hurried to the governor Xingyuan to see Hong Chengchou. Although he didn't make any contribution in this battle, he suffered heavy losses, which made his small army even weaker now.

He especially begged Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, to temporarily entrust the remaining soldiers and horses under the command of Yang Guozhu, the general of Xuanzhen, to command him temporarily, and at least give him a battalion of soldiers and horses, so as to better serve the country.

Hong Chengchou also had some thoughts about the Xuanzhen army and horses left by Yang Guozhu. He didn't want to annex them for himself, but to distribute them to each battalion to make up for today's losses, so that he could fight the Tartars again.

For this reason, he didn't directly agree to Li Fuming, but only sent him back to rest after some soothing words. What he is anxious about now is to confirm the merits and faults of today's generals, so as to form a memorial to the king.

Of course, the generals of the towns who are generals are naturally not able to participate in this kind of thing. Hong Chengchou discussed with Zhang Ruoqi, Qiu Minyang, Ma Shaoyu, Zhang Dou and others.

Yang Guozhu, Zhang Cheng, and Chen Jiugao's first achievement today is controversial. Yang Guozhu's troops inflicted heavy damage on the Qing army of Dorgon's troops, and they were the most successful in killing the enemy. Guo Yingxian, a general under his command, moved into the battle and beheaded the Qing army's Eight Banners of Mongolia, Gushan Ezhen. Hollow will.

What's more, Yang Guozhu died for the country, and the honor is always given after death, so the call for him to be the first is also the highest.

However, Zhang Cheng's troops went out to rescue the Shenji Battalion and the Xuanfu Town Biao Battalion, and killed many enemies. Zhang Guodong's troops went down to the Qing army artillery formation in Niangniangmiao, and won dozens of Qing army artillery pieces. This is a great achievement.

Moreover, Zhang Guangda, who was under his command, also beheaded the Manchurian Eight Banners Gushan Ezhenzhun Pagoda. This was a Tartar warrior with the title of "Batulu".

However, under the command of Chen Jiugao and Fu Yingchong, the artillery of the Shenji Battalion was roaring, and it was of great help to both the east and west Shimen. Although the melee combat capability of this unit is worrying, the power of the artillery is obvious to all. In the future, they will need to work harder just work.

After some disputes, it was finally determined that the first merit should be reported to Yang Guozhu. Zhang Cheng had no objection to this. After all, Yang Guozhu cared for and loved him a lot, as if he was both a teacher and a father.

And Chen Jiugao had no objection. Although he was full of confidence in his own artillery and proud of the shooting skills of the soldiers under his command, he never thought that he would have the opportunity to win the first victory.

After deciding on the candidate for the first meritorious service, Hong Chengchou said nothing for a long time, but only looked at the governor of Liaodong Qiu Minyang. Qiu Minyang had worked with Hong Chengchou for a long time, so he naturally understood, and immediately suggested that Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of the Ningyuan regiment, performed outstandingly in Dongshimen, and should also be rated as the second. achievement.

Although everyone complained about this, no one opposed it openly. Everyone knew that it was Hong Chengchou who was supporting Wu Sangui. What's more, although Dongshimen had no great record, it was still very impressive.

It's just that Cao Bianjiao suffered a lot. He fought fiercely with the slaves in Huangtuling, and killed more people than Wu Sangui, but he was inferior to Wu Sangui in terms of merit.

In the end, it was Li Fuming's disadvantage in advancing troops, which led to Xuanzhen's soldiers and horses fighting against the elite Qing army of the enemy's Dorgon department alone, causing Yang Guozhu to die on the battlefield and die for the country. .

In fact, there is no difference between this punishment and no punishment, because Li Fuming was impeached as early as the 12th year of Chongzhen and was dismissed from the post of Shanxi General Army.

Not to mention that he was only demoted by one rank, even three ranks in a row, it doesn't matter to him, as long as he is still in front of the army, as long as he has an army in his hands, as long as he makes some contributions, he can be promoted to the general soldier again at any time.

The merits and demerits of the generals were determined in such a very harmonious way. In any case, even if this battle failed to lift the siege of Jinzhou by the Qing army.

But it also caused great damage to it, playing up the momentum of the Ming army, and forcing the Qing army leader Dorgon to shrink the line of defense. It can be said that even if the siege of Jinzhou cannot be relieved for a while, at least it is hopeful.

In this way, the officials of the capital and Emperor Chongzhen can be comforted to some extent.

…………

After the officials agreed that the meritorious deeds of the generals were over, they left the Songshan interim Governor Xingyuan and retreated separately.

Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, returned to the inner courtyard, and his trusted aide, Xie Sixin, waited for everyone to sit down, then ordered the tea servants to retreat, and then asked: "Yang Shuai of the Xuanfu died, and there are still more than ten thousand people left. Go to some miscellaneous soldiers, and there are nearly ten thousand cavalry elites.

An army without a leader is like a pack of wolves without a leader, without a backbone, it will be difficult to exert their due combat power, if not..."

Xie Sixin didn't continue talking, pointing to the end, it is both a suggestion and a test, everything is silent, people who understand will naturally understand, if you pretend not to understand, then there is no point in continuing this topic.

Hong Chengchou picked up the teacup elegantly, took a sip, put down the teacup, and still didn't say a word.

Seeing that Hong Chengchou did not object to the painting, Li Song said: "The governor, as Mr. Xie said, the soldiers and horses in Xuanzhen should not be left without a master for a day, and a general should be chosen to lead them. Otherwise, the masterless will control them." , I am afraid that there will be chaos for a long time!"

At this time, another staff member surnamed Du said: "There is still General Guo in Xuanzhen, can he temporarily control the army and horses left by Zongbing Yang?"

There was a moment of silence in the side hall of the inner house. It can be seen that no one is interested in this proposal. Everyone bowed their heads and sipped tea in a tacit understanding, and sat quietly with their own thoughts.

"Cough cough..."

After a while, Xie Sixin coughed a few times, and then slowly said: "In my opinion, it is better to supply Xuanzhen's soldiers and horses to several other generals to make up for the casualties in today's battle.

In this way, it can not only avoid the control of Xuanzhen's soldiers and horses without a leader, but also allow the generals to quickly recover their combat power, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone. "

A secret smile flashed across Hong Chengchou's elegant face, but he still didn't say anything. He got up slowly and came to the window, looking at the sunset outside without saying a word.

Li Song looked at Xie Sixin, then at Du Zan's painting, and then said: "Today, only General Bing Li from Shanxi, General Cao from Dongxie, and General Wu from Ningyuan were the most injured. How about supplementing the remnants of Buxuan Town to their three-man army?"

What he said seemed to be an inquiry, but it was actually a test, testing the ideas of these people in the side hall to see if they could reach an agreement, and this idea was actually the boss's idea most of the time.

Who is the boss here?

There is no doubt that Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, is the boss of these people, and now everyone is constantly trying to figure out what he means.

After following for a long time, I have long been familiar with Hong Chengchou's character. Before forming a decision, these cronies and aides can speak freely, because their unfettered words can inspire Hong Chengchou.

But since entering Jinzhou, Hong Chengchou's personality seems to have changed. Although the surface is as elegant as ever, he is indeed more and more sinister in secret, but these changes are only known to those close to him.

Because of this, they continued to carefully test Hong Chengchou's inner thoughts. After everyone finished speaking, they all turned their eyes to Hong Chengchou to observe his every move. In essence, they were seeking Hong Chengchou's approval.

Hong Chengchou put down his teacup, focused his eyes on Li Song, and said, "Although Guo Yingxian has made great achievements, he is indeed not the choice of the leader of the army. Now the general soldier Yang in Xuanzhen died for the country, but there is still Zhang Cheng, the deputy general soldier. Anke divides troops to make up for the lack of other towns?"

Everyone was silent for a while, and after a while, Xie Sixin said: "Minister, Zhang Cheng has nearly [-] Xuanbei soldiers and horses. If the soldiers and horses under General Yang's command are also included, he will command too many troops, and he may be arrogant. Xin, it is not appropriate to dispatch before the battle!"

The rest said "yes" again and again, and Hong Chengchou couldn't help thinking deeply.

That Du Zanhua said even more: "What's more, Li Zongbing's army in Shanxi has suffered serious losses. We must continue to replenish, otherwise we may not be able to fight again."

Several other people also tried to persuade them again and again, their intention was to supplement Yang Guozhu's Xuanzhen old department to Li Fuming, Wu Sangui, Cao Bianjiao respectively, and at most to give Zhang Cheng a part, but no one supported Zhang Cheng to take charge of Yang Guozhu's old department.

They were nothing more than worried that Zhang Cheng would command too much force alone, which would lead to arrogance. In this way, it would be difficult to dispatch before the battle, which might be detrimental to the battle situation in Liaodong.

Hong Chengchou closed his eyes and pondered for a long time, but he still couldn't make a decision, so he said to everyone: "I'm a little tired, let's discuss this matter tomorrow."

…………

That night, inside and outside Songshan City, it was widely rumored that some people in the Governor's Mansion wanted to take advantage of Yang Guozhu's death and distribute the soldiers and horses in Xuanzhen to supplement the battalions' battle losses.

For a while, the officers and men in Xuanzhen were all indignant. Although the generals of the battalions tried their best to suppress them, all the generals were quite critical of this, and they were unwilling to be assigned to other generals. Some even proposed to flee back to Xuanzhen.

In the mourning hall opposite the Governor Xingyuan, Zhang Cheng, who guarded Yang Guozhu's spirit, also heard about this. On the one hand, he strictly ordered the generals under his command to control and return the soldiers and horses of their respective battalions to prevent rumors from spreading in the army.

On the other hand, he devoted himself to guarding the spirit of Yang Guozhu, and secretly observed Guo Yingxian's attitude. He knew that Yang Guozhu's relative was a veteran of Xuanzhen.

(End of this chapter)