weaving

Chapter 770 Who is Zhang Cheng?

Although Jinzhou has been besieged by the Qing army for more than a year, fortunately, the captive chieftain Huang Taiji has been thinking about persuading Zu Dashou to surrender, but has never really launched an attack on Jinzhou City. Neither will be breached.

Moreover, in March of this year, Wu Sangui and other Liao generals risked their lives to transport a large amount of grain and grass into the city, so that they were able to hold on until now.

Although the Qing army attacked the city of Jinzhou dozens of times, they used some methods, such as shelling, gunpowder bombing, digging tunnels, and ants attached to the city.

However, it can be seen that the Qing army's will to attack the city is not firm. It is more like a test, or it is putting pressure on Zu Dashou. Will actively retreat.

However, since noon yesterday, the Qing soldiers outside the city seemed to be aggressive, as if they would not give up until they captured Jinzhou City. Not only did the offensive become more resolute and fierce, but they also called in many reinforcements.

In the past, there were almost only some soldiers and horses surrounded by the Manchurian red flag and the red flag, but now the soldiers and horses of the other banners also appeared outside the city one after another.

Cannons of all sizes gathered outside Jinzhou City, and more and more, even Huanglong Canopy Umbrella of Captive Chief Huang Taiji appeared several times, which made the defenders in Jinzhou City suddenly feel bad.

"The thieves are in a hurry. They stormed our Jinzhou City. The intention was to force Governor Songshan Hong to come to the rescue, so as to find a gap to attack. The intention is still to encircle the spot and send reinforcements."

Zu Dashou said in a low voice, his voice was thick and powerful, with an undeniable taste.

This is also the habit he has developed over the years standing at the pinnacle of power.

After all, there are very few people in Liaodong who can compete with him, or even have the ability to question him. Even Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, and other important officials of the frontier, when they met him in the past, they were always polite gas.

Zu Dashou pressed his sword with his left hand and stood steadily. He didn't seem to care about the mighty Qing soldiers.

He kept issuing orders, where to strengthen the defense, he sent more troops, and where to reinforce the artillery fire, he dispatched the artillery.

The Guancheng on the east, north, and west sides of Jinzhou, including the outer city of Jinzhou, was captured by the Qing army after Nomqi and other Mongolian generals rebelled, but it was too close to the inner city to stop the artillery bombardment on the city. retreat.

Afterwards, the Ming army recovered and repaired it briefly, and was defeated by the Qing army. Then the Qing army retreated, and the Ming army recovered again. This attack and defense changed hands many times, but as long as the Qing army seriously attacked, the dilapidated outer city could not be defended. .

Fortunately, when Zu Dashou followed Yuan Chonghuan, the supervisor of the Ming Dynasty, to recover Ningjin, the inner city of Jinzhou was built very solidly, and it was surrounded by water on both sides, so it can persist until today. The only thing that is scarce is insufficient firewood.

I hope Jinzhou City can resist this wave again!
Zu Dashou's eagle-like eyes kept looking around the city of Jinzhou. In addition to the endless sea of ​​Qing army siege vehicles, they could faintly see their camps around the city.

Especially in the east, north, and west sides of the city.

The south of Jinzhou City was originally not far from the Xiaoling River, and it was not convenient for camping or forming an array. Even though the Qing army now occupies the outer city, there are rubble everywhere, and it is within the range of artillery fire in the city, so in that direction, Only some rangers come and go.

They seem to be on guard, and they seem to be demonstrating to the Ming army in Jinzhou City!
However, not far from the south bank of the Xiaoling River, there were also some camps of the Qing army, but they were relatively few. They were the openings deliberately opened by the Qing army to facilitate the arrival of reinforcements from the Ming army from Songshan.

In fact, it was not safe for Zu Dashou to stand on the high tower. The Qing army knew that this tall Liao Tower was the highest point in Jinzhou City. The tower boomed violently.

Not long ago, a cannon from the Qing army roared towards it, and happened to hit the top of the tower.

All the generals and servants around persuaded Zu Dashou to leave the tower quickly, but he sternly refused, and no one dared to persuade him anymore.

"Humph!"

Zu Dashou snorted, and said: "The Tartars shelled so violently, but they didn't see any siege action. I don't think their intention is to capture Jinzhou. The siege is fake, but the real intention is to lure Hong Du to come to help!"

Zu Dabi was taken aback when he heard the words, and hurriedly shouted: "What? Big brother, isn't this bloody really attacking the city? According to the offensive of the Tartars, there is no need to send troops to charge the city, just a few more blasts. Is Jinzhou City afraid that it will collapse?

If reinforcements don't come, we're doomed! "

Zu Dashou glared at his younger brother, and saw that Zu Dabi immediately fell silent. Although he was extremely brave in battle, he was very afraid of this elder brother since he was a child. Zu Dabi shut up habitually.

Zu Dashou shook his head secretly in his heart, his brother was brave and brave, but the overall situation of the strategy was too far behind.

He said patiently: "You have also experienced the battle at the beginning of the month, the Tartars were so ferocious, even the servants of my ancestral family were nothing more than that.

At that time, you and I fought hard and broke through two trenches of the Tartars, but finally stopped moving on the third trench, which made Jinzhou no longer have the chance to rescue the siege, which is a pity.

As for the news from Songshan, you also know that although Yang Zongbing of the Xuanfu who came to help died, many generals were severely injured, and Li Fuming and others lost more than half of their troops.

However, he also killed and wounded more than [-] Tartars, even beheaded two Tartars, Gu Shan Ezhen, and seized many dangerous places in Jinnan. to the frontline command.

You look at the big yellow dragon umbrella, why don't you understand the meaning of the captive chieftain? If you are taking the brocade, why wait for today, the intention is obviously to help the Liao army. "

"According to the news from the eldest uncle, there is a deputy general named Zhang Cheng in Xuan Town, who has a strong army and is expected to succeed General Yang to the Xuan Mansion, and he has a very thorough understanding of the captive chieftain's mind.

It is true that there are talented people from generation to generation, and our generation does not obey the old, so it is impossible! "

Zu Dabi said angrily: "I don't care if other people are talented or not. Anyway, in Liaodong, our ancestors have to decide. However, the Tartars are attacking so aggressively. If the city is destroyed , but it would be bad."

Zu Dashou was silent for a long time, finally sighed, and said: "Yes, with such a fierce attack, I don't know how long the city wall can last."

Jinzhou has been under siege for more than a year, and it has been several months since Wu Sangui risked his life to transport grain last time.

Now the defenders in the city are very exhausted. Although there is plenty of food and grass in the city, there is not enough firewood. Although they can barely make a fire to eat, if they are surrounded for a long time, it will become a problem, and I am afraid it will affect them. Army morale.

He suddenly asked: "Has the war situation on the Jinzhou side been sent to the Hongdu Xingyuan in the Songshan Fort?"

A relative hurriedly stepped forward and replied: "Delivered. The courier went back and forth smoothly. There were not many Tartar spies and soldiers intercepting them along the way. They were divided into multiple groups last night and left the city at night. That night, they arrived at Hongdu. Where the Xingyuan is."

Zu Dashou looked at the outside of Jinzhou City expressionlessly, and said lightly: "That's what the Tartars did on purpose!"

He asked again, "What did Governor Hong say?"

The general replied: "The strategy of the generals to defend the battle is still in dispute, and it is difficult for Governor Hong to make a decision. I don't know when we will have to wait for reinforcements to come to Jinzhou."

He gritted his teeth, and suddenly said bitterly: "Master Wu advocated the rescue, and his intention was the strongest. But the new general of the Xuan Mansion repeatedly said that this is a plan for the Tartars to force me into the army. Resolutely oppose the immediate entry of troops, insist on staying with the slaves for a long time, and then advance after finding a gap.

Now the chief soldiers of Songshan, Wang Pu, Chen Jiugao, Li Fuming, etc. are all on his side, and even Zhang Ruoqi, the commander-in-chief, is inclined to his side.

Mr. Wu was alone, with weak soldiers and horses, so he didn't dare to come alone. Liu Zhaoji was sent to Gaoqiao again, Zuo Guangxian also stayed in Xingshan, Ma Ke was vacillating, and Tang Tong, Bai Guangen and others were even worse. fear death……

What exactly does Zhang Cheng want to do? Could it be that he has done a little bit of merit and occupied the position of Xuanfu's chief soldier, so he can just sit back and watch my Jinzhou perish? "

"That's...that's..."

As soon as the general's words came out, all the generals around the tower immediately started talking about it, and there was a bit of resentment towards Zhang Cheng in the words.

They all knew that when Zhang Cheng first arrived in Liaodong, he tried his best to prevent the army from rushing into the front line of Songshan. He always said what he said should be cautious, and he should not rush forward under the enemy. The trapped generals in Jinzhou City have not said anything yet.

After all, using chariots to form an formation and slowly advance to force the Qing army, not to mention the strategy of fighting lightly, this was the strategy of aiding the brocade set by Zu Dashou and Hong Chengchou at that time.

At that time, the Qing army was powerful, and of course they could see that if they acted rashly, it might be a complete overthrow. At that time, even Zu Dashou and others felt that the imperial court and the commander-in-chief Zhang Ruoqi's urge to fight was indeed Meng Lang's a little bit.

Just when Hong Chengchou led his army to Songshan for the first time last time, he fought against the slaves, killed and wounded more than ten thousand Qing troops, and even beheaded two Manchurians. .

However, now that the Qing army suddenly attacked Jinzhou again, and this time it seemed that the determination was firm, and the Jinzhou defenders could not support it alone. After receiving the news that Zhang Cheng was trying to prevent the immediate rescue, they immediately developed a grudge against Zhang Cheng.

As everyone knows, all these are rumors deliberately spread by people with a heart, taking advantage of the opportunity of messengers in Jinzhou City.

Zhang Cheng took the lead, insisting that as long as the Jinzhou army does not move, Jinzhou City will be impenetrable and will not be breached by the Tartars. .

Now, Zu Dashou heard the complaints from his subordinates, he looked over with strict eyes, and suddenly shouted: "Shut up!"

He had always had a high prestige in the Liaodong Army, and when he stopped drinking, all the relatives, generals and servants around him shivered involuntarily, they all stopped complaining, and even looked at him with some trepidation.

Zu Dashou said coldly: "The soldiers are fierce and dangerous, but if you are not careful, you will repeat the mistakes of the Daling River, how can Hong Du act carelessly?

For military and national affairs, Hong Du has experienced many battles, so he has his own considerations, not to mention that the reinforcements will not stop coming, but it will only be delayed for a few days. "

He glanced at everyone with firm and cold eyes, and said: "I heard that Zhang Cheng of the Xuanfu was even more loyal. During the 11th year of the Battle of King Qin in Chongzhen, he first shot King Dorgon with an arrow, and then beheaded Ma Zhan. and Yue Tuo have emerged since then.

It's only been a few years now, although it was heard that he had made some military achievements in suppressing bandits in Henan province, so he became the deputy general of Xuanfu, and even led tens of thousands of troops to aid Liao, so it can be seen that he must have some skills.

For example, in the last battle, all the armies fought hard, Xuanfu Yang Zongbing was a veteran on the battlefield, and his troops from the west were even braver, but they were also attacked by Tatars and surrounded.

The only lieutenant, Zhang Cheng, led his troops into the rescue, and even beheaded the Tartar bandit Gu Shanezhen "Batulu" warrior Zhunta in front of the battle. Such a brave and powerful man, how many people in my Ming Dynasty can do it?

You guys are so sideways, if it gets to Zongbing Zhang's ears, wouldn't it hurt our relationship with Xuan Dajun? "

Zu Dashou was able to rise up in Liaodong Border Town, and he has stood still for decades. The most important point is that he understands the importance of personal connections. He has his own judgment on who should be offended and who should not be offended!
Ever since Zhang Cheng emerged in the Battle of King Qin, Zu Dashou began to pay attention to him, and often secretly compared him with Wu Sangui, after all, they were both about the same age, and they were both rising stars among young generals.

Especially after Zhang Cheng helped suppress Henan as the deputy general of the Xuanfu, he paid more attention to Zhang Cheng.

For Zu Dashou, Zhang Cheng can be described as an excellent ally. Not to mention the extremely powerful army and horses under his command, he also has an extremely extensive network of contacts. He is appreciated by the emperor and supported by his own soldier Chen Xinjia.

What's even more ingenious is that there is no conflict of interest between them. Zu Dashou lives in Liao Town, and Zhang Cheng lives in Xuan Town. They are one east and one west, and they are both the key and barrier of the capital. The status is not lost, and the wealth will last forever.

Zu Dashou's family knew about his family affairs. Although Guan Ningjun is very beautiful on the surface, how many people are resentful and jealous behind him?

The ruling and opposition parties are also full of suspicions about the Liaoxi military sect, but they dare not touch themselves because of the fear of all parties, or because of the bondage of interests.

Therefore, this time Zhang Cheng led the Xuanbei Army to come to aid Jin, Zu Dashou made up his mind and looked for an opportunity to make friends with him. Make an enemy.

Especially when the news came that Zhang Cheng had beheaded Zhenzhun Pagoda in Gushan, Manchuria not long ago, and had a great hope of succeeding as the general officer of the Xuanfu, Zu Dashou was more firm on this point.

Under Zu Dashou's many years of prestige, all the generals around him had no choice but to be obedient and listen attentively.

In fact, when the news of the great victory at Xishimen arrived that day, they were also deeply shocked.

Everyone has fought against the Qing soldiers for many years, and they all know how difficult it is to capture the head of a bandit slave, let alone the head of the Tartar "Batulu" Gu Shan'erzhen.

For everyone, being able to kill a Tartar Niu Luzhang Jing was already an unprecedented victory, so for the Xuanbei Army, for Zhang Cheng, everyone had to admire under the curiosity, jealousy and fear.

They were also cautious when discussing in private, for fear that some words would reach Zhang Cheng's ears and cause unnecessary trouble.

Especially after the Liao incident, how many troops of the Ming Dynasty were buried in the land of Liaodong. Many generals in the border towns were full of vigilance against the Liaodong soldiers, and even regarded them as the source of disasters.

Moreover, who is that Zhang Cheng?

It is said that he was a murderer in Xuanbei. When he was a general, he dared to slaughter the tiger who was the deputy commander!
How can you buy their account?

Even if Zhang Cheng proposes to stand still and observe the situation before making a decision, what can the generals in Jinzhou do?
Thinking of this, all the generals on the pagoda couldn't help feeling discouraged, and one of the generals even said, "Grandpa, do you think Governor Hong and his reinforcements will come? Right now, the Tartars are eager to attack..."

All the generals also asked questions one after another, and their words were full of worries.

(End of this chapter)