prosperous age

Chapter 553

It has been two days since the news of the beacon came from the direction of Changping. During these two days, the atmosphere in the capital became tense again.

Although unlike the last time when Huang Taiji invaded Miyun, martial law was soon implemented in the capital, but after all, the two warnings were too intensive, and it was inevitable that people would not think of the scene more than a month ago.

The tension in the atmosphere seems to have had some effect, that is, the voices of the officials in support of the Shandong Governor's Memorial have become a little quieter, and everyone's focus has shifted to the Xuanfu.

And at this time, the news that Ma Fang led his troops out of customs to patrol the border also came from the Ministry of War.

For a time, the news spread quickly from the court that Ma Fang's troops were ambushed by Tartars outside the pass, and the entire army was wiped out.

The emergence of this rumor undoubtedly intensified the tension in the capital again.

At this time, Ma Fang's reputation in the capital can be said to be very great. A month ago, a big battle made everyone in the capital know Ma Fang's name.

Who can imagine, the news of his defeat and death in just over a month will have a great psychological impact on the people.

When the Xuanfu urgent report was sent to the Ministry of War, Changping Fenghuo finally had a clear message.

More than [-] captive cavalry broke through the Dishui Cliff and entered the Xuan Mansion to plunder two days ago.

The battle report was sent to the Ministry of War. In fact, after Yang Bo, the minister of the Ministry of War, took it to Xiyuan to face the saint, the details of the battle report quickly spread in the capital.

"No, no, no, no."

Prince Yu's mansion was gone, Wei Guangde frowned and looked at the battle report sent by Xuan Mansion repeatedly. In just one day, the Tartar soldiers marched southward for more than [-] li.

Except for the fact that the town fort near the side wall had been strictly guarded in the past, the losses in this Tartar raid were small, and the further south, the heavier the local losses.

"The Tartars didn't attack the town fort near the side wall, but just wiped out the Ming army outside the city and looted the people. The large group of people still went south, and they didn't even attack these places. It's really puzzling."

Wei Guangde expressed his doubts, no matter what, it is necessary to keep a retreat channel.

But in this battle report, it is very rare for the Tatars to move southward so fast, as if it was expected that the Ming army would not be able to block their retreat.

"I said yesterday that the rumor that Ma Fang's department might be defeated, Shan Loan thinks whether it is credible."

Zhang Juzheng asked again.

"If Ma Fang is defeated, it is impossible not to mention it in the battle report."

Wei Guangde shook his head and replied, "Looking at the time, the Tatars arrived a few days after Ma Fang led his troops out of the customs, and the border guards had Ma Fang's orders in advance, so the military forts are all right.

It's just that the target of the Tartars this time is obviously not with them, but to raid the hinterland of Xuanfu with all their strength. The news of Ma Fang's dispatch of troops must have been known to Altan Khan. They are just bullying Xuanfu for not having a mobile force, so they dare to do so Unscrupulous all the way south to plunder. "

Wei Guangde thought while talking, and gradually gave a fairly satisfactory answer.

After saying this, Wei Guangde lowered his head and thought for a while, before he said with certainty, "If I hadn't guessed, I Dahan might not have known the news that Ma Fang was going to send troops, but just sent scouts to investigate the passes along the Xuanfu until they found Ma Fang. They sent troops to raid the Xuan Mansion because of the news of Fang's dispatch of troops."

“How come you see?”

This time, it was King Yu who spoke. He is now more and more interested in the northern military.

"If it was known in advance that Ma Fang led his troops into the grassland, I Da Khan should concentrate his main force to ambush Ma Fang's troops. As long as they are wiped out on the grassland, it is the best strategy to send troops south to attack Xuanfu.

After all, if the army crashes on the grassland, as long as the blockade is good, the rout may not have a chance to return to the side wall. An attack at this time will still catch our army by surprise.

Only when the movement of Ma Fang's department is discovered temporarily, will it be too late to call all parties.

You know, the grassland is so big, and the Mongolian tribes are scattered all over the country. It is impossible to recruit cavalry from various tribes in two or three months.

The more than 2 Tatars who entered the Xuanfu were probably Altan Khan's personal guards. They avoided Ma Fang's tribe and went all the way south to enter the Xuanfu.

I'm afraid that at this time, Ma Fang's family has not yet arrived at Beisha Beach, but they don't know that their old nest has been taken away. "

Wei Guangde closed his eyes, shook his head lightly and said.

At the beginning, after discovering that Ma Fang had the idea of ​​raiding the grassland, he instinctively felt something was wrong, but he didn't expect Al Dahan to do so. , to avoid Ma Fang's soldiers attacking Xuanfu.

Fortunately, although he didn't think of it, Zhang Juzheng did.

It's a pity that Dong Yikui's order from the Ministry of War may be difficult to carry out.

Given the current situation in Shanxi, Dong Yikui may not be able to muster thousands of cavalry in a short period of time, it is still too easy to think.

Wei Guangde regretted it deeply at the moment. When Zhang Juzheng proposed to supplement the troops of the Xuanfu, he actually didn't show enthusiasm, but only agreed perfunctorily.

Because in his opinion, Ma Fang's troops should not lose when they attack, and they will not be defeated all the way back to Xuanfu, and they need to send troops to rescue from all over the place.

It was only for insurance that he approved the transfer of soldiers and horses from Shanxi Town to support Xuanfu.

It can only be said that the impression of Wei Guangde's later generations caused him to make a mistake in judgment this time, and he trusted Ma Fang too much, thinking that with his talent, there would be no major mistakes.

"There's no rush. The Tatars should leave after entering the Xuan Mansion and wreaking havoc for a few days. The soldiers and horses in Shanxi Town should have assembled and will soon go north under the leadership of Dong Yikui to force the Tartars back."

Zhang Juzheng comforted him, "However, Ma Fang's contribution may be lost in this matter of recounting his merits. I just hope that the merits and demerits can be offset."

"An accident happened in the Xuan Mansion, and Ma Fang cannot absolve herself of the blame."

Yin Shizheng said.

"Even if it is punished, it should not be too heavy, at most it will be downgraded."

Wei Guangde was not worried. At this time, among the generals in the northern border towns, there were many generals who could replace Ma Fang in guarding the Yuxuan Mansion, but few dared to lead troops into the grassland to take revenge.

Based on this alone, Emperor Jiajing would not punish him.

"Actually, it's better to punish him, so that he doesn't float up by himself, and let him know how powerful I Da Khan is. In the past, he had a great chance of winning against Al Da Khan.

This time, they didn't fight him at all, avoiding the edge and hitting him seven inches was a lesson. "

When Wei Guangde said this, his tone became gradually relaxed.

"Wait for a while, as long as it is confirmed that the Tartars are avoiding Ma Fang's troops and carrying out a surprise attack, at least it means that the soldiers trained by Ma Fang, the Tartars will not dare to stand in front of them."

Just as Wei Guangde said this, his voice was interrupted by King Yu.

"Wait, what do you mean, as long as Ma Fang is given troops, money and food, he can train a cavalry that can sweep across the northern grasslands?"

Speaking of this, King Yu stared at Wei Guangde with bright eyes.

Wei Guangde was a little uncomfortable being stared at by King Yu, he didn't dare to say that.

I Da Khan was a little afraid of Ma Fang, which he inferred from the Xuanfu's unusual military operation this time, and it took time to verify it.

However, King Yu's question still needs to be answered.

Wei Guangde thought for a moment before answering: "Actually, compared with the Mongolian captive cavalry, our Daming cavalry is inferior to cavalry and archery, and is better at weapons. The two sides should have equal combat power when fighting.

There are many reasons for being passive everywhere before, but it is definitely not caused by the large gap in combat power. "

"what is the reason?"

King Yu was still curious and continued to ask.

"Ma Fang trained in the regular barracks, and the food and wages were well paid. Although they are not full-time, they are not far behind.

With the supply of food and salaries, morale can be kept high, which is one of them.

Ma Fang's military training is strictly in accordance with the Ming army drills. If it is like the Beijing camp, fishing for three days and drying the net for two days, the combat power will definitely not be guaranteed. This is the second.

As for the third, the Ming army was divided into nine towns in the north, and they fought on their own on weekdays, while the captive cavalry could attack scatteredly or call in a large army to attack.

Although our army is large, it is scattered on nine sides, so we often encounter situations where the enemy is outnumbered, and it is normal to lose more and win less.

Insufficient morale, insufficient training, and insufficient troops make this battle difficult to fight. "

Wei Guangde said, Yu Wang, Yin Shizhen and others also nodded frequently.

Some of these things they knew, but some they hadn't thought of.

For example, King Yu didn't even know how much food and salaries the soldiers on the nine borders could get for a month, and whether it was enough to eat.

In his opinion, even if officials at all levels are more greedy, they still have at least half of their military pay.

As for the actual situation, Wei Guangde knew that Yin Shizhen and Zhang Juzheng could roughly guess it, but they dared not say it clearly.

There are too many yamen and officials who distribute money, and speaking out is to offend a large group, even the entire northern official group.

To be honest, Wei Guangde's money for studying and taking the imperial examinations is not clean, and the Wei family also participated in the greed and sharing of soldiers' salaries, but they are the last level.

"Actually, in my opinion, the root cause is not here."

Just when Yu Wang and others were discouraged by Wei Guangde's remarks, Wei Guangde continued, "The biggest trouble for our Ming Dynasty officers and soldiers to confront the Mongolian Tartars is actually that they have no fixed place to live.

Think about how powerful our Ming army was during the period of Taizu and Chengzu, and how powerful the Northern Expedition was several times, and what the final result was.

The Tartars don't have a city or a place to defend, they just run around to fight, fight if they win, run away if they don't win, and are even chased to Mobei by the officers and soldiers.

Our army of the Ming Dynasty has excellent equipment but has never been able to find a good chance to win. It can only waste money from the treasury.

Failure to seize the opportunity to hold a big battle is the biggest trouble. "

"What Shan Loan said is reasonable, but to deal with the Tartars, we can only wait for the opportunity and launch a thunderous blow."

Zhang Juzheng nodded in agreement.

Wei Guangde glanced at the others, and seemed to recall: "I remember the first time I met Ma Fang, he was still in Huailai County. At that time, he pointed out that there are three "incomparable" things between the Ming army and the Mongolian army.

One is that the Mongolian army is "naturally born to ride and shoot, and is skilled in bowing and horses", the other is "coming and going quickly, taking care of one thing and losing another", and the third is "living without a fixed place, and being free to advance and retreat".

And his suggestion to solve these three "incomparables" was not like other frontier generals at that time who only knew to focus on defense and blindly built side walls to deter the enemy from attacking, but believed that "cavalry should be controlled by cavalry", Create a powerful cavalry unit and the Tartars decisive battle on the grasslands. "

"How much money is needed to form a cavalry, and the horses alone may not be able to skyrocket."

Zhang Juzheng's considerations are still comprehensive, let alone the difficulty of Da Ming's acquisition of war horses, even if he can find the source of horses from the surrounding countries, the money and property he will consume will be astronomical.

"Actually, the main reason is that we can't find enough war horses. It's easier to raise the necessary property."

Wei Guangde said disapprovingly.

"Shan Loan, don't you know the price of a war horse? It takes at least [-] horses to form the cavalry that Ma Fang said can fight the Tartars."

Yin Shizheng said with emotion, "This requires millions of taels of silver, and the horses required are so large, the price of the horses may be even higher."

"There will also be a large number of food and fodder supplies in the future."

Zhang Juzheng added.

"If the threat from the north can be completely resolved, a million taels of silver, or even more investment, is worth it."

At this time, King Yu said, "It's just to form this cavalry unit, but if we can't catch the main force of the Tartars, that will be the biggest loss."

The Central Plains is not like a grassland. There are huge pastures where horses can be raised.

Moreover, the war horses used by the Ming army are also different from the war horses used by Mongolia in terms of horse species. It is necessary to prepare concentrated feed such as bean cakes for these war horses to ensure the horsepower of the war horses.

These changes were actually one of the means by which the Ming cavalry fought against the Mongolian cavalry.

It's just such a difference that led to a sharp increase in the cost of raising war horses in Ming Dynasty.

If it is delayed in a decisive battle with the Mongolian cavalry, the consumption cannot be afforded by Ming Dynasty.

"Changyingku's silver should be enough to support the purchase of war horses."

In the early years, the information of the Changying Treasury in Taipu Temple was not known to the outside world. However, as the imperial court was unable to make ends meet in the past few years, it often needed to borrow money from the Changying Treasury for turnover, and the name of the Changying Treasury began to spread among the court. .

But because Changyingku is too special, no one dares to make a decision here.

"Shan Loan, I have always been curious about how the cavalry led by Ma Fang will not be defeated in a direct battle with the captive cavalry."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng suddenly asked.

Zhang Juzheng's question made King Yu's eyes shine.

What Zhang Juzheng asked was not about strategy, but about specific combat.

Ma Fang has already said that the captive cavalry is good at cavalry and archery. Even if the Ming army maintains a high morale, cavalry and archery are no match. How did he manage to fight head-on without losing the wind?

Wei Guangde laughed and said, "Brother Uncle, have you ever heard of stacking formations?"

"Stacking array method? But the stacking array method created by Wu Lin in the Southern Song Dynasty?"

Zhang Juzheng wondered, but then shook his head, "That array formation is used by infantry against cavalry, Ma Fang always uses cavalry to counteract, how to use array formation against the enemy?"

The "stacking formation method" they call is the battle formation method created by Wu Lin in the Southern Song Dynasty when he fought with the golden generals Hu Zhan and Xi Buzhu. In fact, it is a mixed formation of multiple arms.

The "formation" of "stacked array" in this era mainly refers to the arrangement and change of the formations of various parts of the army in battle, and "stack" is a description of the characteristics of this arrangement and change.

As for the so-called "array" by later generations, it is the standardization and institutionalization of this arrangement and change.

In short, the "stacking formation" is to determine the order and position of each arm in the formation by the distance of the weapon's attack distance, arrange the horses, spears, and crossbows in echelons, and rely on fortifications to effectively protect Under one's own premise, it is a formation that uses the power of different weapons and arms to kill the enemy with the greatest effect.

"In fact, the essence of stacking formation lies in the word 'stacking'. Ma Fang's cavalry not only has bows and crossbows, but also a large number of cavalry equipped with firecrackers."

Wei Guangde opened his mouth to explain.

(End of this chapter)