afterglow

Chapter 40
Looking back on the past decades, the history of the Ming Dynasty for more than sixty years has always been the presence of the British. It was the British who provoked troubles and invaded. Also British.

In the 30th year of Yuansheng, that is, in 7858 of the Qiyuan calendar, after the Battle of Guangzhou ended in the defeat of the Ming army again, the British and French armies moved north the next year, and the Ming army lost again in the Battle of Taicang. Under the capital.

Although the imperial court realized the threat of Europe after being defeated by the British army 20 years ago and vigorously rectified and reformed the army, the half-baked Ming army still could not be the opponent of the British and French armies of that era.

Facing [-] British troops and [-] French troops, the Ming army, which gathered [-] kings of Qin from Zhejiang, Nanzhili, Shandong, and Hubei provinces, fought fiercely for three days and two nights. The teacher killed himself.

The imperial guards guarding the capital, Shenji, Shenshu, and the Fifth Army Battalion were immediately defeated. The only thing worth mentioning was the resolute resistance of the Xiaoling Guard stationed at Zijin Mountain.

There were also a large number of peacemakers in the court. Although the aged and sick Suzong of the Ming Dynasty planned to run away like the emperor of the Tang Dynasty at first, but considering his inconvenience and his reputation, he finally made up his mind to stick to it. I haven't had a good life for a few years, no matter whether I win or lose, I can at least gain a good reputation.

At the same time, because King Qin's army from other provinces is approaching, the court's main combat faction believes that there is still a good chance of defending the capital.So Ming Suzong ordered people to escort the prince to Yanjing, gathered the defeated soldiers to prepare for another battle, and let go of the weapon warehouse to arm the young and strong in the city.

[Arming and mobilizing the people to participate in the war has been done many times in the Ming Dynasty, and everyone knows why the Qing Dynasty did not dare to do so.In fact, it doesn't matter if you change to any Han dynasty, there is nothing to be afraid of, Li Zicheng's Dashun or even Wu Sangui's Dazhou will do. 】

The left servant of the admiral's defense department believed that the enemy's firearm tactics were far superior to that of the Ming army, and that it was impossible to win an upright battle. It would be better to simply use the large number of densely populated residential areas outside the city, and wait for the enemy to pass by. In order to offset the gap between the two sides in close combat and melee.

In short, although the Ming army also suffered heavy losses, this trick worked, and the arrogant British army suffered two big losses.

[Zulu Warrior: That's right, this is how asymmetric warfare should be conducted.Firearms tactics are what they are best at, how could they be better than that? 】

In the end, with the arrival of Qin Wang's army from the north and the south, the French army chose to sell their teammates and run away, and then the British army had to retreat in a hurry.

Standing at the entrance of Tonghui Hotel, Cheng Han stared west for a few seconds before getting into the car.

The whole Ming Dynasty is really eager for a hearty victory. Decades ago, the glory of European countries made many people of insight realize the gap, and the calls for restructuring and strengthening have been louder and louder.

The conflict between the conservatives and the reformers has also continued for many years-fighting on the street, scolding in memorials, and gang fights in court.Under this background, a series of reforms have failed and succeeded, and the measures of establishing Westernization and promoting industry and commerce have been bumpy all the way, stopping and going and even going back a few steps every now and then.

But in any case, after decades of stumbling and stumbling, is it finally a success?But what exactly counts as success?Just look at the industrial output value?

Apparently, everyone knew in their hearts that behind everything was to rely on fists to speak. On the surface, the Battle of Uzbekistan was to expel the British forces, but in fact it was challenging the colonial system and order of European countries.

This is a test, and the scale must be controlled. It cannot be too big or too small. After repeated weighing, only Baimagang, Uzang, can make a big fuss.

"Whether it's sentiment or profit, who doesn't look forward to victory?" Cheng Han with complicated eyes said to himself.

The next day.

The Assam region in the current season is known for its humidity and abundant rain, which is a typical feature of the tropical monsoon climate. It can be said that there are not many sunny days in the past few days.

The sky became dark and gloomy, but the officers and soldiers of the first battalion guarding Demaji were very happy, because the British and Indian Air Forces generally do not dispatch in the rain.

Last night, the second team, with more than half of the casualties, retreated to the city in the dark according to Zhou Changfeng's order. This morning, several reconnaissance teams and combat patrols of the British and Indian Army found that No. [-] Heights was empty.

So after paying the price of six people being killed by booby traps, the Wilson task force finally occupied this small hill that was irrigated and devastated by blood and fire, and the Battle of Demaji can be regarded as a breakthrough.

Under such circumstances, Zhou Changfeng held a meeting of all officers in the headquarters of the hospital building.

In the early morning, the only two light bulbs left made the headquarters a bit dim. The calm Zhou Changfeng looked around and found that the number of people participating in the meeting was six less than the number on the standard staffing list.

Most of the people's bodies were covered with mud and blood, and their faces were also dirty with dust and sweat, but their eyes were still piercing.

Everyone stood quietly with serious faces, waiting for Zhou Changfeng to speak.

After a while, the latter said indifferently: "Today is the first day of July, and it is the third day of our defense here. Although all the ministries insisted on fighting, the enemy's superiority in air force, artillery fire, and military strength caused our army to suffer great losses. Now we The high ground outside the city has been abandoned, and the initiative has completely fallen into the hands of the enemy. Although the next urban battle can offset the enemy's firepower advantage, it will test the morale and organizational capabilities of the various ministries. Do you have any opinions?"

Xue Can hesitated for a moment and said: "Battle Commander, the order from above is to let us delay this enemy force until tonight. I think...instead of fighting with them in this city, it is better to leave as soon as possible and walk along the side of the road. Fighting while retreating can also achieve the goal of blocking the enemy..."

Before he could finish his words, the frowning Liu Qidong said angrily: "Well, you bastard, you want to escape, don't you?! Sun Zhixin died for his country last night, so you're scared now?!"

"Fart! What I think is how to reduce losses and complete the task at the same time!"

"You fucking bullshit!"

"Have you ever considered that De Maji is now surrounded by the enemy on both sides? And they still have some detachments and patrols that have infiltrated to the east?" Zhou Changfeng, who was expressionless, interrupted the dispute between the two, "If we retreat , We will continue to be harassed by these enemy infiltration forces, and at the same time the main enemy forces will continue to pursue them."

The second lieutenant of the military doctor added in a cold voice, "Sirs, don't forget that there are still more than [-] wounded people from our army here."

Fan Wenhai also said seriously: "I am also opposed to retreating. Our defenses in the urban area are relatively sound, our morale is not bad, and we have enough ammunition. How can we give up lightly?"

"Everyone..." Xue Can pulled out the pistol, unloaded the magazine and pulled out a bullet, then put the bullet into the pocket of the military uniform, and said loudly:

"I, Xue, am not afraid of death. If the battle is unfavorable and things go wrong, this bullet will be reserved for suicide!"

"What I'm worried about is that if we don't leave now, it will be difficult to leave when the enemy completely surrounds us."

"Demaji is such a small place, how long can it last in the urban area? If the large army can't reach it, we will be wiped out. Instead of taking that risk, why not retreat and fight?!"

(End of this chapter)