A small soldier of the frontier army in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 474 Frontier
Huang Taiji sat on his seat and looked around the room where all the ministers were standing. He first looked at the commander in chief of the Jinzhou front line and the owner of the inlaid blue flag, Ji Erhalang: "Prince Zheng, you are in charge of Jinzhou affairs. How do you arrange it? All the ministers, tell me."
While talking, he suddenly coughed a few times. It is said that he originally suffered from wind dizziness and high blood pressure. After the national mobilization, he was worried about the front line and rode fast all the way.After arriving at the front line, he didn't bother to take a rest, and immediately inspected the situation in various places. His health inevitably deteriorated.
Jierhalang looked at Huang Taiji worriedly, and replied respectfully: "I respect the order."
He said: "Ministers and princes, the strategy of Jinzhou this time is to count the Eight Banners, including Mongolia and Koryo. The Qing Dynasty dispatched a total of 25 soldiers and horses, including 12 Aha miscellaneous servants. Qiding, there are more than 13 people."
"Now that Jinzhou is under siege, eight large camps have been set up around the city, and three long trenches have been dug. The soldiers and horses deployed are mainly a red flag inlaid by the king of Anping County, a red flag by Prince Heshuo Li, and other flags. There are some armored soldiers. There are 5000 bannermen, [-] internal armored soldiers, and [-] Ahha miscellaneous servants. Although Zu Dashou has more than [-] soldiers in the city, they are all the original fortresses. Only the thousands of troops in the headquarters, [-] banner men, and [-] Ahe miscellaneous servants are enough to besiege."
Everyone nodded, the king of Anping County is Du Du, the owner of the inlaid red flag. He was originally Anping Baylor.
However, in that war that year, his soldiers and horses suffered a lot of losses. Although after returning to China, he took many Manchurian, Han, Mongolian Yu Ding and many slaves as banners and made up the population of each cattle record. Elite fighters are not so easy to replenish, and their combat power has dropped a lot.
Especially the Eight Banners Manchuria Zhenghong Banner, when even the flag leader Yue Tuo was beheaded by Wang Dou, the loss was serious, and the combat effectiveness was greatly reduced.
Therefore, they will basically not participate in the future Rufeng Mountain battle, and will only be responsible for Jinzhou affairs.
Moreover, the remaining banner men of the Second Banner, together with some soldiers and horses of the Eight Banners, were still stationed in Yizhou and other places, responsible for monitoring [-] followers for the purpose of garrisoning the fields and transporting them, as well as protecting the back road.
Prince Zheng Jierhalang continued: "Now I have Rufeng Mountain, Huangtu Ridge to the east of Songshan Fort, Songshan Mountain to the southeast, Shimen Mountain, Shijialing, Zijing Mountain, Mopan Mountain, Jinchang Fort, and Shahe Fort. , and various places in Dasheng Fort. There are Eight Banners Manchurian Zhenghuang Banner, Xianghuang Banner, Zhengbai Banner, Xiangbai Banner, Zhenglan Banner, and Xianglan Banner. There are Eight Banners Mongolia, most of the Eight Banners Han Army, Outer Fan Mongolia , a part of the Koryo army, including 7 bannermen, [-] inner armor soldiers, and about [-] handymen Aha, confronted the Ming army head-on."
"The rest were [-] bannermen, more than [-] inner armor soldiers, and [-] Aha miscellaneous servants. They were stationed at Baimiaobao to cross Naughty He, attack Xingshan, and cut off the Ming army's supply road."
"However, the guards reported that the Ming army was constructing large-scale construction projects in Wudaoling and other places, and they were very strict in protecting the back road. It is not optimistic to cut off the back road."
He sighed: "Hong Chengchou has always been careful, and the combat power of the Ming army has also improved a lot compared to previous years. Our army has set up ambushes several times, such as in Xingshan and Songshan, but nothing has been achieved. This time the Ming army is extremely powerful. Sheng, we need to be cautious in the battle of Jinzhou."
After hearing Jierhalang's words, everyone looked worried. This battle is not easy to fight.In the Battle of Jinzhou, the Qing Dynasty came all over the country, and only some old, weak and remnant soldiers stayed in the country. If one is not careful, it will be a catastrophe for the country to be destroyed.
According to the establishment of the Eight Banners, the smallest unit is Niulu, and every 200 to 300 people is a Niulu, and the father dies and the son succeeds, and the brother dies.Of course, it does not mean that one Niulu has two or three hundred people, but that each household produces a strong man. According to ancient sayings, a "ding" is an adult man between 300 and 16 years old.
Generally speaking, there are several people in a household, and the number of men in each family varies, sometimes two or three, sometimes five or six, depending on the fertility of the men in each household.Therefore, there are two to three hundred households per cow recorded in the Qing Dynasty, generally ranging from one thousand to two thousand people.
In the Qing Dynasty, those who served as soldiers were called Banner Ding, and they were divided into armored Banner Ding and unarmored Banner Ding.Those who are not in the army temporarily are called "Yu Ding" or "idle", and they can also follow in the battle. As a kind of follower, their status is higher than that of slaves.
Two or three hundred men per cow are soldiers. Whether they can wear armor depends on the ability of each soldier.However, from the age of ten, men in the Qing Dynasty have to take the exam every three years. If they meet the standard, they will be guards (infantry armor), enjoy military pay, and armor.
In the various records, the proportion of armored soldiers is still very high. After all, as bannermen, they serve as soldiers when they are adults. They are assessed from the age of ten, and they cannot wear armor at the age of 16. It is too embarrassing in the atmosphere of martial arts around them. up.
It’s just that in this battle of Jinzhou, almost all the flags and banners were recorded to fight, and many Yu Ding also followed, and there were also a large number of Han Chinese and other slaves who were plundered back then, and the young and strong in the country were wiped out.If this battle is lost, it will indeed be a catastrophe for the Qing Dynasty.
Huang Taiji nodded, expressing his satisfaction with Jierhalang. Jierharang was cautious and calm. There were no flaws in this arrangement.It is true that he is mature and seeks the country, and he is worthy of his trust.
He said: "Prince Zheng has personally experienced the battle, and made decisions among thousands of people. I am very satisfied with the arrangement this time, with huge shoulders and no chaos."
He said: "All the ministers also talk about how to face the Ming army when it arrives."
Huang Taiji's eldest son, Prince Su Hauge, didn't take Jierhalang's words seriously. He said: "The southern barbarians are indeed much stronger than before, but so what, under my Qing iron cavalry, they are 20, [-], and they are also big. The result of returning home in defeat. When the Ming army arrives, it will be time to fight in formation. What Prince Zheng said is a bit too depressing."
Hauge was originally good at fighting and had extensive military exploits. Because of his outstanding exploits, he continued to be promoted, and he was favored by Huang Taiji for a long time, so his influence was quite powerful.He has a disagreement with Prince Rui Dorgon. In recent years, Dorgon has been repeatedly suppressed by Huang Taiji, and his momentum has dropped a lot.
One after another, he became more powerful, enjoyed high prestige among the princes and ministers of the Eight Banners, and was able to control the household department.
Hauge had always looked down on the Ming army, and Chongzhen had not suffered any blows in 12 years. Although he subconsciously admitted that the Ming army is different today, but after hearing what Jierhalang said, he subconsciously refuted it.
Seeing his arrogance, Jierharang just smiled and didn't argue with Hauge.
Jierhalang didn't speak, but Huang Taiji's face sank, and he scolded: "Prince Zheng is dedicated to the country, and what he says is for the sake of my Qing Dynasty. How can Prince Su be so rude, why don't you hurry up and ask Zheng Prince apologizes?"
Hauge said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
He apologized to Jierhalang, but he still had a nonchalant expression on his face.
Huang Taiji dotes on his eldest son Hauge very much. After he took the throne, he killed his elder brothers Amin and Mang Gurtai repeatedly, and kept wearing small shoes for the flag owners, all for Hauge.Seeing Hauge's expression at this time, he frowned, but ignored it, and stopped mentioning his rudeness to Jierhalang.
Azige, the king of Wuying County, also expressed his support for Hauge's words. He also scorned the Ming army, and now he is on good terms with Hauge.
Azige has a rough temper, is fierce in battle, but knows nothing about power and tactics. He has always been dissatisfied with his younger brother Dorgon replacing him as the owner of the Zhengbai Banner. Hauge kept showing favor, and he immediately took refuge in the past. What Hauge said It was also to his liking, so he immediately stood by Hauge's side.
Huang Taiji looked at these two rough-faced people, and could only sigh, this is different from the past, if they are still like this, the elite of the Qing Dynasty will be destroyed under Jinzhou City.
Azig doesn't matter, when will my son Hauge mature?Will my painstaking efforts be in vain in the future?
Fortunately, the Minister Ying Erdai came out at this time and said: "The servant thinks that what Prince Zheng said is reasonable. The battle of Jinzhou needs to be cautious. There are many Ming soldiers and they are very sharp. You can't fight quickly. Otherwise, if you lose something, what can you do? That’s why the slaves thought that if they could fight around the Songshan Mountains, step by step to defend against the dangers of the mountains, they would consume the energy of the Ming army, and when they were exhausted, they would be able to defeat their sharpness and be of great service.”
Huang Taiji nodded. Yingerdai had always been highly valued by him, and he was also very talented, especially good at financial management and diplomacy. He went to North Korea several times as an envoy, and all achieved satisfactory results, so that he could deal with Daming with all his strength without any worries.
This time North Korea sent [-] troops and supplied a large amount of food and fodder, which was also the result of Yingerdai's efforts.
Because of Ying'erdai's talent, Huang Taiji specially ordered Ying'erdai to take over the government of the Ministry of Households and serve as the Prime Minister of the Second World War. What he said at this time also coincided with his prudent opinion. He praised: " He Tara is diligent in his duties, he is really mature and experienced, and he should be an example for all the ministers."
Afterwards, Huang Taiji looked at Daishan, the leader of the Zhenghong Banner. This old immortal had been silent all the time, and Huang Taiji was afraid of Daishan.
Although this old man has retired behind the scenes for many years, he has led the army to fight for 30 years. Among the princes of the Eight Banners, he has the oldest qualifications and the highest status. A large number of children and grandchildren who have been conferred the title of prince and duke, such as Hai, are extremely powerful, and they are also known as the Big Baylor.
In the first year of Chongde, due to his prestige, he had no choice but to make him Prince Heshuo. Although he was suppressed many times, Daishan also expressed his obedience and honesty, and regarded himself as a minister.But deep down in his heart, Huang Taiji has always been worried about him.
Although he is getting older and older, but he has never died, and Huang Taiji's inner guard has not gone away, at this time he said calmly: "Brother He Shuo, Prince Li also talked about how to fight this battle after the Ming army arrives. "
Dai Shan coughed and said softly, "Prince Zheng's military layout is fine. One of our Eight Banners troops resides in Rufeng Mountain, one in Huangtuling, and one in Maojiagou. The road to Jinzhou, prevent them from rescuing."
"There are many trenches and stone walls in each mountain. Depending on the fortifications, it will definitely consume the strength of the Ming army. There is also a large army of Baimiaobao. In the future, when the Ming army is discouraged, they will be able to pass through Daughter He and attack Xingshan. The Ming Army’s Liang Dao. My Eight Banners Army is good at field battles, and when the Ming Army loses its temper in a battle, it will be able to win with one blow and lay a foundation that the emperor will never show.”
Huang Taiji nodded, noncommittal, and finally looked at Dorgon with complicated eyes.
This original Prince Rui, after several times of suppression by himself, he was demoted from prince to county king, and he also found fault with his younger brother Duduo, and demoted him from Prince Yu to Baylor. He repeatedly put forward his own combat design strategy.
He said: "Jun Rui also talk about it."
Dorgon said respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty."
He said: "The servant agrees with Tara's opinion of taking charge of the government. The Ming army is powerful and powerful. It is right to avoid its edge first and use up dangerous fortifications to waste its energy. Their hundreds of thousands of troops, how much food and grass do they need in a day?" ?If the stalemate persists for a long time, I am afraid that there will be criticisms in the Ming Dynasty. When the anger is exhausted, the Qing soldiers will have an opportunity. Although the supply of food and grass is difficult in our country, but we are united. There are many advantages.”
Duoduo gave his brother a strange look. Recently, Dorgon has been active a lot, and he also showed respect to Huang Taiji.Duo Duo couldn't figure out Dorgon's inner thoughts, but he followed Yi Dorgon's lead, and at this time he echoed again and again.
Only Azige snorted and gave Dorgon and Duoduo a cold look. He didn't have any affection for these two younger brothers.
Afterwards, all the ministers agreed, saying that there are so many soldiers, and if they make a quick decision, they may not be able to do so. It is a good tactic to camp around Songshan Mountain and wait for them to be exhausted.
Huang Taiji listened indifferently, he had a decision in his mind, at this time, Huangqi Baya Latuzhang Jingtulai hurried in, saying that the army of people had arrived, and they were continuously gathering beside Songshan Fort.
There was commotion in the house, Huang Taiji snorted coldly, and a cold light shot out from his eyes: "Has the Ming army finally arrived? All the ministers and workers, follow me to have a look!"
……
Everyone rushed to the mountain city. The site of the mountain city was very suitable. Standing on the city wall, you can see all the pines and apricots at a glance.
Under the scorching sun, steaming heat surged up, distorting the line of sight a bit. When everyone raised their eyes to look south, they saw a sea of ​​people slowly moving towards them.
The Ming army was still red, and there were low mountains and hills near Songshan Mountain, so when this sea of ​​red people moved, under the sunshine, it was like a rippling lake and ocean, surging with waves.
Since Huang Taiji came down, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, people said that the Ming army was very powerful this time, they didn't feel much about it, but seeing it for themselves at this time, they realized that this is the truth.The Ming army this time is indeed different from previous years, and it is not just the sentinels and Jierhalang and others talking nonsense.
Even the arrogant Hauge and Azig were speechless, they were a little stunned, and then they gritted their teeth, with hideous expressions on their faces.
In front of this sea of ​​people, there are densely galloping Sentinel Cavalry and Yebucha. They attracted the attention of everyone in the mountain city for a while, and then turned their attention to their formation.
It can be seen that the Ming army marched in unison and came in formation. They were composed of countless large and small arrays. The cavalry was in front and the infantry was behind. They all moved rhythmically with the marching drums.Looking around, there are endless red armors, endless spears and firecrackers, and dense banners. The army is like a sea, and it seems to reach the end of the sky.
As they moved closer and closer, the sound of heavy hooves and footsteps seemed to be heard by everyone in the mountain city, shaking everyone's hearts.
Suddenly, Huang Taiji's eyes focused, and he saw that among the swaying ocean flags, several large flags on the cart stood out, standing out from the crowd like chickens.
He stretched out his hand, and put a telescope in his hand, yes, it was a telescope.When Kong Youde defected to the enemy, there were several binoculars used by Frangji in the army, which he presented as treasures to the Qing emperor.
After getting the binoculars, Huang Taiji thought it was a military weapon, so he also sent craftsmen to imitate it, and secretly collected it from the territory of Daming.However, technical talents are limited, and Daming is also trying to control them, so there are not many made and collected. The limited number of telescopes are all used as precious artifacts and rewarded to the banner owners and princes who are favored by the banner.
At this time, Huang Taiji was holding a mirror to look out. Some of them had binoculars, and some of them followed suit. They all looked at the Ming army's position.
Huang Taiji could see clearly that in the Ming army, there were four giant banners juxtaposed, one of which was slightly shorter, and the rest were equally huge.
These big flags are all carried on carts and carried by strong horses.Behind the big flag, there are many big drum chariots. At this time, the drummers are beating, and then all the troops march forward with the heart-stirring drumbeat. No wonder the Ming army's formation is very different this time. achievement.
Huang Taiji stared intently at a huge wave, sun and moon flag, not to mention the information he got, even from his first feeling, he also knew that this was Wang Dou's handsome flag.
Wang Dou is always unexpected, and when his big flag comes out, he gives people a feeling of passion, just like his Jingbian army.
Huang Taiji's eyes are sharp, this person is his biggest enemy in the Battle of Jinzhou!
Not only Huang Taiji, but also the people with binocular mirrors in the mountain city all fixed their gazes on Wang Dou's big flag, and all of them gritted their teeth, wishing to eat its flesh raw.
After a long time, Huang Taiji sighed: "This time the Ming army is really powerful, it is different from the past!"
He had a complicated heart. Since the four years of Chongde, the Ming Kingdom has been training its troops on a large scale. Sure enough, the combat power of soldiers and horses has been significantly improved. In contrast, the Qing Kingdom on its own side does not have such financial resources.A skinny camel is bigger than a horse, and it seems that there is a long way to go to conquer the Central Plains.
Jierhalang, Abatai, and Daishan also looked serious, and said: "It is said that Hong Chengchou is good at using troops. Looking at his army ranks, I believe so. In addition, there is a loyal and brave king of the Ming Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty cannot be optimistic, and soldiers must have the will to die in order to win!"
……
On the same day, the Ming army arrived at Songshan, where they joined the officers and soldiers of the Songshan guard, as well as Li Fuming, the general soldier of Shanxi, and Wu Sangui, the general soldier of Ningyuan, who had previously supported them, and then the army set up camp.
The terrain of Songshan Fort is in a low-lying area. Originally, the Huangtu Ridge ten miles east of Songshan Fort, and the Songshan Mountains a few miles to the southeast, were good camping areas for the army.
However, these places are now occupied by the Qing army, and they have formed close solidarity with each other in deep camps.Wu Sangui and others tried to attack, but it was difficult to capture them. Instead, they lost some soldiers and horses, so they stood still and camped outside Songshan Fort, waiting for the army to come.
At this time, the army converged, and according to Hong Chengchou’s strategic layout when he was in Xingshan, the Qing people’s layout was realistic at this time. The Ming army marched between Songshan Fort and Rufeng Mountain, and camped on the east, west, and north sides of Songshan Fort, forming a formation. Layout around Songshan City.
After the Ming army set up camp, the camp was so majestic that Huang Taiji on the mountain city was amazed.Their arrangement has no loopholes at all, and the entire defense arrangement is strict and meticulous.
This time, the Ming army gathered their divisions, and they were indeed a strong enemy of the Qing Dynasty!
The army set up camp, and it was Shen time in the afternoon, and the officials of the Ming Dynasty did not care about rest, braved the scorching sun, and under the protection of the guards, went to the places near Rufeng Mountain to spy on the arrangement of the Qing people.
Wang Dou held binoculars and looked at Rufeng Mountain and other places.The Battle of Jinzhou this time showed their trench-digging skills to the fullest.
Although the Jingbian army did not receive information at night, Wang Dou was still amazed when he saw the trench dug by the Qing army with his own eyes.
In their trenches, there are stakes on the stakes, ropes on the stakes, bells on the ropes, and dogs beside the bells. The defense lines are very tightly arranged.It's no wonder that after Zu Dashou was trapped in Jinzhou, he made several surprise attacks one after another, but he couldn't break through the trench defense line dug by the Qing army.
The trench warfare of World War I was no better than that.

(End of this chapter)