1635 Han style rises again

Chapter 909 Change of Offensive and Defensive Potential

August 1675, 6, Irkutsk.

In 1652, the Cossacks established a winter camp at the mouth of the Irkut River, initially laying the foundation for the Irkutsk Castle.Then, in 1661, Yakov Pokhabov led more than [-] Cossacks to come here, built the castle with wood as raw material, and formally established a colonial stronghold.

Because the castle is located at the intersection of the commercial road and the exploration and colonization road, and the surrounding area has convenient conditions for farming, hunting, and fishing, the castle developed rapidly.After decades of development, the entire Irkutsk Fort now has more than 800 permanent residents and has become the largest commercial center and material turnover station within hundreds of kilometers around.

In 1666, the brave and fearless Cossacks built a wooden military fortress on the banks of the Uda River, Upper Udinsk (also known as Selengesk, renamed Ulan-Ude in 1690).With these two central strongholds as the core, plus Barguzin Fort in the northeast of Lake Baikal (1648) and Angarsk (1647) on the northwest corner, as well as the establishment of Baontovsk Fort in 1652, roughly Surrounding Lake Baikal, this also marks that the Russians have completely completed their conquest of the surrounding area of ​​Lake Baikal.

Afterwards, the Cossacks took this as their base camp and divided their troops into two groups. They went all the way south to the Mongolian region of China, and all the way east to the Shilka River, and then invaded the Amur River Basin, and even went down the river to the sea.

However, more than ten years ago, the Cossacks who entered the Amur River Basin were strongly blocked and suffered heavy losses.In that area, two powerful local forces appeared, not only with a large number of people, but also with many powerful firearms.

That's right, the firearms those people possessed were not old and backward matchlock guns, but flintlock guns comparable to those owned by the armies of European countries.What is even more frightening is that they even have artillery!
After years of probing, the Russians finally knew something about those people.The local forces located in the Amur River Basin used to be part of the army of the Qing Empire. Later, because of a defeat in a battle, in order to avoid accountability, they chose to defect from that empire and chose to hide here.

The local forces located to the east of the Wusuli River belonged to the Ming Empire further south, and were the fiefdoms of a prince.

These two local forces, roughly bounded by the Amur River, each ruled this vast area, and the local indigenous people naturally expressed their surrender to them and received their protection.More than ten years ago, when the Cossacks who broke into the Amur River and the Ussuri River region plundered their fur wantonly and oppressed the natives as they did in Siberia before, they were expelled by force without exception.

In 1658, the Cossacks established Burleigh Fort, which was broken by the rebels of the Qing Empire. More than [-] people under the warlord Yakonka Kurakov died in battle, and only six escaped by chance. The entire Yakutsk Governor's House was shocked.

Just as the Russians were about to retaliate against this, this group of Qing imperial rebels attacked more than ten fortresses and winter camps in the middle and lower reaches of the Amur River, killing more than 280 Cossacks and fur traders, almost killing the Cossacks through countless battles. The forces established in the Amur region in [-] were uprooted.

In a few years, this group of Qing Empire rebels established a country called the Bohai State, and then continued north and west to clear the Russian strongholds and camps and wantonly expand their power.

Faced with the aggressive momentum of the Bohai State, after several brutal and fierce battles, the Cossacks found sadly that they were powerless to stop the invasion of the Bohai State.Because they can't beat each other!
The Bohai Kingdom not only has a large number of troops, each time it dispatches hundreds of thousands of troops, but also possesses muskets and artillery that are stronger than the weapons in the hands of the Cossacks.

Previously, the Cossacks were able to travel thousands of miles across Siberia with only tens of hundreds of people, conquering countless tribes, large and small, and then choosing land and water to build several towns and fortresses to occupy a large area of ​​land.Then, the fur, grain, and meat were expropriated from the land, and it didn't take long to turn it into the inherent territory of Tsarist Russia.

For example, Irkutsk is the core territory under the jurisdiction of the warlord. Decades ago, the east bank of Lake Baikal was still connected to the Barhu Mongols under Manchuria, and the west bank was controlled by the Khalkha Mongol Tushetu Khan and the Chechens. The Ministry of Khan ruled.The Cossacks, with less than a hundred people, invaded and conquered this vast Lake Baikal area from Yeniseysk and Yakutsk from the west and north respectively.

Today, the wind and water are turning, and the Bohai State, relying on its powerful force, began to encroach on the Russian territory step by step along the Amur River, Zeya River (called Jingqili River in China), and Shileka River.Moreover, the method is almost the same as that of the Cossacks' invasion back then. It also captured the Russians' colonial strongholds one after another through the jumping method of "tributary combined transportation and land pulling".

Half a month ago, bad news came from Nerchinsk (Nerchinsk). After receiving reinforcements, the army of the Bohai Kingdom broke through the city wall and entered the fortress with several siege artillery. An important stronghold was captured in 1658.

After hearing the news, the Irkutsk Governor's Office was terrified. Although Nerchensk is still nearly a thousand kilometers away from here, but with the offensive of the Bohai State, it may be possible to kill the city of Irkutsk next year. And then seize this rich Great Lakes region.

Andryushka Ivanov, the warlord stationed in Irkutsk, sent two messengers to the Yakutsk Warlord's Mansion in the north and the Tomsk Warlord's Mansion in the west to ask for help, while actively organizing the Cossacks, Merchants, as well as many farmers, fortified the city, hoarded food and gunpowder, and prepared to deal with the attack of the Bohai Kingdom.

"Master Overseer, those Tatars are very angry that we have taken back the muskets and artillery that we sold to them." A Cossack officer complained: "They claim that because of our dishonesty, they will sever ties with us from now on." Trade among them.... If so, we may not get those precious tea leaves and rhubarb in the future."

"Haven't we already exchanged those retrieved firearms for furs of equal value?" Andlyushka Ivanov said in surprise: "They shouldn't have suffered any losses, why did they make such a threat?" ?”

"Master Overseer, those Tatars have an urgent need for firearms." The Cossack officer smiled wryly, "I heard that after they were expelled to Mongolia by the Ming Dynasty, they were very short of firearms and urgently needed to be replenished to deal with the Ming people's attack." Offensive. And fur doesn't seem to mean much to them."

"But if we want to deal with the attack of the Bohai state, we need to reserve the necessary military supplies." Ivanov thought for a while, and still insisted on his opinion, "As for the Tatars, we can only temporarily sacrifice their interests and needs. .However, I believe that these Tatars must not be the only trading partner who wants to obtain the necessary firearms. . . . Yes, they must have other means.”
-
On June 6, Qierhaizi (now Huangqihai Lake in Inner Mongolia).

Fan Yufu was pinned to the ground by two Ming soldiers, his face was ashen, and the sweat was dripping from his forehead.Not far from him, there were several headless corpses lying down, and a strong smell of blood rushed into his nostrils.

"The general garrison ordered him to be dragged there!" an officer of the general garrison ordered loudly.

As soon as the words fell, Fan Yufu was roughly picked up by two Ming soldiers, and dragged towards the lake like a dead dog.

"Tell me, how long has your Fan family been transporting military equipment, food, fodder and other supplies to the Tartars?" Sun Zhengqi (the second son of Sun Kewang), the commander-in-chief of the Daming Shenhuo Army (Pure Firearms Battalion), sat on a pair of saddles with a big horse, playing looked at Fan Yufu who looked embarrassed.

"..." Fan Yufu raised his head and glanced at Sun Zhengqi, without saying a word, he lowered his head again.

"Hey! Master Fan, do you think you can fool me without saying a word?" Sun Zhengqi sneered and looked at Fan Yufu who was lying on the ground with disdain, "Look, you guys are too careless in doing this. , just happened to be right under our noses. Hehe, and people got stolen goods at the same time!... I reckon, it’s not a day or two since your Fan family has been selling government-controlled materials to the Tartars. Let me just say, ours For several years, we have been sweeping the desert every spring and summer. There is still no shortage of supplies in the hands of the Tartars. I'm afraid this is all due to you, right?"

Since June and July of last year, Li Dingguo sent troops to attack Guisui (now Hohhot City) in a surprise attack and achieved a victory that has not been seen in several years.Not to be outdone, Xuanfu, Yansui, Ningxia, Guyuan and other border towns were all eager to try, and sent small groups of cavalry into the desert to attack and kill Qing captives and Mongolian tribes.

In January of this year, the staff officers of the Qi State stationed in Nanjing also suggested to the Ming army that they could send several cavalry troops deep into the grasslands to attack the Qing captives every spring during the breeding season of grassland livestock, so as to continuously weaken the strength of the Qing captives.Because of this season, most Mongolian tribes will grazing and brooding on the vast prairie.If the Ming army attacked, it would be difficult for the Qing captives to gather the Mongolian Eight Banners in a short time.Moreover, the war will also affect the reproduction of grassland livestock.

In addition, at this time, the horses on the prairie have no fat on their bodies after a difficult winter, and are relatively fragile, so they cannot perform high-intensity exercise.However, the war horses of the Ming army fed on grain may have a slight advantage in maneuvering.

Immediately, after receiving the military order from the Nanjing Metropolitan Government, several important border towns in the north of the Ming Dynasty mobilized their small cavalry forces one after another, and entered the desert again in March and April.During this period, although several Ming army cavalry were found by the Qing captives, they were severely injured or annihilated.

But it is undeniable that the "guerrilla army" composed of hundreds or thousands of cavalry still dealt a heavy blow to the Monan area occupied by the Qing captives.In the past two months, the rangers of the Ming army destroyed more than 1 Mongolian tribes and villages in the Eight Banners, beheaded more than [-] heads, and captured or killed more than [-] heads (only) of livestock. "Not flourishing", the Qing prisoner slapped a few more bloody mouths.

More than [-] members of the Shenhuo Army led by Sun Zhengqi were deployed to Zhangjiakou in April. Seeing that many towns along the border have gained a lot, they are envious of this.Immediately, he asked Feng Shuangli, governor of the Xuanfu, for orders to go out and attack the Qing captives.

After repeated attempts to stop him failed, Feng Shuangli could only allow him to fight, but, just to be on the safe side, he allocated all the [-] cavalry under his command to him.

However, after Sun Zhengqi led the troops into the grassland, he wandered around for more than ten days, but he did not find a Mongolian tribe or a village of the Eight Banners, which was very disappointing.

Not reconciled to returning empty-handed, Sun Zhengqi continued to supervise the troops to go deep into the grassland and rushed towards Suiyuan (now Ulanqab City), the most important stronghold of the Qing prisoners in the eastern region.

At noon today, the army marched to Qierhaizi, hoping to find several Mongolian tribes or villages of the Eight Banners here.Unexpectedly, Fan Yufu and his smuggling caravan happened to be trapped near the lake.

After beheading more than a dozen caravan buddies and guards in succession, the remaining people confessed their smuggling behavior truthfully.This caravan organized by Fan, Tian, ​​and Wang transported a large amount of iron, grain, tea, and gunpowder to the Qing captives in Suiyuan City half a month ago.

After the transaction was completed, 4 taels of silver, various jewels, hundreds of precious furs, and more than [-] cattle and sheep were obtained from the Qing captives. After staying for ten days, they returned with a full load and prepared to return to Zhangjiakou.

In the past few years, these smuggling caravans have not been captured by the patrolling Ming army outside the mouth, but as long as hundreds or thousands of taels of silver are stuffed, they will usually turn a blind eye and let them pass freely.

However, this time, the smuggling caravan accidentally ran into Sun Zhengqi, who was eager to make contributions, and the "Royal Forest Army" led by him. Naturally, he was honest about the gold and silver bribes they offered.

"Just tell me about the situation in Suiyuan City, and I will spare you." Sun Zhengqi held a knife and placed it gently on Fan Yufu's neck, "If you can help me break through Suiyuan City and wipe out the Qing I will consider letting everyone in your Fan family go without taking care of the army stationed here."

Fan Yufu hesitated for a moment, but still did not say a word.

"Why, don't you believe it?" Sun Zhengqi couldn't help but pressed the blade hard, and a trace of blood appeared on Fan Yufu's neck immediately, "I might as well tell you, I am the second son of King Qin, the commander of the Shenhuo Army. Once I say it, I will naturally protect you." Take the lives of hundreds of members of your Fan family."

"...Little lord, what you say... counts?" Fan Yufu glanced at Sun Zhengqi expectantly.

"At this time, you seem to be able to trust me only once." Sun Zhengqi put the knife back with a smile, "However, you'd better not make any nonsense. Otherwise, all of you Fan family will die ugly!"

Fan Yufu sat slumped on the ground, staring blankly at Sun Zhengqi.

The next day, when the sky was slightly bright, more than [-] Shenhuo troops and [-] cavalry under Sun Zhengqi's troops broke out of camp and set off, quickly heading towards the west bank of Qierhaizi.An hour later, it stopped at the shore of a lake called Guli Naobao by the locals, and immediately began to set up an ambush battlefield.

"President Shu, do you think the Qing prisoner will come?" the attendant Yang Bingrong asked softly.

"I don't know that." Sun Zhengqi was lying on the grass on the hillside, eyes closed, legs crossed, with a contented expression, "If the Qing captives don't come, all the caravan guys and guards will be chopped off. Just go back to Zhangjiakou."

"President..." After a long silence, Yang Bingrong asked again: "What if the shopkeeper of the Fan family told the truth about us to the Qing, and they gathered tens of thousands of troops to attack. Then...then how should we deal with it?"

"Are you afraid?"

"How can a villain be afraid of death?" Yang Bingrong had a worried look on his face, "I'm afraid that the little prince will make a mistake, and then I will never forgive him!"

"Do you know that the Qi State fought two consecutive battles in Japan, with fewer than [-] soldiers and less than [-] troops, and defeated the [-]-strong army of the Japanese shogunate." Sun Zhengqi opened his eyes and said quietly: "Even at that time The shogunate army had three or four thousand cavalry, but they were still beaten to pieces by the people of Qi, and most of them were wiped out."

"My little prince, there are more than three or four thousand cavalry in the Qing Dynasty!"

"Hehe..." Sun Zhengqi laughed, "It is estimated that the Qing Dynasty has [-] to [-] Mongolian Eight Banners cavalry, but they will definitely not be deployed in this small Suiyuan City. You know, this place can't support so many Lots of cavalry! There are only three or four thousand cavalry in Suiyuan City at best. But I bet they will never come out in full force."

"My lord, even if the opponent comes with [-] cavalry, it's not easy for us to deal with." Yang Bingrong was a little anxious.

"What are you afraid of!" Sun Zhengqi sat up and stretched his fingers forward, "Look at the place we chose. The lake is on the right and the hill is on the left. The cavalry can't spread out at all. Let's set up a few roads in front. Reject the horse, cover the surrounding area with vehicles, line up the Shenhuo Army, and shoot with continuous volleys of guns, which will definitely make the Qing prisoners drink a pot!"

"However, seeing that our army is waiting in strict formation, the Qing army may not lead the army to attack!" Yang Bingrong said: "If I were the leader of the Qing army, I would only need to plunder the formation around the periphery, and wait for our army to be trapped, so we can take advantage of the gap to attack. Or, when our army drives out of this area, we can use cavalry to guerrilla all around, enough to destroy our entire army!"

"If the Qing cavalry swim around our army and don't attack, wouldn't it be just cheaper for our cavalry to attack and kill the Tartar tribes and villages around Suiyuan?" Sun Zhengqi said with a smile: "You know, our army carries The supplies can still last for seven days. Our Shenhuo Army has attracted the main force of the Tartar cavalry here, which will allow our cavalry to wreak havoc within a hundred miles around."

"What about after seven days?"

"Marshal Feng will naturally send troops to take us back to Zhangjiakou."

"Have you sent someone to send a letter back to Zhangjiakou?"

"A sage has a saying, a gentleman should not stand under a dangerous wall." Sun Zhengqi got up, raised his legs and walked towards the lake, "My life is still relatively precious, so I can't just throw it on the grassland so casually."

(End of this chapter)