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The governor of Jiliao, Hong Chengchou, received an urgent report from Wu Sangui, the general of Ningyuan. There are more than [-] soldiers and horses.

Although Wu Sangui did not urgently beg for help in the military newspaper, he also said that Ningyuan's soldiers and horses will do their best to fight the slaves, and he only hopes that the governor will make proper arrangements for the overall plan.

Hong Chengchou was also very worried at the moment, seeing that this time when he crossed the river and marched to the north bank, the originally good situation suddenly became so unbearable.

The Ming army's offensive today is divided into three groups. The west route army is composed of Tang Tong, Bai Guangen, and Ma Ke. Now Bai Guangen's troops have been defeated, and Tang Tong's Miyun Army is also missing. It was also a heavy loss.

Hong Chengchou had previously received an army report from Wang Tingchen, the former commander-in-chief of the Tunwei, saying that he had joined the left and right battalions of the Ningyuan Army. With a slight recovery of horsepower, we will be able to continue northward and cross the Xiaoling River to join the Ningyuan army.

But the situation on the battlefield is changing rapidly, and just now Wang Tingchen sent another urgent report that Ma Ke, the general soldier of Shanhaiguan, has led his troops to the east to join forces with Wang Tingchen, and only half of the troops in Shanhai Town are left.

And after Ma Ke, there are a large number of Manchuria Xianglan Banner Tartars, and some of the Zhenghong Banners. The number of horses is nearly [-]. They have joined Wu Lai's Mongolian Zhenglan Banner. Up to [-] people.

Wang Tingchen said that although his troops were obviously weaker than the slaves, and they were exhausted after half a day of fierce fighting, the slaves and barbarians were exhausted in front of them, and their combat power was greatly reduced. It is also rushing back and forth, and the horses are not strong enough.

At present, it seems that there is no danger on the western front, and it is still possible to attack with strength, and it is possible to break through to the north!

In the direction of the middle road, Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao's troops have always been relied on by Hong Chengchou. This time, the two of them are arranged together in the hope that the middle road can make a breakthrough.

Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao did live up to Hong Chengchou's expectations. After they crossed the river, they immediately marched northward as a whole team.

But he never thought that Tan Tai led the Manchurian Zhenghuang Banner and the Mongolian Banners with White and Blue Banners to block them back. Even if the cavalry soldiers under Cao Bianjiao, the General Soldier of the Eastern Association, crossed the river to help in the battle, they still could not break through the Qing army for a while. line of defense.

Although Cao Bianjiao also led a team of fine cavalry to pass through in the fierce battle with Tan Tai, but at this moment Chen Jiugao's Shenji Battalion artillery team has not yet fully crossed the river, especially those heavy artillery have not yet been transported, so they cannot attack the Qing army. The cavalry carried out a violent bombardment.

Without the help of artillery and gun arrays, the cavalry led by Ningyuan and Dongxie alone could not completely defeat the Qing army led by Tan Tai, and the main force of the Ming army infantry behind could not come over. succeed.

In desperation, he had no choice but to lead his team into the Qing army's captive cavalry formation again, killed one back and forth, and then returned to his own army formation.

So until Dorgon led the Qing army to help, the pressure on Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao's side increased sharply, and it was estimated that it would be difficult to break through to the north. Even if Zu Dabi led his troops to kill from the city from a distance, he was surrounded by Mongolia with red flags and Zhengbai flags The Tartars were blocked in front of the trench in the southwest of Jinzhou and could not advance an inch.

Seeing this, Wu Sangui and Cao Bianjiao were naturally very anxious, but after Dorgon's large number of Qing cavalry arrived, it was difficult for them to break through the Qing army's captive cavalry battle formation, and the best opportunity to break Jinwei was missed.

For this reason, they urgently reported the battle in the middle to Hong Chengchou, hoping to get some reinforcements, break through the Qing army's army formation as soon as possible, and join Zu Dabi's troops.

Holding the urgent report from Wu Sangui just received in his hand, Hong Chengchou asked Xie Sixin, his staff beside him, "What's the situation with Wang Pu?"

"Wang Zongbing's last military report was received half an hour ago. He said in the military report: After crossing the river, he fought fiercely with the Han army and the Korean army in front of him, fought back with all his strength, and successfully captured the north bank.

Afterwards, the Xuanfu army arrived in time, and all of them have crossed the Xiaoling River. They are fighting fiercely with the inlaid white banner of the slave thief and puppet king Azig, and the two yellow banners of Mongolia. "

A trace of doubt flashed in Hong Chengchou's eyes, and he asked, "Did Zhang Cheng personally command the soldiers and horses in Xuanzhen?"

"Returning to the governor, it was General Zhenshuo who personally led the army to cross the Xiaoling River to the south of Jinzhou City." Xie Sixin replied.

When Hong Chengchou heard the words, he couldn't help asking: "Since Zhang Cheng personally came to command the battle formation, why didn't he break through the slave and bandit battle formation?"

"Oh. This..."

Xie Sixin hesitated a little, and after a while, he said: "The Xuanfu army is on a long journey, maybe its offensive has not started yet, maybe there will be a new battle report after a while."

Hong Chengchou looked to the northeast, nodded, and said, "I hope so."

He then asked again: "Is there any reward for Zhang Zhongping?"

Xie Sixin replied unhurriedly: "Returning to the governor, Mr. Zhang Qian sent a message back two quarters of an hour ago. He said: Datong Town is quite brave. One flinched.

However, after crossing the river, he was intercepted by slave king Azig with a white flag. This Azige has always been brave, and he is indeed a formidable opponent. If Xuan Dajun wants to make a breakthrough, he is afraid that the casualties will not be small. "

He then continued: "However, there is one more thing that needs to be reported to the governor of the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Zhongping said in his report that Ma Baozhong, a member of the Left Wing Battalion in Datong Town, was timid before the battle, causing the entire battalion to be defeated, and almost disrupted the Xuanfu army formation.

After Ma Baozhong was captured by the Xuanfu army, General Zhenshuo beheaded him in front of all the troops in order to strictly enforce military discipline, as an example to others! "

"Oh?"

A cold light flashed in Hong Chengchou's eyes, and he was about to say something, but then he saw Li Song, his confidant and aide, shaking his head to him secretly, and quickly changed his words and asked, "What does Wang Puke say about Ma Baozhong?"

"Returning to the governor, Wang Pu's military report was sent back before Zhang Qianzong, and he did not mention Ma Baozhong's fear of the battle. It must be reported in the next military report." Xie Sixin replied.

Here, Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, hadn't said anything yet, but Wang Zhizhen, the supervising Taoist, hurriedly said: "Minister, Zhang Cheng is too bold and reckless. He is only the general officer of the Xuanfu. Even if he is General Zhenshuo, how can he not?" Report to the governor to make a decision, and dare to kill the third-rank general.

It's really ignorant of the law and discipline, and his behavior is really contemptuous of the court's majesty. Could it be that he really thinks he is the governor of Jiliao? "

Wang Zhizhen squinted at the reaction of Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, while talking. Although he was resentful because he received Zhang Cheng's cold reception in Xingshanbao, he looked for Zhang Cheng's little feet everywhere and opposed him.

But as far as what he said today, Zhang Cheng did have deficiencies and inadequacies. After being caught by him, he magnified it and acted in a provocative way. This is also unavoidable.

Hearing what Wang Zhizhen said, Hong Chengchou's face changed slightly, but he didn't express his opinion on it. How could he just offend a brave and well-known general for such trivial matters in such a big battle?

Hong Chengchou just said to Xie Sixin indifferently: "Since he is timid before the battle, even if Zhang Cheng doesn't kill him, the governor will cut off his head."

Wang Zhizhen watched Hong Chengchou's expression, although he heard Hong Chengchou's words in his ears, his expression did not change significantly, but his brows were inadvertently frowned.

Although it was fleeting, Wang Zhizhen saw it clearly, and he couldn't help but secretly felt happy, secretly feeling that what he said had definitely affected Zhang Cheng's impression and status in Hong Chengchou's heart.

But Hong Chengchou didn't take the matter of Ma Baozhong to heart, he thought for a moment, and then asked: "How is Chen Zhongcai?"

Li Song hurried forward and replied: "The slaves and thieves attacked like tigers and wolves, and General Chen was able to resist them. Just then, Qiu Futai sent someone to report: The slaves saw that our army was ready. If they can't break through for a while, they will retreat immediately." Going west, only thousands of Tatars in Zhenghong Banner are left to monitor Chen Zhongcai's every move."

After hearing this, Hong Chengchou shook his head again, and said, "So, Chen Zhongcai's standard battalion will be tied there, and we will not be able to move troops to support other places."

"That's true. Chen Zhongcai doesn't move. The Red Banner Tartars can't attack. At least the Chinese army can be protected from danger, and the rear camp of Ningyuan Army and Cao Bianjiao can be protected."

Li Song also shook his head and continued, "But if Chen Zhongcai moves his army to him, the Red Banner Tartars will definitely attack from the east, and the rear camp of my Governor Xingyuan and the two generals of Wu and Cao will have no danger to defend."

Xie Sixin continued from the side: "However, General Changbo reported back, and there is Dorgon's dragon flag on the opposite side. It can be seen that the slaves must have set General Changbo and General Xiao Cao as their main attack points. .”

He paused for a moment, and then continued worryingly: "I'm afraid that the pressure on General Changbo's side will increase sharply, and it must be extremely dangerous."

Li Song also answered from the side: "Nowadays, everything is in danger, and soldiers are needed everywhere, and my king's division is also limited in strength, which is not enough for use."

He took a peek at Hong Chengchou, and then continued: "Minister, do you want to order my daughter Wang Zongbing on the north bank of the river to break through the army of slaves as soon as possible, and go north to capture the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River.

In this way, it may attract Dorgon's attention to relieve some pressure on General Changbo. "

Xie Sixin immediately took up the words from the side, saying: "Minister, the students also think that this plan is feasible. Although General Wang Tingchen has many slaves and thieves in front of him, the cavalry under Jierhalang's troops must be exhausted from running back and forth. Lack of energy and vigor are not as good as before.

Although Wang Zongbing and Ningyuan's left and right battalions have fought for a long time, they have been on the defensive after all. The soldiers have been preparing for a long time. At this moment, they just hit with all their strength, broke through the slaves' battle formation, and went north to capture the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River.

In this way, Dorgon must divide his troops to rescue, and the pressure on General Changbo can be relieved, and there may be a breakthrough, but it is not certain! "

Hong Chengchou nodded and said: "Just do it like this, quickly pass the military order to Wang Tingchen, asking him to break through the blockade of the slaves as soon as possible, march northward, capture the pontoon bridge on the Xiaoling River, and cross the river to join the war slaves outside Xiguan, Jinzhou. .”

He immediately added: "In addition, send someone to Xuan Dajun to send an order to Zhang Cheng and Wang Pu to work together to break through Azig's block as soon as possible and enter Jinzhou Nanguan.

He also told Zhang Cheng that if the slave bandits are powerful and it is difficult to break through from the front, they can also consider bypassing from the flanks and send out a surprise army to the south of Jinzhou, and cooperate with Zu Dashou to break through the slave bandits' siege and create a passage. "

Xie Sixin replied cautiously: "Yes, the students have made a note of it, so we will arrange suitable people and set off immediately."

Hong Chengchou turned around, looked at Nvnu River not far to the north, and muttered in his mouth: "I worked hard and tried my best to plan, but things backfired. I really didn't expect that the first effort to solve the brocade siege would eventually fall on Zhang Cheng. !"

He suddenly looked up at the sky and thought to himself: "Is this all God's will? Could it be that everything was preordained in the dark."

…………

Zu Dabi led [-] Liao soldiers to fight slaves bravely. They first defeated a part of the Han army stationed in the first trench outside the Xiguan of Jinzhou, and then turned to the south, advancing all the way.

Finally, at the southwest corner of Jinzhou, he met the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner Tartars led by Yibai, but thanks to the rapid advance of Zu Dabi's troops, although Yibai immediately mobilized Zhengbai Banner troops to intercept them after receiving the report, he was able to survive in a short time. It is also difficult to gather all the troops of the banner to help.

However, the three trench defense lines built by the slaves before had once again played a miraculous effect, blocking nearly [-] Liao soldiers under Zu Dabi's troops in front of the third trench.

Although the Liao soldiers under Zu Dabi had already had the experience of breaking out of the encirclement many times, they were able to quickly dismantle the Qing army's tents and use all materials to fill them up or build bridges.

But this third trench is wider and much deeper than the first two. The boards obtained before are not enough for use. Human bridges can't do it.

Zu Dabi commanded the soldiers to disperse the two Tartars of the Han army stationed there, and managed to fill in a very narrow strip, but there were no wooden planks on it. Although people could pass through carefully, the cavalry could not ride on horseback.

The untamped narrow passage is still filled with a lot of floating soil. When the horse passes through it, it is easy to get stuck in it, and even sprain the horse's leg.

It was because of the delay of this trench that the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner troops led by Yibai came one after another, and intercepted the Liao soldiers led by Zu Dabi here, and could not break out of the encirclement.

Yibai, the Hesheli family of Manchuria, whose full name is Hesheli Yibai, whose ancestor lived in Zhaigu, originally belonged to the Zhenglan Banner of Manchuria. After Huang Taiji became emperor, he was awarded the Mongolian Gushan forehead of Zhengbai Banner of Mongolia for his meritorious service. true job.

He has always been loyal to Huang Taiji, and he is also a strong general of the Qing Dynasty. His Mongolian Zhengbai Banner is also a valiant force. Now, with him standing in front of him, it is absolutely difficult for Zu Dabi to make a breakthrough.

What's more, Buyandai is also leading the Mongolian Tazi soldiers with red flags, chasing them from the north. The cavalry in front of them have already chased after Zu Dabi's formation, but they have not yet launched a charge.

Zu Dabi's whole body was bright red. It was obvious that he had rushed to this point, and he must be the first soldier. I don't know how many Mongolian slaves with red flags and the second Tartar Han army had been beheaded.

It is a pity that he still failed to break through the defense line of the Qing army. He was full of unwillingness, but he was helpless. Looking at the Mongolian Zhengbai Banner in front of Gushan Ezhenyi worshiping the dragon flag, he roared loudly: "Withdraw, let's go Go to the South Pass."