weaving

Under the afterglow of the evening glow, the soldiers of Xuanfu, Datong, and Liaodong towns were also busy.

In the last battle before sunset, Prince Daishan of the Qing Dynasty commanded tens of thousands of soldiers from the Eight Banners of Manchuria and Mongolia, and added thousands of troops from the Han army and the Mongolian soldiers from the Outer Domain. The defense line of soldiers and horses in the three towns of Liaodong.

Seeing that the Ming army could not be killed, and there was no hope of regaining the lost Jinzhou Nanguan outer trench wall defense line, as a last resort, he could only lead the army back west for the time being, and set up camp first before discussing how to deal with it in the future.

The same is true for the Ming army. After two consecutive days of fierce fighting, they were all exhausted. When the Qing army attacked fiercely, they were trying their best to persevere with all their blood.

Therefore, when the Qing army retreated, the Ming army, from the generals of the battalions to all the officers and soldiers, secretly rejoiced in their hearts. It was not until the Qing soldiers completely retreated that they uttered wild cries like madmen.

In such a state, being able to repel the Qing soldiers and stick to the fruit of today's victory with Zu Dashou is already their limit for the Xuan Daming Army.

But even so, they still couldn't rest. They divided into independent teams, searched for wounded soldiers on the entire battlefield, sorted out the ordnance left by the soldiers, and even brought back the dead and wounded horses.

Of course, there were still many teams of sergeants busy digging ditches and building walls to set up lines of defense, and soon the prototype of a big camp gradually emerged.

On the south side of the Xiaoling River, at the Xuanda Army Camp, there was also busy work. Zhang Guodong's Chicheng Battalion was arranged to stay on the south bank of the Xiaoling River, guarding the pontoon bridges necessary for crossing the river.

After all, the military resources of the Xuanda Army and all the supplies to rescue Jinzhou must be transferred here. Although the ferry can also be used for material transfer, it is more convenient and quicker than the pontoon bridge.

As the leader of the Liaodong warlord, he relied on these Liao soldiers who followed him. Instead of letting them die in vain, it was of no benefit to Zu Dashou, but at the time of desperation, it was possible to find a way out for him. Harvest people's hearts.

He went on to say: "Zhang Cheng is a late learner, and there are still many unknowns in the military. From now on, he must ask Zushuai for advice. I also hope that Zushuai can guide and guide Zhang Cheng."

Zu Dashou's father, Zu Chengxun, was in the Wanli period. As the deputy commander in chief, Zu Chengxun followed the Liaodong commander in the Ming Dynasty and the admiral Li Rusong to fight against the Japanese and aid the Korean Empire. He once participated in the battle to recover Pyongyang and made contributions. It has made great contributions to stabilizing the situation in North Korea.

If this is the case, the vast land in Liaodong will be completely owned by the slaves, and the Ming Empire will retreat to Shanhaiguan more than ten years in advance, and the slaves will rise faster.

However, just like Zu Dashou received education since he was a child, he also has loyalty, integrity and shame in his heart. When his personal clan interests are not greatly infringed, he is still very loyal to Daming.

After the old slave Nurhachi raised his troops, the ancestral family finally became the largest family in Liaodong, almost completely controlling the land and population in Liaodong.

As a warlord, he naturally put the interests of the family and sect first in his heart, because what brought them substantial benefits was not the official positions awarded by the Ming court, but the land, Dingkou and army he owned on the land of Liaodong.

Of course, if the imperial court is too powerful, they will succumb to the imperial court's force and let it be slaughtered, but for the survival of the family, they will also try to place the children of the clan into different forces, so no matter which side wins in the end, they will clans will not be cut off.

…………

He had an idea before that if there is a chance, he should establish a good relationship with Zhang Cheng so that he can help each other in the future, and if he can make friends with Zhang Cheng, it will be more like his wish.

Zu Dashou was a very controversial figure in Ming Dynasty. Although he was an important general of Ming Dynasty in Liaodong, he was officially worshiped as Zuo Dudu, Liaodong Vanguard Commander, and he was also Daming's Liao Vanguard General.

However, in this battle of Liaodong, the Xuanfu army performed very well, and it seems that they have become the top of all the towns that aided Liaodong, and their various achievements have long been heard by Zu Dashou.

Looking at the figure of Grand Marshal Zu going away, Zhang Cheng's heart is very complicated. He still knows Zu Dashou.

Of course, Zu Dashou is unwilling to give up his ancestral property and the hard work of more than ten generations of his family, but there is also his loyalty to Daming.

Zu Dashou said and waved his fingers to the surroundings, saying: "Today, under the obstruction of the Tartars, the army can advance so far, but only the Xuanfu army horses you brought can do it."

"Hahaha……"

Liaodong and Xuanfu are separated by Beizhili, so they don't disturb each other, and he doesn't have to worry about Zhang Cheng once he gains power, his family's position in Liaodong will be endangered.

But not long ago, defeating the Tartars with a white flag and beheading Duoduo couldn't have been a coincidence. "

And their two towns, one east and one west, are both important border towns that guard the capital of the Ming Dynasty. If they can make friends with Zhang Cheng and help each other, why not do it?

Huang Taiji was very happy when he heard this. He sent Abatai to lead [-] Qing soldiers wearing Ming army uniforms to walk with Zu Dashou, but he never thought that there would be heavy fog on the road, and Zu Dashou took the opportunity to shake off Abate and other Qing troops who were accompanying him. , I entered Jinzhou city alone.

When he spoke, his movements were a bit rough, as if he had touched the wound on his chest, Zu Dashou stood still, his brows were deeply furrowed, as if he was trying to endure it.

Zu Dashou saw that Zhang Cheng was so proud of his contribution, and he respected him very much, so he was also happy in his heart, but he had experienced so much wind and rain in his life, how could he be emotional because of it.

Whether it was Yuan Chonghuan and Gaodi in the past, or Hong Chengchou, the current governor of Jiliao, if the governors of Jiliao want to make a difference in Liaodong, they must have the support of their ancestors.

Since then, with Li Rusong's death in battle, the Li family in Liaodong has no outstanding figures and gradually declined, while the ancestral family continued to grow during this period.

Zhang Cheng was quite surprised, he stepped forward and asked with concern: "Shuai Zu, but he was injured by a slave thief, why not take a rest."

The rise of the ancestral family in Liaodong came after the Taifu and Ning Yuanbo Li Chengliang's family lost power during the Wanli period. It can be said that the expansion of the power of the ancestral family was accompanied by Jiannu's growth step by step throughout the whole process.

You know, with his status and reputation in Liaodong at that time, if he really surrendered to Huang Taiji, the slave chieftain, he could earn the Jinzhou city gate for him, and even the Ningyuan city behind him could easily earn it.

He also bombarded Abatai and other Qing soldiers who came to attack. From then on, he continued to be loyal to Ming Dynasty and stood firm in Jinzhou for ten years.

Rather than saying that he is an officer of the Ming Dynasty, it is better to say that he is a generation of warlords of the Ming Dynasty in Liaodong!

Of course, raising a sword and putting a horse on the horse is no longer a problem, just now that he felt that it was hopeful to lift the siege of Jinzhou, he personally led the army out of the city to fight against the slaves.

Zhang Cheng just said softly "Understood", and immediately ordered Zhang Chengfang to retreat, but said to the Marshal Zu beside him: "Marshal Zu, the governor is on his way here, let's enter the tent first and wait."

Hearing Zu Dashou's words of praise for him, Zhang Cheng was also quite surprised. You must know that Zu Dashou's power in Liaodong is the number one leader of the Ming Dynasty.

In this way, other Liao people and Liao soldiers on the land of Liaodong will only trust him more, and after he returns to Jinzhou, he can also take care of the families of those soldiers who surrendered.

Zu Dashou's gray beard was stained with blood, he waved his hand and said, "It's okay, these injuries are not a problem."

He also clasped his fists and said: "Zhang Cheng, it's a great fortune for us to meet Zushuai in this life, and join forces with Zushuai to fight slaves!"

Daming was able to hold on to Liaodong under the iron hooves of the Qing captives until now, so it actually relied on their group of ancestor generals and ancestor army.

Marshal Zu said that he also needs to go back to the camp to resettle, and later come to Zhang Cheng's camp to wait for the governor Hong Chengchou.

It is also until now that Zhang Cheng has seen the long-known Liaodong goalkeeper carry his son Zu's birthday. At this time, he is already 63 years old. Thanks to his training in the army, his body is still very healthy .

…………

Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty, the number of people who could catch his eye could be counted on two hands, and there would never be more than ten people.

But Zu Dashou did not do this. Although he left more than ten thousand Liaodong elite soldiers for the slaves when he surrendered at Dalinghe Fort, he had to do it as a last resort.

Seeing what he said, Zhang Cheng had no choice but to reply: "It is all thanks to the bravery of the soldiers that we were able to drive away the slaves. It is pure luck that we have advanced so far."

As soon as Zu Dashou finished speaking, Zhang Chengfang trotted all the way and whispered in Zhang Cheng's ear: "Marshal, Governor Xingyuan sent someone to send a message, saying that Governor Hong has crossed the Xiaoling River, and he will catch up later. In the army, there are important matters to be discussed in detail.

When he came close, he stretched out his big hand to grab Zhang Cheng, and said with a smile: "The slaves have besieged Jinzhou for more than a year, and I never thought that it was Zhang Cheng, your Xuanfu army, who came to the city first."

In this way, the power of the ancestors spread all over the corners of Liaodong. Now, his brother-in-law Wu Xiang's clan has also risen with the help of the power of the ancestors, making the land of Liaodong the sole possession of the ancestors and Wu clans.

The ancestral family is full of dozens, even hundreds of people, who are officials and generals in Liaodong, stationed in various fortresses and castles in Liaodong. There are hundreds of loyal generals under their command, and thousands of family members.

After a burst of laughter at this moment, he stood still and stopped moving forward, turned around and said to Zhang Cheng: "You are wrong, even if it was a coincidence that you killed Ma Zhan and Yue Tuo'er earlier.

Please don't leave the camp, Marshal Zu and Marshal Zu, and wait for each other quietly! "

By coincidence, Ma Zhan, Yue Tuo and other slaves were beheaded. In fact, if it were the other generals, they would be able to do the same. "

After hearing this, Zu Dashou didn't see any change on his old face. He just kept looking at Zhang Cheng with his eyes. Boy, it's really incomparable."

Zu Dashou clasped his fists and said, "Zu Mou will remember the kindness of coming from thousands of miles away."

For three months, the food in the city was eaten up, and the horses were killed to get meat, and the horses were eaten by the horses, so they began to kill and eat each other. The people were almost killed.

Since then, dozens of members of the Zu family have served the Qing Dynasty and fought in all directions. In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, it can be said that the whole family was prosperous and the whole family was rich.

A thick layer of white cloth was wrapped around Zu Dashou's left shoulder to his right waist, revealing a hint of dark red blood faintly, as if he was seriously injured, but he didn't take it seriously at all.

…………

Zhang Cheng and Zu Dashou went to the army tent, and said: "The commander-in-chief praised him, but Zhang Cheng is ashamed to accept it. Although I joined the army since I was young, I have always been under the protection of my uncle. After the Julu battle, I was very sad. He just wanted to fight with the slave, completely disregarding life and death.

Although it was already dusk, there was a pile of fires every [-] steps or so, and the torches held high by the soldiers made this road as bright as the main road of later generations.

In China's thousands of years of history, whenever a person's surname is added in front of the military head, it actually has a sense of family soldiers in it. This is also one of the things that the emperors of all dynasties feared the most.

"I am really ashamed to be praised by the commander-in-chief. Zhang Cheng is only a Wuffler, how can he be praised by the commander-in-chief."

Just like the last time when the slaves besieged Dalinghe Fort, Zu Dashou and his deputy He Kegang led the soldiers to fight bloody battles with the slaves, trying to break through dozens of times, but because the slaves surrounded Dalinghe Fort Deadly, always failed to do so.

Zhang Cheng looked at the old man in front of him. His beard and hair were already white, but he was in good health, and there was a majesty in his gestures.

In fact, as an established local clan, its core interests are always inherited and continued by the family, and loyalty to the imperial court depends on whether the imperial court can guarantee its interests.

Zhang Cheng only felt that his pair of strong and powerful hands were full of calluses left by holding weapons for many years, and they were as hard as iron stone, so he couldn't help admiring them.

There are also many sergeants pushing carts, transporting loads of firewood and river water, from Xiaoling River to the wilderness outside Jinzhou Nanguan, full of nervous and busy soldiers of the Xuanda Army.

The several reinforcements sent by Sun Chengzong were all repulsed by the slave chieftain Huang Taiji. Zu Dashou had no choice but to surrender to the slave chieftain Huang Taiji when food was exhausted, and then falsely claimed that he wanted to win Jinzhou City for Huang Taiji.

Seeing Zhang Cheng's modesty, Zu Dashou couldn't help but said: "In 11 years, I was quite surprised to hear that you killed Ma Zhan and Yue Tuo in the battle, such a fierce general, why was he so unknown before?
It wasn't until we met today that I realized that Zhang Cheng and you are about the same age as the eldest uncle. If you are a hero born in youth, with you and other talents of the younger generation, I can't accept my old age. "

Therefore, although the ancestral family and the Wu family, which are local tyrants, are still subjects of Ming Dynasty, they have secretly formed a complex interest group. They are united for their own interests, and naturally they give priority to protecting their vested interests.

"It's easy to say, easy to say. Liaodong and Xuan Datong are the capital's barriers, so we must be diligent in moving around and helping each other."

The other battalions of the Xuanda Army are also assigned. According to Zhang Cheng's latest deployment, they are moving their camps to the north of Jinzhou Nanguan, so that the Xuanda Army will erect a row of camps along the line from Xiaolinghe to Jinzhou Nanguan. , to guard the lifeline of rescuing the siege of Jinzhou.

But Zhang Cheng also thought that at that time, the tens of thousands of reinforcements in the Ming Dynasty were defeated and fled. Even Hong Chengchou was captured by the Qing Dynasty, and Qiu Minyang, Cao Bianjiao, and Wang Tingchen were even beheaded by slaves.

He led more than [-] troops to defend Jinzhou, with no food, grass and firewood inside, and no reinforcements from outside. Apart from surrendering to the Qing Dynasty, he had to die.

Although in the original history, Zu Dashou chose to surrender to the Qing Dynasty for the benefit of his family because he had nowhere to go, but he also worked hard to persevere until the last moment.

But now, the Songjin war between the Ming and Qing is equal in strength, each wins and loses, Zu Dashou no longer has the external conditions to surrender to the Qing, Zhang Cheng believes that he can still be a qualified general for the Ming Dynasty.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but blurted out: "Zu Dashou, I hope you will take care of yourself!"