The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 590: A Fight of Will
Smoke rose from the city of Ningyuan. Six Jurchen scouts, probably relying on their excellent riding skills, boldly approached to observe, and stopped their horses outside the range of bows and arrows to whisper to each other.

The sentry on guard quickly reported the situation to Zu Tianshou, who hurriedly climbed to the top of the city wall to look around. Sure enough, he saw six Jurchen scouts wandering outside the city, probably to spy on the situation.

Zu Tianshou's eyes flashed, and he said with a smile: "Don't worry about them, let the brothers have dinner, eat meat and drink soup!"

Soon, the Jurchen scouts outside the city smelled the tempting meaty aroma wafting in the wind, and they couldn't help swallowing their saliva. This was the smell of mutton, and they knew it very well.

"The Jin army in the city still has mutton to eat?" The six Jurchen scouts looked at each other, turned their horses' heads and galloped eastward.

…………

Jinzhou City.

Nurhaci, who was sixty-five years old, sat on a tiger-skin chair with a majestic look. Although his temples were gray, he was full of energy, looked majestic, and had an air of dominance that looked down on the world.

Nurhaci was originally the leader of just a small tribe (Jianzhou Jurchens), and there were countless tribes around him that were stronger than him. However, he was able to stand out from the pack of wolves, successively conquered the Xihai Jurchens and the Wild Jurchens, unified the Jurchen tribes, and then annexed the Yehe tribe of Mongolia. He even seized the entire Liaodong from the Jin Dynasty. He was undoubtedly a great ruler, and his outstanding military talent was no less than that of the founding emperors of all dynasties.

At this moment, Nurhaci was summoning his generals to discuss whether to continue westward and capture Ningyuan City.

Nurhaci's original personal suggestion was to suspend the westward advance, because the newly conquered territory was enough to be digested for a while, and the Jin army stationed in western Liaoning had been crippled and no longer posed a threat. The top priority was to digest the results, stabilize the internal situation, and deal with the threat from the Mongols in the north.

However, according to the information obtained recently, Xiong Tingbai actually abandoned Ningyuan City and led the remaining Jin army to retreat to Shanhaiguan. If this is true, this is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to expand the results of the war.

Nurhaci had personally surveyed Ningyuan City and knew that the city was not easy to capture. In addition, it was already winter and the weather was cold, which would make the army's logistical supply difficult. So he originally did not plan to take Ningyuan. He planned to wait until the weather was warmer next year and the conquered territory was almost digested, then it would not be too late to advance westward. But if the Jin army really withdrew, Ningyuan City could be captured without losing a single soldier, so he naturally would not think that the territory was too much.

"Daishan, what do you think?" Nurhaci asked.

Daishan was the second son of Nurhaci and one of the eight beiles under his command. He was in charge of the Zhenghong and Xianghong banners, had outstanding military achievements, and was highly respected.

Daishan was a steady and careful person. He replied, "In my opinion, it is not appropriate to take Ningyuan for the time being. The most urgent task is to stabilize the internal situation and prevent unrest between the Liao and Han people in the new territory. Don't forget, father Khan, there are still hundreds of thousands of Liao and Han people hiding in the mountains of the Thirteen Mountains and refusing to come out and surrender. Leaving them here will be a hidden danger sooner or later. In addition, the Mongols are also eyeing our Great Jin, so we must be on guard!"

Nurhaci nodded and said, "That makes sense. The Han Chinese have a saying that goes, 'You can't chew too much if you're greedy.' We should chew what we put into our mouths first before we can really swallow it into our stomachs."

Second Prince Amin was unruly and fiery, and he immediately retorted disapprovingly: "Since we can take Ningyuan City without spending a single soldier, why not take it?"

"That's right. The Han Chinese also have an old saying: If you don't take what God gives you, you will suffer the consequences. Why not eat the fat meat that is right in front of you?" Sixth Prince Dorgon said loudly: "You don't need to do anything, my son can take over the big city of Ningyuan with only a thousand soldiers."

While everyone was arguing, a scout came into the tent with a report: "Report to the Khan, Ningyuan City is not an empty city. There are many Jin troops guarding it."

Nurhaci asked curiously, "Didn't we hear the news a few days ago that Xiong Tingbai has already cleared the countryside and retreated into Shanhaiguan? Isn't Ningyuan now an empty city?"

The scout replied respectfully, "It is true what we heard a few days ago. But recently a garrison has appeared in Ningyuan City. The flags are flying on the top of the city walls and the fires are burning all night. I am afraid the force is not weak. Twenty scouts of our army disappeared a few days ago. I am afraid it is also related to this garrison."

The fifth prince Ajige frowned and said, "Could it be that they are the defeated soldiers who escaped from Jinzhou? I'm afraid they are just bluffing."

The scout replied, "I'm afraid not, because I smelled mutton and the Jin army in the city was eating meat, which shows that the army has sufficient food and is definitely not a defeated army."

Nurhaci's eyes flickered and he said, "This is strange. Could it be that Xiong Tingbai has returned?"

Dai Shan shook his head and said, "Since Xiong Tingbai assumed the post of Liaodong Governor of Jin, he has been a coward. It is obvious that he is very afraid of your might. Since he has chosen to fortify his city and retreat to Shanhaiguan, it is unlikely that he will come back."

Second Beile Amin said impatiently: "Why guess so much? If the Khan only gives me 3,000 troops, I promise to capture Ningyuan City within three days and cut off the head of the city's defenders and present it to the Khan."

Nurhaci pondered for a moment, and finally shook his head and said: "Attack the city is not our army's strong point. Now the situation is unclear, let's put Ningyuan aside first, and wait until the time is right to take it down in one fell swoop."

Although Nurhaci was a Jurchen, he understood Chinese and was well-versed in military books. He was well aware of the principle that one must first stabilize the country before resisting foreign aggression. Every time he conquered a piece of territory, he would patiently spend several years to slowly digest and absorb it. For example, it took him ten years to unify the Jurchens. He conquered his territory bit by bit in this way, step by step, cautiously and steadily, without haste or impatience.

In the Battle of Jinzhou, the 100,000-strong army of the Jin Dynasty was wiped out, and 72 castles including Guangning, Yizhou, Jinzhou, etc. were captured in succession, almost occupying the entire Liaoxi Plain. The top priority was not to occupy more land, but to digest and absorb the occupied land.

Nurhaci had been fighting on the battlefield for decades, and was invincible in every battle. His prestige was naturally supreme. Once he made a decision, no one dared to interfere, including the rebellious Second Beile Amin. Therefore, Nurhaci's decision not to attack Ningyuan first was the final word and no room for debate.

However, in the near future, Nurhaci will regret today's decision. Of course, this is only a later story, so let's not discuss it here for now. Sun Chengzong got the imperial edict from Emperor Qiansheng and immediately rushed back to Shanhaiguan overnight, because he and Jia Huan had agreed to meet in five days, and now four days have passed. It is definitely a missed date. I hope Jia Huan can keep it.

"The imperial edict has arrived. Open the gates immediately!" Sun Chengzong held up the imperial edict and shouted loudly at the top of Shanhaiguan City.

The generals defending the city did not dare to delay and immediately opened the gate to let Sun Chengzong in. The latter rode his horse through the pass without stopping and headed straight for the Liaodong Jinglüe Mansion.

Sun Chengzong was already over fifty years old this year. In order to save time, he tried his best. He ran to the governor's mansion, reined in his horse, and leaped towards the gate. Even Wu Sangui and others who were following behind him were secretly surprised.

"The imperial edict has arrived. Xiong Tingbi, the governor of Liaodong, please accept it!" Sun Chengzong held up the imperial edict in one hand and shouted loudly. Seeing this, no one dared to stop him.

At this time Xiong Tingbai came out in a hurry. Seeing Sun Chengzong holding the imperial edict, his heart sank. He hurriedly ordered people to set up an incense table and knelt in the dust. The military officers and soldiers present also knelt on the ground.

Sun Chengzong handed the imperial edict to Wu Sangui and instructed: "Please trouble Wu Youji to announce the edict."

Wu Sangui took the imperial edict with awe, slowly opened it, and read aloud: "The Emperor, in accordance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: Xiong Tingbai, the Minister of Liaodong, is cowardly in battle, has left his post without permission, neglected his duties and lost territory, and deeply betrayed the grace of the Emperor. He is hereby ordered to be immediately dismissed from the post of Liaodong Governor and imprisoned. From now on, Sun Chengzong, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, will temporarily take over the post of Liaodong Governor, and be promoted to the Deputy Chief Censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate to guard Shanhaiguan. This is my decree!"

Xiong Tingbai shuddered all over and his face turned pale. He obviously did not expect that Emperor Qiansheng would directly dismiss him from his post without even giving him a chance to defend himself.

"Master Xiong, please accept the order!" Wu Sangui said indifferently.

Xiong Tingbai raised his hands tremblingly and said, "Your Highness Xiong Tingbai, I accept your command and thank you for your grace!"

Wu Sangui handed the imperial edict to Xiong Tingbai, and his face immediately changed. He shouted, "Come here, strip Xiong Tingbai of his official hat and robes, hand over the seal of the Liaodong governor, and immediately put him in prison!"

The two soldiers immediately rushed forward and prepared to attack. Xiong Tingbai shouted, "Who dares!"

Sun Chengzong frowned and said, "Xiong Tingbai, do you dare to disobey my order?"

"I will do it myself, you don't have to do anything!" Xiong Tingbai took off his gauze crown and official robe, folded them and placed them on the incense table, and took off the seal of the governor from his waist. With trembling hands, he placed them on his official robe. His gray hair was scattered, and he seemed to have aged a dozen years in an instant. He cried with tears in his eyes, "I have devoted my heart to the country and fulfilled my duties loyally. The heaven and earth, the sun and the moon can bear witness to this. Who would have thought that today I would be harmed by the treacherous words of the treacherous."

As he spoke, he suddenly raised his head and stared at Sun Chengzong, and shouted madly, "Sun Zhisheng, if Shanhaiguan is lost, you will be a sinner for all eternity, cursed by the people, and pointed at by thousands of people."

Sun Chengzong said calmly: "Get it!"

Two soldiers immediately stepped forward to capture Xiong Tingbai and put him in shackles. Xiong Tingbai laughed wildly and pointed at Sun Chengzong and cursed: "Sun Zhisheng, you are a despicable villain. Your Majesty is blind and believes in the slander of such a villain. I will laugh and watch what will happen to you, Sun Zhisheng, in prison!"

Sun Chengzong's face darkened, and he shook his head in disappointment, saying, "Xiong Tingbai, I thought you would come to your senses, but now that you are facing death, you are still obsessed with it. Well, I will not argue with you. It is more important to rush to Ningyuan to help. Come on, take him away!"

"Hahaha, you are courting death by rushing to help Ningyuan. You are wasting the lives of soldiers in vain. You have no idea how powerful Nurhaci is. Wang Huazhen is a lesson for us!" Xiong Tingbai was taken away while laughing wildly, as if he had gone crazy.

Sun Chengzong looked gloomy. He took the seal of Liaodong General and tied it on his belt. He said to the generals present: "I am ordered to take over the post of Liaodong General. You are all under my control. Xiong Tingbai abandoned Ningyuan and handed over the Liaoxi Corridor to the Jiannu. It was a big mistake. Now is your chance to make up for your mistakes. Don't make the mistake!"

The generals saluted solemnly and said in unison: "We are at your disposal, Lord Sun!"

At that moment, Sun Chengzong immediately dispatched 20,000 people to rush to Ningyuan for assistance.

Besides, Xiong Tingbai was taken to the prison and imprisoned together with Liaodong Governor Wang Huazhen. When the latter saw Xiong Tingbai was also imprisoned, he couldn't help but laugh with glee: "Master Xiong, long time no see!"

Xiong Tingbai snorted coldly and said angrily: "Don't be complacent, I will get justice sooner or later."

Wang Huazhen sneered, "Master Xiong, do you dare to swear to heaven that the reason you abandoned Ningyuan City was not because you were angry?"

Xiong Tingbai was silent. He did have complaints. He complained that the Minister of War Zhang Heming favored Wang Huazhen, that he could not distinguish between good and bad civil and military officials in the court, and that Emperor Qiansheng was blind and did not listen to him and dismiss Wang Huazhen as soon as possible.

Therefore, when Wang Huazhen suffered a great defeat at the front and fled back, he did his best to mock him, but he was also very happy in his heart, because Wang Huazhen's defeat proved that he was right, proved that Zhang Heming was nepotism, and proved that Emperor Qiansheng and all the civil and military officials in the court were blind.

Therefore, the reason why Xiong Tingbai gave up Ningyuan City was indeed due to a struggle of personal pride. As Xiong Tingbai's old rival, Wang Huazhen was the one who could feel it most clearly.

(End of this chapter)