Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

"When you win, you fight for credit; when you lose, you shirk responsibility."

"These Guan Ning soldiers really have the habits of the old army!"

In the capital, Zhu Youjian received news that Hou Shilu was going to war and was furious.

He didn't care whether the fighting in Liaodong continued; what angered him was that the Guan Ning army soldiers had coerced Sun Chengzong into agreeing to the proposal to send troops.

This was something he could not allow, something he was extremely wary of, so he had already made up his mind:
Regardless of victory or defeat, the Guan Ning Army must be dealt with.

The reorganization of the Guan Ning Army cannot be delayed and must begin this winter.

Thinking of this, he ordered Yuan Keli to send a message to Bi Zisu, instructing him to prepare for the preparations of the various garrisons in Liaoxi—

After the establishment of the Liaoxi Military and Civilian Government, the work of setting up subordinate guard posts has already begun.

The current task is to count how many families are willing to join the garrison and allocate garrison land to them.

He wanted to completely dismantle and reorganize the Guan Ning Army.

After the New Army's victory in the Battle of Haizhou, he had enough confidence!
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Although Hou Shilu was unaware of these things, he knew that coercing Sun Chengzong to send troops would affect his future prospects.

But he didn't care, because he knew the current emperor was very trustworthy:

When it comes to rewarding meritorious service and bestowing titles, there has never been any ambiguity.

Even if someone's contribution is less than 60%, they will be rewarded with additional credit for other reasons.

Man Gui and Mao Wenlong were no exception, as were Zhang Xianzhong, Zheng Zhilong, and others.

Upon learning that Sun Chengzong, Yang Jiamo, and Yang Yufan might all be granted the title of earl, Hou Shilu could not suppress his desire and wanted to obtain the same hereditary title:

"What's the big deal about eliminating one member of the Bordered Red Flag?"

"This time, I will destroy two banners of the Jurchens!"

Looking at the 30,000 troops around him, he felt confident enough.

These soldiers were all handpicked by him, chosen for their bravery and fighting spirit. Anyone without the ability would be ignored, even if they wanted to join.

His goal was to use these men to kill at least 10,000 Jurchens, and he didn't care if he lost all 30,000 men in the process.

If it weren't for the need to have a backup plan, he would never have divided his troops at Anshan Post Station. He would have preferred to lead 30,000 soldiers and fight the Jurchens one-on-one.

Even if he only achieved 10% of the command merit, he could still obtain the viscount title of three thousand households.

With the double coefficient for major battles, being granted the title of Earl is a certainty.

Count!

"We share the same fate as our country!"

"If it weren't for the Jurchen rebellion, how would I have had this opportunity?"

The fact that the Ming Dynasty's noble families had been passed down for hundreds of years gave Hou Shilu complete faith in the court's credibility.

His current goal is to become an earl, or even a marquis.

With such a clear future ahead of him, why should he care what Sun Chengzong thinks?

As long as he kills enough Jurchens in this battle, he can be granted a title. Then, he can choose a place to be enfeoffed, and who cares who Sun Chengzong is!
Otherwise, once Ma Shilong arrives, how could he possibly have the opportunity to become the commander-in-chief?
Hou Shilu, knowing how much Sun Chengzong valued Ma Shilong, had no expectations whatsoever. He wanted to earn it all himself and wouldn't rely on others.

"Everyone, be careful! Don't underestimate the enemy and advance rashly!"

"Liu Tianlu, go ahead and keep watch, guard against attacks from the Jurchens."

Despite his eagerness to gain merit, Hou Shilu did not lose his composure as he loudly ordered his subordinates.

His method of marching was entirely based on the standards set by the Ming army.

The cavalry of the twenty-four forts consisted of five men each, scattered over an area of ​​more than twenty li. Each man was equipped with a signal cannon and a flag, and would report any unusual activity to his commander.

The cavalry, infantry, and chariot troops of each battalion lined up and advanced in sequence according to the signals given by the cannon soldiers.
By proceeding cautiously step by step, even if the enemy sets an ambush, we can respond in time.

It can be said that this was an elite force trained under the old military system.

Hou Shilu, who commanded this army, was confident of defeating all enemies.
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Sitting on the city wall of Liaoyang, Huang Taiji saw the Ming army approaching from afar and took a deep breath.

He knew that whether or not the situation could be turned around depended on this battle.

If they are defeated by the Guan Ning army, the situation will become even more uncontrollable:
"After the defeat at Haizhou, the Ming army clearly had a stronger will to fight."

"In the past, the Guan Ning Army would never have dared to pursue us."

Clearly sensing the change, Huang Taiji waved his hand and gave the order:

"Leave the city and form ranks!"

He ordered his generals to lead their troops out of the city to meet the Ming army.

This was his lesson learned from the Battle of Haizhou, and his decision not to let the Ming army surround him in the city.

Otherwise, given the Ming army's method of shooting from tunnels, even with city walls, they would only be vulnerable to attack.

Daishan, who had escaped from the city, immediately accepted the order upon hearing the news. Amin, however, reluctantly replied:

"Your Majesty, Liaoyang is a crucial city; we should send men to guard it."

Huang Taiji's gaze sharpened, and Dorgon then said:
"Great Khan, you are of inestimable worth and should remain in the city."

"Moreover, the city walls are higher, which allows for command from a higher vantage point."

Huang Taiji shook his head and rejected the idea:
"Ninth Brother is very thoughtful."

"But as the Great Khan, how can I hide in the city?"

"All troops, listen to my command: except for the old, weak, sick, and disabled, all shall leave the city to fight."

He commanded Daišan, Amin, Dodo, and Dorgon to lead their troops out of the city and form ranks.

He personally led the two yellow banners as the reserve force for the main army.

Because of his experience in defending cities, and because his Bordered Red Banner had been decimated, Sahalian, along with Ajige, led the remaining troops to stay and defend the city.

Apart from Mangultai's Plain Blue Banner remaining in Shenyang and half of the two Yellow Banners staying in Khorchin, the rest of the main force of the Jurchens had gathered here.

Huang Taiji was determined to win a battle and restore the morale of the Eight Banners troops.
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Hou Shilu also wanted to win the battle and gain merit in the campaign to be granted a noble title.

Upon learning that the Jurchens had marched out of the city and formed ranks, he immediately issued the following order:

"Liu Tianlu, you lead your cavalry to guard against an attack by the Jurchens."

"Cao Wenzhao and Sun Yingyuan lined up on the left and right flanks, ready to strike at any opportunity."

"The rest of you will stay with me in the central army and deploy the chariots for defense."

He gave Cao Wenzhao and Sun Yingyuan relatively flexible tasks, while he led the main force of the Guan Ning Army to resist the Jurchen army.

Upon seeing this, Cao Wenzhao and Sun Yingyuan both understood that General Hou was no fool. Instead of using them to engage in a war of attrition with the Jurchens, he was giving them opportunities for flexible warfare.

Otherwise, if we exhaust them and win this battle, we will offend the emperor and the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

This is good as it is; it gives the two men a chance to make a contribution while also using them to protect the left and right wings.

If Cao Wenzhao and Sun Yingyuan still wanted to achieve merit, they would definitely fight this battle well so that the emperor would continue to trust them.

Each unit followed orders and set up defensive positions ten miles away from Jianlu.

Huang Taiji was so angry when he saw this that his nose almost crooked. He never expected that the Guan Ning army, which had come to chase him so aggressively, would be so cowardly as to set up a formation ten miles away.

This doesn't look like a pursuit at all; it's clearly setting up a defense.

For a moment, Huang Taiji really didn't want to fight and continue to wear down the Guan Ning Army.

However, if left unchecked, it will be even more difficult to deal with once the Ming army establishes its camp.

So he could only suppress his nausea and instruct Dorgon:
"You lead the Bordered White Flag into battle and test the Ming army's defenses."

They continued to rely on Dorgon and sent him to charge into battle.

Dorgon was unwilling, but he had no choice but to obey. He had been promoted by Huang Taiji and could only follow orders.

The other two princes, Daišan and Amin, were not so obedient. Even Dodo, due to his formidable strength, required Huang Taiji to be more courteous. Leading his Bordered White Banner, Dorgon stepped forward to challenge them.

Eager to make a name for himself, Liu Tianlu led his cavalry to meet them.

As soon as the two sides clashed, Dorgon immediately felt reassured.

Because the Ming army opposite him didn't have many firearms, and it was entirely the Guan Ning army that he was familiar with.

Although this cavalry force was quite powerful, comparable to the most elite Eight Banner troops, Dorgon was completely unafraid and believed he could continue the fight.

Besides, Liu Tianlu's cavalry battalion only had more than 3,000 men, while his Bordered White Banner had nearly 4,000, giving him a numerical advantage.

The Ming army divided its forces into several units to advance into battle. The Ming cavalry charged forward, and the two sides fought fiercely for one or two hours. Huang Taiji then sent Dodo with the Plain White Banner to provide support.

Upon seeing this, Hou Shilu ordered Liu Tianlu to withdraw his troops, thus drawing the Jurchens over.

Liu Tianlu withdrew his troops and returned with his soldiers. By this time, both he and Dorgon's men had lost several hundred men.

Hou Shilu nodded repeatedly, believing that Liu Tianlu had achieved his goal:
"As expected of Zu Dashou's favorite general, even Governor Sun risked his life to keep him in service."

"This guy surnamed Liu is really good at fighting when he's going all out!"

What he wanted to do was wage a war of attrition, using the lives of his soldiers to earn himself a title.

If everyone fought like Liu Tianlu, he would have a great chance.

Liu Tianlu was instructed to enter the battle from the designated position. Hou Shilu then arranged the cannons and various firearms in a mixed manner, with the cannons and musketeers arranged in several rows at the front, leaving space between each unit for the cavalry to charge.

The wagon battalion, which Sun Chengzong focused on training, was put to full use in his hands.

Even Cao Wenzhao, witnessing this scene, was quite impressed with Hou Shilu, believing that even he himself could only command in this way.

The only pity was that the Guan Ning Army didn't have enough firearms, and their range and rate of fire were also insufficient. They mostly used old firearms that had been phased out by the Beijing Garrison.

This elite force, trained with the combined strength of the Ming Dynasty, was hampered by its weaponry.

"The Guan Ning army receives so much pay, why doesn't His Majesty replace their weapons?"

Even smoothbore muskets with trapdoors can greatly enhance the fighting strength of the Guan Ning Army.

This was something Cao Wenzhao didn't understand. In his view, equipping the Guan Ning army with a 15-tael firearm would be effortless—

They have five or six million taels of silver in military pay each year. If they allocate 1.5 million taels, they can equip an army of 100,000.

Little did they know that this was also what Zhu Youjian hated:
The Guan Ning Army's military expenditures were too high, which affected the deployment of new weapons.

The total cost of building and fighting in Liaonan Town this year was less than one million taels of silver, which is far more cost-effective than the huge expenditure of the Guan Ning Army.

The Guan Ning Army, unwilling to accept reorganization, could only be sent to fight a war of attrition.

Once they've all died in battle and been badly hurt, they'll naturally accept reorganization.
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Huang Taiji was naturally unaware of these schemes of the Ming Dynasty.

All he knew was that he was facing the Ming army he was familiar with.

He then used his familiar methods to deal with the situation, sending troops to attack the Ming army's battle formation.

The Ming army opened fire with cannons, muskets, and other firearms of all sizes, and the Eight Banners troops' formation was broken several times under the Ming army's artillery fire. However, because the firepower of these old firearms was not systematic, it was far from enough to block the front line.

Each time they were scattered by Ming army artillery fire, the Eight Banner soldiers risked their lives to quickly regroup and approach the Ming army.

As they approached the Ming army's battle formation, the Ming cavalry began to charge out from the reserved positions on both sides and engage the Eight Banners vanguard.

The two sides split into small teams of dozens of people and fought each other to the death, completely embroiled in a war of attrition.

Seeing this, Hou Shilu roused himself and continuously deployed troops to wear them down.

At the same time, he ordered his personal guards to shout "Kill the Tartars, divide the land!" to boost the morale of the soldiers.

Tempted by land and titles, the soldiers of the Guan Ning Army indeed displayed unprecedented courage.

Sun Yingyuan's new army was astonished by the brutal scene. They never expected that the Guan Ning Army, which they had looked down upon, could fight with such ferocity.

Cao Wenzhao was from Liaodong, and his 5,000 cavalrymen were also transferred from Liaodong, so he was familiar with the situation.

At this moment, I was also filled with excitement, wishing I could rush into the battle!

In his view, this is where he can truly shine.

Otherwise, how can one demonstrate their bravery and strength by relying solely on firearms?

"Unfortunately, His Majesty does not allow high-ranking officers to charge into battle."

"I'm afraid there won't be another chance like this in the future."

With a sigh, Cao Wenzhao stared intently at Daishan in front of him, as if preparing to strike.

Daishan then realized that the troops he was facing were the reinforcements from the Battle of Haizhou.

There was no battle between the two sides at the time, but he knew that the reinforcements were using new firearms.

Whenever he thought of the Ming army's blockade line of firearms, he had no intention of engaging in battle. He simply followed Huang Taiji's orders and kept the army occupied.

Amin, on the other side, lacked this awareness. Although he had fought against the Dongjiang Army and Cijiang Army in Liaoyang, he had not experienced the power of firearms battle formations because both armies did not have many new firearms.

Seeing that Sun Yingyuan's forces opposite him numbered only three thousand, with more than half of them dismounted and fighting on foot, he immediately saw this as an opportunity and commanded the Bordered Blue Banner soldiers to charge the Ming army's right flank.

Upon seeing this, Sun Yingyuan could hardly contain his joy. He had not expected that after several consecutive defeats, there would still be Jurchen cavalry daring to charge into the firearms formation.

Such opportunities to earn merit are truly rare. He gave the order as if he were instructing on training:
"All teams, get ready and make sure to fire a volley."

"Only after three volleys can we fire freely."

Command the officers of each unit to fire all firearms, large and small, once the Jurchens were within a hundred paces.

Amin, who had never seen Ming army firearms battle formations before, had never experienced such a battle.

Seeing his men fall one after another after entering the Ming army's territory within a hundred paces, he almost thought he had encountered sorcery—

What kind of war is this? There's no contact whatsoever.

When Huang Taiji, who was in command behind, saw this, he was so angry that he almost vomited blood.

He had no idea what had gotten into Amin, that he would actually charge into the Ming army's firearm formation. Didn't he know his orders were to contain them? How dare he charge into the Ming army's right flank without authorization?

He hurriedly ordered someone to send a message to Amin to withdraw his troops, but it was too late.

Not to mention that the charging cavalry had a hard time stopping, another Ming army suddenly rushed out from the woods to Amin's right.

This Ming army, flying Mao Wenlong's banner, was clearly the Dongjiang Army that had previously besieged Liaoyang.

Their numbers appeared to be close to ten thousand, and they seemed to have joined forces with the Cijiang Army.

The Bordered Blue Banner, which was being slaughtered by the Shooting Battalion ahead, had no strength left to stop this fresh force.

Soon, they will be surrounded by the Ming army from behind and will likely be annihilated.

Huang Taiji and Amin were not on good terms, but he knew he had to save Amin at this moment. Otherwise, if the Eight Banners lost another banner, how could they ever rise again?
He personally led the two remaining Yellow Banners to block the Ming army that came out of the mountains.

This Ming army consisted entirely of infantry and was not particularly fast, giving Huang Taiji ample time to intercept them.

But after he engaged the Ming army, he heard a burst of laughter from within their ranks. At the same time, a signal cannon suddenly roared to life.

Huang Taiji sensed something was wrong when he heard the cannon fire. Before he could guess what other tricks the Ming army had up their sleeve, explosions suddenly rang out from Liaoyang City behind him.

It turned out that after learning of the victory in the Battle of Haizhou, Hong Chengchou also wanted to claim credit. He dispatched Liu Xingzuo and Kong Youde with troops to Liaoyang.

Today, the Liaoyang area is home not only to the Guan Ning Army, the Dongjiang Army, and the Cijiang Army, but also to the troops of the Andong Protectorate.

The combined forces of the various Ming armies numbered over 50,000.

Huang Taiji's more than 30,000 men are currently tied down and have no troops to rescue Liaoyang.

He could only watch in despair as the Ming army used the tunnels they had dug to blow up the city walls and storm into Liaoyang.

The remnants of Sahalian and Azig's forces were utterly incapable of stopping them.

They had no choice but to rush out and report the bad news to the Great Khan. (End of Chapter)