Southern Ming: A boy soldier at the beginning, supporting the world

Chapter 194 Second Attack on Jeonju
After the announcement, Cen Danchu, Jiao Lian and others accompanied Zhang Xiaoqi to inspect the Tangjiapu defense line and check the trenches and chevaux de frise walls built by the Red Army. When talking about the details of the Battle of Tangjiapu, everyone was deeply moved.

It was time for dinner, and Jiao Lian, Zhang Xiaoqi and others were having a simple meal in the Red Army camp.

"Grand Censor, please take the first seat." Danchu said to Zhang Xiaoqi with a very sincere attitude.

The Chinese people attach great importance to the order of hierarchy, and seating arrangement is also a science that cannot be neglected. Zhang Xiaoqi has the lowest official rank, but he represents the court, so he should sit in the main seat.

"No, no, no," Zhang Xiaoqi was very self-aware and said, "I am the highest-ranking Marquis of Xinxing and have made great contributions. I should sit in the first place."

"You are too polite, Grand Censor," Jiao Lian also said with a smile, "The governor is in charge of all the troops on the front line, so it is only natural for him to sit in the first place."

Although Zhang Tongchang was the governor of the frontline troops, he had no reputation and was of little experience. He listened to Jiao Lian on all military and political matters. He did not dare to overstep his authority and turned to Cen Danchu and said, "Zhuoru, you are the host, you should sit in the first seat, no need to be polite."

After a circle, they came to Cen Danchu. He was the youngest and had the least experience, so he naturally could not sit in the main seat. He said to Zhang Xiaoqi: "Grand Censor, you are an angel official, representing the court. Etiquette cannot be abolished. If you don't sit in the main seat, we won't be able to have this meal today."

Everyone agreed, and Zhang Xiaoqi had no choice but to sit down. At a square table, Zhang Xiaoqi sat in the main seat, with Jiao Lian on his left, Zhang Tongchang on his right, and Cen Danchu sitting opposite him.

Zhang Xiaoqi was from Dongxun's group, Jiao Lian and the other two were from Qu Shisi's group, and they could all be considered to be members of the Chu party. There was no rift between them and they spoke quite frankly.

Zhang Xiaoqi sighed, "To be honest, I have been to many military camps, but only the two marshals were strict in military discipline, well-mannered, and sincere in their duties. The rest of the generals were either arrogant and ignorant of etiquette, or their troops were weak and unworthy of major use."

Jiao Lian said solemnly: "We have received the grace of the country for generations, so we should be loyal to the country and repay it with our life."

Danchu said: "I was born in a military family. Fortunately, I was appreciated by the commander-in-chief and made some military achievements. The court also conferred me the title of Dinglu Earl. I will repay this kindness with gratitude."

Zhang Xiaoqi suggested drinking a glass of wine, and said: "The news has been confirmed. Jiang Ge rebelled and called himself the General of Suppressing the Enemy. Wan Lian, Liu Qian and other former Ming army generals have joined him. Wang Yongqiang also responded in northern Shaanxi and called himself the General of Recruiting and Appeasing the Enemy. His momentum is very strong."

"Has the court taken any measures?" Jiao Lian asked.

"No," Zhang Xiaoqi smiled bitterly and said, "The news of Jiang Ge and Wang Yongqiang's rebellion came from Fujian. Shanxi and northern Shaanxi are thousands of miles apart and the roads are blocked. The emperor originally planned to send ministers and eunuchs to deliver the imperial seal and confer the title of Duke on Jiang Ge and Wang Yongqiang, but no one was willing to go."

Not to mention sending reinforcements, they couldn't even do such a small matter as delivering the imperial seal. The incompetence of the Yongli court is heartbreaking.

"Jiang Ge and Wang Yongqiang have rebelled, and the capital is under threat. Tan Tai has already fled north, and Jirgalang will follow in his footsteps soon. Guangxi can be worry-free for the time being." Zhang Tongchang said. He suddenly took on a heavy responsibility and felt that he was not worthy of the position. A look of relief appeared on his face.

Before Jiao Lian and Cen Danchu could say anything, Zhang Xiaoqi said, "A few reports from the Tartars have been circulated in Fujian, saying that the Tartars have changed the titles of Kong Youde to King Dingnan, Geng Zhongming to King Jingnan, and Shang Kexi to King Pingnan. The titles of the three fake kings originally contained the word 'Shun', but now they have been changed to 'Nan'. Some people say that the Tartars may use these three people and send them to the south to fight."

What is the "maybe"? The matter is already clear. The Qing court appointed the three kings to destroy the Yongli court. Add to that the Pingxi King Wu Sangui, and these are the four feudal lords in the early Qing Dynasty.

"We have received the news of the great victory at Tangjiapu. The emperor was very pleased, the court officials congratulated, and the people celebrated. In order to boost morale, the emperor sent me to the front line to announce the imperial edict and comfort the troops. However, I never thought that the Tartars had sent Lekedehun to help overnight. Alas, the court cannot send a single soldier or pay the military pay, so we can only rely on you to work hard on the front line." When talking about the deep feelings, Zhang Xiaoqi's eyes turned red and tears fell. Although he received the favor of Li Chengdong and was listed as a member of the Chu Party, he had a sense of the overall situation and was very dissatisfied with the court's lack of ambition and complacency.

Jiao Lian was grief-stricken and ashamed. He did not seek personal gain and had no support in the court, but he was still a marquis.

Most of the credit for the victory at Tangjiapu went to Cen Danchu, Jiao Lian did not take the credit, and Qu Shisi also reported the truth. As a result, the court only conferred Cen Danchu the title of Earl, and Jiao Lian only the title of Grand Protector. General Zhao Xing was even more pitiful, with more seniority than Danchu, but only the title of Vice Governor.

"Grand Censor, when you left the imperial court, did the emperor give you any instructions?" Jiao Lian asked, anxious to find out the court's attitude.

"The emperor has always been concerned about Quanzhou, and has asked me to comfort the troops, recapture Quanzhou as soon as possible, and secure the fundamental position of Guangxi."

As long as Quanzhou is not in the hands of the court, Emperor Yongli and his ministers will not be at ease. Jiao Lian hesitated for a moment and said resolutely: "Grand Censor, please tell the emperor that I will lead the army to fight and will not give up until Quanzhou is recovered."

The army had just retreated, and Jiao Lian advocated to recapture the city. Danchu was most afraid of this, but it was inconvenient for him to refute Jiao Lian publicly.

But Jiao Lian continued to talk: "The weather is getting hotter and the Tartars are most afraid of the heat. They are northerners and will get sick if the weather lasts for a long time. The rainy season in Hunan is also coming. The air is humid, the glue on the bows and arrows is cracked, and the bowstrings are soft and weak, which is even more disadvantageous to the Tartars.

"Besides, although the Tartars have won many battles in Hunan, they have not annihilated the main force of our army. The towns of Ma Jinzhong, Wang Jincai, Li Chixin, and Cao Zhijian are still strong. Now that the situation in the north has changed, the Tartars will have to withdraw from the north urgently. Our army can attack Quanzhou again. As long as we can take Quanzhou, once the situation in southern Hunan changes, the towns will surely respond."

Zhang Tongchang was responsible for commanding the front line and wanted to recapture Quanzhou as soon as possible. He said, "Marshal Jue is right. Right now, Du Gebu and Xingguogong are fighting hard with the Tartars in Chenzhou. If our army attacks Quanzhou again, it can also cooperate with the Zhongzheng Camp and reduce the pressure on Du Gebu and Xingguogong."

Seeing that Danchu remained silent, Jiao Lian asked, "Zhuoru, what do you think?"

Danchu spoke frankly, saying: "After our recent defeat, our army has suffered heavy losses in manpower, weapons, and food supplies, and we need to replenish them as soon as possible. Only by making full preparations can we launch a second attack on Quanzhou."

Since Danchu led his troops to capture Nanning, the relationship between the two has also undergone subtle changes. The Red Army's focus has shifted to Nanning, and the contact with Jiao Lian has gradually decreased. The Red Army is getting stronger and stronger, and gradually surpassing the master. The two are no longer a simple superior-subordinate relationship, and Jiao Lian is no longer able to control the Red Army.

"We must not miss this opportunity. The second attack on Quanzhou cannot be delayed." Jiao Lian did not give in, his tone revealing unquestionable authority.

"I will follow the commander's arrangements." Danchu had no choice but to respond.

Zhang Xiaoqi, on the other hand, warned Cen Danchu, "Danchu, you have made great military achievements and deserve to be promoted to earl. However, the word 'army' is exclusive to the court and is not something that a military official can use. You changed your army to the Red Army, and there have been many discussions and misunderstandings in the court. You need to pay more attention. If possible, please change the name as soon as possible."

"Hey," Jiao Lian smiled and covered up for Dan Chu, "Young people are very innovative. There's no need to make a fuss."

(End of this chapter)