My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 180: The heads of the Jiannu are very valuable in the Ming Dynasty!
At this time, the afterglow of the setting sun fell obliquely on Huang Taiji, reflecting a cold and lonely light, but it could not hide his loneliness.

Huang Taiji knew very well that even though the war had developed to such a tragic level, it was not yet time for the dust to settle.

Because once the Ming army successfully crossed the Xiaoling River and marched towards Shengjing with tremendous force, the Qing Dynasty that he had worked so hard to establish would be in a desperate situation of life and death!

The future of the Qing Dynasty was now like hanging on a thin and fragile spider silk, which could be completely broken at any time due to the next move of the Ming army and fall into an abyss of no return.

This is not an exaggeration, because if he can defeat the Ming army this time, he will definitely lead his troops straight to the capital!
After all, who doesn't want to rule the Central Plains and become the common ruler of the world?
Thinking of this, Huang Taiji took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently, trying to force himself to calm down.

His brain was working rapidly, thinking about how to solve the impending crisis of national destruction!
The only feasible way at the moment is to carefully set up defenses on the route that the Ming army must take to Shengjing, and do everything possible to stop their advance.

This is actually not a difficult thing to do.

Because the several important roads from Jinzhou to Shengjing are surrounded by rolling mountains, as if they are natural barriers built by nature for this land.

As long as they find a way to blow up the mountains along the way, block the road, and then cut down the surrounding trees, they can successfully block the Ming army's advance.

At that time, unless the Ming army can grow wings and fly over, they will never be able to get close to Shengjing!
However, he also understood that although this strategy could temporarily stop the Ming army, it would inevitably cut off an important channel for future attacks on Jinzhou.

But the current situation was already extremely critical, and he had no time to think about the future.

If we don't take this desperate measure, I'm afraid that in a few days, these hundreds of thousands of Ming troops will arrive at the gates of Shengjing like a tide!

By then, it will be too late.
Thinking of this, Huang Taiji felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness in his heart.

He had fought on the battlefield for many years and experienced countless brutal wars, but he never thought that he would be defeated so tragically and so thoroughly in this battle!
What was even more difficult for him to accept was that the one who defeated him was actually a child of thirteen or fourteen years old?
At this moment, the young man standing in the Ming army camp, surrounded by the high-flying dragon banners, seemed to have become his nightmare!

Whenever he thought about it, he felt a piercing pain!
Suddenly at this moment, Huang Taiji felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if millions of sharp steel needles were piercing his heart at the same time.

Immediately afterwards, Huang Taiji's eyes went dark and he staggered and fell off the saddle.

"His Majesty!"

Fortunately, the personal guard beside him was quick-witted and supported Huang Taiji, so he did not fall off the horse.

For a moment, all the Jiannu were terrified, with panic and confusion written all over their faces.

They have already suffered a crushing defeat. If something happens to Huang Taiji again, the Qing Dynasty will be finished.
Only Hauge, who was not far away, showed a meaningful smile at this time, but soon he put away his smile and ran towards Huang Taiji in pretending to be panic.

Before Huang Taiji died, he still had to pretend!
At the same time, on the other side of the river, Zhu Cilang was looking at the Jiannu army not far away through a telescope, and a trace of reluctance flashed across his face.

He actually didn't see clearly what happened just now because the distance between them was already quite far.

Even with a telescope, the specific situation over there could not be seen clearly. One could only see that the Jiannu army was retreating towards Shengjing.

However, according to historical records, Huang Taiji only had a few years left to live.

Now that he has suffered such a devastating defeat, his physical condition must have been even worse.

Zhu Cilang secretly thought in his heart that if Huang Taiji could die a year or two earlier, or even die after returning to Shengjing, then the Liaodong region would be able to usher in several years of stability and peace.

This is undoubtedly great news for the Ming Dynasty.

At that time, he could also take advantage of this period of time to withdraw troops to deal with Li Zicheng. After completely killing Li Zicheng, he would mobilize all the troops and wipe out the Jiannu in one fell swoop with an overwhelming force. By then, the world would be able to return to peace!

But of course, as the saying goes, ideals are always beautiful, but reality is cruel.

It will take at least three to five years for these plans to be truly implemented.

And during this period, who can guarantee that nothing else will happen?

All in all, let’s deal with the current matters first!

Next, Zhu Cilang planned to send 20,000 cavalry to capture Yizhou, and the general leading this cavalry was none other than Wu Sangui.

In addition, Zheng Chenggong and Zhang Shize will also go along.

There is no need to carry artillery for this siege, just some explosive packs.

These explosive packs are a new type of weapon that has just been developed. We originally intended to use them on the battlefield, but they have not been used yet. This is a good opportunity to test them out.

After receiving the order, Wu Sangui hurriedly arranged for the soldiers to reorganize on the spot and eat some dry food.

He himself went to pay a visit to Zhu Cilang.

Because there are some things he must ask clearly!
Before this, Hong Chengchou had actually sent a lot of people to Yizhou to gather information, so Wu Sangui knew some specific information about Yizhou.

Simply put, there were not only tens of thousands of Jiannu soldiers stationed in Yizhou City, but also a large number of Han people, Mongolian people, and Jiannu people.

They basically served as logistical support for the Jiannu, engaging in food production and transportation as well as some material manufacturing.

When necessary, they will be used as human shields, such as the incident with the more than 30,000 Han Chinese civilians.
According to the current situation, if the Jiannu really retreat from Yizhou, they will definitely not take these people with them!
Because these people will delay their retreat.

After all, as long as the Jiannu were not stupid, they would guess that the Ming army would definitely attack Yizhou overnight.

So the question is, what should we do with these people?
Needless to say, the Han people are our own people and must be taken good care of.

The Mongolian people are actually the same. After all, the Mongolian Khan Abunai was personally appointed by Chongzhen, so the Mongolian people now can be considered the people of the Ming Dynasty.

But what about the remaining Jiannu people?

How should they deal with it?

This is what Wu Sangui is really worried about.

Moreover, according to the information brought back by the spies, due to the numerous internal conflicts and constant fighting among the Jiannu, the living conditions of these Jiannu people were even worse than those of the Han and Mongolian people.

Those Jurchens who were unwilling to submit to Huang Taiji's rule, such as the Haixi Jurchens, the Yeren Jurchens, the Beishan Jurchens, as well as some Jianzhou Jurchens and other ethnic minorities, all became slaves of the Jiannu and lived a miserable life.

Wu Sangui had to know Zhu Cilang's attitude towards these people in order to know how to deal with them.

At this time, Zhu Cilang had already entered Jinzhou City and was watching the scene outside on the city wall.

In the sky, the setting sun had long disappeared, and the night was like a huge piece of black silk slowly spreading out, covering the entire Liaodong land.

Outside the city, the soldiers' tents were arranged in an orderly manner around Jinzhou City.

The flickering and dancing flames looked like stars falling to the earth, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene. It was hard to imagine that there had been a fierce battle here not long ago.

Zhu Cilang knew clearly that the seemingly peaceful scene before him was achieved at the cost of the lives of countless Ming soldiers.

Suddenly at this moment, Fang Zhenghua came to report:

"Your Highness, General Wu Sangui of Ningyuan requests an audience!"

Zhu Cilang came back to his senses, then nodded and said:
"Let him come here!"

Not long after, Wu Sangui came before Zhu Cilang.

He first knelt on his knees and bowed respectfully, then said:
"Your Highness, General Wu Sangui of Ningyuan, pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Cilang looked calm and said in a calm tone:
"Be flat!"

"But do you have something to report?"

Wu Sangui quickly stood up, bowed slightly and said:

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is wise and wise. I do have something to report!"

"As far as I know, there are not only Han and Mongolian people in Yizhou City, but also many Jiannu people."

"So I would like to ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, what should be done with these Jiannu civilians? Should we kill them directly or bring them back?"

When Zhu Cilang heard this, his expression remained calm.

In fact, he had already made a decision on this matter. He originally wanted to tell him before Wu Sangui set off, but he didn't expect that he would ask first.

In that case, just tell him directly!
Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang said:

"Actually, before this, I had already issued an order to plunder the Jiannu people."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wu Sangui immediately understood that these Jiannu people would probably not escape death.

After all, the four words "ploughing the courtyard and sweeping the holes" have come out.

However, immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang's voice suddenly rang out again.

"But then again, those so-called Jiannu people might not actually be Jiannu. Perhaps they are other Jurchen people?"

"Remember, the Ming Dynasty only targeted the Jiannu people. However, if they are not Jiannu but other Jurchen peoples and are willing to submit to the Ming Dynasty, their lives will be spared."

"do you understand?"

As he said this, Zhu Cilang looked at Wu Sangui meaningfully.

Wu Sangui was no fool and immediately understood what Zhu Cilang meant.

It turns out that the prince doesn't want to kill them all!

As long as the Jiannu people did not admit that they were Jianzhou Jurchens, but Haixi Jurchens or Yeren Jurchens, they could survive.

After realizing this, Wu Sangui hurriedly bowed and said:
"I understand!"

"I'll set off immediately!"

After saying this, Wu Sangui turned and left.

Looking at Wu Sangui's departing figure, Zhu Cilang touched his chin thoughtfully.

Saving the lives of these Jiannu people actually has the same purpose as accepting the surrender of those Jiannu people before.

All of this was for the strategic layout in Liaodong. After all, in ancient times, population was also a valuable resource.

If we really kill them, it will not only be of no benefit, but will make the Jiannu more united.

But if they were kept, or even treated well, it would inevitably attract more Jiannu people to defect to the Ming Dynasty.

Moreover, any Jiannu people who surrender to the Ming Dynasty must completely abandon their Jiannu identity and can only choose to become Xihai Jurchen or Wild Jurchen!
If anyone dares to call themselves Jianzhou Jurchen again, I'm sorry, your head will be targeted immediately.

Because the heads of the Jianzhou Jurchens are very valuable in the Ming Dynasty!
The official price is one hundred taels of silver per piece!
At that time, in order to avoid having their heads chopped off, these Jurchens might cut off their own rat tails and completely integrate with the local Han people in Liaodong.

This is not impossible. In fact, some Jurchens who joined the Guanning Iron Cavalry did just that!
Because they were always worried that their companions would take their heads for a reward, they simply cut off their braids. When their hair grew back, they were basically no different from the Han people.

In this way, the population of the Jiannu will only decrease.

This should also be considered as "ploughing the yard and sweeping the holes", right?

After all, in essence, doing so can also eliminate the Jiannu's vitality, thereby fundamentally weakening the Jiannu's military power and preventing it from posing a threat to the Ming Dynasty.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, good news finally came from the Xiaoling River. The bridge that had been destroyed by the Jiannu was rebuilt.

Although the structure is quite simple and the wooden boards are uneven, it is still quite sturdy.

But in order to avoid any trouble, Zu Dashou arranged a group of soldiers to jump directly into the water and lift up the bridge. Now, the bridge was finally completely stable.

Wu Sangui, who had been prepared, led 20,000 cavalrymen across the river one by one, and then headed straight for Yizhou City!

Although according to time estimates, the people sent by Huang Taiji before should have arrived in Yizhou, it is even possible that the Jiannu in Yizhou have already retreated.

But this actually did not affect Zhu Cilang's plan. It was just a matter of killing fewer Jiannu soldiers.

What he really wanted was Yizhou City and the people in it!
As for food and supplies, it would be best if we could get them, but it doesn't matter if we can't.

As for Huang Taiji, Zhu Cilang did not intend to send troops to pursue him.

The reason is simple, because it is already night time.

Chasing the enemy at night has always been a very dangerous thing. If Huang Taiji sets an ambush, the loss will outweigh the gain.

Therefore, Zhu Cilang did not order a pursuit of Huang Taiji, but ordered the army to rest in place for the night, and then treat the wounded found on the battlefield as soon as possible.

Fortunately, we brought a lot of alcohol, gauze and other things this time, so as long as the injury is not fatal, it can basically be saved.

He had no plans to return to Songshan to reunite with Chongzhen tonight and would stay in Jinzhou City for the time being.

Wait until tomorrow morning and make the next plan based on the actual situation.

As for cleaning up the battlefield, it can only be done during the day.

After all, the death toll on both sides this time is at least 70,000 to 80,000. This is a huge project and it will take several days to complete!

However, under normal circumstances, there would definitely be soldiers sneaking into the battlefield under the cover of night to plunder property.

But it is obvious that the situation this time is very unusual!
Because this time the emperor led the army in person and won a great victory!

If anyone dares to sneak onto the battlefield to loot property and is caught, the consequences will be very serious!

The generals naturally understood this logic, so without Zhu Cilang's instructions, they issued a death order on their own, strictly prohibiting anyone from going to the battlefield to plunder property.

Those who violate the order will be severely punished!
After all, if you win the battle, the emperor and the prince will definitely reward you. There is no need to displease the emperor and the prince and ruin your future for the sake of petty gains.

The scene changes and we arrive at Yizhou City.

Daishan led his three thousand cavalrymen and galloped all the way, finally arriving at Yizhou City an hour later.

At this moment, night had already fallen and the gates of Yizhou City had long been closed.

But since it is a city, there must be defenders after all!

The Yizhou defender originally saw some cavalrymen heading towards Yizhou under the cover of darkness and thought they were the Ming army attacking. However, when they got closer, he discovered that they were actually his own people.

So they hurriedly opened the city gate and welcomed Daishan and his party in.

Daishan was already panting with exhaustion at this time, but he did not dare to delay for a moment and quickly gave the order:

"Gather all troops immediately, take everything you can, and evacuate this place as quickly as possible!"

"Everything that cannot be taken away will be burned!"

When the guards heard Daishan's order, they looked at each other in surprise and confusion, as if they had no idea what it meant.
Why are we suddenly withdrawing our troops in the middle of the night?
You have to know that there are as many as 50,000 to 60,000 defenders and civilians in Yizhou City. How can they just leave?
What's more, the crops outside the city will be harvested soon. If we leave now, what will happen to the crops?
Daishan looked at the defenders in front of him, who were both shocked and puzzled. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said:
"Our army suffered a crushing defeat in the Battle of Songjin. The Ming army may pursue us. If they are slow, they will reach Yizhou City tomorrow. If they are fast, they may arrive soon."

"If you don't evacuate now, you will die!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone felt a chill in their hearts, as if a basin of cold water was poured from head to toe, and their whole bodies began to tremble.

They never imagined that even though they had made all the necessary preparations, they would still be defeated by the Ming Dynasty in the end.

After realizing what was happening, everyone dared not slack off any longer and immediately took action to prepare to evacuate Yizhou City.

However, the defending general was embarrassed at this moment. He stepped forward cautiously, bowed, and asked:

"Your Majesty, the army can withdraw at any time, but what should we do with the people in the city and the food outside the city?"

"I'm afraid I can't take these things away for a while!"

There was a hint of doubt in his voice, and he was obviously finding this issue very difficult.

When Daishan heard this, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes, and he said coldly:
"Burn all the unharvested grain outside the city. Don't leave it to the Ming army!"

“As for the people in the city”

Having said this, Daishan suddenly paused, as if hesitating about something.

But soon, he continued in a cold voice:

"Gather them all inside the city and burn them to death!"

After hearing this, the defending general felt a chill running from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and his whole body was cold.

You should know that there are more than 50,000 people in Yizhou City right now, including not only Han people, but also Mongolian people and Jurchen people.

With so many lives at stake, do we really want to burn them all to death in one fire?
Even though he never regarded these people as human beings, he still felt creepy at this moment!

Daishan saw the hesitation of the defending general and his face darkened instantly.

Then he suddenly drew the sword from his waist, and the sharp blade flashed coldly in the candlelight.

Daishan put his knife on the neck of the defending general and shouted:
"This is His Majesty's order. If you dare not obey, I will kill you right now!"

The defending general turned pale with fear and said quickly:
"Don't be angry, my lord. I will obey your orders!"

Seeing this, Daishan put down the sword in his hand.

Immediately afterwards, the Jiannu defenders in Yizhou City fell into chaos.

Boxes filled with gold, silver and treasures were roughly dragged out of the warehouse and then hurriedly tied to horses.

Some of them were in such a hurry that the ropes were twisted and the belongings were shaking on the horses' backs.

In addition to gold, silver and treasures, some food, firearms and weapons were also packed up and taken away.

Things that could not be taken away, such as extra food, heavy artillery, and various supplies, were all doused with kerosene and then burned!

Those innocent people had just finished a day of heavy farm work and were dragging their exhausted bodies to rest, but were suddenly dragged up by the Jiannu people like livestock and pushed into the city.

Soon, tens of thousands of people gathered here!

The Jiannu had already set up circles of firewood around the area, all of which were covered with kerosene.

As the smell of kerosene quickly spread, the people who were forced to come here suddenly became chaotic.

In recent times, the Jiannu army has transferred a lot of people from here twice, including Jurchens, Han people and Mongolians. After they left, there was no news of them at all, and no one knew whether they were alive or dead.

But based on the past actions of these Jiannu people, they knew without guessing that those people had probably met with an unexpected disaster.

Unexpectedly, it is now their turn.

Faced with such a sudden change, the people felt a strong sense of unease, and fear spread rapidly like a surging tide. Everyone was instantly in chaos, and many people were so scared that they burst into tears.

However, the Jiannu defenders pretended not to see anything and killed any civilians who tried to escape or resist with a single blow!

Soon, hundreds of bodies fell to the ground.

These corpses include Han, Mongolian, and Jurchen people!

Not long after, burning torches suddenly flew over from all directions, drawing dazzling arcs in the air and igniting the surrounding firewood and kerosene.

In an instant, flames splashed everywhere, and the raging fire spread rapidly, madly devouring the surrounding houses and people.

Because most of the houses here are made of thatch and wood, they burn very quickly and turn to ashes almost instantly.

For a moment, the sounds of burning, the roar of collapsing houses, and people's screams were intertwined, and the whole city seemed like hell on earth.

People ran everywhere, but were surrounded by fire and had nowhere to escape.

The scorching flames burned their skin and the billowing smoke made it impossible for them to breathe. They could only wander around desperately in this small space, their eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

The entire Yizhou city was engulfed in a sea of fire. Thick black smoke blocked out the sun and dyed the sky gray, which seemed even darker than the night!
After finishing all this, the Jiannu army locked the city gates and left with their belongings and food, leaving the people in the city struggling in despair in the sea of fire.

(End of this chapter)