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

Chapter 183 The heads of the Jiannu people cannot be wasted, so let’s build a Jingguan!
Following Zhu Cilang's move, the other people present also gathered around.

Zhu Cilang said in a deep voice:

"Our army has won a great victory this time. The next thing we need to do is to recover the lost territory."

"But what I want is not just a nominal recovery, but a real recovery. Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhu Cilang raised his head slightly and glanced at everyone. His eyes were filled with unquestionable majesty, as if he was waiting for everyone's response.

Since ancient times, the control of territory has been divided into two completely different methods: virtual control and real control.

Virtual control refers to nominal ownership, but in reality the inability to truly implement effective control.

Just like the Ming Dynasty's rule over Mongolia, although Mongolia was nominally incorporated into its territory, the various Mongolian tribes still acted independently, and the Ming Dynasty was unable to reach them and truly exercise ruling power.

Actual control is quite different. It means real rule and jurisdiction. All matters such as garrison, taxation, and administration are controlled by the Ming court and no one is allowed to interfere.

And what Zhu Cilang wanted was exactly this kind of actual control over the territory!

Because he knew that virtual control was nothing but a facade and arrogance. Only by achieving actual control could the Ming Dynasty's territory be truly consolidated and the country be kept in long-term stability.

Those present were all veterans who had fought many battles. How could they not understand this truth?
In fact, according to their intention, after integrating the army, they might be able to directly attack Shengjing.

But this was useless, because once they went deep into the heart of Liaodong, there were too many uncertainties and no one was sure they could capture Shengjing.

If Huang Taiji was forced into a corner and went all out, the situation would be unpredictable.

Besides, even if Shengjing was captured, it might not be possible to completely eliminate Huang Taiji, because Huang Taiji could completely abandon Shengjing and retreat to the Heilongjiang area.

The Ming army might not be able to defend Shengjing by then because they did not have enough troops to garrison there.

If Huang Taiji recovers and leads his troops to attack Shengjing again, Shengjing may fall again.

Therefore, Zhu Cilang’s idea is indeed very correct.

Rather than trying to recover territories that can only be ruled in name, it is more cost-effective to concentrate military forces to recover territories that can be actually controlled.

Then at this moment, Zu Dashou stepped forward, bowed and said:

"Your Highness, according to what you said, I do have some opinions of my own."

When Zhu Cilang heard this, he nodded slightly, indicating that he should continue.

Zu Dashou was not polite either. He pointed his finger steadily at a spot on the sand table and continued:
"I believe that with our current military strength, we only need to recover the lost territory west of here! I am confident that we can hold this area!"

Everyone took a closer look and found that Zu Dashou's finger was pointing to the area where Changning Fort was located. (This is now Liaoyang County, Liaoning Province)
Zu Dashou continued:
"This place is surrounded by dangerous passes and has a strategic location, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. If we can successfully capture this place, we can ensure the safety of Liaodong."

After a pause, he slowly moved his finger to the left, pointing towards Tayingzi (now the Mongolian Autonomous County) in the direction of Mongolia, and added:
"In addition, if we want to completely stop the Jiannu's invasion of the Ming Dynasty, this place is crucial."

"Because if the Jiannu want to use Mongolia to attack the Ming Dynasty, they must pass through here. As long as we send troops to garrison here, it will be difficult for the Jiannu to harass the Ming Dynasty border through Mongolia."

When Zhu Cilang heard Zu Dashou's opinion, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a barely perceptible look of approval.

Because he knew in his heart that what Zu Dashou said was complete evidence. As long as they took the two places he mentioned, they could completely block the slaves in Liaodong.

It is also worth mentioning that the Tayingzi mentioned by Zu Dashou at the end was actually no longer under the jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty in the middle of the Ming Dynasty, but was under the jurisdiction of Mongolia.

Because this place is actually on Mongolian territory.

Later, the Jiannu conquered Mongolia, and this place returned to the Jiannu.

Logically speaking, even if they really took over this place, they should return it to Abunai.

Everyone present actually understood this truth, but no one raised any objection at this time.

The reason is actually very simple.

Because the Jiannu had already destroyed Mongolia, now that the Ming Dynasty has defeated the Jiannu, these territories should naturally belong to the Ming Dynasty.

What's more, this place belonged to the Ming Dynasty more than two hundred years ago!

Besides, with Mongolia’s current strength, even if the Ming Dynasty really returns this land to Mongolia, they will not be able to defend it!

In the end, it was handed over to the Jiannu in vain!
In this case, it would be better to let the Ming Dynasty garrison there!
As for Abunai, he probably won't have any objections.

Firstly, Mongolia’s strength was far inferior to that of the Ming Dynasty. To compete with the Ming Dynasty was undoubtedly like hitting a rock with an egg. If things went wrong, it might anger the Ming Dynasty and destroy Mongolia again!
Secondly, as mentioned before, Abunai is simply unable to garrison this place.

After all, it is well known that the Mongols have never been good at defending cities, and he does not have so many troops to defend the city.

Seeing this, some people may ask, since the Ming Dynasty has already defeated the Jiannu, then the Mongolian man Abunai is of no use, why doesn’t the Ming Dynasty just destroy Abunai and then unify Mongolia?
The answer is simple, that is, things are not as simple as we imagined!
Because there are more than just Abunai tribes in Mongolia!
It’s just that because the Jiannu destroyed the Mongolian Empire before, these tribes dared not cause trouble again.

After learning that the Jiannu were defeated by the Ming Dynasty, these Mongolian tribes will definitely come out to make trouble again.

At this time, Abunai's role was reflected.

Because Abunai would not allow these tribes to make trouble and challenge his authority as the Great Khan of Mongolia!

At that time, Abunai will definitely lead his army to fight these tribes.

In this way, Mongolia fell into internal strife, and the Ming Dynasty's border was completely safe, so it could better mobilize troops to deal with Li Zicheng!
As for Abunai and other Mongolian tribes, after solving the problem of Li Zicheng, they can be easily dealt with at any time.

After all, with the popularization of flintlock rifles, cavalry had actually lost its advantage long ago.

No matter how fast or strong the Mongolian cavalry is, they cannot withstand the power of a few bullets!
At the same time, the other generals present thought about it for a while and felt that what Zu Dashou said made sense. Then they looked at Zhu Cilang and said:
"Your Highness, I think what General Zu said makes a lot of sense. If we follow his method, we will surely be able to keep Liaodong safe!"

"I think so too!"

"Me too!"

Seeing that everyone supported Zu Dashou and that his idea was indeed the most perfect, Zhu Cilang finally spoke:
"In that case, let's do as Zu Dashou said!"

"Tomorrow the army will be divided into three parts. One part will go to garrison Yizhou. Using Yizhou as a stronghold, we will gradually extend our forces towards Mongolia until we reach Tayingzi."

"The other part will continue to advance until Changning Fort is captured!"

"The last part stayed in Liaodong to ensure the stability of the rear."

Having said that, Zhu Cilang suddenly thought of something and continued:

"If you encounter Han people from Liaodong along the way, do not harm them in the slightest. Take them all back to Jinzhou and properly accommodate them."

"If we encounter the Jiannu, if they do not resist and are willing to submit to the Ming, we will also take them back to Jinzhou for resettlement."

"But if they dare to resist, they will be killed without mercy!"

When everyone heard this, they all bowed and agreed:
"Your Highness, I understand. We will follow your orders!"

Afterwards, Zhu Cilang made detailed plans for many details including the deployment of troops, marching routes, food and grass supplies, and logistical support for the three armies.

His ideas were clear and well-organized, and every arrangement was just right, which made everyone present secretly impressed.

It was not until the second half of the night, when the moonlight outside grew darker, that everyone began to leave.

After Zhu Cilang saw everyone off, he fell into a deep sleep exhausted.

However, at this moment, Chongzhen in Songshan City was tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

The scene he had witnessed before kept appearing in his mind:
Tens of thousands of Ming Dynasty people, dressed in tattered clothes, with haggard faces and eyes full of fear and fatigue, poured into Songshan City from all directions like a tide.

They were innocent Han people who were driven here by the Jiannu. If Zu Dashou had not acted in time, these people would probably have died at the hands of their own people.

Thinking of this, Chongzhen's heart was filled with guilt and self-blame.

As the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he should have protected the people of the world, but now he had to watch the people suffer and was powerless to do anything. This made him feel extremely painful, as if his heart was being pricked by thousands of needles.

So when these people who had finally escaped death gathered at the foot of Songshan City, Chongzhen decisively ordered the distribution of food to the people.

The war horses that had fallen on the battlefield were also quickly slaughtered and cooked with rice into pots of steaming meat porridge, which was then distributed to the people.

When the people held their bowls, wolfed down their food and shouted "Long live the emperor", Chongzhen's eyes instantly became moist.

He may not be a good emperor, but he must be a good man!
He had never imagined before that the people of Liaodong would live such a difficult and miserable life.

However, even though he had done his best to appease the people, they were still grateful to him.

But these scenes still lingered in his mind like nightmares, making it difficult for him to fall asleep.

Not long after, Chongzhen suddenly stood up, gently pushed open the door, and walked straight towards the city wall with heavy steps.

Seeing this, the eunuch beside him hurriedly trotted over, with a hint of worry on his face, and asked cautiously:
"Your Majesty, where are you going at this hour of night?"

Chongzhen did not answer, but just walked forward silently without stopping for the slightest.

The young eunuch didn't dare to ask any more questions and could only follow him closely, not even daring to breathe.

After climbing up the city wall, the defenders saw that it was the emperor who had arrived and saluted him.

Chongzhen waved his hand, signaling them to stand up.

The young eunuch put a cloak on Chongzhen, but did not dare to say much. He just stood quietly by.

Chongzhen stood on the city wall, looking down at the more than 20,000 people sleeping beneath the wall in the cold moonlight.

The cold wind was biting, scraping across the cheeks like a knife. Many people huddled in ragged clothes, shivering, and still could not rest in their sleep.

Some people murmured to themselves in their dreams, as if they were still experiencing the horror of war, with painful expressions on their faces from time to time.

This scene made Chongzhen feel heartbroken, as if an invisible big hand was tightly grasping his heart.

He stood in the cold wind for a long time, letting it blow his hair and clothes, until the sky turned pale and the morning light gradually dispelled the darkness. Then he slowly turned around and walked back into the house with heavy steps.

A new day has begun, and the Ming Dynasty will also usher in a new life!
Although he went to bed in the middle of the night last night, Zhu Cilang still woke up when the early morning sunlight shone into the house through the window.

He slowly opened his eyes, and there was still some fatigue from last night in them.

Just then, a slight sound of footsteps was heard.

When he looked up, he saw a figure pacing back and forth outside the door, looking very anxious. Zhu Cilang instantly woke up and said:

"Who's outside the door? Come in!"

Then, a Jinyiwei pushed the door open and walked in, holding a letter in his hand. He knelt on one knee and presented it:
"Your Highness, this is a secret letter sent by Wu Sangui, the Ningyuan General."

Sent by Wu Sangui?
Is it about Yizhou?

Zhu Cilang thought to himself, took the letter casually, and then slowly unfolded it.

As his eyes wandered between the lines, his expression grew increasingly gloomy, his originally sword-like brows gradually furrowed, and a trace of uncontrollable anger flashed in his eyes.

In fact, he had long anticipated that the Jiannu would destroy some of the baggage that they could not take away during their retreat, and even thought that they would burn down the city.

But no one expected that they would be so cruel and brutal that they would not even spare the unarmed civilians in the city.

Among the 50,000 civilians, more than 10,000 were burned to death.

If it weren't for the sudden heavy rain, the remaining 30,000 people would probably have been burned to death!

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang's chest was burning with anger, and even his breathing became rapid.

At this moment, Fang Zhenghua walked quickly into the tent and reported:

"My Lord, the army has been assembled according to yesterday's plan and will be setting off soon. Do you want to go and take a look?"

When Zhu Cilang heard this, he took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in his heart, casually put on a piece of clothing, and then walked out.

Standing on the city wall, he immediately saw the neatly arranged army.

These Ming soldiers stood tall and straight with neat military attire. In the morning light, their military flags fluttered, demonstrating the majesty of the Ming army.

According to the plan made yesterday, 30,000 infantrymen will be dispatched to Yizhou City today.

One part was responsible for defending the city and consolidating the defense line, while the other part headed north to continue recovering lost territory.

The main general leading this army was Yang Guozhu, the former general of Xuanfu. In the original history, he was the only general of the Ming Dynasty who died in battle during the Battle of Songjin.

His loyalty goes without saying.

In addition, an army of 100,000 consisting of 30,000 cavalry and 70,000 infantry will directly cross the Xiaoling River and head straight for Shengjing.

However, their destination this time was not Shengjing, but Changning Fort!
After taking Changning Fort, the army will extend to both sides, north to Mongolian Tayingzi and south to North Korea.

As Zu Dashou said, as long as the Ming army occupied this place, it would be able to launch an effective defense and firmly control this land.

In addition, Zhu Cilang specially dispatched Ma Xianglin with 20,000 white-pole soldiers to participate in this battle.

Liaodong has a complex terrain with numerous mountains and forests. The White Spear Soldiers led by Ma Xianglin are good at mountain warfare and are flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for fighting against the Jiannu in such complex terrain.

As for the commander-in-chief of this army, it is naturally Zu Dashou!

The remaining troops stayed here to garrison Liaodong and clean up the battlefield.

But this time, Zhu Cilang didn't plan to join in the fun.

He only needs to stay in Jinzhou and take control of the overall situation.

If I follow them in everything, it will seem that I don't trust the generals enough.

After watching the army leave in a mighty procession, Zhu Cilang turned around and went back into the house.

Not long after, Wang Pu, the general commander of Datong who was in charge of cleaning up the battlefield, suddenly came to ask to see Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang actually didn't have a very good impression of Wang Pu, because in the original history, Wang Pu, in order to preserve his strength during the war, fled first without regard for the overall situation, causing chaos in the morale of the Ming army and accelerating the defeat of the Ming army.

It can be said that this guy was largely responsible for the failure of the Battle of Songjin.

However, because of his arrival, this incident did not happen, the Battle of Songjin was a great victory, and Wang Pu fought quite bravely. Zhu Cilang was too lazy to care about these things that had not happened yet.

But in order to avoid this from happening, he simply asked Wang Pu to stay and clean up the battlefield.

After seeing Zhu Cilang, Wang Pu first bowed deeply, and then said:
"Your Highness, I have a request for your instructions. What should be done with the bodies of the Jiannu?"

The Ming Dynasty had been established for nearly three hundred years, and it had its own set of procedures for handling the remains of soldiers. All that needed to be done was to follow the procedures, but the bodies of the Jiannu soldiers posed a problem.

Wang Pu originally wanted to burn it down, but he was worried that Zhu Cilang had other instructions, so he decided to ask for clarification before taking action.

When Zhu Cilang heard this, a cold smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. If Wang Pu had not come to find him, he would have really forgotten something important!
The next second, he slowly said:
"Burn their bodies, chop off their heads, and use them to build a Jingguan outside Jinzhou!"

"I want everyone to know that this is the fate of those who dare to offend the Ming Dynasty."

When Wang Pu heard this, his expression changed slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he had not expected that the princes could be so cruel.

But he quickly regained his composure and nodded in response:

"The minister obeys the order."

Zhu Cilang continued:

"The remains of the Ming army must be properly buried. I will erect a monument and a temple for them in Liaodong to comfort their spirits."

After hearing this, Wang Pu was moved, his eyes slightly red, and he quickly agreed:
"Your Highness is kind and righteous. I know what to do."

Then he retreated.

In fact, if possible, Zhu Cilang would rather let these soldiers return to their hometowns.

But in the ancient environment, this was almost an impossible luxury.

Except for the remains of some senior generals whose bodies could be transported back to their hometowns, ordinary soldiers could only be buried on the spot.

The only thing he could do was to ensure that their pensions and rewards would be distributed to their families in full.

Let these soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the Ming Dynasty receive the respect and comfort they deserve.

At the same time, on the main battlefield of the Battle of Songjin.

As soon as the work of cleaning up the battlefield began, the Ming army soldiers were shocked by the huge and tragic scene before them.

Because at this moment, there were about 100,000 corpses lying in a mess on the battlefield. The corpses were so dense that there was almost no end in sight.

Although it had only been one night, the strong stench of the corpse had already filled the air, making people feel nauseous.

Many soldiers couldn't help but cover their mouths and noses, but they still endured the discomfort and went to the battlefield.

The top priority was the dead warhorse.

The living war horses had already been collected last night, but these dead horses could not be abandoned just like that. They could be used as military rations.

The soldiers, armed with sharp long knives, skillfully skinned and bled the horses, then cut up the horse meat.

The cut horse meat was neatly stacked aside, and the soldiers at the back transported the horse meat back to the logistics department, where special people would then process it.

The processing method is also very simple, just sprinkle coarse salt evenly on it and rub it vigorously to allow the salt to fully penetrate.

Finally, the pickled horse meat was stored as military rations.

After dealing with the war horses, the soldiers began to collect the bodies of the Ming army soldiers.

They worked in groups of two, carefully carrying the bodies to the designated area.

There, special registration personnel carefully record the name, hometown, unit affiliation and other information of each soldier.

Perhaps some of the soldiers have already changed beyond recognition, but it doesn’t matter, because their names have been recorded before the army set out.

When we count the number of soldiers at the end, we will know who died in the battle.

In stark contrast to the treatment given to the remains of Ming army soldiers, the Ming army was not so polite when facing the corpses of the Jiannu.

In order to build the Jingguan, the soldiers held long swords and chopped off the heads of the Jiannu one by one.

The blade cut into the neck, making a horrifying sound, and sometimes even blood splattered onto the soldiers' faces and bodies.

However, they were completely unaware of this and only felt resentment towards the Jiannu in their hearts!

I unconsciously used more strength in my hands!

After the heads of the Jiannu were chopped off, they were thrown into sacks. Soon, the sacks were filled to the brim.

Afterwards, the soldiers used horse-drawn carriages to transport the sacks filled with the heads of the Jiannu to the outside of Jinzhou City in preparation for building a Jingguan.

The remaining bodies of the Jiannu were gathered in a huge deep pit.

The soldiers poured buckets of kerosene over the bodies, and then a torch was thrown in.

In an instant, a raging fire broke out, flames shot up into the sky, and thick smoke billowed.

The flames continued to devour the bodies of the Jiannu, making crackling sounds, and the burnt smell filled the air, making people sick.

The soldiers stood aside, watching all this quietly, without any expression on their faces.

In addition, there are a large number of weapons, armor and artillery scattered on the battlefield, and these things also need to be collected in a unified manner.

The intact weapons and armor were transported back to the barracks, awaiting redistribution.

Those that were severely damaged were gathered together to be melted down and recast into weapons and armor.

There is no way. In ancient times, productivity was low and many things had to be recycled.

All in all, don’t waste the main one!

(End of this chapter)