Huangming

Chapter 215 The White Tiger's Strategy: A Turning Point in Liaodong

After the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Sarhu, the Ming Dynasty's rule in Liaodong was already on the verge of collapse.

The successive falls of Kaiyuan and Tieling were like severed wings, leaving Shenyang, a key town in Liaodong, completely exposed to the Jurchen cavalry, with no place to retreat.

Even more fatal was that Kaiyuan and Tieling were located on the upper reaches of the Hun River. The Jurchens took advantage of the Hun River's continuous water transport to efficiently transport grain, fodder, and military equipment with minimal losses.

With this shift in power, the Jurchens were not only able to mobilize more troops to advance deep into Liaodong, but their military might could also penetrate as far as the heart of Liaodong, like a sharp blade reaching the throat of the Ming Dynasty.

On the other hand, if the Ming army lost the base of military farming in Liaodong and relied solely on the long-distance transport within the Great Wall to maintain the front line, then every shi of grain and every tael of silver would have to cross mountains and valleys, and the losses along the way would be more than ten times.
If this continues, the national treasury will inevitably be devoured by this bottomless abyss.

Thinking of this, Xiong Tingbi's brows furrowed even deeper.

The Jurchen forces were growing stronger, while the court's patience and trust were slipping away like sand through an hourglass.

Even if the emperor had the will to protect Liaodong, how could he withstand the increasingly fierce attacks in the court?
Those memorials urging him to fight, those accusations of "wasting resources and manpower," would eventually become a noose tightening around his neck.

With the smoke of war still rising ahead and hidden arrows looming behind, the back of this Liaodong military commander is gradually being cracked.

"General, I have heard that Minister Sun has arrived in Shenyang and is coordinating the various departments to build three lines of defense relying on the fortified city—the front line of Fupu is defended by taking advantage of the terrain, the middle of the Hun River controls the waterway, and the flank of Baifenghu Fort provides support. Even if it is difficult to defeat the enemy in the short term, it can delay the advance of the Jurchen army layer by layer."

Qi Jin paused, his gaze burning intensely.

Before coming here, he had a late-night conversation with the Emperor in the Qianqing Palace, and now his words carried the weight of the Emperor's presence:
"Although the Battle of Liaodong cost our Great Ming a huge sum of money, the Jurchens are not a monolithic entity. Their land is barren and their people are poor, and they cannot withstand prolonged attrition. As long as we hold our ground and wait for their troops to grow old and exhausted, the strategic initiative will surely return to our hands!"

The Ming Dynasty was under immense pressure due to the bitter fighting in Liaodong, but the Jurchens were not faring well either.

The Ming Dynasty had a strong foundation, yet it suffered defeat after defeat.

However, if the Jurchens were to suffer a defeat, their accumulated power would vanish in an instant, and they would be unable to recover for several years—that would be the least of their worries.

Take advantage of one's own strengths and attack the other's weaknesses.

Why did Zhu Youxiao confiscate the property of the eight major Shanxi merchants?

Why accumulate wealth?
It's all just so they can have the resources to keep fighting the Jurchens.

"I hope so."

Although Xiong Tingbi had not met the new emperor in person, he had long been spiritually connected with him.

Since Emperor Tianqi ascended the throne, the two had been exchanging letters continuously.

In the secret letter personally approved by the emperor, the Liaodong military governor clearly felt that the young emperor before him was completely different from the reclusive Wanli Emperor and the indecisive Taichang Emperor.

The new ruler is determined to reform and possesses strategic vision.

His strategy of "defending Shenyang and prohibiting reckless fighting" was deeply appreciated by Xiong Tingbi, a veteran of many battles.

What's even more remarkable is that the emperor explicitly stated he was not demanding short-term results, which undoubtedly relieved the heavy burden on the military commander.

Looking back at the Ming army's repeated defeats, the root cause was the obstruction from the imperial court.

The eagerness for quick success and instant benefits of the eunuchs stationed in the garrison, coupled with the pressure and coercion of the civil officials, often forced the soldiers at the front to launch rash attacks when they should have been holding their ground, ultimately leading to disastrous defeats.

Last year, Xiong Tingbi submitted a memorial requesting to resign, intending to use this as a means to gain greater military autonomy.

In the original historical trajectory, this strategy backfired: Emperor Tianqi, influenced by the Donglin Party, ultimately allowed him to resign, indirectly leading to the fall of Shenyang and Liaoyang.

Now, Zhu Youxiao, who has a keen understanding of the course of history, not only fully supports Xiong Tingbi, but also grants him unprecedented authority to command troops.

For this reason, the situation in Liaodong has taken a turn for the better than recorded in historical texts.

However, this turning point is not big enough.

The Ming Dynasty still needs more opportunities!

One of the turning points came from Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui.

Xiong Tingbi looked around at the two men with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice, "I have invited you two generals here today because I have an important matter to entrust to you."

Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui were both taken aback upon hearing this.

Before they came to Liaodong, the emperor had instructed them to obey Xiong Tingbi's orders. Even though they had doubts, the two men immediately stood up, clasped their hands, and replied, "We will obey the commander's orders!"

Xiong Tingbi nodded slightly and tapped the military report on the table with his fingertips: "Since March, the Jurchen raids from Fushun Pass, Tieling, Yilu and other places have increased sharply, and there have been constant frictions with our army. On the surface, it seems to be disrupting the situation, but in reality, it is a sinister attempt to spy on military intelligence."

He rose and walked to the map of Liaodong, his tone growing increasingly heavy: “What is even more worrying is that chaos has recently broken out in the Liaoshen area. Grain prices have skyrocketed like a runaway horse, local officials are exploiting the people, scholars and literati are making irresponsible remarks about border affairs, and military strategies are often leaked. The Jurchens know the situation in Liaodong better than I do, the Liaodong Military Commissioner.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Jin's pupils contracted slightly, and he exclaimed, "Does the Commander-in-Chief suspect that there are enemy spies in Shenyang and Liaoyang?"

"Indeed! I suspect that Jurchen spies have infiltrated our army's heartland!"

Since ancient times, warfare has been based on deception. When two armies are facing each other, it is easy to dodge a spear in the open, but difficult to guard against a hidden arrow.

Spies infiltrate like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows; a slight misstep can shake morale and cause the defenses to crumble.

Xiong Tingbi was well-versed in this approach. As early as the beginning of his tenure as commander-in-chief of Liaodong, he had planted spies throughout the Jurchen territory, bribing them with gold and silver and enticing them with benefits. He even went so far as to send assassins to infiltrate enemy camps, all in order to obtain even the smallest bit of military intelligence.

However, in the battle of spies, winning hearts and minds is ultimately the best strategy.

Since the disastrous defeat at Sarhu, the Ming army suffered repeated defeats, with Kaiyuan and Tieling falling one after another. The Liaodong people witnessed the Eight Banners cavalry sweeping through the enemy lines, while the Ming army suffered repeated defeats and could not reverse the decline.

Fear spread like a plague, and some Liao people began to have other ideas—rather than defending the isolated city to the death and being purged by the Jurchens when the city falls, they might as well surrender as soon as possible and preserve their family's wealth.

Throughout China's millennia of history, in times of chaos, there has never been a shortage of such spineless cowards!
They feared power but not virtue, saw profit but forgot righteousness, and were willing to kneel before the enemy in order to survive.

Whenever Xiong Tingbi thought of this, he felt an overwhelming sense of indignation.

These scoundrels are even more hateful than the Jurchens who fought openly and brutally!
They undermined morale, spread rumors, and shook the foundations, making the situation in Liaodong increasingly difficult.

If we do not eliminate internal troubles, how can we defend against external enemies?

Thinking of this, Xiong Tingbi's eyes were filled with murderous intent.

"It is because of these scoundrels who are secretly causing trouble, spreading rumors and bewitching people that wealthy and powerful families in Shenyang and Liaoyang are fleeing south with their entire families, and the number is increasing day by day! If the people's hearts are scattered, the morale of the army that has been so hard to gather will also be shaken. If this continues, Liaodong will surely be in chaos!"

He slammed his hand on the table, causing the candlelight to flicker, and said, "This trend must not be allowed to continue!"

Qi Jin frowned, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, already understanding the deeper meaning in Xiong Tingbi's words.

He asked in a deep voice, "Does the General mean... that we should send troops to purge them?" Xiong Tingbi nodded slowly, his gaze sweeping over the two men's faces, his tone grave: "Indeed, among the Liao soldiers and generals, there are many who are loyal and brave in serving the country, but there are also those with wolfish ambitions hidden among them! How can I, the commander, feel at ease if I use them?"

He paused, his voice suddenly turning serious, and looked around at the two old generals, asking, "Generals, do you dare to undertake such a momentous task?"

Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes.

They were well aware of how difficult this matter was.

Once they take action, they will turn the Liaodong officialdom upside down!
Those powerful families who have been entrenched for many years, those powerful clans who have colluded with Shanxi merchants, and those officials who have fattened themselves up by receiving salaries without working—aren't they all deeply entrenched?
If we shake their foundations today, their impeachment petitions will pile up on the desks of the Office of Transmission tomorrow!

However, with a formidable enemy at hand, how can we afford to be timid and hesitant?
Qi Jin took a deep breath, his eyes blazing, and said resolutely, "This humble general is willing to fight to the death!"

Tong Zhongkui also stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Before his departure, His Majesty personally instructed us to obey the General's orders. Please give your instructions, General!"

"it is good!"

Seeing the solemn expressions on the two men's faces, Xiong Tingbi's tense face finally relaxed, and a long-lost smile appeared in the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

He raised his hand to stroke his white beard, his voice filled with a sense of relief: "With your two great assistance, we are now seventy percent certain of success in this matter."

With a 'whoosh', he suddenly ripped down the curtain hanging behind him, revealing a map of Liaodong that was more than ten feet wide.

Under the candlelight, strategic locations such as Shenyang and Liaoyang were densely covered with cinnabar marks, resembling bloodstains.

Xiong Tingbi picked up the bamboo whip from the table and pointed it heavily on the map: "These places marked with red ink are all the dens of spies that the Embroidered Uniform Guard has secretly investigated and confirmed. They include everyone from guerrilla garrison commanders to merchants and laborers."

Qi Jin stared intently at the screen, and couldn't help but gasp.

Those scarlet markings were not only found throughout the city's key defensive locations, but also extended to vital sites such as granaries and armories.

If the map is indeed as it appears, the entire military and political system of Liaodong would likely be riddled with problems long ago.

He instinctively gripped his waist knife tighter and asked in a deep voice, "General, is there any solid evidence for all of this?"

Before he could finish speaking, Qi Jin realized his rudeness and quickly added, "This humble general is not questioning the commander-in-chief, but this matter is of great importance. If the wrong person is killed, it is our fault."

"Hahaha~"

Before he could finish speaking, Xiong Tingbi burst into loud laughter, but the laughter carried a chilling undertone: "General Qi is indeed cautious. You can go directly to the Liaodong Jinyiwei Thousand-Household Office to ask about this matter. Every checkpoint has recorded statements and signatures. Even if there are occasional injustices, they are only one or two out of a hundred."

As the candlelight flickered, the military commissioner's gaze was deep and unfathomable. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "At this critical juncture of life and death, it is better to kill a thousand innocent people than to let one guilty person go free!"

Seeing that the two were still hesitant, he turned around and took out a command token from the sandalwood box: "If you two are afraid of taking responsibility, I will issue this order right now. No matter how serious the consequences, I, Xiong, will bear them all!"

Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui exchanged a glance, then knelt on one knee, clasped their hands, and said, "By order of General Gongjun, we will gladly die for you!"

Qi Jin's voice trembled slightly. The past when the Qi Family Army was framed was still vivid in his mind, and he was unwilling to be used by others again.

Holding this written order at this moment is like holding a sacred sword, and most of the pent-up emotions in my heart are instantly relieved.

Xiong Tingbi nodded in satisfaction and personally helped the two of them up.

He turned to look at the deepening twilight outside the window and said softly, "The Jurchen spies are most adept at bewitching people. The other day, a traitor even spread a nursery rhyme in Liaoyang City:"
Blood flowed in the Hun River, waves surged in the Hun River, and the corpses of Ming soldiers filled the ditches.

Eight Banners horses, treading on ice, arrive; a new king rises atop Shenyang.

Liaoyang rice, fattening rats, the general escapes at night, abandoning his sword and spear;
"The Zhu family officials sit in their golden palaces, ignoring the starving children of Liaodong!"

Xiong Tingbi's gaze was sharp and intense as he stared intently at the two generals in the flickering candlelight, his eyes seemingly piercing through their armor and reaching their very hearts.

"Without eliminating the traitors within, Liaodong will be in turmoil. These parasites are no less than sharp blades planted in the heart of our army by the Jurchens. If they are not removed in time, even with strong cities and powerful cannons, they will eventually collapse from within."

Upon hearing this, Qi Jin frowned, as he had other concerns.

"General, you are wise. However, a large-scale purge of Shenyang and Liaoyang might trigger unrest. The Jurchens are currently eyeing us covetously; if internal strife breaks out within our army, wouldn't that play right into their hands?"

Upon hearing this, Xiong Tingbi smiled knowingly.

He turned and walked to his desk, pulling out a memorial with imperial annotations from the mountain of documents. Unfolding it by candlelight, he said, “General Qi’s concerns are not without merit. However, there are some details that His Majesty has probably not yet explained to you both.”

Xiong Tingbi's voice suddenly rose a few decibels.

"Since the beginning of this year, the court has made up for the arrears of grain and salary over the years. Every tael of silver was personally verified and issued by the imperial eunuch in conjunction with the key officials of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, and went directly to the hands of the soldiers."

"Not only that, His Majesty has confiscated the wealth of the eight major Shanxi merchants, with grain and fodder piled up like mountains and clothing numbering in the tens of thousands, all of which have been distributed to the various armies. Every ten days, a lecturing officer will enter the camp to explain the Emperor's grace."

“Those corrupt officials who embezzle military funds will be dismissed and investigated at best, and beheaded and displayed to the public at worst! The morale of the Liaodong army today is far from what it used to be.”

At this point, Xiong Tingbi suddenly lowered his voice: "The other day, a commander of a thousand men in Liaoyang Guard embezzled military rations, and the next day he was bound by his soldiers and handed over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Do you know why?"

Xiong Tingbi answered his own question: "Because the soldiers now know that every grain of rice and every penny they receive goes directly into their hands, and no one dares to profit from it! If anyone dares to embezzle their money, they will report directly to the military governor's office, the governor's office, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and someone will come to investigate the situation and uphold justice for them."

Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui were surprised when they heard this.

"There is such a thing? Your Majesty is truly far-sighted."

Seeing this, Xiong Tingbi laughed loudly and said, "Therefore, you two can act freely. Those who deserve to be killed will be killed without exception; those who deserve rewards will be rewarded without fail. The foundation of Liaodong is far more solid than you imagine!"

Xiong Tingbi's words were resounding, and Qi Jin's confusion gradually dissipated after hearing them.

The previous turmoil in Liaodong had demoralized the army, causing widespread anxiety among officials and the public.

But now, the emperor is sparing no expense to make up for the long-overdue grain and salary payments, and has even confiscated the property of eight major Shanxi merchants, using real money and grain to stabilize the morale of the army.

With the arrival of proclamation officers to deliver imperial edicts and pronouncements of imperial grace, and the severe punishment of corrupt officers, the morale of the Liaodong army was now far higher than before.

No wonder Xiong Tingbi dared to take such drastic measures to purge the traitors and spies in Shenyang and Liaoyang!

Qi Jin sighed inwardly, for the world is inherently full of contradictions.

One moment they were worried, the next they were enlightened by the change in the situation.

Now that the foundation in Liaodong is gradually stabilizing and the morale of the army is high, it is the best time to eliminate internal troubles.

He and Tong Zhongkui exchanged a glance, a resolute glint in each other's eyes.

With the emperor's support and ample preparations, why should Xiong Tingbi hesitate any longer?

This battle must be won!
(End of this chapter)