Huangming

Chapter 220 The Flames of War at Minglei, A plea for help from Fengji

In the lobby.

Daishan's personal guards brought three cups of wine and placed them on the tables beside Huang Taiji, Daishan, and Li Yongfang respectively.

Huang Taiji spoke slowly.

"Second brother, we've been brothers for many years, have you ever seen me lie to you in a single word?"

Upon hearing this, Daishan slammed his wine cup heavily on the table, spilling a few drops of amber-colored mare's milk wine.

"Old Eight!"

His thick eyebrows were furrowed, and his rough hand patted Huang Taiji's shoulder.

"At this crucial moment, stop keeping me in suspense. Quickly tell me your brilliant plan!"

The cries of Han women could be heard outside the window. It was estimated that another Han woman hiding in the city had been discovered and was now being used as prey for wanton abuse.

In the past, Daishan would have already left the tent and joined them, but at this moment, his tiger-like eyes were fixed on Huang Taiji.

Among Nurhaci's sons, only Huang Taiji was well-versed in military strategy and knowledgeable in Han Chinese classics from a young age.

Although the other sons were brave and skilled in battle, capable of taking the head of a general amidst a vast army, few could strategize and plan in front of this sand table.

Like the wolves on the grasslands, they are fierce and unmatched in battle, but ultimately lack the strategy of a hunter.

Huang Taiji calmly poured two glasses of wine, his eyes sharp as a hawk's.

“I have two strategies, the superior one and the middle one. Let me first tell you about the middle one, Second Brother.”

He lightly tapped a fortress marker on the map with his fingertip.

"The Ming army's various units appear united but are actually divided, and the generals each have their own ulterior motives. It would be better to launch a feigned attack on this fortress first."

The place he was pointing to was Fengjibao.

Using an arrow as a pen, he drew three arcs on the sand table and slowly said, "When the defending army lights the beacon fire to call for reinforcements, our army will ambush elite troops at key points. When the reinforcements arrive, we will first use light cavalry to harass their formation, and then use heavy armor to break through their central army. In this way, we will not only weaken their forces, but also cause the various tribes to become suspicious of each other, and they will not dare to easily come to our aid in the future."

Huang Taiji then joined the three arrows together, suddenly breaking two of them in half: "When they are disloyal and demoralized, our army will gather its iron cavalry and attack them separately. Like hungry wolves chasing sheep, we will surely defeat them one by one!"

Upon hearing this, Dai Shan's leopard-like eyes widened, and his bronze face flushed with excitement.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

"Old Eight's plan is truly as sharp as a gyrfalcon on the grassland! But I wonder if the best strategy is even more ingenious?"

Huang Taiji's lips curled slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and he slowly spoke:
"The best strategy is to win hearts and minds. Although it is risky, the rewards are also enormous."

He tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his voice deep and resolute.

“Among the generals of the Ming army, there are many who are arrogant and domineering. They have always regarded our Great Jin as ‘Jian slaves’ and ‘Tartars’, and their underestimation of the enemy is deeply rooted.”

He paused, then glanced at Dai Shan with a half-smile.

"If Second Brother is willing to part with some chips..."

"When our army attacked Fengjibao, we feigned defeat, leaving behind some corpses, abandoning some armor, and even... retreating in a 'disgraceful' manner."

Daishan frowned, about to speak, but Huang Taiji continued:

“When the Ming army sees our army ‘defeated,’ they will surely think that victory is in their grasp. At that time, they will send out all their elite troops to annihilate our army in one fell swoop.”

He tapped his fingertips heavily on the table.

"Our main force has already been lying in ambush in the field, waiting for the Ming army to leave the fort before launching a swift and decisive attack!"

"A fortress without elite guards is nothing but an empty shell, destined to crumble without a fight!"

The candlelight flickered inside the tent, casting half of Huang Taiji's face in shadow, revealing only his sharp, piercing eyes.

"This plan is a gamble on the arrogance of the Ming army."

Although the Ming Dynasty suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Sarxu and subsequently lost Kaiyuan and Tieling, the local Liaodong region still harbored some fear of the Jianzhou Jurchen Eight Banners troops, regarding them as conscripted guest troops and viewing the Jurchens as barbarians, thus showing them much contempt.

Historically, it was precisely because Yuan Yingtai, He Shixian, and others underestimated the enemy that Shenyang and Liaoyang fell one after another.

Huang Taiji's plan was the result of careful consideration.

Dai Shan's thick eyebrows were furrowed, and the amber-colored mare's milk wine swirled slightly in the glass, reflecting his hesitant expression.

“Fengji Fort is located southeast of Shenyang, between Liaoyang and Shenyang. If we attack it, we will easily be surrounded by the Ming army, which is too dangerous.”

"Besides, although Lao Ba's plan is ingenious, what if the Ming army doesn't fall for it?"

His voice was low and tinged with heartache.

“A feigned defeat to lure the enemy will inevitably result in some losses. My men are all brave and capable warriors; it would be a pity to send them to their deaths in vain.”

In the end, it all comes down to wanting to conserve strength.

A barely perceptible hint of disdain flashed in Huang Taiji's eyes, but his expression remained calm as he slowly advised:
“It is precisely because Fengji Fort is located between Shenyang and Liaoyang that the Ming army dared to go out of the city to fight. If it were located in the fortress where the Puhe Thousand Household Office is located, they might not dare to go out of the city to fight. This plan would not succeed.”

"As for the losses, Second Brother, you are overthinking it. This plan only requires a few hundred people as bait, and it is not necessary to send elite troops."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Li Yongfang, who was standing silently to the side. With a slight smile, he said, "For this feigned attack on Fengji Fort, why don't we ask the Prince Consort to lead the charge?"

"Li Yongfang?"

Upon hearing this, Dai Shan's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and an expression of agreement immediately appeared on his rugged face.

This time, he had no objections.

It doesn't matter as long as it's not someone who harms him!
"Good! That's how it should be! Li Yongfang, this task is best left to you!"

The two princes' gazes fell on Li Yongfang simultaneously, sharp as blades, brooking no refusal.

Li Yongfang's expression changed slightly, and cold sweat seeped from his forehead, but under such pressure, how could he dare to refuse?
He could only suppress his unease, bow his head and cup his hands, his voice slightly hoarse: "Your Excellencies are too kind, this servant... will obey."

But it's impossible for him not to harbor some resentment.

Why are you targeting me like this?

I shed blood for the Great Jin, I made contributions for the Great Jin, and this is how you treat your meritorious servants?
However.
Li Yongfang's anger was only momentary.

Daishan and Huang Taiji were members of the imperial family, while he, a mere traitor, could only swallow his anger.

How can someone who has become a traitor have the right to be assertive in front of their master?

Dozens of miles away.

On the east bank of the Hun River, a fortified city stands majestically.

It was Fengjibao.

This fortress is located thirty miles southeast of Shenyang, guarding a vital passage on the Hun River, and its terrain is extremely dangerous.

It is backed by Tianzhu Mountain to the north, which stands like an iron wall; it faces Baita Ridge to the south, which acts like a protective screen; and it borders the turbulent Hun River to the west, forming a natural moat.

On the towering beacon tower in the fortress, sentries kept watch day and night, with a clear view of the movements at the east gate of Shenyang.

The commander guarding this place is Li Bingcheng, the general of Fengji Fort.

His troops consisted mostly of fierce soldiers from Sichuan, wielding twelve-foot-long hook-and-sickle spears, who specialized in breaking through cavalry charges and once instilled fear in the Jurchen cavalry.

At this moment, the fort is garrisoned with 3,000 elite cavalry and 15,000 infantry, accounting for nearly half of the forces in the Shenyang defense zone.

Such a large troop buildup was due to the fact that Fengjibao was the throat of Liaoshen.

Xiong Tingbi once said: "Fengji Fortress, forty li southeast of Shenyang, can be used to flank Shenyang. Hupi Post Station, thirty li southwest of Fengji, can also flank Fengji. Fengji is ninety li northeast of Fushun and ninety li southwest of Liaoyang. If the enemy tries to enter Liaoyang, or enter Fushun, or enter Magendan, they will all pass through this fortress, which can also be used to intercept them. If Fengji is not defended, Shenyang will be isolated; if Hupi Post Station is not defended, Fengji will be isolated. If the three sides are in a tripartite balance, and each side does not have a strong garrison of 30,000 to 20,000 troops, it will be easy for the enemy to attack."

In short, Fengjibao is extremely important.

If this fort falls, the east gate of Shenyang will be wide open.

If this fortress survives, the supply lines to Liaoyang will never be cut off.

Bearing such a heavy responsibility, Li Bingcheng felt as if a thousand pounds were pressing on his shoulders, and even his breathing became heavier.

He stood on the city wall, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, his brow furrowed with deep worry.

"General Commander".

The deputy general beside him, Wang Shouzhong, couldn't help but complain, "Why didn't Commander Xiong take over Liaonan first? Now, we at Fengji Fort have to defend against the Jurchens from Tieling and Kaiyuan, and also be constantly on guard against any movements in Liaonan. Our forces are scattered like sesame seeds; what if..."

Upon hearing this, Lee Byung-sung frowned even more deeply.

He was well aware of the difficulties involved.
Although Fengjibao had 20,000 garrison troops, it was indeed stretched thin trying to defend three directions at the same time.

But as the commander-in-chief, he knew that the most dangerous thing at this moment was for the morale of the troops to waver. "Shou Zhong!"

He turned around abruptly, his armor clanging loudly.

"Military orders are absolute, how can we possibly have a say? Commander Xiong has his own reasons for using troops, we just need to do our duty."

As he spoke, his gaze was like lightning, piercing straight into the deputy general's heart.

"Could it be that His Majesty owes you provisions again?"

Wang Shouzhong was speechless for a moment, his old face turning bright red.

Thinking of the grain and salary that the imperial court had just allocated a few days ago, they didn't even have a reason to complain.

He lowered his head sheepishly and chuckled awkwardly to cover up his embarrassment.

Seeing this, Li Bingcheng softened his tone: "Since the Battle of Sarhu, the situation in Liaodong has been extremely precarious. If Fengjibao is lost, Shenyang will become an isolated city."

He pointed to the beacon towers that were faintly visible in the distance.

"Look at those beacon towers. Once they're lit, it will be a matter of life and death. Pass down the order: all units must be on high alert, and scouts must be deployed at double the speed. If any unit fails to report a mission due to negligence, don't blame me for turning against them and bringing them to court!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Shouzhong understood the weight of those words.

He straightened his back, clasped his hands in greeting, and replied, "This humble general will make the arrangements immediately and will certainly not disappoint the commander-in-chief!"

Li Bingcheng nodded, his gaze returning to the distance.

As for the question about the deputy general, Li Bingcheng actually knew perfectly well why Liaonan was not defended.

It's not that we don't want to defend it, but that we simply don't have the ability to do so.

After the disastrous defeat at Sarhu, Xiong Tingbi completely adjusted the Liaodong strategy.

This strategist knew that with the Ming army's current strength, if they were to divide their troops to guard various border forts, they would only be defeated one by one by the Jurchens.

Therefore, his strategy can be summarized in one word: 'turtle'.

Specifically, it means "to return Shenyang to Liaodong and support Nanwei".

It goes without saying that 'they returned to Liaodong'.

Taking advantage of Nurhaci's attack on the Yehe tribe, Xiong Tingbi decisively reduced his forces and connected Shenyang and Liaoyang in one line, thus stabilizing the situation.

Shenyang is now a crucial town in Liaodong that must be defended, and it cannot be lost.

However, 'supporting Nanwei' has always been a helpless move.

So-called 'support' is actually 'abandonment'.

Xiong Tingbi personally surveyed the terrain of southern Liaoning and knew that the border forts such as Qinghe, Aiyang, Kuandian, and Yongdian were isolated in the northeast, with steep mountains, sparse population, and difficult transport of grain and supplies.

If they were to forcibly garrison the area, not only would it be difficult to hold out, but they would also become easy prey for the Jurchens.

Li Bingcheng still remembered Xiong Tingbi's words in his memorial: "From Zhankuan and Yonggebao, which are located outside the northeast corner, only thirty or fifteen or sixteen li away from the border, they are very narrow and close, but the danger is on the inside. The people in the valley all live on the mountain and cultivate the land on other mountains. There are few villages and no people's savings. Therefore, in recent years, the bandits have abandoned them and have not taken them."

Yes, even Nurhaci didn't want this land, so why should the Ming army waste its troops?
Xiong Tingbi stated clearly in his memorial: "I was initially worried about the enemy spying on Nanwei. Now that the mountains are so remote and dangerous, it will be difficult for horses to arrive quickly. I was also worried about the enemy robbing villages and settlements. Now that the people are so scattered and we can gain nothing if we enter, how dare I gather 10,000 or 20,000 men, horses, and provisions, and incite the enemy to fight?"

Rather than letting the Jurchens easily devour these isolated border fortresses, it would be better to concentrate our forces and defend key locations such as Shenyang, Fengjibao, and Hupiyi.

We will wait until our army is strong and well-equipped before making further plans.

Thinking of this, Li Bingcheng shook his head slightly.

The lieutenant's complaints ultimately stemmed from his narrow-mindedness.

In this perilous situation in Liaodong, it was already a stroke of luck that Fengjibao was able to hold on.

Just as Li Bingcheng was deep in thought, the officer beside him suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh no, General! There's smoke coming from the sky!"

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw three pillars of blue smoke shooting straight into the sky in the northeast, which looked particularly dazzling against the leaden gray clouds.

The smoke, initially as faint as a wisp of smoke, quickly thickened into a streaky black, resembling three green pythons coiling and tearing through the twilight.

This is the highest level of warning!

"Three types of tobacco products should be promoted simultaneously."

Li Bingcheng's body tensed suddenly beneath his armor, his knuckles clenching his wrist guards so tightly they creaked.

He was all too familiar with this early warning system: the three lines of defense outside Fengji Fort were laid out in a spider web pattern, with the outermost watchtower fifteen miles away from the fort. Every additional wisp of smoke from its beacon tower meant that the size of the enemy force had doubled.

These three plumes of smoke clearly indicate that the Jurchens have mobilized at least five elite units of Niru!
The city walls immediately erupted in commotion.

The soldiers on the watchtower pounded their clashing metal drums, the clang of metal sending chaos into the air.
The archers behind the battlements, without waiting for orders, instinctively began checking their quivers.

Li Bingcheng, however, stared at the faint flickering firelight at the base of the smoke column.

The watchtower was built on a high point twenty miles away, overlooking the Hunhe River ferry and monitoring the official road leading to Fushun.

The fact that beacon fires are lit now indicates that the enemy's vanguard is less than 30 li away from Fengjibao!
"General, should we immediately light a signal fire to request reinforcements from Shenyang?" his subordinate commander asked urgently.

Li Bingcheng did not answer the question about the commander at first.

His gaze swept over the caravans gathering below the city walls, and he suddenly shouted, "Close the gate! Lower the thousand-pound gate!"

As the winch roared, he explained, "It takes half a quarter of an hour for the sentry to be attacked and for smoke to be lit, and another quarter of an hour for the messenger to deliver the message—by the time Shenyang receives the military intelligence, the Jurchen cavalry will probably have already reached Sanliting outside the fortress!"

Amidst the clanging of the armor plates, Li Bingcheng strode towards the Drum Tower.

"Sound the drums to gather the generals!"

He snatched the command flag with a swift motion, his voice echoing across the city walls.

"Raise the red banner at the Star Observatory! Order the guerrilla general to lead the night patrols to investigate, and the artillery battalion to immediately calibrate the firing range of the breech-loading guns—focus on sealing off the main road and the riverbank!"

He paused, then added, "Send another fast horse to inform Hupiyi, but do not alarm Shenyang for the time being."

The accompanying commander was taken aback upon hearing this and asked, "Not reporting to Shenyang?"

"Have you forgotten Commander Xiong's military orders?"

Li Bingcheng's expression was very serious, but at this moment, he, as the commander-in-chief, remained remarkably calm.

"If the number is less than a thousand, we can handle it ourselves; only if it exceeds ten thousand should we light the beacon fire."

"The Jurchens are masters of besieging a point and attacking reinforcements. If this is another example of their feint attack, wouldn't that be a waste of our military strength? Let's avoid being surrounded on all sides and alarming Minister Sun."

Before he could finish speaking, the neighing of a post horse could be heard in the distance.

Everyone turned to look at the city gate, only to see that the messenger was covered in blood, and a dying sentry was lying on his horse—it was the sentry from the watchtower!

Just at this time.

Smoke also rose from the beacon tower ten miles away.

The Jurchens crossed a distance of five li in a quarter of an hour.

What an incredible marching speed!

Lee Byung-sung frowned, feeling very puzzled.

"Are these Jurchens advancing at full speed? Are their cavalry attacking the city too?"

After he summoned his troops and generals, the sentry scouts five miles away also began firing signal cannons, the sound of which shook the world.

Boom boom boom~
Along with this came the use of carrier pigeons to deliver messages.

By this time, with the intelligence gathered from sentries and carrier pigeons combined, Lee Byung-sung already knew the details of the invading enemy:

More than two thousand enemy troops came, their iron cavalry like a tide and their infantry like a forest.

The black and red flags fluttered in the wind; they were the Bordered Red Banner of the Jurchens!
Lee Byung-sung's eyes suddenly turned cold.

Bordered with a red flag.
These are the personal guards of Daishan, the Grand Prince of the Jurchens!

The Jurchen offensive has begun!

ps:
The monthly votes have exceeded 1000! There will be an extra chapter tonight if there are more monthly votes.

If I want to update every day these days, it depends on how much support my readers get in monthly votes.

(End of this chapter)