Huangming

Chapter 259 Victory News Arrives in Beijing, Morale Soars

At dawn, as the sky began to lighten, the overflowing Hun River had already turned the fertile fields downstream from Fushun into a vast expanse of water.

Standing atop the majestic city wall of Shenyang, one can see the turbid floodwaters carrying broken logs and branches rushing down, their surface turning a menacing yellowish-brown in the rising sun.

The distant hills floated on the water like isolated islands, and a few willows that had managed to escape the current struggled futilely with their branches in the rushing water.

"Thanks to the strategist's foresight."

The garrison commander, leaning against the battlements, gazed at the raging floodwaters outside the city and muttered to himself.

Because of its high terrain, and because Xiong Tingbi had ordered the city's defenses to be reinforced and the moat dredged, Shenyang's city walls remained steadfast and unmoving, even though it was surrounded by water on all sides.

Even more fortunately...

Most of the fortified villages and military camps scattered along the banks of the Hun River are still safe and sound.

These military outposts were built on high ground. After receiving Xiong Tingbi's urgent military order, the commanders of each battalion led the soldiers and civilians to build flood control walls overnight and reinforced the fortifications with sandbags and wooden stakes.

From a distance today, these fortresses look like unsheathed swords, standing proudly through the murky water.

"Report——!"

A messenger waded through ankle-deep water to the top of the city wall and knelt on one knee: "Reporting to my lord! A messenger from Liaoyang has arrived with news that all twelve fortresses, including Sanchahe Fortress and Changyong Fortress, have been prepared for flood control according to your plan, sir. Only some low-lying farmland has been flooded, and the military equipment and provisions are undamaged!"

Upon hearing this, the adjutant breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon hearing this, Xiong Tingbi stood with his hands behind his back on the city wall, his mood exceptionally bright.

"With such a massive flood, the Jurchens will not be able to organize an effective offensive in less than a month."

The turbid torrents, carrying broken logs and branches, rushed down and swallowed up all the official roads leading to Shenyang.

The continuous rain made the situation even worse (Note ①), and the flags of the Jurchen army camp could be vaguely seen fluttering in the wind and rain in the distance through the rain curtain.

The advantage of cavalry has vanished in this muddy terrain.

Just then, a clanging sound of armor clashing came from behind.

Xiong Tingbi turned around and saw He Shixian leaning on his spear, dragging his injured left leg as he struggled to climb the city wall. You Shigong, Chen Ce, Qi Jin, Zhou Dunji, and Qin Bangping, all of whom were more or less injured, walked over together.

Standing in the center of the crowd was Liu Xingzuo, who had performed a remarkable feat the previous night.

The general's scale armor was covered with marks from swords and arrows, and the wound on his left shoulder was still bleeding faintly.

The dull blade of the knife in his hand silently testifies to the brutality of last night's bloody battle.

Everyone's face was etched with exhaustion, but their eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.

It was the relief of surviving a disaster, the exhilaration of winning the first battle, and the exhilaration of wiping away the previous humiliation!

Since the Battle of Sarhu, the Ming army has suffered repeated defeats in its battles against the Jurchens.

The people and soldiers of Liaodong turned pale at the mere mention of the name of the Jurchens, and their hearts trembled at the sight of the Eight Banners cavalry.

Many border soldiers were intimidated before the battle even began, and many city officials surrendered at the mere sight of the enemy.

This once mighty territory of the Ming Dynasty gradually lost its fighting spirit and backbone amidst years of defeats.

But last night's battle was like the dawn breaking!
This battle proves that although the Jurchens are fierce, the men of our Great Ming Dynasty are no ordinary people either!
Even in open field battles, we are capable of fighting!
Looking at the generals who had fought so hard, Xiong Tingbi felt a long-lost surge of emotion welling up in his chest.

He Shixian's chainmail was still covered with bits of enemy flesh, You Shigong's battle robe was soaked in blood, and Chen Ce's brow wound was still bleeding.

But their eyes were brighter than ever.

This is the look in the eyes of a victor, the light of regained confidence!
Under Xiong Tingbi's excited gaze, everyone immediately bowed.

"We, your humble servants, pay our respects to the Commander-in-Chief!"

The generals shouted in unison. Although they were not able to kneel due to their armor, their uniform cupped hands salute appeared exceptionally solemn.

Bloodstained battle robes fluttered in the morning breeze, and the sounds of clashing swords were powerful and resounding.

As Xiong Tingbi gazed at the soldiers who had returned victorious from their bloody battles, his eyes welled up with tears.

He took a deep breath and solemnly returned the salute: "Generals, you have worked hard."

This single word of hardship encapsulates the difficulties endured over the past few months.

Before the war, Xiong Tingbi carried an immense burden on his shoulders.

The emperor poured the national treasury into supporting the war in Liaodong, and countless eyes in the court were watching his every move.

Those upright officials who dared to speak out had long prepared their impeachment memorials, waiting only for him to suffer setbacks in the war so they could launch a coordinated attack.

But at this moment, all the pressure has turned into the joy of victory!
"The Grand Marshal".

He Shixian stepped forward, his voice hoarse but firm.

"This great victory is entirely due to the strategic planning of the General. We were merely carrying out military orders."

Xiong Tingbi shook his head, his gaze sweeping over each tired yet resolute face.

"No, this victory was won with your lives."

This battle not only defended Shenyang, but also preserved the dignity of the Ming Dynasty!
"You guys are all awesome!"

Xiong Tingbi's sharp eyes swept over the generals one by one, finally settling on that slightly unfamiliar face.

Liu Xingzuo!
Although this general who had returned to the fold was covered in blood, his heroic spirit could not be concealed.

It was his defection in the face of battle, leading his elite troops in a surprise attack on the Jurchen camp, and personally killing Nurhaci's tenth son, Degelai, that turned the tide of the war.

"I will immediately report the merits of all the soldiers to the Emperor!"

"General Liu, in particular, abandoned the darkness and turned to the light, and made such a great contribution, so he should be credited first!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xingzuo immediately clasped his hands and said, "General, you flatter me! I have only done my duty as a son of the Han people."

He looked up and surveyed his generals, saying sincerely, "Without Commander He personally leading the cavalry in the charge, Commander Chen holding the left flank to the death, Commander Qi fighting a bloody battle on the right flank, and Generals Zhou and Qin fighting against overwhelming odds at the ferry crossing, how could we have achieved such a great victory? The greatest credit belongs to the soldiers who fought so bravely!"

These words were perfectly worded, showing both humility and praise for his comrades.

He Shixian laughed loudly, stepped forward and patted Liu Xingzuo on the shoulder, saying, "General Liu is too modest! Degelai's head is a real achievement! If it weren't for you, how could we be here chatting like this?"

Chen Ce patted Liu Xingzuo on the shoulder and said with a smile, "From now on, we're brothers! We'll have to have a good drink at the victory celebration!"

A hearty laugh suddenly rang out from the city wall.

Xiong Tingbi watched this scene with satisfaction.

After winning the battle, the soldiers were rewarded for their merits and were in high spirits.

This is the kind of atmosphere a powerful army capable of fighting tough battles should have!

"it is good!"

Xiong Tingbi waved his hand. "Once His Majesty bestows the rewards, I will personally raise a toast to celebrate your achievements!"

but.

After saying this, Xiong Tingbi quickly suppressed the joy on his face and turned to the generals, solemnly saying:

"Furthermore, His Majesty has decreed that all soldiers who died in this battle shall be compensated with the highest honors! Those who are wounded will be given positions such as post station soldiers or clerks by the court and supported for life!"

His gaze swept intently across each weary face, and he said emphatically, "We must not let our soldiers bleed and lose heart!"

Upon hearing this, He Shixian and the others were all moved.

They never expected such a large sum of compensation; this was something that had never happened before.

Soldiers die and are considered worthless; compensation is impossible to obtain, which is why the soldiers in Liaodong cherish their lives.

But now that a new emperor has ascended the throne, everything is different.

We can be fearless of death.

For a moment, the eyes of those burly men, who hadn't shed a tear even when wielding swords and spears, couldn't help but well up with tears.

On behalf of the three armies, this humble general thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace! And thanks the General for your compassionate consideration!

All the generals responded in unison.

"Serve the Ming Dynasty well, and His Majesty will not forget you!"

After calming the generals, Xiong Tingbi looked intently out of the city. The floodwaters of the Hun River were still raging and had not receded, turning the Jurchen camp outside Shenyang into an isolated island.

"Gentlemen, take a good rest. Once the floodwaters recede a bit, we should catch those Jurchens stranded outside the city like turtles in a jar!"

The Jurchen camp outside Shenyang has two elite Blue Banners. If we can eliminate them, it will be a great achievement.

but.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a scout rushed up the city wall.

"Report——!"

The scout knelt on one knee, his voice urgent.

"Reporting to the commander, the Jurchens have mobilized over a hundred ships and are withdrawing their troops from the outer camp to Fushun in batches."

Upon hearing this, Xiong Tingbi slammed his fist against the city wall.

"hateful!"

He took out his binoculars, gazed at the fleet of ships moving like ants on the distant water, and sighed, "Fate is against us."

Xiong Tingbi waved his hand wearily: "Go and rest. Conserve your energy for another day!"

Disappointment was also evident on the faces of the generals.

"I will retire at the end!"

The generals dragged their weary bodies away slowly, their eyelids so heavy they were almost glued together, yet they still forced themselves to keep their backs straight.

He Shixian walked at the back, his left hand unconsciously pressing on the wound between his ribs.

A gash was torn open there by the Jurchen cavalry's scimitars.

Qi Jin and Chen Ce walked side by side, their armor covered with marks from grazing arrows.

You Shigong's right arm was still bleeding from the bandage; it was a wound he sustained while parrying the charge of heavy cavalry.

These scars are the most profound lessons.

"next time."

He Shixian suddenly stopped, his voice hoarse.

"We must never again allow the Jurchen cavalry to so easily divide our army's formation."

Qi Jin nodded emphatically. He had a deep impression of last night's battle. These lessons were learned at the cost of the lives of thousands of cavalrymen.

"Our cavalry tactics need to change. We need to abandon the Jurchens' method of using light cavalry for harassment and heavy cavalry for assaults."

"Got to learn."

Chen Ce picked up the conversation, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"We must innovate even more!"

The generals exchanged glances and saw the same determination in each other's eyes.

When we meet the Jurchens on the battlefield again, we cannot remain so passive.

after all
This time Liu Xingzuo launched a surprise attack, but what about next time?

We must truly possess the strength to defeat the Jurchens!
After the generals left.

On the city tower, Xiong Tingbi sealed the newly written victory report with lacquer.

"Eight hundred miles urgent!"

He solemnly handed the document to the messenger and instructed, "Get it to His Majesty as quickly as possible!"

"As ordered!"

Watching the messenger's departing figure, Xiong Tingbi breathed a long sigh of relief.

The pressure on His Majesty in court should be relieved.

Those who voiced doubts, those court officials who secretly opposed sending troops to Liaodong, must be speechless now, right?

Yuan Yingtai

Xiong Tingbi murmured the name, a confident smile curving his lips.

That old minister was indeed talented, but what Liaodong needed were not these civil officials who couldn't fight.

Instead, he's a fierce and tough guy who can fight tough battles!

He was a commander who dared to confront the Jurchens head-on in open field battles!

It was Xiong Tingbi who made Nurhaci pay a heavy price!
The morning breeze swept across the city walls, making the battle flags flutter loudly.

In the distance, the floodwaters of the Hun River gradually receded, while the morale of the Ming Dynasty rose like the morning sun.
Note ①: The climate was abnormal in the first year of the Tianqi reign. Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi and Beizhili suffered from severe drought, but Liaodong did have unusually heavy rainfall.

According to local chronicles included in the "Complete Collection of Meteorological Records of China over Three Thousand Years", Liaodong experienced "abnormally high summer rainfall" in 1621.

(End of this chapter)