Huangming

Chapter 363 A Rushing Raid to Shock the Enemy, The Tribulations of a Wise Man (Bonus Chapter for 1400 Monthly Tickets)

In the sleeping palace.

The porcelain bowl that Abahai brought contained a rich soup made from century-old Liaoning sea cucumbers, its amber luster shimmering in the steam. The aroma of the soup, carrying a strong medicinal fragrance, lingered around Nurhaci's nose.

He took the bowl, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. The warm soup slid down his throat, and in less than half an incense stick's time, a surge of heat rushed from his dantian to his limbs and bones.

His previously heavy limbs gradually regained strength, his pale cheeks flushed an unnatural red, and even his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness. The weakness that had plagued him seemed to be instantly dispelled.

He reached for the sword beside the bed. This sword, which had accompanied him through half his life of battles, was something he had struggled to even hold a few days ago, but now he could hold it steadily in his hand. With a slight turn of his wrist, the blade could even draw a sharp, cold light.

"Sweat!"

Abahai was both surprised and delighted to see him like this, but there was also a hint of worry hidden in her eyes.

This strength is "squeezed" out by the sea cucumber, like a candle flame before it burns out; the brighter it is, the closer it is to going out.

Nurhaci, however, seemed oblivious to her worries, and simply adjusted his armor in front of the bronze mirror.

He hadn't worn that heavy black iron armor for a long time. Now, with the help of the armored soldiers to put it on, although he still needed someone to help him stand, he exuded an aura of dominance over the world.

"Let's go to the central command tent."

His voice was loud and clear, no longer hoarse as before, as if he had returned to the "wise Khan" who could lead the Eight Banners troops to sweep across Liaodong.

The central military tent outside Hetu Ala was already enveloped in wind and snow.

Inside the tent, however, it was warm and cozy, where the Gushan Ezhen of the Plain Yellow Banner and the Bordered Blue Banner had gathered, each with an anxious expression on their face.

Although they received the summons, they did not know whether the long-ailing Khan could truly preside over the meeting.

When the tent flap was lifted, Nurhaci walked in, supported by his armored soldiers. His face was ruddy and his eyes were sharp, showing no signs of illness.

The generals were stunned at first, then burst into uncontrollable elation.

"Sweat!"

Jirhalang of the Bordered Blue Banner was the first to kneel down, his voice choked with emotion.

"You're finally all better!"

"May the Great Khan be well! The Great Jin Dynasty is saved!"

The other generals also knelt down, and smiles finally appeared on their previously tense faces.

In their hearts, Nurhaci was the heaven of the Great Jin Dynasty. As long as this "wise Khan" could still stand on the front line, no matter how critical the situation was, there was always hope of turning the tide.

Nurhaci raised his hand to signal everyone to stand up. His gaze swept across the tent, and seeing the fighting spirit burning in everyone's eyes, he felt a little more at ease.

He walked up to the map, stopped talking, and pointed directly to Kaiyuan on the map.

"Gentlemen, I won't say anything else, the military situation is urgent."

He brought everyone's thoughts back and continued, "Right now, our Great Jin is facing three threats: Fushun is besieged, Kaiyuan is under attack, and Hetu Ala is under pressure, but the most fatal of these is the siege of Kaiyuan!"

All eyes immediately focused on the word "Kaiyuan," and they held their breath to listen to his continued analysis.

"Kaiyuan is the 'northern gateway' connecting our Great Jin Dynasty to the Mongolian grasslands. Just think about it."

Nurhaci's finger traced the line connecting Kaiyuan and the grassland on the map.

“Every year, the warhorses we buy from Mongolia and the furs we exchange for travel along the Kaiyuan route; envoys from Inner Khalkha and Khorchin also pass through Kaiyuan when they come to Hetu Ala.”

If Mangultai's Plain Blue Banner is annihilated by Ligdan Khan and Kaiyuan falls into the hands of the Chahar tribe, we will not only be cut off from warhorse and trade supplies, but we will also cause those hesitant Mongol tribes to completely side with Ligdan Khan and Xiong Tingbi!

"At that time, with Ligdan Khan in the north, Xiong Tingbi in the south, and Sun Chengzong in the west, plus the defecting Mongol tribes, the Great Jin will be completely surrounded, without even a chance to breathe!"

These words were like a wake-up call, instantly sobering up the generals.

Previously, they only felt that everything was in danger, but they did not realize that Kaiyuan was the key point where a single move could affect the whole situation.

"What about Fushun and Hetu Ala?"

Amin couldn't help but ask, "The Great Prince has been besieged for half a month, and Sun Chengzong's troops are almost at Tumuhe Village. If we go to rescue Kaiyuan, will something happen to both sides?"

Nurhaci shook his head.

"Dai Shan's two Red Banners have more than 20,000 men. Although the defenses of Fushun are not as strong as those of Shenyang, they can still hold out for some time. Xiong Tingbi besieged it for half a month without taking it down, which shows that he was also afraid of losing too much and would not easily launch a desperate attack."

As long as Daishan holds the city, Fushun won't fall. At the very least, it won't fall too quickly. As long as we send reinforcements before he can't hold out, it won't be too late.

Then he pointed in the direction of Hetu Ala.

"As for Sun Chengzong's 10,000 men, they are merely a diversionary force to contain us. Hetu Ala is our stronghold, with thick walls and a moat. We will leave 5,000 men to guard the city and plant more flags to make a show of force. Sun Chengzong will not know our strength and will not dare to attack the city rashly."

Nurhaci's analysis was clear and logical, breaking down the originally chaotic situation and making the priorities immediately apparent.

First, rescue Kaiyuan and stabilize the Mongol tribes, then turn back to relieve the siege of Fushun, and finally deal with Sun Chengzong's detachment.

What seemed like a dead end was turned around in an instant.

Amin, who had been looking gloomy, finally relaxed her brows and couldn't help but speak:
"Your Majesty is wise! I previously felt surrounded by enemies, but after Your Majesty's analysis, I know where to begin! I am willing to lead the elite troops of the Bordered Blue Banner to rescue Kaiyuan!"

"The general is also willing to go!"

Hu Erhan, He Heli, and others volunteered for the mission, their eyes filled with determination.

The anxiety that had been weighing on everyone's hearts has now been replaced by the fighting spirit of preparing for battle.

As long as their direction is clear, they are confident that they can fight even if they face Ligdan Khan's 20,000-strong army.

Nurhaci looked at his generals and a smile of satisfaction appeared on his face.

His own "spirit of being supported by Liaoning sea cucumber" not only stabilized people's morale but also clarified the battle situation.

Although my body is already exhausted, as long as we can win the battle of Kaiyuan and buy Da Jin some breathing time, it would be worth it even if it costs me my life.

Nurhaci smiled, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"The situation is clear, so I need not say anything more!"

All the generals under his command held their breath, their eyes fixed on him.

Nurhaci swept past several important ministers, including Huerhan and Heheli, and finally settled on the Plain Yellow Banner Ejen who were waiting in the tent.

"From Hetu Ala's 20,000 troops, select 15,000 elite cavalry! They must be the elite guards of the Plain Yellow and Bordered Blue Banners, and they must be tough guys who can wear armor, wield spears, and charge for a hundred miles without dismounting. I, the Khan, will personally command them!"

After saying that, he pointed to a small path on the map leading from Hetu Ala to Kaiyuan.

"Take this forest path, bypass the outposts set up by Sun Chengzong outside Fushun Pass, and we must not let the Ming army detect our movements!"

At this point, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"The stamina of my Eight Banners cavalry is three times that of the Ming infantry, and far surpasses that of Ligdan Khan's Mongol soldiers who only know how to plunder! Five days! At most five days, we must reach the walls of Kaiyuan. Only if this move is successful can we break this deadlock of being trapped on three sides!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his head sharply and fixed his gaze on Amin.

Amin was the son of Shurhaci. Although he belonged to a collateral branch, he was known for his strict military discipline. When he saw the Khan looking over, he immediately straightened his back and placed his hands on the sword at his waist.

"The remaining five thousand troops, mainly old and weak soldiers, mixed with two thousand elites to make up the numbers, will be stationed in Hetu Ala and will be under your command."

He stepped forward, patted Amin on the shoulder, and his tone carried a hint of admonition:

"Amin, what you need to do is create momentum! Plant more Eight Banners flags on the city walls, have the soldiers drill and shout in the drill ground during the day, and light beacon fires every hour at night. Also, have the craftsmen build more empty tents outside the city. Make sure that Sun Chengzong's spies think that I am still in Hetu Ala and that the main force has not moved!"

His eyes darkened, revealing a hint of cunning from an old fox.

"As long as Sun Chengzong doesn't dare to attack rashly, Hetu Ala will be safe, and I can concentrate on saving Kaiyuan!"

Amin knelt on one knee, raised his head and shouted, "Yes, sir! Your humble general obeys! We will not allow Sun Chengzong to cross the line!"

"it is good!"

Nurhaci helped him up and turned to look outside the tent.

By now, night had fallen.

The smile on Nurhaci's face gradually disappeared.

Time is extremely precious, both for military purposes and for his life.

He didn't want to waste a single moment.

"There's no time to lose, let's move tonight!"

"Whoo!"

All the generals accepted the order and left!

Nurhaci's order to set off was given in less than a quarter of an hour.

The sound of horns could be heard outside the tent.

That was the agreed-upon signal to assemble; without further ado, the generals went off to mobilize their troops.

Before long, the drill ground outside Hetu Ala was bustling with noise.

Nurhaci mounted his horse, and the jet-black warhorse snorted, seemingly sensing its master's urgency.

Hu Erhan and He Heli stood side by side, looking at Nurhaci's straight back, and both of them couldn't help but frown.

Hu Erhan whispered to He Heli, "The Khan is over sixty years old. Running day and night through snowy mountains and forests like this, what if he runs out of strength..."

Before he could finish speaking, He Heli raised his hand and pressed it against his shoulder. He Heli's gaze followed Nurhaci's figure, and he said in a deep voice:
"Don't you know the Khan's temperament? Once he gives the order, he will never back down halfway. Let's prepare more ginseng and deer blood, and have our personal guards take good care of us along the way."

As the two were talking, Nurhaci turned his horse around, his gaze sweeping over the 15,000 cavalrymen lined up, and shouted:
"My lads! The warriors of Kaiyuan are still waiting for us. The Tartar Khan Ligdan is still arrogant outside Kaiyuan City. Follow me, break through the Chahar tribe, and let them know that the cities of my Great Jin are not to be touched by just anyone!"

"As the Khan commands!" Fifteen thousand cavalrymen shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and the earth.

Nurhaci cracked his whip, and his warhorse neighed as it charged out of the training ground, followed closely by his army, which, like a black dragon, disappeared into the night outside Hetu Ala.

For the next five days, the army traversed through snow-covered mountains and forests.

The narrow path on the upper reaches of the Hun River was difficult to traverse. The snow was up to the horses' bellies, and the cold wind lashed at their faces like knives, causing many soldiers' cheeks to turn purple from the cold.

Nurhaci always walked at the front of the group, his body covered with a thin layer of snow, yet he still stood upright.

Whenever he felt exhausted, his personal guards would offer him a small piece of sea cucumber soaked in wine, or a bowl of warm deer blood. After a brief pause, he would whip his whip and continue on his way.

Hu Erhan tried several times to persuade him to slow down, but he waved his hand to interrupt him: "The longer the men of Kaiyuan wait, the more danger they face. We can't stop!"

Finally, on the morning of the fifth day, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, the scouts on horseback galloped back.

He knelt before Nurhaci's horse, his face filled with excitement.

"Reporting to the Great Khan! Kaiyuan City still stands! The Third Prince is still guarding Kaiyuan City!"

Nurhaci abruptly reined in his horse, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Tell me in detail!"

"Although Kaiyuan City was breached twice, it was driven out by the Third Prince's troops both times. The soldiers in the city suffered many casualties, but their morale remained high!"

The scout swallowed hard and said, "I've circled the Chahar tribe's camp and noticed that they have many more empty tents. There are also a lot of corpses and broken weapons abandoned outside the camp. It seems that their casualties are not light, and their momentum in attacking the city has weakened in the past few days!"

Upon hearing this, Nurhaci's lips finally curled into a fierce smile. He raised his hand and placed it on the sharkskin scabbard at his waist, his gaze fixed on the distant, faintly visible Kaiyuan city walls.

"Mangultai is a good man!"

"I haven't disgraced Nurhaci, nor have I disgraced the Eight Banners!"

Upon confirming that Kaiyuan was still in existence, Nurhaci immediately deployed his troops.

After all, war is not something that can be fought by rushing in all at once, nor is it something that can be fought by reckless bravado.

Nurhaci fought for decades in the grasslands and mountains of Liaodong, and every river and every strategic location in this land was etched into his very being.

With the enemy so close at hand, his plans instinctively came to mind.

"Pass on my order: have Borjin lead three thousand elite cavalrymen and set off immediately."

Nurhaci's finger landed on the location of "Liaohe Ferry" on the map, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"You will travel through the secret passage on the west side of Hetu Ala, avoid the Ming army scouts, and circle around to the Liaohe River ferry west of Kaiyuan."

"Lindang Khan's retreat is right here. If our army appears here, his retreat will be cut off, and he will surely panic!"

"Furthermore, have the cavalry carry more flags from the five Inner Khalkha tribes, deliberately leaving behind the flags of Chaohua Taiji along the way, and capture a few Chahar prisoners so that they 'accidentally' overhear the news that 'Inner Khalkha has allied with the Great Jin, and Chaohua is leading his army to harass Ligdan Khan's old camp.' Even if Chaohua remains inactive, this false news will make Ligdan Khan uneasy!"

"We will wait for Lin Danhan to become cowardly, divide his forces, or even retreat, and then deliver a fatal blow!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

The Khan is playing with people's hearts!

Borjin, who was entrusted with this important task, said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this mission will surely terrify Ligdan Khan!"

Without a word, Borjin immediately accepted the order and left. Under the cover of night, the three thousand cavalrymen, wrapped in snow-proof linen, disappeared silently into the snowstorm.

Like shadows on the grassland, they swiftly traveled along the secret passage marked by Nurhaci, their horses' hooves wrapped in cotton cloth, minimizing even the sound.

This was the most proficient tactic of the Eight Banners cavalry in raids, and it was also Nurhaci's "trump card" that he used for half his life.

Soon, they arrived at the Liaohe River ferry.

They charged directly into the hundreds of Chahar soldiers stationed there.

They massacred the area, then left triumphantly to continue harassing the rear of the Chahar tribe.

The next day.

In the Chahar camp outside Kaiyuan City, Ligdan Khan was frowning as he looked at the map.

He had been besieging Kaiyuan for several days. Although Mangultai's Plain Blue Banner had suffered heavy casualties, it still fought to the death and refused to retreat. The arrows and stones on the city wall were still dense. The Chahar soldiers had attacked the city several times but failed and suffered heavy losses.

Many tribes had objections.

These people's opinions greatly annoyed Lin Danhan.

"That damned Mangultai, he's a real mad dog! I was just about to let him go, but he still wants to fight me. He deserves to die!"

"Can't you just get out of here already?"

However, before Lin Danhan's anger could subside, he heard a hurried and flustered voice.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

A guard stumbled in, his face pale.

"Our retreat has been cut off! The Liaohe ferry crossing has been captured by the Jurchens. A large number of Jurchen cavalry have appeared in our rear, and the banners of the Chaohua Taiji have also appeared."

"what?!"

Lin Danhan suddenly stood up, and the riding whip in his hand fell to the ground with a "crack".

"Jiangnu cavalry? Where did these Jiannu cavalry come from? Wasn't Mangultai trapped in Kaiyuan City? And Chaohua? Wasn't he neutral? Why did he send troops?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than another scout rushed in.

"Great Khan, Jurchen reinforcements have been spotted outside the city!"

Judging from the banners, they are elite troops from the Plain Yellow Banner and Bordered Blue Banner, and the leader... the leader seems to be Nurhaci! Someone saw him in armor, commanding from the front lines!

"Nurhaci?!"

Lin Danhan was struck dumb, staggered back a step, and his face was extremely pale.

"Isn't he dying? How can he still lead troops into battle? That's impossible!"

The reason he dared to attack Kaiyuan before was because he heard that Nurhaci was seriously ill and the Jurchens were leaderless. But now Nurhaci is not only alive, but has also personally brought reinforcements, which made him panic instantly.

What unsettled him even more was that various rumors soon began to circulate in the camp.

Some soldiers from the Chahar tribe said they saw cavalry from the five Inner Khalkha tribes loitering in the distance, as if preparing to launch a surprise attack on the Chahar's rear.

Some people say that Chaohua Taiji has allied with the Jianzhou Jurchens and is leading his army to attack Chahar's old camp. If he does not withdraw his troops, he may not even be able to return to the grasslands.

"Great Khan, this is probably Nurhaci's conspiracy!"

At this turbulent time, Zhang Liwei rushed in, his face full of anxiety.

“Nurhaci has been ill for a long time. Even if he personally leads the expedition, he may not have the energy to command a large army. It is possible that his rear was cut off, but the alliance between the Inner Khalkha and the Jurchens is most likely a lie!”

He stepped forward, his tone urgent: "Great Khan, why not send an envoy to the camps of the five Inner Khalkha tribes to confirm whether Chaohua has truly sent troops?"

If it's false information, we can simply concentrate our forces, repel the Jurchen reinforcements first, and then attack Kaiyuan; if it's true, we can withdraw our troops then, why throw ourselves into chaos?

This is the safest approach, but Lin Danhan has long lost his composure.

Looking at the Jurchen banners faintly visible in the wind and snow outside the tent, and recalling the predicament of having his retreat cut off, his anxiety grew wildly like weeds.

"No! The envoy will take at least three days to arrive and return. If Nurhaci and Mangultai attack from both inside and outside during these three days, and Chaohua launches a sneak attack from behind, we will really be surrounded!"

"If that's really the case, I might really die in Kaiyuan."

He, Ligdan Khan, had not yet unified Mongolia and restored the glory of the Golden Family.

He can't die yet!
He can't die in Kaiyuan!
Thinking of this, Lin Dan slammed his hand on the table and gritted his teeth, saying:
"By order of the Khan, let Guiyingqia lead 5,000 cavalry to the northwest to set up defenses against a surprise attack by the Inner Khalkha! The rest of the troops should concentrate their forces and first repel the Jurchen reinforcements!"

"Your Majesty! No, you mustn't!"

Zhang Liwei rushed forward to stop him.

"Our forces are already scattered. If we divide them by another 5,000, it will be even more difficult to defeat the Jurchen reinforcements! This is clearly Nurhaci's feint, a ploy to force the Khan to divide his forces. The Khan must not fall for it!"

But Lindan Khan was already deaf to any advice. He waved his hand and shouted sternly, "Stop talking! My mind is made up. If you dare to obstruct me again, I will not be polite!"

Looking at Lin Dan's bloodshot face and then at the panicked soldiers outside the tent, Zhang Liwei felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

He clearly saw through Nurhaci's conspiracy and had a way to break it, yet he couldn't persuade this stubborn steppe Khan.

He slowly retreated to the corner of the tent, gazing at the snowflakes falling outside the window, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Even the wisest person needs the trust of the monarch to put their ideas into practice.

This is why it's easy to find a talented horse, but difficult to find a discerning eye for talent.

Lin Danhan was brave but lacked strategy, and was also suspicious and impatient. No matter how good his plans were, he could not reverse the defeat.

It all depends on whether the warriors of the Chahar tribe can defeat Nurhaci's reinforcements on the main battlefield.

If they can win, then Kaiyuan will still belong to the Chahar tribe, and nothing will have changed.

But if we lose.

All five Inner Khalkha tribes might take advantage of the situation, and that would be a nightmare for the Chahar tribe.

Will win!
Zhang Liwei swallowed hard, trying to muster some confidence.

The Jurchen reinforcements had traveled hundreds of miles to raid us, and were exhausted. In this battle, our Chahar tribe had the advantage.

Will definitely win!

ps:
I've been updating like crazy these past few days, I feel completely drained!
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(End of this chapter)