Griffin Commander in the Late Ming Dynasty

"You said that the Ming army retreated?"

Listening to Scarecrow's report, Jiang Han was a little surprised. They were fighting so well, why did they suddenly retreat?

"Yes, according to what I have observed so far, the enemy army has obvious signs of reorganization, and has also withdrawn personnel from some key passes. It is obvious that they are currently preparing to evacuate."

After eliminating the Gezuo Fifth Battalion, Jiang Han slowly digested the large amount of resources from the enemy, including various supplies including food that needed to be moved back to Yangzhou, as well as some things that could be used for sacrifice, while letting the scarecrow scout the specific movements of another enemy, the Ming army.

After all, the other party's purpose of going south this time was to catch lice on a bald man's head. It was obvious that as long as they were enemies, it was always better to know more about their movements than to meet them hastily. As a result, this reconnaissance made it impossible for Jiang Han to do anything.

"According to the enemy's intelligence system, the Gezuo Fifth Battalion has been driven into the mountains, and they are just about to be put to rest. Zhang Xianzhong is fighting with the people of Yingtian Prefecture, and they need to be stopped at all costs, not to mention me. Why would they withdraw at this critical juncture? Unless... there is a big trouble in the north, but according to history, shouldn't Huang Taiji enter the pass again next year?"

We have to find a way to figure out what's going on in the north.

Jiang Han thought secretly while issuing new instructions to Scarecrow: "A Cao, please pay more attention to the movements of the Ming army. If possible, try to help me find out the purpose of the other party's withdrawal. I have a guess that needs to be verified."

"No problem, Commander."

Scarecrow has always been very proactive in responding to Jiang Han's orders. When Jiang Han asked her to investigate as much as possible, she understood that she must investigate and find out the whole story. Just like when Jiang Han asked Scarecrow to delay the opponent's steps before, Scarecrow understood that she had to kill all five of the opponent's team. It can only be said that her reading comprehension has always been good.

After ending the call, Jiang Han felt a little unsafe and went to find Wang Dang again.

"Wang Dang, Wang Dang... Wang Dang, let me tell you..."

Wang Dang was working on the planting plan for the new seeds when he saw Jiang Han rushing in. He looked up helplessly and asked, "What story about the scarecrow you pulled out?"

It’s no wonder Wang Dang said that. Ever since he drew the scarecrow, Jiang Han has been a little crazy. When others asked him, “Hey, did you eat?”, “How did you know I only drew the scarecrow?”

"Haha, it was just released yesterday, it came out in one single draw, haha, who told you this?"

My goodness, everyone knows the scarecrow, the thing stuck in the field, what is a single draw? Who knows this?

"No, no, it's not that. I have something serious to discuss with you this time."

Jiang Han shook his head and said to Wang Dang with a serious face: "I suspect that the Tartars have entered the pass again."

"What!?"

Wang Dang stood up on the spot in shock: "Is the news accurate?"

“Not accurate, but probably close enough.”

Such news made Wang Dang extremely anxious. For people of today's era, the Tartars' invasion of the pass was not a topic that could be ignored. It was a national hatred and family feud, and it meant the suffering of all people.

Almost every Ming Dynasty citizen had a deep blood-like hatred for the Tartars, just like how we in later generations felt towards the Japanese who lived a good life on the other side of the sea. And this hatred was much deeper, because the examples of Tartars' families being broken up might very well be right next to you. The Tartars' entry into the pass represented disaster, the displacement of countless families, and the death of countless lives.

This was very tormenting for Wang Dang, because he knew that the Tartars were in the north, wreaking havoc in the Central Plains and abusing the people there, but he was powerless to do anything.

More importantly, last time due to the desperate resistance of the Tianxiong Army, the Tartars did not penetrate too far, but this year is completely different. Drought, famine, and locust plague have weakened the military strength of the entire northern Zhili and the Central Plains to the extreme. It is difficult for the soldiers there to organize any effective resistance against the Tartars. Moreover, due to the poverty there, the Tartars will inevitably move southward to more prosperous places, which means that the other side will continue to advance southward, and even come to Yangzhou.

By then, there will be another bloody storm.

"I'll call everyone to come to the meeting right away."

Such a major event must be made known to everyone, because the Tartars' entry into the pass will definitely change the entire arrangement of the Ming Dynasty in the short term. As a result, many things will be affected and changed, so we must be prepared in advance.

"Well, call the Volunteer Army's generals as well."

"What do you want them to do..." Wang Dang turned his head in confusion, and then froze as if he remembered something: "Could it be that you...can't do it?"

Facing Wang Dang's surprised look, Jiang Han nodded.

"Well, tell them to gather here. I'm going to march north."

There is one more chapter today, but it will be later @q@q@群伊6巴2一7妻伊六

Volume 295: Chapter Chapter : The Decision to Go North

"Northern Expedition?"

When everyone in the meeting heard Jiang Han's intention, they all raised their voices, because this decision was too unbelievable.

No matter from which perspective, this decision is too advanced.

"Sir, are you serious? With our current military strength, if we want to march north to confront the Tartars, I'm afraid..."

So far, the number of volunteers and reserve forces is no more than 10,000, and the Ming army is watching closely. Everyone is at the stage of development. If you lead the Northern Expedition at this time, you can only lead 3,000 or 4,000 people. What are you doing with such a small number of people? Is participation the most important thing?

"Besides, Changzhou has just been conquered, and a large number of people are needed to maintain law and order there. If we march north this time..."

Everyone was not particularly supportive of the Northern Expedition, mainly because it was a thankless task. If you went to the north and fought against the Tartars, what would you achieve? Could you possibly defeat the Tartar army with only two or three thousand men?

It's very blue.

If we can't defeat the Tartars, how will we supply them with so many people fighting outside? How will we calculate the casualties? After paying such a huge price, what will happen next?

Just to fight a war for such an unclear reason? What's the point?

"It seems that everyone's attitude towards the Northern Expedition is not very positive, huh?"

Jiang Han smiled and didn't care too much.

"Sir, it's not that we are not active..."

Seeing that Jiang Han's tone was wrong, the subordinates wanted to make amends immediately, but were stopped by Wang Dang: "Brother Jiang, now it's not about being positive or not, it's about what this Northern Expedition can bring us. I know that the Tartars invaded and killed many people. My country has fallen, and I want to fight the Tartars to the death more than anyone else. But now, what we are responsible for is not only ourselves, but also the reputations of thousands of people. We can't act on impulse anymore."

He used reason and emotion to persuade Jiang Han, saying that judging from their current situation, as long as they developed steadily, their rise would be unstoppable. When the time came and they deployed their troops, the Tartars would certainly not be able to defeat them. Wang Dang had full confidence in this.

"Yes, sir, what Lord Wang said makes sense. Our trip out this time is totally a thankless task. The north is all controlled by the Ming Dynasty. If we go there, we might be attacked by both sides. We just need to develop steadily. As long as we grow stronger, the Tartars will definitely not be able to compete with us!"

Everyone is very confident about their own development. Whether it is the attitude of the government or the operation of various aspects, they are all more efficient and better than that damn Ming Dynasty. Who is that Ming Dynasty to be so worthy of making a fuss with us?

As long as we are given some time to develop, we will definitely be no less than anyone else in the world. This is what they really think in their hearts.

But even though they said this, they were secretly observing Jiang Han's expression. Everyone present knew that no matter how much they said, the final decision maker would still be Jiang Han. Their actions were undoubtedly a slap in the other party's face. For those in a higher position, such behavior would inevitably make the other party unhappy. When your superior is unhappy with you, you will know what the outcome will be.

Everyone had basically guessed the result that the other party would be angry, and they were prepared in their hearts. They looked at each other and discussed how to share the damage if Jiang Han got angry. They had to say it. How could they march north in this state? This gentleman obviously had a problem with his thinking. Someone had to do something extreme to wake him up!

However, unexpectedly, the expected storm did not come. Jiang Han still looked at everyone with a smile. Then, in the midst of everyone's trepidation, he spoke: "Everyone's ideas are very reasonable and convincing. Judging from our current development trend, this is indeed the best choice for us."

Wang Dang let out a long sigh, "Brother Jiang, it's great that you understand..."

However, Jiang Han changed the subject and said, "But I still want to march north."

"Ah? No, why not?" So many people came up to dissuade you, and their lips were worn out, but they still couldn't convince you to change your mind about the Northern Expedition. How stubborn are you?

"But......."

Just as Wang Dang was about to speak, he was interrupted by Pei Huayu who was standing beside him: "Everyone, the gentleman must have a deep meaning behind what he did. Why don't we listen to what he thinks?"

After spending some time with Jiang Han, Pei Huayu has now become Jiang Han's number one fan. She is the biggest Jiang Han fan in Yangzhou and is at the level of the leader of a fan club. When she said that, everyone thought about it and it was true. There had never been any problems with the gentleman's decisions before, so they might as well listen to him this time and try to persuade him if he finds it unreasonable.

"Brother Jiang, why do you insist on the Northern Expedition?"

Wang Dang asked the question on everyone’s mind: Why?

"Everyone, Brother Wang, do you still remember why I told you at the beginning why I wanted to do something here?"

"I remember that natural disasters are frequent nowadays, corrupt officials and unscrupulous businessmen are rampant in the Ming Dynasty, and the people are living in misery. Although you have no intention of competing for power, you can't bear the suffering of the people. You started an uprising to save the people from suffering."

"You have polished and revised so many versions. I have no intention of competing for supremacy. The suffering of the people has come, but the meaning is basically the same. The people nowadays are suffering too much. I am rebelling for those people whose lives cannot be guaranteed and whose lives are hopeless. I hope that they will no longer be exploited and oppressed and can live like human beings. That is why I fight. That is why I am here fighting with you until now."

"Based on this point, the question is, the people of Yangzhou are people who need to be rescued, but do the people of Nanjing also need to be rescued? What about Suzhou? What about Henan? What about Beijing? What about Liaodong? Are the poor people in these places not human beings?"

"I am not here to create a Three Kingdoms division, nor am I here to create some drama of claiming the throne of the country. These are not what I want. What I want is for the people of China to be able to straighten their backs again, stand up and live. For this, I will continue to fight until that day comes. This is my original intention, and it is also your goal for all of us."

"However, when the Qing army entered the country, they burned, killed, looted, and committed all kinds of atrocities. Wherever they passed, it was like a dead zone. What's the use of taking over such a world? This world does not belong to me, nor to the Ming emperor, but to all the people living on this land."

"Since the beginning of this year, Northern Zhili has suffered a series of disasters, including drought, famine, and locust plagues. Today, the weather has turned waterlogged, and there are even floods. After these natural disasters, only two out of ten people have survived. I heard from the guys working in the caravan that after entering Henan, they could not see a single person even after walking for more than ten miles!"

The word "tragic" is not enough to describe such a scene, and it was under such circumstances that the Tatars entered the pass.

I don't need to elaborate on what the other side will do to the local people after entering the pass. After all this, how many people do you think will be left in Northern Zhili and other places in the Central Plains?

If we just sit back and watch and let it develop, what will happen when we conquer the Central Plains and get an empty city? Have you ever thought about it?

When did everyone only see the petty and petty things, and lose sight of their former ideals? Broaden your vision, my friend. We must stand on top of the world in the future, so we have the responsibility and obligation to protect this world and prevent it from being destroyed by external enemies!

Don't let yourself become the one who kills the evil dragon and then transforms into a new dragon!

After finishing speaking in one breath, Jiang Han slowly drank a sip of water: "Now, I will arrange the Northern Expedition. I have made up my mind on this matter. There is no room for discussion. After I finish speaking, who is in favor and who is against?"

"Sir! Please give your orders!"

"Sir, I have wronged you. You are too small-minded. The vision I have waited for is really too small!"

"It turns out that we have been deviating from the direction. Today, after listening to your advice, I realized that it is really embarrassing. Sir, I will fully support your Northern Expedition! You must protect our people!

After hearing these words, everyone's hearts were instantly elevated. What is the pattern? It turns out that in the eyes of the master, all the people in the world are already his subjects! This is the pattern!

The dog Tartar dared to bully our people. We won’t agree! We must punish him! We must punish him severely!

Volume 296: Chapter Chapter : Bi Maokang Cooperation

The decision to launch the Northern Expedition was unanimously affirmed by everyone present, and after this meeting, many people understood the awareness of Mr. Jiang Han.

He was not fighting for the world, but to save the people of the world. Not only the gentleman, but each of them would become the founder of this great cause. And this news soon spread from top to bottom to the ears of the people.

Of course, this is also the reason why Jiang Han had nothing to hide. To be honest, it is difficult to conceal such a large military movement. In this case, it is better to just tell everyone what he is going to do. At the same time, use various communication and education methods to tell the people why he wants to do this, so as to increase their support.

I have to say that this decision really shocked a lot of people.

When many people heard the news, their first reaction was: "Mr., are you drunk? Yangzhou is thousands of miles away from Liaodong. Why are you going to the north like this? Aren't you just bored?"

However, the reasons for the Northern Expedition that were later learned made the men silent and the women cry.

Sir, he is really, so gentle, he really, made me cry to death!

Ginger baby! My Ginger baby!!

And some unexpected guests also received this amazing news.

"Your Excellency! Your Excellency! I heard that you want to march north to resist the Tartars!? But is it true??"

Jiang Han was just opening the lid to drink tea when he was almost frightened by Bi Maokang who pushed the door open and spilled his tea in his trouser pocket.

"Mr. Bi, could you please knock on the door before you come in next time? My gown almost came undone by the shock."

"Please forgive me, this news is really too shocking."

Bi Maokang apologized and brought the topic back: "I heard someone say before that you were going to go north to conquer the Jian Nu?"

"Yes what's the matter?"

"But... why? With your current strength, as long as you play steadily, I believe that even if the Ming Dynasty defeated the Jian Nu and came back to show off their war horses, they might not be able to defeat you. Making such a decision at this time will inevitably delay your development. If you make a wrong move and lose everything, what will you do?"

Jiang Han laughed and said, "When did you start thinking about problems from my side?"

Ah this.

Bi Maokang thought about it and was a little surprised, but he quickly changed his mood: "If you want to understand others, you have to think from their perspective. Only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you win every battle. Don't worry about this for now. Tell me the reason for this Northern Expedition. I can't figure it out. This move will not benefit you at all. Why do you do it?"

"Mr. Bi, many things are not done based on whether there are benefits or not. If I wanted to be such a sophisticated egoist, I would not start a rebellion here. With my ability, I can find a place to live in seclusion. Even if the sky falls, it has nothing to do with me. The reason why I am making such a big fuss and making myself so tired is because I have a thought in my heart."

"Nianxiang?"

"Yes, Nianxiang. Before I came to Yangzhou, I stayed in Northern Zhili for a while. To be honest, the people there were in a miserable state. There were thousands of miles of barren land and cannibalism was everywhere. Many families had children but could not afford to raise them, so they had to stew them in the pot. I was deeply moved after walking all the way from Henan. So, I wanted to save these poor people."

Today, the disaster in the Central Plains and northern Zhili has reached an indescribable level. The intelligence brought back by the merchants I sent to Henan and other regions to collect locust information is simply shocking. If this continues, it is hard to imagine what the people in North China will face.

The Tatars entered the pass this time because they saw that the Ming Dynasty was unable to cope with the dual threat from them and us. As long as the Ming Dynasty and us remain in a stalemate, they will be able to continue to plunder wealth from the Central Plains until they feel the time is right, then they will send troops directly to the border and take it down in one fell swoop.

This idea is very reasonable. The Ming Dynasty will never sit idly by and watch us develop. The officials in the court probably think that they must first stabilize the country before they can resist foreign aggression. This can be said to be a sure-win business. However, they overlooked one thing, and that is me.

If my goal is to fight for the world, then I will naturally operate for my own interests, such as taking advantage of the Qing army's southward advance to tear off a piece of meat from the Ming Dynasty, but I am not like that.

My goal has always been to save the people, not to become an emperor. The people of Northern Zhili are naturally within the scope of my rescue. As long as we are the Chinese people, we will never allow ourselves to be bullied by foreign enemies.

I didn't have the ability before, so I could do nothing. But now, I have the capital and ability, and I want to have whatever I want in the Central Plains. Huang Taiji is dreaming!

Just wait and see, I will bury all his Eight Banners Army in the Central Plains!

"Your idea is good, but have you ever thought about the actual situation?"

Bi Maokang was a little worried about Jiang Han's idea: "Last year, the Tartars entered the pass with 200,000 soldiers. This year, the number will definitely be more, and the Tartars are excellent in field combat. If you go north like this, the Ming Dynasty's strong city will never be open to you. You can only fight the Tartars in the field. We don't have the advantage. What's more, how many troops can you take out for this northern expedition? It's good to want to fight the Tartars, but... going there without preparation will only end in failure."

"I understand what you are talking about. I don't plan to engage in direct battle with the Tartar army."

"So what are you doing...?"

"If he can send an army of 200,000 to wreak havoc on the Central Plains, then I can also send my naval artillery and musketeers to wander around Shengjing, right?"

"Ok?"

Bi Maokang thought about it carefully and it seemed to be true. He also had some knowledge of muskets and cannons. With these two things, he could completely play kite tug-of-war with the enemy and torture them with long arms against short arms. The only thing he lacked was mobility. The Tatar cavalry was too mobile and could easily be outmaneuvered. Moreover, the Tatars' horsemanship was quite good. If a knight fell in front, the horses behind would quickly control the knights to bypass them. It would be difficult for them to fall down like they did when fighting bandits, with one knight falling in front and a group of people falling down in the back.