allendalepharm Chapter 1432 The Qing Dynasty is really going to end.
Chapter 1432 The Qing Dynasty is really going to end.
Chapter 1432 The Qing Dynasty is really going to end.
Time flies like water, and before I knew it, five days had passed.
In this way, the battle to defend the capital between Han and Qing lasted from late August of the 19th year of Chongping to early September of the 19th year of Chongping.
During this period, the Han army used many siege strategies, including digging tunnels and burying explosives, but there was still not much progress.
However, a new problem arose in Shengjing City, that is, the shortage of food and fodder. The millions of soldiers and civilians in the city suffered a soaring rice price because rice was supplied first to the Eight Banners soldiers defending the city.
The Jurchens were originally short of food, and in the early years they smuggled grain and fodder from Xuanfu through Shanxi merchants. However, a few years ago, after the demise of Shanxi merchants, the imperial court tightened the grain trade at the checkpoints. The Jurchens were already short of food, so they only thought of asking Korea for money.
Later, several wars made the already limited grain reserves of the Jurchens even more scarce.
Previously, Shengjing had stored a lot of food and fodder in Jinzhou City, but after the First War, they were completely destroyed in the warehouses in Jinzhou.
Today, Shengjing City is also in the midst of a food shortage crisis.
At this moment, Sun Shaozu had already received the order secretly delivered by Jia Heng through the secret agents of the Jinyi Mansion, that is, to burn the granary in the city together with the secret agents in the city.
The granaries in Shengjing City are located in three warehouses in the east of the city and are heavily guarded.
One day, Qin An, the official of the Ministry of Revenue who was in charge of the granary, had just finished his lunch when a bunch of keys on his waist made a clattering sound as they shook.
As a large number of Han troops from the Beijing camp besieged Shengjing City, the price of rice in the city changed day by day. Many civil and military officials in Shengjing City were short of rice and lived a tight life. Some small officials like Qin An were even unable to make ends meet.
But he was just a minor official in charge of the granary. Even if the women in Prince Rui's mansion were short of rice, he could not be short of a single grain.
Just as Qin An was walking towards the warehouse, his mind suddenly focused. He looked up and was so frightened that he stood still.
There was already thick smoke in the distance. The drunk man sobered up in an instant and shouted, "There's a fire!"
The granary in the distance was already filled with smoke and a raging fire, and the air was filled with the aroma of rice and a burnt smell.
In the surrounding courtyards, many elite soldiers of the Eight Banners of the Nuzhen began to move back and forth quickly, pushing an apricot-yellow water dragon cart to rescue the granary, but how could they possibly save it at this moment?
After a while, the fire was so raging that it was difficult to put out. In an instant, it was crackling and difficult to control.
A large number of soldiers were in a panic, some went to rescue the granary, some prepared water hoses and scooped buckets of water towards the flames.
For a moment, there was chaos in Shengjing City, with people roaring and horses neighing.
……
……
Palace Garden, Xiande Hall, Inner Study Room——
Dorgon was checking the military casualties report sent by the Ministry of War when he suddenly felt uneasy and his eyes were filled with doubt under his thick brows.
At this moment, a dense and chaotic sound of footsteps could be heard on the eaves outside the study.
Not long after, Lekedehun strode into the hall, his face as pale as paper, and said in a loud voice: "Regent, something terrible has happened."
Dorgon asked in surprise: "What's wrong?"
Under Lekedehun's thick eyebrows, his fierce eyes looked at Dorgon in panic, and with a trembling voice, he said in a deep voice: "The granary in the city is on fire."
Dorgon stood up suddenly, a worried look on his face, and asked in surprise, "What?"
Lekedehun's face turned serious and he said, "Two of the three granaries have been burned. Now the soldiers in the city are mobilizing their forces to attack the Han court."
Without saying a word, Dorgon strode out of the inner study with his head held high.
At this moment, Lekedehun also followed Dorgon out of the study, but his face was as gloomy as iron.
Dorgon stood under the eaves, looking towards the granary where flames were blazing, and felt his hands hidden in his sleeves trembling.
it's over...
The Qing Dynasty is over...
Dorgon felt a buzzing in his head, his breathing stagnated, and he was stunned.
Once the food and fodder are burned, they won’t be able to survive until the winter month.
Lekedehun's face also looked gloomy, as if covered with a layer of frost. Then, he said nothing, and his whole body was shrouded in despair.
It was autumn, and bone-chilling cold winds blew through the treetops of the sycamore trees, making a rustling sound that made Lekedehun and Dorgon shiver.
As autumn approaches, the weather has become increasingly cold.
At this moment, even Concubine Zhuang in the harem led Fulin to stand on the attic, looking at the flames in the east of the city. They felt cold all over and a chill ran through their bodies.
Under the bright sunlight, Concubine Zhuang's pretty and bright face had turned pale, and there was a hint of fear in her crystal clear eyes beneath her willow-leaf brows.
With Concubine Zhuang's knowledge, she was able to understand the significance of the fire in the granary in the city to the Jurchens at this time.
Concubine Zhuang saw Dorgon standing by and hurried over to him, calling out, "Fourteenth brother, what's going on? How come the granary is...on fire?"
Dorgon gradually came to his senses at this moment, stared at Concubine Zhuang, and said, "Collect food and fodder from the rich families in the city to supplement the military supplies."
"Come here, summon the civil and military ministers to discuss the matter together." Dorgon said with a gloomy face to the eunuch beside him.
In fact, the burning of the granary was such a serious event that all the Jurchen nobles of the Eight Banners in the city had already heard the news. They all came to the palace gate, clamoring to see the regent.
The Han officials and generals in the city were also filled with fear.
Because just recently, a rumor has been circulating in Shengjing City that the Regent has begun sending people to guard against the Han people in the city, fearing that they might surrender or open the city gates to the Han army.
This was also confirmed in a series of subsequent events. For example, some officers of the original Han army flag who were guarding the city gates were replaced by Jurchens or Mongols.
At this moment, Xiande Hall——
As time passed, Manchu princes, ministers and some Han officials all stood in the hall, looking solemnly at the regent Dorgon who was sitting behind the desk.
Apparently, the news that two of the three warehouses in the city had been burned had already been fully known.
Dorgon's face was solemn, suppressing the sadness in his heart. He paused and said, "Everyone, I believe you have heard the news. It is only a month before winter. The grain warehouses in the city have been burned down by spies. How can the remaining rice and grain last until that day?"
Most of the princes and ministers below had worried expressions on their faces.
Dorgon nodded and said in a deep voice: "The national affairs are difficult now, and we should work together to overcome the difficulties. Now I know that you still have a lot of food and fodder in your homes. Take them out and put them together. Submit them to the Ministry of Revenue for unified allocation. The rich families in the city should also take out half of their food and fodder. After repelling the Han army, we will return them double."
Things were going in the direction that Jia Heng had predicted. In order to survive the food crisis, Dorgon began to plunder food from the Eight Banners nobles and wealthy families in the city.
The Manchu and Han civil and military officials below were all silent and did not respond, with a feeling of despair already rising in their hearts.
The Qing Dynasty is really going to end.
It can be said that the Qing Dynasty was at the end of its rope and was about to perish.
Seeing that no one responded, Dorgon said, "Since none of you have any objection, then let's proceed accordingly."
Dorgon said, looking at Husai and said, "You will lead people to collect rice in the city later, and also collect food and fodder from several rice merchants outside the city."
Upon hearing this, Hu Sai bowed and responded.
Dorgon's face was as gloomy as iron, his tone was full of hatred, and he said in a deep voice: "Let someone find out the spy in the city. I will tear him into pieces!"
At this moment, among the Han officials, Sun Shaozu, who was wearing a military officer's robe, twitched his mouth, and then his expression returned to normal.
At this moment, as the news of the burning of three granaries in Shengjing City spread, the entire Shengjing City was shrouded in an indescribable atmosphere of despair.
The price of rice in the city skyrocketed again, and this time, it reached its peak.
However, Dorgon urgently dispatched troops and began to raise military supplies in the city.
……
……
Outside Shengjing City——
Jia Heng held a monocular telescope and stared at the flames and thick smoke rising from the sky. He turned to look at Chen Xiao and said, "Xiaoxiao, the thick smoke rising from the city should be the granary in the city."
Chen Xiao nodded and said softly, "It should be."
Jia Heng said loudly: "I don't know how much was burned, but no matter what, the people of Shengjing are in a panic. If the people's hearts are gone, the city will be difficult to defend."
Chen Xiao nodded, looking thoughtful.
Jia Heng said: "Let's go back to the central army camp first to discuss the siege."
In fact, the problem of rice shortage will not be exposed all at once, but it will undoubtedly be the biggest blow to morale.
For example, Cao Cao led his troops to launch a surprise attack on Wuchao and burned the grain and grass stored by Yuan Shao in Wuchao. Yuan Shao's army collapsed instantly. This was the same reason, because the army's morale was shaken and collapsed.
Central Army Tent——
Jia Heng was sitting behind a lacquered wooden table, and had already instructed the soldiers to notify the generals of the Beijing camp and the Jiangnan navy. After a short while, the room was filled with darkness.
Prince Beijing Shui Rong, Kang Hong, Wei Che and other generals all showed joy on their faces.
Not long after, the King of Wei and the King of Chu also opened their tents, and with the same joy on their faces, they said loudly: "Zi Yu, there are clouds of smoke rising from the city. I heard that the granary in the city is on fire."
Previously, Jia Heng arranged a strategy for Chen Xiao in front of the Wei and Chu clans, and now it has finally come to fruition.
Jia Heng nodded and said in a deep voice: "Now, all the food and fodder in the city has been burned, and the people in the city are in a panic. In the next few days, after completing the siege, the armies should intensify the siege and capture the city in one go."
Upon hearing this, the generals below all began to bow in agreement.
After all the generals had dispersed, Jia Heng looked at the King of Wei and the King of Chu and said, "Your Highnesses, how are the provisions and military equipment being prepared?"
King Wei Chen Ran said: "Zi Yu, there is no shortage of food and fodder. The previous change to water transportation has greatly improved the efficiency of food and fodder transportation, and it is much better than before."
Jia Heng turned to look at the King of Chu and said, "Your Highness, how are the military preparations going recently?"
King Chen Qin of Chu smiled and said, "Don't worry, Ziyu. The weapons are fully prepared. The Red Barbarian Fire Guns have an adequate supply of ammunition. We will never let the army run out of ammunition."
Jia Heng's eyes flashed fiercely, and he said loudly: "Today, the troops in the Beijing camp should rest and gather their strength. Tomorrow, we will strike while the iron is hot and prepare for the siege together."
Upon hearing this, all the officers and soldiers present in the Beijing camp bowed in agreement, then held their heads high and strode out of the military tent.
Chen Xiao, who was standing aside, looked at the young man in the python robe and said, "Shengjing City should be captured soon."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Don't be careless. By the way, where are Man Dahai and Shuo Sai's cavalry now?"
Chen Xiao said: "Shuosai has not harassed the grain route from Liaoyang to Shengjing again. As for Mandahai, seeing that the army is using water and sea transportation for grain, he has been much quieter recently."
Jia Heng thought for a moment and said, "We must not be careless with these two armies. Let Cao Bianjiao and Jia Fang lead the troops to chase and kill them."
Chen Xiao stared at the young man in the python robe and whispered, "Cao Bianjiao sent a pigeon message, wanting to be transferred to Shengjing to assist the army in attacking the city."
Now every officer of the Han army knows that Shengjing is the place where meritorious service is made, and it can be said that if one has merits, he can be granted a title of nobility.
Especially Cao Bianjiao, who had the idea of becoming a marquis. However, when he was escorting the grain, he did not make any contribution in front of Man Dahai.
Jia Heng thought about it and said firmly: "Send someone to tell him that if he can find Man Dahai's troops, he will be granted a title of nobility."
Chen Xiao responded.
Immediately, Chen Xiao raised his eyebrows and said, "The prince of Dongping, Mu Sheng, has led the Korean coalition forces to Hetuala City."
Jia Heng frowned, looked deeply, and said in a loud voice: "Send a pigeon to Prince Mu, and use Hetuala City as the center to march towards Khorchin and the northern wilderness."
At this time, the Rakshasa Kingdom had actually risen in the north. As time passed, just like during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the Rakshasa Kingdom would send cavalry to invade the Han border.
Chen Xiao nodded, nodded, and said: "I will send someone to send a letter by carrier pigeon later."
Then, at this moment, a Jinyifu guard came quickly, entered the military tent, and said with a bow, "Commander-in-chief, Marquis Xie is back."
Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao intently and said, "Let's go and welcome him together."
Compared with Cao Bianjiao's unsuccessful return, Xie Zaiyi not only annihilated thousands of soldiers led by Shuo Sai who harassed the grain route, but also escorted the grain route safely. He also sent troops to search for the traces of Shuo Sai's remnants to prevent any further trouble on the grain and fodder transportation line from Liaoyang to Shengjing.
At this moment, Xie Zaiyi led more than ten thousand cavalrymen coming from afar. It can be seen that the cavalry is mighty and the flags cover the sky.
It was the golden autumn of October. The iron hooves had trampled through the wild grass and the yellow sand was rolling.
Previously, Xie Zaiyi had left Jia Ling to lead 5,000 cavalry to escort the grain.
In fact, with the opening of another sea transportation route, the proportion of grain and fodder transferred from Liaoyang has been greatly reduced.
Xie Zaiyi ordered the cavalry general to lead a large number of cavalry into the camp from one side.
At this moment, Jia Heng, accompanied by the lieutenants of the Jinyifu and the strong men, came closer, met Xie Zaiyi's gaze, and said with a smile: "Brother Xie, long time no see."
Jia Heng did not live up to his official position and title. After Shengjing was captured, he might have to fight a tough political battle after returning to Beijing.
Xie Zaiyi was sitting upright on the saddle at this moment. He immediately dismounted, threw the reins in his hand to the guard beside him, and said with a fist, "General Jie."
Jia Heng said: "Brother Xie, you came at the right time. These days, we are preparing to attack Shengjing City. We need an invincible warrior like Brother Xie to attack Shengjing City."
Xie Zaiyi said: "It is my wish, I dare not ask you."
I couldn't help but feel an indescribable emotion in my heart.
Chen Xiao nodded, extended his hand and said, "This is not a place for chatting. Let's go to the military tent and chat together."
"Prepare the welcoming banquet." Jia Heng stretched out his hand and gave the order.
Xie Zaiyi nodded, and with Jia Heng's support on his arm, he walked towards the central military tent.
At this moment, the King of Wei and the King of Chu, who were in the military tent, also came out and looked at Xie Zaiyi, who was walking arm in arm with Jia Heng, with a smile.
While everyone was talking, they entered the military tent.
Then, everyone sat down.
Jia Heng looked at Xie Zaiyi, paused, and asked, "How is Shuosai doing?"
Xie Zaiyi said in a deep voice: "Now Jia Ling is leading 5,000 cavalry to escort the grain. Shuo Sai has not seen any trace of him in the past ten days. Is there any trace of him in the direction of Shengjing City?"
Jia Heng said: "Shengjing City is now in a dead end. Shuo Sai will never come to Shengjing City. He will probably continue to wander around the grasslands and his whereabouts are unknown."
Xie Zaiyi's bright tiger eyes flashed under his thick eyebrows, and he said in a deep voice: "Maybe it's to preserve the fire, who knows."
Jia Heng nodded and said in a clear voice: "It's not impossible."
Not far away, the King of Chu, Chen Qin, held up a blue and white porcelain wine cup in his hand, toasted to Xie Zaiyi, and said, "Lord Xie, I toast you a glass."
Xie Zaiyi said quickly: "Your Highness, the King of Chu, I am really embarrassed."
Back then, Xie Zaiyi, who was exiled to the city gate for talking back to his superiors in the Beijing camp, gradually matured after several years in officialdom.
When King Wei Chen Ran saw this scene, he frowned secretly, but then he changed his mind and felt a little indifferent.
Because when he was in the capital camp before, Wei Wang Chen Ran was the chief clerk of the army, in charge of military training and warfare. He also had a close relationship with Xie Zaiyi and respected him to the utmost.
The nobles in ancient times were courteous to the wise and humble to the humble, and often made friends with them by being humble. That is, they made friends with them on an equal footing, transcending class status, which made people feel particularly respected.
Everyone didn't say much, and started to eat, clinking glasses and toasting each other.
(End of this chapter)