The Red Mansions

Chapter 1414 Emperor Chongping: Liaoyang is broken, only Jinzhou is left

Chapter 1414 Emperor Chongping: Once Liaoyang is destroyed, the only route left is Jinzhou...

Jinzhou City

It was the height of summer, the sun was scorching, the bright sunlight shone on the earth, wild grass could be seen, and endless green grass was looming in the wilderness plains, the green was eye-catching.

Jia Heng led the Beijing camp army all the way to Jinzhou City.

At this moment, Cao Bianjiao was riding a horse with white mane. This young general was wearing bright silver armor and a plain cloak. In a sense, he was in the same state as Jia Heng when he was "young", successful at a young age and full of vigor and vitality.

Then, Cao Bianjiao led a group of cavalry wearing black armor and black cloaks and came at lightning speed.

At this moment, Jia Heng and Chen Xiao pulled the reins of their horses, raised a monocular telescope, and looked at the towering Jinzhou City in the distance.

Jinzhou City, as an important frontier city guarding the Jurchen capital Shengjing, is undoubtedly much more steep and majestic than Ningyuan City. At this moment, on the top of the city, the Jurchen dragon flags are fluttering in the wind.

Cao Bianjiao, accompanied by his personal guards, approached, dismounted, and respectfully said to the young man in the python robe, clasping his fists, "I greet the Duke of Wei."

Jia Heng reached out his hand to support Cao Bianjiao's arm, with a hint of admiration in his eyes, and said with a smile: "General Cao, there is no need to be polite. Please stand up quickly."

"Thank you, Duke Weiguo." Cao Bianjiao said with a fist salute.

"How is the battle situation in Jinzhou City these days?" Jia Heng looked at Cao Bianjiao and asked softly.

Cao Bianjiao's fair and clear face was silent for a moment, and he said, "Duke Weiguo, I led the army to the city of Jinzhou before, and the captive king Ajige led the cavalry out of the city to fight with our cavalry, and the two sides were evenly matched. After the two sides fight, we need to be careful of the enemy's troops leaving the city to rob the camp."

Jia Heng said in a deep voice: "The Eight Banners of the Jurchens have always been brave and elite. Their ability in field battles should not be underestimated. Next, General Cao will lead the cavalry to raid the battlefield for the main army."

The two men chatted, and Jia Heng did not delay any longer, but went towards the military tent.

While the officer was talking, he sat down on the chair.

Jia Heng sat down behind a lacquered wooden table, his face as calm as a lake, and whispered: "Now my army has arrived to besiege Jinzhou City. As long as we capture Jinzhou City, the Qing will have no more troops to use, and the capital Shengjing can be taken in one fell swoop."

This is to explain the significance of conquering Jinzhou City in order to inspire the officers and soldiers present.

When the generals below heard this, they were excited and most of them showed joy on their faces.

Jia Heng glanced at the officers and soldiers below and said loudly, "However, Jinzhou City has as many as 100,000 soldiers and horses, which does not give us much advantage in terms of manpower. Everyone, this battle is related to the fate of our Han Dynasty. I hope that you officers and soldiers will fight to the death. If you can defeat the enemy country, you will be remembered in history and your wife and children will be honored with titles and wealth. It is just around the corner."

Upon hearing this, all the generals responded loudly.

Upon hearing this, Cao Bianjiao's eyes also showed longing. He was now a fifth-rank noble, and after this battle, as long as he made great contributions, he should be able to be granted a title of nobility.

As for being conferred the title of Duke, that was certainly not possible, because the title of Duke was an insurmountable obstacle. Jia Heng had put in a lot of effort in the beginning before he was granted the title of Duke.

Jia Heng nodded and asked, "Where is Lord Xie now?"

At this moment, Chen Xiao was wearing a well-tailored Feiyu suit and a mountain-shaped wingless crown. His frosty face paused for a moment, and he said in a cold voice, "Zhongqin Hou has been harassing the food supply route of the Jurchen troops from Jinzhou to Shengjing in the past few days, and it has been quite effective."

Jia Heng whispered, "Although the Jurchens must have stored a lot of food and fodder in Jinzhou City, if their food supply is cut off, the Eight Banners soldiers in Jinzhou City will be left with nothing. Over time, the morale of the army will inevitably be shaken."

When the generals heard this, they all responded in unison.

On Jia Heng's side, after chatting with a group of officers, he did not linger in the military tent for long, but went to the military tent with the King of Chu and the King of Wei, where they sat down and had their meal.

The King of Wei nodded and said, "Zi Yu, the food and fodder are stored in Ningyuan, which can probably be used to support the troops until March."

Jia Heng said in a clear voice: "We still need to continue to store food and fodder. It is now early July. If we fail to conquer Jinzhou in March, it will be October. We need to prepare enough clothing and food and fodder to meet the needs of the army."

The food and fodder consumption of an army of 200,000 is not a small number, so there is a saying in Sun Tzu's Art of War that one grain of enemy food is worth a thousand bushels of food.

The King of Wei nodded and said, "But the war cannot be dragged on for too long. If it lasts for a year, the treasury of the Han Dynasty will not be able to bear the financial burden."

Jia Heng said: "Don't worry, Your Highness. This war will not drag on for a year."

Although he would not delay intentionally, the situation in the capital was worrying.

King Wei said: "I am not worried about what Zi Yu can do."

The King of Chu took over the conversation and whispered, "The red cannons and ammunition are ready and can be used by the army at any time."

After everyone finished their meal, Jia Heng and Chen Xiao returned to the military tent and sat down.

Chen Xiao leaned close to Jia Heng's ear and lowered his voice, saying, "According to the news in the capital, the emperor's health is getting worse. He was just ill not long ago and is now recuperating in the palace."

Hearing this, Jia Heng raised his eyebrows and whispered, "After all, I am old, and I have experienced so many great sorrows and joys that it has affected my body."

The best outcome, of course, would be that after he conquered the Jurchens, the emperor would...

In that case, the kings of Wei and Chu would both be in the army, and he would have a great say.

But the emperor has always been strong-willed, and he might hold on and wait for him to come back.

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Okay, let's not talk about this for now. Let's rest for a day and attack the city tomorrow."

Chen Xiao held the boy's hand, with a firm look on his face, and said softly: "I will always be with you."

Jia Heng responded softly, turned his head to look at the beauty beside him, gently put his arm around the beauty's slender shoulders, moved close to her frosty face, and kissed her lips. The couple enjoyed a moment of warmth.

……

……

Jinzhou City

Dorgon and Ajige both had gloomy expressions on their faces. They looked up at the Han army formation five miles away and glanced at each other, both seeing a solemn look in each other's eyes.

In the past few days, the fall of Liaoyang has undoubtedly made the two brothers Dorgon and Ajige extremely anxious.

Ajige's eyes flashed fiercely, and he said in a deep voice: "Fourteenth brother, the main force of the Han army is coming."

Dorgon's eyes were filled with chills, and he said in a deep voice: "Judging from the flags, the Han army coming this time has about 200,000 soldiers and horses."

There were about 150,000 soldiers in the Beijing garrison, plus 30,000 soldiers in Taiyuan Town, and in addition, 30,000 soldiers in Shanhaiguan, totaling more than 200,000 soldiers.

Throughout history, there have been battles involving an army of 200,000, such as the 800,000 troops in the Battle of Red Cliffs in the Three Kingdoms novel. In real history books, there were actually only 200,000 troops, but it was claimed to be 800,000 to the outside world.

Such a huge consumption of military forces is enough to launch a war to annihilate the country.

Ajige nodded and said worriedly: "Our army is too passive to defend. Previously, I fought with them and found that their fighting power is not low. It is not easy to defeat them."

Dorgon's eyes flashed coldly under his thick eyebrows, and he said in a deep voice: "The combat power of the Han cavalry is no less than that of the warriors of the Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty."

Ajige said: "But we still have to go out of the city and besiege it. Otherwise, if we just defend the city, our army will just passively take the beating. It is better to send troops to attack them and supply the army."

Dorgon said: "Our army cannot defend the city, but the combat power of the Han army in Beijing should not be underestimated. If we fight in the field, our army may not be able to gain a big advantage."

Ajige said: "Passively taking the beating in the city is not a long-term solution."

"There is enough food and fodder in the city. Let's defend it first. If the morale of the Han army is low, our army will send out troops later." Dorgon thought for a while and said loudly.

However, at this moment, a horseman came up from the stone steps of the horse path and said, "Your Majesty, General Chang Bao in Dalinghe sent a military report that the Han army's cavalry in the southwest has robbed the food and fodder that our army was transporting to Jinzhou. Please send troops to help."

Dorgon's face was as solemn as ice. He said, "As expected, the Han army has not stopped. They have already started to attack our army's food supply route."

These are all obvious operations, but Dorgon has already stockpiled a lot of food and fodder in Jinzhou, enough to cope with long-term defense of the city.

Ajige frowned, looked deeply, and said worriedly: "I am worried that the Han army will attack our Shengjing City after attacking Jinzhou. If Shengjing City fails, the morale of our frontline troops will be shaken."

Ajige had been through many battles and was not an incompetent person. At this moment, he naturally realized the key point.

Dorgon said confidently: "Shengjing City is heavily guarded, so there is no need to worry about the Han army attacking from behind."

In fact, isn't he worried about these things in his heart?

But at this moment, worrying will not help the overall situation. Instead, it will shake the confidence of the officers under my command. I can only leave it like this for the time being.

……

……

Shenjing City, Palace Garden

Kunning Palace

Emperor Chongping was now dressed in casual clothes, leaning on the bed next to the window, covered with a woolen blanket. His forehead was deeply wrinkled, and his eyes were slightly narrowed under his thin eyebrows, as if he was resting his eyes.

The emperor had fallen seriously ill in the previous summer. Although he recovered, his body gradually became weaker, and his handsome face, haggard and worn-out look had undoubtedly worsened over time.

Queen Song was wearing a scarlet palace dress, with a plump and graceful figure. Her beautiful and gorgeous face showed a peaceful expression. She held a teacup in her hand, and approached quietly. She called softly, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Chongping uttered a weak "hmm", then opened his drooping eyelids, stared at the beauty, and whispered, "Zitong, you're here."

Queen Song had a flawless face and skin as white as snow. She said in a delicate voice, "Your Majesty, ginseng tea."

The clear and thin face of Emperor Chongping suddenly changed, as if his scattered gaze seemed to be focused in his eyes.

Empress Song sat nearby, picked up the ginseng tea, scooped up a bowl of tea, and handed it to Emperor Chongping's lips, saying, "Your Majesty, have a sip."

Emperor Chongping's eyes flickered, and he asked curiously, "Zitong, how many months has it been in Xianning?"

Well, although she is his own daughter, the emperor is not that concerned about her.

Queen Song smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it's still too early. There are still several months to go. It's not time for the baby to be born yet."

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "I wonder if Ziyu can conquer Liaodong before Xianning gives birth."

Queen Song: “…”

It seems that Your Majesty is beating around the bush, or is he still wondering when that little fox will be able to pacify Liaodong.

"Your Majesty, although I am not familiar with military affairs, I also know that this kind of national war will not be decided in a day or two." Queen Song said in a low voice with her beautiful eyes sparkling under her dark eyebrows.

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "Yes, I don't know if I can see the day when Liaodong is pacified."

Queen Song's beautiful face suddenly changed, her eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Your Majesty... why do you say such ominous words?"

Emperor Chongping waved his hand, a hint of stubbornness appeared on his face, and he whispered: "Don't worry, Zitong, I will definitely see that day."

Queen Song sighed deeply in her heart.

Your Majesty has been strong all his life, but I am afraid that if that matter is really exposed, the sky will fall and the earth will collapse...

I hope Your Majesty will never know this in your lifetime.

Just then, the sound of light footsteps came from behind a marble-polished mica screen.

Dai Quan came over quickly, a hint of joy on his fair, beardless face, and said, "Your Majesty, urgent news from the Duke of Wei."

As soon as these words came out, Emperor Chongping's expression suddenly changed, and he hurriedly asked: "Where is the military report?"

Dai Quan smiled and bowed as he handed it over, saying, "Your Majesty, the Jiangnan Navy led by Prince Beijing Shui Rong and the troops led by Admiral Hebei Kang Hong have already captured the important Jurchen city of Liaoyang, annihilated nearly 20,000 enemies, and are heading straight to Shengjing. After the Duke of Wei captured Ningyuan, he led his troops to Jinzhou."

When Emperor Chongping heard this, he felt his heart agitated, his sunken cheeks flushed, and he asked, "Is this true?"

As he spoke, the middle-aged emperor began to cough violently. Due to his excitement, his sunken cheeks turned red.

Upon hearing this, Empress Song quickly stepped forward, supported Emperor Chongping's arm, and said softly, "Your Majesty."

Dai Quan nodded and said, "Your Majesty, this is the military report."

Emperor Chongping took the military report from Dai Quan, read it attentively, his eyes moved slightly, and said: "Zi Yu did a good job, and Shui Rong is a talented general, and he lived up to my expectations."

Emperor Chongping's thin eyebrows were full of impatience, and he said in a loud voice: "Dai Quan, go and get the map. I want to take a look."

Although he had already memorized the mountains and rivers on the Liaodong map in the past few days, Emperor Chongping was so excited at the moment that he could only release some of his emotions when he got the map.

Upon hearing this, Dai Quan hurriedly talked to several eunuchs and handed the map to Emperor Chongping for the emperor to examine.

Emperor Chongping looked at the map that seemed to be tinged with pale yellow. Under his thin eyebrows, his cold eyes lingered on Liaoyang City and said, "It is not far from Shengjing City. Once Liaoyang is broken, there is only Jinzhou left."

The middle-aged emperor felt his heart beating wildly again.

Once Shengjing is conquered, the world will be at peace, the foundation will last for generations, and his achievements in civil and military affairs will be well-known, not inferior to those of the ancient sage kings.

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Weiguo is now in Ningyuan City. Once the main force of the Jurchens is annihilated in Jinzhou, the Jurchens will surely be destroyed if they continue to attack from both directions." Dai Quan said jokingly.

Emperor Chongping nodded, smiled, and said with emotion: "Yes, with Ziyu's ability, these are things that will happen sooner or later."

He would certainly be able to hold on until that day, witness the annihilation of the Jurchens, offer sacrifices to the Taimiao, and at the same time clear the obstacles for his successor to rule the country.

Zi Yu has fought in many battles over the years, and it is time for him to relax in the woods, spend time with his wife and children, and have a good rest.

After thinking for a while, he suddenly remembered something and asked, "Prince of Dongping, where is Mu Sheng?"

Dai Quan said: "There is no military report at the moment."

Emperor Chongping frowned, then relaxed his eyebrows and said, "After all, they are Korean soldiers. It is possible that we cannot compare with them."

Queen Song was listening to the conversation between Dai Quan and Emperor Chongping, and a hint of joy appeared on her fair, flawless face.

The little fox won another victory, I hope it will make Your Majesty feel much better.

The day before yesterday, I heard from the imperial physician that Your Majesty’s health may not last another year or two.

Of course, the taboo words raised by the imperial physician did not reach the ears of Emperor Chongping, so as to prevent the middle-aged emperor from worrying too much.

Emperor Chongping nodded and said, "Prince Beijing has made such a great contribution. Zitong, I will allocate some ginseng and jewelry from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to deliver to Prince Beijing's mansion."

Queen Song smiled brightly and said, "Your Majesty, I will send someone to take care of this matter right away."

As he said this, he looked at Xia Shouzhong who was waiting on the side and gave him a wink.

Xia Shouzhong responded softly with a "yes", then turned and left.

……

……

Beijing Palace

In the backyard, in the hall——

Zhen Xue was holding her son at the moment, sitting on a soft couch in the hall. The beauty was wearing a lotus-white long dress, looking graceful and elegant. She was holding a rattle in her hand, helping Shui Ying shake it.

Not far away was Concubine Beijing, with a head full of silver hair that was combed meticulously. Although she was old, her movements were elegant. When she looked at Zhen Xue, there was a hint of envy on her face.

Because the child is with his mother after all, Shuiying has been clamoring to see her mother during this period.

Zhen Xue paused for a moment, then said softly, "My Lady Concubine, I want Ying'er to stay in my room for a few more days."

Without thinking twice, Concubine Beijing refused: "Ying'er has gotten used to me. It would be inappropriate for her to stay in your room again."

Zhen Xue responded softly, and said in a trembling voice: "Teacher, I..."

"You can take care of the child. Rong'er was raised by me all these years." Concubine Beijing said with a strong personality and a tone that could not be refused.

Shui Xin, who was not far away, was playing cat's tangle with a maid. The little girl was about seven or eight years old, with a rosy and chubby face and bright red lips.

Hearing her grandma and Zhen Xue arguing, Shui Xin's rosy cheeks turned pale as paper, and she walked to the side with her little head huddled.

At this moment, the maid wanted to reach out and pull Shui Xin's hand, and leave the hall where the atmosphere was tense.

But at this moment, a maid dressed in silk and satin walked into the hall with a happy look on her face and said softly, "Queen Dowager, Princess, a maid has come from the palace with a cart of things to give to the queen."

The Beijing Concubine was overjoyed and asked in surprise, "This is not a festival, what is the reward for?"

Shui Xin also turned her palm-sized, rosy and chubby face and looked at the nanny, her heart full of curiosity.

The nanny was beaming with joy as she said in a clear voice, "I heard that the prince won a great victory in Liaodong, and the emperor in the palace was very pleased, so he asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to reward him with some things."

Concubine Beijing nodded and said, "Rong'er has done a great job."

Then, he turned his gaze to Princess Beijing Zhen Xue standing beside him, with a hint of contemplation in his old eyes.

She has taught her son so well. In her hands, Ying'er will surely become a wise king like Rong'er who is both civil and martial.

When Zhen Xue raised her cold and bright face, she pursed her pink lips. As she looked up, she couldn't help but think of the young man in the python costume. All the infatuation they had in the past suddenly came to her mind, and her eyes were dazed.

(End of this chapter)