allendalepharm Chapter 1366 Chen Xiao: Looks like it’s just what I wanted?
Chapter 1366 Chen Xiao: Looks like it’s just what I wanted?
Chapter 1366 Chen Xiao: ...It seems like this is exactly what I wanted?
Time flies, and before I knew it, it was the cold winter of the twelfth lunar month of the eighteenth year of Chongping.
On this day, Haizhou Acropolis
Hebei Governor Kang Hong, wearing a fox fur cloak and with a resolute face, sat on the armchair in the yamen, holding a book in his hand and reading it intently.
Not far below was sitting Jia Fang, with a calm face, clear brows, and a heroic and resolute look.
Kang Hong's eyes flickered under his thick eyebrows that looked like thin and strong bones, and he looked intently at the young man.
He thought to himself that his demeanor and charm were quite similar to those of the Duke of Weiguo.
Kang Hong reminded: "The weather has suddenly turned cold. Next, we must be careful of the Jurchens taking advantage of the heavy snow to launch a surprise attack."
Jia Fang was about to say something.
At this moment, a desolate horn sounded from the city gate tower, spreading throughout the Haizhou City Wall and shaking the entire hall for a moment.
After a while, a young official strode into the hall, bowed and said, "General, the Jurchens are here."
After a long time, the Jurchens also sent troops to the city.
Kang Hong stood up suddenly, a hint of coldness in his eyes, and said softly: "The Jurchens are here again."
Previously, Jia Heng had issued a military order to remind Kang Hong to pay attention to the movements of the Jurchens.
Jia Fang's eyes were as sharp as a sword, and he said, "General Kang, let's go and take a look together."
As they spoke, the two of them walked quickly towards the city gate tower.
At this moment, looking around, you can see flags covering the sky, swords and spears shining, people's eyes blazing, and murderous aura rising above the vast snowfield.
"The Jurchens have a lot of soldiers and horses."
"It looks like there are about 50,000 to 60,000 people." Jia Fang said from the side.
If there are less than 10,000 Jurchens, they are invincible if there are more than 10,000. Although it has become a joke in recent years, the fighting power of the Jurchens should not be underestimated.
At this moment, the one leading the troops was Ajige of the Jurchens. This Jurchen prince had led nearly 50,000 elite Jurchen troops from Liaoyang.
Ajige stood under the frozen central army banner, staring at the familiar Haizhou City in the distance, frowning, and said in a cold voice: "Han people, I wonder if you can still fight in winter?"
The Eight Banners of the Jurchens were accustomed to hunting in winter and had strong adaptability, while the Han soldiers came from afar.
But in fact, the troops under Kang Hong were originally the Hebei border troops, so it didn't matter that they couldn't withstand the severe cold.
The deputy general beside Ajige whispered, "Your Majesty, let's set up camp first."
Ajige nodded and said, "Let the officers start setting up camp."
Afterwards, the Jurchen troops began to set up camp in the snow, and they were determined not to give up until they captured Haizhou Wei.
……
……
Gaizhou Weicheng, Wei Ya Houtang
Jia Heng sat on a pearwood chair in the hall, sitting around a copper basin and warming himself by the fire. The blazing fire dispelled the coldness in the room.
Gu Ruoqing had also changed into a fox fur coat. Her delicate face, as pretty as that of a southern girl, did not become cracked due to the cold weather in the north. Instead, it looked even cooler and more beautiful.
Chen Xiao frowned and said, "Some soldiers have been frostbitten in the past few days."
Jia Heng's sharp eyebrows and eyes were as bright as a god. He asked, "Xiaoxiao, have all the winter clothes been distributed to the officers in the army?"
Chen Xiao nodded and said, "It has been distributed."
Jia Heng thought for a moment and said, "Wine, meat and coal for heating should also be distributed to provide the soldiers with what they need for heating. I'll go and take a look later."
With the continuous development of coal, honeycomb coal, led by the Ministry of Industry, has also entered the military and thousands of households. Now various small stoves have become quite popular.
Chen Xiao's sword-like eyebrows and clear eyes moved slightly, and asked: "When do you plan to join the army in North Korea?"
Jia Heng said, "Let's wait for a few days to see if there is any news from Haizhou Guards after the first wave of Jurchen attacks."
Chen Xiao shook his head slightly and asked, "There is no military intelligence at the moment."
At this time, the weather was cold and carrier pigeons could not fly, so military information could only be transmitted through beacon towers or other 600-mile fast horses.
Chen Xiao said: "I'll send someone to ask."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Xiaoxiao."
Not long after, accompanied by the sound of footsteps, Gu Ruoqing lightly carried a food box and strode into the hall, saying, "The weather is a bit cold, I made some red date glutinous rice porridge, you can eat some later."
Chen Xiao walked closer with a smile on his face and said, "This smells like rice. Senior Sister is really good at cooking."
Gu Ruoqing's eyes were as clear as water, showing a hint of unnaturalness under her curved eyebrows. She said, "I haven't cooked for several years."
Chen Xiao said softly: "Wash the soup with your bare hands. Sister has found her lover now and will no longer wander around."
Gu Ruoqing: “…”
Can’t even eating porridge keep your mouth shut?
What are you talking about looking for a lover? Gu Ruoqing couldn't help but glance at the calm young man in the python costume.
Jia Heng took the bowl of porridge from Gu Ruoqing and said, "Xiaoxiao, stop talking and just eat your porridge."
Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at the young man.
I thought to myself, you have no right to speak, and you have enjoyed all the good things alone.
Gu Ruoqing raised her eyes and looked at the young man in the python robe quietly, and asked, "When are you going to set off to attack North Korea?"
Jia Heng raised his eyebrows and said, "I have to lead the team personally this time. I will be on hand to preside over the follow-up affairs with North Korea."
Chen Xiao said: "North Korea is not in ruins now, how do you plan to bring it under your control?"
Jia Heng said, "Don't be hasty."
The elimination of national consciousness is a long-term task. It is easy to take over North Korea, but subsequent cultural assimilation is still very important.
Destroy their books and writings, destroy their clothes and clothing, sever their cultural bloodline, and ultimately realize the unity of the Chinese Empire as one family.
Under Gu Ruoqing's charming eyebrows, her snow-white, flawless face showed a thoughtful look. She nodded but didn't say anything else.
Just as the two were eating the porridge, a Jinyifu guard's voice suddenly came from outside, saying, "Commander-in-chief, Haizhou guards have an urgent report."
Jia Heng put down the bowl of porridge and said, "Xiaoxiao, wait here, I'll go take a look now."
As he spoke, he took the military report from the Jinyifu guard, lowered his eyes to examine it, and his expression gradually became solemn.
Looking at the solemn-looking young man, Chen Xiao raised his eyebrows and said softly, "What's wrong?"
Gu Ruoqing, on his side, also cast a pair of concerned and bright eyes towards the young man in the python costume.
Jia Heng said softly: "Ajige's main force marched out from Liaoyang to attack Haizhou City. Hebei Governor Kang Hong sent someone to deliver a letter of rescue."
Chen Xiao was somewhat confused and said, "If the Jurchens really march in winter, are you going to send reinforcements?"
Jia Heng frowned, his eyes burning, and whispered: "Reinforcements must be sent, otherwise, even if the Hebei border troops dare to fight, they will not be able to withstand the continuous attacks of the Jurchens."
Chen Xiao's eyes flickered, and he asked, "Who do you plan to appoint as your general?"
Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "Let Wei Che send 15,000 naval troops to support Haizhou Guards and stop the counterattack of the Jurchens."
He also wanted to go to Korea, which was obviously not suitable for him. As for Shui Rong and the King of Chu, one had to stay here and take charge, and the other was a nobleman.
However, in this way, the number of troops he sent to Korea was only about 10,000, but it was enough.
After all, there is Japan's Denglai Navy and the Japanese Navy Coalition, which can also call on troops from Chungcheong Province and Gyeongsang Province of Korea.
Chen Xiao ordered a Jinyifu guard to pass on the message, and then raised his eyes and asked: "Do you want to transfer more troops from Shandong Dusi? Although the local garrison troops are a little inferior, they can still be used to defend the city. After the overall situation in Korea is settled, the troops will be stretched to the limit."
This time, there were 50,000 to 60,000 naval troops from Jiangnan, 30,000 troops from Hebei border, plus more than 10,000 soldiers from Tianjin, totaling about 100,000 people.
The situation was not clear in the early stages, so the number of troops deployed could not be too large, otherwise the logistical pressure would be too great.
Jia Heng looked thoughtful, and said in a gentle voice: "We can also transfer some more soldiers from Shandong Dusi, but Shandong Dusi has not recovered from the White Lotus incident. Henan Dusi and Jiangbei Camp will transfer another 30,000 soldiers by boat to station here."
Although Jiangsu and Anhui had established a dusi, the troops under their jurisdiction were few, and most of them were coastal defense forces. The main force was still the troops from the Jiangbei and Jiangnan camps.
Chen Xiao nodded and said, "That's fine."
Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "After conquering North Korea, the two sides will have a brief standoff. I may have to go back to Beijing."
It can be said that when the Beijing camp's troops are mobilized to start a battle, he must be the main force, and the navy, which is used to open up the situation or serve as a nail, can only serve as a minor force.
Otherwise, you will be doing things that are not right for others.
Of course, given the tragic military defeat during the Longzhi period of the Chen Han Dynasty, as well as the disastrous defeat suffered by the Prince of Nan'an when he led his troops to conquer the northwest.
Emperor Chongping probably wouldn't feel comfortable handing over his troops to others.
If something unexpected happened again, causing Chen Hanping to miss the opportunity to destroy the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Chongping would probably be so angry that he would bang his head against the wall.
Chen Xiao nodded and said, "That's fine."
After Jia Heng finished speaking, he didn't say anything else. He picked up the bowl of porridge beside him and ate it slowly.
"The previous bowl has gotten cold. You can eat this one." Gu Ruoqing, who was standing aside, frowned and said with a bright and sparkling look in her beautiful eyes.
Jia Heng nodded and said, "Thank you for your help, Ruqing."
Although older single women have eccentric personalities, they also know how to feel warm and cold.
Jia Heng ate another bowl of porridge and felt much warmer. He looked up at Chen Xiao and said, "Xiaoxiao, come with me to discuss the matter of marching into Korea with King Beijing."
It's time to send troops.
Gu Ruoqing watched the two of them leave, cleaned up the dishes, and sighed quietly in his heart.
In the front hall,
Prince of Beijing Shui Rong and Prince of Chu Chen Qin were both in the government hall, sitting down to drink tea. In the charcoal braziers placed on both sides of the hall, fires were burning brightly, dispelling the coldness of the night.
"The Duke of Wei has arrived."
The Jinyi Guards called out loudly, and Shui Rong and the King of Chu stood up immediately, looking at Jia Heng with expectant eyes.
"Zi Yu." Beijing King Shui Rong and Chu King Chen Qin called out in unison.
Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "My two princes, pack up and prepare your troops in the next few days, and take a ship to Korea."
Beijing Prince Shui Rong asked, "Is Zi Yu ready to send troops?"
"The timing has recently matured. It's time to send troops to settle the overall situation in Korea." Jia Heng paused and said thoughtfully.
Prince Beijing Shui Rong thought for a moment and said, “Zi Yu just sent Wei Che to dispatch 20,000 naval forces to Haizhouwei?”
Jia Heng nodded and said, "I was just about to discuss this with the prince. Leave 10,000 Hebei border troops and more than 25,000 navy soldiers here to guard the rear of my army. I will lead the troops to the capital."
Prince Beijing Shui Rong looked worried and said, "Zi Yu, you are only taking 10,000 soldiers to Korea. Isn't that too few?"
Jia Heng smiled and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. There are soldiers in Korea who are here to support the king, but they just lack deployment. And there are not many elite soldiers under Aobai. I will lead the troops there. Prince Beijing will stay in Gaizhou. This is where our army's supplies are. Your Majesty should be very careful."
One common feature of this war so far is that both sides are short of military forces.
In the early days of the Han Dynasty, due to the logistical pressure of the navy attacking from afar, it did not allocate heavy troops to land in Liaodong at the beginning. The Jurchens suffered continuous casualties in the past few years and suffered a lot of losses.
Prince Beijing Shui Rong cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Zi Yu, I will definitely take good care of the army's retreat."
As Jia Heng spoke, he turned his head to look at the King of Chu, Chen Qin, and said, "I hope Your Majesty can escort a batch of military equipment and fodder from Shandong to supply the army, and at the same time coordinate with the Henan Military Commission and the Jiangbei Camp to transfer troops here."
King Chen Qin of Chu looked solemn and said, "Don't worry, Ziyu, the military equipment and food will be delivered in full and on time."
After Jia Heng explained the relevant details, he said softly: "Your Highness, when the spring comes next year, the troops of the Beijing camp can be fully deployed to attack Liaodong from both the sea and the road."
King Chen Qin of Chu was so excited that he couldn't hide his joy. He said excitedly, "Zi Yu, I can't wait for that day."
Jia Heng said: "The closer it is to a major war, the more cautious we must be. We must not give the Jurchens any chance."
King Chen Qin of Chu nodded, with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Jia Heng didn't say anything else and returned to the back hall with Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao said: "I will go to North Korea with you this time."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "I am a little worried about you helping Prince Beijing lead the troops here."
Chen Xiao glanced at the young man in the python robe and said, "I am worried about you. Don't bring back a Korean princess or a princess this time."
Jia Heng chuckled and said, "There are already enough princesses at home."
Chen Xiao's face turned pale and she snorted softly, saying, "Tell me, which princess is superfluous?"
Jia Heng said: "It seems there is someone called Le..."
"Hmm?" Chen Xiao raised her slender and curved eyebrows slightly, and a hint of hostility appeared in her crystal clear eyes.
Jia Heng couldn't help laughing and said, "Is it a lot? Not much either... Not too much either."
Chen Xiao was stunned for a moment, but he didn't study the other meanings in Jia Heng's words. After thinking for a while, he stopped bickering with Jia Heng and said softly, "Let me go with you on this trip to Korea."
Hearing this, Jia Heng nodded and said, "That's fine."
Chen Xiao: "..."
You agreed so readily? It seems like it's just what I wanted? I'm afraid that after she comes back, Senior Sister will no longer be a virgin, right?
She was well aware of his invisible methods of stealing people's virginity.
Jia Heng, however, did not have so many thoughts. He just took the beautiful woman's slender hand and returned to the back hall to meet Gu Ruqing.
……
……
Haizhou Wei, Weicheng.
"Rumble..."
The red cannon roared loudly, and amidst the billowing smoke, the cannons on the Haizhou City Wall fired continuously, making a deafening sound.
Ajige, who was wearing a mink coat and looked bloated and bear-like, saw the mighty cannons of the Han army from afar. He frowned and shouted, "Where are our red cannons?"
This red cannon follows the name used by the Han court in the south.
The deputy general on the side said with a vigorous beard, "Your Highness, have you forgotten? The Red Cannon is heavy and difficult to transport. It cannot be transported here at the moment and is of no use."
Although the elite troops of the Eight Banners of the Jurchens were brave and unafraid of the severe cold, they also had to consider the inconvenience of transportation during the transportation of cannons and muskets. Now that the roads were blocked by heavy snow, it was impossible to transport the Red Cannon.
Ajige's resolute and tall face was as gloomy as iron, as if it had frozen into ice. Looking at the city wall covered with a heavy layer of ice, his eyes were full of worry.
In winter, the sky gets dark early. Now that dusk has fallen, the sky and the earth are grey and dim.
"It's getting late, let's call off the troops first." Ajige glanced at the top of the building fiercely, thought for a moment, and said in a deep voice.
The siege was not going well this time. As the saying goes, the first attack is strong, the second is weak, and the third is exhausted. Ajige was extremely anxious.
Haizhou City Wall was not as easy to capture as imagined.
As the Jurchen troops ceased their attacks, a large number of soldiers in the military tents below began to rest, leaving pools of blood of varying sizes on the vast snow.
Viewed from above, it looked somewhat of a mess.
Many corpses were lying in the trenches of the city walls, a horrific sight.
Jia Heng was standing not far away at this moment, his expression slightly paused.
At this moment, in a dark white military tent, a charcoal brazier was burning with blazing flames, which burned in balls and dispelled the cold temperature in the tent.
Although the elite soldiers of the Eight Banners of the Jurchens were fearless and brave, that did not mean they were not afraid of the cold. It was freezing cold and their breath turned into ice. Once they were injured, it was almost like losing half their lives.
Kang Hong and Jia Fang also returned to the city and ordered the chief clerk to count the casualties of the soldiers.
Kang Hong's resolute face was filled with solemnity, and he said in a deep voice: "The Jurchen soldiers are fearless and fearless, which really makes people worried and frightened."
Jia Fang's face was stern, and he said indifferently: "It's just a chicken and a dog struggling to death."
Kang Hong smiled and said, "General Xiao Jia, don't be careless. These are the main force of the Jurchens, veteran soldiers who have fought many battles and are the elite troops that helped them establish the country."
These 50,000 elite Jurchen Eight Banners were indeed the elite forces of the Qing Dynasty.
Jia Fang said: "My Han army is fighting against the elite!"
Then, with a fierce look in his eyes, he asked for orders, "Admiral Kang, their troops are not yet firmly established. If it is night, our army can take advantage of the moonlight to raid their camp."
"On a snowy night, the enemy's situation is unclear, so we must not be careless." Kang Hong reminded and said in a clear voice.
When Jia Fang heard this, although he was tempted, he knew that Kang Hong's words made sense, so he stopped inviting him.
At this time, a dark-faced officer from outside came into the hall and reported to Kang Hong and Jia Fang, saying, "General, the Duke of Wei has sent someone to say that reinforcements will be sent over. You must defend the city."
Kang Hong nodded and said loudly, "Got it. Send scouts to the official road to inquire about the movement of reinforcements and report back at any time."
The lieutenant clasped his fists, then turned and left.
"The Duke has sent reinforcements. As long as we hold on until next spring, the Jurchen troops will retreat."
Jia Fang said, "General Kang, if you defend the city for too long, you will lose it. After a few days, when the Jurchens are defeated in their siege, you can consider what I just said."
Kang Hong smiled and said, "Don't worry, General Jia. I will also use our strong city and powerful artillery to temper the Jurchen Tartars' hostility first."
After hearing this, Jia Fang didn't say anything else.
So, in the next three or four days, Ajige kept urging his soldiers to attack Haizhou City, but they were all defeated by the artillery fire and crossbow arrows of the Han army.
The advance was unsuccessful and was delayed until the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month in the cold winter.
(End of this chapter)