The Red Mansions

Chapter 1358 Chen Xiao: It is true that there is always a way out when you reach the mountain

Chapter 1358 Chen Xiao: It is true... There is always a way out when you reach the mountain...

Night falls and the moon shines brightly.

A large number of soldiers and officers came and went, standing guard with their weapons in hand in the camp. The sounds of iron plates and armor colliding and heavy footsteps gradually spread far away, gradually fading away in the bleak autumn wind.

On the flag ship with the "Jia" character on its head, the bright orange lights in the cabin cast two figures on the mica stone screen.

Jia Heng was in the military tent, holding a thin book on military affairs and reading it. As he read the words on it, a thoughtful look gradually appeared in his eyes.

Gu Ruoqing walked forward, her beautiful eyes under her willow-shaped eyebrows looking at the focused young man, her heartstrings were touched, and she asked, "Duke Weiguo, will we gather our troops to attack Gaizhou Weicheng tomorrow?"

Jia Heng raised his head, looked at Gu Ruoqing, and said softly: "Let's see the situation tomorrow. These three cities are in a triangular shape and rely on each other. It will be very difficult to break through the city."

Gu Ruoqing nodded and said softly, "Today's battle is different from what is described in the storybook."

Jia Heng couldn't help but laugh and said, "There are too many strange plots and intrigues in the storybooks. The real war is not like that. But as you think, there are some. Occasionally, it is also a matter worth writing about."

It is said that literary works should be dramatic, but real wars are not that complicated and are often hard and steady.

Under Gu Ruoqing's curved willow-leaf eyebrows, her bright eyes were as bright as jade. She looked at the handsome young man and said, "Fighting is also a matter of great skill."

Jia Heng said: "The art of war is profound and extensive. I don't know how many predecessors and sages have immersed themselves in it, so many masters have emerged."

Gu Ruoqing's bright and beautiful face seemed to be thinking about something, and she asked softly, "Did Duke Wei know this from birth, or did he learn it later in life?"

After all, having been forcefully kissed by the young man before, this high-quality, older single woman began to scrutinize and assess the young man a little more.

Jia Heng said: "Maybe he is gifted and learned it by himself."

Gu Ruoqing's clear eyes were soft and flowing under her willow-shaped eyebrows. She glanced at the young man and whispered, "Duke Wei's words are not modest at all."

She had collected a lot of information about the young man's rise to fame in the past. He started from humble beginnings, but to achieve such success, he was truly gifted.

Jia Heng came forward, took hold of Gu Ruoqing's slender hand, and with a soft hum, he immediately embraced the beautiful woman in his arms and said, "I'm just saying what I mean."

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful and fair face blushed as red as a rosy cloud, or rather, she felt a little uncomfortable being hugged so intimately by the young man.

However, after a moment, two faint blushes suddenly appeared on Gu Ruoqing's icy face, and she asked, "You...what are you doing?"

It was clear that the young man had climbed up on it without knowing when.

Just as she was about to open the boy's hand, she suddenly saw the boy approaching her lips that were as beautiful as peach blossoms. A warm and soft breath came towards her, which made Gu Ruoqing's heart jump.

What followed was even more wanton plundering than the first time.

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful face gradually turned red with shame, and she gently pushed away the young man in the python robe, because the young man had already put his hand into his clothes and was causing trouble.

The beautiful woman's delicate body trembled violently, and her frosty face was filled with a gorgeous blush.

Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at the blushing beauty and whispered, "What's wrong?"

"You, you scoundrel!" Gu Ruoqing's plump and delicate body was burning hot at this moment, and her head felt dizzy. Her face, which was as beautiful as a spring flower, was as red as a rosy cloud, and was indescribably beautiful.

Jia Heng chuckled, held the slender hand of the high-quality older leftover woman, and said, "Ruoqing, you are at a loss for words, so you can only curse me with this, right?"

Gu Ruoqing snorted, her beautiful eyes filled with shame and anger, and she said, "You are vulgar."

"When two people are in love, they can't help themselves. How can it be said to be obscene?" Jia Heng said softly, but he didn't continue to make a fuss and let go of Gu Ruqing's waist.

I thought to myself, I don’t know who will be the most obscene person in the future.

Gu Ruoqing's pretty face blushed as she reached out to tidy up her slightly messy skirt. She felt a sense of shock at the fact that a place that had not been touched for many years was being touched by someone else.

She...she is not innocent anymore.

In other words, after she found this man to entrust her with something, she was doomed to be guilty of something.

But after wandering around for more than ten years, perhaps she was tired and should find someone to entrust her life to.

Jia Heng picked up the teacup, took a sip, and whispered, "Ruoqing."

At this moment, a familiar sound of footsteps was heard. Immediately, Chen Xiao walked into the hall, glanced at the young man in python clothes, and asked unhappily, "Are you busy?"

Jia Heng asked, "Xiaoxiao, how is the situation?"

Chen Xiao's bright eyes flickered under her curved eyebrows, and she said softly, "There is no information from the Jinyi Mansion, but the Jurchens will definitely send troops to suppress the situation."

Jia Heng said: "According to previous intelligence, the main force of the Jurchens is currently in Korea, with about 60,000 to 70,000 people, and Shengjing has about 70,000 to 80,000 soldiers. This is the Jurchens' old base."

Chen Xiao said: "I think if this continues, North Korea may send troops to help."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Now that Wangjing has been conquered, if the Jurchens want to consolidate their victory, they will certainly not withdraw their troops from Korea. We can also send people to spread the news that our army is approaching Gaizhou to strengthen the will of the Korean army and people to resist."

If the Han Dynasty only gives verbal support and does not commit troops, Korea may surrender to the Qing Dynasty.

Chen Xiao's flawless and cold face had a faint blush on both sides, and she said softly, "That does make sense."

Jia Heng gently took the beautiful lady's slender hand and whispered, "Xiaoxiao, it's getting late, let's go to bed early."

Chen Xiao snorted, as if he was somewhat dissatisfied with Jia Heng's performance, and said, "You just kissed Senior Sister, don't touch me."

Gu Ruoqing: “…”

You dislike her, right?

Jia Heng said, "Okay, then I won't kiss you."

Chen Xiao looked at the girl who looked ashamed and angry, and said in a low voice: "You and Senior Sister are making trouble, I'm going to sleep first."

Jia Heng gently took the beautiful lady's slender hand, smiled and said, "If you are leaving, who shall I sleep with?"

Gu Ruoqing listened to the dirty talk the couple was saying and felt her rosy cheeks burning like fire. She didn't stand there for long, and then twisted her plump waist and slowly walked out of the cabin.

Jia Heng stared at the beauty and said helplessly, "She was scared away by you."

"Or do you want to be hugged by girls left and right tonight?" Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at Jia Heng, feeling somewhat speechless.

Jia Heng nodded and whispered, "Xiaoxiao, talk about something serious."

Chen Xiao hummed and said, "Have you read today's military casualties report?"

Jia Heng looked serious and said in a low voice: "I have seen it before. Although the Red Barbarian Cannons are powerful, the elite Eight Banners of the Jurchens are still strong. The Jiangnan Navy also suffered many casualties. Although the Jurchens were badly defeated, their fighting strength is still good. There are still many soldiers and horses entrenched in the three cities of Gaizhou, Xiongyue, and Xinjiancheng."

Chen Xiao asked: "Then what is your plan to defeat the enemy?"

Jia Heng gently took the beauty's slender hand, hugged her in his arms, sniffed the rich fragrance, and said softly: "If the Jurchens defend the city walls, I will bomb them with cannons and bombs, which is actually much more advantageous than close-range field combat."

Chen Xiao said softly: "The Jurchens also have red cannons, and although the cannons are powerful, they still need people to climb the city and attack the city."

Jia Heng gently knocked on the door knocker, which immediately caused Chen Xiao to groan, and her snow-white face gradually turned blood-red.

Chen Xiao was embraced by the young man and sat down on the embroidered couch. He lowered his voice and said, "What do you think will happen if Shengjing is taken and he has no one to rely on you?"

Jia Heng said: "At that time, it will probably lie dormant for a while and leave it to the new monarch."

"What happened in the palace?" Chen Xiao's eyes flashed and he said in a low voice.

Jia Heng's sword-like eyebrows suddenly rose, and a familiar warmth appeared in his sharp eyes. He whispered, "There must be a way out when you reach the mountain... We can only wait and see."

Chen Xiao hummed unconsciously, biting her pink lips lightly with her cherry teeth, and her bright eyes were filled with wisps of mist.

This person doesn't even say hello now.

It’s true...there is always a way when you reach the mountain.

But she has been with me all this time, so she should be rewarded.

At this moment, Jia Heng gently hugged Chen Xiao's plump and graceful body, his sword-like eyebrows sometimes frowned and sometimes relaxed, and a hint of joy appeared in his eyes.

With the war imminent, it is a pleasant thing in life to have some leisure time to relax.

……

……

The golden crow falls in the west and the jade rabbit rises in the east.

The next day, the sky was bright, the weak morning light of late autumn shone on the earth, and the soldiers in the camp had begun to move.

Early in the morning, Jia Heng summoned the officers and soldiers of the Jiangnan Navy and the Tianjin Garrison and began to assign tasks for the siege.

"The Jurchen troops are currently gathered in three cities. There are approximately 26,000 people in Gaizhou City, 6,000 in Xiongyue City, and 4,000 in Yongning City." Jia Heng pointed to a map of mountains and rivers hanging on the screen and spoke in a loud voice as clear as iron.

Jia Heng stared at the officers present and said, "This time, our army will mainly attack Gaizhou City, and the remaining two cities will be held back with a small number of troops. Admiral Wei, you will lead 50,000 Jiangnan Navy troops to besiege Gaizhou City."

Wei Che nodded in agreement.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "Generals Jia Ling, Jia Chang, and Ye Kai will lead 7,000 soldiers to Xiongyue City to use red cannons to contain the troops in the city and closely monitor the movements of the soldiers in Xiongyue City."

Three generals stepped out and bowed to Jia Heng in agreement.

Jia Heng then looked at the other two Tianjin Guards, An Shaocheng, the commander of the Left Guard, and Mao Shun, the commander of the Right Guard, and said in a deep voice, "General An, General Mao, you two will lead your troops to Yongning City and make sure they don't send troops to help Gaizhou City."

The gate tower of Gaizhou Weicheng was covered with autumn dew all night. Dewdrops rolled on the lush green tiles and dripped down along the eaves.

The flags were covered with autumn dew and could not sway in the morning breeze.

At this moment, Ebilun was wearing a heavy armor with mountain-shaped fish scales and an embroidered iron long sword across his waist. He had a rough and burly face, and was intimidating without even being angry. His broad jaw was covered with a beard as thick as steel needles.

"My Lord, the Han army has eliminated twenty forts outside the city. Today the troops will surround the city." The deputy general at the side said.

Ebilun's eyes flashed fiercely, as if they could penetrate the smoke and clouds in the morning light and landed on the large number of Han army ships on the sea. He said with emotion: "The Han army is coming with a large force this time, and it is coming with great momentum."

Although it was not a full-scale national army, and more like a small force that was a great expense to the army, the fear of the army was not reduced at all because the general leading the army was the Duke of Wei who was feared by the world.

The general said, "The Han army is heading for Shengjing this time."

Ebilun snorted coldly, drew a shining long sword from his waist, and said firmly: "Come to Shengjing? I still have 100,000 armored soldiers in the Qing Dynasty. Why should I be afraid of the Han army?"

As he spoke, he looked at the Manchu Eight Banners generals present and said loudly: "When the Han soldiers arrive, we will never let them go."

Ebilun arrived at the top of the city wall with an excited look on his face, and kept encouraging the Jurchen officers and soldiers around him.

"Dong dong..."

As the drum beats fell like raindrops, the cowhide drums on the city gate tower shook the surrounding areas. A large number of Han army infantrymen carrying siege equipment gradually approached Gaizhou City like balls of fire.

Jia Heng had handed over the command and dispatch authority of the Jiangnan Navy to Wei Che. At this moment, holding a monocular telescope in his hand, he looked at the Jurchen Eight Banners flags flying on the city wall, observing the defense situation.

Chen Xiao nodded and said, "The army is attacking the city."

Jia Heng frowned and whispered, "There are 50,000 soldiers attacking the city, and there are about 20,000 people in the city. It is not easy to break through the city relying on the city wall."

This is the deployment of troops for both the attacker and the defender.

At this moment, a large number of Han troops pushed out red cannons on a high slope about a mile away from Gaizhou City. They were deployed three miles away from the city, accompanied by waving command flags.

"boom……"

A large cloud of gunpowder smoke emerged from the muzzle of the Red Cannon, and then the city wall was seen collapsing in pieces, and the Jurchen bannermen on the top of the city fell off the wall.

Dozens of red cannons bombarded the city walls with intensive fire. For a moment, the scene was spectacular.

The red cannons on the city walls also fired back at the Han army's formation.

A large number of soldiers climbed up the ladders and charged forward under the artillery fire from the top of the city walls. Occasionally, three or five soldiers would gain a foothold on the top of the city walls and fight with the Jurchen soldiers who surrounded them.

At this moment, Jia Heng was holding a monocular telescope in his hand, looking at the soldiers on the top of the city.

On the city gate tower, Ebilun, who was also commanding under the smoke of artillery fire, called on his soldiers to help guard the city walls.

The shouts and cries of killing filled the entire city wall, seeming to shake the sky.

A large number of soldiers carried wooden ladders and charged towards the top of the city. Looking from above, it looked like ants attacking a city.

At this moment, pieces of rolling logs and rocks fell along the ladder. Many Han soldiers screamed, and then fell from the wooden ladder like dumplings.

On the other side, a similar offensive and defensive battle took place in Xiongyue City, but there was more rumbling of artillery fire and no large-scale ant-like siege.

At this moment, Ebilun felt the artillery fire from below and was greatly surprised.

A siege battle lasted from early morning to noon. Accompanied by the "clang clang" sound of the gong, a large number of Han troops retreated like a tide.

Although Gaizhou City was in ruins, it still stood firm.

In the military tent, Jia Heng discussed strategies to defeat the enemy with a group of officers.

Wei Che looked ashamed, lowered his head, clasped his fists and said, "Duke Wei, I failed to command effectively, please forgive me."

Dozens of cannons from the Jiangnan Navy fired at the top of the city, but there was still no progress. No wonder Wei Che felt ashamed.

Of course, after all, they were facing the Jurchens, who were "invincible if there were less than ten thousand of them."

Jia Heng said: "Today's attack on the city is just a preliminary test. There is no need to be too frustrated because of a temporary setback."

Then, he looked at the other officers and said, "Continue the bombardment with the Red Cannons to weaken the momentum of Gaizhou City first. Don't rush to attack the city."

Whether it was food, fodder, military supplies, or baggage, the Han army transported them all by ship, and there was no shortage of food and grass.

After comforting the generals, they went downstairs to have lunch.

In the military tent, only Chen Xiao and Gu Ruoqing were left for a moment. The two looked at the young man in the python robe. Like Gu Ruoqing, worry was already evident in his eyes.

Chen Xiao walked closer and said softly, "You want to use Gaizhou City to attract the Jurchen troops?"

Jia Heng shook his head and said, "With these tens of thousands of soldiers alone, we can't break the city for the time being. We can only wait and see what happens. Xiaoxiao, how is the situation in North Korea?"

Chen Xiao shook his head and said, "There is no intelligence at the moment, so I guess the situation is at a stalemate."

Jia Heng's eyes fell on the map, as if he could see through the thick clouds and deduce the Jurchens' movements. He said, "The Jurchens are fighting on two fronts, and they are more anxious than us."

The timing for the Han court to intervene in the war was actually just right. If Wangjing had not been captured, Ajige, Oboi and others would have surely hastily returned home, and it would have been difficult to achieve the goal of conquering Shengjing relying solely on a navy.

North Korea’s strategy of first destroying and then putting it in its bag will be unsuccessful.

Gu Ruoqing looked at the young man who was frowning in thought, his eyes flashed, and his mind was confused.

……

……

North Korea, Wang Jing

Just as Jia Heng thought, Prince Ying Ajige was also in a state of panic, holding a military report.

In the past few days, although Oboi defeated the coalition forces from various Korean provinces in Gangwon Province, Korea is now in chaos.

In the local counties and prefectures under Gyeonggi Province, many brave villagers began to organize themselves to resist the elite soldiers of the Eight Banners of the Jurchens.

This made Ajige's plan of "integrating the Qing Dynasty" almost impossible.

In other words, with Ajige's temperament and skills, he was not as flexible as Yuetuo, Duoduo and others.

"Your Highness, Shengjing sent an angel saying there are decrees and letters."

Just then, a sturdy guard entered the hall and bowed.

Ajige said: "Go and invite the person in quickly."

After a while, two groomsmen led a pale-faced, beardless eunuch into the hall.

"Prince Ying, this is a letter from the Prince Regent."

Ajige said impatiently: "Bring it here for me to see."

The eunuch did not dare to delay and handed over the imperial edict and the letter, with a hint of joy on his face.

Ajige took the imperial edict, unfolded it quickly and read it.

The text on the imperial edict naturally commended Ajige and Oboi for taking over the Korean capital Wangjing, and gave Oboi the title of Shao Bao, while Ajige was given the title of Duolo County King, which was considered to be a way to offset the sins of Japan.

Then came Dorgon's letter, which mentioned that the Han court had sent troops from the sea to attack Gaizhou and asked Ajige to wipe out Korea as soon as possible.

There was no mention of the requirement to dispatch soldiers to return to provide assistance.

Ajige put down the letter in his hand and said, "The Han court has sent troops."

The Han general Zu Zerun below had a solemn expression on his face and bowed his hands to report: "Your Majesty, if the Han court attacks in large numbers, we will not have enough troops to resist them."

Ajige thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow we will hold a ceremony to confer the title of king, and then issue an imperial edict to ask all the provinces and prefectures of Korea to submit. The Qing Dynasty will only leave a small number of soldiers stationed in Korea."

During this period, Ajige had asked the former Korean councilor Gui Sizhe to set up a makeshift team to prepare for the establishment of a new Joseon dynasty.

This is somewhat similar to the Great Chu regime established by Zhang Bangchang with the support of the Jurchens in the late Northern Song Dynasty after the Jingkang Incident.

The so-called withdrawal of Qing troops mentioned by Ajige was naturally a cover. Later, they manipulated the Korean monarch and political situation from behind the scenes and completed assimilation through a series of policies.

This was the strategy proposed by Fan Xiandou to pacify and subjugate the dynasty.

(End of this chapter)