Chapter 1517
Battlefield Situation
Chapter 1517 Battlefield Situation
In order to rescue the refugees who were held hostage as human shields, and at the same time have to deal with these Han soldiers disguised as refugees, Haihan had to bear a greater risk of fighting for this. During this period, there were many incidents caused by attacks by fake refugees casualties.In the eyes of General Haihan, the lives of his subordinates are of course much more important than those refugees who have never met before, so Qian Tiandun also decisively ordered to adopt a new countermeasure, specially arranging for soldiers to shout with iron horns during the battle, demanding The young and strong men among the refugees had to kneel down and hold their heads while waiting to be received when they approached the life-and-death line drawn outside the Haihan camp. Anyone who recklessly crossed the life-and-death line would be regarded as a spy and killed directly.
After formulating new countermeasures, the situation that had made Haihan flustered for a while finally improved. The troops deployed on the isthmus defense line were almost all veterans with rich combat experience. As long as there is a clear military order, the soldiers on the front line will follow it.As for the unavoidable accidents of accidental injury or even manslaughter in the process, that's not a concern.
Mei Shengchuan responded when he heard this: "On the battlefield, the overall situation should be the most important. This is killing people to save people. It is understandable for your army to handle it like this."
Qian Tiandun said: "Master Mei really understands righteousness! The poor are the Han refugees in Liaodong, and the traitors like Geng Zhongming are hateful. Our army will definitely do its best to fight the enemy and save these Han refugees. Please rest assured, Mr. Mei!"
After hearing this statement, Mei Shengchuan didn't feel any relief, on the contrary, he felt a little uncomfortable.The task of rescuing the Han refugees in Liaodong was originally supposed to be completed by the Ming army, but why did it become the task of Hai Han, an outsider.But with Daming's current strength, he really couldn't say "let me do it myself" to Qian Tiandun and others.This is not necessarily because the Haihan people deliberately used this to humiliate Daming, it is more likely that they regard Liaodong as their own ruling area, and saving the Han people enslaved by the Houjin here is also a matter of course for them. up.
Mei Shengchuan could only cough twice and quickly avoided this embarrassing topic: "That Geng thief was also a general when he served for Ming Dynasty. This kind of vicious means is what it takes."
Qian Tiandun nodded and said: "Master Mei is right, this Geng Zhongming has a lot of tricks, using refugees as human shields won't work, so he thought of another way, and started to build a large number of small forts in the north to Limit the atmosphere of our military's activities in the area north of the defense line."
Compared with launching an offensive with the help of a human shield, Geng Zhongming's new trick achieved better results.These earthen fortresses, which can only accommodate dozens of people, are not large in scale, and the construction period only takes a few days, as long as four adobe walls are built, it will be completed.Although the protective power it can provide is extremely limited, what Geng Zhongming is counting on is not the protective effect of such small fortresses, but the number and distribution density.
The Han Army Banner mobilized thousands of civilians, and within the past ten days, more than [-] such small fortresses have been built one after another in the area five to eight miles north of the defense line, and thousands of troops have been deployed to garrison them.At this distance, Haihan's troops have attacked quite frequently in the past period of time, and Houjin's original troop composition is difficult to withstand opponents with obvious weapon advantages. Therefore, Geng Zhongming came up with such a countermeasure. The plain was divided into several smaller defense areas. If the Haihan army dared to break into this area, the Houjin fortresses could watch and help each other, and the stragglers could quickly gather into an army to form an encirclement of the enemy.
Regarding the enemy's deployment, Qian Tiandun would be lying if he said that he had no fear. Even if the Haihan army had an advantage in weapons, their strength was still an insurmountable shortcoming.If you want to go out to the enemy-occupied area in the north to fight, infantry, cavalry, and artillery are indispensable, and you have to bring hundreds of logistics personnel with you. risk would be greatly increased.Even with long-distance weapons such as artillery, it is difficult to guarantee that the Haihan Army can successfully pull out these fortresses in a short period of time.Even a general like Qian Tiandun, who had an outstanding record in the Southern and Northern Wars, had to admit that this method of the Houjin Army did effectively curb Haihan's military actions.
However, according to the observations made by the reconnaissance cavalry in the front in recent days, the enemy army is still continuing to build this simple but extremely effective fortification, and gradually controlling these areas with fortresses by virtue of their superiority in strength.For the sake of safety, the Haihan army operating in small groups in the wild had to keep a certain distance from these fortresses to avoid being ambushed by enemy troops in ambushes. The Han army banner commanded by Geng Zhongming was equipped with a lot of muskets.Although the performance of these weapons is not as good as that of Haihan rifles, there is still a certain chance that they can cause damage to Haihan soldiers without armor within a distance of [-] meters.
Of course, Qian Tiandun could also send a large number of artillery regardless of the cost, and forcibly use artillery shells to tear down these earthen fortresses.At present, most of the field artillery equipped by the Haihan Army are still traditional solid shells. Considering the maneuverability, the general caliber is not too large.Using this standard artillery to bombard the adobe fortress, it is not a task that can be completed with a few shells to knock down an entire wall of more than two feet thick.With regard to the current number of fortresses, and taking into account possible combat situations during the period, the Haihan Army must prepare at least hundreds of shells for this purpose, and may even need to use a considerable amount of explosives to complete the demolition work.
So this is not just a question of combat costs. In fact, the requirements for logistical supplies are the real test.If too much ammunition consumption is invested in field battles, the ammunition base that can be distributed by the Isthmus Line may be reduced accordingly during the defensive battle of the enemy's counterattack until the arrival of a supply fleet from the south once a month.
If the ammunition is not enough, then no matter how good the performance of the gun is, it is useless. All Haihan generals are very clear about this truth.Therefore, in the environment of Liaodong, it is difficult for them to think of an effective way to deal with this new tactic used by Houjin.
"I have to tell everyone that the Haihan army has indeed controlled the rhythm of the Liaodong battlefield so far, but the enemy has become more and more adapted to this rhythm, and has been trying to break the situation and launch a counterattack." Qian Tiandun said frankly : "It is a costly combat mission for us to attract post-golden firepower in Liaodong, and it is not a necessary move for our country. If our country thinks that this kind of military operation will continue for a long time, we will only pay but not gain, and we will be in a state of isolation and helplessness for a long time , then we will still consider giving up the possibility of continuing to fight with Hou Jin."
Beks next to him took over the conversation and said: "I hope everyone understands one thing. It is not a must for our country to go to war with Hou Jin. If there are other options that allow our country to obtain more benefits from Liaodong, then we will also include them in the list. Consider the scope."
Mei Shengchuan became alarmed when he heard the words, and quickly asked: "Master Bai, does it mean that your country intends to stop the war and negotiate a peace?"
Beks responded noncommittally: "Whether to continue the war or cease the war, our country depends on the situation in Liaodong. Everyone knows that this place is quite far away from the mainland of our country. Even if the sky is turned upside down here, it will not directly affect our country's interests. As for the enemy, we have no plans to hold talks yet, after all, in our opinion, it would be a pity to let the current good situation go by the wayside.”
Bex's tone was very calm, but the mood of those who heard these words could not calm down.This is the first time that Haihan officials have publicly expressed the possibility of a truce with Houjin, and all the Haihan military officers they have contacted before this have vowed to drive Houjin out of Liaodong, or even completely wipe out talents. give up.They had never considered before, if Haihan really gave up fighting with Houjin, how would the situation in Liaodong change, and what would happen to the relationship between Houjin, Ming and North Korea.
It was the North Koreans who were the first to lose their temper. Jin Shangxian quickly persuaded: "The Jin people are the followers of tigers and wolves, and negotiating peace with them is no different from seeking skins from tigers. Master Bai must not choose this method. , since your country has taken the initiative in the battlefield right now, why not take advantage of the victory to pursue it and inflict heavy damage on it!"
Beks sighed and said, "Yes, we also want to do the same, but we are alone, and we don't even have a partner to help. Besides, even if we win against them, will it be of much benefit to Haihan Country? "
Bai Kesi deliberately increased the volume of the word "benefits", intending to remind the envoys of the two countries that whether Haihan will fight or make peace in Liaodong will ultimately be based on the consideration of interests.If he doesn't get enough benefits, and he will face many difficulties if he continues to fight, then the truce is very likely to be Haihan's next choice.
Of course, Jin Shangxian could understand what Bai Kesi was complaining about, and immediately said to Mei Shengchuan: "Lord Mei, the matter of Liaodong should be handled properly only through the joint discussions of the three countries. Liaodong is originally the territory of Ming Dynasty, why not let Ming take the lead?"
Mei Shengchuan thought to himself that Liaodong was indeed the territory of Ming Dynasty, but how could Haihan give up the control to Daming.This leading matter is completely wishful thinking of the North Koreans. It is estimated that such an illusion was created by seeing the Ming army in Dongjiang Town and the Haihan people getting close. Little did they know that Dongjiang Town had already fallen to Haihan's side, and they just continued to hang on. That's all in the name of the Ming army.
Mei Shengchuan hadn't made a statement yet, but Bai Kesi sent a message first: "There is no need to rush to make a decision right now. It's getting late today. Everyone has worked hard, so let's rest early. The conditions on the front line are quite difficult, so please help me." Forgive me. Tomorrow morning, General Qian’s troops will escort you all to the front line for field inspection.”
Bai Kesi suddenly terminated the conversation, which prevented Mei Shengchuan from asking some questions that he thought of.For example, after the alliance of the three countries, what standards should be used to allocate rights and obligations in the Liaodong region; how should the military assistance plan mentioned by Haihan be implemented.Mei Shengchuan still had a lot of issues like this involving Daming's interests, but the Haihan people have not given a clear solution so far, which is one of the reasons why he has been unable to make up his mind.
Although there are barracks in the fortress of the Jinzhou Isthmus defense line, the conditions are not as good as Lushun Fort, which has become the rear area. Even if the envoys of the two countries are distinguished, they can only live in the same barracks with their subordinates. , Sleeping on a two-foot-wide plank bed for the night.And all night long, soldiers returning from changing defenses inside and outside the Jijiabao entered and left the barracks next to them. Although there was no intentional noise, it still made it difficult for the pampered officials to sleep.
Early the next morning, Mei Shengchuan and Jin Shangxian met outside the barracks, and found that the other party's dark circles were very obvious. They couldn't help but looked at each other and smiled bitterly. They both knew that the other party did not have a good rest in the barracks last night.
Qian Tiandun came after breakfast, and asked them to keep their entourage as usual, and each person could only bring two guards on the road, so as not to make it difficult to dispatch and command an overly large team on the battlefield.
Jin Shangxian was still a little hesitant at first, but Mei Shengchuan agreed to Qian Tiandun's request very neatly.In the past, he learned from the information sent from Dongjiang Town that this kind of field inspection is a routine activity arranged by the Haihan Army. In fact, the people who came here to inspect the war are far more than people from Ming and North Korea. Some countries in the South China Sea have also sent military attaches. Permanently stationed in the Haihan Army as a military observer.
So when they were getting ready to go on the road, Mei Shengchuan saw several dark-skinned, short-sighted officers joining the team.Qian Tiandun introduced to them that these were military observers and officer cadets from Annan, Champa, Siam and other countries. Basically every similar inspection activity would arrange them to participate together to learn Haihan's marching and formation. experience.
Many of these countries in the South China Sea have accepted the canonization of Ming Dynasty in the past, but their diplomatic relations have also tended to weaken in recent years, but since they sent officers to expedition to Liaodong with the Haihan Army, it can be seen that the relationship will not be too bad.Mei Shengchuan didn't know that Haihan had set up a regional international organization in the South China Sea, but he could also feel from these signs that Haihan's influence in the South China Sea could no longer be ignored, and he might even have become a regional leader.In a few years, the leading generals of these countries in the South China Sea would probably only know Haihan, and would no longer pay attention to Daming.
Of course, such a situation can't be blamed for Haihan's manipulation in the south. After all, Daming's national power is declining, and its influence can hardly reach such a distant place.On the contrary, North Korea is a country that is good at adapting to the wind. Seeing these situations, it will definitely give birth to careful thinking, and it is necessary to be wary of them.
Mei Shengchuan thought of this, and turned to look at the North Korean envoy, only to see Jin Shangxian standing beside Qian Tiandun with a flattering face, as if he was willing to hold the whip and throw the stirrup for him.
(End of this chapter)
In order to rescue the refugees who were held hostage as human shields, and at the same time have to deal with these Han soldiers disguised as refugees, Haihan had to bear a greater risk of fighting for this. During this period, there were many incidents caused by attacks by fake refugees casualties.In the eyes of General Haihan, the lives of his subordinates are of course much more important than those refugees who have never met before, so Qian Tiandun also decisively ordered to adopt a new countermeasure, specially arranging for soldiers to shout with iron horns during the battle, demanding The young and strong men among the refugees had to kneel down and hold their heads while waiting to be received when they approached the life-and-death line drawn outside the Haihan camp. Anyone who recklessly crossed the life-and-death line would be regarded as a spy and killed directly.
After formulating new countermeasures, the situation that had made Haihan flustered for a while finally improved. The troops deployed on the isthmus defense line were almost all veterans with rich combat experience. As long as there is a clear military order, the soldiers on the front line will follow it.As for the unavoidable accidents of accidental injury or even manslaughter in the process, that's not a concern.
Mei Shengchuan responded when he heard this: "On the battlefield, the overall situation should be the most important. This is killing people to save people. It is understandable for your army to handle it like this."
Qian Tiandun said: "Master Mei really understands righteousness! The poor are the Han refugees in Liaodong, and the traitors like Geng Zhongming are hateful. Our army will definitely do its best to fight the enemy and save these Han refugees. Please rest assured, Mr. Mei!"
After hearing this statement, Mei Shengchuan didn't feel any relief, on the contrary, he felt a little uncomfortable.The task of rescuing the Han refugees in Liaodong was originally supposed to be completed by the Ming army, but why did it become the task of Hai Han, an outsider.But with Daming's current strength, he really couldn't say "let me do it myself" to Qian Tiandun and others.This is not necessarily because the Haihan people deliberately used this to humiliate Daming, it is more likely that they regard Liaodong as their own ruling area, and saving the Han people enslaved by the Houjin here is also a matter of course for them. up.
Mei Shengchuan could only cough twice and quickly avoided this embarrassing topic: "That Geng thief was also a general when he served for Ming Dynasty. This kind of vicious means is what it takes."
Qian Tiandun nodded and said: "Master Mei is right, this Geng Zhongming has a lot of tricks, using refugees as human shields won't work, so he thought of another way, and started to build a large number of small forts in the north to Limit the atmosphere of our military's activities in the area north of the defense line."
Compared with launching an offensive with the help of a human shield, Geng Zhongming's new trick achieved better results.These earthen fortresses, which can only accommodate dozens of people, are not large in scale, and the construction period only takes a few days, as long as four adobe walls are built, it will be completed.Although the protective power it can provide is extremely limited, what Geng Zhongming is counting on is not the protective effect of such small fortresses, but the number and distribution density.
The Han Army Banner mobilized thousands of civilians, and within the past ten days, more than [-] such small fortresses have been built one after another in the area five to eight miles north of the defense line, and thousands of troops have been deployed to garrison them.At this distance, Haihan's troops have attacked quite frequently in the past period of time, and Houjin's original troop composition is difficult to withstand opponents with obvious weapon advantages. Therefore, Geng Zhongming came up with such a countermeasure. The plain was divided into several smaller defense areas. If the Haihan army dared to break into this area, the Houjin fortresses could watch and help each other, and the stragglers could quickly gather into an army to form an encirclement of the enemy.
Regarding the enemy's deployment, Qian Tiandun would be lying if he said that he had no fear. Even if the Haihan army had an advantage in weapons, their strength was still an insurmountable shortcoming.If you want to go out to the enemy-occupied area in the north to fight, infantry, cavalry, and artillery are indispensable, and you have to bring hundreds of logistics personnel with you. risk would be greatly increased.Even with long-distance weapons such as artillery, it is difficult to guarantee that the Haihan Army can successfully pull out these fortresses in a short period of time.Even a general like Qian Tiandun, who had an outstanding record in the Southern and Northern Wars, had to admit that this method of the Houjin Army did effectively curb Haihan's military actions.
However, according to the observations made by the reconnaissance cavalry in the front in recent days, the enemy army is still continuing to build this simple but extremely effective fortification, and gradually controlling these areas with fortresses by virtue of their superiority in strength.For the sake of safety, the Haihan army operating in small groups in the wild had to keep a certain distance from these fortresses to avoid being ambushed by enemy troops in ambushes. The Han army banner commanded by Geng Zhongming was equipped with a lot of muskets.Although the performance of these weapons is not as good as that of Haihan rifles, there is still a certain chance that they can cause damage to Haihan soldiers without armor within a distance of [-] meters.
Of course, Qian Tiandun could also send a large number of artillery regardless of the cost, and forcibly use artillery shells to tear down these earthen fortresses.At present, most of the field artillery equipped by the Haihan Army are still traditional solid shells. Considering the maneuverability, the general caliber is not too large.Using this standard artillery to bombard the adobe fortress, it is not a task that can be completed with a few shells to knock down an entire wall of more than two feet thick.With regard to the current number of fortresses, and taking into account possible combat situations during the period, the Haihan Army must prepare at least hundreds of shells for this purpose, and may even need to use a considerable amount of explosives to complete the demolition work.
So this is not just a question of combat costs. In fact, the requirements for logistical supplies are the real test.If too much ammunition consumption is invested in field battles, the ammunition base that can be distributed by the Isthmus Line may be reduced accordingly during the defensive battle of the enemy's counterattack until the arrival of a supply fleet from the south once a month.
If the ammunition is not enough, then no matter how good the performance of the gun is, it is useless. All Haihan generals are very clear about this truth.Therefore, in the environment of Liaodong, it is difficult for them to think of an effective way to deal with this new tactic used by Houjin.
"I have to tell everyone that the Haihan army has indeed controlled the rhythm of the Liaodong battlefield so far, but the enemy has become more and more adapted to this rhythm, and has been trying to break the situation and launch a counterattack." Qian Tiandun said frankly : "It is a costly combat mission for us to attract post-golden firepower in Liaodong, and it is not a necessary move for our country. If our country thinks that this kind of military operation will continue for a long time, we will only pay but not gain, and we will be in a state of isolation and helplessness for a long time , then we will still consider giving up the possibility of continuing to fight with Hou Jin."
Beks next to him took over the conversation and said: "I hope everyone understands one thing. It is not a must for our country to go to war with Hou Jin. If there are other options that allow our country to obtain more benefits from Liaodong, then we will also include them in the list. Consider the scope."
Mei Shengchuan became alarmed when he heard the words, and quickly asked: "Master Bai, does it mean that your country intends to stop the war and negotiate a peace?"
Beks responded noncommittally: "Whether to continue the war or cease the war, our country depends on the situation in Liaodong. Everyone knows that this place is quite far away from the mainland of our country. Even if the sky is turned upside down here, it will not directly affect our country's interests. As for the enemy, we have no plans to hold talks yet, after all, in our opinion, it would be a pity to let the current good situation go by the wayside.”
Bex's tone was very calm, but the mood of those who heard these words could not calm down.This is the first time that Haihan officials have publicly expressed the possibility of a truce with Houjin, and all the Haihan military officers they have contacted before this have vowed to drive Houjin out of Liaodong, or even completely wipe out talents. give up.They had never considered before, if Haihan really gave up fighting with Houjin, how would the situation in Liaodong change, and what would happen to the relationship between Houjin, Ming and North Korea.
It was the North Koreans who were the first to lose their temper. Jin Shangxian quickly persuaded: "The Jin people are the followers of tigers and wolves, and negotiating peace with them is no different from seeking skins from tigers. Master Bai must not choose this method. , since your country has taken the initiative in the battlefield right now, why not take advantage of the victory to pursue it and inflict heavy damage on it!"
Beks sighed and said, "Yes, we also want to do the same, but we are alone, and we don't even have a partner to help. Besides, even if we win against them, will it be of much benefit to Haihan Country? "
Bai Kesi deliberately increased the volume of the word "benefits", intending to remind the envoys of the two countries that whether Haihan will fight or make peace in Liaodong will ultimately be based on the consideration of interests.If he doesn't get enough benefits, and he will face many difficulties if he continues to fight, then the truce is very likely to be Haihan's next choice.
Of course, Jin Shangxian could understand what Bai Kesi was complaining about, and immediately said to Mei Shengchuan: "Lord Mei, the matter of Liaodong should be handled properly only through the joint discussions of the three countries. Liaodong is originally the territory of Ming Dynasty, why not let Ming take the lead?"
Mei Shengchuan thought to himself that Liaodong was indeed the territory of Ming Dynasty, but how could Haihan give up the control to Daming.This leading matter is completely wishful thinking of the North Koreans. It is estimated that such an illusion was created by seeing the Ming army in Dongjiang Town and the Haihan people getting close. Little did they know that Dongjiang Town had already fallen to Haihan's side, and they just continued to hang on. That's all in the name of the Ming army.
Mei Shengchuan hadn't made a statement yet, but Bai Kesi sent a message first: "There is no need to rush to make a decision right now. It's getting late today. Everyone has worked hard, so let's rest early. The conditions on the front line are quite difficult, so please help me." Forgive me. Tomorrow morning, General Qian’s troops will escort you all to the front line for field inspection.”
Bai Kesi suddenly terminated the conversation, which prevented Mei Shengchuan from asking some questions that he thought of.For example, after the alliance of the three countries, what standards should be used to allocate rights and obligations in the Liaodong region; how should the military assistance plan mentioned by Haihan be implemented.Mei Shengchuan still had a lot of issues like this involving Daming's interests, but the Haihan people have not given a clear solution so far, which is one of the reasons why he has been unable to make up his mind.
Although there are barracks in the fortress of the Jinzhou Isthmus defense line, the conditions are not as good as Lushun Fort, which has become the rear area. Even if the envoys of the two countries are distinguished, they can only live in the same barracks with their subordinates. , Sleeping on a two-foot-wide plank bed for the night.And all night long, soldiers returning from changing defenses inside and outside the Jijiabao entered and left the barracks next to them. Although there was no intentional noise, it still made it difficult for the pampered officials to sleep.
Early the next morning, Mei Shengchuan and Jin Shangxian met outside the barracks, and found that the other party's dark circles were very obvious. They couldn't help but looked at each other and smiled bitterly. They both knew that the other party did not have a good rest in the barracks last night.
Qian Tiandun came after breakfast, and asked them to keep their entourage as usual, and each person could only bring two guards on the road, so as not to make it difficult to dispatch and command an overly large team on the battlefield.
Jin Shangxian was still a little hesitant at first, but Mei Shengchuan agreed to Qian Tiandun's request very neatly.In the past, he learned from the information sent from Dongjiang Town that this kind of field inspection is a routine activity arranged by the Haihan Army. In fact, the people who came here to inspect the war are far more than people from Ming and North Korea. Some countries in the South China Sea have also sent military attaches. Permanently stationed in the Haihan Army as a military observer.
So when they were getting ready to go on the road, Mei Shengchuan saw several dark-skinned, short-sighted officers joining the team.Qian Tiandun introduced to them that these were military observers and officer cadets from Annan, Champa, Siam and other countries. Basically every similar inspection activity would arrange them to participate together to learn Haihan's marching and formation. experience.
Many of these countries in the South China Sea have accepted the canonization of Ming Dynasty in the past, but their diplomatic relations have also tended to weaken in recent years, but since they sent officers to expedition to Liaodong with the Haihan Army, it can be seen that the relationship will not be too bad.Mei Shengchuan didn't know that Haihan had set up a regional international organization in the South China Sea, but he could also feel from these signs that Haihan's influence in the South China Sea could no longer be ignored, and he might even have become a regional leader.In a few years, the leading generals of these countries in the South China Sea would probably only know Haihan, and would no longer pay attention to Daming.
Of course, such a situation can't be blamed for Haihan's manipulation in the south. After all, Daming's national power is declining, and its influence can hardly reach such a distant place.On the contrary, North Korea is a country that is good at adapting to the wind. Seeing these situations, it will definitely give birth to careful thinking, and it is necessary to be wary of them.
Mei Shengchuan thought of this, and turned to look at the North Korean envoy, only to see Jin Shangxian standing beside Qian Tiandun with a flattering face, as if he was willing to hold the whip and throw the stirrup for him.
(End of this chapter)