Chapter 1822
Retreat to the Datong River
Chapter 1822 Retreat to the Datong River
Although this blocking battle is unlikely to solve the threat of the Qing army once and for all, as long as the opportunity is grasped and the troops are deployed reasonably, the coalition forces will definitely have no problem inflicting heavy damage on the Qing army. The only suspense is probably the result of the battle.
However, as the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces, Qian Tiandun still has a lot of dissatisfaction with the current state of war preparations.For example, the defense line on the north side of the base could only build some relatively simple fortifications due to the short construction period. According to Qian Tiandun's idea, at least a large number of stone bastions that could be garrisoned like the Jinzhou Isthmus must be built on the defense line to be considered qualified.However, due to the fact that the nearest places where stones can be mined are seven or eight miles away from the defense line construction site, it is too late to open a temporary quarry and organize the transportation of stones before the arrival of the Qing army, so we have to give up such a plan.
On the Qingchuan River in the north, after paying hundreds of lives, the Qing army finally broke through the blockade of the Fujian Navy from the upper reaches and established a beachhead on the south bank of the Qingchuan River.The Fujian navy had limited troops, and they did not dare to send troops ashore to deal with the small Qing troops who had crossed the river, so they could only entrust this task to the Koreans.
However, the performance of the Koreans was as bad as ever. Even though their strength was more than twice that of the Qing army crossing the river, they still failed to gain much advantage in the battle. After three or two attempts and failed to attack, he was unwilling to take the initiative to attack again.After the night passed, there were several hundred more Qing troops on the beach, and even hundreds of heavy armored cavalry appeared in the formation, and immediately persuaded the North Korean troops who were originally holding a wait-and-see attitude to retreat.
Even though Xu Yuzhuo commanded the Fujian navy to patrol the Qingchuan River day and night, the limited strength still could not prevent the Qing army from crossing the river at night, and the North Korean army could not repel the Qing army that had already established a position near the river bank.So just a few days later, the gap between the two sides' troops on the south bank of the Qingchuan River quickly narrowed, and the Korean army no longer dared to come out of Anzhou City.
Xu Yuzhuo was also very helpless about this situation. If the North Korean army on the shore could cooperate well and resist the Qing army bravely, then the time for the Qing army to cross the river could be postponed for several days.However, the combat effectiveness of the Korean army was really weak, and they did not have the ability to compete with the main force of the Qing army on the frontal battlefield. Even if the Fujian Navy tried its best, it could only slightly delay the progress of the Qing army crossing the river.
Although the Qing army could not cause too much trouble for the Fujian navy on the Qingchuan River, when they set foot on the southern river bank, they could cut off the supply route from Anzhou to the fleet from land.Although this method is a bit painless, it will indeed affect the fighting will of the Fujian Navy. The most important thing is that the Fujian Navy also knows that there is still a way to retreat, and there is no need to stick to the Qingchuan River. It is the real line of defense of one's own side.
The Fujian navy finally delayed the large-scale crossing of the Qing army until the end of June. At this time, more than [-] soldiers and horses of the Qing army arrived at the south bank through scattered crossings at night and upstream, and completely cut off Anzhou and Fujian. Links between sailors.Xu Yuzhuo didn't know whether Anzhou had already started a war, and the North Koreans in Anzhou didn't know whether the Fujian navy on the Qingchuan River was still standing firm. In the case of a serious lack of tacit understanding between the two sides, they couldn't fight after the news was blocked. Then take any more aggressive tactics.
Because they seldom fought directly with the Qing army, the Fujian navy did not suffer much damage during this period, and the ships did not suffer much damage, but the consumption of materials and ammunition was quite a lot.After the supply channel with Anzhou City was cut off, the Fujian navy could only obtain supplies from the Datong River base more than 200 miles away, which is extremely inconvenient.After Xu Yuzhuo asked for instructions from the Datongjiang base, he summoned the fleet and sailed quietly to the mouth of the Qingchuan River one day after night fell.But this time, Xu Yuzhuo kindly asked the envoys sent by Anzhou to the fleet to report back to the city overnight, lest the North Koreans be unprepared for this. .
Xu Yuzhuo didn't have to worry too much about leaking the news when he evacuated from the Qingchuan River at this time, because as long as the Qing army waited until dawn, the Qing army would soon find that the Ming army fleet had disappeared from the Qingchuan River.At that time, the Qing army, who had been waiting for many days, would immediately organize a large-scale crossing of the river, and the Korean defenders were unlikely to take the initiative to go out of the city to stop them.
As for the Fujian navy, their original task was to hold the Qing army in the Daning River and Qingchuan River basins for more than ten days in order to delay their southward progress. The division took advantage of the night to evacuate. During this period, it has been more than 20 days, and it can be said that the task has been overfulfilled.Even if the Qing army can push down Anzhou City in one wave, it will be at least two or three days before they go south to the front line of the Datong River.
After completing the task, Xu Yuzhuo was quite fortunate to be able to lead a relatively complete army to evacuate from this battlefield. He knew that the strength of the Qing army was not weak. It cannot be confronted head-on.
Fortunately, Xu Yuzhuo was still a little unwilling. The Fujian navy had confronted the Qing army here for more than [-] days, and the real damage to the enemy might be only a few hundred people. This kind of killing efficiency is not as good as the Haihan army. A comparison, naturally there is a huge gap.Aside from the gap in the performance of ships and weapons, Xu Yuzhuo also understands that the strength of the Haihan Army lies in the self-confidence created by winning battles all the year round. Without the confidence to win, and to be able to fully exert their due combat effectiveness, this is the quality that their own troops still lack.
This time, the mission was carried out alone in North Korea. The opponent was the Qing army with good combat effectiveness, and the environment was relatively unfamiliar inland waters. Xu Yuzhuo was also very cautious when commanding the battle. Therefore, although the goal of the battle was successfully achieved, the results were not great.Xu Yuzhuo also thought from time to time that if he was acting together with the Haihan Navy, perhaps the way of fighting would be more active, and the results of the battle should be much greater than the current one.
But after returning to the Datong River, they will be able to fight side by side with the Haihan Navy again. Speaking of the coalition fleet fighting in the inland waters of the Korean Peninsula, the Fujian Navy actually participated in the whole process and never missed a single time. Xu Yuzhuo is also thinking about this Is it a coincidence, or the Haihan military deliberately made such an arrangement to exercise the Fujian navy's ability to fight inland rivers.
The Fujian navy withdrew from the Qingchuan River without hindrance, then went south along the coastline, and successfully returned to the Datong River Base, which is still under construction.Qian Tiandun came to the port in person to welcome the return of the naval fleet. Xu Yuzhuo was flattered by this kind of treatment.
"This time, the Fujian Navy won a very valuable period of time for the construction of the Datong River Base. I am very satisfied with General Xu's command and the performance of the Fujian Navy. Your troops can have two days to rest, and then you must We have to start again." Qian Tiandun praised the performance of the Fujian Navy without hesitation, which made Xu Yuzhuo feel better.
"Then where are our troops going next? The upper reaches of the Datong River?" Xu Yuzhuo felt that his exhaustion was swept away immediately, and he was full of energy again.
"Yes, the coalition fleet will return in about one to two days, so the task of getting familiar with the upstream waters has to be handed over to the Fujian Navy." Qian Tiandun explained the current situation to Xu Yuzhuo frankly.
The Allied Fleet's timing of the operation was very tight, also in order to maximize the benefits of the operation in Liaodong.Compared with the Qing army, the coalition army has a great advantage, that is, it is equipped with a large number of North Korean guides.This is different from the fact that the Qing army captured captives from North Korea and used them as guides. The North Korean officials sent Haihan all scouts from the local army, who were more familiar with the local environment, especially the wild environment.
And this time, in order to build the defense system of the Taedong River, North Korea also specially selected a group of old sailors who had been sailing on the Taedong River for decades, and sent them to wait for the dispatch of the coalition forces.Among the captives captured by the Qing army from the north, few have the same level of understanding of the environment in the Datong River Basin. When the time comes to fight, this difference in familiarity with the environment will greatly affect the combat between the two sides. Strategy.Haihan could deploy key surveillance at places suitable for crossing the river early on, but if the Qing army wanted to find out the hydrological conditions of the Datong River, it would not be a job that could be completed in three to five days.
That night, Qian Tiandun set up a simple reception banquet to comfort the generals of the Fujian Navy who had just returned from the front line, and Jin Shangxian, who was a landlord, also took the initiative to attend.He knew very well that the retreat of the Ming army's navy had given up the cover of Anzhou. Without the blockade on the Qingchuan River, Anzhou City would soon fall.However, he already knew Haihan's strategy, and the purpose of coming to the banquet was not to blame the Ming army's actions, but to learn about the latest battle situation on the front line from Xu Yuzhuo.
North Korea's own military intelligence system is far inferior to the coalition forces organized by Haihan. It often takes a day or two or even longer to learn about the situation on the front line. The defenders' eyes on the Qing army's movements have been dimmed, and no valuable intelligence has been sent back from the front line in the past few days.
"What's the movement of the Qing army?" Xu Yuzhuo didn't rush to answer after hearing Jin Shangxian's question, but first looked at Qian Tiandun's face, saw him nodding his head slightly, and then responded: "If nothing happens Unexpectedly, the Qing army should organize the main force to cross the river this morning, and tomorrow at the latest, it should launch an offensive against Anzhou City."
"So soon... how long does General Xu think Anzhou City can hold?" Although Jin Shangxian no longer has much hope for the safety of Anzhou, he still wants to get an answer from Xu Yuzhuo that can make him feel a little relieved .
Xu Yuzhuo thought for a while before answering in a deep voice: "Anzhou currently has four or five thousand defenders, and there is enough time to strengthen the city defense...I think it should be possible...for three days."
"Three days?" To be honest, Jin Shangxian was very disappointed with this answer. He originally thought that Xu Yuzhuo's words were so lively that Anzhou would be able to defend at least ten days and a half months, so that the North Korean defenders could be regarded as able to explain something. , but I didn't expect Xu Yuzhuo's so-called optimistic estimate to be only three days.He really wanted to ask Xu Yuzhuo if his country's army was so vulnerable.
But this idea just turned around in Jin Shangxian's mind, and he still didn't ask it out in the end.In terms of the record of the Qing army since it entered North Korea, three days may really be the upper limit of Anzhou City. If you question Xu Yuzhuo's judgment, you may be severely beaten in the face in a few days.Jin Shangxian decided to hold back his breath for now. If Anzhou City survived for three days, he would have something to say in front of the coalition generals.
Qian Tiandun said: "This is not necessarily true. The location of Anzhou City is actually not blocking the route of the Qing army going south, and the Fujian Navy has completely withdrawn from the Qingchuan River. The threat that Anzhou City can pose to the Qing army is also It is very limited. If the Qing army wants to pursue the speed of advancement, it is entirely possible to send thousands of soldiers and horses to stare at Anzhou City, and the main force will continue to move south."
"Surround but not fight? The situation General Qian said is also possible." Xu Yuzhuo nodded thoughtfully in response.
After the Qing army invaded North Korea, not every town had to be captured and taken as its own. Instead, the narrow coastal plain near the west coast was chosen as a channel to quickly advance south. This strategy can greatly reduce the number of Qing troops on the way. Casualties and material consumption pushed the front all the way south to Seoul at the fastest speed.Conquering North Korea at the fastest speed with the least cost is the goal that Huang Taiji wants to achieve.Of course, if the coalition forces hadn't stepped in and slowed down the advance speed of the Qing army, its current position might not be on the Qingchuan River, but had already advanced to the Han River.
The location of Anzhou City happens to be at the junction of the mountainous area and the Linhai Plain. Whether the city is fought or not has no major impact on the strategy of the Qing army. Anyway, the Korean defenders dare not go out of the city to fight, so they can only watch. Looking at the main force of the Qing army transiting southward, the Qing army can choose a more time-saving and trouble-free handling method, so this situation speculated by Qian Tiandun is also very likely to occur.
If the Qing army did not fight against Anzhou, let alone defend it for three days, maybe by the time the Qing army retreated after hitting a wall on the Datong River, Anzhou would still be under the control of North Korea.
But the actual situation was far less optimistic than what the coalition generals thought. When the Qing army discovered that the Ming fleet had withdrawn in the early morning, they immediately organized an operation to cross the river and launched an offensive against Anzhou City without stopping.Although Anzhou City is indeed a place that can be fought or not, Huang Taiji is not as rational as Qian Tiandun on this issue. After the army has been dragged in this place for more than 20 days, he just wants to capture a city immediately. Let go of your depression.
(End of this chapter)
Although this blocking battle is unlikely to solve the threat of the Qing army once and for all, as long as the opportunity is grasped and the troops are deployed reasonably, the coalition forces will definitely have no problem inflicting heavy damage on the Qing army. The only suspense is probably the result of the battle.
However, as the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces, Qian Tiandun still has a lot of dissatisfaction with the current state of war preparations.For example, the defense line on the north side of the base could only build some relatively simple fortifications due to the short construction period. According to Qian Tiandun's idea, at least a large number of stone bastions that could be garrisoned like the Jinzhou Isthmus must be built on the defense line to be considered qualified.However, due to the fact that the nearest places where stones can be mined are seven or eight miles away from the defense line construction site, it is too late to open a temporary quarry and organize the transportation of stones before the arrival of the Qing army, so we have to give up such a plan.
On the Qingchuan River in the north, after paying hundreds of lives, the Qing army finally broke through the blockade of the Fujian Navy from the upper reaches and established a beachhead on the south bank of the Qingchuan River.The Fujian navy had limited troops, and they did not dare to send troops ashore to deal with the small Qing troops who had crossed the river, so they could only entrust this task to the Koreans.
However, the performance of the Koreans was as bad as ever. Even though their strength was more than twice that of the Qing army crossing the river, they still failed to gain much advantage in the battle. After three or two attempts and failed to attack, he was unwilling to take the initiative to attack again.After the night passed, there were several hundred more Qing troops on the beach, and even hundreds of heavy armored cavalry appeared in the formation, and immediately persuaded the North Korean troops who were originally holding a wait-and-see attitude to retreat.
Even though Xu Yuzhuo commanded the Fujian navy to patrol the Qingchuan River day and night, the limited strength still could not prevent the Qing army from crossing the river at night, and the North Korean army could not repel the Qing army that had already established a position near the river bank.So just a few days later, the gap between the two sides' troops on the south bank of the Qingchuan River quickly narrowed, and the Korean army no longer dared to come out of Anzhou City.
Xu Yuzhuo was also very helpless about this situation. If the North Korean army on the shore could cooperate well and resist the Qing army bravely, then the time for the Qing army to cross the river could be postponed for several days.However, the combat effectiveness of the Korean army was really weak, and they did not have the ability to compete with the main force of the Qing army on the frontal battlefield. Even if the Fujian Navy tried its best, it could only slightly delay the progress of the Qing army crossing the river.
Although the Qing army could not cause too much trouble for the Fujian navy on the Qingchuan River, when they set foot on the southern river bank, they could cut off the supply route from Anzhou to the fleet from land.Although this method is a bit painless, it will indeed affect the fighting will of the Fujian Navy. The most important thing is that the Fujian Navy also knows that there is still a way to retreat, and there is no need to stick to the Qingchuan River. It is the real line of defense of one's own side.
The Fujian navy finally delayed the large-scale crossing of the Qing army until the end of June. At this time, more than [-] soldiers and horses of the Qing army arrived at the south bank through scattered crossings at night and upstream, and completely cut off Anzhou and Fujian. Links between sailors.Xu Yuzhuo didn't know whether Anzhou had already started a war, and the North Koreans in Anzhou didn't know whether the Fujian navy on the Qingchuan River was still standing firm. In the case of a serious lack of tacit understanding between the two sides, they couldn't fight after the news was blocked. Then take any more aggressive tactics.
Because they seldom fought directly with the Qing army, the Fujian navy did not suffer much damage during this period, and the ships did not suffer much damage, but the consumption of materials and ammunition was quite a lot.After the supply channel with Anzhou City was cut off, the Fujian navy could only obtain supplies from the Datong River base more than 200 miles away, which is extremely inconvenient.After Xu Yuzhuo asked for instructions from the Datongjiang base, he summoned the fleet and sailed quietly to the mouth of the Qingchuan River one day after night fell.But this time, Xu Yuzhuo kindly asked the envoys sent by Anzhou to the fleet to report back to the city overnight, lest the North Koreans be unprepared for this. .
Xu Yuzhuo didn't have to worry too much about leaking the news when he evacuated from the Qingchuan River at this time, because as long as the Qing army waited until dawn, the Qing army would soon find that the Ming army fleet had disappeared from the Qingchuan River.At that time, the Qing army, who had been waiting for many days, would immediately organize a large-scale crossing of the river, and the Korean defenders were unlikely to take the initiative to go out of the city to stop them.
As for the Fujian navy, their original task was to hold the Qing army in the Daning River and Qingchuan River basins for more than ten days in order to delay their southward progress. The division took advantage of the night to evacuate. During this period, it has been more than 20 days, and it can be said that the task has been overfulfilled.Even if the Qing army can push down Anzhou City in one wave, it will be at least two or three days before they go south to the front line of the Datong River.
After completing the task, Xu Yuzhuo was quite fortunate to be able to lead a relatively complete army to evacuate from this battlefield. He knew that the strength of the Qing army was not weak. It cannot be confronted head-on.
Fortunately, Xu Yuzhuo was still a little unwilling. The Fujian navy had confronted the Qing army here for more than [-] days, and the real damage to the enemy might be only a few hundred people. This kind of killing efficiency is not as good as the Haihan army. A comparison, naturally there is a huge gap.Aside from the gap in the performance of ships and weapons, Xu Yuzhuo also understands that the strength of the Haihan Army lies in the self-confidence created by winning battles all the year round. Without the confidence to win, and to be able to fully exert their due combat effectiveness, this is the quality that their own troops still lack.
This time, the mission was carried out alone in North Korea. The opponent was the Qing army with good combat effectiveness, and the environment was relatively unfamiliar inland waters. Xu Yuzhuo was also very cautious when commanding the battle. Therefore, although the goal of the battle was successfully achieved, the results were not great.Xu Yuzhuo also thought from time to time that if he was acting together with the Haihan Navy, perhaps the way of fighting would be more active, and the results of the battle should be much greater than the current one.
But after returning to the Datong River, they will be able to fight side by side with the Haihan Navy again. Speaking of the coalition fleet fighting in the inland waters of the Korean Peninsula, the Fujian Navy actually participated in the whole process and never missed a single time. Xu Yuzhuo is also thinking about this Is it a coincidence, or the Haihan military deliberately made such an arrangement to exercise the Fujian navy's ability to fight inland rivers.
The Fujian navy withdrew from the Qingchuan River without hindrance, then went south along the coastline, and successfully returned to the Datong River Base, which is still under construction.Qian Tiandun came to the port in person to welcome the return of the naval fleet. Xu Yuzhuo was flattered by this kind of treatment.
"This time, the Fujian Navy won a very valuable period of time for the construction of the Datong River Base. I am very satisfied with General Xu's command and the performance of the Fujian Navy. Your troops can have two days to rest, and then you must We have to start again." Qian Tiandun praised the performance of the Fujian Navy without hesitation, which made Xu Yuzhuo feel better.
"Then where are our troops going next? The upper reaches of the Datong River?" Xu Yuzhuo felt that his exhaustion was swept away immediately, and he was full of energy again.
"Yes, the coalition fleet will return in about one to two days, so the task of getting familiar with the upstream waters has to be handed over to the Fujian Navy." Qian Tiandun explained the current situation to Xu Yuzhuo frankly.
The Allied Fleet's timing of the operation was very tight, also in order to maximize the benefits of the operation in Liaodong.Compared with the Qing army, the coalition army has a great advantage, that is, it is equipped with a large number of North Korean guides.This is different from the fact that the Qing army captured captives from North Korea and used them as guides. The North Korean officials sent Haihan all scouts from the local army, who were more familiar with the local environment, especially the wild environment.
And this time, in order to build the defense system of the Taedong River, North Korea also specially selected a group of old sailors who had been sailing on the Taedong River for decades, and sent them to wait for the dispatch of the coalition forces.Among the captives captured by the Qing army from the north, few have the same level of understanding of the environment in the Datong River Basin. When the time comes to fight, this difference in familiarity with the environment will greatly affect the combat between the two sides. Strategy.Haihan could deploy key surveillance at places suitable for crossing the river early on, but if the Qing army wanted to find out the hydrological conditions of the Datong River, it would not be a job that could be completed in three to five days.
That night, Qian Tiandun set up a simple reception banquet to comfort the generals of the Fujian Navy who had just returned from the front line, and Jin Shangxian, who was a landlord, also took the initiative to attend.He knew very well that the retreat of the Ming army's navy had given up the cover of Anzhou. Without the blockade on the Qingchuan River, Anzhou City would soon fall.However, he already knew Haihan's strategy, and the purpose of coming to the banquet was not to blame the Ming army's actions, but to learn about the latest battle situation on the front line from Xu Yuzhuo.
North Korea's own military intelligence system is far inferior to the coalition forces organized by Haihan. It often takes a day or two or even longer to learn about the situation on the front line. The defenders' eyes on the Qing army's movements have been dimmed, and no valuable intelligence has been sent back from the front line in the past few days.
"What's the movement of the Qing army?" Xu Yuzhuo didn't rush to answer after hearing Jin Shangxian's question, but first looked at Qian Tiandun's face, saw him nodding his head slightly, and then responded: "If nothing happens Unexpectedly, the Qing army should organize the main force to cross the river this morning, and tomorrow at the latest, it should launch an offensive against Anzhou City."
"So soon... how long does General Xu think Anzhou City can hold?" Although Jin Shangxian no longer has much hope for the safety of Anzhou, he still wants to get an answer from Xu Yuzhuo that can make him feel a little relieved .
Xu Yuzhuo thought for a while before answering in a deep voice: "Anzhou currently has four or five thousand defenders, and there is enough time to strengthen the city defense...I think it should be possible...for three days."
"Three days?" To be honest, Jin Shangxian was very disappointed with this answer. He originally thought that Xu Yuzhuo's words were so lively that Anzhou would be able to defend at least ten days and a half months, so that the North Korean defenders could be regarded as able to explain something. , but I didn't expect Xu Yuzhuo's so-called optimistic estimate to be only three days.He really wanted to ask Xu Yuzhuo if his country's army was so vulnerable.
But this idea just turned around in Jin Shangxian's mind, and he still didn't ask it out in the end.In terms of the record of the Qing army since it entered North Korea, three days may really be the upper limit of Anzhou City. If you question Xu Yuzhuo's judgment, you may be severely beaten in the face in a few days.Jin Shangxian decided to hold back his breath for now. If Anzhou City survived for three days, he would have something to say in front of the coalition generals.
Qian Tiandun said: "This is not necessarily true. The location of Anzhou City is actually not blocking the route of the Qing army going south, and the Fujian Navy has completely withdrawn from the Qingchuan River. The threat that Anzhou City can pose to the Qing army is also It is very limited. If the Qing army wants to pursue the speed of advancement, it is entirely possible to send thousands of soldiers and horses to stare at Anzhou City, and the main force will continue to move south."
"Surround but not fight? The situation General Qian said is also possible." Xu Yuzhuo nodded thoughtfully in response.
After the Qing army invaded North Korea, not every town had to be captured and taken as its own. Instead, the narrow coastal plain near the west coast was chosen as a channel to quickly advance south. This strategy can greatly reduce the number of Qing troops on the way. Casualties and material consumption pushed the front all the way south to Seoul at the fastest speed.Conquering North Korea at the fastest speed with the least cost is the goal that Huang Taiji wants to achieve.Of course, if the coalition forces hadn't stepped in and slowed down the advance speed of the Qing army, its current position might not be on the Qingchuan River, but had already advanced to the Han River.
The location of Anzhou City happens to be at the junction of the mountainous area and the Linhai Plain. Whether the city is fought or not has no major impact on the strategy of the Qing army. Anyway, the Korean defenders dare not go out of the city to fight, so they can only watch. Looking at the main force of the Qing army transiting southward, the Qing army can choose a more time-saving and trouble-free handling method, so this situation speculated by Qian Tiandun is also very likely to occur.
If the Qing army did not fight against Anzhou, let alone defend it for three days, maybe by the time the Qing army retreated after hitting a wall on the Datong River, Anzhou would still be under the control of North Korea.
But the actual situation was far less optimistic than what the coalition generals thought. When the Qing army discovered that the Ming fleet had withdrawn in the early morning, they immediately organized an operation to cross the river and launched an offensive against Anzhou City without stopping.Although Anzhou City is indeed a place that can be fought or not, Huang Taiji is not as rational as Qian Tiandun on this issue. After the army has been dragged in this place for more than 20 days, he just wants to capture a city immediately. Let go of your depression.
(End of this chapter)