Chapter 775
The Battle of Hongdu
Huo Bima didn't say anything. At this moment, Wang Baobao spoke up: "Alright, let's ignore them for now. You go down and organize the troops. This time we must fight a good battle. Whether Ya Ya becomes the empress or a concubine in the future may depend on our performance."
Huo Bima immediately bowed and said, "Yes, Commander, rest assured, I will definitely lead my brothers to fight bravely and take Hongdu!"
"it is good!"
Wang Baobao was very satisfied with Huobima's performance. Huobima was one of his old subordinates, and had been his deputy since joining the army.
Wang Baobao then came to the map, which showed the latest location, and his gaze fell on Hongdu!
We must take Hongdu in this battle to give my sister a head start.
Wang Baobao was a very realistic person. He didn't believe that any relationship could last forever. His sister, Zhao Ya, chose to give up the position of empress and marry Chen Jiu Si, who at that time only had the territory of Huangzhou Prefecture, as the princess of Ruyang Prince's Mansion.
She hadn't even obtained the status of a proper wife. Now that the Ruyang Prince's Mansion had completely collapsed, and she and her father even had to rely on Chen Jie for survival, how could her Ya Ya obtain the status of an empress if Chen Jiu Si were to gain the throne?
You must know that her opponent is Su Yunjin, that woman who is gentle yet strong, that woman who looks weak but is actually incredibly tenacious.
Wang Baobao understood Su Yunjin; after all, she was his sister's greatest enemy. As a military strategist, the most important thing is to know yourself and your enemy to win every battle; therefore, understanding one's opponent is crucial.
Therefore, Wang Baobao was able to thoroughly investigate Su Yunjin's identity.
Through his investigation, Wang Baobao obtained some information, one of which was that Su Yunjin was no ordinary woman: she appeared to be without desires, but she had many people supporting her behind the scenes.
Putting aside everything else, in the army, the two deputy commanders of Huangzhou Prefecture are Ni Wenjun and Chen Xiaohu.
Ni Wenjun is Hua San Niang's husband, and Hua San Niang is Su Yun Jin's sworn sister. The two are as close as brothers. If Su Yun Jin is to be chosen as the empress in the future, Ni Wenjun will undoubtedly support her.
And the other person? Chen Xiaohu, Chen Jie's cousin. They knew each other in Xiantao Village. In Chen Xiaohu's eyes, Su Yunjin was like a sister-in-law to his mother. He was a die-hard Su supporter.
Now that even two deputy commanders are so supportive of Su Yunjin, at least half of the military's strength supports her.
In addition, regarding the civil officials, Hu Weiyong was neutral, while Zhou Chu and Wu Hong were staunch supporters of the Su faction in Huangzhou Prefecture.
Zhou Chu was one of Chen Jiu Si's founding team members. He had known Su Yun Jin for a long time, and Su Yun Jin had helped him a lot. Wu Hong was even more so. Wu Hong and Bai Wen Jing were close friends with Chen Jiu Si.
Their relationship with Su Yunjin was also very close, and these people could all be considered members of the Su faction.
Besides these, what's even more terrifying is that Su Yunjin is also the dean of the College of Arts at Huangzhou Prefecture University, and many of Huangzhou Prefecture's grassroots cadres are his students.
The power of the Soviet Union was terrifying.
And what about his younger sister?
She did live up to expectations, presiding over two battles to defend Huangzhou Prefecture. At the very least, she had a good relationship with Jin Yanzi, the commander of the Qinglong Army, who was also a female general. Zhang Dingbian, the commander-in-chief, should also have a good relationship with his sister.
After all, they had gone through life and death together in the Battle of Huangzhou Prefecture, so they were comrades-in-arms.
That way, the younger sister should be able to build a support team in the army similar to Su Yunjin's.
Then there's the matter of influence. His father, the Prince of Ruyang, is currently the Dean of the Military Academy. Although he hasn't fully exerted his influence yet, it will come when his disciples and grand-disciples take up their posts.
That would make it possible to become a supporter of the Zhao Party.
Although this is far less powerful than the Su Party, he still has himself. If he makes great contributions, such as conquering Hongdu and contributing to the eastward expansion of the Han Prince's Mansion, then he may be able to enter the core power circle of the Han Prince's Mansion. At that time, he will have the power to challenge the Su Party.
This is Wang Baobao's analysis.
The issue of choosing an empress and an heir will inevitably give rise to two opposing forces in the future.
How could anyone not be tempted by the position of heir to an empire?
Who wouldn't want their loved ones to succeed Chen Jie as emperor in the future?
Although the Great Qian Dynasty was destroyed, if his nephew could inherit the new empire, it would be a kind of rebirth, and he could be considered to have done his last duty for the Great Qian Dynasty!
Wang Baobao was still very thoughtful, considering all sorts of things.
Therefore, the Battle of Hongdu was of great importance to him.
It can be said that Wang Baobao harbored the idea of fighting for the position of Empress for his younger sister.
And so, the plan was set, and two days passed quickly. Both Wang Baobao's side and Chen Jiu Si's side were fully prepared.
Yesterday, Chen Jie dispatched Jin Yanzi with 30,000 Qinglong Army soldiers to the outskirts of Nankang. Without alerting Xu Da, they quietly set up camp, with the aim of launching a feint attack to intercept them.
Then Chen Jie ordered Zhang Dingbian to lead 60,000 Beggars' Army soldiers, Chen Xiaohu to lead 30,000 White Tiger Army soldiers, and Shi Gengming to lead 30,000 Vermilion Bird Army soldiers, using 30 newly manufactured warships.
Two hundred and thirty cannons, ten thousand new-style muskets, and five hundred thousand catties of gunpowder.
They were positioned in ambush in the Wucheng area, ready to intercept Fu Youde's army stationed at Hukou at any time.
At this point, the pocket formation was set up for Fu Youde, and then came the most important city, Hongdu.
In fact, scouts from Hongdu discovered yesterday that Wang Baobao's troops stationed in Jiujiang were mobilizing their forces, and the scouts reported this to Zhu Wenzheng, the garrison commander of Hongdu.
After receiving the news, Zhu Wenzheng glanced at the map and said nonchalantly, "Let him come if he wants; the entire army should be on alert."
This morning, the scout came again in a panic: "General, something bad has happened! Wang Baobao's 50,000 troops stationed at Jiujiangkou set off before dawn this morning and are now attacking our Hongdu. General, let's ask for reinforcements!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Wenzheng chuckled and said, "Hmm, asking for help? What help? I've been wanting to have a go at that Wang Baobao for a long time."
"Among the world's renowned generals, we should weigh this man's worth on behalf of my uncle."
"Bring me my armor!"
As Zhu Wenzheng spoke, he put on his armor and, holding a long sword, headed straight for the city wall. He wanted to see just how capable Wang Baobao really was!
On the third day of the twelfth month of the fifteenth year of the Zhizheng era, at the third quarter of the Yin hour, the Gan River shimmered with an iron-gray light.
Wang Baobao was standing on the small, two-story ship. He had managed to get Chen Jie's shipyard to build it for him, and he had even pulled some strings by asking his sister, Zhao Ya, for help.
Zhao Ya told Chen Jie about it, and Chen Jie agreed to the request so as not to worry the pregnant Zhao Ya.
So they built a two-story small ship for Wang Baobao. Although it was small, it was a behemoth in this naval battle.
At this moment, he stood on the top of the warship, holding a long sword in his hand. He was surrounded by 50,000 naval troops, a dark mass like a black cloud, rushing towards Hongdu City ahead.
Eight hundred warships were lined up on the river, their iron-clad oars gleaming coldly in the morning mist.
The world-renowned general squinted at the top of Hongdu City—it was eerily quiet there, not even the flags were waving.
“Zhu Wenzheng…” he murmured the name, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
The river breeze carried a damp, fishy smell, and he knew that in the upcoming battle, this city would suffer an unprecedented blow!
"Beat the drum." Wang Baobao's voice was very flat.
Boom, boom, boom!
The heavy drumsticks slammed down on the cowhide drum, causing the drumhead to vibrate and the sound to carry.
When the first drumbeat sounded, Wang Baobao's naval forces began to move.
However, there was no movement on the city wall of Hongdu. At this moment, Zhu Wen was standing in the watchtower of Zhangjiang Gate, looking at the river through the arrow window.
With a cold, scrutinizing gaze, Wang Baobao truly lived up to his reputation as a renowned general. In such a short time, he had managed to train a ragtag group into what they were now.
Zhu Wenzheng nodded to himself.
Deng Yu, Zhao Desheng, and Xue Xian, who stood behind him, appeared anxious. They were all capable generals, but facing Wang Baobao made them nervous.
"Grand Commander, they are going to attack from both Zhangjiang Gate and Fuzhou Gate simultaneously," Deng Yu said in a hoarse voice.
"I know." Zhu Wenzheng took the bow from his personal guard: "Wang Baobao is looking for our weakness. Order: I will personally guard Zhangjiang Gate, Fuzhou Gate will be handed over to General Zhao, and the other gates will remain as planned—whoever lets even a single enemy soldier onto the city wall, I will kill their entire family."
"promise!"
Zhao Desheng and his two companions clasped their hands in greeting and immediately accepted the order.
Zhu Wenzheng gripped the longbow in his hand and said, "Hehe, Wang Baobao, everyone says you are a master strategist. I'd like to see what you're really capable of."
Thinking this, Zhu Wenzheng was actually quite excited. He really wanted to fight against a famous general. Only by defeating a famous general could he become a famous general himself. Everyone said that he was able to get ahead in the army because of the prestige of his uncle, Zhu Chongba.
He didn't think so. With his abilities, if he hadn't been in his uncle's army, he would have distinguished himself much faster, instead of being labeled a "second-generation rich kid."
Therefore, this battle is also a chance for him to prove himself.
come on!
Wang Baobao!
Standing on the ship, Wang Baobao frowned as he looked at the quiet Hongdu across from him. In his eyes, Hongdu now resembled a silent giant beast, lying there ready to devour anyone it might.
Although the city's general is unknown, he is a skilled commander. Just as my sister said, we must not be careless.
Thinking it over, Wang Baobao raised his hand again, and the drummer immediately started playing the drums!
The second drumbeat sounded.
Wang Baobao's navy suddenly opened its gates wide, and three hundred warships rushed towards the city walls like arrows released from a bow.
Each ship carries fifty soldiers, and a bamboo tower higher than the city wall is erected at the bow of the ship. The top of the tower is covered with raw cowhide, and twenty archers are hidden inside.
"Release the arrows—"
The flag officer on the ship gave the order.
Arrows flew like locusts, obscuring the sun.
But the walls of Hongdu remained silent.
Until the first tower was only twenty feet from the city wall.
"hair!"
Zhu Wenzheng roared, and three hundred ballistae were suddenly erected on the city wall.
The crossbow arm was made from a single piece of ironwood, the string was made of oil-soaked ox sinew, and the arrows were eight feet long with arrowheads as sharp as axe blades.
Three hundred muffled thunderous booms resounded as if the building had been struck by a heavy hammer, tearing open its facade and sending the soldiers hidden inside plummeting into the river like fallen leaves.
But more ships are approaching.
Once the battle begins, it will not end easily!
A bloody battle has begun.
The battle began on the main battlefield, and the battle also began on the flanks.
At Chenshi (7-9 AM), at Fuzhou Gate.
Zhao Desheng cleaved the enemy centurion who had climbed onto the rampart with a single stroke, his blood splattering all over his face.
This was the seventh time the city had been climbed.
Wang Baobao's army changed to using a combination of ladders and towers—after the towers were close to the city wall, the assassins hidden on the top floor could leap directly onto the city wall.
"Boil the oil! Quickly!"
Zhao Desheng shouted loudly.
A pot of boiling oil was poured down, and Wang Baobao, who had climbed all the way up the ladder, fell down with a scream.
But new faces immediately took their place. These were mostly hereditary soldiers of the Han army that Wang Baobao brought from Jiangnan. Their livelihood depended on their fathers' deaths and their sons' succession. Fighting was their only means of survival.
A human pyramid three feet high has been piled up at the foot of the city wall.
There were soldiers under Wang Baobao's command and soldiers under his command.
When one of the guards jumped off the city wall with Wang Baobao in his arms, his intestines were dragged three zhang (approximately 10 meters) long, steaming in the scorching sun.
Some of the guards were stabbed through the body, and even as they died, they used their teeth to bite Wang Baobao's soldier to death before they were satisfied.
At this moment, the defending troops showed unprecedented courage. However, Wang Baobao's troops were also extraordinary. Faced with the counterattack of the defending troops, they also fought desperately!
"General! The western section of the battlement has been breached!"
Zhao Desheng turned his head and saw that more than thirty of Wang Baobao's soldiers had occupied a section of the city wall and were widening the gap.
He picked up a broken spear from the ground and charged forward with his personal guards. There were no shouts, only the dull thud of metal shattering bone.
He pierced the throat of Wang Baobao's platoon leader with a single shot, pulling out a piece of his throat bone along with it.
The bodies fell to the ground, and the charge of Wang Baobao's army was quickly stopped. The gap was also plugged with the enemy's corpses.
The battle here has already reached a fever pitch, and on the main battlefield!
Zhu Wenzheng discovered that Wang Baobao's army was playing a new trick—they used iron chains to connect ten boats into a pontoon bridge and built it directly onto the city wall.
Once the structure is completed, Wang Baobao's army can surge onto the city wall as if walking on flat ground.
Seeing this, Zhu Wenzheng felt his scalp tingle. Who came up with this insidious scheme for them?
"Fire ships!" he roared.
Twenty small boats, fully loaded with firewood and tung oil, rushed out of the water gate, each carrying three daredevils, and steered the boats straight toward the pontoon bridge.
Wang Baobao's army rained down arrows, and nineteen Ming soldiers fell into the river. Only the last small boat crashed into the pontoon bridge.
As the fire broke out, the Ming soldier, his body riddled with arrows, stood at the bow of the ship, raised a torch, and shouted something towards the city wall.
Zhu Wenzheng couldn't hear clearly, but he could make out the lip movements:
“Mother, my son is unfilial——”
boom!
With an explosion, a fire dragon engulfed the pontoon bridge along the tung oil.
Wang Baobao jumped into the river like a dumpling being boiled, but was trapped by the burning oil on the river surface and gradually became still.
Charred corpses floated on the river, their hands still in a scratching motion.
"Damn it!"
Upon seeing this, Zhu Wenzheng cursed angrily, his heart filled with extreme rage. He then beckoned for his soldiers to continue the attack.
When Wang Baobao saw this scene, his eyes also became serious. This army was quite formidable. What kind of fighting spirit did they have? He admitted that he had underestimated Zhu Wenzheng, the garrison commander of Hongdu.
To be able to lead such a force, one must be no ordinary general! (End of Chapter)