Section 73 Guardhouse

"The prisoner of war camps are all ready, and I even gave them a batch of surprise training for the aunts who shaved their heads." Yanghe said with great interest. He spent the whole afternoon talking with Mei Wan about the location and construction of the prisoner of war camp. The date for the commencement of construction has now been agreed. However, a large number of supporting facilities in the prisoner of war camps had to be coordinated by other departments. Speaking of the next big number of officers and military prisoners, everyone was very excited. Only the east gate blows rain and smiles and does not speak. He had attended several military meetings, and how to capture as many prisoners as possible was not so simple. After several wargames, there is a high probability that it will be a rout.

Once the 20,000 officers and troops were dispersed, it would be troublesome to gather them together and take them into prisoner of war camps, and the Fubo army lacked cavalry, the most powerful force in pursuit.

The occupation of Baisha Shuizhai by eliminating Tang Yunwen's sailors could of course cut off the retreat route for the officials and troops to retreat to the mainland, but Hainan Island was a very large area, and there was also a lot of room for maneuver. Officers and soldiers can also retreat to Wenchang and other places. Scattered soldiers can easily be transformed into small bands on the spot, which is a great scourge to the locality. The meeting decided that after defeating the enemy army in the land battle, the remnants of the Ming army should be allowed to retreat to Haikou Qianhusuo or Qiongshan County as completely as possible, and catch turtles in an urn.

It is for this reason that he has people repeatedly practice the techniques of the troops to attack the city these days. After a week of training, the coordination between the infantry and gunners has become quite proficient. In fact, this earthen city was built according to the scale of the city of thousands of households in Haikou, but the height, thickness and fortification facilities of the city wall were basically one to one, and there was no shrinkage.

After eating, the east gate blew rain and returned to the headquarters. In the evening, a meeting of officers at and above the field barracks level will be continued.

He Ming convened this meeting under pressure from the Executive Committee. Wu De, president of the Planning Institute, expressed concern at several coordination meetings: the army is now mobilized, but the economic situation cannot support such wartime operations in the long term. In addition, Cheng Dong, Ma Qianzhuo and others have asked what the specific combat jihua is. He Ming knew that they all hoped that the battle would start as soon as possible, some hoped to extend their dominance to the whole of Hainan as soon as possible, and some were worried that the economy of the Crossing Group would not be able to withstand such attrition. He knew that everyone had their own reasoning, and he could say it all on the table. And the wind of the entire Senate is also hoping to destroy the enemy as soon as possible.

Although neither the Senate nor the Executive Committee had the right to interfere with the strategic and tactical decisions of the Minister of War under the law, the 90-day deadline put He Ming under great pressure. If he does not achieve a decisive victory within three months, it will be difficult for the Senate to meet to discuss the renewal of the Minister of War.

He Ming knew that only a quick solution was the best choice now.

However, the members of the special reconnaissance team he sent out to operate in the vicinity of the Qianhu Institute in Haikou and the information transferred from the Foreign Intelligence Bureau show that no one from the Ming army has yet landed on Hainan Island. Only a few thousand men and horses were assembled in Guangzhou, and as for whether they were ready to cross the sea together after the whole army was assembled, or whether they arrived in batches, the intelligence did not say.

The Ming army has not yet been dispatched, which makes He Ming, who is accustomed to being a modern soldier, find it difficult to understand -- the first thing to do is to seize the opportunity to ensure the safety of the bridgehead on the island in such a landing operation as Hainan Island, so that follow-up troops and supplies can be continuously sent to the island.

He and his staff officers conducted many exercises on the map, and each imaginary Ming army's combat operation began with a small force reinforcing Qianhu in Haikou. According to the intelligence, the staff officers believed that judging from the Ming army's ability to project by sea and the speed of troop mobilization and assembly, the Ming army would inevitably adopt the method of sailing troops in small quantities and in large batches. The only port that can be used in the northern part of Hainan Island is Shenying Port in Haikou.

However, so far, the reconnaissance team has not found any signs of strengthening the Ming troops in Baisha Water Village and Qianhu City in Haikou. This surprised him and put his plan in danger of falling through.

In order to be able to start the war as soon as possible, he had to change his original plan and decided to adopt some methods to stimulate the Guangdong government and force the enemy to march his army into Hainan Island as soon as possible.

He Ming was born as a junior officer, and there were not many twists and turns in his stomach. Now that we want everyone to give advice, there is no need to hide it. He simply said the current situation facing the field army:

“…… The Executive Committee has difficulties, our foundation is weak, and now we have more than 10,000 army and navy, as well as more than 2,000 civilians and militia, and we have to fight a quick battle to make a quick decision. Everyone brainstormed how to put a little pressure on the enemy and let them land on the island in advance. ”

The officers all agreed with his plan of putting pressure on the enemy to enter the island ahead of schedule. Some suggested besieging Chengmai, others suggested sending lightly armed troops to feint the city of Qianhusuo in Haikou, and others proposed sending the navy out to shell the gateways to Guangzhou: Humen and Shajiao......

"I'll take the four battalions to besiege Chengmai." You Laohu, the commander of the fourth battalion, said that he was newly promoted to battalion commander and wanted to show his skills, "I promise to fall into the city one day." ”

Dongmen Blowing Rain Zuihou said: "These methods are good, but if you capture Chengmai County too early, the movement is too big, and now the Senate and the Executive Committee have different opinions on peace, we should not capture the county too early, and we should leave room for Wang Zunde." In addition, the intelligence said that the government thinks that we are not good at land warfare, and if we take Chengmai County at once, we will not only be good at land warfare but also attack the city, and the enemy will not be so confident and bold to come to fight us. ”

Another officer said: "We are going to besiege Chengmai and make it look like the situation in Hainan is urgent, and we want the officers and soldiers to look down on us." I think we're a dish. ”

"Everyone's opinion is very good." He Ming said, "Let's take a multi-pronged approach." ”

At that moment, he ordered You Lao Hu to lead a part of his troops to besiege Chengmai.

"You take a company of infantry from the fourth battalion and gather two hundred militiamen with you. Bring more gongs and drums, go to Chengmai City to feint, and make a little more drama, so that the county commander in Chengmai County will hurry up and report to the emergency. ”

"Yes," You Tiger stood up and saluted, "I must complete the task." He continued: "Can you give me a cannon or two?" We thieves are known for their sharp firearms, and they don't look like them without cannons. ”

"You take the two 12-pound mountain grenades." Ying Yue said, "It is light and easy for you to carry, and the effect of shelling the city wall with solid shells is average." ”

"Okay, I'll set off early tomorrow morning to transfer a few good gunners for me, and I'll knock down the city tower in Chengmai County......"

"No, I can give you a few more cannons, but the gunners, you can take the cadets of the training team. Bring more ammunition and let the trainees practice more. ”

Ying Yue knew that He Ming hoped that the Ming army would underestimate his own combat capability, so he nodded immediately: "That's it." ”

"You pass with great fanfare along the way, collect grain in various villages along the way, and if there is one who does not follow, you will break it first." He Ming instructed him face-to-face, "The three disciplines and eight points of attention are the basic principles, you have to watch the militia, but if anyone wants to fight against us, they will beat it to a pulp." The landlord and the head of the old rich clan killed a few more and then let a few go. ”

"Understood" You Tiger's dark face flushed with excitement.

"Xiaoye."

"Yes." Ye Mengyan stood up. After He Ming became the Minister of War to form a field army, Bei Wei directly transferred Ye Mengyan's detachment to his subordinates.

"You led the detachment to infiltrate the Qianhu Institute in Haikou and carry out raiding operations." He Ming said, "Kill a few people with great fanfare, and then capture a few prisoners who are officials." ”

"Understood." Ye Mengyan was very excited, he had already carried out the reconnaissance operation to Qiongshan several times. This time he was able to do a lot of work, which made him very interested.

"Little Wei" He Ming then called Wei Aiwen's name.

"Yes"

"The Senate and the Executive Committee are ready to take over the various health posts in the county. I'll leave this matter to you. He Ming said, "There is no need to mention the combat power of the guard, it is mainly a political battle, and the key is to win the hearts of the people." You go to be responsible. I'll give you a company. You do it as soon as possible. ”

"Understood"

"You go back to Bairen first, and go to meet Wu De and Ma Qianzhuo first. Listen to their opinions. He Ming said, "In addition, you have to let go of a few leaders and let them rush to Qiongshan to report the emergency." ”

Of course, Wei Aiwen knew the intention. He said happily: "I understand that I must have done it in a week." ”

"The Guards have two camps on the edge of the Leo district, with several hundred men. It is a relatively warlike centaur. He Ming said, "After these two camps are received, don't dismiss them for the time being, just arrest the officers who are angry with the people, and let the county supply food and salary as usual." ”

Ho Ming was worried that once these two camps were cancelled, the Li people would take the opportunity to launch a riot, so he asked to stay in these two places for the time being.

"I see." Wei Aiwen said with regret, "Actually, we can recruit Li Miao's ......."

"I'll talk about this later, you can get the matter done with the guard first."

Early the next morning, Wei Aiwen drove back to Bairen with an infantry company. The company commander of this company is Lin Fu. It turned out to be a villager from Yanchang Village, the first indigenous personnel to join the army. He was the first Native company commander in the Army. As soon as Wei Aiwen drove out of the camp, he saw You Laohu carrying a border army knife - since he saw Wen Desi's private collection, You Laohu had always wanted to get such a domineering guy. On this expedition, he was so good at talking about it, he borrowed the knife from Wen Desi's hand. At this time, he was walking in the queue with great strength, with the team that was ready to besiege Chengmai.

More than 300 militiamen carried machetes and spears in their waists, some pushing carts, others carrying bows and arrows and old-fashioned muskets. Three mountain howitzers were mixed in the ranks, each of which was towed by seven or eight young men. If it weren't for the well-organized ranks of the infantry company, it would look like a bunch of bandits.

"Xiao Wei" You Laohu saw him and put the big knife on his shoulder, "Are you going to do land reform again?" This time, you are from a long-term job and a meal? ”

"Are you going to be a bandit with this group of people?" Wei Aiwen was not to be outdone, "Will you use this knife?" Don't just carry it all the way to Chengmai. ”

"This time I went to Chengmai to see Lao Tzu cut off a few heads and cut meat for this knife." You Laohu said, "Otherwise, it will be used as a fart in Lao Wen." ”

Wei Aiwen led the team back to Bairen, and Wu De had already made all preparations in advance. The planning institute's home raiding team was assembled, and the militia was mobilized to carry the supplies with carts.

The official name of the guard of Lingao is the subordinate of the five thousand households of the inner guard. There are two cantonments. One is near Nanbao, which is officially the castle of a thousand households, and the other is not far from the high mountain range. Both are fortified walled buildings. Although it is very old, because of the long-term threat of rebellion in the local area, the cantonments in both places have undergone certain repairs, with sufficient weapons and firearms, which are better than the guards in the mainland.

The Crossing Group had a clear grasp of the situation of the health center very early. There are more than 100 military households in the city of Qianhusuo, and more than 500 men, women, and children. In the other place, there were only thirty or forty military households.

There was no resistance from the various guards and battalions, and the military households did not have many strong men in the first place, and they had no training for a long time, and their lives were difficult and had no fighting spirit. The Australians have been in the heights for a long time, and everyone knows that they are acting benevolently and fairly, and if they surrender in time, they will not only not die, but they can live a better life than they do now. So Wei Aiwen appeared under the walled city with his men and horses and immediately surrendered. The people of the Planning Institute took over weapons, supplies, and livestock from various places, and counted the population at the same time. Wei Aiwen only arrested all the officers in the two Zhenli camps, appointed a few prestigious soldiers to temporarily act as his assistants, and led the soldiers to stay in the local garrison and wait for the reorganization.

However, there was a skirmish in the castle where the inner guard was enclosed. When the infantry company led by Wei Aiwen advanced and forced under the walled wall, Liu Qianhu of the rear office took a few personal soldiers to close the gate of the walled city first, and then forced the whole village Ding Zhuang to defend the wall.

Wei Aiwen didn't expect that the guard would dare to resist, and immediately called an indigenous clerk of the special search team of the Planning Institute who could speak military to come forward and shout, asking them to open the door and surrender immediately.

Liu Qianhu shouted on the gate of the village: "You and I have always been the river water does not violate the well water, Lao Tzu has never hindered your business, you don't come to provoke Lao Tzu, this is the place of the imperial court's economic system, and when you fall here, the village is to pull the flag and rebel, and the imperial court will send a large army to conquer the ......"

Wei Aiwen was furious when he heard this, and said to the shouter: "You tell the military households in the city, hurry up and arrest the officials and open the gate of the village to surrender, otherwise the village will be broken and the chickens and dogs will not be left."

There was a sudden commotion on the wall, and the military households did not want to fight -- this was not a war with the Li people. They usually know that Australians are not thirsty for killing and plundering, and they are very generous to their subordinates. Even if it is not necessarily a blessing to live under them, it is no worse than under thousands of households.

"Who dares to move, who dares to move?" Liu Qianhu brandished a big knife and roared, and the soldiers behind him also shouted. Although he is only a small Qianhu, his family has been an official here for generations, and he has not put down his martial arts for the sake of Zhenli. Jiwei was still there, and the soldiers were reprimanded by him with a straight face, and they didn't dare to squeak one by one.

Wei Aiwen couldn't help but be annoyed when he saw that there was no movement in the city. He has a top shooter in his company, and he can kill Liu Qianhu with one shot. But he secretly harbored hope in his heart, hoping that someone in the military household would take the initiative to resist, and it would be better for an armed conflict to occur. In this way, it will be much easier to carry out political education in the future. The military families will also be completely desperate for the government.

"Shouting" Wei Aiwen's face turned pale, "Liu Qianhu is too busy to take care of himself, let the military households not work for him and quickly rise up to resist him, what is the benefit of being a thousand households and ordinary military households?" ”

There was a commotion on the wall with shouting, and the military households didn't want to sell their lives in the first place, but now under the series of incitement by Wei Aiwen and others, many people felt that it was not worth it to defend the village here for the master, and this village could not be defended no matter what.

Liu Qianhu saw that the situation was not right, scolded and threatened, and had to shout: "This is the place where the imperial court is controlled, and everyone who does not dare to attack the thieves will try their best to defend the village, and those who do not make a noise will be beheaded, and those who contribute will be rewarded with one or two silvers."

However, this reward can no longer win the hearts of the people, suddenly someone lost the knife and gun in his hand and ran to the city, for a while the originally uneven guards of the village suddenly scattered, one by one dropped their weapons and ran down the city.

The soldiers immediately swung their knives and slashed a fleeing military household. However, this not only did not help, but aroused the anger of the people, and some people attacked and killed them, and the soldiers around Senhe were outnumbered, almost all of them were killed, and Qianhe himself was protected by the rest of the family and fled to the city. The military households suddenly killed indiscriminately in the walled city, and the hundreds of households, pro-soldiers, family members, and stewards who were powerful and blessed on weekdays were also hunted down, and the military households pulled out the enemy's family members and cut off their heads one by one, and the female dependents were pulled out**, and then killed. The city was in chaos.

Wei Aiwen was very calm and was not in a hurry to enter the stockade. He guessed that there was a riot in the walled city, and it was better to hope that the riot would be bigger, and the military households would kill the court officials, so they could only follow them with all their hearts. At this time, a group of military households had opened the gate of the wall, put down the drawbridge and shouted: "Come into the city, come into the city, enter the city"

Lin Fu pulled out his command knife and glanced back at Wei Aiwen. I saw Wei Aiwen nodded. He immediately shouted loudly: "All company, assault" and he himself was the first to rush forward. The trumpeter didn't have time to blow the trumpet, and the whole company rushed forward behind him.

Quickly entered the city with an infantry company, although it was his first time here, but the intelligence department had already given him a clear drawing of the structure inside. Lin Fu had already assigned the tasks of each platoon and each shift. As soon as the troops entered the city, they dispersed according to the predetermined plan, occupying all the grain depots, stables, and important places. On one side, a special person rang the gong and asked the soldiers to lay down their weapons and wait for orders. Some of the military households were red-eyed, and they all took and killed those who continued to slash and kill.

Order in the walled city was quickly restored. Wei Aiwen then led the rest of the personnel into the city. From time to time, corpses can be seen in corners and corners of the streets. Wei Aiwen came to the martial arts hall in the center of the city, and the disarmed military households Ding Zhuang were sitting on the ground waiting for the departure.

Lin Fulai reported that the entire walled city has been completely controlled, and order has returned to normal. Several fires were extinguished.