The great river is mighty, separating the north and the south. A decisive battle that decided the fate of China was in full swing in the south, and there were many secret battles in the north, affecting the entire battle situation.

The Zhengshuo army conquered Ji'an, an important town in Jiangxi, and pressed the Qing army in Ganzhou from the north. If it can be annihilated, it will not only open up the passage of Guangdong and Jiangxi, but also the main force of the Qing army in Jiangxi will be eliminated, and the recovery of other areas of Jiangxi will be smooth.

The Qing court's countermeasure was to transfer a Qing army from Chenzhou, Hunan to the east of Jiangxi, in an attempt to thwart the Ming army's combat intentions, and ordered the capital commander Heye, Hulibu, and Mu Zhan, and the deputy capital Tingbu to lead the recruited banner slave family Ding to Nanchang in a hurry. The Qing court's idea was to first separate the Ming army into Jiangxi in the heart of Jiangxi, take the Qing army in Ganzhou and the reinforcements from Hunan as the south road, and then use the army led by Hu Libu and others as the north road to carry out a joint attack in the north and south.

But although the plan is good, it does not counteract the changes in the form. The kidnapping of Wu Yingxiong, his wife and children from Beijing immediately caused a shock in the Qing court. The only means that can balance Wu Sangui in Guizhou has no effect, and Wu Sangui can't be unguarded against what Wu Sangui will do next. If Wu Sangui rebelled immediately, Huguang would be difficult to protect, and the plan to attack the Ming army in Jiangxi would also be shattered.

After urgent deliberation, the four auxiliary ministers of the Qing court decided to change the deployment, and before Wu Sangui's movements were decided, it should be safe. In this way, the plan of attacking the Ming army was a bit impatient and risky, and if Wu suddenly entered Hunan from Guizhou to capture Hengyang, he could encircle and annihilate the Qing army in Ganzhou and the reinforcements from Hunan together with the Ming army.

Abandoning Ganzhou, the whole army retreated into Hunan, which not only saved troops, strengthened Hunan's defense, but also monitored and prevented Wu Sangui's movements; Heye, Hulibu, Mu Zhan and others still led the army to Nanchang and moved the light cavalry first; The Xi'an general Varka, who was stationed in Xi'an, quickly marched to Jingxiang, and the deputy commander Korkun went to Xi'an to take over Varka's position in guarding Xi'an; The Mongol tribes were recruited to send troops and horses, and then all of them were thrown into Hunan; Yanzhou, Shandong is close to Jiangnan (Jiangsu, Anhui), Jiangxi, and Huguang. It is an important passage, a moderate place, can "gather troops, horses and horses", the special deputy commander Mahada led the troops to Yanzhou, at any time to dispatch or respond to the neighboring areas.

A cursory look. I also thought that the Qing court had made proper arrangements and had a clear strategic purpose, that is, to attach importance to Hunan and regard Hunan as a decisive battle. But a closer look reveals that most of the measures are not urgent.

For example, the general of Xi'an, Varka, had to transfer all the men and horses, and then traveled a long distance to Jingxiang for an unknown time; For example, when the Mongols were recruited, the Mongol tribes did not respond to their needs. The only ones who are most likely to send troops are the Horqin and Nibuhr tribes, which have a close relationship with the Qing court, and these planned soldiers and horses are still in Mongolia, gathering and marching thousands of miles, not to mention that they can only reach Hunan in the Year of the Monkey; There is also Yanzhou's "gather troops and wait for horses", which sounds good, but where can a large number of troops be drawn from in one place. It is estimated that it can only be slowly pieced together.

In order to gain time, the Qing court sent people to Wu Sangui to send money and property under the pretense of pretending. Congratulations to him on his 50th birthday. On the other hand, they hurriedly notified the military and political chiefs of Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and other provinces to prepare in advance to guard against changes in the Wu department.

A successful kidnapping and rescue effectively supported the war in the south, and the Qing court was forced to make adjustments to tilt the tide of the war in favor of the Ming army. The power of the hidden front. After this incident, it was highlighted.

At this time, the group that had successfully carried out the secret war had landed in Fuzhou, changed to a carriage, and rushed to Guangzhou.

Autumn in the South. It is not as bleak as Du Fu's "boundless falling trees and Xiao Xiaoxia", nor is it the "autumn wind bleak" as Cao Cao said. The sun is high in the sky, but it still has a warm sunshine and a pleasant breeze.

Fuzhou Mansion arranged a maid for "Princess Jianning", and Li Yingmei finally felt much more relaxed, no longer had to be closely supervised, and she didn't have to be reprimanded for giving "Princess Jianning" two big-eared scrapers.

The news was sent to Guangzhou by clipper as early as Chongming, and now His Royal Highness Min should know, but I don't know what to do next? The sun was shining warmly on her body, and Gu Yinghui was riding a horse, feeling comfortable, but her head was thinking nonsense.

"It's weird!" Li Yingmei sat in the carriage and made another startled sound.

Along the way, I was amazed, I saw a huge ship like a mountain, I saw countless Lin Fanqiao, I saw the tension and busyness of Chongming Island, and now I saw the peace and tranquility of the Mingtong District, and-

"Why don't you see a few sedan chairs?" Thinking back to Fuzhou, on the road, and thinking of Beijing and Beidi, she couldn't help but ask the accompanying officials: "The civil official sits in a sedan chair, and the military general rides a horse." Why don't you sit in a sedan chair? I am still very poor, I can't afford to buy a sedan chair, and I can't afford to hire a sedan chair driver. ”

The accompanying official was the deputy head of the Fuzhou Intelligence Station, named Mi Sihan, who was originally a relatively strict person, but he was amused by this innocent question, and said with a smile: "The girl doesn't know, the civil official sits in a sedan chair, and the military general rides a horse, that's the old rule." In the current Ming ruling area, except for young ladies, wives, or wealthy merchants, they all ride cars or ride livestock. ”

"Why is that?" Like a curious baby, Li Yingmei threw her big black braid behind her and asked puzzledly.

"Wen can put pen to paper to calm the world, and Wu can go to the horse to determine the world." Mi Sihan shook off his horsewhip with a smile and said: "His Royal Highness Min hopes that officials can be both civil and military, this martial arts is not a battlefield, at least you can't be powerless, and you have to be carried by someone three steps out." His Highness said that such a person is about the same as a waste. Therefore, whether it is a horse, a carriage, a donkey, a mule, or a leg, few civil officials dare to swagger through the market anyway. ”

Fang Guangchen heard it clearly, and couldn't help laughing at himself: "Fortunately, I can still ride a horse, otherwise I won't be a waste?" ”

"Isn't that the prestige of the official?" Li Yingmei tilted her head and thought about it, and asked another question.

"Guanwei, what do you want to do with that?" Mi Sihan laughed and said: "The front and back hug, the gong opens the way, that is called pomp, but it can't be called official authority." The common people may be afraid of you, but they don't really respect and admire you, maybe they will scold your ancestors behind your back and tie up the straw man to stab you! ”

Speaking of this, Mi Sihan's face became solemn, "What's more, now the resistance to the Qing Dynasty is the most important, and the Zhongxing is the top, everyone should do their best for this." Sitting in a sedan chair, you occupy four strong men; It's a pomp, and I don't know how many people are doing useless things. By using this labor in the fields, the soldiers will have less hunger; By using these hands in the workshop, the soldiers will have more weapons to kill the enemy. Anyway, as long as it is used in the right way, this anti-Qing power will be a little more. The great cause of ZTE can be completed one day earlier, and everyone can enjoy the days of peace and happiness earlier. ”

"Well, that makes sense." Li Yingmei nodded again and again, and said the truth in her mouth, "Compared with this, the Tartars in the north are far behind." I only know that I want food for taxes. Talking nonsense, the people don't dare not give it, they hate them in their hearts! ”

"Your Highness is so hard-working, ruling all the people with one heart, and pacifying the world!" Fang Guangchen didn't know much about the rules of the Ming Tong Region, and after listening to it, he also benefited a lot, and couldn't help but sigh heartily.

It's not better than not knowing, and it's better than knowing the gap. The Qing court was dry and fishing, and the people had great grievances; The Ming court was a national mobilization. All from one mind. Although the war continues, one will become weaker and weaker, and the other will become stronger and stronger, and the result seems to be doomed.

Mi Sihan gestured with his eyes, deliberately slowing down, Gu Yinghui paused and approached.

"This is a girl named Yingmei. Martial arts are good, right? Mithhan asked in a low voice.

Gu Yinghui didn't understand what he meant, and hurriedly replied: "Jianghu style." It makes sense. ”

"Can you know the roots, and the family background can be innocent?" Mi Sihan smiled slightly and said, "To put it mildly, it's better than ordinary people!" ”

"After going to the bottom and listening to their brothers and sisters' family history, there is nothing suspicious." Gu Yinghui said cautiously: "This action can be regarded as dedication. I don't see anything wrong. ”

Mi Sihan nodded, and seeing Gu Yinghui's puzzled face, he explained with a smile: "Your Highness wants to recruit some female guards to strengthen the security protection of the inner house. You know, Your Highness doesn't need eunuchs. It is also convenient for female guards to use. ”

"In that case, why don't you make a list-" Gu Yinghui had a flexible brain, and as soon as she blurted out, she knew that she had made a mistake, suddenly patted her head, and laughed self-deprecatingly: "Look at this head, such an important thing naturally can't be fanfare." If it is known to the whole world, it is inevitable that traitors will take the opportunity to get in. ”

"That's exactly what happened." Seeing that Gu Yinghui could figure out the truth so quickly, Mi Sihan showed appreciation on his face and said, "So His Royal Highness Min only explained to the Intelligence Bureau and secretly paid attention to it. If this woman is available, you may wish to give it a try. ”

Gu Yinghui frowned, and said without concern: "This girl is happy and straight-hearted, and she has a wild temperament, I'm afraid it is-"

"If you say it's a maid or a maid, it's natural to find a well-behaved one." Mi Sihan said thoughtfully: "Nannu is more delicate, but there are too few suitable ones. Let's talk to Your Highness, whether you succeed or not, your Highness will decide! Well, I'm afraid it will take two people from the palace to the inner house, and the two ladies will be pleasing to the eye. ”

Zhu Yongxing's love for Mengzhu and Long'er is almost known to everyone. It's just that this identity is embarrassing, called a concubine, and it is a little disrespectful; called the princess, and there was no canonization. I had to use Mrs. vaguely, which was perfunctory.

"It's better to be in the south, it's not cold, and if you wear it thinly, you can freeze to death, right?" Li Yingmei sighed again, sighed and said: "Unlike the north, how many poor people have to freeze to death and frostbite this winter. And this crop, why is it still confiscated? After growing in the ground for so long, I guess I will get a lot of harvest, right? ”

Autumn in the north comes earlier than autumn in the south, and when the autumn wind blows into the fields, the south is still green; Farmers in the north are harvesting in the fields, and farmers in the south are still looking forward to a good harvest.

Compared with the north, autumn in the south is less depressed and cold, it is quiet and peaceful, and as long as the plants and trees still have life, the green will not die. Sometimes it is not until the cold days in the north that there is a little autumn in the south. All of a sudden, I felt that the sky was higher, the sun was softer, the wind was cooler, and although the grass and trees did not wither and wither, they seemed to be covered with a layer of posture that seemed to be avoided.

"That's two crops of rice, and one crop has already been harvested in June and July." Fang Guangchen said on the side: "The south is indeed different from the north, you are good when you come, if it is summer, you will shout hot." ”

"Two crops of rice, harvested twice a year, isn't there so much grain that you can't eat it all?" Li Yingmei sighed and exclaimed: "The common people don't have to worry about starving to death!" ”

"A good climate, a good place, and the government must govern it well." Gu Yinghui interjected: "When Geng rebelled in Fujian Province, it was not like this. All kinds of harsh policies, coupled with the relocation of coastal borders, thousands of people have perished! ”

"Hehe, my lord wants to say that His Royal Highness Min is wise and martial, and His Royal Highness Min is benevolent and loves the people." Li Yingmei blinked her eyes and said with a smile.

Mi Sihan laughed and said, "Then you can listen more and watch more to see if he is right?" ”

"His Royal Highness Min is so good, but he is not the emperor. Can you manage it for a lifetime? ”

Li Yingmei said unintentionally, but the people next to her couldn't answer, and they each made a cover-up, or turned their eyes to look at the scene, or looked up to see, or did a contemplative thought.

At this time, I was passing through a village. There were already accompanying guards in front of them showing their military badges, and several garrisons got out of the way and watched the group pass through the village. On one wall of the road, there was a line of white-plastered slogans, which attracted Fang Guangchen's attention.

"Drive out the Tartars and share the peace!" Fang Guangchen carefully understood the meaning, simple and unpretentious, linking the resistance to the Qing Dynasty with the most basic aspirations of the common people, and he could understand it as soon as he read it. Moreover, the slogan put forward by Emperor Gao during the Northern Expedition was "Expelling the Hulu." Restore the Chinese people, establish the program of Chen Ji, and relieve the people", Fang Guangchen realized the difference between expulsion and expulsion.

is so ambitious, not far behind Emperor Gao. The difference of one word made Fang Guangchen sigh with emotion. It seems that His Royal Highness Min not only wants to recover the south of the river, but also to the north to restore Shenjing, but also to plough the court and sweep the caves, and restore the whole land. Fang is competing for all the work!

……………

Weaponry may not be a revolutionary breakthrough, but tactics are often able to do it. Not only the tactics of the early firearms line to the skirmishers. Artillery coordination, etc., as well as cavalry combat methods, are becoming more and more diverse and systematic.

In the process of modernizing the army, the improvement effect of cavalry tactics is the most amazing, and the dense wall charge, as long as it does not appear in array, is invincible against the non-modern cavalry. You won't find a single case where a modern cavalry above the regimental level has been defeated by the opponent's non-modern cavalry.

And the wall tactic has now appeared in the world, although it has not yet formed a systematic theory. In battles with the Turks, who came and went and were adept at fighting alone, the Eastern European cavalry gained experience in wall tactics.

It is well documented that Louis (1655-1707), at least in Baden, connected infantry battalions and cavalry squadrons "without gaps" in battle with the Turks. Cavalry, like infantry, relied primarily on firepower to prevent the Turks from cutting through gaps and engaging in melee combat, which they were not good at.

In this regard, Zhu Yongxing's thinking is somewhat similar to that of Louis of Baden. He believed that no matter how the Ming army trained, unless there was a period of ten or eight years, it would not be able to compare with the "people who grew up on horseback" in terms of riding and horseback skills.

Since it is impossible to break through in terms of individual soldier ability, it can only use the collective strength to allow the Ming cavalry to be horse to horse, shoulder to shoulder, like a fast-moving wall to push the enemy. In this way, the combat effectiveness is far greater than that of traditional cavalry, rather than fighting in a chaotic manner in which individuals are fighting. Just imagine, the enemy will encounter two or three slashed weapons in one face, and no matter how high the individual martial arts are, it is often difficult to parry.

However, this kind of cavalry is difficult to train, because it is quite difficult to keep the horses in a dense and neat queue in the charge, and if the coordination is not good, it will cause the entire horizontal team to be chaotic. But the advantage was also quite obvious, in the dense ranks of these cavalry regiments, discipline was paramount, individual riding skills were no longer important, and a single rider did not need to pull the reins by hand, and the horses of his teammates on either side of him would carry him forward. In this way, each cavalryman could free up two hands to fight.

In the open field, the horses neighed and the hooves were mixed, and rows of Ming horsemen advanced in the densest possible formation, and the dust kicked up was so thick that it almost obscured the entire view.

"The second team started too fast, the first team was okay, and the third team was not dense enough, it was too slow."

Gao Wengui, the Duke of Changguo, stood on the high wooden building, sometimes with his eyes, sometimes with a telescope, and while observing, he loudly gave orders to the banner soldiers, and his voice was a little hoarse.

Li Dingguo, the king of Jin, climbed up the ladder, waved his hand to signal the banner soldiers not to make a sound, and silently raised the binoculars and carefully observed the cavalry drills.

"Damn*, what are the fourth team doing, the formation is like a dog." Gao Wengui scolded foul mouth, his throat was very dry, and he turned around to get the kettle, only to find that Li Dingguo was behind him.

"His Royal Highness Jin, when did you come?" Gao Wengui hurriedly bowed his hand.

"Just arrived, too." Li Dingguo handed over the hanging kettle and said with a smile: "Don't be too anxious, there has been a lot of progress now, hasn't it?" ”

Gao Wengui took the kettle, thanked him, and even drank a few big sips, without even wiping the drops of water at the corner of his mouth, and said: "The charging distance has been increased to one hundred and fifty or sixty steps, and one row can reach thirty horses." It's much stronger than at the beginning, but it's been half a year now, right? ”

"Half a year is already very good." Li Dingguo stretched out his hand and pointed to the training ground and said: "If you can play like this on the battlefield, you will also have the strength to fight when you encounter the cavalry of the Qing army that is not full of Mongolian and Mongolian Eight Banners, right?" ”

For example, the cavalry queue marching on the wall does not need to be too high, which will disrupt the formation and affect the impact force, so a neat canter charge is often used. It took the Europeans more than a century to sum up their experience before extending the distance of the cavalry line from 100 yards to 1,800 yards, and derived a variety of tactical deformations such as horizontal formations, columns, strides, fast steps, and scattered gallops from a single dense line column, and made them literal. (To be continued......)