Fort Arthur.

Zhang Pan stood on the city wall again, looking up at this familiar place that had experienced bloody battles.

The judgment made by the old slave was quite accurate, and Zhang Pan led the troops to land, which was indeed a temptation.

But the temptation was only a landing, and if Jiannu was slow to respond, the Left Association would gradually increase its troops, build fortifications, and consolidate and strengthen the occupation.

Moreover, this was not a separate action of the Left Association, but a unified action of the Dongjiang Army, which was of great strategic significance.

The Liaodong Peninsula, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides, is indeed a very advantageous battlefield for the Ming army, which has the convenience of boats and ships.

Lushun, Jinzhou, Fuzhou, and even the entire four guards in southern Liaoning have a huge attraction to Zhu Youxiao and even the Dongjiang Army.

And being able to firmly occupy a piece of land is of great significance to the entire Pingliao plan.

Although it is still far from Shenyang, the old nest of Jiannu, it is even more risky to continue to penetrate into Liaodong. But having a bridgehead for a major counteroffensive is an indispensable and critical step.

What's more, Lushun, which has a favorable location and a good port, is not only a bridgehead for the counteroffensive, but also a transit base for materials, and a pivot connecting Liaozhen, Jinzhen, Dengzhen and Dongjiang Town.

The firm occupation of Lushun was tantamount to filling the gap and pushing the blockade of Houjin forward a big step.

Of course, this is all at a strategic level. Tactically, or in a short period of time, the threat to Houjin is really not great.

"It is possible to send troops to occupy various points outside Fort Arthur, and expand outward to expel the Eastern Sentinels." Kong Youde walked up to the city and suggested to Zhang Pan: "Block its reconnaissance and spying, and our army will increase its troops on a large scale." ”

Zhang Pan thought for a while and said, "Yes." The fortifications have been solidified, and the Jiannu attack can also be resisted. ”

Kong Youde stood beside Zhang Pan, looked out of the city, and said with a smile: "With the strength of our two associations, even if Jiannu comes to attack, it is enough to repel them." What's more, Dengzhen also mobilized more than 10,000 people as backup! ”

Zhang Pan smiled and nodded, knowing that Kong Youde was saying that he was too cautious. But there was nothing wrong with being careful, and he didn't care about it.

Moreover, Port Arthur has not yet been expanded, and the docking of ships and the landing of personnel have been restricted.

Kong Youde glanced at Zhang Pan, and also knew his temperament, he couldn't help but shake his head, and said with a smile: "You, a literate talent, have very few words." ”

Zhang Pan laughed and said: "A certain character is such a character, if you want to change it, it's not easy, and I ask Brother Kong for your understanding." ”

Kong Youde waved his hand, showing that he didn't care, patted the city wall and said, "Why didn't Jiannu demolish the city?" Do you want us to come back, or are you tired and panicked? ”

Zhang Pan said: "I guess I think it's useless to dismantle it, but it's in vain." In addition, Jiannu also hopes that we can land so that we can fight and fight! ”

"Makes sense." Kong Youde nodded lightly and said, "We are on the island, and Jiannu can only stare dryly. ”

After a pause, Kong Youde said again: "If this is the case, Jiannu should still stand still." Even, Jinzhou was built to be abandoned, attracting a large number of our troops to land. ”

Zhang Pan said: "This possibility is also there. However, our army must fight steadily and steadily, first consolidate Lushun, and then enter Nanguan. ”

"Pick off its place in Nanguan, divert the sea water to consolidate itself, and set up a fort to defend." Kong Youde patted Zhang Pan's back with a smile and said, "Knowing your plan, in addition to the large project and the high cost, it is indeed a clever strategy." ”

Zhang Pan scratched his head, smiled, and said, "The plan has been reported to Lord Yuan, and it depends on whether the imperial court is willing to pay the money." This 200,000 taels is indeed a bit much. ”

"But if it succeeds, 100 miles of fertile soil can be cultivated and tens of thousands of refugees can be reunited, which is also the foundation of indestructible foundation." Zhang Pan paused, emphasizing the importance of the plan.

Kong Youde also deeply agreed with this, but he felt that the imperial court could not bear the 200,000 taels of silver, and he was afraid that he would not be able to take out the money at least in a short time.

"Next year—" Kong Youde looked into the distance and guessed thoughtfully, "The imperial court's finances shouldn't be too embarrassing, right?" This year, it's all supported by Banzai's internal money! ”

Zhang Pan smiled bitterly and didn't say anything more, but sighed imperceptibly.

…………………

Phi Island.

The two associations of Zhang Pan and Kong Youde launched the operation, and the former association and the rear association of the Dongjiang Army had their own battle plans.

The former association reoccupied Manpu and Changcheng, and monitored Houjin across the river; Later, the association was stationed in Phi Island and Sinuiju to guard against a possible attack by Jiannu.

In view of the increase in military operations, Mao Wenlong felt the shortage of troops, and after consulting with Gou Zhenhuai and other generals, he reported to Yuan Keli, and secretly played the Shengshang, asking for the establishment of the Central Association.

According to the previous norms of Dongjiang Kaizhen, the whole army has four associations, each with a total of 6,000 troops, and a total strength of 24,000. If Yuan Keli agrees and the imperial court approves, the Dongjiang army will reach 30,000 men.

In fact, the increase in the strength of a joint army was to hold Lushun without affecting the number of troops that attacked and harassed the Houjin.

Moreover, according to the instructions of the emperor's secret decree, the Dongjiang army will also be expanded to help Korea resist the attacks and plunders of the Later Jin.

Whether it is a "tripartite arrangement" or a "quadripartite arrangement", the DPRK is the weaker link. Whether blockade and containment can play the greatest role also depends on the reinforcement of the weakest link.

Moreover, although North Korea was weak, it was still able to supply part of the Dongjiang Army in terms of grain and grass materials, which reduced a great burden on the imperial court.

Originally, Mao Wenlong thought that the imperial court would play it soon, but it would be next year at the earliest, so that the armor and weapons and related expenses could be paid.

But unexpectedly, the emperor quickly replied. He has discussed with Yuan Keli and Bi Ziyan to transfer troops and horses from Jinzhen and Dengzhen, and then recruit new soldiers from Dongjiang to form the Central Association, which will soon return to the sea.

At the same time, the establishment of the Central Association has changed, with 4,000 infantry and 2,000 lancers, that is, mixed infantry and cavalry, and designated by Gou Zhenhuai.

Mao Wenlong was a little surprised, but more of a surprise. He is ready to transfer some troops from various associations, and the mixing of these veterans and new recruits will enable the associations to have combat capabilities more quickly.

Bringing in the old with the new has become the main way for the Dongjiang Army to expand its establishment, conduct training, and participate in combat as soon as possible.

Therefore, as long as the men and horses of Dengzhen and Jinzhen arrive, the Central Association will quickly complete the establishment and have the ability to fight.

As for the lancers, it was still easy to pick out two thousand cavalry soldiers from the Dongjiang Army.

"Ben Shuai thinks that the change of system will not be just a Chinese association." Mao Wenlong looked at Gou Zhenhuai and made a judgment more firmly, "With the improvement of the financial situation of the imperial court, the other associations in Dongjiang Town will also change in the same way. ”

Mao Wenlong really guessed correctly, but not completely. In Zhu Youxiao's vision, the mixed association of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and baggage is what the Ming army will look like in the future.

Of course, this comes step by step. Lack of money is the main reason, and other aspects, such as artillery manufacturing and artillery training, are also constraints.

Gou Zhenhuai nodded in agreement, but said with emotion: "Long live the internal money again." This year, it's not less than two million taels, right? ”

"I'm afraid it's more than that." Mao Wenlong hurriedly echoed: "Just our Dongjiang Town, weapons and equipment, grain and grass materials, military salaries and rewards, are all staggering. ”

Gou Zhenhuai looked at Mao Wenlong and asked with a smile: "Long live the plan, the marshal should know, right?" ”

Mao Wenlong hesitated, nodded vigorously, did not speak, but stretched out five fingers.

Five-year Pingliao, or rather, fighting for five-year Pingliao, the Holy Lord did not announce it to the public. But between the lines, such information is still revealed.

Is it difficult? Compared with the previous boasting of Wang Huazhen, as well as the estimation of quick winners, five years is already a long time!

In the eyes of Mao Wenlong and Gou Zhenhuai, as long as the imperial court maintains its support for Dongjiang Town, it may not take five years to achieve the hope of sainthood.

Gou Zhenhuai looked at Mao Wenlong's big slap, laughed, stretched out four fingers, and said, "It should be this number soon!" ”

Mao Wenlong nodded and said with some embarrassment: "A year has passed so fast, and the changes have been really big." Thinking about the embarrassment and poverty at the beginning of the year, and then looking at the current Dongjiang Army, there is still a feeling of dreaming. ”

Gou Zhenhuai also felt the same way, from the selection of the Beijing division to the holy relatives, to the bloody battle in Guangning, and then returned to Beijing to play the victory, and was sent to Dongjiang Town to serve.

Looking back, it was really a strange experience, which made people feel emotional, and there was a feeling that life was like a dream.

After a long time of aftertaste, Gou Zhenhuai first cleaned up his mood, smiled to himself, and said: "The China Association will be successful, what should we do next, Mao Shuai thinks he already has a belly case, right?" ”

Mao Wenlong lightly patted the map on the table and said: "With the Chinese Association to defend Jiannu, Ben Shuai feels that General Mao's idea should be necessary to act. ”

Gou Zhenhuai narrowed his eyes, stared at the map, thought for a while, nodded vigorously, and said: "Very good, let Jiannu know that there is a leak everywhere, and let them gather troops to attack." ”

Mao Chenglu had long had the idea of leading his troops to secretly go north along the Yalu River, enter the Changbai Mountains, and harass the rear of Houjin.

Since the Later Jin moved the capital to Shenyang, the original Laochao Jianzhou guard was empty. If the Ming army was taken by surprise and attacked unprepared, and if the action was secret enough, it would definitely catch Jiannu off guard.

The attack on the so-called "land of Longxing" of the Later Jin Dynasty was already a trivial matter, but the political significance was significant.

Moreover, after the attack is successful, it will inevitably force the Houjin division of troops to strengthen the defense, and it can also weaken its ability to gather troops to fight.

"It is better for our army to respond to General Mao's actions." Gou Zhenhuai looked at the map, looking for a weakness to take advantage of.

Mao Wenlong smiled slightly, stretched out his finger and pointed at the seaside area south of Xiuyan (now Zhuanghe City), and said: "Control the coast of the sea, strangle Haikou left and right, attack Xiuyan in the north, and deal with the left and right associations in the west, and also mobilize the Jiannu stationed in Fengcheng." ”

Gou Zhenhuai took a closer look and said with a smile: "This place is very familiar, and the Dongjiang Army has attacked and disturbed it. Revisit the old place, familiar with the road! ”

Mao Wenlong smiled and nodded, brushing his beard, revealing a very complacent look.

…………………..