Chapter 149: Be prepared for war, chaos and turmoil

The Great Wall built by Qin was like an iron prison, and the barbarians did not dare to cross Lintao.

As a dangerous pass, most sections of the Great Wall are built against the mountains, which is extremely suitable for overlooking.

Whether it is the camp city, the pass city, the enemy tower, the watchtower, or even the pass called Xifengkou under Qi Jiguang, you can see very far.

The wall of Xifengkou is five zhang high, three zhang wide and one hundred zhang long. It is made of stones stacked from the inside to the outside. In the center stands a one or two zhang high tower called Wangri Tower.

Qi Jiguang stood in front of the Wangri Tower, stroking a metal copper tube in his hand and repeatedly putting it in front of his right eye, as if he was looking at the scenery through the tube.

Soldiers patrolling nearby.

Not far away were scouts patrolling.

The rolling Yanshan Mountains are covered in snow.

As far as the eye can see... the vast expanse of the land beyond the Great Wall.

With a broad vision, you can actually see even farther when you peek through the tube!
What a good thing.

Qi Jiguang put down the telescope and placed it in his hand, then rolled up a piece of cloth and wiped it, looking as if he couldn't let it go.

He is not very old, only forty-six years old, but his face looks a little weathered.

Fortunately, although he had been in the army for many years, his body shape had not been assimilated into a burly figure. Except for his tanned skin, his facial features were regular and his manners were well-behaved, making him look quite scholarly.

At this time, a burly general, dressed in armor and holding a sharp weapon, walked up to Qi Jiguang with a cold and murderous aura.

The four guards stepped aside and the newcomer bowed and said, "General Qi, I sent scouts to search the area, but we didn't smell any trace of the Tartars. They run really damn fast."

When Qi Jiguang heard this, he seemed to have expected it and did not say anything.

He just picked up the telescope again and looked outside the Great Wall. He happened to see three or five scouts returning and heading towards this pass together.

As he watched, he said, "Dong Huli has been visiting various leaders of the Tuman Khanate these days, including Chilaohai, Huataiji, Zaisanghu, Tumei... I don't know how many people he has gathered."

"The snow has stopped in the past two days. I'm afraid that several of them have come together to test our army's strength."

"Not only Xifengkou, but also Qingshankou last night we received reports of enemy activity."

"He's ready to make a move!"

The Doyan Guard was sandwiched between the Tuman Khanate and the Ming Dynasty. Its combat effectiveness was average, but it was an old skill in gathering people from everywhere and luring bandits to invade.

This is why it is said that "Ji must use the barbarians as scouts to defend against the invaders, and must use the barbarians as guides to prevent the invaders from invading."

Last night, outside Xifengkou, there were shadows of people and horses moving, and it seemed that there were enemy cavalry.

Fortunately, it was discovered by the defenders.

Wang Zhiyu, who had rich experience in garrison, immediately mobilized his troops to guard the pass and be on high alert, and immediately summoned the troops stationed in Jizhen.

Fortunately, everything was peaceful until dawn.

However, judging from Qi Jiguang's tone, it was clear that he was not the only one who had received information about the enemy.

Wang Zhiyu's face was filled with regret, and he rubbed his neck with a grimace: "I don't even know how to write the word death."

"It's a pity that I was careful with him last night and didn't dare to chase him out, otherwise I could have caught him."

The cavalry came and went like the wind, and if they were delayed for a moment, they would disappear without a trace.

This is also the reason why he was so bold as to run to the Great Wall and spy on us.

If you check again at this time, you won't be able to smell anything.

Qi Jiguang knew that these were just threats from the soldiers and could not be taken seriously.

However, he still reminded Wang Zhiyu again to be more prepared and vigilant.

The latter immediately expressed his determination to carry out the order, and was then released to reorganize his armaments.

Qi Jiguang shook his head and walked down the city wall with his adjutant and personal soldiers from Jizhen.

Zhang Gong, the deputy general of Jizhen who came with Qi Jiguang, said in a deep voice: "There have been three battles this year!"

"In early March, Chang Ang and Dong Huli of the Duoyan Guard led tens of thousands of soldiers to attack Xifeng Pass."

"In June, as soon as the foreign troops withdrew, the enemy took the opportunity to invade Yiyuankou and Kulongtai."

"In September, enemy news came again from Damao Mountain and Xiaohekou."

"Even in winter, there are still scouts."

“It’s simply not a nap-worthy thing!”

It was also during the battle in June that Zhang Gongcai was awarded the title of deputy general for "fighting bravely and preventing a single cavalryman from approaching the border."

It can be said that there have not been such frequent wars for several years since Yingke invaded the border in the first year of Longqing.

Qi Jiguang shook his head: "It is always like this when changing the reign title."

"Even if you guard against thieves for a thousand days, you can only fight them when they come."

Speaking of this, Deputy General Zhang Gong's expression showed some interest.

After signaling his guards to move away, he whispered to Qi Jiguang in a rather sneaky manner: "General Qi, I heard that Governor Liu's memorial to the Central Government regarding whether to send troops to Doyan Guard has been sent to the capital today. What do we have to say?"

"Qi Shuai, my idea is that there is a saying that a thief can steal for a thousand days, but there is no reason to guard against thieves for a thousand days."

The Governor Liu he mentioned refers to Liu Yingjie, the Governor of Ji and Liao, who was in charge of the military and political affairs of Ji and Liao.

Logically speaking, he is the immediate superior of all the officers and soldiers of Ji Liao.

But at the end of last year, for some unknown reason, the central government inexplicably promoted Qi Jiguang to the rank of Left General, stationed him in Jizhou, and gave him the special post of Governor-General of the Four Towns in charge of military training.

This governor is certainly different from Liu Yingjie, the governor of Ji-Liao who was a Jinshi.

Liu Yingjie was a civil official in charge of the military and political affairs of Ji and Liao.

Qi Jiguang's title was a special privilege, but it was still limited to military affairs.

As for the purpose of the central government's doing so, it was even more obvious - after specially appointing Qi Jiguang, the central government also ordered Liu Yingjie, the governor of Ji and Liao, to stay in Liaodong and supervise the military and political affairs of Ji and Liao.

This not only elevated Qi Jiguang's status so that he would not be overly controlled by Liu Yingjie, but it also actually divided Ji and Liao into two, separating the two men.

In other words, not to mention Liaodong, at least the military affairs of Jizhen for now are, in name only and in reality, led by Qi Jiguang.

This unconventional and extraordinary promotion method obviously won the favor of someone in the central government.

More obvious is.

The Cabinet is now planning whether to mobilize troops against Doyan Guards, and they actually took the initiative to write a letter to ask for the opinions of military officials!
This was really unexpected in the Ming Dynasty, where culture was used to suppress military power.

However, it was precisely because of this that Governor Liu Yingjie inevitably developed resistance.

Although he was wary of the "big shot" behind Qi Jiguang, he did not make things difficult for Qi Jiguang in official matters.

But the previous respectful and courteous face was never seen again.

After receiving the letter from the central government two days ago, Qi Jiguang was afraid that Ji and Liao would have different opinions and be laughed at by outsiders, so he took the initiative to communicate with Governor-General Liu and prepared to submit a joint memorial after reaching a consensus.

Unexpectedly, there was no reply from Liu Yingjie.

Not only that, today he sent the memorial directly to the capital without any prior notice.

When Qi Jiguang heard what Deputy General Zhang Gong said, a flash of worry flashed across his eyes.

He knew very well that in the Ming Dynasty, if military officials really wanted to achieve success, it would be impossible without relying on civil officials.

Even though he has been given many titles and honors, Liu Yingjie still has plenty of ways to control him. Even a letter of impeachment is something he cannot resist.

We still have to find an opportunity to repair the relationship.

Otherwise, if all your passion for serving the country is wasted on such a trivial matter, it would be a lifelong regret.

Qi Jiguang's thoughts were slightly distracted.

However, he did not show any sign on his face, still looking like he was in control of a strategy, and signaled the deputy general Zhang Gong to stay calm.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Since Governor Liu submitted the report on Duoyanwei alone, it should not be inconsistent with the actual situation. We should report it truthfully."

"As for what you said about sending troops..."

At this point, Qi Jiguang shook his head and said, "I'm afraid that the Mongolian Khan would be happy to see this."

The Duoyan Guards were not always the mortal enemy of the Ming Dynasty.

Before the Gengxu Rebellion, the chiefs and governors of the three guards and other officials still "paid tribute from Xifeng as usual every year."

It was probably because Doyanwei suffered from the massacres and looting by the Tuman Khan that they had no choice but to turn to the Ming Dynasty - "They were massacred and looted for many years, and they finally refused to submit to the Ming Dynasty"

In fact, because the Doyan Wei was entrenched in the nomadic area, "the mountains stretch for thousands of miles, and the rivers surround the mountains, which is truly a natural danger." It once became a natural barrier outside the borders of the Ming Dynasty, thus avoiding the attacks of the Tuman Khan.

Even after the Gengxu Rebellion, when the Mongolian right wing sent troops to station in Doyanwei, the people of Doyanwei still pretended to be submissive and were unwilling to be the guides - "Since the Gengcheng Rebellion, the barbarians have been stationed near the border, caring about their wives and children, and did not let the enemy know about the twists and turns of the road, so the threat was not serious."

When did the situation change?
The senior officials in the court might not care, but Qi Jiguang knew it clearly.

That is since the 37th year of Jiajing, when the Mongol Khan ascended the throne.

From then on, the left and right wings of Mongolia reached a consensus and joined forces to annex Doyanwei.

Chen Dahan and Huang Taiji joined forces and plundered the horses, cattle and sheep of the Doyan tribes. Under the pretext of marrying a Doyan woman, he followed the tide of the river for a long time - "the intention was to force the three guards to surrender, and then unite with the guards to plot against the Ming Dynasty, which is clear."

It was also after this year that the Jizhen official document describing the situation finally changed from "the situation of the Doyan Guards being like scorpions and snakes, with an uncertain future" to "the foreign barbarians were all forced to follow, and the tribes migrated far away, either as guides or as plunderers."

In the 38th year, Doyanwei served as a dog for the Mongolian right wing and served as a guide for Altan Khan's brother Kunduliha and his son Xinaihuang Taiji. They led tens of thousands of people and attacked the Jizhou Pass.

In the 40th year, Doyanwei again served the Mongolian left wing and joined forces with Tuman Khan and other tribes with tens of thousands of people to break through Qiangziling, plunder Tongzhou and kill countless people.

It was not until the first year of the Longqing reign that Yingke, the leader of the Doyan Guard, was killed by firearms when he invaded the pass again at the behest of Tuman Khan.

Finally, the blood feud between the two sides became deeper and deeper.

This was naturally something that Tuman Khan was happy to see.

That is why Qi Jiguang said that if they sent troops to attack the Tuman Khan's nest, it would probably play into his hands.

Upon hearing this, Deputy General Zhang Gong couldn't help but frown.

After a while, he smacked his lips uncomfortably: "So General Qi means that you don't agree to use troops against the Duoyan Guards?"

After saying that, he seemed to feel that his tone was not good, and quickly added: "Well, anyway, the brothers all listen to you, if you give me a definite answer, I can go back and make arrangements in advance."

After obtaining the support of the central government, Qi Jiguang was able to immediately command more than 81,200 main troops and more than 60,000 guest troops in Jizhen. In addition to his official rank, what he relied on more was naturally his prestige!

As a famous hero who fought in many battles, Qi Jiguang earned his reputation through fighting.

Even though Deputy General Zhang Gong smelled the scent of military merit and was eager to make a move, when he saw that Qi Jiguang had other ideas, he immediately expressed his support.

Qi Jiguang heard this but did not answer.

As if he had already made up his mind, Qi Jiguang's eyes were deep and he slowly said, "Use troops! We must use them! But we can't just focus on one corner!"

After hearing this, Zhang Gong scratched his head and was very confused.

Qi Shuai is good at everything.

It was just that this Confucian general's behavior was unbearable. Not only did he write a lot of military books, but his words were always full of hidden meanings. He would not easily let go until a conclusion was made, even at the critical moment before the war.

He is not as straightforward as someone who comes from the military!

Qi Jiguang knew that the man was unhappy, but he did not explain.

This was the answer to the central government's inquiry. Since only he and Governor Liu were asked the question, he couldn't reveal anything easily.

But his meaning was actually very clear.

Before this, even the Duoyan Guards had invaded the pass several times.

The central government still bestowed rewards on him many times and sent people to tell him several times that as long as he stopped acting as a guide for Tuman Khan, he could start trade with him.

Although the attitude is a bit humble, the effect is naturally there.

The current differences of opinion within Duoyanwei are mostly based on this matter.

Dong Huli, the uncle of the leader Chang Ang, took control of the army on the grounds that Chang Ang was young, and firmly sided with Tuman Khan. By frequently invading the Ji border and attacking the border three times a year, he had already gained the support of Tuman Khan.

The leader Chang Ang was supported by the people and had the firm support of the wealthy people in Doyanwei. He intended to submit to the Ming Dynasty and start trade.

This is the real reason for the split in Duoyanwei’s behavior.

Especially after March, the emperor issued an edict allowing Chang Ang to come forward and open up trade.

The open and covert struggles between the two are becoming more and more obvious.

In this case, we cannot easily kill the Duoyan guards indiscriminately.

Instead, we should quickly behead Dong Huli, and then support Chang Ang, open up trade, restore order in Doyanwei, use Doyan as a barrier again, and even as a springboard to attack Tuman Khan!
Qi Jiguang would explain all these things in his memorials to the emperor and the cabinet.

But there is no need to speak it out loud in broad daylight.

Before walking down the Great Wall, Qi Jiguang once again looked out over the Great Wall, his eyes set on the far reaches of the country, and murmured, "Since the Central Government is interested..."

"The battle between the emperor and the Mongol Khan has just begun. General Liu will have many military exploits to make in the future."

Qi Jiguang thought about the news he had heard recently.

Wang Chonggu entered the cabinet... trained the Beijing camp... reissued military pay... and now even intends to use military force against the Doyan Guard.

The new emperor seemed to resemble Emperor Wuzong.

If this is true, there are too many places for the Japanese in the south, the Tatars in the north, the barbarians in the east and the barbarians in the west... to make achievements!
For the long-term consideration, the first test paper of the center must be answered well!

……

Slightly south of Hetao is Aomulin, and slightly north is Laomulin, where the Eastern Lu and Tuman people live and graze.

Tuman is Tumen, the fifth-generation grandson of Dayan Khan and the eldest grandson of the little prince, who is now the Great Khan of Mongolia, Borjigin Tumen.

Tuman Khan stationed his tent in Chahar Wanhu and roamed the Xilamulun River basin.

It is about five or six hundred miles away from Ji border.

The headquarters has 60,000 soldiers under its command, and with the other two million households under its actual jurisdiction, it has a total of 100,000 soldiers.

Even the Mongolians outside the country would not dare to breathe easily when seeing such a huge monster.

Not to mention the Jurchen foreigners who came here earlier to do business.

Nurhaci carefully followed the elders and warriors of his family, looking around curiously.

The Mongol Khan's tent was set up on the vast grassland.

The Khan's tent and the accompanying tents of his relatives, confidants and generals were spread out inside and outside, forming a core circle in the center of the grassland, and no outsiders were allowed to enter.

From time to time, messengers and cavalry hurried in and out to deliver military intelligence.

Not far from the tent, a team of well-trained cavalry were conducting drills. The sound of horse hooves and trumpets intertwined and could be heard from afar.

No strangers allowed, yet it exudes mystery and power everywhere.

Nurhaci felt that his whole heart was hooked.

Unfortunately, he just followed his family to sell goods and had no status. Not only was he not allowed to get close to watch, he was not even allowed to walk around casually.

Nurhaci was a Jurchen. His ancestors were the Wanhu of the Odorili Wanhu Mansion in the former Yuan Dynasty, so they were naturally very glorious. Unfortunately, after six generations, the family fortunes had already declined.

In addition, his biological father died early and his stepmother was in charge of the family.

Good things don't come to him, but he is definitely needed for such hard work that requires traveling thousands of miles to do it.

Sharing the same plight with him is his bastard cousin Kanggulu.

Kanggulu stood on a step, listening to the neighing of cavalry in the distance.

He turned around and said excitedly to Nurhaci: "Dou! Listen! There are so many riders!"

"If our tribe has so many cavalrymen, I will have to charge three times the price if the Mongols hire us in the future!"

Kanggulu was different from Nurhaci. Although the latter also had a hard life, he did a good job in enlightenment in the ten years before his father's death.

The former was born a wild species that was not welcomed, so this is the extent of his experience.

Nurhaci shook his head and said seriously: "Ahui, if I had so many cavalry, I would be Temujin!"

After hearing this, Kanggulu was stunned for a while.

After a long while, he burst into laughter.

I couldn't help but wipe away the tears of laughter from the corners of my eyes, waved my hand and said: "Okay, okay, then you are Temujin."

Temujin, also known as Genghis Khan, needs no further explanation as to what kind of person he was.

Unexpectedly, my cousin was so obsessed with this person.

Seeing that his words were taken as a joke, Nurhaci smiled and responded to his cousin.

But I couldn't help but daydream in my heart.

He heard that the leader of the Southern Dynasty, who was only four years younger than him, had been given the title of emperor and had hundreds of thousands of soldiers at his command.

If I had this background, no, even half of it!

If he were given tens of thousands of cavalry, he would certainly fight with these so-called Emperor Wanli, Tuman Khan, and Altan Khan!
Thinking of this, Nurhaci looked at his tattered clothes again.

Couldn't help but shook his head.

The two men stood outside the tent, chatting idly, waiting for the elders at home to discuss business.

The yurt behind him is made of thick wool felt, and the top is decorated with bright patterns and tribal symbols.

Nurhaci rubbed his hands from time to time and looked into the tent with some longing... He really wanted to go in and keep warm.

The sunlight shines on the snow-covered grassland, sparkling with dazzling luster.

It warmed the two of them up a bit.

Nurhaci was rubbing his hands when he suddenly heard a noise coming from a distance.

He looked up and saw several cavalrymen galloping past and heading straight into the circle in the center of the tent area, where the Mongolian Khan's tent was located.

Kanggulu on the side also looked over curiously.

He was surprised and asked, "Isn't this the chief of the Wuliangha tribe, Dong Huli?"

Wuliangha is the name of the tribe. In the Ming Dynasty, it was also called Duoyanwei.

Nurhaci also nodded, obviously recognizing Dong Huli.

It was because their tribes were dependent on Dong Hu and lived under his crotch. After the first year of Yongle, the guards of Daning Dusi were either relocated or abolished, and the same was true for Jianzhou where Nurhaci was located. From Xingzhong in the east to Daning in the west, they all became the pastoral areas of the Wuliangha tribe.

Kanggulu looked around, came close to Nurhaci, and lowered his voice and said, "I heard that the Duoyan Guard is going to give the southerners a big blow next year."

"Dong Huli has made connections everywhere. In addition to the surrounding Mongolians, he has also hired many people from our tribe."

"I'm here to pay my respects to the Khan, probably for this matter."

Nurhaci shook his head without even turning his head. "Definitely not. Dong Huli is planning to plunder the Ming Dynasty. This must be the order of the Khan."

"You are here to ask for an audience now. I'm afraid it's because you've been defeated so many times this year and it's been hard to get through this winter. That's why you're here to ask the Khan for something."

Kangulu couldn't help but frown.

Every time I say something, this cousin has to refute me.

A bit too annoying.

Kanggulu was in a bad mood and didn't want to talk, so he turned his head away sullenly.

Nurhaci paid no attention at all.

He focused his attention on Dong Huli and his group.

I saw him showing off in front of ordinary people, and then he was invited in with great respect.

I couldn't help but reveal a look of envy.

He no longer expected the tens of thousands of cavalry he had imagined before. Even if he was given these dozens of cavalrymen...

After his father died, he would not be abused by his stepmother, but his stepmother should have obediently climbed into his bed!

The southern scholars are right. A real man must have both military power and authority to be respected.
And at the same time.

Dong Huli, who had just entered the Khan's tent, was not as respected as Nurhaci had thought.

Inside the sweat tent, the floor was covered with a thick blanket.

Dong Fox, with his big and strong body, crawled on the blanket.

He knelt down and bowed respectfully: "Blessed by the Eternal Heaven, I pay my respects to the great Khan."

The Khan's tent was spacious and bright, with weapons and animal skulls hanging on the walls.

There is a stove on one side, with a roaring fire, emitting bursts of heat and the aroma of food.

In the center of the tent, on a fur-covered bed, sat a strong, sturdy, and majestic man with a big horse and a sword.

The man had a full beard and his knees were covered with something that looked like animal fur.

"I heard that in the Ming Dynasty, the general Bian translated you as Dong Fox." He lowered his head and stroked the fur on his knees for a while, then threw it in front of Dong Fox, "This piece of fox fur is just right for you."

Upon hearing this, Dong Huli not only did not dare to answer it, but instead looked terrified.

I was sweating profusely in the middle of winter.

Tu Manhan supported his hands on his knees, leaned forward slightly, squinted his eyes and stared at Dong Huli: "I am very happy with your attitude, but I am very dissatisfied with the progress of your work."

"It's been four years, and you still haven't subdued Chang Ang. You even caused a lot of trouble in the tribe last month."

"Dong Fox, do you want to peel off your skin and give it to me as a gift?"

　One more, later.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)