Chapter 546 Three days! The Dragon and Tiger Army only needs three days!

"Yang Jinshui's removal of the border wall is a perfect way to make the best use of it."

"Now our troops should go out according to plan, advance to the front line, and seek opportunities for battle."

From afar, the Ming Dynasty Great Wall is already in people's sight.

Qi Jiguang stood on a high hill in the border area, looking at the pass ahead and speaking calmly.

At the foot of the high hill, there were more than 70,000 soldiers and horses, who were taking a lunch break according to the marching system.

After the meal, everyone will officially walk out of the Great Wall and go outside the border wall.

Yan Shaoting nodded solemnly: "This time, we will divide the troops. Brother Yuan Jing will lead the vanguard army straight north. You will be alone and you must be extremely careful. If you encounter a strong enemy, you must not hesitate and withdraw in time to protect yourself first."

Qi Jiguang didn't say anything, just took a deep breath and nodded.

According to the plan.

They are now on the south side of Juqiang Fort in Datong Town. After leaving Juqiang Fort, Qi Jiguang will lead the vanguard army, which is more than 10,000 people from Shanzi Camp, all the way north, bypass Jining Lake, turn to the northwest, cross the mountain range on the eastern foot of Daqing Mountain from east to west, and cut off the route of the Mongols stationed on the southern foot of Daqing Mountain to escape to the north through Daqing Mountain from the side and rear.

He would lead all the remaining troops out of the Juqiang Fort, then march southwest along the Great Wall along the valley plains, through Yan'e Xiashuihai and Liangcheng, and enter the southern part of Qiantao to stop the Mongols from moving south along the Yellow River to invade Shanxi Town.

at the same time.

When he and Qi Jiguang entered Hetao at the same time, they could form a pincer attack against the Mongols in the front with the help of the melting Yellow River in spring.

As for Wang Chonggu, who came to negotiate with Yang Bo, he had already used his power as the General of the Northern Expedition and the power to control all the borders to ask the other party to gather troops from Ningxia Town and Yansui Town and head towards Heishan, which is near the future Baotou City, to cut off the passage between Qiantao and Houtao from the west, thus surrounding the entire Qiantao under siege by the Ming army.

(Well, it’s almost like this pincer attack encircling the front set. The curvy red line on the lower right is the Yellow River.)
After all, for Yan Shaoting personally, he knew very well that his military talent was far inferior to that of Xu Da, Chang Yuchun and others when the Ming Dynasty was founded. If he did too many tricks, it would only drag down the tens of thousands of Ming troops following him to death.

Instead of pursuing some brilliant tactical operations and results.

It would be better to let the royal army fight uprightly, build a strong camp and fight hard battles, avoid seeking strange results, and win by being upright.

Qi Jiguang stood on a high hill, stretched out his hand to call two personal soldiers, and opened a Hetao feng shui.

He waved his hand and pointed at Heishan and Piantouguan.

"The Mongols in Qiantao are not trees that can take root, nor are they mountains that can grow on the ground. The news of our deployment of troops this time must have spread to the outside of the Great Wall. As our army moves forward, the Mongols will certainly take action."

Yan Shaoting nodded.

The Mongols were just inferior to the Ming in weapons, but that doesn't mean they were a bunch of fools.

Over the years, in the wars between the Ming Dynasty and the Mongols, both sides were very clear about each other's military tactics.

Qi Jiguang added: "What I am most worried about now is that Xin Ai Huang Taiji will go west to Heishan and enter Houtao before our army arrives, and then wait for an opportunity to plunder and kill in northern Shaanxi, Ningxia, and even Gansu. Or he may go south along the Yellow River and invade from Piantou Pass and other places, harassing Shanxi Town and the prefectures and counties west of Taiyuan Prefecture."

This is also what Yan Shaoting is most worried about now.

Once the Mongols followed suit and did not engage in direct combat with the Ming army, but instead began to roam around the Hetao area with their cavalry advantage, looking for opportunities to fight, the war would inevitably become extremely troublesome.

He thought again and again before speaking, "When Yang Jinshui goes to look for Sun Wu, he will probably take Wang Zhigao and Wang Jiluo with him. At that time, we will only need Shen Weiyue, the general of Shanxi Town. If he can lead his troops to station at Piantou Pass and Laoyingbao, Shanxi will be safe."

Zhang Yuangong and Zhu Shitai, who were beside the two men, looked at each other.

Zhu Shitai stepped forward and whispered, "We all know the general commander of Shanxi, Xie Chaoen. He is usually calm, but in fact he is a cautious and timid person. Once Altan's army really leads a large army to invade the Piantou Pass and Laoyingbao area in the south, he will definitely not dare to lead his troops to fight."

Yan Shaoting immediately turned his head and looked over.

This is the advantage of Zhu Shitai and Zhang Yuangong being born into an old noble family. Although the Ming Dynasty now values ​​culture over military affairs and the noble families have gradually become pleasure-seeking, these old nobles are well aware of the personnel and affairs in the army.

Qi Jiguang immediately frowned and said, "Then we can only send another letter to the deputy generals of Piantou Pass and Laoying Fort, and order them to urge the military preparations of Kelan to be on high alert, and to form a battle array with Baode Prefecture, Wuzhai Fort, Wuzhou, Yijing Tunbao, Shenchikou, and Ningwu to prevent the Mongols from crossing the border wall of Piantou Pass and Laoying Fort. In this way, if there is a change, our army can respond instantly, and immediately lead the troops to the south, and join forces with the troops in Shanxi to attack the Mongols from head to tail."

When place names popped out of Qi Jiguang's mouth one by one.

Yan Shaoting couldn't help but look at the other person deeply.

Qi Jiguang, who started his career in the southeast, was able to memorize the situation in the north in such a short time. It can be said that he was hardworking.

At the same time, memories buried deep in the mind began to surface.

Then Yan Shaoting was shocked.

If everything is correct.

Originally in history, that is, this year, Shanxi was indeed invaded by the Mongolian leader Altan Khan, and then the Shizhou Incident occurred.

During this incident, the Mongols killed tens of thousands of people in Shanxi and looted countless people, food, and livestock.

It was also because of this incident that the imperial court established Fenzhou in Shanxi in order to strengthen the military defense on the southwest side of Taiyuan Prefecture in Shanxi.

Would the Mongols still do this today?

He looked down at the geomancer in front of him again, and then used his hands to measure the distance. Finally, he said worriedly, "We are now in Fengzhen, behind the wall fort. Going out of the pass and marching to the southwest, it is 400 miles away from the Piantou Pass in Shanxi. It will take at least five days for the army to arrive."

Although he did not mention the Shizhou Incident.

But Qi Jiguang also reacted.

He immediately said in a deep voice: "The Mongols are stationed at the foot of Daqing Mountain in Qiantao, only 200 miles away from Piantou Pass and Laoyingbao. They are all cavalry, and the terrain in Qiantao is flat, so they can arrive in three days at most..."

After saying that.

Yan Shaoting and Qi Jiguang couldn't help but look at each other.

There was deep worry in both of their eyes.

If Xin Ai and Huang Taiji really did this, their original plan would be completely overturned, and the pincer attack would be completely useless. They would only be left behind by the Mongols and would have to chase them desperately to prevent the Mongols from rushing into Shanxi and looting.

Zhu Shitai and Zhang Yuangong also came forward and looked at the geomancer in front of them with serious eyes.

Zhang Yuangong first asked: "What if our army sends a strong force now, not out of Juqiangbao, but directly to Laoyingbao and Piantouguan from the south side of the Great Wall? In this way, the distance is almost the same as that of the Mongols, and I think we can stop the Mongols outside the border wall in time."

Qi Jiguang shook his head repeatedly: "We can't go. The road from here to Datong Pingluwei is flat, but once we pass Pingluwei and continue to Laoyingbao, it will be all mountainous. It will be difficult for the army to move forward, and it will not be as fast as taking the original route."

Yan Shaoting also said solemnly: "There are strong troops stationed on both sides of Xuanda to defend the border, while Shanxi and Jinzhong have always had weak troops and sparse camps. Once Altan's troops really rush in, the entire northwest of Shanxi will be in chaos!"

Northwest Shanxi is in chaos?

Yan Shaoting didn't dare to imagine what the situation would be like at that time. Even if he led the army to block Laoyingbao and Piantouguan from behind, the Mongols could choose to cross the Yellow River and escape from northern Shaanxi with the looted goods.

"be quick!"

"Faster than the Mongols under the Daqing Mountains!"

"Shanxi Town is unreliable. Only when our people reach Laoyingbao and Piantouguan can we stabilize this line!"

Yan Shaoting quickly analyzed the current situation.

As long as the Altan tribe is not allowed to enter Shanxi, even if they go west to the Black Mountain and enter the Houtao, nothing will happen with Wang Chonggu there. Qi Jiguang also looked at Yan Shaoting: "How are you going to deal with this matter?"

He is the deputy general of this army, and Yan Shaoting is the commander-in-chief. He can only decide what to do based on the other party's orders.

But before Yan Shaoting could speak.

A clear and loud voice reached everyone's ears.

"The Dragon and Tiger Army is fast enough!"

"We can reach Piantou Pass and Laoyingbao faster than the Mongols!"

Yan Hu, fully covered in armor, appeared in front of everyone.

The young General Longhu had a childish face but his hands tightly grasped the sword at his waist. He walked in front of Yan Shaoting under the protection of two personal soldiers.

Yan Hu clasped his hands together, bowed his head and nodded: "General, it only takes three days! Three days! The three thousand men of my Dragon and Tiger Army will be able to reach the front of Laoyingbao and Piantouguan and stop the Mongols!"

Yan Shaoting suddenly became furious.

But Qi Jiguang frowned and said, "General Yan is brave, but even if the Dragon and Tiger Army is our elite cavalry, it is impossible for them to be faster than the Mongols."

Yan Hu did not change his expression. "Since leaving the capital, each member of the Dragon and Tiger Army has been riding two horses. Naturally, they cannot catch up with the speed of the Mongols. But if the general can transfer another 3,000 war horses to the Dragon and Tiger Army, each of us can ride three horses. Even if we run until the horses die, we can definitely rush 400 miles in three days and arrive ahead of the Mongols!"

Yan Shaoting's face was still full of anger.

However, Qi Jiguang's expression relaxed a little.

According to Yan Hu, the Dragon and Tiger Army had to travel at a great speed to catch up with the time difference between them and the Mongols.

This will not only kill a horse, but also kill a person.

but.

This happens to be the only feasible solution.

As long as the Dragon and Tiger Army can reach Laoyingbao and Piantouguan, even though there are only 3,000 of them, together with the troops at Laoyingbao and Piantouguan, it will be enough to stop the Mongols under the Great Wall for a day or two.

In this way, the large group of people led by Yan Shaoting could also rush over from behind.

However, in this case, the steady and cautious strategy that Yan Shaoting had been preparing for since he led his troops out of Beijing would have to be transformed into a victory by using surprise attacks.

Qi Jiguang looked at Yan Shaoting. Although he knew what the other party was thinking, he still said, "This method...may be feasible."

Seeing that Qi Jiguang approved of his proposal, Yan Hu immediately clasped his fists again and said, "General, if the Dragon and Tiger Army does not arrive within three days and fails to stop the Mongols, I will bring my head to you!"

The young man's face was full of ferocity and determination.

Faced with the possibility of another Shizhou Rebellion, tens of thousands of Shanxi people were massacred, looking at Xiao Que'er's resolute face.

Yan Shaoting could only sigh and waved his hand. "Order the Fifth Army Camp to transfer 3,000 war horses to the Dragon and Tiger Army. The rear camp should immediately prepare enough dry food. The Dragon and Tiger Army will march to Laoyingbao and Piantouguan."

Seeing that his brother finally agreed with him.

Yan Hu immediately clenched his fist and said, "I will obey your orders and will not let you down!"

After saying this, he turned around and left, ready to lead his troops on their journey.

However, Yan Shaoting quickly stepped forward, grabbed Yan Hu, and said in a deep voice: "Don't fight! Just stop the Mongols!"

With three thousand Dragon and Tiger soldiers facing tens of thousands of Mongolian soldiers, he was really afraid that Xiao Que'er would get too excited and get into a tough battle in order to stop the enemy, and then be surrounded by the Mongols.

Yan Hu nodded heavily.

Then he held his head high and walked away quickly.

When Yan Hu disappeared from sight, there was movement in the camp at the foot of the high hill, with war horses galloping.

Yan Shaoting then took a deep breath, his eyes became sharp, and he ordered in a deep voice: "Urgently order the Shanxi general to dispatch troops to the line of Laoyingbao and Piantouguan. If a Mongolian person jumps over the wall, I will definitely submit a petition to behead him! Also order the commanders of Laoyingbao and Piantouguan to organize the army and hold on, and order the military preparation officer of Kelanzhou to lead troops to the rear of Piantouguan and Laoyingbao for defense. Whoever dares to slack off, I will personally behead him in front of the battle!"

An urgent order.

The messengers began to get busy, and the war horses galloped down from the high hill.

In just half a quarter of an hour, there were already thousands of soldiers in the camp under the high hill, and nearly ten thousand war horses rushed out like a torrent, rushing towards the outside of the Great Wall.

There were also messenger teams that came out from the rear military camp and rushed to various places to deliver orders.

Qi Jiguang observed the movements in the camp, then looked at Yan Shaoting, who had a serious expression on his face, and clasped his hands together, "The Mongolian army is swift, and this battle is about recovering the enemy. Time is of the essence. I will also lead the vanguard army out of the pass and follow the plan to block the Mongolian retreat."

Yan Shaoting just nodded with a heavy face at this moment.

"Yuan Jing, please be careful when you go."

Qi Jiguang just smiled slightly, said nothing, jumped on his horse, went up from the high hill to the camp, and summoned the more than 10,000 soldiers of the Shanzi Camp to reorganize and march out of the pass.

Until afternoon.

Watching Qi Jiguang lead his men away from the camp and head towards the outside of the Great Wall.

Yan Shaoting then ordered the entire army to leave the pass, following behind the Dragon and Tiger Army that had already left the pass, and headed towards the southern part of Qiantao.

at the same time.

An urgent report was finally delivered to Beijing from Gubeikou and placed on the desk of the chief minister of the cabinet and the emperor's desk.

The Tuman tribe in eastern Mongolia assembled an army of tens of thousands, claiming to have 50,000 soldiers and horses, and intended to attack Gubeikou, Modaoyu, Jiangjunshiguan and other places.

Once the Mongolian barbarians break through the pass, they will march straight to the capital, endangering the safety of the capital.

For a time, the capital, which had just received 40,000 troops from the Beijing camp, was in shock.

The imperial court urgently ordered the three guards of Tianjin and the troops of Hejian, Baoding and Zhending to march north to provide support.

The entire Yan area was in turmoil, and countless soldiers and horses rushed to the capital in accordance with the emperor's orders.

And in Hetao.

Both sides deployed a total of more than 200,000 troops and horses, and were heading towards the same place.

Shanxi Town.

Laoyingbao, Piantouguan!

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Monthly PassMonthly Pass
(End of this chapter)