Chapter 599: Dual Strategy

"The Minister's order has arrived, ordering all combat battalions of the Eastern Association to prepare to march beyond the Pass. The messenger brought a verbal note: Minister Hong says the Tianjin grain will likely arrive around the fifth or sixth month. Once the grain comes, we march beyond the Pass and first garrison at Ningyuan."

At the Eastern Assistant Regional Commander's official residence. The Advisor handed over the order. Eastern Assistant Regional Commander Cao Bianjiao reached out to take it, set it aside without looking, and instead unfolded a map beneath it, spreading it across the table to examine it closely.

This place was Taitouying, also the garrison post of the Ji Garrison Eastern Assistant Regional Commander. In the mid-Ming period, the Ji Garrison Eastern Association only had a Vice Regional Commander posted at Shanhai Pass. After the rise of the Eastern Invaders, pressure on Liaoxi and Shanhai Pass doubled, and military deployments concentrated toward the Ji Garrison and Liaoxi. The Ming court established a separate Regional Commander at Shanhai Pass under the jurisdiction of the Shanyong Grand Coordinator. The Ji Garrison Eastern Association was also elevated from Vice Regional Commander to Regional Commander, with its garrison moved to Taitouying. The original Shanhai Pass and Shimen defense zones fell under the Shanhai Pass Regional Commander's jurisdiction.

The Ming court's overall deployment against the Qing army was under the unified command of Hong Chengchou as Superintendent of Ji and Liao. Forces were distributed across three fronts: the Ji Garrison, Shanyong, and the Liao Garrison. The Qing army had appeared at Yizhou, and once it was confirmed that Jinzhou was their line of advance, both Shanyong and Ji Garrison forces were to deploy forward in echelon, preparing to relieve Jinzhou. For the Ming court, which had managed the Eight Cities Beyond the Pass for over ten years, this was a contingency plan long since prepared.

"Report all shortages of pay and equipment to Minister Hong as quickly as possible." After studying the map for a moment, Cao Bianjiao looked up and said to his Advisor, "Any news from Anqing about the cannons?"

"Their shipping company originally in Tongzhou has relocated to Tianjin. All messages now come by sea. That shopkeeper initially asked fifty taels per cannon. By afternoon a reply came back saying they could send the cannons out first, with payment settled afterward."

Cao Bianjiao hesitated briefly, then said, "Then settle afterward. Use the battalion's silver to first make up the Household Retainers' back pay. Send word thanking General-in-Chief Pang. Once the fighting beyond the Pass is over, we will certainly pay in full. And ask clearly — when can those cannons be delivered?"

"That matter of transporting the cannons was also mentioned. Right now the canal transport is cut off. Furthermore, General-in-Chief Pang's view is that cannons are critical instruments of the court, and a private transfer between our two camps should avoid prying eyes to be safer. Going by the canal means passing countless customs checkpoints and locks, with unavoidable stops at docks along the way. If any place discovers the cannons, they will certainly be intercepted and reported, stirring up trouble. Going by sea is more secure. They've set departure from the Great River for the end of this month, heading first to Tianjin to wait, and want us to designate a landing site to receive the cannons."

"The cannons are not to land at Tianjin. Send men to Tianjin to meet the ship. Our people will guide the ship to Shanhai Pass. When the ship arrives, we unload the cargo ourselves. Once they reach camp, say they were all made by the Jizhou Gun and Cannon Workshop."

"They're sending along blacksmiths, powder-makers, carpenters, and instructors. Lord Pang covers their wages and food costs; we provide their board and lodging. They also want us to prepare cannoneers — select men who are bold and quick-witted. Twenty cannons require at least eighty men."

Cao Bianjiao stared blankly. "Why must cannoneers be bold and quick-witted?"

The Advisor shook his head. Among the artillery of the Nine Borders, red-barbarian cannoneers held the highest status and were bound to specific cannons — one gun crew could only use that one piece — enjoying special treatment in the army.

But other cannoneers were treated essentially the same as infantry, with no special selection process.

Cao Bianjiao had seen Pang Yu's small cannons in action at Wangzhuang. After the Yongding River, the Anqing Battalion had no capacity for pitched battle and only conducted one night raid near Zunhua. Cao Bianjiao knew they had brought cannons along, causing fires in the Tartar camp and inflicting considerable losses on the Tartars.

But the small cannons' performance when assaulting the village entrance had left a very deep impression on Cao Bianjiao. Before that, he had never imagined that cannons could be used for field assault and breaching fortifications.

Recalling the scene at the time, Cao Bianjiao nodded and said, "Select one hundred men according to this standard."

"General-in-Chief Pang's verbal message also mentioned that along with the cannons, he is sending one hundred self-igniting arquebuses, plus five instructors and one powder-maker. He says these arquebuses need no fire rope — they use chert to strike a spark for ignition, making them much more convenient in battle. If they prove suitable, more can be sent."

"General-in-Chief Pang is a man of high honor. When you reply, be sure to convey my gratitude."

"General-in-Chief Pang also raised one other matter. He wishes to send several military staff officers to our camp, so they can become familiar with the Eastern Invaders' methods of war. Should we face the Eastern Invaders again, they would be prepared, and also serve as a liaison with you, my lord, for better coordination when fighting the Eastern Invaders together in the future."

Cao Bianjiao thought for a moment, then said, "Have him send men who are tight-lipped. When they arrive here, say they are recruited Household Retainers attached to the Central Army. That will suffice."

"This humble one will note it down." The Advisor looked at Cao Bianjiao. "Is Pang Yu worried that the Ministry of War will transfer him to Liaodong, and so is sending men ahead to familiarize themselves with the military situation?"

"Pang Yu wants to deal with the Eastern Invaders in the interior. He told me before that a major battle in Liaoxi would be inadvisable. During the previous rally to the king, his relations with all the garrisons of the Nine Borders were terrible. By all reasoning, he would not want to come north. Right now the Central Plains are swarming with Roving Bandits everywhere, and every camp of the Nine Borders must guard the frontier. Yang Sichang is already short of both generals and troops. Even if the Ministry of War wanted to transfer Pang Yu here, Yang Sichang would certainly oppose it."

"Pang Yu, while still only a Vice Regional Commander, already had several hundred heavy-armored Household Retainers, several hundred mounted Household Retainers, and even manufactured his own cannons and arquebuses. He is practically a small Liao Garrison unto himself — certainly not something the court's Rations and Pay could sustain. He must have his own means of generating income. Even if the Ministry of War wanted to transfer him, they might not be able to move him." Cao Bianjiao frowned for a moment, then said, "What worries me is rather Minister Hong. This year the Eastern Invaders are building houses and farming at Yizhou, meaning they intend to use this place as a base to seize the Eight Cities Beyond the Pass. This is different from before — they'll lay siege like they did at the Beating the Bell River. Jinzhou is one hundred forty li from Ningyuan; grain transport is the most difficult part, yet it happens to have the largest number of people. Zu Dashou is a man of unsteady resolve, and he regards Jinzhou as his family's foundation. Troops, family dependents, artisan households — he insists on keeping them all in Jinzhou. You are the foremost city of the vanguard; except for Songshan to the south, you face enemies on three sides. This place should hold only elite troops. If you ask me, keep just ten thousand men inside Jinzhou and send everyone else back to Shanhai Pass. That would greatly reduce the grain transport burden, and the garrisons at Songshan, Xingshan, and Tashan could be correspondingly reinforced, avoiding a top-heavy, bottom-light situation."

"Zu Dashou will certainly refuse. At times his resolve wavers, but on certain matters his resolve is exceedingly firm. His son was captured by the Eastern Invaders, yet even that could not coerce him. Jinzhou is the foundation of his standing. He has recruited many Mongols there, even placed his cannon workshop and gunpowder workshop there — how could the number of people not be large? Thus beyond the Pass, the situation is top-heavy and bottom-light. Besides, even if Zu Dashou were willing to abandon Jinzhou, the court would never permit it. Minister Hong would not dare even to suggest it. Governor-General Lu and Governor-General Sun, who led the troops before him, neither met a good end. Minister Hong has no path of retreat; he can only fight this battle with the Eastern Invaders at Jinzhou."

Cao Bianjiao looked at the map before him and shook his head. "That Yang Sichang is also a Supreme Commander, yet he too may not meet a good end. In these turbulent times — whether in Liaodong or the heartland, whether civil officials or military officers, whether soldiers or commoners, even those issuing commands from within the Capital — for all of them, there is no road ahead and no road back. Just lower your head and charge forward. Then you'll know what fate awaits."

……

"The Slaves' infantry and cavalry number in the tens of thousands. In the fortified strongholds around Guangyi, the bandit horsemen swarm like clouds and teem like bees. Daily they drive impoverished barbarians and refugees to fell trees and clear the wilds..."

In the rear hall of the Ministry of War in the Capital, the newly appointed Minister of War gently rubbed his forehead. The man in the room reading the memorial aloud was Zhang Ruoqi, Director of the Company of Operations. A Presented Scholar of the fourth year of Chongzhen's reign, he had transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of War's Company of Operations in the tenth year of Chongzhen and had earned Yang Sichang's high regard. In the eleventh year of Chongzhen, he was promoted to Director of the Company of Operations, becoming the head of this core department.

After Yang Sichang was transferred by Chongzhen to Huguang to suppress the bandits, Fu Zonglong succeeded him but was dismissed and imprisoned within three months. Chen Xinjia was hurriedly appointed Minister. Unfamiliar with many affairs of the Ministry of War, he often had to rely on Zhang Ruoqi, a veteran of the ministry, which only solidified Zhang Ruoqi's position further.

Zhang Ruoqi's voice continued: "Liao Garrison commanders Zu Dashou, Wu Sangui, and Liu Zhaoji have replied, stating that the Slaves are encamped far off at Yizhou, and the newly cleared land is ultimately as barren as stony fields. Transporting rice, beans, fodder, and provisions a thousand li from Liaozhong is in truth a poor strategy. Our various camps should stand firm, array our troops in strict formation between Songshan and Jinzhou, initially feigning weakness to mislead them, and ultimately press upon Yizhou to drive them out. Fang Yizao likewise deems the Eastern Invaders' garrison at Yizhou a poor strategy, since Jinzhou's grain route from Ningyuan is one hundred forty li, while Yizhou's grain route from Liaozhong is four to five hundred li, plus another ninety li to Jinzhou — the Eastern Invaders' strength can hardly sustain it."

Chen Xinjia rose and walked to the center of the hall. "What did Hong Chengchou say?"

"'The bandits are encamped between Jinzhou and Yizhou, plotting a protracted campaign. Today's planning for Liao is not merely about defense; we must defend while also attacking, and only then can we secure the defense. The Liao Garrison, Shanyong, and Eastern Association forces will successively march beyond the Pass. Wu Sangui will garrison Songshan, Liu Zhaoji will garrison Xingshan, the Liaodong Grand Coordinator will garrison Tashan, Cao Bianjiao will garrison Ningyuan, the Shanyong Grand Coordinator will garrison Shanhai Pass, Ma Ke will garrison Zhongqiansuo, and Minister Hong himself will garrison Zhonghousuo. What concerns Minister Hong is that Jinzhou's grain route may be cut by the enemy, with no passage for firewood gatherers. Inside Jinzhou, soldiers, civilians, and surrendered barbarians dwell together, and the Mongols' intentions are hard to fathom. The most critical point is that the various cities beyond the Pass lack sufficient rice and beans. Tianjin grain has no follow-up supplies. All supply companies must find every means to provide support, so that we can match attrition with battle.'"

"What was the ministry's deliberation?"

"Minister Hong is seasoned and prudent. His balance of defense and offense is well-matched, his disposition of forces is methodical, he avoids reckless battle with the enemy, and his strategy of matching attrition with battle hits the mark." Zhang Ruoqi glanced at Chen Xinjia, then continued, "The ministry's deliberation noted points in his disposition open to discussion. First, the Liaodong Grand Coordinator should not garrison Tashan. This city is surrounded by high ground on all sides, making it a position exposed to enemy attack. If the Eastern Invaders' troops emerge at Gaogiao, they will sever the link between Tashan and Songshan; if they emerge at Lianshan, they will sever the link with Ningyuan. It would be more appropriate for the Liaodong Grand Coordinator to remain at Ningyuan. Second, the Supreme Commander should garrison Qiantun for greater security." (Note 1: In the thirteenth year of Chongzhen, a Ministry of War communication mentioned the possibility of Qing forces cutting off Gaogiao, but there is no record of how Hong Chengchou replied.)

Chen Xinjia nodded. "Issue the ministry communication to Minister Hong accordingly. Be sure to state clearly beforehand that this disposition balances both battle and defense in a dual strategy, attending to both internal and external concerns, and hits the mark."

"Your subordinate understands."

"Regarding the Tianjin grain — does the Ministry of Revenue have any definite news?"

"The Ministry of Revenue also does not know when it can get through. This year the north has suffered drought everywhere. Since the Spring Festival, there has been almost no rain. Shandong and Zhili are the same. Large and small rivers everywhere have run dry. Even opening the locks cannot let water in. The canal has run dry in more than one or two places. The Ministry of Revenue has strictly ordered all localities along the river to ensure transport at all costs. If it rains in the fourth or fifth month, perhaps it will get through quickly."

"Will it rain?" Chen Xinjia glanced up instinctively at the tiled roof.

"If there is no rain even by the fourth or fifth month..." Zhang Ruoqi lowered his voice, "then Huguang and Henan will have no harvest this year. I fear many will join the bandits."

Chen Xinjia stood frozen in place, lost in thought. Zhang Ruoqi did not disturb him. The canal running dry might still have some solution, but regarding rain in the north — the Ministry of War could propose no countermeasure. Yet everything seemed connected to this, and in the end, it would all become the Ministry of War's problem.

After a moment, Chen Xinjia finally said, "Is there any other business today?"

"Wang Pu has submitted a memorial."

"What could he have to say?"

"Wang Pu states that on the twenty-fifth day of the first month of this year, while patrolling the western route to Youwei City, he caught a wind-cold. On the first day of the second month, while inspecting Yanghe to the east, he again caught a wind-cold. He took strong purgatives, but the chills and fever were hard to dispel. At first only half his body went numb; afterward his left arm became unfeeling." Zhang Ruoqi paused, then said, "He claims that during the ninth year of Chongzhen, while entering the Capital to defend it, he long camped in the field, causing cold and dampness to invade his core. Whenever the weather turned overcast, he felt slight discomfort. After the eleventh year, it worsened to numbness. Now, upon encountering cold pathogens, he has lost all sensation and cannot bend or extend the limb..." (Note 2: This memorial was copied out in the intercalary first month of the thirteenth year of Chongzhen.)

Chen Xinjia waved his hand. "Spare me this drivel. What does he want?"

"He requests to resign his post as Grand Defender and return to his garrison to recuperate."

Chen Xinjia gave a mocking smile. Zhang Ruoqi said in a low voice, "When you, my lord, were in Xuan-Da, you must have known this Wang Pu well. Among the Xuan-Da Three Garrisons, the Cloud Garrison has the most Household Retainers and the greatest strength. If he returns to his garrison to recuperate and takes all his Household Retainers with him, how is a new Grand Defender supposed to hold the border? He anticipates that this year will inevitably bring successive great battles, so he submits this memorial now as a pretext to avoid combat, and secondly to blackmail the Ministry of War."

"How was the draft rescript written?"

"Imperial edict: The Cloud Garrison faces many alarms; spring defense must be thorough. Wang Pu is to exert himself fully in managing affairs to secure the frontier and may not use illness to request leave." Zhang Ruoqi looked up. "Let the ministry be informed."

Chen Xinjia gave a cold laugh. "It seems the Grand Secretaries also know what sort of man he is and have no wish to indulge him. Last time when Xuan-Da rallied to the king, he was that same cowardly battle-shirker. Lu Xiangsheng treated him with courtesy, yet the false report from Longgu Pass Pass may well have come from his hand. Once out of sight, he could never be summoned back. Sun Chuanting treated him with the utmost politeness, yet all the way north from Shandong, he avoided battle at every turn, abandoning allied garrisons to danger without a care. In the end, Lu Xiangsheng died in battle, Sun Chuanting was imprisoned — and his only loss was catching a cold and dampness."

Zhang Ruoqi shook his head along with him. Chen Xinjia stared at the desk as if recalling something. After a moment, he said, "I have long known his character. When I was Supreme Commander of Xuan-Da, I used Rations and Pay to pressure him hard several times. Wang Pu bears a grudge against me for it. Now that I have assumed the post of Minister, he submits this memorial merely to blackmail me."

"In my years at the Ministry of War, the two most treacherous men I have seen among the Nine Borders are Zu Dashou and Wang Pu."

"Pay him no heed. Issue the ministry communication to him according to the imperial edict." Chen Xinjia sighed softly, then looked up at Zhang Ruoqi. "I still have a memorial left unfinished. Master of Heavenly Studies, you have worked hard — you may return home early to rest."

"Would that be the memorial requesting posthumous honors for Governor-General Lu and Supreme Commander Wu?"

Chen Xinjia nodded. Zhang Ruoqi understood why Chen Xinjia had to write this memorial personally. He waited a moment, then ventured, "My lord, you have toiled the entire day. Your subordinate has nothing pressing to attend to; I may as well serve as your scribe."

Chen Xinjia laughed heartily and nodded to Zhang Ruoqi. Once he had prepared brush and ink, Chen Xinjia dictated: "Wu Aheng and Lu Xiangsheng — one died at Qiang Road, the other at Jiazhuang. Critics say they lost their armies and disgraced the state, that death cannot redeem their crimes. Yet though these two ministers died alike, their circumstances from beginning to end differ. This ministry, in weighing merit and fault, dares not be anything but impartial, and deliberates separately to request the imperial judgment. Examine Lu Xiangsheng: while in mourning, he received the imperial command to oversee troops in blocking and exterminating the enemy, and he took up the task with fervent dedication. When the Slaves were in the Li Jia Qiao area, Lu Xiangsheng vigorously advocated for a combined assault, but it came to nothing due to divided opinions. Later, when the great bandits swept south and he saw cities fall one after another, he knew his crimes allowed no escape and so staked his life on charging the enemy's sharp edge, leading to the defeat at Jiazhuang. When I was Supreme Commander of Xuan-Da, since most of the officers who followed the campaign were from the Supervisor Battalion, I know this most accurately..." (Note 3: Memorial submitted by Chen Xinjia in early thirteenth year of Chongzhen.)