Chapter 70: A Winding Road (Merry Christmas)

  Judging from the strength, the Qing army still had a considerable advantage in terms of military power, but in this perilous and narrow defensive battle, even more troops could not be deployed.

  Zhu Yongxing, although calm and composed on the surface, is actually not very confident in his heart. Moreover, he only sets a rough strategy and lets experienced generals like Bai Wenzhong help him perfect the specific tactics. Also because of insufficient confidence, he always sets a highest expectation for himself when planning, and then sets a lowest goal.

  The longer we hold out, the weaker the Qing army will become. If we can't beat them, let's retreat and look for another opportunity in Tengchong City. Zhu Yongxing naturally hopes to pin down the Qing army on the mountain, using the power of nature as a weapon to easily win. But he also made preparations for any unexpected events, breaking the road is the last resort, which can slow down the pursuit speed of the Qing army to the lowest, and will also be harassed by small troops.

  Everything starts with difficulty, after enduring the most difficult situation, Zhu Yongxing dared not to put all his chips together. Instead, he tried to weaken the enemy as much as possible, make a fortune by luck and cleverness, and make the Qing army act according to his own plan.

  Zhu Yongxing insisted on staying in the main camp, and he had his reasons. Only by being familiar with the characteristics of the battle at that time and having a clear understanding of the strengths of the Ming and Qing armies could he make more practical plans later. Moreover, under heavy protection, he was not in great danger, but rather gained points for his image.

  Taking advantage of the rest of the various branches of the Ming army, and then continuously withdrawing the rested Ming army in units, Zhu Yongxing has initially achieved the purpose of dispersing and reorganizing. Although it is not thorough enough, it indeed makes the original several Ming generals' control over their troops weaker. Whoever wants to easily lead his troops to surrender will no longer be as smooth as before.

  The vassals are arrogant, the generals are self-specialized, and the imperial court is in its final years. However, this is not what Zhu Yongxing hopes for. He doesn't want to be a puppet controlled by others; he wants to have control over the army. Otherwise, even if he were respected as a member of the royal family, he wouldn't want to do it and wouldn't be willing to do it.

  Just as Zhu Yongxing fell into a long silence again, a Ming army messenger rushed over, his footsteps breaking Zhu's train of thought.

  "Your Highness, General Chen has ordered me to report that the Qing army is clearing a path through the dense forest on the mountain ridge, and it seems they are going to launch a flanking attack on our main position at Shan Ya Kou." The messenger was brought over by several bodyguards, kneeling on one leg, reporting to Zhu Yongxing.

  Zhu Yongxing nodded slightly, the Qing army's frontal assault had failed to gain an advantage, and they would have to think of another way. The main defensive position of the Nanzhai Public House was centered on Shan'ao Kou and extended along the mountain ridges on both sides, with a horizontal distance of about one thousand meters, while the Xue Chong Wo on the west side was obviously the weaker link. Zhang Yong and Xian Guoan were not willing to retreat just yet, and as veterans of many battles, they finally found a breakthrough point.

  "Go back and tell General Chen that the Qing army may launch a joint attack from the east, north, and south at the same time. Let him not be negligent." Zhu Yongxing paused for a moment before continuing: "I will order the mobile troops to move westward. If the situation becomes critical, let General Chen send a signal immediately, and reinforcements will arrive quickly."

  "Yes, I obey." The messenger bowed his head and saluted, then turned to leave.

  "Wait a minute." Zhu Yongxing suddenly raised his hand to stop the little soldier, turned his head and said to the guard beside him: "Take him to drink a bowl of hot soup and warm up by the fire before leaving."

  It was just a simple concern, but the identity difference was as far apart as heaven and earth. According to the inherent superior-inferior concept of people at that time, this was an unbearable favor. The little soldier who transmitted the order knelt down again and thanked him: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am not cold, and I dare not delay military affairs."

  "Then just drink a bowl of hot soup!" Zhu Yongxing smiled faintly and said, "How is the situation at General Chen's place? Are there any soldiers suffering from hunger and cold?"

  The orderly hesitated for a moment before answering, "Reporting to Your Highness, even on ordinary days, illness is unavoidable. Now the soldiers have hot soup and rice to eat, and also have shelters from wind and rain, which are many times better than those of the Qing army."

  He can be a messenger, indeed a clever and agile guy, although his answer was vague, he still said the general situation, Chen Sheng's place should be fine.

  Zhu Yongxing smiled and waved his hand, sending the little soldier away. He wanted to take the guards to the west to see the specific situation, walked two steps and stopped again, instructing the captain of the guard: "Send someone to contact Huairou Hou and Guangchang Hou, let them strengthen their defenses, don't slack off, the Qing army may split troops to attack by detour."

  To break through the Nanzhai Gongfang, advancing along the ancient road is one way; from the south wing of Xiao Xinzhai, Manghe River head via Xinxing Road to cross the Gaoligong Mountain, and then attack the Nanzhai Gongfang's side and rear Daba, Jiangli is another way. Zhu Yongxing organized two defensive lines in the south wing for this purpose, respectively led by Wu Zisheng, Marquis of Huairou, and Gao Wenguang, Marquis of Guangchang.

  To be honest, Zhu Yongxing was both worried and somewhat expectant about the Qing army's pincer movement. He was worried that if the Qing army succeeded in encircling them, he would have to lead his troops stationed here to retreat to Tengchong, so as not to be cut off from their rear route; what he expected was that Wu Zisheng and Gao Guanggui would command cleverly, and achieve another victory similar to the ambush of Wang Jinbao's troops.

  The battlefield is like this, with few victories without any losses, and few examples of success through reckless adventure. Although the Qing army is currently trapped in the mountains, variables still exist, and victory or defeat are still difficult to predict.

  As for the Qing army opening up roads in the dense forest cliffs on both sides of Shan'ao Pass and making a detour to attack, Zhu Yongxing is not too worried about it now. The snow-covered valley on the west side is said to be weak, but it's also relative to other positions. If the Qing army wants to break through, they still have to make an effort to climb up, which is not an easy task.

  Chen Sheng was in charge of the west, Zhang Wenchu was in charge of the east, Zhu Yongxing and General Ding Shuo Wu San were at the main camp, while Chen Yeyao led the mobile troops, responsible for relieving various places. In the early stages of the blocking battle, these three generals performed well and basically broke away from their original superiors' control, allowing Zhu Yongxing to use them with a bit more peace of mind.

  All measures that can be taken have been taken, and those who can be won over have been won over. He himself went to the front line to boost morale. If even now, when the situation is favorable, there are still high-ranking officials willing to surrender to the Qing army, Zhu Yujing will be helpless and can only sigh in despair.

  Alas, who made oneself so unlucky? Going into the mountains to hunt and play can still lead to a dimensional rift. Having crossed over is one thing, but also encountering this chaotic end of the world... it's just a rotten hand. After finally managing to struggle out of that situation, if I were to be sold out by my own people again, that would truly be heaven being blind, purely a scam!