Chapter 3: Techniques and Secret Arts

est. Our army’s grain and grass preparations were extremely smooth” 。At the current rate of troop strength and food consumption, it should last for three months barring any unforeseen circumstances...."What do you all think" Yin Hongsheng asked.

Fang Dahong quickly chimed in, "I think it's fine. Only by spreading the branches and leaves can we ensure Han culture continues on, thriving generation after generation." 。"I disagree! When we come together, we are a blazing fire. When we separate, we become scattered sand." 。"If we stay together, we can still accomplish great things. If we scatter, we won't be able to accomplish anything!" Ma Chao retorted. 。"Brother Ma, you are mistaken!" Cai Dezhong quickly walked two steps to Ma Chaoxing's side, putting his arm around his shoulder and asked: "If one day the court counterattacks Liaodong, do you think it would be more useful to serve in the army or to go to Liaodong as an insider" "This..." Ma Chaoxing was stumped by Cai Dezhong's question. 。Of course the role of insiders is great! "So, don't be quick to disagree..." 。"Hold on..." Ma Chao's mind suddenly sparked. "Brother Cai, don't be too quick to celebrate. Liaodong is the Manchus' territory. It's not Central Plains, so sneaking in there is harder than reaching the heavens." 。“Brother Ma, don’t worry! I have a plan! The Jurchen aren't coming back for another invasion, are they If you want to get to Liaodong, the best chance is to disguise ourselves as civilians and let them capture us.” 。"Once I got to Liaodong, things were a bit better. I tried my best to become a "Bao Yi", that way not only could I get access to the secrets of the Manchus, but I could also live a more comfortable life." 。When the imperial army counter-attacked Liaodong, Ma brother raised his arms and called out. The Han people in the city responded with a chorus of cheers, and retaking Liaodong seemed imminent!

"This... this idea doesn't seem so bad..." 。Ma Chao was educated by a child over ten years old, and his face flushed red instantly. 。"Alright, it's no use overthinking things! The most important thing right now is to find a way to defeat Li Zicheng!" 。A group of people walked and chatted in the night, getting closer and closer to the famous mansion. 。Outside the Fifth Mile of Great Ming's Mansion, one tent stood beside another. 。

The sky in the east is turning white, and dawn is breaking.

Countless military and civilians in the camp woke up to the sound of horns, getting dressed and cooking. 。After a simple breakfast, Dashun and his group of civil and military officials came to the central army tent for a meeting. 。

Li Zicheng sat in the center, looking at the slightly weary generals. He sighed inwardly.

A siege not only wears down the enemy's patience, but also consumes our own. 。If the Daming Mansion is not captured soon, those Ming soldiers who have surrendered will become deserters because they lack military pay, or they will turn around and join the Ming army again. 。This isn't the worst of it. If they can't raise more money, the salaries of high-ranking officials will be cut off. 。

This is not a good omen

"We, your humble subjects, bow before Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!" Liu Zongmin, seeing everyone was present, took the lead in bowing to Li Zicheng. 。After paying their respects, everyone stood up in turn. 。Liu Zongmin took out the prepared content and read it one by one: “During the siege of Daming Mansion, it was the time of summer harvest. Our army’s grain and grass preparations were extremely smooth” 。At the current rate of troop strength and food consumption, it should last for three months barring any unforeseen circumstances. 。"Has contact been made with merchants from the Huguang region""Your Majesty, the process went very smoothly." 。Not only was contact established, but the first batch of glutinous rice has been transported to near Zhengzhou. It can be transported upstream along the Yellow River to Guanzhong, or continue north to this location. 。"Don't transport it here, send it to Guan Zhong! They are short on food there." 。Li Zicheng's voice was somewhat hurried as he commanded. 。“I have written it down” 。Liu Zongmin continued to say, “According to the refugees, the Manchus first entered the pass from Changzigling and then marched south, their army now reaching near Cangzhou.” 。Many Shandong people feared they would be caught in the crossfire and fled westward and southward. 。"Could it be that they're not after us" Liu Xiy Yao blurted out. 。Liu Zongmin let out a light cough: "Chongzhen wouldn't even dream of such good fortune." 。" Hahaha... A hearty laugh echoed from the military tent. " 。After laughing, Li Zicheng sat upright and said: "We can take in refugees, but we must carefully screen them to prevent Ming soldiers from infiltrating and causing trouble." 。"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This matter is entrusted to Fangliang. He is always careful and meticulous in his work." 。The refugees are first sheltered in his camp for half a month, and only those without problems are sent to other camps. 。Liu Zongmin explained. 。Hearing that Liu Fangliang was in charge of this matter, Li Zicheng's heart skipped a beat. 。

Liu Fangliang was the first one to go wrong when besieging Beijing!

First, the grain and grass were destroyed, then the attack on the city was ineffective.

If his provisions hadn't been destroyed at the start, then perhaps the events that followed wouldn't have happened. 。

Beijing City might not be his!

Unfortunately, life doesn't have ifs!

"Fangliang, how many new soldiers have you recruited" Li Zicheng was uneasy and decided to ask personally.

Liu Fangliang hurriedly stood up and replied: "Your Majesty, since the siege of Daming Mansion began, I have recruited 7,944 new soldiers, transported more than 5,300 to various camps, and there are more than 2,000 new soldiers in my camp who are still under observation." 。"Well, there aren't many people here." 。"Li Zicheng shook his head as he spoke." 。

Things are different now.

Before this, he raised his arms and called upon the masses, who followed him enthusiastically. 。"Your Majesty, this matter cannot be blamed on the minister" 。"Liu Fangliang explained, 'The Ming army is also recruiting soldiers. They pay half a tael of silver per month.'" 。Our military's silver pay was given to veteran soldiers and horses, and the rest was mostly given to Ming troops who surrendered. 。The remaining soldiers could only receive a few coins each month. With such low pay, it was already good that they didn't desert. 。"Niu Jinxing blinked his eyes and stood up to interject: "How much silver That's been low for years! It hasn't changed, okay! Don't talk nonsense with your eyes open. D Shunjun is having a hard time!" 。Before the campaign, our resources were depleted. Our Grand Shun Army are righteous warriors and cannot measure ourselves with silver. 。"You can't recruit soldiers, so look in the mirror and see why! For so many years, have you actually fought a real war, truly assisted the Emperor"Facing Niu Jinxing's sarcastic and veiled accusations, Liu Fangliang was too lazy to respond. He directly bowed deeply to Li Zicheng: "Your Majesty, with the Manchu invasion, there will undoubtedly be a large number of displaced civilians. I will find a way to accommodate these refugees and replenish our troop numbers." 。"Alright, I understand." 。After nodding, Li Zicheng looked towards Li Yan. 。"Mr. Li, according to the current marching speed of the Jiannu, if they maintain their current direction, it will only take a few days for them to reach near Dezhou. Dezhou is less than four hundred miles from Damingfu." 。Although I have no intention of fighting him, with the two armies so close, we must be prepared!What deployment should my army makeyou, that’s all…that’s all…” One person wanted to say more, but halfway through, they felt ashamed and unable to continue. They could only stare blankly with their voice cracking as they tried to must...