Prince Chongzhen

Chapter 407 Don’t force it

There are two Yangping Passes.

There are two Yangping Passes. One is Yangping Pass in Mian County. Almost all the major battles that took place there took place during the Three Kingdoms period. There is also Ningqiang Yangping Pass, which is more than a hundred miles west of Yangping Pass in Mian County. Most of the major battles that took place there were between the Mongols and the Song Dynasty.

Mianyang County is located at the westernmost part of the Hanzhong Plain. It is backed by Jigong Mountain in the south and borders the Jialing River in the north. It has Tiandang Mountain and Dingjun Mountain on the northeast and southeast sides. It not only controls the Jinniu Road to Sichuan in the west and the Chencang Road to Qinlong in the north, but is also the western gate of the Hanzhong Basin.

Ningqiang has penetrated deep into the Jinniu Road. It is built in the valley between Yinping Mountain and Zilong Mountain. It is open on both sides and is protected by Jialin River. If the surrounding fortifications are added, it can be said that it is impenetrable.

After seeing the locations of the two Yangping Passes, some people may feel that Ningqiang seems unnecessary.

After all, Mianyang County is able to control many important places with just one pass, and its effectiveness is much stronger than Ningqiang Yangping Pass which only controls the Jinniu Road.

At this point we have to talk about the influence of the regime on checkpoints.

During the Song Dynasty, the territory of the Central Plains dynasty shrank significantly, and the Jinniu Road was exposed to the enemy's attack from the west.

With Yangping Pass in Mian County, it can still protect Hanzhong, but there is a Chenping Road that goes straight from the Longyou border to the Jinniu Road, and the function of Yangping Pass in Mian County to protect Sichuan is thus lost.

As a result, the Ningqiang Yang'an Pass, which was not very important at that time, gradually became important, and by the Southern Song Dynasty it was even called Yangping Pass.

But then again, the territory of the Ming Dynasty was much larger than that of the two Song Dynasties. Due to the substantial expansion of the western border, not only did the Yangping Pass in Ningqiang lose its original function, but even the one in Mianyang County had fallen into a state of disrepair.

"Dingjun Mountain is indeed a place that must be defended. If it weren't for God's blessing, we would have almost missed this place!"

Looking at the solitary mountain in the southeast direction, Du Lei thought for a moment and said something with some fear.

Thanks to Haoge's reminder, Du Lei spared no effort in the repair of Yangping Pass. He not only recruited all the young and strong men in Mianyang County, but also recruited most of the men in the surrounding villages.

It seemed to be destined, as so many local people were summoned, he accidentally heard the story of Huang Zhong killing Xiahou Yuan here.

Afterwards, he hurried to Dingjun Mountain. After investigating the surrounding situation, he couldn't help but sigh at the importance of this mountain.

If we only consider it from the perspective of guarding Yangping Pass, a place like Dingjun Mountain can only be used as a support, and its significance is mostly at the tactical level.

But if it could lead to two generals who were famous throughout history fighting each other to death, how could the significance of Dingjun Mountain be so simple?

The road to Shu is difficult, harder than climbing to heaven, but this does not mean that there is only one way to enter Shu.

There is no need to elaborate on the distant ones like Micang Road and Litchi Road, and even on the Jinniu Road there are countless forks in the road.

Of course, due to logistical reasons, most of these forks are not noticed by the main army, but in certain circumstances, these forks have the potential to become sharp blades that penetrate into the enemy's rear.

Just like Liu Bei back then, after his way was blocked, he entered the Hanzhong Plain through the valley more than ten miles west of Yangping Pass.

Afterwards, the Shu army took advantage of the situation and occupied Dingjun Mountain. The Wei army, whose food supply was threatened, had to send troops to resist, which eventually made Huang Zhong famous.

It has to be said that Liu Bei's move was truly a stroke of genius, but by this time, the role of Dingjun Mountain had become common knowledge through various channels.

When everyone heard that this was the legendary Dingjun Mountain, they would naturally be on high alert.

"Master, there is no fortress on Dingjun Mountain. I'm afraid it will be too late to rebuild it."

Seeing that his master was very concerned about the hill, a general beside Du Lei reminded him.

According to the scouts, Qipan Pass had been lost and Luo Luohun was also retreating. If his prediction was correct, the Ming army should be able to reach Yangping Pass within three or four days.

There is no problem in using this amount of time to build a simple camp, but it is too late to build a fortress that can withstand the attack of a large army.

However, as Haoge's confidant, he would not be like Li Guohan, Wu Sangui and others. Only half a breath after the general finished speaking, he had already thought of an emergency measure.

"Let's build a camp on the mountain first, and then improve it slowly after we have gained a firm foothold."

"twitter!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a general went to deliver the order. Then he circled Dingjun Mountain before leading a group of generals back to Yangping Pass.

It had been two days since Hauge left. Although only a small part of the renovation of Yangping Pass had been completed, the area around the pass was already covered with sand, gravel and wood.

Seeing such a complicated and lively scene, everyone's confidence was boosted.

After all, the mission he received was only to delay the Ming army, not to really fight to the death here. As long as he could hold out until the Yangping Pass was repaired, even if the pass still could not withstand the Ming army's firearms, it would be enough to delay for some time.

By then, he will be able to take the credit for the achievement with ease, and the generous gifts that Hauge prepared for the Ming army will probably also be received.

Thinking of this, Du Lei felt more refreshed, and he was not so disgusted when he saw those southern barbarians who were carrying materials under the supervision of the supervisors.

Honestly speaking, the Ming Dynasty under Zhu Cilang brought them enormous pressure. Even though these generals did not think that the Ming army had the strength to defeat them head-on, Duoduo, who was badly defeated, and Ajige, who died in Ganzhou, kept reminding them that the Ming Dynasty was no longer the same as before.

Faced with such a situation, ordinary soldiers who were not familiar with the general situation were fine, but high-ranking generals like him could not help but feel a little wary.

However, despite his fear, Du Lei still had great confidence in the fighting power of his own soldiers. In addition, based on the arrangements made by Hauge before leaving Yangping Pass, he had some unusual expectations for the outcome of this battle.

"I'm afraid this battle will be a turning point like a stone."
-
Qipanguan

Ming army camp
When the two armies are fighting, checkpoints like this one are as lively as Yangping Pass.

However, compared with the Qing army, there were mostly carriages transporting military supplies inside Qipan Pass, but it was rare to see anyone repairing the pass.

This is understandable. If the Ming army wins this battle, they will at least be able to occupy important checkpoints like Yangping Pass. If they lose, there will be no point in building a checkpoint like Qipan Pass that only defends the south but not the north.

Instead of investing manpower and resources in this area, it would be better to spend more time clearing the road ahead.

Having said that, I have to talk about how disgusting Luo Luohun is.

After he left Qipan Pass, he was unable to cause much damage to Jinniu Road due to lack of gunpowder, but he did his best to leave many obstacles for the Ming army along the way. Most of these obstacles were just broken frames and rocks and wood. If they appeared in front of the army alone, they could be cleared in just three or two breaths.

However, Luo Luohun, in accordance with the principle of quantity over quantity, moved all the obstacles he could find along the way to the middle of the road, so that the guards in the center had to find a way to move away the obstacles after walking only ten steps.

Under such circumstances, even if the central army only rested for half a day before leaving the pass to pursue the enemy, they have only traveled more than 40 miles so far.

“It really is using every possible means.”

After carefully reading the letter sent by Xiang Rensheng, Zhu Cilang was speechless.

But then again, war is a matter of fighting to the death for every single point. Luo Luohun was able to delay the Ming army for one day, which gave the Qing army one more day to prepare. Although his methods were not very decent, they were not completely ineffective.

Thinking about it this way, this is understandable.

just
"Any news from Hanzhong?"

"Your Majesty, not yet."

After hearing Zhu Cilang's question, a voice outside the tent answered. After hearing this answer, although Zhu Cilang was still a little anxious, he suppressed his emotions and turned his attention to the letter on the table.

According to his usual style, he would have followed the central army to pursue the Tartars. However, before he was about to leave that day, Fan Yiheng, who was in charge of recovering the cities in central Sichuan, suddenly sent him a letter, and he stayed in Qipan Pass because of this letter.

Originally, Zhu Cilang thought that the letter was just to report to him the progress of recovering the cities in central Sichuan, but who would have thought that after more than a thousand words, Fan Yiheng suddenly asked to come and meet him in person.

Regarding the reason for this request, Fan Yiheng only said that it was a matter of great importance, but did not explain in detail in the petition. Zhu Cilang knew very well that this minister was not the kind of person who made a move without a purpose, so after some thought he agreed to his request.

However, while they were waiting, the army's advance did not stop at all.

Less than a day after Xiang Rensheng led the central army away, the follow-up troops led by Mei Chun and Liu Wenxiu followed closely.

By this time, part of the troops led by Li Guo had already left Qipan Pass. In a few days, Zhu Cilang would probably become the rear guard of the army.

"Yiqing, let's go and welcome Lord Fan."

Waiting is always unbearable. After sitting in the tent for a while, Zhu Cilang suddenly stood up. After hearing his words, Hu Yiqing tried to dissuade him.

"Your Majesty, this is impossible. General Li's troops have only made it a little further, and there must be a large group of troops behind them heading towards Qipan Pass. If you turn back now, the marching speed will be greatly slowed down."

Although Hu Yiqing was trying to dissuade Zhu Cilang, his words still made sense.

It is said that the width of the Jinniu Road is only about ten feet, which is indeed not enough for two directions to move at the same time.

Zhu Cilang understood this logic, but Hauge had withdrawn his troops for several days, and it was unknown whether the three generals of Hanzhong could withstand the counterattack of the Tartars. Under such circumstances, Zhu Cilang's words might have been a bit rash.

"Your Majesty, I, Fan Yiheng, request an audience with you!"

Just when Zhu Cilang sat back in his chair helplessly, a familiar voice came from outside the tent. When they looked over, they saw Fan Yiheng standing outside the military tent with his head bowed.

According to common sense, Zhu Cilang, who was in a hurry to rush forward, would be very happy after seeing Fan Yiheng. However, when he saw that this old minister was exhausted and seemed to have never stopped, he suddenly had an ominous premonition in his heart.

"Why is Lord Fan so anxious? Did something happen in Sichuan?"

Raising his hand to greet Fan Yiheng, Zhu Cilang began to ask directly. However, who would have thought that Fan Yiheng looked hesitant after hearing the question, and did not answer his Majesty's questions as usual.

Although Zhu Cilang was not familiar with such expressions, he had seen them before. It was just that there was only Hu Yiqing in the military tent at this time. After looking back, he said directly.

"No problem, just say it."

Since Zhu Cilang had spoken, Fan Yiheng would not hesitate any longer. He then took two steps forward, and when he was only three or four steps away from Zhu Cilang, he lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty, almost all the cities in Sichuan have sent their surrender letters these days. I have heard from those Daxi officials that the treasures hidden by Zhang Xianzhong seem to have disappeared."

treasure?

Missing?
Is it such a small matter?
Hu Yiqing seemed startled when he heard the words, while Zhu Cilang's face darkened, and he was obviously dissatisfied with Fan Yiheng for stopping him for such a trivial matter.

He loves money and also lacks money, but to this extent, money is just a tool for him to achieve his goals. He is not like some emperors who regard money itself as their purpose.

The military situation at the front was urgent at this time, and there might be trouble in a moment. However, Fan Yiheng stopped him in Qipan Pass because of some "treasures". How could he not feel a little dissatisfied?

"Lord Fan, it's just a small amount of gold and silver. You can send someone to investigate on your own."

When speaking, Zhu Cilang did not deliberately hide the dissatisfaction in his tone. It was obvious that he intended to let Fan Yiheng understand the priorities of the Ming Emperor. However, to his surprise, the other party did not seem to understand after hearing his words, and instead looked cautious.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang was about to say more, but before he could open his mouth, Fan Yiheng spoke first: "Your Majesty, it is said that this gold and silver is not a small amount, it must be around tens of millions."

Having said this, Zhu Cilang probably understood why Fan Yiheng was so serious.

Zhang Xianzhong was in power for many years, and during this period, dozens of royal palaces were destroyed in his hands.

There is no need to say much about those small princes with two characters. In terms of wealth, they may not be able to compare with slightly larger merchants. The key point is that those princes with one character can be said to be rich enough to rival a country. If Zhang Xianzhong put all their wealth together, it would not be surprising that there would be tens of millions.

But did Fan Yiheng really come to pay a visit just because of the number of tens of millions?
"Lord Fan is panicking?"

"Your Majesty, I am indeed a little panicked."

"Why are you panicking? Do I look like such a suspicious person?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fan Yiheng knelt on the ground, and after thinking about his words, he continued, "Your Majesty has the ability to judge people, how could this old minister think that way? It's just that... people's words are scary."

"Okay, get up. You can investigate this matter. If you can find it, it will be a pleasant surprise. If you can't find it, don't force it."

(End of this chapter)