Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 849 Difficult to Break the Stalemate
Wang Yue did not rush his army. Instead, he deliberately slowed down the march to give Zhu Yong, Cao Shen, and others some time to catch up. At the same time, he allowed his troops to gradually recover their morale and strength in preparation for the upcoming battle.

A day later, Zhu Yong led his troops on a swift march and finally managed to join forces with Wang Yue's central army before reaching the front lines.

Upon arriving at the camp, Zhu Yong immediately went to see Wang Yue.

By this time, the troops had already rested, and the camp was quiet. Except for a few guard troops, most people were fast asleep.

Wang Yue had the cooks prepare hot water in advance so that the officers and soldiers could soak their feet. He also unprecedentedly allowed everyone to drink a cup of mare's milk wine that Wang Shouren had just sent from the front to warm their bodies and help them fall asleep quickly. This way, after the army joined forces with the vanguard commanded by Wang Shouren and Zhu Hui the next day, they could immediately engage in battle.

"Duke Baoguo, your son fought a brilliant battle against Bo'an."

When Wang Yue met Zhu Yong, his tone was tinged with envy.

Zhu Yong cupped his hands and said, "This humble general rushed north upon receiving the transfer order and has no idea about the situation at the front. Please explain, General."

Wang Yue gave a general account of the previous battle, especially mentioning Wang Shouren's remarkable performance before and after the battle: "...Bo'an was exceptionally insightful. Even after the Tatars brought in their main force, he was not afraid of their overwhelming advance. He led his thousand or so men and skillfully maneuvered, giving the officers and soldiers behind him ample time to kill and capture the Tatars."

Zhu Yong asked, "Has the main force of the Tatars already moved south?"

"Yes."

Wang Yue nodded and said, "Batu Mongke may not have intended to send troops, but Bo'an and Dongyang are so brave and skilled in battle, how could they not come to meet them? Besides, they are also coming for me..."

Zhu Yong asked curiously, "With the two subsequent waves of reinforcements, my son and his men only had three thousand men. How were they able to escape unscathed from tens of thousands of Tartars?"

Wang Yue laughed and said, "That's why I say that with Bo'an's wisdom and courage, and your son's bravery, the two of them can be said to complement each other perfectly, truly the twin pillars of the Ming Dynasty."

"It was precisely because Bo'an commanded troops and clashed with Batumonke's southward vanguard several times that the two sides were unable to determine a victor. However, Bo'an's actual command of the new army cavalry was only about a thousand, while the Tatar vanguard numbered at least four or five thousand."

"To fight against overwhelming odds... and still manage a draw with the Tatars?"

Zhu Yong asked in surprise.

"Yes."

Wang Yue said, "When the vanguard of the Tatar Chahar tribe went south and saw that they could not gain any advantage, they retreated first. Dongyang then led his men to clean up the mess and obtained more than 400 heads. In total, there were about 2,600 heads, which exceeded the gains of the Battle of Weininghai."

"so much?"

Only now did Zhu Yong hear what he wanted to know.

Previously, Wang Yue seemed to have intentionally concealed the true results of the battles on the front lines, not wanting him to know.

Wang Yue laughed and said, "These are just the heads of the young and strong Tartars. Not counting the women and children, there are probably two or three thousand prisoners alone. Livestock and valuables are not included."

"Then... how far are the Tatar prince's troops... from them... and our current camp?" Zhu Yong asked.

“It’s not far, maybe a hundred miles or so,” Wang Yue said. “But to be honest, the battle ahead will be quite difficult. We have the Yinshan Mountains behind us, and the Tatar troops are following us. We are now being attacked from both sides, and the total number of Tatar troops is around 50,000.”

Zhu Yong said, "But we... only have a little over 20,000 men, while the enemy's numbers are at least twice as many as ours."

"Ah."

Wang Yue nodded and said, "In fact, only tens of thousands of our troops are capable of fighting on the battlefield."

Zhu Yong asked, "Then should we still seek to engage in a strategic decisive battle with them?"

Wang Yue sighed, "What was the purpose of our expedition to the grasslands? It was precisely to confront the main force of the Tatars head-on! Now that the opportunity has come, and the Tatars have taken the initiative to fight, how can we possibly back down?"

Zhu Yongdao said, "What about our provisions, supplies, and firearms..."

"If everything goes smoothly, it should be enough, but I'm afraid..."

Wang Yue didn't finish speaking; his expression became somewhat solemn.

However, it is clear that Wang Yue still has some concerns about whether he can win this battle.

After a while, Wang Yue seemed to have made up his mind and instructed, "You organize your troops and set off first tomorrow morning. I will lead the troops behind you and support you from afar. First, bring back Bo'an and Dongyang's troops. After we join forces, we will make further plans."

"Yes."

Zhu Yong still had many questions in his mind, but he still accepted the order and left.

……

……

After Zhu Yong returned to his tent, Zhang Qi, the adjutant sent by Zhu Hui to deliver the news, led a small group of men into the camp.

Zhang Qi came from the Beijing Garrison and had no prior experience in actual combat, but he was deeply trusted by Zhu Yong. This was mainly because Zhang Qi was about the same age as the heir apparent, Zhu Hui, and the two had a close relationship. In Zhu Yong's view, anyone who had a good relationship with his son, regardless of their ability, could help his son in the future in the Governor's Mansion.

Using relatives instead of virtuous ones... Anyway, there are quite a few incompetent people in the Governor's Office. It's really hard to judge who is better until you actually fight on the battlefield.

"My lord."

Upon seeing Zhu Yong, Zhang Qi immediately knelt on one knee to pay his respects.

"Get up."

Zhu Yong waved his hand and asked, "What's the situation at the front?"

"Two matches, one win and one draw."

Zhang Qi said respectfully.

Zhu Yong nodded: "I see. Tell me more about it."

He thought to himself that Wang Yue hadn't lied to him about such an important matter after all.

“After Young Master and Mr. Wang crossed the northern frontier, we camped at the southern foot of the hill and rested briefly. We then discovered a Tartar camp on the northern slope, so we led our troops out to fight after dawn,” Zhang Qi said. “Mr. Wang led the charge, planning to lure the enemy out, use our artillery to attack them, and then launch a counterattack after defeating them.”

Zhu Yong asked, "What was the actual combat situation like?"

Zhang Qi continued, "Unexpectedly, the Tatar tribe's forces collapsed at the first contact. Then, Mr. Wang led his troops in a long drive, killing many enemies back and forth. Afterward, he went north for more than 30 miles and completely defeated the Tatar Tumed army. After that, he encountered the main force of the Tatar Chahar tribe and fought back. Both sides gained and lost, and then retreated."

"Huh? The Tatars are willing to make peace?"

Zhu Yong asked again.

Zhang Qidao said: "The Tatar Tumed herdsmen scattered and fled, abandoning most of their livestock. The Chahar tribe was eager to recruit them to expand their own strength, and at the same time, they wanted to find out the true situation of our army. They dared not act rashly, so they did not organize a series of attacks."

"Meanwhile, the young master was taking stock of the spoils of war in the former Tatar camp, busy disposing of some of the wounded prisoners and dead livestock. Mr. Wang led his troops back to camp, and together with the young master, they gradually withdrew with the prisoners, livestock and other spoils... After the Tatars recaptured the camp, they did not commit any further offenses."

Zhu Yong asked, "How did my son Dongyang perform in this battle?"

“Young Master Wang has been stationed in the central army and has achieved many victories, but the soldiers in the army have praised Mr. Wang highly. They all say that Mr. Wang is the one who made the greatest contribution in this battle,” Zhang Qi said.

"Ah."

Although Zhu Yong was unwilling, he knew from Zhang Qi's brief account that it was actually Wang Shouren who had led the previous battle.

It will be difficult for Zhu Hui's son to claim the credit first.

Besides, Wang Yue wouldn't willingly hand over the credit to someone else... Who said that just because Wang Yue recommended Wang Shouren, Wang Yue would have to willingly give up the credit to someone else? Furthermore, Wang Shouren was the commander-in-chief of the army and had the merit of strategizing and commanding from the center. No matter who it was, the credit should be attributed to Wang Yue.

"Did you bring back all the heads?"

Zhu Yong asked.

"Some brought back intact heads, while others could only have their ears cut off... Things were too rushed, and the main force of the Tatar Chahar tribe quickly moved south. Mr. Wang instructed that we should not linger in battle and should only act expediently. The two sides maintained a relatively safe distance, and for more than a day, the Tatars and our army remained at peace."

Zhang Qi said, "Perhaps they know that our Ming army has arrived, so they dare not act recklessly, after all, we have Commander Wang in charge..."

"I learned a secret from the captured Tatars. It is said that when General Wang launched a surprise attack on Weininghai, Batu Mongke's wife, Manduhai, the female chieftain who carried the infant Batu Mongke on her back and fought in the north and south to defeat powerful enemies and quell rebellions for the Chahar tribe, died at Weininghai. Therefore, the Tatars have a deep-seated fear of General Wang."

Zhu Yong nodded and said, "I do know that. After Emperor Yingzong suffered a crushing defeat in the Tumu Crisis, he was imprisoned in Weininghai for more than a year. In addition to his merit in eliminating Manduhai, the late emperor bestowed upon Wang Yue the title of hereditary Earl of Weining. However, times have changed, and eight years have passed since that great battle. No matter how much the situation shocked the Tatars at that time, how much fear is left now?"
"Right now, it's more that the Tatars don't understand our tactics, not that we necessarily want to avoid battle. If our army's retreat is cut off right now... and we can't engage them in direct combat, both our advance and retreat will be blocked!"

"Alright, go see General Wang right now and tell him the truth. Lead your men back to the front before dawn. I will catch up with my troops tomorrow morning and will not let my son take any risks."

……

……

That night, the stars and moon were not shining.

Wang Shouren and Zhu Hui's troops, carrying large amounts of wealth, livestock, and prisoners, were slowly retreating.

The Tatar vanguard was less than ten miles away from them, following closely but not charging straight at them. They seemed to be looking for an opportunity to attack, simply keeping a close watch without giving up.

A major battle was imminent, but a relative balance was maintained, with neither side willing to break the deadlock.

"Brother Wang, it seems the Tartars have reinforced their troops again."

Zhu Hui went to find Wang Shouren, who was guarding the rear guard, and kindly reminded him.

Wang Shouren was holding a telescope.

However, under the cover of dark clouds, the light was too dim. One could only see the light from a long line of torches from near to far. The visual impression was that it was boundless, but it was not possible to accurately determine the formation of the Tatars.

Wang Shouren muttered to himself, "I wonder where the key to breaking this deadlock lies?"

Zhu Hui was completely confused. He thought to himself, "The thoughts and considerations of people who do great things are truly extraordinary. What is he saying? Why can't I understand him?"
"Brother Wang, you mean...?"

Zhu Hui asked, frowning.

"With the main force of the Tatars moving south, given their cautious nature, it is impossible for them to engage us in direct combat."

Wang Shouren stroked his chin and frowned, saying, "Even if Wang Zhongcheng's troops come, the two sides will at most form a stalemate. The battle will only result in gains and losses for both sides, and it will be impossible to completely defeat him."

Zhu Hui scoffed, "What more do you want now that we're at a stalemate? At worst, we'll just launch a preemptive strike! It's just that we only have three thousand men right now, otherwise, even I would want to lead my troops to fight them."

Wang Shouren stared intently at Zhu Hui, his eyes deep in the firelight.

After a long while, Wang Shouren said, "How could the Tartars possibly give us a chance to fight head-on? This is their territory, and they will definitely use their strengths to fight us from a distance."

"Our cavalry will have a hard time catching up with them! Even if they don't outflank us, they will use a strategy of advancing and retreating to confront us. Given the disparity in strength between the two sides, it will be difficult for us to gain an advantage, let alone completely pacify the grasslands!"

……

……

North of Yinshan, a major battle is about to break out between the Ming Dynasty's troops and the main force of the Tatars.

In the capital, Li Zisheng, after a long journey, finally arrived at Chongwen Gate before the first snow fell in the city, ready to accept the new assignment given by the emperor.

The emperor's secret decree originally told him that he was to be transferred to be the governor of Datong, and that upon his return he could go directly to the palace to meet the emperor and accept his assignment in person.

But before he could even enter the city, Li Rong, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, had already personally come to Chongwen Gate to greet him, informing him that he did not need to go to the palace to see the Emperor after returning to the city, but could go directly to see Zhang Luan, and that Zhang Luan would relay any requests he might have...

Although Li Zisheng was inevitably somewhat disappointed... after all, he really wanted to meet the emperor, experience the emperor's boundless grace, and take the opportunity to report on the Yellow River engineering projects.

But since the emperor refused to grant him an audience and instead asked him to see Zhang Luan, he vaguely understood that his position was firmly tied to the Zhang family.

The emperor intended for him to deepen his understanding of this concept.

Thinking that he had achieved great things by relying on Zhang Luan, his disappointment lessened considerably. So he decided not to go into the city anymore and went directly to Zhang Luan's villa outside the city to ask for an audience.

"Once I go in, as long as I don't come out, no one should come to disturb me."

Before meeting Zhang Luan, Li Zisheng gave Pang Qing a detailed warning: "I have important matters to discuss with Lai Zhan. When will we meet... wait for further notice."

Pang Qing said, "We sent people to Datong to scout ahead, but the feedback we've received is that there's no news that you're going to be transferred to Datong... Daoist, could this be a trap?"

"What kind of trick?"

Li Zisheng asked in a cold voice.

Pang Qing looked troubled, but he still spoke his mind truthfully: "You completed the Yellow River engineering project in less than a year, but you accomplished what others might not have been able to do in more than ten years. Just when the Yellow River's course change was about to be completed, you were transferred back to the capital, which is tantamount to depriving you of your merits."

Li Zisheng said irritably, "What are you thinking about all day? I was the one who shamelessly asked Lai Zhan to transfer me to the Northwest to lead the army! To assist my nephew Yanling in pacifying the grasslands. I did this to make a name for myself! No matter how great the contribution to the river repair is, will it bring me fame after my death? Besides, Lai Zhan and his son are not the kind of people who would kick someone after they've served their purpose. I will always get the credit that is rightfully mine!"

Pang Qing said, "But the problem is that even now, the governor of Datong doesn't seem to have any intention of being transferred back to the capital."

Is Zuo Yu still the governor of Datong?

Li Zisheng asked.

"Master Dao, how long has it been since you inquired about the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel? You want to be transferred to Datong, but you don't even know who you will replace?" Pang Qing's words were quite sentimental, as if to say that you are past your prime and no longer have the mindset you had when you held all the power in the court.

Li Zisheng said, "Speak plainly when I ask you a question!"

Pang Qing said, "Then you may proceed."

“No wonder,” Li Zisheng remarked. “This man is quite capable. It would indeed be difficult for me to succeed him as governor of Datong.”

"Master Dao, what do you mean by that?"

Pang Qingxin thought to himself, "Although you are indifferent to the current personnel affairs in the court, you are very clear about whether ministers have risen to their positions through ability or by pulling strings."

Actually, you can tell just by seeing if someone gives you a gift.

Li Zisheng waved his hand impatiently and said, "Am I here to see you or to see Lai Zhan? Why are you talking so much nonsense? Let's go!"

"Master Dao, would you like me to go to Datong again to make some arrangements?"

Pang Qing asked.

"No need for now."

Li Zisheng waved his hand and said, "I also think there might be changes in this matter. I'll give you a definite answer after I come out from Lai Zhan's place."

(End of this chapter)