Travel back in time and become Chongzhen, watch me turn the tide

At court, the myriad matters were a tangled mess, a tangle of threads that needed to be sorted out. Chongzhen knew that stabilizing the Southern Ming regime would not happen overnight, and that he could only proceed step by step, slowly untangling them.

Among all the current affairs, the most critical and urgent thing for Chongzhen is naturally to do his best to rectify the defense line of the Southern Ming regime in order to resist the invasion of foreign enemies and protect half of the Ming Dynasty.

Chongzhen's strategic defense philosophy leaned conservative, and for good reason. He held low expectations for the Ming army's overall combat effectiveness. After all, after years of war and turmoil, the army's morale, training, and equipment were uneven, leaving little room for optimism. Furthermore, among the generals commanding the army, few were truly reliable enough for Chongzhen to trust and entrust with important tasks. Under these circumstances, Chongzhen believed the most urgent priority was to secure the defense of this half of the territory, ensuring the foundation was intact, and only then could he plan for other long-term strategies.

The most urgent task for the Southern Ming court was to build the first solid line of defense along the Yangtze River. As a natural barrier, if the Yangtze River could be properly utilized, it could to a certain extent block the enemy's southward advance.

Defending the Yangtze River required a strong naval force capable of effectively blocking its waters; this was paramount. Therefore, Chongzhen resolutely issued an imperial decree to relocate Feng Kaizhang's naval forces to Caishiji, a strategically located naval base and a key node in the Yangtze River defenses. He also ordered Huang Binqing to garrison Jiujiang, a crucial hub in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Control of this area would provide a powerful deterrent to the river's course. Zheng Hongkui was also stationed in Zhenjiang, located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, directly across the river from Yangzhou. Together, these two cities formed the core of the defense of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Through these meticulous deployments, the basic framework of the Yangtze River defenses was initially established.

Moreover, Chongzhen was determined to vigorously expand the naval power on this basis, striving to build a powerful water force.

He carefully divided the Yangtze River into several defense zones, and equipped each defense zone with corresponding naval fleets in a targeted manner based on the different water conditions in order to achieve the strategic goal of flexible defense tailored to local conditions.

In the Yangzhou and Zhenjiang areas of the lower Yangtze River, where the river is wide, a large naval fleet consisting primarily of tower ships and warships would be assembled. Tower ships, with their tall and sturdy build, could serve as mobile fortresses on the water. Their spacious decks could carry large numbers of soldiers and powerful artillery, creating a formidable deterrent on the river. Warships, on the other hand, were compact and agile, traversing the river at great speed, making them suitable for rapid maneuvers and surprise attacks. The two complemented each other, effectively controlling the waters of the lower Yangtze River.

The naval forces organized in Wuchang, Jiujiang, and other places in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River focused on small warships for inland river operations, such as kayaks and sampans. These small warships thrived in the narrow sections of the river, allowing them to conduct patrols and defenses with ease, and to remain vigilant of enemy movements.

To rapidly improve the navy's combat effectiveness, Chongzhen sought a different approach: he ordered the navy to recruit experienced fishermen from coastal areas, even resorting to recruiting pirates. These fishermen and pirates, having lived on the water year-round, were familiar with the changing water conditions and proficient in navigational techniques. Their incorporation significantly boosted the navy's combat capabilities in a short period of time, making it more effective and adaptable on the Yangtze River.

Of course, defending the Yangtze River cannot rely solely on the strength of the navy. It is also necessary to rationally deploy the army at strategic locations on both sides of the Yangtze River so that it can cooperate with the navy and fight together to build an indestructible line of defense.

Chongzhen ordered the construction of fortified camps and fortresses at key ferry crossings and strategic heights on the north bank of the Yangtze River, such as Guazhou and Pukou. These fortresses were meticulously constructed of brick and stone, their walls incredibly thick, like a fortress of iron and steel, impenetrable. Atop these fortresses were towering watchtowers, allowing soldiers to peer far into the distance and discern enemy movements. Numerous loopholes and artillery ports enabled them to deliver a powerful barrage of fire upon the enemy. Within the fortresses, vast stores of fodder, ammunition, and various weapons and equipment served as vast military depots, ensuring the defenders' adequate supplies during prolonged holding outs. Deep trenches were dug around the fortresses to impede enemy advances, while obstacles such as stakes and chevaux de frise were erected to impede enemy advances. Signals were relayed between these north bank camps via beacon towers and swift horses. If any signs of enemy forces crossing the river were detected, they could quickly communicate and respond effectively, forming a tightly knit intelligence network that ensured the unimpeded flow of information.

A multi-layered defense system was constructed along the south bank of the Yangtze River. A series of artillery batteries were meticulously constructed near the river's edge. The locations of the batteries were carefully surveyed and selected to ensure they covered the main waterways, maximizing their effectiveness in defensive operations. The batteries were equipped with artillery of various calibers. Heavy artillery such as the Red Cannon, with its long range and powerful impact, could be used to bombard enemy warships from a distance, inflicting heavy damage before they even approached the south bank. Lighter artillery such as the Tiger Crouching Cannon, designed for close-range defense, offered flexibility and precision against close-range enemy targets. Behind the artillery batteries, city walls and fortresses were constructed. The towering, sturdy walls resembled a giant dragon winding along the riverbank. Battlements provided shelter and firing range for soldiers, providing excellent defensive cover. Within the fortress, barracks, warehouses, and a command center were located, forming a complete defensive node. Each defense node is connected by roads and trenches, which facilitates the mobilization and support of the army and ensures the organic operation of the entire defense system.

"To defend the Yangtze River, we must defend the Huai River." This is a classic saying in military strategy and also the concept that Chongzhen firmly believed in.

In addition to establishing the first line of defense along the Yangtze River, a second line of defense must be established along the Huai River. This is the strategic significance of the existence of the Four Towns in Jiangbei.

The Huai River, located north of the Yangtze River, boasts a vast basin, stretching from the Tongbai and Dabie Mountains in the west to the shores of the Yellow Sea in the east, like a giant dragon lying across the earth. Defending only the Yangtze River would expose the Yangtze River defense line to the enemy, leaving it vulnerable to attack, like a helpless island. However, using the Huai River as the primary line of defense would extend the defense northward by hundreds of kilometers, greatly increasing the difficulty and cost of an enemy attack and buying the Southern Ming regime more time to react and strategic space.

The terrain along the Huai River is complex and varied. The western part features mountains, such as the Tongbai and Dabie Mountains, towering and towering, forming a natural barrier. These mountains, with their steep terrain and sheer cliffs, are not conducive to large-scale cavalry engagements. However, infantry, relying on the formidable terrain, can mount a tenacious defense, deterring the enemy. To the east, the lower reaches of the Huai River are dotted with lakes, swamps, and other wetlands, creating natural obstacles. For example, the terrain around lakes like Hongze Lake and Gaoyou Lake is extremely muddy, forming swamps and mires. Any enemy force that enters rashly would be trapped, making it difficult to quickly cross. Defenders, however, can use the lakes as cover for surprise attacks or ambushes.

The Jianghuai region boasts a well-developed water system, with numerous tributaries and canals, such as the Han Canal, connecting the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River. This network of rivers formed a crisscrossing network, greatly facilitating military transportation and deployment. Controlling the Huaihe River would have allowed the full utilization of these waterways for military transportation and troop deployment. On the one hand, the Ming army could rapidly transport supplies and personnel to the Huaihe River front via canals and other waterways, ensuring sufficient supplies and replenishment. On the other hand, during battles along the Huaihe River, the army could utilize the waterways for flexible tactical maneuvers, employing circuitous maneuvers, outflanking, or rapidly retreating, making it difficult for the enemy to predict their movements. At the same time, these waterways also severely restricted enemy movement. Any attempt to cross the river would have been fraught with complex water conditions and the defenders' limited water defenses, making any advance difficult.

There are many important strategic strongholds between the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River, such as Shouzhou, Yangzhou, Huai'an, etc., which are like shining pearls inlaid in this land. Their strategic position is crucial.

Located on the southern bank of the middle Huai River, Shouzhou is a transportation hub within the Huai River basin, controlling the heart of the river's main stream and holding a crucial strategic position. Bounded by the Huai River to the north and Bagong Mountain to the east, Shouzhou enjoys a strategically important position nestled between mountains and water. Bagong Mountain's majestic presence not only provides a natural defensive barrier for Shouzhou but also serves as a strategic vantage point for observation and deployment, acting like a loyal guardian, constantly safeguarding the city's safety. Shouzhou's commanding influence extends across the vast middle Huai River region, making it a crucial hub for preventing enemy forces from the north from maneuvering east and west along the Huai River. Military forces, whether from Yangzhou in the east or Xinyang and Zhumadian in the west, had to consider Shouzhou's presence when attacking the Yangtze River basin, as the capture of Shouzhou was essential before any conquest of the Yangtze River. Shouzhou's sturdy defenses and the strategically positioned military forces surrounding it acted as a formidable barrier, imposing heavy costs on enemy forces and deterring them from advancing.

Yangzhou, situated on the north bank of the Yangtze River and near the mouth of the Huai River, boasts a unique geographical location, making it a crucial transportation hub in the Jianghuai region. The Grand Canal runs through it, making it the intersection of the Yangtze, Huai River, and river transport, a hub connecting all directions. In defending the Huai River, Yangzhou's strong defenses, while crucial for defending against southern enemy advances from the north, also ensured unimpeded logistical transport routes. Ming Dynasty supplies and troops could be continuously transported to Yangzhou via the Yangtze River and the canal, and then transferred to the Huai River front, acting as a lifeline and providing solid logistical support. Furthermore, it was crucial for defending against coastal attacks. If an enemy force landed by sea or advanced southward along the coastline, Yangzhou could quickly organize an effective defense, transforming itself into a fortress at sea, preventing the enemy from advancing inland, thereby protecting the lower reaches of the Huai River and serving as a solid line of defense for the Jianghuai region.

Huai'an, located in the lower reaches of the Huai River, lies in the eastern Huanghuai Plain, at the confluence of the Huai River and the Grand Canal. It serves as a vital artery connecting north and south, a crucial key controlling the artery of north-south transportation. Securing Huai'an prevented enemy forces from breaking through the lower reaches of the Huai River, threatening Xuzhou to the north and Yangzhou and the northern Yangtze River region to the south. Furthermore, its location on the Grand Canal served as a crucial transshipment and storage base for grain and supplies transported from the south to the Huai River front. It also served as a major transit point, ensuring the smooth flow and storage of supplies.

In addition to these locations, there was also Xuzhou, located north of the Huai River. Surrounded by mountains, including Yunlong Mountain to the east and Hubu Mountain to the south, Xuzhou's elevated terrain created a natural fortress. Although located north of the Huai River, it served as a crucial northern gateway to the Huai River defense line and a crucial north-south transportation hub. Troops advancing south from the north often had to pass through Xuzhou to reach the Huai River region. Controlling Xuzhou established a strategic buffer zone north of the Huai River defense line, providing early warning of enemy movements southward, like a distant sentinel, constantly vigilant. Furthermore, Xuzhou could be used to proactively launch harassment attacks against northern enemy forces, like a sharp blade thrust into the enemy's rear, disrupting their deployment. Even if Xuzhou fell, it would buy the Huai River defense line sufficient time to adjust and prepare, acting as a buffer barrier and alleviating pressure on the line.

With Huang Degong and Li Chengdong of the Four Garrisons pledging allegiance to Chongzhen, and Liu Liangzuo and Liu Zeqing also under his control, the situation seemed promising. However, Chongzhen knew that his control over the Four Garrisons, especially the troops under Liu Liangzuo and Liu Zeqing, was still fragile, like a handful of loose sand, vulnerable to slipping away at any moment.

To further centralize power, Chongzhen resolutely re-established the Grand Military Governor's Office, attempting to regain control of military power and establish a powerful military command center. However, the Grand Military Governor's Office was still in its infancy and was only an empty shell. A comprehensive overhaul of the military was needed to ensure its gradual growth and effectiveness.

After extensively soliciting valuable opinions from Shi Kefa, Huang Degong, Huang Fei, Li Ruolian and others, Chongzhen, after careful consideration, decided to carry out drastic integration of the four towns:

Huang Degong was stationed in Yangzhou, guarding Chuzhou, Hezhou and Yangzhou areas. With his prestige and strength, he ensured the stability and security of the area; Li Ruolian was stationed in Shouzhou, guarding Fengyang and Shouzhou areas, making full use of Shouzhou's strategic advantages to build a solid defense line; Li Chengdong was stationed in Xuzhou, guarding Xuzhou, Sizhou and Huai'an areas, controlling the important gateways and strategic locations north of the Huaihe River; Huang Fei was stationed in Nanjing, taking charge of the defense of the Yangtze River. He was like a commander on the water, coordinating the overall situation and ensuring the safety of the Yangtze River waters.

After this meticulous integration, the four Jiangbei towns would be like a reshuffled deck of cards, completely transformed. These military forces would be completely under Chongzhen's control, like tamed horses, obeying their master's commands. The Jianghuai defenses would also be completely consolidated, like a solid Great Wall, standing tall on Ming territory, resisting foreign invasions.

After arranging the Jianghuai defense line, Chongzhen did not dare to relax at all. He was like a taut bowstring, always remaining vigilant.

Because there is an extremely important thing that needs to be planned and implemented by him next, that is to send troops north to compete with Dashun and Qing court for Henan, Shandong and other places, to recover lost territory and restore the glory of the Ming Dynasty. This is a key battle that concerns the fate of the Ming Dynasty. Chongzhen knows that he has a heavy responsibility and a long way to go.