War is like this: before it starts, no one can predict the outcome. In other words, no one knows the price to pay for victory or defeat.

Therefore, both the enemy and ourselves must make full preparations, even though the results may be unexpected and the ending may not go as planned.

Yue Tuo and Tong Yangxing did not expect that attacking the inferior Ming army with superior forces would lead to such a situation. They did not expect the scale and range of the Ming army's artillery, and underestimated the favorable terrain of the "Que Yue Formation" set up by the Ming army.

There were no roundabout attacks, and even flank attacks were difficult. In a head-on confrontation, the tactical arrangements used to siege and isolate the Ming army in southern Liaoning were far inferior.

Yue Tuo was finally awakened by the artillery fire. The disproportionate casualties made him realize that even if he could destroy the Ming army that crossed the river, the price he would pay would be unbearable for the two red flags that had been injured and had not yet recovered.

Moreover, facing the fierce artillery and musketry of the Ming army and the continuous transportation of reinforcements by water, Yue Tuo did not have much confidence in destroying the enemy.

What's the point of attacking them halfway across the river? That's not the case at all.

Yue Tuo led his troops away from the battlefield, looking back unwillingly. Now thinking about it, this must have been a deliberate move by the Ming army to lure them into battle.

If they had waited until the pontoon bridge was built and part of the Ming army came over before launching the attack, that would be called attacking when the enemy is halfway across the river, and the result might have been different.

Yue Tuo shook his head, lacking confidence. The Ming army's firepower was too strong, constantly refreshing his cognition and undermining his psychology.

The Jiannu retreated, leaving the battlefield, defeated but not in disarray. Or perhaps it could be said that after a minor setback, they still had strength to spare.

The Ming army did not pursue them relentlessly, but steadily withdrew their positions. Reinforcements continued to arrive by boat, as did grenade carriers, ammunition, and supplies, and they were already invincible.

Xiong Tingbi put down the telescope with a calm expression.

He was somewhat surprised by the Jiannu's retreat. In his opinion, the attack was only the beginning, and the real fierce battle had not yet begun.

If the two armies engaged in close combat, our army would not be defeated. Under the bombardment of more than a hundred artillery pieces, the Jiannu would suffer even more heavy casualties and would most likely be completely defeated.

The Jiannu chose to retreat in order to preserve their strength, make some achievements in the subsequent attack and defense of Haizhou Wei, and continue to contain our army's attack on the city.

Xiong Tingbi judged the Jiannu's intention and moved the corners of his mouth, as if sneering.

………………

Every failure is a learning experience.

The battle at Haicheng River can be said to be a wise choice for Yue Tuo.

It can also be seen from this that the strength of the Jiannu army declined instead of increased over the past few years, and they became hesitant and cautious when fighting.

However, some Jiannu generals did not have the battlefield experience of Yuetuo. In other words, they were still stuck in their previous understanding of the Ming army, and their tactics were solidified and did not change.

Haizhou in southern Liaoning and Jianzhou in Liaodong are the two major battlefields where the enemy and us are currently fighting.

Yuetuo suffered a minor setback and retreated at the right time without any serious injury; but Ajige, the young man, did not have the experience and experience of Yuetuo, nor the calmness and patience.

Different life experiences lead to different ideas and approaches to dealing with problems.

Ajige was not only young and energetic, but also a new leader of the Plain White Banner. Although no one dared to object to Nurhaci's arrangement, Ajige could also feel that the senior generals of the Plain White Banner might not be convinced by him.

Who made him the fourth youngest Beile? He debuted late. Whether in terms of military achievements or qualifications, he was far behind the four great Beile.

Therefore, he needed to prove himself with military achievements, to prove that he was not the leader of the banner because of his father Khan's favor. In this way, he could win the hearts of the soldiers of the Zhengbai Banner and make those generals who were proud of their great achievements and seniority submit to him.

Although he was eager to achieve success, Ajige was not reckless. When Mao Chenglu's troops attacked the northern part of Jianzhou and Mao Wenlong led the army to advance steadily, he did not rush to fight, but waited for the opportunity.

Similar to the situation in southern Liaoning, the Taizi River between the two armies was a barrier and a natural dividing line. From Ajige's perspective, he was naturally unwilling to cross the river to attack the Ming army south of the river.

If the Ming army crossed the river to attack, they would have to fight with their backs to the river and transport food and supplies, which would put them in a disadvantageous position. If they were defeated, the Taizi River would become a natural barrier to the enemy.

Based on this consideration, Ajige led the main force to wait for the enemy to tire themselves out at Yagu Pass, while Dudu led a part of his troops to deal with the harassment from Mao Chenglu's troops.

However, Mao Wenlong led his army in a very steady manner. Every time he occupied a fort, he carefully built a position as a relay base or a stable stronghold, and then advanced forward.

Especially the wall fort and pine tree mouth, the defense layout was very meticulous and detailed, firmly controlling the section of Taizi River between the two forts.

Almost as cautious as the Ming army in southern Liaoning, Mao Wenlong's troops made full preparations on the south bank of the Taizi River before building a pontoon bridge, crossing the river and setting up camp.

The scouts sent by Ajige kept sending back news. Ajige felt that there was no opportunity to take advantage of the Ming army's cautious actions.

At the same time, Ajige also felt the pressure was getting heavier. If the Ming army continued to advance step by step, what would be done?

Moreover, some people in the Plain White Banner did not respect him and thought his waiting for the right moment to act was cowardice. Although they did not dare to speak out, some rumors still reached Ajige's ears.

If the Fourth Prince were still alive, how could he be so cowardly, hiding in Yagu Pass? The Fourth Prince would have led his troops into battle long ago and defeated the Ming army cleanly and efficiently...

When Ajige took over the leadership of the Plain White Banner, he also brought some of his close associates with him. After so long, he knew a lot about who in the Plain White Banner was dissatisfied.

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