In fact, Nurhaci’s entanglement and distress, as well as the current situation of the Eastern Tartars, were not due to Zhu Youxiao’s brilliant strategy, but were the result of a contest of national strength.

Historically, during the years that Yuan Keli served as Dengfu, he defeated the Later Jin army many times and successively recovered strategic locations such as Lushun, Jinzhou, Fuzhou, as well as Wanghai Fort and Hongzui Fort.

According to historical records: "Three of the four guards have been deserted, and the slaves in the coastal areas of more than 400 miles have all abandoned them and dared not occupy them. Only a thousand captives are left."

Even Nurhaci was helpless against the Great Wall of the Sea built by Yuan Keli. He could only shrink and shrink it again for many years.

If Yuan Keli could have worked for a few more years, if the Ming court had continued to support Dongjiang Town with money and grain, if it hadn't poured so much money and supplies into the bottomless pit of the Ningjin Defense Line...

If all these can be achieved, even if we cannot successfully pacify Liao, at least the Jiannu's strength will be greatly damaged.

There are no "ifs" in history, but there is Zhu Youxiao, as well as Teacher Yuan, Xiong Dachouzui, Captain Mao who were valued and supported, and loyal and brave generals such as Zhang Pan, He Kegang, Jin Guofeng, and Yang Guozhu.

Therefore, the situation of the Eastern Tartars was more difficult than in history, and Nurhaci was more troubled, even depressed and angry.

Yangguli wanted to relieve the Khan's worries and had pondered over a countermeasure. In his opinion, temporarily withdrawing, or luring the enemy deeper, was the best strategy.

The Later Jin army had an advantage in field battles, so they had to seize opportunities to use it. However, the casualties of attacking the enemy were not something the Later Jin army could bear.

"Khan," Yangguli said, bowing. "In my humble opinion, we can learn from the Ming army's tactics of retreating, luring the enemy deep into our territory before delivering a thunderous blow. Our army's formidable cavalry and unparalleled field combat are its strengths. We will surely defeat the reckless enemy."

Nurhaci pondered for a moment, then nodded gently and said, "That makes sense. We can retreat to advance, rather than running around in a hurry."

After a pause, Nurhaci said in a deep voice, "The Ming army's firearms are formidable, and I will give them a taste of their own medicine. We also have artillery and muskets."

The Later Jin army did capture a considerable number of artillery and muskets during their successive battles with the Ming army, but the artillery was the old-fashioned general cannon or falconet, and the fire guns were bird guns and three-eyed cannons.

However, Nurhaci was not very clear about the difference in performance. He also didn't know that Ningyuan City had the longest-range and most powerful red cannon. His target was finally determined.

Everyone knows that the Later Jin army was good at cavalry and archery, and was even more ferocious in hand-to-hand combat, but few people know that they started using artillery very early.

As early as when attacking Liaoyang, the Later Jin army used artillery (captured). Of course, whether in terms of performance, manufacturing capabilities, or the quality of artillery, they could not be compared with the current Ming army.

This was also due to Zhu Youxiao's decisive action, who purchased red cannons, hired artillery engineers, employed artillery instructors, and trained artillery talents as quickly as possible.

It’s okay to learn, but to want to surpass others - haha, just dream on!

If Zhu Yongxiao knew that Nurhaci wanted to play with firearms, he would probably roll on the ground with joy.

I don’t know what my cultural level is. Do I know what physics and chemistry are? Do I understand oblique projection? And you still want to play with high technology?

Yangguli would not complain like Zhu Youxiao. When he heard the Khan say he wanted to use artillery and muskets, he couldn't help but ask, "Khan, do you want to expand the Han army to join the war?"

In December of the first year of the Tianqi reign, Nurhaci announced the implementation of a "one hundred men, one hundred leaders" system among the Han people. The following year, he divided the Hedong Nikan into "Han generals, each with 4,000 men, deputy generals, each with 3,000 men, and lieutenant generals and guerrillas, each with 2,000 men."

These Han people not only had to pay taxes and perform corvee labor, but also had the obligation to serve in the army. That is, "one out of every twenty people was selected to join the army." Whenever a soldier went out to fight, the horses and equipment would be shared by these twenty people. These were the Han soldiers in the Later Jin army.

These Han soldiers were transferred to the city, along with their wives and children, meaning they were hostages. Their main task was to garrison the city, and their weapons were strictly controlled.

According to historical records, “one hundred soldiers were equipped with ten large cannons, eighty with long cannons; and one hundred soldiers were used for personal service.” This shows that the Han army was mainly composed of artillery and was used for city defense.

In response to Yangguli's question, Nurhaci slowly said, "In the past, the Han army did not use firearms because they did not use them. Since the setback at Guangning, the Ming army has repeatedly relied on firearms to hold their ground. Our army already has firearms, so why not use them more to ensure our victory?"

After a pause, Nurhaci added: "This is the suggestion of the Eighth Prince. What do you think?"

Yangguli bowed quickly and said, "If our army increases its firearms, we can break their defenses and make it impossible for their soldiers to fight against our army."

Nurhaci nodded and said, "I have ordered my son-in-law Tong Yangxing to select some Han soldiers who are proficient in firearms to conduct training in the use of artillery and muskets. The key is to use sophisticated equipment and skilled drills."

"Your Majesty is wise," Yangguli said with a bow. "It is very appropriate to have Prince Consort Tong manage the Han troops."

Nurhaci waved his hand and said, "The current situation is unfavorable, and there is no need to hide it. We must launch an offensive this winter to inspire morale with victory and deter the surrounding areas."

Yangguli nodded in agreement, listened to the old Khan's instructions, then stood up and took his leave to go on his errand.

………………