Lushun Fort.
Zhang Pan stood on the city wall again and looked at this familiar place that had experienced a bloody battle.
The judgment made by this old slave was quite accurate. Zhang Pan's landing with his troops was indeed a test.
But the test was just a landing. If the Jiannu reacted slowly, Zuo Xie would gradually increase troops, build fortifications, and consolidate and strengthen the occupation.
Moreover, this was not a separate action by Zuo Xie, but a unified action of the Dongjiang Army, which had very important strategic significance.
The Liaodong Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides, is indeed a very advantageous battlefield for the Ming army, which has the advantage of boats.
Lushun, Jinzhou, Fuzhou, and even the entire four guards of southern Liaoning, all have great appeal to Zhu Youxiao and even the Dongjiang Army.
Being able to firmly occupy a piece of land is of great significance to the entire plan to pacify Liao.
Although it was still far from Shenyang, the stronghold of the Jiannu, and the risk of continuing to advance into Liaodong was even greater, having a bridgehead for a major counterattack was an essential and crucial step.
What's more, Lushun, with its advantageous geographical location and good port, is not only a bridgehead for the counterattack, but also a transit base for supplies, and a hub connecting Liaozhen, Jinzhen, Dengzhen and Dongjiangzhen.
Firmly occupying Lushun was equivalent to filling the gap and pushing the blockade of the Later Jin forward a big step.
Of course, these are all strategic. Tactically, or in the short term, the threat to the Later Jin is indeed not great.
"I think we can send troops to occupy key points outside Lushun Fort and expand outward to drive out the Eastern Tartar scouts." Kong Youde walked up to the top of the city wall and suggested to Zhang Pan, "Block their reconnaissance and espionage, and then our army will send a large number of reinforcements."
Zhang Pan thought for a moment and said, "Yes. The fortifications are already well-maintained, and we can resist any attack by the Jiannu."
Kong Youde stood beside Zhang Pan, looking out at the city, and said with a smile: "With the combined strength of our two forces, even if the Jiannu attacked, we would be able to repel them. What's more, Dengzhen has mobilized more than 10,000 troops as backup!"
Zhang Pan smiled and nodded, knowing that Kong Youde was saying he was being too cautious. But being cautious was never a bad thing, so he didn't take it seriously.
Moreover, the Port of Lushun had not yet been expanded, and the docking of ships and the landing of personnel were restricted.
Kong Youde took one look at Zhang Pan and, knowing his temperament, shook his head and said with a smile, "You are a scholar who can read and write, but you talk so little."
Zhang Pan laughed heartily and said, "That's just my personality. It's not easy to change. I hope Brother Kong will understand."
Kong Youde waved his hand to show his indifference, patted the city wall and said, "Why didn't the Jiannu tear down the city? Do they want us to come again, or are they too tired?"
Zhang Pan said, "They probably think there's no point in dismantling it, and it would be a waste of effort. Besides, the Jiannu probably want us to reach land so they can engage in battle!"
"That makes sense." Kong Youde nodded gently and said, "We are on the island, and the Jiannu can only watch helplessly."
After a pause, Kong Youde continued, "If that's the case, the Jiannu will probably remain inactive. They might even abandon Jinzhou to attract a large number of our troops to land."
Zhang Pan said, "That's a possibility. But our army must advance steadily, securing Lushun first, and then advancing to Nanguan."
"We'll cut off the territory at the southern gate, divert seawater to fortify it, and set up fortifications for defense." Kong Youde smiled and patted Zhang Pan on the back, saying, "I know your plan. Aside from the large scale and high cost, it's indeed a brilliant one."
Zhang Pan scratched his head, chuckled, and said, "The plan has been reported to Lord Yuan. It depends on whether the court is willing to release the funds. Two hundred thousand taels is indeed a bit much."
"But if it succeeds, then a hundred miles of fertile land can be used for settlement and cultivation, and tens of thousands of refugees can be reunited. It will also be an indestructible foundation." Zhang Pan paused and emphasized the importance of the plan.
Kong Youde also deeply agreed with this, but he felt that the court could not afford 200,000 taels of silver, at least not in a short period of time.
"Next year—" Kong Youde looked off into the distance, speculating thoughtfully, "The court's finances shouldn't be too tight, right? This year, we're relying entirely on the Emperor's treasury to support us!"
Zhang Pan smiled bitterly and said nothing more, but just sighed imperceptibly.
………………
Pi Island.
Zhang Pan and Kong Youde's two divisions launched the action, while the Dongjiang Army's front division and rear division had their own combat plans.
The front group retook Manpo and Changseong, monitoring the Later Jin across the river; the rear group garrisoned Pido and Sinuiju to guard against possible attacks by the Jiannu.
In view of the increase in military operations, Mao Wenlong felt the shortage of troops. After discussing with generals such as Gou Zhenhuai, he reported to Yuan Keli and secretly reported to the emperor, requesting the establishment of the Central Association.
According to the previous Dongjiang garrison regulations, the army was to be divided into four divisions, each with 6,000 soldiers, for a total strength of 24,000. If Yuan Keli agreed and the court approved it, the Dongjiang army would reach a strength of 30,000.
In fact, the purpose of adding one more division of troops was to defend Lushun without affecting the number of troops harassing the Later Jin.
Moreover, according to the emperor's secret instructions, the Dongjiang Army will be expanded to help Korea resist the attacks and looting of the Later Jin.
Whether it's a "three-way" or "four-way" arrangement, North Korea is the weaker link. Whether blockade and containment can achieve their maximum effectiveness depends on strengthening this weakest link.
Moreover, although North Korea was weak, it was still able to supply some food and supplies to the Dongjiang Army, which greatly alleviated the burden on the court.
Originally, Mao Wenlong thought that the court would approve the request quickly, but it would take until next year at the earliest before the armor, weapons and related expenses would be disbursed.
But unexpectedly, the emperor quickly responded. He had already discussed with Yuan Keli and Bi Ziyan and decided to draw troops from Jinzhen and Dengzhen, and recruit new soldiers from Dongjiang to form the Central Association. They would soon return to the capital by sea.
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