From Liaoshen to Ningyuan, a distance of hundreds of miles, the consumption of transporting food must be considerable. The key point is that the strategic retreat of the Ming army was too unethical, leaving the Later Jin with no supplies on the way.
The endless marching troops moved forward in the cold wind. Among them were 20,000 soldiers with shining helmets and armor. They were the heavy armored soldiers that Nurhaci relied on as the elite for attacking the enemy.
In addition to heavy armored soldiers, Nurhaci also prepared a firearms unit composed entirely of Han soldiers, carrying cannons and bird guns to assist in the attack.
From the perspective of thinking and preparation, Nurhaci was correct and did his best. However, he did not know that the red cannons with greater power and longer range were installed on the top of Ningyuan City.
As for the heavily armored soldiers, they would become vulnerable in front of the Ming army's large number of eagle guns equipped for assault.
Of course, the old slave was still quite confident. Especially when he saw the overwhelming might of the army marching forward, he had great expectations for victory in this battle.
Nurhaci extended his hand and called Tong Yangxing over, then asked, "In this attack on Ningyuan, artillery is crucial. Whether we can capture the city depends on the power of artillery."
Tong Yangxing quickly bowed and replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will lead the Han troops and unleash the might of the artillery to capture the fortified city of Ningyuan."
The five thousand Han soldiers accompanying the expedition carried a total of fifty pieces of artillery, all captured from the Ming army in previous battles, including thirty large and medium-sized general cannons and twenty Portuguese cannons.
The Dajiangjun Cannon is also called the Bamboo Joint Cannon because it has several hoops that resemble bamboo joints.
In order to reduce weight, the iron hoop was removed in the later period and replaced with a plain gun body. The "place where the charge ignites is thickened, and star sights are added at the front and back so that sights can be used from a thousand steps away."
The Dajiangjun cannon was modified into a Portuguese-style cannon, which was equipped with three or four sub-guns and could fire quickly. It was called the Invincible Dajiangjun.
It can be seen that these artillery pieces are all old models, heavy and not very powerful. Especially compared with the Red Cannon, they are far inferior.
Moreover, these cannons that fired solid shells were not very lethal to the Ming army within the trench breastwork fortifications.
This is also normal. The Ming army changed its tactics and spent most of the year experimenting and exploring. How could the Later Jin find a way to deal with it in such a short time?
Being able to form firearms units to assist in battle, carry artillery to attack cities, and organize heavy armored elite charges, for the Later Jin, it was considered a quick response and relatively thorough consideration.
Nurhaci was very pleased with Tong Yangxing's assurance. He nodded and smiled, saying, "You once suggested casting cannons on your own and preparing more firearms. Once you succeed in this battle, I will put you in charge."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Tong Yangxing bowed again, paused, and then said, "Our Great Jin army gallops freely and is invincible in field battles. If we have artillery camps to attack the city, there will be no obstacle to our conquest of the city and the land."
Nurhaci said, "That's absolutely right. If there had been artillery support during the Battle of Guangning, the outcome would have been different."
Looking up at the Han soldiers shouting slogans and dragging artillery carts on the roadside, Nurhaci pondered for a moment and said, "I know the Ming army's firearms are sharp, but I don't know how good the Ming army's artillery is."
Tong Yangxing thought for a moment and said, "As far as I know, the Ming army's artillery may be lighter or perhaps more recent. However, in terms of power, it should be comparable to ours."
Nurhaci looked relieved, nodded repeatedly, and said, "Then there is nothing to be afraid of."
Reaching for the messenger, the old slave ordered, "Tell the Third Prince to speed up and eliminate the enemies along the way."
"Yes, I will obey the Khan's order." The messenger saluted and left in a cloud of dust.
In the vanguard, the third prince, Manggurtai, was riding alongside his younger brother, Degelei. He was extremely excited and delighted to have the opportunity to accompany his father, the Khan, on the expedition.
Because it means military merit, and military merit means an increase in status and reputation among the beile.
After Nurhaci deposed Crown Prince Daishan, many people naturally coveted the position of heir.
Although Amin was the second Beile, he was Nurhaci's nephew. From this relationship point of view, he was no longer qualified.
Manggurtai was brave and good at fighting. He participated in battles such as Sarhu and the campaign against the Yehe tribe, and made great military achievements. His ranking was even higher than that of Huang Taiji, making him a strong contender for the Khan position.
Huang Taiji did not have very favorable conditions at the time and could be said to be very low-key. Although Nurhaci praised his strategy many times, that was all.
As for Ajige, Dorgon and Dodo, who were born to the favored Queen Consort Ulanara, they were just little brats with no achievements and were not valued by people.
It was said that Manggurtai was rude and unwise, and his mother was of low status, so it was unlikely that he would be succeeded. But at that time, who knew what Nurhaci was thinking, and it was natural for Manggurtai to try his best to fight for it.
However, judging from the arrangements made for this attack on western Liaoning, we can still see some of Nurhaci's tendencies and preferences.
Of the two groups, Luda and Dongjiang, Mao Wenlong of Dongjiang was naturally the more difficult to deal with in terms of military strength and generals. Sending Huang Taiji to conduct a feint attack to contain the enemy was a sign of trust and respect.
As for accompanying the army in the offensive, he was merely a general who led the charge into battle; command and planning were the old slaves' job. Military merit might be achieved, but it was by no means a prerequisite for succession.
Manggurtai did not see this point clearly. It is not wrong to say that he was rude and his mind was indeed simple.
Upon receiving his father's order, Manggurtai ordered his troops to speed up while smiling at his brother Degelei, "The last time we were defeated at Guangning, it was because our army wasn't good at attacking strongholds. Now we have artillery bombarding the city and heavily armored warriors, Ningyuan will undoubtedly be captured."
Compared to Manggurtai, Degelei was still quite cautious and meticulous. However, since the battle had not yet begun, he did not want to say anything discouraging. Instead, he said tactfully, "As long as we plan well and attack in the right way, we have a good chance of victory."
Manggurtai chuckled and said, "You are still so cautious."
Patting the large iron shield on his horse's back, Manggurtai said confidently: "This time when we attack Ningyuan, let's see how I can charge into battle and defeat the enemy, and then make great contributions!"
Degelei hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Brother, don't take any risks. You are the leader of a banner, and fighting in battle is not your job."
"Okay, okay." Manggurtai waved his hand perfunctorily and said, "I will command from behind and not lead the troops myself."
Degelei knew it was just a perfunctory response, so he patiently said, "The Ming army's firearms are powerful, and Zaisanggu was killed in Port Arthur because of carelessness..."
Eh? Manggurtai suddenly pointed and shouted, "It looks like a wild boar. I'll shoot it and roast it for dinner tonight."
As he spoke, Manggurtai galloped towards the wilderness, drew his bow and arrow, and really looked like he was going hunting.
Degelei shook his head helplessly, knowing that he was leaving under some pretext, so he ordered several personal soldiers to follow and protect him.
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