Chapter 736 It’s time to end things
After resting for three days, Altan ordered his cavalry to approach Datong.
"Great Khan, do you want to bypass Datong with a small army?"
This suggestion was made during the military meeting.
"Yes! With a large army stationed in the rear, Jiang Qingzhi cannot put all his efforts into intercepting. If it succeeds, the capital of the Ming Dynasty will be shocked three times in one night, and Jiang Qingzhi will definitely be panicked..."
"Now that Jiang Qingzhi is hiding in the city, we can use this opportunity to force him to come out of the city for a decisive battle."
"The warriors have rested for three days and are now in high spirits, ready to fight the enemy!"
The eyes of the generals and nobles were shining.
There are many wealthy people in the capital. If you can rob a few of them, your children and grandchildren will never have to worry about food and drink.
If he could lead his army directly to the capital of the Ming Dynasty, his name would be recorded in history books.
Who is not confused about this?
Altan nodded, "I am also thinking about this. With the main army as a backing, we can protect the small army and directly attack the capital of the Ming Dynasty, so that Jiang Qingzhi will be caught in a dilemma. If he leaves the city to fight, the few troops under his command are no match for me. If he does not leave the city, the capital will be shaken, and he will be held responsible."
"Then what are you waiting for?" An impatient general came out. "Great Khan, I am willing to lead the army there. If it fails, I will take the blame."
"Great Khan, I am willing to go!"
The generals were talking at once, and some even rolled up their sleeves to prepare for action.
The corners of Altan's mouth curled up slightly. Zhao Quan saw it clearly from the side and said to Jineng beside him: "It's good to hear about the war. It's a good thing for the Khan."
"I'm just curious, how will Jiang Qingzhi respond?"
"Jiang Qingzhi is in trouble, but anyone would be in trouble facing this situation."
Ji Neng nodded, "The Jingwei are quite powerful, which has been proven in the previous battles. However, no matter how powerful they are, they cannot defeat many enemies alone."
"Hu Ben Zuo Wei is good." When Zhao Quan mentioned Hu Ben Zuo Wei, there was more fear in his eyes.
"Yes, it seems that they have never been defeated by us."
"But Jiang Qingzhi can only rely on one Tiger Guard Left Guard." Zhao Quan said, "Once the war starts, we have many soldiers. We only need to use one part to contain the Tiger Guard Left Guard, and then use the elite troops to attack the weak points of the Ming army. If we break through one place, there will be loopholes everywhere. Jiang Qingzhi is too busy to split himself, how can he fight?"
We must win this battle!
This was also the reason why Zhao Quan took the initiative to mobilize the believers to start an uprising in the city in order to disrupt Jiang Qingzhi's military morale.
Similarly, this was also his motivation to take the initiative to ease the relationship with Ma Tianlu and the reason for joining forces with Jineng.
Jineng knew this very well. He whispered, "Are your followers sure?"
Zhao Quan smiled and said, "You don't know the White Lotus Sect's background. Whenever they find an opportunity, as long as they start, they will be unstoppable like mercury pouring down the ground."
Those fanatical believers were fearless and brave, and they formed an army that was invincible.
When the news of Jiang Qingzhi's defeat came, the White Lotus Sect in the city took advantage of the situation to mobilize the people, and it didn't take long for them to sweep the entire city.
If we can control Datong City...then...how will Altan Khan view the White Lotus Sect?
fear?
But what’s the use of being afraid?
If he wants to attack the northwest in the future, Altan must rely on the power of the White Lotus Sect and cooperate internally and externally.
In this way, Zhao Quan only needs to delay for a few months to integrate the believers and form a large army.
By that time, it was too late for Altan to take action.
It is not easy to attack the Central Plains, especially the north. Altan's forces will be quickly diluted, and the White Lotus Army is in the north, so Altan has two choices: attack or join forces.
An attack is an internal conflict. The Ming people are not fools. They will definitely accumulate strength and wait for the battle between the two sides before launching a brazen attack and reaping the benefits.
So Altan would definitely not dare.
Then we can only join forces.
Then the White Lotus army followed Altan's army to sweep across the north. Altan then faced a choice: whether to go south or continue to stay in the north.
Zhao Quan looked at the ambitious Altan and thought that if he went south, the White Lotus Sect's foundation in the south would be weakened. However, when troubled times come, those foolish men and women will always be easily bewitched.
So, I volunteered to go south as a vanguard and attack all the way... Once I succeeded, I would turn around and intercept Altan's army.
From then on, the South became the White Lotus Sect of mine, no, it became my, Zhao Quan’s, world.
The south is rich, and with this foundation in hand, within five years, I will be able to launch a northern expedition, defeat Altan Khan, and restore the north...
If Zhu Yuanzhang could do this back then, why can't I, Zhao Quan?
This is the foundation of the emperor!
Ji Neng noticed that Zhao Quan was a little strange, with a flushed face and wheezing breath, so he kindly reminded him, "It's cool in the mornings and evenings in autumn, so take care of yourself."
Zhao Quan woke up from his longing and cursed himself for being so impatient.
But at this moment even Altan's face was glowing red.
"Jiang Qingzhi's biggest mistake was giving up attacking our army that day." Altan said excitedly, "At that time, our army came from afar and was exhausted. That was his only chance to fight. But he was cowardly and gave up this opportunity. Then, it's my turn to take action."
"The Great Khan is wise!"
"That day when the Khan ordered the entire army to retreat into the camp, what did you say behind his back? Compared to the past, the Khan is even more cowardly now."
"When did I ever say such a thing?"
“I heard it with my own ears!”
The two nobles started fighting, and Altan's face was slightly serious, "Stop!"
The two men let go of each other, their faces flushed, and they glared at each other. The one who was scolded knelt down and said, "Khan, I never said that that day."
Altan smiled and said, "I know." The dignitary who reported the incident was stunned. Altan glanced at him. Zhao Quan whispered to Jineng, "It's foolish to expose this matter at this time!"
Jinen nodded, "Morale is important."
As expected, Altan did not mention the matter again. "Jiang Qingzhi stays indoors, so it is our turn to take action. The cavalry should decisively approach Datong City. Ask Jiang Qingzhi and tell him that our Khan's army is about to march south, and whether he is willing to be a guide."
This is meant to be a humiliation... Looking back, this Khan has conquered the capital and captured the Emperor Ming. You, Jiang Qingzhi, are isolated and helpless in Datong City. You have no choice but to leave the city and kneel before this Khan to surrender.
"Leader!"
Then cheers and the sound of horse hooves were heard outside.
When the sound of horse hooves faded away, Altan stood up and said, "Follow me, Khan, and wait for the warriors' report."
He was the first to walk out of the big tent. The autumn wind blew a bit, and he squinted his eyes and said, "I am very curious about how Jiang Qingzhi will respond. This guy is known as the best general of the Ming Dynasty, but he has never learned the art of war..."
Altan turned around and glanced at Zhao Quan, who stepped forward and said, "Great Khan, since the Ming Dynasty scholars were educated from the time they were tied up, they have not only learned literature, but some have also learned martial arts. As for military science, it has long been incorporated into Confucianism, and those who are interested can naturally learn it."
"You mean, Jiang Qingzhi achieved his status as a famous general today by relying on the military tactics he learned when he was in school?" Alden asked.
Zhao Quan had also thought about Jiang Qingzhi and nodded, saying, "This boy is quite good at studying. He passed the imperial examination smoothly and became famous at a young age. If it weren't for the family change later, I think he would have followed the path of imperial examination and become an official."
These people are extremely smart. No matter what they learn, they can learn it so quickly that other people who are extremely smart will feel ashamed of themselves.
"So, following this path, where can he go now?" someone asked curiously.
Zhao Quanrui made a calculation and said, "He is probably a talented general who will enter the government! If he is outstanding, he may enter the Hanlin Academy as a scholar, observe government affairs and study."
"But now he has become a famous general in the Ming Dynasty and a minister that the Emperor Ming relies on!" Tuotuo also sighed, "If he was not the cousin of the Emperor Ming, he would not have encountered this. This is all fate!"
Altan's expression remained unchanged.
In his opinion, fate is a joke. Although Tuotuo's words were unintentional, they reminded Altan of the situation in recent years.
Zhao Quan was also thinking about this, and so was Jineng...
Most people were thinking about the impact of Jiang Qingzhi's arrival in Beijing on the Ming Dynasty and the grassland.
Three victories in three battles made the arrogant Altan Khan to curb his arrogance and even made Altan change his timetable for marching south.
If not for this, the grassland army would have headed south last year to get a glimpse of the Ming dynasty.
Pity!
Now that I think about it, it would have been more appropriate to send troops last year… Zhao Quan whispered, “If we had sent troops last year, the Ming Dynasty’s guards wouldn’t have been that strong. Even if we didn’t win in one fell swoop, we could have at least a 30% chance of winning.”
Jinen's voice was even lower, "It's mainly because of the previous defeats that the Khan has some concerns."
The two men looked at Altan who was lost in thought, and a strange feeling came over them.
——This once wise and powerful Khan seemed to have really lost his former courage.
Ji Neng's eyes flickered, Zhao Quan smiled, and the two of them put their hands in their sleeves, looking like two old farmers from the northwest.
Altan looked up suddenly, and he thought of the wars and battles and the high spirits of those years.
Once upon a time, he would not hesitate even in the most difficult situations. But in recent years, he has gradually lost his edge. He always considers everything carefully before making a decision.
Acting in this way seems safe, but it also makes you lose your enterprising spirit.
Is Ben Khan old?
The 43-year-old Altan Khan asked himself this question.
Forty years old was considered a long life for the people of the grasslands at that time. But Altan Khan took good care of himself, lived a life of luxury, and had the best medical conditions. He felt that he could live to at least seventy years old.
Then there are still thirty years!
Thirty years is enough for this Khan to sweep the world!
Altan looked up, and in his eyes there surged a sharpness that many people were familiar with but had not seen for a long time.
"Are Ben Khan's warriors ready?"
Altan looked at everyone slowly.
That Altan Khan...he's back!
At this moment, everyone bowed their heads and said, "Follow the Khan's orders!"
Altan said: "Let the warriors gather together and prepare to approach Datong."
"Leader!"
Altan mounted his horse and looked around with a haughty look, "After defeating Jiang Qing, we will head south. I will review the warriors in the capital."
Thousands of riders were galloping.
Along the way, they encountered more than ten Ming army scouts. When they saw them, the Ming army scouts turned around and ran away.
This was the largest-scale operation of Altan Khan's army after resting for several days.
The news quickly reached the General's Mansion. Jiang Qingzhi, who was discussing matters, sat upright, took out a medicinal cigarette, and smiled, "Is it finally here?"
He had also been waiting for this moment for a long time.
There must be a breakup between Altan and the Ming Dynasty!
If Altan wins, the Ming Dynasty's reform will come to an abrupt end...the literati will launch a frenzied counterattack. Under internal and external troubles, Emperor Jiajing could not withstand the pressure of national destruction and was forced to give up.
Jiang Qingzhi thought of Wang Anshi and Shenzong of the early Song Dynasty.
Shenzong was forced to abandon his new policies, probably thinking along the same lines!
If they continue to struggle, before the new policy succeeds, war will break out within the Song Dynasty.
"It's time to do it!"
Jiang Qingzhi stood up.
Standing with a sword.
"Follow Benbo, let's go!"
(End of this chapter)
