Chapter 43 of Part One

  With a shrill alarm, the entire city of Changsha sprang into action. The local armed police and the Municipal Public Security Bureau had all been mobilized. Due to its rapid development, the old city within the ancient walls now only occupied a small part of the area, so checkpoints were set up on the main roads leading out of the city. This was the first time that the alarm system had been officially used in Changsha since its installation, and it happened during the Chinese New Year period.

  The ordinary people who were celebrating the Spring Festival at home also opened their doors and came out to ask what was going on. The police who were rushing to carry out their tasks along the way were all asking each other, "What's going on?" Police Officer B said while running, "The Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies has been assassinated, but the situation is still unclear. Headquarters requires us to strictly guard each checkpoint and not let any suspicious person escape. The armed police will enter the city immediately to conduct a thorough search." Police Officer D had already angrily shouted out, "Damn it, if anything happens to the Commander-in-Chief, I'll join the army tomorrow and take revenge on the Manchu's old home!"

  In the dead of night, outside the Imperial Royal Hospital, the security was already extremely tight. "I don't care what methods you use, but you must catch the escaped criminal." He turned to a girl beside him and said: "Minmin, tell them about the killer's appearance in detail." Then he spoke to a young man: "Tonight, on the front page of the Imperial Daily News, issue an announcement like this: To all citizens of the Empire, as our victory in the war continues, the Qing dynasty is almost driven out of the pass. However, the enemy still harbors evil intentions and has carried out an assassination attempt on our respected Commander-in-Chief, the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is now unconscious and his life is in danger. We ask all citizens to cooperate with us to find suspicious individuals and report them to the police station. Those who provide important clues will be rewarded with 500,000 imperial yuan and granted the title of Third-Class Meritorious Citizen, enjoying all the benefits of the Empire for life."

  After finishing, Han Zhi walked up and down the corridor, persuading him to say: "Your Majesty, General Ji is a lucky person who will not have any accidents. You should consider how the army will react after knowing the situation."

  Zhu Ao's footsteps stopped, and he raised his head. His pale hair was now completely disheveled. He thought for a moment, then nodded decisively and said: "Telegram, three group army commanders and naval and air force commanders, as well as the newly formed fourth group army commander. The first, second, and third group armies will work together with the naval and air forces. From the day after tomorrow, they will autonomously choose to fight against the Qing dynasty. The fourth group army should be quickly established and trained. Also, telegram Zheng Chenggong, advance northward and approach the Japanese sea area, prevent the Qing army from escaping to Japan. I have always suspected that this matter is related to Japan. Urgent telegram to all local military districts, second-class troops, and local armed police. Local defense will be fully handed over to the armed police forces. Second-class troops will be fully reorganized into first-class field armies. Be prepared to wait for orders at any time." After finishing speaking, he thought for a moment again and said to Xu Jin: "Xiao Jin, do you have anything to add?"

  Xu Jin thought for a moment and said: "Hawk Special Forces, speed up the formation. Strive to enter Beijing for combat. In addition, Mingfeng troops will be withdrawn from special forces to form an assassination squad." After finishing, he looked at Zhu Ao with inquiring eyes: "Grandfather, do you think this is feasible?"

  Zhu Ao nodded and said, "It's settled then."

  At this time, the lights in the operating room had already gone out, and a doctor-like person walked out and said: "Your Majesty, the prince's condition has temporarily stabilized, with four wounds on his body, three of which are relatively deep. Due to excessive blood loss, the prince is now unconscious. In addition, since the wound is poisonous, it cannot be guaranteed that he will pass the critical period for the time being. Whether he can wake up depends on the prince's fate."

  Li Min rushed in at this point and lay down beside the bed, whispering: "A Xiao, wake up. You're not going to accompany me shopping anymore? You also said you'd go horseback riding with me on the prairie. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have come out so late. I should've taught you martial arts earlier. Can you get up now? I'll teach you right away."

  Zhu Ao gave a signal to the people beside him and said, "Take the crown prince's wife down to rest." After finishing speaking, he also touched Zhu Xiao's forehead and said, "Ah Xiao, Grandpa will avenge you." Then he walked out with the others.

  January 10, 1658, the joint conference room of the Second and Third Army Groups, Peng Ying, Lü Jun, Ye Jun, Xia Fan, Yue Yulong, Wu Shuang, Wang Hu, as well as the commanders of the Fourth to Eighth Armies.

  Peng Ying first stood up and said, "Last night, we received a telegram from the Emperor of Changsha, requesting everyone to stand up." Peng Ying looked around and saw that everyone had stood up. He adjusted his uniform and continued reading the telegram: "Telegram to the Second and Third Army Groups. Due to the assassination of the Commander-in-Chief last night, the situation is critical. The Imperial Headquarters has taken emergency measures in accordance with wartime procedures, and His Majesty the Emperor has assumed the duties of Commander-in-Chief. Now, we announce our mission. The Second Army Group will cancel its original plan and continue to advance northward from today, with the intention of fighting at their own discretion. Each unit will coordinate with other units on its own. Logistics supplies have already been dispatched. The Third Army Group will also cancel its original plan and continue to advance northward. Other arrangements are the same as those for the Second Army Group. Headquarters of the People's Liberation Army, Zhu Ao."

  Yue Yulong said angrily at this time: "Fine, I've been wanting to fight for a long time. If the commander-in-chief hadn't said to leave some space for the people of Beijing to have a good year, I would have fought my way to Beijing long ago. Now our Third Army Group requests to attack Hejian Prefecture. I guarantee that we will take down Hejian within 15 days. Please approve this, Chief of Staff."

  Lü Jun heard that his partner since childhood was in such a situation and continued to say: "Since Hejian let Lao Yue snatch it, our Second Army Group will take down Baoding, just like Lao Yue. Take down this place within 15 days. What does Xiao Ying think?"

  At the same time, as soon as Zhou Lianyi of the First Army Group announced this order, Li Dingguo's heart was already unstable. Fortunately, he had also been through many storms. Li Lei and several others immediately shouted: "The First Army guarantees that Tianjin will be taken down within a month."

  At this time a staff officer reported in: "Second Army Group, Third Army Group. Joint telegram."

  Li Dingguo said to this staff officer: "Read it!"

  The staff officer looked at the people present, seemingly determined to say: "Electricity, Commander Li Dingguo, my Second and Third Group Armies have heard that the Supreme Commander has been ambushed. We are extremely angry and have decided to attack Baoding and Hejian separately with our two armies. As for Tianjin, we will leave it to your First Group Army and Navy to coordinate. We hope to meet with your army under the city of Beijing in half a month. I hope that Commander Li Dingguo's family will not disappoint us younger generations."

  Li Dingguo thought for a moment and looked at Zhou Lun: "Send a telegram, hoping that the younger generation can meet as scheduled!"

  Beijing, Emperor Shunzhi looked at the several princes below him and said in a nearly furious tone: "Since I inherited the legacy of my ancestors and led the great army into the pass, I have been diligent in governance. For our great Qing state, we have obtained countless territories. Now you are experiencing a little setback and want to retreat back to Mount Bai and the Hei River, retreat back outside the pass, not thinking about advancing. This is truly shameful for the Manchu spirit of our Qing dynasty. In the future, what face will you have when you meet your ancestors?"

  He Shou-su, the Prince of Sui, said from below: "I beg to report to Your Majesty that according to the scouts' reports, the Han army is already restless and preparing to attack Baoding and Hejian. The Tianjin water army has been bombarding Tianjin for several days, and now the soldiers in Tianjin are disheartened. It's really not suitable to fight with the Hans anymore. The opportunity for our Great Qing to take over the Han's territory is not yet ripe. We should follow the teachings of our ancestors: where we came from, we will return. Let's strive to rise again in the future."

  Other ministers and imperial princes also hastily echoed: "His Excellency Su Keqin, Wang, is right. This was originally the territory of the Han people. Now that we can't stay here, let's retreat back to outside the pass and come again another day."

  Shunzhi looked at these ministers who were showing signs of retreat and angrily said, "You scoundrels! We Manchu people have conquered the world, and we value bravery above all else. What is this talk of retreating? The leader of the Han army has already been assassinated by my secret agents and is still unconscious. The Han army is now leaderless, which is a great opportunity for our Great Qing to recover its rivers and mountains. And yet you are still harboring thoughts of retreat!"

  At this time, the eunuch in charge of the imperial study reported from outside: "The master of the Bordered White Banner, He Luohui, requests an audience with an important military matter."

  Shunzhi waved his hand impatiently and said, "Get out."

  Eunuch Yang raised his shrill voice and sang: "Announcement, Heluo will have an audience!"

  He came in wearing armor, but had his sword taken away. He saw a group of high-ranking officials and knelt down without being acknowledged: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Chinese People's Army has simultaneously launched attacks on Baoding, Hejian, and Tianjin. Our army is currently fighting alongside the Mongolian Eight Banners, but the enemy's firepower is too strong, leaving us no chance for counterattack. The artillery used by the enemy is many times more accurate than our Red Coat cannons. Our army has been locked in a stalemate with the bandits for three days now. I hope Your Majesty will dispatch supplies soon, otherwise it will be difficult for our army to hold out."

  Shunzhi was just about to speak when the eunuch in charge of memorials outside came in and said, "The General of Shanhai Pass, whom Your Majesty has graciously bestowed with a title, has arrived and requests an audience."

  Shunzhi had nothing good to say at this time, and reluctantly said: "Xuan."

  Ge Rilang's military uniform was already tattered and worn out, he walked in and said: "Your Majesty, the Han army's Flying Bird Troop suddenly attacked Shanhai Pass and defeated over 2,000 of our troops. I fought fiercely against them... but..."

  Shunzhi was furious at this time. If Shanhai Pass fell, he would have no chance to get out of the pass. He roared: "What is the situation with the battle? Speak quickly!"

  "Enemy's 2000 men descended, seemingly divine soldiers, all capable of fighting ten at once. I fought back with all my might, but the enemy was too powerful, and had aerial support from flying birds. Shanhai Pass has fallen. Only a little over 800 soldiers retreated with me."

  All the ministers present fell to the ground when they heard that Shanhai Pass had fallen. The Shunzhi Emperor, making an effort to calm himself down, said: "Now we must fight with our backs against the river. If we succeed, the land of the Han people will be within our grasp soon. I am prepared to personally guard Baoding." After saying this, without waiting for them to object, he said: "Alright, it's settled then. You may all take your leave."

  The city wall of Baoding is already in sight. Ye Jun couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement, after three days of forced march, they had finally gained some time. There were still twelve days left for themselves. Lv Jun looked at the dark veil of Baoding with binoculars and said to Ye Jun: "Old Ye, let the army set up camp and rest for a day, let the soldiers replenish their strength. Prepare for tomorrow's battle." After finishing speaking, he ordered the guard beside him: "Pass down the order, the whole army will choose a favorable terrain to set up camp. Rest immediately after dinner. Wait for the command to go into battle."

  Yue Yulong had already launched a campaign against Hejian Prefecture, and Yuan Yongzhi's artillery troops were also dispatched to support him. In addition, the artillery division within the army group was enough to take down Hejian. Yue Yulong chose Hejian as his target because the 9th Army was stationed in Xibei Province, so he wanted to start with a softer target. Otherwise, it would have taken too much time to conquer. After observing the distribution of Hejian's garrison through binoculars, Yue Yulong said to Wu Shuang: "Old Wu, don't you think we should bombard them for a few days first? I see that the people in Hejian are more inclined towards the Qing dynasty. Our propaganda team has encountered many instances of being beaten by civilians when they went out to spread propaganda."

  Wu Shuang and Wang Hu looked at each other, shook their heads and said: "This bombing is not good for our future construction. I think it's best to bomb his garrison base. Don't bomb other places. Besides, no matter how many sacrifices we make, the soldiers will have to launch a strong attack. The commander-in-chief was attacked, which had a great impact on the soldiers. Morale is high and everyone wants to avenge the commander-in-chief. This battle is going to be easy to fight."

  As the shells whizzed by, the Third Army had begun a fierce attack on Hejian Prefecture. The number of soldiers stationed in Hejian had reached an unprecedented height, including the Manchu and Mongolian Eight Banners, Han Eight Banners army, totaling over 700,000 people. The daily consumption of grain and fodder was also astonishingly high. Under the cover of artillery fire, more than 40,000 soldiers from the Third Army began a forced attack. As it was a night raid, many people were blown into the air by shells while still in their beds, and when they fell back down, their hands were inside the camp while their feet were outside. The Manchu and Mongolian Eight Banners, who were well-trained, counterattacked from the city walls, throwing down wooden clubs, stones, boiling water, and hot oil. Yue Yulon looked at the situation with furrowed brows and ordered: "Pass on my command to stop the forced attack and retreat, order the snipers to target the Qing soldiers on the city wall. Divide the artillery into parts to focus on bombarding the city walls and towers, trying to open up a gap."

  After bombing for half an hour, the bombing also stopped. Yue Yulong looked at the broken city wall and the stone tablet of Hejian Prefecture, which was already on the verge of collapse. A smile had already appeared on his face. It had only been three days, and he still had plenty of time. Except for the loss of over a hundred soldiers in the initial strong attack, he could say that he had no losses at all, while the enemy army had lost more than 10,000 soldiers after this bombing and sniping. Many were sent to heaven in their beds, confused and bewildered.

  The sun on a winter day is hard to come by, especially in the north, but today it came out, shining on the withered yellow grass, swaying gently with a slight north wind. In the distance, the smooth tree trunks reflect the desolation of the riverbank. Far away, the Qing soldiers on the city wall of River Interval are hiding under the battlements, powerless. The sudden deaths of the past two days have frightened them. As soon as you stick your head out, if things don't go well, the next moment you won't have a chance to enjoy the sunshine anymore.

  Yu Long and Wu Shuang, Wang Hu have walked out of the camp, indicating that a new attack is about to begin. Sure enough, the artillery position on the other side started to sound again with the whistling shells passing by. The city wall between the rivers has already dropped at least three meters. This time, a general offensive was launched, and all the soldiers who had been holding their breath for days finally released it, charging forward without looking back under the cover of artillery fire and snipers.