Chapter 71: The Momentum of the Decisive Battle

  The surrender of the defenders of Maqu City allowed the Western Sichuan Army to enter the city on the evening of April 12, and all prisoners were taken into custody. Of course, those who were willing to join the Western Sichuan Army were also replenished to the Eleventh Brigade of the Western Sichuan Army. In the battle to attack Maqu, the Eleventh Brigade suffered significant losses, with the First Battalion almost being wiped out, and urgently needed a large number of troops to be replenished. These prisoners, if their loyalty could be guaranteed, were undoubtedly excellent candidates for supplementary personnel.

  After the great victory of Dongqiangou, the Qingma Army was left with only a few thousand defeated soldiers and generals, and it can be said that they were already in name only, not worth worrying about. Now, the main enemies that Chuanxi will face are mainly the Hezhou Ma Family Army and the Ning Ma Family Army. This time, the Ma Family Army came to attack with more than 40,000 people, which is still a tough battle for the Chuanxi Army. However, with the victory of Dongqiangou, the 4,000-strong Chuanxi Army defeated the 16,000-strong Qingma Army, greatly boosting the soldiers' confidence. Although the enemy was numerous and powerful, in everyone's eyes, they were still like clay chickens and tile dogs.

  The city of Maqu was largely destroyed in the attack by the Sichuan Army. The two divisions of the Sichuan Army were unable to find intact houses to settle in, and it was better for them to camp outside the city. Therefore, except for sending a small number of troops to guard the prisoners inside Maqu City, the main forces of the 10th and 11th Divisions of the Sichuan Army remained stationed outside the city, waiting for the arrival of the Ma Family Army. Ma Haiyan had suffered such a great loss that he would definitely try every means to take revenge. The Sichuan Army could now use the tactic of "waiting in comfort for the enemy's labor" to fight against the Ma Family Army in Maqu City.

  "This time, the Tenth Brigade won a great victory over the Green Horse Army in Dongqigou, and it was a beautiful fight. I have already sent back the battle report, as well as the reports requesting rewards for everyone. I believe that after this battle, everyone will receive rich rewards." Cai Yun said with a smile.

  Everyone was beaming with joy, including the leaders of the 11th Corps. Although they had only recently joined the Sichuan Army, victory was undoubtedly the best catalyst for integration. As the Sichuan Army won battle after battle, these surrendered generals developed a greater sense of identity with the Sichuan Army. It is human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. Since the Qingma Army and even the Ma Family Army were no longer reliable, why not switch to a bigger and more solid ship?

  The three people who were the happiest about the tenth trip were Zhao Bowen, Zha Xi Duoji and Li Zhuo. Zhao Bowen was a lieutenant general now, with this victory, he believed that he would definitely be promoted to major general, becoming a real general rather than a reserve general. He heard that there was a secret recruitment in western Sichuan now, and when the time came, there would be more and better positions available. If he could complete his promotion, his future would be bright. Zha Xi Duoji and Li Zhuo were both colonels, if they could increase one level this time, the two of them would also be able to enter the rank of general. It's worth knowing that there weren't many generals in the whole western Sichuan army now!

  However, everyone should be vigilant. Although we defeated the Qing Ma army in Dongqiu, the enemy is still powerful. Preliminary estimates suggest that there are still 40,000 enemies facing us. Now the 10th and 11th brigades combined have only 17,000 people, and we are still at a disadvantage in terms of numbers. However, the main force of the 4th Brigade is already on its way, with four main cavalry regiments and some brigade-affiliated units, totaling more than 5,000 troops. In this way, we will have an army of over 20,000 people. With our combat effectiveness, defeating Ma's army is not a problem." Cai Yun said.

  No one felt intimidated for the upcoming battle, but rather excited. The Ma family army was no match for the Western Sichuan Army and were only there to increase their military achievements.

  "Then let's meet the Ma family army in Majing City! As long as we win this battle, Qinghai and Gansu provinces will be ours. I guarantee that at that time, I will report to the general about everyone's merits!" Wang Yuzhang also said.

  A soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier, even if it's just for the sake of defending one's home and country. Who among the soldiers of the Chuanxi Army doesn't yearn for higher positions? Now with Wang Yuze's guarantee, they are even more excited.

  "Alright, everyone disperse! Each department hurry up and rest, in two days at most we will face a great battle! Ma Qi, you stay behind!" Cai Yun said finally.

  "Yes!" Everyone gave Wang Yuze and Cai Yun a military salute, then retreated from the military tent one after another, leaving only Ma Qi behind.

  "Sit down, Ma Qi. Don't be so formal now that we're family!" Cai Yun said with a smile.

  "Brother Ma, I know you're not feeling too good right now. But this is reality. If Chuanxi wants to contend for the world, it must defeat other armies. Now that you are a member of the Chuanxi army, you should consider things from the perspective of the Chuanxi army. Of course, after we defeat the Ma family's army, if your father doesn't continue to resist, we won't do anything to him!" Wang Yuez said.

  "General, I know my current identity. However, in my heart, it still doesn't feel quite right!" Ma Ke replied. Whoever wants to meet their own father on the battlefield probably wouldn't be too comfortable with that.

  "Alright! If you think it's too difficult, you can go back to Changdu first and come back after the war is over!" Cai Yun suggested.

  "No need, Chief of Staff. I believe I can handle it myself. I am no longer the young master of the Qing Ma Army, my identity is now the commander of the 11th Brigade of the Chuanxi Army." Ma Qi said firmly.

  "Great, Ma Ge, it's best that you think this way. I'm looking forward to your performance. Go back and tell Wang Wei that he can come back now. Without him around, I really feel a bit out of habit!" Wang Yuze said with a smile.

  "Yes, General!" Ma Qi led the way. What role Wang Wei played in the 11th Brigade was of course very clear to him. Now that Wang Yuze had recalled Wang Wei, he undoubtedly fully trusted him and the generals of the 11th Brigade, which moved Ma Qi deeply.

  The joy after He Chong's great victory was different from the atmosphere on Ma Chao's side, which was somewhat dismal. Ma Haiyan led the defeated soldiers and retreated to a place called Kaiyuan, where they merged with the Hexi Ma Army and the Ningma Army. However, the Hexi Ma Army and the Ningma Army were extremely shocked when they learned of the Qingma Army's great defeat.

  "Uncle, is the Western Sichuan Army really that powerful?" The speaker was a young man in his thirties with dark skin but an extremely robust build. He was Ma Guoliang, the younger brother of Ma Anliang, the current Gansu Provincial Governor, and the second son of Ma Zhan'ao, the deceased founder of the Ma Family Army, who was only thirty-three years old this year.

  "The Xīxiāng army was able to resist the Qing court for decades with an army of over a million people, and they always had the upper hand. Naturally, they must have had their own strengths. However, Qinghai is our Ma family's place, even if they are very powerful, we will still fight them to the death!" Another middle-aged man with an eight-character beard said, his name was Mǎ Fúlù, 37 years old, the eldest son of Ningxia Town Guardian General Mǎ Qiānlíng.

  "Two wise nephews, the fire power of the Western Sichuan Army is strong, but it's not invincible. I made a mistake this time! The place where we fought against the Western Sichuan Army was narrow after all, and our cavalry's advantage couldn't be brought into play, so we could only use our flesh and blood to fight hard against their strong firepower! If it were in a more open terrain, there wouldn't be this problem!" Ma Haiyan said with regret. Because of his own reasons, tens of thousands of Qing soldiers died on the battlefield, which made him extremely heartbroken.

  "Uncle, don't worry, our brothers' deaths will not be in vain. According to the intelligence we've received, the Western Sichuan Army is now gathered around Maxi City, where the terrain is open and suitable for our cavalry to attack. We'll set out immediately and strive to arrive at Maxi by tomorrow to engage in a decisive battle with the Western Sichuan Army!" Ma Guoliang said.

  "Yes, this time let the Sichuan army know the power of our Ma family cavalry." Ma Fu also said. The Ningma Army has always looked up to the Ma family army in Hezhou, and as for the Sichuan army, Ma Fu had never fought against them before, so he still had some contempt for them.

  "Then I'll have to rely on you two nephews!" Ma Haiyan said. Now the Qingma Army is in name only, and if we want to defeat the Chuanxi Army, we can only rely on the Hezhou Ma Family Army and the Ningma Army.

  "Uncle is serious!" Ma Guoliang and Ma Fulu both hastily said.

  Then Ma Jiajun merged his three armies, with a total of 40,000 soldiers, and marched towards Maiqin in an imposing manner.

  PS: The first update is here, weakly asking for collection and recommendation votes!

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