Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

Fan Wencheng had already made up his mind. His eyes were deep, as if he could see through the essence of everything in the world. He gently twisted a few strands of white hair at his temples, which were traces of time and wisdom. Then, he responded, "Prince Rui, I have three strategies for your reference." His voice was steady and full of confidence.

"The first strategy is, if it is difficult to capture Miyun in a short period of time, the Ming court will definitely station heavy troops here. Prince Rui can pretend to attack to tie down their main force. After Prince Yu Duoduo and Prince Su Haoge break through Xuanfu, we will plan subsequent actions." His words were like a spring breeze, which gradually relaxed Dorgon's frown.

"The second strategy is that we can bypass Miyun and directly enter the pass to plunder, so as to lure the main force of the Ming Dynasty." A hint of cunning flashed in Fan Wencheng's eyes, as if he had already seen the scene after this strategy was implemented.

"The third strategy is that we can go straight to Shanhaiguan and attack Wu Sangui together with Prince Zheng Jirgalang's Bordered Blue Banner troops to force him to surrender. However, this strategy is the worst strategy. Unless it is absolutely necessary, Prince Rui, please consider it carefully and do not use it lightly." There was a solemnity in his tone, and it was obvious that he had a full understanding of Wu Sangui's strength.

Dorgon pondered for a moment, staring at Fan Wencheng with admiration in his eyes. Then, he bowed deeply to Fan Wencheng and said, "Mr. Fan is able to make plans and win battles thousands of miles away. I admire him deeply." There was some sincerity and emotion in his voice.

Fan Wencheng smiled and returned the greeting, then turned and left. He was only responsible for planning strategies, and the specific deployment was decided by the bannermen themselves. His figure stretched out in the afterglow of the setting sun, appearing particularly lonely and determined.

After the door was closed, Dorgon's expression became solemn. He stared at the scenery outside the window, and saw the sunset glow in the sky as fiery and bloody as if foreshadowing the upcoming war. Seeing this, the others all stood up and waited for his order.

"Doduo, Haoge!" Dorgon shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the empty tent.

"Here!" The two men came out in response, standing straight, standing like two iron towers.

"You will lead your troops out of the city immediately and head to Dushikou, and enter the city as planned. I will allocate more than 70% of the baggage and siege equipment to you, and you must capture Xuanfu Town within ten days." Dorgon's order was loud and clear, and his eyes revealed a firm determination.

"After conquering Xuanfu, immediately head south and head straight for Juyongguan!" he added, with unquestionable majesty in his tone.

"Understood!" Although Hauge had some disagreements with Dorgon, he would still obey Dorgon's orders in foreign wars. His voice was loud and firm, as if he was ready to fight to the death.

"Ajige." Dorgon shouted again, his eyes turning to another general.

"Here." Ajige responded. He was tall and strong with a resolute face, like a beast ready to attack.

"The troops I lead will enter the pass five days later according to Mr. Fan's plan. You should quickly send a fast horse to Shenyang to report the news." Dorgon ordered, with a hint of urgency and expectation in his tone.

As Dorgon's order was issued, Daning suddenly became busy. Although the Eight Banners soldiers who were drinking and eating meat were somewhat unwilling, they quickly packed up their luggage and followed the team out of the city. They knew that the upcoming battle would be a matter of life and death. Tens of thousands of cavalrymen were like poisonous snakes in the dark night, winding forward and gradually disappearing in the distance. Their figures were looming in the night, as if they were challenging an unknown fate.

……

In Shanhaiguan, Wu Sangui was handling military affairs when he suddenly heard a cannon shot. He put down his pen, stood up, and his brows revealed a bit of solemnity and uneasiness. He knew very well that this cannon shot meant the arrival of war.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice filled with anxiety and nervousness.

After a while, a messenger ran in in a panic: "Report to the Lord, the Blue Bordered Banner and the Red Bordered Banner of the Jiannu are gathering, and seem to want to attack the city." There was a bit of trembling and fear in his voice.

"What?" Wu Sangui stood up suddenly after hearing this, with a flash of anger and determination in his eyes. He knew very well what this battle meant to him. He stretched out his arm and the soldiers immediately held up the armor and put it on him. His movements were swift and powerful, as if he was announcing his determination and courage to the enemy.

"How many Jiannu are there?" Wu Sangui asked in a deep voice, with a sense of majesty and unquestionableness in his voice.

"The number... the number is unknown." The messenger stammered, his eyes revealing a bit of fear and anxiety. He knew very well that this battle would be a life-and-death test for them.

Wu Sangui's eyes were wide open with anger: "Come here, punish him with twenty military sticks." There was a bit of anger and majesty in his voice, as if he was declaring to everyone his determination and unquestionable authority.

"Please calm down, sir! Their flags cover the sky, I can't count them." The messenger pleaded with a bitter face, his voice was bitter and helpless. He knew that his dereliction of duty would bring serious consequences.

Wu Sangui waved his hand with a gloomy face, asking the soldiers to retreat. He picked up his weapon and walked out of the door. His figure looked particularly lonely and determined in the afterglow of the setting sun. He knew that the upcoming battle would be a matter of life and death, and he had to lead the battle himself.

Arriving in the courtyard, Wu Sangui looked east. He saw a high ground with a beacon tower built on it ten miles east of the city wall. The beacon tower was eight meters high and nearly sixty meters in circumference. It was equipped with smoke towers and barracks. Once the garrison discovered the enemy, they would raise the wolf smoke during the day and raise torches and use artillery at night to convey the enemy situation. At this time, the beacon fires were raging and the sound of artillery was rumbling. The number of enemies was beyond imagination. Wu Sangui's heart was filled with strong anger and determination. He knew what this battle meant to him.

He quickly climbed up the tower and used his clairvoyance to look far away. As expected, he saw countless Eight Banners soldiers gathering. They were strong, with bright armor, fine weapons, and fat and strong horses. It was obvious that they were an elite army. Wu Sangui felt a strong sense of crisis in his heart. He knew that this battle would be a life-and-death test.

At the front of the army, there is a trench bridge, which is a wheel-pushed floating bridge. The moat of Shanhaiguan is 16 meters wide and 8 meters deep. If you want to attack the city, you must cross the river first. Next to the trench bridge, the siege ladders have been arranged, and the heavy armored infantry is ready to go. This ladder is not an extended version of an ordinary ladder. If you want to use modern things to compare, it is more like a high-altitude fire truck. There are wheels under the ladder, and above the wheels is a frame, which is protected by wooden boards and iron sheets around. There is a roof on the top, which is also made of these materials, but an extra layer of wet quilts or non-flammable materials is added to prevent fire. The ladder can be folded up and unfolded after positioning. The iron hook on it can be firmly hung on the city wall. Unless the ladder is destroyed, the ladder cannot be pushed down. Wu Sangui looked at all this, and a strong anger and determination surged in his heart. He knew what this battle meant to him. He must hold Shanhaiguan and not let the enemy step in.

Behind the ladders, soldiers lined up in battle formation, wearing cotton armor and holding various weapons. Further back were arrays of chariots and artillery, and the cattle and horses pulling the chariots were chewing grass leisurely, completely unaware of the upcoming battle. Wu Sangui watched all this, and a strong sense of responsibility and mission surged in his heart. He knew that he was shouldering the heavy responsibility of guarding Shanhaiguan and could not let the enemy take a step forward.

On the walls of Shanhaiguan, soldiers held their weapons angrily, as if they were facing a great enemy. These Guanning soldiers were all from Liao people, and they had fought against Jiannu for many years. During the decades of fighting against Jiannu in Liaodong, they had more or less lost their relatives to Jiannu, and it could be said that they were enemies for generations. At this time, their eyes revealed strong hatred and determination, as if they wanted to pour all their anger and strength on the upcoming enemy.

Wu Sangui had already put on his armor, and he picked up his clairvoyance and looked in the direction of Yipanshi. There were two main passes in the Shanhaiguan area: one was Shanhaiguan itself; the other was Yipanshi. Both places had very open terrain, and were good places to deploy troops. At this time, there was smoke rising from Yipanshi. Although no cannon fire could be heard, martial law must have been imposed there. Wu Sangui felt a strong sense of crisis in his heart, and he knew that the situation in Yipanshi would directly affect the defense of Shanhaiguan.

"Send flags to order all troops to defend their positions strictly." Wu Sangui ordered, "At the same time, order the cavalry to prepare for battle and wait for my order." His voice was full of majesty and unquestionable authority. He knew what this battle meant to him, and he had to defend Shanhaiguan and not let the enemy take a step forward.

"Yes!" The messenger quickly left to convey the order. His figure appeared particularly firm and brave in the afterglow of the setting sun. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility and had to convey the order accurately to every soldier.

The city wall of Shanhaiguan is 41 feet high (about 14 meters) and has a circumference of 1,528 feet (about 7 meters wide). It is the tallest and most solid defense line from the capital to the east. The sides and top of the city wall are covered with bricks and white mortar; the lower part is built with three layers of stone as the foundation stone; this is the so-called "earth-built brick" structure. The core of the wall is made of layered rammed earth; it is very strong and durable. Various watchtowers and towers are also built on the city wall; observation holes are set below the middle of the battlements of these buildings; battlement stones are also built in the battlements; in the center are defensive facilities such as the fulcrum of the crossbow and the support of the artillery. Wu Sangui once again picked up the clairvoyance and looked outside the city; he still couldn't believe what he saw - Shanhaiguan was a place that was easy to defend and difficult to attack; it was a natural barrier among natural barriers; plus the Guanning Army was another strong force

Half a day passed, the sun gradually turned from blazing to gentle, but the Eight Banners soldiers outside Shanhaiguan were like sculptures, neither marching forward nor retreating, but just standing there lazily. Their shadows lengthened in the afterglow of the setting sun, and some of them even leaned on the shields beside them and fell asleep, with an unknown smile on their lips, as if they were enjoying something beautiful in their dreams.

The soldiers guarding the city were bewildered. They looked at each other, their eyes full of confusion and doubt. Wu Sangui was also confused, and his deep eyes looked even more thoughtful under the setting sun. He stood on the city wall, looking at the Eight Banners soldiers in the distance who seemed to be still, and waves of confusion surged in his heart.

"They are surrounding us but not attacking. What does this mean?" Wu Sangui whispered to himself, with a hint of confusion and worry in his voice.

In a blink of an eye, the sun had already set, and the clouds in the sky were dyed with a layer of brilliant golden red. Under the gaze of tens of thousands of Guanning troops, the Eight Banners soldiers began to slowly retreat, their steps were neat and orderly, as if they were performing a silent retreat ceremony. Not long after, they disappeared into the darkness of the night, leaving only silence and the Guanning troops looking at each other in astonishment.

"Why don't the Jiannu attack the city?" someone asked in a low voice, full of confusion.

"Good question! I don't know either!" another person answered, shaking his head, his eyes also full of confusion.

"They made such a big fuss but gained nothing. How could the Eight Banners soldiers be so cowardly!" someone else commented, with a hint of disdain and sarcasm in his voice.

"It's good that we're not attacking the city. There will definitely be casualties if we do. We can all rest in peace!" another person said thankfully, with a look of ease and relief on his face.

After the crisis was resolved, the Guanning Army walked down the city wall one after another. Their figures gradually disappeared in the night, and they took turns to rest. Wu Sangui stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, his eyes looking even deeper in the night. Then, he smiled and ordered the messenger: "Tell the artillery to fire two shells in the direction of the retreating Jiannu troops."

Hu Xinshui touched the back of his head and became even more puzzled. His eyes were full of puzzlement and confusion. "The Jiannu have already retreated, and our artillery can't reach that far, why do we still need to fire?" he asked in a low voice.

Wu Sangui patted Hu Xinshui on the shoulder, his eyes full of meaning and wisdom. "Firing cannons is an attitude, you will understand it later!" he said earnestly.

After two cannon shots, Wu Sangui walked briskly down the city wall. His figure gradually disappeared in the night, leaving only a series of firm footsteps.

After returning to the room, Wu Sangui picked up the pen and began to write the question book. His strokes were firm and powerful, as if every word contained his determination and belief.

"Your Majesty, I, Wu Sangui, respectfully wish Your Majesty good health," he wrote. "The Jiannu gathered their forces outside Shanhaiguan at the end of noon on May 18th, intending to attack the city. I led my troops in a fierce battle for two hours, and the pass was safe and sound. In this battle, the Jiannu gained nothing, and our army killed more than a thousand enemies, which was a great victory! ..."

After reading Wu Sangui's "victory report", Lin Xiaofeng was angry and helpless. His eyes were full of anger and helplessness, as if he was restrained by some invisible force.

The Jinyiwei in the city had sent a message saying that the Jiannu did not attack the city, and Wu Sangui only fired two shells after the Jiannu retreated, and then returned to the city to rest. This news made Lin Xiaofeng even more angry and helpless, and he seemed to be able to feel the deep meaning and cunning behind Wu Sangui's report.

"This information from Wu Sangui is very meaningful!" Lin Xiaofeng handed the information to the chief minister of the cabinet, Li Banghua, his voice full of helplessness and indignation.

Li Banghua frowned after reading it, his eyes full of worry and helplessness. After a long while, he sighed: "Wu Sangui said that there were tens of thousands of Jiannu who attacked Shanhaiguan, this..." His voice was full of puzzlement and confusion.

"What Lord Li guessed is correct. Wu Sangui is using this opportunity to inform Your Majesty that if the capital is hit by war again, although he wants to serve the king, he will be unable to do so." Lin Xiaofeng said gritting his teeth. Many strategies emerged in his mind, but in a flash, these strategies all disappeared.

The Guanning Army is different from the armies of Liu Zeqing and Murong Jiongran. Killing Wu Sangui will not force the Guanning Army to surrender, but will force them to rebel. It is difficult to capture the leader of the bandits! This thought kept circling in Lin Xiaofeng's mind, making him feel even more depressed.

"Wu Sangui really deserves to be killed!" Li Banghua put the information on the table, his voice full of indignation and helplessness. Lying about military intelligence and military achievements, deceiving the emperor, any one of these charges was enough to get Wu Sangui killed. However... he held military power, so he couldn't push too hard, nor could he annoy him. It was really aggrieved! This thought kept circling in Li Banghua's mind, making him feel even more depressed.

"Lord Li, is there still no news from Xuanfu?" Lin Xiaofeng asked, his voice full of expectation and anxiety. He hoped to get some good news from Xuanfu to alleviate the current predicament.

Li Banghua shook his head slowly, his eyes full of helplessness and worry. "On May 18, the sentries found traces of Jiannu in the Dushikou area, but there has been no news since then. I think the Jiannu may be attacking Longmenwei or Longmensuo at this time." He said slowly, "The mountain roads in these two places are rugged, and the transmission of information is slow."

"There is no news from Miyun, so there should be no trace of the Jiannu yet." Li Banghua added, his voice full of helplessness and worry. This news did not bring any comfort to Lin Xiaofeng, but made him more anxious and helpless.

Just as Lin Xiaofeng and Li Banghua were about to return to the palace to rest, a young eunuch hurried over with two envelopes. "Your Majesty, the news from Xuanfu and Damingfu!" he shouted, his voice full of anxiety and nervousness.

Lin Xiaofeng and Li Banghua stood up at the same time, their eyes full of expectation and anxiety. The young eunuch handed the information to Guo Tianyang, who gestured and opened the envelope to read.

"Damingfu Tangbao." He read slowly, "Baoding General Li Xingzhong fought a field battle with Li Chuang's bandit Luo Wenbin in the north of Damingfu, killing more than 4,000 enemies and losing more than 700 of his own. It was a great victory! After the battle, Luo Wenbin's troops retreated to Guangpingfu and held their ground. Li Xingzhong stayed in Damingfu and waited for the imperial edict of His Majesty."

"Good news! Another great victory!" Lin Xiaofeng said with relief, his face showing some ease and relief. He was not worried about Li Xingzhong's combat effectiveness - he had nearly a thousand Guanning cavalrymen under his command, who were like butchers on the plains. What he was worried about was whether those Li Zicheng surrendered soldiers under Li Xingzhong would surrender to Li Zicheng again. But now it seems that this worry is unnecessary.

Seeing Lin Xiaofeng nod in satisfaction, Guo Tianyang picked up the second newspaper. "Xuanfu News." He read slowly, "On May 18, the Jiannu broke through the Great Wall and entered the pass from Dushikou. Because Xuanfu used strategies such as fortifying the walls and clearing the fields, poisoning well water, and cutting off river water..."

At this point, Guo Tianyang paused, with a flash of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. Then he continued: "The Jiannu soldiers encountered difficulties in finding water sources because the Ming army poisoned the water. Some Jiannu soldiers had diarrhea after drinking the poisoned water and could not continue to march. Therefore, the Jiannu march was forced to slow down."

After hearing the news, Lin Xiaofeng and Li Banghua were surprised. They didn't expect Xuanfu's defense to be so tight and clever, and they even thought of poisoning the water. Although this strategy was a bit insidious and vicious, it was very effective. It made it very difficult for the Jiannu soldiers to find water sources and they couldn't continue to march quickly. This undoubtedly brought great help to Xuanfu's defense.

"Damn! This water is poisonous!" A Jiannu soldier covered his buttocks and hurriedly took off his pants to defecate in front of many soldiers. His face was as pale as paper, and his eyes were full of pain and fear. His excrement was as thin as water and the foul smell filled the air, causing other soldiers to frown.

"Get away from me! I'm eating!" another soldier said dissatisfiedly. His hand holding the bowl was shaking slightly, and he was obviously frightened by this sudden situation.

"Don't eat it! The water is poisonous! The Ming army has given me laxatives! I've been poisoned too!" The Jiannu soldier quickly moved to another place to prevent his shoes from being contaminated by the filth. His voice was full of fear and uneasiness, and he obviously felt helpless and panicked about the situation.

"No way? I tested it with a sheep and it was fine. I just drank it." The Jiannu soldier who was eating looked at the sheep in confusion while holding the bowl. The sheep looked fine and was still eating grass leisurely. The soldier obviously didn't believe that the water was poisonous because he had just tested the water with a sheep and found nothing abnormal.

However, soon after, a military order was passed down: "The Ming army poisoned the water with arsenic and croton. The doctor said that sheep would not have diarrhea if they ate croton, but humans and horses would. So in the future, when you encounter a water source, you must test the poison with mules and horses first. Remember, remember!" After hearing this military order, everyone believed it. They began to look for water sources more carefully for fear of being poisoned again.

The Jiannu soldiers were looking for water in the mountains and forests. Their figures shuttled through the dense woods. They carefully tried every possible water source for fear of drinking poisoned water again. However, even with such caution, they could not completely avoid the fate of being poisoned. Because the Ming army not only poisoned the water, but also set traps and obstacles in some places, making it difficult for them to find clean water easily.

More than 100 miles south of Dushibao are mountains. Although the main trunks of Longmenchuan and Dushishui nearby have dried up, there is still some water in other tributaries. However, these water sources are also closely monitored by the Ming army. Once they find Jiannu soldiers approaching, they will immediately attack and obstruct them. Therefore, Jiannu soldiers can only find water sources in the mountains and forests with more difficulty, and their marching speed is forced to slow down.

Hauge's concern for Duoduo did not come from his inner sincerity, but from a complex mixture of emotions. He looked at his uncle who was younger than himself, and an indescribable resistance surged in his heart. This feeling was like a dark cloud suddenly floating across the clear sky, blocking the warm sunshine and making people feel cold. Hauge knew that this emotion came from the desire for power and the defense of status. He was afraid that Duoduo's rise would threaten his position, although this worry was covered up by politeness and courtesy on the surface.

The death of Huang Taiji was like a sudden storm that broke the peace of the court. Hauge and Dorgon, the two ambitious princes, both had a strong interest in the supreme throne. Their forces were like the two ends of a scale, evenly matched, and fell into a stalemate. Dorgon, with his extraordinary wit, proposed a compromise plan: to put Fulin, the ninth son of Huang Taiji, on the throne, and let Heshuo Zheng Prince Jirgalang assist him in government affairs. This proposal, like a clear stream, cleverly resolved the struggle for power and was finally recognized by everyone.

Duoduo, as Dorgon's younger brother, naturally stood on Dorgon's side. He was young and vigorous, and his eyes flashed with the desire for victory. Haoge looked at Duoduo like this, and his heart was mixed. He reminded Dorgon, but in fact he was more reminding himself to prevent the loss of troops due to underestimation of the enemy. This time, their goal was not only the resources in Xuanfu, but also to leave their footprints on this land to prove their strength. Haoge and Duoduo joined forces to enter the pass, and their fate was like an invisible thread that was closely connected. If they win, they will share the glory; if they fail, they will also share the responsibility. Haoge followed Duoduo out of the door, and the sun shone on them, but it could not dispel the haze in Haoge's heart. He reminded Duoduo again: "This time we led 60,000 troops to enter the pass. Although there are many troops, we must act cautiously. If we can successfully capture Xuanfu, it will be a great achievement; if we suffer heavy losses, we will all be hard to escape responsibility."

After Duoduo made his statement, he calmed down. He patted Haoge on the shoulder, which was a silent encouragement and a manifestation of tacit understanding. The two returned to the house again. The atmosphere in the house was solemn and tense. They took out the map, sat face to face and began to discuss. The mountains, rivers and cities on the map were like living lives, waiting for their decision.

"The Ming army has already cleared the countryside and the people and supplies are concentrated in a few strong cities." Haoge pointed to Longmenwei, Longmensuo, Chang'ansuo, Yanqingzhou, Yongning, Huailaiwei, Bao'anzhou and Xuanfu Town on the map. These places are like shining pearls inlaid on this land. "Should we attack them one by one, or attack Xuanfu Town directly?"

Duoduo's face was solemn. He knew the importance of this operation. He looked at Hauge, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes. Although the two men had equal forces, Duoduo was Hauge's uncle after all. Logically speaking, Hauge needed to be more polite to him. This complicated relationship made their cooperation full of variables.

"The Regent ordered us to capture Xuanfu Town within ten days. If we attack the cities one by one, we may not have enough time. However, if we do not attack the city, the blockage of our retreat will be a major hidden danger." There was a hint of helplessness in Duoduo's words.

Hauge was silent for a moment, his eyes swept across the map, every mountain road, every city was deeply imprinted in his mind. He looked at Duoduo, and their eyes met in the air, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding. They stretched out their hands almost at the same time, and pointed at Longmenwei at the same time.

……

At Longmenwei, the guards on the city wall saw the Eight Banners soldiers all over the mountains, and their faces turned pale instantly. Under the scorching sun, the Eight Banners soldiers were well-equipped and full of energy, like an unstoppable torrent. The front was the Han Eight Banners, most of whom were Ming soldiers who surrendered to Jiannu and a few Liao people from Liaodong. The Han Eight Banners were good at sieges. Whenever they encountered a tough battle, they always rushed to the front, like a sharp knife, tearing open the enemy's defense line.

Behind them were the Jiannu Eight Banners Infantry and the Mongolian Eight Banners, who were as strong as a wall of iron and copper, and indestructible. Behind them were the Jiannu Cavalry and the Outer Mongolian Cavalry, who swept in like a storm, bringing with them the power to destroy everything. Although the number of people was difficult to count, it was roughly estimated that there were tens of thousands of them.

The Longmen Guard had only 6,000 soldiers, and faced with tens of thousands of Eight Banners soldiers, they instantly lost their will to resist. Fear spread in their hearts like a plague, making their legs weak and the weapons in their hands become extremely heavy.

"Master Feng, you neither obeyed Master Yan's order to recruit civilians to defend the city nor moved the civilians to Xuanfu Town for refuge. Now the Jiannu troops are at the gates of the city. What should we do?" Beside the commander of the Longmen Guard, Feng Zhengning, his friend Fan Zhen kept nagging. There was a hint of anxiety and helplessness in his voice, like a bird trapped in a cage, longing for freedom but unable to do anything.

Feng Zhengning looked into the distance, feeling remorseful. He thought Zhu Fenghui was fooling around, but he didn't expect the Jian Nu to actually come. There was a flash of confusion and helplessness in his eyes, as if he was an orphan abandoned by fate.

"Could it be that Zhu Fenghui can predict the future?" Fan Zhen sighed, "However, it doesn't matter whether we can predict the future or not now. The most urgent task is how to repel the enemy!" There was a hint of firmness and determination in his voice, like a warrior about to go to the battlefield.

Repel the enemy? Feng Zhengning looked at the guards beside him and saw fear written all over their faces. The Jiannu entered the border three times from Dushikou, and each time they robbed the people, snatched livestock, raped women, and killed people. The people at the border had long been traumatized by the Jiannu, and their hearts were filled with fear and despair.

The capable people had already gone to the interior for refuge, and the remaining people were either the military families of the garrisons or the poor people. They wanted to leave but couldn't, and could only silently endure the endless suffering. Their eyes were filled with numbness and helplessness, like a group of lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

"Surrender. At least you have a chance to survive. If you don't surrender, the Jiannu will massacre the city!" Feng Zhengning sighed. There was a hint of helplessness and compromise in his words, like an old man whose edges were worn down by life. He first looked in the direction of Xuanfu Town and then in the direction of the capital, clasping his hands and silently saying in his heart: "Your Majesty, the Jiannu are coming aggressively. I, Feng Zhengning, have no choice but to surrender in order to save the lives of the people in the city. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Fan Zhen was so angry that his eyes widened as if they were about to spit fire. "Commander Feng, surrender is a small matter, but food is a big matter! There are 10,000 dan of food in the city. Once you surrender to the Jiannu, all this food will become their supply. Have you... thought about it?" There was a hint of anger and blame in his voice, like a betrayed friend.

Feng Zhengning shook his head helplessly, his heart full of contradictions and struggles. "If there is no food, the Jiannu will still massacre the city. I'm sorry, Brother Fan." After saying that, Feng Zhengning waved his hand and said, "The Jiannu are coming with great force! Come open the city gate and surrender with me! Everyone, don't resist, otherwise the Jiannu will massacre the city. You don't want your family to be killed, right?" There was a trace of trembling and helplessness in his voice, as if he was a criminal about to go to the execution ground.

The defenders had no will to resist. Seeing their commander surrender, they laid down their weapons, opened the city gates and walked out. Their steps were heavy and slow, as if every step was stepping on their hearts. Fan Zhen stepped forward, snatched Feng Zhengning's sword and drew it out of the scabbard. His eyes flashed with determination.

"Feng Zhengning, you are an official appointed by the imperial court, how dare you surrender without a fight!" There was a hint of grief and disappointment in his voice, as if an expectation had been betrayed.

"You surrendered before because the court owed you wages, and it was fine. Now that the court neither owes you wages nor food, why don't you resist?" There was a hint of questioning and reproach in his words, as if he was a judge demanding justice.

Feng Zhengning was speechless. He had long been numb to the word "surrender". What could he do if the army had no fighting spirit and the people had no support? His heart was filled with helplessness and despair, like a traveler trapped in the fog.

He surrendered when the Jian Nu came; he also surrendered when Li Zicheng came; he surrendered without hesitation when the government troops came! He had long been accustomed to this kind of humiliation and compromise, like a puppet played by fate. He only needed to give some silver to the civil officials in the court and let them say a few good words in front of the emperor to make a big thing a small thing. His heart was full of bitterness and helplessness, like a slave oppressed by life.

"Come here!" Feng Zhengning ordered his men, "Tie up Fan Zhen to prevent him from doing something extreme." Feng Zhengning was afraid that Fan Zhen would anger the Jiannu and they would slaughter the city in a rage. His voice was trembling and helpless, like an executioner about to make a cruel decision.

Fan Zhen looked at the people's lamb-like behavior and felt hopeless. One person surrendering was out of fear, but everyone surrendering was a sign of spinelessness. Could the people of the Ming Dynasty be so unbearable? His heart was filled with grief and disappointment, like a patriot who saw the country's decline.

The people were not like this when Emperor Taizu expelled the Tartars. What went wrong? He was full of doubts and puzzles, like a scholar seeking answers.

He took two steps back, pointed the blade at his neck and shouted, "Everyone!" There was a hint of determination and tragedy in his voice, like a warrior about to go to the battlefield.

"My death is not a pity! But I want to tell you something before I die!" There was a firm light flashing in his eyes, like a messenger who was about to deliver important information.

"The world is in decline and people's hearts are no longer the same! The Qing army will not be kind to you just because you surrender. They just think it's unnecessary." There was a hint of grief and disappointment in his voice, as if he was a wise man who saw the fickleness of the world.

"Because in their eyes you are lambs! Lambs to be slaughtered!" There was a hint of regret and helplessness in his voice, as if he was a sympathizer who saw his own kind being bullied.

"They only cook sheep and slaughter cattle when necessary!" There was a hint of anger and blame in his voice, like an angry person who saw injustice.

"I, Fan Zhen, am a Ming citizen in life and a Ming ghost in death. I will never surrender to the Qing army!" There was a firmness and determination in his voice, as if he was a martyr about to be executed.

"You!" Fan Zhen pointed at Feng Zhengning, "Sooner or later you will regret waiting for you on the road to the underworld!"

Suddenly, the Longmen Guard's proclamation sounded, like thunder breaking through the sky: "Longmen Guard proclamation! Longmen Guard proclamation!" This voice echoed on the walls of Xuanfu Town, carrying an ominous premonition. Zhu Fenghui, who was inspecting the city's defense equipment at this moment, was wearing armor, tall, with a resolute face, and an unyielding light in his eyes. When he heard the voice of the messenger, he immediately raised his head, frowning, as if he could feel the coming storm.

"Report has come that Longmen Guard Commander Feng Zhengning surrendered without a fight. Longmen Guard has fallen into the hands of the enemy!" The messenger's voice was a bit hurried and fearful.

"What?" Zhu Fenghui was furious. He slapped his thigh and sighed, "Feng Zhengning has misled me! He has really misled me!" The regret in his heart surged like a tide, but it was irreversible. He closed his eyes, and the cowardly face of Feng Zhengning appeared in his mind. His heart was filled with disappointment and anger.

In the past, Zhu Fenghui had planned a strategy of clearing the countryside and fortifying the city, and he had the best of both worlds in mind. One was to move some of the people to Juyongguan Pass, and the rest to Xuanfu Town. However, Xuanfu Town was small and crowded, and it was difficult to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. Considering the hardships of migration and transportation limitations, this strategy was eventually abandoned. He recalled the scene at that time, and he couldn't help but feel helpless.

The second is to select several cities in Xuanfu that are easy to defend and difficult to attack, disperse the people and relocate them, and send loyal generals to defend them. In the end, Zhu Fenghui chose this strategy and ordered Feng Zhengning to guard Longmen. He thought that although Feng Zhengning was mediocre, he would at least loyally execute orders. Unexpectedly, Feng Zhengning surrendered.

At this time, Zhang Feng, a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, happened to arrive. Seeing Zhu Fenghui's annoyed look, he hurriedly asked, "Why is Lord Yan angry?" He was thin, with a stern face, and his eyes revealed a keen insight.

Zhu Fenghui threw the information to Zhang Feng and said with gritted teeth: "Feng Zhengning surrendered without a fight. Surrender is a small matter, but the ten thousand stones of grain in the city have become the enemy's food supply." There was a tremor in his voice, and he was obviously unable to accept this fact.

"In this way, our strategy of clearing the countryside will be in vain!" Zhang Feng counted with his fingers and comforted: "The enemy will send out 50,000 to 60,000 troops this time. Ten thousand dan of grain will only be enough for them to eat for more than ten days. The impact will not be great." His voice was calm and firm, as if he was giving Zhu Fenghui a shot of adrenaline.

Zhu Fenghui let out the anger in his chest and felt a little relieved. He asked again, "Has the caravan left the border yet?" There was some anticipation in his eyes.

"Yes, Jiading Earl's caravan has sent thousands of shi of grain, a thousand sets of armor, as well as salt, hemp, cotton and other supplies to the Khalkha tribe of Mongolia." Zhang Feng replied.

"If they fulfill their promise, they will pass through the Chahar tribe's garrison in a month and harass Kaipingwei, which the Mongols call Duolun Nor. It is the enemy's transit point for entering the pass this time, and a large amount of food and grass is stored there." Zhu Fenghui was relieved when he heard the news. The vast grassland emerged in his mind, and a sense of pride surged in his heart.

However, defending the city was not the Mongols' strong point, and they could not be relied on completely. After a moment's silence, Zhu Fenghui ordered: "Come here, except for the necessary guards at each gate, gather all the soldiers and the recruited civilians to the parade ground. I have something to say." There was an unquestionable majesty in his voice.

"Yes, sir." The messenger responded and left.

After the messenger left, Zhu Fenghui said to Zhang Feng meaningfully: "Captain Zhang, those traitorous merchants have been operating here for decades. Although they are dead, their remnants are still lurking." His eyes revealed a bit of vigilance and worry.

"I have dispatched heavy troops to guard the food, gunpowder, equipment warehouses and dozens of water sources in the city, but I am still worried about sabotage by spies. Please ask Captain Zhang and the Jinyiwei to pay more attention in the city and quickly capture the spies." There was a hint of urgency and anticipation in his voice.

"Master Yan, you are too kind. I have not been slacking off recently. Please rest assured." Zhang Feng bowed and saluted. His eyes revealed a firm determination and loyalty.

"Yes." Zhu Fenghui nodded and led everyone to the training ground. He walked in front, tall and mighty, like an unshakable mountain.

As soon as Zhu Fenghui arrived at the training ground, the noise died down immediately. Everyone looked at Zhu Fenghui, their eyes full of gratitude. They knew that it was Zhu Fenghui who had recaptured Xuanfu and allowed them to live and work in peace. They looked at Zhu Fenghui with eyes full of admiration and trust.

Zhu Fenghui stood in the center of the parade ground, looking around at the crowd. His eyes were deep and firm, as if they could penetrate people's hearts. He took a deep breath, and then began to talk about the four policies he implemented after regaining Xuanfu. His voice was loud and powerful, and every word seemed to touch people's hearts.

The first item was to abolish the military system and liberate military households from oppression. Although this policy came from the imperial court, military households and soldiers were grateful to Zhu Fenghui. They had been oppressed for more than a dozen generations, and at this moment, their emotions were released. Gratitude arose spontaneously, and they looked at Zhu Fenghui with eyes full of gratitude and admiration.

The second item was to set up a land bureau to distribute land. The land of the military households was owned by the state and then resold. If the military households wanted to continue farming, the land bureau would allocate up to five mu of land to each person according to their population. This policy gave the military households hope for life, and they expressed their willingness to continue farming and contribute to the prosperity of Xuanfu Town.

The third item was to implement the strategy of fortifying the city and clearing the fields. The people who moved into the city received money, food and temporary housing from the government. They were grateful for Zhu Fenghui's care and concern, and expressed their willingness to contribute to the defense of Xuanfu Town.

The fourth item was to create an atmosphere of terror. By publicizing the enemy's brutality in newspapers and sending Jinyiwei to spread their inhumanity among the people, this was very helpful in recruiting soldiers. The people saw the enemy's brutality and ruthlessness, and expressed their willingness to take up arms to defend their homes. In addition, the five taels of money per person for recruiting soldiers was used as an incentive, and the people enthusiastically applied. By this time, the garrison of Xuanfu had reached 30,000 people!
However, the training ground in Xuanfu Town was too small to accommodate so many people, and the surrounding streets were full of people. They surrounded Zhu Fenghui as if he was their leader and patron saint.

Zhu Fenghui looked at the densely packed crowd, took a deep breath, and then shouted loudly: "Everyone, I have bad news to tell you." There was a hint of heaviness and sorrow in his voice.

"The enemy has entered the pass!" As the messenger spread Zhu Fenghui's words, the parade ground was noisy at first, and then became silent. People looked at each other, their eyes full of fear and anxiety.

"The worse news is that Longmenwei surrendered without a fight! However... the enemy did not forgive them. According to intelligence, Longmenwei's 40,000 soldiers and civilians were massacred by the enemy." Zhu Fenghui's voice was filled with grief and sorrow. His words were like a knife piercing into people's hearts, making them feel the enemy's brutality and ruthlessness.

The messenger looked at Zhu Fenghui in surprise, and then realized his intention to lie. He stood there, looking at everyone, feeling helpless and angry. He knew that Zhu Fenghui said such words to boost morale.

Zhu Fenghui's words caused a commotion in the military training ground. People were discussing the news, and some said in fear: "The enemy... is so brutal, can we... defend Xuanfu? Surrendering is a dead end, and not surrendering is also a dead end?" There was a bit of trembling and despair in their voices.

Some people said angrily: "The enemy is so cruel, we can never coexist with them!" There was firmness and determination in their voices, as if they were ready to fight the enemy to the death.

Some people also asked doubtfully: "Since the Longmen Guards have already surrendered to the enemy... why kill people?" There was some confusion and bewilderment in their voices.

"Nonsense! The enemy is short of food. The more people they kill, the more food they can save!" Someone explained. This explanation silenced the people. They understood the brutality and ruthlessness of the enemy, and also understood the serious situation they were facing.

Zhu Fenghui's eyes swept across the training ground and finally looked ahead. He picked up the knife at his waist and threw it on the ground. This action surprised the people. They all looked at Zhu Fenghui, not knowing what he wanted to do.

To everyone's surprise, Zhu Fenghui shouted loudly: "If I surrender to the enemy like the commander of the Longmen Guard, will you agree?" There was some determination and firmness in his voice, as if he was ready to fight the enemy to the death.

The training ground was in complete silence, and no one knew what Zhu Fenghui was going to do. However, they all knew that he would not surrender. His eyes revealed an unyielding light, as if he were an unshakable mountain.

Guerrilla General Ding Yi raised his arms and shouted: "No! We will never surrender!" There was some excitement and determination in his voice, as if he was ready to fight the enemy to the death.

As he shouted, more than a hundred soldiers responded, "We will never surrender until we die!" There was firmness and determination in their voices, as if they were ready to fight the enemy to the death.

"I will not surrender until I die!"

"I will not surrender until I die!"

More and more soldiers raised their arms and shouted loudly, showing their determination. They were willing to contribute to the defense of Xuanfu Town and were willing to fight the enemy to the death!

Zhu Fenghui stretched out his hands, signaling everyone to be quiet. After the training grounds returned to silence, he advised: "Everyone, there are three benefits to surrendering to the enemy!" His voice was calm and rational, as if he was analyzing the situation for everyone.

"The first is to shave your head and braid it into a pigtail! All the people abducted by the enemy will have this hairstyle. The advantage is that it is cool in the summer. The disadvantage is that once you shave your head into this hairstyle, you are no longer a citizen of the Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)