Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

Just as the capital was enjoying peace and prosperity and civil officials were immersed in remaking rituals and music, the Liaodong battlefield also reached a critical moment.

Especially on the Dongjiang Territory side, Amin and Hauge had been leading the soldiers of the Bordered Blue Banner and the Bordered Yellow Banner and have been stuck there since they sent out troops in July but were disturbed by the Dongjiang Territory's scorched earth strategy and layers of blockades and had to retreat to Yizhou.

Their plan, of course, was to wait for the autumn harvest in Dongjiang to grab food, and then fight to support their war and advance to Seoul.

Mao Wenlong, Chen Zizhuang and others knew clearly what they were up to, and they resolutely carried out the Privy Council's order to fortify the city and clear the countryside, destroying all the food around Yizhou and leaving nothing for the Jianlu.

Mao Wenlong, who regarded Dongjiang Territory as his own base, risked his life to advance deep into Liaodong again, hoping to force Amin and Hauge to withdraw their troops.

After receiving the news that the Jurchen camp in the rear was destroyed by Mao Wenlong, Hauge wanted to lead his troops back.

But Amin resolutely stopped him because he had not given up his desire to gain independence from North Korea.

For him, it would all be worth it as long as he could occupy North Korea again.

As for the destruction of the rear by Mao Wenlong, what does it have to do with him?
This made Mao Wenlong's plan fail. He asked Li Jiucheng and others to lead troops to continue harassing the rear of Jianlu. He returned to Dongjiang and discussed with the new chief secretary Chen Zizhuang:
"The Jianlu have calculated correctly. We will have to fight during the autumn harvest."

"Otherwise, all the crops grown this year will be taken away by the Jian invaders, giving them the money to continue the war."

Chen Zizhuang also understood this truth, and after communicating with the Dongjiang military and civilians, he understood their thoughts even better.

The reason why the Dongjiang army and civilians dare to fight today is because they want to harvest the food they have planted.

If they were taken away by the Jianlu this year, their morale might be lost and they might not be enthusiastic about growing crops next year.

So he said to Mao Wenlong:
"We must hold off the Jianlu for a few days and recover all the food."

"If this cannot be done, Dongjiangling may cease to exist."

Mao Wenlong certainly knew this, otherwise he wouldn't be so anxious.

But he had been dealing with the Jianlu for so many years and was well aware of their combat effectiveness.

Although his soldiers were willing to fight, their fighting power was definitely not as good as that of the Jianlu. Otherwise, he would not just harass them, but fight them head-on.

He was worried and heard Chen Zizhuang say:
"There is a Dragon Bone Mountain City in Longchuan. If we send more soldiers to garrison there, can we stop the Jianlu?"

Mao Wenlong shook his head and said:
"Longgu Mountain City is not a must-go route, the Jianlu will go around it."

"During the last Dingmao Campaign, Longgu Mountain City surrendered and was restored by Zheng Fengshou, who held on until June."

"But the Jianlu reached Pyeongsan in February and forced Korea to negotiate peace."

When Chen Zizhuang heard this, he thought about the terrain in the Longchuan area and realized that he could indeed go around it.

However, the areas around Tieshan and Xuanchuan are covered with hills. If a defense line like that of Ningjin can be established, it will be possible to prevent the Jianlu troops from bypassing them.

However, such a project obviously cannot be completed in a short period of time, and it means that all the land north of Tieshan will be given to the Jianlu.

A large part of the cultivated land in Dongjiang Territory is on the plain north of Tieshan Mountain. Doing so would undoubtedly mean giving up the autumn harvest and aiding the enemy.

Thinking of this, Chen Zizhuang felt a little resentful. If he could take office earlier, he could make an overall plan for Dongjiang Territory, build the Tieshan and Xuanchuan defense lines, and block the Jianlu to the north of the defense line.

Now it is clear that there is no time left, and we can only think of other ways to stop the Jianlu.

Mao Wenlong didn't know what Chen Zizhuang was thinking, and even if he knew he wouldn't agree with it.

The Ningjin Line of Defense had already emptied the treasury of the powerful Ming Dynasty. Even if the King of Korea supported him in building the Tiexuan Line of Defense, he could not afford so much money and grain.

What he believed most was harassment behind enemy lines, thinking that this was the best way to contain the Jian invaders.

But after obtaining the Dongjiang Territory, it was obviously not enough to just rely on harassment. We had to fight the Jianlu head-on to protect the harvest of the Dongjiang Territory.

This made him feel a little helpless, and he even wanted to abandon Dongjiang Leader and escape to Pi Island:

"It would be nice if there were no territories!"

"Why is it so difficult?"

At this moment, Mao Wenlong even felt a little disgusted with his Dongjiang territory as it was too close to the Jianlu.

Just as he was complaining about himself and feeling timid, Chen Zizhuang said:

"Now it seems that we have no choice but to ask the imperial court for help."

"I hope the officials in the court can come up with a solution to at least allow the Dongjiang leader to collect the grain."

This was his most instinctive thought as an official sent by the Hanlin Academy.

If you can't solve it yourself, just ask the court for support.

On the contrary, General Mao Wenlong, perhaps because he was used to relying on himself in battles behind enemy lines, never thought about the imperial court.

It was not until Chen Zizhuang mentioned it that he suddenly realized:

"Yes! We can also ask the court for help!"

"The current emperor thinks highly of me, and I am also in his heart!"

Since the new emperor ascended the throne, he first summoned him to Beijing and promoted him to admiral.

He also sent Hong Chengchou to Korea to demand the fief of Dongjiang from him.

This is very obvious that the emperor valued him, and he could ask the court for help when he encountered difficulties.

So he and Chen Zizhuang jointly wrote a memorial, requesting the court to find a way to solve the difficulties of Dongjiang Territory.

The imperial court received a letter requesting assistance from the Dongjiang Commander at the end of July. After consultation between Zhu Youjian, Yuan Keli, Yang Sichang and other Privy Councilors, it was decided that the 1st Marine Brigade stationed in Lushun would launch an offensive in southern Liaoning in August to force Amin to return for assistance.

If Amin and Hauge still led their troops south, then the Second Brigade of Dongjiang Town, which was left in Lushun, would also be dispatched. Under the command of Sun Guozhen, the Liaonan Guard, and Ma Shilong, the Liaonan Guard Commandant, they would recapture the four guards in Liaonan.

At the same time, the Privy Council decided to dispatch some Liaodong troops to strengthen the defense of Lushun. The Lieutenant General Huang Long and the guerrilla Zhou Wenyu, who had supported Dongjiang Town, led troops to support Lushun.

Hong Chengchou, who was helping the King of Han to establish his fiefdom on Beihai Island, was also transferred back to Korea by the court in this context.

As the minister to Korea, he will coordinate the Korean War.

Hong Chengchou had never fought in a war before coming to Korea, but after the battle of Beihai Island, he already knew what war was like.

In addition, with the assistance of three great generals, Liu Xingzuo, Kong Youde and Geng Zhongming, and as his headquarters, he had three hundred Jurchen soldiers and three thousand Korean soldiers, so he had some confidence in defending Korea.

However, the Korean monarch and his ministers did not have such confidence. After Amin and Hauge stayed in Yizhou, the Korean King Yi Jong was always worried, fearing that when he woke up, the Jianlu army would be at the gates of the city.

The peace advocates, led by Cui Mingji, also jumped out at this time. In the name of protecting the royal family, they suggested negotiating peace with the Jianlu. They said, "Our country is small and weak, and the Jianlu is very powerful. It is better to be gentle and try to ease the situation."

King Yi Jong of Joseon was quite tempted by this, but the attitude of the Ming Dynasty made him undecided.

After Hong Chengchou led his troops back to Korea, he dared not mention it anymore. As soon as Hong Chengchou came back, he reached an agreement with Lu Shanji and Mao Yunlong, and took out the imperial seal as an envoy of the Ming Dynasty, asking the King of Korea, Yi Jong, to clean up the so-called peace faction:
"Since ancient times, has there ever been a country that would kneel down and ask for peace before the enemy arrives?"

"Your Highness, have you forgotten the Dingmao chaos that happened two years ago?"

Li Zong was frightened by Ding Mao's chaos, so he kept the peace faction in the country.

Now being questioned by Hong Chengchou, he said with a bitter face:
"It is precisely because of Ding Mao's chaos that I have no choice but to make this plan."

"If the Jianlu invade the south again and the Ming Dynasty does not send troops to rescue them." "Korea will have to suffer war once again, and I will not be able to bear it!"

This left Hong Chengchou speechless, because the Ming Dynasty was indeed responsible last time.

Mao Wenlong's performance was poor and Yuan Chonghuan only sent paper troops, which made Korea lose some confidence in the Ming Dynasty.

He could only try his best to save the situation now, saying:

"Before Hong returned, he had received an order from the court."

"The Emperor has sent out his personal guards to rescue Korea."

"I wonder if this news shows the determination of the Ming Dynasty?"

Li Jong was shocked when he heard the news.

Because he never thought that the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty would actually send out his personal guards.

This made him burst into tears, and he said with some fear:

"How could I be so worthy of Your Majesty's concern?"

"Everything is just as Mr. Hong said. Remove the ministers who advocate peace."

He never dared to disobey Hong Chengchou's request again.

It wasn't that he was too touched by the Ming Emperor sending his personal guards, but he was more worried that if he didn't obey, he would probably be deposed.

But Gwanghaegun is still on Jeju Island, being "guarded" by Ming officials and soldiers!

If he continues to disobey, Gwanghaegun may be restored to the throne at any time.

After hearing his statement, Hong Chengchou finally felt satisfied.

The court appointed him to coordinate the Korean War, so of course he had to gain power in Korea first.

In order to legally control the various powers of Korea instead of being secretly resisted by the Korean monarch and his ministers, he suggested to Yi Jong:

"After the current emperor ascended the throne, he established a martial law system."

"In the event of war, martial law can be declared and all powers can be seized to quell the unrest as quickly as possible."

"Hong believes that North Korea should also have a martial law system, with His Highness appointing someone to hold all power."

Li Jong knew very well who this candidate was.

He was unwilling to completely hand over power in North Korea, saying:

"Since the emperor holds all the power in the upper country, if North Korea is under martial law, the power should also be held by Gu Du."

"Besides, there is no war in North Korea right now, so there is no need to declare martial law."

Hong Chengchou laughed and said:
"If Your Highness can take responsibility, there is no need to delegate anyone else."

"I just don't know if Your Highness would like to go to Ganghwa Island if the Jianlu invades."

When Li Jong heard this, his face turned red.

But he really didn't dare to say that he would not go to Ganghwa Island.

Once the Jianlu attacked, it would be too dangerous to stay in Seoul, and hiding in Ganghwa Island would be his best way out.

So during the period of martial law in North Korea, he could only delegate power to others.

Looking at all the officials in North Korea today, is there anyone who can grasp this power?
He thought about it carefully and found that Jin Ruo, Li Gui, Jin Sangxian, Jin Zidian and others were not able to shoulder this heavy responsibility.

And even if they could afford it, he wouldn't dare to give up power.

After all these, he still trusted Hong Chengchou, the Ming envoy, the most.

Even though Hong Chengchou seized power in Korea during the martial law, he did not dare to easily murder himself, the king who was enthroned by the Ming Dynasty.

Even with just an imperial edict from the Ming Emperor, he would have to give up his power.

Even if he didn't, he could rely on his status as the King of Korea to prevent Korean officials from obeying Hong Chengchou after the martial law ended, and slowly take back power in Korea.

With this in mind, Li Zong was inclined to cede power to Hong Chengchou in the event of an invasion by the Jianlu.

But now that the Jianlu have not arrived yet, he certainly will not declare martial law.

Hong Chengchou did not push Li Jong too hard and did not ask him to declare martial law in the entire Korea immediately. He suggested to Li Jong that he should first declare martial law in the area north of Taedong River and Wonsan and enter a state of war. He would personally go to Pyongyang to command the war.

He also asked Li Zong to reward the Korean soldiers who went to fight on the North Sea Island and allow him to recruit soldiers.

This will allow North Korea to adapt so that it can declare nationwide martial law in the future.

When Li Zong heard that Hong Chengchou was going north to command the war, he trusted him even more. If Hong Chengchou could stop the Jianlu, he would not have to flee to Ganghwa Island.

So he took the advice and appointed Hong Chengchou as the commander-in-chief to guard the northern border, command the troops north of the Taedong River, and declared martial law.

After Hong Chengchou arrived in Pyongyang, he used the power brought by martial law to issue many orders.

The most important of these was to allow Korean gentry to organize their own volunteer armies, and those who had made contributions would be granted official positions or even titles.

This caused a lot of response in northern Korea, especially in Pyongyang, which was looted for three days by Amin during the Dingmao Rebellion. Many young Korean men who harbored deep hatred for the Jianlu joined the volunteer army, hoping to avenge them under the leadership of the Ming Dynasty soldiers.

Zheng Fengshou, Zheng Zhongxin, Lin Qingye, Cui Xiaoyi, Che Liliang, An Kezhen, Jin Liqi, Jin Junde, Lin Baobian and other heroes during the Dingmao Rebellion successively formed volunteer armies.

Hong Chengchou granted them official positions one by one and arranged for them to go to Dongjiang to participate in the war.

The Dongjiang military and civilians also welcomed them very much. No matter how capable these people were in combat, they could at least do logistics.

Especially since the Jianlu could launch an attack at any time, they needed to rush to harvest food during the autumn harvest. The soldiers they brought could help Dongjiangling harvest.

But in any case, the autumn harvest will take some time, which requires an army to stop the Jianlu when Amin attacks.

The Korean soldiers were obviously not capable of such a heavy task. The last time Amin attacked Korea, it took only thirteen days to reach Pyongyang. Not to mention that Hong Chengchou had no confidence in them, they themselves felt that they could not bear such a heavy task.

This made Hong Chengchou focus on another troop, which was the Fourth Brigade of Dongjiang Town stationed in Pi Island.

After Mao Wenlong transferred soldiers loyal to him to develop the Dongjiang territory, the Fourth Brigade was severely damaged.

But no matter what, there was a foundation. With the help of Sun Guozhen, the governor of Denglai and Shandong, the brigade commander Yang Yufan quickly recruited soldiers from Shandong to supplement his Fourth Brigade.

At Hong Chengchou's order, Yang Yufan was transferred from Pidao to Xuanchuan, responsible for guarding the Xuanchuan area.

The entire northern part of Korea began intensive preparations for war.

For a time, the northern part of Korea was shrouded in war clouds, and everyone felt the atmosphere of impending war.

During the Dingmao Rebellion, Koreans who were robbed and even had their family members killed also joined the volunteer army with hatred.

Some of the outstanding soldiers who were good at archery and shooting were recruited by Hong Chengchou and mixed with the 3,000 Korean soldiers, increasing the number of troops under his direct control. (End of this chapter)