Chapter 10: Swiftly Approaching Ningyuan
Prepare. After Tang Feng shouted, he first ignited the fuse. The forty-seven people behind him also followed suit and lit their fuses. "Aim, fire!" Tang Feng called out. Immediately, the sound of gunfire erupted, bang bang bang bang, as clouds of white smoke rose. The cavalry of the Later Jin, caught off guard, saw the first few dozen riders on horseback fall to the ground, struck by bullets. The cavalry following closely behind were momentarily stunned by the sight, involuntarily slowing their horses. Tang Feng was waiting for this opportunity.
After equipping each of the forty-seven subordinates of Tang Feng with a firearm and a grenade, Tang Feng felt that the combat effectiveness of his team had immediately increased. Although the firearms of the Ming Dynasty are relatively rudimentary, as a special forces soldier, he is well-versed in the construction of various weapons. At that time, it would not be difficult to make improvements based on this foundation
Tang Feng hurriedly turned back the horse's head, carefully observing the renowned commander Yuan Chonghuan atop the city wall. There stood Yuan Chonghuan, with a refined appearance, a streak of black beard beneath his forehead, wearing a folded hat on his head and dressed in a crimson official robe typical of civil officials. He resembled a scholar rather than the rough demeanor of a military leader.
Forty-seven individuals closely followed behind Tang Feng's horse. As they faced the cavalry of the Later Jin, both sides could clearly see each other's faces. The cavalry of the Later Jin let out a series of howls, brandishing their sabers, eager to strike down their opponents from their horses
At this moment, Tang Feng had somewhat guessed that the military resources in Ningyuan City were not very sufficient, and the defensive equipment was not particularly advanced. Yuan Chonghuan and Zu Dale clearly came to defend this isolated city with a mindset of certain death. In fact, if Yuan Chonghuan and Sun Chengzong's original plans had been followed, solid fortifications would have already been established around Ningyuan City, forming the first line of defense. However, due to the discord between the high officials in the court and Sun Chengzong, who feared the Eight Banners troops of Nurhaci like wolves, they withdrew defenses and abandoned territories, issuing orders to completely withdraw the garrison troops from Jinzhou, Youtun, Dalinghe, and other cities in the Ningyuan area. All equipment, artillery, grain, ammunition, and military personnel were completely withdrawn into the pass. According to his reasoning and the principles of military strategy, this was a strategy of fortifying walls and clearing the fields, denying the enemy even a grain of food or a weapon. However, this resulted in the complete loss of the vast and beautiful lands outside the pass, extending four hundred miles, falling entirely into the hands of Nurhaci's Eight Banners troops.
Forty-seven horses rushed through the city gate of the Wengcheng, with everyone shouting and their eyes blazing, fixated on the Eight Banners cavalry ahead. Zuda Le had not yet reacted, but Tang Feng had already charged out. Zuda Le could not help but nod and softly sighed, "To sacrifice oneself for righteousness, with generals like this in our Ming Dynasty, how can we fear foreign invaders? Men, hold this gate for me. Anyone who dares to abandon the gate and flee, or to close the city gate without permission, shall be executed without mercy. When General Tang returns, that is when we can close this gate. Do you all understand? Men, hold this gate for me. Anyone who dares to abandon the gate and flee, or to close the city gate without permission, shall be executed without mercy. When General Tang returns, that is when we can close this gate. Do you all understand? You little rascals?" After speaking, Zuda Le's fierce gaze swept over the three hundred musketeers present, and everyone nodded in agreement, none daring to oppose this decree.
The Ningyuan Xingcheng, where Yuan Chonghuan was stationed, was also ordered to be abandoned. However, Yuan Chonghuan argued his case vigorously, willing to die to defend this city. At that moment, Tang Feng arrived outside the city. Yuan Chonghuan deeply admired Tang Feng as a talented general and did not want him to perish alongside himself. He hoped that Tang Feng could serve the Ming Dynasty in the future, repel Nurhaci, and reclaim the lost territories. Therefore, he did not allow Tang Feng to enter the city, instead instructing him to lead the villagers to detour. This was also to leave behind a glimmer of hope.
As they approached the base of Ningyuan Xincheng, they saw a general clad in bronze helmet and armor on the city wall, waving his hand towards them repeatedly, clearly indicating a sense of urgency.
However, Tang Feng was well aware that the outcome of this battle would end in Nurhaci's defeat. Naturally, he was unwilling to retreat. He raised his head and shouted loudly at General Zu Daler on the city wall, "General Zu, have you not heard that when a nation is on the brink of collapse, every individual has a responsibility? One should don heavy armor and charge into battle, personally slaying the enemy leader, thus demonstrating the might of our Han people. How can one be greedy for life and fear death, abandoning their fellow villagers and elders for the sake of their own survival? How can one call themselves a person?" After saying this, he extended his hand, drew the dagger from his side, and lightly cut his palm, causing blood to flow immediately.
"Tang Feng, this is the firearm that the supervisor has instructed me to deliver to you. Are you able to use it?" After saying this, Zu Dale leaned forward from his horse and handed a firearm to Tang Feng.
"The young hero outside the city, do not come down any further. Quickly take your villagers and distance yourselves from this city, so as to avoid the calamity of the city gates catching fire and harming innocent bystanders." Zu Dale shouted while continuously gesturing to Tang Feng. His actions were indeed well-intentioned, as he could not bear to see Tang Feng trapped in this small city when it ultimately faced destruction. Therefore, he earnestly persuaded Tang Feng to leave this place.
Tang Feng took the Ming dynasty firearm and examined it carefully in his hands. He couldn't help but smile lightly and said to General Zu Dale, "Hehe, I have some knowledge about firearms. By the way, General Zu, do you have any Thunderbolts with you? If so, please give me a few dozen. Today, I want the cavalry of the Later Jin to understand the power of our Ming dynasty firearms and grenades." After saying this, Tang Feng took out the gunpowder and bullets that General Zu Dale had handed over, loaded the firearm, and prepared the slow match, as this type of firearm was not yet fired by flint.
"Come here, notify Grand General Zu Dale in the city below, instruct him to swiftly lead troops to support Tang Feng, and allocate some thunder and fire weapons to Tang Feng as well. Do not hesitate; if Tang Feng falls, it would be akin to the Ming Dynasty losing tens of thousands of troops. Alas, to have a capable general is worth more than a hundred thousand valiant soldiers." Yuan Chonghuan knew that this action was merely fulfilling his duty; whether he could rely on the ten thousand Ming troops in his command to defend Ningyuan and Xingcheng, he had no confidence in his heart. He could only lean against the parapet, watching helplessly as Tang Feng led the troops stationed at the entrance of Wengcheng.
Cavalry, only with the speed of the horse can one leverage that speed to slay the opponent. Tang Feng drew his sabre and, without a word, charged towards the enemy cavalry. The sabre in his hand was raised high in the air, then, like a flash of lightning, it descended swiftly. In mid-air, a spray of fresh blood burst forth, scattering like brilliant morning glow, so dazzling, so maddening
Tang Feng raised his hand to show General Zu Daler on the city wall. "General Zu, please take a look. I, Tang Feng, am willing to swear a blood oath, vowing to live and die together with Ningyuan City. If I break this oath, I shall not die a good death. If you do not allow us to enter the city, I, Tang Feng, am willing to lead these villagers to guard the front of the city, serving as the vanguard and a *map* to engage in a bloody battle with Nurhaci once. " After saying this, Tang Feng was about to turn his horse's head.
Ningyuan City is divided into the outer city, known as the Weng City, and the main city. At this moment, the villagers have just entered the Weng City and are lining up to enter the main city. Just then, a resounding sound of a horn echoed from afar, followed by a cloud of dust rising in the distance, accompanied by the rhythmic and crisp sound of horse hooves, which was incessant.
General Tang, you should hurry into the city. How can you alone fend off the Eight Banners cavalry? Come into the city, and we can discuss our plans in detail. Yuan Chonghuan truly valued Tang Feng as a rare talent and could not bear to see him fall in the chaos of battle, which is why he summoned him.
Yuan Chonghuan and Zu Dale were both on the city wall, staring wide-eyed into the distance, gazing at the formidable cavalry of the Later Jin approaching with great momentum. They couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotion. "Alas, if only our Ming Dynasty had such valiant cavalry, how could Nurhaci dare to invade our territory?" Zu Dale inadvertently expressed his true thoughts, and no one voiced any disagreement. At that moment, all the officers were leaning over the parapet, watching the cavalry below, which was gradually approaching Ningyuan Xingcheng.
Upon seeing it from the city gate tower, Yuan Chonghuan was immediately taken aback, his face showing great shock. From his perspective, Tang Feng's actions were tantamount to suicide. However, he also understood that Tang Feng could not bear to let his fellow villagers fall into the calamity of war. The cavalry of the Later Jin was renowned for its invincibility, and no one dared to confront them on the plains. As for the army of the Ming Dynasty, they could only rely on the sharpness of their firearms to barely defend the remnants of the city.
The general standing behind Yuan Chonghuan clasped his fists and said, "I earnestly request the commander to retract the order, swiftly close the gates of Ningyuan, and cease the entry of civilians into the city, so as to prevent any loss at the gates and avoid the potential loss of Ningyuan. Should this happen, the commander would be held accountable by the court."
Upon hearing that they could indeed enter Ningyuan City, the villagers behind surged forward like a tide. Tang Feng, fearing that the villagers might trample over each other and cause unnecessary casualties, hurriedly instructed Erlaizi and others to coordinate the group, arranging them into two lines to begin entering the city
"Is it the Supervisor Yuan Chonghuan at the city gate? Since the Supervisor has extended an invitation, then Tang Feng shall enter the city at once." After finishing his conversation with the librarian, Tang Feng, concerned about the potential advance of the Later Jin forces, hastily instructed his men to urge the villagers to hurry to the front of Ningyuan City Gate, so that they could enter the city as soon as the gate opened
When Zuda Le and his group arrived at the city gate of Wengcheng, the villagers from Fujia Village had only entered halfway into the city. Tang Feng occasionally turned his head to glance at those villagers, feeling quite anxious. Looking again, he saw the Eight Banners Iron Cavalry almost right in front of him, which made his heart tighten a bit.
Secondly, when the time comes, upon my command to fire, we will first discharge a volley of muskets. Taking advantage of the enemy's confusion, we will charge at them with our sabers. After that, we will return to the city of Weng. However, it is crucial to remember that if the enemy pursues too closely, we must throw hand grenades. Do not throw them all at once. I estimate that if we throw them three times, we will soon reach the gates of Weng City. After giving these instructions, Tang Feng took the lead and charged straight out.
Tang Feng recognized him at a glance; it was indeed Zu Dale, who had come to assist during the incident in Fu Family Village. However, he was a bit too far away to hear clearly what Zu Dale was shouting from the city wall. Tang Feng decided to spur his horse and gallop down towards the city.
Tang Feng hurriedly jumped off his horse, blocked his path, and smiled as he said, "It’s no trouble at all; it was my oversight that caused you to make a wasted trip. Since he is not coming, let us go to him instead. I am quite curious to see what the real Nurhaci looks like. Issue a command to proceed swiftly to Ningyuan Xingcheng." After finishing his words, Tang Feng leaped back onto his horse, urging the villagers to quicken their pace.
"Young Brother Tang in the city, please wait a moment and listen to my words, Yuan Chonghuan. I agree to let you lead the villagers into the city, and together with our officers, we shall share life and death in this city. How does that sound?" As he spoke, a middle-aged man dressed in civil official attire appeared on the city wall, anxiously waiting for Tang Feng's response.
Zu Dale stared in astonishment at Tang Feng, who was so adept at loading gunpowder and projectiles that he was at a loss for words. Even a well-trained Ming army artilleryman would likely not be able to do it this quickly.
Gazing at the Jin cavalry, which was merely a single arrow's distance away from Ningyuan Wengcheng, Tang Feng's expression suddenly changed. He turned to General Zu Dalei, who was not far behind, and said, "General Zu, I have a request to make. After I lead our men out to fight, please close this gate immediately and do not allow the Jin cavalry to breach the city." After finishing his words, Tang Feng shouted to the forty-seven men behind him, leading the charge out of Wengcheng.
"General Tang, could it be that you have seen this object before? Moreover, General Tang refers to this object as a firearm; this name is indeed fitting, much more straightforward than the term 'firearm.' From now on, let us call it a firearm." After Zuo Dale finished speaking, he noticed that the forty-seven men under Tang Feng were all staring eagerly at the firearm in Tang Feng's hand. He couldn't help but smile and turned to the gunners behind him, commanding, "You rascals, if you let good things sit in your hands, it would be a waste. Each of you, contribute a short firearm and three grenades to the brothers of General Tang in front. Hurry up!" After Zuo Dale finished speaking, he smiled at Tang Feng.
Kill. Forty-seven individuals, as if they were forty-seven lone wolves, fiercely charged into the midst of the rear Jin cavalry, wielding their sabers, which danced up and down incessantly. One by one, the cavalry of the rear Jin, caught off guard, were struck down from their horses.
The court, alas, in the eyes of the court, I, Yuan Chonghuan, am already a person awaiting punishment. Zu Dashou, can you see that those beneath the city are all subjects of our Ming Dynasty? Since I, Yuan Chonghuan, have promised that young general's request, I cannot go back on my word. You may withdraw for now and quickly take people to patrol each city gate to prevent any spies from taking advantage of this opportunity to conspire and breach the city. Zu Dale, you should also descend to the city, gather three hundred gunmen, and position them on either side of the city gate to prevent the Jin soldiers from infiltrating the city. After Yuan Chonghuan finished speaking, he leaned against the parapet, his eyes wide open, gazing at Tang Feng, who was stationed at the city gate of the moat. He saw that Tang Feng's saber was lowered to the ground, as he coldly scrutinized the direction from which the Eight Banners cavalry was approaching.
Tang Feng turned back to glance at the city, then looked down at the villagers streaming into the city, while also casting a sharp gaze at the Eight Banners cavalry not far away. He made a decision and called out loudly to Yuan Chonghuan on the city wall, "Please, Commander, treat the villagers of Fu Family Village kindly. I, Tang Feng, am willing to lead the charge for you." After finishing his sentence, Tang Feng whistled to the forty-seven elite team members behind him and rode his horse towards the gate of Wengcheng.