Chapter 6, Preparing for the Enemy

Is there a reconnaissance patrol deployed?

Wang Hui lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then spoke: "On ordinary days, there are instructors who teach the use of firearms in military training. There are more who are proficient in cannons and flintlock guns, while those skilled in bird guns are relatively few, numbering only around three to five hundred."

Since ancient times, it has always been the case that as long as there are cities, the Han people can survive and establish control over the region, thriving and multiplying. If foreign ethnic groups wish to completely expel the Han people, the only way is to burn down the cities, much like the case of Yongle City during the Northern Song Dynasty

Wang Hui exclaimed, "Does the general have a thorough understanding of firearms tactics?"

Zhao Hu cupped his fists and accepted the order: "This subordinate will obey the command!"

Xiao Ruxun then decided to patrol the city wall with Zhao Hu and Chen Xie, to strengthen the defenses, transport more logs, stones, and arrows to the city, and subsequently arrange for the defense of the flintlock guns. He ordered Wang Hui to return to the military camp to manage the affairs of the three hundred gunners, and then to drill the gunners in the camp. In Xiao Ruxun's vision, these three hundred gunners would play a significant role in the upcoming city defense operations

Xiao Ruxun nodded and asked, "How many gun ports are there in the city wall?"

Observing that the four city walls had no apparent vulnerabilities, Xiao Ruxun inquired of Zhao Hu. Zhao Hu nodded and replied, "Three groups of scouts have been dispatched to the north, west, and south to search for enemies. Currently, no scouts have returned, and it is uncertain whether the bandit army will launch another large-scale attack. However, should any scouts return, I will immediately inform the general."

Among the one thousand two hundred bird guns, many are poorly made and unfit for use. During the pre-battle inspection conducted by my subordinates, it was found that only about three to five hundred were usable. The remaining ones, if used, pose a risk of bursting, and are indeed unusable

Zhao Hu and Chen Xie looked on from behind, exchanging glances with each other—such is the general, a master who inspires and motivates the heart

Xiao Ruxun paused for a moment and nodded, saying: "I have gained some insights from my reading on ordinary days"

Xiao Ruxun nodded: "You are right. What I mean is not to primarily rely on firearms as our main weapon, but rather to consider whether we can use the advantages of firearms to defend the city in the upcoming battle. If the enemy comes, they may number in the tens of thousands, and their cavalry should not be many. However, our troops are few and cannot venture out to confront them directly; we must rely on the strength of the city walls. This is precisely the time for the effective use of firearms. Ziheng, are our troops proficient in using firearms?"

Wang Hui seems to have considerable knowledge of firearms, and he spoke up, saying: "However, General, the range of a bird gun is only a hundred paces, and even so, hitting a target from eighty paces relies entirely on fate. At fifty paces, it is extremely difficult to penetrate armor. On the battlefield, the enemy cavalry can arrive in an instant. If we were to engage in open-field combat on the plains, firearms would indeed be unusable"

Pinglu City is indeed a military city, established entirely for military purposes. In the administrative divisions of the Ming court, the area of the Nine Borders is not included; it is under military control and does not have officials such as county magistrates or governors. It relies entirely on military support, with all matters yielding to the demands of war. The city is also designed to serve military needs, featuring numerous defensive facilities, making it quite robust. It is no wonder that it could withstand several months in isolation without assistance.

The height of the main city wall is approximately 12 meters, which is about the height of four stories, and cannot be considered too high. Compared to the city walls of famous historical cities, which often reach dozens of meters, it is naturally not comparable. However, in the northwestern frontier, as long as the number of bandits is not too great, ordinary cavalry have little means against this city. Although the Ming court was diligent and did not designate the three borders of Shaanxi as administrative regions, it effectively controlled the northwest through the construction of fortresses, and the results were quite good. As long as the number of bandits is not too great, ordinary cavalry have little means against this city. Although the Ming court was diligent and did not designate the three borders of Shaanxi as administrative regions, it effectively controlled the northwest through the construction of fortresses, and the results were quite good.

Xiao Ruxun has a favorable view of the defensive capabilities of this city. With the advantage of the flintlock musket, based on past experiences, holding the Pinglu City until reinforcements arrive is not a difficult task. Xiao Ruxun is also a seasoned veteran, rich in combat experience, wielding a large knife with great prowess and strength. Additionally, he found over one hundred horses in an abandoned equestrian club in Chongqing, which has also contributed to his excellent horsemanship. After five years into the apocalypse, gasoline and similar resources have become rare commodities, while horses and cattle have once again become the primary means of power.

"Good," Xiao Ruxun nodded, then with a hint of concern, instructed: "In warfare, deception is key. The enemy army is not a disorganized mob. The Ba family has fought on the battlefield for many years and is exceptionally cunning. If the enemy does not attack with a large force but instead sends a small contingent of cavalry for a swift assault, our army must also be prepared, as even scouts can make mistakes. In summary, from this moment on, the city gates must not be opened for twelve hours a day. The gates on all sides should be filled with stones and logs, and vigilance on the city walls must not be relaxed. Bo Wei, I want you to personally guard this place. You may freely deploy one thousand soldiers from the western and northern cities. If the enemy comes to attack, you can engage them immediately. Moreover, at any time, during the day, no fewer than two hundred soldiers should be stationed on each city wall, and at night, no fewer than one hundred, with no less than five flintlock guns available."

Xiao Ruxun was taken aback upon hearing this, and then slowly nodded with a heavy expression.

Upon hearing this, the three generals exchanged glances, their faces revealing confusion, seemingly shocked by the remarks made by Xiao Ruxun, a former opponent of firearms.

Although one cannot lead an army into battle today, engaging in combat with such a rich array of modern firearms and cold weapons is precisely within Xiao Ruxun's area of expertise. If it were to come to modern warfare, Xiao Ruxun would truly be at a loss.

Wang Hui nodded: "There are many cannon ports on the city wall"

I have pondered carefully that our soldiers, who have grown up on this land, have been primarily farmers for generations. They have cultivated the fields from a young age, and only after joining the army have they had the opportunity to learn the skills of archery and horsemanship. In comparison, the nomads of the grasslands have been raised on horseback since childhood, which gives them a significant advantage. Even when fully trained, our soldiers, after countless years of effort, cannot compete with the nomads. As for infantry archers, perhaps with diligent practice, they may become soldiers in a year, but firearms are different. A single musket can be handled by a farmer, and with just a month of practice, they can become proficient. The resources required to support one cavalryman can sustain five musketeers.

Zhao Hu and Chen Xie clasped their fists together: "General, your considerations are thorough, we are in awe! We shall strictly adhere to your orders!"

Wang Hui was momentarily taken aback, and then respectfully said: "The general has repeatedly warned us that although our dynasty has many types of firearms, most are merely ornamental and not suitable for significant use. As soldiers, what we rely on to expel the Tartars are swords, sabers, bows, and horses; firearms are merely auxiliary and should never be relied upon in battle to the detriment of our fundamentals. Our army rarely depends on the advantages of firearms in combat, and the general has never suggested using bird guns in battle. In the face of urgent circumstances, I did not speak out further, so please forgive me, General"

After inspecting the soldiers' formations and their weapons, I took a soldier's spear to weigh it in my hands and tried out a bow to test its string. I found that both were of excellent quality and well-made. I then patted the soldier on the shoulder and offered a few words of encouragement, which left him unable to contain his excitement. Following this, Xiao Ruxun announced that there would be meat prepared tonight to reward the troops for their previous victories. The military achievements of everyone would also be recorded and distributed once the chaos of war subsided, which brought immense joy to all the soldiers in the city.

Nodding slightly, Xiao Ruxun finally felt at ease

Xiao Ruxun slowly spoke: "I have heard that at the beginning of the founding of the current dynasty, King Mu Ying used the three-stage firing method of firearms in Yunnan to combat the barbarian elephant troops, achieving a great victory. This made me think, a single gunner is naturally insignificant, but if we could gather three thousand skilled gunners, arranged in three, six, or even nine rows, with the front row firing and the back row reloading, alternating in this manner, it might create a continuous barrage of gunfire."

Chen Xie immediately accepted the order: "I shall obey!"

Yuan De, the East City of Nancheng is entrusted to you, and you may freely mobilize 800 soldiers. If the West City or North City requires support, you may deploy troops to assist. Nevertheless, it remains imperative that during the day, no fewer than 200 soldiers are stationed at the city wall, and at night, no fewer than 100. There must be no less than 5 flintlock cannons. I estimate that the enemy forces will likely approach from the west, but given their overwhelming numbers, should they surround the city and attack from all sides, our forces will be in a very passive position.

Furthermore, the two thousand laborers are not accustomed to battle formations. Forcing them to ascend the city walls to fight could lead to significant consequences. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, they should not be mobilized to the city walls; they may only be allowed to transport supplies at the foot of the city. Many residents within the city are relatives of our soldiers, and any substantial casualties would be detrimental to the morale of the troops.

Xiao Ruxun immediately commanded: "Select skilled users of firearms, transport all the artillery and flintlock guns of the two generals to the city walls in preparation for battle, and then select three hundred musketeers to be issued bird guns. I want to personally train them in the camp."

From the sixth year of the Longqing era to the third year of the Wanli era, Deputy General Yuan Shijie and Zhao Chongbi constructed the southern and northern city walls using stone, built a female wall, and added a rear eave on the northern Gushan city wall. After the repairs and renovations were completed, the city walls measured a total length of 3,150 meters and a height of 12 meters. They built three gates: the eastern gate named "Dongzuo," the southern gate named "Nan'e," each with a city tower above, and an outer moat; in the fifteenth year of Wanli, Deputy General Jia Bangzhi and Guo Zenghui constructed an earthen wall and dam gate at the southern pass, with the earthen wall having a total length of 855 meters and a height of 8 meters. They also created a stone moat from the dam gate to the base of the western city wall, measuring 835 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 2 meters in depth. Additionally, they built a water outlet at the southwestern city wall, with a stone archway above, constructed a wall, and built earthen moats below, secured with iron bars.

Upon hearing this, the three generals' doubts were immediately dispelled, and they all nodded in agreement.

Indeed, although our dynasty has many types of firearms, they are by no means the path to victory. If we truly wish to confront the bandits and traitors, we must rely on bows, horses, sabers, and swords. However..." Xiao Ruxun turned to look at the three trusted generals: "What I say may not be easy for you to believe at this moment, but I have always felt that in the future battlefield, the key to victory over the enemy will undoubtedly be firearms.

Xiao Ruxun frowned and said: "Why did you not inform me earlier?"