Add Bookmark | Recommend this book | Back to the book page | My bookshelf | Mobile Reading

Free Web Novel,Novel online - All in oicq.net -> Historic -> Great Ming Wufu

Volume 1 Chapter 1686 It is a decisive battle for the shogunate

Previous page        Return to Catalog        Next page

    After listening to the conditions put forward by the envoy sent by the Han Dynasty envoy, the shogunate Ii Naotaka sent the envoy away politely.  He neither agreed nor spoke against the requirements and conditions put forward by the big man.  And just after the envoy of the Han Dynasty left, the preparations for the retreat of the army under Naotaka Ii suddenly slowed down. Naotaka Ii claimed that the Han invaders were now eyeing them, and they were ready to pursue the entire army, so now  We must not retreat rashly, but proceed with caution.  Although some generals were very anxious, and the envoys sent by the shogunate Tokugawa Iemitsu were urging them every day, most people still obeyed Naotaka Ii's order and chose to proceed with caution. At first, everyone was a little afraid of retreating.  On the way, they were chased by Han invaders, causing the tragic situation of the collapse of the entire army. Secondly, Naotaka Ii was the boss of the shogunate, and few people dared to disobey his orders.  As time went by, a small group of people who were anxious to return to Edo finally couldn't bear it anymore. They secretly conspired to forcibly join forces with Ii Naotaka, and through the authority of the shogunate's envoy, at least they themselves  His troops were taken away first to support Edo.  But after Ii Naotaka found out, he immediately asked his followers to suppress these people with thunderous means, and even killed one or two of the ringleaders, forcibly suppressing the commotion in the army.  Then, he imprisoned the envoy sent by the shogun.  By this time, his generals had already realized that something was wrong with the situation, but they were frightened by Ii Naotaka's tough tactics and were at a loss what to do, and they did not dare to connect in private. At this time, Ii Naotaka began to order the army to move out, and he  He changed his previous plan and declared that he should do his best to support the shogunate, so he even took away the planned rear guard.  After Ii Naotaka's entire army marched towards Edo, the Han army on the opposite side immediately followed behind, keeping a distance and began to pursue. It was precisely because of the Han army following behind that Ii Naotaka's army moved very slowly.  , often have to stop and go, to guard against possible sneak attacks by the Han army.  In the stop-and-go pursuit on both sides, time was wasted little by little.  Obviously, Ii Naotaka had acquiesced to the conditions proposed to him by the Han envoy. In order to preserve the last flesh and blood of the Tokugawa family, he would rather accept the dissolution of the Edo shogunate than suffer infamy - in his view, the shogunate is now almost surrounded on all sides.  Under such circumstances, it is considered lucky to be able to preserve the blood heirs of the Tokugawa family and maintain the old territory of the Tokugawa family.  ??And for the future survival of the Tokugawa family, his army is crucial, so he is unwilling to risk his own army to fight the Han Dynasty.  He was not willing to openly raise a flag of rebellion and make himself a sinner of the Tokugawa family, so the only choice he had was to delay time so that Tokugawa Iemitsu, who was far away in Edo, could not get help from his own army.  Facing the front of the Han's landing army alone.  What he expected was that before he returned, Tokugawa Iemitsu could no longer bear the pressure brought by the Han army and chose to kill himself, making a decision that was consistent with his status as the head of the Tokugawa family and the shogunate, which would be good for everyone.  .  "Abandoning one Tokugawa Iemitsu and preserving the entire Tokugawa family is not an impossible choice for Ii Naotaka.  Judging from the Han army's usual vigorous and resolute behavior, Ii Naotaka expected that time to be not far away.  And just as Ii Naotaka expected, at this time, Zhao Song, the commander-in-chief of the Japanese army, was advancing towards Edo with his army.  Since occupying Kamakura, Zhao Song and his men have been raiding around Kamakura, and have repeatedly defeated the armies that came from various places to rescue the shogunate, almost cutting off the connection between Edo and the West.  After a round of sweeps, no shogunate troops dared to approach Kamakura. At least in the short term, no one would be able to rescue Edo.  After sweeping away Kamakura, they embarked on the journey to Edo.  In recent days, the weather in Kanto has not been very good. It has been gloomy all day long, and today is no exception.  The sun was deeply hidden by the clouds, and the color of the sky changed from its previous blue color to a color like water soaked in a dirty rag.  The main road from Kamakura to Edo was originally a densely populated place, full of residents and business travelers, bringing a considerable amount of food and supplies to the large number of Edo residents. However, now there are no pedestrians on the road, only  Zhao Song and his men were captured.  His army, numbering in the thousands, was very neatly arranged, bringing a touch of bright color to the gloomy weather.  They were all silent, looking ahead, even hearing the footsteps.Everything is neat and tidy.  The weapons in their hands moved forward along with the flags fluttering in the wind, and they lined up at a distance from other soldiers in the unit.  These soldiers are elite soldiers who have undergone the most rigorous training and years of combat. They can change from a marching state to a fighting formation in an extremely fast time, and then deliver a fatal blow to the enemy.  And right next to them, the even rhythmic clatter of horse hooves can be heard everywhere. These cavalrymen wearing red cavalry uniforms, some also wearing armor, ride on tall and straight horses, some of them are wearing  The dazzling medal looks murderous and extraordinary.  Although the number of this cavalry was not large, when they walked slowly forward in rows, they still gave people a frightening sense of oppression.  These cavalry were transported from Kyushu, and they were also the last batch of Han troops to be transported. Because horses were more delicate, Zhao Song specially asked the cavalry to stay in Yokosuka first, and waited until he was ready to march to Edo before letting the cavalry come up and fight with them.  He reunited and marched eastward together.  And in the gap between the infantry and the cavalry, cannons were mounted on the artillery carts, and then moved forward with the army under the pull of the packhorses and artillerymen. Each door was polished to a shiny bronze color.  The cannon was vibrating on the gun mount, and the sound of the gun mount parts and brackets vibrating against each other could be vaguely heard. People nearby seemed to be able to smell the smell of gunpowder spreading everywhere.  These cannons are the field artillery that the Han Army is proud of. They are powerful and easy to mobilize and carry for the army. Therefore, they are the field weapons of the Han Army.  Although there were only a few thousand of his men, when the infantry, cavalry and artillery units gathered together and marched forward like this, they were quite powerful.  In the center of the queue, Zhao Song rode forward with his counselors and bodyguards. He looked very serious, looking left and right, always paying attention to the marching status of each army and the surrounding terrain.  Although he was the commander of the Liaodong Army before, the army he commanded now came from complex sources and had various military types, so he couldn't help but not take it seriously.  "Commander Zhao, it has been raining in recent days, which has had a great impact on our army. It seems that it is going to rain again today." His chief counselor Yan Guang also followed him on horseback, "Right now our army  We are getting closer to Edo, and we have to take precautions against climate factors. "Although it is summer, it has been rainy all the time. Although this kind of weather is very comfortable for marching, it is not suitable for people who are used to it.  This is bad news for the Han army that has always used muskets and artillery, because if it rains, their artillery fire will be severely weakened, which will become an opportunity for the enemy - and the closer to Edo,  The greater the possibility that they will engage in battle with the enemy, and there is no room for negligence.  "We really have to guard against this." Zhao Song nodded solemnly, "But it is summer after all, and it can't rain every day in Japan, right? Maybe it will clear up when we arrive at Edo Castle."  "What Marshal Zhao said makes sense, but everything is possible, and we should be more careful." Yan Guang nodded, "In short, we cannot let the enemy take the initiative, but let us suppress the enemy."  Army, so they have to follow our pace." Zhao Song knew that there was something wrong in the other party's words, so he did not answer, but just looked at the other party, waiting for his next words.  "Edo is a big city with a huge number of residents and troops gathered in it. Although they are located on the plains and there are no dangerous points to defend, our army only has a few thousand people. If we directly attack its city, we will definitely suffer heavy casualties.  , and street fighting with the defenders will not be able to take advantage of our army's artillery fire and combat power," Yan Guang said to Zhao Song in a low voice.  "Didn't we consider this before?" Zhao Song looked at each other strangely, "That's why we turned north to cut off their Tama River and Tone River water sources" Edo is a big city, and it is  It was the centerpiece of the Tokugawa shogunate, so ever since the war between the two countries began, the shogunate had been concentrating troops on Edo. In addition, there were many huge buildings in the city, so the Han army did not intend to attack directly.  Therefore, under the advice of Yan Guang and other council officers, Zhao Song decided to send the army northward along the inland, and then find the river that flows into Edo, and then cut off the transportation on the river and threaten the water source of Edo. In this way,  The shogunate was forced to fight in the field with the Han army.  Since there are many residents and troops in Edo, there is a great demand for water sources, and the main water sources of Edo City are the Tama River and Tone River. As long as these two water sources are threatened, it is equivalent to blocking the throat of Edo City, and the shogunate  You will be in a very difficult situation.  What is even worse is that Edo City also relies heavily on water transportation for food and other material supplies. If the water transportation on the river is alsoIf it is cut off, the shogunate will be even more unable to bear the cost. Therefore, in the eyes of these counselors and Zhao Song himself, as long as they march according to this plan, the Tokugawa shogunate will have to bite the bullet and go out of the city to fight the Han Dynasty.  "Once there is a problem with the Tama River and Tone River, Edo's water source cannot be guaranteed. This is definitely a certainty." Yan Guang did not deny his previous plan, "However these rivers are all inland. If they are to be implemented  We must be extremely careful with this plan." Zhao Song finally understood what Yan Guang meant.  Indeed, if this plan is to be implemented, it will be tantamount to sending all this army deep into the interior or even behind Edo. Not to mention the long marching distance, the supply of materials and logistical support will be very troublesome.  In addition, the current weather has always been unfavorable to the Han army, so although he is very confident in his men, he dare not guarantee that it will be foolproof.  If you look at it from a prudent point of view, it is indeed worth pondering.  "What do you mean, postpone the attack?" Zhao Song asked.  Then he shook his head again, "No, there is no need to postpone the attack. Now our army is deep into the enemy's territory, and the advance is afraid of being unhappy. How can we delay time? Besides our army does not have more reinforcements in the rear, even if it is time-consuming,  The shogunate is in danger now, and we cannot give them a chance to breathe. " "If Zhao Shuai thinks that the advance should not be postponed, then at least please prepare some foolproof strategies." Yan Guang did not refute Zhao Song's will.  The current supply in the rear is entirely maintained by the navy. We have always been mobile in coastal areas, so supply is not difficult, but if we go deep into the interior I am afraid it will be difficult. " "No matter how difficult it is, we have to do this!"  Song reined in the horse's head and said decisively.  "The people of the navy and our army are originally one family, and now that I am the commander, they must obey my orders. No matter what, our army's current supply must be foolproof, even if they let their sailors land and give us guns.  "Keep your retreat and maintain our army's rear!" "What you want is what you say!" After Zhao Song made such a strong statement, Yan Guang was obviously very happy.  Then, taking advantage of his interest, he took out the map of Japan directly from his arms, and then leaned his horse next to Zhao Song, "Why don't we work together to occupy the Kanagawa area near Yokohama, and then let the navy dock and help  We guard these ports. Only in this way can our army sit back and relax!" Then, he frowned slightly, as if he was complaining, "Shuai Zhao was too laissez-faire to those navy people before, what nonsense warships harassed,  It's a complete waste of manpower and shells. They are just scratching the surface and can't even knock off a few hairs on the shogunate. What's the use? They might as well come to the shore and help us. " Zhao Song.  Finally fully understood what the other party meant.  It seems that this counselor of the Military Council really has a strong attachment to the Navy.  But he also knew that Yan Guang¡¯s worries were indeed justified and were not entirely selfish.  Although he has always paid attention to maintaining relationships with his naval colleagues, everything should now be centered on winning the shogunate. At this most critical juncture, it is not an exaggeration to even temporarily change the military plan.  "Okay, what you said makes sense, I'll give the order here." After thinking for a moment, he adopted the council officer's suggestion, and then issued the order, "The navy will cease all other operations from tomorrow and gather in Yokohama.  Go and fully support the rear of our army. There will never be any shirk. If there is disobedience or failure to comply with military orders, military law will be engaged." The commander-in-chief of the navy is Cai De. In terms of his qualifications in the military, he is no better than Zhao  Song low, in terms of title, because he is one of the founders of the navy, even higher than Zhao Song, so in order to order him to be moved, Zhao Song must show the courage of the commander of the Japanese army to use the opponent forcefully, even if it will provoke the opponent  He couldn't care less about the disgust in his heart.  The heralds who had been ordered by Zhao Song immediately rode back to the original road, preparing to rush back to Yokosuka as soon as possible. However, the departure of these heralds did not have any visible impact on the rushing red torrent. They were under the gloomy sky.  , and continued to drive toward the Edo Castle in a mighty manner.  And of course the people in Edo City feel the pressure brought about by this red torrent the most.  Almost on the same day that the Han army advanced towards Edo, Tokugawa Iemitsu received the news and fell into new panic.  After the Han army landed in Yokosuka, Tokugawa Iemitsu frantically searched for troops from all over to rescue Edo. Some troops followed the order and came, while others were defeated by the Han army's offensive in Kamakura and could not  Rescue Edo, ?If the reinforcements he longed for were far less numerous than he had expected.  What is even more worrying is that although the army led by the elder Ii Naotaka, although he sent envoys several times to urge them to return to Edo, there has been no movement, and there is no way to immediately support Edo, which is in danger.  In this embarrassing state, when he heard that the Han army began to march towards Edo, Tokugawa Iemitsu's already very unstable mood became even more confusing.  That night, he summoned all the important officials of the shogunate to him, and then explained the current serious situation to them.  "Now that the Han invaders have come to Edo, we have no choice but to fight to the death with the Han invaders under Edo Castle. Only in this way can we live up to our reputation as samurai and live up to the spirit of the God King in heaven." He first told the important officials of the shogunate.  In the current grim situation, "As long as we can hold on, Ii Naotaka will lead the army back and forth to aid Edo and repel the Han invaders, so no one is allowed to flinch at all!" The important ministers may be excited and excited.  As promised, no one showed any signs of retreating, and they all expressed their intention to fight the Han invaders to the end.  "Sir, based on the information we have received so far, it seems that the Han invaders want to cut off Edo's water source and water transportation. We must not let their evil plan succeed." Lao Zhongbi Doi Toshikatsu said, "Otherwise, the consequences will be really worrying. Jiang  With such a military and civilian household, if there is a problem with the water source and there is no food transportation we may be in trouble without a fight." When he said this, the originally exciting atmosphere in the palace suddenly suffered a heavy setback, and everyone could think of the Han Dynasty.  The consequences of Kou's success can't help but be a little horrifying.  "That's just right. If they want to go deep into our territory, they will no longer have the help of warships We will fight them decisively!" Tokugawa Iemitsu suddenly stood up, with a rare rosy look on his face, "This  This time I will personally lead the troops and fight against the Han invaders with you!"
Didn't finish reading? Add this book to your favoritesI'm a member and bookmarked this chapterCopy the address of this book and recommend it to your friends for pointsChapter error? Click here to report