bayedsolid Chapter 302 Yigu in Action
Chapter 302 Yigu in Action
In the Suiyuan General's Mansion in Kulun, a thin old man in his fifties, dressed in a bright red python robe, sat at the head of the table. This man was none other than Yi Gu, the Manchu military supervisor of Suiyuan, who came from the Bordered Yellow Banner.
Seated at the lower end were four Mongolian princes dressed in python robes, and several lamas dressed in red and yellow robes.
"Your Highnesses, esteemed masters, the current situation is that the rebel army is advancing towards our northern desert in three separate routes."
"The eastern rebel army numbers about 20,000 men. Half a month ago, they defeated the Chechen Khanate's 5,000-strong army. They are now advancing westward along the Kerulen River. The Chechen Khanate is unable to resist and has begun to retreat towards our Kulun."
"The central rebel army, numbering about 20,000, had already persuaded the ten banners of Khorchin to surrender a month ago. They also conscripted 10,000 soldiers and swept through the four eastern leagues with almost no effective resistance. They are also heading west."
"The southern rebel army, numbering over ten thousand, is escorting a large amount of grain and supplies and has already arrived at Tukrik along the Zhangku Road. The purpose of this rebel army is likely to join forces with the central rebel army and then attack Kulun together along the Zhangku Road in coordination with the eastern rebel army."
"I wonder what the three princes and the masters think about this battle?" Yi Gu asked after introducing the military situation.
“We don’t understand warfare! Everything is naturally decided by the general. We are responsible for logistical support and liaising with the Russians,” said an old lama in a bright yellow robe with a smile and a nod.
This man is none other than the Gelugpa Grand Lama, Zhebu Zundanba Hutuktu, Bogdogen. He is currently the religious leader of Kulun and holds a revered position on the grasslands. Historically, he was also the one who planned and led the Mongol princes of Outer Mongolia to declare independence in 1911.
"So what if they're just 50,000 rebels? They still dare to split their forces into three groups. My Tushetu Khanate has already assembled 50,000 troops, and we will definitely cooperate with the general to wipe out the rebels." Senang Yilerji, who was sitting at the head of the table on the left, said with his head held high.
The Tushetu Khanate was also divided into four parts by the Qing court, but Dorji's was the strongest.
The other three princes also nodded in agreement, indicating their intention to send troops to support Yigu.
It wasn't that they wanted to send troops, but that they had no choice. They were aware of the policies of the Chinese imperial court, and in order to protect their throne and privileges, they were willing to go to any lengths.
Although it was also the northern grasslands, the Tushetu Khanate fared much better than other tribes because of the important trading center of Kulun (Ulaanbaatar). Thanks to trade with Tsarist Russia, they lived a much better life.
These princes, ministers, and lamas did not want to lose their territory and wealth. As a nobleman of the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner, Yigu's clan had been purged by the new dynasty. He hated the new dynasty to the core.
The three parties quickly reached an agreement, and immediately launched an independence movement after Shen Lian established a new dynasty.
"Alright! In that case, let's teach these rebels a lesson!" Yi Gu felt much more confident. With the support of these Mongols, he was still confident he could hold his own against the new dynasty's army.
"The rebels seem to be coming on strong, but they do have a weakness: logistics!" Yi Gu himself was a scholar who passed the imperial examinations and later served in the Ministry of War and the Naval Office. He knew a bit about military affairs.
“The grasslands are vast and sparsely populated. The rebels have come from afar, and their biggest weakness is their logistics. I have decided to inform the Chechen Khanate and have them speed up their retreat. We should also have the herders along the way drive their cattle and sheep to remote areas so that the eastern rebels will not receive any supplies,” Yigu said with a sinister smile.
"General, you are wise! In this way, even if the rebels on the eastern route want to advance, as the battle lines become longer and longer, their logistical supply will become increasingly difficult, making it impossible for them to advance quickly," a prince below said loudly.
The others also smiled!
"As for the rebels in the central route, I heard that they have been constantly providing relief to the local herders along the way, which has slowed their pace and makes them no longer a threat!"
"The most important thing is the southern rebel army; they are responsible for escorting the supplies. As long as we deal with this rebel army, the other two routes will collapse without a fight!" Yi Gu stroked his beard and spoke confidently.
"The rebels have made a huge mistake! This rebel force transporting supplies is the smallest in number and is currently the closest to us. With this Ku Road in place, if we march at full speed, we can surround this rebel force in ten days at most."
"Hehe! Once we take down this rebel army and seize their supplies, we can turn around and deal with the two exhausted rebel groups, reclaim the grasslands in one fell swoop, and fight our way back to the Northeast!" Yi Gu said loudly.
"Great! Excellent!" The princes and lamas rubbed their fists together, as if victory was just around the corner.
"There's no time to lose, I plan to go into battle in three days!"
"Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. I will personally lead 10,000 troops into battle this time. I request that the four princes dispatch 20,000 troops to join me!" Yigu said, clasping his hands in a fist salute. His Eight Banners and Green Standard Army troops combined numbered just over 10,000.
"Alright, each of our four divisions will contribute five thousand elite troops to obey the General's command!" The four Mongol princes exchanged glances and then agreed.
"Very well! Thank you, Your Highnesses! After this victory, all the spoils of war will be yours to choose from first." Yi Gu nodded and promised.
"Also, could you please help me contact the Russians? The rebels are using new weapons, and we need more ammunition," Yigu said, turning to Bokdoggen.
"General, please rest assured, this matter is entrusted to me!" Bokdoggen nodded in agreement.
“Master! Are we really going to contribute money and grain to cooperate with the grain donation? No matter who rules the grasslands, the position of our religion will not be shaken! Isn’t this just doing someone else a favor?” A lama said in a low voice as he walked out of the general’s mansion.
“This situation is different! Let them try first!” Bokdoggen’s lips curled into a cold smile.
This man was ambitious and had long been unwilling to remain merely a religious leader. Historically, he also served as emperor for several years.
Outside Kulun City, the army began to assemble. The local barbarian soldiers inside the city also began to requisition grain, wagons, and other logistical supplies, causing chaos within the city.
"Captain, they've started requisitioning provisions and wagons. It seems they're preparing to launch a preemptive strike!" A young man who looked like a shop assistant said to a man dressed as the manager in the backyard of a warehouse.
"That's perfect! If they hold out for Kulun, we'll have to put in a lot more effort!" Gao Da (orphan Little Stone) stroked his beard and smirked.
In the new army, intelligence always came first in warfare. Staying in the capital was certainly comfortable, but it also meant fewer opportunities to earn merit.
Gao Da wanted to earn a title for his son while he was still young!
For this expedition to the grasslands, he volunteered to lead a special team to Kulun to gather intelligence.
Despite the bitter cold, Gao Da led his team to Kulun at the beginning of the year. In the past two months, they have thoroughly investigated Kulun, both inside and out, and transmitted a wealth of intelligence back to the capital.
"Tell the brothers to take action! We must figure out these rebels' plans."
"Yes!"