On the afternoon of the same day when Emperor Hongguang retreated to Chizhou, Zuo Menggeng's land army approached the Chizhou line in Wusha Town and confronted the army of the Nanming. Emperor Hongguang had always wanted to find an opportunity to attack the Zuo Army, so he took the initiative to attack several times. Unfortunately, he failed to achieve ideal results under the high base of Zuo Menggeng's deep ditch and high base, so he adopted a persistent strategy to set up red barbarian cannons on the city wall to drag down the Zuo Army with a protracted battle.

As Emperor Hongguang and others expected, Zuo Menggeng's supply was very difficult, and the food problem of more than 100,000 people deeply troubled Zuo Menggeng. The army raised grain everywhere but could only ensure that they would not have to worry about food and drink within half a month. Once they could not find food for more than half a month, the more than 100,000 people were at risk of collapse at any time. Therefore, Zuo Menggeng was eager to take down Chizhou City and tried all kinds of methods of siege. Even the time-consuming and labor-intensive digging tunnels were used to capture Chizhou. The two sides were still unable to capture Chizhou. The two sides fought for about half a month.

Like the Zuo Army, Emperor Hongguang was under tremendous pressure in this regard. Although there was no food or grass, the army was mentally tormented by the army, and his morale was a bit depressed when he failed to win the battles in the previous few times.

After retreating to Chizhou for 19 days, I couldn't sit still. It was not the only one who wanted to deal with me. Liu Liangzuo from Lu'an also made me sleep at night. Although I was more sure to drag down Zuo Menggen, I would lose my precious time. The night was long and the dreams would be too much. No one dared to make a judgment on how the situation would evolve in the next step! During today's routine discussion, I talked out my worries in my heart to see if there were any good solutions to solve them.

Liu Zhaoji heard Emperor Hongguang's words and heard Emperor Hongguang's inner uneasiness. He knew very well that Emperor Hongguang, who was the head of his family, would have an adverse impact on the morale of the army. "Your Majesty, the last general believes that our army is in a difficult situation, but the Zuo Army's situation is even more difficult than us. This is the critical moment when the situation turns, and it is also the time to capture the fighter. Whoever waves first will fall into a passive position. The last general believes that our army must first make up its mind to stick to the crisis and strengthen defense, and second, we must actively seek to capture the fighter to give a powerful blow to the left army. Cutting off the left army's rations is the best strategy to take the initiative. As long as the left army's rations are destroyed, it will collapse without any attack!"

Huang Shiren shook his head and sighed, "It's not easy to cut off the food route of the Left Army. Not to mention that Zuo Menggeng sent heavy troops to protect the hoarded food, even a large number of troops went out to raise food. Our army was not strong enough, and it was not appropriate to divide the troops. If we also sent heavy troops to intercept the food route of the Left Army, then Zuo Menggeng will step up the siege and the Chizhou will be in danger!"

I think the analysis of Liu Zhaoji and Huang Shiren is reasonable. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to adopt the strategy of Liu Zhaoji's victory in the vicinity and cut off the left army's food route. "Gao Di, I ordered you to lead your 20,000 troops out of the city tonight to find the troops that the Left Army raised food and grass in the Pengze area. Taking destroying the Left Army's food and grass as an important task, try to avoid casualties from our army. If you miss a single blow, you will retreat first and then look for opportunities."

Gao Di has been idle since he came to Chizhou. In the first few attacks, Liu Zhaoji led the team to guard Chizhou, and he was mainly based on cannons. He was almost suffocated. At this time, he was extremely excited to hear Emperor Hongguang assigned important tasks, "Don't worry, the last general will definitely win!"

The left army's troops raising grain were not only concentrated on the south bank, but I immediately ordered Huang Degong to send troops across the river to attack the left army's troops raising grain, hoping that good news would be heard from him!

Zuo Menggeng, who also couldn't sit still, often frowns recently. Liu Jingting was unhappy about Zuo Menggeng's failure to obey his dissuasion, but he was treated with the kindness of Zuo Liangyu. Some words must be said, "Young marshal, the imperial court can mobilize very few troops, and most of them are concentrated in Chizhou to confront our army. Nanjing must be very empty. I think our army can send 50,000 light cavalry to attack Nanjing day and night, so that we can win in one fell swoop. Even if we can't capture Nanjing, it will disrupt Chizhou's subordinates so that they cannot take care of each other, and then take Chizhou. What do you think?"

As soon as Liu Jingting finished speaking, a general stood up in front of the tent, "Young marshal, I am willing to lead these 50,000 light cavalry to attack Nanjing!"

When Zuo Menggeng was hesitating, he couldn't help but feel upset when he saw the generals who stood up. Wang Deren, nicknamed Wang Zamao. At this time, the news that Jin Shenghuan surrendered to the court and Emperor Hongguang's personal expedition had already reached Zuoying. Jin Shenghuan and Wang Deren were extremely good friends and had a lifelong friendship. How could Zuo Menggeng feel relieved? With concerns and suspicions, Zuo Menggeng said proudly: "No, I must capture Chizhou and capture the fake emperor Zhu Yousong here." Zuo Menggeng rejected Liu Jingting's plan of surprising victory that was extremely likely to succeed and continued to fight with the army of the Southern Ming Dynasty in Chizhou.

The failure of things is often caused by trivial matters. After Zuo Menggeng was suspicious of Wang Deren, he sent Wang Deren to raise food and grass, which was equivalent to slashing Wang Deren's military power in disguise. Wang Deren knew it very well but had no choice. Since he ordered him to raise food and grass, he would do his best!

Perhaps it was because Wang Deren was unlucky, or Gao Diji was shining with starlight. On the way to Wang Deren raised more than 300 carts of food and grass back to the camp, Gao Di encountered defeat in one fell swoop. Not only did the more than 300 carts of food and grass raised by more than 1,000 were burned, and Wang Deren escaped by luck and led more than 100 people to flee back to the camp.

Originally, Zuo Menggeng was unhappy when he saw Wang Deren, but now he could not help but get rid of the trick. Although he did not take Wang Deren's life, he was also punished for fifty military sticks.

Wang Deren knew that he would be brothers with Jin Shenghuan on weekdays. At this time, Jin Shenghuan surrendered to Zuo Menggeng would definitely not be attracted to him. These fifty military sticks were probably just a prelude. Sooner or later, Zuo Menggeng would have to cut off his head. The more Wang Deren thought about it, the more he felt that it was not worth it. In anger, he endured the pain in his butt and brought more than ten close-know confidants to escape from the left army camp at night and headed straight to Chizhou to surrender to Jin Shenghuan. Wang Deren said that no matter how unhealthy he had Jin Shenghuan to take care of him, he could save his worries!

Wang Deren's arrival made Jin Shenghuan very happy. He was also trying to contact Wang Deren. At dawn, he explained to Wang Deren how Hongguang Emperor was different from the rumors. King Gui was so kind and led Wang Deren to meet Emperor Hongguang.

I dare not be negligent when I heard the enemy general surrendering at night. I welcomed Wang Deren's arrival with a smile and warmth. After hearing Wang Deren's passage, I made a contribution to Gao Di in my heart. "General Wang, I have an imperial physician in the camp. The imperial physician has the best knife and wound medicine. General Wang will come in and let the imperial physician have a good diagnosis and treatment."

Wang Deren did not expect to receive so much attention from Emperor Hongguang. When he saw Jin Shenghuan not being neglected in front of Emperor Hongguang, he felt warm in his heart, "Emperor, the wounds on the body of the general are not serious. The general is willing to make meritorious service. Zuo Menggeng's army is stockpiled in the rear camp, and the defense is not tight. If the elite soldiers and powerful generals are sent to the rear camp, they will burn their food and grass unexpectedly, and the Zuo Army will be defeated if it is not out of ten days."

Huang Shiren was worried about Jin Shenghuan, and heard Wang Deren's words and snorted: "Who can guarantee that this is not a bitter meat plan! I think it's more like a bitter meat plan."

"You...!" Wang Deren was choked by Huang Shiren's words and didn't know what to say. If he was in this position, he would probably doubt it!

Wang Deren’s suggestion is in line with my current tactical intention of finding a fighter to win unexpectedly. I decided to believe that Wang Deren immediately implements this bold combat plan. Sometimes hesitation in decisions will lead to a disadvantage. War itself is a gamble. Since there is hope of winning, what are you waiting for!

Gao Di, who went out to "hunter" when it was almost dusk, also led his troops back to the camp. He heard that the Left Army grain transport officer who was defeated by him actually surrendered at night. He also went to see Wang Deren to express his condolences, and of course he received a hint from Emperor Hongguang in advance.

Liu Zhaoji returned in vain after several attacks. Tonight he took the initiative to call him as the leader. I also think Liu Zhaoji is still capable. There are many objective factors in his previous failure. This sneak attack on the Left Army must lead soldiers like him.

Liu Zhaoji, who received the order, was beating himself in his heart. If he didn't win a battle this time, he would really have no shame to see Emperor Hongguang again. In order to ensure the success of the raid, Liu Zhaoji mobilized 20,000 cavalry and ten artillery pieces. His deputy found Gao Di and Jin Shenghuan. Liu Zhaoji knew that Huang Shiren and Jin Shenghuan were not in harmony, and Wang Deren was injured again. Other generals were not familiar with the situation of the Left Army, so only Gao Di and Jin Shenghuan were suitable.

Jin Shenghuan suggested that 20,000 cavalry wear the costumes of the Left Army under the banner of the Left Army, so that they can avoid being noticed by the Left Army as much as possible. Of course, the necessary differences must be. You can tie cloth strips on your arm, anyway, these are ready-made.

Liu Zhaoji adopted Jin Shenghuan's suggestion, and indeed encountered a thunderous Zuo Army on the way. Liu Zhaoji lied that his troops were Zuo Menggeng's reinforcements to strengthen the defense of the rear battalion and deceived the Zuo Army with more than 10,000 people.

The left army guarded the Houbaku food and grass, Wang Yuncheng and Ma Jinzhong. Because the Houbaku was more than 30 miles away from the Zuojun camp and even further from Chizhou, neither of them had any thoughts that someone would raid the Houbaku, and their defense was very relaxed. When Liu Zhaoji broke into the Houbaku and set fire to the fire, Wang and Ma fought hastily, and finally used the camp to resist Liu Zhaoji's attack.

At this time, the sky was already bright. Seeing that there were not many sneak attackers, Ma Jinzhong felt at ease. After discussing with Wang Yuncheng, he led his troops out of the barrier to fight against Liu Zhaoji. Liu Zhaoji attacked him and suppressed him in the camp.

After Zuo Menggeng learned about the incident in the Hou Battalion, he did not send troops to reinforce, because there were 35,000 troops stationed in the Hou Battalion itself, there was no need to worry about the Hou Battalion's failure. Zuo Menggeng believed that this was a good opportunity to attack Chizhou. Moreover, the enemy troops attacking the Hou Battalion of Chizhou would lead troops back to rescue him, and the danger of the Hou Battalion was lifted.

Zuo Menggeng personally led the main force to attack Chizhou City, but the Chizhou defenders used the cannons of the city to repel it several times, and they were in a deadlock again for a while.

Jin Shenghuan knew that Zuo Menggeng led his main force to attack Chizhou and was worried that the court's troops were not sufficient, so he brought out the 20,000 elite troops to Chizhou and the defense was even weaker. Therefore, he suggested that Liu Zhaoji distribute 8,000 troops to return to Chizhou.

Liu Zhaoji flatly rejected Jin Shenghuan's proposal. This was a critical moment for attacking the rear camp. Once the troops were divided, it would inevitably lead to failure of the attack. "If the general was passed on the order, the first person to break into the left army camp would be rewarded with 500 taels. The general personally expressed his merits and requested rewards for him. If he dared to retreat in the face of the battle, he would be afraid to fight but not in the former. He would definitely be the result of a sword and an axe."

Most of the soldiers in the rear camp were recruits from Gao Di's troops. They had experienced the baptism of clear rewards and punishments as early as Nanjing. They were no longer inferior to those of the long-term combat troops who were given several practical trainings by Liu Zhaoji and Gao Di, and they were even more brave. In addition, Liu Zhaoji led the way to the front line to shoot artillery and fired as an example. With unity, they finally defeated Ma Jinzhong Wang Yuncheng, and the two of the Ma Wang died in the chaos. All the food and grass that the left army stockpiled in the rear camp were burned down.

Liu Zhaoji took the power of victory and chased the collapsed Zuo Army from the rear to the front line of the confrontation between the two armies. The news that the food and grass of the rear camp were burned out as the retreating troops came into the front line of the left army, and the morale of the left army was greatly shaken. When the soldiers in Chizhou saw the left army's formation in chaos, Liu Zhaoji took advantage of the situation to go out of the city to attack the left army together. The left army was frightened and retreated hundreds of miles without fighting and retreating for hundreds of miles. More than 30,000 people surrendered. Under the full attack, hundreds of warships of the Left Army Navy, which were attacked by Chen Tingyang, also retreated back to Jiujiang and did not dare to fight. At this point, Zuo Menggeng no longer had the strength to fight with the Southern Ming court.

I didn't expect victory to come so easily. A month ago, I was frowning against Zuo Menggeng's 200,000 troops. Today, I actually swept the Zuo Army and achieved incredible results. Victory and defeat were impermanent. The ancients really did not deceive me.

Just as I was excited to consolidate the lost land that had recovered with excitement and prepared to continue pursuing Zuo Menggeng to wipe him out, an extremely major change occurred in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and the change put me in a dilemma.

After paying a huge price, Li Zicheng broke through the siege of Wuchang and continued to lead troops eastward. The Qing Dynasty followed closely and chased after Li Zicheng again when he chased Fujiangkou. Just when Zuo Menggeng retreated back to Jiujiang, Li Zicheng's camp forty miles away from Jiujiang was once again broken by Ajige. This time the loss was even more serious than the previous few times. Liu Zongmin, the second-ranked figure of the Dashun Army, was injured and captured. Military advisor Song Xiance, Li Zicheng's two uncles and a large number of Dashun Army generals were also captured by the Qing Dynasty. Except for Song Xiance who relied on the ability to tell fortunes in the martial arts world, the rest were executed. A day later, Niu Jinxing, the prime minister of the Dashun Army, believed that the Dashun Army was out of power, and secretly left the Dashun Army camp and surrendered to the Qing Dynasty.

At this point, the 200,000 elite Dashun Army commanded by Li Zicheng were severely damaged by the Qing Dynasty, with only tens of thousands of soldiers left, and their strength greatly damaged morale. The more than 10,000 ships prepared to advance to Nanjing were also captured by the Qing army. The channel for advancing east was blocked because Zuo Menggeng defeated Chizhou and retreated to Jiujiang. Thinking that it was impossible to advance to Nanjing, Li Zicheng had to change his strategic intention and change the direction of the march and prepare to cross Jiangxi and turn to Huguang.

Zuo Menggeng, who was also in a bad situation, felt deeply difficult for the upcoming court army and the Dashun army not far behind him. It was impossible to express surrender to the court. Facing the Dashun army, the situation that the Zuo Army was most reluctant to face, and in the end, only the only way to surrender to the Qing Dynasty. Zuo Menggeng finally decided to surrender to the Qing Dynasty. In this way, relying on the court army can avoid the pursuit of the court army and join forces with the Qing Dynasty to attack Li Zicheng to achieve the first achievement of surrender. Zuo Menggeng revealed this meaning to the generals of the Manchu camp and reached an agreement to surrender to the Qing Dynasty, and then advanced to Fujiangkou and the Qing Dynasty to attack Li Zicheng.

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