Forging the dynasty - part three
I entered the war with Yuan quite unprepared. Not only I did not have any troops in the area but I also did not know what exactly I wanted from it (I was quite sure I would win it). But that is the music of the future - now, let's focus on repelling the invasion.
Yes, even though it is collapsing, Yuan managed to assemble a formidable host and entered my territory. General Zhifang is immediately ordered to use all the swarm cavalry to drive them out.
After Subeqai's defeat in Bayisingtu, his army is chased to Chifeng, where its remnants surrender to the genial Jurchen leader.
While the shock army is again rushed up north as it is being infested by yet another uprising, the infantry stack led by general Nurhaci, full of confidence that there are no more enemies to be afraid of, crosses the borders to the Mongol territory.
On 10th July, in the province of Rehe, he actually meets with an armed opposition - the distant nation of Dai Nam has sent its expeditionary force to help its allies, only to meet with the grim fate of defeat.
The entire military leadership of the united Jurchen tribes (i.e. four Manchus on horsebacks) is surprised when a small stealth Yuan unit arrives from nowhere in Nerchinsky. Zhifang is sent to deal with it.
In October next Jurchen fort fails. This time to yet another foe - the Oirats. Yuan's allies are very loyal, that's for sure...
...but we show the enemy coalition that we are not afraid - Rehe finally surrenders to Nurhaci almost on the same day.
Nurhaci continues deeper in China to the province of Zhigu and Chihan patriots promptly rebel in Rehe. Oh man, even Zhifang can't be everywhere!
Here is the current front situation:
Actually, when you look a bit closer...
Damn. Another considerable Yuan army under the leadership of the Mongol Emperor himself has forfeited the defence of the southern lands, marched all the way to Beijing and begin chasing Nurhaci...
...who cannot escape quickly enough and is defeated in February 1373, though with minimal causalities. You can also see that the shock army has finally arrived in the theatre, smashed a small Mongol retinue and proceeded to defeat the rebels in Rehe.
In March the Oirats sign a white peace as they are busy defending their own western borders and the climax of the war is approaching:
The Khan is lured into Chifeng by Nurhaci's infantry host, seeing the reinforcements from the south only when it is too late.
His forces flee in disarray though with minimal losses. But their fate is already decided.
At the gates of the Northern Capital itself, the exhausted troops are caught by the shock army, encircled and, after some desperate skirmishes, surrender. Ayushiridara barely escapes capture and the Yuan's military might is broken.
The victory at Beijing brings me the fulfillment of a mission I've already forgotten I have. I am OK with that.
And in August 1373, a year after the start of the war, Yuan starts begging for peace. I disagree with them because a new plan has come to my mind...
To be continued!
