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Volume One: Fierce Battle in Changsha Chapter 594: The Mysterious Visitor

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    For two days, the coalition forces have received bad news. The French army has made slow progress in the land offensive. Although they have shown a very tenacious fighting will, the Qing troops in front of them always defeat one batch after another. The French army  The military ration crisis has not been alleviated. If the British army had not provided a batch of military rations in time, I believe the French would have collapsed without a fight.

    Then came the defeat of the British army on the sea route, which suffered greater losses than the last Battle of Dagukou. Although the casualties of more than a thousand people were not serious enough for the huge coalition forces, it was a blow to the morale of the coalition forces.  is huge.  The Dagukou Fortress is also called the Sevastopol of the East by coalition soldiers, and a tough battle is still to come.

    What follows is the strange sea march of the Taiping Army. The allied forces' reconnaissance fleet in Weihaiwei, Shandong Province sent news that a large number of Taiping Army ships were heading for Dalian Bay under the cover of huge warships and warships.  General Montauban, the commander-in-chief of the allied forces, was deeply disturbed by this news, because news from Shanghai stated that the Taiping Army used almost all their naval forces in this operation, and also had an army of nearly 50,000 troops. This force  To say that it is used to deal with the Russians' poor maritime power in the Far East is undoubtedly an elephant swatting a mosquito.

    Although the Taiping Army has repeatedly claimed that military operations are normal mobilization after declaring war on Russia, when the coalition forces besieged Jintang in the Bohai Sea, there was a powerful military force watching from behind in Dalian Bay. This feeling was very bad.

    Just when the coalition forces were in despair, a mysterious figure came to the coalition camp in Beitang.  The people who received this mysterious figure were French intelligence officer Colonel Dupin and British intelligence officer Wu Shili. This mysterious figure arrived in Beitang under the escort of a group of Qing army cavalry.  They passed the coalition forward posts under white flags.

    More than twenty Qing cavalrymen were part of the Qing army originally stationed in Beitang. After arriving at the coalition Beitang camp, they were politely monitored.  They did not bring any weapons, and they even shared the dried bacon and Chinese spirits they carried with them for the French soldiers guarding them to enjoy. Soon they became friends with the French.

    Du Pan and Wu Shili met this mysterious figure together. He was wearing a robe with a cloak. In the office of the French Army Intelligence Department (a large room next to Beitang Ancestral Hall), he took off the black cloak on his head, revealing a picture of  Come with a rebellious and handsome face.

    Many years later, Colonel Dupin recalled Ronglu.  This young man has an aristocratic and noble temperament, and also has a sinister character that makes people dare not look directly at him. This man reminded Colonel Dupin of the famous aristocratic rebellion leader Duke Vend?me in French history.

    This mysterious figure is Ronglu.  After briefly shaking hands with the two foreigners, he briefly introduced his identity in fluent English.  Wu Shili was not surprised, but Colonel Dupin was extremely surprised, because Ronglu's identity in France was that of a once powerful nobleman.  And the rebellious behavior he is committing now is just like the Duke of Vend?me.

    Ronglu quickly showed the two foreigners an edict from the Eastern Queen Mother of the Qing Dynasty.  Ronglu was appointed as the Minister of Negotiation with full power, responsible for negotiating all matters with foreigners, including all military operations during the war.

    Only now did Colonel Dupan suddenly realize that this was the trump card that the British had never revealed. He had thought that the British were cooperating with ordinary local officials of the Qing Dynasty. Unexpectedly, this time they were replaced by the most powerful figures within the Qing government.  Colonel Dupin was not only complaining about this, but also happy and excited.

    "Wu Shili frowned a little.  In addition to the current troubles encountered by the coalition forces, Ronglu is also good.  Regardless of the Empress Dowager Dong of the Qing Dynasty, the actual help they have given to the coalition forces so far is too little. Wu Shili is somewhat disappointed, but he seems to have forgotten that now he can stand on the land of Beitang instead of still floating on the sea.  In fact, it was all thanks to the young traitor in front of me.

    Ronglu didn't talk nonsense. He expressed his disappointment with the progress of the coalition forces straight to the point. At the same time, he brought the latest Qing army defense map to the two intelligence officers. It not only marked the Qing army's artillery array and troop deployment, but also the Qing army's deployment.  Army logistics routes and grain storage locations are also clearly marked.

    "Look, you two, Senggelinqin has hoarded a large amount of military rations and military supplies in Junliang City, Gegu and Tianjin. Our army has occupied Junliang City, and is surrounded and monitored by nearly 20,000 infantry and cavalrymen from Senggelinqin.  , what the coalition forces actually need to do is to break through the swamp area north of Beitang, reach the Military Food City, and our troops should cooperate with each other to defeat the Seng Gelinqin tribe of the Qing army. Then they will be able to obtain sufficient supplies and military supplies, and at the same time, they can bypass the road to Dagu.  We will attack the Dagukou Fortress from behind and completely open the waterway from Baihe to Tianjin"

    Ronglu once again demonstrated the value of him and the rebel nobles of the Qing Dynasty he represented. Both Colonel Du Pan and Lieutenant Colonel Wu Shili believed that this was the only feasible way and opportunity for the coalition forces to break through the Dagukou Fortress, and the two soon reached an agreement.With knowledge, Ronglu's strategy was written down, and each of them reported it to his commander-in-chief.

    After Ronglu rested in the military camp for a long time, he was jointly received by the British Sir Elgin, the French Lord Grotto, General Grant, General Montauban and others.  After repeating his plan, Ronglu said: "The Manchu and Mongolian nobles in Beijing need the help of the powerful coalition forces. As long as we can rescue the young emperor and the Eastern Queen Mother again, the Qing Dynasty will reach a more friendly relationship with Britain and France."  And a close partnership.¡±

    Sir Elgin and Lord Grotto briefly exchanged views. The difference between politicians and military strategists was clearly revealed at this moment. Grant and Montauban were more interested in the marching attack strategy proposed by Ronglu. In the future, the army and the country can  What benefits can be gained from the war is a question for politicians to think about, but what the generals have to do is just to make the enemy's force disappear, and in the end there is no room for bargaining.

    The meeting quickly reached a consensus. Grant and Montauban did not pay too much attention to the political conditions proposed by Sir Elgin and Lord Gro. Montauban believed that Ronglu and the Eastern Queen Mother Group he represented would fully accept the conditions of the coalition, regardless of whether they were  Trade or compensation, whether it is road rights, mineral rights, whether it is opening up the entire Qing Dynasty, or whether it is renting Weihaiwei as a military port

    But Montauban also noticed Ronglu¡¯s expression, and he accepted the twenty-one notes from Sir Elgin expressionlessly.  It was as easy as receiving an ordinary document, as if the benefits granted had nothing to do with it.  Years later, General Montauban wrote in his memoirs.  Later I realized that the Manchu and Mongolian nobles of the Qing Dynasty didn¡¯t care how much benefit they gave up. As long as they could continue to rule the Han people, it was enough

    At this time, a note from Hengfu, the governor of Zhili, was sent to the coalition Beitang camp. After Sir Elgin and Ge Luo looked at it respectively, they looked at Ronglu with questioning eyes.

    Ronglu smiled, took the note, looked at it for a few times, and said slowly: "This is the signal agreed between Governor Hengfu and me. Being able to jointly issue this note with Seng Gelinqin means that he has obtained Seng Gelinqin's  Trust me, the rest will be very easy"

    Ronglu asked Elgin and the Grotto people to tell Hengfu about this.  It was claimed that after the Chinese government rejected the ultimatum of the British and French allies, the matter had already been handed over to the military generals of the coalition forces. This was also a signal agreed between Ronglu and Hengfu, indicating that Ronglu had negotiated well with the foreigners.

    March 9th.  Lieutenant Colonel Wu Shili led a group of cavalry.  Go and explore the secret path not far to the north of the river embankment shown on the Ronglu intelligence map, and find that there are traces of wheels there.  After two thousand meters of bumpy roads, the path suddenly became flat and stretched with vast grassland.  Obviously, this avenue can pass cavalry and artillery, and there is no blocking position of the Qing army here. On the contrary, it should belong to the junction of a Qing army position. Except for the occasional patrol by Qing army cavalry, there are no other Qing army¡¯s blocking positions.  The army is stationed.  I believe that the Qing army's military strength is also somewhat stretched and cannot truly completely surround Beitang.  What great news.  And there are many ponds along the way where the water is also drinkable.

    General Grant wanted to leave Beitang City as soon as possible, and he informed Montauban of his intention to immediately attack Junliang City.  Montauban asked for a postponement. The reason was simple. The French army did not have enough food to insist on reaching the military food city. They hoped to receive more British army food support, but Grant resolutely refused.

    Colino later recalled: "The discussions between the two commanders no longer felt cordial, and the words were very heated." In the end, General Meng had to give in arrogantly and replied: "Okay, the British army will provide rations, and the French army will march on  In front." So, the two coaches decided that the French army would go in front, and the French army would start first.  For several days, the sun has been shining brightly in the sky, and the weather has rarely improved, making all roads easy to pass.

    On March 12, 15 days after the British and French allied forces landed in Beitang, they finally said goodbye to this "remote corner" and the stench.  Really hope never to come again!  Grotto wrote to Paris: "No one doubts this success. But the Dagu Fortress must be captured to make the Baihe River unobstructed. Before that, we need to join the Qing allied force in Junliang City. Our army occupied  Tianjin, so that we can obtain more food and supplies, so that we will have the ability to continue our offensive, and eventually our army will march into the capital of this ancient country."

    Napier led the British 2nd Division and the cavalry as the second echelon, and set foot on the right side of the path leading to the Army Food City identified on the 9th.  Michel led his troops to advance along the main river embankment, while more than a thousand French troops commanded by Ranman opened the way at the front. General Colino stayed in Beitang temporarily.  Approaching Xinhezhuang, the coalition forces encountered a group of Qing infantry here. They were still hurriedly building battlements and trenches. Apparently, the coalition forces' previous investigation here attracted the attention of the Qing army, and this unit was just dispatched.  Came to station here.

    The Qing army was poorly prepared and hurriedly responded to the battle. The coalition artillery opened the way and the infantry captured the battle. The battle was easily resolved within half an hour. This force of 3,000 peopleThe Chinese infantry was defeated miserably, hundreds of them were killed, and the rest fled without a trace.

    On the right wing of the coalition, on the second front, Napier's column was attacked by 4,000 Qing cavalry.  Armstrong's heavy artillery entered the battle, and the Sikh cavalry drove back the Qing cavalry.  The Qing cavalry retreated to the well-fortified Tanggu Town on the north bank of the river, suffering heavy casualties.  However, only two British officers were injured and three Sikh soldiers were killed.

    General Napier marveled at the bravery of the Qing army. They only used bows, arrows and spears as weapons, but they were so calm and unyielding under the fire of modern and powerful Armstrong artillery.  Wu Shili also admitted, "I have never seen such brave soldiers."

    Tanggu is a heavily defended town with a Qing cavalry camp stationed there. According to intelligence, this is Seng Gelinqin¡¯s headquarters.  Montauban was unwilling to give up and suggested taking advantage of the situation and advancing to Tanggu, a few kilometers south.  Grant tried to dissuade him.  He explained that the British army was exhausted, especially the infantry team, which was forced to stop on the river embankment, surrounded by water, and faced artillery fire from the enemy camp, while its own artillery and infantry were unable to deploy.  We should still go north to Jun Liang City as planned and seize the supplies there first.

    Montauban was stubborn and ordered the French army to march alone and assume an attack posture against Tanggu Town.  However, he later recalled his troops, perhaps out of caution!  Captain Bezia interestingly compared this attempted operation to "fire reconnaissance."  Grant commented succinctly: "General Meng finally admitted that his approach was useless, so he pulled the troops back." Wu Shili also emphasized the "error" of the French commander's command.  At that time, Colonel Dupin was also not afraid to criticize the commander-in-chief of his army. He felt that the British were restrained and "acted rationally."  No one would say that to General Meng!

    But it was General Montauban's fire reconnaissance that made the Qing army commander Senggelinqin make a mistake in judgment, and got the reconnaissance of the detective horse. A large number of French troops gathered to prepare for the attack, so he believed that the coalition forces were still going to attack Tanggu Town, so he ordered the troops to stand still and all the troops  He tightly guarded Tanggu Town, intending to rely on fortifications to deal with the coalition forces, but he made a mistake again this time (To be continued, please search Piaotian Literature, the novel is better and updated faster!
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