MLMD -Chapter 367 Bombarding Shanhai Pass

By November, the north had already entered the depths of winter. Since ancient times, weather had always been one of the most important factors constraining warfare. It could be said without exaggeration that weather played a decisive role in the outcome of battles—especially in feudal societies with low levels of productivity and technology. Throughout thousands of years of Chinese military history, there were countless examples of victories and defeats brought about by weather conditions. In any case, harsh weather was always more advantageous to the defending side. It was under just such conditions that Yue Yang arrived outside Shanhai Pass.

Chongzhen Year Ten, Eleventh Month, Twenty-Third Day

Mid-morning (Si hour)

Dressed in a thick green military greatcoat, Yue Yang held a pair of binoculars as he observed the enemy from a spot about three li outside Shanhai Pass. Around him stood more than a dozen generals, all wearing similar padded coats. At a glance, they looked very much like a group of migrant laborers about to start work—though none of them had such an awareness themselves.

Including Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, Yue Shunbao, Chu Di, and others, everyone was extremely satisfied with this outfit. Though it looked a bit strange, a military greatcoat was still a military greatcoat—its warmth-retention was absolutely top-notch. In temperatures of seven or eight degrees below zero, the fact that they could still feel warmth was entirely thanks to what they were wearing.

Looking at the tall, thick walls of Shanhai Pass ahead, Yue Yang slowly furrowed his brows and said in a low voice, “The title ‘First Pass Under Heaven’ really isn’t an exaggeration.”

Seeing Yue Yang’s concern, Yang Guozhu stepped forward and nodded. “What the Marquis says is correct. Shanhai Pass was anciently called Yuguan, also known as Linlü Pass. It has been a battleground fought over by military strategists since antiquity. Because of its dangerous terrain and the ease of defense versus difficulty of attack, it is known as the First Pass Under Heaven. Capturing this pass will not be easy.”

Ignoring the worry in Yang Guozhu’s words, Yue Yang narrowed his eyes and observed more carefully, information about the pass surfacing in his mind.

Shanhai Pass had a square layout, with a circumference of eight li, one hundred thirty-seven paces and four chi. Outside it ran a moat five zhang wide and two and a half zhang deep. The outer wall was faced with blue bricks and filled with rammed earth, about fourteen meters high and seven meters thick. There were four gates: the eastern “Zhendong Gate,” the western “Ying’en Gate,” the southern “Wangyang Gate,” and the northern “Weiyuan Gate.”

And that wasn’t all. Even more infuriating was the fact that four barbicans had been built outside the main pass. Each barbican was garrisoned with a considerable number of soldiers and stocked with stones, rolling logs, wolf-tooth clappers, powerful crossbows, and other defensive equipment. Any attacking force that wanted to assault the main city first had to take down these barbicans—after all, no one wanted to worry about arrows shooting them in the back while attacking the main wall.

After watching for a while, Yue Yang called out, “Shunbao!”

“Here!”

Shunbao stepped forward, struck a standard stance, puffed out his chest, and raised his head. “Awaiting orders, Marquis!”

Pointing at the walls outside, Yue Yang asked, “Take a look. If our army were to prepare an assault, how would you do it?”

Shunbao had already surveyed the terrain of Shanhai Pass several times and had a plan in mind. Hearing Yue Yang’s question, he answered without hesitation, “Shanhai Pass truly is tall and thick-walled, easy to defend and hard to attack—especially those four barbicans, which are the most troublesome. In this subordinate’s opinion, if we wish to take Shanhai Pass, we must first capture the barbicans. Otherwise, talking about taking the pass is nothing but empty words.”

“Get to the point,” Yue Yang said calmly.

Seeing Yue Yang’s impatience, Shunbao hurriedly continued, “This subordinate believes that although Shanhai Pass is hard to attack, you once taught me that there are no undefeated generals in this world, and no city that cannot be breached. Shanhai Pass is no exception. Compared with Wu Sangui’s elite troops, our greatest advantage lies in our firearms, which far surpass theirs, and the fact that we possess many large-caliber cannons. As long as we continuously bombard the walls with artillery, I believe that no matter how solid the walls are, they won’t withstand the shelling. Once the walls collapse, taking Shanhai Pass will naturally become much easier.”

At this point, Wu Chengfeng interjected, “What General Yue says does make sense, but have you considered how much gunpowder and ammunition it would take to breach the walls with artillery? We’ve traveled thousands of li to get here—our ammunition is limited. How can we afford such waste?”

Shunbao smiled slightly. “I naturally know our ammunition is limited. But limited ammunition has its own way of being used. We don’t necessarily have to attack from the ground.”

Wang Pu rolled his eyes. “If not from the ground, are we supposed to attack from the sky?”

“Hmm…”

The moment Wang Pu said that, many people’s eyes immediately lit up.

“That’s right—why didn’t I think of that?”

“Damn it, that’s it! If it’s hard to fight on the ground, we can fight from the air!”

“Hot-air balloons! We have hot-air balloons! We can send men up in balloons and attack them from above!”

The crowd instantly boiled with excitement. Sometimes, ideas were like a window—before you opened it, you felt completely stuck. But once you pushed it open, you realized there were plenty of solutions; you just hadn’t thought of them. Shunbao’s words had opened up an entirely new line of thinking.

After Yue Yang reorganized the Xuanda Army, former Xuanda generals like Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, and Wang Pu had gradually begun integrating into Yue Yang’s system. Whether passively or actively, this integration was progressing slowly but steadily, because they all knew that anyone who failed to integrate would inevitably be eliminated.

Although Wang Pu didn’t have a very good reputation in history, he did have his strengths. People who were afraid of death usually shared one trait: quick thinking. Once Shunbao opened up the idea, Wang Pu immediately suggested, “Marquis, this subordinate believes we can load a dozen or so musketeers onto hot-air balloons and fire down from above. I refuse to believe that no matter how solid Shanhai Pass is, it can even cover its roof with bricks!”

“That’s right… and not just muskets—we can also bring ‘ten-thousand-enemy’ bombs and throw them down from above, blowing those bastards to pieces!”

Once the ideas started flowing, everyone spoke at once, offering suggestion after suggestion.

Looking at the excited faces around him, Yue Yang felt deeply pleased. Everyone’s morale was high, and the former Xuanda generals, led by Yang Guozhu, were clearly integrating into the group. This was a very good sign.

Nodding in satisfaction, Yue Yang said, “What everyone says makes sense. But we still have to take things step by step. As the ancients said—first courtesy, then force…”

Chongzhen Year Ten, Eleventh Month, Twenty-Fourth Day

Just past the Chen hour (morning)

Wu Sangui, who was sleeping soundly in his residence with a concubine in his arms, was awakened by a sudden knocking.

Knock, knock, knock…

“Young master… Young master, the old master requests that you hurry to the main hall to discuss matters.”

Still groggy, Wu Sangui’s heart tightened. He immediately rolled out of bed. The concubine beside him was also awakened and, wearing only a light undergarment, hurried to help him dress. As she did so, she asked softly, “Young master, why is the old master calling you out so early? What’s happened?”

Wu Sangui replied irritably, “How would I know? You’re just a woman—why ask so much? Stay in the house and behave yourself.”

“Yes,” the concubine answered meekly, not daring to say another word.

After hastily dressing, Wu Sangui rushed to the main hall. He found it already filled with people—his elder brother Wu Sanfeng, his younger brother Wu Sanfu, and a host of generals all stood solemnly in attendance. His father, Wu Xiang, sat silently at the head, his face dark as water.

Wu Sangui stepped forward, dropped to one knee, clasped his fists, and said, “Your son Sangui pays respects to Father. I wonder what urgent matter has caused Father to summon me so hastily?”

Wu Xiang said gravely, “Changbo, rise. I have indeed summoned you and the generals urgently because something major has happened. Yue Yang outside the city has made his move.”

Wu Sangui’s heart clenched. He asked involuntarily, “What? Has the Xuanda Army begun attacking the city? That doesn’t seem right—Xuanda troops are famed for their powerful firearms. If they were attacking, it wouldn’t be this quiet.”

Wu Xiang sneered. “They haven’t attacked the city—but they’ve sent us an ultimatum, ordering us father and son to lead all the city’s officers and soldiers out of the gates to receive the imperial edict.”

“Out of the city to receive the edict? What a joke!” Wu Sangui blurted out. “Has Yue Yang lost his mind, or does he think we’re fools? If we leave the city, do you think we’d ever get back in?”

“Hmph… He’s counted on the fact that we won’t dare leave the city, which is why he’s dug this pit for us,” Wu Sanfeng sneered. “If we go out, he can capture us all in one stroke. If we don’t, he has grounds to accuse us of suspicious intentions—and grounds to attack the city. No matter what we do, it benefits him. That Loyal and Brave Marquis really has calculated well!”

Wu Sangui thought for a moment and said, “Father, since we’ve already gone down this road, there’s only one way forward—straight through to the end. I’ve dealt with that Yue Yang before. He’s arrogant, vindictive, and never forgets a slight. I had past grievances with him, and this time he’s definitely come with the intention of wiping out our entire Wu clan. I believe that no matter what tricks he uses, we must remember one thing—fight him to the end and harbor no illusions!”

“Mm, Changbo speaks well,” Wu Xiang nodded. “In that case, everyone shall accompany this official to the walls. I want to see exactly what Yue Yang intends to do.”

When Wu Xiang led the generals up to the gate tower, they saw, two or three li away from the walls, neat square formations arrayed in perfect order. Countless soldiers in green uniforms stood motionless in the biting cold wind. In front of them were rows upon rows of artillery, lined up before the formations—at a glance, there were at least several hundred cannons. Their dark muzzles pointed directly at the walls, the killing intent so intense it made one’s chest feel stifled.

Wu Sangui also saw, at the very front of the formations, a man in a green padded coat mounted on a white steed, standing still. Dozens of people surrounded him. From such a distance, Wu Sangui couldn’t make out his features clearly, but having once served alongside that man, he recognized the figure at once. His eyes instantly reddened as he ground out the words, “It really is Yue Yang…”

Wu Xiang exclaimed in surprise, “Yue Yang is down there too? Are you sure?”

Wu Sangui clenched his teeth. “Of course. Even if he turned to ashes, I’d recognize him.”

After hearing this, Wu Xiang studied the Xuanda Army’s formation more carefully and sighed. “Worthy of being called the most elite army of the Great Ming. As the saying goes, one can see the whole leopard from a single spot. Just from this fierce formation, it’s clear that Yue Yang’s victories over the Qing were no fluke. This man truly has real ability.”

Hearing his father praise Yue Yang, Wu Sangui snorted coldly. “So what if he has real ability? I don’t believe he can fly into the pass.”

As he was speaking, a cavalryman outside the city galloped toward the gate. He stopped thirty paces from the gate, raised a metal megaphone, and shouted toward the gate tower, “People up there, listen well! We are here under imperial orders to proclaim an edict at Shanhai Pass. Quickly have Wu Xiang, Wu Sanfeng, Wu Sangui, Wu Sanfu, father and sons, and all officers come out of the pass to receive the edict. There must be no delay! Do you understand?”

The rider had a powerful voice, amplified further by the megaphone, which carried clearly up to the walls. The soldiers on the battlements grew uneasy, and even Wu Xiang, his sons, and the generals changed color slightly.

Wu Sangui’s younger brother, Wu Sanfu, shouted angrily, “A mere soldier dares to be so arrogant! Men—shoot him down with a volley of arrows!”

“Wait!” Before Wu Sanfu could finish, Wu Sangui stopped him. “He’s just a messenger. Killing him would only enrage Yue Yang and bring us no benefit. Besides, we still need him to carry messages.”

With that, Wu Sangui leaned over the battlements and shouted down, “You listen carefully. I am Wu Sangui, Commander of Shanhai Pass. I am entrusted with guarding the pass and dare not leave the city lightly. If you wish to proclaim the edict, that’s fine—but you must enter the city to do so. I ask Marquis Yue himself to trouble you and come up to the walls in a hanging basket to proclaim the edict for us!”

Wu Sangui’s voice was equally loud. When the rider below heard him clearly, anger flashed across his face. Without another word, he wheeled his horse around and galloped back, reporting Wu Sangui’s words to Yue Yang word for word.

Before Yue Yang could speak, the generals behind him erupted in outrage.

“Wu Sangui is going too far! He actually wants the Marquis to enter the city in a hanging basket—this is an insult to the Xuanda Army!”

“Marquis, hit the bastards! That dog is bullying us too much!”

At this point, even the normally steady Yang Guozhu couldn’t hold back his anger. Yue Yang had come on imperial orders to proclaim an edict—his status represented the Emperor himself. Refusing to open the gates to welcome the Emperor’s representative was already bad enough, but demanding that the imperial envoy come up in a hanging basket was no longer mere rudeness—it was naked contempt and humiliation.

Yue Yang was no saint and certainly not a monk without temper. He was naturally furious inside, but as commander-in-chief of the three armies, he could not easily show his emotions. He turned and looked at the artillery commander, Zhao Yongxin, and asked, “Is the artillery battalion ready?”

Zhao Yongxin puffed out his chest and shouted, “Marquis, rest assured! This subordinate has long been ready—just waiting for your order to blast the hell out of them!”

Yue Yang nodded slightly. “Mm… what about the hot-air balloons?”

“All twelve hot-air balloons are ready!”

“Then begin.”

After saying that, Yue Yang raised his binoculars and began examining the walls, saying nothing more.

Zhao Yongxin took a deep breath and said to the signalman beside him, “Tell those little bastards to hit them hard!”

“Yes!” The signalman grabbed the walkie-talkie and shouted loudly, “Artillery battalion, artillery battalion—Commander Zhao orders: hit them hard!”

“Boom! Boom! Boom—!”

With the use of wireless radios, the army’s combat efficiency and coordination were utterly unmatched by any cold-weapon-era force. Only dozens of seconds after the order was given, deafening roars erupted in front of Shanhai Pass.

“Boom! Boom! Boom—!”

As the thunderous explosions rang out, the hundreds of cannons positioned before the pass almost simultaneously spewed blazing tongues of flame. Amid white smoke, shell after shell flew toward the walls, the projectiles screaming through the air toward their targets.

Clang!

A dull crash rang out as a shell slammed heavily into a battlement, smashing several bricks to pieces. Flying fragments struck several defenders hiding behind it, who immediately fell into pools of blood.

As if this were the signal to attack, dozens more shells followed in rapid succession, smashing into the walls. Shrapnel, stone, and debris flew everywhere. The defenders discovered in terror that these usually inconspicuous things had now become deadly charms—many soldiers were smashed headfirst, suffering heavy casualties.

If the soldiers on the walls were suffering, the generals standing on the gate tower were in even worse shape. More than a dozen twenty-four-pounder cannons had locked onto the small gate tower and were bombarding it relentlessly. Wu Xiang, his sons, and the generals were forced to retreat in a sorry state from the tower to avoid the shelling.

When the group finally scrambled into the troop shelters behind the walls, they felt somewhat safer. Still shaken, Wu Xiang patted his chest and exclaimed, “The Xuanda Army truly lives up to its reputation. Such ferocious artillery—no wonder Yueto died at his hands, and even Huang Taiji lost his life because of him.”

The other generals were equally shaken. They had long heard of Yue Yang’s prowess and had thought it mere exaggeration, but this barrage made them understand clearly—it was no boasting. He truly had the real thing.

Seeing everyone’s lingering fear, Wu Sangui felt his anger surge. He shouted, “Father, there’s no need to boost others’ morale at the expense of our own! No matter how fierce Yue Yang’s artillery is, how much gunpowder can he really have? From Shanhai Pass to Shanxi is thousands of li—how much food and ammunition can he transport? It’s deep winter now. Just by holding out, we can exhaust him to death. And if Heaven sends another snowstorm, I’ll see how arrogant he can still be! Just wait—Heaven will teach him a lesson!”

“We can only do that,” Wu Xiang sighed softly. Compared to Wu Sangui’s confidence, Wu Xiang, as the father, was far less optimistic.