Chapter 460: If You Can’t Win, Then Talk
The Tsarist Russian garrisons built very strong fortifications and fortresses around Yingkou, Haicheng, Liaoyang and other cities.

Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for the Dingbian Army to capture these places in a short period of time.

But at this time many people in the Tsarist Russian army were still sick. In addition, the Dingbian Army used some weapons that had never appeared before, which were specifically designed to deal with fortifications and trenches, and their lethality was extremely great.

The Tsarist Russian army was unable to cope with the situation and could only retreat step by step.

The weapons used by the Dingbian Army were not high-tech.

It was the Linjiang Military Factory that adopted Qu Shaoyang’s suggestion and manufactured the mortars and flying thunder cannons through improvements.

The mortar originated from the mortar. During the Russo-Japanese War, Tsarist Russia used mortars that were modified from naval guns.

But at this moment, it should not have appeared yet, or has not been equipped to the Tsarist Russian army stationed in Northeast China.

As for the Flying Thunder Cannon, it has another name, the Conscienceless Cannon, which was not available until the late period of the War of Resistance Against Japan.

The reason why these two types of cannon were used was not for any other reason, but mainly because the Dingbian Army developed too fast and there were not enough weapons and equipment.

Although Qu Shaoyang had accumulated a lot of wealth in the early days and later seized a lot of guns and cannons, as the number of Dingbian troops increased and the territory became larger, the weapons and equipment could not keep up.

The guns are okay, but the artillery pieces are too few in number and really not enough.

After the signing of the Boxer Protocol, Western countries agreed to an arms embargo on the Qing Dynasty.

In addition, after Dongbiandao became independent, it was no longer able to purchase arms from foreigners.

Therefore, Qu Shaoyang was forced to rack his brains and discuss solutions with Anders and other military personnel.

Dongbiandao is rich in mineral resources, including iron ore, coal mine, copper mine, etc.

Especially the iron mines in Tonghua and the copper mines in Liudaogou, Linjiang, are rich in mineral resources, not to mention the coal mines. The quality of coal in Wangou, Sanchazi and other places is very good.

Therefore, Dongbiandao has a good industrial foundation.

In the past few years, Chen Xiuyun took advantage of the cooperation with foreigners and exchanged drugs for supplies to get back a lot of small and medium-sized equipment discarded by foreigners and built a steel plant.

It was originally used to produce tracks for forest trains, lay railways for trains, and transport timber.

Later, when the railway was almost completed, it was converted to other uses.

Due to technical reasons, the military factories are unable to produce such advanced weapons for the time being.

The requirements for steel for these two types of cannons are not that high, especially the flying thunder cannon, which basically has no requirements and is completely fine.

This winter, the military factory produced a lot of flying thunder cannons, which were just right for dealing with the Tsarist Russian army.

As a result, the fortifications and fortresses that the Tsarist Russian army was most proud of were quickly destroyed under the attacks of various artillery fire from the Dingbian Army.

The Haicheng city, which was surrounded on all sides, was breached in less than half a month.

Immediately afterwards, the two armies marched towards Liaoyang, joined forces with the other army, and surrounded the city of Liaoyang.

Liaoyang is Fengtian’s last barrier. If Liaoyang is lost, Fengtian will be lost.

At this time, Alexeev finally came to his senses and quickly ordered the mobilization of troops from other places to reinforce Liaoyang and Fengtian.

Tsarist Russia stationed more than 60,000 troops in Lüda and other places, and Alexeev urgently mobilized 40,000 troops to reinforce Liaoyang.

However, at this time, Gaiping, Xiongyue and other places were under the control of the Dingbian Army, which just cut off the Russian Army’s way to the north.

The volunteer army, composed of the Dingbian Army, local militia and civilians, had set up numerous obstacles and ambushes to block the Tsarist Russian army.

On the other hand, the 30,000 Russian reinforcements mobilized from Harbin, Jilin and other places were also blocked in Hailong, Huaide, Taolu and other places and could not advance.

Under such circumstances, Liaoyang could not hold out for long and was quickly captured under the fierce artillery fire of the Dingbian Army.

The defeated army abandoned Liaoyang City and fled. The Dingbian Army immediately entered the city, seized a large amount of military equipment and food supplies, and then headed for Fengtian.

This time, Zengqi was really dumbfounded. If the Dingbian Army was allowed to attack Fengtian, his life would definitely be in danger.

So Zengqi abandoned Fengtian City and fled again.

Many other officials also ran away, and in Fengtian, only Zhang Xiulan was left to preside over the situation.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Xiulan immediately called the capital, requesting the court’s agreement to negotiate peace.

Zhang Xiulan argued that the Eastern Righteous Army was not against the imperial court. Their main goal was to expel the Russian army and secondly to punish the traitor Zengqi. They had never shouted anti-Qing slogans.

As long as the imperial court shows sincerity and brings Zengqi to justice, I believe the Eastern Righteous Army will agree to withdraw.

If the imperial court could promise high positions and generous salaries, Zhang Xiulan was confident that he could persuade Qu Shaoyang not to attack Fengtian anymore.

Alternatively, the imperial court could also join forces with the Dingbian Army to expel the Tsarist Russian army.

The news of the Eastern Righteous Army’s successive victories soon spread throughout the country and even overseas.

Patriotic people in various provinces in the south expressed their willingness to support the Eastern Righteous Army and work together to expel the Russian invaders.

Many people began to donate money and supplies, and tried to transport them to Andong by sea to support the rebel army.

There were also some anti-Russian patriots who formed a volunteer team and rushed to the Liaodong battlefield.

Western countries naturally also paid attention to this situation and became worried.

Tsarist Russia’s desire to monopolize the Northeast and exclude other countries had long aroused dissatisfaction among various countries.

Seeing Tsarist Russia suffer defeat and losing step by step, although other countries were happy, they were also worried at a deeper level.

The great powers were very afraid that if the righteous army in the east really drove Tsarist Russia out of the Northeast, this morale boost might very likely lead to unpredictable consequences.

Although the great powers coveted the territory and resources of the Qing Dynasty, no country had the ability to completely conquer the Qing Dynasty and this vast land.

Therefore, what they would rather see is a Qing Dynasty that is old and terminally ill, a Qing Dynasty that is full of fear of foreigners and foreign powers.

In this way, they can show off their power, act tyrannically, extort money and seize more resources on this land.

If this rebel army really defeated and expelled Tsarist Russia, then the people of the Qing Dynasty would inevitably awaken, which was not what the great powers wanted to see.

No, we don’t even have to be defeated. Even if we capture Fengtian this time, it will be enough to break the myth that the great powers cannot defeat us.

As a result, the voice of various countries in the Qing Dynasty will be reduced.

Therefore, the United States, Britain, Japan and other countries, on the one hand, sent a note to the Qing Dynasty, urging it to appease the Eastern Righteous Army as soon as possible and not let the situation escalate.

On the other hand, it also put pressure on Tsarist Russia, forcing it to sign the treaty as soon as possible and withdraw its troops from the Northeast.

Otherwise, all countries will give appropriate consideration and provide assistance to the Eastern Righteous Army.

At this time, the Qing court was also arguing over various opinions.

Some advocated sending troops to encircle and suppress the rebels and prevent them from growing stronger, but the majority still advocated peace negotiations.

Their ideas were similar to Zhang Xiluan’s, and they all believed that the Eastern Righteous Army was not against the imperial court from the beginning, but against the Russian invaders and Zengqi. The Dingbian Army was well-trained and brave, and had made great achievements in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895.

Qu Shaoyang himself is also a capable official. In recent years, he has served as the inspector of Dongbian Road. He has worked diligently, suppressed bandits everywhere, and maintained public security in Dongbian Road, and has made great contributions.

Especially in this fight against the Russian invasion, the Dingbian Army performed quite well and did not let the Russian army set foot in the east.

With such achievements, he deserves promotion and reward to the army.

It is Zengqi’s fault that things have come to this point today.

If he had not insisted on punishing the generals of the Dingbian Army to please Tsarist Russia, the Dingbian Army would not have been forced to revolt and the Dongbian Road would not have become independent.

Now that the righteous army in the east has captured several cities and surrounded Fengtian, it is also a good thing for the imperial court, as it can use this to force Tsarist Russia to withdraw its troops as soon as possible.

Therefore, many people supported Zhang Xiulan’s statement and suggested that they should first negotiate terms with the Eastern Daoyi Army.

Of course, we cannot help but be on guard and still have to dispatch troops to Fengtian for reinforcement to prevent the two sides from failing to reach an agreement.

The ministers argued endlessly and the great powers exerted pressure one after another. Finally, the Empress Dowager Cixi had no choice but to agree to Zhang Xiulan’s request and talk first.

At the same time, he ordered the Governor-General of Zhili and Minister of Beiyang to immediately dispatch troops to the northeast to provide assistance to Fengtian.

After receiving the order from the court, Zhang Xiulan immediately sent someone out of the city to deliver a letter to Qu Shaoyang to express the court’s attitude.

As long as Qu Shaoyang does not lead his troops to attack Fengtian, everything can be negotiated and any conditions can be proposed.

“Big brother, second brother, how do you think this matter can be handled better?”

Qu Shaoyang gave the letter to Chen Yunzhe, Chen Yunhan and others to read, and then asked for everyone’s opinions.

“Well, I think we can talk about it.

Although we are winning victory after victory, it is only a fluke victory. If we continue to fight, I am afraid that the imperial court will send more troops and Tsarist Russia will also increase its troops.

With the limited forces we have, we are fighting on three fronts, blocking enemy reinforcements from the north and south, and it is very difficult.

Over time, it will be disadvantageous to us.” Chen Yunzhe pondered for a moment and expressed his opinion.

After all, the Eastern Righteous Army has only been in rebellion for a short time and its foundation is not that strong.

This time, all the resources in the family were used to attack Fengtian.

At present, there are only 20,000 Dingbian troops in the direction of Xiongyue and Gaiping, who, together with the militia and the people, are blocking the 40,000-strong Russian army.

In the direction of Hailong and Huaide, there were 20,000 loyal soldiers led by Liu Yonghe, Yang Yulin and others. Together with the bandit gangs and the Jilin volunteer army that were previously recaptured by Qu Shaoyang, they were also struggling to hold on.

Once the Qing army and the Russian army arrived to reinforce, it would be too dangerous for the rebels.

If things go wrong, not only will we lose our current victory, but we will also be surrounded by enemies.

Therefore, Chen Yunzhe and some other people advocated negotiations, as they currently had the upper hand and could put forward more conditions.

As long as the court gives enough, there is no need to continue this war.

“What to talk about? I don’t think there’s any need to talk.

We have revolted and fought for a year, and now we are negotiating again. Wouldn’t all the previous wars have been in vain?
Since ancient times, how many people who were forced to surrender had a good ending?

Don’t try to trick us into negotiating today, then come back to settle the score with us tomorrow. We won’t even know how we died then.

The Boxer Rebellion is the most obvious example, and we have all seen it.”

Chen Yunhan expressed a different opinion on this. He felt that there was no need to talk and that they should just fight. They would fight to the end. If they succeeded, it would be great, but if they failed, the worst that could happen was that they would lose their heads.

A real man cannot live his life in vain. If he can do something great, his life will not be in vain.

“Can you use your brain a little bit? Is this a matter between one or two of us?
This involves nearly 100,000 soldiers, and behind them are tens of thousands of families. What is the total population of Dongbiandao?
If you keep fighting like this, are you going to kill everyone? How many winners will there be in a war?” Chen Yunzhe glared at his brother angrily.

What Chen Yunzhe said was actually what Qu Shaoyang was worried about.

Although the Eastern Road has ten prefectures and counties, it is not worth mentioning compared with the entire Northeast, let alone the whole country.

The Dingbian Army was able to grow to its current size mainly because they had a mass base. The common people of Dongbian Road and the rebel forces from all over the country all supported them.

But the population of the East Road is so small that it cannot support more troops. If we continue to fight, the future will indeed not be optimistic.

The Qing Dynasty’s fortune has not yet reached its end. It is said that a centipede will not die even if it is cut into pieces. Once the imperial court really mobilizes a large number of troops to encircle and suppress it, the Eastern Righteous Army may not be able to hold on for too long.

Since the Qing court took the initiative to propose peace talks, it is an opportunity.

However, the specific conditions for the negotiation need to be carefully considered.

No matter what time, there are not many people who are really willing to fight, and most people still hope to live a peaceful and stable life.

So after all the discussion, everyone finally agreed to negotiate first, put forward the conditions and talk about them slowly. This would also be a good opportunity for the army to take a break.

After discussion among everyone, several conditions were put forward.

First, Tsarist Russia must withdraw its troops, sign a treaty and evacuate the Northeast; second, the traitor Zengqi must be severely punished.

Third, Qu Shaoyang made a huge request, asking for the position of governor of the three northeastern provinces.

Moreover, the existing Dingbian Army must not be disbanded, but must be retained in its entirety and under his command.

In negotiations, of course the conditions have to be raised and there has to be room for bargaining.

Is it possible that after all the effort of starting an uprising, we will only be appointed as the governor of the Eastern Circuit? Or the governor of the Eastern Circuit? Then this year’s war would have been fought in vain, which would be too meaningless.

The conditions proposed by Qu Shaoyang were passed on to the court, causing another round of controversy.

The first one is not a problem, and the imperial court also hopes that Tsarist Russia will withdraw its troops as soon as possible.

After this battle, Tsarist Russia suffered considerable damage in its power in the Northeast. With the participation of other powers, it is estimated that the treaty can be signed.

The second one is nothing, just Zengqi. As long as we can stabilize the situation, it’s okay to sacrifice him.

But the third one won’t work. Northeast China is the birthplace of the Manchus and is of vital importance. How can we appoint a Han official as the governor of the three northeastern provinces?

Besides, there has never been the position of governor in the Northeast since the very beginning. It has always been a policy of separation of banners and civilians, with generals in each province in charge of the military and political affairs of their province.

If Qu Shaoyang were to become the governor of the three northeastern provinces, wouldn’t the northeast belong to the Eastern Daoyi Army in the future? This was absolutely not acceptable.

So someone suggested that since the Dingbian Army was so powerful, why not let Qu Shaoyang be the governor of the eastern military preparation department.

In addition to the existing Fengcheng, Andong, Xiuyan, Kuandian, Huairen, Xingjing, Tonghua, Hailong, Linjiang and Fusong, the areas under the jurisdiction of Hunchun Prefecture can also be allocated there.

It just so happened that this narrow strip of land along the Yalu River, Changbai Mountain and Tumen River was all handed over to the Dingbian Army to guard, to defend against Goryeo in the south and Tsarist Russia in the north.

With the bravery of the Dingbian Army and Qu Shaoyang’s talent, they will definitely be able to manage the eastern region well and no longer have to worry about Tsarist Russia causing trouble.

(End of this chapter)