Chapter 1075

Inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Emperor Chongzhen was reviewing official documents. The first he saw was the military campaign plan submitted by Wang Yongji. It would be more accurate to call it a plan for rest and reorganization than a campaign plan. Winter had already arrived in Liaodong. The soldiers who had come from Jiangnan, including Li Dingguo, were finding the frigid climate difficult to endure, and their combat effectiveness had been significantly impacted. For this reason, Wang Yongji intended to halt the offensive during the winter months. Furthermore, continuing the advance would require extending and expanding supply lines; should they encounter heavy snow, the logistical units responsible for transport would face immense challenges. Moreover, during the first assault on Shenyang, the Jiannu had circled behind them, nearly cutting off their retreat. If they were to attack Hetuala now, the Great Ming Dynasty’s army would be vulnerable at three locations: Shenyang, Guangning, and Yizhou. After careful consideration, Wang Yongji decided to temporarily consolidate the defenses of the cities they already held, waiting until spring to move out of Shenyang and advance on Hetuala. Seeing that both the Ministry of War and the Cabinet had approved Wang Yongji’s request, Emperor Chongzhen used the vermilion brush to grant his assent.