The Qing Dynasty amassed an army of 300,000 troops to launch a siege on Shandong Province, aiming to suppress Li Hong Zhang and his son Li Jing Yuan. This not only caused widespread unrest across the nation, but also filled the hearts of all those in Shandong with dread.
Such suppression campaigns were always extremely brutal.
It was unknown how many cities would be reduced to ashes in the war, how many people would perish in the flames, and how many would be left homeless.
Even if the Qing army achieved victory, it would likely be a disaster for the people of Shandong.
After all, the Qing army had a history of massacring entire cities.
When the Qing army entered the capital, they slaughtered the Han people on a massive scale, killing at least 50 million.
At the time, the total population of the late Ming Dynasty was only slightly over 100 million.
It was clear how brutal the Qing army was back then.
This time, if the Qing army successfully suppressed the rebellion of the Li family, no one dared to guarantee that they wouldn't repeat their atrocities in Shandong.
This caused many people in Shandong to become terrified.
Especially with certain individuals or factions stirring up the public, the entire province was on the verge of chaos.
Shandong Province, Ji Nan Prefecture, Beiyang Army Headquarters.
Li Hong Zhang, Li Jing Yuan, Zhang Yao, and other high-ranking officers of the Beiyang Army, all wore solemn expressions.
"It's over, it's all over! The court has assembled 300,000 troops to suppress us. How can we possibly resist? If we fail, we're all doomed! The entire Li family will be wiped out!"
Li Jing Shu was like an ant on a hot plate, extremely anxious.
He even felt a bit resentful towards Li Jing Yuan.
Why couldn't he simply be a loyal subject of the Qing Dynasty? Why did he have to rebel and court his own demise?
Li Hong Zhang and Li Jing Yuan, however, remained unfazed.
Li Hong Zhang, a veteran of countless battles, from suppressing the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom to quelling the Nian Rebellion, had faced countless challenges and would not be easily intimidated.
As for Li Jing Yuan, he had immense faith in the Beiyang Army.
At the same time, Li Jing Yuan was well aware of the Qing army's abysmal combat abilities.
Even the legendary 30,000 Mongol Iron Cavalry had fallen behind the times.
Facing the Maxim machine gun, if these Mongol cavalry dared to launch a large-scale charge, it would be akin to suicide.
"Third Brother, this battle won't be easy. The Qing army may be weak, but they have superior numbers. Furthermore, this is just their first wave of troops. If their initial attack fails, they can continue to assemble more troops and launch another offensive.
In comparison, our army consists mainly of new recruits. Many of them were farmers just a short while ago before they took up arms."
Li Hong Zhang looked serious.
"Yes, Father. However, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Infantry Divisions have proven combat capabilities. The 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Infantry Divisions, although they have been supplemented by a number of new recruits, still have a majority of veteran soldiers. Once they become accustomed to the new weapons, equipment, and tactics, they will be capable of exceeding the Qing army's strength.
The 4th, 5th, and 6th Infantry Divisions have a larger number of new recruits. But their training has been intensified.
The longer we can hold out, the more advantageous it becomes for us.
The Qing army may have assembled 300,000 troops, but we all know their current state and how weak their fighting abilities are.
As long as we can withstand their initial assault, the time for our counterattack will come!"
Li Jing Yuan was brimming with confidence.
In his view, once they weathered the initial storm, they would be able to launch a large-scale counterattack and claim victory.
"The 1st Infantry Division has been deployed to southern Zhili. The 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions have been dispatched to Cao Zhou Prefecture, Yan Zhou Prefecture, and Yi Zhou Prefecture.
These three infantry divisions will be responsible for holding off the Qing army's attack, buying us more time.
Meanwhile, the 7th, 8th, and 9th Infantry Divisions will provide reinforcements. If the situation turns against us, they will be dispatched to the frontlines immediately.
The 4th, 5th, 6th, and 10th Infantry Divisions will serve as reserves and will intensify their training during this time.
It will take the Qing army some time to assemble their forces around Shandong.
We have ample time to prepare and train our troops!"
Li Jing Yuan continued.
Li Hong Zhang nodded. At this point, regret and anxiety were useless.
Now, they could only press forward.
"Third Brother, the battlefield is your domain. This battle is crucial for us. We must succeed, there's no room for failure!" Li Hong Zhang said solemnly.
"Don't worry, Father, we will emerge victorious from this battle!" Li Jing Yuan declared with unwavering confidence.
And as if his confidence had spread to the others, it instilled a renewed sense of hope in them.
If Li Jing Yuan, the instigator of this rebellion, lacked confidence, then they wouldn't be able to count on anyone else.
Therefore, whether genuinely confident or merely putting up a front, Li Jing Yuan had to exhibit unwavering confidence.