“Yes, Your Excellency!”
Despite his immense resentment, Ye Zhi Chao had no choice but to follow the order of Bayan Noyan.
He understood clearly that the 30,000 Mongol cavalry led by Bayan Noyan was ostensibly there for support, but in reality, they were there to oversee the battle.
If his troops were to shy away from the enemy, these Mongol cavalry would instantly become execution squads, reaping their lives.
Ye Zhi Chao didn't want to die at the hands of his own people instead of the Beiyang Army.
Besides, it was the lower ranks who were sent to fight to the death, not him. Even if there were heavy casualties, his safety was at least guaranteed.
After Ye Zhi Chao left, Bayan Noyan and Fu Kun both wore expressions of disdain.
“These Han people are just lowly beings. They don't understand who is the master unless they are shown. They are merely slaves of the Qing Dynasty. It's their fortune to fight for the Qing Dynasty's empire,” Fu Kun boasted.
Bayan Noyan nodded repeatedly.
The Mongols, especially those from the Khalkha tribe, had long been bound to the fate of the Qing Dynasty, sharing in its glory and its decline.
They naturally wished for the Qing Dynasty to endure for generations to come.
This way, they would continue to enjoy endless wealth and power.
“The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are waiting for our good news. Therefore, we cannot delay any further. We must seize the opportunity and not disappoint the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
Tomorrow's battle, Ye Zhi Chao's Tianjin Coastal Defense Army will lead the charge, followed by the Mongol cavalry.
Once the rebels' attention is drawn to the Green Standard Army, the Mongol cavalry will utilize their speed advantage to charge to the foot of the city walls and launch an attack.
If the situation turns unfavorable, the main force composed of the various camps in the capital must immediately engage in the battle.”
Bayan Noyan presented his plan.
He was well aware of the Beiyang Army's advanced weaponry and powerful firepower.
The Qing army would have to give their all if they wanted to win this battle.
Fu Kun nodded repeatedly.
However, he also knew that the Qing army's main force, consisting of the various camps in the capital, seemed numerous and well-equipped, but these Bannermen were no longer as valiant and skilled as their ancestors.
Relying on them to win this battle was a daunting challenge.
He only hoped that the Tianjin Coastal Defense Army and the Mongol cavalry's attack would be successful.
Otherwise, it would be incredibly difficult for them to win the battle.
On August 11, 1788, the Qing army launched its attack once more.
The 30,000 Mongol cavalry formed a menacing, dark mass far from the city walls, creating immense pressure on the defenders.
Ye Zhi Chao's remaining few thousand Tianjin Coastal Defense Army soldiers stood in formation in front of the Mongol cavalry.
However, these Tianjin Coastal Defense Army soldiers were filled with fear, their faces pale.
The Beiyang Army's powerful firepower in the previous battle had left an indelible impression on these Qing soldiers.
To have them charge again under the Beiyang Army's relentless fire was tantamount to sending them to their deaths.
But behind them stood the fearsome Mongol cavalry with their gleaming scimitars, sharp as razors, reflecting cold light under the sun.
These Qing soldiers believed that if they dared to disobey orders, those Mongol cavalry would surely sever their heads with their scimitars.
Faced with this predicament, these Qing soldiers had no choice but to lower their heads and charge forward.
“Attack! All units attack!”
“Charge! Brothers, charge onto the city walls and kill all the rebels!”
“The General said the first one to reach the city walls will be rewarded with one hundred taels of silver!”
“Kill one rebel, earn five taels of silver. Kill ten rebels, get promoted three ranks!”
Under the shouts of their officers, the Qing soldiers bravely charged again.
The Mongol cavalry behind them watched with amusement, as if they were witnessing a bullfight.
Except, this was a real performance, and it was even more bloody.
“All units, prepare yourselves. Once the Qing army enters the area one hundred and fifty meters from the city wall, open fire immediately!”
On the city wall, Colonel Li Ben Tang, commander of the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Beiyang Army, gave the order.
“Yes, sir!”
The officers responded in unison.
Every Maxim heavy machine gun, every 82mm mortar, and every 88 Commission rifle in the soldiers’ hands was ready to fire.
As the Qing army's charge brought them closer to the city walls, the soldiers tensed, their minds focused.
Due to the significant loss of artillery in the previous encounter, the Qing army did not provide artillery support this time. The Beiyang Army, on the other hand, also chose not to use their cannons.
These shells would be used against the more formidable Mongol cavalry and the subsequent Qing army main force. It wasn't worth wasting them on the Tianjin Coastal Defense Army.