Early March, although the weather in Yanjing City was still very cold.
But compared to the previous icy and snowy conditions, the temperature had risen a lot.
Empress Dowager Cixi summoned the Manchu Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the Eight Banners New Army, Wulaxi Chong'a, demanding that he reach an agreement with the Japanese Army's Qing Expeditionary Force as soon as possible to launch an attack on the Beiyang Army.
If they continued to delay, the Qing Dynasty might not be able to hold on.
Hundreds of thousands of troops required a massive amount of grain and fodder every day.
On top of that, these Japanese were not good people to begin with, and their actions were causing widespread resentment among the people.
If this continued, the Qing Dynasty's rule might truly be shaken.
Upon receiving the order, Wulaxi Chong'a didn't dare to delay, and immediately went to Tianjin to meet with General Shanxian Youpeng.
"Commander-in-Chief, the weather has gradually warmed up. The Empress Dowager has ordered us to crush the rebel army as soon as possible, we cannot delay any longer. The longer we delay, the stronger the rebel army will become, and the more disadvantageous it will be for us!" said Wulaxi Chong'a.
"Minister of War, our troops have long been ready, and can launch an attack on the Beiyang Army at any time. However, the weather conditions are not yet suitable.
Let's do this, in half a month, we will launch the first attack and crush the Beiyang Army's forces gathered south of Tianjin.
Then, both of us will launch an attack from Yanjing, encircle and annihilate the main force of the Beiyang Army in central and southern Zhili.
After this battle, the main force of the Beiyang Army will inevitably be severely damaged or even completely annihilated.
Then, it will be much easier to destroy the Beiyang Army and quell this rebellion."
General Shanxian Youpeng laid out his plan.
Wulaxi Chong'a nodded repeatedly.
"Commander-in-Chief, this plan is excellent. We also believe that the rebel army is no match for the Japanese Army. After you crush the rebel army, we will immediately launch a full-scale attack!"
The Japanese were going to launch the first attack on the Beiyang Army, and Wulaxi Chong'a naturally would not refuse.
In fact, he was eager for this to happen.
This would undoubtedly be very beneficial to the Qing army and the Qing Dynasty.
"Minister of War, then let's prepare separately!" said General Shanxian Youpeng.
"Good, good!" Wulaxi Chong'a was very happy.
"Commander, why not let the Qing go and fight the Beiyang Army first? That way, we can also use the Beiyang Army to weaken the Qing." The Chief of Staff of the Qing Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant General Komatsu Akihito, Prince of Komatsu, was very puzzled.
"The Qing people have been frightened by the Beiyang Army. Even though their Eight Banners New Army is equipped with Western weapons and trained in the Western style, based on our understanding, their combat effectiveness is still very poor, and their fighting spirit is equally weak.
Expecting them to deal with the Beiyang Army is simply a pipe dream.
Don't forget, the Beiyang Army is also a newly formed force, especially with many new recruits who have never seen battle.
If we let the Qing fight the Beiyang Army first.
Then, after this battle, the Beiyang Army will inevitably grow stronger, and their morale will even be boosted.
At that time, it would be very difficult for us to defeat them.
We might even have to pay a heavier price!
Rather than that, it's better if we use our greatest strength to crush the Beiyang Army from the very beginning and deny them the opportunity to grow.
Therefore, we will secure victory from the outset.
As the saying goes, even a lion hunts a rabbit with all its strength!
This time, we will directly use our most powerful force to crush the Beiyang Army in one fell swoop, giving them no chance!"
General Shanxian Youpeng appeared very confident, as if they could easily crush the Beiyang Army.
"Yo-shi! Commander, this plan is very good. As long as we can crush the Beiyang Army in this upcoming battle. Then, we have won.
And those weak Qing will remain weak.
When we launch our invasion of the Qing next, they will be unable to resist our attack.
Vast swathes of Qing territory will be occupied by us.
A large number of Qing people will willingly become our slaves.
The Qing's resources, wealth, and manpower will become the nourishment for the rise of the Empire. The Empire will surely be able to seize this opportunity to become a world-class power!"
Lieutenant General Komatsu Akihito, Prince of Komatsu, had a smile plastered on his face.
"Prince, order the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Infantry Divisions to be ready. This upcoming battle is crucial, we must crush the Beiyang Army in one fell swoop!" General Shanxian Youpeng ordered.
"Hai, Commander!" Lieutenant General Komatsu Akihito, Prince of Komatsu, responded.
Immediately, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Infantry Divisions of the Japanese Army, totaling over 110,000 men, began their final preparations for battle.
Numerous Japanese reconnaissance units began to cross the control line between the two sides and conduct reconnaissance close to the enemy.
And the reconnaissance units of the Beiyang Army naturally launched counter-attacks.
For a time, the front lines were shrouded in war clouds, and a major battle was about to unfold.