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Although Fang Zhenshan was also born in the border army, the situation in the border towns of Shaanxi-Gansu and Liaodong was completely different.
The forces on the three sides of Shaanxi and Gansu are too many, complex and intertwined. Not only are the major border towns doing their own thing, but the various generals within the major border towns also support their own troops. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are scattered, and the sky The Emperor Gao was far away, and there were also foreign invasions from the Mongolian right wing, pressure from the central court, influence from Shanxi merchants, etc., which most tested the ability of the company to combine vertical and horizontal forces and assess the situation.
Therefore, Fang Zhenshan, who has made a name for himself in Shaanxi and Gansu, has a method and style very similar to those of civilian politicians. He himself is also better at forming parties and fighting for power. He always smiles but hides his sword.
But the situation in Liaodong Town is completely different. Not only is one dominant force on the Liaodong border, there are only two forces that have the ability to influence Liaodong Town, one is the imperial court center and the other is Jianzhou Jurchen;
Over the years, Liaodong Town has not so much been trying to support the bandits as it is trying to fight both sides, sometimes assisting the imperial court center in countering the Jianzhou Jurchens, and sometimes using the Jianzhou Jurchens to threaten the imperial court center;
When facing the Jianzhou Jurchen, the center of the imperial court is the biggest backer of Liaodong Town - our Ming Dynasty has a vast territory and millions of people. If our Ming Dynasty is determined to fight to the death, will you, the Jianzhou Jurchen, be afraid?
When facing the center of the imperial court, Jianzhou Jurchen is the biggest support of Liaodong Town - the Jianzhou Jurchen is aggressive and invincible. If I let it in, will you, the center of the imperial court, be afraid?
It is precisely because of this that He Yu, as the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong garrison, has a completely different style of conduct from Fang Zhenshan, who was the commander-in-chief of Guyuan. He must be ruthless and bold, otherwise he will not be able to let both the imperial court center and the Jianzhou Jurchens They are all afraid, and he must be arbitrary, otherwise he will not be able to twist Liaodong Town into a single rope and consolidate Liaodong Town's advantages.
As for the ability to combine vertical and horizontal lines and judge the situation, they are only secondary things. Methods such as finding tricks and hiding swords in a smile are just a joke in He Yu's eyes.
It is precisely because of the completely different style of this method that Fang Zhenshan not only changed his expression slightly, but also felt a little uncomfortable when he heard He Yu's naked threat.
——Even if you want to threaten, you can't say it so straightforwardly. Can't you leave some room for both parties? Can you be a human being?
Then, because he couldn't understand it, Fang Zhenshan only regarded He Yu's threats as a sign of fierceness and inner weakness. He thought that He Yu must have felt great pressure from Zhao Junchen, so he tried to use this intimidation method to prevent himself and others from taking the opportunity to cause trouble.
Therefore, after the initial surprise and discomfort, Fang Zhenshan did not give in at all. Instead, he pointedly said with a smile: "What Mr. He said makes sense, as long as Liaodong Town remains the pillar of our Ming Dynasty's border defense, As I wholeheartedly guard the border for the imperial court, I naturally shouldn’t let anyone shake this pillar.”
The implication is that Liaodong Town has gone against the overall interests of the court.
I have to say that this is a very ironic thing. When Fang Zhenshan was still the commander-in-chief of Guyuan, although Guyuan Town was not as big as Liaodong Town and had a high regard for raising bandits, it was quite willing to listen to the instructions and not the propaganda. , compared with Liaodong, the difference is only fifty steps and a hundred steps.
But now that Fang Zhenshan has become the governor of Liaodong, he seems to consider the overall interests of the court wholeheartedly. It can only be said that the heads of most people in this world are determined by their butts.
Hearing what Fang Zhenshan said, He Yu glanced at him coldly without saying a word, with a hint of disdain in his eyes.
Liaodong has the rules of the game in Liaodong. Even if Fang Zhenshan is good at forming a party and has made a lot of noise in just a few months, as long as Fang Zhenshan has not figured out the rules of the game in Liaodong and always indulges in the usual methods of the past, he will Never enough to be afraid.
For He Yu, just saying the threat once is enough. Repeated emphasis only shows that he is unable to implement these threats. If the people in front of him still cannot listen to his warning, He Yu will only take practical actions next.
Therefore, He Yu didn't pay attention to Fang Zhenshan's intention, but went straight to the topic and asked: "Everyone who came to me must have seen Zhao Gechen's messenger and received the news that Zhao Gechen suddenly became seriously ill.
This is a big event, and the people of Liaodong should naturally express their opinions... The main reason why you came to see me is to persuade me to go to Hujiazhuang with you to visit Zhao Cabinet Minister, right?
If my expectations are correct, after Zhao Gechen fell seriously ill, he must have sent many messengers to contact all the forces in Liaodong... Shanhaiguan Commander Wu, Liaodong Regiment Training Commander Ling Huguang, Liaodong Branch Training Commander Song Dahe , I will definitely rush to Hujiazhuang next...
Ah! Who would have thought that the small Hujiazhuang would then gather all the 'big shots' in Liaodong. It was truly an extraordinary meeting! "
As he spoke, He Yu's eyes slowly swept over the three representatives of the forces, Wu Yinglin, Han Baisui, and Hua Chungong, with unabated contempt in his eyes.
Wu Yinglin kept his head lowered from beginning to end, making it difficult for people to see his expression clearly, and he seemed not to notice He Yu's gaze, while Han Baisui and Hua Chungong couldn't help lowering their gazes. Look at each other.
Although He Yu referred to Wu Shilin as Commander Wu when referring to Shanhaiguan, which was somewhat respectful, but when referring to Liaodong regiment training and Liaodong branch training, he addressed Linghu Guang and Song Dahe by their first names. They didn't even have the most basic respect, but Han Baisui and Hua Chungong obviously didn't have the courage to defend their general in front of He Yu.
Seeing the performance of these three people, He Yu's eyes became more contemptuous, and he continued: "Whether it is to visit Zhao Gechen, or I don't want to miss this excitement, I will rush to Hujiazhuang next! So you don't need to waste time trying to persuade me Well, I just said that I will take this idiot Huang Shenming to Hujiazhuang in person. If you want to go with me next, then go to Jinzhou City West Gate Station to meet up. The time is set in an hour. I will I will personally lead a team of 'Liaodong Iron Cavalry' to escort you all to Hujiazhuang."
After hearing He Yu's last words, the expressions of everyone present changed slightly.
I just went to visit Zhao Junchen, why did I need to dispatch such a powerful army as the Liaodong Cavalry, which has great military achievements and is famous all over the world? Why did He Yu go to see Zhao Junchen for a visit? Or for demonstration?
However, before everyone could think about it, He Yu had already said goodbye and said: "Everyone, time is running out. You should return to your mansion now to prepare."
*
In this way, with just a few words, He Yu sent Fang Zhenshan, Wang Shizhen, Wu Yinglin and others out of the General Military Mansion.
Moreover, while these people were in the General Military Mansion, neither Wang Shizhen, the governor of Liaodong, nor Wu Yinglin, the representative of the Wu family in Shanhaiguan, had a chance to say a word.
After Fang Zhenshan left the General Military Mansion, he looked at the people around him and couldn't help but feel a little angry. He just felt that these people were too afraid of He Yu's power.
So, just after stepping out of the gate of the General Military Mansion, Fang Zhenshan couldn't help but emphasize to several people: "Everyone, we are going to see Zhao Gechen next! I am sure that Zhao Gechen's 'serious illness' this time is for A layout of Liaodong Town. Even when he personally participated in the bloody battles between Shaanxi and Gansu, he was calm and composed. How could he be frightened and sick by a few corpses now?
Therefore, we must unite as one, advance and retreat together, and help Zhao Gechen to attack Liaodong Town. With Zhao Gechen making the decision for us, we have nothing to worry about! If we people really want to get rid of the oppression everywhere in Liaodong Town, we must not miss this opportunity! "
After hearing what Fang Zhenshan said, Wang Shizhen, the governor of Liaodong who had always had no sense of his presence, couldn't help but ask: "Governor Fang, of course we have heard of Zhao Gechen's methods, but as the saying goes, 'A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake.' , Zhao Gechen is naturally not an ordinary strong dragon, but Liaodong Town is not an ordinary local snake, do you think Zhao Gechen really has the means to subdue Liaodong?"
Hearing Wang Shizhen's doubts, Fang Zhenshan's expression was a bit complicated. He seemed to be filled with admiration from the bottom of his heart, but also seemed to be helpless and unable to look back.
After being silent for a moment, Fang Zhenshan said slowly: "Governor Wang, you also know that I was the commander-in-chief of Guyuan. When Zhao Gechen was in charge of the military affairs of Shaanxi and Gansu, I also believed in the saying that 'a strong dragon will not suppress a local snake' But before long, I could only obey Zhao Gechen without realizing it, and I no longer had any intention of resisting!
After seeing Zhao Gechen's methods, I truly understood that a dragon is a dragon and a snake is a snake. No matter how deep-rooted a local snake is, it is just a small bug in the eyes of a strong dragon. As the saying goes, 'A strong dragon will not suppress a local snake', then It only means that the dragon is not strong enough and is a fake dragon, but Zhao Gechen..."
Originally, Fang Zhenshan wanted to say that Zhao Gechen was a "real dragon", but he suddenly realized that this sentence was a bit taboo. Finally, after a moment of silence again, he concluded: "Zhao Gechen... that's Zhao Gechen!"
After saying that, Fang Zhenshan's eyes fell on Wu Yinglin.
Compared to the submissive Wang Shizhen and the other two general soldiers who lacked strength, Fang Zhenshan still paid more attention to the opinions of the Wu family in Shanhaiguan.
Wu Yinglin is the half-brother of Wu Yingxiong, the governor of Jiliao. Even though he looks like a consumptive ghost, he seems to be a cowardly person, but in fact this man is one of the core figures of the Wu family. First, if he had not been seriously injured on the battlefield, after Wu Yingxiong was promoted to governor of Jiliao, the position of commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan would not have been passed to the young Wu Shilin.
This time, Wu Yinglin noticed Fang Zhenshan's gaze in time. After coughing slightly, he nodded and promised: "Zhao Gechen is inspecting Liaodong on behalf of the imperial court, and my Wu family has been loyal for generations, so I will naturally cooperate fully."
Following Wu Yinglin's promise, Han Baisui and Hua Chungong also expressed the same meaning one after another.
Wang Shizhen, the governor of Liaodong, who had always been cowardly, after a moment of silence, suggested: "He Yu is going to take the Liaodong cavalry to visit Zhao Gechen this time. In my opinion, it is called a visit, but it is actually a demonstration! So, if we want By assisting Zhao Gechen, Zhao Gechen cannot be weakened in front of the Liaodong cavalry!
I will contact all the gentry countrymen near Jinzhou and ask them to follow us to Hujiazhuang to visit Zhao Gechen. These people are also dissatisfied with the tyranny of Liaodong Town for many years. Although they have no soldiers in their hands, they all have a certain amount of power. Influence, after Zhao Gechen takes action to attack Liaodong Town, these people will definitely be happy to see the results and will respond one after another. At that time, it will not only increase Zhao Gechen's momentum, but also make those Liaodong cavalry who were born in the local area not dare to act rashly. ! "
Hearing Wang Shizhen's suggestion, Fang Zhenshan glanced at him in surprise, feeling that he might have underestimated this person before.
Perhaps Wang Shizhen is not as cowardly and low-key as he seems. It is just because Liaodong Town is too strong that he disguises himself like this to protect himself.
After secretly giving Wang Shizhen a high look, Fang Zhenshan nodded repeatedly and said: "This is a great plan, the governor, let's do this!"
*
Just as He Yu speculated, after Zhao Junchen became "seriously ill", he informed all the forces in Liaodong. Not only did messengers rush to Jinzhou to inform He Yu, Fang Zhenshan, Wang Shizhen and others, but also Messengers also rushed to Ningyuan, where the Liaodong regiment training camp was located, the Qianying camp where the Liaodong branch training camp was located, and Shanhaiguan, which was guarded by the Wu family for generations.
But he said that after receiving the news from the Liaodong Branch Training Camp of the front camp, Song Dahe, the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong Branch Training Camp, was both greatly surprised and overjoyed.
Song Dahe didn't care at all whether Zhao Junchen's serious illness was true or not. He only thought that this matter was a great opportunity for him to take advantage of Zhao Junchen!
As long as anyone wants to do so, the two major yamen of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Industry are both within Zhao Junchen's sphere of influence. As long as he pleases Zhao Junchen and opens up access to the Ministry of War, Liaodong Branch will have the opportunity to receive more support from the court in the future!
Since the Liaodong branch training team formed an army, life has been really hard. Not only do they have to compete with the Liaodong regiment training team for various resources, but also because they are located in the core hinterland of Liaodong Town. Even if they finally get some money, food and ordnance, they will still Most of them were intercepted by Liaodong Town.
Therefore, the military pay for the Liaodong branch training is only 30% of that of Liaodong town and 50% of that of the Liaodong regiment training. The soldiers do not even have enough to eat. Everyone is sallow and thin. In addition, the equipment is too poor and morale is low. At first glance, it looks like He is like a beggar.
In this way, Song Dahe was almost driven crazy because of money and food matters since he became the commander-in-chief of Liaodong branch training.
So, Song Dahe almost didn't hesitate at all, and immediately shouted loudly: "Come quickly, pack up all the valuable things in the army warehouse. I want to go to Hujiazhuang to visit Zhao Gechen in person. Should we have porridge or northwest drinks from now on?" Feng, let’s see if we can please Zhao Gechen this time!”
After the deputy general heard what Song Dahe said, he said with a grimace: "Master General, there are some things in our warehouse, but most of them are worthless, and the total is only a few thousand taels of silver... What do you think, Zhao Gechen? Can you like this?"
Song Dahe gritted his teeth and said, "This month's military pay hasn't been paid yet, has it? Take it all with you! Send people to the city to find the two big landowners, the Guo family and the Wang family, to make some money. Let's say that our Liaodong branch will provide services for this year. They plow the fields and harvest the autumn, they can also do odd jobs and run errands! In short, we must try our best to collect as much as possible. We can only gamble once with our blood at this time! In short, we must act as fast as possible. I want to rush to Hujiazhuang as soon as possible to show my sincerity! Capital If it’s not enough, please do it with sincerity!”
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Almost when Song Dahe was gathering money and gifts everywhere to please Zhao Junchen, Linghu Guang, the Liaodong regiment training station in Ningyuan, also received relevant news.
Like Song Dahe, Linghu Guang was also surprised and secretly happy after receiving the news.
But the reason for Linghu Guang's secret joy was somewhat different from Song Dahe's. He just felt that he had finally found a chance to complete a certain task.
So, Linghu Guang immediately ordered: "Quickly, send someone to inform Mr. Feng that I have something urgent to discuss with him."
After hearing the order, the soldiers beside Linghu Guang immediately agreed, but their brows could not help but frown slightly.
The "Mr. Feng" Linghuguang was talking about came to Ningyuan from the capital a few days ago. No one except Linghuguang knew the true identity of Mr. Feng, but no one in the Liaodong regiment training like him.
Not only because this Mr. Feng always smells of urine, not only because his behavior is too effeminate and incompatible with Northeastern men, but also because this Mr. Feng’s temperament is too arrogant, which can be described as extremely arrogant. Difficult to serve, he always regarded the soldiers trained by the Liaodong regiment as country bumpkins.
If Linghu Guang hadn't treated Mr. Feng as his guest with great respect, Mr. Feng would have been beaten to death long ago.
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In Shanhaiguan, in the lobby of the temporary yamen of Governor Ji Liao, Wu Yingxiong was also giving detailed instructions to Wu Shilin.
"Remember, after you go to see Zhao Junchen, as long as it does not harm the interests of our Wu family, you must try your best to cooperate with him in suppressing Liaodong Town. It is best to take the opportunity to shake the status of Liaodong Town, but don't get too close to Zhao Junchen. , otherwise His Majesty will be in trouble... By the way, you can bring another group of Guan Ning's cavalry with you. He Yu has an extremely strong personality. If he goes to see Zhao Junchen, he will definitely bring the Liaodong cavalry with him. Let's take care of Guan Ning. Bringing the cavalry over can also suppress his limelight..."
Just as Wu Yingxiong kept urging and Wu Shilin kept nodding in agreement, he saw an old servant of the Wu family suddenly enter the lobby and report: "Master, master...the old master wants to see you two!"
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