It was the 30th day of the first lunar month in the eighth year of Xuanhe in the Song Dynasty.
There was a solemn and solemn scene in the middle school field of Damingfu City.
Talented men, soldiers of the forbidden army, dutiful sons, and strong citizens of the Wei family lined up in a corner of the school grounds under various banners. The soldiers are still in order, but the number of people is still a bit small. In a large school field that can accommodate tens of thousands of cavalry, most of the territory is empty. There are only about 20,000 people huddled in the northwest corner of the school field, giving way to the school field. The common people and gentry of Daming Mansion who were watching outside felt uncertain.
The 20,000 troops here are all the fighting soldiers that Zhao Kai tried his best to gather within more than 20 days after arriving at Daming Mansion.
Among them, there are more than 4,500 cavalry who were incorporated into Zhao Kai's personal army, Tiance Army. In addition to the 1,800 cavalry brought by Zhao Kai from Kaifeng Mansion, there are also 1,000 cavalry originally belonging to Han Shizhong, and more than 700 cavalry brought by Liu Yan from Daming Mansion. Among the dozens of cavalry brought by Kuan, there were more than 800 cavalry led by veteran Yang Weizhong who had just arrived from Yizhou two days ago, and two to three hundred cavalry recruited by Zhao Kai from the Xiang soldiers, filial sons, and Minzhuang of Daming Prefecture.
These cavalry are now the main ace in Zhao Kai's hands, so he does not care about their original subordinates, but uses the military order of the Hebei Army Marshal to transfer them to his command and join the Tiance army. In order to win over the hearts and minds of the military attachés who led troops to join, Zhao Kai set up a commander, three deputy commanders and three commanders in the Tiance army.
Among them, the command of the Tiance pro-army was given to Han Shizhong, and the deputy command was given to Xiang Ke, Liu Yan, and Yang Weizhong—these four all led the team to join. Among them, Han Shizhong and Xiang Ke each brought more than 1,000 cavalry, and Liu Yan and Yang Weizhong Bring seven to eight hundred riders. The three commanders were Huang Wuji, Liu Qi, and Ma Kuo. In addition, although the commander, the third deputy commander and the third commander have different official positions, they all command the same number of cavalry. These seven people all serve as cavalry generals and each command more than 600 cavalry.
The Tiance pro-army also has an auxiliary general, which is composed of horsemen brought by Zhao Kai from Moutuogang Racecourse, plus horsemen and handymen recruited from Daming Mansion. Among them, less than 500 have Tiance military status, and they have the Forbidden Army. There are about 1,000 people with military membership. The general of the auxiliary general is Qiwang, the military officer from Moutuogang. He also has a commanding title, called Army and Horse Commander.
The main task of the Tiance army's auxiliary general is to manage the horses of Tiance's army and a small horse farm, taking care of more than 10,000 horses in total - all Tiance cavalry join with their war horses. In addition to the 5,000 horses Zhao Kai obtained from Moutuogang Racecourse, plus the horses collected after arriving at Daming Mansion. The total number of horses currently belonging to Tiance's army exceeds 12,000, including 1,200 stallions and more than 2,000 tall mares that are in the best age of giving birth.
In addition, there are hundreds of guards under Tiance's pro-army, the same Kaifeng soldiers who originally lined up outside Donghua Gate. Their current task is to protect Zhao Kai's palace.
In addition to the Tiance Qinjun, Zhao Kai also established two new military titles: Shuaifu Yajun and Weifu Yicongjun.
Among them, the Shuaifu Yajun was the 5,000 forbidden infantry troops originally stationed in Damingfu City. This army was also brought under Zhao Kai's command with a Shuaifu General Order. The army was controlled by the veteran general He Guan brought by Zhao Kai from Kaifeng Prefecture.
As for the Yi Congjun of the Wei Mansion, also known as the Filial Son Army, all the "filial sons" from the Daming Mansion are now included in it, plus some reorganized rebels, as well as some of the forbidden troops and Xiang soldiers from the Daming Mansion, totaling more than 7,000 People form an army. Military control was given to the original daimyo commander Wang Yuan.
In addition to the above 17,000-8,000 people, there are two other armed forces under Zhao Kai. One is his royal family soldiers, with about 1,000 people. The main force is of course led by He Guan outside Donghua Gate. There were 300 people blocking the door and more than 200 marriage officials who followed Zhao Kai. After arriving at Daming Mansion, Zhao Kai asked his confidant Wang Xiaode to take charge of them, and also asked Wang Xiaode to recruit 500 new men, making up the number of thousands.
The other armed force was 2,000 Cangzhou soldiers brought to Daming Prefecture by Du Chong, who knew Cangzhou Prefecture. This Du Chong was ordered by the Song Dynasty court to escort a batch of grain to Kaifeng Prefecture and arrived just two days ago. Daming Mansion, of course, Zhao Kai detained everyone including people and food.
After scraping together, Zhao Kai's troops have exceeded 20,000, which is twice as many as Guo Yaoshi and Liu Yanzong! Even if one of them has to stay in Daming Mansion, it is still safe to send 15,000 troops.
Fifteen thousand people beat ten thousand people, which is a full five thousand more people, and there is also the advantage of surprise attack, and the bonus of Zhao Kai, the chosen king... This advantage is better than initially estimated. Even bigger, it’s impossible to lose, right?
Now in the school grounds, the victorious army of 20,000 people has been lined up neatly and silently. But I don’t see much arrogance, and there is also a vague air of melancholy floating around... It seems that this problem that is only effective but not effective needs to continue to find ways to cure it!
Outside the school grounds, dozens of knights were slowly coming towards the school grounds. The first rider, wearing a silver helmet and a dazzling red cloak, was none other than the Marshal of the Hebei Army, King Yun Zhao Kai. The high-ranking officials and generals in Daming Mansion gathered around him, half of them looked worried, and a few couldn't help sighing - they had been trying to persuade Zhao Kai for several days, trying to prevent him from leaving the city in person to meet Guo Kai. Pharmacist showdown.
But Zhao Kai is very stubborn and determined to go out of the city to fight against thieves! He also ordered Chen Ji, He Guan, Han Shizhong, Wang Yuan and others to formulate a plan to raid Guo Yaoshi's camp. It’s time to start putting it into practice!
Zhao Kai came to the school in person today, not for anything else, but to order troops and swear an oath!
After the swearing-in, we must leave the city immediately and go to the west bank of the Yellow River to fight to the death with the two thieves Guo Yaoshi and Liu Yanzong!
Although this battle plan looks pretty good - there will be regular troops, surprise troops, and ambushes, and some of the cannons (trebuchets) and bed crossbows deployed at the top of Damingfu City will be removed and loaded into trucks, disguised as property, The troops of Guo Yaoshi and Liu Yanzong were sent to serve as supporting firepower outside the camp. And in order to enhance the power of the cannon, Zhao Kai also ordered the artillery (affiliated to the Wei Army) to bring poisonous smoke balls, a high-tech weapon from the 12th century!
But in the eyes of Cai Mao, Du Chong, Liang Fangping and others, Zhao Kai's current behavior is just nonsense. Even if he, the prince of the Song Dynasty, received the post of marshal of Hebei, he should not leave the city in person!
And he still went out of the city to attack the Jin army when there was a lot of hope for peace talks... This is really unwise, and it will also kill the officials and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Bianliang in Tokyo!
If the officials and the prince were killed by gold thieves, what would happen to the hundreds of millions of people in the Song Dynasty? Who will be the new official?
When they thought about this issue, Cai Mao, Du Chong, Liang Fangping and others did not dare to say anything anymore...
Zhao Kai had already arrived at the school grounds at this time, and walked towards the black banner, white general tooth flag and red Luo recognition flag that had been erected in front of the square formations composed of 20,000 Song Dynasty soldiers. Countless pairs of eyes were projected from each square array, all staring at this slightly crazy King Yun of the Song Dynasty.
Although the king is a bit crazy, he seems to be the only person in the Song Dynasty who can give people hope... Maybe the Song Dynasty is just such a crazy king?
Facing the expectant (and questioning) gazes of his athletes, the blood in Zhao Kai's heart began to boil violently again.
Zhao Kai is so excited, look, this is an army of 20,000! Now they are all gathered under me, who is holding high the banner of anti-golden war... This is just the beginning. After I kill Yao Shi Guo and achieve the first great victory in the anti-golden war, there will definitely be more passionate men. Submit yourself to the king's command. By then, I will be able to open up more and larger anti-golden base areas in Hebei and train more anti-golden feudal armed forces.
Once the golden thief is driven away, I will be able to wear a yellow robe, become the Nine-Five Supreme Being, rule the world, and colonize the world!
Thinking of this, Zhao Kai couldn't help but pinch the horse's belly, urging the horse to gradually accelerate, and finally galloped past the 20,000-strong army in the school field. Everyone's eyes followed him, as if they really saw a glimmer of hope for victory in the anti-gold war! I also saw the hope of promotion and fortune...
Amidst countless pairs of eyes that became a little eager, Zhao Kai galloped to the front of the Tiance cavalry who were located in the center of the 20,000-strong army. Then, with all his strength, he opened his throat and shouted: "Now that the country is facing a crisis, what do you want as a man?"
Immediately, someone took the lead and shouted: "Defend the home and the country!"
Zhao Kai glanced at the man and found out that he was a captain of the Tiance Army named Wu Ben'ao. He was a big man with a yellow face. He was from the Western Army. He later joined the Imperial City Division as the fifth personal commander. He was Zhao Kai's " Qian Di's confidant".
Zhao Kai nodded at him, and then laughed loudly: "Is it just to protect the home and the country? Don't you, a strong man, want to take advantage of this chaotic situation to kill thieves and make meritorious service, get promoted and make a fortune, and make a wife and son?"
There was silence downstairs, and shouts suddenly broke out: "Think! Think! Think..."
This sound was much louder than the one named Wu Benao who was shouting from his heart just now. It was simply deafening!
As for the feudal army, of course they want to get promoted and make a fortune, and they want to make their wives and children their wives!
Hearing the truth, Zhao Kai laughed and raised his right hand. The cheering generals below gradually silenced their voices, and the school grounds fell silent again.
Zhao Kai yelled again: "If you want to be an official, then follow me to kill the gold thief! The lonely king is the marshal of the army of Hebei. He controls the armies, states, and governments. He can do things cheaply and conquer by himself. Staff! From the top to all the officials, even the solitary king can appoint them!
The troops will be sent out tomorrow, and King Gu will personally supervise the formation. You should work hard to kill the thieves. If you have great achievements, you will be granted an official position on the spot... It will be a horizontal official and the control of a state and a government. You can also be granted the title of Gu. wait!
In addition, there are countless official fields in Hebei, which I can also control... When you go to the battlefield and you have made merit, the lonely king can give you a lifelong career field on the spot! "
This cake is too big!
Not only the soldiers and generals in the school grounds were stunned for a moment, but even the civil and military officials following Zhao Kai were shocked.
Zhao Kai does have the power to recruit staff, and he can also recommend some officials, and he can even print some official certificates and issue them... After all, these are extraordinary times! The traffic around Kaifeng Mansion has been cut off by Jin Bing, so the personnel power of Hebei Marshal Mansion is definitely bullish.
But how can hengxing officials and state governors be awarded externally at will? Although Hengxingguan started from the seventh rank You Wulang. However, in the Song Dynasty, when military attachés were generally of lower rank, those who joined the rampant military attachés were considered high-ranking officials. Except for granting them, they all follow special orders and are not among the military officials who moved around!
Even the officials themselves cannot use Zhongzhi to appoint Hengxing officials. They must issue formal edicts through the Eastern and Western governments.
As for the governor of a state, he is a very powerful person. He is in charge of the military affairs of a state and a state, and he cannot be given lightly.
Although Zhao Kai has the power to control the armies in Hebei, control does not mean that he can replace the leading officers in Hebei!
Moreover, Zhao Kai still has the power to control various states and prefectures. Can he also replace the prefects of various prefectures with a decree?
Even the officials of the Great Song Dynasty did not have such power! If he wants to remove state officials and controllers, he must also take the route of collaborating between the two governments and drafting an imperial edict. If the prime ministers do not agree, it will not be easy for the officials to remove state officials and controllers.
If Zhao Kai can use his own decrees to appoint officials, appoint governors and prefects of prefectures...then wouldn't his power be greater than that of the official family?
In addition, there seems to be no precedent for giving jobs and fields to soldiers... right? That is to say, the northwest, Hedong and other places have granted land to the archers along the border, but that is not because of merit!
Just when Cai Mao and Du Chong, two senior civil servants, were wondering whether to remind Zhao Kai to be cautious in appointing and dismissing officials, someone suddenly took the lead and shouted: "I am willing to die for the king!"
"I am willing to die for your Majesty!"
Then more people cheered, and soon the cheers reached their peak, deafening, and enveloped everyone!
Zhao Kai nodded with satisfaction. It seemed that the mobilization before the formation had achieved the expected results - now everyone knew that the official photo they wanted most was with Zhao Kai! The second thing they want is land, which he also has!
Zhao Kai has the right to award officials based on merit, and he is even prepared to do so before the battle! Moreover, the largest official rank that can be awarded is the largest official of the fifth rank among the horizontal officials! Officials can be granted military control or government control!
If the sergeant's contribution is not great enough, he is also prepared to give him a job field... Foreign officials in the Song Dynasty can receive a job field, up to several thousand acres! However, this land is not given to officials for life, but is taken back when they leave office.
Zhao Kai learned from Cai Mao that there was a lot of official land in Hebei, so he wanted to use it as money.
Because he had limited money on hand, including the savings in the Daming Mansion's official treasury, it was less than 4 million. The normal monthly expenditure of 20,000 troops and 12,000 horses can reach more than 100,000! Therefore, the money on hand alone cannot support a long-term war.
So the land was taken out to motivate the soldiers.
And official positions and land are real rewards!
Although the Song army relies heavily on rewards to fight wars, they must distribute large amounts of copper coins and silk silk before and during battles. If they are given less, the soldiers below may refuse to fight in front of the battle! But the generals of the Song Dynasty actually couldn't get any heavy rewards... all they could easily get were some copper coins and silk. These things could not change the class they belonged to, and it was difficult for the soldiers to become rich. It's nothing more than letting them eat, drink, whore, gamble and have fun for a while, and then come back empty-handed.
There are only two things that can really change the future and destiny of sergeants, one is official position and the other is land.
An official, even a ninth-grade military attache, can turn a fighting man into a member of the scholar-bureaucrat class. Even if he returns to his hometown in seclusion in the future, he can still become a local gentry by virtue of his official status and various privileges.
Land can bring long-term income to sergeants and allow them to become members of the landlord class. Moreover, having a job field can also improve the social status of sergeants and bring them closer to scholar-bureaucrats.
But these two things were extremely difficult for the soldiers of the Song Army to obtain through meritorious service... because high-ranking officials with the power to recommend and recruit officials usually did not go into battle in the Song Dynasty. This kind of thing about generals and prime ministers did not exist in the Song Dynasty. Even if there are important ministers who go out of town and serve as pacifiers, policy envoys, or strategic envoys, they will not actually come to the battle. Instead, they will hide in the castle behind and give blind orders. Therefore, they have no idea who on the front line is responsible for killing people. .
The military attaches who lead troops into battle are often of very low rank. Because the Song Dynasty also established an eighth-level unranked captain below the ninth-rank Chengxinlang... In other words, after being promoted to the rank of soldier, he had been promoted to eight levels in a row, but he had not yet become an official. How much merit do you need to achieve to reach level eight?
Therefore, the number of grassroots officials in the Northern Song Dynasty army was very small. Many of the officers who led the troops were unqualified captains. They had no officers themselves. How could they recommend others to become officials?
In this situation where it is difficult to obtain official positions and land, soldiers can only ask for a reward... and the incentive effect of money is very limited, so the Song army's fighting enthusiasm is not high. understand.
It's great now. We have officials, land, a lot of money, and there is also a Mad King of the Song Dynasty who can take everyone on the battlefield with him. Is there any war that cannot be fought?
