In front of the Wu'an County government office, the county prime minister Dewei hurried forward and clasped his fists in worship: "Congratulations to General Zhang on his victory. The people of Wu'an are grateful for the general's kindness in staying alive. They burn incense and pray morning and night, hoping that the general will return victorious as soon as possible!"
Zhang Cheng also smiled and clasped his fists: "Hey, Fangxian Cheng..."
When he said this, he suddenly raised his hand and patted his forehead again, then changed his words and said: "Oh, I should be called the county magistrate."
It turns out that the official document from the court has made it clear that the county magistrate Fang Dewei will take over the post of magistrate of Wu'an. Although the county magistrate is the deputy of a county, compared with the magistrate, he is equivalent to a handyman.
This was because of the recent disasters and banditry in Henan, and no one was willing to serve here. It was his turn, as the second official, to take advantage of the situation, and he became the parent official of the people in one step.
In ancient times, only the county magistrate could be called a parent official. He was the esteemed person of the county, so he was also called the county lord. Although there was only one rank between the county magistrate and the county magistrate, it was extremely difficult to cross this rank.
Now, the county magistrate Dewei has finally got his wish and is about to take over as the magistrate of Wu'an County. He is in a very good mood and is well aware of Zhang Cheng's current strength. He has the favor of the emperor in the palace, the support of the Minister of War in the court, and he himself has more powerful Soldiers and horses provide backup.
Others couldn't find a way to curry favor with him, but Fang Dewei was uniquely blessed. With Ji Youci's relationship, how could he let him go? With a charming smile on his face, he stepped forward and bowed again, saying: "General Zhang is joking. It's all a favor." Thanks to General Zhang, it is all because Wu'an did a good job in resettling the victims last year. Not only did it rescue countless people, but they also built canals and reclaimed wasteland. This year, there is no need to worry about drought.
Therefore, the imperial court commended the eldest lord, promoted him to the rank of fifth rank, and actually assigned him the post of Guard Huaibing. This villain is also relying on the blessing of the eldest lord, General Zhang, to take over this post. There is a shortage of county magistrates. "
Zhang Cheng smiled and said: "It should, it should. Mr. Fang has also worked hard for the people of Wu'an. He should have been promoted to a distinguished master long ago."
They were humble to each other, and in the end it was Ji Youci who took the lead into the mansion, with Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao following behind him. However, Fang Dewei refused to advance at all, and insisted on holding Lin Fangping's hand and walking into the county government gate together.
Everyone entered the gate, passed through the rite gate, and went to the lobby without entering. They went directly to the back hall. After another humility, Ji Youci was still sitting at the top. Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao were on the two sides, and below them were The county magistrates Dewei and Lin Fangping, as well as the chief bookkeeper, the chief bookkeeper and other officials.
Before everyone sat down, it was necessary to be polite. Zhang Cheng introduced Chen Jiugao to the officials in Wu'an. He gave Zhang Cheng face and did not act like a Beijing camp in front of Ji Youci.
But now it was different in front of Fang Dewei and others. When Fang Dewei and others greeted him, he didn't even move his eyelids and just hummed in response.
Fang Dewei chatted with everyone for a while. He also knew that Zhang Cheng and Ji Youci must have something to say, so he took the excuse of going down to see how the food and wine were being prepared, and wisely left.
…………
Only then did Ji Youci look at Chen Jiugao and said to Zhang Cheng: "Brother-in-law, I'm not familiar with military matters, why did you recommend me to be the Guard?"
Zhang Cheng smiled and said calmly: "Brother, there is no need to worry. My uncle has also met Chen Zhong, my most capable general. He has just been promoted to a guerrilla general. I have ordered him to lead a group of soldiers." The horse is stationed in Mianhe Town."
He continued: "Although Chen Zhong only has more than 2,000 troops in his hands now, they are already the leading troops in northern Henan. What's more, he will recruit another one. At that time, there will be a battalion of more than 3,000 troops. Basically, You can protect the two palaces of Huai."
Gu Yong and Zhang Cheng took a sip of tea, and continued: "What's more, I have two uncles from the Yang family and seven or eight thousand village warriors from various villages over there in Mang Mountain on the south bank of the river. When I am in urgent need, I can also borrow one. Use it. My uncle, there is no need to worry about military matters."
Chen Jiugao interjected at this time: "Yes, the soldiers and horses under Zhang's command are all strong and brave, one is worth ten, no, it should be one is worth a hundred."
Even the intruders were defeated by us at the gates of Kaifeng City. There are still those bandits in Henan who can withstand a blow! "
As he spoke, he turned to Zhang Cheng and said, "Right, brother!"
Zhang Cheng looked at him helplessly and said, "Everything my brother said is right."
Ji Youci asked at this time: "Brother-in-law, the drought is raging now, famine is everywhere, and the annual harvest is not enough to survive. How can we raise such a large army?"
Zhang Cheng said with a smile: "I don't have to pay a penny of money or food for the local warriors over there in Mang Mountain. I just need to try to provide them with some armor and weapons when my uncle comes to take office in the future.
As for the sergeant of Chen Zhong's battalion, I had previously requested the imperial court to open Chaoguan in Mianhe Town to support the army. What's more, I have built more than ten villages in Huaiqing Prefecture and resettled more than 10,000 hungry people. In addition to keeping the income from farming for their own consumption, they can also use it to support the army. "
He looked at Ji Youci with both eyes and said in a deep voice: "My uncle only needs to be in the military position and try to allocate as much arms, money and food from Wei Hui and Huaiqing to Chen Zhong as possible, but it is not necessary. Chen Zhong can also solve the problem on his own in terms of money and food.
On the other hand, it is the craftsmen, boatmen, boatmen, and embankments that must be interceded by my uncle. There will definitely be deficiencies in armor, weapons, guns, and cannons in the future, and the damaged ones will also need to be repaired, so craftsmen will be needed.
Chen Zhong's garrison in Huaiqing must cross the river to support the direction of Kaifeng. The ferry must be controlled by himself, so it is necessary to recruit some boatmen and boatmen. Moreover, Qianfu and dikemen are always along the river. It is of great use. "
Ji Youci seemed to understand. He thought for a moment, and after a moment, he said, "I'll do my best."
He raised his head and said to Zhang Cheng: "Brother-in-law, after you return to the army this time, you will go to Liaodong to rescue Jinzhou and fight against the Tartars. You are no better than the rogue bandits. You must not be careless. You will regret it for the rest of your life!"
Zhang Cheng knew in his heart that Ji Youci's words were sincere and came from his heart. Now that he was the uncle of Ji's family, it could be said that he shared weal and woe, both prospered and suffered.
He replied to Ji Youci: "Brother, don't worry. Zhongchen fought against the Tartars in the eleventh year. He knows the power of the Tartar cavalry and will never underestimate the enemy carelessly. What's more, this time to aid Liao, there are eight more soldiers." More than 100,000 soldiers and horses went there."
Zhang Cheng knew in his heart that this battle was bound to be defeated, but he could not break it at this time. The defeat was not due to the inability to fight, but because of the urging of the rear to fight. In addition, the grain garrison was destroyed and the army's morale was weakened. Wang Puzhi To escape, it will cause chaos among the general soldiers to flee. How can they be undefeated?
At this time, Ji Youci warned again: "Zhongchen, when the Tartars invaded before, they didn't dare to let go and fight, but this time they are in Liaodong, but they are not good for me. I must be careful in everything."
At this time, Fang Dewei opened the door and came in to report that the food and wine were ready, and invited everyone to take their seats. Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao accompanied Ji Youci to the side hall.
