On the fifth day of the first lunar month in the fifteenth year of Chongzhen's reign in the Ming Dynasty, in the Ruiyun Temple a few miles southwest of Chi Castle, Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng was drinking tea and discussing matters with his core subordinates.
After the New Year's Day, Zhang Cheng will set off to Xuanfu Town to take over the post of commander-in-chief. In addition to making some arrangements for the North Road and the East Road, he also made arrangements for the flood stations of the Sixth Battalion. .
The imperial court ordered Yong Ningbo to lead a large army into Henan after the spring to help suppress Cao's rebel army. It was impossible for all six battalions of troops to go out to fight. There must be large troops staying on both sides of the east road and the town. After all, Xuanzang belongs to Zhang Cheng. The foundation lies and cannot be lost.
At present, although Zhang Cheng does not fully control the land and military resources of the entire Xuan Town, he has no opponents at all in the Xuan Mansion. All that is left is to spend some time integrating them.
The North Road and East Road that he now firmly controls are nearly one-half of Xuanfu's land. The rest include Middle Road, Nanshan Road, Shangxi Road, Xiaxi Road, etc.
There were originally seven generals in Xuanfu, namely General Dushi Maying on the North Road, General Beilai Yongning on the East Road, General Wanquan Youwei on the West Road, General Shunsheng Weiguang on the South Road, and General Ge on the Middle Road. Yubao will be the general, Xiaxilu Chaigoubao will be the general, and Nanshan will be the general.
Today, both the North Road and the East Road are under the control of Admiral Zhang Cheng. Although he has been promoted to the position of Commander-in-Chief, the person who will succeed him in guarding these two places has not yet been determined, and he is still under his control for the time being.
He was not prepared to replace all the remaining generals. After all, that would not only create too many enemies, but would also greatly increase their resistance, which might even cause a series of unnecessary chain reactions.
Anyway, there is still a lot of money in hand now, Zhang Cheng decided to rely on his existing strength, first get rid of a small group of die-hards, then buy a group of speculators, and finally replace the centrists who are ignorant of current affairs. batch.
In this way, there will no longer be any powerful local faction in Xuanfu Town that can stop him, and he can also use Xuanfu's strength to further control Datong and Shanxi Town.
"The North Road and the East Road are the foundations of our brave army. We should leave a general to guard them."
Zhang Cheng, the Bo of Yongning, then added: "Kang that this year we have to re-measure the land and soil of Yanqing and Baoan Prefectures according to the fish scale book, so the resistance will definitely be considerable.
Therefore, the east route is more important. The people left behind must be firm-willed and decisive in killing, otherwise it will be difficult to deter the gentry, officials and rogues in these two states. "
He did not say which one should be left to take charge of the East Road, but he cast his eyes on Jin Xinpeng, Yan Qingrong, Wang Yuanjing, Wei Zhice, Zhang Guangda, Chen Zheng and others, gesturing for their active suggestions and suggestions.
At this moment, those who were able to enter the Zen room of Ruiyun Temple were all those close to Zhang Cheng, such as Jin Xinpeng, Yan Qingrong, He Biao, Wang Yuanjing, Liu Zhi, Cao Jinwang, Liu Minshen and other civil servants on the left.
Among them, only Liu Minshen had recently joined Yongning Bo's command, while the others were all veterans who had been recruited by Zhang Cheng before and after he left Zhenbei Road.
Seated on the right are the chief generals of the six battalions, including Wu Zhizhong, Wei Zhice, Zhang Guangda, Zhang Guodong, Chen Zheng, and Li Jiyu, as well as individual deputy generals such as Lin Fangping, Jin Yong, Kuang Yongzhong, and Tang Xiancheng. In addition, Xuanzhen’s veteran staff general Guo Yingxian and the town’s He Zhenxiong, a guerrilla from Biaozuoying, was also present.
Zhang Cheng's command is obviously strong in military and weak in military affairs. But it's no wonder. Which emerging armed force is not like this?
Powerful force is the guarantee for their future. Money, food, population, and land can all be captured and protected by force. As for management and production, they are not that important in the early stages of entrepreneurship.
After all, most of these things happened at the end of the dynasty, and human life was too low. As long as those who stutter can survive, they will become the hardest-working production machines in the world!
But even so, Zhang Cheng still tried his best to recruit scholars in advance, and at the same time, he also trained a large number of his own scholars in the areas controlled by Yongyi Army.
Places such as the military hall, workshops, and literacy halls throughout the forts were all cultivating practical scholars for him, but it was only a short time ago and the role they played was not so obvious.
Now, there are many scholars available to Yongning Bo and Zhang Cheng, but only the people here have truly entered his inner circle.
At this time, Yan Qingrong, the commander of the Yongning Guards, said: "The Weiyuan and Tengshe battalions will definitely follow the general to the town. The remaining general will be chosen from the remaining four battalions."
Everyone nodded in agreement and looked at Zhang Guangda, Zhang Guodong, Chen Zheng and Li Jiyu, as if they were selecting those who would stay behind.
Kaiping Guard Commander Jin Xinpeng looked at Yan Qingrong and asked him: "I think it is more appropriate for General Yu Yu's Xuanwu Battalion to stay on the east road. What do Commander Yan think?"
After hearing what he said, Zhang Guangda, the commander of Zhuque Camp, seemed a little unconvinced. He was about to stand up and asked to stay on the east road, but when he turned around, he suddenly saw Wu Zhizhong staring at him with a pair of big eyes. Looking at himself, he couldn't help but shrink back.
Among them, Wu Zhizhong was the oldest and the most calm and capable. Therefore, even though he lost an arm during the Battle of Julu, Zhang Cheng still did not give up on him. Instead, he entrusted him with the important task of recruiting and training troops.
And he lived up to expectations. Not only did he do a good job in recruiting and training troops, but he also continued the style of Big Brother. He was very important and respected in the hearts of Zhang Guangda, Chen Zheng and others.
Here, Yan Qingrong didn't know what he meant. The general who stayed on the East Road would inevitably have to preside over the verification of the fields. Most of the fields on the East Road were in the hands of powerful locals, and the forces behind them were also intricate and complex. very.
Therefore, during the process of checking the fields, some inevitable bloody conflicts will inevitably occur. If the power behind these tycoons is too strong, then those who stay on the east road may have to take the blame for Zhang Chenglai.
From this point of view, Zhang Guangda, Zhang Guodong, Chen Zheng, etc. are all Zhang Cheng's confidants and his most beloved generals, but Li Jiyu is a bandit who was recruited during the suppression of Henan province, so there is a gap in the relationship between them. .
Secondly, because he was a bandit, no matter how extraordinary things he did while staying on the East Road, it was easy to rely on him when he had to.
After all, as a thief, what else can't he do?
As expected, Yan Qingrong knew everything. He nodded and stroked his cheek with his hand, and said softly: "Li Youqinguo is the best candidate."
Zhang Cheng also nodded when he heard this, but he did not express his position. He seemed to be waiting for something?
Lin Fangping, who was sitting next to Li Jiyu, reached out and slapped him. Seeing Li Jiyu turning his head to look blankly, he pursed his lips and winked to give him a hint.
It has been some time since Li Jiyu joined Zhang Cheng's command, and now he has become one of the six major battalion commanders of the Yongyi Army. He is also a figure of great status and importance in the Yongyi Army.
But after he returned from the Liaodong War, he was no longer as active as before. He was often in a meditative state, as if he had become calmer after this battle.
Now reminded by Lin Fangping, he first smiled and expressed his gratitude, then stood up and raised his fists and said loudly: "General, I am willing to guard the east road for the general, overcome thorns and thorns, clean up the villages, and overwhelm the local dignitaries."
Zhang Cheng was very satisfied when he saw that he could take the initiative to ask for help. He nodded and asked him: "Li Jiyu, I am very pleased that you can shoulder this important task bravely."
He stared at Li Jiyu and continued with a heavy tone: "However, the two prefectures of Yanqing and Baoan on the East Road are no more solid military bases than other places. They are mainly civilian households and other officials and gentry, and there are few Military household.
Therefore, if we want to re-measure the land in this two-state area based on the fish scale book, the resistance will definitely be greater than that of the North Road. The wealthy gentry and officials inside are relatively easy to deal with, but the outside is also very involved.
If this matter gets out of hand, I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you. You should think carefully about this matter and don't make a decision at the moment! "
Yong Ningbo's words were slightly exaggerated. They were intended to remind Li Jiyu of his responsibility to stay on the east road and the possible serious consequences. At the same time, he also wanted to test whether his will was firm.
After Li Jiyu heard this, there was no trace of timidity on his face. He stood up and left the table and walked quickly to the center of the nunnery. He leaned over and knelt down. He looked at Zhang Cheng above him resolutely and said firmly in his voice: He replied loudly: "General, I met a first-rate thief in Dengfeng County. At that time, there was chaos in the countryside, and I completely forgot the word loyalty.
Fortunately, I met a general who went to Henan Province to suppress bandits. When I was defeated, I was not abandoned. I was supported in front of the general's horse and was given a guerrilla position, which was enough to comfort my parents who both lost their lives.
This kind of kindness will be unforgettable. I dare not repay the general's kindness with death! "
When he said this, he turned his head and glanced at Wei Zhice, and then continued: "Moreover, every time I listen to Mr. Wei's lectures, it is often said that 'a scholar will die for his confidant.' Although I am not as good as Jing Ke, Hou Ying, Yu Rang, etc. The righteous man of ancient times.
But I am also touched by their loyalty. In this life, I, Li Jiyu, only recognize the General. I am willing to entrust my life to the General and fight for the General, even if I die. "
"good!"
It was this attitude that Uncle Yongning and Zhang Cheng were waiting for, and he continued: "Li Jiyu, I already knew that you are a good man who values love and righteousness, and it turns out that it is true."
Zhang Cheng then turned to look at Yan Qingrong, the commander of the Yongning Guards, and said to him: "Commander Yan, let the Xuanwu Battalion stay on the east road for me to help you check the land in the two states and rebuild the 'Fish Scale Book'."
When Yan Qingrong heard this, he also stood up and replied: "General, please rest assured, Qingrong will never disgrace his orders."
At this time, Zhang Cheng turned to look at Li Jiyu and said to him with a smile: "Li Jiyu, you must obey the strict command on the east road and fully cooperate with him to clear the father-in-law's land. Feel free to do things freely. When it's time to see blood, , must not be lenient.
You must let those scum who stand in the way of my Yongyi Army know how powerful our Yongyi Army is. Don’t be afraid of causing trouble for me. Even if the sky falls, I will support you. "
"Please rest assured, General. If you obey strict orders in all situations, you will definitely be able to handle this matter."
"good."
Zhang Cheng nodded to express his satisfaction, and then said: "You lead the Xuanwu Camp's central army to be stationed in Huailai, and use the period after the year to recruit a group of soldiers on the east road to fill up the Xuanwu Camp's troops.
As for the post of Qianzong, it can be temporarily held by the Chinese military officer Zhou Ruli. "
"Here."
"Liu Shizun, the deputy general of your battalion, leads the front and left troops and is stationed in Baoan Prefecture; deputy general Gou Changsheng takes the rear and right troops and horses and is stationed in Yanqing Prefecture; the governor Liu Zhi is responsible for the pacification of the troops stationed everywhere. , asking him to patrol various places and try the criminals who obstructed the clearing of land from his father-in-law."
Li Jiyu shouted loudly: "Here!"
Then some other matters were discussed, such as the recruitment of strong men to fill the vacancies in each battalion, and the situation of where each battalion of the Yongyi Army was stationed during the flood season.
It was finally decided that the Zhenbiao Battalion and the three battalions of Weiyuan, Tengshe and Baihu would follow Zhang Cheng to station in the town, while the Zhuque Battalion and Qinglong Battalion would temporarily stay at the North Road until Zhang Cheng arrived in the town to take over the post of commander-in-chief. , and then arrange the flood areas.
Zhang Cheng's Zhenbiao Battalion is still led by veteran general Guo Yingxian. However, the soldiers and horses of He Zhenxiong, the original Zhenbiao Left Battalion, have now been merged into the Biao Camp, and he has also served as the deputy general of the Biao Camp.
The old foundation left to Zhang Cheng by Yang Guozhu, the former commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu, was that there were originally more than 8,000 soldiers and horses. However, by the end of the Liaodong War, there were nearly a thousand casualties, leaving only about 7,000 soldiers and horses.
Zhang Cheng took advantage of the opportunity of the expansion of the Sixth Battalion to directly merge half of them into his own Sixth Battalion, and the remaining Zhenbiao Zuoying was merged into the Biaoying.
As a result, Zhang Cheng actually had seven battalions of men and horses under his command. The number of these famous battalions alone was 47,800 men, not counting the defenders of the fortresses on the north and east roads. Soldiers and garrison troops.
In addition, there are scattered forces in the name of thieves and bandits in various fortresses outside. Of course, Chen Zhong's troops stationed in Mianhe Town, north of the Yellow River, are Zhang Cheng's biggest force outside Xuan Town.
However, feeding such a large army requires huge amounts of money and food. Even though Zhang Cheng used military stamps and silver coins to offset most of his money and food expenses, he still felt that he was stretched thin.
However, this time the expansion of the army still lacked a large number of armor weapons, artillery, muskets and other equipment, and it was unknown how much money it would cost, but it happened that "the house leaked and it rained all night."
Jin Xinpeng, who has been responsible for the revenue and expenditure of money and grain, said: "General, there is one more important matter. It is related to the stability of our North Road and East Road. It is indeed a top priority!"
Although Zhang Cheng also knew that his money and food had always been tight, although he did not cut off the military's food and salary expenses because of this, he still managed to support it, which was indeed a hardship for Jin Xinpeng, Yan Qingrong and others.
At this time, when he heard Jin Xinpeng speak so seriously, he naturally did not dare to be vague, and immediately asked: "Why is it so urgent? Just tell me."
Jin Xinpeng's face suddenly became serious, and he heard him report: "General, do you remember that when he led the army to aid the Liao Dynasty last time, Xinpeng had already reported that there were people in Zhencheng and Datong who were pretending to be my military vote for the North? thing."
Zhang Cheng nodded slightly doubtfully and said: "It is true."
I only heard Jin Xinpeng continue: "At that time, fake military stamps were only found in Zhencheng and Datong, but recently they were also found on South Road and West Road. Even on North Road and East Road, there were fake military stamps on the market. circulation.
Although it was discovered recently that the amount of circulation in North Road and East Road should not be large, there is a tendency of laziness in Zhencheng and Datong. This has a great impact on the credibility of our Xuanfu Military Invoices.
If they withdraw money, food, cloth, and silk by check at the same time, I might not be able to cope with my inventory! "
(End of chapter)
