On the 29th of January in the fifteenth year of Chongzhen, which was the third day after the Yongyi Army completed its investiture ceremony, the emperor's newly appointed Yongyi Army Supervisory Army eunuch Bian Yongqing and the right minister of the Ministry of War Zhang Ruoqi arrived in Xuanbei at the same time.
After Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng heard the news, he first sent Wu Zhizhong, the commander of the Weiyuan Camp, and Wei Zhice, the commander of the Tengshe Camp, with two hundred elite cavalry from the camp, to go to Diaohao Fort to greet them, and escort them all the way back.
Then he sent He Biao, the commander-in-chief of the Yongyi Army, Zhang Guodong, the commander of the Qinglong Camp, and Zhang Guangda, the commander of the Zhuque Camp, to represent him and lead 300 fine cavalry to Xiangtian Fort to meet him.
And he himself came out of the south gate of the Red Castle early and set up a curtain next to the main campus, with a large curtain erected in the middle.
The curtain was surrounded by warriors wearing red cloth armor. They stood in a full circle outside the curtain. They were either holding tiger spears or holding new Yunzhou blunderbuss. They all stood upright and looked very mighty. .
In the distance, there is a cavalry team of more than ten cavalry. They are also wearing red cloth armor, and even the iron helmets on their heads are red. However, there is no red tassel on the tip of their helmets, but a stick. Feathers dyed red instead.
This is the elite Yulin Cavalry in the Yongyi Army. The ordinary knights among them have one red bird feather on the tip of their helmet, two red bird feathers on the armor, and three on the captain's head.
However, when Bai Zong went up, he no longer used red bird feathers, but replaced them with silver-white pheasant feathers. Bai Zong inserted one feather, Nong Zong inserted two feathers, and Qian Zong had three silver-white pheasant feathers.
The purpose of this is not only to distinguish the ranks of officers and generals, but also to make it easier for team officers, commanders and soldiers to identify their leaders and quickly gather around their respective commanders and commanders to form a battle formation.
Wang Yuanjing, the camp staff officer, accompanied Zhang Cheng and said softly: "General, I wonder if this border supervisor is an easy person to get along with."
"Whether we get along well or not is not up to him!"
Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng didn't seem to care about Wang Yuanjing's words, and just listened to him continue to say lightly: "If he is easy to get along with, we will get along well with him.
If he is not easy to get along with..."
Zhang Cheng turned his head and looked at Wang Yuanjing and Liu Minshen, and said in a slightly sinister tone: "Isn't this uncle still afraid of him?"
Liu Minshen looked thoughtful when he heard this, but Wang Yuanjing looked at the smoke in the distance and reminded: "General, it seems that Zhang Zhongjun is back."
Zhang Cheng looked in the direction he pointed, and saw more than ten riders galloping towards him, looming in the smoke and dust, galloping towards them like a red dragon.
When he came closer, he saw that it was not Zhang Chengfang, let alone who he was. He was riding on a maroon horse, shaking his red armor, and loudly reported: "General, He Zhenfu is accompanying the border supervisor and Zhang Shilang We have passed the Nanguandi Temple and are on our way here."
Zhang Cheng nodded slightly, but still sat on his Taishi chair. He did not get up because of this. He just said lightly: "Teachers, please be alert, don't let the majesty of our brave army fall in vain."
When Liu Minshen heard the words, he immediately understood. He loudly ordered: "I ordered Yu Shangke on the left side of the artillery truck to prepare to fire the cannon. We are going to welcome the distinguished guests."
"Here!"
The ordering soldier raised the golden arrow in his hand and galloped away on horseback. Immediately afterwards, the soldiers around the curtain took action according to the order, and light Folan cannons were pushed out from behind the curtain.
The gunners nervously fixed the gun positions and loaded gunpowder, but did not load the cannons. Obviously, these thirty-six Fran cannons were used as salutes, and all fired empty ammunition.
Wang Yuanjing looked a little nervous, and he reminded softly from the side: "General, do you want to come out to greet us?"
"No need."
Zhang Cheng shook his head and whispered to him: "Commander Jin will be waiting outside the tent to greet them. I will wait for them here."
…………
At the end of the day, the sun was already setting in the west, a cold wind suddenly rose, and pieces of snowflakes slowly fell from the sky. Looking up, the sky was filled with white.
Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng leaned on the Taishi chair, gently put down the hot tea in his hand, raised his eyes to the sky, and said leisurely: "It's really auspicious snow to welcome our distinguished guests!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard the sound of "Tum! Tum! Tum!..." the cannons soared into the sky. The black muzzles of the cannons continued to spurt out balls of fire, like fire dragons spitting flames. Not only was the sound amazing, The scene is also very shocking.
The continuous rumbling of cannons lasted thirty-six times before finally stopping.
Bian Yongqing, the eunuch who was sent by the imperial court to supervise the army, and Zhang Ruoqi, the right minister of the Ministry of War, accompanied by He Biao and other brave officers, also walked towards the curtain.
Until this moment, Zhang Cheng still had no intention of getting up. Liu Minshen, who had been by his side, sighed in his heart that he had indeed chosen the wrong person. The general's behavior was indeed extraordinary and he was indeed calm.
But Wang Yuanjing was not as calm and calm as he was. He clenched his hands tightly, beads of sweat continued to seep out of his palms, and his eyes kept circling back and forth on the banner and Zhang Cheng in front of him.
In his opinion, the eunuchs who oversee the army represent the current emperor. They can be said to be people who "talk about the constitution of heaven". They cannot afford to offend them. Once they make them unhappy, they go back and say some unreasonable bad things in front of the emperor. This is the calamity of destroying the Cao family!
Although Wang Yuanjing is becoming more and more important under Zhang Cheng, and has even entered the inner circle of the Yongyi Army, he may not have gotten over the pain of losing his wife and son. He has not renewed his relationship and is still alone.
Therefore, he is definitely not worried about his future or life and death now. It is obvious that he is worried about Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng, for fear that he will offend the eunuchs and be ruined because of his arrogant behavior. own a bright future.
Seeing that Bian Yongqing and Zhang Ruoqi had entered his line of sight, Zhang Cheng then said: "Be careful, I will greet Director Bian and Mr. Zhang to enter the account on my behalf."
Liu Minshen seemed to have expected it. After he smiled and promised softly, he walked outside the curtain to meet the supervisor Bian Yongqing and the minister Zhang Ruoqi who came as an angel to deliver the reward letter from the Ministry of War.
…………
It wasn't until Bian Yongqing and Zhang Ruoqi came to the curtain door talking and laughing that Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng got up from the Grand Master's chair. He said with a smile: "The supervisors braved the wind and snow, and traveled all the way at starry night to come here." In the bitter cold place of Xuanfu's frontier fortress, my heart shines with the sun and the moon, I really admire you."
Bian Yongqing was chatting and laughing with Zhang Ruoqi before entering the tent, but after hearing Zhang Cheng's words, his face suddenly tightened, and he said in a thin voice: "We are the slaves of the emperor, and we should devote ourselves to our master." work."
Although he was talking, his feet did not stop. At this time, he had gone straight into the curtain. However, he did not go to the desk on Zhang Cheng's left. Instead, he stopped next to the stove in the tent and continued. He said: "Uncle Yongning, bandits are rampant in Henan Province today, attacking prefectures and plundering counties, and even besieging Kaifeng again. The Zhou vassal is in danger, and the emperor is also worried about it.
It is unknown when the Yongyi Army will be able to leave Xuanfu to aid Henan Province, relieve the danger of sealing, suppress thieves and bring peace to the people? "
The last thing Zhang Cheng was afraid of was talking about business, so he immediately replied with a smile: "The supervisors don't know something. Our soldiers of the Yongyi Army just returned from the Liaodong War. There were heavy casualties in the camp and the soldiers were exhausted.
What's more, this time to help relieve Jinwei, Benbo's army consumed a lot of gunpowder and cannons, which could not be replenished at once. Many of the armor and weapons of his soldiers were also damaged, and they still need some time to rest and replenish the gunpowder. After repairing the armor and weapons, we can send out troops to suppress the bandits again. "
What Zhang Cheng said is indeed the truth, but it is slightly exaggerated. But how can outsiders tell how much of it is true and how false it is?
As expected, Bian Yongqing also fell into silence after listening to Zhang Cheng's words. After a moment, he said again: "Our family is also aware of Uncle Yong Ning's difficulties. We also know that Uncle Yong Ning has many friends in the capital and is very friendly with several officials in the inner court. There are some contacts and a very deep personal friendship."
At this time, he suddenly changed the topic and said: "However, our family came to the Xuan Mansion to supervise the Yongyi Army this time because of the emperor's order. Although we will not interfere with Yongning Bo's recruitment and training of troops, But sending troops to Henan Province to help suppress the bandits was something that could not be delayed even for a moment.
If this job is not done well, or if the military period is delayed intentionally, it is no wonder that our family does not recognize the person. The reason must be reported to the emperor. Even if there are several stewards from the inner court to protect us, our family will not care. . "
"What the supervisor said is exactly what I am worried about."
Zhang Cheng took a step forward and continued with a serious face: "Zhang Cheng has been guarding the border for the Ming Dynasty for the Ming Dynasty. Since his uncle died for the country, he died on the battlefield. He is full of loyalty and has been favored by the emperor. How can he not do it now?" Do you want to kill thieves for the country in order to repay the country's favor and relieve the emperor's worries?"
When he said this, a trace of embarrassment appeared on Zhang Cheng's face, and he continued: "It's just that the soldiers are tired now, their armor and weapons are inadequate, and their food and fodder are insufficient. If we forcefully send out troops, I'm afraid that the army's morale will be unstable, and it will lead to military chaos." , wouldn’t you miss the emperor’s errand?”
Bian Yongqing didn't know what to say at this time. Armor, weapons and food were really difficult to deal with. Now that the Ming Dynasty had been using troops for many years and there were constant famines, where could they collect the remaining food and grass?
In particular, military morale cannot be ignored. If it is true, as Yong Ningbo said, that the mutiny was caused by excessive pressure, even if it was finally calmed down, it is not known how long it will be delayed before sending troops to Henan.
At the moment, he could only say to Zhang Cheng with a bitter look on his face: "Kaifeng is under siege and the Zhou vassal is in danger, so we cannot tolerate any delay. As for the armor, money and food, we will report it to the emperor and ask the court to mobilize it as soon as possible." That’s it.
In short, if Kaifeng falls and Zhou Fan is in trouble, Uncle Yongning will have nothing to do with our family! "
Zhang Cheng is no longer the junior general he once was. Now he is the Ming Dynasty Yong Ningbo, the chief military officer of Xuanfu Town, and the general Zhenshuo. His status is in the entire Ming Empire, even the leader of the Liaodong Army, Dashou, who just passed away. Resurrection, that is also a big head lower than him.
The tens of thousands of brave soldiers in the six battalions under Zhang Cheng are even more prestigious. Even the once famous Liaodong Iron Cavalry is now difficult to compare with. Although the reputation is not much different, there is a world of difference in strength!
Regardless of status or strength, Zhang Cheng has changed from what he used to be. Today, he has completed a magnificent turn and has perfectly jumped to a position that ordinary people cannot reach in their lifetime.
Now, even when facing Bian Yongqing, the eunuch who talks about the Tianxian and can represent the imperial power to a certain extent, he is confident and will not flinch.
After listening to Bian Yongqing's words, he put his hands behind his hands and walked slowly outside the curtain. As he walked, he said: "The supervisor is worried about the safety of Zhou Fan, but in my opinion, Zhou Fan will inevitably be surrounded by intruders this time." Another near miss.”
Whether they were intimidated by Uncle Yong Ning's aura or attracted by Zhang Cheng's words, the military supervisor Bian Yongqing and the Minister of War Zhang Ruoqi followed him and stepped out of the curtain.
A gust of cold wind blew in his face, with scattered snowflakes falling on Zhang Cheng's face. He couldn't help but shudder. Lieutenant Commander Zhang Chengfang hurried forward and tied a thick woolen cloak around his shoulders. superior.
Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng held both sides of his cloak tightly with both hands, and continued to walk out, while saying to them: "Supervisor Ding Qirui is in southern Henan, with tens of thousands of soldiers under his command, and Wang Qionian, the governor of the three sides, is also here." He has led tens of thousands of Shaanxi soldiers out of Shaanxi and into Henan.
In Kaifeng, there are still more than 10,000 elite soldiers of former governor Yang Wenyue, especially Baoding General Soldier Hu Dawei, who have always been famous for their bravery and prowess in battle. With these three troops in Henan, even if Chuangni cannot be defeated, they can still hold on to Kaifeng. , that’s more than enough! "
Bian Yongqing and Zhang Ruoqi were both surprised by this. When they left the capital, the news that Kaifeng Fucheng was besieged again had just reached the capital.
Even Zhang Ruoqi, as the minister of the Ministry of War, only knew that there were about 100,000 people in the rebel army, and the whereabouts of other Ming army troops, even he, the minister of war, only knew a little bit.
But how could Zhang Cheng know such detailed information while living in a cold and isolated place on the border?
Although Zhang Ruoqi has known Zhang Cheng for a long time and fought together in Liaodong for a period of time, he still couldn't understand this and couldn't help but think to himself: "Isn't it possible that there are also informants of Uncle Yong Ning in the capital?"
I heard the supervisor Bian Yongqing say: "Even if, as Yong Ningbo said, there are two officers and soldiers in Henan Province, Ding Qirui and Wang Qiaonian, the bandits have always been cunning and cunning. How can we judge that Kaifeng will be able to hold on?
If Kaifeng was really attacked by the bandits and the Zhou vassal was in trouble, wouldn't it be too late to regret it? "
"Ha ha……"
Uncle Yongning laughed wildly for a while, and then he said: "The border supervisors don't need to worry about this. I also fought against Chuangni under the Kaifeng City, but he was mediocre and far from as ferocious as the rumors say.
Moreover, the city of Kaifeng is tall and thick, and General Chen Yongfu is guarding it. It will still be possible to hold it for three to five months. In addition, the security guard Yang Wenyue has thousands of soldiers stationed in the city, so it will be absolutely foolproof.
As for the soldiers and horses of Governor Ding and Governor Wang, with these few months, wouldn't they have been under the Kaifeng city. At that time, they were attacking from both inside and outside. Even though the two thieves broke into Cao Cao, they had many soldiers and horses, but there were not many who could fight, so how could they have The principle of invincibility! "
Although Bian Yongqing, the supervisor of the army, felt that what Zhang Cheng said was quite reasonable, he did not dare to completely agree with it. However, since he had just arrived at the Xuan Mansion, he could not press too hard against Zhang Cheng and could only temporarily follow him.
Unknowingly, a few people came to a row of carriages. They saw that these sedan cars were all very beautifully made and covered with thick felt cloth to protect them from the cold.
"Border Supervisor, Zhang Shilang, I will ride into the city first. We will discuss other matters later."
(End of chapter)
