"hehe……"
Li Yao put down his chopsticks and gave a general introduction to the situation: "Shizhu Xuanfu envoy Ma Qiancheng has good relations with Jiang Futai. He and his wife Qin Liangyu have led 3,000 white pole soldiers to leave Shizhu County and rush to Guiyang day and night."
"Ma Qiancheng, Qin Liangyu and his wife?"
Jiang Guanjun was deeply moved when he heard this, and couldn't help but put down the wine glass in his hand.
Zhu Renxia and Jin Zhu both showed surprised expressions, "Why, do you, Third Uncle, know this Ma Xuanfu?"
Jiang Guanjun nodded: "Not only do we know each other, we also fought side by side on the Korean battlefield. This Ma Xuanfu is about 26 or 27 years old this year. He is considered a young hero. He is both civil and military. He is a soldier of Shizhu. Each man is armed with a long spear made of white wax rods. He is brave and good at fighting on the battlefield and is known as the White Rod Army."
"Is it so powerful?" Jin Zhu felt that Jiang Guanjun's words were a bit polite, "How does this white pole army compare to your Qi family army?"
Jiang Guanjun pondered for a moment and said: "The Qi Army was established twenty years ago. It has been on the battlefield for many years and has accumulated rich combat experience. It is also well-equipped. It is naturally much stronger than the White Army. But the White Army is also an elite force. It’s much better than other teams.”
Jiang Guanjun picked up the tea bowl and moistened his lower lips, and continued: "This white-pole army is not only stronger than the ordinary people's strong team, it is much stronger than the guards."
"Haha... With all due respect, our Ming Dynasty's guard system is in name only, and the combat effectiveness of the guards is not as good as that of the people!" Lou Dongfang said with a hint of contempt in his tone, he reached out and grabbed a handful of fried broad beans, and said while eating .
Jiang Guanjun sighed: "It is undeniable that after more than two hundred years of development, the guard system established by Emperor Taizu is no longer what it used to be. However, the combat effectiveness of some guards is still acceptable, such as Tianjin Guard, Weihai Guard, Jinshan Guard, etc. Wait, it still depends on the commander’s troop training ability..."
"The ancients said, 'A thousand armies are easy to get but a general is hard to find'. An excellent general can definitely train excellent soldiers. Unfortunately, many of the commanders of the guard posts are now living on empty wages, and the number is not even half of what it used to be."
Li Yao also sighed with emotion, raised his head and drank the cup in one gulp, "If everyone can serve the country as loyally as General Qi Jiguang, I don't want to be granted the title of marquis. I hope the sea is calm, how can the Japanese pirates be rampant? That's all, That’s all… let’s not discuss state affairs unreasonably, let’s continue talking about the white-pole army led by Ma Qiancheng and his wife!”
Jiang Guanjun brought the topic back on track: "Ma Qiancheng's wife Qin Liangyu is two years younger than him. She uses a long spear. Not only is she highly skilled in martial arts, she is also proficient in horseback riding and archery. She is also familiar with military books. She can be called a heroine. , don’t let the eyebrows be raised.”
Jin Zhu couldn't help but be moved and exclaimed: "Is this Qin Liangyu so great?"
"There's absolutely no lies!"
Jiang Guanjun rubbed his sparse beard on his chin, "During the Korean battlefield, he led 500 white-armed troops on a mission and was surrounded by a Japanese bandit of more than 2,000 people."
"I think even if you have never seen Japanese pirates, you should have heard of their fighting power. These people are good at using knives, cunning, have advanced gunpowder, and have strict discipline. Often three or four people can plunder a village, and a dozen or so people can rob a village. Dare to attack coastal counties."
Zhu Renxia, who had been silent until now, nodded and said: "Everyone should know that this matter is really puzzling. But the Japanese pirates' combat effectiveness is indeed not guaranteed."
"Although he was ambushed hastily, Qin Liangyu led the 500-strong Baigan Army to calmly respond to the challenge. He fought fiercely with the Japanese pirates for a day and night, and turned defeat into victory. He killed more than 700 Japanese pirates at the cost of 200 people. He successfully waited until reinforcements arrived and wiped out the enemy in one fell swoop. Annihilate.”
"Because of this great victory, Qin Liangyu was commended by the imperial court, and was canonized as the Third Grade Imperial Lady by His Majesty, and was awarded the title of Wailang, a member of the Ministry of War."
Jiang Guanjun talked eloquently, and the admiration in his eyes could not be concealed. It was obvious that he respected Qin Liangyu very much, even more than her husband.
Li Yao was overjoyed: "This is great. With such an elite team rushing to support Guiyang, we should be able to sit back and relax."
"What's going on over there, Mr. Futai?" Zhu Renxia raised his glass in toast and asked after taking a sip.
Li Yao thought it was about the appointment of the county magistrate, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Mr. Futai has signed the letter of appointment. From yesterday, you are the county magistrate of Jinping County."
"Thank you, Lord Futai, for your trust!"
Zhu Renxia handed over his hand to the west as a thank you to the governor of Jiangdong, and then changed the topic: "This is not actually what I'm asking about. I want to ask how the imperial court reacts to Jiang Futai? Logically speaking, , the news of Yang Guozhu’s death in battle should have reached the capital, right?”
After listening to Zhu Renxia's words, the smile on Li Yao's face gradually dissipated and became solemn again.
"According to the secret letter sent by Jiang Futai's close friend in the capital, the situation is not too good."
Li Yao picked up a handkerchief and wiped the oil stains from the corner of his mouth. "Your Majesty was furious at the death of Yang Dusi and had already considered removing Lord Futai. However, in view of the rebels' siege of Guiyang, the temporary replacement of Futai will inevitably lead to unrest in the hearts of the people." , so the imperial court has not yet charged Mr. Futai."
"However, His Majesty has urgently summoned Mr. Li Hualong, who is idle at home, to come to Beijing and may be entrusted with an important task. According to a close friend of Futai, His Majesty plans to appoint Mr. Li Hualong as an imperial envoy and concurrently as Minister of War to gather Sichuan, Huguang, Jiangxi, and Guangxi The officers and soldiers conquered Yang Yinglong."
"Furthermore, it is a certainty that Mr. Li Hualong will take charge. The main question is whether Jiang Futai can retain his position as governor? Will the court give Jiang Futai a chance to make meritorious service, or will he let someone else take over as governor of Guizhou instead of Jiang Futai? position."
After Li Yao finished speaking, the atmosphere at the banquet became a little solemn and he was speechless for a long time.
Everyone present knew that the reason why Li Yao was able to secure his position as Liping prefect and Zhu Renxia was able to become the magistrate of Jinping County were all due to the promotion of Governor Jiang Dongzhi.
If Jiang Dongxia falls from power, they will lose their backer.
Although the new governor may not necessarily cause trouble for them, he certainly will not trust Jiang Dongzhi unconditionally.
"What kind of official is this Lord Li Hualong?"
Zhu Renxia didn't know this person very well and asked while turning the wine glass in his hand.
Li Yao said: "Master Li Hualong is in his forties this year. He is from Changyuan, Henan, and he is in the prime of life. He was awarded the Jinshi when he was in his twenties, and has served as an envoy in Henan, Shandong and other places. A few years ago, he served as governor of Liaodong, and he was considered a handsome man with both civil and military skills. Last year, because of disagreements with His Majesty and due to illness, he resigned and went home to recuperate."
"According to what Magistrate Li said, His Majesty chose the right person to take charge of counterinsurgency, Mr. Li Hualong." Zhu Renxia picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
Lou Dongfang, who had been silent for a long time, said: "We don't care whether Li Hualong has the ability to counter rebellion, and Mr. Li doesn't know you either. The top priority is to help Jiang Futai win a few battles and help him win back His Majesty. trust, so as not to lose the official position of governor."
Zhu Renxia cupped his hands and said: "Prefect, please rest assured, our Chang'an Army will definitely follow Jiang Futai's lead when we go to Guiyang."
Li Yao cheered up and said: "I believe Lord Futai will be very happy to see your elite direct line troops. It would be great if we can win a few beautiful battles."
"When I went to Guiyang this time, I recommended Captain Jiang to him and introduced your brilliant achievements to Lord Futai in person. He said that he would reuse you and give you a place to be useful."
Jiang Guanjun hurriedly clasped his fists and thanked him: "Thank you so much for the recommendation from Governor Li. Thanks to Mr. Futai for your love, I, Jiang Guanjun, will do my best."
Zhu Renxia added: "After Xiaguan went to war, Jinping County was leaderless. I recommended Liu Gongfu, the former chief arrester, to be the county magistrate. The county magistrate Wu Huaijie was changed to be the governor. I wonder if the magistrate has received the letter?"
"It has been forwarded to Mr. Futai. It is estimated that we will get a reply in three or four days. There should be no problem." Li Yao gave Zhu Renxia a reassurance.
Zhu Renxia raised his glass and made a toast: "In that case, I can rest assured. I am here to toast the prefect. Thank you for your trust."
Li Yao picked up the cup and responded: "I am also here to wish your Chang'an army a victory with the flag, and play Brother Kai. However, I hope that your Chang'an army will add a few more flags and write our Liping flag on it."
"It should, it should."
Zhu Renxia agreed repeatedly, "Those who rush to the aid of Guiyang are the strong people of each government. If our Chang'an army does not use Liping's banner, then it will be an unknown force."
After thirty days of drinking, Zhu Renxia stood up and said goodbye: "It's getting late, so I'll take my leave now."
Li Yao enthusiastically persuaded him to stay: "It's already getting late. You should stay at the post house temporarily and leave tomorrow, right?"
Zhu Renxia politely declined: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Magistrate, but as the commander-in-chief of the three armies, I should share the joys and sorrows with the soldiers. How can we let the soldiers sleep in the wild while we enjoy the happiness in the post house? This is definitely not feasible, next time I’ll say goodbye now!”
"That makes sense, I will send it to you."
Li Yao personally sent Zhu Renxia and the others out of the yamen, and asked Lou Dongfang to ride Zhu Renxia and others out of the city. While waving his hands, he earnestly warned: "Tomorrow morning, I will prepare a small amount of wine outside the city for the Chang'an army to march!"
