"What?" Li Zicheng was furious when he heard this, and immediately shouted loudly: "How could such a thing happen?"
After hearing this, Song Xiance said a little ashamedly: "This is my fault. I should have thought of it, but I ignored it. Please ask the general to punish me!"
Li Zicheng originally wanted to scold him, but he unexpectedly admitted it on his own initiative. At this time, he was still relatively rational after all. After pondering for a moment, he still didn't get angry. He just said sternly: "Take people immediately to find those who disturb the morale of the army and kill them!"
"General, now that rumors have spread, I'm afraid we won't be able to distinguish who is disrupting the morale of the army. If we really want to arrest everyone who makes false claims, I'm afraid we won't be able to catch them." Song Xiance replied regretfully.
Seeing Li Zicheng's gloomy face, which seemed to show a bit of ruthlessness, he understood what Li Zicheng was thinking at this time, and reluctantly added: "During the inspection, I found that even many soldiers in the Laoying and Boyer soldiers , has also been affected.”
Li Zicheng suddenly felt troubled after hearing this. If it was just those who were consuming troops like cannon fodder, he might really not care how many they had, and actually disturbed the morale of the army and killed them. But now, even people in the direct line troops such as Laoying and Haierbing are saying this, so he can't kill people casually.
Thinking about this matter, Li Zicheng suddenly realized that he had no good way to solve this problem.
In the end, Li Zicheng could only issue an order: It was strictly forbidden for such things to happen again in the army. If anyone dares to comment, no matter who they are, they will be killed without mercy!
At this time, they obviously did not realize that this was actually a public opinion war between the imperial government and the army. They thought it was caused by the prisoners spontaneously telling what they saw and heard after they came back.
They discovered this situation at the beginning. It's just that they didn't believe it at all, because those who came back even brought Princess Kunxing and female soldiers to such a big-headed soldier, and to them, it was a big-headed soldier of a bandit soldier to bandage wounds and treat injuries. How could this be possible!
Now, although they have confirmed that there should be such a thing, however, apart from being surprised by this, they feel that it is such a shocking move that caused these people who came back to publicize such a thing.
Such advanced things as public opinion warfare have indeed existed since ancient times, but for the vast majority of people who lead troops to fight, they have actually ignored it. Especially this kind of indirect public opinion battle, which is not the morale battle between the two armies like the first day, is even more easy to ignore.
Perhaps knowledgeable cultural people may have seen this kind of thing in history and know the importance of public opinion wars. However, for Li Zicheng, who was born as a gangster. It's the first time to face such a situation. It’s a bit reluctant.
Even Song Xiance, who was the most understanding of the people's hearts and minds among Li Zicheng's troops and proposed that "eighteen children should be the main artifact", was actually just a fortune teller like Zhou Kui.
Besides, in the bandit army, with the military order of silence, the entire camp suddenly became deserted.
However, as the saying goes, it is better to defend the people's mouth than to defend the river. No matter how powerful Li Zicheng was, how could he forbid ordinary soldiers to stop talking.
And the more Li Zicheng did this, the more disgusted the ordinary soldiers would naturally be. So they secretly discussed these things behind the backs of the leaders. But if you talk too much, you will eventually get caught.
"General, today we patrolled the camp and arrested more than 600 people, who were still secretly discussing the affairs of the imperial court." Near evening, Niu Jinxing came to report to Li Zicheng, "Among them were eighteen child soldiers!"
When Li Zicheng heard this, he was immediately furious. There were so many people who took his military orders as nonsense. He shouted sternly: "Just hang them in the army for three days and then kill them. I would like to know who else wants to be like them!"
Niu Jinxing was stunned for a moment, then quickly confirmed: "Are those child soldiers treated in the same way?"
You know, these child soldiers were carefully selected and trained by Li Zicheng. It can be said that Li Zicheng put considerable effort into it and placed considerable expectations on it.
Hearing Niu Jinxing's words, Li Zicheng became even more angry and said sternly: "A bunch of white-eyed wolves who dare to ignore my military orders, kill them!"
Hearing the determination in his words, Niu Jinxing took the order and went out to execute it without saying anything else.
The so-called children's camp does not mean children, but those who have been selected and cultivated since childhood. Just like Zhang Xianzhong, this was also done. Li Dingguo and others who were famous in later generations were one of the many adopted sons trained by Zhang Xianzhong, and they were outstanding figures among the boy soldiers.
At this time, at the Children's Camp, a group of people surrounded the eighteen companions who had been arrested, comforting them or questioning them.
"It's true for you, the general has already said that he can't say it anymore, why are you still saying it?"
"What, you think Princess Kunxing can't be that good? In fact, I also think that if the emperor's daughters were so good, we wouldn't be orphans, and there would be such chaos in the world today!"
"You don't have to worry too much. After all, we are all members of the General. Although we only said a few words, our loyalty to the General is not comparable to others. Don't worry, the General will definitely reprimand you. Or just spank you!"
"..."
In the midst of their discussion, Niu Jinxing came over with military orders. What they never expected was that there was no difference. These eighteen companions would be hanged for three days and then executed.
After hearing this military order, many boy soldiers didn't believe it for a while and got a little angry.
"Niu, have you been slandered?"
"The general will definitely not be so ruthless. It is probably this man named Niu who is passing on military orders!"
"..."
Among them, the one who made the most fuss was Li Laiheng, Li Guo's adopted son; and the other one, Zhang Nai, who would have been named Yihou by Li Zicheng according to the original historical development, later fought against Jianlu and fought to the death at Shiniuzhai. Do not retreat and die in battle.
At this time, the two of them were the best among the child soldiers, so they naturally wanted to fight for their companions.
Niu Jinxing was annoyed when they said this, and immediately pointed at them and shouted: "The two armies are still fighting, and those who disturb the morale of the army should not be killed? The general is not strict in his orders, how can he win the world? If you don't obey, go ahead Find the general!"
He is not afraid of these child soldiers, they are not a system. Therefore, when he was annoyed, he showed no mercy and asked his men to tie up the child soldiers and hang them up.
Li Laiheng and others were naturally dissatisfied. Although they believed that their companion had indeed done something wrong and deserved to die, they immediately went to Li Zicheng's side. Needless to say, they were scolded by Li Zicheng and almost had to deal with them.
Facing Li Zicheng's severe military law, others in the bandit camp immediately did not dare to speak anymore.
However, those who were caught knew that they would die and had no scruples.
"It is said that the emperor is fatuous and has treacherous ministers in power. Is it true that the Ming Dynasty's regulations on pensions and preferential treatment for soldiers are fake?"
"I have a family of four generations. It used to be fine, but Thief Li came and ruined my family. Now I am the only one left. Don't you know who is causing trouble in this world? ?”
"Gong Xingguo is a good official. He is dedicated to serving the country and the people. He wants to bring peace to the world and create a prosperous age. He is many times better than Thief Li!"
"Why doesn't King Chuang come and pay for his food? Damn you!"
"..."
Originally, Li Zicheng's intention was to kill them as a warning to others. Therefore, these people were surrounded by a large number of soldiers. Unexpectedly, they actually said these words, which made Li Zicheng furious. He did not wait for three days before directly killing them. , his head was hung in public display.
As a result, the effect of the military ban is indeed better than before. However, the real situation may not be as calm as it seems on the surface.
Li Zicheng's side is like this, and Luo Rucai's side is actually similar. However, the impact of these things on the war cannot yet be seen. At this time, they were all troubled by the same problem.
Strong military strength is both an advantage and sometimes a disadvantage. For example, regarding the issue of food and grass, the more people there are, the more food and grass are needed. Both Li Zicheng and Luo Rucai were troubled by the problem of food and grass.
The teams they had sent out to collect grain and fodder had already returned to the camp one after another, but without exception, they did not bring back any good news.
"What's going on?" After hearing more, Li Zicheng became more and more disappointed and couldn't help but get angry. "Are you lazy? Or is it that you arrived late and Luo Rucai's men got the better of you?"
In this regard, the men he sent out naturally would not admit that they were lazy, and they all said that they had gone there and there, but still gained nothing. As for Luo Rucai and the others, they said they met occasionally, but they did not gain anything. From these signs, it can be inferred that the government should have carried out a clearing of the country before their army arrived!
Song Xiance was very worried after hearing this, and said to Li Zicheng: "General, if there is no supplement of food and grass, we may not be able to hold on for long!"
In fact, he didn't need to say this, everyone present knew it. If the army doesn't have food and fodder, big trouble will happen!
However, no one can produce more food. Suddenly, the Zhongjun tent became quiet.
Finally, Niu Jinxing at the side broke the silence and said to Li Zicheng: "General, the current situation is nothing more than increasing revenue and reducing expenditure. Since we can't increase revenue, we can only reduce expenditure. If there are fewer people in the army, we can continue to work more." A little longer.”
Song Xiance shook his head after hearing this and said immediately: "This method is inappropriate!"
"What's wrong?" Niu Jinxing immediately became unhappy upon hearing this and quickly asked.
Seeing that Li Zicheng was also paying attention to their conversation, Song Xiance looked at Li Zicheng and explained: "General, this imperial army is elite. If it cannot attack for a long time and loses too many battles, it will definitely affect the morale of the army! Just like this! In this situation, if the morale of the army drops sharply, unexpected situations may occur. General, we must not be defeated again!"
Li Zicheng frowned after hearing this, feeling a bit in a dilemma for a moment. Food and grass in the army is a big problem, but morale is indeed crucial and cannot be ignored. So what should we do?
Just as he was thinking of this, he suddenly remembered something, and quickly confirmed with a little hope: "Didn't I say before that the imperial army did not have much food and grass, right? Is this the case?"
"The general has a really good memory, there is indeed such a saying!" After hearing this, Niu Jinxing nodded quickly and flattered him.
"But how much food does the imperial army have, and how much food is left now? Does anyone know this situation?" Li Zicheng immediately asked.
When Niu Jinxing heard this, he was a little dumbfounded. He suddenly regretted that he probably shouldn't have taken up this topic just now.
No one can answer Li Zicheng's question. Finally, they found the soldiers who had been released from the imperial army and asked them in detail, but they did not get accurate answers. He just said frankly that Duke Xingguo had told them that the army's food and grass were insufficient, so he let them go.
As a result, this matter will be more difficult to handle. How much food and grass does the imperial army have? Are they unable to support it first, or are they unable to support it first?
Regarding this issue, Li Zicheng and others did not come up with any results after discussing it for a while, so they had to take a look at the final conclusion first.
The problem of food and grass is similar to Luo Rucai's. As for the war with the imperial officers and soldiers, the first is that they are afraid that losing the battle will affect their morale, and the second is that they are afraid that they will not be able to defeat the imperial officers and soldiers and waste their own military strength in vain. Therefore, no one thinks about it until it is absolutely necessary. First go to war with the imperial officers and soldiers.
The Battle of Kaifeng ended in a stalemate under such circumstances. Although it did not rain every day during this period, it rained intermittently, which also made the roads muddy. The Yellow River roared even more, and it was impossible to cross the river easily.
Of course, the scout war between the two sides is still continuing.
The bandits wanted to trap the imperial officers and soldiers in the camp. As for the imperial officers and soldiers, they would naturally send Ye Bushou to investigate the movements of the bandits.
This small-scale cavalry confrontation was also a stalemate. If the imperial officers and soldiers stay far away from the camp at night, they will inevitably be surrounded by the bandits' advantageous scouting horses, and the losses will be high.
However, if the scout battle is not far away, then the imperial officers and soldiers can take advantage of their equipment advantage and hit and run. Therefore, it is often the imperial officers and soldiers who take advantage.
On this day, Zhang Mingwei was on the watchtower, using his binoculars to look at the bandit camp in the distance, as well as the bandit detectives who were active outside. He suddenly discovered a situation, that is, the morale of the bandits was a bit low.
This situation was actually within his expectation. But now I find that it has an effect. Of course Zhang Mingwei was happy about this.
"Haha, it's time to give the bandits a surprise and continue to stimulate them!" Zhang Mingwei smiled and turned to the accompanying general Wu Sangui behind him and said.
