Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 504 Gathering the troops to go south
  Watching the ministers express their opinions and suggestions, in a short time, they explained the matter thoroughly, and all the preparation strategies they had thought about were also stated. It makes sense when you think about it. Although the Dawu court seems to be powerful, it is staring at There are too many people to let go, and every move must be made with extreme caution. This matter must be carefully considered, and since troops are sent from the capital, they must be even more cautious.

In the Hall of Mental Cultivation,

Emperor Wu Zhou Shihong was obviously in a much better mood. As long as there was a solution to the matter, it would be fine. But for marching and fighting, the people who led the troops still had to rely on the three of them. As for what the cabinet minister said, although it made sense, this Everything is predetermined to win. If something goes wrong, it may not be as good as expected.

Emperor Wu was also worried in his heart. He stared at the three of them. They were all great talents in commanding the army. It was a pity that they had no use for them for so many years. Now, it was the time for the three of them to show their talents. No, it was the two of them. Marquis Luo Yun was still Since he cannot leave the capital and needs him to frighten the restless people in the capital, there are only two of them left. It is difficult to decide whether to choose Wang Ziteng or Marquis Baoning.

"Wang Ziteng, please tell me first, what will you do if you become the head coach this time down south?"

When Wang Ziteng heard the emperor's words, his face lit up, it was time to choose a handsome man, and then he replied,

"Back to Your Majesty, I have just listened to what the elders said. They are all words of wisdom for the country. Many matters have been carefully considered. If I were to be the commander-in-chief, I should select [-] troops from the Beijing camp, and then assemble the troops and horses trained by all the ministries in Zhongzhou. , and then go south together when we are ready. I believe that instead of rushing forward greedily, it is better to fight for one city again, fight steadily, and never go deep alone. No matter how cunning the bandit army is, they will definitely be unable to attack them, and in the end they can only fight for them in one place. I respond calmly, what is urgent is the rebel army, they cannot defeat the imperial court, south of the capital must be short of food, so the rebels will be defeated, and the imperial court will also win a great victory."

"Well, Ai Qing, you must be disciplined in your military use. You don't seek merit but seek no faults. This is prudent."

After Emperor Wu heard this, although Wang Ziteng's words were not brilliant, he had to admit that this was the way to win, that is, to gather a large army, press forward step by step, and rebel against the thieves until the last resort, and the whole army would inevitably lead to a battle. But to decide the situation, if the enemy is tired and I recharge my batteries, we will definitely win, but it will definitely cost a lot of money and food, and it will take time and effort, and I don’t know how long.

Looking at Marquis Baoning who had been staying there silently, although there was little hope for him to lead the troops, he still had to give him a chance. If he had a good plan, it was not always said to be immutable, so he asked,

"Marquis Baoning, it's your turn. If you are leading the army, do you have any other strategies to defeat the enemy?"

Baoning Hou Kang Guichen's eyes lit up when he heard Emperor Wu's question. This was because His Majesty was still not satisfied with Wang Ziteng's style of play. He raised his head with hope and replied,

"Returning to Your Majesty, I think that although Wang Jieshuai used the troops safely, it took too long, and the court must spend too much money and food. I think that if we fight steadily, we must attack with heavy troops, look for opportunities for a decisive battle against the rebels, and strive to be the first to inflict heavy losses. The main force of the bandit army will then approach step by step, heading straight towards Huanglong. The wise rule is to capture the bandits first and capture the king. The main force will be destroyed. The other refugees and rebels are not worth mentioning. As long as the leader of the Taiping Sect bandits is captured, the rebels will naturally become a piece of loose sand. It will only be a matter of time before they are wiped out by then.”

Baoning Marquis Kang Guichen talked comfortably, and every sentence made sense, which also made the cabinet ministers and Zhang Jinyu look at each other with admiration. Although the imperial army had no record, they were familiar with the art of war and strategy, and no one could surpass them. But Baoning Marquis was not the best. It's hard to tell on paper.

Emperor Wu, who was originally somewhat determined, was wavering in his heart after hearing this. Marquis Baoning's strategy was more in line with his own ideas. Although it could not be solved in a short time, the losses would be much less. However, things on the battlefield were changing rapidly. I don’t know which one is better. Of course, they both think what they said is reasonable, and it’s hard to decide for a while.

Zhang Jinyu didn't understand what the cabinet and the emperor meant. The Beijing Camp and the Forbidden Army were the two main forces controlled by the imperial court. If they followed the premise of gathering heavy troops, they would draw out troops from various places. Isn't this In the name of suppressing bandits, the local military power is weakened. How can the soldiers be returned to the imperial court? This is a plan to kill two birds with one stone. No, there are three more birds. This opportunity to gather military power will shock the local government and make them bow their heads and obey the imperial court. , this is the final meaning of the cabinet ministers. As for the rioters mentioned, I think they may be ranked last in their hearts.

If you think about it, you must first settle the domestic situation when fighting foreign affairs. If it were you, it might be the same. Remember there is a saying that military is just a continuation of politics. This statement is true.

Thinking of this, Zhang Jinyu seemed to have seen through it all, and was no longer curious. He just didn't know who His Majesty and the elders would choose. The fighting styles were similar, and in the end, the decisive battle would have to rely on the main force.

The cabinet ministers in the hall whispered among themselves in twos and threes, but could not come up with a good solution. Some people supported Wang Ziteng, thinking that his style of play was stable and the court was not afraid of consumption. The other side felt that Marquis Baoning's style of play was flexible and might have unexpected benefits. They argued for a long time. No results either.

Emperor Wu didn't have a good choice. He looked at the people in the hall and saw that there was still one person who didn't answer. This matter still needs the most capable person in Dawu to speak out. He asked,
  "Marquis Luo Yun, don't watch the fun below. Although you are not leading the expedition this time, you still want to give advice and suggestions. Regarding what the court just said, who do you think is better between the two of them in terms of their military use? Or you Whoever you think is handsome can do it.”

The voice just fell,

The eyes of everyone in the hall were swept over, and Zhang Jinyu secretly thought to himself, "How can I answer this? Just saying which person is good will not offend the other person. Besides, there is no such thing as asking, what is the best way to fight? When the number of people goes up, just go straight." Just push it through. I also need some military strategies, but I can't say it like this. I bite the bullet and reply,

"Your Majesty, I feel that both Wang Jieshuai's troops and Baoning Hou's troops are good, but they are both bad!"

"Oh, what do you mean by that?"

Emperor Wu and the ministers became interested, and even Wang Ziteng and Marquis Baoning looked over in confusion, wondering what to say.

Zhang Jinyu was also relaxed at this time, looking at everyone and replied,

"Your Majesty, elders, please listen to what I say. It's all good and safe in using troops. The disadvantage is that it is a waste of time and effort, and a waste of money and food. What is even more worrying is whether the Taiping Sect's thieves will flee to other countries. County, so they pursued and intercepted them at the same time, surrounded them in the south of Beijing, and annihilated them on the spot.

Finally, since the imperial court has decided not to use the troops from the Beijing Camp and the Forbidden Army, I really don’t understand. Then I would like to ask where to mobilize the troops to go south, how many troops there are, what the combat strength is, whether it is infantry or cavalry, how many elite battalion heads, etc. , I feel that the number of less than [-] is inevitable. With fewer soldiers, there is no point in going south, and it cannot have decisive power. Therefore, the combat strength of the army must be guaranteed to directly force the rebels to fight. "

"Okay, well said. What Marquis Luo Yun said is the key. I have an idea about this matter. Zhao Jingwu, tell me, how does the Ministry of War plan to mobilize troops? Where are the troops and horses being mobilized?"

Zhao Jingwu, Minister of the Ministry of War, just woke up from a dream. He looked back at the people in the hall, as if he had already thought about it, and said confidently,
  "Back to your majesty, I have already thought about it and started to mobilize troops from several important towns around the capital. Sizhou City and Hongnong City on the Zhongzhou Highway can mobilize [-] troops. Zeng Weiluna, the governor of Hedong County north of Anshui, Twenty-five thousand troops can be mobilized, and Chu Guozhong's office in Hexi County can also mobilize twenty-five thousand troops. And on the main route south to the south of Beijing, Lu Daiyuan, the governor of Daliang City, can mobilize thirty-five thousand troops. This There are more than [-] troops, and if there are another [-] in the Beijing camp, there will be nearly [-] people. If they can join the troops of General Gu Ping in the south of Beijing, it will be enough. The imperial court has used so many troops in this battle. Although our soldiers and horses are not as elite as the Beijing camp and the Forbidden Army, they are also rare soldiers who dare to fight. Although there are not many cavalry, there are many who can defeat the imperial court in infantry combat."

Not to mention how others reacted, Zhang Jinyu heard it in disbelief below. Calculated in detail, the government troops directly fired at various important places around the capital. In these places, under the nose of the capital court, there was a huge shortage of government troops. No, these troops can still be gathered together. Who can believe that His Majesty and the Minister of War did not have any premeditated plan? The specific place for deploying troops and the number of available troops and horses were clearly stated. It was as if they had been discussed in advance. , secretly looking at Emperor Wu on the high seat, there was also a look of satisfaction on his face, knowing that the matter should be settled like this.

"Okay, Ai Qing is indeed the pillar of the imperial court, and his troops are distributed like every family treasure. I think this matter is feasible. Soldiers are more expensive than finesse, and [-] is a lot. Marquis Luo Yun, what do you think?"

Emperor Wu still did not forget to ask what should be done about this matter. Zhang Jinyu bowed his hands and praised,
  "Your Majesty is wise. I didn't expect that your Majesty had already thought about it. I was worried just now. If there is such a large army, Wang Jieshuai and Marquis Baoning can go anywhere. In my opinion, the imperial army does not necessarily stay in the capital all the time. , there are no less than [-] people from the Forbidden Army in the capital, more or less people are fine. Some people from the Forbidden Army can also go to the south to have a look and form a coalition with the Beijing camp.

But considering the past, according to the usual practice, the Beijing camp is still the main force, and the Forbidden Army is the supplement. If the two work together, there may be unexpected results. Of course, all actions must be obeyed by the commander, but I am a little worried about the Tongzhou grain storage area on the edge of Anhu Lake. , Shen Zhongxin, the minister of household affairs, told me that all the grain stored in Zhongzhou was there, and I felt that it must be heavily guarded. "

Zhang Jinyu thought about it and felt that since it was a hodgepodge of miscellaneous troops, it didn't matter if there were one more soldiers and horses. Why couldn't the Forbidden Army join in the fun? It's not possible that the Five Cities Soldiers and Horses Division could go if they wanted. As long as they wanted to go, they would be sent there. Wang Ziteng commanded the capital. Having been in the camp for many years, I must have two brushes, otherwise I would not be able to sit still. Those arrogant and powerful generals are not something that soft persimmons can handle. It should be better if there are more people.

"Haha, Marquis Luo Yun has now learned how to act like a civil servant. You can't be offended by what you say. However, what you say makes sense. I don't want the Forbidden Army to stay in its ways. Indeed, I haven't been there for a long time. In this way, this time I go south. , Marquis Baoning, you can send [-] forbidden troops from the forbidden army camp to go south with Wang Ziteng. You have to be careful in everything. You don’t have to go yourself. This time when you go south, Wang Ziteng will be the commander of Jingying Jiedu, and Daliang Jiedu will be the leader. Let Lu Daiyuan be the vanguard and go south together to eliminate the bandits. In addition, we will mobilize [-] troops from the capital camp to garrison Tongzhou immediately. We must ensure the safety of the granary. If something goes wrong, we will kill everyone above the rank and file. I will show no mercy."

A trace of ruthlessness flashed across Emperor Wu's face. This time he sends troops, he must gain something. Anyone who disobeys military orders will be killed!
  Seeing everyone bow their heads, His Majesty was really angry.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I accept your order."

Marquis Baoning looked excited. His Majesty actually let the imperial army leave the city. Once the opening was opened, there will definitely be a chance in the future, especially this time. There will definitely be a big war. Meng Yu can now take charge of the army on his own. He is naturally the candidate to lead the army. , the [-] Forbidden Army sent its elite over, and gave some more lieutenants to assist them. After they have made military exploits, and have the qualifications to be promoted, the road will be much smoother in the future. I still have to thank Luo Yunhou for giving him the opportunity.

"Okay! Now that you understand everything, let's go back and make preparations. This matter will be drafted by the cabinet and promulgated immediately, asking them to mobilize troops faster. Lu Wenshan, please remember to supervise. As for food and grass, etc., Gu Yichen, are you having any difficulties?"

"Back to Your Majesty, this grain and army rations can be dispatched directly from the capital warehouse and recorded. However, the corruption in the Ministry of Household Affairs has been involved a lot in the past. The treasury has not been touched, and the inspected family property is also being replenished. It has not been calculated yet. Qing Dynasty, so the salary money is not yet available from the Ministry of Household Affairs, so the veteran is bold and wants to ask His Majesty’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to advance the payment first, and after the Ministry of Household Affairs sorts it out, he can make up for it again to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. What does Your Majesty think?”

Gu Yichen was helpless. Although there was a lot of money in the household department, it involved nobles repaying debts and a lot of money was confiscated. It had not yet been counted, so the account books were not recorded and it was difficult to get out of the treasury. As for the original, His Majesty told him not to use it, so That's why this happened.

Emperor Wu understood in his heart that he was indeed in trouble for the household department, and nodded.
  "I agree to this matter. You will only take care of the military rations and leave the salary to Dai Quan. That's fine."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I remember."

"That's good. Others should hurry up and supervise. Let the messenger deliver the order tonight without making any mistakes."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

All the ministers responded in unison.

In a few words, Emperor Wu decided on the Southern Expedition and handed over the cabinet affairs to Lu Wenshan for supervision. I don't know what he meant.
  Zhang Jinyu hadn't figured it out yet, but it was a mess inside. The emperor didn't reprimand these two old men, nor did he fight each other. They just made peace with each other.

Suddenly, Dai Quan shouted at the right time,
  "Everything must be done, all my lords, please come back."

Then everyone knelt down and worshiped again,

"My minister retire."

Then everyone left the imperial study room one by one. On the other side of the civil servants, Lu Shangshu and Gu Shangshu also didn't like each other, so they each snorted coldly and left.

Just before leaving, Zhang Jinyu suddenly felt something was wrong. He thought that so many soldiers from different departments who did not belong to each other were gathered together. Although there were many people, but if they really wanted to fight, it would not be the case. First of all, the military orders were different. Tong, on the top of each mountain, and then to conserve strength, the more I thought about it, the more something felt wrong. But looking at Marquis Baoning and the smiling Wang Ziteng in front of him, Zhang Jinyu put these thoughts behind him, why should he worry about that? It is better to go back and hug the beautiful girl to be happy.

"Wang Jieshuai, congratulations. This time you lead the army south and command the army. You will definitely defeat the enemy. Don't take all the credit. The Imperial Army will follow you out and take care of you."

Marquis Baoning followed Wang Ziteng step by step, with a smile on his face, as if he wanted to discuss it. Although Wang Ziteng's face was red, he didn't make it too big and asked,
  "Marquis Baoning, look at what you said, what do you mean by me being monopolized? Who are you going to send to follow me? It won't be Young Master Ling, right?"

"Haha, look, didn't we think of it together? My nephew, Prince Teng, can't ignore it. Quanzi is dedicated to serving the public and also wants to have the opportunity to serve the court. You see, isn't this coming? So here we are. The one who goes with you for the first time is naturally Quanzi, how about it!"

Marquis Baoning also followed up shamelessly, wanting to send his son there as well to enjoy his military exploits. He put it more bluntly, but Wang Ziteng had no choice but to agree.

"Okay, now that Marquis Baoning has spoken, I have to agree. But Meng Yu is a bit young, so just tell me which camp head you will prepare for him?"

Wang Ziteng also calculated in his mind that if Marquis Baoning allowed his son to lead the army, he would definitely send out elite battalion leaders. In this way, there would be [-] more caring soldiers available, and his chances of winning would increase. If he All they bring are cavalry, and their mobility will be greatly enhanced.

Unexpectedly, Marquis Baoning rolled his eyes and asked as if discussing,
  "Looking at what you said, I will arrange for more lieutenants to follow me. As for Meng Yu, it would be nice to lead the [-]-foot Imperial Army."

What Marquis Baoning said was also a test. After all, although the Forbidden Army has many cavalry, there are no horses. If it weren't for Luo Yunhou's [-] horses, it would take years, horses and months of the monkey to make up the Forbidden Army's own cavalry. Therefore, there are [-] horses to pick and choose. Forty thousand horses can be used and are raised directly in the Dauchi hunting ground. The remaining low-grade horses are not wasted and are used for daily patrols and messengers. If ten thousand cavalry are really sent, Kang Guichen will really be reluctant to part with it. Besides, There is a flat land to the south. To deal with a group of rioters, if you need cavalry, you can just attack it with infantry.

But Wang Ziteng suddenly turned around and stared at Marquis Baoning.
  "They say that Marquis Baoning is very stingy. I have never believed it. I just thought it was nonsense. I didn't expect that when I saw him today, what he said was true. You think it's just a joke!"

(End of this chapter)