Although Jianlu's attack on the DPRK did not achieve the expected results, it still had a great impact on the Dongjiang Army.
The Dongjiang Army had to give up its farms and strongholds in North Korea, and also lost North Korea, its supply base for grain and grass supplies. It had to rely on the court's food and salary payments and smuggling trade to supplement its military needs.
For Guo Dajing, it would be easy to get Mao Wenlong's permission to do some business on his own, and Shen Shikui would be able to deal with it.
But for Mao Wenlong and the Dongjiang Army, this laissez-faire development will eventually lead to intensified conflicts with the court.
The reason is very simple. If the imperial court does not want or cannot provide sufficient food and salary, and feels that it is difficult to control Dongjiang Town's self-financed business, it will inevitably resort to resorting to various means.
In fact, the emperor and the civil servants had a relatively consistent position on one issue. That was the control of generals. To put it bluntly, it was the Ming Dynasty's ancestral system of "controlling military force with civil society."
There are no civilian supervisors in Dongjiang Town now, and Mao Wenlong wields Shang Fang's sword, which has aroused the suspicion of the civilian clique and led to continuous impeachments.
On the contrary, Governor Yuan was able to be reused largely because of his background as a Jinshi. He was not only a civil official, but he was also familiar with military matters among the civil officials, and he was the boldest and loudest.
Emperor Tianqi was able to reuse and trust Mao Wenlong, but Chongzhen still had the same old-fashioned thinking. He also reused Governor Yuan, who was elected by the civil service group.
Mao Wenlong, Man Gui, Zhao Lejiao, Zhu Mei, Sun Zushou... Liaodong did not worry about having no brave generals, but Chongzhen, who was blind, or blinded by lard, had to travel thousands of miles to recall Yuan Manzi.
"Is there going to be another war?" Lin Tiansheng was still very well-informed. He probably knew about the outbreak of the Ningjin War in Pidao. "General Guo's place is quite peaceful."
Guo Dajing said: "The operation to aid North Korea has just ended, and the troops need to replenish and recuperate. Even if we send troops for rescue, I am afraid it will not be until a month later."
Lin Tiansheng was convinced, but still a little confused, and asked: "Can Ning Jin hold on? If it falls, it will be dangerous to close the door."
"With millions of taels of silver every year and tens of thousands of well-equipped troops, if we can't even defend two fortified cities, wouldn't it make the world laugh?"
Guo Dajing didn't take it seriously and spoke with sarcasm, "Furthermore, Huang Taiji launched the offensive and did not want to capture the isolated city with heavy losses. His goal was grain, grass, supplies and population."
Lin Tiansheng thought for a while and said with a wry smile: "Why bother? Since we can't fight with the Jianlu in the field, and immigrate to farmland in the three places of Jinzhou and Ningyuan, isn't the preparation for the Jianlu was in vain?"
"Brother Lin can see it clearly, but the princes in the court are obsessed with it." Guo Dajing sighed and said: "If Jinzhou is important, how can we not occupy it? Taking over a few abandoned cities will restore the land and achieve a great victory.
, it’s really ridiculous.”
Lin Tiansheng shook his head helplessly and said: "General Guo doesn't have to be so depressed. He manages his own affairs. With General Guo's bravery and wisdom, he will make great contributions and make his wife a wife."
"For Brother Lin's good words." Guo Dajing cupped his hands and said: "Guo has set the goal of pacifying Liao and exterminating slaves. As long as he breathes, he will never change his ambition."
Lin Tiansheng raised his thumb and praised: "Heroes have great ambitions. If others had said this, I would have thought it was nonsense. But when it comes from General Guo, I believe it."
Hahahaha, Guo Dajing laughed, patted Lin Tiansheng on the shoulder hard, and said intermittently: "After hearing Brother Lin's words, Guo will change his name immediately, and his name will be Guo Dazhi."
Lin Tiansheng also laughed heartily and joked: "Wouldn't it be louder to call it Guo Mienu or Guo Pingliao?"
After joking, the two felt closer to each other. Guo Dajing led Lin Tiansheng to his residence and entertained him warmly.
On the table are mostly the specialties of Guanglu Island, including Ezo scallops, boiled variegated clams, grilled red shrimps, sea fish, chicken stewed with mushrooms, and grilled venison.
The Fujinos, father and daughter, and two attendants were also invited to get acquainted with Lin Tiansheng first, so that it would be more convenient and casual for them to sit together on the ship.
"Did you make it?" Fujino Hide tasted very good and ran to ask the chef.
The chef chuckled and said, "General Guo taught me how to do it, and the little guy followed it."
Fujino Hide blinked his eyes and returned to the wine table with doubts.
Lin Tiansheng was a little strange. It was obvious that Fujino Hide was a woman. It was still rare for men and women to sit at the same table at that time. From this, he also guessed that the relationship between Fujino Hide and Guo Dajing was extraordinary.
Could it be said that Guo Dajing also imitated Mao Wenlong and let his old father-in-law do business?
Lin Tiansheng also brought a lot of gifts for Guo Dajing's family, but he didn't expect that Guo Dajing hadn't picked them up yet.
The guy rolled his eyes and had an idea. He was going to divide the gift into two parts and give one to Fujino Hide. Anyway, Mrs. Guo was not here and didn't know about it.
No matter how Lin Tiansheng thought, the atmosphere on the table was still quite lively under the influence of alcohol between cups and cups.
Japanese people, it seems that what General Guo said about doing business with the Japanese country was not just casual.
Knowing the identity of Fujino Masa and his daughter, Lin Tiansheng's imagination opened up again.
It’s not that the Japanese didn’t want to trade directly with the Ming Dynasty, but that the Ming Dynasty was so awesome that they ignored him. In addition to the Japanese, there were also Spanish and Dutch people who wanted to open up trade with the Ming Dynasty!
Therefore, if the imperial court allows it, it is not impossible for Dongjiang Town to trade directly with Japan.
If it really comes to pass, the Lin family may be able to get a piece of the pie by virtue of their friendship with Guo Dajing.
The profits of sea trade are extremely huge. Although it is also accompanied by high risks, some people are eager to pursue it and are crazy about money.
Of course, Lin Tiansheng just thought about it and didn't have much extravagant expectations. In this current situation, he could not only make money but also make friends with Guo Dajing, so he still thought it was worth it.
At least Guo Dajing is much stronger than Shen Shikui, less greedy, and can do business quickly and efficiently. But if Guo Dajing is stupid and does not understand the ways of a merchant, Lin Tiansheng will never think so.
Obviously, Guo Dajing was so generous because he wanted to establish a long-term cooperative relationship with the Lin family.
As Guo Dajing said, "win-win cooperation", you give me a foot, and I will give you a foot, it's that simple.
"Mr. Lin, do Guo a favor again." Guo Dajing raised his glass and said, "Buy some books, whether they are children's enlightenment, medical divination, arithmetic and other miscellaneous books, I need them all."
Lin Tiansheng was stunned for a moment, and then replied: "It's easy to do, General Guo, you don't have to be polite."
"I wonder what General Guo wants to buy books for?" After a pause, Lin Tiansheng asked curiously: "Are you going to build a school on the island?"
Guo Dajing smiled and nodded, and said: "A certain person wants to establish a night school system. Both soldiers and civilians must spend half an hour every night reading and literacy."
Everyone present did not understand what he meant and looked at Guo Dajing with some surprise.
"Reading and literacy can help you understand the world and broaden your horizons." After Guo Dajing finished speaking, he waved his hand with a smile and said: "I don't want to talk about this nonsense. I just say that with knowledge, you can be alert. You can learn anything once you teach it.
Isn’t it enough?”
"This -" Lin Tiansheng cupped his hands and said: "General Guo's idea is indeed different, but the truth is still right. There is a big difference between being literate and literate and being vulgar and illiterate."
Guo Dajing chuckled, knowing that Lin Tiansheng was casually agreeing, but he didn't care.
Anyway, idle time is idle. People work at sunrise and rest at sunset. It is not difficult to spare half an hour to read and write.
As for the soldiers in the army who can read and count, they may not see much effect for the time being. But as time goes by, knowledge will become more and more powerful.
For example, in artillery, educated and uneducated people must learn and use them completely differently. At least, the efficiency and speed of command transmission and understanding will also be different.
Although the Dongjiang Army is poorly equipped now, is it always like this? New weapons are definitely needed, such as the Hongyi Cannon. One shot will turn a bloody alley, which is awesome!
There are also some weapons and equipment that Guo Dajing wants to make by himself, as well as many things that make money. If it is for cultural people, he only needs to give a general introduction, which saves more effort.
Yes, Guo Dajing really wants to do something to make money.
It’s hard to expect the imperial court to survive. The great disaster of the Little Ice Age has already come, and Chongzhen is so poor that he even wears patched clothes. Training wages, extermination wages, and the rebel army are all over the place. How can there be enough money and food to subsidize the Dongjiang River?
And like Mao Wenlong or Shen Shikui, it was impossible to feed the Dongjiang soldiers and civilians just by relying on Liaodong's specialties such as ginseng fur and other specialties.
Of course, these are all part of the plan. The most basic condition is to ensure the long-term stability of business with the Lin family.
Although there are many southeastern merchants on Phi Island, if we try again, we will be delayed for at least another year.
Therefore, Guo Dajing had to show enough sincerity and strive to settle the matter this year and get food and muskets.
After dinner and wine, Guo Dajing left Lin Tiansheng and others to rest for the night. He would sail back tomorrow while he returned to the military camp to rest.
The next day, Guo Dajing entertained Lin Tiansheng and his party again before sending them on board, waving goodbye and watching the sails getting further and further away and disappearing out of sight.
"The Lin family merchant ship is used to this sea route, so don't worry." Turning around, Guo Dajing comforted Fujino Hide, who was tearfully bidding farewell to his father: "I really can't find anyone trustworthy, so I bothered Mr. Fujino to go this way.
Once in a while."
Fujino Hide turned sideways slightly, wiped away his tears with a silk handkerchief, and said with a slightly choked voice: "I don't blame you. My father is willing to go to sea. He has been willing to go to sea for many years, and he also wants to see the outside world."
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "This is a big event. It is related to the development of Guanglu Island and whether Guo can make great contributions again. Well, now that the matter is done, I will lead my troops to land and establish a stronghold in Wanghaicheng.
.”
Fujino Hide hesitated for a moment and said, "I'll go with you!"
"You should stay on the island." Guo Dajing said: "The Jianlu are attacking Jinzhou, and the coastal areas have already abandoned their defenses. There is no risk in this trip."
After a pause, he added: "I will send someone to Ludao to pick up Li Xiu and others. If you find it convenient, help me receive and settle them on the island."
"It's nothing inconvenient." Fujino Hide agreed happily, "I'm just afraid that Mrs. Guo thinks the house I designed is not good enough."
"She is an honest person. She won't find faults or bully others." Guo Dajing glanced at Fujino Hide and said, "I'm just afraid that she will be bullied by others."
Fujino Hide looked into Guo Dajing's eyes and said innocently: "How could it be possible? The wife of a dignified guerrilla general, who dares to bully her on this island?"
Guo Dajing pursed his lips and hesitated a little. He was not afraid of others, but he was a little worried about Fujino Hide. In terms of heart, eyes, lips and tongue, the ten Li Xiu sisters were no match for this female devil.
Well, Sister Li Xiu didn't come alone. She had the old people in the village following her, so she should be fine.
Guo Dajing thought about it for a while, felt relieved again, and explained carefully the work that Fujino Hide needed to do.
……………….
Wanghaitun, built in the Ming Dynasty, belongs to Jinzhou Wei. It is now Wanghaizi, seventy miles northeast of Dalian City, Liaoning Province.
Wanghaiping is located in the hinterland of Jinzhou, on Jinding Mountain six miles northeast of Jinzhou City.
The terrain here is gentle and high, with Xiaohei Mountain standing behind it and Daheshang Mountain standing majestically in the southwest. If you climb on it, you can have a panoramic view of the coastal islands, so it is called Wanghaitan.
At the foot of Wanghaicong Mountain is the Jinpi Avenue (the main line from Jinzhou to Jiuliancheng), which was the only way from the coast to the inland in ancient times. It can be described as a choke point.
In June of the 17th year of Yongle, Liu Jiang, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong, annihilated more than a thousand Japanese pirates in Wanghaitun, captured hundreds of them alive, and was granted the title of Guangning Bo (he later changed his name to Liu Rong) for his merits.
This battle was the first great victory of the Ming Dynasty against the Japanese. For more than a hundred years, the Japanese pirates did not dare to invade Liaodong again.
The sound of the golden drum shouting to kill has disappeared in the long river of history, leaving behind the ruins of the fortress on Jinding Mountain. The temples and monuments erected by the people in memory of Liu Jiang have disappeared.
Guo Dajing stood on Jinding Mountain, looking at the islands along the coast, patting the stones of the dilapidated fortress, feeling the weight of history, feeling a little emotional, and also very regretful.
Benefiting from the benefits of the Qingyun River, this area once had fertile farmland and densely populated villages. It was one of the most economically prosperous areas in Jinzhou during the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, this area also became the "hardest hit area" for Japanese pirates.
But now, the rebels have rebelled against the Ming Dynasty, and there are many wars. The place is deserted and desolate.
Unfortunately, although this place is nice and dangerous, it is still far away from the sea. If it is besieged by a strong enemy, it will be difficult to retreat back to the island quickly.
If you can occupy Jinzhou, with the Jinzhou Acropolis at your back, Wanghaicong is an excellent outpost.
"Sir." Liu Qishi walked around and came back to report: "Although this fort can be rebuilt, it is dozens of miles away from the sea. If the built captives come to attack in large numbers, it will be easily besieged."
Guo Dajing's official position and status made it difficult for Liu Qishi to call him brother casually. Although Guo Dajing didn't care, he still made an agreement with Guo Dajing to call him his official before others and brother after others.
"I am also a little worried." Guo Dajing pointed in the direction of the sea and said, "That's Matuozi Island, how about setting up a base there?"
Liu Qishi looked up, estimated the distance, and said, "I think it's OK. If we put sentries in the little fort on the seaside, we can respond to each other."
When Liu Jiang, the commander-in-chief of Liaodong Province, "built a city with stone fortresses and set up piers for observation," Wanghai Cao served as a central platform with eighteen piers attached to it. What Liu Qishi said was one of the piers.