Chapter 231: Fang Zhenghua, the eunuch of the supervisory army
Due to the speed of information dissemination in ancient times and the generally low level of education, news or knowledge was often passed on by word of mouth or even fabricated based on rumors.
When a battle is won, let alone the common people, even the friendly forces may not know the details. It is also difficult to promote any new tactics.
The most important thing is the problem of thinking habits. No one pays attention to this, and no one pays special attention to it.
Guo Dajing paid great attention to this. As Cui Xiaoyi and Jin Nianliang said, if the experience or lessons gained by soldiers with their lives and blood are not absorbed by other troops as soon as possible, wouldn't their lives and blood be in vain?
The changes brought about by this are gradually becoming apparent.
From the large-scale manufacturing and equipment of crossbows, to the promotion and use of musket warfare, as well as new weapons such as mines and trebuchets, the overall combat effectiveness of the Dongjiang Army has been improved.
Regarding the pro-Ming faction in North Korea, Guo Dajing had nothing to hide and taught almost without reservation.
The political situation in North Korea will not change in the short term, and he does not expect the North Korean army to take the initiative to fight against the Jianlu, but the help provided to Dongjiang Town is still very important. For example, taking in fugitives and transferring them to Dongjiang Town.
Moreover, although the King of Korea formed a brotherly alliance with Hou Jin, he still regarded the Ming Dynasty as a father-son alliance and did not make many hostile actions.
If there were no major changes in history, Jianlu would launch an attack on North Korea to force North Korea to completely surrender.
At that time, the North Korean army, whose combat power has been improved, mainly composed of troops trained and equipped by Lin Qingye and Cui Xiaoyi, will deal a heavy blow to Jianlu.
Or, if the pro-Ming faction's military strength increases significantly, North Korea's foreign policy will change and it will once again become a military ally to contain the rebels.
Of course, Guo Dajing did not know the impact of his actions on Shen Qiyuan, and accelerated his preparations and actions to "abolish the dark and establish the bright".
The next day, Guo Dajing hosted a banquet in honor of Cui Xiaoyi and others, and asked Jin Nianliang to do him a favor.
"The slave chief Taiji personally conquered the Chahar tribe. There is no problem in winning. He will definitely capture a large number of Mongolian people and livestock."
Guo Dajing handed the list to Cui Xiaoyi and Jin Nianliang and said: "North Korea and Houjin have mutual trade, and I hope to exchange a batch of cattle, horses and sheep. Of course, it would be better if I could buy them with silver."
When Cui Xiaoyi and Jin Nianliang heard the news, they were both stunned and confused. How could they make a deal with the enemy? But when they thought about it, they also guessed that it was a matter of price. Guo Dajing wanted to buy cheap livestock.
The list lists the goods to be exchanged: silk, white paper, wine, and pepper.
When it comes to strategic materials, silk should be considered. White paper, wine, and peppercorns are considered normal trade.
But the nature of this deal with the enemy obviously made Cui and Jin worried, not for themselves, but for Guo Dajing.
The lesser of two evils, unable to rely on the imperial court, Guo Dajing could only adopt the least harmful method to speed up the construction of the Jinzhou area and the expansion of the army.
Horses can be used as war horses and can also form baggage trains, allowing the army to continue to move towards mules and horses; cattle can improve the efficiency of farming and free up more manpower for other uses. Sheep can eat meat, their skins can be used for clothing, and their wool can be spun.
Wire.
Originally, he should apply to the imperial court for these, but Guo Dajing had no hope, and time waited for no one. It was too expensive to buy them from the mainland.
In the late Ming Dynasty, because peace was maintained with the Mongolian tribes, trade channels were opened, and cheap horses could be purchased from Mongolia in large quantities. At the lowest point, there were less than ten taels.
Now, due to the continuation of the war in Liaodong, the channels for purchasing horses from Mongolia have been hindered. The price of horses in the capital has risen to about 20 taels. Cattle are cheaper, about 10 taels.
Of course, in the past, we did not have the conditions to raise horses and cattle, but now that we have a land as big as Jinzhou, cattle and sheep can have grass to eat and just let them graze. After autumn, corn stalks and leaves can be raised.
Make feed.
Jin Nianliang rolled his eyes and suddenly understood. He winked at Cui Xiaoyi and said to Guo Dajing: "General Guo wants to exchange or purchase cattle and sheep from North Korea. There is no problem."
Cui Xiaoyi also suddenly realized that if he changed the statement like this, the nature would be completely different, and Guo Dajing would be completely excluded.
To put it bluntly, Guo Dajing was buying horses, cattle, sheep and livestock from them, so he would not ask in detail where the goods came from. They exchanged them from Jianlu and then handed them over to Guo Dajing. Guo Dajing was completely unaware!
Cui Xiaoyi smiled and nodded repeatedly, carefully looked at the list and the price standards for horses, cattle and sheep, and said slowly: "There shouldn't be a big problem in exchanging goods, but I'm afraid it won't work if you buy them with silver."
Jianlu was short of money, and the answer was definitely not. Having looted so much gold and silver, Jianlu was only worried about how to spend it.
Grain, silk, cotton, ironware, saltpeter, etc. were all strategic materials. The blockade of the Ming Dynasty made it difficult for Jianlu to buy them. The same was true for daily necessities, such as wine, pepper, etc.
North Korea is too small and not rich. Mutual trade can slightly alleviate the material shortage of Jianlu, but the gap is still large.
The items traded between Jianlu and North Korea were mainly ginseng and mink skins, followed by Dongzhu, horses and livestock. However, North Korea was a small country, so the demand for ginseng and mink skins was not large.
There was nowhere to spend the money, and good things such as ginseng, mink skins, and Dongzhu could not be sold. This was also a difficulty that the Jianlu were unable to solve. Coupled with the harsh climate of the Little Ice Age, it was not surprising that there was famine.
"Then it's all yours." Guo Dajing said helplessly: "Without the support of the imperial court, Guo is forced to do nothing."
"By the way." Guo Dajing suddenly remembered something and said to Cui Xiaoyi: "I heard that Jeju Island was originally a place where horses were raised?"
Cui Xiao nodded and said, "Yes, there was indeed a horse ranch in the Yuan Dynasty."
As he spoke, he laughed, "Cui is very optimistic about the Lancers that General Guo will form. After arriving in Jeju Island, he plans to build a horse farm to raise horses. If General Guo is interested, how about working together?"
A smart person understands words as soon as he hears them.
Guo Dajing cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Thank you very much, Mr. Cui. Guo will also buy some horses and put them in Jeju Island to raise."
Guo Dajing had no choice but to eat grass from other people's land and raise his own horses. He had to take advantage of it shamelessly.
But for Cui Xiaoyi, it was gratitude and repayment. Guo Dajing's selfless help was nothing if he only helped raise some horses.
This time, Guo Dajing took out almost all the silk and silk stored in the space. The remaining wine, pepper, paper and other commercial goods will be purchased in Shandong or other places, and then sent to the place agreed with Cui and Jin.
.
In terms of time, there should be enough time. Huang Taiji had not yet returned victoriously, and the captured people and livestock had not been transported back.
The three of them discussed some details, and Cui Xiaoyi and Jin Nianliang asked Guo Dajing for advice on many issues related to fighting the Jianlu before they said goodbye.
Many friends, many paths, exchange hearts for hearts, and you will get good rewards.
Guo Dajing adheres to his own principles of life, and has indeed gained the favor of many people, and has firmly occupied a place in Dongjiang Town.
On the surface, Guo Dajing is neither arrogant nor arrogant, but he is not cowardly. He is just relatively low-key and easy-going. However, if his negative side is touched, he does not want to fight back with ruthlessness and toughness.
The people who understand this most clearly are probably Zhao Guang, who was sent to Guanglu Island to supervise the army, as well as the banner officers Jiang Baohe and Shen Zonggui of the Jin Yiwei.
Now the two men were standing respectfully on either side of the new Jinzhou Army eunuch Fang Zhenghua. Fang Zhenghua was asking about the situation of the Dongjiang Army, mainly Guanglu Island and Guo Dajing.
The ship was traveling relatively smoothly, and the tea in the teacup was only slightly swaying. Fang Zhenghua took it in his hand and drank it leisurely.
"Guo Dajing led his army to conduct an in-depth raid and made quite a few gains. He seems to be quite brave and brave, as well as somewhat resourceful!" Fang Zhenghua mused and said, "You are able to fight with the army and have the spirit of loyalty and courage, which is valuable."
"Uncle Fang, you deserve the award." Jiang Baohe bowed and said humbly: "As a member of the emperor's personal army, how can I dare to be greedy for life and afraid of death?"
Shen Zonggui also spoke in agreement: "Eating the emperor's salary and being loyal to the emperor are also the duties of a humble position. I dare not trouble my father-in-law to make false praises."
Fang Zhenghua nodded and said with a smile: "You don't have to be humble. There are really not many supervisors who can go into battle with the army to kill the enemy."
After a pause, he then asked: "In your opinion, can Guo Dajing become a trustworthy military commander for the imperial court?"
After Jiang Baohe and Shen Zonggui were transferred back to the capital, their situation was not very good. While Chongzhen eradicated the eunuch group, he also weakened Dongchang and Jinyiwei and carried out a major blood change.
The current commander of Jinyiwei is Luo Yangxing, and his thoughts are inclined to the Donglin Party. This is probably the main reason why he can take office.
Chongzhen blinded himself and deafened his ears, and he really regarded those civil servants who spoke generously and were sanctimonious as gentlemen. With his IQ, it was simply ridiculous.
Regarding the improvement of Fang Zhenghua, Jiang Baohe and Shen Zonggui didn't know how to answer. Indeed, Guo Dajing did not leave a good impression on them, but judging from the meaning of Fang Zhenghua's words, the court obviously wanted to win over him.
It would be a serious crime to fabricate charges against Guo Dajing and find out after Fang Zhenghua came into contact with Guo Dajing that it was not the case.
You must know that Dongchang and Jinyiwei have become weak, and they no longer have the majesty they had when Wei Zhongxian was alive, which makes people look down on each other.
So, I said this with caution, and it's ambiguous. Don't rush to a conclusion, and wait to see Fang Zhenghua's attitude before speaking.
"Back to Eunuch Fang, this Guo Dajing has a deep feud with Jianlu and is obsessed with fighting." Jiang Baohe said, "If I want to talk about something else, he is very good to his subordinates, whether they are soldiers or ordinary people."
Shen Zonggui got the hint and followed these words and said: "Guo Dajing is also a poor man. He escaped from Jianlu with a narrow escape. He was the only one left in the whole family who died. He was willing to risk his life in the war."
I only talk about other aspects, not whether you are loyal to the court.
Shen Zonggui and Shen Zonggui were a bit evasive, but it was understandable. Who can guarantee this? Maybe they were loyal ministers on the surface, but secretly they were planning to rebel!
Fangzhenghua slightly tilted his head and didn't ask any more questions.
He understood the answers given by the two of them. After all, he only stayed there for a short time and did not get to know Guo Dajing in depth. What's more, people's hearts are separated from each other, and no one knows what others are thinking.
Whether Guo Dajing is loyal to the emperor and the court, Fang Zhenghua can only determine through observation and testing. Moreover, this may not be a goal that can be achieved in the short term.
Of course, Fangzheng did not come to supervise the army in Jinzhou just for Guo Dajing. The most important responsibility was to monitor Dongjiang Town and supervise Mao Wenlong to prevent Dongjiang Town from becoming more uncontrolled.
In addition to Guo Dajing, we also need to inspect Chen Jisheng, Li Weiluan, Shang Kexi and other Dongjiang generals to see if they only have Mao Wenlong in their eyes.
Speaking of Fang Zhenghua, he was also the eunuch who left his name in history and died in Li Zicheng's rebel army. Later, the Jingzhong Temple was built to commemorate the victims, with Wang Cheng'en as the main worshiper, Fangzhenghua and others as additional worshippers.
As an eunuch who died in a national disaster, Fang Zhenghua was much stronger than those civil servants who usually spoke of loyalty and surrendered in times of trouble.
But for Guo Dajing, loyal ministers who harmed the country are not worthy of his respect and admiration. Even if he knew the historical deeds of Founder Zhenghua, he would not change his plans and actions, as well as his impression and attitude towards the emperor and the court.
Because it was not only Mao Wenlong who disliked civilian supervision of the army, Guo Dajing was even more disgusting with any form of supervision of the army.
After reading a few military books, he boasted, thinking that Sun Wu could strategize and defeat the civil servants thousands of miles away while he was still alive. Because he knew the soldiers, he was sent by the eunuchs sent by the emperor to point fingers and give random orders.
Many battles were ruined at the hands of these army supervisors. In the late Ming Dynasty, there were eunuchs such as Gao Qiqian and army supervisor Zhang Ruoqi who gave blind orders, leading to the disastrous defeat of the Ming army.
Therefore, when he heard that an eunuch from the prison army was coming to Jinzhou, Guo Dajing took the lead in running away. There was nothing he could do in Guanglu Island, he had to deal with Zhao Guang and others. In Jinzhou, Chen Jisheng was there to block him.
Just when Fang Zhenghua and others sailed into Port Arthur, Guo Dajing had just seen off the Lin family's fleet and returned to the newly built house.
This area of residence was reserved for the families of military officers. In order to avoid disputes, the houses were built to be similar in size. However, since Guo Dajing's rank was there, the residence was much larger, and the interior was renovated by Hide Fujino.
"In anticipation of the completion time, I sent a letter to Sister Xiu in advance, and it will probably arrive in the next two days. Well, this is the main house, and I live in the wing."
Fujino Hide led Guo Dajing to visit the house and told him the news, saying that he had no selfish motives and respected Axiu.
Guo Dajing nodded, patted Fujino Hide's arm affectionately, and said: "After settling down Axiu, I have to leave for the army. The time to leave is not short."
"It's a pity that I can no longer accompany my husband." Fujino Hide felt very sorry and gently took Guo Dajing's arm.
Guo Dajing smiled helplessly and said: "There is no way, now is far from the time when the world is peaceful and you can enjoy it with peace of mind."
In the future, Guo Dajing has made arrangements for contacting North Korea, cooperating with the Lin family caravan, as well as musket modification, equipment training and other work.
Fujino was taking over all the business, and Guo Dajing didn't want to involve too much energy anymore, and would only give occasional guidance and suggestions.
The fusilier equipment troops were carried out in batches, and the training camp was not far from here. Fujino Masaru took on this work, and it was also convenient for Fujino Hide to take care of him nearby.
Although the Nanguan defense line has been completed and the construction of Besha Mountain City will not take too long, Guo Dajing still has to rush to the military camp.
After all, he is the commander-in-chief of an army and cannot leave his post without permission for a long time while enjoying the beauty and happiness at home.
Although there is no war, it is unlikely that there will be another major war in the short term, and the large-scale spring plowing work has basically been completed. The troops are either improving fortifications or taking turns to rest, but military training still needs to be carried out.
Guo Dajing was obviously not satisfied with just relying on strong defense. The transformation of the matchlock gun into the flintlock gun meant a significant increase in firepower and combat effectiveness, and also laid the foundation for field battles.
If we don't fight Jianlu in the field this year, I'm afraid it will be unavoidable next year. In about a year and a half, Guo Dajing will strive to build a battle formation that can compete with Jianlu.
That's right, it's about competing against, not defeating Jianlu.
Between infantry and cavalry, the initiative in combat is always in the hands of the cavalry. They can fight when they want and retreat when they want. This is a mobility defect that infantry cannot make up for.
A well-organized battle formation can withstand the impact of cavalry, but don't think of the enemy as a fool. He will continue to charge and be continuously killed by the firepower of the battle formation.
To put it bluntly, the infantry square formation can be set up, but its effect is not that great. Unless it is like the Xiaoheishan Blockade, the Jianlu must attack and break through.
After seeing the master bedroom, Fujino Hide took Guo Dajing to see her room and the accommodation arranged for Ronger and Xiucheng.
There is also a small courtyard separated from the house, which is the residence reserved for Fujino Tadashi. It is good to be together, it is convenient to eat, and it seems lively.
There are two wing rooms on the left and right in the front yard, which are for Sun Liuyan and Wang Gui's family. I don't think they are servants, but they are willing to serve.
As a soldier, Guo Dajing also had twenty acres of his own land, and rented an additional twenty acres for Sun Liuyan and Wang Gui. The land was farmed by the two families in total. Guo Dajing regarded it as a job, and Guo Dajing felt at ease when he went out.
"Teach Axiu, Rong'er, and Xiucheng how to read and write, so you need to worry more." Guo Dajing had already put his arms around Fujino Hide's slender waist and said warmly: "At home, Axiu is in charge of the inside and outside, don't leave her free.
With."
Fujino Hide smiled and nodded, and said: "You don't need to ask me to do this, I know of course. Sister Xiu is the official wife, and I will respect the etiquette."
"She is a miserable person." Guo Dajing sighed and said, "And Ronger."
And you, all your family members died in the war, leaving you alone; and I am also one. If I didn't have the rebels to attack the court, I wouldn't be living a good life at home in Uiju City.
Fujino Hide glanced at his man, and with the gentleness of a little woman, he snuggled up to Guo Dajing and said softly: "That was in the past, now and in the future, don't we all enjoy the blessings? We can get better and better!"
"
Guo Dajing tightened his hold on the girl's waist, smiled and nodded.
Yes, you want to get better and better. Isn’t this your goal?
The family, the country, the world, the family, the country, the country, and the world. No matter how lofty the goal is, it must be achieved step by step from low to high.