In a farming society, land is wealth, the most secure asset for people, and the most important means for them to support their families.
Unless absolutely necessary, who is willing to give up his family's land, and who is willing to leave his hometown and embark on an unknown and unexpected journey with his family.
But there is a prerequisite, which is the severity of taxes and policy adjustments in disaster years.
Otherwise, why are there so many refugees abandoning their homes and lands? It’s not because they can no longer survive. Escape has become the only way out. Although the future is unpredictable, there is only a glimmer of light.
It is no exaggeration to say that tyranny is as fierce as a tiger. It is even more ferocious and cruel than a tiger.
After Guo Dajing returned to the headquarters barracks stationed on the east wing of Nanguan, he inspected the current situation of the army, then inspected the Nanguan defense line, and only arrived at Beisha City on the fourth day.
The city defenses of Bisha City have basically been repaired. Although the main city is dilapidated, it was not built from scratch, so repairs can be done relatively quickly.
"That's the granary. It has stored enough food for a battalion of people and horses for two months." Liu Xingzhi accompanied Guo Dajing and introduced to him, "The ammunition warehouse is divided into three places, and a considerable amount is also stored."
Guo Dajing nodded and raised his telescope. There were more than a hundred sheep on the hillside in the distance, and soldiers were herding them beside them.
"In addition to raising sheep, the defenders also planted a lot of land, which is the kind of corn recommended by the general." Liu Xingzhi continued: "There are also vegetables, which should be enough for the defenders to eat."
Guo Dajing put down his telescope and said: "The troops have begun to expand. The left and right alliances in Jinzhou are tentatively set at 12,000 each, and the cavalry battalion is tentatively set at 1,000. In addition to the 2,000 naval divisions, Jinzhou's
The defense force is already relatively sufficient.”
Liu Xingzhi listened quietly and waited for Guo Dajing to finish his deployment before expressing his opinions.
"The permanent troops stationed in Besha City are one battalion, and the number will be increased to six thousand during the war." Guo Dajing glanced at Liu Xingzhi and said: "Each stronghold north from Beisha City will also draw troops from this garrisoned battalion."
Liu Xingzhi pondered for a moment and said: "Shiheyi and Xiaoheishan are the outposts, with three hundred troops stationed there; there are three strongholds to the south, each with two hundred troops stationed."
In this case, there are more than 3,000 permanent personnel in Bisha City, so there should be no problem.
Guo Dajing nodded and said: "Allocate the troops according to your arrangement. The general will dispatch additional troops to defend Hongzui Fort and other places."
According to the overall defense arrangement, the Nanguan defense line was divided into two halves, with Guo Dajing's left association and Li Weiluan's right association defending the east and west sides respectively.
Since the Left Association is responsible for the defense and early warning of Bisha City and the forward strongholds, the Right Association is responsible for stationing a small number of troops on Zhongdao, Xizhong Island, and Changsheng Island, and is also supported by the navy.
This kind of arrangement only increases the pressure on the Jianlu. Think about it, there are enemies on these islands and strongholds. Early warning is one, and the other is to be able to handle the landing of large groups of troops.
With the lessons learned from the failure of the attack on Port Arthur, the Jianlu should pay more attention to their rear routes and food routes, and should also be sufficiently vigilant about cross-sea plagiarism.
In this way, a lot of Jianlu's troops would be occupied to garrison along the road. Not only would they lose the suddenness of the light cavalry attack, but they would also have to use a considerable number of men and horses, which would increase Jianlu's logistical burden.
Jianlu, who will face a famine next year, wants to send out a large army, but he is afraid that he will not be able to supply food and grass supplies.
Now, Guo Dajing's thoughts are different from last year. Last year, he was afraid that the rebels would not come to attack Lushun Fort, so the army was mobilized in vain and the fortifications were built in vain.
But after occupying Jinzhou, if Jianlu cannot attack, then we can develop steadily, accumulate strength, and attack in a small scale to practice in battle.
If the captives dare to come again, then rely on the complete fortifications and fierce firepower to inflict heavy damage on them and completely dispel their thoughts of attacking again.
Of course, regardless of whether the rebels are coming or not, the defense facilities must be complete and strong, and the army must be ready and cannot be slack or negligent.
Liu Xingzhi just wanted to concentrate on defending Bisha City. With so many troops concentrated on the Nanguan defense line, even if he won, he would not be able to demonstrate his ability.
Although after the recapture of Jinzhou, most of the officers who participated in the war were promoted one level, and he was promoted to the rank of Dusi. However, he was not satisfied and worked hard to find opportunities to make contributions.
Accompanied by Liu Xingzhi and other generals, Guo Dajing inspected the fortifications and living facilities in Bisha City. When he was satisfied, he also put forward many suggestions for improvement.
During the discussion, Guo Dajing also introduced the improvements of the new musket, and spoke highly of it with confidence, believing that it would further enhance the army's combat effectiveness.
"Each department changes equipment in batches, and soldiers can fully master it after a month of training." Guo Dajing said: "For officers, how to change their tactics must also be learned through intensive training."
Liu Xingzhi imagined the changes in the use of muskets without match ropes, and he could probably understand the advantages introduced by Guo Dajing, and asked: "If the branch is changing its equipment, can you take care of the general's troops first?"
Guo Dajing reached out and patted Liu Xingzhi's arm and said, "Don't make things difficult for me. The muskets from Marshal Mao's side are still there."
"Even if it is later in the evening, it will not have a big impact." Guo Dajing added: "With the current strength of our army, it is enough to withstand Jianlu's attack."
"That's right, Meng Lang is the last one." Liu Xingzhi suppressed his eagerness, knowing that this was not Guanglu Island, and Guo Dajing had to be more careful to prevent others from complaining.
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Now we are sending people to Shandong to buy good flint, which can ensure the fire rate of the new musket. Maybe the craftsmen will make some small changes, and it may be better to change the equipment later."
This is not a lie. Guo Dajing believes that springs are better than steel sheets, but the manufacturing difficulty has also increased. Only when the use is not affected, the modification and replacement can be started.
If the problem can be overcome, the firing rate of the flintlock gun can not only be guaranteed, but the force required when turning the tap and pulling the trigger will not be too great.
For a musketeer, this amount of strength is still available, but Guo Dajing knew that pulling the trigger hard would cause the gun to vibrate and affect the accuracy of shooting.
Well, the accuracy of the muzzle-loading smoothbore musket does not need to be considered too much, but wouldn't it be better if we could keep improving it?
"Flints also have qualities?" Liu Xingzhi was slightly surprised and said, "The general still wants the soldiers to search in the mountains!"
Guo Dajing said: "It doesn't hurt to look for it without delaying training and operations. I also have the idea of mobilizing the people of Jinzhou to collect flints."
When it comes to improving the fire rate of a musket, the quality of the flint may have an impact, and the shape of the flint clamped on the faucet is also particular.
But since the craftsmen have gone through the test, there won't be much difference in the firing rate. Moreover, for flint, you can pull the trigger a few more times and make the fire a few more times, which is a matter of pulling and pulling.
Unknowingly, I came to the general station again, climbed up and took a look. The bay more than ten miles away became clearer in the field of vision of the telescope, and I could occasionally see the sails of navy ships.
"From the sea to the boundless sky, I am the shore, and to the top of the mountain, I am the peak." Guo Dajing's mind was at ease, and he couldn't help but come up with two lines of poetry. Of course, he didn't say it out loud, and he didn't know whether it suited the situation or not.
Yes, yes, I have to write it down and send it to Fujino Hide, and print it on porcelain. It is very powerful, much better than the "Autumn Wind Sad Painting Fan".
"Come on, come on, stand at the highest place." Guo Dajing greeted the generals with a smile and said: "I am the peak of the mountain. We all experience this feeling."
Liu Xingzhi and others came over with a smile, stepped to the top, and looked around. Needless to say, after being reminded by Guo Dajing, the feeling was really different.
Upright and dignified, standing tall and upright, you can see the whole world at a glance. The idea of ruling the world is bullshit. Just deceive yourself and others in that golden cage in the Forbidden City.
……………..
The prototype of Jinzhou Acropolis was first built in the early Ming Dynasty and was a Tucheng in the shape of "Ya". In the eighth year of Hongwu, the Ming Dynasty established Jinzhou Acropolis in Liaodong and reinforced the Jinzhou City with blue bricks. Jiajing 40
In 2001, four corner platforms were added to the city wall.
Although the city is dilapidated and has a lot of damage, the Dongjiang Army does not have that much manpower and financial resources to build it again. After simple repairs, the Flying Cavalry Battalion was stationed here, forming a horn with Beisha City.
The expansion after the war has been completed, and the flying cavalry battalion has reached 1,200 people, divided into two standards, with the original cavalry from Guanglu Island and Lushun Fort as the backbone.
To put it bluntly, the Flying Cavalry Battalion is a separate organization outside the two associations and is subordinate to the Jinzhou headquarters. Of course, this is temporary, and the two associations can be separated at any time and merged into the left and right associations.
The charcoal stove was burning brightly, and there was an iron basin on top. The soup was boiling and rolling, and the ingredients were being rolled up and down.
"Smells, delicious." Liu Qishi took a bite of the mutton slices and chewed them. He picked up the wine glass and took a big sip, his eyes brightening.
Liu Xingzuo put down his wine glass and said to Guo Dajing with a smile: "You didn't say a word when we got married. Are you afraid that we can't come up with the wedding money?"
Guo Dajing waved his hand, poured wine for Liu Xingzuo and others, and said: "It's just a concubine. If it weren't for Marshal Mao and Deputy Marshal Chen who insisted on fulfilling it, they wouldn't even hold a ceremony and just sleep in the same room."
Fan Dalin sipped the wine and said with a smile: "It's not just because of General Guo's reputation, Mao Shuai personally acted as a matchmaker. However, Fujino Hide followed you to conquer the east and west, and he really cares about you. He should have given you a good reputation a long time ago."
Got a reputation."
Liu Xingzhi also rushed to Jinzhou Acropolis with Guo Dajing, tasted the fresh hot-boiled mutton, and drank the good wine purchased from Shandong. With his cheeks bulging, he said vaguely: "I have been attracted to you since North Korea. It has been so long.
, is a good woman."
Guo Dajing changed the topic and said: "In Dalian, your house has been renovated and built. Please take the time to go back and check it out and settle it down."
"I am a brother, what kind of accommodation do I need? There is no place to eat or sleep anywhere." Liu Qishi didn't care. "This Jinzhou City is quite good. When can we move some people to live there and make it more popular?"
Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "It will have to be next year at the earliest, and I can't say the year after that."
There is still great potential for the development and construction of Jinzhou, which is enough to support a population of hundreds of thousands. The Acropolis of Jinzhou is a buffer and warning zone. When the invaders come to attack, the army can still say that it is troublesome for the people to move around.
As for next year, Guo Dajing is still holding back the big move to attack Huanglong! He will try to smash the Jianlu controlled area to pieces in one go, and then it will be time to expand significantly.
Of course, Guo Dajing's mentality has calmed down. If Jianlu does not engage in military adventures and plunders the capital, he is prepared to spend a long time with Jianlu.
Famine is also fatal to Jianqiu. The rule is unstable and people's hearts are scattered. It is difficult for Jianqiu like this to have the material basis for large-scale mobilization.
"Actually." Liu Qishi stopped his glass and said more carefully: "Most of the entire Dongjiang Town's troops should be stationed in Jinzhou, leaving only a small number of garrisons in Pidao and Yuncong."
If Jinzhou gathered more than 30,000 troops, it would naturally be possible to push the defense line further north, at least to Xiaoheishan and Shiheyi, and capture the entire Jinzhou.
Liu Xingzuo smiled and said nothing, but judging from his expression, he probably had the same view as Liu Qishi.
The area with the greatest development potential and the greatest threat to Jianlu is naturally the southern Liaoning region. Based on Jinzhou, it is like a sharp sword that can penetrate directly into the heart of Jianlu.
Even Guo Dajing is in favor of such a strategic change.
But this involves the relocation of Dongjiang Town and Mao Wenlong's desire to stay away from the constraints of the court, which is not something they can decide.
Guo Dajing smiled as he ate the meat. Well, the sesame sauce is quite fragrant.
After swallowing it slowly, he said: "It is not necessarily bad for Liaodong and Liaonan to form a pincer attack. Concentrating troops on Jinzhou has a very clear goal. To build more captives, we only need to build more troops in southern Liaoning."
By garrisoning troops, they can resist, which actually reduces the pressure on their entire defense line."
"Criticizing the weak and attacking the weak is still the main tactic that our army must adhere to. With multiple bases capable of launching attacks, the Jianlu troops must be stationed at multiple locations for protection. If the troops are divided, they will be weak, making it easier for our army to harass."
The Jianlu were not good at attacking fortresses, and even after being equipped with the Hongyi cannon, they were a little afraid.
However, Guo Dajing had a variety of means to attack the city, but the overall combat power of the Dongjiang Army and the shrinking defense of Jianlu made him think that the conditions were not mature.
Guo Dajing also had this idea of deliberately hiding his ability to attack difficult situations. But it was not the main thing. The main thing was that there were no good opportunities.
Besieging a city, whether it is shelling or blasting tunnels, will take time, at least three to five days!
But based on Jianlu's maneuvering speed, would the nearby Jianlu troops stand still and give the Dongjiang army time to calmly attack and break the city?
It is necessary to attack the city and block Jianlu's reinforcements. With the strength of the Dongjiang Army, this is only possible unless most of them are dispatched. But Guo Dajing believes that it is not necessary yet.
No matter in terms of military strength, combat power, or territory occupied, the Dongjiang Army is inferior to Jianlu. A battle in which one thousand enemies are killed and eight hundred self-destruction is avoided.
Of course, it was impossible for Jianlu to use all his strength to fight to the death with the Dongjiang Army. Especially after experiencing the Dongjiang Army's strength in relying on solid defense and learning a painful lesson.
Therefore, raiding and harassment will still be the main tactic of the Dongjiang Army for a long period of time. As for next year, if the Jianqi soldiers come out to plunder the capital, the Dongjiang Army will go straight to Huanglong, so don't worry about it.
When it comes to the awkward relationship between Mao Wenlong and the imperial court, or in other words, the awkward relationship between Dongjiang Town and the imperial court, it is a bit sensitive, but it is just brushed aside and no one will discuss it in depth.
"The strength of the Flying Cavalry Battalion is still small. It cannot fight big battles, nor can it fight small battles." Liu Xingzuo looked at Guo Dajing and said with a smile: "Didn't you say that the Flying Cavalry Battalion was established separately and you just ignored it?"
Guo Dajing laughed and said: "Guo got all the heavy muskets in Dongjiang Town. Guo is not that selfish."
After raising his glass and taking a sip of wine, Guo Dajing continued: "Jinzhou has just started operating and has not seen any benefits yet. The expansion of the flying cavalry camp will have to wait until next year. It must reach at least two thousand cavalry, and -"
Everyone looked at Guo Dajing, wanting to hear what kind of generosity he would do after this.
"The infantry also needs to train on horseback. This started on Guanglu Island. You are no strangers to the lancers. By next year, we will be able to equip at least 4,000 lancers and mix them with the flying cavalry battalion."
Guo Dajing twirled his wine glass and said with a smile: "What I mean is that the flying cavalry camp will be divided into two battalions, each with one thousand flying cavalry and two thousand lance cavalry..."
Horses that can be ridden can be used by cavalry. The requirements for flying cavalry are higher, while the requirements for lancers can be lowered.
As for the idea of choosing one out of twenty war horses, or even one out of a hundred, it is obviously an exaggeration and an excuse made up by officials for the purpose of corruption.
The number of horses planned by Guo Dajing was far more than the 6,000 of the two battalions of cavalry, but 8,000. Each battalion was mixed with flying cavalry and lances, and an additional 1,000 horses were added to carry supplies, giving them the ability to fight long distances.
To smash the Jianlu ruled areas to pieces, it would not only involve attacking cities and strongholds, such as Haizhou Acropolis, Liaoyang, and Shenyang, the ruling centers of the Jianlu, but also including villages and towns scattered across the vast land.
The main force of the infantry took advantage of the weakness and attacked directly into the heart of the Jianlu, attracting the Jianlu to defend the important areas of Liaoyang and Shenyang. The two battalions of mixed cavalry took the opportunity to move across Liao, destroying farms and liberating slaves.
A two-pronged approach can deal the heaviest blow to the Jianlu and destroy the foundation of their rule in Liaodong. At the same time, the large number of liberated Liao people will greatly increase the strength of Dongjiang Town.
"Three thousand cavalry are called a battalion, and they deserve the title!" Liu Qishi grinned, feeling very satisfied.
However, Liu Xingzuo heard a different meaning from Guo Dajing's words. He was both curious and confused and asked: "Dajing, why have you mentioned next year so many times? Is there anything big going to happen next year? How do you know?
of."
Guo Dajing kept his expression and said with a smile: "This year I mainly focus on running Jinzhou and accumulating strength. Next year I will naturally make some big moves."
Liu Xingzuo shook his head and expressed disbelief, but since Guo Dajing didn't talk about the specific plan of the big move, he didn't get to the bottom of it.
The wine was almost gone, the atmosphere became more lively, chatting, bragging and spanking, the usual five to six people now showed their true colors.
Guo Dajing also relaxed his attitude. It was a rare occasion for them to get together and have a good drink, and the friendship was deeper than the usual ten days and a half.
In the end, although he was not completely drunk and staggering around, Guo Dajing was helped to his residence by his own soldiers and fell on the bed, snoring like thunder.
After staying in Jinzhou Acropolis for two days, Guo Dajing, under the protection of the cavalry led by Liu Qishi, patrolled north along the road.
As the commander-in-chief, Guo Dajing was very concerned about the areas or strongholds he was responsible for and did not dare to make any omissions. Only after inspecting, improving, or perfecting, could he rest assured and put his energy elsewhere.