But Chen Jisheng also had to consider Jinzhou. The left and right associations must be stationed here. Only with better equipment and more troops could security be guaranteed.
Moreover, Chen Jisheng was not sure whether Hou Xie's visit to Jinzhou was temporary or long-term.
If it is temporary, then there is no need to expand, and returning to Phi Island will only increase the burden. If it is long-term, then there will naturally be no problem, and it will not be solved immediately, but will be solved gradually.
The key is that Jinzhou's overall plan for this year has been determined. How many troops can be expanded, how many people are needed for farming, and how many people are needed for production and manufacturing have all been calculated and will not be changed easily.
If the development does not proceed as planned, the left and right associations can still expand their manpower, and each can reach 15,000 or 6,000.
Because Dongjiang Town has a military household system, the distinction between military and civilians is not so clear, or it can be said that they are both soldiers and civilians.
Most of those who were able to escape from the areas ruled by the Jianlu were men with relatively good physical fitness. Those who were weak, young or old would often fall down first on the way to escape.
Therefore, the population ratio of Dongjiang Town is more men than women, so the number of people who can supplement the army will be more.
As long as the future destination of the rear association is determined, Chen Jisheng can satisfy their request for troop expansion. As for weapons and equipment, it is not that they will not be provided, but they must be ranked behind the left and right associations.
At the same time, Chen Jisheng relatively obeyed and respected Guo Dajing's arrangements for the supply of weapons and equipment. Whether it was purchasing finished products or buying materials and hiring technicians, it was Guo Dajing's money.
After chatting for a few words and caring about the living conditions of the post-Xie Dynasty in Jinzhou, Guo Dajing turned to the matters that Kong Youde and Li Jiucheng were concerned about.
"The information that Jianlu wanted to attack Jinzhou has been known to our army for a long time. After the two red flags were repulsed, Jianlu began to build a large number of carriages and offensive equipment. It is obvious that he is determined to be evil."
"At that time, we analyzed that the time when Jianlu came to attack might be after the autumn harvest, or in the middle of winter. For this reason, the two federations on the left and right made full preparations for the war. With the agreement of Marshal Mao and Deputy Marshal Chen, weapons and equipment were supplied to the two federations. Presumably,
Brother Kong and Brother Fang know about this, right?"
Kong Youde nodded and said: "That's true. The security of Jinzhou is critical to the stability and development of Dongjiang Town. The left and right associations are the main force in the defense. The Jianlu will bear the brunt of the attack. It is necessary to tilt the weapons and equipment."
Guo Dajing cupped his hands and said: "Thank you Brother Kong, Brother Li for your understanding. After several months of preparation, the firearm equipment rate of the left and right associations has basically reached the standard. Starting from this month, the manufactured muskets will be evenly distributed to each association. A certain person has
Please ask Deputy Commander Chen for instructions, there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Now evenly distributed, the firearm equipment rate of the left and right associations will still be higher than that of the front and rear associations. After all, Guo Dajing's ultimate goal is to use all firearms and eliminate all cold weapons.
"In addition, Guo ordered heavy muskets from the Xiyi people in the trenches at the beginning of the year, and they should be shipped by the end of the year. No matter how much, they will be distributed equally."
Guo Dajing's supplement was very generous. He spent money to buy it. He didn't keep it all for himself, but shared it equally. How dare others find fault with it?
"Let me just say, brother Guo is the most generous and generous person and will never treat Paoze badly." Kong Youde grinned, and the unhappiness in his heart was swept away.
Li Jiucheng raised his hand and thanked him, saying: "General Guo is so righteous. The reason why Dongjiang Town is what it is today is all thanks to General Guo's various efforts to raise money and his long-sleeved skills."
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "It's not bad to be good at dancing. I made a lot of money in business, but money is spent. For Dongjiang Town and to destroy Pingliao, Guo will never be a stingy miser."
Speaking of miser, Kong Youde and Li Jiucheng felt that they were referring to something, and they couldn't answer the question. They could only nod their heads in admiration.
Guo Dajing didn't mean to hurt Shen Shikui, he just said it casually.
It is more appropriate for soldiers who are more straightforward to be straight to the point without being verbose. By laying out the causes and consequences, and then talking about fair distribution in the future, there will be no room for resentment.
The most critical reason is that Guo Dajing paid the most money. Giving it to you is a favor, and not giving it to you is also a duty. Apart from being grateful, how can you have an excuse to find fault?
If it is a transfer from the imperial court, it will be different. Why is the distribution unfair? It is not yours, so it is a job that will attract people's resentment.
"It's really hard work for the rear association to help with the autumn harvest." Guo Dajing saw that things were clear and asked about other things, "I wonder if military training is normal now. How is the training of the musketeers?"
I gave you a musket, can it be used well? At the very least, are the soldiers skilled in operating it, and are there enough musketeers?
Li Jiucheng and Kong Youde looked at each other and laughed.
"So that General Guo will know that when we were on Phi Island, our officers and soldiers of the rear association began to conduct musket training. The standards are the same as those of the left association. The whole army must be familiar with its use."
Li Jiucheng gave an answer that satisfied Guo Dajing, but also surprised him a little.
Guo Dajing blinked and asked, "Do you also know the training subjects and standards of the Zuo Association?"
"Of course." Kong Youde said matter-of-factly: "Shuai Mao personally ordered that both front and rear teams must meet the same standards. In addition to musketry, there are also assassinations, marches, and horseback riding."
"The training subjects and standards agreed by General Guo to Zuo have been promoted in the two associations of Pidao." Li Jiucheng added: "It's just that Pidao is far away and there is no order for the entire army. It's not surprising that General Guo doesn't know."
In fact, there is nothing new, except that the whole army masters musket operation and riding skills. Other matters such as laying mines and forced marches are just auxiliary subjects.
It is a general trend for muskets to replace cold weapons. Although it will take time to realize it, be prepared; cavalry will be the only means to compete with Jianlu in terms of mobility, whether it is lance cavalry or flying cavalry.
Guo Dajing was relieved now, but there were still artillery, and the Post-Association also needed to send people for training.
"The artillery will be concentrated on the Nanguan defense line and deployed in a unified manner. The same goes for the artillery." Guo Dajing explained, "When the rebels are driven back and each alliance wants to act independently, the artillery and artillery will be divided into various ministries."
Kong Youde nodded vigorously and said: "That's how it should be. Jinzhou can't tolerate any mistakes. No matter how you allocate your strength, it won't be too much."
This was an unexpected surprise. I didn't expect that the rear association would be equipped with artillery. Since Guo Dajing mentioned it, it was definitely not the old-fashioned type or the Franco machine.
"After another half month of rest, the Hou Association rushed to the Nanguan defense line to conduct offensive and defensive drills and adapt to the tactics as soon as possible." Guo Dajing asked in a consultative tone: "Brother Kong, Brother Li, what do you think?"
Kong Youde and Li Jiucheng looked at each other and agreed.
Although I feel that the troops I lead are not weaker than friendly forces, I still don't know much about the specific methods of fortification defense.
Let the soldiers get familiar with each other, and also strengthen cooperation with friendly forces. When the war begins, reinforcements can be added immediately without confusion caused by poor connection.
Now, whether it is early warning or interception delay, everything has been arranged. However, many soldiers have not enjoyed this year's vacation.
If the Houxie is also included in the defense force of the Nanguan Defense Line, we can continue to take rotational vacations, allowing the soldiers to go home to stay for a few days, have a rest, and feel safe at home.
When Guo Dajing came, he also brought a few sheep and several jars of wine. Either to reward the entire rear association officers and soldiers, or just to have a meal with the officers, get to know each other, and build closer relationships.
You must know that these things are not too rare and can be purchased by Kong Youde and others. Because of this, people will not have other ideas and think that the treatment of each association is different.
"Good wine!" Kong Youde didn't care about the sheep, but he was interested in the jars of grain wine purchased from Shandong. His eyes shone, "I can drink potato wine, but I haven't gotten used to the taste yet."
In order to prevent waste, Jinzhou prohibits the brewing of grain wine. However, the use of fruits and potatoes after the autumn harvest to make wine is allowed.
After all, it costs money to buy wine. Brewing it from potatoes is both economical and a source of income. Therefore, it is naturally controlled by the authorities.
The taste of potato wine is different from that of grain wine, but it is still wine and the price is cheap. The sales situation to soldiers and ordinary people is still good.
The internal circulation has basically been formed, and the issuance and circulation of military coupons are accepted by the military and civilians of Dongjiang Town. Money is used to buy things.
However, Chen Jisheng and others obviously still didn't understand the economy very well. After the imperial court cut off food and salary again, they immediately felt the pressure.
Their worries are justified. Originally, military coupons were issued to replace pay silver, but now there is no pay silver, and the military coupons issued are promised to be exchanged for in the future. Gu Hao
But Guo Dajing didn't have much worries. His salary and silver were deducted, but what about the value and wealth created by Jinzhou's army and people in the past year? As for food, most of it went into the official warehouse.
There is food in hand, or in other words, there is physical goods, and military stamps are not issued indiscriminately. The redemption and repayment are still in batches. Not only do ordinary people still have to spend the same money to exchange military stamps into silver, but most of them will still go back to the government.
Of course, it would be a bit difficult to recruit troops now. And even though military coupons are used to distribute food and salary, it is also Dongjiang Town's family wealth.
Therefore, Guo Dajing's plan for next year to push the defense line at least as far north as Xiaoheishan or Luangu Pass and occupy the entire Jinzhou has been approved by Chen Jisheng and reported to the Pidao headquarters.
Land is wealth and can produce more value to support the military and civilians of Dongjiang Town. Through this year's operations, I believe it has become a consensus among the top management of Dongjiang Town.
It’s the stupidest algorithm, based on how much an acre of land costs, and if we capture the other half of the Golden State, there are millions of acres.
In the mainland, the price of an acre of good farmland is around 7 taels of silver. If it is close to a water source, the price can be increased to 8 taels at most.
In Liaodong, even if it is one tael of silver, or half a tael of silver, you can earn more than one million taels in one go.
Of course, Jianlu has not yet come, and Liaodong has not yet been pacified. No matter how cheap it is, no one from the mainland will come to Liaodong to buy land.
But unlike the military and civilians of Liaodong, Dongjiang Town does not have to actually sell to the people. As long as it gets more than half of the annual harvest, it is a long-term income that is more profitable than selling land.
The key is to hold on and give the soldiers and civilians the peace of mind to cultivate the land, keep them fed and clothed, and have hope for better and better days.
Roast mutton and add mutton soup. What surprised Guo Dajing was that there was chili pepper as seasoning.
"This is called chili pepper. It tastes like fire in your mouth, just like drinking alcohol. It's very enjoyable." Kong Youde proudly introduced it to Guo Dajing, "I don't know if brother Guo is used to it, so you can try less first."
"Okay, okay." Guo Dajing nodded repeatedly, thanking others for their kindness, regardless of whether the pepper was introduced and promoted by himself.
Li Jiucheng knew something about the situation, but he couldn't tell the truth face to face, so he changed the subject and said: "General Guo, the imperial court has cut off food and salary, will our military coupons also be stopped?"
Guo Dajing shook his head and deliberately said loudly in the eyes of the officers: "Commander Mao and Deputy Marshal Chen have already made a plan. The military coupons will be issued as usual, and the amount will remain unchanged."
The officers let out a coaxing sound and felt relieved as if they were relieved.
In Jinzhou, or rather in Dongjiang Town, military stamps are money that can buy all kinds of things, including food and clothing, and there are no restrictions. For example, you are not allowed to buy this, and you are not allowed to buy that.
In this case, the imperial court's cut off of food and salary would not have any impact. After all, none of the soldiers and civilians in Dongjiang Town would go to other places to spend money unless they needed money.
When the officers know the news, it will soon spread throughout the military camp. This is a good thing to stabilize the morale of the army.
As for continuing to issue military stamps for food and wages, Chen Jisheng once sent someone to seek Guo Dajing's opinion. Because he wanted to issue more military stamps, Chen Jisheng was unsure, and Guo Dajing was the originator of military stamps.
Guo Dajing did not hesitate and told Chen Jisheng that there was no problem in issuing additional military tickets. Moreover, the military and civilians must know what the court was doing.
Since the imperial court is ruthless and the emperor is cold-blooded and harsh, there is no need to save their face. Guo Dajing's suggestion is also very clear. This will win over people's hearts and it will be very beneficial to Mao Wenlong.
Furthermore, Fang Zhenghua, the eunuch in charge of the army, was in Jinzhou and asked him to listen to the dissatisfaction of the army and the people and see what evil things the imperial court had done.
Anyway, no matter how hard Dongjiang Town fights, the emperor and the court bosses will not change their attitude. The court treats Dongjiang Town like this. Let’s see what confidence Fang Zhenghua has to supervise the army. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Guo Dajing has firmly established his judgment that this emperor and this court are not worthy of his allegiance and are unworthy of the persistence and struggle of the soldiers and people of Dongjiang Town.
The network of relationships has been established, Jinzhou has been stabilized, and the policy of self-reliance has been adhered to.
Guo Dajing has the confidence to lead the army and people of Dongjiang Town to fight their way out of domestic and foreign difficulties, and become stronger as they fight, and finally defeat the great enemy of Chinese civilization - Jianlu.
As for Chongzhen and the imperial court, let them sink in the vast sea of people's war! Guo Dajing thought this maliciously, and his heart was really full of anger and resentment.
Kong Youde raised his bowl in greeting and said with a smile: "I would like to give you a bowl for General Guo."
Guo Dajing stretched out his bowl to signal and said with a smile: "General Kong has a huge amount of food. Guo feels ashamed. Please allow Guo to do as he pleases."
Li Jiucheng hurriedly said to the side: "Drink as much or as little as you can to enjoy yourself. The love of Pao Ze lies in fighting side by side, and it is not in the wine."
Guo Dajing raised his bowl to Li Jiucheng, nodded his thanks, and then took a big sip.
Kong Youde drank it all in one gulp, laughed, wiped his mouth and wiped the wine drops from his beard, looking happy.
"General Guo, the plan for the expansion of the Later Association has been submitted to Vice Admiral Chen, can it be approved?" Li Jiucheng spoke in a low voice, but it could be heard by Guo Dajing next to him.
Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "I'm afraid that Deputy Commander Chen won't be able to make the decision, so he has to ask Commander Mao for instructions. The reason is very simple. I'm not sure whether the Post-Assistant will be stationed in Jinzhou or return to Pi Island."
"Besides -" Guo Dajing paused and continued: "Even if we want to expand, it will be more suitable next year. After defeating Jianlu, our army will push the defense line northward, at least to occupy the entire Jinzhou. With more
Only by cultivating more land can we raise more people and horses.”
Li Jiucheng nodded repeatedly and said: "General Guo's analysis is very accurate. Now it's good. Regardless of whether it can be expanded or not, we understand the reason and can feel at ease."
Guo Dajing smiled. Regardless of whether he was really relieved or not, what he said was true and his analysis was reasonable.
The population may not be able to keep up with the increase in land, but with cattle and horses for farming, the efficiency will be greatly improved. The people will not be dissatisfied with the large amount of land, as there are many varieties, and they are eager to have more fields.
But Guo Dajing is basically certain that the population will increase significantly next year. In addition to the great famine in the Jianlu controlled area, there are also the continuous actions of the army in Dongjiang Town.
Population is the basis for development and growth. Whether it is people farming and producing, or soldiers fighting with guns, the more the better.
After three rounds of drinking, Guo Dajing didn't stay long and stood up to leave while it was still daylight.
"Guo is in a hurry to go back to Dalian for business. It is really rude." Guo Dajing explained the reason and warmly invited: "There is still half a month of rest time. Brother Kong and Brother Li, if you are interested, you can go to Dalian to see the scenery. The scenery is very good.
, I can still fulfill my duty as a landlord."
"Easy to say, easy to say." Kong Youde said carelessly: "We will see if there is enough time after the military affairs are properly arranged. When the time comes, don't bother Brother Guo."
Li Jiucheng also smiled and agreed, watching Guo Dajing and his soldiers mount their horses and gallop straight towards Dalian.
………………
After giving the Hou Xie half a month of rest, Guo Dajing also had to do a lot of things during this half month before returning to the Nanguan defense line.
As early as two Japanese merchant ships arrived at Dalian Port, Fujino Hide sent someone to report the news to Guo Dajing. Guo Dajing did not return immediately, firstly because of military affairs, and secondly because the Japanese ships were not in a hurry to leave.
These two merchant ships were loaded with sulfur and copper materials, which were strategic materials designated by Guo Dajing. After unloading the ships at Dalian Port, they waited in Dalian for the merchant ships of Kobayashi Koichi and the Lin family to arrive and hand over the goods.
The time is about the same. The spring silkworms in the south are harvested and purchased, and they should be shipped to Dalian Port in the near future.
Guo Dajing was delayed for four or five days, and with half a month left, it was time for Xiao Lin Haoyi to come back.
You know, not only did Kobayashi Koichi and the Lin family jointly purchase raw silk, cotton, and sugar, they also helped Guo Dajing purchase iron materials. If possible, they would also purchase muskets from the Portuguese.
Although Shedra was the middleman responsible for the arms trade, Guo Dajing was a little worried and asked Lin Tiansheng to go to Macau to have a look if he was able to stop by. If there is any, buy it. If not, forget it.