The reason is very simple. In the past, all the crops were harvested by the military towns. It was very difficult for the military households to have enough to eat.
Therefore, the collection of taxes should not be fixed. Increase it in good years and reduce it in disaster years. Keeping the people hungry is the lowest limit of stability.
Like Chongzhen and the imperial court, the northwest has been plagued by disasters, no grain has been collected, and taxes have not been reduced at all, forcing the farmers who have always had good relationships with them to rebel with hoes and sticks in order to survive.
"Brother Zhao, when you retire, you will be able to save at least dozens of acres of land. How can one person farm it?" Guo Dajing used this to persuade Zhao Qingshan to start a family as soon as possible.
Zhao Qingshan was helpless. Although he was indeed a little anxious in his heart, he still found an excuse to change the topic.
Accompanied by Zhao Qingshan and others, Guo Dajing inspected the arsenal and had a meal with the craftsmen in the canteen before leaving the arsenal with satisfaction.
In terms of management capabilities, technological level and production efficiency, the Jinzhou Arsenal has completely surpassed any weapons department in the Ming Dynasty.
The most important factor is that the weapons department of the Ming Dynasty was a craftsman household system, and the craftsmen were like slaves, with no enthusiasm and enthusiasm for work; the officials were corrupt, and the materials sent to the craftsmen were of poor quality and insufficient.
Not only that, Xu Guangqi submitted a memorial to hire Western Yi craftsmen and artillery instructors, and purchased Red Yi cannons. The court was still arguing over the issue of the Celestial Empire and "strange and obscene skills".
From top to bottom, the huge Ming Dynasty is already riddled with holes inside, like a pavilion with a rotten foundation, which looks bright on the outside but is about to collapse.
The horse was free to rein in, and he was thinking as he walked. Guo Dajing, with a few soldiers, arrived at the seaside port unknowingly.
The masts are densely covered, and more than a dozen large ships are queuing up at the dock for loading and unloading. Basically, they are ammunition and supplies, which are transported to Pi Island to make sufficient preparations for the war.
There are also navy ships carrying Hongyi cannons and mortars, which will provide powerful fire cover for the army's landing.
The atmosphere of war became strong again, but this time it was the Dongjiang Army who took the initiative, igniting the flames of war in Liaodong and attacking the Jianlu who were defending the city.
In the battle at Nanguan, since Jianlu did not launch an all-out attack, the main ones engaged were the Left and Right Associations, as well as part of the front army's positions. Kong Youde's rear alliance had almost no chance of fighting against Jianlu.
Therefore, the remaining intact Houxie has also been transferred to Pidao. Together with the three battalions of troops transferred by Guo Dajing, as well as artillery and cavalry, more than 20,000 people will participate in the Zhenjiang battle.
"Time flies so fast. In the blink of an eye, there are only five or six days left in the half-month holiday." Guo Dajing reined in his horse, looked at the busy port, and sighed.
Yang Mingli was half a horse's head behind and said with a smile: "When you are busy, you naturally feel that you don't have enough time. You call it a vacation, but you don't have a few days to spare."
Guo Dajing nodded slightly, and it was true that it was not a compliment.
Originally, he planned to overhaul the Guards Corps, but Guo Dajing gradually changed his mind before he found a good person.
Because, including Yang Mingli, the soldiers' attitude toward Guo Dajing became more and more awe-inspiring, more and more admirable, and more and more determined to fight.
Especially Yang Mingli, during the contest between Guo Dajing and the eunuch Zhao Guang, it was obvious that Guo Dajing was dissatisfied and he also became enlightened.
In addition, Guo Dajing was also kind and powerful. He had no shortage of money and often gave rewards; and he would never tolerate the soldiers who committed crimes.
Therefore, the Guards Corps has expanded to more than forty people, some of the old ones have been eliminated, and the others are brave men recruited from the Zuo Association according to the new standards, all of whom went out to fight with Guo Dajing.
In terms of loyalty, Guo Dajing is relatively assured. The Guards Corps does not have the name of servants, but its treatment is only higher than that of servants.
"You guys should also go home and have a look. You are always with Guo and you don't even get a day off." Guo Dajing said with a smile: "Each of you should take three taels of military coupons to buy something for your family. Don't leave empty-handed.
"
As he spoke, he pointed to the shopping mall area in the distance, "There are many rare commodities there that cannot be bought at the supply and marketing station in the village."
Not all the janissaries followed, and vacations for the troops were also taken in turns and in batches. Sooner or later, the prescribed vacations were always given.
"Bizhi has already sent someone to send something back. Let's forget it this time. It will be the same if I take a break in the future." Yang Mingli said with a smile: "As long as you don't dislike me, I will always be with you."
Guo Dajing waved his hand and said: "You decide for yourself when to take a vacation. Let us know in advance. You can be sure of everything."
Several soldiers smiled and agreed, but no one immediately asked to go home.
To be honest, Guo Dajing doesn't need much protection in Jinzhou. If there is an accident, none of these soldiers can fight better than him.
But it is necessary to be with him. To run errands, send messages, and do things, it will definitely be much more convenient to have personal soldiers.
"Ren Kebin, please go home and see your old mother." Guo Dajing turned to look at a soldier and said warmly: "I have obtained a good ginseng, please take it back with you."
A look of emotion appeared on Ren Kebin's face, and he bowed on his horse and said: "Thank you for your concern, General. I will leave tomorrow for this humble post and will return the day after tomorrow."
Guo Dajing smiled and said: "Don't be so anxious, spend more time with your family, there are still five or six days before we can board the ship and set off!"
"Yes, I will definitely come back on time." Ren Kebin bowed again.
Guo Dajing nodded, shook the reins slightly, and galloped towards the shopping mall area.
………………
The sun shone through the window paper on the kang, and Han Zhong opened his eyes. This is a habit developed in the army, and it is difficult to change.
Shuzhen has already sat up and is getting dressed. This is also her habit. She gets up as soon as she hears the chicken and starts her day's work.
I have to cook for the children, take care of the rabbits, work in the fields, and make military shoes and socks... The day is very fulfilling and busy.
Of course, she can relax a lot with Han Zhong at home. Han Shantong is also growing up and is increasingly able to share her work.
A pair of strong arms stretched out from behind, and Shuzhen pulled her into a generous and warm embrace amidst the sound of "嘤咛".
Shuzhen struggled slightly, then stopped resisting and lay meekly in the man's arms.
They will return to the team tomorrow, and the vacation has passed so quickly. Shuzhen and Han Zhong both feel the same way, and both want to enjoy the remaining day.
"Don't go to the field today, I'm going to make delicious food." Shuzhen looked at Han Zhong and said warmly: "After returning to the army, it's no better than at home."
Han Zhong forced a smile and said: "The food in the army is not bad, you and the children don't need to save too much at home."
The special operations battalion will be based on Pi Island and stay at the Sixth Fort in Kuandian, Liaodong for a long time. In other words, it will take at least half a year before they can return.
For Shuzhen, Han Zhong didn't want to tell her too much. This was not only a military secret, but also kept Shuzhen from worrying too much.
Shuzhen rested her head on the man's shoulder and let the rough hands caress her body. She closed her eyes slightly and felt the hot temperature of her close contact.
"When the mountain boy grows up, let him do more farm work." Han Zhong stopped his hand and asked with concern: "The wages will be distributed on time. You can buy more snacks for Xiaoya. I was used to it in the past, but now
If possible, let the children be as happy as possible."
Shuzhen said "hmm" and thought about making a few more pairs of socks for the man today. She also measured the size and made the shoes with her own hands.
"The Jianlu will definitely not be able to defeat them. You don't have to worry and live peacefully." Han Zhong comforted, "I think it won't take a few years for Liaodong to be calmed down..."
The man's voice rang in her ears, and Shuzhen could feel the vibration in her chest. This was not the first time she said this, but she liked hearing it, and she liked the safety and relaxation of being nestled in a man's arms.
There is no need to elaborate on the truth. Everyone knows that only by destroying the Jianlu can the world be at peace, and the relatives at home will no longer have to go to war and can live a peaceful and happy life.
Countless families are similar. Their husbands or brothers have to go off to war, and they have to take away the care and longing of their relatives for them.
After experiencing the war, finally settling down in Jinzhou, with land to farm and food to eat, is the most gratifying result since the war.
Everyone also knows that only by continuing to fight against the Jianlu until they are all destroyed can they achieve complete peace for their families.
………………
Time flies by, and it's time to go on an expedition.
It was a bright morning. Guo Dajing had breakfast with his family, talking and laughing, trying hard to dilute the loss of his relatives.
"In less than a month, I will return in triumph." Guo Dajing gave Axiu and Fujino Hide a dish and a piece of meat for Rong'er. "With ten times the enemy's strength, we will definitely win. Maybe we can still win."
Promoted to deputy general!"
Fujino Hideqiang said with a smile: "When you are promoted to deputy general, in Dongjiang Town, in addition to Marshal Mao, Deputy Marshal Chen, and then Deputy Marshal Guo."
Axiu forced out a smile and said, "It's great to be promoted, but I just hope you can leave early and come back early."
"Okay, leave early and come back early." Guo Dajing reached out and patted his wife on the back, nodding vigorously.
The meals were relatively sumptuous, and even rarer for breakfast. Although Guo Dajing could not eat much, Axiu and Fujino Hide got up very early to prepare this.
After dinner, Guo Dajing just rested for a while, then stood up to set off, "Shuai Mao also wants to go with me, so I can't make him wait for me."
Fujino Hide greeted Axiu, and Rong'er did not lag behind and rushed to get into the carriage.
Send your husband off to war, this happened in Guanglu Island.
Guo Dajing was a little emotional, but he did not forcibly refuse, and rode on horseback with his own soldiers. The family actually rushed all the way to the port as if they were going out for fun.
On the pier, the navy's warship had been docked. Guo Dajing was accompanied not only by Mao Wenlong, but also by a battalion of his own Zuo Xie.
Zuo Xie had three battalions, one at Luanguguan and one at Xiaoheishan, leaving only one battalion that could be mobilized. Only its own troops could make Guo Dajing more confident, even though it was a little less.
After dragging his family to the port, he didn't see Mao Shen's more conspicuous carriage. Guo Dajing breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he got there before Mao Wenlong.
In fact, there were many soldiers to board the ship, and a lot of ammunition and food were to be loaded. It would be almost noon before the fleet could set sail. In terms of time, there was absolutely enough time.
But it was not too early for Guo Dajing to arrive. One of his battalions was arranging and preparing to board the ship. As the chief officer, it would be better to see him present.
"The last general has seen you, sir." Qiu Zhentai, the guerrilla general of the rear camp, and several officers saw Guo Dajing and his soldiers and hurried up to see them.
Guo Dajing dismounted and greeted everyone, and said with a smile: "The battle at Nanguan has just ended, and I have to work with you to fight with a certain expedition. It is really hard."
Qiu Zhentai chuckled and said, "What are you talking about, sir? It is the duty of soldiers to fight on the battlefield. I would like to thank you more for giving the generals and others the opportunity to make contributions."
Among the three battalions of the Zuo Xie, Liu Xingzhi was regarded as a trusted general brought out by Guo Dajing himself, Zhang Pan, Qiu Zhentai, and Yu Liangtai were the generals of the islands who were good friends with him.
After the troops from each island were reorganized in Jinzhou, Zhang Pan, Qiu Zhentai and others were willing to submit to Guo Dajing out of their feelings and their optimism for Guo Dajing, and each led a battalion of troops.
After experiencing the Xiaoheishan Blockade, the Nanguan Battle, and Guo Dajing's partiality, the Left Association was already the first among the Four Associations in terms of equipment and combat power, and no one dared to doubt it.
Moreover, life in Jinzhou is much better than on the island. The families of the generals have been well settled, and their official ranks have been promoted. They are also more confident in the great achievements of pacifying Liao and exterminating the captives.
This is what Guo Dajing is most proud of, doing his best to build Dongjiang Town into a vigorous and progressive group.
As long as one can be prosperous and have a bright future, people's minds will not be so complicated and changeable. On the contrary, the more difficult and difficult the situation is, internal and external difficulties, it is not unexpected for people's minds to change.
Of course, with Mao Wenlong in charge, the Dongjiang Army would not be able to cause chaos. The feudal patriarchal system sometimes works quite well.
Guo Dajing chatted casually with the generals. He was so relaxed before the battle, which also showed the change in the mentality of the soldiers.
"This battle is likely to be the time when the Tu camp will show off its talents." Guo Dajing smiled at Geng Mingzhan, the sentry officer of the Tu camp, and said, "You already know all the situations in Zhenjiang, so you should be confident, right?"
Geng Mingzhan bowed and said: "Don't worry, sir. Not only do our officers and soldiers in the local camp fully understand the situation, they have also conducted many drills and are fully prepared to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Guo Dajing smiled and nodded, and introduced to the generals: "If the camp can succeed, the captives will suffer heavy casualties, and the attack on the city will be easy. Moreover, the scene will be very shocking and beautiful, and it will be an eye-opener for you."
During the war to aid Korea, Guo Dajing once used explosives to blow open the city walls and wipe out the defenders.
But this is very different from tunnel blasting, and the scene is also very different. Real tunnel blasting is as powerful as an earth dragon turning over and the sky falling apart.
If it is just to blow up the city wall, that is not the main purpose of Guo Dajing's insistence on using tunnel blasting. The same effect can be achieved by using Hongyi cannon or mortars.
While blasting the city wall, the damage caused to the enemies defending the city and the psychological blow to them were what Guo Dajing hoped for most.