Chapter 373: Promoted to General Soldier, Guo Shuai
For Guo Dajing, raising the status of a warrior was in line with his wishes. However, the consequences of Chongzhen's actions were equally serious, which was to pave the way for the emergence of warlords.
Of course, when it comes to those with the most warlord tendencies, they are Dongjiang Town and Liao Town. Guo Dajing is helpless about this, but also somewhat happy to see it happen.
If he couldn't break out of the decadent system in the late Ming Dynasty, what else could he accomplish? So, even if he was a warlord, Guo Dajing still had the ambition to usurp the throne!
As for the Guan Ning Army, Guo Dajing didn't take it seriously. Even if they were equipped with muskets and artillery, the system would not change. They would still be a servant-based army, and they would still be a paper tiger that could be defeated in one hit.
As for the Dongjiang Army, Guo Dajing believes that it has not been completely transformed, but it is on the right track.
This was mainly due to the issuance of military coupons, which did not rely on intermittent military pay from the court, and therefore did not leave room for officers to withhold support for their families.
As for the army within the Ming Dynasty system, just as Wu Xiang told the truth to Chongzhen: the number of soldiers is 80,000, but the actual number is only 30,000. How many quotas are needed to support a soldier? Among the 30,000 soldiers, those who really dare to fight at the risk of their lives are
There are only three thousand servants.
The border army generals adopted servants because they had no choice but to do so.
The pay and money issued by the imperial court is insufficient, so instead of not having enough to eat for everyone, it is better to tilt it a little further and train a small number of soldiers who dare to fight, at least to the point where they can risk their lives to save others during the war.
The military pay of the Dongjiang Army is paid in full with military coupons, but this is only part of the treatment. The military families can get land and pay less taxes; the soldiers are supported when they are injured and have a pension when they die...
"Liaodong is our root. If we want to develop and grow, we must manage it well." Guo Dajing said earnestly: "The vast and fertile land is inexhaustible wealth. It is better to rely on yourself than to rely on anyone else. This is the simplest
reason."
Liu Xingzuo nodded repeatedly and said: "Management is also Director Guo Shuai's, so we don't need to worry about it."
"You can't say that." Guo Dajing shook his head and said: "As the situation changes, people's hearts will also change. It is not easy to run and govern well."
Liu Xingzuo glanced at Guo Dajing, unable to guess the specific meaning of this change in people's hearts.
"Let's not talk about this!" Guo Dajing waved his hand and said with a smile: "No matter what, after this battle, the situation in Dongjiang Town will get better and better in the future."
Liu Xingzuo smiled, raised his whip and pointed at the long team, and said: "Look at this mighty team, it is no worse than when we came. The victorious army returned in triumph, and everyone is happy."
Guo Dajing laughed, and his heart was filled with pride. He sat upright on the horse, and his feeling of elation became even stronger.
Regardless of how Chongzhen and the imperial court would reward him, this cross-sea raid had achieved its goal and yielded results beyond expectations.
Jianlu suffered heavy losses. The battle at Nanguan was a crippling battle. This time it can be regarded as cutting off bones and flesh. In addition, the great enemy Huang Taiji was eliminated, making the civil strife of Jianlu a foregone conclusion.
This is a major change in the strategic situation, and it is more meaningful than Guo Dajing's private collection of hundreds of thousands of gold and silver treasures and countless brocades and silks.
There were only more than 3,000 cavalry when they came, but now there are nearly 10,000. Of course, the flying cavalry suffered a great loss, almost 2,000 casualties, but the lancers made up for the shortfall without training.
There were also mules, horses and other livestock, twice as many as those plundered along the way.
It can be said that although the overall casualties were larger, more Jianlu were eliminated. If compared in terms of strength, the Dongjiang Army had already surpassed Jianlu.
By expanding our troops this year, recuperating, and launching a major counterattack next year, we may be able to quell the Liao Dynasty and wipe out the rebels in two years. Even if there is a delay, as long as the general trend remains unchanged, we can basically achieve our goal in three years.
Guo Dajing exhaled thick white mist, but his chest surged with overwhelming pride.
………………
We traveled as fast as we could when we came here, but we had to go twice as slowly when we came back. Although there were more mules and carriages, there were also more civilians and wounded people.
Anyway, it was impossible to rush back to Jinzhou to celebrate the New Year, but there was no problem on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Guo Dajing put aside his urgency and led the team to move at a normal speed.
When we arrived at Yongping, we were almost halfway through the journey, which took us four or five days. The imperial envoy from the capital also caught up with us and announced a commendation to Guo Dajing.
"I will resign forever. Long live my emperor, long live, long live." Guo Dajing knelt down to receive the decree.
"Yi Li Nai Cheng."
After shouting "Long Live Long Live" three times, Guo Dajing stood up. The imperial envoy stepped forward and held the imperial edict in front of him with both hands. He said with a smile on his face: "Congratulations to Commander Guo. Congratulations to Commander Guo."
Guo Dajing thanked him with a smile, asked his soldiers to give the eunuch a wedding gift, and then asked politely: "I wonder if the imperial court also rewards Marshal Mao?"
The eunuch who announced the decree chuckled and said: "I was thinking that Marshal Guo was traveling and could not see the imperial palace report. Long Live has promoted Marshal Mao to the rank of Pingxi Marquis."
Guo Dajing was slightly surprised, but then he covered it up and said: "The emperor's kindness is so great!"
Ping Xibo, Ping Xi Wang? Guo Dajing thought of the great traitor who received this title in history, but then he dismissed the idea.
Wu Sangui is nothing now, right? Even his father, Wu Xiang, has never been heard of. His official position in Guan Ning Army is probably not high.
Guo Dajing despised and despised the generals of Liao Town. He was extremely disdainful just for cheating friendly troops.
During the Battle of Dalinghe in the fourth year of Chongzhen, Wu Xiang, the commander-in-chief of the regiment, led more than 40,000 horsemen and infantry to aid the ancestor Dashou in Dalinghe City (today's Linghai, Liaoning). As a result, Wu Xiang escaped from the battle and was dismissed from his post.
In the fourteenth year of Chongzhen, at the critical moment of the Songjin War, Wu Sangui was also one of the first generals to escape.
In the 16th year of Chongzhen's reign, Wu Sangui was ordered to enter the pass and rush to the aid of the capital to resist the Qing army that entered the fortress through a roundabout route for the fifth time. The march was slow and the Qing army had already retreated when it arrived.
Even with such merit, he was able to be promoted to an official position, and finally Chongzhen placed high hopes on him. It can only be said that the late Ming Dynasty was already in chaos, and there was no cure.
"Shuai Guo, please take a step to speak." The eunuch who announced the decree politely made a gesture, asked Guo Dajing to one side, and said in a low voice: "The Dongjiang Army has sharp weapons. Long live the Lord hopes that the Dongjiang Army can leave thousands of muskets and put them to death as soon as possible.
Ji Town's defense is organized..."
Cao Huachun's memorial mentioned that Dongjiang's military weapons were sharp, which attracted Chongzhen's attention. The defense of Ji Town needed to be reorganized. Zunhua, Santun Camp, and Jizhou had three general troops, namely Sun Zushou, Hei Yunlong and Madeng Yun.
people.
In the appointment of new generals by the Ministry of War, Mangui still had to return to Datong to defend the Mongolian tribes outside Xuanda. Ma Shilong took over as the commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan and strengthened the defense of Shanhaiguan, which also meant to guard against Liao Town.
If an imperial edict was used to force the weapons of the Dongjiang Army to be retained, Guo Dajing might not listen, and Chongzhen would not be able to avoid it. He did have a suggestion, which was to use war horses in exchange.
"Since it means long live, how can the general disobey it?" Guo Dajing looked embarrassed at first, and then he reluctantly agreed, "Four thousand muskets in exchange for four thousand horses. If it is any less, the general will not be able to ask Commander Mao
Explain."
"That's very good." The eunuch who announced the decree didn't go too far and said, "The Za family will go and send a message to all the generals and ask them to send the war horses to Qinhuangdao."
"Thank you, father-in-law." Guo Dajing took out the wedding money and sent it to the imperial envoy Li Yun.
When he came back, all the generals gathered around him and saluted him and congratulated him.
Mao Wenlong was granted the title of Marquis of Pingxi, and Guo Dajing was promoted to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, both of which were great joys. Moreover, Guo Dajing's promotion also opened up their promotion space.
The particularity of Dongjiang Town is reflected in this. The middle and lower-level officers were all appointed by Mao Wenlong. They reported to the Ministry of War and were basically approved.
Only the deputy generals and commander-in-chief have no authority, and the court will not easily approve it.
Guo Dajing's military merit and status in the Dongjiang Army are almost unmatched by anyone. If he is stuck at the level of deputy general, then others can only go down further and cannot surpass him.
Compared with the generals in Liao Town, the promotion of officers in Dongjiang Town is easier said than done, but it mostly depends on hard work.
As a member of the Guan Ning Army within the system, promotion depends more on connections. Only when Wu Xiang married Zu Dashou could he be integrated into the military leadership of Western Liaoning.
When Wu Sangui was promoted to guerrilla, he had not made any achievements, but his father Wu Xiangguan was reinstated. This was the most critical factor.
He was promoted to general in three years, to deputy general in five years, and to commander-in-chief in seven years. It seems that he is taking one step at a time, but when it comes to counting his military achievements, it is very pitiful.
Of course, compared with Guo Dajing, it is estimated that only Mao Wenlong took advantage of the east wind blowing from the Zhendong River and soared like a rocket.
When times come, heaven and earth all work together, and the heroes are not free.
Guo Dajing lamented that his soul had traveled to the worst of times, but it was this worst of times that enabled him to stand out as quickly as possible.
"Guo Shuai, please take a step to speak."
"It is a supreme honor to be granted the title of wife's shadow, to be promoted to a noble title, and to be a marquis." Liu Xingzuo laughed and said, "Shuai Guo, although he has not returned to Jinzhou, there is no danger here. Do you want to rest here for a day?
Celebrate?"
Guo Dajing scratched his head. He didn't want to agree, but when he saw the eager eyes of the generals, he had no choice but to nod his head and said, "That's alright. Since Long Live has sent you a reward, I will rest here for a day."
The imperial envoy not only announced the decree, but also brought a reward of ten thousand taels of silver. This place is also close to Yongping City, so it is very convenient to purchase wine and meat.
Ten thousand taels, how stingy! Guo Dajing secretly cursed. Thinking about his own wealth, it is even richer than Chongzhen. This emperor deserves it, but he is a pauper.
After all the generals congratulated them, they all went down happily and arranged for their troops to camp on the spot. Guo Dajing immediately sent people to Yongping City to purchase supplies with money.
Before the purchases came back, many large iron pots had been set up in the camp, and a large amount of frozen horse meat was thrown into the pots.
"Haha, I'm in luck again."
"General Guo has been promoted to commander-in-chief. I just heard what the military master said."
"It is said that the Dongjiang Army is in a remote location overseas and the conditions are difficult, but seeing this food, they insist on it."
"I heard that there is still wine to drink this time. Those big cars and small cars were bought from Yongping City."
It was not only the officers and soldiers of the Dongjiang Army who were happy, but also the people who wanted to immigrate to Liaodong. Along the way, the soldiers took good care of them, and their original restraint and fear had disappeared a lot.
"If you go to Yongping City, you should be able to buy chickens and muttons, right?" Yang Daman sat by the fire, glanced at the horse meat in the pot, licked his lips, and guessed: "The mutton is so delicious when roasted, I wonder if they will
Can you buy condiments?”
The wounded soldier, whose head was as thick as an Indian's Asan, laughed and said teasingly: "Are you still provocative? Being able to eat this horse meat on weekdays is already a rare blessing."
"Horse meat is eaten when there is a war." Yang Daman curled his lips and said: "During the Nanguan War, how much horse meat was eaten? Mutton is too expensive and there is not much chicken, so I am a little greedy."
In Jinzhou, at the beginning of reclamation, everything was based on saving food. For example, chickens, pigs, etc., the common people raised few, and the army raised some, but not much. The most raised animals were sheep, rabbits, ducks and geese.
However, this situation will change this year.
After two consecutive years of farming, ordinary people have surplus grain and the government has inventory. There is no need for any policy incentives. As long as chickens and piglets can be purchased from other places, the people will naturally do what they can.
"That's right." Another wounded soldier nodded and said, "In the mainland, there should be many chickens and sheep, and they are also very cheap."
Xiaoqin and Guihua were busy going back and forth, adding water and salt to the pot, adding firewood to the bottom of the pot, and listened to the conversations of the wounded soldiers.
"There are indeed a lot of chickens and sheep in Gyeonggi." Xiaoqin suddenly boldly interjected: "Almost every household of the common people raises chickens. If you want to eat chicken, it must be no problem."
Yang Daman had recognized this woman on the road, and there was a shortage of people to take care of the wounded. Guo Dajing hired people to take care of the wounded. Xiaoqin and some women volunteered, and had more contact with Yang Daman and other wounded soldiers.
Hearing Xiaoqin's answer, Yang Daman smiled and raised his head, gave Xiaoqin an encouraging and kind look, and said, "It would be better if there were eggs."
"You guy, the more you talk, the more enthusiastic you become." A wounded soldier subconsciously licked his lips, obviously also greedy.
Xiaoqin's eyes flashed, but she didn't say anything else. After finishing her work here, she disappeared and no one knew where she went.
The supervision of the common people is not strict. Anyway, the enemy has been destroyed, and it is very safe to walk in the capital. For these common people, even if they arrive at Qinhuangdao, it is too late to change their mind.
By the time the convoy that purchased things from Yongping City returned, an hour and a half had passed. General Yongping came in person to see Guo Dajing and gave him a gift to express his congratulations.
As the wine and meat were distributed, the camp became even more joyful. Even if it was freezing cold, it could not stop the lively atmosphere.
The horse meat in the pot has been cooked, and a few fat chickens have been replaced. The aroma soon spreads, making people's index fingers move.
"That's the taste." Yang Daman sniffed, sniffing greedily, and chewing the horse meat in his mouth, it seemed that it was no longer so fragrant.
Xiaoqin didn't know when she appeared, and took advantage of a few people to get close to Yang Daman. Under Yang Daman's puzzled eyes, she secretly gave him a few boiled eggs.
Yang Daman was stunned. From the contact in the past few days, he could tell that Xiaoqin was grateful to him, but he didn't think much about it.
Xiaoqin pursed her lips, a look of embarrassment appeared on her face, she drew back and turned around to avoid Yang Daman's gaze.
Yang Daman also lowered his head and quietly hid the still warm boiled eggs in his arms. A strange feeling arose in his heart.