As one of the old four Baylors, Amin is now the only one left with great achievements. In terms of seniority, no one can suppress him.
But precisely because of this, it became his weakness, and he was collectively isolated by Dorgon and other younger generations.
In addition, the Xianglan Banner suffered heavy losses in the Zhengchao and several subsequent battles, and Huang Taiji has never given it a good supplement. In terms of strength, it has been difficult to compete with other banners.
The same goes for Mang Gurtai's Zhenglan Banner. During the battle, it was repeatedly weakened by Huang Taiji and became second only to the Xianglan Banner.
The Two Red Banners also suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Lushun Fort, Xiaoheishan, and Nanguan, but they were still two banners after all, ranking third in strength.
The Two Yellow Banners were defeated in the Battle of Nanguan, and the biggest loss was the detour into the pass. The most elite Bai Yala was almost wiped out, and Huang Taiji was captured in humiliation. His strength and reputation were dealt a heavy blow.
After such a comparison, the two white flags, which had a small number of troops when they entered the customs, actually took advantage, and their strength has surpassed the two yellow flags, firmly occupying the first place.
In the face of strength, inheritance and seniority are all in vain. Dorgon is determined to win the position of King Khan.
But the more troublesome thing is to try not to use forceful measures against Amin and Hauge. Dorgon knows that the current Houjin cannot withstand internal friction. At least, Houjin cannot afford a larger-scale bloody purge.
Seize the throne of Khan first, even if it compromises to a limited extent to Amin and Hauge, giving them greater power. Later, we can find ways to punish or weaken them. With the name of King Khan, there is no need to hesitate to impose crimes.
?
Dorgon now understands Huang Taiji's approach and his helplessness. It's not that he can't eradicate dissidents with thunderous means, but he must try to reduce losses and minimize turmoil.
If we want to maintain the status quo and continue to decentralize power among the banner owners and continue the semi-slavery management model, Houjin will have no room for development and growth.
"Capture the thief first. Capture the king first. If you have to, it's better to take Amin and Hauge..." A fierce light flashed in Azig's eyes, and he cut hard with his palms. "You don't know the short-term pain of long-term pain. The longer you delay, the worse it will be."
"
Duduo blinked his eyes and said with a wry smile: "You don't have to go to that point, right? With a strong enemy on your side, the smaller the civil strife, the better."
Dorgon pondered and said: "Try to avoid civil strife, but you must also be prepared with both hands. Also, Amin is greedy for money and Hauge lacks decision-making. These can be exploited."
"The disastrous defeat in Zunhua did not have enough impact on Huang Taiji's reputation." Dorgon sneered and continued: "There are soldiers who died in all banners, which will cause them to complain even more. In this way, for the position of King Khan, Hao Hao
If you are qualified, you have no confidence and no qualifications."
Azig and Dodo looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
"Although Jierhalang is loyal to Huang Taiji, he has a weak character and will not get involved too deeply." Dorgon touched his chin and said thoughtfully: "It should be more appropriate for him to mediate in the middle."
Although Jierhalang is Amin's brother, he is inclined to Huang Taiji. In terms of character, he is submissive, or calm, and weak and obedient. Dorgon's analysis is relatively correct.
Among the senior generation of Baylor, only Amin, Jilhalang and Dudu are left. Amin is the leader of the blue flag, but Jilhalang and Dudu do not have much real power.
Dorgon is still planning to imitate Lao Nu's political structure first. Under the Khan, the Eight Banners will discuss politics. In terms of numbers, Amin and Hauge do not have an advantage. Naturally, it will be difficult to prevent Dorgon from promoting and implementing the New Deal in the future.
Now, adopting a deliberation system is also a smokescreen to reassure those senior Jin officials who were originally opposed to reform and support Dorgon.
Most of the senior officials of Houjin were opposed to the feudal reform. They could not see the future, they only thought that the present was very good and they could defeat the Ming army continuously, so why should they harm their interests?
Dorgon realized at this time that it might be possible to do it in a remote corner with only the Manchus. But if it wanted to continue to develop, it must absorb the Mongols and Han people.
And if they continue to maintain the policy of slavery, how can the Han people really work hard for Houjin? How can they win over the Mongols without money in silk?
Perhaps this was Huang Taiji's helplessness and the most important reason why he took the risk of leading his troops into the pass to plunder.
Dorgon sighed secretly. If he were in the position of King Khan, he would take risks in order to increase his prestige and walk firmly along the road of becoming emperor.
……………………
The Mixed Infantry Association was originally composed of troops drawn from various ministries. Now it does not need to be returned to the army. Instead, new soldiers are recruited to establish the Fifth Infantry Association. The commander is Shang Kexi.
There are a total of five infantry associations, each of which is assigned a thousand war horses to form a quick reaction force cavalry battalion.
The remaining more than 6,000 war horses are all used to expand the flying cavalry. The goal before the end of the year is to reach 10,000 flying cavalry.
Recruit 20,000 new soldiers, and in addition to adding them to various infantry associations, the rest will be added to the special battalion, so that the special operations battalion will reach 6,000.
Each infantry battalion has 12,000 soldiers, divided into three infantry battalions. Each infantry battalion has 3,000 musketeers, 400 baggage troops, 400 artillery, 200 scout cavalry, and 60 mortars.
Twenty Lang cannons.
The artillery force directly under the Xie Xie consists of a thousand men, a number of mules and horses, a total of fifty mortars, forty Franchise machines, fifteen thousand-pound red barbarian cannons, and a directly subordinate cavalry battalion.
The navy mobilized water-based officers and soldiers from various associations to form 3,000 marines, hundreds of artillerymen, and hundreds of mortars.
Added together, the Dongjiang Army's total strength will reach more than 80,000, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
At this point, the establishment of the Dongjiang Army has been officially determined, and the regular construction has been basically completed. Even so, the time for the major counterattack is still determined to be in the middle of next year, or after autumn.
"More than a year of training through combat has not only continuously weakened Jianlu, but also enabled each unit to gain practical combat experience and meet the standards of a strong army."
The reform and expansion of the military system were basically the charter formulated by Guo Dajing. Mao Wenlong readily approved it and was very optimistic about the prospects for the development of the Dongjiang Army.
In order to further improve the treatment and social status of soldiers, Mao Wenlong raised the soldiers' military pay to one, two or four yuan per month, the same as Guan Ning's army, without waiting for the court's approval.
Of course, military tickets are still issued to soldiers.
However, with the abundance of money in Dongjiang Town and the substantial increase in social wealth created by soldiers and civilians, the currency value of military tickets can still remain strong, and there is no danger of depreciation in a short period of time.
In terms of value reference, according to Guo Dajing's suggestion, military bills should be closely focused on grain.
Even if the military coupons change compared to other commodities, as long as they can buy a similar amount of food, the people will not panic and will maintain confidence in the military coupons.
"There is basically no problem with the expansion of troops. The main problem is that the number of mules and horses will take a long time to purchase and increase." Guo Dajing said: "But the general estimates that if there are no accidents, the standard will basically be reached before the major counterattack next year.
.”
Although the number of mules and horses for transporting supplies and artillery was insufficient, it was not difficult to replenish and purchase them in more than a year.
As long as the personnel are trained, the temporary shortage of artillery carriages, mules and horses and other equipment will not be a big problem at all.
Equipped with Hongyi artillery as a unit, it shows the main direction of the Dongjiang Army's counterattack, which is to attack the city and demolish the stronghold.
Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and chin. He was quite satisfied with Guo Dajing's analysis and arrangement, and said slowly: "The recruitment work will start after the 15th, but Deputy Commander Chen suggested that the new recruits' registration time should be after spring plowing."
Guo Dajing could understand Chen Jisheng's thoughts, but he was not prepared to accept them entirely.
He pondered and said: "From the general point of view, there is no need to impose strict requirements. The situation of the new recruits is different, and a reporting deadline can be set for them. If you arrive early and train early, you will receive your military pay early; if you arrive late and train late, you will also receive your military pay later."
Helping the family with spring plowing and production may not be a labor shortage for recruits. If this is the case, recruits would be more willing to join the army and receive a few more months of pay.
Mao Wenlong thought for a while and said with a smile: "Dajing, you are always very thoughtful. Okay, that's it."
Guo Dajing's habit is to think from others' perspective. Although he has told others, no one can do it better than him.
This is the fault of traditional thinking, just like high-ranking officials who do not understand the thoughts of the people, let alone care about their interests.
Guo Dajing just smiled at Mao Wenlong's praise and continued to ask for instructions: "As for the association stationed in Pi Island, please let the commander select and confirm it."
Liaodong and Liaonan will be the two directions for launching military operations against the Jianlu, pointing respectively at the core ruling area of the Jianlu and the so-called Longxing Land.
However, Liaodong only has a special operations battalion, which is still weak in strength. With an infantry team as a backing, it can deal with possible attacks by Jianlu and continue to squeeze step by step into Jianlu's ruling area.
However, Liaonan is still the top priority, and it is impossible to divide the troops equally with Liaodong. Phi Island is also somewhat remote, and I am afraid that no troops will be willing to station on the island for a long time.
Mao Wenlong had obviously thought of this, and said slowly: "The five associations will be stationed in turns, and they will be replaced every four months. Let Kong Youde's rear association be sent first, and the replacement troops will be decided later."
Guo Dajing had no objection to this and said: "When we attack Hetuala, the garrison on Pi Island, plus thousands of flying cavalry, will carry out the operation. What does the commander think?"
"Okay." Mao Wenlong nodded in agreement and said, "In this case, we will also save the materials and ammunition to be transported."
Mobilizing troops will definitely cost more food and salary. This is the so-called "before the troops and horses are moved, food and grass go first."
"Jianlu suffered heavy losses and lost his master. I am afraid that we will not be able to launch it in a short time. Our army will also take this time to improve Gaizhou's defense system." Mao Wenlong added in a deep voice: "The attack on Hetuala has been tentatively postponed.
In half a year."
Guo Dajing said: "It's just a battle plan. Whether to launch it or not depends on the situation at the time. Naturally, it doesn't have to be too rigid."
Mao Wenlong nodded. Seeing that the work was basically settled, he looked relaxed and leaned back in his chair.
For the second force heading to Pi Island, he has decided to send Mao Chengzuo's former associates. Judging from the time, these are the most likely troops to participate in the attack on Hetuala.
That was Mao Wenlong's nephew. If there was an opportunity to make meritorious deeds, he would naturally be given priority. In Mao Wenlong's view, this might be the only big battle this year.
After a long-distance attack across the sea, the generals who did not participate must be very envious and jealous. Although they have achieved great success in regaining the lost territory, compared with the dazzling battle of Zunhua, it really pales into insignificance.
Everyone wants to fight, both want to make meritorious deeds, and have a strong desire to fight. Whether it is Mao Wenlong or Guo Dajing, they all hope so.
The fear of Jianlu has disappeared, but if there is a battle, the soldiers of the Dongjiang Army believe that victory is certain.
The psychological advantage made the Dongjiang Army the only force in the Ming army that was eager to fight the Jianlu. This is surprising and very gratifying.
Guo Dajing hoped to replace the Zuo Xie led by Liu Xingzhi in the next rotation of the Pidao garrison. They were his original team, and they were easy to use, making victory more certain.
But this kind of thing cannot be said too thoroughly. Just like Mao Wenlong is interested in Mao Chengzuo, but he is not sure immediately. He always has to be more reserved and tactful.
"I heard that there will be big changes in the intelligence stations in the Gyeonggi area?" Mao Wenlong asked casually: "Since we have established a firm foothold, why bother to change them?"
Guo Dajing explained: "Whether to transfer or not depends on the wishes of the intelligence station personnel. However, those with Liaodong accents should be replaced as much as possible."
After a pause, Guo Dajing continued to explain: "Yuan Chonghuan has fallen, and it is unlikely that Jianlu will take a detour to enter the customs again. The general will think it is unnecessary to continue to maintain the current intelligence network in the Gyeonggi area."
"You have a point." Mao Wenlong didn't care much. He just asked casually. After hearing the explanation, he waved his hand and said: "I will do it according to your arrangement. Liaonan does need more talents."
The concept of talent is very different from that in the Mainland. It does not depend on whether you are a student or proficient in poetry and poetry. It only depends on your actual ability, that is, the effectiveness of policy implementation.
Without the imperial examination, officials in Dongjiang Town had to start at the grassroots level and then gradually gain opportunities for promotion. This is very different from the Ming Dynasty, where officials were directly awarded through the imperial examination.
Although officials who work from the grassroots level are not as well educated as those who have read poetry and books, they are competent in their respective jobs. This is also the minimum requirement for them.
The threshold is relatively low, and regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, the salary given is not high, but it is enough for government officials to support their families.
The work is not very tiring, and you can enjoy the fun of being an official. Although there is no jaw-dropping pomp, there are still many people who are willing to do it.
At the same time, the government officials in Dongjiang Town are more down-to-earth, more practical, less corrupt, and less selfish.
Of course, in terms of taxation and criminal law, Dongjiang Town officials are still lacking in theory. This is mainly because the ruling area of Dongjiang Town does not have so many things, and the management is relatively rough.
If you want to manage carefully, I'm afraid it won't be possible in a short time. If you want the imperial court to dispatch officials, neither Mao Wenlong nor Guo Dajing can be trusted.