The honors bestowed by the state were discarded like worn-out shoes, and "clothes and clothes" lost their appeal to wealthy people. It must be said that this was a tragedy for the imperial court.
To say that the government's credibility was ruined by Chongzhen is indeed harsh for him who has been on the throne for more than three years. However, Shaanxi was hit by disaster for three or four years, and the government's relief was seriously lagging behind. He must be responsible.
Although there is mature experience in famine relief that can be used for reference, the time for disaster relief is too late. The disaster-stricken areas have lost the ability to restore production, and it is difficult for the government to implement effective control at the grassroots level.
Therefore, the work-for-relief program that has been highly praised in history cannot be mentioned. Thousands of disaster victims are in a helpless situation of completely relying on government relief.
If you have money and food, you can live; if you don't have money and food, you will either starve or become a refugee or bandit.
Major disasters will not leave anyone the opportunity or time to make corrections. According to the laws of nature, they will sweep from west to east. Shanxi and Henan are not immune. The spread of disasters cannot be saved by the gods. It is not an exaggeration to say.
The credibility of the government and the majesty of the imperial power have been repeatedly challenged or acted perfunctorily in the face of this chaotic world.
Faced with the famine and refugee problems in the province, the governor of Shanxi even blocked the trade routes from Shanxi to Shaanxi and prohibited grain from entering Shaanxi, which caused the price of grain to skyrocket in Shaanxi and worsened the suffering of the victims.
Under the intimidation of Emperor Chongzhen's successive decrees, the governor of Shanxi reluctantly opened the trade route. However, he tried his best to evade and delay the specific implementation, and the supply of food was extremely limited.
By this time, Shaanxi was completely in ruins. Not only were refugees everywhere, they suddenly turned into thieves. The border troops, who had been without pay for several years, were also constantly revolting, fighting for survival.
Even if Guo Dajing has now eliminated the Jianlu and is able to turn all his efforts to the country and the northwest, it will probably take at least two years to basically stabilize the place.
Corruption in officialdom and lack of finances are the ultimate sources of civil unrest. However, in Guo Dajing's current position, he does not have the power to drastically eliminate the accumulated abuses.
What's more, according to the transportation capacity at that time, that is, there were no trains, let alone airplanes, transporting huge amounts of grain and grass materials to the northwest was simply not a task that could be completed in a short time.
There was chaos and chaos, and it was difficult to build a country. Although Guo Dajing couldn't bear to see the miserable scene of the ghost land where people cannibalize themselves, he could only comfort himself with this empty reason.
There was no other way. In addition to donating corn, potatoes, and rye to the imperial court, he had no choice but to refocus his energy on China's biggest enemy, the Jianlu.
The marriage proposal for He Guizhong went very smoothly. Guo Dajing was well-known and the actual second-in-command of Dongjiang Town. He also brought valuable silk gifts, which gave Xiaocui plenty of face.
Xiaolong got his wish and received a sword as a gift from Guo Dajing. He immediately approved of his sister's marriage.
Of course, even if Guo Dajing didn't come to marry him or give him gifts, the relationship between He Guizhong and Xiaocui would be a matter of course.
The time for getting married was also set, but Guo Dajing was about to leave to return to the army, so he couldn't come to congratulate him in person and have a glass of wedding wine.
With some regret and reluctance to leave, Guo Dajing bid farewell to his relatives and embarked on his journey again in the bleak autumn wind.
What was different from what I saw when I came here was that the fields were full of busy scenes. The early-maturing potatoes and rye were almost ripe at the same time, and the soldiers and civilians were engaged in intense work.
Without having to dismount and ask in person, Guo Dajing knew that there would be no problem with this year's harvest by looking at the smiling faces of the people.
It is no longer important to have potatoes with the highest yield as a base, and then the yield of corn harvested in the last month.
Of course, this year's business is good, and the construction of water conservancy facilities has not stopped, so the corn harvest will definitely not be bad. Even if the output of last year is maintained, for Dongjiang Town, the total grain output will hit a new high.
Next year, we will strive to capture Haizhou and capture all the four states in southern Liaoning. At least, we will advance to Haicheng River and capture half of Haizhou.
The influx of a large number of immigrants, as well as the large purchase of cattle, horses and other livestock, forced the Dongjiang Army to occupy larger territories and provide more cultivated fields.
Haizhou, Liaoyang, and Shenyang will be the key places where Ping Liao must fight fiercely. The decisive battle will also take place in these three key places.
The main force of the Jianlu Army is in Liaoshen, and the main force of the Dongjiang Army is also in southern Liaoning. A battle between the main forces of both sides is inevitable. This does not need to be considered too much, both the enemy and ourselves are very clear.
Speeding up his horse, Guo Dajing took in the sight of the harvest. Although he was happy in his heart, he did not stop much and rushed to Fuzhou Acropolis as quickly as possible.
The combat plan has been basically determined, and Mao Wenlong also came to Fuzhou from Jinzhou Acropolis. He is preparing to lead his troops to advance north to the Haizhou River to launch a containment operation.
As for Guo Dajing, when the battle was about to begin, he also had to make modifications to the plan, mainly the allocation of troops.
Mao Wenlong was in good spirits. He was sitting at his desk, flipping through documents, with a Hexi smile on his face, showing his joy.
After Guo Dajing came in and prayed, he sat down and waited.
Mao Wenlong put down the documents in his hands and asked with a smile: "You came back very quickly. Li Weiluan's troops are grabbing potatoes and rye from the military camp. It will be done in five or six days at most. After a day or two of rest, they will go to Pi by boat. island."
From a time point of view, it was completely in time. Just in time for Jianlu's autumn harvest, the attack on Jianzhou Guards was launched.
Guo Dajing hurriedly bowed and said: "After much thought, I feel that the key to attacking quickly is to adjust the allocation of troops."
Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Look, I want you to lead two flying cavalry battalions. You are still worried about the strength of the troops here. There are so many artillery and it is a feint attack. It is completely unnecessary."
"Yes, Marshal Mao is still thoughtful." Guo Dajing scratched his head in embarrassment and said, "In this case, General Li only needs to dispatch two infantry battalions and their accompanying lancers, and the other troops will stay behind."
The reduction of infantry and artillery will not participate in the battle, which also means that the baggage materials can be greatly reduced and the troop's mobility speed can be increased.
Heavy weapons are mainly rockets and a small number of Fran cannons, which are relatively light and easy to carry.
Mao Wenlong nodded and said: "Then you can start mobilizing the necessary troops and horses now. The Navy is also ready and can set off by boat in Fuzhou Bay."
Guo Dajing said: "The last general will lead Liu Xingzuo's flying cavalry battalion to Pi Island first, and other troops will just take action on time."
"So urgent?" Mao Wenlong raised his eyebrows, a little surprised.
Mao Chenglu's headquarters, which had been stationed at Pi Island, had already made preparations, and the required ammunition and materials had basically been transferred. According to the plan, there was no need to set off so early.
Guo Dajing smiled and reported: "North Korea Lin Qingye sent someone to send a letter and wanted to meet and discuss with the general. The general thought that the North Korean court might have policy changes, so he had to go and find out first."
Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and pondered, guessing: "Will North Korea send troops to help? With the courage of the North Korean royal family, it shouldn't be possible, right?"
"The North Korean royal family actually sent someone to send a gift to congratulate me on my promotion. Could it be that they are testing my attitude to see if I will file a complaint with the court and say that North Korea is a traitor?"
Guo Dajing chuckled and said: "The pro-Ming faction in North Korea has gained the upper hand and has a great say in the court. Shen Qiyuan is even more powerful, and his attitude towards Jianlu will definitely change. As for whether to send troops It’s too early to say anything about helping the fight.”
After a pause, he added: "What's more, the general is not confident about the combat power of the North Korean army, and he does not dare to use it with confidence."
"With the four-party blockade, North Korea is still indispensable." Mao Wenlong said slowly: "No matter what, it will be good if we can maintain the current status."
Guo Dajing nodded and agreed. It can only be better, not worse. He already has such expectations.
Of course, he was telling the truth, and he was not at ease with the North Korean army. Even if North Korea was willing to send troops to assist in the war, he would still have to inspect or train and integrate them.
After discussing the military situation, Mao Wenlong obviously relaxed and started chatting with Guo Dajing while drinking tea.
It is not accurate to say that it was just chatting. What we talked about was the development of Dongjiang Town and the various achievements it has made.
"In the past six months, the army has built many houses in the villages that are to be established in Gaizhou. They can rush to build a number of houses before winter comes. There will be no problem in housing tens of thousands of victims, and they will be able to survive until next spring."
Mao Wenlong pointed at the map and said: "Next year our army will expand to Haizhou and build a large number of military camps on the newly recovered land. The influx of disaster victims should allow our army to expand again. It doesn't take much, just 10,000 more cavalry. Then we are sure of a decisive battle with Jianlu."
"If there is a major counterattack next year, we may not be sure, but it also depends on the specific situation." Guo Dajing said: "After attacking Jianzhou Guard, the general will want to launch another operation in winter, or in Liaodong, and strive to form Liaonan and Liaodong. The situation of attacking Liaoshen from two sides."
Mao Wenlong's finger stopped at Lianshan Pass, tapped hard, and said: "Jianlu has heavy troops here, so be careful when attacking."
Guo Dajing said: "Using Kuandian as a base and copying Benxi is also an idea. In short, we have to look at the specific situation before making a decision."
"I can rest assured that you will command the battle." Mao Wenlong did not discuss much and said with a smile: "There is also management, and no one can match it. The horse market in Panjin is very good. Autumn is high and horses are fat. I heard that A large number of cattle, horses and livestock have been traded."
In addition to daily necessities, the transactions with various Mongolian tribes also include a small amount of grain. The quantity is naturally calculated. If it is not enough to eat even the Mongolians, there is no need to worry about supporting the rebels.
With the decline of Jianlu, the attitudes of the Mongolian tribes are also changing, and they have to make plans for their own long-term.
Faced with Hu Duntu's aggressiveness, if Hou Jin could not provide help, then only Daming would be left to rely on.
Nowadays, the Mongolian tribes are still on opposite sides, standing on the wall between the Ming Dynasty and the Hou Jin Dynasty. But in terms of materials, they have to show their pro-Ming attitude, even if they don't show it to others.
Relying on the strong has always been a tradition among the Mongolian tribes, and no one can blame it. As long as you become stronger, you can solve all problems. Guo Dajing sees this clearly than anyone else.
"The Mongolian tribes are forced to survive and do not sincerely surrender. Only by destroying the Jianlu will they completely surrender."
Guo Dajing was still very clear-headed about the achievements he had made, and said: "Therefore, the general has already sent someone to deliver a letter to the managers of Panjin Horse Market. Don't appear too urgent."
"The Mongolian Tatars still dare to raise the price?" Mao Wenlong was stunned for a moment, then laughed again and said: "You are still right. They may not necessarily raise the price, but we can still lower the price."
It was not just a matter of saving money, but also of suppressing the Mongolian tribes and making them pursue trade, but Guo Dajing did not want to go into details.
"According to the current speed, it is relatively certain that the number will be expanded to 20,000 flying cavalry by the middle of next year." Guo Dajing estimated and judged, "There will even be thousands more flying cavalry. A major counterattack at the end of next year or the year after will be enough."
It can be launched as scheduled.”
Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and smiled, in a cheerful mood, and said: "If Yuan Chonghuan does not die, why don't you tell Long Live that the five years of Ping Liao are not lies, someone has completed it?"
Guo Dajing curled his lips and said contemptuously: "If he still serves as the governor of Liaodong, if he is restrained, let alone five years, even ten years will be enough. It will even cause Jianlu to face great difficulties because of this."
"That's right." Mao Wenlong sneered and said: "With him selling grain to the various Mongolian tribes, and with him negotiating peace with the rebels, wouldn't it be empty talk to pacify Liao and destroy the rebels? Jianlu is not terrible, but this kind of traitor to the enemy is terrible.
hypocrite."
Looking at Guo Dajing, Mao Wenlong showed admiration and said: "Fortunately, Dongjiang Town has survived the most difficult period. The battle in Zunhua turned it around completely."
After all, you still have to rely on yourself. Mao Wenlong has fully understood Guo Dajing's previous methods.
There is no use in resorting to petitioning, complaining, complaining, etc. It is not as good as a hearty victory with all one's strength, and everything will be turned around.
Yuan Chonghuan's downfall and murder lifted the heavy clouds that were weighing on Dongjiang Town. Not only did Dongjiang Town usher in a rapid and smooth development stage, but it also allowed Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing to concentrate on dealing with Jianlu.
The enemy face to face is not scary, but the stabbing in the back and the conspiracies and machinations from within are what is scary.
"Follow me for a walk." Mao Wenlong stood up, moved his neck, rubbed his temples vigorously, and said with a self-deprecating smile: "After all, I am getting older. After reading the documents for a while, I felt dizzy."
Guo Dajing said with a smile: "The commander-in-chief is so stubborn that he really can't bear the trouble of these documents. The autumn weather is crisp and the fields are harvested. It is a good time to go out and enjoy the scenery in autumn."
Mao Wenlong smiled, waved his hand, and said: "I just don't have enough energy and I'm bothered by the paperwork. You kid, just pick something nice to flatter me."
Guo Dajing laughed and accompanied Mao Wenlong out of the house. Under the protection of several soldiers, he left the city and ran across the vast world.
Mao Wenlong is indeed getting older. While he feels that his energy is gradually declining, he hopes that the successor he chooses can lead Dongjiang Town to glory.
It was Mao Wenlong's wish to destroy the captives in Pingliao, but having the strong backing of Dongjiang Town was also related to his posthumous honor and disgrace.