In fact, the Ming Dynasty also had a military merit title system. In addition to the first merit of decapitating the enemy, there were also other merits such as extraordinary merit, first merit, secondary merit, etc.
However, since the middle of the Ming Dynasty, due to excessive reporting and false reporting of military merits, the imperial court had no choice but to return to the "first merits" that it had not valued much before.
Compared with the extraordinary skill, first skill, and second skill, the first skill is the simplest and clearest, and it is also the most difficult to cheat. After all, the enemy's head is the real thing and cannot be faked at all.
But in this way, its disadvantages have gradually become fully highlighted. First of all, it is reflected in fairness.
The battle between the two armies is not just a gang fight between ruffians and scoundrels. When the army is fighting fiercely with the enemy, the organization, discipline and cooperation of the soldiers are extremely important.
You know, the enemy was obviously killed by the joint efforts of all officers and soldiers, and they shed blood and sweat together. Why should the enemy's head be given exclusively to him when the merit is evaluated?
This method of recording merit that highlights the first merit can easily divert the soldiers' attention from killing the enemy to cutting off the head.
As the saying goes, "Fighting a battle well is not as good as seizing the head well"!
Based on this, over time, there will inevitably be many people on the battlefield who do nothing but focus on the enemy's head. Once an enemy is chopped to the ground, they will immediately swarm over and fight for the head and head to claim credit, even at the cost of killing each other.
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However, what is even more serious is that once they start fighting for the enemy's head, it will definitely lead to chaos in their own military formation, causing the soldiers to lose their organization.
Once the formation of the army becomes chaotic during a fierce battle, the only outcome is basically defeat and the only option is to be slaughtered by others.
Whether it was the Japanese pirates who once ran rampant, the Tatars from the North, the slaves from the East, or even the rogue bandits such as Chuang Xian, they often took advantage of this weakness of the Ming army, using dead bodies, leaving small groups of soldiers, or abandoning some gold and silver, etc.
After inducing the Ming army to take the initiative to disrupt their own military formation, they then counterattacked and defeated the Ming army in one fell swoop.
Secondly, judging military merit by beheading the enemy's "head" will also induce an extreme evil behavior - "killing good people and taking credit for merit"!
Because the enemy's head represents military merit, as for where the head came from and where it was chopped off, it is difficult to truly and effectively supervise it.
So a very real question arises, that is, compared with the enemy or the civilians, whose head is easier to obtain?
The answer is extremely cruel - naturally the resistance of civilians is weaker - and heads are easier to obtain.
It is precisely because of the various shortcomings of the first-level merit system that the generals of the imperial court who were guarding one side secretly modified the "first-level merit analysis" system.
No longer will military merit be judged based on head rank alone!
Although when the generals asked for merit from the court, they still mainly reported merit based on the number of heads. However, on the battlefield, their officers were strictly prohibited from privately cutting off the enemy's heads. Anyone who dared to do so would most likely be killed on the spot.
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Their main purpose of doing this is to strengthen battlefield discipline, improve the organization of their own troops and the rigor of their battle formations, and prevent the enemy from creating opportunities to break through their own military formations.
So, how are their military merits calculated?
It is to return to the "combat merit system" again, and the captured enemy heads will be distributed based on the actual combat performance of each team based on the team's unit.
Those who perform poorly on the battlefield will not be given a head level, but will even be given some punishment. Those who perform well will be given more heads of the enemy, and then each team will share the head reward equally in a big pot meal.
In fact, Zhang Cheng started to implement this in his army after he fought at the North Road of Zhenxuan Town. Every time he captured the enemy's head in battle, it was just to show his merit to his superiors and the court.
In his army, the merits of each battalion and each unit in each battle are assessed based on the comprehensive performance of each team, bureau, division, and department on the battlefield.
Zhang Cheng will issue clear military tasks to each department before the war, instead of just issuing general military orders like other generals. Therefore, the Xuanfu Army can better assess the battlefield performance of each battalion and each unit, and complete the set tasks in combination with
Merits will be assessed based on circumstances.
As for the rewards after meritorious service, in addition to promotion, silver rewards, land rewards, house rewards, tax exemptions, exemption from corvee, etc., Zhang Cheng also followed the rules of the Qin Dynasty and added some rewards such as atonement, atonement, and merit credits.
provisions of sin.
Promotions, silver rewards, land rewards, etc. are easy to say. Atonement means that you can use the military merits you have obtained to offset your crimes; atonement means using the military merits you have obtained to help your parents, brothers, sisters, etc., to atone for their sins and avoid punishment.
The recording of meritorious deeds is a bit special. The idea is to record one's military exploits in a register and not receive rewards for the time being, thinking that they can be used to offset sins in the future. It is more similar to the feeling of depositing money in a bank.
This series of military merit reforms greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of Xuanfu Army officers and soldiers to obtain military merits, but rewards and incentives alone were ultimately difficult to sustain for a long time.
In the Xuanfu army, the corresponding punishment system for military merit rewards is the punishment system. Zhang Cheng's requirements for his subordinates are even more stringent. Although he does not owe military pay in peacetime, and the food is better than that of soldiers and horses in other towns, there must be some punishment within three days.
Meat, but military regulations and discipline are also stricter than other towns.
It was under Zhang Cheng's system of generous rewards and punishment with a big stick, as well as being well-equipped and well-drilled that the Xuanfu Army he led became the most powerful army in the Ming Dynasty.
Now, he discovered that the soldiers and civilians under his rule were all proud to be soldiers under his command. Even if there was a male from any household serving as a soldier under Bo Yongning, it was their capital to show off.
Not only has the public's view of officers and soldiers changed, from initial contempt to today's admiration, but even the heroes in the Xuanfu army are worshiped by the soldiers, becoming the ones they strive to emulate, and secretly swear that they will do the same next time.
You have to fight hard to kill the enemy and get a medal back.
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It was after seeing the huge role played by medals that Zhang Cheng remembered the military rank system in later generations.
Military rank is an honor for military personnel. The military rank system uses comprehensive factors such as officers' positions, qualifications, contributions, and talents as evaluation criteria, and determines the promotion of general officers based on this.
At the same time, the military rank system can further streamline the allocation of officers, greatly enhance the officers' sense of responsibility and honor, and improve the quality of officers to strengthen the command, management, support and coordination of the army.
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However, for the officers and generals of the Ming Dynasty at this time, the military rank system was still a bit ahead of its time.
In fact, the Ming Dynasty also had a system of casual ranks and honorary officers, which was slightly similar to the military rank system of later generations, but it was completely different.
San rank in the Ming Dynasty was an honorary title, referring to the rank of an official without a fixed position. The virtual title awarded when an official position was awarded was very similar to the military rank of later generations. It was called San Guan or rank officer, which refers to officials with San rank.
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Moreover, the San ranks and Xuan officers of the Ming Dynasty are divided into civil and military ranks. For example, the Wen San rank has forty-three ranks, the Wu San rank has thirty ranks, the Wen Xun officers also have ten ranks, and the Wu Xun officers have twelve ranks.
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It not only has civil and military distinctions, but also has numerous names and complex operations. The biggest problem is that whether it is a casual rank or a decorated officer, it is a national treasure and cannot be used by Zhang Cheng to award to his generals at will.
Therefore, he thought of using the military rank system of later generations to further enhance the sense of honor of his subordinates, match their positions, qualifications, contributions and abilities, and strengthen the command, management and support of his subordinates.
However, his move made everyone slightly worried, fearing that he was suspected of setting up official names and appointing officials without permission. Once he was discovered by someone with intentions, what would happen if he was impeached?
The reason why everyone has objections is because it is for Zhang Cheng’s good!
After all, they are now tightly tied to a vine. As the leader of this team, Yongning Bo and Zhang Cheng, his every move has a bearing on the honor, disgrace, and survival of the entire team.
People who have already obtained vested interests naturally do not want Zhang Cheng to take risks again, so as not to affect their own vital interests and life and death.
Of course, there are also a large number of people who already admire Zhang Cheng very much, and even have a huge trust in him. They firmly believe that Uncle Yongning is the "greedy wolf star" in the sky who has come to the world to save all people from suffering.
After Zhang Cheng went to Henan Province to aid and suppress the rebellion and returned from victory, the legend of "Slaying the Wolf" began to become popular in Xuanfu.
Folk rumors say that Zhang Cheng was born as the Greedy Wolf Star, the first star in the Big Dipper. He is strong and powerful, has strategies in his mind, and has hidden tricks in his belly. He works quickly and has many ways to advance and retreat, and he has a strong love and hate heart.
These are Zhang Cheng's character and abilities, which coincide with the destiny of Greedy Wolf Star. Moreover, he behaves differently in good and evil, his actions are a little extreme, and he is a little moody. The most obvious thing is that he is too obsessed with peach blossoms and erotica.
In this way, wouldn't it confirm the theory that Zhang Cheng is the reincarnation of "Greed Wolf Star"?
Another theory is that after the reincarnation of Tanlang Star, once he meets Ji Yao, he will be rich and prosperous. In the future, he will be able to completely control the military and political power and become famous all over the world!
This is one of the reasons why his subordinates are willing to risk their lives to follow him.
People have even spread rumors that thieves such as Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, and Luo Rucai, together with Wang Er, Wang Jiayin, Wang Ziyong, Gao Yingxiang and other thieves who have been executed before, are described as descending from the "Seven Killing Stars" with the murderous aura of the Lord of Heaven.
World.
They were sent by God to punish the world. That's why they were able to travel thousands of miles and wreak havoc in more than ten provinces of the Ming Dynasty. They killed people without calculation, but no one could control them.
As for why this happened, there are different opinions, and it is difficult for ordinary people to see through the truth. Some said that God was testing Emperor Zhu Ming, while others said that God was punishing Emperor Zhu Ming so that the people would suffer along with him.
Some people even say that this is a prelude to a change of dynasty...
The reason why there is such a saying is because it is rumored that Huang Taiji, the leader of the Jianlu slaves in Liaodong, was born as the "Pojun Star". This Pojun Star, like the Seven Kills Star, is the second general under the Ziwei Emperor constellation.
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It is precisely because of this that the Tartars were able to attack the Ming Dynasty several times in a small area, and they repeatedly penetrated into the important areas of the Ming Dynasty, plundered and brought chaos to the empire, and even walked under the capital city of the Ming Dynasty.
"Seven kills, greedy wolves, and broken armies." When these three stars are in the three directions and four directions of the Life Palace, it is the so-called "kill and break the wolf" pattern. Once these three stars come together, they are the masters of "the world is in chaos, which must be broken and then established."
"The great age is coming.
These contents are recorded in "Ziwei Dou Shu". The ancients believed in these stars and the principles of fate with great sincerity and never even doubted them. Therefore, they derived from this the saying "The world will inevitably change its owner, and it is irreversible."
"The rumors came out.
Although this kind of legend only began to be sung in Xuanfu, especially in the North Road, people were extremely convinced and conclusive. Under the guidance of thoughtful people, they compared Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng to Fen, the famous Zhongxing general of the Tang Dynasty.
Yang Wang Guo Ziyi.
Because of all the above, two factions of opinions formed in the front hall of the Chicheng General Office. One of them advocated caution and not to create another name, so as not to arouse the suspicion of the court, which would be detrimental to the Yongyi Army.
The other faction is dominated by many military attachés and generals, and they unswervingly support Yong Ningbo's decision. Although it is still unclear what this military rank system is, they understand one thing clearly.
That is, this military rank will match the official position of each general when he first takes office. However, official positions are limited and cannot be promoted all the time. However, the military rank is different, because the military rank can be continuously promoted, and the level of the military rank will affect each officer.
How much military pay does a person receive?
Although for the military generals here, military pay is no longer much of a temptation, and they have already achieved wealth and freedom long ago, honor is indeed something they cherish extremely.
Just imagine, everyone holds the military position of General Qian. The monthly salary of Infantry General Qian is slightly less than that of Cavalry General Qian, but this is an open matter and no one has any objection.
But once the military rank system mentioned by Uncle Yongning is implemented, we will all be infantry commanders or cavalry commanders. However, my military rank is slightly higher than yours, and my monthly salary is also slightly higher than others.
What a glory this would be?
Monthly salary and money are a small matter, but face is a big deal!
What's more, after listening to Uncle Yong Ning's detailed explanation, in the future, this armor commander must be selected from among the upper-class soldiers, oh, that is, sergeants, and the sergeants are the elite among all soldiers, and there are sergeants and corporals below them.
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In this way, it will be clear at a glance how many sergeants, sergeants, and corporals there are in each A, team, bureau, and division. This will help the generals of each battalion to accurately grasp the combat effectiveness of each division and bureau under their command, and arrange for them.
It provides great convenience for deploying troops and commanding operations.
Although Jin Xinpeng, the commander of the Yongning Guards, did not strongly object to this, he still could not be completely reassured. He said with doubts: "The general's move will be of great benefit to our Yongyi Army, but I am afraid that it will be carried out by villains, and the courtiers will
Come here to confuse and criticize."
He then continued softly: "If these people's criticism rumors spread into the palace and are heard by the emperor, it may be detrimental to the future of the general."
Zhang Cheng also knew that what he said was true, and the worries of the officials under his command were exactly here. Once the matter of privately setting up official titles and conferring official positions became public, people would have grounds to criticize him, which was indeed very serious.
unfavorable.
However, Zhang Cheng's personality of "knowing that there are tigers in the mountains and preferring to travel to the mountains with tigers" was once again revealed.
With a very comfortable look on his face, he said calmly: "The 'military rank system' helps to motivate our soldiers to fight hard in front of the formation and strive to be the first to make achievements. I think it is feasible, and the generals also think it is feasible, then it will be in our 'brave army'"
Implement it within.
As for what will happen in the future? There is no need to worry about it now. It is nothing more than 'the soldiers will come to block it, and the water will come to cover it up'. If the emperor asks about this matter, I will bear the responsibility and will not hinder everyone.
You don’t need to worry about this!”
As soon as Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng finished speaking, Zhang Guangda, the new commander of Qinglong Camp, stood up first and walked to the empty space in the middle. Without saying a word, he knelt down, kowtowed and said loudly: "At the end of the day,
The general is willing to be driven by the general, go through fire and water, and do whatever it takes to stand in front of the general and block the sword from him until death!"
Under the leadership of his exemplary behavior, Zhang Guodong, Chen Zheng, Wu Zhizhong, Wei Zhice, Li Jiyu, Wang Yuanjing and others also followed suit. Even veterans Guo Yingxian, He Zhenxiong, Kuang Yongzhong, Tang Xiancheng, and those who had just returned to Zhang Cheng's command
Liu Minshen is not willing to lag behind others.
In an instant, the hall was filled with people kneeling down in darkness. Only Lin Fangping, the deputy general of the Weiyuan Battalion, was still injured because of his injuries. Even though he was lying on a wicker chair, he endured the pain and loudly expressed his loyalty.