In the backyard of the general's residence, there is a clear spring imported from the mountains in the north of the city. There is also a vegetable garden in the east of the hall, Longquan Temple and Aloft. The environment is very good. Governor Zhang Fuzhen rests in an elegant house next to the clear spring.
After Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng arranged the camps for each battalion, he went to the backyard to talk to Zhang Fuzhen. But at this moment, Zhang Chengfang, an officer in the Chinese Army, came to report that many officials were about to leave and return, and he offered many gifts and gifts.
In particular, several major merchants from the town also came to visit him. Not only did they offer gifts, but they also wanted to invite Uncle Yongning to meet him.
Zhang Cheng refused all of them. He told Zhang Chengfang: "I will accept all the gifts. I won't see any of them today."
He went straight to Yashe, and as soon as he entered the room, he first apologized to Zhang Fuzhen, but Zhang Fuzhen didn't take it seriously and said: "I know that you have just arrived in the town, and you have many things to deal with and many people to meet."
"The governor is right, but these are small matters. Now that the soldiers who came with me to the town have been properly arranged, the rest will not matter."
Zhang Cheng came over and sat opposite Zhang Fuzhen. He first poured tea into the small cup in front of him, took a sip, and then continued: "Director Zhang returned to Beijing to take up his new post. Do you know where he is going?"
Zhang Fuzhen also took a sip of tea before he said calmly: "What good place is there? When the country is in trouble, troops are used everywhere. It is said that the imperial court wants me to return to Beijing and take over the position of protector."
"oh."
Zhang Cheng then said: "Director Zhang is doing well in Xuanda, and he is no worse than Governor Lu. The place in Xuanda has seen some improvement, and has some savings in military supplies, money and food. However, at this time, Zhang
I really don’t know what the imperial court thinks about the transfer of the governor.”
Zhang Fuzhen smiled slightly and said: "There are currently few people available in the imperial court. For example, the former governor Yang Wenyue still leads an army of officers and soldiers to guard Kaifeng City in the hope of redeeming himself through meritorious service."
He looked at Zhang Cheng at this time and said to him: "After me, Jiang Fuchen is very likely to succeed as the governor of Xuanda. He has some prejudices against you. You must be careful to get along with him."
Zhang Cheng was quite surprised by this. Jiang Yuxu was a little disgusted with some of his practices on the North Road. He knew this, but he never thought that one day Jiang Yuxu would take over as the governor of Xuanda?
He looked at Zhang Fuzhen and said: "I, a member of the Zhang family, have been favored by the emperor throughout my life. Now, with my lonesome courage, I have suppressed bandits internally and defended the Tartars externally. I have earned my reputation from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, but I am now under suspicion."
Doubt, it’s really funny.”
There was a hint of a sinister smile on Zhang Cheng's lips when he said this. Zhang Fuzhen was afraid that he would leave a knot in his heart and be detrimental to the country. He immediately persuaded him: "Be loyal to the country and be loyal to the emperor and love the people. Everyone knows that, how can this be the case?"
Can the suspicion between the two be easier?
Kuang Jiang Fuchen is just a little worried that you have won the hearts of the soldiers, civilians and scholars on the North Road. If it is to exterminate the bandits and resist the Tartars, he will definitely understand the righteousness and state affairs and support you vigorously.
There’s no need to worry about that.”
Zhang Cheng nodded and didn't say much. Although he was quite surprised by Jiang Yuxu's promotion to governor, Zhang Fuzhen had his own connections in the court. Since he could say so clearly, there would be no changes in the future.
In fact, no matter who is appointed as the governor of Xuan Dynasty, it is already Yong Ningbo who is the commander-in-chief of Xuan Dynasty. There is nothing he can do. The Yongyi Army does not rely much on the imperial court when it comes to money and food. This is what Jiang Yuxu said.
Worry.
He was just afraid that the Yongyi Army would be self-sufficient in money, food and weapons, and the imperial court would find it difficult to control it. Once time goes by, and its territory and military power expand further, it may become the third largest threat besides bandits and Tartars.
However, Jiang Yuxu could only eat carrots and worry less. The prestige of the imperial court was declining day by day, and his control over the military towns below was not as good as before. Now as long as he is still under the control of the imperial court in name and can be at the disposal of the imperial court, it will be fine.
Zhang Fuzhen is one of the few people who has a thorough understanding. His idea is that the court should bind talents like Zhang Cheng with loyalty and make good use of them. After the bandits are defeated internally and the Tartars are conquered externally, the court will look at them again.
It's up to you to deal with the situation.
Just like what he said to Zhang Cheng now, they all emphasized loyalty and the justice of the court. In his opinion, as long as Zhang Cheng could have a loyal heart and remember the emperor's grace, everything else could be ignored.
As the saying goes, “Follow authority in emergencies”!
The most important thing at the moment is to suppress the momentum of the bandits as soon as possible, so that we can free up our hands to mobilize the world's troops and carry out an all-out encirclement and suppression campaign.
The Jinzhou War two years ago failed to completely resolve the Liaodong military in one battle, but it also caused great losses to the slave thieves. Moreover, it is rumored that the slave chief Huang Taiji was exhausted physically and mentally after this defeat, and he vomited blood for several liters. He may not be able to survive this year.
.
Therefore, he estimated that the Tartars would no longer be able to advance the Ningjin defense line within this year, and the military in Liaodong would be slightly at ease. As long as the Cao rebels who were rampaging across Henan Province could be severely damaged during this period, the situation in the world might be reversed.
"Zhongchen, the Yongyi Army under your command is the best in the world. The victory over the Tartars in the previous Liao War was due to the power of the Yongyi Army. This is known throughout the world.
However, if you hold such a powerful army, you will naturally be jealous of others. In the future, you will make trouble in front of the emperor and slander you with rumors. Therefore, you must always be careful. You must not only act according to what you say, but also remember to be loyal to the emperor.
The right path of loving the people must not lead to derailment."
Zhang Cheng also knew the painstaking efforts in Zhang Fuzhen's words. He was completely imagining it for himself, so he immediately added: "Supervisor Zhang's teachings, loyalty must be kept in mind, and I dare not forget it for a moment, but please don't worry, Supervisor Zhang.
My loyalty to the Emperor will never be affected by outsiders.
but……"
Zhang Cheng suddenly changed the subject, and then said: "If someone has selfish motives, ignores the great favor of the emperor, and seeks his own selfish interests, and colludes with thieves and slaves to murder loyal ministers and generals in order to satisfy their selfish desires and vent their personal grudges, I
Zhang Cheng will never let him go."
His tone was so cold and forbidding that even Zhang Fuzhen was shocked and could only persuade him gently: "Even so, the country has national laws, and everything must be reported to the court, the courtiers can discuss the matter, and the emperor can make a decision.
"
Zhang Fuzhen looked at Zhang Cheng with earnest eyes and said: "When encountering a problem, do not make any decisions without authorization, especially if it is a matter of life or death, give or take, report it to the court as soon as possible and ask the emperor to make a decision, so that the truth will not be followed."
Uncle Yongning saw that he was sincere and was quite moved, so he responded: "Mr. Zhang is more considerate and Zhang Cheng can save it."
Zhang Fuzhen pondered for a long time, and then said: "Zhongchen, I am about to leave for the capital. Before leaving, I have something to say, I don't know whether I should say it or not?"
Zhang Cheng couldn't help being a little stunned when he saw him like this, and said: "Director Zhang has something to say, but there is no harm in saying it."
Zhang Fuzhen looked at Zhang Cheng affectionately with his eyes, and said in a very solemn tone: "Zhongchen, I know that you are loyal to the country, but are there some things that exceed your authority and go too far?"
Zhang Cheng was silent for a while after hearing this, then sighed and said: "I know that in the eyes of many people, I, Zhang Cheng, are seen as extremely arrogant and domineering, but if I am not like this, how can the Yongyi Army become a strong army?
Why did the land of the North Road become a paradise?
Governor Zhang, you know all these things. Sometimes I, Zhang Cheng, do things, but if I only take one step back, someone will press the next step, making all the achievements you have achieved today come to nothing."
He added: "With the power of Governor Zhang, he serves the Xuanda area with sincerity, but how many people do perfunctory things behind the scenes for the sake of petty profits and selfish interests? What's more, they will even Spread rumors and slander between North Korea and China.
Governor Zhang, you are well-mannered, but I can't bear it!"
"well."
Zhang Fuzhen was silent for a long time after hearing this, sighed, and then said: "Yes, many things are beyond your control."
He hummed again: "These things are a headache to talk about. I should concentrate on political affairs and do my best for the national strategy!"
"Can Governor Zhang stay in the town for a few days?"
Facing Zhang Cheng's question, Zhang Fuzhen smiled and waved his hand and said: "No, the court is pressing hard. If it weren't for waiting for you, I would have arrived in the capital by now."
Zhang Cheng also knew that he would not be in the city for long, so he no longer forced him to stay. He only said that he would send a team of Yulin Cavalry tomorrow to escort him from Xuan Mansion back to the capital.
…………
On the second day, Zhang Cheng had a simple breakfast with Zhang Fuzhen, and then escorted him out of the South Pass of Changping Gate. Zhang Fuzhen did not let Zhang Cheng go further, and only escorted him towards the capital under the protection of dozens of elite cavalry from his own battalion. Go in the direction.
Uncle Yongning was not in a hurry to return to the town. Instead, he led veteran general Guo Yingxian, staff officer Wang Yuanjing, secretary Liu Chengzu and others, and under the escort of Zhang Mingyuan, rushed towards the direction of Weiyuan Camp.
On a high hill, a cold wind blew, and the cloaks and cloaks on the bodies of several people were making a sound. Except for Liu Chengzu, who had been in the army for a long time, he gathered the cloak and wrapped it tightly around his body, and the others paid no attention to it.
Veteran general Guo Yingxian pointed in the direction of the town in the distance and said to Zhang Cheng: "The town wall is thick and solid, making it the most difficult to attack. There are more than fifty piers around the city, which serve as the eyes and ears of the city defense. The enemy cavalry has not yet arrived. , I have already woken up."
He added: "Below the north and west of the town is the old Liuchuan River. After more than ten years of reconstruction, it has now become a large moat. Some of the river water is introduced into the city through Gaoyuan Gate in the north of the city, and then through Cheng'an Gate in the south. And when it flows out of the city, this sun ditch can replenish the water source in the city, so there is no fear of enemy siege."
Guo Yingxian added: "Although General Chen Shen's White Tiger Camp station has a stream, it is still difficult with nearly ten thousand troops and horses stationed there. However, we can open a shallow canal and divert some water from the Yanagawa River to it, which will greatly alleviate the water shortage."
Although Zhang Cheng is considered an old man in town in name, he is not very clear about the surrounding terrain, mountains, and water flows, so Guo Yingxian's introduction at this time really benefited him a lot.
"Not far to the east of the Grand Campus in the east of the city is the Paosha River, which can be used as a water source for the camp next to the Grand Campus. The Yang River to the south flows through the south of the city. Its water flow is abundant, and its coast is also conducive to the garrison of the army."
Zhang Cheng nodded in agreement. He turned around and looked at the Weiyuan Camp in front of him. A large area of half-new military tents stood in the spring breeze. The soldiers were digging trenches in an orderly manner. After being cut down, they were towed back to the camp.
After Wu Zhizhong, the commander of Weiyuan Camp, received the report, he also galloped over on his horse. He stopped in front of the hill and ran up quickly: "General, why are you here? You didn't send a message first. The last general is so friendly."
Go and greet him."
"What?"
Zhang Cheng pretended to be angry and said angrily: "I came to Weiyuan Camp to have a look. Do I need to ask General Wu for your permission first?"
Lao Wu smiled and replied: "The general would not dare to speak like that. How can we dare to call ourselves general in front of the general?"
Zhang Cheng stopped joking with him and said seriously: "According to this progress, when will our Weiyuan camp be completed?"
"Back to the General, Master Cheng from the Craftsman Camp said it will take at least three months to complete."
He went on to say: "This new barracks should be adapted to local conditions. No matter how well planned it is, it still requires enough craftsmen. The soldiers in our camp can dig trenches and cut trees. Even if they dig mountains and extract rocks, if there is a master to guide them, the soldiers in our camp can do it."
It can also be done.
But burning clay to make bricks, building houses, and making windows and doors are not what our soldiers are good at. According to this calculation, it will be completed in three months, which is quite fast."
Zhang Cheng couldn't help but shook his head after hearing this and said: "March is too slow, I can't wait, and my subordinates can't wait even more."
He waved his hand and pointed to the army station not far away, and said: "I brought the soldiers to the town not to suffer this kind of punishment. The barracks must be completed within a month."
He Biao, the commander-in-chief of the town, also came to the hill at this time. Hearing this, he hurriedly said: "Please take back your order, General."
He continued: "All the craftsmen inside and outside the town have been requisitioned by our army. Even the strong men and women are mostly helping in the camps. Even if we want to speed up the progress, there is no one available."
Zhang Cheng was stunned when he heard this. What He Biao said was true. Just imagine how big the camp would be if the three major battalions were stationed with more than 20,000 troops. There would be barracks for soldiers, stables, and numerous toilets.
Bathhouses, as well as a large number of ordnance and food warehouses.
Calculated in this way, it is indeed not a small project, and the construction of these camps is permanent. Not only does the quality requirement be excellent, but the construction layout must be reasonable. Can it be accomplished overnight?
"Since there is no one available around the town, why don't we transfer people from other places? I will take care of his food and accommodation, and also give him money. Are you afraid that there will be no one left?"
After Zhang Cheng finished speaking, he turned to Zhang Mingyuan, the adjutant of the Chinese army, and ordered: "Go back to the city immediately and tell Brother Chengfang to immediately send a message to several major merchants in the town. This afternoon, I summoned him to discuss anything.
.”
"Here."
After Zhang Mingyuan sang loudly, he ran all the way down the hills and away from the dust.
Zhang Cheng then said to Wang Yuanjing, the staff officer who was accompanying him: "Zi Yi, you are planning to send an official letter to the surrounding fortresses after you return home later, asking them to send craftsmen and Ding Zhuang to the town for help as soon as possible.
"
"Yes, General."
Zhang Cheng added: "The official document made it clear to them that each castle must have no less than a thousand people. If there are any who are not present and the number is insufficient, let us write it down.
Did you listen?"
"It will save you the trouble of lowering your official position."
Zhang Cheng then raised his hand again, pointed at the Weiyuan Battalion with his horsewhip, and said: "Old Wu, the school ground here should be leveled first. The training of the soldiers cannot be delayed. Soon, we have to go to Henan Province.
Suppressing thieves."
"Here."
"There are also hills and mountains where horses and mules can be grazed, and cavalry, infantry, and artillery vehicles can be used to practice battle formation coordination. It is necessary to simulate the situation during a battle and practice a lot to be useful."