Chapter 164: Why did you push me to serve as a soldier?
In front of the Wu'an County Yamen, the county prime minister Dewei hurried forward and clasped his fists and bowed: "Congratulations to General Zhang on his victory. The people of Wu'an are grateful for the general's kindness in staying alive. They burn incense and pray morning and night, hoping that the general will return victorious as soon as possible!"
Zhang Cheng also smiled and clasped his fists: "Hey, Fangxian Cheng..."
When he said this, he suddenly raised his hand and patted his forehead again, then changed his words and said: "Oh, I should be called the county magistrate."
It turned out that the official documents of the imperial court had made it clear that the county magistrate, Fang Dewei, would take over the post of magistrate of Wu'an. Although the county magistrate was the deputy of a county, compared to the magistrate, he was just like a handyman.
This was because of the recent disaster in Henan and the serious gangsterism. No one wanted to serve here, so it was his turn as the second official to take advantage of the situation. He rose to the top and became the parent official of the people.
In ancient times, only the county magistrate could be called a parent official. He was the esteemed person of the county, so he was also called the county lord. Although there was only one rank difference between the county magistrate and the county magistrate, it was extremely difficult to cross this rank.
Today, the county magistrate Dewei finally got his wish and is about to take over as the magistrate of Wu'an County. He is in a very good mood and is well aware of Zhang Cheng's current strength. He has the favor of the emperor in the palace, the support of the Minister of War in the court, and he himself has more powerful
Soldiers and horses provide backup.
Others couldn't find a way to curry favor with him, but Fang Dewei was uniquely blessed. With Ji Youci's relationship, how could he let him go? With a charming smile on his face, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "General Zhang is just a joke. It's all a favor."
Thanks to General Zhang, it is all because Wu'an did a good job in resettling the victims last year. It not only provided relief to countless people, but also built canals and reclaimed wasteland. This year, there is no need to worry about drought.
Therefore, the imperial court commended the great lord of the hall, and decreed that he be promoted to the fifth rank of the Imperial Envoy, Si Qianshi, and was actually given the post of Guard Huaibing. This villain also relied on the blessing of the great lord of the hall, General Zhang, and was ordered to take over this position.
There is a shortage of county magistrates."
Zhang Cheng said with a smile: "It should, it should. Mr. Fang has also worked hard for the people of Wu'an. He should have been promoted to a distinguished master long ago."
They were humble to each other, and in the end Ji Youci took the lead into the mansion, with Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao following behind him. However, Fang Dewei refused to advance at all, and insisted on holding Lin Fangping's hand and walking into the county government gate together.
Everyone entered the gate, passed through the rite gate, and went to the lobby without entering. They went directly to the back hall. After some humility, Ji Youci was still sitting at the top, Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao were on the two sides, and below them were
The county prime ministers Dewei and Lin Fangping, as well as the chief registrants, collected all the officials.
Before everyone sat down, it was necessary to be polite. Zhang Cheng introduced Chen Jiugao to the officials in Wu'an. He gave Zhang Cheng face and did not act like a Beijing camp in front of Ji Youci.
But it was naturally different now in front of Fang Dewei and others. When Fang Dewei and others greeted him, he didn't even move his eyelids and just responded with a hum.
Fang Dewei chatted with everyone for a while, and he also knew that Zhang Cheng and Ji Youci must have something to say, so he went out to see how the food and wine were being prepared, and wisely left.
…………
It was only then that Ji Youci looked at Chen Jiugao and said to Zhang Cheng: "Brother-in-law, I am not familiar with military affairs, why did you recommend me to be the guard of the army?"
Zhang Cheng smiled and said calmly: "Brother, there is no need to worry. My uncle has also met Chen Zhong, my most capable general. He has just been promoted to a guerrilla general. I have ordered him to lead a group of soldiers."
The horse is stationed in Mianhe Town."
He continued: "Although Chen Zhong only has more than 2,000 troops in his hands now, they are already the leading troops in northern Henan. What's more, he will recruit another one. At that time, there will be a battalion of more than 3,000 troops. Basically,
You can protect the two palaces of Huai."
Zhang Cheng took a sip of tea and continued: "What's more, I have two uncles from the Yang family and seven or eight thousand village warriors from various villages over there in Mang Mountain on the south bank of the river. When I am in urgent need, I can also borrow one.
Yes, uncle, there is no need to worry about military matters."
Chen Jiugao interjected at this time: "Yes, the soldiers and horses under Zhang's command are all strong and brave, one is worth ten, no, it should be one is worth a hundred."
Even the intruders were defeated by us at the gates of Kaifeng City, there are still those bandits in Henan who can withstand a single blow!"
As he spoke, he turned to Zhang Cheng and said, "Right, brother!"
Zhang Cheng looked at him helplessly and said, "Everything my brother said is right."
Ji Youci asked at this time: "Brother-in-law, the drought is raging now, famine is everywhere, and the annual harvest is not enough to survive. How can we raise such a large army?"
Zhang Cheng said with a smile: "I don't need to pay a penny of money or food for the local warriors over there in Mang Mountain. I just need to try to provide them with some armor and weapons when my uncle comes to take office in the future.
As for the sergeant of Chen Zhong's battalion, I had previously asked the imperial court to open a chaoguan in Mianhe Town to support the army. What's more, I have built more than ten villages in Huaiqing Prefecture and resettled more than 10,000 hungry people.
The income they cultivate can be used to feed the army, in addition to keeping it for their own consumption."
He looked at Ji Youci and said in a deep voice: "Brother only needs to be in the military position and try to allocate as much arms, money and food as possible from Wei Hui and Huaiqing to Chen Zhong, but it is not necessary.
Chen Zhong can also solve the problem on his own in terms of money and food.
On the other hand, it is the craftsmen, boatmen, boatmen, and embankments that must be interceded by my uncle. In the future, there will definitely be deficiencies in armor, weapons, and cannons, and the damaged ones will also need to be repaired, so craftsmen will be needed.
Chen Zhong's garrison in Huaiqing must cross the river to support the direction of Kaifeng. The ferry must be controlled by himself, so it is necessary to recruit some boatmen, boatmen, and boatmen. The dikemen are always along the river.
It will be of great use."
Ji Youci seemed to understand. He thought for a moment, and after a moment, he said, "I'll do my best."
He raised his head and said to Zhang Cheng: "Brother-in-law, after you return to the army this time, you will go to Liaodong to rescue Jinzhou and fight against the Tartars. You are no better than the rogue bandits. You must not be careless. You will regret it for the rest of your life!"
Zhang Cheng knew in his heart that Ji Youci's words were sincere and came from his true heart. Now that he was the uncle of the Ji family, it could be said that he shared weal and woe, both prospered and suffered.
He replied to Ji Youci: "Brother, don't worry. Zhongchen fought against the Tartars in the eleventh year. He knows the power of the Tartar cavalry and will never underestimate the enemy carelessly. What's more, this time to aid Liao, there are eight more soldiers."
More than 100,000 troops and horses went there."
Zhang Cheng knew in his heart that this battle was bound to be defeated, but he could not break it at this time. His defeat was not due to the inability to fight, but because of the urging of the rear to fight. In addition, the grain garrison was destroyed, and the morale of the army was weakened. Wang Puzhi
Escape will cause chaos among the generals and soldiers to flee. How can we not be defeated?
At this time, Ji Youci warned again: "Zhongchen, when the Tartars invaded before, they didn't dare to let go and fight, but this time they are in Liaodong, but they are not good for me. I have to be careful in everything."
At this time, Fang Dewei opened the door and came in to report that the food and wine were ready, and invited everyone to take their seats. Zhang Cheng and Chen Jiugao accompanied Ji Youci to the side hall.