There is a horse farm more than ten miles away from the western suburbs of the capital of the Ming Dynasty. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers. On its south side is a tributary of the Lugou River. Although the water flow is not very fast, the flow is not small, which can solve the problem of drinking water for war horses.
To the west is a mountain ridge, which is an extension of the West Mountain. The mountains here are very gentle, which is very suitable for grazing and training cavalry. It is precisely because of these convenient conditions that this place was chosen as the official horse stable.
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Nowadays, very few traces of the damage caused by the war are seen in this racecourse. There are houses all over the place, the streets and alleys are clean and tidy, and the people you meet every now and then are in high spirits.
Most of the people here are the warriors of the Niu Sheng Escort Team, as well as the people who provide services to them, such as blacksmiths, grooms, doctors, veterinarians, etc. Occasionally there are some traders and traders, and most of them are regular customers who have served the Escort Team for a long time.
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The person in charge of the racecourse is an old Xuanfu soldier named Huang Fulai. He was originally one of the ten soldiers in Niu Sheng's team, and it was he who built the racecourse with his own hands.
Datong Commander-in-Chief Wang Pu and Shanxi Commander-in-Chief Li Fuming were walking on the street of the racecourse, accompanied by Huang Fulai, and Huang Fulai was telling them everything about the racecourse as they walked.
There are now 500 knights gathered here, nearly a thousand war horses, mules and horses, and more than 800 infantry guards. It is like a small and capable army.
At first, Wang Pu and Li Fuming were surprised by the topography of this racecourse. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, and has a high and thick village wall. A two-foot-wide moat was dug outside the wall to protect the city.
Now it is even known that there are nearly two thousand elite infantry and cavalry warriors hidden inside, and there is enough food and grass for these people to eat for several months. What is Zhang Cheng's intention?
They no longer dare to think further about this!
This time they sent troops to Liaodong to rescue the siege of Jinzhou. They had seen the bravery of the Xuanfu army. If they hadn't hugged Zhang Cheng's thigh tightly, how could they have escaped intact and returned victorious?
What's more, they lingered in Beijing, insisting on waiting for Zhang Cheng to return to Xuanda. Although this matter cannot be said to be known to everyone, it is known to most people.
No matter what they think in their own hearts, outsiders have already regarded them as Zhang Cheng's party, and this is actually the result they hope for. Only in this way can they follow the Xuanfu army and come back with more military exploits.
Therefore, now that they see everything here, they can only swallow it in their own stomachs and dare not talk to outsiders at all.
Huang Fulai took Wang Pu and Li Fuming all the way to the cavalry and infantry training ground, and showed them the actual practice of the knights and infantry of the escort team in the racecourse. They were shocked to watch.
…………
While Huang Fulai, the steward of the racecourse, was leading Wang Pu and Li Fuming to visit the racecourse, Zhang Cheng was discussing the future with everyone. Niu Sheng first reported to Zhang Cheng the latest information collected from all parties.
First of all, all the Qing troops outside the Pass have retreated. Only two Qing troops are stationed in Yizhou to the north of Jinzhou and Dalinghebao to the west. Their strategic direction has turned to the defensive.
Zu Dashou, the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong forward and the commander-in-chief of the Liaodong forward, also died of illness ten days ago in Jinzhou City due to untreated arrow sores.
Emperor Chongzhen personally wrote a sacrificial text for him, posthumously conferring the title of Prince Tai Tu to his ancestor, Ning Yuanbo, giving him the posthumous title of Zhongwu, and ordered the chief minister to set up five altars for sacrifice.
After hearing this, although everyone felt deeply sorry for Zu Dashou's death, they were also extremely envious of him being granted the title of Uncle after his death. This was considered a supreme honor and sorrow.
But Zhang Cheng knew in his heart that only his appearance completely changed Zu Dashou's fate, even though he was wounded and died in the battle of Jinzhou.
But because of this, his family's reputation was preserved, and he was not included in the "Biography of Erchen". After his death, he was granted the title of Uncle, with the posthumous title of Zhongwu, which is indeed a great honor!
However, after Zhang Cheng learned that the Qing army had completely retreated, he couldn't help but think of something and asked Niu Sheng: "Is there any news about the slave chief Hongtai from Liaodong?"
Niu Sheng replied: "Replying to the Lord, it is not easy to get information from slaves and thieves, and the transmission is very slow. It usually takes several months for some news to come back. The villain will pay attention to the slave chief Hong Tai, but there is information
If it comes, I will fly to report to the Lord."
Zhang Cheng also knew that what he said was the truth, so he nodded and said: "Go on!"
After Niu Sheng received Zhang Cheng's instructions, he immediately reported: "Sir, the rebels who invaded Cao have successively attacked Ye County, Biyang and other cities. The day before yesterday, Dexun was besieging Nanyang. Their power is huge. Henan Province
No one can cure it."
"And Mr. Chen sent back the news that the deputy commander-in-chief Liu Guoneng and the eldest son Liu Shiwen were rescued in Ye County. Now they are escorted by Mr. Hai and Counselor Wang and are traveling to the capital at night..."
Niu Sheng then introduced what he knew about the war in Ye County, as well as Chen Zhong's activities in Henan and other details.
After hearing this, Zhang Cheng sighed: "Although Liu Guoneng went astray earlier and worked with the two thieves who broke into Cao Cao, he 'knows his mistakes and can correct them, and there is no great good'. Now he can be loyal to the country and the dynasty, which is really rare and valuable."
He then added: "Niu Sheng, on behalf of my uncle, you sent a message to Chen Zhong, asking him to pay close attention to the movements of the intruders and to hoard food and grass, especially in Kaifeng, which is the top priority."
"Here."
Zhang Cheng asked again: "Can you tell me when Liu Jinhai and Wang Yuanjing will arrive in the capital?"
"Go back to Sir, according to what Mr. Hai and Counselor Wang said in their letter, they will be in the capital in the next few days." Niu Sheng replied.
Zhang Cheng nodded and said no more about the matter, but turned to look at Lu Dachun, the chief minister of Honglu Temple, and asked him with a smile: "Lv Sicheng, are you still used to living in Beijing?"
Lu Dachun looked flattered. He stood up and walked forward to kneel down and said, "Go back to Uncle Yongning. Dachun was able to enter the capital only because of Uncle Yongning's support. I dare not forget it at any time.
Since entering the capital, Dachun has always kept in mind the teachings of Yongning Bo. He has devoted himself to studying in Honglu Temple and made friends with his colleagues. He is now a senior official in Honglu Temple. Except for Dahonglu, who is not very familiar with it, the others are all familiar with Dachun.
"
Zhang Cheng nodded slightly with satisfaction. He still had some confidence in Lu Dachun's ability, otherwise he would not have deliberately brought him to Beijing. However, with the changes in the world, he now has some other ideas.
At that moment, he asked again: "Lu Dachun, I would like to ask you, are you familiar with all the official affairs in the temple?"
Lu Dachun still knelt on the ground and kowtowed and replied: "Back to Yongning Bo, although Dachun did not fully understand all the ministries in the temple, he did have a general idea of them. I believe that after some time, he will be able to tell them all.
"It's in the chest"
"What specific duties do you have in Honglu Temple now?" Zhang Cheng asked again.
"Back to Uncle Yongning, the current affairs in the temple have not been changed. Dachun has not assigned any specific ministries yet. He is still walking around the temple. This will make it easier for Dachun to get familiar with the ministries of each class."
Lu Dachun didn't know why Zhang Cheng asked this question. He bowed his head and his heart was beating like a drum. He didn't know whether his answer was appropriate.
"Um."
Zhang Cheng then asked him straight to the point: "Lü Dachun, the emperor sympathized with me and gave me an Earl's Palace in the capital. However, due to the complicated military affairs, I have to live in the Xuan Mansion for a long time, and I have to leave someone to look after me in the capital.
Now I am going to let you serve as an official in my Earl's Mansion and help me take care of all the affairs of the Earl's Mansion. What do you think?"
Lu Dachun was startled when he heard this, and immediately felt ecstatic in his heart. He kowtowed as if pounding garlic and replied: "Uncle Yong Ning has such great trust, so Dachun should go to pieces to repay Uncle Yong Ning's support. Although he will not be able to be a lord in this life."
It's enough to lead the horse and kick the pedal, but to be able to look after the Lord's house and protect the courtyard!"
Lu Dachun was not stupid. He knew that his current situation was entirely due to Zhang Cheng's guidance. He had no foundation in the capital. If he was separated from Zhang Cheng's influence, it would be difficult for him to survive in the capital, let alone get ahead.
Now, Zhang Cheng actually proposed that he would like to serve as an official in Earl Yongning's Mansion. For him, that would be a supreme honor, and it would also be a sign of Earl Yongning's great trust in him.
Although on the surface, one seems to be an official of the imperial court and the other is a private person under Zhang Cheng, the gold content inside is completely different!
How could Lu Dachun easily let go of such a good opportunity? He naturally agreed immediately and took the opportunity to show his loyalty.
Zhang Cheng nodded with satisfaction and said to him: "Get up. Later, I will transfer you to serve in the Governor's Mansion of the Fifth Army. This will make it easier for you to manage affairs in my manor and to travel in various yamen.
"
He then asked about the current situation of Yu Shangyou, Yuan Pengnian and others. Of course, the main thing was whether they were doing well in various yamen and how many friends they had made.
Except for Yu Shangyou, which one of them achieved today's status without relying on Zhang Cheng's connections in the court?
Moreover, each of them has not only been promoted to an official position, but has also become much more generous than before. They have extensive connections in various ministries and are well-known in front of and behind them. Zhang Cheng has provided financial support behind them.
Starting from Yu Shangyou, he reported one after another about his situation in the department, such as the relationship with colleagues in important departments, his current status in the department, his popularity, etc.
After all, although Zhang Cheng doesn't care much about money, he can't let them squander it arbitrarily. Every sum has its purpose, whether it is to build relationships or make friends with superiors, it must have some effect.
Finally, there is Zhang Cheng’s uncle Wu Jinkang, a doctor in the Maintenance Department of the Ministry of Industry. His position is very important, so he has not moved up in recent years. Even the construction of the barracks at the racecourse here has received a lot of help.
After all, Wu Jinkang was in charge of the renovation and management of the royal palace, mausoleums, temples, palaces, city walls, warehouses, buildings, and barracks. With some silver to manage the relationship, the free craftsmen from the Ministry of Works could use it at will.
Moreover, you can also use the materials in the Ministry of Industry's warehouse for your own use. In general, it is really more suitable than relying on yourself to make money.
What Zhang Cheng needs to know now is the family background of the Ministry of Industry. If he wants to make a big move in the Xuanfu, he must first figure out how many resources he can mobilize!
Everyone then chatted some more, which was nothing more than congratulating Zhang Cheng on being named "Uncle Yongning" and saying some words of longing to each other.
Seeing that it was getting late, Zhang Cheng asked Niu Sheng to arrange a banquet. He was going to have a great drink with all his good friends tonight. At the same time, he was going to send someone to find Wang Pu and Li Fuming back so that everyone could get closer and closer.
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…………
In the middle and west of the Jingxi Racecourse compound, the terrain is slightly higher than elsewhere, so a large courtyard was built here, but the courtyard wall is about ten feet high, and watchtowers are built at regular intervals on the wall.
tower.
The courtyard is three deep, with the lobby, side hall, and two rooms in the front, the barracks and stables on the two sides, the reception room and guest rooms in the middle, and the master's bedroom in the back.
There are two small spans on both sides of this compound. They are connected by corridors. However, in order to strengthen defense during war, the corridors on both sides can be cut off at any time. In the main courtyard in the middle, you can
The heavy wooden door is completely closed.
Of course, with the current strength of the racecourse, no one in the Gyeonggi region could pose the slightest threat to it unless tens of thousands of government troops launched a large-scale attack.
However, "Be prepared for danger in times of peace" was Zhang Cheng's teaching to Niu Sheng'er. Therefore, all the buildings here are not primarily based on comfort, but mainly consider their defensive strength. Everything is prepared for war, not for enjoyment!
It was getting dark, and it was almost dusk. The outside of the courtyard was heavily guarded, but inside it was also busy and busy. The main hall and side hall in the front yard, as well as the wing rooms and side rooms were all being used.
Placed here are hundreds of guard knights from Zhang Cheng's personal camp, as well as Wang Pu and Li Fuming, who each have ten guard knights. It's like a holiday tonight. They can eat and drink as much as they like without any restrictions.
In the main hall in the middle courtyard, there are Yongning Bo Zhang Cheng, commander-in-chief Wang Pu and Li Fuming, plus Beijing officials Wu Jinkang, Yu Shangyou, Yuan Pengnian, Wang Tiaoding, Ma Jiazhi, Liang Yuming and others, and then there are
Niu Sheng, Lu Dachun, Wang Zhaozheng and other senior men under Zhang Cheng.
They were divided into two tables and sat down. The first table was composed of Zhang Cheng, Wang Pu, Li Fuming, Wu Jinkang, Yu Shangyou, Niu Sheng and other six people.
Here Wang Pu and Li Fuming are both the generals of the town, and they are also powerful figures. Wu Jinkang is Zhang Cheng's maternal uncle, so he is naturally superior to others. Yu Shangyou is the first official Zhang Cheng met in the capital, and Niu Sheng is here.
The master is also Zhang Cheng's confidant, so there is nothing wrong with staying behind to sit down.
At the next table were Yuan Pengnian, Wang Diaoding, Ma Jiazhi, Liang Yuming and others, accompanied by Lu Dachun and Wang Zhaozheng.
Although Yuan Pengnian, Wang Diaoding and other four people had known Zhang Cheng for a long time, they were indifferent at that time. Later, they borrowed Zhang Cheng's help to achieve their current status. Therefore, compared with the first few people, they are naturally inferior.
Lost a grade.
And Lu Dachun is now the housekeeper of Uncle Yongning's house, so having him accompany him at this table also gives a lot of face to a few people.
The other Wang Zhaozheng, even though he was just the shopkeeper of Tongchun Tower, he was the first to join Zhang Cheng and was Zhang Cheng’s key figure in handing over officials in the capital. He also had frequent interactions with Yuan Pengnian and others, and he was already very involved.
If you are familiar with it, it is natural for you to sit at this table.
Everyone was enjoying the banquet, changing cups and changing cups, and naturally their feelings for each other greatly increased, and they became more and more closely united around Yongning Bo and Zhang Cheng.