If you don't seek death, you won't die. Zhu Yongxing has his own opinion on the money and food difficulties of the Qing army in Yunnan and Guizhou. The so-called "barren mountainous area, a land of slash and burn cultivation" is just a cover-up. The reason is that the Qing army
The burning, killing, looting and violence caused by violence are entirely self-inflicted.
The Daxi Army managed Yunnan and Guizhou, and was able to arm 100,000 soldiers and send troops to the Northern Expedition; under the governance of the Daxi Army, Yunnan Province was able to have bumper harvests year after year, with records such as "great ripeness", "great abundance", and "plentiful people" recorded in books.
When the Qing army entered Yunnan, "everywhere was attacked by war, and there was no human habitation for hundreds of miles. It really made Jia Sheng unable to cry bitterly, and Zheng Tu could not finish all his paintings."
It is based on this understanding that Zhu Yongxing is becoming more and more confident about the changes in the situation in Yunnan Province. With the majority of the first season grain harvest in southern Yunnan, coupled with the promotion of high-yielding crops such as sweet potatoes and potatoes, the grain supply
The pressure is slowly easing, giving him more money to expand his armaments.
"In a few months, Mekong Province's food harvest will be harvested, and the subsidies for immigrants will be reduced by a large amount. By next year at the latest, Mekong Province should be able to be self-sufficient, and perhaps even wealthy." Zhu Yongxing translated
I feel very satisfied after looking at the report sent by the Ministry of Finance.
Haiphong's commerce has been on the right track. The exchange has attracted more and more merchants with its speed and convenience, and the revenue from commercial taxes has been rising; the expanded coin factory has launched more copper coins, and has begun to occupy areas in Yunnan Province.
It circulated in large quantities and entered the area ruled by the Zheng family in Annan, which brought more money-making profits; the export of tea, lacquerware, realgar and other materials from Yunnan Province was also growing.
"The Governor of Mekong Province, Zong Shouyi, requested funds to expand the city and build a commercial center in Saigon." Liu Zuochen, who had been transferred to the post of Minister of Finance, saw that Zhu Yongxing was in a good mood, so he asked for instructions.
Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment. He shook his head helplessly and said, "Wait a little longer! Well, I will write to him. In the current situation, we can only focus on armaments first. After all, that is the foundation and guarantee. Maybe -
—It’s not like there’s no other way, let him try it.”
Liu Zuochen didn't know what other methods Zhu Yongxing mentioned, but he didn't ask further and ended his report.
"Your Highness, I heard that Western craftsmen have blown the first batch of glass, and that foreign monk Paul——" Ma Shaoyu, the director of the mission department, smiled bitterly and shook his head. He had no good impression of Christianity, but because of Zhu Yongxing's face, he
He wanted to speak but stopped.
"I have promised Paul that if he can properly revise the doctrine and recruit craftsmen, I will allow him to preach in Mekong Province." Zhu Yongxing smiled faintly and said: "Since he has done it, how can I be unfaithful? Besides,
If he can provide more help in the future, let’s get this cooperation off to a good start!”
"Yes, I will issue the relevant documents to the subordinate when he returns and inform the Governor of Mekong Province." Ma Shaoyu said with a hint of helplessness.
Zhu Yongxing didn't want to explain too much at the Xiaochao meeting, it was just an exchange of interests. If you want to gain something, you have to make some concessions and compromises, as long as the principles are not violated.
"After this batch of mirrors are sold, the money will be used to buy guns!" Zhu Yongxing calculated it, showed a sly smile, and said: "Tell the French, if they don't hurry up, wait until the Netherlands and Portugal,
If craftsmen from Spain and other countries help us make flintlock muskets, then the agreement will be invalidated."
Manufacturing flintlock guns is not a patent of the French family. Zhu Yongxing set aside terms when signing the agreement. Limit the time and quality, and introduce a competition mechanism to prevent the French from delaying and cheating. Anyway, they can't make a qualified gun. The secret of the mirror
I won’t tell you.
"Will all of it be used to purchase guns?" Liu Zuochen asked uncertainly: "Your Highness has already approved Governor Song's appropriation report."
"I have my own way. I won't short-circuit the funding for western Yunnan." Zhu Yongxing has already found the enemy. Those chieftains have accumulated money over the years, and the coalition they formed is full of desire to plunder the land. They just used some of the guns they bought.
Sell it to them at a higher price, and the money earned will be enough to pay for western Yunnan.
Zhu Yongxing also had evil thoughts about these wealthy chieftains. He wished he could imitate the Qing army and ask these chieftains to use "leather helmets" to hand over all the gold and silver. But in the end, he suppressed his greed and felt that he could use a small knife to hand over the gold and silver.
Cutting the meat slowly is safer.
In this way, after the chieftains' coalition forces have been trained and have new weapons, their combat power can be greatly improved, so they can go to attack Nanzhang. As long as the officers are sent by the Ming army and master the rhythm of the invasion, these chieftains can be
Shift your attention outside so as not to cause trouble in Yunnan Province.
After another half an hour, the small court meeting was about to end, and Zhu Yongxing said: "I will leave for Maitreya in three days. I will start preparations in the next few days, so I can help you sit back and handle the complicated affairs."
"How can your Highness, who has a body worth millions of dollars, be put in danger easily?"
"The son of a rich man cannot sit down in court..."
Zhu Yongxing smiled slightly, stood up and stretched out his hand to press down. After the voice of persuasion became quieter, he said: "It's safe for me to go to Maitreya. You don't have to worry. Well, the situation in Yunnan Province is about to change. If we plan properly and the soldiers use their lives, this year
It is also possible to recover all of Yunnan."
The officials made exclamations of surprise and stared at Zhu Yongxing, who was standing proudly, with admiration in their eyes. Looking at the eager eyes of everyone, Zhu Yongxing felt that he should say a few more words to encourage everyone's spirit.
"Shuixi Ankun is doing justice, and the Qing army in Yunnan Province must be mobilized. Our army has been recuperating for a long time, and we can take the opportunity to counterattack, echoing the Shuixi distance, and flanking the enemy." Zhu Yongxing's voice was loud and full of confidence, "This is all for you to try your luck.
The success of Shengju's teachings, now this vassal is taunting the people to fight against sins, and demonstrating the principles of heaven, how can it be invincible? On the day of the triumphal gathering, I should have a drink with all the gentlemen."
"Your Highness is brave and invincible." Liu Zuochen was the first to shout.
"Your Highness is brave and invincible."
Since entering Yunnan, Zhu Yongxing has won the trust and admiration of everyone. In times of trouble, people also hope that a hero or idol can turn the tide. Zhu Yongxing has undoubtedly filled this gap with practical actions.
Location.
…………..
Zhu Yongxing flew the royal flag to Maitreya, and the Southern Yunnan Theater Command also moved forward to Yuxi. It seemed that he was going to form a pincer offensive in the southeast and southwest of Kunming. But it was virtual but real, real but virtual. The real counterattack was aimed at Chuxiong.
As soon as Chuxiong came, the passage from Jianchang to Shu would be opened, which would not only put greater pressure on the Qing army in Yunnan Province, but also launch further operations to cut off the connection between Kunming and Sichuan.
The opportunity was advanced due to the Shuixi Incident, or Zhu Yongxing had the intention to drive away wolves and devour tigers, forcing the Qing army to return to fight with Shuixi. If Zhu Yongxing was Wu Sangui, his first priority would be to stabilize Guizhou rather than continue to fight in Yunnan.
The province is fighting for consumption with the Ming army. Yunnan and Guizhou are Wu Sangui's territory. Instead of protecting none of them, it is better to abandon the mess of Yunnan Province. Stabilize Guizhou and run it well, and there is still a basis to continue to compete with the Ming army.
But Wu Sangui would definitely not give up Yunnan Province happily. This was due to the pressure of the Qing court and of course the supervision of the Eight Banners soldiers in Yunnan. Zhu Yongxing had long thought of dealing a heavy blow to the Eight Banners of Manchuria. Unfortunately, he never had the chance. Self-confidence also appears to be insufficient.
The rainy season undoubtedly adds favorable factors to the counterattack campaign against the Eight Banners of Manchuria; and with Li Dingguo, the king of Jin Dynasty in western Yunnan, the two theaters jointly attacked, and their military strength already had an absolute advantage. Zhu Yongxing felt that the chance of victory was greatly increased. Although the power of the Ming army's artillery was greatly reduced, But the Eight Banners soldiers, who specialize in cavalry and archery, were not much better. What's more, rainy days had little effect on the Ming army's grenades and improved sky-blasting cannons, which was another advantageous aspect for victory.
Nearly half a year of combat training should have resulted in a large number of new recruits growing up, right? Zhu Yongxing looked through the latest reports from each war zone and was quite satisfied with the current level of popular mobilization, especially with the use of preferential policies for joining the army, which has liberated a large number of recruits. The ethnic minorities under the former chieftain's rule ensured the supply of troops. Especially in the Guangxi war zone, the two weapons of salt and land showed greater power than the army. A large number of Tong, Yao and Miao recruits joined the army, but financial resources were limited. The size of the army can only be kept within 25,000.
"After the counterattack, it's time to look east, right?" Zhu Yongxing exhaled softly, feeling that his thoughts were complicated. He had to invade Guangxi and plunder Sichuan. He also had to attack the Nanruan Navy and dominate the Beibu Gulf...
"Look east, what are you looking at?" With a coquettish voice, Mengzhu walked in. When she saw Zhu Yongxing extending his hand to her, she couldn't help but pursed her lips and smiled, moved over and sat in Zhu Yongxing's arms.
Wrapping his wife's slender waist and smelling the sweet fragrance in his pink-necked ears, Zhu Yongxing held a pair of catkins in his hands and gently squeezed and touched them. He paused suddenly and said with some reproach: "It's just a matter of starting a garden and growing vegetables. It’s for outsiders to see, just show off and you really take it seriously!”
"Are you cocooned?" Mengzhu quickly took out her hand and looked carefully.
"The cocoons haven't risen yet, but they will soon." Zhu Yongxing smiled, hugged his soft body into his arms, and said: "I estimate that I will have to stay outside for a month or two, and you will be more comfortable in the house by yourself." Attention, take care."
Well, Mengzhu agreed softly, turned slightly to the side, and put her face on Zhu Yongxing's shoulder, as if reluctant to leave. After becoming the Crown Princess, she could not accompany Zhu Yongxing as a female official or maid, and brought her with her. The family members going to the battlefield will have a bad influence. Moreover, when I bid farewell to Zhu Yongxing tomorrow, I will naturally look dignified and virtuous, not like a petty bird like now.
"Take Long'er with you!" Mengzhu drew circles on Zhu Yongxing's chest with her fingers and said softly: "It will also be convenient to do some small things like washing and washing with the two maids."
"I can do some small things myself." Zhu Yongxing brushed Mengzhu's hair away, pinched her round earlobes, and chuckled: "You are such an adult, you can't take care of yourself? Besides, I still have personal guards. !”
"Your Highness has a distinguished status and cannot do the things of those servants." Mengzhu said stubbornly: "Those personal guards are so clumsy that their clothes will be torn after just one wash. Well, I have settled this matter. One female officer and two maids, isn’t that too much?”
Haha, Zhu Yongxing laughed twice, without comment, and just continued to enjoy the tender moment before parting with his beloved wife.
× × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×
"...The rebels are afraid of the Manchu army, but not the Han army. The Han army is like a cloud, how can it be like a Manchu flag brigade..."
With a bang, Wu Sangui slammed the letter on the table and hurriedly walked back and forth in the room, muttering something in his mouth that seemed to be cursing. Then he shouted loudly to invite Fang Guangchen and Liu Xuanchu.
It was not long before Fang Guangchen and Liu Xuanchu came together. When they saw Wu Sangui's face full of anger, they didn't know why. Until they read the letter, their faces could not help but darken.
"The troops of the Prime Minister have not yet been mobilized, but Prince Doni of Xin County has sent such a letter, asking for the post of Guizhou." Wu Sangui's mood has stabilized a little, and he sat in the chair and said in a deep voice: "Xian Ting, Xuan Chu,
Tell me, what should we do?"
Liu Xuanchu and Fang Guangchen looked at each other and both smiled bitterly. Fang Guangchen was helpless, but Liu Xuanchu still had a hint of contempt in his eyes.
"My lord, since it is Prince Xin's request, it is difficult to refuse." Liu Xuanchu paused for a moment, then continued: "I am afraid that Prince Xin has already asked the court for a decree. If the court refuses, there is still a chance to recover."
"I'm afraid the imperial court won't disapprove." Fang Guangchen continued: "The political kings and Baylor are both Manchus, and the ministers in the court are also controlled by the Manchus. How can there be no reason for disapproval?"
Wu Sangui also made repeated calculations, and felt that the result was probably the same, but he was angry and placed his hope on the two counselors. Only then did he give up, and he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
After the war entered a confrontation, the Eight Banners of Manchuria asked Wu Sangui to mobilize troops from Chuxiong, replace most of the Manchu troops, and stationed them in Kunming. The troops Wu Sangui could mobilize were also in Kunming. After all, with Chuxiong in the west and Qujing in the east, Kunming faced no pressure.
It's not particularly big. But the Eight Banners of Manchuria used this move to pin all Wu Sangui's troops in Yunnan Province, and it would be a bit difficult to draw out mobile troops.
"What a vicious intention!" Liu Xuanchu suddenly sighed: "Our army had to fight to the death with the Ming army in Yunnan Province, but the entire army withdrew to Guizhou and stood idle."
Fang Guangchen also felt that Prince Xinjun Duni was so thoughtful, but he seemed to think something was a little unusual about Liu Xuanchu, so he couldn't help but turn his head and look at him, but he didn't speak for the time being.
Wu Sangui didn't have much trouble in his heart. Of course he had clearly seen the strategic policy of using the Han to control the Han. Now that he had clearly seen it, he naturally had the consciousness to lead the battle and make sacrifices for the Eight Banners of Manchuria. He led his army south from Hanzhong.
, he commanded his troops to fight and kill, and this was what he had always done.
It's just that at the beginning, he was hoping for victory and fighting for his future. Now, times have changed and the situation is different. If he wants to fight with the troops he relies on to fight to the end with the Ming army, he has to think a lot and weigh the pros and cons.