Deng Yu nodded vigorously and carefully wrote down Zhang Ximeng's instructions.
Finally, Guo Xing landed on him. As one of the best trainers in the Ming army, he went north this time and was awarded the title of Commander-in-Chief. Strictly speaking, he was only under Feng Guoyong, and he was the third highest-ranking military officer in this army.
Number two.
Needless to say, his responsibilities are to assist Feng Guoyong, reconcile the generals, encourage soldiers, boost morale, and appease the people... In short, it is somewhat similar to Zhang Ximeng's role in the Ming Dynasty. You can call him "Little Ximeng".
"My lords, during this expedition from Wuchang to the north and directly to Nanyang, which sages did you think of?"
Feng Guoyong's body vibrated slightly, and he bowed and said: "It's Yue Fei! It was here that Yue Fei made the Northern Expedition and took over the Six Prefectures of Xiangyang. It was the first time since Jingkang that Zhao Song regained his homeland, so Yue Fei was founded in the year of his founding.
Call him commander-in-chief and become the leader of the Song army!"
Zhang Ximeng smiled and said: "Yes, but do you know why Yue Fei's Northern Expedition failed?"
Feng Guoyong paused and then said: "Marshal Yue's first defeat was at the imperial court. The monarchs and ministers of Zhao and Song Dynasty were content to live in peace, and had no intention of regaining their homeland, and they had no courage. After settling down for a while, they would enjoy the south of the Yangtze River and forget about the country.
The hatred of enemies is no different from that of the scholars in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Secondly, Marshal Yue's Northern Expedition also had the problems of being isolated and without support and having insufficient food and pay. The more lost land was recovered in the Northern Expedition, the more places needed to be garrisoned. As a result, the troops were scattered and wanted to recover.
There are indeed some difficulties in my hometown."
Zhang Ximeng nodded again, turned around with a smile and said: "My lord, General Feng has already said it, and I hope you will be kind to me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Take our gold medal!"
After giving the order, two big Han generals came over carrying a one-foot-eight-inch-high gold medal of the King's Order.
The golden chunk makes people’s eyes get hot when they look at it.
Good guy, when did Lao Zhu become so generous? He is so willing to cut corners!
This gold medal probably weighs more than ten kilograms!
They guessed correctly. Lao Zhu removed a golden dragon leg from Chen Youliang's dragon bed and melted the huge gold medal for uniting the army.
On the gold medal, there is only one big word: Order!
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Zhao Gou recalled Marshal Yue with twelve gold medals and framed Zhongliang, causing the Northern Expedition to fall short. He is a sinner through the ages. Today, we, the monarchs and ministers, are united in the Northern Expedition to recover the mountains and rivers of China. I will give you the gold medal first and make arbitrary decisions when the opportunity arises.
, if I were to come in person, all military affairs, big and small, would all depend on you!"
"Feng Guoyong, step forward and receive the gold medal!"
Feng Guoyong was trembling all over. He never expected that he could have such a skill!
Any general should understand one truth: when uniting troops for an expedition, internal and external troubles will strike at the same time.
Not only must you concentrate on dealing with the enemies in front of you, but you must also be distracted behind you.
Sometimes, the enemy behind you is ten thousand times more hateful than the one in front of you.
For example, Wanyan Gou's contribution to the Jin Dynasty was greater than a hundred Jin Wushu.
Therefore, for a major event such as leading the Northern Expedition, unconditional trust and bold authorization from the rear are of unparalleled significance. It can even be said that the success or failure of the army depends on this matter.
Although everyone knows that Lao Zhu is not a bastard like Wan Yangou, the fact that he can do this is beyond expectations.
Feng Guoyong stepped forward, knelt down on his knees, and raised his hands above his head, "My lord, my lord, I thank you for your grace and respectfully receive the gold medal!"
Zhu Yuanzhang reached out and grabbed the gold medal, handed it to Feng Guoyong solemnly, and said with a smile: "Lead troops well, be careful."
"I understand that the superior's kindness is as great as heaven, and I can only repay it with death!"
Lao Zhu asked Feng Guo to use it, and then said: "Don't trust people when you employ them, and don't use people when you are suspicious. We will live up to you, and please don't let us down the Chinese ancestors!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the other five generals knelt down and saluted.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will serve my country with all my loyalty and never regret it!"
When everyone stood up, I looked at the rest of the crowd. Except for Zhang Ximeng, everyone was salivating. They wished they could get the gold medal and lead the attack. What an honor it was!
Zhang Ximeng also sighed and said softly: "I'm thinking about one thing. If Marshal Yue could have had such a favorable time, place and people, there would be no need to worry about the Jin Kingdom being destroyed and the Central Plains never being restored!"
This sentence shocked the generals again, and everyone couldn't help but think.
How successful a famous general can be is not just a matter of his own ability. In fact, his ability is secondary. He needs to be born at the right time and receive enough support.
Yue Fei's comprehensive ability is top-notch even if we look at it for thousands of years.
Under such difficult circumstances, a strong army was trained and a large area of territory was recovered. All the generals present asked themselves, who can be much better than Yue Fei?
But what happened to Yue Fei? His ambition was not fulfilled, and the Central Plains was not restored... In comparison, the opportunities for Feng Guoyong and others were really great.
"The hero of the previous world, the orthodox Ming Dynasty... sent troops to the north to restore the Central Plains. This is a major event that obeys the will of heaven and man. I, the Ming Dynasty, have the atmosphere of the holy dynasty, and the energy is as strong as the rainbow. How can I compare with the general subjugation of the Zhao Song Dynasty!"
Feng Guoyong said proudly: "Marshal Yue was unfortunately born in the Zhao and Song Dynasties. We are fortunate to serve in the Ming Dynasty. Everyone should imitate Marshal Yue and serve the country with all their loyalty to live up to this life!"
All the generals praised in unison, and their breath filled the sky.
At this time, Zhang Ximeng said again: "You generous and brave men, you know that there is another ancient man in this Yueyang Tower, and you should not forget it."
This time, it was Guo Xing who laughed and said, "What Prime Minister Zhang is talking about is Mr. Fan Wenzheng who worries about the world's worries first and rejoices after the world's happiness?"
Zhang Ximeng nodded, "Indeed, these words also lead to the second question raised by Governor Feng just now. Not only did Yue Fei's Northern Expedition not have strong support from the court, but he also went deep alone and had scattered troops. It will not be easy to regain the Central Plains. You guys
Why do you think we chose this time to march into Nanyang?"
Guo Xingdao: "Prime Minister Zhang, I think Nanyang is empty at the moment. Since the defeat of Nansuo Red Scarf and Beisuo Red Scarf, the main force of the Yuan Dynasty fought against Han and Song Dynasties, ignoring Nanyang and other places. If we wait for Kaifeng to be defeated, Chahan Tiemu
With our army moving south, it will not be easy to capture Nanyang. This is the best time."
Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "This is one of them. What will you do after you occupy Nanyang?"
"It's time... to divide the acres of land equally, gather people's hearts, accumulate food and grass, and lay the foundation... first establish a firm foothold, and then make progress. Take advantage of the fierce battle in the Central Plains to save more food and grass."
Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "I understand indeed! The imperial court is also governing Huguang, restoring people's livelihood, and vigorously immigrating... In a year and a half, the food and wages from Huguang and other places will be able to be sent to Nanyang, supporting you to continue going north. In short, the lord has tried his best to fight for you.
The best conditions, then it depends on the big guy!"
All the generals thanked him in unison again.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "I originally wanted to give you wine and drink with you...but we issued the prohibition on alcohol. Even drinking fruit wine is inappropriate. There is only a bowl of tea. When we regain the capital, we will issue the order again."
, brew the triumphant wine, and drink Yanshan with you all!"
"Thank you for the grace!"
"Recover the Central Plains and drink from Yanshan Mountain."
"Recover the Central Plains and drink from Yanshan Mountain!"
Amidst the loud shouts, we drank tea and organized the army for the Northern Expedition!
The Northern Expedition is not unusual. Liu Futong's three-pronged Northern Expedition was vigorous and took so many years, but compared with the Ming Dynasty's Northern Expedition, it pales in comparison.
Feng Guoyong only had 50,000 soldiers and horses under his command, but these 50,000 were all capable veterans. There was a terrifying number among them, that is, more than 60% of the soldiers and horses in this army were literate!
In other words, as many as 30,000 people are literate.
Not to mention compared with other soldiers and horses, even among the Ming army, they were the best. Chang Yuchun even called them Xiucai soldiers in private.
Not only are there a lot of literate people, but what's even more amazing is that the trainers here are equipped with twice as many soldiers and horses as other soldiers!
These trainers included old men who had followed Zhu Yuanzhang in Huaixi, scholars who had crossed the river to join him, and even more than two hundred elite Miao soldiers.
More importantly, there are also many Mongolians attached to them.
It is no exaggeration to say that these soldiers and horses are countless fires. Not only can they fight, they can also govern the place, and they can also preach the ideas of the Ming army. They are not the rogue bandits of Han and Song Dynasties who only know how to attack cities and territories. They can not only fight
, can better win support and win the hearts and minds of the people.
Chahan Timur, your grandpa Ming Jun has arrived!
On the fifth day after the Yueyang Tower Conference, Feng Guoyong, dressed in military uniform and carrying the gold medal bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang, crossed the Yangtze River from Wuchang to the north bank.
Then he gathered all the troops and embarked on the road to the Northern Expedition with great courage and high spirits.
First, with Fu Youde as the vanguard, they marched urgently to capture Suizhou, and then took Xiangyang directly.
Feng Guosheng led a partial division to capture Anlu and then went north to Xiangyang.
In less than a month, the Northern Expeditionary Army captured Xiangyang, reorganized a little, sent out troops again, liberated Tangzhou and Dengzhou, and headed straight for Nanyang!
The speed of this advance is truly thrilling.
When Yue Fei made his first Northern Expedition, it took him two or three months to recover the six states. At this time, the Ming army was actually faster and more fierce than the Yue family's army.
This does not mean that these people are better than Yue Fei. After all, the support received by both sides is completely different. But then again, it is enough to be proud of having such a record.
And just when the Ming army was advancing vigorously, a secret report from Yuan Ting was delivered to Zhang Ximeng.
"Lord, Aruwen is currently in Nanyang!"
"Aruwen?" Zhu Yuanzhang was a little startled and said, "Could he be Chahan Timur's father?"
"Um!"
Zhang Ximeng smiled and nodded. It was interesting to talk about Chahan Timur. He was also called Li Chahan, his son was called Wang Baobao, and his daughter was called... Zhao Min.
Well, there is quite a story about how this family got together!
"My lord, according to the secret report, Aruwen came to Nanyang to collect grain. He has 20,000 soldiers and horses around him. He is not very weak, but he may not be Feng Guoyong's opponent."
Lao Zhu's heart skipped a beat, "So, it is possible to capture Aruwen? Is this news reliable?"
"It's reliable. It was passed down by Zhou Huiniang. This informant is a relative of the general around Chahan Timur. There is absolutely no problem."
Lao Zhu pondered for a while, with a smile on his face, "Our sneak attack on Chahan Timur's father is not a heroic act, but today, we don't care about anything. Sir, he immediately sent the news to Feng Guoyong, asking him to
He judged based on the situation, and if he could succeed, he would capture Aruwen. We want to see how Chahan Timur can lead the army with dignity if he can't even protect his father!