For the ancient Central Plains dynasties, the nomadic peoples in the north have always been a serious concern. Since the Western Zhou Dynasty was destroyed by the Dayu, until now Dayu has been in conflict with the Northern Liao for many years, which all confirms the truth.
In other words, the nomads with their endless cavalry were like an unbeatable little warrior, shrouding the hearts of the Central Plains dynasties like a nightmare.
This kind of nightmare is not limited to the East. In fact, every civilization bordering the grasslands cannot escape this fate until the emergence, innovation and large-scale application of gunpowder weapons.
Chen Ping’s trip to Qianzhou was not in vain.
At this moment, in his heart that was almost trembling with excitement, nothing could be more important than the matchlock gun in his hand.
He couldn't put it down and carefully observed every part on it. After carefully wiping the barrel and cleaning the gunpowder residue inside, Chen Ping reluctantly handed it to He Qingxuan.
"How's it going? Is there anything that needs improvement?"
He Qingxuan looked at Chen Ping nervously, as if he was not very satisfied with his work.
Hearing He Qingxuan ask himself this, Chen Ping was a little dumbfounded. Improvement? What else should be improved? He was already grateful to God for being able to achieve this.
You must know that the West was still in the dark Middle Ages at the same time, and the historical matchlock gun would not appear until the 15th century. Now that He Qingxuan has tinkered with it for himself two or three hundred years in advance, does he have any opinions to offer? ?
Thinking of this, Chen Ping patted He Qingxuan on the shoulder, laughed heartily and said: "But there is no need to improve it for the time being. We only need to adjust some small flaws and they can be listed as standards."
"The problem that needs to be solved next is mass production. I wonder if you have the confidence?"
If the mass production of matchlock guns can be achieved before the chaos, Chen Ping can accept it even if the cost is high.
After all, this is an epoch-making weapon, and it can be said to be black technology in the Dayu Dynasty.
He Qingxuan was very happy when he saw Chen Ping's high recognition of him. He clenched his fists and expressed hope: "This is not a problem!"
"However, the cost may be very high..."
Chen Ping laughed, cost? Cost is nothing!
Not to mention that he has a steady stream of funds from Jiulong Hall and Tianxiang Pavilion, the matchlock gun alone is enough to raise the upper limit of the army by an unknown number of weapons, no matter how high the cost is, it must be produced.
Chen Ping waved his hand: "You don't have to worry about the cost, as long as it can be mass-produced, everything will be easy."
Hearing this, He Qingxuan's eyes were bright. This feeling of being recognized and supported made him high-spirited, and a warm current passed through his heart.
"Okay!"
"Three months, no, I can start mass production within two months, and I guarantee to help you annihilate the White Lotus bandits!"
Seeing that the results of his countless efforts were being taken seriously, He Qingxuan gave Chen Ping a sonorous and powerful reply.
After receiving such a reply, Chen Ping said nothing more. He Qing chose him as someone he could trust, and two or three months was not a long time. At least the probability that he could annihilate the White Lotus Thieves within two or three months was completely negligible.
Once the problem of muskets is solved, the only thing left in Qianzhou is to recruit troops.
"In this case, I won't bother you. The fight against thieves is urgent. I will leave Qianzhou in the next few days. If you have anything to do, just talk to Tian Ling. Don't worry about money or anything like that. Enough is enough!"
Chen Ping said goodbye to He Qingxuan.
And when he was about to leave, Zhao Wenhe approached him.
"Chen Ping."
"You are now a high official, but you are also involved in the disputes in the court. If you are unable to do so, remember to avoid the spotlight temporarily. If necessary, you can abandon your official position and return to Qianzhou."
Zhao Wenhe ordered with a solemn expression. His expression seemed to be very worried about Chen Ping's current situation.
After hearing this, Chen Ping put away his joy and nodded solemnly.
"Students must keep in mind the teacher's words that the situation in Beijing is indeed very serious, but students are still confident."
It is better to have someone caring than no one caring. Chen Ping also knew that his current situation was rather embarrassing, even though he was in the local area to take orders to suppress thieves and left the capital, a place of right and wrong.
But this does not mean that he is completely free from the influence of the court. Once the court situation changes, he will also be involved.
Under the cover of the nest, are there any eggs?
"Okay, since you are confident, I won't say anything. Just remember one sentence, you can always return to Qianzhou. Not to mention glory and wealth, at least your safety can be guaranteed."
Zhao Wenhe nodded. He was not bragging, but based on Chen Ping's reputation in Qianzhou, no one in Qianzhou would dare to attack Chen Ping despite the huge pressure.
"Students understand, the emperor's orders are on my side and I forgive the students not to stay for a long time."
"Just go."
Chen Ping bowed to Zhao Wenhe and rushed to Zhengxing Fucheng.
There, Yang Qian, the prefect of Qianzhou, had been waiting for him for a long time.
"Your Majesty, although Chen Zhaohui has the power to control the troops and horses of the five southwest states, it seems that recruiting local braves to join him in suppressing bandits is not within his jurisdiction, right?"
Zhengxing Fucheng, magistrate's office.
A bearded man with a leopard head and ringed eyes said angrily to Yang Qian, his words full of dissatisfaction with Yang Qian and Chen Ping.
After all, as the magistrate of Qianzhou, he is in charge of Qianzhou's military affairs. Now Chen Ping is not only his temporary superior, but also wants to recruit soldiers in Qianzhou on his behalf.
No matter how you look at it, this behavior is a bit over the line.
If they were indifferent to this, it would be equivalent to supporting Chen Ping in doing this. In the eyes of King Chu, wouldn't it mean that they were blatantly siding with Emperor Yongxing?
Although everyone is nominally the emperor's ministers, under the current situation, it is uncertain how many days Emperor Yongxing will be able to sit on the throne. Qianzhou Zhizhou does not want to make a bet prematurely.
Yang Qian listened to this reckless man's words with a smile, and then asked: "According to your opinion, if the White Lotus bandits come to kill, will the officers and soldiers of Qianzhou be able to protect the officers and people?"
As soon as his voice changed, he raised his tone and asked again: "If the White Lotus bandits cause trouble in Qianzhou because of your short-sightedness and obstruction of soldier recruitment, I will definitely report the truth to the court!"
As soon as these words came out, the officials present immediately shrank their necks. They couldn't afford to wear this big hat.
When the beard-bearded Zhizhou also had a stiff face and pouted lips and was about to say something else, Yang Qian took the lead.
"In urgent matters, the most important thing now is to exterminate the White Lotus bandits. What does a small mistake mean in the face of such a great achievement as the extermination of the White Lotus bandits?"
"I would like to inform you that it is about our lives and ours, so it is better not to get too involved."
After a combination of kindness and power, all the Qianzhou officials in the Yamen nodded in agreement. The beard-bearded Zhizhou hesitated for a long time, and finally lowered his head to express his submission.
Can he disobey?
Yang Qian is determined to help Chen Ping. Not to mention that Chen Ping is the deputy envoy of Southwest Recruitment and has great power. Even Yang Qian can bear it. Now that these two people are combined, who in the world of Qianzhou dares to create Times?
"Master Fu, Master Fu Zun, Chen Zhaoping is here!"
"Sir Chen, I have already taken care of the recruitment of troops. As long as Mr. Chen gives you the standards and number of soldiers, I can finish it within a few days."
Chen Ping was a little surprised by Yang Qian's attitude, but when he thought of his relationship with Xie Jinan and the enlightened gentry he had found to cooperate with him, he didn't care much.
After all, this is a mutually beneficial thing that benefits both parties.
Even if the King of Chu comes to power, he will not be cruel to local officials like Yang Qian. Moreover, the situation is still undecided. No one knows whether the King of Chu will win or the Emperor Yongxing will win, or there will be other possibilities. .
"Then thank you Master Yang. After successfully suppressing the bandits, I will report Master Yang's achievements to the court."
After a few polite words, Chen Ping explained the manpower he needed. Naturally, Yang Qian was not needed to recruit troops. But with Yang Qian's words as a foundation, it would be much easier for him to do things in Qianzhou. What constraints are there?
Yang Qian responded with a smile and said: "It's just a little effort. You and I are both colleagues, why should we be so different?"
Chen Ping smiled and said nothing. He did not stay in the Yamen for long. After knowing that he had the important task of exterminating the thieves, he hurried to Jiangxia Academy.
The reason why he came to Qianzhou to recruit troops was because it was his hometown, and all the soldiers who came out from here were considered his soldiers.
But ordinary soldiers alone were not enough. Chen Ping decided to use his reputation in Qianzhou to recruit a group of talented Qianzhou scholars into the army. Otherwise, it would be impossible to have only soldiers and no officers.
And for this goal, he naturally chose Jiangxia Academy. Who said this was his old school?
After all, the students here are considered his juniors, and the relationship between being from the same hometown and being in the same class is enough to create a bond between him and these people.
Once they enter the army, there will be another layer of interest entanglement among their fellow villagers and sect members. This triple guarantee allows them to become Chen Ping's confidants and confidants.
As for whether anyone in the academy is willing to join the army? Chen Ping thinks that in such a large academy with thousands of disciples, it is impossible that none of them are willing to join the army.
As soon as he arrived at the mountain gate of the academy, Chen Ping went straight to the dean's room. After explaining his purpose to dean Cheng, the other dean couldn't help but admire his idea.
"Brothers fighting tigers, father and son soldiers in the battle, I dare not say that all of your disciples are great talents in leading troops and calming the people, but they are enough to lend an arm to you."
Dean Cheng was very pleased that Chen Ping could realize the importance of a three-man gang. In the past, Chen Ping was a pawn who fought for others.
Now that Chen Ping is paying his respects to Southwest China to recruit deputy envoys, he naturally needs manpower to cheer him up and support the scene.
As one of the four major academies in the world, Jiangxia Academy has carefully selected its scholars. Not only are they talented, most of them are from Qianzhou. This is a perfect talent pool for Chen Ping.
"Dean Gao said, although they can only be allowed to do some work like staff counselors now, after the bandits are suppressed and the court credits are awarded, they can successfully enter the official career. The only disadvantage is that they are cut off from continuing their studies and even becoming officials. ”
There are advantages and disadvantages to this matter, and Chen Ping did not hide it. He made it clear to Dean Cheng.
Dean Cheng waved his hand and said: "How can it be so easy to pass the Jinshi exam? How many people with poor experience have never been able to pass the Jinshi exam in their entire lives. What's more, the situation is tense now. I can help you suppress thieves and perform meritorious service. This kind of opportunity is what others ask for." A blessing that never comes."
"Don't worry, you were giving lectures in the academy, and many of the students in the academy regarded you as their contemporary master. Even if you have no merit, there are still people who are willing to follow you."
These words made Chen Ping feel a little frightened. Isn't it too much to say something like a grandmaster?
However, not long after, when he saw many academicians enthusiastically signing up after hearing about this, this concern was dispelled.
Is there a possibility that I really have that much charm?
"Here, did you see that the children in the academy all follow your example? The number one scholar in the sixth grade, not to mention my Jiangxia Academy, has never been outstanding in the entire reputation. Don't underestimate your own weight."<
/p>
Dean Cheng patted Chen Ping on the shoulder and gave serious instructions.
While Chen Ping nodded frequently, he felt very pleased. Who said reading is useless?
Even if the situation becomes so tense, his reputation as a sixth grader is still resounding, and he can even call on the scholars from Jiangxia Academy to follow him on the battlefield.
With this kind of influence, Chen Ping felt that if he really devoted himself to Confucian classics, becoming a great master would not be a dream.
However, compared to discussing mysteries and explaining every word of the saints and sages, what Chen Ping wanted to do more was to do practical things.
"Thank you, Dean, for your cultivation. As for the children in the academy, I don't need too many. Moreover, life in the army is not as difficult as in the academy, and the dangers encountered during marching and fighting are not something ordinary people can bear."
The meaning of Chen Ping's words is very clear. What he needs is not a passionate young man, but a talent with certain knowledge, tenacity and basic military knowledge.
Even in Jiangxia Academy, not many people meet this requirement.
Fortunately, there are nearly a thousand students in Jiangxia Academy. After some picking and choosing, Chen Ping also found more than 40 qualified students. After bringing them with him, Chen Ping was ready to go north.
He originally wanted to take a trip back to Yongshun County to see how the Huating Academy was being repaired, whether it had reopened its enrollment, and how Ye Chongwen was doing, but he had no choice but to give up due to time constraints.
Because according to speculation, if nothing unexpected happens, the White Lotus Thieves may have arrived at the junction of eastern Jingzhou and Jiangzhou. Chen Ping needs to make a decision whether to continue the pursuit or communicate with Jiangzhou.
Chen Ping left the recruitment of Qianzhou's disciples to Tian Ling and Liu Geng. He didn't need too many manpower in the short term, so the recruitment standards were not low. After all, they were Qianzhou's disciples. He couldn't recruit an army that didn't understand.
Peasants in battle went to the battlefield to serve as cannon fodder.
Therefore, the priority for recruiting soldiers is mainly hunters, miners and people in the world.
As for him, he took more than forty students from Jiangxia Academy and rushed to Jingdong at the tail end of autumn.
.......
"Hoo——!"
The north wind is howling, and the weather in Jingzhou seems to have turned cooler overnight, which indicates that winter is approaching step by step.
This is actually a good thing for Chen Ping, who is tasked with destroying the White Lotus Thief.
Because the hot and humid weather in the south will reduce the army's combat effectiveness, and the cold weather now will not only allow these elite cavalry from the north to regain their former glory, but also make the White Lotus thieves face the dilemma of coldness and shortage of supplies.
This is undoubtedly a major blow to the White Lotus thief.
After crossing the river and arriving in Jiangbei, Chen Ping led his team in a hurry and finally arrived at Qichun County, the gateway to Jingdong where Li Feng was currently stationed.
"I'm afraid the thief has left Jingzhou and entered Jiangzhou."
Looking at the rows of tents outside Qichun County, Chen Ping sighed.
However, he had already been mentally prepared for this, and came to the camp without much hesitation.
"Why did Mr. Chen bring a bunch of scholars here?"
Li Feng made fun of Chen Ping as soon as they met, and his words did not seem to bother him about letting the White Lotus thief escape.
"Haha, senior brother didn't stop the thief, and I haven't talked about you yet, so why are you talking about me instead?"
Li Feng laughed, hooked Chen Ping's shoulders and sat down.
"The soldiers in Jingzhou are just like paper. We are chasing them from behind. If they resist for a moment or two in front, they may be able to keep the thieves in Jingzhou. What a pity!"
Chen Ping understood that the problem was still in Jingzhou. In this case, it didn't matter. The thieves fled to Jiangzhou and pursued them. Now that winter is approaching, this group of white lotus thieves have nowhere to run. If they have no place to stay, they just need to
If you wander around, you will starve and freeze to death sooner or later.
If we are lucky enough to capture a county town, or if someone helps us, we will besiege the thieves at worst.
Behind me, there are soldiers and horses from the five southwest states who can provide continuous support, but what about the White Lotus thief?
As far as he knew, the spread of the White Lotus Bandits in Jiangnan was far less widespread than in the Southwest and Zhongzhou, and escaping to Jiangnan was just a matter of drinking poison to quench thirst.
Thinking of this, Chen Ping felt much more relaxed, and he whispered to Li Feng.