On the first day after the wedding, the six ministers of the cabinet entered the palace early. There was a lot of political backlog in the past few days, and they had to be approved as soon as possible.
"Your Majesty, this is the good news reported by Xiong Tingbi. During the Battle of Shenyang, Liaoyang's guerrilla training force Mao Wenlong led 800 elite soldiers across the sea to penetrate deep into the enemy's rear and break through Zhenjiang Fort, a heavy fort on the Yalu River."
"In this battle, Mao Wenlong defeated a large number with a small number, beheading more than 800 people, and captured the surrendered general Tong Yangzhen. Later, Mao Wenlong issued a proclamation in Zhenjiang, gathering many people and defeated the troops!"
"Later he learned that Lao Nu had invaded in large numbers, so he led his elite troops to attack all the way. Taking advantage of Lao Nu's rear being empty, he attacked Lao Nu's base camp. In this battle, he beheaded nearly two thousand people, captured Lao Nu's son Babuhai, and burned him The old slave warehoused seven and saved thousands of people!"
"Now that Tong Yangzhen and other subordinates and Lao Nu's three sons have been escorted to Beijing, please make a decision, Your Majesty!"
Before Zhu Youxiao even read the memorial, Wang Zaijin had already said it all.
He knew about the Zhenjiangbao victory, but it happened a few months earlier than in history, but the results were similar.
This battle was the Ming Dynasty's first victory against the Jiannu in several years. Because of this battle, Mao Wenlong became famous in one fell swoop. He became famous in the Liao region and had countless people who joined him.
It was precisely because of this battle that he came into the eyes of Emperor Tianqi in history, and he publicized this victory. From then on, the name of Marshal Mao resounded throughout the north.
Zhu Youxiao admired Mao Wenlong very much. He was capable and courageous, and he was indeed a general. Even the slave chief said that Mao Wenlong's presence prevented me from going on an expedition, which shows how much Jiannu was afraid of him.
And his character can be regarded as a model among generals. Although he was born as a Liao general, he was not like those Liaodong generals. He looked down on these people from the bottom of his heart.
He has a strong temperament, hates evil as much as he hates evil, is upright and honest, and does not keep private property. Whenever there is a war, he dares to charge forward and set an example for the entire army.
Mao Wenlong has a high prestige in the army. He manages the army rigorously, distinguishes rewards and punishments, and keeps his word. He treats the sergeants sincerely, and the sergeants repay him with loyalty. Everyone is willing to die for him.
When the news that Mao Wenlong was killed by Yuan Chonghuan came back to Dongjiang Town, young and old, women and children, as well as civilian soldiers, all knelt down and cried for Mao Shuai!
He did not cling to powerful people. Even when Wei Zhongxian was in power, he did not follow the powerful.
Even a proud and arrogant person like Yuan Chonghuan tried to flatter Wei Zhongxian. He said in his memorial that Wei Zhongxian, a factory minister, had made great contributions to the country. Since ancient times, who has been the best minister?
It can be seen how powerful Wei Zhongxian was at that time, and everyone in the world was afraid of him, but Mao Wenlong did not buy his blame, as if it had nothing to do with him.
At that time, a field officer in Liaodong praised him and said, "When Wei Zhongxian was in power, he was in charge of the towns, and there were many people who praised and built ancestral temples, but Wenlong was upright and self-reliant, and he was not satisfied. Isn't this a strange man today?"
Being able to stick to the original intention and maintain the essence in the muddy waters of Liaodong is such a rare and precious virtue.
Moreover, he is also a master of guerrilla tactics in this era. His philosophy is quite similar to that of protracted war. In short, it is all about retreating while we advance, advancing while we retreat, and harassment tactics to make the enemy exhausted.
Such a person must be put to good use. In history, he could make the old slave and his son sleepless by himself. As long as he gave him enough support, he would definitely become a sharp knife hanging over the head of the slave.
Moreover, the strategic positions of Zhenjiang Fort and Pidao are so important. These two places are connected to North Korea to the east, the Heilongjiang River Basin to the north, and the vast Liaodong Plain to the west. They can advance or retreat.
Zhu Youxiao put down the memorial and said slowly:
"This Mao Wenlong is quite a talented general. A few hundred people dared to directly attack the Jiannu base camp. Today's Ming Dynasty lacks such generals!"
Wang Zaijin, as one of the emperor's most trusted ministers, naturally knew that the emperor was already dissatisfied with those border generals.
In fact, he also had great prejudices against those border generals who were greedy for life and afraid of death. Since he served as Minister of War, it can be said that he has a closer understanding of the real armament situation of the Ming Dynasty.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right. Xiong Tingbi also praised and recommended him many times in the memorial. It is impossible for our Xiong Jinglue to recommend him highly without some real ability."
Xiong Tingbi is famous for his barbaric temper. This person is too strong-willed and outspoken. No matter who he is, as long as he commits an offense, he dares to impeach him outright. Basically, he is the kind of person who hates evil as much as he hates it.
No sand can get into it.
"Da Sima, you are the Minister of War. In your opinion, how should Mao Wenlong be rewarded for these two achievements?"
Wang Zaijin bowed and said:
"I think that since Mao Wenlong has opened a gap in Zhenjiang Fort, it is better for him to continue to lead the troops and garrison here. This way he can form a rivalry with Liaoshen and attack Jiannu from a flank!"
"Da Sima's intention coincides with mine!"
Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.
There is no doubt about Wang Zaijin's military level and strategic vision.
"Then let's draw up an edict. I will promote Mao Wenlong to be the branch guard general of Liaodong Zhenjiang Fort. I will give you two sets of fine armor and a reward of five hundred taels of silver!"
"The Ministry of War will also verify the merits of these two battles. The sergeants who have made meritorious service should be rewarded. Come out with a specific regulation. The Ministry of Revenue will prepare the reward of silver as soon as possible!"
Upon hearing that the emperor asked him for money, Cheng Guoxiang's expression suddenly changed. At this moment, he really wanted to say, Your Majesty, the treasury is really going to run out of money.
Zhu Youxiao read it and chose to ignore it. The lack of money in the treasury had nothing to do with him.
He added:
"Tell Mao Wenlong and Xiong Tingbi that all soldiers and horses belonging to Zhenjiang Fort are not under the jurisdiction of the civil and military officers of Liao Town, and are temporarily under the direct dispatch of the Ministry of War!"
"I will pass my order to Mao Wenlong again. I will give him the space to express himself freely, but the goal must be clear, that is, never let go of any opportunity to attack the slave establishment. As long as there is an opportunity, we must attack without hesitation!"
Xiong Tingbi and Mao Wenlong cannot get along. They are both people with strong personalities, and their thoughts and tactical concepts are also different. If there is a conflict, it will be extremely detrimental to the war situation.
Moreover, Zhu Youxiao's current strategy outside the Pass is still focused on defense. Although Lao Nu was defeated in the Battle of Shenyang, his side also suffered a tragic victory and the losses were not small.
As long as the two heavy Liao towns are stabilized, no matter how powerful the old slave is, he can only stay in the deep mountains and old forests and look at the city and sigh.
Mao Wenlong's role was to wait for the opportunity from the side, and whenever there was an opportunity, he would launch a surprise attack and go deep into the hinterland of the Jiannu slaves to wreak havoc.
Places like Liaodong are extremely short of food. It is extremely difficult for them to feed themselves with the little food they cultivate. If Mao Wenlong can start with food, he will definitely achieve good results.
And it would be even more difficult for him to encircle and suppress Mao Wenlong. After all, history has proved it.
Later, Zhu Youxiao ordered the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War to prepare a batch of food, clothing, weapons and armor. The Yulin Army and Jinyiwei would be responsible for escorting the goods. They would leave the port from Tianjinwei and send this batch of materials to Pi Island along the coastal road.