In late autumn, the most beautiful scenery is the red color of Sophora japonica and maple.
As soon as the breeze blows, the fallen leaves covering the bluestone road will roll up and fly into the air, drifting and spinning, which is so beautiful.
At the city gate outside Mingde Gate, there was an edict just issued by the imperial court, which attracted many passers-by to watch. Under a large locust tree not far from the city gate, there was a wooden table propped up, and a man sitting behind it.
A general with a handsome face. Behind him stood a dozen muscular retinue soldiers, who looked like they were from the frontier army. There were two big flags beside the wooden table, with the words 'Recruiting Athletes' and '
"Building borders for the country" are eight large ink characters.
Next to the big flag were two scarecrows as tall as a man, one tall, one short, one fat and one thin, presumably to measure the body. Although the sun was high in the sky at this time, it could not keep the heat. The breeze passed by.
, it will definitely bring a burst of coolness and make people feel refreshed.
The handsome young general looked at the roster on the table and said with a hearty smile: "Yanji, in just ten days, we have recruited 6,517 people. It seems that we don't need to wait for His Majesty's decision.
Within the one-month deadline, we will be able to recruit the 'Long March Athletes' ahead of schedule."
"If it weren't for your good idea, Brother Kuo'er, how could you have recruited so many athletes!" Zhang Yanji shrugged, his words full of admiration.
He originally complained that Brother Kuo had taken over this thankless job, but now it seems that Brother Kuo had already planned it. Your Majesty was worried about increasing the number of troops in Anxi, and Brother Kuo had summoned so many Long March athletes at once.
, solved your Majesty's urgent need. This real contribution must have been recorded by Your Majesty.
"Thinking about people's hearts, it's not difficult to think of a way." Li Kuo waved his hand, but he didn't fully respond to Zhang Yanji's words. It turned out that in addition to writing the benefits promised by the court in the recruitment document, the young man also added a clause.
"Anyone with a clean family background and hard training will be given priority to serve in the Shule Army. Those with outstanding performance can be moved to the military envoy's barracks."
This promise seems nothing special at first glance, but it is actually more attractive than the benefits of the imperial court. Although His Majesty the Emperor left the matter of recruiting Long March athletes to Li Kuo, he set a rule that the Long March athletes must
Of pure origin.
It is not difficult to understand when you think about it. The army is the foundation of a country and the guarantee of its continuity. The selection of soldiers in all dynasties has been very strict. The general requirements must be sons of good families with an innocent background. Like the gangsters in the city streets and the thugs in the countryside.
Male bullies will definitely not be hired. These people are inherently unstable. If they stick together in the army, God knows what will happen.
But in this way, the difficulty of raising money will be greatly increased. Guanlong is densely populated, with nearly two million residents in Chang'an City alone. But these people's families are also well off. Even ordinary farmers, as long as they do not encounter major disasters,
, I can even save some money after a year. I have a stable life, but going to the border to fight with barbarians is probably only the kind of thing someone who has been kicked in the head by a donkey can do such a thing.
For these people, the land promised by the court is not attractive at all. Most of them are farmers who travel to Longshang and Moshan every day. Why do they go to Anxi, thousands of miles away, to dig hoe?
Similarly, the policy of dragging one's family with one's family and having military membership for generations will not have a favorable effect. Although the policy is good, there is still a question of whether one can receive the land alive, let alone whether the court will take back the land with evil intentions after one's death in battle.
In the final analysis, they do not trust that they can be treated fairly, and thus lack a sense of security. This rule set by Li Kuo just gives them a sense of security. Who doesn't know that the new Shule soldiers and horses are popular in the eyes of His Majesty the Emperor?
Is he an indomitable hero? If he hangs out with his old man, even if he can't eat meat, he can still drink broth, right?
As Li Kuo's direct team members, the three battalions of Tongwu, Xiongwu and Kuowu will naturally be brought to Shule as the cornerstone of the Shule Army. If he were transferred to the Shule Army for official duties, wouldn't he become a soldier?
The direct descendant of the Master Ma Shi? The Soldiers and Horses Commander is the most protective of the old man, and he can still lack the benefits of everyone. If you are lucky enough and become his personal soldier, why don't you have a phoenix perching on the sycamore tree - wealth is in front of you?
Who doesn’t know that joining the army is a quick way to gain wealth, but they also know that this wealth has to be gained at the risk of losing one’s head. Those well-connected young men from aristocratic families are protected and supported, and they hide behind the soldiers to harvest heads and fame.
.But these Kuhaha, who come from humble backgrounds, have to rush to the front and fill the nest for others.
Rather than taking advantage of others like this, it is better to stay at home and work hard in Longshang.
However, this is just a second-best idea. What man doesn’t want to stand out and hide his wife?
The young man gave them a promise and gave them hope, so they were naturally willing to give it a try in the army.
But even so, those registered on the roster are mostly bachelors without wives and children. It is the most relaxing thing to have no worries and worries.
Zhang Yanji thought about it carefully, spread his hands and said, "That's true. But, brother Kuo'er, do you really want to take these new recruits into the Shule Army? Does this count as recruiting private soldiers?"
Zhang Xiaolangjun secretly asked, His Majesty the Emperor is most afraid of the generals recruiting private soldiers. Although Brother Kuo is now favored by His Majesty, there is a saying that the emperor's favor is like running water, it comes and goes as fast as it comes. If there is
The jealous guy was putting on Brother Kuo's shoes next to His Majesty. Maybe His Majesty would be really upset.
"I will report to the imperial court. If that doesn't work, please ask Lord Gao Xianzhi to come forward and explain the matter frankly and honestly." Li Kuo smiled bitterly and replied: "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and you will definitely understand my intention."
While talking, several more people came towards the big locust tree.
This recruitment site was chosen very well, just outside the south city. Mingde Gate is the main gate of Chang'an City, and there are many people entering and leaving the city. In addition, the recruitment site is not far from the notice, and those who see the generous terms are excited
Most of the people would come close and give it a try.
No matter what happens, they can escape safely. Is it possible that the officials can forcefully tie them up?
Those people were obviously dressed like traveling businessmen, one tall, two short, one fat and two thin. A young man of fifteen or sixteen years old put the pole on his shoulder on the ground and came over.
"Excuse me, this military master, are you recruiting soldiers?"
The young man glanced at Pu Dachui and asked timidly.
Pu Dachui only felt it was funny. He tapped the words on the flag with his hand and said: "The big words on it are clear. If we don't recruit soldiers, how can we still sell vegetables? Hey, by the way, little brother, what are you carrying in this pole?"
?”
"Oh, it's tea." After saying that, the young man leaned over and pulled out a round tea brick from the pole and handed it to Pu Dachui.
"Hey, I am worried about not having any tea to drink, so this guy prepared a piece of tea to honor me. I won't be polite." After saying this, Pu Sledgehammer was about to take the tea piece away from him.
The young man didn't know that this officer was so ruthless, and he was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to do.
"Sledgehammer! Return the things to others." Li Kuo scolded and stopped Pu Sledgehammer's behavior.
"Hey, general, don't be angry, I, Lao Pu, was just joking with this little brother." Pu Dachui scratched his head angrily and handed the brick of tea that had been delivered to his sleeve back to the young man.
"Thank you, Master Jun!" The young man hurriedly bowed to Li Kuo to express his gratitude.
"Are you here to apply?" Li Kuo looked at the young man in front of him carefully, and for some reason he felt a sense of intimacy.
"Yes, I want to apply for the army. How much money can I exchange for it?" The young man nodded and asked loudly.
Li Kuo was slightly stunned, and after thinking for a moment, he realized that what the young man was talking about was a one-time subsidy of fifteen ounces of meat given by the imperial court to the Long March athletes. How could this kid get into the eyes of money at such a young age and ask for money?
Sold yourself?
"Fifteen guan of silver, paid in one lump sum. It's up to you whether you want to give it to your family or take it with you."
"Fifteen guans, fifteen guans, can the military master give me five guans more?"
The young man silently recited the number of money several times, then suddenly said something that made people laugh or cry.
"This is customized by the imperial court, and there is nothing we can do about it." Li Kuo shook his head and replied in a deep voice.
A tall and thin young man next to him came close to the boy and whispered: "Er boy, why don't we leave? It's not worth selling yourself for fifteen dollars."
Another fat, short, white man also advised: "Yes, selling these tea leaves will make a lot of money. If you and I raise some money, your grandpa's disease may not be incurable."
But the young man lowered his head and remained silent. After a long time, he finally gritted his teeth and said: "No, even if I bother you, I can only take medicine for three months. My father's illness is very serious, and the medicine
It can’t be cut off. My second son has no ability, and I can’t watch his old man suffer. I have also planned to sell myself to the army today. Brother Erzhu helped me sell this load of tea, and fifteen pieces of meat.
Let's go back to our hometown together and help my grandpa buy some medicine prescribed by Dr. Sun. I believe that after this winter, my grandpa will be able to get out of bed."
"Hey, why are you doing this? Let's run a small business honestly. How can we save some money? If we join the army..."
Because there were more than a dozen stern soldiers standing in front of him, Erzhu didn't finish his words. He looked at Erwa with a bright look, and finally let out a long sigh.
After hearing this, Li Kuo understood what was going on. It turned out that this young man was raising money for his grandfather's treatment, but he was suffering from the high price of herbal medicine and had to join the army in exchange for some silver. Li Kuo sighed in his heart, how different he and this young man were back then.
Similar? Worrying and helpless for a bucket of rice and a portion of medicinal materials. Seeing the young man in front of him, he remembered his past.
"Little brother, how old are you this year?"
"Fifteen...oh, no, no, seventeen!" As soon as the words came out, the young man realized his problem and hurriedly waved his arms to correct it.