It took Zhang Zhou and his entourage an entire afternoon and the first half of the night to stuff all the soldiers, horses, prisoners, and livestock into Yanghekou. Because Yanghekou was too small to accommodate them all, many prisoners had to be taken to Yanghekou.
There are two acropolises, Hewei and Tianchengwei.
For local generals, just housing so many captured people and animals was a very difficult matter. There did not seem to be that many pastures in the border areas of the Ming Dynasty to house so many cattle and sheep.
As for the soldiers and horses of Zhang Zhou, they stayed at the mouth of Yanghe.
The soldiers marched one after another and were already exhausted. They set up temporary camps and most of them fell asleep early.
The spying on intelligence on the grassland did not stop, and they did not rest at night. That night, they investigated the situation of the Huoshan headquarters. However, Huoshan was stationed in Maoerzhuang and did not go south again.
It was dark the next day.
With his tired body and relaxed mood, Wang Shouren saw in the camp that he was entrusting defense matters with Song Xian and others. Wang Shouren also waited for Song Xian and others to leave the camp and return to the tower before coming in to find Zhang Zhou.
"Bo'an, are you up so early?" Zhang Zhou looked at Wang Shouren with a smile.
Wang Shouren raised his hand and made a greeting.
When they came here, the two parties still had a working relationship. Regardless of their official positions, they were at least Jinshis in the same year. One was a recent scholar and the other was a descendant of an orthodox official. It seemed that they had different paths and did not work together.
But after experiencing the grassland group, Wang Shouren gradually regarded himself as one of Zhang Zhou's group.
Wang Shouren said: "I keep the situation in the grassland in mind. I always wake up after a short sleep, fearing that something will happen and I won't be able to deal with it in time."
Zhang Zhou smiled and nodded.
It would be better to say that Wang Shouren basically regained his energy when he slept on the carriage on the grassland. Suddenly, after just two days and two nights without rest, his body was still a little uncomfortable...
Before, I had been resting irregularly for seven or eight days. It was only two days and two nights, and my body still felt like it could resist for a while. And because I was back within the borders of the Ming Dynasty, I was completely relaxed mentally, so I wasn’t so sleepy.
"Huoshii's troops are stationed at Mao'erzhuang. They will not advance or retreat. I guess they don't dare to attack Datong like Yisima Yin suffered the defeat at Weininghai. Huoshii's spirit has been defeated by you."
What Zhang Zhou mentioned was the once heroic leader of the grasslands. Taishi Yisi Mayin encountered Wang Yue in the 16th year of Chenghua. After Wang Zhi led his troops to sneak attack Weininghai, he was so angry that he led his troops to attack Datong Town and was guarded.
Fan Jin, the commander-in-chief of Datong, was repulsed because Batu Mengke was still young at the time and almost all the state affairs in the grasslands were handled by Yisi Mayin.
Yisima Yin once occupied Batu Munch's mother, and she was once a powerful figure in the grassland generation, but it ended dismally, and she died due to civil strife.
There was no one else around, so Wang Shouren certainly would not take credit in front of Zhang Zhou. He said, "It should be said that Zhang Zhitai used his troops well."
"Haha, you are still too modest." Zhang Zhou smiled.
While the two were talking, Sun Shangqi's voice came from the door: "Sir, Wang Xi, the commander-in-chief of Datong, has led his troops twenty miles away. He has sent a horse to inform him and asked to come to the tent to see him."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "He came quickly enough. When he comes, come and see me."
Hong Han, the governor of Datong, did not come, but Wang Xi, the chief military officer, came first.
Wang Shouren originally wanted to ask Zhang Zhou if he had not rested or if he had gotten up early, but now that someone from Datong was coming, he could not ask any more questions.
Zhang Zhou, however, yawned and answered Wang Shouren on his own: "I didn't rest last night. I'm sleepy. I'll receive this man. You can tell him about the use of troops later."
"Isn't this... inappropriate?"
Although Wang Shouren deployed Ma Yi, the former commander-in-chief of Xuanfu, on the grassland, he asked himself that he had no interaction with Wang Xi, the commander-in-chief of Datong. Would Wang Xi listen to what he said?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "This man has no great talent. If he doesn't listen, tell me and I will relieve him."
Wang Shouren felt awkward.
Zhang Zhou's words sounded like he had a lot of trust in him, but I always felt that Zhang Zhou had a domineering attitude, and it was the kind that was exposed. He wanted to beat the sieve of fire into a colander, and he said he wanted to promote him to be the governor, and he also said he wanted to step down.
The position of a general military officer who did not participate in the war...
Before the change, Wang Shouren could only think that Zhang Zhou was overly favored and too flattering.
But now he suddenly could understand Zhang Zhou's state of mind.
Without prestige, it is difficult for a person to gain a foothold, especially in a place like the northwest, where wolves are everywhere. It is said that the grasslands are full of hungry wolves, but now even fire sieves have been beaten into obedient rabbits. Perhaps Zhang Zhou is more afraid of this.
As a general of the Ming Dynasty who even looks for trouble behind his back.
When Wang Shouren understood this, he had to learn more.
He can't gain a foothold in the northwest just by relying on military strategy on the battlefield, so he needs to show some "overlord spirit".
To put it simply... I am awesome and Hong Hong, if you don't accept it, try it!
This trick is not easy to use against the Confucian officials in the court, but it seems to be very effective against the border generals in the northwest.
…
…
Wang Xi then came to see Zhang Zhou.
Zhang Zhou looked at Wang Xi.
In recent decades of the Ming Dynasty, two Wang Xis have held the position of Datong Commander-in-Chief. One of them served in the town during the Chenghua period and died in office in the first year of Hongzhi.
The other one is Wang Xi, who is over forty years old, but is a famous doctor in the Ming Dynasty. He once wrote ten volumes of "Yilin Lei Zheng Ji Yao". Historically, in June of the 13th year of Hongzhi, he
Due to his inability to resist the fire-swept border invaders, he was recalled together with the governor Hong Han. He was convicted in December of that year. However, Hong Han was deprived of his post and lived idle while he was sent to Zhenfan, Shaanxi to guard the border. From then on, his political career
Totally destroyed.
It is also a duty-related crime. In history, Ma Yi, who was dismissed from office after being accused of corruption and bending the law by Ma Zhongxi, just "lived in peace and quiet", and the difference emerged.
Zhang Zhou had a bad temper when facing Wang Xi.
He said coldly: "Commander Wang has arrived at the right time. If the fire-sweeping pursuers arrive, we can take the opportunity to collect my body."
As soon as Wang Xi heard this, he knelt down in front of Zhang Zhou and said with a respectful look on his face: "Forgive me, Master Zitai, but I will obey the orders of Hong Zhongcheng in the end. It is the orders of Master Zhongcheng. If you go out of the pass, you will encounter barbarians."
If you get too close, you will have to lead your troops back to the pass, and you will not be willing to fight."
Zhang Zhou sneered: "Then have you met a barbarian?"
"Never... never." Wang Xi tried his best to defend himself, "But the sentinel came to report that Huo Siwei had deployed his troops in Mao'erzhuang, so he had to retreat."
Wang Shouren couldn't stand listening and frowned and said: "Wrong, the fire screening of Chen Bing in Mao'erzhuang happened yesterday. Why did you encounter the fire screening when you sent out troops?"
"Maybe... the battle report is wrong." Wang Xiben wanted to use today's incident to fool Zhang Zhou.
But now I know it’s not easy to fool me.
Because now outside the pass, there are Ming Ye Bu Shou everywhere, and Huo Si does not seem to dare to go south. The Ming border troops, including Ye Bu Shou, have become tough.
I'm just probing the intelligence under your nose, Huo Si, and I have a clear view of the grassland situation. I'm asking you, what can Huo Si do to us?
Zhang Zhoudao: "Just because a battle report was wrong, you almost made three thousand soldiers of the Ming Dynasty unable to return home. Do you know your guilt?"
Wang Xi immediately kowtowed, almost breaking his head: "I hope you will forgive me. I am thinking of the stability of the Ming Dynasty border... please forgive me..."
He kept saying he was sorry, but no one knew whether he was sincerely repentant or not.
Wang Shouren looked at Zhang Zhou and suddenly understood how important it was to be a superior. At this moment, he was even thinking about how he would be a governor in the future and how he would manage the border areas.
These are all "learning" opportunities.
In the past, Wang Shouren would not have thought about this kind of thing, but now he could see that he, like Zhang Zhou, was a new scholar. Within a few days of entering the officialdom, he also had military merits. To a certain extent,
After obtaining a certain level of qualifications and prestige, the rest... is just to follow the example of the gourd.
Compassion does not command troops.
"I will argue with you about your matter, but not now." Zhang Zhou said, "Now that the fire sieves are arrayed in Mao'erzhuang, are you willing to take the blame and make meritorious service?"
"ah?"
Wang Xi fainted as soon as he heard this.
Does this mean you want me to lead the troops to fight against the fire sieve?
Zhang Zhou said: "Looking at you like this, you don't have the slightest intention of acquitting yourself and doing meritorious service."
"No... I am willing to serve. Please give me a chance, Master Tai." Wang Xi was deeply unhappy, but he still wanted to show his determination to kill the enemy bravely and fight bloody battles.
While he was talking, Ma Yi came in from the door of the tent. He came on the order of Zhang Zhou. When he saw Wang Xi kneeling on the ground with a bear-like look on his face, still pretending to be unwilling, he felt a little disgusted in his heart.
I have all served as commander-in-chief. Although I am not a good bird, I am afraid of being compared with others.
You are still a coward.
Ma Yi finally toughened up, and now she can look down on her colleagues.
Who told me to go to Weininghai and make meritorious deeds?
Zhang Zhou said: "I didn't ask you to send troops to Maoerzhuang. To put it bluntly, I don't have enough cannons. I need some iron or something to recast the cannons. How many can Datong Town provide?"
"Um?"
Wang Xi didn’t understand a bit.
After going around in circles, you actually asked me for iron and baggage?
Wang Shouren urged: "If I ask you a question, answer it quickly. Now resisting the fire sieve is the top priority. You can't distinguish the priorities, right?"
Unknowingly, when Wang Shouren spoke, he seemed to be singing along with Zhang Zhou.
Even the tone of voice is somewhat similar.
Zhang Zhou couldn't help but glance at Wang Shouren.
It seems...Wang Shouren has a bit of "ruffian spirit" in him. Could it be that you, Wang Shouren, have imitated me?
The reason why I speak like this is because I usually behave like this and have this tone in front of the emperor. And if you still want to be a philosopher or a "half-saint" in the future, you don't have to learn from me.
Wang Xi was not familiar with Wang Shouren's personality, nor did he know Wang Shouren's changes, but now he knew that Wang Shouren was very powerful. Who could be Yi Yu who could lead troops to attack Weininghai unexpectedly? He said hurriedly: "As long as the general military office can arrange it,
, in the end you must try your best."
"Then transfer him here." Zhang Zhou said.
Wang Xi said in confusion: "Master Zitai, this...Yanghekou, is this place adjusted?"
Zhang Zhoudao: "Why? You don't look down on Yanghekou? In the 14th year of Zhengtong's reign, we first broke through the Ming Dynasty defense line and entered the pass through Yanghekou, which caused drastic changes later. The terrain here is so important, where would I go if I didn't station here?
Huh! Wherever my people are, that’s the front line!”
Wang Xi’s brain is a bit weak.
In his opinion, the area facing Mao'erzhuang is obviously more dangerous, and Yanghekou seems to be a bit biased in defending the Huoshi headquarters stationed in Mao'erzhuang.
Ma Yi on the side said: "As long as Master Zhitai is in Yanghekou, the Tatars will not dare to invade. Don't you understand this?"
Ma Yi also wanted to show off her abilities by speaking with an accent and looking full of momentum.
The deputy commander-in-chief was stunned and said the commander-in-chief's style.
"Yes, yes. General... Do you want to go back and make arrangements now?" Wang Xi asked for instructions.
Zhang Zhouze seemed to be tired. He glanced at Wang Shouren and said, "I'll leave the rest to Wang Zhongcheng to hand over to you. By the way, although Wang Zhongcheng is only the head of the Ministry of War now, I have already reported to the imperial court and appointed him as the capital emperor."
Shi Lai is guarding the border pass. As the General Secretary of Xuanda, I have the authority to temporarily appoint supervisory officials. He is not stationed in a corner yet. When the war advances, the imperial commission will naturally come."
"Yes Yes."
Only then did Wang Xi know that this powerful Wang Shouren had become the nominal governor.
Moreover, Zhang Zhou said that to be a governor, one does not necessarily have to be the governor of Datong or the governor of Xuanfu. It is also feasible to create one's own governor of Yanghekou during wartime. Who makes Zhang Zhou the nominal supreme commander of Xuanda Territory?
official?
Of course, I, Mr. Zhang, have the final say on how I appoint officials under my command.
…
…
Zhang Zhou yawned and went back to the inner tent to rest.
Wang Xi is still a bit unclear about the situation, so why did Zitai, who was so aggressive and wanted to kill people earlier, suddenly act like a ruffian, not caring about his image at all, and just leave like that?
Even if you have not been in the officialdom for a long time, you are also a Jinshi and the number one scholar in the Ming Dynasty. You should be as concerned about your image as those officials who are a Jinshi, right?
Wang Shouren saw that Wang Xi was looking in the direction of Zhang Zhou's departure in a daze, and reminded him: "Zhang Zhitai set out from Xuanfu and marched continuously to Maoerzhuang to relieve the siege of the Ming Dynasty's attack on Weining Haibing. It can be said that
You have done your duty, and you have not rested since the journey. In comparison, look at your generals in Datong Town. They can get there a hundred miles away from the fortress, but they are still afraid to move forward."
"Yes, yes. Wang Zhongcheng, your lesson is correct. Isn't this general...who has never had the opportunity to listen to the teachings of Zhang Zhitai and you, two powerful men? It will definitely not happen again in the future!"
Wang Xi can now see that Wang Shouren is Zhang Zhou's spokesperson.
It's a bit difficult to curry favor with Zhang Zhou, because Zhang Zhou doesn't even think of Bao Guo Gong and Zhang Heling carrying Zhang Zhou's shoes. What do you think, a Datong military officer without a title?
It would be more effective to curry favor with a newly rising governor like Wang Shouren.
Wang Shouren said: "You don't have to go personally to dispatch pig iron, grain, grass, and baggage. You can just send someone. I will also greet Hong Zhongcheng with a handwritten edict."
"you……"
Wang Xi almost wanted to say, you seem to be just a governor, right?
And in terms of official position and qualifications, why do you directly communicate with the governor of Datong by handwriting?
"It's Zhang Zhitai's handwriting," Wang Shouren added.
"Yes Yes."
Only then did Wang Xi realize that he had to quickly put away his scornful attitude, otherwise just by saying the wrong thing, he would easily be unable to curry favor and get a slap on his forehead.
Wang Xi learned the lesson this time and took the initiative to ask: "Then Wang Zhongcheng, how to set up defenses? I only brought three thousand cavalry this time, all of them are elite... If we cooperate with Tiancheng Guard, Yanghe Guard and other troops, we can temporarily
It can be mobilized to ride with more than 7,000 steps, which adds up to... more than 10,000."
Wang Shouren shook his head: "If you are not an elite soldier, it will be of no use after leaving the pass. How can you fight the fire sieve head-on?"
"this……"
Wang Xi was crying in her heart.
Feelings, the soldiers from your Xuanfu are elite soldiers, and the soldiers from our Datong Town are all cowards, right? There is no such regional discrimination.
"Now that Zhang Zhitai is personally in charge, the so-called formation of troops is more to show his majesty. It is best to embroider a few more flags of the Ming Dynasty. It is best to arrange them along the passes. The cavalry is patrolling in front of the passes. It is also
Don't be afraid of being discovered by the Di Yi scouts, or even show them! They will retreat without a fight."
Wang Shouren made arrangements.
Since Zhang Zhou asked him to prepare troops for Wang Xi, he should follow Zhang Zhou's wishes.
He understood that this was also a test given to him by Zhang Zhou.
Wang Xi said: "That platform...or Wang Zhongcheng, when will you lead the troops to fight Huo Si?"
Wang Shouren frowned and said: "If you want to retreat, why do you need to fight in person? Destroying the fire screen will be of great help to the pattern of the grassland? This is the time of internal chaos in the grassland. We can just sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight."
Fuck you uncle!
Wang Xi wanted to curse after hearing this.
Why didn't you say before that you wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the fight between tigers? You directly sent troops to attack Weininghai, and asked us from Datong Town to cooperate in sending troops. Now that you have finished attacking Weininghai, you only remember that you want to be fishermen? Are your feelings just playing tricks on us?
"Although the strategy of dispatching troops is determined by His Majesty, the specific strategy of deploying troops shall be based on the actual situation on the front line. Zhang Zhitai and other border officers must assess the situation, just like your Datong Town retreated after dispatching troops."
Wang Shouren was blocking Wang Xi's mouth.
It was your Datong town who disobeyed the emperor's orders and retreated after sending troops. Now you still dare to question the correctness of the emperor and Zhang Zhou's northwest strategy?
Needless to say, His Majesty and Zhang Zhou, even me, you have no right to question.
Whoever has the military merit will be tough.
Not convinced?
Wang Xi sighed: "Fire sieve has been harassing my border all year round. Now I have the opportunity to destroy it in one fell swoop and scare the wolves on the prairie. If we let the opportunity go... it would be a pity."
Wang Shouren shook his head and said, "Didn't you hear what Zhang Zhitai said when he left?"
Which sentence?
Wang Xi thought about it for a while, and found out that Zhang Zhou had said a lot of things before, and they seemed to be innocuous. He would either reach out to me to ask for baggage, or scold me, and said that he would be held accountable afterwards...
"There are not enough cannons, and there is not enough gunpowder in the Mighty Sky. If there are enough, why don't you stay in the pass? Mr. Wang, if the Ming Dynasty wants to send out troops, it must also consider the actual situation. As a soldier, you can just follow the orders. How to use the troops?
It's not something you should consider." Wang Shouren said.
Wang Xixin said, you are not the governor of Datong, why should you command me?
But he immediately put aside his arrogance and said with a smile: "I will be willing to serve you."
Ma Yi said: "General Wang, it is very important to obey orders. When I am on the grassland, I only obey orders to achieve a great victory. Your task now is to use the materials in Datong Town to assist in doing things. The court will have its own
Don't make your own decisions when awarding rewards. If an order comes from the Hongjun Sect, you should also know clearly whose order should take precedence."
"Of course it's Zhang Zhitai." Wang Xi said, "Oh, and you, Wang Zhongcheng."
