Seiwa

In March of the seventh year of Yongle, [-] Ming troops went out to the desert.

When the news came out, the grassland was in a panic.The tribes related to Benya Shili and Alutai broke camp and ran away overnight.

The three guards of Wuliangha were awarded the vanguard of the army. The strong men held their chests high and walked with wind.Seeing the Jurchens in the army, they all squinted at the corners of their eyes, puffed out their nostrils, and only had to point their thumbs down, and said contemptuously: "You boy can't do it!"

Once or twice is fine, but if there are too many times, the Jurchens are full of anger, not because of military orders, and they will probably fight with knives.

The commander of Jianzhou Wei could still hold his breath, but Mao Lianwei, Hu'er Wenwei, and Hu'er Haiwei, the leaders of the Jurchen who were summoned, couldn't bear it anymore.

The three guards of Wuliangha are old, have a large number of people, and have strong combat effectiveness.Because of Jing Nan's great achievements in neutrality, the emperor treated Wu Liangha differently, not only rewarding them constantly, but also turning a blind eye to their behavior of making extra money.In front of the tribe that later surrendered, the three guards are quite confident.

However, no matter how important the emperor is, no matter how strong the background is, he will not bully others like this!

"It can't go on like this!"

"Yes, if you keep swallowing your anger like this, you will be looked down upon sooner or later!"

"Jurchen has no cowards!"

"Being beaten by the general army, admit it! You must teach those Mongolians a lesson!"

When camping in the evening, the leaders of the Jurchen gathered together in the tent of Hehachu to discuss countermeasures together.Leaving aside the always silent Haha, everyone agreed that Wu Liangha must be given a little color.

Mao Lianwei directed Xiyang Ha and Ha Ha out to be old friends.The tribal territories of the two met not far away, and they joined forces to pay tribute to Nanjing. At the same time, they were canonized by the Ming Dynasty, and the officials worshiped the commander of the military and civilian commander.Although they each have plans in private, on the surface they have the same interests and the relationship is quite close.

"Haha, what do you think should be done about this?"

As soon as Xiyangha finished speaking, all eyes in the tent focused on Hehachu.

There was a sound of bad luck in the secret channel, and he frowned.

Originally made up his mind not to come out, but was pushed out by a word.I don't know if Xiyangha was unintentional or intentional, the former is fine, but the latter... If you can return to Liaodong from the desert alive, you must be more careful.

"From my point of view, this matter is quite weird. I'm afraid it's a trap, just waiting for us to step on it."

Haha, it's not unreasonable to worry

Wuliangha Sanwei has the capital to be proud, but he is not without brains.

I really don't have a brain, I don't care about things, I let the emperor clean up long ago.

What do the Han people say?Non-my family, its heart must be different!

As soon as the army left the fortress, these Mongols aimed at the Jurchen in everything. If they had personal grievances, they would not be so grandiose, for fear that they would not arouse public anger.But the Jurchens are really in a hurry, what benefits can they get if they start fighting?

"According to what you mean, do you want to continue to endure?"

There was dissatisfaction in Xiyangha's expression and tone, and so did the others.

The head of the Jurchen savage, who had just joined, grabbed the sheep bone in front of him and put it in his mouth.The mushy boiled mutton had been gnawed away, leaving only one rib.There was a creaking sound between the teeth clenching, and the bones continued to fall. The other Jurchen leaders were terrified, and turned their heads slightly stiffly, avoiding this scene.

The number of Jurchens is small, but they are divided into dozens of tribes.They are also afraid of these wild Jurchens and Jurchens who live in the extreme north and are said to drink blood all day long, and the Jurchen tribes who live in Liaodong and have begun to contact the culture of the Central Plains.

To sum it up in one sentence, having fun together is really difficult.

"It's better not to make a move." Heha said with an emphasis, "Even if we want to do it, we can't do it first."

He couldn't figure it out before, but just now a vague thought flashed through his mind, Wu Liangha must have something to rely on if he dared to do this.

Could it be that their purpose was to provoke the Jurchens to act, violate the military order, and attract a meal of military sticks?

What good does it do them?

"Cowards!" The leader of the savage Jurchen, who was chewing sheep bones, grinned and wiped his lips, "A bunch of cowards!"

"you!"

A Jurchen leader stood up abruptly, his face livid.

Haha got close, so he hurriedly grabbed him, and tried to persuade him: "Don't be angry! We don't know what Wuliangha wants to do, we can't make a mess by ourselves."

"Can……"

"I'm not a coward, and I'm not afraid of those Mongolians." Haha looked around at the people in the tent, and said in a deep voice, "Let me ask you, what is the purpose of going out with the army this time?"

"Of course it's a battle achievement!"

"In order to reward and get rich, I was rewarded by the emperor of the Ming Dynasty."

"Yes, that's the same sentence!" Haha clenched his fists and slammed the ground, "If you don't work for gold and silver, why work so hard? If you lose the chance to go to the battlefield because of a private fight in the army, are you willing? Are you willing?" What about you, are you willing?!"

Haha pointed at the crowd, each sentence was louder than each sentence.

Not to mention Xiyangha, Suoshiha and others, even the Jurchen leaders who called him a coward were shocked and shut their mouths.

"I'm not afraid of the Mongols, but I don't want to lose the opportunity to make contributions! It's not my fate to be an officer in a remote guard in Liaodong!"

Everyone looked at each other, "You mean?"

"Military exploits, I must make meritorious service in the conquest of the Tartars. I want to gain a foothold in the court, I want to wear scarlet robes, I want to hang gold medals and tie jade belts! I want to be named officials and honored titles!"

The voice fell, and there was silence in the tent.

Scarlet robe and jade belt, made officials and nobles.

Those eight words completely shocked the Jurchen leader in the tent.

"Ha ha, are you joking? How is this possible?"

"Why not?" Haha clenched his fists, "I have strength and ability, I can fight for Daming, and I will let the Emperor of Ming see the bravery of Jianzhou Jurchen! Why can't I wear a scarlet robe and tie a jade belt? Why? Can't you be knighted and be in the court?"

"But we are Jurchens..."

"How about Jurchen? Didn't those Mongols also serve as officials in the court of the Ming Dynasty? Huo Zhen, the deputy general of the right army, used his war robe to light the fire to keep the emperor warm, which provoked the ridicule of the unsuspecting soldiers. How is it now? The hero of Jing Nan, the Marquis of Tong An!"

Gudong.

I don't know who swallowed a mouthful of saliva, as if pulling back the curtain of the big drama, completely exposing Ha Ha's ambition.

Haha, he glanced at the crowd, he knew that he was taking a risk, and if today's words came out, it must not only attract ridicule.

But he had to.

Wu Liangha's intentions were unclear, if the Jurchens dared to do something, the consequences would definitely not be settled by simply beating the army stick.

He has ambitions and expectations, and before everything is realized, he will never allow anyone to stand in front of him and block his way!

"Okay!" Xiyangha suddenly clenched his fist and beat his chest hard, "I agree with you, what Jianzhou Wei can do, Mao Lianwei can do as well!"

Xiyangha's words were a signal, and the Jurchen leaders seemed to be enlightened in an instant. They all expressed that they must restrain their subordinates, and never use a knife to fall into the opponent's trap until they find out Wuliangha's true intentions.

Haha nodded, and did not continue to say more.

Verbal promises may not be completely guaranteed, but what he has done has also reversed the attitude of the majority.As for the remaining three or two, let people stare at them secretly.

At the same time, the leaders of Wuliangha who went out with the army also gathered together, headed by Duoyan Weidu Commander Tongzhi Harcai and Taining Weidu Commander Tongzhi Hulabanhu, to discuss the movement of the Jurchens in the army.

"These Jurchens can bear it." Hula Banhu sneered, "Do you want to press harder?"

"Inappropriate." Qi Liegai, who has been promoted to the commander of Taining Weidu, said, "If you have done it, you will keep a handle."

"indeed."

"But if the Jurchens don't fall for it, isn't it a waste of effort?"

"Then what can we do? Is it possible to do it first?"

"Absolutely not!" Qi Liegai sternly said, "Private fighting in the military is a violation of military orders. Whoever strikes first will be punished with a higher crime. Even if you provoke, you have taken a risk. Xing Ningbo and Tong'anhou, let's go. In Zong Rong's hands, no one can save him."

"What do you say?" Hulabanhu felt frustrated, "Just let them go like this? Don't do it before you find Wanzhetu and Arutai, and wait for the army to confront each other. They will really fall into the hands of Wei Guogong and Dingguogong." Eyes, what should we do? The land of Liaodong is so big, and the Jurchens are up, do we really want to back down?"

"no!"

"Absolutely not!"

After a few words, the tent started to shout again.

Ha'er looked at Qi Lige, "What's your idea?"

"Fellow, in my humble opinion, I'm afraid this matter should be put aside for now."

"what?"

Qi Liegai sat cross-legged and glanced at the crowd, "It's good to be able to clean up the Jurchens before the war, but it's not necessarily a bad thing if they can't."

"How do you say it?" Ha'erai asked at the same time as Hulaban Hu, "Why isn't it a bad thing?"

"You know, we are the vanguard of the army." Qi Liegai smiled and said confidently, "Tracking the trail of the Tatars depends on our Wuliangha cavalry, and the Jurchens can't do it."

"Even so,..."

"Tongzhi, let me listen to the humble officials. Jurchen is brave and true, but I haven't seen much of the 'world'. What is it to conquer North Korea? How much can you show when you reach the grassland? How about the appreciation from the officers, you know, Uncle Xingning is on our side!"

Yup!

The strong men clenched their fists at the same time and their eyes lit up.

In terms of weight in front of the emperor, Meng Shan is no match for Bo Xingning.As long as he performed well, his military exploits surpassed those Jurchens, and with Bo Xingning's kind words, why not get promoted and get rich, and gain a firm foothold in Liaodong.

The brawny men suddenly realized, and then showed joy, and Qiregai secretly heaved a sigh of relief.

Yesterday, Xingning Bote sent someone to look for him, just to trouble Wuliangha for Jurchen.

"When the army is out on an expedition, they must act with discretion. If the army's morale is disturbed, and the general army will pursue it, I will not dare to speak nonsense. I will definitely be able to show affection."

Uncle Xingning had spoken to him in private, and Qi Liegai broke out in a cold sweat at that moment.

"You just need to remember that what I promised you will definitely be fulfilled. The Shenji Camp and the Three Thousand Camp have reserved positions. The imperial court intends to set up a new capital in Liaodong, and then..."

Uncle Xingning didn't finish his next words.Qi Liegai guessed some unfinished deep meaning, and immediately turned from anxiety to excitement.

Shenji Battalion, Sanqian Battalion, Liaodong Xindu Division.

No matter where it is, it is a dream.

"Uncle, don't worry, I will convince everyone that there will be no trouble before catching up with Tatar."

"I trust you just once."

Uncle Xingning spoke in a gentle manner, with a smile on his face, but Qi Liegai was inexplicably afraid, and his palms were clammy and cold.

Looking back now, I still can't help feeling a chill run down my back.

Wei Guogong and Ding Guogong are convincing with their force, and Ding Guogong is so tough that he has no friends.Uncle Xingning didn't move his hands but only moved his mouth, but it still made people's backs shiver and their legs go weak.

After the discussion was over, everyone walked out of the tent. Qi Liegai shook his head, saw the patrolling infantry not far away, recognized the leading officer, and immediately walked up quickly.

The matter is closed for the time being, and a letter must be sent to Uncle Xingning.Although he really wanted to go by himself, considering the eyes and ears of the army, he went to Gao Fu, the leader of the team, to pass a message on his behalf.

"It's over, uncle, please rest assured."

Gao Fu nodded and continued to lead the troops forward.

Qi Liegai returned to the left camp and took the time to rest. He was on duty in the second half of the night, and it was time for him to lead people to patrol the camp.

In the big tent of the left army, Meng Qinghe just took off his armor and was about to rest.Hearing that the personal guard reported Gao Qian's affairs and asked to see him, he immediately got up and said, "Come in."

Gao Fu entered the account, without looking sideways, knelt down on one knee, and said, "I've seen Uncle."

"Get up." Meng Qing said softly, "But there should be news from Qilie?"

"Back to Uncle, that's right. When Humble was patrolling the camp, he found Humble, please report to Uncle, the matter is over, please be at ease."

"He said that?"

"Exactly."

"En." Meng Qinghe stood up, and took a few steps in the tent, "Tonight's shift, Gao Qian will go to Zuoying again, and tell Qi Liegai, I know. I will remember his affairs. .”

"Yes!"

Gao Fu took the order and withdrew from the big account.

The soldiers in front of the tent were all brought out by Gao Fu. Seeing him come out, he couldn't help but ask, "Is it something, but uncle has orders? Can we brothers?"

"Your skin is itchy, how many times have I told you, don't ask if you shouldn't ask. If you don't change it, I will ask uncle to transfer you away."

"Don't, don't!" The guard quickly begged for forgiveness, "You must raise your hand in this matter, and I will be grateful for the bid!"

"If you know how powerful you are, be on duty and shut up!"

"Yes!"

The personal guard straightened his expression and dared not say any more.

Gao Fu took two steps and took a deep breath. The cold wind from the grassland at night blew into his mouth, cooling his throat all the way to his stomach.

Ten years ago, it was also such a cold night.

The young man, who was so thin that he could almost be blown away by the wind, stabbed the blood-stained dagger into the soil fiercely, tearing at the horse's flesh ferociously like a wolf cub.

At that time, he knew that this young man would be extraordinary in the future.

Gao Fu grinned.

Looking at it now, he has developed a pair of good moves and met a nobleman.Otherwise, with his single-handed archery skills, at most he could accumulate military exploits to a hundred households.If you meet a Shangguan who is greedy for merit, you won't even get a hundred households, and a general banner will hold the sky.

After Gao Fu left, Meng Qinghe lay on the couch and suddenly couldn't fall asleep.

Wuliangha's reaction was within his expectation.The strong men are easy to guess, and if they focus on the target of Jurchen, they will definitely be unhappy.

Jurchen's response was somewhat unexpected...

Thinking of this, Meng Qinghe opened his eyes and sat up. It seemed that he still underestimated some people.However, when the army is out, it is always bad if there is trouble inside.Let's put this matter down for the time being, and let's deal with Tatar and Wala first.

Lying back on the couch again, he let out a long breath.

For this expedition, everyone from the commander-in-chief to the generals under his command have made preparations for long-term combat.

The Ming army conquered the desert, and there was always an important link that could not be bypassed. If you want to completely destroy the enemy, you must first try to find the enemy.

This was the case in the Northern Yuan Dynasty, and so was the Tatars.

Back then, Lan Yu went to Beiyuan and found Beiyuan Wangting at the seaside of Yuyuer. The 10,000+ army was almost like wild men in the snow.If Ben Yashili and Alutai also had the same idea and went around in circles, it's hard to say how long the army would have to stay in the grassland.

The longer the time and the farther the distance, the more unfavorable it is to the Ming army.

Food and fodder is the biggest problem.

Now there are no trains or airplanes, and the transportation of military supplies depends entirely on livestock and manpower.

The conquest of Annan was assisted by boatmen, and the ships went down the river, not to mention the speed and volume, and the fodder for the livestock and the rations for the transporters could all be saved.

Reluctantly, the boat division could transport grain from south to north, but could not go ashore.The army conquered the desert, and the transportation of food and grass could only rely on livestock and manpower.In the event of heavy wind, rain and snow, or getting lost accidentally, the army may run out of food.

Fortunately, there is enough food and grass with the army, so there is no need to worry about these for the time being.

Meng Qinghe turned over and grabbed the wolf fur mattress on the couch, planning for a rainy day, he had to come up with a solution as soon as possible.

In other words, how did Sapphire solve this problem back then?Could it be possible to follow Duke Liang's example as a savage?

I'm afraid Wei Guogong won't be able to pass the test, it's embarrassing...

As the night deepened, when Shen Xuan returned to the tent, Meng Qinghe was already fast asleep.

The firelight reflected on the tent, Ang Zang's figure was stretched continuously, and the sound of armor rubbing was very clear in the silence.

"Duke?"

Shen Xuan took off the armor on his wrist, walked to the side of the couch, covered Meng Qinghe's eyes with his big hand, "It's all right, go to sleep."

"kindness."

Responding vaguely, Uncle Meng went to meet Zhou Gong again, and the matter of military rations that he was thinking about before going to bed will only be mentioned tomorrow.

By the light of the fire, Shen Xuan looked at Meng Qinghe quietly, and after a long time, he leaned over and pecked his forehead.

After all the armor was taken off, Shen Xuan lay sideways on the couch, was pulled into his arms, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep accompanied by the footsteps of patrolling soldiers outside the tent.