The 12,000 soldiers in the Jiaozhou battalion are fully paid, and the monthly silver money and grain are given in full.

Nowadays, there is no peaceful place in the north at all. Young and strong men do not have much way out except to be soldiers, if there is a place to go to Tuntian Grange to farm in Shandong, but there can only be a cow and a horse to make food and clothing. Where is it better than fighting in the barracks to achieve fame and wealth.

There is only such a way out, Zhou Yang and Ning Qiangui's ideas are also the opinions of most people, it is already a grace of heaven and earth to take care of the soldiers' food, why bother to pay ten percent of the silver. It is not unreasonable for them to think about it, looking at the soldiers of the other armies in the Ming Dynasty, it is not a luxury to eat partially, let alone any silver.

The 12,000 soldiers of the Jiaozhou battalion should be compared with the 20,000 newly recruited soldiers. It's just a matter of managing rice, and the literati system of the Jiaozhou camp is a consensus.

Then there were the military ships and merchant ships on the sea, and Li Menglin always invested more than 100,000 taels of silver into them. There are also a large amount of money spent every month, all for the sailor who can only meet once a year. The so-called several warships of the Jiaozhou battalion were all for Zheng Zhilong's life.

In the private port between Lingshanwei and Aoshanwei, the people of Jiaozhou camp are deeply involved in the management, and they know very well how much money can be made by merchant ships traveling to and from the Wa Kingdom and Goryeo, and this huge profit is really coveted. On the contrary, Li Meng's side invested the land earned by five merchant ships in the so-called land to buy ships and raise sailors. At present, there are too many places in Jiaozhou to use money. Why spend on such things that have no visible benefits and are illusory.

And everyone also learned that if Li Meng didn't buy the gunboat. The Zheng family is also willing to give Jiaozhou a lot of convenience on the merchant ship, so that a large amount of money will be paid into the account. But Li Meng insisted on it.

Seeing the increasing financial distress of this Jiaozhou camp. But the commander Li Meng still insisted on the practice of "spending money indiscriminately", which made the people below extremely incomprehensible, and some literati compared Li Meng's spending full pay to raise soldiers to the chaos of the Later Tang Zhuangzong to spend money on soldiers. Grow Soldier Land*. Likening his lavish investment in maritime affairs to that of a wealthy man who likes to seek immortals overseas.

Ning Qiangui and Zhou Yang also risked being reprimanded this time to come over to admonish. However, Li Meng's reaction was beyond their expectations, as if he had expected these things for a long time. Then tell them not to worry.

However, there is a financial shortage, and Li Meng may have some magic method that can change it. And what Li Meng wants to do, if he himself doesn't say it clearly, others can't ask casually for the sake of confidentiality. But this 10,000 soldiers are fully paid. Both of these things are long-term plans, and this time we must make them clear.

Zhou Yang and Ning Qiangui also directly expressed their opinions, except for the 1,000 personal soldiers led by Wang Hai. and the generals in the town. The rest of the soldiers were well fed. Thirty percent silver. In the maritime industry, we should not engage in any illusory warships and warships. It is better to reach an agreement with the Zheng family. Make money from merchant ships and integrate those who have military experience into the army.

To tell the truth, Ning Qiangui and Zhou Yang were sincere. He made this suggestion with an excited expression. Li Meng's feeling was extremely surprised. These two things were taken for granted in his eyes. Why do the surrounding people still have such big opinions? And talk about this as a matter of life and death.

Although Li Meng is a military general, he does not despise martial artists. I know that the Jiaozhou camp can have the scale it is today. It runs so smoothly. The Jiaozhou battalion is well managed in the tuntian granges all over Shandong, which is all due to the efforts of these literati. Ning Qiangui and Zhou Yang worked hard.

It is said that both of them have their own dividends in Tuntian Tianzhuang and Lingshan Commercial Bank. You can also enjoy the glory and wealth at any time. But Zhou Yang is in his early Chinese New Year's Eve this year and looks like he is in his forties. Ning Qiangui's head and beard are mostly frost and snow. It can be seen that both of them are hard work.

Rates and maritime. In fact, Li Meng has many reasons why he can't explain these two things clearly. But the two of them have a sincere and loyal heart. Li Meng is still ready to talk about it roughly. After a deep groan, Li Meng tapped his fingers on the coffee table beside him and organized the language. Shen Sheng said:

"May I ask the two gentlemen, is there a thing in the world that my Jiaozhou camp is full of salaries for 10,000 people?"

Seeing Li Meng's attitude, Zhou Yang and Ning Qiangui became more serious, this is a bit of a question-and-answer posture, which can be regarded as a kind of official conversation. Zhou and Ning both shook their heads. Ning Qiangui opened his mouth and said:

"At that time, Li Chengliang, the general soldier of Liaodong, raised 8,000 families. This dynasty is just this person, and these soldiers and generals are all folded outside the Saiwai and North Korea, and there is no more. The others are all deducting the salaries of ordinary soldiers to support their relatives and soldiers. ”

Li Meng nodded. To continue:

"I'm just like any other general. withhold the salaries of ordinary soldiers. It is used to support relatives and soldiers, so what is the difference between me and other local generals in the world. Ben will ask you again. How are the soldiers of the Jiaozhou battalion compared to the soldiers and horses of other families?"

There is no need to think about this question, Zhou Yang immediately replied:

"The soldiers and horses of the Jiaozhou battalion are naturally elite and strong. There is no other in the world!"

"Are you faithful!?"

"These more than 10,000 soldiers and horses are all dead set on the general, loyal, and willing to die for service."

After Li Meng finished asking, he nodded with a smile, and continued to ask:

"Ben will be human. Mu Ne is few words and is not good at making friends. I only know about the soldiers, why are these soldiers willing to die for the loyal service of the general?"

"The soldiers of the Jiaozhou battalion all have a heart of loyalty......"

Li Meng laughed. It's rare to see him in such a state of unbridled expression of emotion. After the laughter stopped, Li Meng said indifferently:

"May I be faithful to the death. In addition to the practice of the law on weekdays, it is the full amount of food and money in the Jiaozhou camp. Do you not have the heart of loyalty among the soldiers and horses of the world? If Ben Jiang's food and salary here are also deducted, then why should such a strong soldier stay in this poor country and follow Ben Jiang from birth to death, if there is some governor, Qin and the like come over with a piece of paper. If you speak of loyalty, will not people run away? ”

There are some disconnections before and after these words. The meaning was also vague, and Ning Qiangui and Zhou Yang began to listen, and their brows gradually wrinkled. But then their faces changed a little wrong, and they looked at each other. I felt that there was a faint cold sweat on my back, and the words "Governor, Qin Cha ......" were a bit amazing.

But the shock was short-lived, and then the two came back to their senses, what could be shocked. The army in the world is the private property of the generals, not to mention the scale of the Jiaozhou battalion from the beginning of the salt pole to today, from the recruitment of soldiers to the armor and weapons on the soldiers. Three meals a day, it all depends on Li Meng's planning and strategy, and he wants to grasp it tighter. And what's wrong. As for any extraneous meaning or other meaning in Li Meng's words, then everyone will automatically ignore it.

After Li Meng said this, he was also looking at the expressions of the two people opposite, except after the beginning of the change. Then he became very calm, and couldn't help nodding, sure enough, it was his own subordinate. A lot of things can really be said openly.

Since this is the case. The other Li Meng didn't want to explain. On the sea and land, Li Meng took the initiative to explain:

"Regarding maritime affairs, we will inevitably give you an explanation after February next year. In addition, I can't say much, after all, it is a soldier's business, and the two of them need to do their best to plan and dispatch during this time. Help my Jiaozhou camp get through the difficulties. ”

Hearing Li Meng's words come to this point. Ning and Tuesday didn't have a good time saying anything. You can only look at each other. Zhou Yang stood up and said earnestly: "It is extremely difficult for the Jiaozhou camp to have such a foundation as it is today, and I hope you must cherish it!"

Li Meng also replied with a solemn expression:

"The lives of tens of millions of people are at stake. This official naturally cherishes it, and hopes that the two of them can rest assured. ”

Ning Qiangui also stood up and saluted silently. Turning around and about to leave, he only took a few steps. Li Meng greeted him behind him and said:

"Mr. Ning. Other states and counties in Caizhou also have a common location. How about finding a prisoner for you, how about this official activity, Mr. always worked for me in Jiaozhou for nothing, and he also wronged you. ”

Although the prisoner can also be an official. But do the same knowledge of the state and county. This is the world's strange news. That is, Li Meng dared to play this guarantee ticket only when he said it on the ground in Shandong. Ning Qiangui is in his forties and shows talent, maybe this idea of being an official has long been extinct, and entering the Jiaozhou Inspection Department of Yanzheng to be a master is to have enough food and clothing. Who would have thought that fate would meet. There is such an opportunity.

Hear this promise. Ning Qiangui was shocked, and Zhou Yang on the side had a smile on his face. I was just about to give a congratulatory message. The expression on Ning Qiangui's face changed. In the end, it was as if he had made up his mind. Turning around, he knelt down on the ground, knelt there solemnly clenched his fists in salute, and said:

"The adults treat Ning as much as a mountain, and the villain is now concentrating on the operation of the money and food in the camp, and he really has no time to devote his mind to doing other things, and I hope the adults will not be surprised."

Zhou Yang's face was a little stunned. What do literati study for, not for fame and wealth. But this Ning Qiangui actually rejected this high-grade official position. Li Meng didn't see any joy or anger on his face, he just nodded and said:

"That being the case. Mr. Li was not embarrassed. And hard work. In the future, I will live up to Mr. ”

Ning Qiangui stood up and gave a salute again. Left the house with Zhou Yang. At present, Zhou Yang is already the same governor of Caizhou Prefecture, and it is also the civil official from Wupin, when he leaves the house. There was also a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You have been training hard under this seat for many years, and today you went out to lead the troops to train. We must teach those recruits what they have learned and practiced in the old camp, so that these recruits know who they are fighting for. How the war should be fought is the most important of the great things. This is also the beginning of your future glory and wealth. I hope you will be diligent and diligent!"

After Li Meng finished speaking these words while standing on the wooden platform, the hundred selected soldiers below shouted in unison: "I will live up to the high expectations of the commander." Please rest assured!"

These words are clichés. Li Meng in early August to mid-August. Say it once or twice a day. The soldiers standing below also knew that they should answer like this. After answering. Someone dragged a wooden plate on which were placed the soldiers' new waist cards and farewells. From Li Meng to the hands one by one.

The work in the recruiting field began to be regularized. The Grange Ground Farm Garrison starts from the Tuntian Grange in another state capital or the area near the Grange, and these recruits need a certain number of veterans to lead the training. Those veterans of the Jiaozhou battalion became low-level and middle-level officers.

Located in the old camp in Jiaozhou, this time there are also several percent of the soldiers and horses scattered among the recruits, each wave of veterans sent out to serve as middle and lower-level officers, Li Meng always personally received, this is where his years of hard work. It is the seeds of his foundation, and Li Meng hopes to sow these seeds. Grow into a towering tree.

Although this procedure and ritual are prescribed procedures. But every soldier who came over was still excited. On the one hand, I know that I will go out by myself this time. It's no longer an ordinary soldier. It's an officer, and his status has changed dramatically, and the bright road is just around the corner. Now Li Meng's affairs are heavy. In addition, there are many soldiers, although they still regularly check the major events of military training, it is not easy for the ordinary soldiers below to contact Li Meng at such a close distance.

Seeing Li Erlang, who has always been known for his bravery, he said some encouraging words with a smile in front of him. Everyone is feeling the warmth in their hearts. Allegiance is a little heavier.

Li Meng usually has a straight face. Let him go and receive his subordinates with a warm smile. It's really hard for him to cheer up, and these days have made him feel more tired than when he was fighting. However, the female relatives of the family were very happy, after all, the man was at home every night. Happiness knows no bounds.

After Wang Hai discussed with the general managers and generals of the old battalion, he selected a group of pro-soldiers to supplement the pro-barracks. If it is a military camp in other places, the commander's personal soldiers are the meat of their hearts, and no one dares to change and dismantle them easily. But the Jiaozhou battalion is very different from other armies.

This time, the old battalion was sent to serve as a middle and lower-ranking officer in the recruit army. Most of them are soldiers from the pro-military battalion, because they are in the Jiaozhou battalion. The pro-soldier team that always followed Li Meng was not only used to protect Li Meng's safety, but also to be used as the most elite troops. More. is a function of an officer training school.

The Jiaozhou camp has a heavy workload. Moreover, the scale is not large, and it is impossible to have a special institution for the training of officers and non-commissioned officers. But simply let the veteran accumulate merit and be promoted. This is also a big hidden danger.

In modern times, Li Meng was just an ordinary non-commissioned officer. Except for some lectures and training, he did not attend a military school. It can only be made up for with some earthly methods. For example. Li Meng's current behavior can be called a standard martial artist. Moreover, the pro-soldier battalion is often at the forefront of the charge, from the marching formation, to the logistics camp, to the battle and actual combat, the pro-soldier battalion has more opportunities to contact. And the contact ground is a standardized and professional process.

Moreover, Li Meng, Wang Hai and other officers, after each step, tried their best to summarize why they did what they did and how to do it into a theoretical conclusion.

The Manchu Tartars were imprisoned. In the actual battle in Qihe County, the pro-military battalion was also fully involved, such experience and experience. Make them more suitable to serve as officers than the non-commissioned officers in other barracks. And they have been exposed to the way they teach each other, and it is easy to train new people.

So this time the veteran went to the recruit camp to be an officer. Li Meng sent more than eighty percent of the pro-military camp, and many of them were originally from the squad and deputy to the pro-military camp, and this time they were sent to the recruits. Basically, they are all from the squad and the general sit-up, which is also considered to be promoted after the training experience.

And the foot box was born and died with Li Meng. They are all loyal people. For officers on assignments. This kind of loyalty is the best quality.

Li Meng has just finished sending a group of veterans. Finish the ritual. The sun is already in the west. I was about to go to the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau to have a look, but I saw a horse hurrying over outside the school field. This is considered a military stronghold, and immediately a soldier with a long weapon stopped him.

The man on horseback was not yet dressed as an officer and soldier of the Jiaozhou battalion. Tsing Yi hat. It was a domestic servant, stopped outside by the soldiers, and looked very anxious from a distance. After a while, a personal soldier ran to Li Meng's side quickly, approached and whispered:

"Your Excellency. Madame is not feeling well. Steward Luo asked the adults to come home and have a look. ”

The news was very sudden. Li Meng thought to himself when he went out in the morning. It's not still normal. Fortunately, today's government affairs have been dealt with, Li Meng gave an order to the people around him, and immediately rushed towards his home, and dozens of horses galloped away.

The servant in the place where the news was reported was a veteran of the Jiaozhou battalion, and this veteran did not mean that he was experienced, but that he was indeed older, and he belonged to the kind of land that should be placed in Tuntian Grange after retirement. However, this veteran was unwilling to leave Jiaozhou too far, so he simply became a family member in Li Meng's mansion. Nor does it get tired.

The servant of this family can also ride a horse, and immediately told Li Meng about the situation at home, saying that it was normal at lunchtime, and after lunch, it was about half an hour, and suddenly a maid ran out of the room in a panic. It was said that Mrs. was not in good health.

Since Li Meng returned home, it has been smooth sailing. The same is true for the family, and suddenly the lady is unwell. Immediately, the entire mansion was alarmed, first Mu Yunyao led Gu Hengbo and Liu Ru to hurry over, and the housekeeper Luo Shan sent someone to ask for his own mouth. At the same time, someone was sent to inform Li Meng.

There are no doctors in the small place of Fengmeng Town, but most of the high-level officials and families in the Jiaozhou camp live in the Li family manor, for this. I specially invited a few old doctors from Jining Prefecture to open a pharmacy in Fengmeng Town. In fact, it is also a place to serve the Li family manor.

However, as soon as this pharmacy opened, the rich and noble families in Jiaozhou, Gaomi, and Jimo all took the initiative to come to see a doctor. Except, of course, for the Li family manor. This pharmacy is not a place to go.

The distance between the school field and the Li family manor is not far. Li Meng very. It's almost there, but I dismount. I saw the butler Rosie waiting on the steps, with an excited look on his face.

Seeing Li Meng coming back, the housekeeper Rosie trotted over. Seeing the excitement and joy on Rossi's face. Li Meng has been hanging on the ground, and his mind has calmed down. I haven't asked yet. I heard Rosie say excitedly and loudly:

"Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations. Madame is overjoyed!!"

Hearing this, Li Meng was stunned for a moment, and before he could react, his eyes widened. Another glance at Rosie who had announced the good news, and Rosie nodded heavily there. Li Meng didn't speak either. Strode directly towards Fuchu. There was already a look of surprise on his face.

There are offspring. I want to have a son or a daughter. Li Meng was single in modern times, and only after coming to this era did he have the so-called family life, and at this time he already had a huge foundation. The Jiaozhou camp was all worried about Li Meng's lack of an heir.

In this era, the only place that can guarantee stable inheritance is blood relationship, if Li Meng has no queen. According to the rules of this era. I'm afraid that the minds of the generals under him will not be stable. But Li Meng, who is from the modern world, has no concept of this matter at all. doesn't care at all, combined with the attitude of the people around him, this is the standard emperor is not in a hurry and the eunuch is in a hurry,

To say that Li Meng has not thought about this problem. But not necessarily, it's just that he didn't realize the importance of this matter at all, and today he suddenly heard that his wife was happy, and the ecstasy in his heart was very revealing.

The Lijiazhuang circle is usually quiet and orderly, and everyone has their own things. Today, it's a complete mess. The mothers-in-law and maids who were on errands in the manor were all busy, and their faces were full of excitement and joy. After all, this is a great event for the Li Mansion. Everyone is infected by this atmosphere.

Seeing Li Meng striding over, these subordinates all smiled and flashed to both sides, and they also knew that Li Meng was anxious at this time. Soon they arrived at the door of the inner house, and coincidentally, the man who had come out of his mouth was followed by two children with medicine boxes on their backs. Guo Dongdi's mother-in-law was there to see off guests.

This person has also come to the Li family manor and met Li Meng a few times. As soon as he saw Li Meng coming, he hurriedly gave a big gift. The words of congratulations were still being spoken:

"The villain is here to congratulate the general soldier......

Li Meng's mind was not on this at all, and he just asked:

"What about my wife, sir, tell me the results."

"The pulse is strong. Stable tire gas. It's just that in the future, you need to recuperate your body and not get infected with wind and cold diseases. ”

Li Meng nodded vigorously. There was already a smile on his face, and at this time his mood calmed down, and he said with a smile:

"I'm going to trouble Mr. to run a few more times in the future. Guo Dong's home. Give Mr. fifty taels for the consultation. What will you pay attention to in the future? Don't be negligent. ”

After speaking, he didn't pay attention to the self-mouth of the eyebrows and smiles. He hurried towards the house again. before going up the steps. I saw that Yan Ruoran had already walked out of the house. When the head of the family comes back, it is also a necessary etiquette for his wife to go out to greet him, and Li Meng didn't feel anything before.

But today I just learned about a little rest, but I stepped forward to stop Yan Ruoran. Strange said:

"Old husband and wife. What are you doing with all these false courtesies? What if you get a cold? ”

Yan Ruoran has always been quiet and calm. Li Meng is also a person who is not good at words. I heard Li Meng say such things today. Yan Ruoran was stunned when she heard this concern, and then chuckled a few times. whispered:

"It's just that I was nauseous and a little uncomfortable at noon, but the movement in the house was so big."

After finishing speaking, his face flushed, and he complained softly:

"It's still early, look at your anxious look......"

Li Meng, who has always been calm and calm, didn't know what to say at this time. Just a few smirks. Helping Yan Ruoran to walk towards the inner hall. In fact, at this time, there is a reaction to oneself. It is true that there is no need for Li Meng to be so cautious. But for Li Meng. Counting the past and present lives, it is the first time that it is genuine. It's inevitable not to take it seriously.

Yan Ruoran is not repulsed by this kind of closeness, don't look at the commotion outside, after all, this is the private residence of the chief soldier. The house was still very quiet, and the couple sat down. Li Menggang wanted to say something, but Yan Ruoran spoke first:

"Husband. That time I went on an outing to the beach, and the concubine took a concubine. How's it going?"

"This ......"

Li Meng was stunned by the question all of a sudden. Recently, the Jiaozhou camp has been busy with affairs, and I really haven't taken the time to think about it. But Yan Ruoran saw Li Meng's reaction. But I thought my man was a little embarrassed. I don't know how to answer, but I'll tell you about it now. Said:

"Although Yun Yao's parents are dead, she has everyone's anger in her gestures. The beauty of a person is also a deep love for her husband. Let her be a concubine. The concubine still felt that she couldn't stand her, so she asked specially, but Yun Yao's sister didn't care. What do you think, husband?"

Hearing these words, Li Meng glanced at Yan Ruoran, wondering if these words were the other party's sincere words, Yan Ruoran looked calm. The eyes are open. It seems to be sincere, but it does feel awkward, and his wife wants to have a child. but persuaded himself to take a concubine.

Yan Ruoran over there was still silent when he saw Li Meng. I was not in a hurry, and continued to persuade:

"The concubine has a few more months. You can't worry too much about the inner mansion, and this huge Li Mansion also needs someone to take care of it. There are also more and more secrets that Yun Yao's sister and Gu and Liu girls are involved in government affairs, and the concubine heard about the Huang Commander and Hou Shopkeeper outside. I have to come here from time to time to ask for instructions. Such a confidential person, it is better to give a name as soon as possible, and please rest assured that the concubine is not a jealous woman who does not know the depths. ”

To be honest, these words made Li Mengdu a little dumbfounded, and Yan Ruoran persuaded himself to take a concubine, among these reasons. There are few for selfishness, most of them are for the public, he has been in this era for almost ten years, and he feels that he has completely integrated into this era. Who would have thought that today's conversation completely overturned his thoughts.

A few dry sighs. 李孟says:

"Even if you want to take a concubine, wait until the child is born. Don't be bothered by these personal matters. ”

Heard Li Meng's words. Yan Ruoran became serious. 正色的 says:

"Husband. Na Yunyao's sister being a concubine is not only a private matter, but at first the concubine thought that Yun Yao and the three of them were just child's play. I didn't expect to have the weight of a cardinal now, husband. Even if you don't consider the affection between the two of us and Yun Yao's sister. Don't you think about this rare talent?"

Li Meng really has nothing to say......

Incidentally, Mu Yunyao, Gu Hengdu, and Liu Ru are the places where the three of them are located, and the names of the mainland to the outside world have gradually become unified. It is called the "Lee's Inner Ledger".

In the large inn in the south of Nanjing, a middle-aged man with an angry face ran to the courtyard of the house that had been carved out separately to entertain distinguished guests. As soon as I entered the door, I saw my master sitting on a wicker chair for a long time. The middle-aged man took a few breaths to calm his mind, walked up to him and said:

"Sir. went to buy a carriage and ran away with the silver, and stole a few valuable things when he left. ”

The old man, who was called the old man, was white-faced and beardless, squinting his eyes and sitting on a wicker chair, as if enjoying the sunshine at this time. Hear the middle-aged man's report. After half a ring, he chuckled and said:

"The trees are falling and scattered, our family is in such a situation. No wonder they go. It's okay to go. It can be regarded as finding a way out for yourself. ”