Chapter 615: Raising Kou

After Xu Wei arrived in Xizhou, Yao Pingzhong issued a mobilization order in the name of the pacification envoy of Xihe. There were 25,000 archers and 30,000 brave archers in the Xihe army, totaling 75,000 foot soldiers, and assembled in Huangzhou. Of the 75,000 infantry troops, the regular army was only 20,000 men that Xihe Shuai had assembled earlier. However, for a long time, in this part of Shaanxi, soldiers and archers were regarded as "quasi-regular troops".

Fanbing mainly refers to the armed forces organized by the people of ethnic minorities such as Tubo and Dangxiang. These are all local natives, the people are fierce, obedient to the water and soil, they are generally not directly controlled by the commander, but by the leader of the Zhuqiang tribe. But in the event of a war, the court made it clear that they were all obliged to send troops to help in the war. Of course, no matter whether they win or lose, the government will not treat them badly.

Archers, here do not refer to a branch of the army, but an armed force, a system. It was not created by the Song Dynasty, but it was carried forward by the Song Dynasty. Strictly speaking, archers belong to the nature of village soldiers, in Shaanxi Zhulu, regardless of Fanhan, ten households, draw a talented and brave person as an archer, and the other nine households fund equipment, armor, horses, forage, and rations.

Archers were not paid, but the court gave each archer two hectares of land and was exempt from taxes. The post of "raising archers" was also set up, which was specially responsible for the recruitment, organization, training, reward and punishment of such township soldiers. Because the archers themselves were separated from production, devoted themselves to conquest, and relied on battlefield fighting to support their families, their combat effectiveness was very strong. For those who died in battle, the court gave a pension, and the court also provided subsidies for those who were injured and unable to take care of themselves.

Zhulu archers, with Jingyuan the most, followed by Xihe, from here it is not difficult to understand why Jingyuan Road is the most powerful in Shaanxi Zhulu.

In addition to the Fan soldiers and archers, Xihe Shuaiji also recruited 40,000 brave men. Yongzhuang is really a pure village soldier, according to the protection, villages, towns and other units, gather adult men, bring their own equipment, farming during farming, and practice in leisure time. In the event of war, they are recruited from the commander-in-chief, and generally do not bear combat tasks, but engage in some logistical support. But because they are located on the edge and often have police, these people also have a certain combat effectiveness, such as siege cities, although they can't charge and climb, but they can transport arrows, tow cannon tips, and twist bowstrings.

All in all, almost no one can stay out of the war on the roads of Yanyan, Jingyuan, and Xihe on the edge of Shaanxi. Regardless of the Han Dynasty, they all have the responsibility of defending the land and resisting the war, and the prestige of the Western Army's ability to fight is of course fought, but at the same time, it is also the system that comes out.

At the beginning of May, Xu Wei and Yao Pingzhong and other Xihe generals arrived in Huangzhou, and at that time, soldiers from various prefectures and counties were coming to assemble in a steady stream. Xihe Road and Jingyuan Road are the only two places in Shaanxi that have not been directly damaged by the war, although the defeat of Yanzhou caused heavy losses to the Xihe Army, but after all, it is in the rear of the anti-Jin, production and life have not been affected, so the recovery is also extremely rapid.

Outside the city of Huangzhou, there are continuous companies and camps, military tents are scattered, and soldiers of all ethnic groups haunt it. These teams all came from all over the world, and they did not belong to each other on weekdays, but once they arrived at the assembly place, they did not appear to be confused at all. All the brave heads, soldiers, commanders, inspection envoys, and archers took the initiative to report to the relevant officials in the city and report the arrival situation. The officials of the Xihe Shuai Division decided on the spot which teams would work together and be under the command of someone.

Because before that, this kind of system has been in place for dozens or hundreds of years, so everyone up and down is familiar with it.

Dozens of horses galloped out of Huangzhou City, and Xu Wei's dark cloud snow BMW was particularly eye-catching. Compared with the Hip Horse, the former is slender and light and tall, while the latter is stout and short. But sweat and blood win, it is extremely fast, and it charges like lightning. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu rode a red rabbit horse to kill Yan Liang, the latter did not react, Guan Er Ye had already rushed to the front, this is of course a joke, but it also shows that the speed of sweat and blood horses is amazing.

Xu Wei took the lead, leaving Yao Pingzhong and the others far behind. When the Purple Golden Tiger fights, he has always been neatly draped all over his body, but this time, he is dressed in a purple sè regular clothes, with a gold belt tied around his waist, and a knotted head on his head, which looks very ordinary. Just because of this, he only came to supervise the war, not to command.

When they arrived at the camp, the Fanhan warriors saw an official, with a purple robe and a golden belt, and he was crossing the divine horse, and they all looked sideways, guessing what his origin was. The last time they saw this person in this dress was Tong Guan commanding the Western Army to attack Xia, more than 20 years ago.

"Captain, this sweaty horse really deserves its name!" Yao Pingzhong caught up and praised loudly. Xu Wei promised that as long as he was good at using soldiers and could make great achievements this time, he would not hesitate to give him a bloody horse, which made Yao Pingzhong very moved. Of the several sweaty horses brought back by Ma Kuan, Xu Wei used one for himself, gave Wu Jue one, and paid tribute to Zhenjiang Xing for two horses, and there was not much left.

Xu Wei turned over and got off his horse, and his soldiers hurriedly stepped forward to take the reins. Looking at the military tents around them, there was an endless stream of strong men from Fanhan, and he asked: "How many people have arrived in each state and county?" ”

Yao Pingzhong looked at a subordinate general behind him, and the man reported: "Back to Taiwei, Zhuzhou Military County, there are 20,000 and 700 archers in Fanbing, and 32,000 brave, and there are still four days before the deadline." ”

Xu Wei nodded, walked slowly in the barracks, looking left and right. In the end, it is the frontier area, under these difficult conditions, the Fan Han soldiers are strong and fierce, and they do not seem to have escaped from the primitive barbarism. He went up to one of the soldiers, looked up and down, and saw that the man was estimated to be thirty or forty years old, taller than him, and extremely strong. Wearing a leather robe with a collar, only an iron armor on the outside, and a leather helmet on top, chā wearing two birds I don't know what kind of bird máo, rolled up the cuffs, and lù out two bulging arms. Holding a large knife in his hand, this knife may have been much narrower than the original because of years of use, but the edge is still sharpened.

Xu Wei beckoned, took his knife and held it in his hand, and actually felt very comfortable. When he threw it to him, he suddenly found that this guy had a tattoo on his hand, and when he pulled it over, it was actually the word "Fanbing".

"Captain, this is a Tibetan soldier, not only in hand." Yao Pingzhong said, pulled the soldier's ear and asked Xu Wei to see it, only to see that the word "Fanbing" was still tattooed behind his ear. In the past, when the Western army recruited soldiers and archers, it often happened that the regular army or Han archers cut off the heads of the fallen soldiers and pretended to be the enemy to report their merits. This undermined unity, and secondly, it violated military regulations, and later tattooed words on the hands and behind the ears of the soldiers, marking them.

"Well, how many battles have you fought?" Xu Wei asked.

The soldier didn't understand Chinese, so he suddenly became nervous, and he only replied after Yao Pingzhong translated.

"In the past, when Tong Guan commanded the army, he had already served in the army, and the five of his father and brother were all soldiers, and now only two of his brothers remain. He fought more than 20 battles before and after, cut 37 levels, and was not injured. ”

Xu Wei stared at the rough and fierce face, and nodded. Continuing to patrol the camp, where they passed, the soldiers of all ethnic groups bowed their heads and saluted, and no one dared to look directly. Xu Wei thought it was a tribute to him at first, but after thinking about it, this is the second time he has been to Xihe, how can these soldiers and archers recognize themselves? Looking sideways, Yao Pingzhong was waving his hand from time to time, and then he understood that they were in awe, and Yao was also.

After a long while, they arrived at a place. Xu Wei entered the Xihe River, in addition to his own guards, there were many craftsmen. This is the camp of the craftsmen. Xu Wei's guards were personally guarded, and no one was allowed to approach.

"I asked you to gather the officers in the army, did you do it?" Xu Wei asked as he stepped into the camp.

"The lowly post has gathered more than 1,000 craftsmen and carpentry soldiers in the army." Yao Pingzhong replied, and after saying that, his eyes were attracted by a device. It stood in the corner of the front left, nearly two feet high, and from the outside, it looked like a cannon cart? More than a dozen men were surrounding it, as if they were assembling or something.

Xu Wei led them to the instrument, and said loudly: "Everyone, take a look, this is the 'Weiyuan Cannon' made by the Gongzhou Capital Institute, sending two hundred catties of boulders and throwing four hundred steps away. ”

The generals watched the giant cannon and were amazed, but this was mostly in response to Xu Wei. Is there anything strange about the two-hundred-pound boulder, thrown four hundred paces away, and the existing multi-tip artillery in the army is only slightly inferior to this?

Xu Wei's gaze swept over the faces of the Xihe generals, and said with a smile: "You can see it, don't you think so?" ”

Yao Pingzhong was a straightforward person and asked: "This cannon is a little farther than the many cannons in the army, if it is used to detain the city, it is not very meaningful, could it be that there is another mystery?" ”

Xu Wei nodded: "Let me ask you, it seems that there are thirteen cannons in the army, how many people are involved?" ”

"Four hundred." Yao Pingzhong replied.

"If you attack Renduoquan City, according to your estimates, how much artillery will be needed?" Xu Wei asked again.

"It was so strong that it had to be a hundred cannons." The little lieutenant affirmed.

"Well, one cannon needs 400 men, and 100 guns will occupy 40,000 troops. This cannon, each can be made by only dozens of people, and its power is greater than the old style, is it two pennies? Xu Wei said.

The generals didn't quite believe it, but in fact, when attacking the west city of Yan'an, the western army used this counterweight stone throwing machine on a large scale. It's just that at that time, the Xihe Army was defending Pujin Pass in Tongzhou, so it didn't have a chance to see it.

Xu Wei knew that they were suspicious, so he didn't say much, and shouted, "Is it done?" ”

"Go back to the captain, it's okay right away." One of the leaders of the craftsmen replied. After a while, the assembly of the Weiyuan cannon was completed, this cannon was made by the craftsmen brought by Xu Wei from local materials, Qinzhou to Xizhou, not only the distance is far, but also some mountain roads, it is impossible to bring heavy equipment.

"Send a cannon, let Yao Shuai and all Xihe generals open their eyes." Xu Wei ordered.

The generals were shocked, and Yao Bilong lost his voice and said: "Here, in the camp, the artillery?" ”

"Four hundred paces away, where is there a figure? Don't worry. Xu Wei said casually. As he spoke, the dozen or so craftsmen pulled the rope together, only to see that the side with the short cannon pole was hanging a lot of stones with a net, and they were afraid that it would weigh thousands of catties. But as soon as a dozen of his men exerted their strength, they pulled it up and fixed it. The four of them carried a round cannon stone and put it in a holster, fearing that there would be one or two hundred catties.

Seeing this, the generals seem to have understood the principle of this thing, just like the dolls set up two benches to sit on the seesaw. It's just that they still have doubts about the shè Cheng of this Weiyuan cannon, because it is a two-hundred-pound cannon!

"Captain?" A craftsman turned around and asked.

Xu Wei nodded, and the craftsman immediately shouted, only to see someone lifting a knife to cut the rope, and the weight on the giant cannon suddenly drooped! Make the cannon pop up quickly! The boulder in the holster suddenly took off!

The Hee River generals let out an exclamation! Everyone's eyes followed the stone bullet, only to see it fly farther and farther, smaller and smaller, and in the blink of an eye, it had fallen into the distance, and there was a rumbling sound. It landed at least 400 paces away......

"What a weapon!" Someone exclaimed in surprise.

Yao Pingzhongmian lù happy sè, with such equipment, why worry about not breaking the city? When he was rejoicing, Xu Wei beckoned, and the group of craftsmen gathered over one after another to salute the officials.

"Here, drawings." Xu Wei commanded.

A craftsman took out the drawings and laid them on the ground, Xu Wei squatted down, pointed to the drawings and said: "This is the shape diagram of the Weiyuan cannon, as long as you follow the drawings, the craftsmen in the army will definitely be able to make it." Even if it is difficult at first, these craftsmen can guide you. The people who accompanied him were all miscellaneous servants in the courtyard, and they all had some work in their hands. This cannon, I will officially equip you with the Xihe Army. ”

Yao Pingzhong was overjoyed, got up and hugged his fists and said, "Thank you, Privy Counsellor!" ”

Xu Wei got up and said with a smile: "That's thank you?" Do you want to see the 'Heaven-Shaking Thunder' with the 'Weiyuan Cannon'? ”

Yao Pingzhong knew that the original Hujie Army, now Qin Fengjun, founded by Xu Taiwei, was able to fight, in addition to having elite soldiers and strong generals, an important reason was that its weapons and equipment were sophisticated. And especially firearms, which are the best in all directions! Among the firearms, the "earth-shattering thunder" is the most terrifying! It is said that it is an iron shell containing dozens of catties of medicine, the medicine line is left outside, the cannon is on fire, the sound is like thunder, and all the people in it are destroyed!

It's just that the Xihe Army is far from the rear, and for many years it has had fewer combat missions than other routes, and it has not been equipped with these new firearms. Could it be that this time Taiwei Xu is going to ......

On this day, the Fanhan soldiers gathered outside Huangzhou City were shocked by an earth-shattering loud noise! There were rumors in the army, some people said that there was an earthquake, some people said that the sky had fallen......

After inspecting the barracks, under the instruction of Xu Wei, Yao Pingzhong came forward and summoned several big leaders of the Tubo tribe to hold a banquet in Huangzhou City. As the supreme governor of Shaanxi, Xu Wei naturally wanted to reward and appease these minority leaders. Xi dispersed, and Xu Wei returned to the museum to live.

Huangzhou is located in a remote area, the conditions are difficult, the construction of the pavilion depends on the local economic situation, so this pavilion has a fight with Qinzhou shop. Fortunately, Xu Wei was originally from the army, so he didn't care about this.

After washing up, just as I was waiting for the creaking chuáng to rest, the door rang.

"Has the captain slept?" This is the voice of Ma Kuo. On this trip, Xu Wei took Ma Kuo with him because he was a local, familiar with the situation, and available as a staff officer.

"Is it Zichong? In. Xu Wei said.

Ma Kuo pushed the door in and said with a smile: "This place is not better than Qinzhou, let alone Guanzhong, is Taiwei still used to it?" ”

"Don't say it, I was a little unaccustomed to it last time, and I was flustered and short of breath, but now it's much better, sit down." Xu Wei replied.

The two sat down, Xu Wei poured a bowl of water for each other, and asked, "Something?" ”

Ma Kuo took a sip and said in a deep voice: "Taiwei, according to the spies, the western thieves of Renduoquan City have not returned to Kou Gu Bone Dragon City now. The so-called soldiers are fast, and now that the troops are almost assembled, why not quickly send troops to attack? ”

"It takes time to build this equipment, and besides, with the equipment, the Xihe Army may not be able to use it, and it will also need to be trained, so it can't be rushed." Xu Wei said casually.

Ma Kuo glanced at him, and stopped talking. However, he and Xu Wei have been friends for many years, no better than outsiders, and after thinking about it again and again, he still said: "Forgive me for being blunt, does Taiwei have other plans?" ”

Xu Wei was silent for a while, for a long time, and sighed: "Although I am bound to win Renduoquan City, it is a lonely city, and I will take it like a bag, so I am not in a hurry." In addition, there are a number of reasons that are not enough to be outsiders. You've been my friend for many years, and I won't hide it from you. ”

Ma Kuo nodded, waiting for the following.

"Previously, the Jin people gave Lin Fu Feng Sanzhou, and the Jinning First Army gave Xia, and the Department of Preparation judged that this was a move to win over the party in order to contain the Western Army. Why did the Jurchens do this, it must be for the reason for sending troops to invade the south. Xu Wei said.

"Indeed, presumably in the near future, the Jurchen will have a move." Ma Kuo echoed.

"In the past, every time the Jin army went south, the western army could not stay out of it, you know that. To be honest, you and I are martial artists, which one does not pursue military merits? However, after more than ten years of fighting, Shaanxi is devastated, Sichuan is tired, and the people are also miserable. When Xu Xuanfu stepped down, he repeatedly instructed him to recuperate with the people. But looking at the situation this year, it is not good, the Western Army will have to go on a long-distance expedition. The country raises troops for a thousand days, and uses them for a while, so let me wait for the armor to get on the horse and lead the army to charge, which is right, but what is the sin of the people? We recovered Shaanxi and mobilized hundreds of thousands of people day and night, and the tragic situation is vivid. If you start fighting again now, how can you bear it? ”

"It just so happens that Western Xia is showing off its troops at the border. Frankly to tell you, I expect that the party members are just bluffing, and they will not dare to attack! ”

When Ma Kuo heard this, he said suspiciously: "That Yi Shengren Dragon broke through Maoniu City, killed the city lord, and captured the people, didn't the Taiwei say that this was instructed by the Xia Lord?" ”

"Of course I want to say it publicly. In fact, this year, there was a plague in Renduoquan City, and many cattle and horses died of illness. Most of the Yi living dragons were thinking about the benefits of last year, and they came to plunder again. It is unlikely that it was ordered by the Lord of Xia. The reason why I ordered all walks of life to be on guard, and I personally went to Xihe to supervise the battle, was just to let people know that our western army had something to do and had no time to take care of anything else. Otherwise, there will definitely be people in the DPRK and China who will offer advice to the officials and let the Western Army get out of the tiger prison and restore the Central Plains. ”

After Ma Kuo listened, he knew that Xu Wei was attentive and said, "I understand my humble position." ”

Xu Wei looked directly at the other party: "I believe you understand, whether I said it or not." ”

Ma Kuo met his gaze and nodded solemnly.