Chapter 604: Grain for War Horses, Make the Best of It

Shandong.

Zhang Zhun stood on top of Qingzhou City, holding a clairvoyant mirror to carefully observe the road to the west.

On the road from the west, there were a lot of people who dragged their families and families, and they all got the guidance of some "immortals" and then migrated to Laizhou Mansion. As for who those so-called "immortals" are, they are naturally the backbone of the Smelling Fragrance Sect in the past.

Dong Shuyan took 500 backbones of the Wenxiang Sect and distributed them in various regions in the south of Beizhili, spreading rumors in an organized manner, which really caused panic among many people. Eventually, a significant number of people chose to migrate.

As the Tartars crossed the Great Wall and headed south, all kinds of gossip became more intense. In the past few days, a large number of people have begun to migrate to Laizhou and Dengzhou City in Beizhili, Shanxi, Shandong and other places. The officials along the way were shocked by the news of the Tartars' southward journey, and naturally they didn't have the heart to pay attention to these refugees. As a result, the refugees on the move continued to drive other refugees to migrate, and eventually it snowballed, migrating to Laizhou and other places.

Looking at the large crowd of people, Zhang Zhun was still very emotional. These people are the most pitiful people at the bottom, who are suffering from natural disasters every day, and are tenaciously surviving with almost small perseverance. Without their own arrival, many of them would have been either slaughtered by the Tartars or reduced to slavery by the Tartars, and would eventually go to a completely different world.

Zhou Zhou Ming stood beside Zhang Zhun and said in a low voice: "My lord, in the past five days, we have received a total of more than 30,000 refugees. ”

Zhang Zhun said confidently: "It should slowly increase." ”

Zhou Ming said again: "These people who arrived first were all settled in Laiyang and Qixia and other places. The crowd that came later was ready to settle in Wendeng, Rongcheng and other places. The population over there is too small and needs a lot of replenishment. ”

Zhang Zhun said with satisfaction: "Very good, we must do a comprehensive plan." Since others are here, we must make arrangements and let them get to work as soon as possible. If there are people, there will be labor, and if there is labor, there will be productivity, and if there is productivity, there will be combat effectiveness. ”

Zhou Zhou Ming said a little worriedly: "My lord, will there be a Tartar spy among these refugees?" The report said that the gate of Huairou seemed to have been opened by a mole. How is it good to kill the moles endlessly? ”

Zhang Zhun said confidently: "What about the spies with Tartars? On the ground in Shandong, are you still afraid that they will not succeed? However, for the sake of safety, all refugees are not allowed to stay in Qingzhou Prefecture and must all move to the east of Laizhou Prefecture. If someone does not obey, some coercion can be used. ”

Zhou Ming nodded, indicating that he knew. Subsequently, he seized the time to report to Zhang Zhun on the relevant personnel arrangements of Qingzhou Mansion. According to Zhang Zhun's estimate, the imperial court will definitely send troops to fight against the Tartars, and the whole of Shandong may not fall into his hands so easily, but, no matter what, Qingzhou Mansion will definitely be controlled by himself. From now on, it's time to run Qingzhou Mansion.

Most of the central part of Qingzhou Prefecture is mountainous, which is not conducive to agricultural production, but it is quite favorable to the development of industry. Much-needed minerals such as iron ore, sulfur, saltpeter, etc., can be found here. In the northern and southern parts of Qingzhou Prefecture, it is necessary to continue to intensify development, reclaim more wasteland, and strive to produce more grain.

After the Tartars went south this time, the agricultural production of Beizhili would basically be completely destroyed, and it would not be possible to restore it to the previous level without five years. Unless it is the Tiger Benjun who takes over and implements the "Juntian Order", it will greatly stimulate the production enthusiasm of the vast number of peasants. At the same time, a large amount of manpower, material and financial resources have been invested in the renovation of water conservancy facilities. Otherwise, judging from the current situation, the agricultural production of Beizhili will only get worse and worse.

If there is no accident, after the Tiger Ben Army defeats the Tartars' third invasion, the Tartars should never have a chance to enter the Kou again. In other words, for a period of time to come, the most important task in the area under the control of the Tiger Army is to develop production and enrich material supplies. Laizhou Mansion has taken the lead, Dengzhou Mansion is catching up, and Qingzhou Mansion must also work hard to catch up.

While speaking, Lu Yidian arrived and reported to Zhang Zhun and said, "My lord, Shandong Governor Zhu Dadian asks to see you." ”

Zhou Ming then said goodbye and left.

Zhang Zhun said to himself: "Asking to see? He used such words? ”

Lu Yidian replied affirmatively: "My lord, the other party did say so. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded thoughtfully.

This time, Zhu Dadian's posture is very upright! It seems that there is really something to ask for!

Zhu Dadian is indeed asking to see. When the Tartars went south, Zhu Dadian immediately realized that it was not good. The strength of the Ming army in Beizhili was too weak, and as long as the Tartar cavalry bypassed the Beijing division and went south, they could go deep into the ground of Shandong. The Yellow River in the harsh winter season is simply impossible to stop the iron horses of the Tartars.

Beizhili was just robbed by the Tartars last year, and production and life have not yet recovered, and this year the Tartars are coming again, obviously unable to grab more things. The Tartars had no choice but to continue southward if they wanted to get more loot. Therefore, it is inevitable that Shandong will fall into war.

On the ground in Shandong, the only one who can fight against the Tartars is Zhang Zhun. Anyone else, don't count on it. The Ming troops in other provinces will only reinforce in the direction of the Beijing Division, and will never reinforce Shandong. If you want to ensure the security of Shandong, only the military and civilians of Shandong can work hard. In the words of the Tiger Army, it is self-reliance and abundant food and clothing.

So, after thinking about it, Zhu Dadian decided to come to see Zhang Zhun in person. The military situation was critical, and he didn't want to pass on the story of others. Although doing so is a very big downgrade for his identity, he can't care about so much. If Tartar really kills Shandong, it is still unknown whether he can survive, and he will care about these red tapes?

"Invite him to the living room of King Heng's Mansion."

Zhang Zhun said casually.

Lu Yidian agreed.

The Tiger Ben army entered Qingzhou City and assisted Song Degang in deploying defenses, but King Heng was afraid and ran to Jinan Mansion for refuge. The current Hengwang Mansion is temporarily vacant, and only the original subordinates are there. Zhang Zhun then borrowed the guests. But at night, he still lived in the barracks of the Tiger Ben Army. It's not that I'm afraid of bad influence, but I live in the barracks and it's absolutely safe.

The current situation is rather special, and he has become the object of attention of various forces. In order to kill yourself, others may do whatever it takes. Zhang Zhun will not joke with his own life easily, of course, everything must be safe. If you get a beautiful assassin or something, it's bad.

Soon after Zhang Zhun returned to Hengwang's Mansion, Zhu Dadian arrived.

Zhu Dadian's expression was a little haggard, his steps were hurried, he bowed his hands to salute, and said in an obscure tone: "Lord Dudu, the officials are polite." ”

The civil official of the second grade, saluting the military attache of the first grade, in the Chongzhen period, can definitely be regarded as a must. If it were someone else, even if it was a civil official of the fifth grade, there would be no need to salute the military attache of the first grade. This point is indeed very uncomfortable for Zhu Dadian. However, he had to do it.

Zhang Zhun nodded, which was regarded as a return gift, and then said quietly: "Master Zhu came from afar, what do you have to say?" ”

Zhu Dadian looked blank and handed an official document to Zhang Zhun.

After Zhang Zhun saw it, he still said quietly: "Bufang Texas...... Does Lord Zhu have so many troops in his hands? ”

This official document was sent to Zhu Dadian by the Ministry of War, saying that the Tartars might go straight to Shandong to carry out looting, and asked Zhu Dadian to draw troops from all over Shandong and focus on deploying defenses in Dezhou. Zhu Dadian felt that this strategy was up for discussion, so he came to Zhang Zhun. Subconsciously, he felt that Zhang Zhun was authoritative in terms of military command, and it was definitely right to listen to his opinions more.

Last time, it was predicted that Li Zicheng would attack Fengyang, defeat the Tartars in Huangxian, and predict the southward movement of the Tartars in advance, all of which made Zhu Dadian believe in Zhang Zhun very much. He hurried to Qingzhou City to listen to Zhang Zhun's advice. Of course, this belief will not be revealed. After all, the two are in different camps.

Zhu Dadian said obscurely: "The meaning of the military department is that Texas is the mainstay, and Jinan is the auxiliary. ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "What if the Tartars bypass Dezhou and go straight to Jinan Mansion?" ”

Zhu Dadian could only sigh helplessly, and said obscurely: "I don't know what to do." Texas and Jinan can't be lost, but I have to make a choice. ”

In fact, the Tartars bypassed Texas and went straight to Jinan Mansion, which was exactly what he was most worried about. The status of Jinan Province, in any case, is more important than that of Texas. There is a palace here, two princes, and if any one prince has a problem, he will be beheaded by the raider. Jinan City also has a full set of administrative organs in Shandong. The political, economic and cultural centers of Shandong are all in Jinan City.

The Tartars who went south were all cavalry units, and they were very mobile, and it was impossible for a small Texas to block their way forward. On both sides of the Yellow River, in fact, there is a flat river. As long as the Tartars bypass Dezhou, they can directly attack Jinan Mansion. If Zhu Dadian was to choose by himself, of course he would choose to focus on guarding Jinan Mansion and temporarily abandon Dezhou.

The problem is that Texas is the main transportation route. All the money and grain from Jiangnan had to be transshipped in Texas. If Caoyun is cut off, the supply of money and food in Jingshi will definitely be worse. This order from the Ministry of War is obviously aimed at the safety of Caoyun. Bypassing Caoyun is cut off, and the safety of the Jingshi is in jeopardy.

If Zhu Dadian insisted on guarding Jinan Mansion, he might be strategically correct, but politically it would be fatal. If you do not act according to the orders of the Ministry of War, the imperial court will definitely be held accountable. If this responsibility is pursued, it will be a big trouble. With Chongzhen's character, it is very possible for Zhu Dadian's head to fall to the ground.

Zhang Zhun looked at Zhu Dadian meaningfully, and said slowly: "You came to me just for this matter?" ”

Zhu Dadian said sincerely: "Please also ask Lord Governor for advice." ”

Zhang Zhun said casually: "Give up Texas and stick to Jinan." ”

Zhu Dadian said helplessly: "That is disobedience." ”

Zhang Zhun smiled coldly and said disdainfully: "Your Excellency acts according to the orders of the Ministry of War." ”

Zhu Dadian had to say bitterly: "Lord Governor, the lower officials are here to humbly ask for advice, and I also ask Lord Governor to show me a way out." ”

Zhang Zhun casually threw away the official document and said coldly: "The Tartars are all cavalry, and they act like the wind, with the combat effectiveness of your army, the only thing you can rely on is Jiancheng." Just like on the Jinzhou front, relying on strong city wall fortifications and artillery fire, to resist the attack of the Tartars. If you want to fight with the Tartars, you don't want to think about it at all. ”

Zhu Dadian said obscurely: "There is still a little bit of the city fortifications in Texas, and if it is re-strengthened, it should be able to resist it." ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "The question is, what about your troops? ”

Zhu Dadian was speechless.

At present, there are still 30,000 or 40,000 Ming troops in Shandong, which seems to be a lot of them, but in fact, when they are apportioned, they are very thin. In particular, more than 10,000 people are needed to garrison Yanzhou Mansion to protect the safety of King Lu's Mansion. Compared with the two princes of King De and King Heng, the status of King Lu is more important. The key points on both sides of the canal, such as Linqing, Jining, Dongping, Liaocheng, etc., all need to be garrisoned. In the end, Dezhou and Jinan are obviously difficult to take care of. If there were only about 10,000 defenders in each city, they would not be able to withstand the onslaught of the Tartars.

Zhang Zhun said slowly: "My suggestion is to concentrate the population in the big city, and then defend the city. The town left no one behind, simply leaving it to the Tartars. As for Caoyun, give it up for the time being. On the occasion of the arrival of the Tatar soldiers, the Caoyun Yamen dared to transport grain? I don't think they dare. After holding the city of Jinan, you can also wait for an opportunity to counterattack Texas. If Jinan City is lost, Dezhou will definitely not be able to defend it. ”

Zhu Dadian frowned and said, "If that's the case, wouldn't you have to give up a lot of towns?" ”

Zhang Zhun said coldly: "Even if you don't take the initiative to give up, you will eventually be attacked by the Tartars." It seems that Lingxian, Pingyuan, Linyi, Deping, Yucheng, and Jiyang are these county seats, if the Tartars come to attack, can the local defenders block it? Miyun and Huairou, these border towns, can't stop the attack of the Tartars, let alone these counties in the interior? Since it can't be stopped, it is the result of the destruction of the city in the end. ”

Zhu Dadian said obscurely: "In this way, wouldn't the population that need to retreat be millions? ”

Zhang Zhun said without hesitation: "Do you hope that these people can avoid a catastrophe, or do you hope that they will be snatched away by the Tartars?" ”

Although Zhu Dadian is not a good official, this multiple-choice question does not need to be considered, and said without thinking: "Of course, it is to avoid a catastrophe." ”

Zhang Zhun spread his hands and said coldly: "Isn't this over?" As long as you inform the places that the Tartars are coming, the people of all places will find a way to concentrate in the big cities, and you don't need to spend any effort. As for food and supplies, you can't have any reserves at all. ”

Zhu Dadian said honestly: "There is a little, not much. ”

Zhang Zhun said awe-inspiringly: "During the war, the food supply must be extremely tight. Food is a very critical weapon. After the population relocated, I suggested that the walls should be cleared, so that the Tartars could not have an effective food supply on the territory of Shandong. It is best to make sure that the tartars are not well fed, warm, sleepless at night, and exhausted. ”

Zhu Dadian said embarrassedly: "It is difficult to achieve complete solid walls and clear the wilderness. ”

Zhang Zhun said firmly: "No matter how difficult it is, we have to do it." Anything that makes the Tartars unhappy, we're going to do it. On the contrary, we should not do anything that might make the Tartars happy. ”

Zhu Dadian pondered for a moment and said expectantly: "Can you support me with 50,000 stone of grain?" ”

Zhang Zhun said happily: "Yes, you can give me back 2,000 war horses." ”

Zhu Dadian subconsciously shook his head and said, "Impossible." ”

Zhang Zhun glanced at him and said coldly: "I know that you have two thousand war horses in your hands, which were only transported from Beizhili to Shandong last month. You have reorganized the Riding Battalion. But, I ask you, does your cavalry battalion really dare to go out of the city and fight the Tartars in the field? Since you dare not go out of the city, what is the use of your riding camp? What I lack most now is war horses, and what you lack most is food, why don't you exchange it? ”

Zhu Dadian didn't expect his foundation to be seen through by Zhang Zhun again, and his face was really weird. The cavalry battalion was set up with great difficulty, and it happened to be 2,000 war horses brought back from Shanxi, and it had not yet formed combat effectiveness. Originally, this matter was very confidential, but Zhang Zhun knew about it again. In fact, when his war horse was transported from Beizhili to Shandong, Zhang Zhun knew about it. Those people who smell incense are not dry food.

50,000 stone of grain, the market price is more than 60,000 taels of silver. Two thousand horses, according to twenty taels of silver each, that is, forty thousand taels of silver. In comparison, he also took advantage of a little bit. It's just that he still feels awkward. These war horses were bought by me for my own use, why haven't they been hot in my hands, and they were snatched away by you Zhang Zhun? What has become of me, Lord Governor? Horse dealers?

Zhang Zhun said earnestly: "Make the best use of things!" Lord Governor! If your Jinan Mansion is to be saved, without the cooperation of our army, I'm afraid it will be a little difficult! In this way, if the Tartars storm Jinanfu, I promise to send cavalry to attack the flanks of the Tartars, what do you think? ”

Zhu Dadian said helplessly: "Add another 50,000 stone of grain." ”

Zhang Zhun shook his head without hesitation.

Zhu Dadian gritted his teeth and said, "In the future, I will find a way to get you two thousand Mongolian war horses." ”

Zhang Zhun stared at Zhu Dadian for a moment, and finally nodded lightly, and said slowly: "Lord Governor, you have to be the one who speaks." ”

Zhu Dadian breathed a sigh of relief, and said as if vowing: "With your ability, if I break my promise, it won't be difficult for you to kill me, right?" ”

Zhang Zhun nodded thoughtfully and said slowly: "That's right!" Good! I'll give you another 50,000 stone of food!" ”

Zhu Dadian breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said goodbye and left. Since the two of them have discussed properly, the specific operation matters will naturally have the following people to be busy. The exchange of war horses and grain should be completed within a dozen days.

"Let's go!"

"Let's go to Hejian Mansion!"

After Zhu Dadian said goodbye and left, Zhang Zhun immediately got on his horse and set off for Hejian Mansion.

The big pot of choi is already on the table, and it's time to move the chopsticks.