It's still a busy scene.

"Long Biaotong, it seems that Xu has no choice but to go to Jinan with you. Otherwise, the documents sent by the governor's yamen along the way will not be as fast as your troops. Xu Shichang said with emotion. He didn't doubt Long Qian's sincerity in sending troops now, but whether it was the four battalions he said still needed to be verified. However, the camp that left Zhang Qian in the morning was genuine.

"It's for the best. lest there be misunderstandings. Isn't Lord Xu going to rest for a while, and then let's have lunch? ”

Xu Shichang nodded, "It's okay." Long Biaotong is busy with military affairs, so I won't bother. Pingqing, just sit with you? "There are some things that he needs to talk to Wang Shizhen about.

"Okay, Brother Kikuto, please come with me." Wang Shizhen took Xu Shichang and his entourage through the main courtyard and went to the side courtyard where he lived to rest and talk. Long Qian did not send anyone to follow.

"Since we're all here, let's have a short meeting. I'll have the room bring lunch later. Long Qian saw that the main generals and subordinates were here, and beckoned everyone into the house where he lived, his original communication soldier Li Sancai was transferred to the staff section as a trainee staff officer, and now the communication and service is called Lu Guangda, a son of Qiucun, and he has been in the military for half a year.

"It's okay, you keep packing." Long Qian saw that Xiao Lu was packing his bags, "Well, don't bring those books, leave them to Master Chen Zhuang for safekeeping." "In the past year, Long Qian has collected a lot of books, most of which were found from Zheng Jing's study, and the other sources are more complicated.

"Oh," said Lou, as he began to take out all the books that had been packed in wicker boxes.

"Everyone knows the situation. The agreement had been signed, and Chief of Staff Ning and Chi Chunxian could rush to Zou County at noon. The first battalion of Lushan and Ye Yanbing has already set out, and it is estimated that they will also be able to go to Zou County in the late afternoon to receive the first batch of supplies. In addition to the military uniforms and ordnance, the allocated silver taels are enough to go to Tianjin, and the rest will be sent back, and the surplus guns and ammunition will also be secretly transported back. You can do this in person, Lao Song, and you have to go to Zou County. I'm not at ease with others. ”

"Yes." Song Jinguo stood up and agreed.

At the regular military council, the rules have been established. For Long Qian's order, the recipient must accept it immediately.

Song Jinguo's logistics section divided half of the people to follow the troops, and the cavalry company drove in early to explore the way, and it was Lian Shupeng, the head of the ordnance team. This time he will be in charge of the logistics of the main expedition.

"I totaled it with Deputy Commander Zhou. It was decided to keep Deputy Commander Zhou in charge of the plan, Guozhu, Lao Song and Qinghua, and the three of you should assist Deputy Commander Zhou in defending and building a good base area. Long Qian then arranged.

"Yes." Zhou Yi, Feng Guozhu, Song Jinguo and Deng Qinghua stood up. Immediately accept the task. Although this change is rather unexpected.

"The main expedition. Time is hard to say. It is possible to go for a year or two. Together, you should be principled in all matters and consult together. It's all about unity. We have worked hard to build this little bit of family foundation. This base land cannot be easily lost. We will no longer expand our territory, but we will not allow the government to occupy it either. I estimate that before the war in Gyeonggi is over, Yuan Shikai will not send troops to attack here. When the Gyeonggi war was over, he didn't dare. But it is still necessary to be ready for battle, and only when you can fight can you make peace. If Yuan Shikai is treacherous, he will fight resolutely! But be flexible, don't care about the gains and losses of one village and one village, annihilate one or two of him, and he will have to retreat. In addition, we must also pay attention to the people and horses holding calves, the main force is here, they dare not move, and the main force is gone. ”

"Rest assured, Commander, we'll take care of it." Zhou Yi is full of confidence.

"Continue to expand the army! Ignore the terms of the agreement. I have already discussed the specific method with Deputy Commander Zhou. It is to use the militia to make the Tibetan people for the people. The weapons are issued, and the training standards are not lowered. When it comes to the organization of the people, Mr. Chen, Mr. Xiao, and Mr. Shen, please worry more about it, and continue to work on it in the way we have already explored, so that the people can be organized and no longer be scattered, so that they can not only deal with military problems, but more importantly, deal with the year of famine. If you have money in your hand, you still have to work hard to develop the economy. In the economic construction of the base areas, headed by Mr. Chen, the troops should participate in and cooperate. Military families and martyrs' families must be especially cared for, and no single household or individual person should be exposed to cold or starvation. ”

"Yes." Several people rose up and agreed.

Since the Battle of Yuanzhuang, Long Qian has made great efforts to strengthen the construction of the Autonomous Committee, such as household registration, patrols, public fields, and Yixue, and many charters. Some have been implemented, some are still being discussed.

The gang brought stew, large pieces of stew, fragrant, and wine.

"I asked the kitchen to do it, and I always have to give it to the commander__" Song Jinguo looked at Long Qian and frowned.

"What about the troops?"

"Same."

"Don't serve the wine. There are always people who can't control it, and the next thing is to continue the forced march__Okay, let's talk while eating. Long Qian stood up.

"What kind of job title is the standard?" Chen Chao asked Situ Jun.

"It's the head of the regiment. Considered a mid-level officer. Compared with the current situation of the Mengshan Army, it is also suitable. ”

"Just give it an intermediate level," Chen Chao was happy but a little dissatisfied. However, the problem that has been bothering Chen Chao has finally been solved, and it is so neat. News came from Zhang Qian last night, and Chen Chao stayed up all night happily. But people are so weird, they were worried about their hometown and the Mengshan Army before, but now they are worried about Long Qian's title and the safety of the expedition.

Chen Shu had been waiting outside the command department, hoping to make the most difficult efforts to make Long Qian nod and take her away. Also thinking about her is David, who became an artillery instructor. Di Wen, Long Qian decided to let him stay in the base area, but he insisted on going with the troops.

Long Qian continued to be busy after dinner, and his room kept coming in and out of the officer's request and report. Chen Shu was really embarrassed to break into the door, so she waited in the courtyard with David all the time.

The people in the staff department had already cleaned up, and Situ Jun, who was very valued by Long Qian, was chatting with his uncle about something, and the sound of people shouting and neighing horses could be heard on the street from time to time, and the team was gathering. Chen Shu saw the official surnamed Xu and Wang Shizhen from Jinan coming out of the side courtyard, and Lan Xinzhi accompanied them towards Long Qian's house. Chen Shu finally couldn't bear it anymore and rushed into the house before Xu Shichang and Lan Xinzhi.

"Brother Long, I want to say a few words to you." She didn't care who was in the house.

Long Qian suddenly had a headache. "What's the matter with you?"

"I'm going to tell you alone. You're all out of the way! ”

Several of the officers in the room stood up and obediently went out.

"I'm going with you. You have to say yes. ”

"You are already a soldier of the Mengshan Army, you have studied all the military regulations and military laws, and the first of the three disciplines is to obey orders, have you forgotten?"

"I didn't forget. When a team goes to war, there is always a place for me. I don't eat for nothing, I don't burden you. ”

"I know. But this time the situation is special, don't you see? None of the female soldiers were brought. Zhang Hongcao doesn't bring it, and it's not difficult for you to be special. ”

"I'm different from her!"

"How is it different? Anyone who is in the Mengshan Army is not special. You're here to stay. Wait for the troops to come back. Long Qian slowed down his tone. Because he saw the girl's eyes filled with tears.

"No, my uncle said, this time you are fighting with foreign devils, and you are more powerful than the official army. And cannons. I don't worry about you. I'm going to keep an eye on you. Chen Shu said loudly.

"You can rest assured. The gun that killed my Long Qian hasn't been made yet. There are a lot of things going on at home. What about you. The first is to obey the orders of the superiors and do their job well, and the second is to do their job. Take care of your uncle's body, understand? ”

Chen Chao had been listening outside the house, and when he heard this walk in, "Retreat, Shu'er has a straight personality and dead eyes, I know her thoughts." Although I am her uncle, I have raised her with one hand. In my heart, it is no different from Xiaoxian Xiaozhi. You have high aspirations, she may not be worthy of you, but I am not afraid of your jokes today. Retreat, you give us the truth, do you want Shu'er to wait for you? ”

"This," Long Qian turned his head and looked out the window, "Mr. Chen, if I, Long Qian, come back safely, I will come to the door to ask for a kiss." ”

Chen Shu, a big stone fell into her heart. The girl's shyness finally broke her, and she ran out of the house with a soft cry.

"Okay, there's your word. I'm doing my best to help you keep an eye on this home. Chen Chao stomped his foot. Also gone.

David came in. Long Qian waved his hand and didn't let him speak, "David, don't say it." This time, it won't take you away anyway. The Gyeonggi War lasted no more than two months. When the war is over, I will send someone to fetch you. ”

"Commander, I am already a soldier of the Mengshan Army. You have no right to deprive me of the right to go to war. ”

"Yes, you are a soldier of the Mengshan Army, no one denies this. I also know that you have regarded the army as your home and China as your second motherland. But there are hundreds of troops left behind, and not all of them are gone. If you are needed here, you have to obey orders. The point is, David," Long Qian stepped forward and held David's arms with both hands, "Your importance is unique, and no one can replace you." There will be very important tasks for you to complete in the future. Do you understand? ”

"I don't understand."

"You'll understand! Wait for my order, stay here with peace of mind and continue training artillerymen. In the future, we will build an artillery unit that will shock the whole country, and we will also have a first-class artillery school. But that's not all. You have to trust me. My American brother. Long Qian hugged David tightly, "You are good." I'm glad I brought you out in Pingyi Village. Go ahead and wait for my news. ”

Before David could figure out what to say, he was interrupted by the newcomer.

"Commander, Commander!" Sheng Guang, the commander of the seventh company who was left behind, broke in, followed by Topaz. Sheng Guang pushed David away and knelt in front of Long Qian.

"What is this for? Get up! Long Qian hurriedly went to Lashengguang, "Our Mengshan army doesn't want this, don't you know what to do?" ”

"Commander, I can't leave my Seventh Company, I can't give up, I want to die, and I have to die with my brothers. If you don't promise me, I won't get up. ”

Because the wound was not completely healed, Sheng Guang was named by Long Qian to stay behind to recuperate and bring a new company again. But Sheng Guang has been clamoring to go with the old company, and this is not the first time he has looked for Long Qian.

"Commander, just promise him. Otherwise he would have died of grief. "Topaz helps.

"Good brother." Long Qian pulled Sheng Guang up, "It's not that I won't take you, it's because your body can't adapt to this march and battle." Brother, the body is our capital, understand? Our Mengshan army is not just fighting this battle and is finished. In the future, I'm going to put a heavier burden on you, understand? Keeping you was my decision to discuss repeatedly with several leaders, not only because of your physical problems, but also because of Topaz. You know, there are few experienced officers in the left-behind troops, and you have to help them hold up this stall, don't let me down. ”

Wang Shizhen accompanied Xu Shichang, who was up from a nap, to see Long Qian, and happened to see this scene. At first, he was surprised that there were foreign devils in the Mengshan Army, and then he heard the conversation between Sheng Guang and Long Qian. Xu Shichang and Wang Shizhen glanced at each other, everything was clear, and there was no need to say more.

Did the new army have such a wounded name, leaving behind their newlywed wives and crying and asking to go to war with the troops? Xu Shichang really didn't know what to do. Just now in Wang Shizhen's bedroom, Xu Shichang listened to Wang Shizhen's introduction to the Mengshan Army in detail, according to Wang Shizhen's observation for three months, this army is by no means an ordinary bandit, its military discipline is strict, the organization is complete, and the level of training is absolutely above the new army. And the high morale, especially the loyalty and worship of the low-level soldiers to Long Qian, surpassed that of the new army to Yuan Shikai. The key to this army is Long Qian, this person has indeed returned from overseas, and he wants to serve the country, and the rules and regulations of his army are all formulated by him. No wonder Situ Jun immediately surrendered to them after watching the staff operations of the Mengshan Army__

Regarding the development of the situation in Beijing, Wang Shizhen has heard a little about the development of the situation in Zhengjiazhuang, but Mengshan Army must have ears and eyes in Beijing. Because their preparations for the expedition have been going on for at least a month. Wang Shizhen believes that Yuan Shikai took the Mengshan army to fight for him, which was not necessarily a good chess, but was used by them if he didn't do it well. This time, they were recruited and let them go on an expedition to Gyeonggi, which can be regarded as a dragon like a sea, and I am afraid that it will be difficult to control it in the future.

Xu Shichang was silent. Wang Shizhen's words confirmed his feelings, which he had since entering the "bandit area". But now it's too late. If they fight with the foreign soldiers in Gyeonggi and lose both, it will be a blessing for the country.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, the next three battalions of the Mengshan Army gathered in Zhengjiazhuang, and Long Qian ordered the Mengshan Army flag to be put away, announcing the decision to reorganize the troops into the Qinwang Detachment of the Wuwei Right Army. Long Qian stood on the pedestal of the flagpole in front of the Zheng family ancestral hall, and after a brief mobilization, with Wang Mingyuan's second battalion as the vanguard, Shi Dashou's fourth battalion in the center, and Feng Lun's third battalion behind the palace, the troops went out of the north gate of Zhengjiazhuang in a three-way column and embarked on a distant journey. The troops marching out consisted of twelve infantry companies, one cavalry company and one incomplete guard company. The total strength is 1,708 people.

Xu Shichang and his two staff officers silently counted the number of troops on the expedition and confirmed that it was indeed the establishment of four infantry battalions. They would love to see the state and size of the troops left behind, but the troops left behind were not concentrated and did not see them.

The people, including the big girls and little daughters-in-law who usually don't show up, gathered on both sides of the street, silently watching the soldiers leave Zhuangzi in a neat row and disappear into the sunset. At least half of this force are their children, who follow their leader on a perilous journey. I don't know which woman started crying, and then she started crying.

Cheng Daniu, who was already the deputy director of the Autonomous Committee, scolded, "You mothers-in-law who don't know what to do, what kind of mourning are the children following Commander Long to fight the sky?" Cheng Daniu's eldest son, Cheng Jianguo, was already the squad leader of the third battalion and the ninth company, and Cheng Daniu saw the eldest son walking with a steel gun on his back, and his eyes were moist unconsciously. (To be continued......)

PS: End of this chapter