On Wednesday, March 18, 1643, the twenty-ninth day of the first month of the sixteenth year of Chongzhen in the Ming Empire.

In front of the yamen of the governor of Guangzhou, a group of ruffians in disheveled clothes, hanging wine jugs or munching on chicken legs, sat lazily in a semicircle, and on the farther street corner, the same group of Ming soldiers were going door-to-door extorting the so-called New Year's money.

The officers and men of the Fubiao Battalion guarding the main gate of the Yamen, apart from glaring angrily, did not dare to drive them away directly, because as long as they dared to do so, at least hundreds of soldiers would rush up.

Inside the yamen, Zhao Youheng was sitting in front of the bookcase writing a fold, and his old face was extremely sallow. And Shen Tingyang, the prefect of Qiongzhou, sat on one side with a worried face and said nothing.

“…… There were ruffians in the past, and there were squires who regarded state affairs as selling, and they were really a group of shameless people! ”

Probably the whole person's feelings have not calmed down, and suddenly Zhao Youheng wrote a meal, wrote half of the folds and threw them into the wastebasket, and was so angry that he blew his beard and stared.

It is probably the best way to abandon the reorganization of the barracks and towns in various parts of Guangzhou. As long as these people's cakes are not touched, some people will be able to do whatever they like, and it will not be his responsibility to pay or owe food, and it will naturally be the responsibility of the Guangzhou Coastal Defense Garrison Yamen.

However, Zhao Youheng couldn't swallow this breath, because every year the military department paid the food and salary to the coastal defense troops in Guangzhou, according to his observation, at least half of it will be eaten by people and greedy, and if this money and grain is saved and used in the new army, not to mention completely solving the problem, at least it can be of some use.

Besides, a few days ago, the news came that Zhang Xianzhong had become a prairie fire in Huguang and Jiangxi, and Shen Youlong, the governor of Liangguang, hurriedly dispatched troops and horses to the north to set up defenses, for fear that this unfathomable rebel leader would go south to Liangguang. As a result, the soldiers and horses were not enough, and the documents for the military towns in Liangguang to open silver grain were piled up in the Zhaoqing Governor's Palace.

"Lord Futai is seriously ill and has not recovered, don't move your liver again!" Shen Tingyang quickly stood up. Whisper of consolation.

"Don't be angry, how do you let Benfu write this begging position? Now that the imperial court has an empty treasury and a shortage of expenditures, how can it settle the arrears. Recruiting and organizing a new battalion is to eradicate the old and renovate, how can you lightly recruit those squires and businessmen who don't know military affairs, and in the end they are still full of old diseases, which is just nonsense! ”

Zhao Youheng glanced out the window, knowing that there was a representative of the Qiongzhou squire waiting for his reply, and his mood was even worse.

"The king of Ding'an also thinks of a heart to serve the country for the children of Qiongzhou. According to the following officials. Now that the new camp can no longer be delayed, even if it is temporarily undertaken? It's really not good, just put it all in Qiongzhou Xinying. It is better to select the children of the gentry of Qiongzhou to enter the camp to fill the post to see the actual effect, if such people are really improper in the future, there is no need for the governor to come forward, and the lower officials will definitely investigate and deal with it! ”

Saying this method that is not a way can be regarded as a headache and a pain in the feet. This is the result of Shen Tingyang thinking about it for more than half a month, and now there is nothing more important than burning his eyebrows. Although the gentry of Qiongzhou was a bit absurd, they at least offered conditions that they could continue to donate. It's much better than the things in Guangzhou.

"As an official, we must not live up to the emperor's grace...... That's all. In addition, my brother-in-law Liu Yaoyu recommended a person for us. can be appointed as the chief teacher of the new army, I don't know what Lord Shen has to say. ”

As he spoke, Zhao Youheng took a letter from the side and put it in Shen Tingyang's hand.

Read the letter slowly. Shen Tingyang was already surprised: "This Zhang Jianye is the old department of the Propaganda Department?" Why Guangzhou? ”

"When Ben Fu was in Fujian, he heard a little about this person. Previously, it was garrisoned by the Phi Island Naval Division in Dongjiang Town, and the court had no time to take care of anything else after the Denglai Rebellion. This person has no fixed place to rate the department to post the officer. It is said that this person is proficient in water and land military affairs, familiar with the business affairs of the East China Sea and the South Sea, and is even better at handling Miyi ordnance. Zhao Youheng smiled bitterly and put the letter in his sleeve again, looking a little embarrassed, "If there is nothing else, this kind of talent can also be used, but I heard that Zhang Jianye was under pressure from others this time, and he was introduced by my wife and brother, I am afraid it is not very appropriate." ”

"Since you have real talent and real learning, it's better than the children recommended by the squire of Qiongzhou, right? In recent years, the Nanhai firm has helped the people's livelihood in Qiongzhou a lot, and Liu Yaoyu is not a person who sells his reputation and reputation, he is the wife and brother of the governor, what else can he not believe? ”

Seeing that Zhao Youheng was more old-fashioned than himself, perhaps a deliberate gesture of avoiding suspicion, Shen Tingyang hurriedly picked up the conversation and said that he did not have any objections to this matter.

"Since Lord Shen has no objection, then Benfu will invite this person to take a look, if it is really as useful as the rumors, it can be regarded as an eclectic talent." Seeing that Shen Tingyang was very cooperative, Zhao Youheng also smiled.

……

A few days later, in the early morning, Zhao Youheng was served by his wife in the room, probably because he had dealt with too much official business these days, and he looked a little sick and aggravated at this time.

"Husband, women shouldn't have intervened in military affairs, but as a concubine, how can this court matter be your responsibility? Anyway, the ninth brother is also helping to run around and raise money and food, what is this......" Liu, who should not have interfered in political affairs, was blowing the decoction at this time and persuaded softly.

"These days, Mrs. hard work ......" Zhao Youheng did not accuse his wife of interfering in government affairs, but sighed weakly, his expression was very haggard.

"Brother-in-law!" Suddenly, Liu Yaoyu walked in with a mysterious smile on his face.

"Ninth brother, are you back, do you have an eyebrow?" Liu saw that his cousin looked good, and he was also happy in his heart.

"Don't hide it from the seventh sister, brother-in-law, with the help of Brother Zhao, my brother has reached a loan agreement with the Hong Kong branch of OUCC Group!" Liu Yaoyu sat in front of the hospital bed, and according to the words prepared in advance, he handed a letter to Zhao Youheng.

"Yes, it's still Mr. Zhao's high righteousness......" Zhao Youheng read this letter full of polite words, and was excited that Zhao Mingchuan was able to make up a large amount of money and food for his wife and brother in a short period of time.

"Brother-in-law probably remembers Zhang Jianye that my brother talked about a few days ago, right? The former commander Xuanfu Shui Division guerrilla, once under the command of Mao Shuai on Phi Island, rescued and relocated the Han people in western Liaoning, repeatedly defeated the Eastern Prisoners, and later became a general, and was also reused, and was very good at training Chinese and American military weapons and ships. Last year, because of the trivial matters in the staff, he was slandered. had to retire to the mainland and now lives in Hong Kong. I heard that my brother-in-law wants to raise a new army, and this person should be useful! Liu Yaoyu saw that Zhao Youheng's feelings were getting better, and he hurriedly added oil and vinegar to Zhang Jianye's deeds and recited it like a stream, and Zhao Youheng was stunned when he heard it, "Brother Dou Gu, I have brought this person outside the house, and my brother-in-law has recruited a new army, and he is thirsty for talent, why don't you meet him?" ”

Liu Yaoyu finished speaking. also tried his best to compare his cousin's eyes.

"Since the person has come, treat it as a guest, and the husband will meet him. Maybe he's really a great talent. If the money and food are not settled, there should be no delay in getting more powerful parts. ”

Although Liu didn't understand, he also understood his cousin's expression.

……

In the study, Zhang Jianye put on a set of scholar's clothes for the first time, which was completely different from the usual image of a rugged general. Before the trip, he accepted Sun Erxi's private explanation, and the coping strategies he should have basically memorized for one night. In addition, his face is quite good, and at this time, Zhang Jianye actually has a faint demeanor of a Confucian general.

Zhao Youheng, accompanied by Liu Yaoyu, walked into the study. As soon as Zhang Jianye saw Zhao Youheng, he quickly got up. According to the habits of the army, his expression was stern, and he stood tall and clasped his fists and saluted: "Zhang Jianye, grass people, see Lord Governor!" ”

"No need to be polite. Can there be a table word? Gui Geng this year? ”

In the past, I had only vaguely heard about the generals of the Grand Commander Propaganda Division, but I still had the impression of a pirate. At the moment, Zhao Youheng felt a sharp and simple military momentum from the other party. Immediately, I added a lot of points to my heart.

"The martial artist is vulgar, and he once got a table of words 'Guoping' from the Lord of the Minister's Propaganda and Comfort Division, and he was forty years old." Zhang Jianye replied loudly with his fists clenched.

Speak strongly, speak and act appropriately, what a sonorous soldier!

I don't know how many times Zhang Jianye has practiced privately for these things, but Zhao Youheng is very satisfied, thinking of those slick generals of the old city government who are looking for their own salaries, and they feel that the people in front of him have connotation and are very reliable.

"Ben Fu also knows that Guoping once served as a garrison of the Phi Island Water Camp and a guerrilla commander of the Navy, and now he has retired from the Propaganda Department of the Commander, and I don't know why he will join Guangzhou?" Zhao Youheng stroked his beard and looked at each other's eyes quietly.

"If you can be loyal to national affairs, you don't care where you are. If you don't let me, you can leave! Zhang Jianye is also addicted to acting, and he feels that he is a character.

"What a loyal one to the state doesn't matter where! Yes, I don't know how much Guoping knows about China's military armament? ”

After all, Zhao Youheng is a feudal official, even if he can't see any flaws in the other party at present, he still keeps an eye on it. As he spoke, a subordinate walked into the study with a gorgeous musket in his hand.

"Hehe, but the Governor used the infantry to raise the standard battalion? This is the gorgeous '21B type', but in the eyes of the grass people, this ash mask door machine spring has not been wiped for several months. If it is not good to maintain it, I am afraid that it will be difficult to ignite the fire on the battle array. With this kind of stepping gun, the elite soldier can shoot in fifteen breaths, and the projectile can reach seventy steps, which can break through double layers of heavy armor, and lead poison penetrates the bones, and it is difficult to treat the middle......"

Speaking of the gorgeous 21B flintlock pistol, Zhang Jianye was very happy, he was most familiar with this weapon, and immediately talked a lot. Then, without Zhao Youheng's question, the topic was extended to the gorgeous 8-pounder field guns, 12-pounder and 18-pounder cannon guns, from artillery training to actual combat points, it was simply a treasure.

"Ben Fu intends to recruit a new army, I don't know what Guoping's opinion is?" The basic situation is understood, and Zhao Youheng asked the most critical question again.

"I don't know if the governor wants to become an army in one year or ten years." Zhang Jianye applauded loudly in his heart, because Sun Erxi had prepared these questions before.

"Why is there a year and a decade?" Now Zhao Youheng is even more curious.

"For example, the border army of the Ming Dynasty will choose Ding to fill the number at will, and exercise it for half a month or a month, then it will only know the banner for two years, and there is no way to talk about combat skills. If there is a war, one of the hundred dead can also find some elite soldiers, if there is no war, ignorant life, ten years will not be successful. ”

"If it's a year, the day and day will be performed, and every day will be off. Every month, the army marches and arranges to perform false battles, imitate the enemy's attack, and conduct training with live ammunition. ”

For more than half an hour, Zhang Jianye told the key points of the gorgeous military training one by one from multiple angles such as marching, arraying, camping, battle, and military law, and Zhao Youheng was staring at him. However, these so-called military affairs, even the large armies that are deeply supported by Huamei, may not be able to do half of them.

“…… In your opinion, in order to train such a strong army within a year, it is necessary to have a large number of officers and men who are familiar with the Chinese military armament...... This is not easy, even if it is nine-sided, there is no way to talk about it. At the end, Zhao Youheng picked up the teacup and said his opinion.

"I heard that Lord Xu Guangqi and Lord Sun Yuanhua, the governor of Denglai, hired more Fran machine gunners and military craftsmen to drill soldiers and horses, and the court also praised them. The elite of the northern soldiers trained is famous in Liaodong, and the battle of Ningyuan is the victory of such a strong army. The officers also invited the soldiers of Huamei to serve in the training every year, which benefited a lot. The grass people have lived in Hong Kong for several months, and they know that there is a Huamei Blackwater Security Company, and most of the people hired by them are retired soldiers of the Chinese and American armies, all of whom have experienced a hundred battles, why didn't the governor invite them? ”

finally got around this topic, and Zhang Jianye felt that his throat was already smoking.

Looking back at Liu Yaoyu, Zhao Youheng fell into deep thought.

"It is a great blessing for the governor to forgive the people of the grass. The adults are sick, but they still have a good life to rest, and the grass people retire. Zhang Jianye saw that the effect was almost over, and planned to retreat as advance, looking like he was going to leave.

"Hehe, you might as well. Ben Fu still has a lot to say, I want to ask Guoping. In this way, the new army is about to be recruited, and there is a shortage of a general teacher, if the country does not give up, it can be left to be allowed to temporarily receive the garrison title. In the future, he will report to the Ministry of War and ask for a post for Guoping. Zhao Youheng saw that the other party was neither humble nor arrogant, and he was even more satisfied, so he made an appointment on the spot.

"Lord Xie, you must do your best to serve your death!"

Although it is only a virtual duty of the chief teacher, with the Huamei master operating behind the scenes, it will definitely be promoted in the future. Zhang Jianye knew that he had succeeded, and he was even more surprised that Huamei had carefully arranged it to this point.

……

A few days later, the good news that Liu Yaoyu brought to Zhao Youheng became a reality: Liu Yaoyu obtained a loan from the Oriental Union Group in the name of the Nanhai firm, and a large amount of money and grain would be shipped from Hong Kong to Guangzhou in batches in a few days.

100,000 taels of silver and 100,000 stone of grain are the first batch of money and grain allocated to Zhao Youheng by the Oriental Union Group through Liu Yaoyu's hand, with a repayment period of five years, no interest, and allowed to be offset in kind. Then there was also a private letter from Zhao Mingchuan: Don't care about the life or death of those military camps and towns in Guangzhou, don't do anything to eliminate and rectify, let them fend for themselves, the new army is recruited, the Nanhai firm and the Oriental Union Group will fully support the work of the governor of Guangdong!

On the day he received the letter, Zhao Youheng was sweating profusely, and his illness was inexplicably cured, and he looked much younger. (To be continued......)