Emperor Ming Dynasty

Chapter 429: The First Year of Shaowu
When the emperor gave an order, thousands of people followed suit.

The cabinet members headed by Zhao Shu can only stay in Yangzhou and take charge of logistics and other matters.

And just in case, the emperor left an imperial decree to support the eldest son of the emperor to ascend the throne in the event of an accident.

Of course, this matter is extremely hidden, and only the three members of the cabinet know about it.

After all, as long as the Yangtze River Navy exists, it will be extremely difficult for the Manchus to cross the river.

Amid the reluctance of the ministers, the emperor slowly headed north in an ordinary boat.

Originally, I wanted to take a dragon boat, which was comfortable, but the target was too big, and I was afraid of another sneak attack, so I had to hide in an ordinary boat.

Of course, during the two months in Yangzhou, Sun Damiana and Mu Haner's two daughters also suffered a lot. Now they stay in Yangzhou, and good news will come soon.

"The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal!"

Although it is said to be a dry season, thanks to the rain in the south and the transfer of lakes along the river, the water volume of the canal is not bad, and most of the tank boats can be turned around.

However, Zhu Yixi sat by the window, and the scene along the canal was unforgettable.

All the docks in the past were occupied by military ships, and all the people coming and going were soldiers, and there were no merchants or common people.

And relying on the canal, the once bustling market towns now have no trace of people. Without the blessing of popularity, each market is as desolate as a ghost market.

Weeds are overgrown and wild animals are running around, which makes people feel desolate.

"This is the chaotic world, the chaotic world!"

Although it is said that it is all due to his strong walls and clearing the country, but he has to do it, the military disaster is too terrible.

Of course, what is more conspicuous are the bastions along the canal.

Every thirty or fifty miles, there will be a bumpy bastion to monitor the canal.

By the time the emperor arrived at the bastion named Dahewei, it was the first year of Shaowu, the third day of the first lunar month.

This Spring Festival, he spent on the boat.

However, Zhu Yixi got used to it.

The moment the emperor arrived, the entire Dahewei erupted instantly, and the atmosphere was extremely warm.

What followed was a large amount of wine, meat, and charcoal, which was also the reason why the soldiers were happy.

The generals, all dressed in armor, came to the pier together and waited for a long time.

"The last general is waiting to kowtow to His Majesty!"

The military generals headed by Li Jingwu lined up in several rows, and when they saw the handsome and energetic figure of the emperor in armor, they knelt down one by one.

"Get up!"

Zhu Yixi felt a cold wind.

It is indeed colder than the south.

"Your Majesty—" Li Jingwu raised his head, looked at the emperor's face, his eyes were slightly red, and he was crying.

"Let's go, let's go back first!"

After entering the bastion, Li Jingwu was not idle along the way, and began to introduce:

"The name of this fort comes from Dahewei. It is the guardhouse of Huai'an Mansion. It is now abandoned. It is named because it wants to protect the safety of the canal."

"Dahewei is only fifty miles away from Shanyang County. It is the first line of defense after the fall of Zhongshanyang in the final plan, so the construction is extremely complete..."

"Dahewei is composed of one large and two small, three bastions, each with horns. The largest is the main fort, which can garrison 5000 people. The food and weapons can be used for seven days. The other two forts each have 3000 people..."

"Fran cannons, gunpowder, bows and arrows, crossbow bolts, and fuel oil are all fully prepared, and they will never fall easily..."

"Just be ready!"

The emperor nodded slightly, and walked slowly into the castle with everyone.

In the meeting room, the emperor sat at the main seat, and the generals stood in two rows, straightening their backs, showing their backs and waists.

"How is morale now?"

Zhu Yixi turned to Li Jingwu and asked.

His letters, as well as the news from the Military Justice Department, showed that morale was low, which was the basis of the transformation strategy.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers cannot be easily thrown away.

"Hearing that His Majesty is here in person, the morale of the army is high, and everyone strives to be the first."

Li Jingwu showed a smile.

"That's good."

Being able to improve, Zhu Yixi also breathed a sigh of relief.

In this autocratic monarchy society, the arrival of the emperor is no less than bloodshed.

"Your Majesty, the Manchus are now staying in Shanyang, and a large number of soldiers and horses are hoarding. The war is dangerous!"

Bai Wang couldn't wait to speak, his words were full of concern.

The emperor was very helpful, nodded and said: "Of course I know, but the facts have proved that Yangzhou is not safe. Do you want me to return to Nanjing?"

"But--"

"Nothing but."

Zhu Yixi said decisively: "I am not the king of peace, I was also killed from the battle formation, and I know the dangers of war."

"However, if you defend the Jianghuai River, you must defend the Huaihe River. If the Jianghuai River is lost, the death of Nanjing is just a matter of leisure. If I am so aggrieved, I would rather die in battle."

Now, no one dares to persuade.

But the generals are still quite excited.

The emperor came to the front line in person, and his every move was under his nose. If he made a great contribution, he could easily win the king's heart, and it was only a matter of time to soar.

After all the generals dispersed, only Li Jingwu stayed alone.

"Answer truthfully, how is morale?"

The emperor asked directly with a straight face.

"The arrival of His Majesty, coupled with wine and meat, revived the morale of the army a little."

Li Jingwu sighed and said: "Before, it was almost lax."

Immediately, he opened his mouth, including a few words such as fleeing, violating the law and discipline, being unable to act, and listless.

Combined with the report from the Military Justice Department, the emperor already understood the exaggerated number of thousands of people detained in the army in one day, and there was only a thin line between this and collapse.

This is still a situation of continuous logistics supplies, enough food and clothing, otherwise when Shanyang County was destroyed, there would be deserters everywhere in the north of Yangzhou.

"If it is the Beijing camp, it will definitely not be like this."

Seeing the emperor's ugly face, Li Jingwu couldn't help but said: "It's just that most of these soldiers and horses come from the four towns in Jiangbei. Even if the old and weak are eliminated, the remaining ones are still inferior to us."

"One pass to ten, ten to a hundred, and everyone suppresses it together, and then it is barely passed."

"It was defeated for hundreds of miles and lost more than ten cities in a row. The thinking of these soldiers is also understandable."

The emperor didn't agree with his heart.

Therefore, the most important thing about his arrival is to boost morale and raise aspirations, and other things come second.

From this point of view, there are obviously mistakes and omissions in the formulation of the strategy, and the Huanghuai soldiers are too overestimated.

For a while, Zhu Yixi was a little depressed.

And just before and after, Hauge fled back to Shanyang County even more depressed.

"This defeat is not your fault."

Jierhalang was happy in his heart, but he said with relief:

"After all, they are cavalry. Without artillery, it is not so easy to successfully attack Yangzhou City."

"The last general loses his troops and loses his generals, and he is willing to be punished."

Hauge handed over, very depressed.

"Get up quickly, Hauge, you also deserve credit. Because of the sneak attack, Emperor Ming no longer stayed in Yangzhou, but went north, ready to fight us to the death."

Jierharang laughed.

"Really?" Hauge was stunned, and then showed a resentful expression: "Please also take me as the vanguard, the general, I will definitely avenge my shame and chop off the false emperor's head."

Shameless——

Luckard was trembling with anger.

(End of this chapter)