weaving

Chapter 1521 The revenge for Julu must be taken!

Zhang Cheng's mother and aunt continued to live in the former military commander's office. Although the military commander Zhang Yan had died for his country in the Battle of Julu, Zhang Cheng was soon promoted to military commander of Xuanfu Zhenbei Road, so they kept the mansion as their residence.

Of course, the main reason was that Aunt Zhang Cheng was reluctant to leave her old home. She always felt that this mansion had the shadow and aura of her husband, Zhang Yan, and she could only feel at peace living here.

Zhang Cheng's mother always believed that her son's achievements were entirely due to his uncle's kindness in helping him. Therefore, she did not go to the Marshal's Mansion with Zhang Cheng, but instead stayed in the old military commander's office to accompany her sister-in-law.

On the other side is the Zhenshuo General's Mansion, where Yang Guozhu, the former commander-in-chief of Xuanzhen, once lived. Ever since Zhang Cheng came to Zhencheng from the north, he, his two wives, and concubines have lived here.

Therefore, the old mansion and the commander's mansion are located within the town of Xuanfu, and both need to be strengthened to prevent them from being taken advantage of by treacherous people.

…………

After bidding farewell to his wife Ji Xuanzhu and Yang Liying, as well as his concubines, Marquis Yongning Zhang Cheng went to the main hall in the central courtyard.

Lin Fangping immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and reported, "Commander, everything is ready. Shall we depart immediately?"

Zhang Cheng shook his head slightly, indicating that he should wait a moment. Then he walked over to Liu Minshen and, seeing his distressed expression, comforted him, "Shenzhi, don't look so distressed."

"Old Wu told me that since we entered the town, things have become much bigger and not as simple as they were in the north. After all, he is a martial artist and there are many things he simply cannot handle. Fortunately, you are there to help him, so he is able to keep going."

The Earl of Yongning first flattered Liu Minshen before continuing, "But as you know, it's not only by fighting alongside me that you can achieve merit. Governing Xuanfu and helping me manage production and other logistical matters is actually more important."

He had already walked to his seat, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he turned around, raised his hand, and gently patted Liu Minshen's shoulder. He continued, "You are educated, so you should know about historical events. Take Emperor Gaozu of Han for example. The people who are familiar with him are Han Xin, Cao Can, Fan Kuai, Zhou Bo, and Guan Ying. Then there are Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, who are the most famous."

But as you know, the one who actually made the greatest contribution was Xiao He. He followed Emperor Gaozu of Han from Pei County to start the uprising, captured Xianyang, collected laws and regulations, and took charge of the strategic locations of mountains and rivers, counties and households throughout the country for his own use; during the Chu-Han Contention, he was the one who stayed in Guanzhong to stabilize the rear and transport soldiers and provisions.

Consider that Emperor Gaozu of Han was able to emerge from a series of defeats and rise again and again; wasn't it all thanks to Xiao He's management of Guanzhong? He had manpower, money, and supplies. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, Xiao He became its first chancellor, was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zan, and ranked first among the meritorious officials!
In contrast, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Chu, though capable of winning every battle, could not withstand a single defeat; a single defeat led to his utter annihilation. The reason for this was precisely the lack of a great talent like Xiao He to manage a stable rear base for him.

Zhang Cheng gazed at Liu Minshen and solemnly said, "Shenzhi, I hope you can become my Xiao He, deeply cultivate the military and political affairs of Xuanfu, protect this fundamental land, do a good job in the logistics of the army, and continuously supply the front line with soldiers, food, armor, weapons and military pay."

When the bandits are wiped out and the Tartars are driven out, you will be the greatest hero of the Brave and Resolute Army!

Liu Minshen became more and more excited as he listened. Although he wanted to follow Zhang Cheng, the Earl of Yongning, and serve the Yongyi Army in the war to defend the emperor, he never expected that Zhang Cheng would compare him to his Xiao He.

What a high evaluation this is!

Imagine, which scholar wouldn't want to be like Xiao He, to have their name and deeds recorded in history and be remembered by the world? Isn't that the ultimate dream of every scholar?

He clasped his hands in a solemn gesture and said, “I am but a humble man, yet I am deeply grateful for the Commander’s high regard. I will do my utmost to serve him.”

"Haha. It should have been done long ago." Only now did the Earl of Yongning feel at ease and sit down in the commander's chair. He continued, "Shenzhi, although the town's troops are not many, I have transferred several adjutant generals and guerrillas out of the town. With the Inner Guard, the Women's Battalion, and the Cadet Army here, the town cannot be turned upside down."

In addition, I have given orders to several fortified villages outside the city, and they will gather 1,500 soldiers. Their loyalty is assured, and they are all under your command to supplement the town's defenses.

"Yes."

"Furthermore, I have transferred Yan Qingrong, the commander of Yongning Guard, to Zhencheng to assist you. All matters concerning Xuanfu will be decided by you while I am not here. If you are hesitant to make a decision, you may consult with your two wives; if you still cannot decide, you may invite Yan Qingrong to discuss it with you."

"Yes."

"Yang Fu and Yang Qing are inexperienced in battle and unfamiliar with many things; Lei Zhancheng and Liu Shan will assist you in matters of city defense and bandit capture. They are both veterans who have followed me into the garrison for eleven years and can be completely trusted."

"Yes. Min Shen has noted it all down."

The Earl of Yongning then stood up and said, "Alright. The town is now in your hands!"

…………

On the 22nd day of the 11th month of the 15th year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, at noon, the vanguard cavalry of the Yongyi Army passed through Juyong Pass.

Amidst the howling north wind, troop after troop of armored warriors passed through the fortress and marched in a mighty procession toward Gonghua City. Dense ranks of infantrymen lined the official road, interspersed with large carts.

On the plains on both sides of the official road, troop of cavalrymen galloped forward on their warhorses, protecting the flanks of the infantry and chariots on the road.

Although they had not yet reached the capital, according to reports from scouts, enemy cavalry appeared frequently around the capital, so Zhang Cheng did not dare to be careless. Since passing Juyong Pass, he had been marching in a battle formation.

The speed will naturally be slower, and we are destined not to reach the capital city before dark, but safety comes first, and there is nothing we can do about it!
On a high hill north of the official road, Marquis Zhang Cheng of Yongning stood on his horse, surrounded by more than thirty guards and personal cavalry, as well as staff members such as Hu Yiwen and Liu Chengzhu.

Chen De and Zhu Zhicang were also by the side of the Earl of Yongning.

As he rode his green steed, gazing at the vast army advancing across the boundless land, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but recall his past experiences of going to the capital to defend the emperor in the eleventh year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign.

Things have changed, and everything from before is now just a passing cloud!
Although both were sent to the capital to serve the emperor, last time I was only a cavalry commander of a thousand men. At that time, I had four centurions under my command, two of whom were left forever in a place called "Julu".

And then there was Lu Xiang-sheng, the governor-general of Xuan-Da who held the title of Minister of War and was in charge of the reinforcements from all over the country, whose last image was forever captured in Jia Village, Julu.

Zhang Cheng looked around and realized that there wasn't a single one of the old men who had joined him in defending the emperor back then. He was filled with emotion.

Looking at the armored torrent advancing in the distance, Zhang Cheng thought to himself, "The 'grudge of Julu' from back then, it's time to avenge it today!"