Great Qing Dynasty talker

Chapter 574 Emperor Yu personally leads the army to start two northern expeditions!
in the afternoon,

There is light snow in the sky.

The emperor inspected a recruit training camp located in the south of Suzhou City.

The instructors train each subject according to the Infantry Manual, without testing personal battlefield experience.

The new recruits in brand new uniforms carried guns and marched to the beat of small drums.

"See Your Majesty."

Li Yu asked:

"How many new recruits are there here? Which legion do they belong to?"

"3512 new recruits. The Army Department missed the 4th Corps in the last round of military expansion. This time, Captain Huang requested additional recruits, so the Army Department recruited these soldiers in Jiangnan."

Li Yu was stunned, staring at the instructor suspiciously, and asked:
"Where are the new recruits from?"

"All of them are from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and southern Anhui, and they signed up voluntarily."

……

As they were chatting, there was a sudden burst of wild cheers among the recruits.

"Long live, long live!"

The huge crowd of new recruits knelt on one knee, with the butts of their rifles on the ground, bayonets pointing upwards, their eyes fanatical.

see,

Li Yu urged his horse to run in small steps, raised his right hand and signaled frequently, completing a short and warm on-site military parade that was not prepared in advance.

He could see that the enthusiasm in the eyes of these recruits was not disguised but came from the heart, but he always felt that something was wrong.

Jiangnan, volunteer, fanaticism, new recruits~
When all these factors are combined, it can be summed up in three words: Impossible!

……

Seeing His Majesty's suspicion, the people around him became a little nervous.

Li Yu suddenly turned around and ordered:

"Order all soldiers to take off their armor."

"According to the order."

An instructor held high the banner of the Golden Fox Legion, rode his horse and charged into the battle formation, shouting:
"Your Majesty has ordered that all new soldiers take off their armor and test their courage during the hottest days of winter."

……

Everyone was stunned.

3000 men took off their armor, and not one of them was a good citizen!

A man with tattoos all over his eyes.

Colorful and diverse, from parts to shoulders, from Chinese characters to graphics, from Diao Chan to Guan Gong.

Those without tattoos are one in a million.

Li Yu suddenly realized, his eyes were complicated, and he whispered:

"That's all. Make some more ginger soup for lunch. Also, give each person 5 silver coins as a reward. This will be paid from the royal treasury instead of the Army Department."

"According to the order."

As the order spread, shouts of "Long live the emperor" resounded through the sky.

……

Your Majesty's origin is not a secret after all. Cun Ju Tang and Wei Ge Tang relied on their fists and sticks to gain fame in Suzhou Prefecture.
Now, the great cause has been accomplished.

From a gang member to the emperor!

The mythical story made His Majesty the spiritual idol of all the evil young men in Jiangnan.

Let’s put it this way, all the gang members in Jiangnan who have some ambitions are here.

If the instructors of the training camp had not collectively dispatched to intercept.

Thousands of shirtless tattooed men raised their hands and cheered as they surrounded His Majesty's warhorse, kneeling in the snow to cheer for their "Big Brother" again and again.

……

Today's events were quite embarrassing.

But it’s not easy to curse.

Li Yu could only silently wrap his cloak tightly, put on his mask, and run all the way back to the Wu Palace.

"Have the Army Department and the General Staff temporarily modify the arrangements for the Java garrison. The 5th Corps in Guangdong will not be moved for the time being, and new soldiers from the 4th Corps will be stationed there instead. Tell Huang Si that the senior official does not need additional troops."

"According to the order."

After returning to the bedroom, Li Yu still felt his cheeks burning.

In order to reduce unnecessary trouble, the 4th Legion will be stationed in Southeast Asia to serve as the colonial military god.

How could the Ministry of the Interior forget Dayuan? 2% of Dayuan’s customs anti-smuggling team are the Ministry of the Interior’s eyes and ears.

now,

The fire on the island is probably still burning.

……

Li Yu secretly decided,

Don’t let the 4th Legion come back again.

The 4th Army Corps was not a qualified field army, but it was supposed to be a qualified colonial garrison. Java, Borneo, Luzon, Tainan, and Ryukyu Islands were all given to them.

It is impossible for me to offer extra generous treatment in order to recruit new soldiers from Jiangnan, whether I want to do it or not.

Li Yu opened the long-forgotten diary.

Write down:

Without generous rewards, those who actively and voluntarily serve in the army in the Jiangnan region would definitely not be good citizens.

From now on, the 4th Corps' troop strength will be frozen and it will no longer be expanded. The Corps also cannot be stationed on the mainland, otherwise friendly forces will follow suit, causing endless harm.

……

This Spring Festival.

The south is peaceful and the north is terrible.

Things were also bad during the Qing Dynasty, but we have to admit that even the worst order was better than the disorder we have today.

In the north, there is no distinction between government soldiers, bandits, and religious soldiers; everyone survives by instinct.

The gentry in Shandong and Zhili in the Central Plains were no longer stubborn and sent joint letters one after another to Suzhou Prefecture.

Even the Confucius family in Qufu finally lowered their noble heads and presented a letter of surrender, but the Wu court did not respond and detained them all.

The Intelligence Agency gave its judgment:

The Northern Expedition is not difficult.

The vast areas east of Taihang Mountains, north of the Yangtze River, and south of Shanhaiguan are all eagerly awaiting Your Majesty.

……

The fifth day of the first lunar month.

Wu Ting formally swore an oath to march north.

Emperor Wu read out the ten major crimes of the Qing court on the spot, announced to the world, acted in the name of justice, and marched north to the Central Plains, targeting Yanjing.

The canal is lined with boats for dozens of miles, blocking out the sky and the sun.

The magnificent military appearance amazed the onlookers.

In this Northern Expedition, a total of 1 field corps, including the 2st, 3nd, 8rd, 6th, 9th, 10th, 8th and Light Cavalry, and most of the Guards Corps were deployed.
The navy dispatched more than 40 naval warships and more than 5000 sailors.

The above are regular troops.

In addition, there is the 2nd Expeditionary Corps, Hu Zhihuang's troops in northern Anhui.

The total force is 15.

The logistics department employed 25 civilian laborers, more than 2 civilian ships, and countless vehicles of various types.

Cross the river from two places.

One is Xiangyang, and the other is Yanziji in Jiangning.

The river is narrow at these two places, and they are the choice of the army for crossing the river in every dynasty. Our ancestors carefully selected them, and they must be right.

……

The commander-in-chief of the Northern Expedition is Your Majesty.

When the time comes, the army will storm into the Forbidden City. It will be such a famous scene, and it is impossible for the emperor not to be present.

It is difficult to get into Chang'an, but it is a little easier to break into Chang'an.

Finance Minister Hu Xueyu was stationed in Suzhou Prefecture and was responsible for coordinating logistics.

Minister of the General Staff, Tan Muguang, was stationed in Jingkou and was also responsible for coordinating logistics.

Standing on the deck,

Li Yu looked at the rolling waters of the Yangtze River and sighed with the generals around him:
"The Northern Expedition should not be a clarion call for a charge, but a bell for success. Fighting from south to north, Zhu Yuanzhang was the first, and I am the second."

"The Qing dynasty is now on the verge of collapse, like a pile of dead bones in a tomb."

"In this battle, military power is secondary, and justice is primary."

"We must resettle the refugees from the north and solve the problem once and for all."

"Your Majesty is holy."

……

The Northern Expedition army was divided into two routes.

The Western Route Army was commanded by Army Minister Lin Huaisheng and included the 1st, 3rd, and 9th Field Army Corps, as well as the Light Cavalry Corps.

The Western Route Army set out from Nanyang and headed northward, intending to block the Qing court's western hunting route.

The eastern route will be led by Your Majesty himself, with more troops, and will prepare to attack northwards through Anhui.

Before setting off, Wu's army carried out a somewhat hasty reorganization.

2000 soldiers and non-commissioned officers were drawn from each of the existing old legions and incorporated into the newly formed legions, one-third of whom were promoted to the next level.

The vacancies created will be filled by new recruits.

In this way, the basic combat effectiveness of each legion can be maintained.

……

In addition, Li Yu also temporarily adjusted some senior military officers.

From now on, the highest commanders of each corps will be renamed commanders, and the corresponding military ranks will remain unchanged.

The 1st Corps was led by Lin Huaisheng (General Lin), while the 2nd Corps was still led by Zheng Hean (the always sick big brother from Fuyang).

The 3rd Legion: Wei Jun (Concubine Wei’s unknown brother).

Huang Si of the 4th Legion (stationed in a big place, busy making money).

Miao Youlin of the 5th Corps (stationed in Guangdong).

Zhao Erhu of the 6th Corps (born as a miner in Changxing and Wang Liu’s younger brother).

7th Corps Bai Jianren (Gui Army, currently studying at Dongshan Infantry Officer School)
The 8th Legion: Li Xiaowu (adopted son, also in charge of the Imperial Guard).

Yang Yuchun of the 9th Corps (master of armored infantry combat).

Liu Akun of the 10th Corps (the old man of Cun Ju Tang, indulging in the tenderness of West Lake, was brought here just to be named so that he could be given a title after the war)

Light Cavalry Corps, Wusimai (an atypical round-faced Mongolian who loves poetry)

The Guards Corps, led by His Majesty himself.

……

According to the established arrangement, unless there were unexpected astronomical phenomena, the army had to advance 40 miles every day.

The Western Route Army set out first.

Lin Huaisheng led the light cavalry corps and advanced northward.

All I saw along the way was misery everywhere.

Bones were left in the streets, and there was no one living there for miles. We finally found a few men who looked like skeletons as guides. But after the first meal, two of them died of bloating.

Lushan County and Baofeng County have become ruins.

Whether it was the gentry or the common people, their whereabouts were unknown.

"My friend, where have all the people here gone?"

"Sir, some died, some ran away, I think many people fled into the mountains."

Western Henan is mountainous, so the probability of survival is higher than in the plains.

……

The army continued to advance.

Ruzhou surrendered without a fight.

The bloodstains on the city wall showed obvious signs of a fierce battle. The gentry opened the city gates and knelt to welcome the king's army.

but,

Lin Huaisheng didn't intend to let them go just like that.

A question was asked in public: "Do you have any deposit receipts from Sihai Bank?"

Everyone was shocked and quickly found the stub.

Unexpectedly, Lin Huaisheng said coldly:

"Anyone who has less than 3000 taels of silver in his deposit is a double-faced person and cannot be forgiven. Kill him!"

As a result, more than 240 officials and gentry in Ruzhou City were dragged out and executed in public. Afterwards, the male members of the family were sent to the Huainan Coal Mine to dig coal, and the female members were sent to the Jiaofangsi.

Only 5 people qualified.

Lin Huaisheng knew what His Majesty meant.

During the past six months, Sihai Piaohao has attracted deposits of more than 400 million taels in the north.

When His Majesty heard this, he flew into a rage. Since you won't let me cheat, I can only rob you.

……

The light cavalry corps galloped all the way and issued proclamations to all states and counties.

wherever you go,
All the prefectures and counties opened their city gates and knelt to welcome the royal army.

A man who knows the current situation is a hero. Even the important city of Luoyang opened its gates. The frozen Luo River could not stop the fierce Wu army.

The Henan Provincial Governor led more than 400 officials and gentry in the city to kneel outside the city gate and publicly offer cattle, sheep, gold and silver. More than 5000 defenders all laid down their weapons.

Everyone knows Wu Ting's rules.

They resisted stubbornly, and after the city was captured, all the gentry in the city were slaughtered.

Surrender can save the lives and property of all the gentry in the city.

Wusimai rode on his horse and looked at the Luoyang officials and gentry crawling at his feet, and proudly took over this historic city.

So far,

The Western Route Army completed its initial strategy and blocked the Qing government's escape route from Tongguan to Shaanxi.

……

Chuzhou Prefecture, Anhui Province.

The Chinese military tent.

The staff officer replied respectfully:
"Lin Shuai reported that the Western Route Army had reached the Yellow River and stationed troops in Nanyang Prefecture, Ruzhou City, Baofeng County, and Xuchang City. They encountered little resistance along the way and killed 3000 households of gentry with less than 844 taels of silver."

"Tell Lin Huaisheng that from the day we receive the military order, the Western Army will be divided into three routes, cooperating with the Eastern Army in clearing out the area from west to east."

"I emphasize the principles of warfare once again. Anyone who is unwilling to lay down their arms will be killed, regardless of whether they are soldiers or bandits, old or young. We will provide shelter for them as we fight along the way. If we cannot keep up with the food, we would rather slow down our pace."

The staff officer quickly took note and sent it out.

At noon, Hu Zhihuang arrived on horseback.

As soon as I entered the account, tears welled up in my eyes.

"Your Majesty! I have finally waited for this day. I am willing to be the vanguard of the army and march north to Yanjing."

"Get up and sit down to talk."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Inside the tent, Li Yu dismissed his attendants and secretly gave instructions.

Hu Zhihuang nodded repeatedly as he listened, then left quickly.

……

North of Yingzhou Prefecture.

The commander of the 2nd Corps, Zheng Hean, had a sallow complexion and looked very withered.

Under your command,

A group of officers from northern Anhui looked at their backbone worriedly.

"Everyone, His Majesty has issued an order. Our army will first take the Xuzhou-Huai'an line and eliminate Fu Chang'an!"

"The battle has come to this point, and there is actually no suspense. All these years, my brothers have followed me through thick and thin, all for the sake of a title for their wives and children."

"It's a pity. I'm afraid I can't hold on for much longer."

As he spoke, he showed everyone a bloody handkerchief.

The officers' eyes were red.

"Brother, you should go back to Suzhou to recuperate."

"Commander, leave Xuzhou to us. There will be no problem."

……

Zheng Hean raised his right hand, signaling for silence.

Keep quiet in the tent.
He then said calmly:

"Longevity is determined by heaven. The doctor said that I have a serious and incurable disease. Fortunately, this is a chronic disease that will gradually worsen, so I can still hold on for a while."

“Maybe one month, maybe half a year.”

"Brothers, please keep it secret! Otherwise, I will have to resign with the order of His Majesty."

Everyone wiped their tears and nodded.

……

Zheng Hean smiled and motioned for everyone to sit down:

"Now that things have come to this, I want to tell you something from the bottom of my heart. After I die, you must unite and not engage in internal strife."

"You and your family have been able to turn things around. But northern Anhui is still poor, and the villagers probably can't even get enough black steamed bread to eat."

"I want to turn over, what should I do?"

"First, control the river. Second, provide education!"

……

A young officer stood up and bowed:
"Brother, these two are important matters for the court. We are afraid~"

"Mancang, sit down. What I want to say is, if one day the imperial court wants to control the river, the people of northern Anhui must cooperate with all their might, no matter the cost."

Everyone nodded silently.

"Don't worry, Commander. I've made note of it."

Zheng Hean continued:

"We cannot wait for the imperial court to run education. I don't want to explain the reason, and you don't need to ask. I will issue a written military order in the name of the corps commander. From now on, after you annihilate the enemy and break through the city, you can let go and seize the spoils."

"What does the Commander mean?"

"Wherever the 2nd Army Corps goes, all the former Qing officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants will be killed, no matter who they are, and their property will be confiscated. Remember, only the property. If the court investigates afterwards, I will bear all the responsibilities."

"The stolen money is not for you to divide among yourself."

"7%! At least 7% will be shipped back to my hometown to set up schools and recruit local students."

It was eerily quiet inside the tent.

Everyone stared at Zheng Hean, trying to figure out his true intentions.

……

Zheng Hean smiled calmly:

"Over the years, I have understood some things."

"A man cannot become rich without unexpected wealth, and a horse cannot grow fat without night grass. To run an education, you need to invest a lot. My family back home has no money, so we have to take care of the money."

"You must remember two things I said. First, follow His Majesty's lead. On the battlefield, you must do whatever His Majesty says. Do not hesitate or think. Even if there are mountains of swords and seas of fire ahead, you must charge in. Second, benefit your hometown. If there is one less school out of 100, I will die with regret."

"Kneel down and swear a blood oath."

……

The next day,

The 2nd Corps set out, heading straight for Xuzhou.

(End of this chapter)