In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 898 The Importance of Farming

The next day, in the evening, nearing the hour of You (5-7 PM),

The last troop of Doyan Three Guards cavalry returned, bringing back the final spoils.

Much the same as before,

Ginseng, deer antler, fur, silver, and ore.
Various kinds of spoils were secured to the horse's back in large bags.

As the horse's rump wiggled, the large bag swayed along with it.

As they passed the camp, the horses swayed even more wildly, as if showing off.

Many soldiers stood outside the camp, drooling as they looked at the horses' hindquarters!

"Great stuff! All of it is great stuff!"

Now, the three guards of Duoyan have broadened their horizons.
Knowing that such a thing would be worth a thousand gold pieces if sold in Yingtian and the South,
It's no longer like before, where things were handled arbitrarily.

Even items like ginseng and deer antlers were carefully wrapped, for fear of damaging them.

Tuoluhuchaer and Azashili stood at the camp gate, smiling broadly.
A sense of high spirits emanated from them.

"The Three Guards of Duoyan! They are still valiant!"

"This battle was fought well and won easily. I never expected the Jurchens to be so vulnerable."

Haisa Nandaxi also said that the Jurchens were fearless in battle and not to be trifled with, but in my opinion, he was just too cowardly.

Tuoluhuchaer, hands on his hips, looked at the spoils ahead and spoke with some resentment:
"If we had known they were this weak, why would we have bothered fighting on the grasslands? We should have fought the Jurchens instead."

Azashiri glanced at him from the side.
The young man's face was filled with arrogance, and Azashiri smiled:
"We must not let our guard down. This easy victory was due to our excellent tactics and strategies."

Knowing the enemy's location and number in advance
Even if the royal court's auxiliary troops were to attack, they could still take it down.

Tuoluhuchaer put away his smile. He was able to become the Marshal of Duoyan at such a young age, so he must have real skills.

After Azashili said that, he nodded slightly:
“You’re right. In this battle, I’ve discovered the biggest difference between us and the Ming army.”

"what?"

Tuoluhuchaer's face was solemn:
"The Ming army placed particular emphasis on pre-battle preparations, striving to do their best."
They did not expect to achieve victory on the battlefield through the bravery of their soldiers.

Even if the soldiers are a little less capable, it doesn't matter, as long as they can obey orders.

But we, and not just us, the entire army of the Northern Yuan royal court, did not pay attention to pre-battle preparations.
Strategies, military tactics, methods of dealing with the enemy, and material supply.
He's always been easygoing, content with just getting by, but he's particularly interested in battlefield bravery.

Azashiri frowned slightly, her face showing deep thought.
After a moment, he nodded almost imperceptibly:
"You're right. The last time a large army was so meticulously planned was during the time of Genghis Khan."

After that, things got worse year by year. By the last major battle at Buyur Lake, they were almost unprepared, relying solely on their bravery.

Tuoluhuchaer pursed his lips and said softly:
This also leads to a problem.
When we have the upper hand, we become increasingly courageous and relentless in pursuing our victory.

But what if the battlefield turns against you?

Morale must collapse first; otherwise, the battle is impossible to win.

"Just like the current Northern Yuan Dynasty, after all its elite forces were wiped out at Buyur Lake,

Three years have passed now, and they are still being beaten head-on by the Ming army.

Perhaps, within the Northern Yuan court, both generals and soldiers already felt they could not win.
Instead of actually preparing tactics, strategies, and methods for dealing with the enemy.

Azashiri's expression became extremely solemn. After careful consideration, he felt that what she said made a lot of sense.

"So, what do you think we should do if we want to be as elite as the Ming army? What are your thoughts?"

Tuoluhuchaer shook his head:
"I asked some staff officers in the military, but their answers were ambiguous, and they said it was determined by personality!"
Zou Jing, however, spoke to me for a few moments, saying that this was a habit cultivated by the people of the Central Plains for thousands of years.

"Farming?"

Azashi looked surprised, his brows furrowing slightly.
What does fighting a war have to do with farming?

"At first I didn't know either, but now I understand some of it."
Last year, the clan planted sweet potatoes. The process involved selecting the site for the field, sowing the seedlings, fertilizing, loosening the soil, weeding, and even taking care of them every day.

If you don't plan ahead, you'll be in a complete mess!

People from the Central Plains wouldn't be able to do these things well.
That would mean starvation, a matter of life and death.

I've heard that some elderly farmers inside the Great Wall take turns sowing different grains in the fields.
Some even begin preparing for planting three years in advance.
This habit was also carried over to the military.

"hiss"

Azashiri gasped, finding the statement quite apt.

"We grassland people have always been one to go wherever the wind takes us."
We drive our cattle and sheep to wherever the pastures are lush, relying on the heavens for our livelihood.

Although there were some preparations made for cattle and sheep,
However, it was far inferior to farming, which also led to military disadvantages.

Even more remarkably, the Yuan Dynasty collapsed in less than a century.

They probably haven't farmed before and don't understand the importance of long-term planning.

"Trying to do things haphazardly, it's no wonder things get chaotic."

Tuoluhuchaer spoke calmly, becoming more and more fluent as he spoke, and his confidence grew stronger.

Azashiri was the former Prince of Liao during the Yuan Dynasty. He was over sixty years old and had served most of the former Yuan court.

I wholeheartedly agree with the statement by Tuoluhuchaer.

He had seen too many policies change in a day or two, and things never got done.

"You're right. That has cleared up my doubts."

"So when I go back, I plan to follow the example of the Commander and create a three-year plan."
Write down the rules and tasks on paper.

If you follow this direction, even if you make a mistake, you can correct it in time.

Tuoluhuchaer's eyes were burning with desire, as if he could see the future of the powerful Doyan Three Guards.

"The commander has a three-year plan, do we still need to follow it? Can't we just follow the commander's lead?"

"What belongs to others will always belong to others; only what suits you is right for you."
The Commander-in-Chief has a large three-year plan, so let's do a smaller one.

Road construction is the top priority. We must ensure that the road from Duoyan Sanwei to Daning City is repaired, otherwise everything else will be in vain.

It's just a pity that Shanhaiguan Pass is there, and we'll always be outside the pass."

Taking a deep breath, a hint of disappointment flashed in Toruhuchar's eyes as he continued:
"According to military law, we are entitled to at least 60% of this spoils."
I plan to spend this money ahead of schedule.

Build some cement workshops and dig up some sand and gravel.
Once our people have accumulated enough experience on the road from Daning to Liaodong, we will let them come back and manage our own road!
In addition, we need to prepare the funds for road construction in advance.

We cannot follow in the footsteps of the Liaodong Military Command; we must have our own money to be more at ease.

Tuoluhuchaer said a lot.
King Azashili of Liao listened quietly, a kind smile playing on his lips.

There's a saying that a person has grown up when they stop showing off their sharpness.

"Torukhuchar, you've grown up now."

Tuoluhuchaer looked on with mixed feelings and sighed softly.

"Everyone is getting stronger. If the Three Guards of Duoyan stagnate, then they are getting weaker."

In this world, the weak have no chance of survival, just like those Jurchen people.

Azashiri smiled, looked at the soldiers running towards them from a distance, and asked questions.

The soldier stopped in front of the two men and said quickly:
"My lords, the general requests your presence in the central command tent."

"Okay, we'll go right away."

Azashili responded, and the soldier turned and ran away.

He looked at Tuoluhuchaer, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed:
"I'm getting old and won't live much longer. The future of the Duoyan Three Guards will depend on you."

Having said that, Azashili turned and walked towards the camp, his back hunched and his figure forlorn.
Tuoluhuchaer stood still, clenching his fists tightly, his face resolute:

"The Three Guards of Duoyan will surely prosper again."

Inside the military tent, Lu Yunyi raised his head.

Seeing the two of them walk in covered in snow, he smiled and asked:

"Where have you been? Why aren't you in your tent in this freezing weather?"

"General, let us go and take a look at the spoils."
"You don't know, but the brothers are very happy," Azashiri replied with a smile.

Lu Yunyi also laughed:

"Alright, the initial fighting has now come to an end."

We must head to the next tribe first thing tomorrow morning, and strive to reach the Goryeo border and enter it within ten days!

"Ten days?"

Tuoluhucha'er's eyes widened in surprise.

"My lord, it's freezing cold outside. Ten days is far too rushed."

Lu Yunyi's expression was somewhat solemn, and he nodded slightly: "After the meteorological team surveyed the flora and fauna of the Anugan Mountains,

It is predicted that the winter will warm up in another month and a half, during which time the wind and snow will gradually decrease.

To be honest, this is very disadvantageous for us to penetrate deeper into Goryeo!

If a force of ten thousand men were not sheltered by wind and snow...
In a small place like Korea, it's easy for others to find out where you're going.

Therefore, I have decided to collect enough camouflage leather armor and coats.
We'll enter the country quickly; whether there's one more or one less minister doesn't matter.
"At worst, we can conduct another crackdown after returning from Korea; it'll be the same."

Upon hearing this, the previously tense generals breathed a sigh of relief.
What they care about most are these spoils.
Such a delicious treat, you'd be lucky to miss out!
Azashiri spoke first:
"General, you are the commander-in-chief of the vanguard; everything is up to you."
Although entering Goryeo within ten days will be arduous, the soldiers of the Three Guards of Doyan will not delay and will certainly complete the mission!

Tuoluhuchaer also spoke up repeatedly:
"General, if we abandon those Jurchen tribes..."

We can walk on the frozen river; it will be much faster.

Ten days is enough to enter Goryeo!

"Well then, you may all go and prepare. We'll depart tomorrow morning!"

"Yes!"

With the military order issued, the previously relaxed military camp suddenly became tense again.
Compared to last time, the soldiers were much more composed.

Because of their experience fighting the enemy, they also gained a full understanding of the abilities of the generals leading the troops!

In addition to the newly replaced armor and longsword,

It would be absurd to lose again!

Lu Yunyi, wearing a snow-white fox fur coat, walked into the staff headquarters tent.

He took off his clothes, and a blast of cold air seeped in through the gaps in his armor!

"what?"

Lu Yunyi turned to look at the fox fur coat and said with some emotion:

"This thing is really warm, and it doesn't let in any wind."

Gong Xianzhi chimed in from the side:
"General, this fox fur coat was found in the treasury of the Huligai tribe's chieftain."
According to them, it was an excellent item for keeping warm.

You could wrap him up and sleep in the snow without freezing to death.

"Good stuff, write it down."

When we get back, we'll have the artisans in the military study it and see how it was made.

The fox fur coat I wore in the capital wasn't this warm, I don't recall.

"Yes!"

Gong Xianzhi took out a booklet from his pocket and began to write.

At this moment, Zou Jing walked over with two documents in his hand.

He remained the same as always, cold and aloof, his eyes utterly calm, and his words devoid of any emotion.

"General, this is a summary of the subsequent operational direction."

If we can wipe out another large Jurchen tribe, we will have enough disguise to infiltrate Goryeo.

But my subordinate felt that such a disguise was useless.

"reason."

"A cavalry force of tens of thousands of men—only the Northern Yuan and the Ming Dynasty could sustain that in the world."
The elite cavalry of the three Jurchen tribes were wiped out last time, and Goryeo should also know this.

Therefore, once we enter the territory of Goryeo,

"Once they are seen, Goryeo should know that they are not Jurchens."

Lu Yunyi walked to the head of the table and sat down, accepting the tea offered by the waiter and nodding.

"You're right, but some things are unspoken, or even just a gesture is enough."
As long as the people of Goryeo believe that we are Jurchens, that's enough.

As for Yi Seong-gye and his generals, they are irrelevant by any measure.

"I don't understand."

Zou Jing frowned, his eyes flickering with a hint of doubt.

"When two countries are at war, political issues are more important than military issues."

If they were to enter the country openly and boldly wearing black armor,

The people of Goryeo could tell at a glance that the Ming army had arrived.

By then, the news had spread like wildfire.

The Goryeo court had no choice but to intervene and at least provide an explanation.

And our imperial court is the same.
If things become public and the court doesn't intervene, it loses its authority.

Therefore, we disguised ourselves as Jurchens.

It was not only for himself, but also for the courts of both countries.

As for what choice they ultimately make, that's beyond our control.

In short, just do your own thing and let others make their own choices.

Zou Jing understood and nodded slightly:
"My subordinates know."

"Hmm, have you calculated the probability of winning the battle against the enemy if we enter Korea and are attacked?"

Zou Jing took another book from the bookshelf and handed it over:

"General, the calculations are complete."

Judging from the strength shown by the Three Guards of Doyan in this battle,

If we face an enemy of 10,000, we are certain to win; if we face an enemy of 20,000, there is a 20% chance of defeat.

"Our chances of victory only drop to 50% when facing an enemy army of over 50,000."

"So high? Is there a mistake in the calculation?"

Lu Yunyi flipped through the documents, somewhat surprised.

As a military general, he was well aware of this.

Ten thousand is a world of difference compared to the enemy's numbers.

If it were truly a battle between more than 10,000 people, the enemy force would have at least 50,000 or even more.

If the enemy has 50,000 troops, the enemy may have 200,000 to 300,000 troops on their flank.

In the war against the enemy Nahachu and the Northern Yuan royal court,
The largest battle involved no more than 50,000 people, but the total number of troops deployed by both sides was nearly 400,000.

Zou Jing's expression was solemn, and he said in a deep voice:

"General, this time the three guards of Duoyan suffered a total of 235 casualties."
This is 50% less than the 500 people predicted by the General Staff.

This indicates that the General Staff had significantly underestimated the Jurchen's fighting strength, and this has now been corrected.

Based on the revised combat strength and considering the past fierce battles between Goryeo and the Jianzhou Jurchens, which were often evenly matched,
The Goryeo army was not much stronger than the Jurchen army; the General Staff estimated that it was about 50% stronger.

If we use this result to deduce how to deal with the enemy,
As long as our army doesn't encounter any problems, there's no possibility of defeat.

Lu Yunyi glanced at him, frowned slightly, and then carefully read the calculation document again.

"That's a bit optimistic. Goryeo was, after all, a complete political entity."

When the Tieling Guard was established, they even considered sending troops to Liaodong.

"If they didn't have some skills, would they dare?"

Zou Jing remained calm, his tone unwavering:
"General, does the Goryeo royal family dare to send troops to Tieling Guard?"

But the Goryeo generals dared not, for they were acutely aware of the disparity in strength between the two armies.

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips, his expression strange.
The commander in charge of the defense of Tieling Guard was Li Chenggui.

As a result, Yi Seong-gye dared not go to Liaodong, and instead led his troops back to Gaegyeong, preferring to rebel rather than enter the Ming Dynasty.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then continued:
"That's too optimistic. It's based on the calculation that the Goryeo soldiers are three times stronger than the Jurchen soldiers."

Don't forget, the soldiers under your command now are not the elite troops you can easily control.
Instead, it's the less elite Doyan Three Guards; playing it safe is always a good idea.

"Yes, my lord!"

Zou Jing's expression was grave, and he quickly issued new military plans.

The staff officers felt like crying but had no tears left, and they started working again.

(End of this chapter)