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Chapter 797 General Loyalty, Can You Have a Countermeasure

Datong general Wang Pu brought his own general Wang Wei, Chen Jiugao brought his own general Chen Shihu, and Fu Yingchong also brought his own general Lin Jinsi.

At this time, among the officers and troops of the towns in the Ming Dynasty, it was a common phenomenon to support family members, and then came the generals. The chief soldiers, deputy chief soldiers, and even the generals of the towns all promoted their nephews and brothers to be generals. .

The worst thing is to choose those loyal subordinates who have followed him for many years, who are innocent and reliable, and act as generals to lead his own soldiers and elite knights. This is the core combat power of an army.

Just like Zhang Cheng, he was the general of Zhang Cheng, a member of the right-wing battalion of Xuanfu Town, who was in charge of commanding the most powerful Jingqi of the Thousand Headquarters under Zhang Yan's command.

At this time, Zhang Cheng was already the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu Town. Although he was younger, he was second to none in terms of military strength and the status of Xuanfu Town among all the border towns.

The group of people, led by Zhang Cheng implicitly, even the relatives brought by Wang Pu, Chen Jiugao, Fu Yingchong and others, saw Zhang Cheng with respectful expressions, only Guo Yingxian was always heartless and looked at Zhang Cheng. Tsukuru is the little brother from the beginning.

Not far from the south gate of Songshan Fort City, he happened to meet Zhang Ruoqi, the commander-in-chief. He was accompanied by Li Fuming, the commander-in-chief of Shanxi, and his personal general Li Yunshu led more than a hundred soldiers.

Li Fuming has been stationed at the mouth of the Xiaoling River during this period of time, and he has been able to curry favor with Zhang Ruoqi, and he has completely attached himself to the commander-in-chief of the Liao King's Army.

At this time, seeing Zhang Cheng and other people, he hurriedly laughed and came forward, and exchanged warm greetings with Zhang Cheng again, with the intention of clinging and friendship in his words.

The reason why he did this was not only that Zhang Cheng dispatched two battalions of the Xuanfu Army under his temporary management, but also because Zhang Ruoqi promised that after the Liaodong war was resolved, he would recommend him to return to Shanxi to serve as the chief military officer.

Li Fuming is very clear about Zhang Cheng's importance in Xuanda. Even when he was the deputy commander before, he was almost the most powerful figure.

What's more, in the imperial court there is the favor of Emperor Chongzhen, the soldier Chen Xinjia took care of him, and the successive governors of Xuanda were also polite to him. If Li Fuming wants to gain a firm foothold in Shanxi, Zhang Cheng's support is absolutely indispensable. .

Furthermore, if he really serves as the general soldier of Shanxi in the future, then he will be considered as a member of the Xuanda Department.

Although he was born in Liaodong, he is going downhill now, and the local officials in Liaodong will be more and more alienated from him. In this case, he also needs to consider his own interests.

But to guarantee one's own interests, one must invest in a team. With the support of one's own faction, one can guarantee one's own interests. The result of neutrality is often rejected by all parties.

Li Fuming also has the same idea as Liaodong General Liu Zhaoji. In addition to his positive performance recently, he is also moving closer to the general commander Zhang Ruoqi.

The reason for this is all in Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao. He deliberately let Wu Sangui replace Liu Zhaoji in order to rectify the power of the generals in western Liaoning.

Regarding this, although Liu Zhaoji didn't say anything, he was naturally unwilling in his heart. His favor towards Hong Chengchou was also decreasing day by day, but he was powerless.

Just because Wu Sangui was very popular in Liaodong, with outstanding contacts and the support of his ancestors behind him, Liu Zhaoji was not able to compete with him, but Zhang Ruoqi's arrival gave Liu Zhaoji some opportunities.

Anyway, Zhang Ruolin is also considered to be Chen Xinjia, Minister of the Ministry of War!

Zhang Ruoqi was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the army to aid the Liao king. He was an official appointed by the emperor and a doctor of the military department. He had the support of his own soldier Chen Xinjia behind him. It was no wonder that Liu Zhaoji was careful.

Because the transfer of the general army of a town needs to be pushed by the court. Obviously, the opinion of Chen Xinjia, Minister of the Ministry of War, is very important.

In private, he secretly moved closer to Zhang Ruoqi, but when Zhang Ruoqi first arrived in Liaodong, although he was the commander of the army, he didn't know if he really trusted him, and he didn't give him any good looks at the beginning.

However, under the corrosion of Liu Zhaoji's sugar-coated shells, it finally collapsed. He even vowed that there is no need to worry about it. As long as he performs well and wins the battle in Liaodong, he will not lose his position as the commander-in-chief.

Zhang Ruoqi, the commander-in-chief, greeted Zhang Cheng and other generals with a smile.

Today he wore an official uniform and came all the way from Xiaoling River Estuary, he looked dusty, but the three beards on his chin were still neatly groomed, he was surrounded by some so-called staff and personal guards, shouting and hugging It's very stylish.

However, although his words were quite friendly, Zhang Cheng still felt a trace of anxiety in his heart.

Obviously, the current anxiety and change in the battle in Jinzhou has caused him great confusion.

Sure enough, after a short exchange of pleasantries, Zhang Ruoqi, the commander of the army, couldn't wait to ask Zhang Cheng: "Jinzhou is in danger now, and there can no longer be disputes. I don't know how General Zhongchen can deal with it?"

Wu Sangui, the commander-in-chief of the Ningyuan Regiment, has repeatedly asked Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, to send troops immediately to help Jinzhou in danger, but he was dissuaded by Zhang Cheng.

However, judging by the current situation, it is indeed not allowed to procrastinate any longer.

Zhang Cheng replied somewhat euphemistically: "Director Zhang, please rest assured, Jinzhou's strategy for dealing with it has been decided in Cheng's mind, and it may be decided today."

Zhang Ruoqi breathed a sigh of relief when he heard what Zhang Cheng said, and said again and again: "Okay, okay, that's good..."

He was indeed a little impatient, although now he has become in favor of a steady and long-lasting strategy, but if it is really so steady that it will cause Jinzhou to fall.

Zhang Ruoqi couldn't afford this consequence, so he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief after hearing Zhang Cheng's words.

Moreover, although he, Zhang Ruoqi, works as a doctor in the Ministry of War, he is not a person who really understands soldiers.

The reason why he came to Liaodong to serve as the commander-in-chief was to help his own soldier Chen Xinjia and force Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao, to fight quickly.

Therefore, although Zhang Ruoqi praised Hong Chengchou's strategy in name, in fact he really didn't know much about military affairs, and he couldn't find a ugly Yinmao, and all he did was to force a decisive battle.

But now it is very different from the history, because the appearance of Zhang Cheng, Zhang Ruoqi is no longer allowed to behave like in history.

Therefore, the current battle of Jinzhou still depends on the opinions of Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, and Zhang Cheng, the deputy commander in chief.

And because Zhang Cheng has the powerful Xuanfu army in his hands, and the support of Wang Pu, Chen Jiugao, Li Fuming and other general soldiers, and Zhang Ruoqi, the commander of the army, also pissed in the crotch of Zhang Cheng.

Therefore, his weight in the military discussion, unconsciously, he was already able to fight with Hong Chengchou, governor of Jiliao.

As long as Zhang Cheng is firmly opposed to the matter, it is absolutely difficult to reach a conclusion during the military discussion, and only the matter that Zhang Cheng approves can be carried out.

For this, Hong Chengchou, the governor of Jiliao, was very annoyed, but he was a little helpless. The harmony between Zhang Cheng and Zhang Ruoqi greatly hindered him, especially Ma Shaoyu, who joined the army from time to time, would cooperate with the two of them.

Everyone greeted each other and entered Songshan Castle.

On the way, Zhang Ruoqi, Wang Pu and others couldn't help asking about the Jinzhou war strategy, but Zhang Cheng just briefly introduced his thoughts to them.

Several people didn't know the specific movements of the Tartar thieves, so they couldn't explain in detail Zhang Cheng's marching strategy for a while, but out of trust in Zhang Cheng, they didn't put forward any opinions.

Wang Pu even vowed that he would guard the flanks of Zhang Cheng's Xuanfu army at that time. In fact, his real idea was to fight side by side with Zhang Cheng's Xuanfu army. He believed that this was the only way to feel safe.

Zhang Cheng shook his head and said: "Although the number of Tartars on Shimen Mountain and Huangtu Ridge has decreased a lot, the Han and Korean troops have increased, and the wall of the village is strong, there are many guns, and it is condescending, so it is not easy to attack.

I'm even more afraid that at the time of the attack, the Tartar bandits' fine cavalry will suddenly show up again. I'm afraid it will be difficult to draw up this candidate! "

Li Fuming also nodded in agreement, saying: "The walls of the bandit slaves' stronghold are strong, the trenches are deep and wide, and they are condescending, so it is really not easy to attack."

When he first arrived in Songshan that day, he and Yang Guozhu's troops attacked Xishimen together, and he felt deeply powerless.

Although Yang Guozhu, the commander-in-chief of Xuanfu Town, died for the country in this battle, the officer army of Xuanfu Town did win the battle. It is really a great achievement.

And Li Fuming's nearly ten thousand soldiers and horses were not only unable to advance an inch under the resistance of the Tartars, but almost collapsed the whole army. This made him feel that his own army and horses were too weak.

His army is the old style of the Ming Dynasty. It only relies on the courage of the elite soldiers to advance bravely. Once they face the powerful Qing army, they often lose more than they win.

Although Li Fuming often charged forward bravely, the effect was not obvious, and this was the point that made him deeply frustrated.

Especially this Songjin battle, not to mention the comparison with the elite warriors under Zhang Cheng's command.

Even compared with the soldiers under Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu and others, the gap is already obvious.

He and Yang Guozhu are both veteran officers and generals, and Shanxi Town is also a big town. Although he was punished for something and brought his soldiers to serve in Liaodong temporarily, the gap is not so big.

Seeing that he is being left far behind by the generals of other towns, how can this not make Li Fuming deeply irritated?

So he decided that after Songjin's war ended, if he could return to Shanxi Town to serve again, he would have to find ways to train a new army no matter what.

At that time, it's good to show your face in front of everyone. Why do you have to rely on Zhang Cheng's alms from Xuanfu Town to guard the mouth of Xiaoling River like you are now.

Although he thought this way in his heart, on the surface, he was very close to Zhang Cheng, because he was still thinking about the matter of cooperating with Zhang Cheng in Shanxi Town to make money.

Another point is that Li Fuming also focused on the chariots in Zhang Cheng's army and the sharper firecrackers and artillery. He was thinking about buying some from Zhang Cheng when he was training the new army. Such excellent guns and chariots.

…………

A group of people rode their horses into Songshan Castle, and soon arrived at Governor Jiliao's gate.

When entering the hall of Xingyuan, Wu Sangui, the commander of Ningyuan, Ma Ke, the commander of Shanhaiguan, Tang Tong, the commander of Miyun, etc. had already arrived, and they were whispering together.

Cao Bianjiao, the General Soldier of the Eastern Association, and Wang Tingchen, the former Chief Soldier of the Tunwei, were talking softly in a corner of the lobby. They seemed to be a bit out of place with Wu Sangui, Ma Ke, Tang Tong and others.

Especially Cao Bianjiao, who originally followed Hong Chengchou's Qin army, always couldn't get along with the generals in Liaodong. In addition, he only obeyed Hong Chengchou and ignored external affairs. He couldn't help but blend in with many circles.

When Zhang Cheng and others came in, Wu Sangui and the others rushed forward to say hello, but they greeted Zhang Ruoqi, the commander-in-chief, and their attitude towards Zhang Cheng was not salty, very perfunctory.

Even Wang Pu, Chen Jiugao, Fu Yingchong and others seemed much more enthusiastic.

It can be seen that Wu Sangui's expression looked much paler and haggard, obviously, it was caused by worrying about the birthday of his uncle Zu who was besieged in Jinzhou City.

He didn't have the same enthusiasm for Zhang Cheng as before, and even smiled reluctantly. Thinking about it, he still resented Zhang Cheng's resolute obstruction of the immediate rescue of Jinzhou.

Out of the corner of Zhang Cheng's eyes, he saw Ma Ke, the general of Shanhaiguan, who was looking sideways at Zhang Cheng, with a wicked smile flashing across his mouth.

"It seems that this guy didn't work well again. I don't know what kind of moth he has made?"

Zhang Cheng thought to himself, but he didn't intend to talk to him. He walked to his seat and sat down.

Wang Pu, Chen Jiugao and the others greeted Wu Sangui and the others, and naturally they all surrounded Zhang Cheng, chatting without a word.

But Zhang Ruoqi didn't stay in the lobby, he went to the inner room behind the lobby under the guidance of the army of the Supervising Biao Battalion.

…………

After a while, there was a burst of drum music, and the governor of Jiliao Hong Chengchou, the governor of the army Zhang Ruoqi, the governor of Liaodong Qiu Minyang and others walked out of the back hall.

Zhang Cheng and other generals hurriedly got up to greet them, and after Hong Chengchou and others took their seats, they clasped their fists in salute, and then sat back on their chairs again.

Hong Chengchou first said: "General Zhongchen, the information reported by the sentry the day before yesterday has been confirmed by many parties, and it is indeed true. A force of tens of thousands of slaves is indeed entrenched on the bank of the Daughter River on the west side of Jinzhou.

It's just that its specific movements are indeed unknown. Is there any new military report from the Xuanfu army? "

Zhang Cheng clasped his fists and replied: "I want to report to the governor, Cheng just received a message from Changling Mountain today. The number of Tartar sentry cavalry coming from his daughter's Henan Province is increasing day by day, covering a large area. Our army's sentry detection has obviously been blocked."

As for the movement of the Qing army, the rest of the people are not aware of it. Except for Zhang Chengxuan's army sentry cavalry, the sentry cavalry of the chief soldiers of other towns only dare to check around Songshan.

Even Hong Chengchou's Supervising Biao Battalion and Cao Bianjiao's sentry cavalry occasionally crossed the border between the Ming and Qing Dynasties and entered the Qing army's territory to investigate, but after all, the number of times was limited, and the information obtained was limited.

At this moment, there are only two sources of intelligence for the Liao army. One is naturally the information about the Tartars discovered by Zhang Chengxuan's army guards;

After all, Wu Sangui is a descendant of a family of generals in Liaodong, and most of his subordinates are natives of Liaodong. They have been taken care of by their ancestors for many years and supported by the Wu family's kindness. Today is the critical moment for them to repay their kindness.

If you can't show some decent skills, who can guarantee that the Wu family will be as kind and supportive as before?
Furthermore, they are very familiar with the terrain between Songjin and many people, even in the Qing army, they still have such and such relationships.

So their sources of information are also extremely complicated!

(End of this chapter)