The end of the Ming Dynasty swept the world

Chapter 716 Their good days are over

In the Ming Dynasty, civil servants were noble and military officials were cheap. In the past, even a magistrate dared not to pay attention to generals. In recent years, as the country’s affairs have deteriorated, military generals have become more and more valuable, and civil servants have become more cautious.

Unexpectedly, when Ding Yi came this time, the local welcome ceremony was so exaggerated, especially Wang Chengyin, the chief soldier of Xuanfu and Jiang Rang, the chief soldier of Yulin, Shaanxi, also came next door. I don’t know if they want to see Ding Yi himself and get to know him.

Anyway, these people were shocked when they saw Ding Yi's mighty tens of thousands of people.

But Ding Yi put the civilians and refugees outside, and the elite soldiers and armor inside, and the surrounding area was filled with black refugees and civilians, and everyone couldn't see anything.

Datong’s deputy general Jiang Yu, Yulin’s general Jiang Rang, and Yang He’s deputy general Jiang Yu are brothers. Jiang Rang is his elder brother, and Jiang Xuan is his younger brother. It can be seen that during the Ming Dynasty, people were born with Deputy Commander-in-Chief.

When Ding Yi was meeting with Shanxi Governor Cai Maode and other civil and military officials, the three Jiang family brothers stood outside and wanted to watch Ding Yi's soldiers and horses.

Legend has it that Ding Yi has elite soldiers and horses, but today Ding Yi is full of refugees outside, and he only sees the dark crowd, and there are no elite soldiers and horses.

The three brothers looked at each other with disapproving expressions on their faces.

If Ding Yi has an elite army and horses, he must show off his power, and it seems that it is nothing more than that.

This time Ding Yi moved to Datong, the three Jiang family brothers were the most unhappy.

Because in the original history, after Wang Pu died, it was Jiang Guan's turn to be the general of Datong.

After Wang Pu's death, Jiang Guan wanted to become a regular, but suddenly Ding Yi was parachuted into the air, which immediately made him furious.

"Look at him looking like a villain." The younger brother Jiang Xuan was even more dissatisfied, and whispered to the two elder brothers: "He doesn't inquire about it either, our Jiang family in Shanxi occupies half of it."

A few years ago, some people in the imperial court proposed that Jiang Yu should be the commander-in-chief of Datong, but there were also people who argued against it, saying that the Jiang family in Shanxi was already powerful enough in Shanxi, and they should not be as big as the Zu family in Liaodong (Zu Dashou and Wu Sangui) in the future.

In the end, Wang Pu became the general soldier of Datong.

This time Wang Pu died, and the whole of Shanxi had the qualifications to be the commander-in-chief, and only the two brothers Jiang Xuan and Jiang Tuan.

Unexpectedly, Ding Yi was actually moved to town.

At this time, elder brother Jiang Rang's eyes flashed a stern look: "We must let him taste the strength of our Jiang family in Shanxi."

The three heroes of the Jiang family in Shanxi all reached the rank of deputy commander-in-chief, so they were feared by the court. Even Jiang Rang was transferred to Yumu, Shaanxi as the commander-in-chief, but Yulin is just on the edge of Shanxi.

The two younger brothers nodded and sneered secretly when they heard the words.

At this moment, Governor Cai Maode brought Ding Yi over and introduced him to Ding Yi.

"General Ding, let me introduce you. This is Jiang Rang, general soldier of Yulin, Jiang Guan, deputy general soldier of Datong, Jiang Xuan, deputy general soldier of Yanghe, Jiang's three outstanding generals, all of whom are good generals of our Ming Dynasty."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jiang." Ding Yi clasped his fists and said with a smile.

"Hmph." Jiang Rang snorted coldly, not giving Ding Yi and Cai Maode any face.

Cai Maode's face turned black immediately, with an ugly expression.

Of course he also knew the reason. Originally, the position of chief soldier was given to Jiang Tuan.

Ding Yi didn't expect Jiang Rang's reaction. He froze for a moment, and looked at the three Jiang brothers meaningfully.

Standing behind Ding Yi, Yan Xiong and Fang Duotai looked at the three of them coldly at the same time.

"Ah, all the commanders-in-chief, if the king is hosting a banquet in the city, why don't you all go to the city and get together again." Seeing the bad atmosphere, Shi Xu Guizhi, the head of the acting king's residence, hurried out to smooth things over.

Ding Yi smiled and nodded in agreement.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Rang clasped his fists directly: "Lord Duxian (Cai Maode, like Liu Yuan, is also the imperial envoy and governor of Shanxi, which can be called Duxian), Yulin is entangled in all kinds of affairs, and this town will not accompany you, and resign first."

After all, without saying hello to Ding Yi or the others, he turned around and left. "

Younger brother Yang and deputy commander Jiang Xuan also turned around and left with their own soldiers.

Jiang Yu was the deputy general of Datong. Although he didn't leave, he said directly: "Lord Cai, Xu Changshi, I'm in poor health, so I can't accompany you." no respect.

Then Wang Chengyin, the commander-in-chief of the Xuan Mansion, glanced at Ding Yi, and left with his own soldiers on the grounds that the return journey was far away and needed to be advanced.

Then many lieutenants and generals, seeing that the situation was not good, turned their heads and left.

At the end of the scene, only Xie Zhiliang, the general of Taiyuan, Chen Zhengbang, the deputy general, and the four generals stayed, probably for the sake of Governor Cai Maode.

There were more civil servants than military generals at once, Cai Maode looked embarrassed, Ding Yi also brushed, his face was flushed, his chest fluctuated, as if he had been greatly insulted.

Many people in the crowd were secretly pleased when they saw it.

Originally, the Ming Dynasty was opposed to civil and military affairs, but now Ding Yi is not welcomed by generals, which shows how much he hates him.

Governor Cai Maode saw it and secretly sighed.

He is a native of Kunshan, Suzhou Prefecture, Southern Zhili Province. He is upright, self-disciplined and hard-working. He admired Wang Yangming's character when he was young.After being a Jinshi in the 47th year of Wanli (1619), he was awarded the title of Tuiguan in Hangzhou.At the time of the apocalypse, all officials went to visit Wei Zhongxian's ancestral hall, but Maode refused to go due to illness.

In the winter of the 14th year of Chongzhen (1641), he was promoted to the censor of Youqian capital and governor of Shanxi.Maode is hardworking in law and body, but weak in Qingxiu and Wen.From time to time, someone wrote a letter saying that it was not suitable for this important task of guarding the border.But because he knows people well and is good at using soldiers, the emperor firmly believes in it.

Before taking office, Emperor Chongzhen asked him why he would punish the bandits in Shanxi?Wei Li said: "It is the poor people who start the robbery, and the ministers are responsible for Fusui, so that the poor people have food and ears. However, if you love the people, you should first check the officials, and the officials should not check yourself first. I hope that I will take the lead and let the people not do it." Stealing. And the minister has no visible merit, and he does not want to kill the people in order to make his own name."

This is what Cai Maode said, and he also did so. He loves the people like a son, sympathizes with the people, and is self-disciplined and upright. He is highly respected by the local people.

Cai Maode inquired about Ding Yi's deeds before he came, and he felt that Ding Yi was a good general, and he was the only one who could fight Jiannu in the whole Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, he did not hesitate to condescend, and first summoned all civil and military officials in Shanxi Province, and then came to welcome Ding Yi together.

He wanted to impress Ding Yi with his sincerity, and hoped that he could talk with Ding Yi at night by candlelight, and persuade Ding Yi to do things seriously for the people of Ming Dynasty and fight against Jiannu.

At this time, everyone was waiting for Ding Yi's reply. Ding Yi turned his head to look at the dark group of people behind him, and said in a painful voice: "The people are so difficult, this town is in a romantic mood, Mr. Du Xian, Xu Changshi, why don't you wait for me to resettle you?" Good people, let’s make an appointment later.”

Xu Guizhi was dumbfounded, while Cai Maode showed a look of emotion. It was rumored that Ding Yi was in Dengzhou to provide food relief and cook porridge to drain people. It was indeed true.

Among the generals of the Ming Dynasty, only Ding Yi loved the people so much.

"Zongbing Ding is really a benevolent general." Cai Maode was full of praise.

While everyone was talking, suddenly someone rushed out from the crowd at the gate of Datong City: "Shameless traitor."

A dozen or so steps away from Ding Yi, he raised his sleeves.

"My lord, be careful." The soldiers around him hurriedly blocked him.

Throwing, a short crossbow shot at the back of a soldier, making a light sound, as if blocked by iron armor.

"Hiss..." Cai Maode and the others changed their expressions drastically, not knowing what happened.

The scene was in chaos, and Ding Yi's personal soldiers rushed forward, immediately knocked the man to the ground, and found a small short crossbow from him, which was still very well made.

"Shameless rebels, big rebels, embracing soldiers and self-respect, are rebels." The assassin was still shouting.

Bang, someone knocked him out with a punch, and directly carried him to Ding Yijun and tied him up.

There was an uproar among the civil and military at the scene, and Jiang Guan was also dumbfounded, before they could react.

Fang Xinghan, the captain of the personal army, waved his hand, and there was a trot of infantry in the distance.

"Mr. Ding, calm down, Mr. Ding." Cai Maode said in surprise and fear.

He originally came to pick up Ding Yi with good intentions, but he didn't expect that there was an assassin in the crowd, and now he jumped into the Yellow River and couldn't wash himself away. The key point was that the assassin spoke as if he was helping Emperor Chongzhen.

"Lord Cai, could it be that today is a Hongmen banquet?" Ding Yi sneered, turned around and walked away.

"Mr. Ding, can you hand over the assassins to us?" The local magistrate Hong Mozhang still wanted to interrogate the assassins, but Ding Yi's soldiers ignored them at all.

All civil and military officials watched the civilians and refugees in front suddenly split into two and fled in all directions.

Then, rushing, a group of armored infantry spearmen trotted all the way towards the city gate.

How could this be?Cai Maode was angry and scared.

That night, Ding Yi did not enter Datong, and was stationed outside the city on the grounds that it was not safe for assassins.

But he sent a large number of soldiers and horses into Datong to replace the city defense first, and the original Datong soldiers and horses drove to the barracks, and ordered them to stay in the camp and not come out, waiting for orders.

Not long after, the assassin was brought to Ding Yi's camp.

"Intelligence Division Ge Hongshan pays homage to Lord Ding." The assassin nodded and bowed.

"Hahaha, get up and tell me what's going on in Datong now."

"Let's start with the city wall of Datong first." Ge Hongshan said with a smile.

The city wall of Datong City began when King Zhao Wuling established a county and built a city in the Warring States Period. Since then, no matter what dynasty or generation, Datong has always occupied a very important position in Chinese history.

During the Northern Wei Dynasty, since Tuoba moved the capital to Pingcheng in July of the first year of Tianxing (398 A.D.), the massive construction of Gyeonggi began. This was the first large-scale construction of Datong City.

In the fifth year of Hongwu (AD 1372), the general Xu Dadu led the army and the people to "build" Datong City on the basis of Liao, Jin and Yuan Tucheng.

It is square in shape, 13 miles around, 4 feet 2 feet high, covered with bricks, and set up four gates to facilitate the establishment of Datong Township regulations, forming the Datong Township seen by the world. This is the second large-scale construction of Datong City.

During the Jingtai period (1450-1457 A.D.), the governor Nian Fushou built a small city in the north of the city, called the playground city, or Beiguan.

During the Tianshun period (1457-1464), the governor Han Yong continued to build the East and South Towns, each with a circumference of 2 kilometers, that is, the East Gate and the South Gate; they built settlements and two mountain castles in the east and west of the city respectively.

In the 13th year of Hongzhi (AD 1500), it was further expanded in the east and west of the city, and gate towers were built.

In the 29th year of Jiajing (AD 1550), Alda invaded with tens of thousands of cavalry. In view of the tense situation in the Datong area, the Ming Dynasty once again had to spend huge sums of money on large-scale construction projects to strengthen the defense of Datong Town.

In the 39th year of Jiajing (1560 A.D.), Governor Li Wenjin raised the South Town by 2.6 meters.

During the Longqing period (1567-1572 A.D.), the governor Liu Yingji raised the city wall by 3.3 meters and 2.6 meters in thickness, "wrapped with stone and bricks", and built four gate towers.

So at this time, there are four main gates in Datong City, one in the southeast and one in the northwest, namely Heyang Gate, Yongtai Gate, Qingyuan Gate, and Wuding Gate. To ensure convenient transportation, each main gate has two small gates. There are twelve city gates in total, above the four gates there are city towers, moon towers, archery towers, watchtowers, and turrets standing at intervals, and outside the four gates are urn city, moon city and moat.

Datong City with so many gates is even more exaggerated than the capital, and it is very convenient to enter and exit. It is also an important trading center for both inside and outside the customs, and countless businessmen enter and exit Datong every day.

When Wang Pu was there, it was stipulated that the east gate entered and the north gate exited. Every large cart, no matter what it is, only depends on the size of the cart. The cash receipt ranges from 50 taels to 100 taels. The officers and soldiers are even richer, and everyone is rushing to come.

Ge Hongshan first talked about the city wall of Datong, but in fact he first talked about the money of Datong.

Hearing what he said, everyone knew that Wang Puzhen's mother was rich.

But the soldiers who followed him, Zhen Te Niang did not dare to fight.

"After so many reconstructions and expansions, Datong City now has a circumference of nearly 15 miles, with walls [-] meters high and [-] meters thick."

"This city is a bit big." Yan Xiong and Fang Duotai exclaimed.

Datong is not only an important border town, but also one of the places with the most developed commerce among the prefectures and the most frequent businessmen, so the city is getting bigger and bigger.

At this time, the roads of later generations were not developed, Datong was built on top of the official road, and the only official road to exit the customs passed through Datong.

If you are an ordinary person who wants to pass the customs, you can go anywhere. If you are doing business and transporting a large cart, you must go to Datong.

There are two official roads in the south of Datong, one goes to Datong and the other goes to Yulin. The popularity of the side is prosperous, and merchants gather here.

There are still about 3 soldiers and horses in Datong Town, and most of them are old, weak, sick and disabled, because the main elite and servants are either caught in the Songjin Battle or have been recruited by Ding Yi.

"Jiang Yu is Jiang Rang's younger brother, and his younger brother is Yang He's deputy commander, who also belongs to Datong Town."

That is to say, the Jiang Guan brothers are both Ding Yi's deputy commanders.

Yanghe Guard guards Yanghekou of the Great Wall, which is just above the border gate. Those who want to leave the gate can also go there.

No wonder the Jiang brothers were unhappy with Ding Yi, not to mention that Ding Yi had robbed them of their position as commander-in-chief.

As far as their brothers are concerned, one is guarding Datong, the other is guarding Yang and Wei, they are both important gates for exiting customs, positions where the wealth is flowing.

"Didn't the imperial court prohibit trade with the Mongolian slaves?" Yan Xiong asked at this time.

"It's useless, everything here is aboveboard, and everyone wants to make money."

"The businessman pays, and the switch of being a soldier is easier for everyone."

Ding Yi cursed: "Shanxi merchants send food, iron, salt and sugar to Jiannu like this."

A group of traitors, all the generals in the tent scolded.

Now that Lord Ding has arrived, their good days are coming to an end.

"Datong City is so big, at least tens of thousands of soldiers and horses are needed to defend it everywhere." Ding Yi laughed: "It seems that we have to recruit troops in Datong."

The generals will take it for granted.

Then Ding Yi straightened his face and began to issue tasks.

After coming to Datong, there must be big things to do.

(End of this chapter)