A small soldier of the frontier army in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 625 Male and female
After pondering for a while, Wang Dou asked: "Ji Junmen, Zhu Junmen, etc., what are they doing?"

Zhong Tiaoyang beside him said with a smile, "I'm all in Huailai City, busy arguing with the imperial court."

He admired: "The general threw out a bait of money and silk, which attracted the attention of the government and the public. Even the officials forgot to attack me."

Wang Dou smiled. He threw away more than 200 million taels of wealth, so he naturally had his own purpose.

Although everyone has nothing to do with swallowing all the money they have stolen from their homes, but if they swallow it all, they will inevitably be criticized by others, and if they throw out some money as bait, they can divert the attention of the target.

Sure enough, as Wang Dou expected, an unknown number of people were eyeing this publicly confiscated property, from the local government to the central government, everyone robbed their heads.

Everyone knew Wang Dou's character to some extent, and knew that the money he had swallowed into his stomach, unless he wanted to, he couldn't take out a tael of silver, but the public part of the money in kind could be divided among everyone.

Everyone also knew that this was Wang Dou's conspiracy, which was to make everyone fight, even conflict, and divert the firepower concentrated on him.

Being an official for thousands of miles only seeks money. From ancient times to the present, has there been any change in this regard?

For money, it doesn't matter even if a big man turns into a street shrew.

Regarding the plundering of family property, in addition to everyone's selfish profit sharing, the main reason is the conflict between Xuanda and the court.

How much should be kept in Xuanda, and how much should be handed over to the court?This is the focus of repeated contention.

At present, it seems that there are many people who support the central government in various places in Ming Dynasty. If you think about it, you will know that the money is handed over to the imperial court. Neither can I get silver.

Faced with strong pressure, during this period, several military sects were desperately writing memorials and arguing in Huailai City, and the memorials came and went every day, which only exhausted those who delivered the pond newspapers.

There are also their friends and disciples helping each other, and the envious and hostile people opposing, the government and the opposition, it can be described as extremely lively.

Zhu Mintai, who was stationed in the town of Xuanfu, couldn't sit still anymore, and hurried over from the town. Although he had a good relationship with Ji Shiwei, he represented the household department and needed to be responsible to the new secretary of the household department, Ni Yuanlu. It is inevitable that there will be conflicts with the local officials of Xuanda.

Of course, common externalities are the point. For the benefit of the town, the governors of the three towns, Zhu Zhifeng, Cai Maode, and Wei Jingyuan, should avoid some conflicts.

As for which town should keep more money and which town should leave less money, the three of them couldn't agree more, and they dared not back down. serious.

When a dispute persists, it is inevitable to ask Xuanda Governor Ji Shiwei to mediate. Unknowingly, his prestige among the three has increased a lot.

Because Zhu Zhifeng was assisted by Du Xun, the eunuch guarding Xuanfu Town, at present, Zhu Zhifeng has a slight upper hand among the three towns.

Du Xun and Zhu Zhifeng did not get along in the past, but this time he is so enthusiastic about helping each other, he naturally sees the benefits of it.

Wang Dou remembered the great help of his father-in-law this time. In the past, it was difficult for Ji Shiwei to work in Yanghe City because he had no soldiers and no money. In Daming now, whoever has money can speak loudly Talk, so Wang Dou intends to fund one or two.

The public ransacked account book has more than 200 million taels of silver in cash, and there will be some real objects one after another. No matter how everyone fights for this part of the money, in the end, part of it will be left for Wang Dou. This is an unspoken rule in the officialdom. No matter how much Wang Dou took for himself, this part of the money must be kept.

Wang Dou intends to leave this part of the money to Ji Shiwei, not only to increase his voice for the country and the people, but also to better achieve his goals.

With money and goods, it is much more convenient for Ji Shiwei to do anything. He can also take advantage of it to rectify the supervision camp and recruit soldiers, and arrange some Jingbian troops to go in, so as to better control Yanghe and its surrounding areas.

Father-in-law is the governor of Xuanda, so we must make good use of it. With his name, many things can be done with integrity and confidence. From now on, Wang Dou will hide his strength and bide his time, and concentrate on managing Xuanzhen and Beyond the Great Wall. Many things will be handled by others conduct better.

Of course, this is the only way to intervene in the army outside Xuanfu Town. Yanghe City is the residence of Governor Xuanda, which is fine, but if he intervenes in the military forces of Datong Town and Shanxi Town, it may arouse the resentment of Zhou Yuji, Wang Pu and others , and be vigilant, so use the business method.

Except for public accounts, Wang Dou would not directly send money to Ji Shiwei personally. With his slightly weak temperament, the money in his hands must be divided up directly by his clansmen and children, and it also encouraged their greed. Ji Zhongkun is a lesson from the past.

If you want to gain benefits, you can participate in the subsequent auction of the fields, houses, shops, etc. that were confiscated by various families. The benefits in this are also huge.

Not only for the Ji family, but also for the governors of the three towns, as well as many officials and businessmen who can be wooed.

Zhu Zhifeng, Wei Jingyuan and others may not accept Wang Douming's superficial benefits, but what about their wives and children?What about family members?Can you accept the benefits of auctions such as low-priced fields, houses, and shops?
Before they knew it, the people around them were attracted by Wang Dou.

A large number of Xuanda local officials and generals, as well as some outside officials and businessmen, also could not resist this benefit.

In short, Wang Dou ate meat, and they drank soup. Unknowingly, huge interest groups surrounded him again.

……

On the [-]th day of the twelfth lunar month, except for a small number, most of the soldiers and horses returned to the East Road. Wang Dou finally took action in Yulin Fort, assembled the army, and ordered to go to Shunxiang Fort to worship.

This worship is on a larger scale.

Because of Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu and others, as well as Xuanda governor Ji Shiwei, Xuanfu governor Zhu Zhifeng, Shanxi governor Cai Maode, Datong governor Wei Jingyuan, Xuanfu eunuch Du Xun, Xuanda governor Liangzhong Zhu Mintai, etc. Many confidantes of officials who came to congratulate Wang Dou on his birthday participated.

The worship scene opened everyone's eyes. At the same time, many people thought about it. The Jingbian army suffered a lot of casualties in the Liaodong war. Although the family members were grieving, the morale of the soldiers and civilians was not lost. Perhaps, this is the reason why the Jingbian army is strong. one of the reasons.

The establishment of the Baozhong Shrine and the perfect pension system allowed the soldiers to overcome the fear of death. No wonder the Jingbian Army was victorious in every battle.

After the worship, the army first transferred to the Yongning City barracks, and then gave the soldiers a holiday and returned home.

After returning to the barracks, the rewards for the expedition will come down immediately. Everyone's military achievements have already been counted. After checking them one by one, the soldiers will bring a rich harvest and go back to reunite with their families and have a good year.

Of course, nowadays meritorious service is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, except for some second-class troops, maybe most soldiers will choose meritorious service and no longer accept money and food rewards.

There is news that after the Chinese New Year, the whole army will usher in a large-scale farmland reward. Many people on the East Road are also happily calculating how much land, pastures, and pastures will be allocated to their sons and daughters. mines etc.

And this time the soldiers return home, unlike previous years, they will all go home wearing tailor-made military uniforms.

As early as April, the logistics department was ordered by Wang Dou to make gifts for the entire army. After such a long time, they have already been prepared one by one.

Dresses are divided into spring and summer, autumn and winter, first-class army and second-class army, two sets for each person.

This also marked the beginning of the Jingbian Army, which was completely different from the remaining Ming Army.

After all, besides civil and military officials, Ming Dynasty had at least four sets of costumes, how could ordinary soldiers have these?

Soldiers who died in battle also had uniforms, which, together with their weapons and armor, could be passed on to their families and children.

……

On the 22nd, Wang Dou led his army back to Yongning City.

Accompanying the army were Ji Shiwei, Zhu Zhifeng and others, and Wang Dou's birthday banquet was scheduled for the 26th. They all went to celebrate his birthday. In addition, there were Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, Li Yunshu and others. He stayed behind with some of his personal guards and generals.

Yu Gui, the general of Nanshan Road, in the name of celebrating his birthday, also rode among the crowd. Wang Dou waited for these times and lived in the fort.

Wang Dou has given him permission to buy some shops in Zhangjiakou, Zuoweicheng, Youweicheng, etc. at a preferential price.

Therefore, during this period of time, Yu Gui tried his best to raise funds, and at the same time prepared to borrow part of it from the East Road Bank.

One night the north wind blew, but this day, the sky was covered with goose-feather-like snow, and the cold air hit people. However, it was easy for the army to walk along the flat official road. , easier to walk.

Along the way, one fortress after another was heard, and after a few years, it became more lively.

The Chinese New Year is almost here, and the villagers all put on new clothes. When the army passed by, they, regardless of gender, old or young, stood densely on both sides of the official road, cheering and welcoming.

Those who have a certificate of holding swords also carry weapons. When the army passes by, they pull out their swords and point their fingers obliquely, and perform a saber ceremony to the army.

Seeing the people who were smiling and welcoming, Wang Douche got on his horse and waved to everyone with a smile.

He felt warm in his heart, watching the laughing crowd, everything was worth it.

The scenes along the way surprised Zhu Zhifeng, Cai Maode and others. The sincere enthusiasm of the people also made them sigh.

Satisfied, Ji Shiwei stroked his beard and nodded from time to time.

Wang Pu and Li Yunshu were also envious of them. They are in the town, and the army passes by. Although the people will not avoid snakes and scorpions, they are also indifferent and fearful. It is absolutely impossible for the soldiers and the people in front of them to be united and like brothers. .

Wei Jingyuan, the governor of Datong, had a smile on his face, but his heart was awe-inspiring. He remembered that he had read the travel notes of the traveling scholars, and what he said about the East Road was exaggerated. All are conservative.

He thought to himself: "East Road is prosperous, but there is no distinction between men and women, old and young. The system is well organized, just like the clouds of people. If you fight from the top, you will have hundreds of thousands of strong troops in your hands. No wonder you have nothing to do. I Wait, what should I do?"

On the 23rd, the army arrived at the south gate of Yongning City, and it was even more crowded with people.

However, except for Ji Shiwei and others who were arranged to rest in the mansion, Wang Dou and others did not return home for the time being, but transferred from the west of the city to the military camp.

In the barracks, except for sentry cavalry and messengers, officers and officers are not allowed to ride horses except for Wang Dou when it comes to emergencies, but Wang Dou often leads by example and does not ride horses in the barracks.

In front of the barracks, Wang Dou jumped off his horse and exhaled: "Finally, I'm home. This battle will last another half a year."

All the generals were full of emotion, yes, each expedition lasted at least half a year, people were tired, and their hearts were also tired, so they could finally have a good rest.

Gao Shiyin smiled: "Jie Jie, when I get home, Lao Gao, I'm going to take a bath in the wine tank. There's a fire under it, and it's hot. I drink while washing. Just thinking about it makes me happy!"

Wen Fangliang smiled and said, "Brother Gao, I can't imagine, after you take a bath, can you still drink the wine?"

"Besides, be careful not to pay attention, it will be cooked."

All the generals laughed.

Zhong Xiancai's fair face was bruised and swollen by the cold wind, and he wrapped himself in a cloak and cloak. Looking at Wang Dou's face, which was also bruised and purple by the cold wind, he said with some distress: "It's freezing cold here, General It's hard work, hurry up and enter the camp, be careful not to freeze your body."

Not only the generals, but also Zhong Xiancai knew that Wang Dou was afraid of the cold.

Gao Shiyin tutted his tongue and said, "Little Zhong'er is becoming more and more considerate, and Lao Gao is also cold, why don't you care about me?"

Zhong Xian gave him a blank look, but Gao Shiyin didn't take it seriously, still smiling.

Wang Dou smiled and said, "It's okay."

He strode into the barracks, and the generals followed.

The rest of the soldiers, following the army, entered the camp in a mighty manner. Seeing Zhong Xiancai walking beside him, Wang Dou pondered for a while, and said to Zhong Xiancai, "Xiancai, you must be prepared to shoulder a heavy responsibility when you return to the East Road this time. !"

Zhong Xian was taken aback for a moment, then understood what Wang Dou meant, bit his lower lip, and said: "Whatever the general arranges, the last general will do."

Wang Dou nodded, patted Zhong Xiancai on the shoulder, and quickened his pace.

Zhong Xiancai trembled and stopped on the spot.

Han Chao, Wen Fangliang, etc. passed by Zhong Xiancai, and they all smiled at him, "Congratulations, Brother Zhong."

They naturally knew that the meaning of what the general said was envied by many people, and Gao Shiyin was also full of envy. He swaggered over, slapped Zhong Xiancai on the shoulder heavily, and shouted: "Congratulations, little Zhonger. It seems that after the new year, You are……"

As he was talking, Zhong Xian slapped his hand away and said angrily, "What are you doing, you are making a fuss."

With a loud snort, he strode after Wang Dou.

Gao Shiyin's hand was in the air, and seeing everyone sniggering, he said awkwardly: "All brothers depend on each other for life and death, what's the point of taking a picture? It's normal to hug and hug... This little Zhong'er is getting more and more Strange, inexplicable..."

Wen Daxing walked among the crowd, smiled and said nothing.

On the 24th, a large number of soldiers of the Jingbian Army who returned home caused a huge commotion on the East Road.

I saw these soldiers, wearing new winter uniforms of the Jingbian army, all wearing three mountain caps, all wearing tight-fitting gowns with the right lapel in the style of Yisa, wearing felt boots, with waist knives on their feet, and head-knitting knives hanging on them. There is also a corresponding cloak cape.

These costumes, for ordinary sergeants, are all made of cotton and linen, and the first-class army has more cotton.

The gorgeous and pleasing costumes of the Ming Dynasty have reached the peak of China for thousands of years. The uniforms of the Jingbian army are more prominent. They are majestic, gorgeous, capable, sharp, and have some cruel beauty, and they are equipped with a waist knife as a ritual knife , is really heroic.

When returning home, no matter the first-class army or the second-class army, everyone will send a horse. In the battle between Liaodong and Beyond the Great Wall, a lot of horses were captured. Let's talk about Jin's hometown.

Fresh clothes and angry horses, a large number of reward packages, the moment the soldiers returned home, I don't know how many people were amazed and envious. The young man who wanted to join the army on the East Road reached the peak again.

Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, Li Yunshu and other subordinates who came to Yongning City were all envious. This is the honor that soldiers should have.

Looking at these soldiers who were full of energy and showing the heroic spirit of soldiers, Wei Jingyuan and others could only sigh.

……

"Aha, lady, come back for your husband."

Xie Yike ostentatiously went home all the way, trying his best to show his clothes to others from multiple directions.

Back in Xunyu City, Chengenfang's own courtyard, he pushed open the door and yelled loudly.

In the courtyard, his wife, Mrs. Chu, and her precious son, Xie Tiandi, were busy with something. Seeing Xie Yike, Mrs. Chu cried out with tears in her eyes, "Officer."

Then he ignored his reserve and rushed forward.

Xie Tiandi also jumped over and shouted: "Daddy, Daddy."

Hugging his wife and son, suddenly, Xie Yike's eyes turned red.

Somewhere in Yongning City, looking at Sister Gao Lingshuang who was crying so hard, Wen Da looked at the beautiful two sisters and his empty right arm while he was happy, and sighed: "Oh, I can only stay below from now on."

When Wen Fangliang returned home, his wife and a large number of concubines came out to welcome him. For a while, Yingying and swallows were singing, and a large number of children surrounded him. Wen Fangliang laughed happily. Suddenly he was taken aback. When did he have more Have children?

Then he came to his senses, just before the expedition, several concubines happened to be pregnant, half a year later, they all gave birth, time flies so fast.

Zhong Xian just returned to his house, at the gate, waiting for a gentle woman.

She is over 20 years old, wearing a simple and simple blue back, black and smooth hair, casually pulled into a bun, slender and graceful, with a delicate and soft face, especially clear eyes, a typical image of an ancient lady, but Xin Zhuang Li Yunluo, the daughter of the Li family.

Originally, the Li family planned to let Wang Dou gather her as a wife in order to win over Wang Dou, but at that time Wang Dou said that she could only be a concubine, and the Li family was furious, so this matter was put aside. , They just regret it, and it is impossible for Li Yunluo to be a concubine.

So the best thing to do is to take the next best thing, and they put their ideas on the generals beside Wang Dou. It seems that Zhong Xian is more suitable. At first, the Li family was a little worried that Wang Dou might not be happy.

Unexpectedly, Wang Dou didn't take it seriously, and was willing to be the matchmaker for Zhong Xiancai, so a few years ago, Li Yunluo became Zhong Xiancai's wife.

It was only a few years later that the two of them did not have a male and a half female, so at this time, there were a large group of half-grown boys and girls beside Li Shi, but it was the adopted sons and adopted daughters that Zhong Xian had adopted in these years, most of them were They are children from Weizhou in the orphan camp.

Seeing Zhong Xiancai get off the horse, the eyes of Li Shi and the others were full of joy, Li Shi smiled and said: "The general is back?"

Serving Zhong Xiancai dismounted, and all the adopted sons and daughters saluted respectfully, saying: "Father."

After looking Zhong Xiancai up and down for a while, Li pursed his lips and smiled, and said: "The general is very heroic in this suit."

Zhong Xiancai coughed a few times, with a shy expression on his face, the two went back to the lobby hand in hand, Zhong Xiancai had a conversation with several righteous daughters-in-law, tested their homework for a while, and gave them the exquisite cakes he bought in his own business , the children cheered and went away.

The two went back to the inner room and closed the door. Only then did Zhong Xian stretch out comfortably, and pouted: "I'm suffocating."

Mrs. Li smiled softly again, looked at Zhong Xiancai and said, "Sister Susu, this is not the way..."

For this, he took off the three-mountain cap on his head, and loosened his cloud-like hair.

He also served him to untie his coat, and pulled out a strip of cloth from his inner garment, immediately showing his talent, no, Zhong Susu's chest became swollen and towering.

Among them, it is a daughter.

"The male rabbit's feet are fluttering, and the female rabbit's eyes are blurry. When the two rabbits walk next to the ground, can Anneng tell whether I am male or female?"

When he came to the bronze mirror and looked at himself in the mirror, Zhong Susu said distressedly: "I don't know, but I'm afraid how the brothers will think of me? How will the general think of me?"

She said: "When I ran away from home, in order to survive, I joined the general's army with the refugees, just to survive. I didn't expect that this official would become bigger and bigger..."

She pursed her lips and cried: "Sister, I'm so scared, I will bring unknown to the general..."

(End of this chapter)