Ming Empire

Chapter 218
Cao Yue assigned the newly formed ten guard divisions in this way: the second guard division and the tenth guard division were the garrison troops of Nanjing, guarding the city of Nanjing, and the rest of the guard divisions were organized as field troops.

The Second Guards Division is considered to have the strongest combat effectiveness in the Ming Guards, apart from the First Division, and most of them are composed of veterans.The Tenth Guards Division is basically recruits, with average combat effectiveness.With a strong fighting force and a newly formed army as the Nanjing garrison, Cao Yue wanted to use the coordinated training of the two divisions to let the rich combat experience of the second division affect the tenth division, so that the combat effectiveness of the two divisions would be the same improve.

For this Northern Expedition, Cao Yue planned to use five guard divisions with approximately 10 troops. The second and tenth divisions would naturally stay in Nanjing as the Nanjing garrison. The seventh to ninth divisions had more than [-] troops. There is a purpose in not moving, and that is to guard against Zuo Liangyu.

Cao Yue didn't tell anyone that he had another purpose for the Northern Expedition, which was to take the opportunity to test Zuo Liangyu's real intention.

In order to show Zuo Liangyu the greatest sincerity and win the trust of the soldiers and civilians all over the world, after receiving the memorial that Zuo Liangyu was sick and asked to come to Beijing to take up a post later, the imperial court promised to let him recover his health before coming to Nanjing, but gave him the last the term.Now, the deadline for Zuo Liangyu to take office in Beijing is only about one month away. Cao Yue knows that Zuo Liangyu must make a choice before the deadline.

The newly-built Ming Dynasty Guards Army has 20 troops, and its combat effectiveness is well-known throughout the world. If these 20 troops are all gathered on the front line of Nanjing, Zuo Liangyu cannot be unscrupulous, and maybe he will come up with some tricks to deal with it again.However, if most of the troops left Nanjing for the Northern Expedition, Zuo Liangyu would probably take this opportunity to attack Nanjing if he felt rebellious.

Cao Yue didn't want to procrastinate about Zuo Liangyu's matter, and he didn't want to see Zuo Liangyu find excuses to delay the time after the deadline came. He didn't want Hubei to be out of the imperial court's control. Zuo Liangyu made the final choice.

Now most of the officials in the court are advocating appeasing Zuo Liangyu, and many people are worried that Zuo Liangyu will rebel. After all, he claims to have 80 troops under his command. The imperial court brought disaster.If Zuo Liangyu hadn't made a choice, or hadn't taken drastic measures, and raised his troops to rebel, then if he wanted to take decisive measures against his ministry, many people would oppose it.But if Zuo Liangyu took this opportunity to raise troops and cause chaos, he could justifiably solve it, even if a war broke out, Cao Yue would not hesitate.

Because he knew that in history Zuo Liangyu finally chose to betray the small imperial court of Nanming and start a rebellion.And when it occupied Hubei, it brought serious disasters to the people in that area. Cao Yue didn't mind solving all of them with a war. Although this might be something that everyone didn't want to see, Cao Yue had already done Well prepare for the worst and be prepared for anything.

Cao Yueling's confidant Cao Neng stayed in command of the three guard divisions, and gave a secret order that as soon as he received his order, he would immediately march westward and fight against Zuo Liangyu's troops.Cao Yue also sent a letter to Hong Niangzi, who monitored Zuo Liangyu's department, to put his department on the highest alert and be ready to fight at any time.

Of course, Cao Yue hoped that Zuo Liangyu would understand current affairs like Gao Jie, Huang Degong, and Liu Liangzuo, obediently hand over his military power, and come to Nanjing to serve.

Cao Yue also told Cao Jie about this arrangement, and Cao Jie was naturally very grateful for Cao Yue's trust, saying that he would not disclose the confidential matter to anyone, even if he failed. killed.

After some secret talks, Cao Jie also left, and immediately went to get acquainted with and receive the newly developed artillery and muskets from Nanjing Arsenal.Cao Jie believes what Cao Yue said, the newly developed cannons and muskets are more powerful and easier to use, but how about the specific performance, he and several capable generals under his command must go and see it in person, receive it in person, and set it up in the shortest possible time. Shipped to the first line of Xuzhou.

After Cao Jie left, Gao Hongtu, Minister of the Household Department, came to Yanziji camp.

Although the news of the Northern Expedition was not announced, Gao Hongtu, who was willing to follow Cao Yue, already knew that the new Ming Guards Army was preparing for a large-scale military operation.Before the soldiers and horses moved, the grain and grass went first. Cao Yue had to get the cooperation of Gao Hongtu to prepare for the Northern Expedition. The minister of the household department had to prepare the military supplies and grain.

Knowing that Cao Yue was busy with affairs, Gao Hongtu would personally go to Yanziji camp to discuss with Cao Yue if there was anything important.

He came here today to tell Cao Yue about the preparation of various materials and follow-up plans.

Although Gao Hongtu has the same character as other officials of Ming Dynasty and likes to fight for power and profit, his ability is really good, and he is very organized. He does very well in the things that Cao Yue delivered, and he almost never disappoints Cao Yue.It was the same this time, everything was handled in an orderly manner, and many aspects even exceeded Cao Yue's expectations, which surprised Cao Yue.

Gao Hongtu also reported closely to Cao Yue what had happened in the court hall in the past two days, the remarks and movements of various officials including Sun Chuanting, and the disputes in the court hall.

Because he was in charge of military affairs in the Yanziji camp, Cao Yue often did not attend court meetings.Although Gao Hongtu knew that Cao Yue could get news from the court through other channels, every time he saw Cao Yue, he would tell the story in detail. He was very clever in expressing his allegiance to Cao Yue in this way.

It was already evening when Gao Hongtu left the Yanziji camp. After Cao Yue summoned the commanders and envoys of the guards stationed in the Yanziji camp and nearby to report on the situation, he finally ended his busy day. It was completely dark.

Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan, and Dong Xiaowan, as they did a few days ago, had dinner with Cao Yue and chatted with each other, then they left to go about their own affairs or go to rest.

Because of the special status of the three daughters, Cao Yue arranged for them a separate residence, which was in his courtyard, and no one except him was allowed to approach them.After leaving his place for a while, Chen Yuanyuan sneaked back. She blushed and walked up to Cao Yue, and said softly: "Brother Yue, you must be tired after being busy every day. I have learned the art of massage." Fa, I will massage for you today, okay?"

Chen Yuanyuan had already taken a bath, but she was still dressed in a boy's suit in a green coat and a cap. This attire coupled with her coquettish expression made her look even more charming and lovely.Seeing the beautiful woman's charming appearance, and smelling the seductive fragrance from her body, Cao Yue, who was teased by the two beauties during the day and was a little lusty, immediately wanted to move.

He beckoned for Chen Yuanyuan to come to his side, and after Chen Yuanyuan came to him obediently, he pulled her into his arms, and while Chen Yuanyuan was struggling red-faced, he said with a smirk: "Honey, today you have to take care of yourself." General press, don't be lazy, or you will be punished!"

Said, lightly patted Chen Yuanyuan's plump buttocks, Chen Yuanyuan let out a low cry, turned her head and threw herself into Cao Yue's arms.Cao Yue took the opportunity to pick up Chen Yuanyuan and walked towards the bedroom without any hesitation!
(End of this chapter)