First Minister of Ming Dynasty

Zhang Ximeng said to the big guys: "The Xiongnu, Khitan, Jurchens, and Mongols live in a harsh environment. They have to learn how to ride horses since they were young. When they are a little older, they have to fight and fight all day long. If you want to say how fierce they are, I think Not necessarily. But due to the cruel environment, their basic combat power is guaranteed."

"If famous generals like Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Li Jing, and Hou Junji appeared on the land of the Central Plains, they would naturally suppress them. Needless to say, even a second-class general can remain undefeated and protect the peace of the country. But there is one situation that is the most dangerous."

Zhang Ximeng glanced at all the generals, and then said: "This is the case in the Song Dynasty. Jurchen famous generals came out in large numbers, and only eunuchs were available in Zhao Song. As a result, Jingkang was ashamed. Thanks to the rise of Han Shizhong, Yue Fei and other generals, it is considered to be maintained. Half of the south of the Yangtze River. When the more powerful Mongols rise up, Zhao Song's side doesn't even have any generals who can do it. They can only rely on the support of Wen Tianxiang and Lu Xiufu. Lesson learned!"

"Speaking of which, I believe everyone understands that we have an advantage against the nomadic cavalry on the grassland... most of the time, we can hold on, and even fight back... There is only one situation, Even if the enemy is extremely strong and we are extremely weak, we will be powerless."

"This time we set up martial arts, train generals, and compile teaching materials. The intention is to come up with a set of reliable methods. It may not be perfect, but as long as we follow this method, we can create a well-regulated and combatable soldier. Resist the nomadic cavalry, at least keep the Central Plains intact."

"If you want to seal the wolf and live in Xuxu, restrain Shi Yanran, and make great achievements, you need your own hard work and talent... This is not something we can teach, and it is not the purpose of our martial arts. The school can only guarantee the lower limit. Books are just the most basic things, if you want to go to the next level, you must have the ability to go beyond books."

Zhang Ximeng cast a sideways glance at Chang Yuchun, "Is there any kind of god in this world who can't learn from books but can gallop on the battlefield? Maybe there are, but the number is definitely not many, and we don't bother to gamble. What we need is ability Talents who are proficient in the most basic things, and then use their strengths on this basis. So, if some people fail the test, they will be kicked out of the army!"

Chang Yuchun was stunned for a moment, his big round eyes rolled, and he had no temper at all.

He was arguing with Xu Da, it was a battle between generals, explain it positively, it is called self-motivated.But talking back to Zhang Ximeng would be a pain in the ass.

Let Zhu Yuanzhang hear that he will not end well.

Chang Yuchun drooped his head, and said helplessly: "Don't worry, Zhang Xiang, I, I will definitely graduate with a first class!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, "It's good to have this confidence. After the assessment is over, my lord will have a heart-to-heart talk with the big guys in Yueyang Tower."

All the generals nodded together, awe-inspiring in their hearts.

With the end of this army reorganization, I am afraid that the Northern Expedition to the Central Plains will be about to take place. Everyone is eagerly looking forward to who will come out on top.

Sure enough, 20 days later, Zhu Yuanzhang held a banquet for military generals in Yueyang Tower. This time was very special. Except for Zhang Ximeng, a civil servant, the rest were generals, or simply put, others were not qualified to participate.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced around and looked at the tigers under his command. Old Zhu was overwhelmed with emotion. He said slowly: "In the past, we used to command personally, or hold the line from behind. But this time is different. We want to sit in command of the sky, and the soldiers in the front How to mobilize horses and how to fight, the commander has to decide on the fly, the burden on his shoulders is much heavier!"

All the generals were shocked when they heard this.

What does it mean?

The superiors have to completely let go. All major decisions, victory or defeat on the battlefield, must be borne by themselves. Whether it is a mule or a horse, it all depends on yourself.

This is not only an opportunity to be famous in the world, but also a dangerous situation to lose one's reputation. What happens depends entirely on one's own ability.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced away, Xu Da shook his head slightly, but did not move, while Chang Yuchun met Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze with anticipation.

But contrary to everyone's expectations, Lao Zhu finally fell on Feng Guoyong.

"Feng Guoyong, Ding Pulang, Fu Youde, Feng Guosheng, Deng Yu!"

Lao Zhu named five people in one breath, and the five people whose names were named bowed together in surprise.

"Please give orders!"

Old Zhu said: "We will give you [-] horse infantry soldiers. Immediately set off from Wuchang, attack Xiangyang, and march into Nanyang. You must be nailed to Nanyang for us. No matter who dares to commit crimes, we will give you merciless punishment." Call back!"

When Feng Guoyong and others heard this, they took the order in unison, "Please rest assured, sir!"

Then Zhu Yuanzhang said again: "Guo Xing, as a trainer in the army, you also go out with the army. Remember, let us take care of them."

Guo Xing was taken aback for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, I will assist a few colleagues and take good care of the soldiers together!"

His words fully reflected the emotional intelligence of a trainer. This time he marched into Nanyang, counting Guo Xing, a total of six generals at the Duke level went out, and Lao Zhu really paid a lot of money!

Chapter 445 The Talents of the Generals

From Feng Guoyong to the next, a total of six generals stood in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, naturally elated.There were also Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, Hua Yun and others who were a little bit aggrieved. Why should it be them and not us?

Seeing this, Zhang Ximeng could only cough twice.

"Governor Feng, do you know why you were asked to lead the army?"

Feng Guoyong was always calm, he quickly bowed and said: "Please give advice to Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "I can't talk about giving advice... Let me ask you, why isn't Xu Da leading the army?"

"This... I think Xu Guogong will do more."

"What to do?" Zhang Ximeng asked.

Feng Guoyong pondered for a while, then grinned wryly and said: "I think it should be the main force leading the Northern Expedition. Our army belongs to a partial division. The purpose of entering Nanyang is to contain and support, not the real main force."

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Since you say that, why isn't Chang Yuchun leading the army?"

A certain graduate who was called out and did not pass the first-class exam rolled his eyelids and lowered his head helplessly. Who told us that we did not do well in the exam, barely graduated, and even lost the confidence to speak.

"This..." Feng Guoyong vaguely knew it in his heart, but he didn't say it out, he just said: "Please Zhang Xiang for advice."

"The reason is very simple, that is, you Feng Guoyong is an all-rounder...you are capable of writing and martial arts, and you have a good eye. At the beginning, you suggested that the lord should seize Yingtian, thinking that it was the foundation. But having said that, you Feng Guoyong has been very useful in the past few years. There are not many places for martial arts, so many people are rumoring that you are not worthy of sitting in the position of the commander-in-chief of the Chinese army."

Feng Guoyong blushed and frowned, these words fell on his weakness.

"Zhang Xiang, I, I don't care about gossip! As long as the superior trusts me, I will do my best and die!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, "That's true, but a famous general is like a famous actor. He needs his own stage and needs to prove himself. And this time entering Nanyang is a big stage for you, Feng Guo!"

Zhang Ximeng stood up, walked up to Feng Guoyong with a smile, and asked, "Where is the best place to attack from Nanyang?"

"Of course it's Luoyang." Feng Guoyong grinned lightly. This is something that children know, so do you need to say more?

"After winning Luoyang, where is it?"

"It's Guanzhong!" Feng Guoyong said: "Entering Guanzhong is equivalent to breaking the arm of Dayuan. And after occupying Guanzhong, you can plot Shanxi in the east, capture the Hexi Corridor in the west, and go directly to the Western Regions. Going south, you can enter Bashu , is where the Quartet comes in handy!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and nodded, "Understood? Are you still partial teachers? My lord has given you the western half of the country!"

Feng Guoyong was greatly excited, and looked at Lao Zhu stupidly, is it like this?

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and nodded, and sighed: "Mr. Zhang really understands our thoughts. The Northern Expedition to destroy the Yuan Dynasty divides the East and the West. In terms of heavy responsibilities in the east and difficulties in the west, it is really hard to say who is in charge!"

Hearing this, Feng Guoyong immediately understood Lao Zhu's intentions.

Why can't it be Xu Da, because only Xu Da can come to the capital of the Northern Expedition, why not Chang Yuchun, because the western half of the battlefield can't be carried by just relying on bravery and invincibility.

This army must be led by Feng Guoyong, an all-rounder, in order to exert its greatest power.

Zhang Ximeng said again: "Not counting the Yuan court, the land in the northwest has been occupied by the Dangxiang people since the end of the Tang Dynasty. After the Anshi Rebellion, the Western Regions were cut off from the Central Plains. Today, hundreds of years have passed, the homeland has been lost, and the children of the Han family Falling into the hands of the barbarians is a great shame! Marching into Guanzhong, recovering the Northwest, opening up roads to the Western Regions, and restoring the prosperity of the Han and Tang Dynasties... This burden is all on your shoulders."

Hearing this, Feng Guoyong shook his head, saluted quickly, suppressed his excitement and said: "Master Zhang expects, Guoyong feels the same way, Guoyong would rather spill blood on the desert, but also fulfill his great trust and live up to Huaxia!"

Zhang Ximeng was overjoyed, and sure enough Feng Guoyong understood what he meant.

Then Zhang Ximeng turned his attention to Ding Pulang, "General Ding, do you know what your mission is?"

Ding Pulang thought for a while, then said: "Mr. Zhang, the general is really stupid and can't figure it out, but as long as Mr. Zhang gives orders, I will risk my life to do it!"

Zhang Ximeng said: "I don't want you to risk your life, but I want you to gather the old Red Scarves in Xiangyang and Nanyang and bring them together."

Ding Pulang was startled, and immediately said: "Ms. Zhang is talking about the South Lock Red Scarf and the North Lock Red Scarf?"

"Yes!" Zhang Ximeng said: "Although they were wiped out by the Yuan court a few years ago, there must still be many remaining forces. Are you familiar with them?"

"Of course!" Ding Pulang agreed, "Actually, Patriarch Peng sent me to contact Meng Haima earlier to join forces, but he was defeated early and failed."

At this point, everyone suddenly realized that Ding Pulang, a member of the old Peng Party, indeed had an extraordinary appeal in the face of the rest of the early Red Turban Army.

It is also appropriate to send him.

Next came Fu Youde. This time Zhang Ximeng didn't need to talk about it. Fu Youde said directly: "Mr. Zhang, when I entered Guanzhong, I fought with the Yuan army. Although I was defeated, I am familiar with the situation in Guanzhong and can lead the army. This Pioneer officer, I'm here!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "That's right, Pioneer still needs to be able to fight!"

Fu Youde patted his chest, "Don't worry, I lost once, and I don't want to fail again in this life!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded.

When it was Feng Guosheng's turn, Zhang Ximeng did not speak immediately, but after pondering for a moment, he asked: "Since the end of the Tang Dynasty, the northwest fell, the Yuan court established the country, and divided the land in the northwest into various kings. For 600 years, the Han people disappeared in the northwest. What would you do if you hit the northwest and faced the desolate desert with only a few tribes of barbarians left?"

Feng Guosheng was also taken aback. Others took it for granted, but he had become an exam question here. Feng Guosheng thought hard, with a sullen face, and thought for a while. When everyone was a little impatient, he spit out four words: " Use barbarians to control barbarians!"

Zhang Ximeng finally burst out laughing.

"If you answer to give up the land and retreat to stick to it, you won't have your share this time."

Feng Guosheng was horrified, he never thought about giving up the land!

Zhang Ximeng said: "Remember what I said, the Red Scarf Army's westward expedition to Guanzhong was completely a rogue strategy. Let Chahan Timur gather the troops of the kings of Shaanxi and Gansu and defeat them in the end. After you enter Guanzhong, you must learn to adapt to local conditions and learn to be harmonious. To make friends with the Hu tribes, one needs to gain the support of those tribal leaders. We must tell them clearly that the Yuan court oppressed and exploited them and regarded them as fish and meat. But Ming Dynasty is different. We respect them and do not treat them as Hulu. If you are willing to cooperate, you will have a bright future.”

Feng Guosheng's heart was moved, and he immediately said: "Mr. Zhang, do you want to win over the countries of the Western Regions and make them submit to Ming Dynasty like Ban Chao?"

"Yes! What you have to do is to open the door and provide convenience for the follow-up...Trade, exchange, immigration, enlightenment... These things have their own follow-up processing, but this first step, opening the door, is very important. Don't let the troops You have to use your brains, use your imagination, and learn to use the smallest cost to make the biggest business. Do you understand?"

Feng Guosheng thought for a while, then nodded vigorously, "I know, the general will know!"

Feng Guosheng's biggest problem was that he was a little conservative. He was only a step away from being a top player.

He was sent there not only to fight against his own brothers, but also to let Feng Guosheng practice his skills so that he could quickly take charge of himself.

Under Feng Guosheng, only Deng Yu was left.

Deng Yu's original name was Deng Youde. Under Zhu Yuanzhang's command, he was definitely a titan, and he had made many first achievements.

Not long ago, Deng Yu led the army and personally destroyed a water village in Dongting Lake and captured more than 1000 water thieves and bandits.

But then he did one thing, which caused huge controversy, and some people even impeached him for releasing the gangsters privately.

What's the matter?

It turned out that after raiding the water village and capturing some thugs, Deng Yu rescued many women. After questioning, he found out that these were women from good families around them, and many of them were from wealthy families with a well-educated background.

All of them were robbed to be Mrs. Yazhai.

Logically speaking, if they were saved, they should be happy, but who knows that these women are all crying and heartbroken... The world is chaotic and wars are raging... How can we tell who is the bandit and who is the officer?

Isn't the family worried about their safety and fear that they won't get married?

To be plundered by bandits, these thieves are not bad, they eat hot food, drink spicy food, give ten times the bride price, and live in Dongting Lake, so they can sit back and relax, isn't it [-] times better than outside?

Who wants you to save people?

You are absolutely harmful!

Faced with this situation, Deng Yu could only ask his subordinates to explain that Daming was different from before, but these people didn't want to believe it at all, they were just looking for death and life.

Are they unreasonable?Do you have to speak for the thieves?

Of course not, because their experience has already told them that in this kind of world, who can tell the difference between robbers and robbers?

After thinking about it, Deng Yu decided to bring all the captives, including the bandits.

"You people have turned into bandits and done a lot of outrageous things. You should know that. But Yuan Ting, Tian Wan, and Chen Han have done more wicked things. They have turned good people into bandits and turned good girls into bandits. , became Mrs. Yazhai, and she was happy with it!"

"This, what kind of world is this!"

Deng Yu was heartbroken, "Over the years, good people have become bad, and bad people have become even worse. There is no way out for everyone. If I hold you accountable and behead you, it is the law of the country. But you deserve to die, and there are people who deserve more than you. How much? I'm afraid it's not just those rich and powerful families, those who can survive are somewhat dirty... Simply, I let you go back to your original hometown with your beautiful wives, you go and see now If you still want to be thieves, go back to Dongting Lake, wait for me to bring troops over next time, and kill you all! Don’t worry, I won’t be soft at that time!”

"If you have made up your mind and are willing to keep your identities incognito and be a good person who keeps yourself safe, I will not pursue it... Let him go!"

Deng Yu took a huge risk and released all these captives, and many people impeached them for a while... But what is gratifying is that almost all of the dismissed water thieves chose to be honest and keep their own place.

The other water villages in Dongting Lake saw that there was still a way to survive, and tens of thousands of water thieves left quietly. The thief problem in Dongting Lake was actually resolved in this way.

It is precisely because of this credit that Zhu Yuanzhang named Deng Yu.

"The land in the northwest is even more dangerous than Dongting Lake... Some of the heinous ones deserve to be killed, but how to deal with them, the laws of heaven, the laws of the country, and your conscience, is the right thing to do. Worthy of heaven!"

4Chapter 16 Gold Medal

Deng Yu nodded vigorously, and carefully wrote down Zhang Ximeng's instructions.

In the end, it fell on Guo Xing. As one of the best trainers in the Ming Army, he was awarded the title of Commander-in-Chief when he went north this time. number two.

Needless to say, his duties are to assist Feng Guoyong, mediate the generals, inspire soldiers, boost morale, and appease the people... In short, it is a bit similar to Zhang Ximeng's role in Daming, and he can be called "Xiao Ximeng".

"My lords, this time the Northern Expedition started from Wuchang and took Nanyang directly. Which sage do you think of?"

Feng Guo used his body to vibrate slightly, bowed and said, "It's Yue Fei! At the beginning, Yue Fei made the Northern Expedition from here and took over the six prefectures of Xiangyang. Call him handsome, and be the leader of the Song Army!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "That's right, then do you know why Yue Fei's Northern Expedition failed?"

Feng Guoyong paused for a moment, and then said: "Marshal Yue's defeat was the first in the imperial court. The monarchs and ministers of Zhao and Song Dynasties have no desire to restore their homeland, and they have no courage. After a little settlement, they will enjoy the south of the Yangtze River and forget about the country. Chou and family hatred are no different from those of the scholars in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Secondly, Marshal Yue’s Northern Expedition also had the problem of isolation and lack of food and wages. The more land lost in the Northern Expedition, the more places needed to be stationed. As a result, the troops were scattered and they wanted to recover. There are indeed some difficulties in the homeland."

Zhang Ximeng nodded again, turned his head with a smile and said, "My lord, General Feng has already said it, and I hope my lord will reward you."

As soon as his words fell, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Take our gold medal!"

With an order, two big Han generals walked over carrying a gold medal of Wang Ming's one foot and eight inches high.

A large piece of golden color makes people's eyes hot.