Chapter 35: The oil-skinned soldier is blind to his eyes

To get to Bozhou, the route is naturally different from that to Kaifeng.

In particular, they wanted to outflank the traitors and defeat the left, so Zhao Yu's army first arrived at Baoding, then looked southeast. On the third day, they arrived at Hejian Prefecture.

In the past few days of rapid march, except for Zhao Yu, few people in the 50,000-strong army could keep their expressions unchanged. All are exhausted.

So he found a place outside Hejian Mansion, set up camp, rested for a day, and then set off south to Shandong at night.

In another four days, we passed through Jinan Prefecture and arrived at Yanzhou Prefecture.

Zhao Yu made arrangements, and just arrived on the seventh day, the army's rations were about to run out, and they happened to arrive near Ningyang in Yanzhou Prefecture.

Then they set up camp and ordered Yang He to take his men and go to Ningyang to get another seven days of dry food, which went smoothly.

Zhao Yu could not help but admire the prince's preparation.

As long as he wants, he can get wages in any county-level place. It can be seen that the prince's vision is far-reaching and Zhao Gongming's arrangements are thorough.

I am afraid that the prince had foreseen the current situation many years ago.

It was through his status as the emperor's eldest son and crown prince that he could do all this. Otherwise, if someone else comes, even if it takes ten or twenty years, they may not have this family fortune.

Of course, you may not be able to do it just based on your identity. The prince is talented, Zhao Gongming is capable, and the two are in harmony, which is the right way.

Moreover, the dry food prepared by the prince for the army was different from ordinary dry food. If the dry food in the army is made from whole grains, it is actually of the best quality. But these days, the dry food in the army is mostly made of bran, which is difficult to eat and even makes you feel full.

The dry food prepared by the prince was not only complete with grains, but also mixed with meat floss. Whether eaten dry or soaked in water, it tastes good.

At least in terms of food, no one in the army complained.

During this march, Zhao Yu, while confirming the principles of the military book in practice, never relaxed his training of the army. While marching in a hurry, training at the same time.

Those who make noise during the march will be punished with ten lashes. Those who disturb the public will be punished with fifty lashes. Those who harm the people must pay with their lives.

Also observe the capabilities of the junior and middle-level officers in the army. Those idiots who do not respect military discipline will either be killed or beaten to the bottom. Those who are capable will be promoted. Promoting the capable and eliminating the incompetent not only strengthened Zhao Yu's control over the army, but also caused a qualitative change in the temperament of the army.

In this way, rewards and punishments were clearly defined. In just seven days, this army gradually took on a different look.

The military order was issued with as much urgency as the wind and fire.

This army has the appearance of a war machine that can operate smoothly.

Rest for a day in Ningyang and set off again at night.

Zhao Yu rode the central army, Yang He followed on one side, and his own soldier Zhang Commander guarded on the other side.

Yang He's face became thinner, but his energy was high. A pair of eyes, with their own light, twinkling occasionally.

He looked at the vast army with no front or rear, and sighed: "When we get to Fengyang Mansion, this army will be particularly different."

Said: "The general's methods are indeed extraordinary."

Zhao Yu laughed and shook his head: "How come my means are ordinary? It's just that the world is chaotic and the world is cold. It's just clear rewards and punishments. It's not difficult to do it."

Yang He shook his head: "It's difficult, it's difficult. Look, general. There are countless armies everywhere in this country. How many generals can do it? People's hearts are greedy, that's all."

Zhao Yu was silent for a moment and said excitedly: "When the prince ascends the throne, the evil atmosphere will naturally be gone."

Yang He nodded and said yes.

That night, the army left Yanzhou Prefecture and arrived at Xuzhou at dawn.

This army must be much stronger than it was seven or eight days ago. One can eat enough. Although it is dry food, it is sufficient, and the grains are also mixed with meat floss. Coupled with the rapid march and training, many soldiers with yellow skin and thin skin finally had a touch of blood on their faces and became more energetic.

At least the strength is much more abundant than before.

Secondly, in terms of military discipline, we were finally able to manage the execution of orders and prohibitions.

After all, Zhao Yu has a reputation, and the soldiers are willing to listen to him. Moreover, the supply of dry food is sufficient and the food is good, which makes the soldiers more recognized.

Therefore, in terms of enforcing military discipline, it has roughly met the requirements of a real army.

After another seven days, this army finally looked like an elite soldier.

Originally, these 50,000 troops came from different generals in Liaodong. But they are not old and weak. Except for the standard battalions of the general soldiers, these are the backbone. Basic military skills are qualified.

As long as the general's discipline, food, rewards and punishments are in place, a military force of elite troops will naturally be formed.

The so-called general is the courage of a soldier.

Zhao Yu is so fierce, but also fair and just, and acts vigorously and resolutely. To be honest, these soldiers felt that following Zhao Yu was safe and promising.

The combination of various factors led to such changes.

Fengyang Mansion has arrived.

Fengyang is the hometown of Taizu and is known as Zhongdu.

In the eighth year of Chongzhen's reign, thieves broke into Fengyang and excavated the tomb of Taizu. Such evil deeds were truly outrageous.

Now six years have passed and the imperial mausoleum has been rebuilt, but it is no longer what it used to be.

Zhao Yu led an army of fifty thousand troops into Fengyang and set up camp outside Huaiyuan. Huaiyuan is just north of Fengyang, only a few dozen miles away. Zhao Yu does not plan to go to Fengyang. He is targeting Shouzhou and Huoqiu.

In the fifth camp of Ge Zuo, Lao Huihui Ma Shouying, Ge Liyan He Yilong, Zuo Jin Wang He Jin, Zhengshi Wang Lin Chengcheng, and Gaishi Wang Liu Xiyao, these five thieves were operating in this area.

Among them, Huoqiu is the base camp of these bandits, and Shouzhou is also under their control.

In fact, both Huaiyuan and Fengyang were trembling under the watchful eyes of these thieves.

Now Huang Degong, the commander-in-chief of Fengyang, and Wang Xian, the commander-in-chief of Sizhou, guard the imperial mausoleum together. Zhao Yu did not intend to meet these two general soldiers. In Zhao Yu's eyes, the local commander-in-chief was even more insignificant than the commander-in-chief of the towns in Liaodong.

In a word, look down on them.

The so-called killing of good people and claiming merit is most prevalent in local armies. Liaodong is even better. why? Because the enemies of the towns in Liaodong are Tatars. Killing a good person and taking advantage of the crime is risky and easy to be recognized.

But the local armies in the Central Plains have no such concerns. Because the bandits were originally transformed from farmers who could no longer survive. Whenever the army in these places cannot defeat or catch up with the bandits, as soon as they see the village, they kill them first, take their heads, and lie about their military merits.

Therefore these people are even more hateful.

They have a share of credit for the Ming Dynasty to be in this situation.

The so-called "soldiers are like combs" is talking about them.

Just outside Huaiyuan, in the camp, Zhao Yu summoned all the generals from all departments.

He sat at the top, with Yang He on his right. The rest of the generals are listed in order.

Zhao Yu unfolded the map, hung it in front of him, pointed to Shouzhou and Huoqiu on the map, and then pointed to Bozhou in the north, and said seriously: "The Gezuoliu bandits are in the Huoqiu area, and Shouzhou is also controlled by them. Scope. Let’s look at Bozhou again. When my army went south, the Xian bandits had already moved east from Henan. At this time, we don’t know whether Bozhou has fallen.”

"No matter what, whether Bozhou falls or not, the Fifth Battalion of Ge Zuo will be the first target of this general."

Zhao Yu first made clear his goal, and then said: "The army will prepare for a day and set out at night. It will be divided into five groups, all starting from Huaiyuan, from north to south, fast or slow. We must surround Huoqiu before dawn."

Next, Zhao Yu made detailed arrangements: "I will lead ten thousand troops and march straight into Shouzhou. The remaining four generals will go in two directions, north and south. The distance between them is no more than twenty miles. They will cross Shouzhou and go straight to Huozhou. mound."

Speaking of this, Zhao Yu's eyes were murderous: "You must obey orders and act. If you dare to disobey military orders, you will be killed without mercy!"

All the generals under the tent were immediately awe-inspiring, stood up together, clasped their fists and shouted: "I will definitely live up to the trust of the generals!"

Zhao Yu waved his hand for the generals to sit down, then turned to Yang He and said, "Can you add anything to the staff?"

Yang He said: "There are two points."

"First, do we need to inform Fengyang Commander-in-Chief Huang Degong and Sizhou Commander-in-Chief Wang Xian?"

"Second, there are bandits from the fifth camp of Gezuo. Although they control Shouzhou and Huoqiu, Huoqiu is still their base camp. But Dabie Mountain is right next to it, so we must be careful to prevent them from escaping into the Dabie Mountains."

After saying that, he kept silent.

Zhao Yu nodded slightly: "You don't need to know about Huang Degong and Wang Xian. I don't like these people."

These words are outrageous and unabashed.

Yang He couldn't help but smile.

He doesn't like it either.

"As for the Dabie Mountains, this is indeed a trouble. That's why I ordered the army to march overnight and besiege Huoqiu." Zhao Yu said: "As for those who escape into the Dabie Mountains if they can't be captured at once, I have my own way to deal with them."

A cold light flashed in his eyes: "Those bandits thought they would be safe by escaping into the mountains. But they didn't know that I, Zhao Yu, have lived in the mountains for ten years. I only need one person and an iron awl to kill them all. Clean and tidy!"

Hearing this, Yang He nodded slightly: "General, you have thought carefully."

Once the arrangements are in place, military orders are issued in detail, and the soldiers of each department seize the time to repair and repair.

Just before dusk, Zhao Yu was in his tent when suddenly a soldier came to report that it was Huang Degong, the commander-in-chief of Fengyang.

Zhao Yu couldn't help but be startled, wondering why Huang Degong came here on his own initiative?

But he couldn't turn him away, so he said: "Please come in, Mr. Huang."

However, after a moment, Zhao Yu heard a commotion outside the tent and couldn't help but frown. He stood up a few steps and opened the tent door. He saw a general with a hundred soldiers not far outside the tent.

If you have your own soldiers to stop him, there will probably be a conflict.

Zhao Yu frowned and shouted: "What's the fuss about?"

Then he took a few steps forward.

Huang Degong was a tall man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, but his expression was unruly. The way he looked at Zhao Yu was rather playful and condescending.

He was the commander-in-chief, and Zhao Yu was only the general-in-chief. Even though Zhao Yu now has an army of 50,000, which is more than him, he still has a sense of superiority.

Huang Degong saw Zhao Yu coming out, and after looking at his clothes for a moment, he knew that this must be the Liaodong God of War who was widely spread among the people.

But he curled his lips and said: "General Zhao Shen is really very arrogant."

When Zhao Yu heard this, his eyes narrowed: "General Huang?"

"Exactly this general." Huang Degong smiled: "I am the commander-in-chief, and you are the staff general. I came to see you, and you just didn't come out of the camp to greet me, but you still have to hand over the weapons of my own soldiers? What's the point of this? ?”

Zhao Yu laughed, and suddenly his smile faded, and a cold light flashed in his eyes: "General Soldier Huang guards Fengyang. He has a heavy responsibility, but he dares to leave Fengyang privately. According to Ming law, what kind of crime is this?"

Huang Degong was startled and couldn't help but look at Zhao Yu carefully: "Hey, you, a green-headed boy, do you still have such a scheming mind? Since I came here, what should you do?"

Without saying a word, Zhao Yu took two feet in one step, came to Huang Degong in the blink of an eye, pinched his neck, and then stared into Huang Degong's eyes: "I want to kill you, just like killing a chicken. Do you think you are more powerful than Huang Taiji?"

He threw Huang Degong to the ground and shouted: "I am here to suppress thieves. Oil-skinned soldiers like you don't bother me. If you dare to bother me, even if you hide in the ends of the earth, I will kill you and you won't be able to escape." .”

He kicked the ground, and the sound was like an earthquake, and everything collapsed.

Huang Degong's face turned pale and he didn't dare to say anything.