Chapter 186: The Lack of Young Warriors

Chapter 186: The Lack of Young Warriors

Chapter 186: The Lack of Young Warriors
The sky was bright, and the long and distant sound of the horns of the northern expeditionary army penetrated the thin mist that was falling.
It echoed throughout the military camp, announcing the start of the day's journey.

The soldiers in the front camp had already packed up their tents, fences, and other things.
An endless stream of horse-drawn carriages and donkey carts began to move forward along the official road, seemingly endless.

It was not until this time that the soldiers of the central army came out of their simple tents.

With a look of fatigue on his face, he quickly packed up what he had brought and began to repeat what the front army had done before.

The noise of soldiers, the neighing of horses' hooves, and the clashing of armor and long swords came one after another.
The soldiers began to dismantle the tents from south to north.
They pulled hard on the ropes, causing the tent to fall down slowly.

The canvas was carefully rolled up, tied neatly with ropes, and loaded onto the carriage.

The smoke from cooking rises up and blends with the morning light.
The soldiers who had finished their work stood in the camp with their bowls in hand, eating hastily.

After the central army leaves, the soldiers in the rear army will repeat the process.

At night, the vanguard will arrive at the pre-set camping site in advance.
Set up camp in advance, make a fire and cook, waiting for the central and rear troops to arrive one after another.

In the central army tent, Du Peng, the imperial censor in a blue shirt and with an elegant appearance, hurried over.

Seeing that the central army tent had not yet begun to be dismantled, he breathed a sigh of relief quietly.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead and hurried in.

This is what he has to do every day.
Collect all the antiques and calligraphy and paintings in the central army tent,
This was not his job at first, but ever since he saw with his own eyes a soldier clumsily poking a hole in a famous Tang Dynasty painting with his short, dark and thick fingers, he took over the job on his own initiative.

These precious calligraphy and paintings were obtained from the Northern Yuan Dynasty court, and each one is a rare treasure.
If it is damaged, it will be the loss of Ming Dynasty.

Furthermore, he also took this opportunity to come to the central army tent every day,
Take a look at the extravagant behavior in the central military tent, record it when you go back, and impeach it when you return to Yingtian.

Upon entering, Imperial Censor Du Peng was stunned.
He immediately saw a landscape painting hanging on the left wall of the big tent.

After being stunned for a moment, he uttered a cry of surprise.
"Ouch!"

He hurried forward, narrowed his eyes, and looked around quickly.
Then, in the shade of trees and grass in the lower right corner of the painting, the inscription "Fan Kuan" was discovered.

"The mountains are stacked one upon another, majestic and vast. This is a work by Fan Kuan. Fan Kuan!"

Du Peng's breathing became a little faster, and the corners of his eyes twitched slightly.
A surge of anger suddenly emerged in my heart, and I even complained loudly:
"How can such a famous painting be hung here so openly? What if something goes wrong?!"

Du Peng's eyes moved back and forth, and soon he saw the wisps of green smoke coming out of the central copper furnace.
I felt a black screen in front of my eyes and almost fainted.
The paper from the Northern Song Dynasty is hundreds of years old now, how can it be soaked in moisture!
“What a sin! What a sin!!”

Du Peng gritted his teeth, quickly and carefully took down the painting, and carefully put it away.

He had already decided in his mind that after finishing his work here, he would write an impeachment memorial.
Even the words of impeachment have been decided in my mind:

"General Yu's behavior is contrary to the holy virtues, disrespecting the legacy of the ancient sages, wasting the gifts of nature on antiques, extravagant and wasteful, damaging the state, and defying the holy will!!"

An hour later, the northern expeditionary army began to move forward slowly.
The news of the return of the front army scouts also became known to everyone because of the reward money.
At first, the news spread only in the front army.

But because the days of traveling are particularly boring, a little fun becomes widely known.

The soldiers spread the news by word of mouth, and it soon spread to the central and rear armies.

Twenty taels of silver would be given as a reward for fighting for one month.

This news undoubtedly poured cold water on the soldiers, who felt as if the sky had fallen.

Instead of cooling them down, this basin of cold water made them even more excited, wondering when they could fight again.

Nowadays, the Ming Dynasty fights wars with real money. As long as you are willing to risk your life, the court will really give you money.

In the center, Lan Yu did not ride on his warhorse as usual.

Instead, he sat in the carriage, contrary to his usual practice.
Also inside were Deng Zhen, Duke of Shen, and Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing.
Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, and Guo Ying, Marquis of Wuding, were both strong and had their own body heat.
So I couldn't squeeze into the carriage and could only ride my horse outside with a gloomy face, enjoying the September sun.

There were ice cubes placed under the seats of the carriage, making it extremely cool inside. The three people were all wearing casual clothes and looked particularly relaxed.

Lan Yu lay on his side, carefully reading the court's recent bulletins, not missing a single word.

Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing, was holding a bowl of fruits and vegetables, hesitating which one to eat.

Duke Deng Zhen of Shen looked at the endless stream of soldiers outside with great interest.
Listening to their whispers, he smiled and looked at Lan Yu:
"General, this guy is very fast.
It was less than one night before everyone knew about it.
Look at these soldiers, their eyes are spitting fire.

If we put them on the battlefield now, they might be even more defeated than they were a few months ago."

Lan Yu turned his eyes away from the newspaper and tilted his head.
Looking outside through the thin gauze, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth:

"It's rare that he can understand what I mean. This is much better than many generals."

Deng Zhen smiled and nodded:

"That's right. From now on, if the Five Military Command wants to boost morale,
I need to find someone like Lu Yunyi who has a clean family background, started from humble beginnings, values ​​friendship and is smart. "

Lan Yu smiled and said nothing more.

Geng Bingwen took out a melon from the basket and handed it over.

He took one himself, took a big bite, and said with a grunt:

"It's hard to find another border dweller like this.

There are many people who come from humble backgrounds, but there are very few who are loyal and wise.
After making great contributions, he married his childhood sweetheart. Your Majesty will definitely like it."

Deng Zhen, the Duke of Shen, nodded in agreement, took out a booklet from a box on the side and scanned it up and down.

The more he looked, the uglier Deng Zhen's face became. He said in surprise:
"Are all the men of our Ming Dynasty heartless and disloyal?

Look, there were five people who changed their wives after they were promoted last year, and even more who broke off their engagements. How can we expect such treacherous people to be loyal to the court? "

"Let me see." Lan Yu put down the official report and reached out to ask for it.

Deng Zhen quickly handed over the booklet and explained:

"These are the young generals that the Five Military Command Office has been looking for in the past two years. They are between the ages of twenty and forty. There are ninety-four of them in total."

"What about those under 22 years old?" Lan Yu asked as he looked.

Deng Zhen had a strange look on his face. He suddenly saw a figure approaching from the window and raised his chin:
"Here it comes, this one."

Lan Yu and Geng Bingwen followed the sound and looked in the direction.
I saw Lu Yunyi wearing armor, riding a war horse, walking hurriedly towards me.

For a moment, Lan Yu quickly lifted his legs off the seat and changed from lying down to sitting upright.

Marquis Changxing also quickly put down the large basin in his arms, pushed it under the seat, and then said to Deng Zhen beside him:

"What are you standing there for? Take the handkerchief."

"Oh oh..Okay."

Deng Zhen quickly took out a clean handkerchief from the secret compartment and handed it over, and then helped Geng Bingwen throw away the fruits.

As soon as he turned around, he took the booklet handed over by Lan Yu and said, "Give me a handkerchief too."

Deng Zhen quickly handed over another handkerchief, his face darkened, and he was a little flustered.

He was the youngest of the three people present and had already done the work all the way.

At this time, Lan Yu handed the book over again and instructed:

"None of these people will be promoted. Now is different than before. We don't lack these young generals."

Deng Zhen nodded, and his movements were also very fast.

He took out a pen from the side, crossed out the names of several people, and then said:

"The Five Military Governors' Office will continue to evaluate the remaining young generals. If they can maintain their previous momentum, they will be promoted first."

"Well, put the booklet away and don't leak the news." "Yes."

Deng Zhen nodded repeatedly and put the booklet away.

Outside the carriage, Lu Yunyi arrived here.
Seeing this slightly luxurious carriage and Shi Zhengyu who served as the coachman, he was almost stunned.

Lu Yunyi was stunned for a moment, and quickly calmed down his thoughts. He looked at Shi Zhengyu and asked suspiciously:

"Brother Shi, is the general in there?"

Shi Zhengyu chuckled and nodded repeatedly: "Can I help you pass the message?"

At this time, Lu Yunyi saw Lan Yu, whose half face was exposed and whose eyes were looking at him. His expression froze. Was it necessary to convey this message?
Soon, Lu Yunyi got on the carriage and opened the curtain.

The cool air blowing in his face made him raise his eyebrows slightly and his breathing stagnated.
The army went on the Northern Expedition with great difficulty, traveling day and night.

But it was so comfortable when I returned south.

"This humble general, Lu Yunyi, pays respect to the general, the Duke of Shen, and the Marquis of Changxing."

"Come in and sit down."

Marquis Changxing is old, and his amiable appearance makes him look like an old man next door.

"Come and sit here." Deng Zhen stood up and walked to Lan Yu's side, making room for him.

Lu Yunyi had a strange expression on his face, but he still sat down.

Deng Zhen saw that his face was covered with sweat, so he smiled and reminded him:
"There is a handkerchief in the secret compartment on your side. Bring me one too."

"Oh. OK."

Lu Yunyi quickly turned around and took out a handkerchief, wiped his hands first, and then took another one and handed it over.

Deng Zhen took the handkerchief, covered his face with it, and immediately felt much better.

Lu Yunyi wiped the sweat off his face, quickly took out a booklet from his pocket, and handed it to Lan Yu:

"General, this is the rule you told me about the ceremonial soldiers yesterday. It is all my opinion."

Lan Yu looked a little surprised. He took the booklet and said as he flipped through it:

"So soon? Didn't you sleep last night?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and soon saw two big dark circles under Lu Yunyi's eyes.

Lu Yunyi felt a little embarrassed;
"Reporting to the general, I am a border resident. The weather in the south is too hot and I am not used to it."

"If we go to the southwest, wouldn't it be even more unbearable?" Lan Yu kept flipping through the booklet, his brows becoming more and more furrowed.

Lu Yunyi chuckled, raised his hand and patted his armor:

"I have ordered the soldiers to put on their armor today so that they can get used to it in advance."

"Be careful of the heat, and prepare some heat relief items for the soldiers."

Deng Zhen smiled and pointed under the seat:
"There are fruits and vegetables there, all chilled."

Seeing Lu Yunyi just laughing without moving, Deng Zhen continued:
"Take one and eat it, and take one for me, too."

"okay."

Lu Yunyi took a quick look and took out the two largest ones, one for each of them.

Geng Bingwen, the Marquis of Changxing, frowned slightly, as if he realized something. He glanced at Deng Zhen unhappily and said to Lu Yunyi with a smile:

"You are still young, do more work."

"Of course, Lord Changxing, don't worry!"

Lu Yunyi nodded repeatedly and ate the melon with grunts.

Deng Zhen's face turned dark and he also ate the melon with a grunt.

"Snap!" Lan Yu closed the booklet, showed praise on his face, and handed it to Deng Zhen:

"Yes, very methodical."

Deng Zhen quickly took it and put it aside, preparing to finish eating the melon before looking at it.

Lan Yu glanced at him, and Deng Zhen quickly put the book on his thigh and flipped through it with one hand.
The more he watched, the slower he ate the melon, and his expression became more serious. He tilted his head and frowned.
Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing, became interested and leaned forward, urging:

"Have you finished reading it?"

After Deng Zhen finished reading it, he handed the booklet over with an unsatisfied look on his face, and looked at Lu Yunyi who was eating melons, and praised:
"You have a heart."

Lu Yunyi paused slightly, and then continued to eat melon.

Deng Zhen said with some emotion:
"This matter was neglected by the Five Military Commands Office, which has always been concerned about the strength of the Ming army.

But they did not take into account the soldiers who died or were disabled for the Ming Dynasty.
The army suffered heavy casualties during this northern expedition.
When I return, I will report this to Your Majesty and select some disabled soldiers to serve as the ceremonial guard.
Just as you said, let us walk in the front to show the benevolence of our Ming Dynasty. Our Ming Dynasty will not forget those who have made contributions to the country. "

Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing, also gently closed the book at this moment.
The smile on his face disappeared, and turned serious. He nodded slightly:

"It should be so. The imperial court wants young men to fight for the country, so they should be given money and attention.
The soldiers and civilians don’t ask for much, as long as they know that the court still cares about them.”

"Then this matter is settled. We will go back and report it to His Majesty and the Crown Prince."

Lan Yu was firm and decisive, and the matter was settled.

He then looked at Lu Yunyi with a smile on his face:
"We did a good job this morning. If we can do this again, the Ming army will surely become more powerful and recover some of its decline."

After saying this, Lu Yunyi quickly ate the last two pieces of melon, his face solemn.
The same was true for Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing, and Deng Zhen, Duke of Shen.

The dispute over the famous places of civil and military affairs has existed since the founding of the Ming Dynasty.
But because the imperial examination had been suspended for ten years and the north had been winning battles, the army's reputation became prominent.

However, as the imperial examinations were reopened, some preferential treatment for scholars became widespread, and the reputation of the military became increasingly weak.
Now the Ming Dynasty is becoming more stable, and the people have their own land for livelihood.

More and more young men from good families would rather study hard for ten years to obtain an imperial examination than join the army, which has caused a lack of successors in the Ming Dynasty.

In troubled times, follow military tactics; in prosperous times, follow culture. This saying is fully reflected in Daming.

The atmosphere in the car was somewhat solemn.

After a long while, Lu Yunyi spoke in a deep voice: "General, the young and strong people in the north are still willing to join the army."

With that said, the atmosphere in the field became even more depressing.
The emperor now drives out the Tartars and restores China.

The Central Plains, which had been lost for 200 years, was restored to unity, and the Youyan, which had been lost for 400 years, was also reintegrated into the Ming Dynasty.

However, the division between the north and south of the Ming Dynasty still existed and became more and more serious.
The North has always valued martial arts because it borders the grasslands.

The south was developing commerce and culture was becoming more respected.

The two are in opposite directions and are almost inevitable.

Lan Yu suddenly remembered what Lu Yunyi said yesterday, and sighed in his heart, thinking that the north and the south are indeed too far away.

Seeing the solemn atmosphere, Lu Yunyi blinked and spoke quickly:
"General, I will take my leave first."

"Go."

(End of this chapter)