Chapter 578: Attack and Defense

Chapter 578: Attack and Defense

Chapter 578: Attack and Defense
Time goes by day by day, and the weather is still hot.

The last discussion on the Luchuan battle ended this morning.

Lu Yunyi held a heavy document in his hand.
He left the conference hall of the Central Military Governor's Office feeling relieved.

As many military officers left Beijing,
This matter has always been handled by the six ministries and the Censorate, and the presiding officer is Prince of Yan Zhu Di.

Because today is the last meeting, in order to avoid any mistakes,

So they asked soldiers to maintain order.

The commander-in-chief of the left army, Geng Zhong, and the commander-in-chief of the central army, Xu Sima, were among them, as was Lu Yunyi.

It is worth mentioning that,
After polishing all the details in advance, the signing of the agreement went extremely smoothly.

Dao Buwa and Gong Baguang of Luchuan did not hesitate. After signing, they left with their men.

Lu Yunyi stood at the gate of the Central Military Governor's Mansion.

Looking at the clear sky and feeling the hot weather, I couldn't help but smile.

This time, Luchuan is really going to bleed heavily.

The agreement stipulated that Luchuan had to compensate the Ming Dynasty for all losses caused by the war, totaling four million taels.

For Luchuan, these four million taels of silver were almost his savings of several years.

However, the Ming Dynasty was not unreasonable and agreed to return the funds over five years.

In addition to the silver compensation, Luchuan also needs to compensate with a large amount of materials.

The items included 5,000 high-quality war horses, 100,000 catties of fine iron, 100,000 catties of various ores, 1,000 pieces of wood that could be hugged by several people, 100,000 pieces of sugar cane, etc.
In terms of land,
Luchuan ceded a large area of ​​fertile land on its northern border.

This land is close to Daming Jingdong.

Not only is it suitable for farming and has abundant water resources, it is also located on a major transportation route.

After the cession, the Ming Dynasty could set up a garrison here and station troops.

This will not only strengthen the control of the southwest border,
It can also be used as a base to further develop surrounding areas.

At the same time, several important copper mines in Luchuan were also brought under the jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty.

In terms of military arrangements, Luchuan needs to disband more than half of its troops concentrated in the north.
Only a small amount of force is retained to maintain local law and order.

And, within the next decade,
Every year, a certain number of young men are sent to the Ming Dynasty to receive military training at the Ming Dynasty’s guards.

After the expiration of the term, some of them can choose to join the Ming army.

The rest returned to Luchuan, but were not allowed to participate in military affairs.

This move was intended to weaken Luchuan's military potential and win over its young people.

This would make it difficult for them to pose a threat to the Ming border.

As for other minor details, there are several piles of documents.

Lu Yunyi didn't look at it in detail, but this alone was enough.

It will be difficult for Luchuan to cause any waves in the next ten years at least.

"Master Lu, is there anything important today?"

At this time, a deep voice sounded from behind.

Lu Yunyi looked back.
Zhu Di, a man with dark complexion and strong physique, walked out of the house with a smile and inquiry on his face.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness Prince of Yan. There is no important business in the Governor's Office today." Lu Yunyi bowed with a respectful look on his face.

King Yan nodded and said, "Let's go. I'll take you to see someone."

After saying this, Zhu Di turned around and walked forward, with his hands behind his back.

He walked towards the governor's office, with Lu Yunyi following closely behind.

Soon, in an elegant room,

Lu Yunyi met several people waiting here.

Zhu Di smiled and introduced to Lu Yunyi:
"Master Lu, you already know some of the people here."

"I know some." Lu Yunyi said with a smile.

Zhu Di pointed at the slender soldier in his twenties who was leading the group and said:
"His name is Zhu Neng, and he is a centurion of the Yanshan Central Guard."

Zhu Neng has dark skin with some cracks.

He bowed respectfully to Lu Yunyi, looking a little excited:
"Meet Mr. Lu."

Zhu Di also introduced some people around him to him.

They were Liu Jing, Zhuang Qiyuan, the centurion of the Left Guard of Yanshan, Zheng Yan, and Xu Yunxuan, the commanders of the army.

These five people are the ones who came to Yingtian for the assessment from the Beiping Military Commission.

Lu Yunyi had some impression of them.

Zhu Neng is the undisputed leader among them, and the other four are also among the top 50.

After the introduction, King Yan led Lu Yunyi to sit down.
"Master Lu, what do you think of these young talents?"

Lu Yunyi smiled slightly:
"They are all outstanding talents in the army. With more training in the future, they will surely be able to take charge of their own affairs."

"Oh?"

Zhu Di's eyes lit up. This evaluation was considered extremely high among the soldiers.

"Lord Lu, please don't consider their face just because I am here."

Several people also looked over with anticipation on their faces.

Lu Yunyi smiled and waved his hand:

“Your Highness, the environment is the factor that can most change people.

They were in Peking, and outside the city walls were the foreign grassland people, so they were under pressure all the time.
As long as soldiers do not slack off in training and are brave enough to face the enemy, they will grow rapidly.

On the contrary, if you stay in Yingtian Capital,

Even with daily practice, quiet and peaceful days can still corrupt people's hearts.

When we are really on the battlefield, the difference is immediately apparent."

After hearing this, several people showed joy in their eyes.
This undoubtedly shows them a way forward.

After hearing this, Zhu Di fell into deep thought.
After arriving in the capital, he also noticed.
Even the elite troops in Puzikou City,

Although he was wearing fine armor and was actively training,

But compared to the border areas, it still lacks some bloodiness.

The troops in the capital were like sophisticated machines that followed precise procedures and obeyed orders.

But the army that can really fight tough battles on the battlefield is an army that is full of blood and dares to fight and kill.

"Perhaps this is one of the reasons why he suggested moving the capital to Peking."

Zhu Di thought silently in his heart, and then talked about other things:
"Lord Lu, I asked you to come here today because I have something I want to ask you."

"I don't deserve it. Your Highness, Prince Yan, please feel free to speak."

"I would like to ask Lord Lu, since these people are the young elites in the Beiping Army,
Should I let them handle all matters related to firearms?"

After finishing speaking, Zhu Di's face became much more serious, and then he said:
"I have decided to promote firearms in the Peking Army.
But he couldn't make up his mind whether to prefer cannons or muskets.

I would like to explain it more clearly.

This king is in Peking, so it is reasonable for him to use cannons to defend against enemy attacks.

But I always feel uneasy.

I always feel that I should lead my troops to attack the grassland.

At this time, the artillery was too heavy, so the musket had a chance to be used against the enemy.

It’s just that I have never been able to grasp the balance between the two.”

After this was said, Zhu Neng and others looked thoughtful, thinking about the disadvantages and advantages of artillery and muskets.

I found that these two are almost two extremes, one offensive and one defensive, and seem to be incompatible.

But Lu Yunyi saw the burning look in Zhu Di's eyes.
Knowing that he was not asking about the choice of firearms,
Instead, he was asking whether to defend or attack Beijing, and he was also asking about his own future direction.

Should he defend Peking and be a stable vassal king, or should he make great achievements and bravely fight on the grassland?

He was also asking about the future situation of the grassland.

After thinking for a moment, Lu Yunyi said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness Prince of Yan, His Majesty has placed you and other princes in an important border town.

It’s not as simple as just defending the city.”

Zhu Di's eyes were full of brilliance.

He knew that the person in front of him understood his question.

On the other hand, some of the young talents next to them all looked confused.

This made Zhu Di feel disappointed for no reason.

When you compare yourself to others, people seem to be different.

Lu Yunyi continued:
"The enemies of the northern steppes have existed for thousands of years.

Even if you are temporarily weak, you will recover after recuperating.
The grassland will become strong again. This is due to historical inertia and the habits of the grassland people.

When they are weak, they migrate, running north and west.

Run to a place that is out of reach of the Central Plains court, and then rest and recuperate.

Wait until you become strong, and then slowly fight back.

The same was true of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

After they were defeated in the Battle of Bui'er Lake, they fled westward and hid deep in the grassland.

It may seem like there is no threat now, but in ten or twenty years, the grasslands will be prosperous again and will continue to threaten the Ming Dynasty.

Since Ming is a new country, it should also adopt some new methods.

Carrying muskets to reduce baggage, going deep into the grassland to kill the enemy, this is what Your Majesty hopes to see."

Zhu Di lowered his head, his face extremely solemn, and after a long while he nodded:
"I understand. Thank you, Lord Lu."

As he spoke, Zhu Di waved his hand and looked at the five people standing there:
"You guys go out first."

The five men took the order and left.

After they left, the room became completely quiet, and Zhu Di spoke first:
"I heard that you have been studying the documents of the Daning Metropolitan Office these days, Your Majesty?"

"Reporting to His Royal Highness Prince Yan, that's right.
I may have to go north with the army to Daning at the end of the year."

Zhu Di nodded:

“Daning is a tricky place. Although it has been renamed, it is still outside the Great Wall.

The safety of Daning is closely related to the safety of Beiping. If you go to Daning, I will be relieved of a lot of worries."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. I will need your support when I go to Daning."

Prince of Yan Zhu Di laughed loudly, full of heroism:

"Don't worry about this. The Beijing Xingdusi and Beijing are mutually supportive.

This is the strategy set by the imperial court.

If you need any help, just send someone to let me know."

"Thank you, Your Highness Prince Yan."

Lu Yunyi cupped his hands, feeling relieved.

Although Daning is important in terms of location, it is ultimately a subsidiary of Peking and Liaodong, and requires support from both to be revitalized.

Zhu Di pursed his lips, a sharp look flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
"If you encounter any trouble in Beijing, you can also tell me directly.

There are some things that Lord Lu is not convenient to solve, and I can do it for you."

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

He didn't beat around the bush, but asked directly:

"I wonder what His Royal Highness Prince Yan is referring to?"

Zhu Di's face was somewhat solemn, and he said in a deep voice:

"Someone is trying to sow discord between you and your deputy general.

I have found out who is behind this."

At this point, Zhu Di sighed, his face darkened:

"These families are all pillars of the Ming Dynasty and have made great contributions.

Now he is standing on the opposite side of the imperial court, which is really regrettable. "

Lu Yunyi was stunned and looked at Zhu Di with some surprise.

Since the brothel on Qinhuai River opened, it has attracted more than just the Marquis of Ji'an Mansion.

There are also some big names who are equally powerful.
The Black Hawk's momentum grew, and for a while it was the most powerful.

But he didn't expect that Zhu Di would pay attention to this matter and even plan to help?

This made Lu Yunyi feel that the saying "those who are in the right will have many supporters, while those who are in the wrong will have few" is absolutely true.

After a pause, Lu Yunyi spoke in a deep voice:
“Thank you for your help, Your Highness Prince Yan. Black Hawk and I are like brothers.

We grew up together, went to school together, and joined the army together, and we have a deep friendship.

These people are trying to sow discord, but we won't take it to heart, so please rest assured, Your Highness Prince Yan."

Prince of Yan Zhu Di fell silent, his expression somewhat complicated.

He was born into a royal family, and there have been countless cases of royal family members killing each other since ancient times.

Therefore, in the Yuan Dynasty court, there were cases of brothers turning against each other in almost every generation.

He really wanted to tell Lu Yunyi,
Even brothers may become enemies because of some things.

But I don't know how to start.

After thinking for a long time, Zhu Di decided not to say what he was thinking, but just smiled comfortingly:

"Since you know what's going on, I won't say more."

"Thank you, Your Highness Prince Yan." Lu Yunyi bowed.

Zhu Di looked a little strange, and hesitated several times to speak.

Lu Yunyi saw this and asked:

"If Your Highness Prince Yan has anything to tell me, please feel free to speak up. There is no need to be polite."

"In that case, I will speak frankly."

Zhu Di straightened up and asked the first question:
"While investigating this matter, I discovered some strange things.
Before that, I want to ask,
What is your connection with Zhu Jinyu from Guichun Clinic?"

"Jinyu?"

Lu Yunyi showed doubt on his face, and he did not hide it:

"I dare not lie to Your Highness Prince Yan. Jinyu is my confidante. I met her when I was treating a patient."

Zhu Di was not surprised by this answer, but spoke thoughtfully:
“That’s strange. When I was investigating who was behind this, I used the power of the Imperial Guards.

I found that there is always a young man appearing in Guichun Clinic recently.

He often got out of a luxurious carriage,

Then he went to the clinic to treat his illness and stayed there for a whole day.

There was nothing unusual at first, but in the past few days,
He always brings gifts and flowers.

Judging from his appearance, he has some thoughts about your confidante."

Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes, exuding a murderous intent.
There seemed to be a sea of ​​blood and corpses behind him.

This momentum made Zhu Di's breathing stagnate, and a flash of shock flashed through his heart.

I can't help but sigh that this is what a general who fights in battles all over the country really looks like.

"Your Highness, what do you want to tell me?"

There was a hint of coldness in Lu Yunyi's voice.

Zhu Di pursed his lips, stood up, took a piece of letter from the desk, and placed it on the round table between the two of them.

“There is someone behind this young man.

The luxurious carriage he was riding in belonged to Dai Qingrou, a cloth merchant in the city.

This young man's name is Sheng Yangshu, and he is twenty-one years old.

His real identity is a scholar from Jiangning County.

A month ago, he lost his ancestral inheritance and family wealth in a gambling house in the county town, and then disappeared.

When he reappeared, he had transformed into the son of a wealthy businessman from Jiangnan.
Frequently travel to and from the many quiet places in Huowa Lane.

I think there must be someone behind this.”

Hearing this news, Lu Yunyi calmed down, and his mind was filled with thoughts.

It is certain that someone is doing bad things behind the scenes.
But, who is it?
So many things have happened recently that I can’t even count the enemies.

Lu Yunyi looked up at Zhu Di and asked softly:

"May I ask why His Royal Highness Prince Yan knows this?"

"What is your relationship with the Jinyiwei?" Zhu Di asked about something else instead.

But as soon as these words came out, Lu Yunyi understood, and he shook his head:
"Well water does not interfere with river water, but
Because of the relationship with the general, the Jinyiwei will not be very friendly to me. "

Zhu Di nodded, which made sense.

People like the Jinyiwei have always been disliked, and they will target whoever is in power in the court.

After a pause, Zhu Di spoke in a deep voice:
"To be honest, I learned about this from the Royal Guards.

It was because Dai Qingrou was the mistress of Xie Yun, a captain of the Imperial Guard.
The two have been together for many years and have two children.

Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes, looking calm on the surface.
But I was already a little annoyed inside.

He didn't care about these official struggles.
Instead, he was dissatisfied with the Jinyiwei's repeated trouble-making.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Yunyi stood up and bowed to Zhu Di:
"Thank you, Your Highness, the Prince of Yan. I am very grateful for telling you today. If you need anything in the future, please let me know."

"This matter can be handled for you by the King."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I have my own plans. I will take my leave."

Lu Yunyi left the Central Military Governor's Mansion with a gloomy face and quick steps.

Feng Yunfang, who followed, was stunned and asked quickly:

"Sir, what happened?"

"Order Chen Jingyi to enter the city, and then tell Black Hawk to assign a few capable men to go into the city with him.
Black Hawk, everything remains the same and don’t show any flaws.”

Hearing this, Feng Yunfang also realized the seriousness of the matter, and his face became extremely solemn:

"Yes!"

"Also, go find Xia Yuanji, whom I met last time at Guichun Clinic. I'm waiting for him at the Ministry of Works."

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)