Chapter 445: Disarmament

Hou Meng was shocked. Zheng Juzhong mentioned Liu Zhongwu in front of him, because Liu Zhongwu was the same year as Hou Meng, and the two of them also served as officials in Shaanxi together. However, Liu Zhongwu was promoted quickly and was now a governor. If Hou Meng had not participated in Zhao Xing's military admonition and had his reputation greatly increased, he was now demoted and living under surveillance.

"How could this happen? Liu Zhongwu has not suffered such a crushing defeat in Shaanxi. How could he face several bandits who were killed and thrown off his armor?" Hou Meng finished amazement and turned his eyes to Wang Mingsou, his eyes full of questioning.

In his opinion, the Nanyang Affairs Bureau had strong military power, and Qin Guan was in Huaidong, but he was still standing still to watch Liu Zhongwu's defeat in Huaixi. Perhaps he had some trouble in it to get rid of Liu Zhongwu, a stumbling block that prevented them from entering the capital.

Wang Mingsou smiled and remained silent. Zheng Juzhong coughed awkwardly and added: "It's all because of the fortune transfer commander Gao Yongnian. There were obviously several bandits on the opposite side. Gao Yongnian did not observe the military situation. When the army was insufficient, he underestimated the enemy to advance. The bandits were ambushed in the mountains and shouted whistles. Gao Yongnian was panicked and even ordered to fire the gun. It is said that each soldier had only ten bullets in his hand, and he was shot all but not the thief. When the bandits rushed out, the official army was defeated and he threw away his armor. Even the precious muskets in his hand were discarded.

Gao Yongnian was surrounded by thieves. The soldiers had no ammunition in their hands, so they could only resist as sticks. It is said that Liu Zhongwu was able to escape by relying on bayonets and fighting to break out a bloody path. This incident came out. The Privy Council was furious and arrested Liu Zhongwu for the crime of escaping in the battle. The court was preparing to impose others on Lingnan. Some people said that there was a lack of generals overseas, so they could ask the Nanyang Affairs Bureau if there was any place that could be used for Liu Zhongwu."

Zheng Juzhong said this because, as the spokesperson of the royal interests, he was unwilling to let Liu Zhongwu leave Huainan to remove the barriers of the court's barriers to the Nanyang Affairs Bureau. He knew that Hou Meng was able to save Liu Zhongwu because after the incident of abolishing the court's military rebellion, the court was very tolerant of local officials, as long as the local government paid taxes on time. Many local policies could tolerate the court's central government.

After Zheng Juzhong finished explaining, Wang Mingsou waved his hand gently: "Everyone, it's time for us to land... Zhao Liren often said that a sheep cannot bring a group of lions, and I really feel it now. Oh, using powerful weapons like muskets as firecrackers is interesting!"

Hou Meng's face turned red and pretended not to hear it. He raised his foot and asked Zheng Juzhong: "What does the imperial court mean? Is there any motion to transfer the Nanyang Affairs Bureau to suppress the bandits?"

Zheng Juzhong followed Hou Meng closely and replied: "The court really can't come up with a solution now - now all places are laying off troops, and the Xiang army is gradually gathering in Hangzhou. In the Huainan area, except for a few unreorganized imperial guards, the remaining Xiang soldiers are vulnerable. At present, only the archers of the Cheng clan of Huangzhou are still useful. But the court does not want to call Huangzhou troops. Yuangong, the next step depends on you."

Hou Meng straightened his chest: "If the court intends to use Brother Liu Zhongwu and Liu again, I am willing to ensure that Liu Zhongwu will be punished. Brother Zhongwu made great achievements in Shaanxi in the past, and the court should not send people to suppress him. He should be entrusted with the responsibility of suppressing bandits to achieve great things."

Zheng Juzhong nodded: "If Yuan Gong is willing to write a letter, I am willing to attach a name to the memorial."

These people were talking and leaving. They were talking in person about preservation of Liu Zhongwu. Wang Mingsou kept sneering on the corner of his lips, but he didn't say a word.

After these people got ashore, Cheng Azhu also took Princess Changguo to the carriage, and the people who were greeting gradually dispersed. Only a few officers were still at the dock. After a while, the official boat that followed had already landed. Chen Buting felt that he had a high official position and should leave first. When he raised his foot, Guo Guangsheng pressed his shoulder and turned around and said, "Brother Zhou, Brother You, are you greeting him on the shore? Please board first!"

Guo Guangsheng greeted Zhou Yong and You Jie two small officers. When he was introducing them just now, these two were introduced as heads, but they were just small officials who were not qualified. But everyone was very respectful to them. Chen Buting and Sun He looked at the two of them with humility for a moment, and walked up to the shore to greet the officers on the shore. At this time, Zhong Mingwu, who had just talked to them, came close to them and explained in a low voice: "These two were orphans of Huanqing Boy Camp in the past."

Oh, the two of them immediately understood when they heard this explanation.

Huanqing Boy Camp was founded by Zhao Xing. At first, he used the proceeds of war to raise the orphans of martyrs. Later, as the people of Xixia became honest, most of the orphans of war grew up, and this Boy Camp became a war school for cultivating descendants of officers.

Most of the members of the Boy Clan Camp in the early days had the identity of Zhao Xing's adopted son. The adopted sons of the Boy Clan Camp later joined Zhao Xing one after another. They are now scattered in various prefectures and counties under the jurisdiction of the Nanyang Affairs Bureau, becoming local military officers, or local small businessmen, and small officials in the yamen. Look at Zhou Yong and You Jie and other ages, the two should be the first members of the Boy Clan Camp. Such people came to Hangzhou and had a lot of classmates and old friends, so it would not be an exaggeration to let them land first.

Zhou Yong, You Jie finished talking to the people on the shore and led two officers over. One officer always had a smile on his face. He said with a smile: "The lower official is Lu Qiuguan, the attendant of the General Staff Headquarters, who is here to welcome you."

Another officer who greeted him had a rigid face and a stiff manner. He had a scar on his face, a blue and creepy face, and saluted everyone with a stern expression. He replied with a tough answer: "The officer is Zhu Dake, the staff officer of the Navy Headquarters of the Nanyang Yamen. My junior brother thanks for your care. Thank you."

When Zhou Yong saw that all the officers were a little uncomfortable by Zhu Dake's cold words, he hurriedly explained: "My senior brother and parents both died at the hands of the people of Xixia. When he was young, he went to Xixia to find enemies to kill his father. Unfortunately, he was captured by the Xia people. It was his adopted father who attacked Xixia and rescued him. From then on, he has been with his adoptive father. Don't be afraid, my senior brother's face was cut off by the Xia people and he no longer laughed. In fact, he is very kind, and you will know in the future."

You Jie quickly helped: "That's right, Brother Zhu takes care of us young people the most in the Boy Camp. I remember one time when I marched and trained, and I couldn't walk anymore. I was only five years old at that time. Brother Zhu carried me on his back and walked ten miles..."

Guo Guangsheng smiled and replied: "I know, you have a cousin named Zhu Keren who is in the army under my command. Last year you wrote to him."

Zhu Dake nodded stiffly. Guo Guangsheng pulled others to introduce: "This is Zhong Mingwu, the son of Xiaozhong Jingrui. He is the Zhe Kebao of the Zhe Ke family. The Zhe Ke family and your adoptive father are family friends. They also brought letters from their father, hoping to meet your adoptive father... This one is..."

Chen Buting hurriedly rushed up and introduced himself in a flattering manner: "Xiaoguan is Chen Buting, the commander of the Tanzhou Cavalry and Infantry Army on Jinghu North Road. This is Sun He, the chief secretary of Fujian Road and Zhangzhou, and Brother Zhu. It's right. Where is the Grand Master inspecting now? Xiaguan has letters from Xie Yingdi."

Lu Qiuguan replied with a smile: "Chen Buting, I have heard that you are jealous in Yizhang and beat a scholar from Zhangshui Academy. He was punished by Xie Yinglao, right?"

Chen Buting smiled awkwardly and explained: "I clearly called the courtesan Yue Niang first. That boy relied on being a scholar from Zhangshui Academy. He actually competed with me for the courtesan. Our family couldn't tell him, so he had to serve him with fists."

Lu Qiuguan asked with a smile: "What else?"

Chen Buting was furious: "Where is there? I kicked it away, but who knew that the guy couldn't beat him and fell into the water. It's funny that guy, who was obviously from Zhangshui Academy, didn't even know how to swim, which made him dive into the water to save him. He was punished by Xie Ying's elder afterwards, so it was unreasonable."

Luqiuguan continued to ask: "What else?"

Chen Buting choked, stared at Lu Qiuguan with wide eyes and angrily. Lu Qiuguan added with a smile: "How is that pink-headed Yue Niang's appearance? Do you think it's time to grab it?"

Chen Buting nodded proudly: "The natural appearance is impressive!"

Lu Qiuguan gave a thumbs up: "The beauty is present, there is no need for courtesy - Brother Chen is a real hero!"

Chen Buting suddenly felt warm in his heart, and felt a sense of mutual appreciation. He reached out to hug Luqiuguan and said intimately: "Brother Luqiu. You are a local snake. When I came to Hangzhou, I brought my wealth with me. If there is any fun place, please introduce it to me."

Zhu Dake cursed with a gloomy face: "A pair of dogs... The Grand Tutor has arrived in Quanzhou. If you want to see the Grand Tutor, you may have to wait until the end of the month. Why not report to the General Staff Headquarters first and then place it down."

When Sun He heard this, he was overjoyed: "Didn't that mean we have time to visit West Lake tonight? Let's go together, and no one present today can be left behind."

Guo Guangsheng then cursed: "It turned out to be three dogs, men and women."

Zhou Yong immediately interrupted: "Senior Brother Zhu, I heard that the eldest son was about to get married. It is rumored that the third yamen is going to get engaged with the princess. When my younger brother came from Shaanxi, the senior brothers all gave me a gift. If my adoptive father is not here, we can meet the eldest son. I remember that Hu Niangke had taken care of us and Liao Zhipo had also taken care of us. We also need to pay a visit to each other. I wonder if the little yamen Zhao Tian is here?"

Lu Qiuguan slapped his thighs: "Then what are we waiting for? You all have this relationship. Why don't we go to Jasmine Garden tonight to disturb us... Commander Chen and Sun Zhengzhi also went. The Japanese girl in the Jasmine Garden is so gentle. She usually has no reason to disturb us. My brothers live in Guangdong, so I can also visit you every day."

Guo Guangsheng stopped and asked Lu Qiuguan in surprise: "Brother, did he come from Guangnan Wushu Preparation School?"

Luqiuguan blinked his eyes and replied: "I am from Lishui. The Taishi joined the army when he was recruiting soldiers in Wuzhou (Yiwu). He is still studying in Hangzhou Academy and has never had the opportunity to go to Guangnan."

Guo Guangsheng nodded in enlightenment and asked: "Is the intelligence major in Hangzhou Wubei Academy?"

Lu Qiuguan widened his eyes and gave a thumbs up admiringly: "You can guess this way, Brother Guo is amazing! Well, but how did Brother Guo guess?"

Guo Guangsheng praised with admiration: "I often heard that the Taiwei is good at appreciating talents. As expected, Brother Luqiu's personality, who is afraid of the world's chaos, is so suitable for incitement work... Brother Luqiu should not be suspicious. When the Beijing officials stopped the court, he met someone from the Guangnan Wubei Academy in the capital. At that time, he was studying at the Imperial Academy. The guy was inciting him in the Imperial Academy, just like Brother Luqiu, full of conspiracy."

Lu Qiuguan rolled his eyes innocently and retorted: "Does there be a conspiracy in his body? A kind person like me, even the Grand Master praised me as a 'sunny boy'. How could I have a conspiracy? So innocent."

When he heard that Luqiuguan was a local intelligence agent, and was best at fanning the flames and spying on news, several students felt cold in their hearts and couldn't help but distance themselves from Luqiuguan. Zhu Dake interrupted with a sinister face: "That's right! The original words that the Taiwei praised were: the face was like a stupid pig, the heart was like a fox. The omitted facts really cannot be heard... But don't panic, this kid is at most a person who talks about military affairs on paper. He is in charge of intelligence analysis by the Intelligence Department."

The cold-faced man could even joke. Everyone was happy and his eyes looked at Zhu Dake became much warmer.

The intelligence system where the imperial Privy Council belongs to the imperial court was called the "Judicial Office". Zhao Xing's Nanyang Yamen could not copy the name of the Privy Council. The intelligence agency under his jurisdiction called it the "Information Department". This intelligence department is actually a set of open-minded items, equivalent to the "Military Intelligence Department", which is specifically responsible for collecting military-related information. Therefore, it is often called the "Military Information Department" among the people. Another set of intelligence departments hidden in the dark is unknown. It is managed by Yuanye Ping. This intelligence department has an ordinary name on the surface, called the "Nanyang Yamen Commercial Statistics Bureau".

A group of young people were talking and laughing, and rushed to Jasmine Garden in a carriage. At this time, in Quanzhou City, Zhao Xing held the General Staff Headquarters in his hand and issued a plan to expand the military, shook his head and sighed: "The General Staff Headquarters misunderstood what I mean. Everything must be considered cost and efficiency. The army is used to treat the external world. I have been living in the Song Dynasty for a long time. Why do I raise those huge armies in various places? The people of the Song Dynasty are not the target of my army. In the rebellion of the four borders, it is also possible to use Hou Meng's amnesty strategy. I can use yamen runners to deal with it. I spend so many soldiers to raise so many soldiers, how can I let them wave swords on my compatriots?

Cut down! All the troops in each place have cut down! There are still too many military forces with two camps per route. The cavalry and patrol battalion has 1,000 people. It costs 15,000 guan a month to support this thousand people, plus training fees, clothing fees, camp fees, and food fees. No matter how you do, you have to calculate 500,000 guan a year. It is too extravagant to spend 500,000 guan a road to raise soldiers! Why bother?

There is a shooting battalion on Fujian Road and a cavalry patrol on Liangzhe Road. The same is true in Guangdong and Guangxi, so that we can dismantle the wing army into two thousand people, plus the officers, up to two thousand two hundred people, which is enough."

The General Staff Headquarters originally planned to keep some soldiers in each state, and the Nanyang Yamen maintained a more than 10,000 wing soldiers under the jurisdiction of the Nanyang Affairs Bureau, but as soon as Zhao Xing saw that there were only more than 2,000 wing soldiers left in the entire Nanyang Affairs Bureau.

"The army is going to expand. We now control three oceans. The South China Sea is a border, and at least two troops should be used to respond. One unit in Luzon, one unit in Ryukyu, one unit in Sanfoqi, and a fleet of Lion City. If there is excess force, it is better to be transferred overseas. At least overseas troops will be stationed, and there are merchants to help us share the cost of garrisoning."

Zhao Xing was muttering here, and Pu Zongwang, a military commander from Quanzhou, Fujian, smiled and flattered: "The Taiwei always refused to suffer any loss."

Zhao Xing looked up at Pu Zongwang: "Your tribe members have already gained a foothold in the Drum Branch. I once promised that your father's country will be realized soon."

Pu Zongwang is Pu Yian's son. He smiled and replied: "In fact, why should my father expect the lord of a country? In my opinion, there is no happy life in the barbaric land of the South Ocean. If this place is heaven and earth, Arabia will be like hell."

What Pu Zongwang said was: Compared with the prosperity and stability of the Song Dynasty, the war-torn world outside was simply unbearable. In terms of productivity, wealth level, and civilization level, if the Song Dynasty claimed to be the second in the early twelfth century, no one would dare to say that it was the first.

What Pu Zongwang talked about is the facts, whether it is real history or the history that was disrupted by Zhao Xing's appearance. In real history, although there are various disadvantages in the Song Dynasty, its prosperity and economic activity are unparalleled in the world.

Zhao Xing nodded: "I heard that your father regretted it too. I once promised him the New Palembang City outside the Three Buddhas, but after I set up the Binglu Branch, he followed him to Kaizhi City. Later, he planned to start a foundation on the opposite Arabian Peninsula, but now, he has curled up back to Palembang City, and even Chen Buqun went west without following him."

Pu Zongwang replied with a smile: "Taishi, the Pu family has now gained a foothold in Quanzhou. I wonder if my father wants to return to China, will the Taishi allow it? If the Taishi permits it, the Pu family will hand over the foundations of Danlu, Palembang and the Tanglu Branch in exchange for my father to enjoy his old age."

Zhao Xing vaguely remembered that the Pu family began to bribe Cai Jing to control Quanzhou after a son passed the Jinshi. They controlled Quanzhou for hundreds of years. Later, the Southern Song Dynasty was destroyed and the Song royal family fled to Quanzhou. The Pu family sold the Song royal family to the Mongols, causing the Song royal family to besieged. The only survivor was a young son who fled from Quanzhou to Vietnam in advance. The child was later honored as the "Flying Dragon Emperor" by the Vietnamese and established a temple for sacrifice for thousands of years...

"Quanzhou will also expand the naval dock... The General Staff Headquarters intends to expand four fleets this year. In the future, Quanzhou will be the central anchorage of the Nanyang Yamen. The naval fleet in the garrison will spend the recession in Quanzhou and then be transferred back to the headquarters. During the recession, the fleet in Quanzhou will be responsible for patrolling the Daliuqiu and Xiaoliuqiu waters." Zhao Xing glanced at Pu Zongwang and replied: "Your father's return to China is not a problem, and the Pu family does not need to withdraw from Paleogang. After all, the Pu family is a Song family. I, the Song people, evacuated from Paleogang, and the locals will inevitably take advantage of the situation.

However, Danluo Island should be withdrawn. Next, I am going to return Danluo Island to the Beiyang Affairs Bureau so that the Beiyang Affairs Bureau has a midway supply point. Therefore, in the future, our local forces will gradually withdraw from Danluo Island and only retain the Danluo Horse Ranch."

Pu Zongwang looked at Zhao Xing with concern and reminded: "Tai Shi, the court has repeatedly warned against the Tai Shi. The Beiyang Affairs Bureau originally existed to prevent the Tai Shi, but the Tai Shi wanted to give them a well-built military port. Wouldn't you be afraid of raising a tiger?"

"If the skin is gone, will Mao be attached? Now the northern side is facing a change, and I expect a huge change sooner or later. The Beiyang affairs situation is weak and not enough to cope with this huge change. The imperial court will never give me the power to handle northern affairs, so I can only choose to make the Northern Affairs Bureau stronger so as to cope with the changes - how can the nest be destroyed? How can the Song Dynasty target me? That is the internal affairs of the Song Dynasty. If the great changes in the north exceed control, the Song Dynasty will no longer exist. Where will you and I survive, and how can the prosperous scenery in front of me exist?"

Pu Zongwang was stunned for a moment and forced a smile: "The Grand Master's mind is so broad!"

After a moment of pause, Pu Zongwang asked again: "The Grand Master said that Quanzhou is the central anchorage, and there are also upper anchorages and lower anchorages?"

Zhao Xing looked at Pu Zongwang and said frankly: "Guangzhou will be the southern anchorage, and Xiuzhou will be the northern anchorage. To be honest, the army has been stationed in a place for a long time. After a long time, I am worried that they will be bribed by local officials, so I plan to adopt the strategy of garrison rotation.

As the headquarters of the Nanyang Yamen, Xiuzhou will first arrive in Quanzhou, stationed in Quanzhou for three months, then head to Guangzhou, and then start from Guangzhou to the coast. All fleets leave Xiuzhou Wharf, and can calculate the flight period. The fleet will patrol from north to south. When patrol goes overseas, it will be a patrol period. Then they will gradually go from south to north from overseas. When they return to Xiuzhou, the service period will end. This operation can ensure that our Xiuzhou headquarters maintains strong force at all times, and can also ensure that the soldiers going to sea will have a transition period and gradually adapt to overseas service life. Of course, it will also prevent collusion with local officials."

Pu Zongwang smiled awkwardly and asked carefully: "Taishi, what should I do if the coastal patrol team of Quanzhou Maritime Command? The Taiwei wants to remove the forces of the wing troops in various places. Fujian is mountainous and the soldiers are difficult to mobilize. Quanzhou has a huge trade volume, and the imperial court also needs to station an army to guard against accidents..."

Zhao Xing said bluntly: "The establishment of the General Staff Headquarters is to dispatch armed forces from all over the country. In the future, Quanzhou will have a powerful navy, so Quanzhou does not have to worry about a sea attack. As for the Quanzhou Coast Patrol, it will be directly dispatched by the General Staff Headquarters. Local officials can only use yamen runners to deal with local affairs and are not allowed to dispatch troops privately."

Pu Zongwang sighed and said directly: "Master Taiwei is guarding against our Pu family. The Pu family is also a friend of the Taishi's troubles. I heard that the Taishi's troubles have become rich now, but my Pu family is in such a difficult situation. Does the Taishi have a debate on China and the barbarians in his heart, and we are foreigners who are different?"

Zhao Xing shook his head: "My subordinates have Yuanyeping, and now they are the only one side. The court has Li Weisi, and now they are also a court official, and there are many people who are in Guangzhou and Hangzhou. It can be seen that there is no dissent in my heart. But I know that the Arabs have always thought that they do not need to be kept for their promises to the enemy. And the so-called enemies and friends are just between your thoughts. Someone is your enemy, and he will be your friend again. Another change of thought? It's different. So, I'm always worried about your betrayal."
Chapter completed!