Chapter 573 Plum Blossom Birthmark
The treatment of "national mourning" for Prince Yoshitada was still a bit insufficient. Not to mention the high-standard three months, he couldn't even enjoy the reduced version of twenty-seven days.
The emperor directly set a "first seven days" for him. After calculating with his fingers, he found that it would end on the day of Liu Xianglian's wedding, which would not affect the original plan to marry him.
When Third Sister You learned about this, she naturally prayed to the gods for relief.
However, Liu Xianglian was not happy about this. Instead, he came to the door and talked about how he had no place to stay as long as the Huns were not destroyed.
In short, this guy just wants to follow Sun Shaozong south to quell the rebellion!
He was not the only one who felt this way. Ever since the news spread, people like Xue Pan and Feng Ziying came to him one after another, clamoring to join the army - even though they had only picked up a pen many times before.
On the contrary, the officers and soldiers in the four camps in Beijing reacted rather coldly to this matter - if they relied solely on their own initiative, they might not be able to recruit 500 people.
It would be fine to go into battle with the army, but apart from those who want to win merit and become officers, who among the ordinary officers and soldiers would be willing to take the risk of being a vanguard?
Fortunately, Sun Shaozong did not need to worry too much about the soldiers, food and wages.
The imperial court has already issued an order to draw 400 elite soldiers from the Huben Camp, 300 from the Patrol Camp and 300 from the City Defense Camp, plus 500 soldiers from the Shenji Camp, a total of 1,500 people, as the "vanguard of the army" to suppress the Wuxi barbarians.
In fact, on normal days, even if one wanted to select elite troops, selecting them from one of the camps would be enough. However, the situation in the capital is delicate right now, so who would dare to disrupt the balance?
Helplessly, they had to draw from various places and piece together this hodgepodge.
These troops seemed to be more than twice as many as Sun Shaozong required, but how effective could the firearms battalion be when fighting in the humid mountains and forests?
Moreover, the Ministry of War has specifically stipulated that once the cumulative combat losses exceed 20% of the total force, this so-called vanguard force must be transferred to the local sequence on the spot and stationed in nearby prefectures and counties.
Obviously, several bigwigs in the court never expected that Sun Shaozong could lead such a small number of troops to eliminate tens of thousands of barbarians once and for all.
The reason why he was sent to lead the troops to fight was first of all based on cost-effectiveness considerations - in those days, the imperial court had no surplus food.
Secondly, he really wanted to use Sun Shaozong's bravery to give the Wuxi barbarians a warning to prevent the chaos from spreading.
The purpose of setting a limit on the cumulative battle loss ratio is to ensure that after Sun Shaozong has used his first three tactics or encountered a minor setback, he can switch from offense to defense on the spot and rely on the prefecture and county cities to continue to curb the outward expansion of the Wuxi barbarians.
By then, this firearms battalion will naturally come in handy.
In short, as long as he can stabilize the morale of the people in Huguang and delay until the imperial court has time to send a large army to suppress the rebellion, or offer conditions for amnesty, Sun Shaozong's trip will be worthwhile.
Tsk~
This feeling of being looked down upon is really unpleasant!
After figuring out all these points, Sun Shaozong felt a surge of anger in his heart - after all, I am a time traveler with a golden finger, how can my combat capability be inferred by common sense?
As long as the combat power exceeds common sense, it can be easily related to ghosts and gods in this day and age, and it can be used to deal with superstitious and ignorant mountain barbarians, which can be said to be twice the result with half the effort!
As long as the strategy is appropriate, winning with fewer troops is not necessarily a fantasy.
Of course, every disadvantage has its advantages.
At least my eldest brother and the concubines in the family all breathed a sigh of relief after hearing these analyses.
I'm afraid the only one who is dissatisfied is You Erjie.
Sun Shaozong's original plan was to go to Huguang as a civil servant - to get a position like an inspector or inspector, which would allow him to do things as he pleased.
But now he is going to the battlefield as a soldier, and according to the imperial system he cannot bring his family with him.
How could this not disappoint You Erjie?
Qingwen was relieved by this.
Stop talking nonsense.
Sun Shaozong had been busy handing over troops in various camps for several days, and was extremely busy. Fortunately, he had the help of his elder brother, so there was no negligence or mistake.
He finally got some free time that day, and after sending away Xue Pan and others who came to ask for a fight as usual, Sun Shaozong hurriedly sent someone to invite Xu Shouye and Lu Jianxing to his house to discuss matters.
Xu Shouye had just been promoted last month and was now a fifth-rank trial captain, so Sun Shaozong simply proposed to the Ministry of War that he be appointed as his deputy.
Lu Jianxing was appointed as the captain of Sun Shaozong's personal guards - of course, Sun Shaozong's personal guards were still in the womb, and they would need to be selected slowly after leaving Beijing.
After the three of them sat down as host and guest, they saw Lu Jianxing's butt was half hanging in the air, and he looked a little uncomfortable.
Sun Shaozong smiled and said, "Today we are all on our own, so feel free to speak freely if you have anything to say. As for etiquette, we can discuss it later when everyone is present at the military meeting."
According to the system of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the actual number of soldiers under the command of a hundred households was between 120 and 180.
There were a total of nine centurions transferred to Sun Shaozong's command this time, plus Xu Shouye, the trial thousand-man commander, which made up exactly the total number of ten.
In fact, according to court practice, these 1,500 people should at least be led by a lieutenant general or a deputy lieutenant general, with two or three thousand households assigned to assist them.
But since Sun Shaozong was "demoted" this time, he could only act according to the emergency.
Also, because Sun Shaozong had never really been in the military, he was afraid of making a fool of himself in front of others, so he held this internal seminar. He hoped to sort out his thoughts with Xu Shouye and Lu Jianxing first, and then formally convene his generals to discuss the matter.
However, when Xu Shouye heard that he could speak freely, he did not hide anything and said immediately: "If you ask me, the court really has a good eye for talent by choosing you as the vanguard officer. Otherwise, it would be much more difficult to bring these arrogant and brave soldiers together than to let them risk their lives to fight others."
The four camps in the capital have had grudges for a long time, especially since the Shenji Camp has recently become the upper army, which has caused quite a few private fights.
They were fighting each other even at the feet of the emperor, let alone going to Huguang where the emperor was far away?
If it were an ordinary person, he might not be able to suppress these arrogant and powerful soldiers.
That is Sun Shaozong, who is not only the best in martial arts in Beijing, but also has connections with all parties.
The people from the Patrol Battalion came from old friends of the family; the Shenji Battalion was even transferred from the eldest brother's hands; as for the Huben Battalion, who didn't know that Qiu Ying valued Sun Shaozong the most and even gave his only son to him for training?
Once these three forces are neutralized, the remaining patrol battalions will naturally be alone and powerless.
Sun Shaozong was naturally aware of all these details, so he just nodded slightly and turned his attention to Lu Jianxing.
Although Xu Shouye is a kind person, he is inferior to Lu Jianxing in terms of ability.
Therefore, Sun Shaozong summoned the two people here this time because he actually wanted to hear Lu Jianxing's ideas.
"grown ups."
Lu Jianxing subconsciously stood up and clasped his fists. When Sun Shaozong raised his hand to signal him, he sat back down awkwardly and said uncomfortably, "In my humble opinion, since we are going into the mountains to suppress bandits, the morale of the army is secondary. The most important thing right now is to find a few guides who are familiar with the local customs and practices."
"Otherwise, no matter how brave we are, we will not be able to display our strength in the mountains."
This is much more nutritious than what Xu Shouye said.
However, Sun Shaozong had already thought of this, and nodded, saying, "Captain Lu's words coincide with mine. When I first made a presentation to you, I asked the Ministry of War to find a guide who is familiar with the local conditions."
"The letter from the Ministry of War has already been sent to Huguang over a distance of 600 miles. I'm sure that by the time we arrive with our troops, the local government will have already made all preparations."
After that, the three of them discussed trivial matters such as the marching route, which prefecture or county in Huguang to set up camp, and where to get supplies.
As he was discussing military matters, the doorman suddenly came in to report that the chief flag-bearer of the Northern Pacification Division was outside the door asking to see him.
The chief flag of the Northern Pacification Division?
Ever since he went to the imperial palace to pay his respects two days ago and met with Chen Xingzhi, Zhao Jiayi and others, Sun Shaozong hasn't paid attention to any news from the Northern Pacification Office for several days.
Could it be that something happened to the Northern Pacification Division again...
This really doesn't make people feel at ease at all!
But since he was already here, he couldn't just stay away, so Sun Shaozong told the doorman to invite the man into the living room.
When the man hurried over, Sun Shaozong discovered that it was actually an acquaintance - Wang Zhen, who did not become a eunuch but became a Dragon Guard in a daze.
Wang Zhen came forward and knelt on one knee, saying in a loud voice: "I am Wang Zhen, your humble servant, and I am honored to meet His Excellency!"
"Get up."
Sun Shaozong raised his hand and asked casually, "You came to see me, but what do you want to tell me, Lord Zhenfu?"
Wang Zhen did not stand up, but clasped his hands and said, "Your Excellency, I am not here for any official business, but to request to go with the army!"
Yes~
It seems like he's here to ask for a fight again!
That's right, it seems that in real history, he was a warmonger, otherwise he would not have tried so hard to instigate the emperor to lead the army in person, causing the Battle of Tumu.
But then again, this guy is a smart guy with decent martial arts skills, so if he is transferred here he won't be a drag.
Therefore, Sun Shaozong said: "Since you are willing to kill the enemy for the country, you can apply for a transfer order from above. I believe that the governor will not stop you with a sincere heart."
"grown ups."
Wang Zhen complained bitterly: "Three days ago, I heard that the lord was going south to quell the rebellion, so I submitted a letter to apply for a transfer order, but I waited and waited but received no response. Later, I asked someone and found out that the lord had not been to the government office to handle official business for several days."
Lu Hui hasn't been to work for several days?
Could it be that he has never returned since entering the palace that day? !
Was he going to deal with Prince Yizhong's aftermath, or was he simply implicated and convicted?
Thinking about how dejected Dai Quan looked when he entered the palace that day, it seems that the latter possibility is much greater than the former.
Tsk~
No one knows what kind of trouble Prince Yi Zhong had made, but he actually wiped out all the people in charge of the Northern Pacification Division inside and outside the palace!
It couldn't be that he really ascended to heaven in broad daylight in front of the emperor as he said, right?
This absurd thought flashed through his mind, but Sun Shaozong said, "Since the governor has an assignment, I will step in and ask the Ministry of War to transfer you here. But this trip will be dangerous and dangerous. If you just want to be rich and pious, you are making a wrong calculation."
"Don't worry, sir!"
Wang Zhen was shocked when he heard this. He patted his chest and said, "I only hope to follow you, sir, and kill all those barbarians who have no sense of propriety, righteousness, and integrity!"
This is also a radical nationalist.
Seeing that his matter had been finalized, Sun Shaozong was about to serve tea to see the guest off, when Zhao Zhongji suddenly came over again and said that Yang Licai was outside asking to see him.
Okay~
Another centurion from the Northern Pacification Division arrived.
Could it be that Yang Licai is also here to challenge for a fight?
But Sun Shaozong said "please come in", and soon he saw Yang Licai hurried over. He stepped over the threshold and was about to bow, but suddenly he saw Wang Zhen half-kneeling on the ground. He looked at Wang Zhen suspiciously.
Wang Zhen hurriedly bowed in greeting.
Although Yang Licai was somewhat puzzled as to why his newly promoted subordinate appeared in Sun Shaozong's residence, he did not bother to think about it as he had important official duties to perform.
He only nodded slightly to Wang Zhen, and then said to Sun Shaozong: "Master Qian Hu, I have confidential official business to report to you."
As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Jianxing was the first to stand up and bid farewell to Sun Shaozong.
Xu Shouye and Wang Zhen were a little slow, but they followed closely behind.
So in the blink of an eye, only Sun Shaozong and Yang Licai were left in the hall.
What a commotion, there are still many things that have not been discussed!
Sun Shaozong was a little unhappy. After all, he had put all his energy into suppressing the rebellion in the south, and he didn't want to pay much attention to the troubles of the Northern Pacification Office.
What's more, this involves some secrets!
Thinking about Dai Quan and Lu Hui, they might have fallen into trouble. He really avoided the word "confidential" as much as possible.
Therefore, without waiting for Yang Li to speak, he said first: "You also know that I am about to go to war, and I am afraid that I will not be able to take care of the work of the Northern Pacification Office for a while - although the Pacification Master is not here now, Captain Chen and others..."
"grown ups!"
Without waiting for Sun Shaozong to finish his words, Yang Licai smiled bitterly and said, "It's not that I want to cause you trouble on purpose. It's just that this matter involves a lot of things, and it was you and the governor who handled it. Now the governor hasn't shown up for several days, so I can only report to you."
Did you and Lu Hui handle this alone?
Sun Shaozong thought for a moment and immediately asked, "But what progress has been made in the White Lotus Sect?"
"That's right."
Yang Licai nodded and said, "I and others tortured Ge Zhan for several days and finally pried his mouth open. I asked him how to identify the true identity of the reincarnated witch."
Upon hearing this, Sun Shaozong felt a little relieved - as long as it had nothing to do with Prince Yi Zhong!
Then he couldn't help but feel curious and urged Yang Licai to quickly tell him how to identify the White Lotus Saint.
“It’s actually quite simple.”
Yang Licai drew a line on his belly and said, "There is a plum blossom mark the size of a quail egg near the belly button of the reincarnated witch."
It turns out that they are identified by physical features!
but……
Since she is the reincarnated saint of the White Lotus Sect , she should have a lotus birthmark to be considered authentic, right?
Sun Shaozong was just complaining in his mind when suddenly an idea flashed in his mind, and then his expression became uncontrollably strange - he seemed to have seen this plum blossom birthmark near his belly button on someone else!
