Volume 2 Clouds Chapter 34: A Different Approach
General Zuo Shenwu and Xuanhui Southern Court Envoy Xiang Xun flipped through the book of soldiers in his hand, handed it to his subordinates, and said, "No problem, just add these soldiers."
After the Battle of Gaoping, Guo Rong felt the drawbacks of generals not obeying orders and soldiers not being able to fight, and he reorganized the military and political affairs.
He firmly believed that quality was more important than quantity. He did not allow local governors to expand their troops recklessly, but instead recruited warriors from all over the world and gathered them in Kaifeng for comprehensive training. He selected those with outstanding martial arts skills and incorporated them into the imperial army to become soldiers of the Great Zhou.
In this way, the Imperial Guards became the main force of the Great Zhou's conquests.
Han Lingkun led 8,000 imperial troops into battle this time and achieved very good results.
The combat effectiveness of his 8,000 imperial guards was obviously better than that of the local troops led by Wang Jing, and was incomparable to the Shu troops.
Han Lingkun's troops suffered 1,800 casualties this time.
Xiang Xun naturally had to make up for it for him.
"General, Colonel Shidu wants to see you."
Xiang Xun showed a knowing smile on his face and said, "Please invite him in!"
After thinking about it, Xiang Xun personally walked out of the tent to greet them.
Not all military generals lack political acumen, Xiang Xun is one of them.
He also looked down on civil officials, but he had very good relations with the three prime ministers Wang Pu, Li Gu and Fan Zhi.
If Luo Youdu had not appeared, the task of conquering the four states of Shu would not have fallen to Han Lingkun, but to Xiang Xun recommended by Wang Pu.
The grudge between Shi Shouxin and Luo Youdu is well known to everyone.
The purpose of this visit is self-evident.
"Brother Shi, what brings you here?"
Xiang Xun greeted him enthusiastically.
Shi Shouxin forced a smile on his face: "Brother, the government asked Luo Youdu to set up a group called the Imperial Camp Division. Did you know that?"
Xiang Xun sighed and said, "How could I not know?"
Shi Shouxin said, "Brother, do you want to see this scholar who can't even lift a knife step on our heads and show off his power?"
Xiang Xun said angrily: "Of course I don't want to."
Shi Shouxin said, "To be honest, brother, I have a great grudge against Naro Youdu. Others are afraid that he is a favorite of the government, but I am not. If he wants to run the Imperial Camp, he has to ask you for soldiers. You can't give him decent soldiers to let him run the Imperial Camp."
Xiang Xun smiled and said, "Don't worry, Brother Shi. Even if you didn't tell me today, I would still do it. We are in the same group. A civilian official in charge of the army? That happened many years ago."
Shi Shouxin was overjoyed and said, "I feel relieved when you hear my brother's words. This is one of our own, unlike some other people!"
He became angry when he thought of Han Lingkun.
Last night, a group of friends went to celebrate Han Lingkun's success, and they talked about Luo Youdu during the meal.
Shi Shouxin couldn't help but say a few words, which also attracted the support of others. Unexpectedly, Han Lingkun turned hostile and left the table, saying: "You are my close friends, and Brother Luo is also my friend. I can't control your grievances with him, and I don't want to control them. Let's each have our own friendship. But you slander my friend in front of me like this, which is too shameful to me. It's better not to drink this wine today."
Shi Shouxin was so angry that he hasn't recovered yet.
Xiang Xun looked at Shi Shouxin, a smile flashed in his eyes. It would be good to let this reckless man make a fuss. Maybe he could make the matter bigger and make the government give up the idea. Even if it didn't work, he would not be the one who would suffer in the end if he angered the government.
…
Kaifeng Prefecture!
Luo Youdu arrived at the Kaifeng government office early. Zhang Jin had received a notice from Zhang Qiong last night and had arrived at Kaifeng government office earlier than him to wait.
"I'm here!" Luo Youdu greeted warmly: "Let's go in and talk."
Sitting in his seat, Luo Youdu motioned for Zhang Jin to sit down and asked, "Are you still in touch with the workers at the dock?"
Zhang Jin said: "Not only are they connected, but they are even deeper. The water transportation in Bianjing City is well developed, and the forces at the docks are mixed. When handling cases, we often come into contact with them. My subordinates have worked at the docks before, and with this relationship, they also have a certain degree of flattery towards my subordinates. Building a good relationship with them will also help to handle cases."
Luo Youdu nodded. Compared to Zhang Qiong's simplicity, his brother was flexible and a talent. He said, "If I recruit new soldiers from the dock workers, do you think it is feasible?"
Zhang Jin said, "That's not a problem at all. I don't have enough face. But as the judge of Kaifeng Prefecture, you are in charge of the people's livelihood. If you say something about maintaining order at the docks, all the foremen will kneel down before you. They dare not disobey you when you ask them for people. It's a good idea for you to recruit them. Dock workers have nothing else, but their strength is not inferior to that of elite soldiers. But most of the workers at the docks are of low status and poor background. Some are illegal residents and do not meet the qualifications to join the army."
Luo Youdu smiled and said, "That's fine. You can notify them. As long as they have the ability, strength, good performance, and are obedient, it doesn't matter if they are illegal or lowly. If they want to be registered as a resident, I will register them. If they want to be military households, I will register them. If one person is selected, the whole family will benefit."
Zhang Jin suddenly asked, "Husband, is this true?"
Luo Youdu said seriously: "Do you think I'm lying?"
Zhang Jin grinned and said, "Sir, if this news gets out, I'm afraid all the tens of thousands of workers at Kaifeng's docks will go crazy."
Luo Youdu stretched out his hand and said, "I don't want more. For this first batch, I only want 500. I want the ones with the greatest strength, the strongest endurance, and the most special skills."
Zhang Jin nodded and said, "I'll contact them about this matter."
Luo Youdu nodded and said, "Go quickly."
Luo Youdu and Zhang Jin left Kaifeng Prefecture together. He went to the dock, while Luo Youdu went to the council hall.
All the civil and military officials in the court felt that they were constrained by the military generals, and it would be extremely difficult to set up the Imperial Camp.
Luo Youdu didn't think it was difficult.
Most people think about things in a normal way.
Luo Youdu, however, likes to do the opposite.
If the military generals are restraining them, it means that the civil officials are their allies.
The commander of the Imperial Camp was Luo Youdu, but the Imperial Camp was directly under the command of the Council of State, which was the three prime ministers in the temple.
The three prime ministers were responsible for the people's livelihood of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and all economic and household registrations were under their jurisdiction.
With the support of the Council of State, there is nothing we can't handle in terms of household registration, military pay and military equipment.
With money, the best equipment, weapons and people, is it difficult to build a royal camp?
It’s not difficult as long as you find a way!
The only thing that cannot be overcome is the lack of grassroots generals.
An army consists of hundreds or thousands of junior officers and generals, in addition to the commander-in-chief.
Whether they can perfectly execute the orders of their superiors is directly related to the operation of the army.
The level of grassroots generals is too low, and even if big men like Wu Qi and Han Xin were to command them, it would be difficult for them to control them as they wish.
There is no solution to this problem.
Therefore, Luo Youdu did not plan to directly recruit a full staff of 500 people for the Imperial Camp and then train and promote grassroots officers himself.
With a certain amount of capital, the Imperial Camp Division will be expanded.
The best welfare, the best weapons, the best armor, and the strongest soldiers.
With Pan Mei as the general and Zhang Qiong as the vanguard, they built an invincible force with equal numbers.
I just don't know if Pan Mei is willing to follow him to do this...
Luo Youdu arrived in front of the council hall in high spirits, dismounted, and said loudly: "Imperial Camp Commander Luo Youdu wishes to see the three gentlemen!"
