First they heard about the great victory, and then learned that the Dongjiang Army had set a record for beheadings in a single battle, but in the end there was not a single one. The court and Yuan Chonghuan were probably both shocked and disgraced.

"It is estimated that Fang Zhenghua has returned to Lushun, and the report of victory has been sent out, so the general is ready to let the news out." Guo Dajing said with a smirk: "Let him run back in a hurry."

Mao Wenlong looked at Guo Dajing's bad behavior, rolled his eyes, and said: "With all this trouble, you don't have to worry about Fang Zhenghua saying bad things about you to the court."

Guo Dajing smiled and said: "We were just negotiating with Jianlu, but Yuan Chonghuan did more than us! If we don't take this opportunity to put pressure on the imperial court, how can we get more money and materials?"

Mao Wenlong sighed and said: "I am going to Dalian for a while, leaving you and Eunuch Fang to fight in the ring!"

"Don't worry, Commander." Guo Dajing almost slapped his chest and said: "A eunuch who has never seen the world, how can he be defeated by the general?"

Mao Wenlong laughed and said with some emotion: "I really hope that Jianlu can use money to buy his head, but Huang Taiji probably won't."

If Huang Taiji initially had the idea of ​​winning people's hearts, but after thinking about it calmly, he would suddenly realize that he was using his own money to help Dongjiang Town develop and grow.

The strength of Dongjiang Town has been demonstrated. No matter how stupid Huang Taiji is, he will not do such a thing to benefit the enemy and harm himself.

Of course, it is certain to send people to negotiate, but it has ulterior motives and other conspiracies.

Guo Dajing wanted to put pressure on the imperial court and slap Governor Yuan in the face. Huang Taiji would definitely use this to alienate the relationship between Dongjiang Town and the imperial court, or in other words, the emperor.

The intrigues between you and me are not about the money, but you want to mess with me, and I also want to mess with you!

Since Huang Taiji doesn't want Dongjiang Town to get money and continue to grow and develop, then be prepared to bear the blow of rumors!

"In the Intelligence Department, I will go and explain." Mao Wenlong took the initiative to share some work with Guo Dajing, "When Fang Zhenghua gets out, I will go to Jinzhou Acropolis to take charge."

Guo Dajing did not forget to remind him: "It is best to spread some rumors to the court. Not only let the emperor and the court bosses hear, but the common people also need to know about the bravery of our Dongjiang Town and the difficult situation that is suppressed by many parties."

Mao Wenlong nodded, it's better than nothing, what's the use if the people know about it? Public opinion is not worth a word from the emperor.

Yes, there are tens of thousands of people. Even if all the people in the capital complain about Dongjiang Town, it will be of no use.

But how about hundreds of thousands or millions? How did Chongzhen, who thought he ruled the world and had billions of subjects, die? Was he not forced to death by the people's rebellion?

Guo Dajing's thinking was very different from that of the people at that time. The common people were what he valued. Although their power cannot be seen now, when it breaks out, it will be a torrent that no one can stop.

………………

The Jianlu retreated completely, and the Dongjiang Army did not immediately advance in a large scale. They only sent two battalions to Xiaohei Mountain and Shihe Station to build fortifications.

The construction of a large-scale defense system will have to wait until the spring thaws.

But other troops were not idle either. They marched into Beijinzhou and began to build barracks and build houses in the planned villages to prepare for the immigrants.

When the war came, dark clouds gathered and became a haze that weighed on people's hearts. The war ended quickly. Not only did the Jianqi soldiers return with a great defeat, but the Dongjiang Army regained a large area of ​​land, which boosted the morale of the people.

In Nanjinzhou, it is basically certain that the army will withdraw and the people will advance.

It turns out that most of the fields in military camps are given to the common people for cultivation. But in Beijinzhou, the troops will cultivate more fields.

However, the fields in Juntun are mainly for military families. Ordinary people who want to grow more crops have to move to Beijinzhou to settle down.

Dongjiang Town is full of military households. Although the introduction of policies has made them more and more like good households, their identities have not changed.

This has the advantage that the government does not need to ask for their wishes when dispatching, and can be allocated reasonably according to the number of fields and population.

Of course, Jianlu's another major defeat gave the people a lot of confidence. They were willing to believe that the Dongjiang Army could defend their territory and protect their safety.

As busy as the beginning of spring last year, from time to time on the road you can see people pushing carts heading north, as well as government horse-drawn carriages transporting supplies.

The common people, with their families and few belongings, rushed to their new homes in the cold spring. The post station was open, and they could buy food with the military coupons issued, cook their own meals, and rest temporarily at the inn station.

As for their stored grain, if it is difficult to transport, it will be registered by the government. When it reaches Xincun, the government will distribute it again.

Jinzhou Acropolis was bustling with activity. The government officials sent by Chen Jisheng settled their families in the city and began intense work.

Accepting new immigrants, arranging villages, distributing settlement materials, etc. With their work experience in the past year, these government officials have been able to complete many tasks very skillfully.

A small number of troops are temporarily stationed in each village. With their help, the people can be resettled quickly.

In addition to helping people settle down, these troops also have an important task, which is spring plowing.

Although a lot of cattle were bought back, they were still not enough for use. The army had horses and manpower, so it had to use a lot of strength.

Sow one grain in spring and harvest ten thousand grains in autumn. Spring plowing and autumn harvest are the busiest farming seasons, and no one dares to delay them. The emperor also knows how to persuade farmers, but the effect is not flattering.

With last year's experience, adjusted and improved policies, and the government officials trained over the past six months, Guo Dajing no longer interferes in government affairs and concentrates on the military.

This world will continue to function as usual without anyone else. Guo Dajing does not regard himself as irreplaceable. What others think of him is none of his business.

When the defense facilities of Shiheyi were initially built in Xiaoheishan, he led a thousand cavalry and a battalion of infantry, carrying a large amount of grain and grass supplies, out of Fuzhou and rushed to Luangu Pass.

Luangu Pass, also known as Luanguyi, is located 65 miles south of Fuzhou Acropolis and is named after it is close to Luangu Mountain.

As a defense and warning system for the coastal piers and forts, there are three beacon towers in the Luangu Pass monitoring area, namely the ancient city Putai, Shahe Putai and Luangu Mountain Platform.

Similar to the defense concept of Besha Mountain City and Nanguan, Luanguguan, Xiaoheishan, and Shiheyi also formed two lines of defense, one as an outpost and the other as a main position.

The surrounding area of ​​Luangu Pass has been surveyed before, and the idea of ​​establishing a new defense system has also been planned. Now it is just implemented according to the move.

"At Luangu Pass and Luangu Mountain, there is a sign of men and horses each stationed, forming a horn-like response." Guo Dajing led several officers into Luangu Pass and climbed onto the city wall to guide the layout. "The other sign is stationed on the road platform behind it.

, as backup."

This battalion is led by Zhang Pan, and the Xiaoheishan and Shiheyi defense lines are led by Liu Xingzhi. This is Guo Dajing's headquarters, and it is also the best-equipped and most trusted unit by him.

The Zuo Xie also had the largest number of troops, with a total of 15,000 men, 4,500 soldiers per battalion, and 500 artillery.

After taking on the tasks of the two lines of defense at Luanguguan and Xiaoheishan, each battalion of the Zuo Xie added another 600 soldiers, all of whom were musketeers and equipped with more than a hundred artillery pieces.

In order to have a complete plan, Guo Dajing also transferred a thousand flying cavalry from the cavalry battalion to serve as security and search missions at Luangu Pass.

Such military deployment and deployment were all agreed upon and strongly supported by Mao Wenlong. For example, the newly added 600 soldiers were not new recruits, but veterans drawn from other three associations.

When good steel is used on the blade, and Guo Dajing's Zuo Xie is at the front, Jinzhou's safety is more guaranteed, and Mao Wenlong can sleep soundly.

"Brother Zhang, you are in command here. What I'm talking about is the original plan." Guo Dajing turned to look at Zhang Pan and said with a smile: "The specific adjustments are still up to you."

Zhang Pan smiled and said: "We will wait until the general has surveyed the terrain. Before that, we will deploy according to the formulated plan."

Guo Dajing nodded and said: "In the future, troops will be stationed in the coastal area west of Luangu Pass to form a response, and we will continue to advance northward depending on the situation. After crossing the Shahe River, we will reach the Fuzhou Acropolis."

On the coast to the west of Luangu Pass, there are Zhongdao, Xizhongdao and Changsheng Island. After garrisoning troops, if Jianlu came to attack, they would have to consider the threat from the flanks.

Crossing the Shahe River to the north is the Fuzhou Acropolis. In the spring, summer and autumn, it is also a natural barrier for Luangu Pass, and the Jianlu did not dare to cross it easily.

Zhang Pan had a better understanding of the surrounding layout, at least knowing that Jianlu was unlikely to launch an attack before the river was frozen.

After carefully looking at the city of Luanguguan and the terrain outside the city, Zhang Pan was confident that he could withstand the attack of tens of thousands or even more Jianlu.

Building fortifications for defense is already a familiar task for the officers and soldiers of the Left Association. The full musket equipment also makes them more confident in defense.

The casualties exceeded five to six thousand, which was almost the bottom line that Jianlu could bear.

If it was a strategic decisive battle, it would be a different matter. It was just a small castle, and Jianlu would definitely not be willing to pay such a heavy price.

Luangu Pass is smaller than Lushun Fort, and can be garrisoned by about two thousand troops. With the fortifications and muskets and artillery, it is quite reliable to withstand two or three times the number of captives.

Zhang Pan also had his own ideas and insights. Since defense was the main focus, he made a request to Guo Dajing.

"General Guo, the last general hopes to replace more than a thousand heavy muskets, which will be more conducive to defense. Heavy armor is not a concern, as it will also have a destructive effect on the carriages."

Guo Dajing nodded and agreed quickly. The production of muskets is getting faster and faster. Even for heavy muskets, at least thousands more can be shipped this year, which is fully capable of achieving the goal of all firearms for the army.

"Heavy muskets are heavy and are suitable for defense against strongholds. Light muskets and bayonets are suitable for marching and field fighting. They are suitable for both near and far, but they are slightly weaker." Guo Dajing said his own opinion, but did not influence other people's analysis and judgment. "A reasonable allocation can give full play to its potential.

Good effect.”

Zhang Pan bowed and said: "I will finally understand."

Guo Dajing laughed and said: "Luan Guguan and Xiaoheishan are handed over to Brother Zhang and Liu Xingzhi. Guo is most at ease. But if there is a need, he will do his best to provide it."

Looking into the distance, Guo Dajing said thoughtfully: "This year, there may be several wars. A solid foundation is the prerequisite for launching."

"Don't worry, general." Zhang Pan assured generously: "Luangu Pass can block tens of thousands of captives, and the general will ensure that Jinzhou is safe in the end."

Guo Dajing nodded, patted Zhang Pan's arm happily, and continued to patrol along the dilapidated city wall.

………………

The breath of spring can be smelled slightly, but the wind is still cold.

The wind blew on the face of Fang Zhenghua, who was galloping on horseback, but he couldn't feel it and was already a little numb. With a gloomy face and a burning heart, he just urged the horse to move forward quickly.

Returning to Lushun Fort, Fang Zhenghua happily submitted a report of victory to the court, just waiting to get a jackpot and make the emperor happy.

But he never expected that the sound of wind would soon reach his ears.

Jianlu sent people to negotiate, hoping to buy the heads of the war dead for burial at a price of one hundred taels. Mao Wenlong seemed to be quite moved, and handed the matter to Guo Dajing to handle.

No wonder the heads have been counted but have not been shipped to Lushun for shipment. Fang Zhenghua suddenly realized this, but he was anxious and angry.

Although the argument on the table is quite reasonable. Letting Jianlu kill people and pay for it can be said to be a waste of both people and money.

But this is not a business. Let’s not talk about whether the imperial court needs these heads to show off their strength. How can we not abide by the rules set?

What's more, if this matter spreads, wouldn't it be a slap in the face of the imperial court? Is it that the imperial court is so poor that it can't even pay the reward money and needs the enemy to pay for it?

Anyway, Fang Zhenghua felt something was wrong no matter what he thought. If he didn't do it right, not only would the emperor not reward him, he would also get very angry and punish him severely.

Fang Zhenghua ran to ask Chen Jisheng, but Chen Jisheng was vague and did not know the details of the matter. He only comforted Fang Zhenghua that it might be a rumor and a plan to alienate Jianlu.

When Fang Zhenghua sent someone to find Mao Wenlong, he was told that Mao Wenlong had returned to Pidao. At this time, Fang Zhenghua was basically sure that there was something fishy going on, and that Mao Wenlong and Guo Dajing were the masterminds.

Thinking that more than 8,000 heads were missing, the imperial court would probably tell the world after receiving the good news, but in the end it turned out like this. Wouldn't it make the world laugh?

Fang Zhenghua couldn't sit still, so he immediately took a few followers and rushed to Nanguan to find Guo Dajing and stop Dongjiang Town's crazy actions.

"Eunuch, there is an inn ahead." Shen Zonggui accompanied us and reminded us carefully. It was getting late. If we continued running, we would miss Sutou.

Besides, after riding a horse for such a long time, the inner thighs were sore, the wind numbed my face, and I had to move my legs and feet to avoid frostbite.

Although Fang Zhenghua was very anxious, he also knew that he could not continue running like this. He said coldly: "Just rest at the inn and continue on the journey tomorrow morning."

Shen Zonggui and others secretly breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the lights of the inn in the distance, wishing they could rush there immediately, warm themselves up with the hot water, and have a good sleep.

Working hard, several people quickly arrived at the post station built based on the signal tower, and found that many people were already living in the post station.
Chapter completed!