Late Yuan Dynasty: I am the true emperor

Chapter 116: Marshal Lu's Methods! (Subscribe)
At noon on the second day of November, the Dingyuan Corps arrived at the city of Luzhou.

Guo Zixing and his entourage brought more than 4,000 soldiers and many family members. In addition to his own, some recruited soldiers also brought their families with them, some of whom brought their families and even children.

It is said that there are less than 20,000 young and strong people, but if the elderly, the weak, women and children are included, there may be nearly 30,000 people.

Among them was a small centurion under Guo Zixing, a native of Dingyuan, employed by the Song Dynasty, nearly 16 years old, with two sons. The elder one was 8 years old and named Song Guoxing, and the younger one was only years old and named Song Sheng.

Song Sheng, the Marquis of Xining who was feared in the Western Regions in history, is now just a little brat with a runny nose.

Song Sheng is the fourth child in the family, but two of his three older brothers died young.

The only brother left now, Song Guoxing, also served as a stand-in for Zhu Yuanzhang under the city of Nanjing in history and was stabbed to death by the Yuan army.

"Dad, this Luzhou city is so new, with such high city walls. Are we going to live here from now on?"

Next to Guo Zixing, the curtain of a carriage was lifted, and Guo Huirong, who was only fifteen years old, poked her head out and looked towards Luzhou city curiously.

"Little sister, it's you and mother who live here. Dad and I have to fight everywhere. We definitely can't live in Luzhou forever." Guo Tianxu said while riding a horse beside him.

"Then it means that my mother and I are the only ones here, and we are unfamiliar with the place. It will be so boring." Guo Huirong sighed.

"It's okay, sister. I'm here." Ma Xiuying also popped her head out of the car and said.

Upon hearing this, Guo Zixing glanced at his two daughters and immediately scolded them.

"You are already of age. If you get married, you will even have children. If you think it's boring, wait until you get to the city and dad will arrange a marriage for you. Let's see if you still find it boring when you get to your husband's house. Humph."

Guo Huirong's head shrank suddenly and she got back into the car, only to hear a voice coming out of the car saying "I won't marry."

blah blah-

At this time, a group of riders were seen riding their horses over the suspension bridge, and the leader looked at everyone and shouted loudly.

"The commander-in-chief has ordered that the generals of Dingyuan enter the city through the north gate, and the soldiers enter the city through the west gate."

Then the riders led everyone into the city one by one. The west gate was close to the military camp in the northwest. After entering the city gate, the military camp was right there, so as to avoid disturbing the residents by passing through the residential area. After all, there were tens of thousands of people there.

Then Zhu Shou and Bao Heng led the teams respectively. Zhu Shou settled the generals and soldiers, while Bao Heng settled their families.

There are many empty houses in Luzhou. We will first find some places for them to stay, and then arrange accommodation for those who need to live permanently later.

"Dad, Luzhou City is so big. There is such a large military camp in the city!" Miao Yi exclaimed in amazement as he looked at the scale of the military camp.

The two of them, father and son of the Miao family, were escorted separately on the way. They finally reunited when they arrived in Luzhou. However, their soldiers were immediately taken over by Zhu Shou, and they were still nowhere to be seen. Their families were also arranged by Bao Heng to live in the same place.

After all, Mr. Miao is old and experienced. He looked around before speaking.

"This Luzhou City is the capital of Luzhou Road. It was expanded by the former Song Dynasty specifically to counter the Mongols, so of course it is big.

"And look at the city wall. The top and bottom parts are different colors. It's obvious that it was built after Marshal Lu took over. It's probably 40 to 50 feet high now! The Fei River runs around the city, so it's as solid as a rock. If the city wall is covered with bricks, there's no way you can break it from the outside.

"Now that all the cities in Luzhou have been captured by General Lu, no one can come here. Tsk tsk tsk, this place is really safe."

The two sons of Mr. Miao nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. Miao Youzhen immediately asked, "Dad, will we be left here?"

"Definitely not." Mr. Miao knew it in his heart.

"Luzhou is of utmost importance. We must have a trusted person in charge. Besides, what's the point of keeping all the soldiers in Luzhou? They must be sent out to fight."

"Dad, where will we go to fight?" Miao Yi also asked.

"I don't know. Now that I've surrendered, I'll just wait and listen to Coach Lu's arrangements."

Mr. Miao said perfunctorily, but in fact he was guessing that Lu Jin would definitely not let him stay in the north and would most likely transfer him to the south to fight.

Transferring generals away from their hometowns can reduce their influence in the local area and prevent them from becoming local tyrants and ruling a region. Any normal person with brains will do this.

If Mr. Miao were to arrange it, he would definitely do so, but there is no need to say such things to his sons. When it comes to politics, they have to use their own brains to think in order to grow.

Before the father and his two sons could say anything else, another soldier came to pass on the message.

"General Miao, the commander-in-chief wants all the generals from Dingyuan to go to the parade ground to watch the battle. Please follow me."

"Okay, please lead the way."

After a while, Guo Zixing, Wang Bi, Miao Daheng, Lu Ding and others came to the parade ground.

Lu Jin was wearing iron armor, a pair of military sleeves, and a sword hanging from his waist. He stood in the middle of the reviewing platform. Yang Huan next to him held the Fang Tian Ji for him, and Lu Pojun held the horsewhip for him. Also standing beside him were several generals including Chang Yuchun, Lan Chun, Han Qinglu, and Zhu Shou. Li Shanchang and Feng Guoyong also stood beside him. Behind him were hundreds of instructors wearing Xiezhi crowns.

Xiezhi is a unicorn in Chinese legend. It looks like a sheep but not a sheep, and like a deer but not a deer. It has a loyal character and can distinguish right from wrong. When it sees two people fighting, it will use the horn on its head to touch the evil and rude party.

It is said that the Xiezhi crown was made by King Wen of Chu and was specially worn by judges. It symbolizes loyalty, uprightness, incorruptibility, and incorruptibility. Therefore, it is also called the Iron Crown, and is most suitable for military officers in charge of military law.

The generals of Dingyuan came to the reviewing platform and looked at the hundreds of judges behind Lu Jin. They exclaimed in their hearts, "Wow!" They were going to set rules for the newcomers.

'He holds the post of Imperial Attendant and is in the imperial court, with a stern face and a loyal heart, and a Xiezhi crown!'

When Guo Zixing saw this scene, he was filled with respect. Look, this is what is called pomp and ceremony, this is what a dominant prince should look like. It seems that he made the right choice.

'I am not afraid of wearing a Xiezhi crown when I am alive, but after I die, I will be painted with a Qilin image.'

Mr. Miao was not at ease when he saw this scene. He was forced to surrender and knew that Lu Jin would definitely not trust him as much as he trusted others. Now seeing Lu Jin's attitude of hiring judges widely, he was afraid that he would not tolerate any sand in his eyes.

It would be fine if he behaved himself and worked hard in the future, but if he accidentally committed a crime, he was afraid that Marshal Lu would never forgive him, so he couldn't help but become cautious.

Feng Sheng glanced at Feng Guoyong, the eldest brother beside Lu Jin. Feng Guoyong nodded to him with satisfaction. The two brothers did not say anything, but everything was implied.

The two brothers Wu Guoyong and Wu Guobao did not think much about this scene. They had just surrendered and had no intention of doing anything bad. As a person of integrity has nothing to fear, there was nothing to be afraid of.

Wang Bi, Hu Hai, Hua Yunlong, and Lu Ding's family all felt that Lu Jin was very majestic, with broad shoulders, a tall and strong body, and extraordinary heroic spirit. Next to him was Yang Huan, who was acting as a gun holder and helping him hold a Fang Tian Hua Ji, which was obviously Lu Jin's weapon.

Tsk, those who dare to use a halberd are all fierce men. He immediately developed admiration for Lu Jin.

"General Feng Sheng pays respect to the Marshal!"

Under the stage, Feng Sheng took the lead in paying homage. After he started, the others also bowed and paid homage. When they saw that Feng Sheng did not kneel, they also followed suit and bowed.

"Hahahaha, no need to be polite, everyone. Come forward."

Everyone stood up and stepped forward, then listened to Lu Jin speak again.

"Feng Sheng, you played an indispensable role in the capture of Dingyuan. Thanks to your recommendation of many talented generals, the capture of the city was so smooth. You also introduced Wang Bi and Hua Yunlong to me."

This statement not only affirmed Feng Sheng's contribution, but also praised Wang Bi and others. Everyone who heard it was overjoyed. Feng Sheng immediately led Wang Bi and others to Lu Jin and introduced them one by one.

Lu Jin looked at them with a smile, patted their shoulders affectionately, and praised each of them, which made everyone in a good mood.

"Well, well, we are all ambitious men. Now that the Yuan Dynasty is about to end and the world is in chaos, it is time for you and me to work together to put down the tyranny of the Yuan Dynasty and save the people.

"You all have made great contributions this time. I will appoint you as officers of the Thousand Households Camp. Are you willing?"

"Thank you for your respect, Marshal!"

Wang Bi and others were praised by Lu Jin. They were introduced by Feng Sheng. Now Feng Sheng was also a thousand households. They could have the same official position as Feng Sheng as soon as they arrived. How could they be unwilling? They all agreed immediately.

"Come to my side first."

"Yes."

After several people stood on the side of the reviewing platform, Lu Jin looked at Guo Zixing's family again. Looking at Guo Zixing who was in the lead, Lu Jin asked with a smile.

"But General Guo is here in person?"

Upon hearing this, Guo Zixing immediately saluted and said, "It is me. I dare not call myself a general in front of the marshal."

"Hahahaha, why not? General Guo is far away in Dingyuan and is concerned about our Shengwu Army, so he specifically asked Mr. Feng to come and speak for us."

Lu Jin pointed at Feng Guoyong next to him and said exaggeratedly.

"I told Mr. Feng at the time that the Yuan Dynasty had not yet been destroyed and the world was not at peace. The Marshal's Office was in need of elite soldiers and generals. How could we turn away people with lofty ideals and aspirations who came to join us? So I sent Feng Sheng to reply to General Guo.

"General Guo, the commander of the Eighth Regiment, has made me wait so long. If it weren't for the matter of capturing Dingyuan City, I would have wanted to meet Commander Guo earlier. Without this great general, I would be powerless to do many things." These words were very conspicuous, as if Lu Jin would not be able to conquer the world without his 4,000 new recruits. Moreover, he fulfilled the promise of the commander that Lu Jin had made right away, which made Guo Zixing flattered and he immediately stepped forward to say.

"Thank you for your concern, Marshal. I have brought my children here today and will do whatever you ask of me."

"Okay, okay, Commander Guo, please come to my side first and watch the battle with me later."

"Yes, thank you, Marshal."

Then Guo Zixing's family also stood on the platform, leaving only the families of Lu Ding and Miao Daheng.

Lu Jin looked at Mr. Miao again and immediately smiled.

"General Miao is also a great man. I heard that when Li Xu led his troops into the city, he mistakenly took you and your son hostage. But you said that you had long been loyal to Luzhou and recruited soldiers into the city only to help me capture the city. You also strictly ordered your subordinates to cooperate in taking over. This saved a bloody disaster, but it frightened General Miao."

When Mr. Miao heard this, sweat broke out on his forehead. He could clearly understand the meaning of Lu Jin's words, but since Lu Jin didn't say it out loud, he certainly didn't dare to say that he was forced, so he quickly agreed.

"I dare not trouble the Marshal to worry about it. It is all my fault. If I had contacted the Marshal earlier like Mr. Guo did, there would be no misunderstanding. It is all my own fault."

Lu Jin laughed immediately when he heard this.

"Hahahaha, you're exaggerating by saying that it's all your own fault. General Miao also has several thousand soldiers, and he surrendered sincerely. He also cooperated with our army and surrendered the city. He has made great contributions. Are you willing to serve under me as a commander?"

Mr. Miao was shocked. He was really surprised this time. He didn't expect Lu Jin to be so generous and directly give him a commander. He originally thought that people like him who were forced to surrender could only start as a thousand households. Now he underestimated Lu Jin's magnanimity.

He hurriedly said, flattered, "I have no merit or virtue, how dare I accept such a high position, please think twice, Marshal."

"Hey, General Miao, you are too modest. You brought thousands of soldiers to me and helped me capture the city. How can you say that you have done nothing but merit?

"A general can lead thousands of soldiers to garrison a region, so he must be talented. If I only give him a thousand-man rank, I'm afraid others will think that I can't select people based on their talents, and they will laugh at me for being blind.

"This commanding task belongs to none other than the general. Please do not refuse!"

Miao Daheng looked up at Lu Jin, and seeing his serious attitude, he immediately knelt on one knee and said, "Thank you for your respect, Marshal. I will serve you until my death in the future."

"Haha, we are glad to have another good general today." Lu Jin went over and helped him up personally, then looked at Miao Youzhen, the eldest son of Miao Daheng, and asked him.

"This must be my son, he is indeed a handsome man."

Mr. Miao said quickly, "Replying to the Marshal, it is my son. His name is Miao Youzhen. Has Youzhen met the Marshal yet?"

Miao Youzhen immediately knelt on one knee and clasped his fists, saying, "Greetings, Marshal."

"What a handsome man you are, a true general. I heard that you are a general under your father. I wonder if Commander Mu is willing to let your son serve under me as a commander of a thousand households?"

When Mr. Miao heard this, his breathing suddenly stagnated. What a guy, he just gave me a sweet treat and then hit me with a stick. He wanted to transfer his eldest son away from him!

However, Mr. Miao had been mentally prepared for this on the way here, and now that he really encountered it, he had no choice but to agree.

After all, the more Lu Jin was on guard against him, the more he seemed to want to use him. As long as he didn't rebel, the more his master would be assured, the better.

Miao Youzhen was a little at a loss when he heard this, and looked at his father hesitantly. Miao Daheng took a deep breath and quickly scolded his son.

"Youzhen, the Marshal thinks highly of you, why don't you thank him quickly?!"

With his father's approval, Miao Youzhen said, "Thank you for your trust, Marshal. I will do my best to serve you."

"Good, good, your loyalty is commendable. Come, give me a set of armor!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Guoyong immediately had someone bring out a set of iron armor and presented it to Lu Jin.

Lu Jin gestured to Miao Youzhen, "You are so loyal, how can I bear to let you die for me? In the future, when you go into battle, you must wear this armor, and don't hurt a good general like me."

Miao Youzhen was really flattered and quickly thanked him again, "Thank you for your concern, Marshal. Thank you for the armor. I will definitely wear it in the future and be the first to charge into battle for you!"

Mr. Miao, who was standing nearby, lamented in his heart, "Silly son, you are so hot-blooded just because someone does you a favor. Don't really lose your life."

"Haha, it's a deal. Let's see how you perform from now on." Lu Jin patted Miao Youzhen on the shoulder and looked at his second son Miao Yi who was only sixteen years old.

"Who is this child?"

"Oh, Marshal, this is my second son, Miao Yi, who is only 16 years old this year." Miao Daheng suddenly said nervously. He was afraid that Lu Jin would not let even this youngest son go.

Lu Jin smiled and patted Miao Yi's shoulder. "This boy is also a talented person, but he is still too young. You can start as an officer of the auxiliary soldier battalion and stay with your father to gain more experience."

"Yes, thank you, Marshal." Hearing this, Mr. Miao breathed a sigh of relief and immediately led his second son to express his gratitude.

"Come to my side first and wait to watch the battle together."

"Yes."

At this time, Lu Jin looked at the last three people, Lu Ding, and stretched out his hand, with a look as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, which made Lu Ding feel bitter.

"Are you General Lu Dinglu?"

"My Lord, it's me. I'm here to pay my respects to you, Lord." Lu Ding quickly knelt down on one knee and bowed.

Lu Jin quickly helped him up and said speechlessly.

"Tell me, if you want to surrender to me, why don't you contact me in advance like Commander Guo did? Even if you don't contact me, you should recruit soldiers into the city like Commander Miao did, otherwise why would you end up like this."

Hearing this, Lu Ding immediately said aggrievedly, "Marshal, I, ah."

Lu Jin took his hand and patted it to comfort him, "Okay, okay, men don't cry easily, please accept my condolences.

"I heard that Zhu Liangzu has helped you get rid of Pan Yuxing, and Sun Deya and Yu Shiliang are still at large.

"Don't worry. If we catch these two people in the future, we will definitely bring them to you for punishment. Such treacherous people did not attack the Yuan court after they started their rebellion, but instead attacked the friendly and neighboring righteous army first. They are really mean people."

Lu Ding immediately clasped his fists and said, "Thank you, Marshal, for avenging me! From now on, my life belongs to you, and I will beat whoever you tell me to beat!"

"Well, if you are indeed loyal and righteous men, are you three brothers willing to join our army and serve as officers of a thousand-household camp?" Lu Jin asked eagerly, holding his hand.

"I"

Lu Ding was so regretful when he heard this. Why had he been so foolish as to tell Sun Deya about his plan first without contacting Lu Jin in advance?

Look at Guo Zixing. He didn’t have a single soldier, but he first contacted Lu Jin to negotiate terms. Then he waited until it was safe to recruit soldiers to join him. He immediately became a commander.

There is also this fellow named Mr. Miao. He first recruited soldiers and then surrendered with a knife at his neck, but the other party has more soldiers and now he has become a commander.

He had revealed his true colors in advance, and his soldiers had been defeated by Sun Deya. Now it was Zhu Liangzu who helped him retrieve these two thousand soldiers. How could he still have the face to ask for a commander?
Now that Lu Jin only gave them the title of a thousand households, they had no choice but to accept it.

Lu Ding said very reluctantly, "I am willing, thank you, Marshal."

"Haha, you are new to our army and are not familiar with our tactics. You should start from the rank of Qian Hu first, but if you have military merits, you will definitely be promoted. Besides, one Qian Hu is different from another Qian Hu. General Lu can also hold the rank of deputy commander first. Now there are more new recruits and generals, so you need to help each other."

Seeing that he was reluctant, Lu Jin immediately gave him an honorary title of deputy commander. Anyway, he was not the top leader in charge, so giving him an honorary title might as well satisfy his vanity and at least save his face.

As expected, when he heard Lu Jin say that he, a captain, was also the deputy commander, he immediately felt much better. "Thank you, Marshal. I will definitely keep your teachings in mind and help my colleagues."

"Okay, the three of you will follow me."

After a group of generals were led to the reviewing platform by Lu Jin and looked at the army arrayed in strict array on the parade ground below, Lu Jin said again.

"Most of you came to surrender after hearing that I defeated Kang Maocai. Do you know how I defeated Kang Maocai's army of tens of thousands with only 8,000 soldiers that day?"

When the crowd heard this, some shook their heads, some nodded, but most people still said "I don't know".

Lu Jin asked again, "Do you want to know?"

"miss you!"

This time they spoke in unison.

"Okay, then we will practice martial arts and military formations in the training ground today, and let you new generals see the fighting methods of my Shengwu Army."

(End of this chapter)