Late Yuan Dynasty: I am the true emperor

Chapter 119: A Commoner Girl Might Give It a Try

Zhao Yong came back from Lu'an. This 20-year-old young man who had started the uprising by the Chaohu Lake seemed more stable when he saw Lu Jin again.

In the Marshal's Mansion, Zhao Yong went to see Lu Jin as soon as he came back. When he heard that he was promoted to commander and would be transferred to the front line, he seemed very excited.

Lu Jin smiled and asked him, "How is Lu'an going recently? You've been there for a while, have you learned anything?"

Zhao Yong immediately said, "General, don't worry about Lu'an. Lu'an is very stable and there are no Yuan troops around. I train soldiers there every day and learn the military strategy that the general gave me.

"The Marshal said in the Art of War that when you are stationed in a place, you must carefully survey the surrounding terrain and go there in person. You cannot be lazy. You must judge in advance where the enemy may attack from and how they may attack. You must come up with countermeasures in advance so that when the enemy really comes, you will not panic.

“When we first went to Lu’an, the commander assigned Zhang Huan to our Second Regiment, saying that he was a member of the imperial army and had previously served as the garrison commander of Luzhou. He told us to listen to his opinions on matters of city defense. This man is indeed capable, and I have learned a lot from him.

"Zhang Huan first helped us arrange the city defense, then went out of the city to survey the terrain, and then proposed to build a fortress in the Dabie Mountains south of Lu'an, at Huoshan, upstream of the Pishui River, to block the mountain passage. This would stop Xu Shouhui from Huguang and prevent him from going north through the mountain passage.

"Uncle Yu and I have discussed this and we think it is feasible. When County Magistrate Qin arrives, we will start to register the people and organize the laborers. Then we will have them go to Huoshan to build the city."

After talking about these recent developments, Zhao Yongcai spoke.

"Zhang Huan has never read the Marshal's military book, but his actions are in line with the Marshal's military strategy. When garrisoning a place, one must indeed observe the terrain, come up with countermeasures, and make plans in advance."

Lu Jin nodded with satisfaction. It seemed that Zhao Yong really gained something.

As for Huoshan, Lu Jin also knew about it. Huoshan is located in the Pishui River Valley of Dabie Mountains. It has been inhabited since the Xia Dynasty. It was the fief of Gao Yao's descendants. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was a vassal state of the ancient six kingdoms. It was later destroyed by the Chu State. A county was established in the Western Han Dynasty and it has continued to this day.

Huoshan has been a county since the Han Dynasty. It was merged into the jurisdiction of Lu'an County during the Song Dynasty. In the Yuan Dynasty, Huoshan was downgraded to "Gubu Town" under Lu'an and became a part of Lu'an. Therefore, taking over Lu'an was equivalent to taking over Huoshan at the same time. There was no resistance here at all.

However, it is not difficult to see from the historical status of Huoshan that this place is still very important. It not only controls an important passage in the Dabie Mountains, but also has a high economic status.

Huoshan is located in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains. Although its grain output is limited, it is rich in animal and plant resources. It has the famous Huoshan Huangya tea and is also known as the medicine capital of Dabie Mountains.

As the saying goes, "live by the mountain, eat from the mountain." Huoshan's tea, timber, medicinal materials, animal skins, paper, rosin ink, clay pots, pottery, and tung oil are all important economic pillars of this place. It is now also the most important supplier of medicinal materials and timber under the rule of the Shengwu Army.

In terms of economic value alone, Gubu Town is not inferior to Lu'an County. However, Lu'an County is a plain after all, and it is close to water, so the grain output is still relatively high.

"It seems that you have made a lot of progress. This time you are promoted to commander, you will have to lead several thousand soldiers by yourself. Are you confident?" Lu Jin looked at him and asked.

Zhao Yong said quickly, "One battalion is good, and five battalions are good too. I just need to keep an eye on those battalion officers."

"Yes, then I will tell you about these battalion officers under your command."

Lu Jin nodded and immediately introduced to him the origins of Lu Ding, Wu Guoxing, and Miao Youzhen.

"Lu Ding is ambitious. He wanted to gather thousands of troops and surrender. He wanted to be the commander right away, but he is indecisive. You can use him, but you must give clear instructions. You can let him do things, but don't let him make decisions on his own.

"Of course, you still have to give him some face on the surface. After all, he is older than you. Now he has brought two thousand soldiers to join you, and there are hundreds of war horses. That's why I made him the deputy commander. Besides, his parents were just killed by Sun Deya, so you should be careful when dealing with him."

"I've got it in mind." Zhao Yong nodded repeatedly after listening to this. These people would be his subordinates from now on, so of course he had to get to know them well.

"Wu Guoxing is a man of courage and wisdom, with a simple background and no ulterior motives. You can use him and entrust him with important tasks.

"Miao Youzhen is the eldest son of Miao Daheng, the commander of the 12th Regiment. You can also use him. However, he is only 18, two years younger than you. You should take him to train more first, and you can entrust him with important tasks in the future."

"Yes, I know everything." Zhao Yong agreed again.

Lu Jin then gave another instruction, "But currently only your old battalion has combat capability in your new regiment, and the others are unfamiliar with each other. It is best for you to control the food and grass. Among your company commanders, there are some who are smart and capable, and can read and count. You can promote them to be the battalion commander of the auxiliary battalion."

Zhao Yong thought for a moment and said, "There is a company commander named Dai Zhen, who is also an old brother of ours from Chaohu. He can write and do math, so he can be the battalion commander."

"Well, this is the person. Let Dai Zhen take care of the food and grass for you, then go and gather your subordinates, let Zhu Shou help you select soldiers, reorganize them as soon as possible, and then go to Wuwei and wait for Liao Yongan's command."

"Yes, if you have no other plans, I will take my leave."

"Go."

After all, Zhao Yong was still young, and it was his first time to be promoted to commander. Lu Jin was worried and still gave him some special advice.

After Zhao Yong left the Marshal's Mansion and went to the military camp to find Zhu Shou, he had just finished asking Zhu Shou to select soldiers for him when his personal soldiers came to report to him.

"Commander, Commander Guo from the newly formed Eighth Regiment just sent someone to look for you. He said he wants you to have a dinner at his house tonight."

"Commander Guo? Attending the banquet?"

Zhao Yong was surprised for a moment, then turned to Zhu Shou to ask who Guo Zixing was. He learned that this man was from Dingyuan and was also affiliated with the southern war zone, and would fight with him in the future. After thinking about it, he agreed and asked his men to reply.

On the other side, Guo Zixing’s wife, Zhang, also brought gifts and brought her two daughters to the Marshal’s Mansion to pay a visit to Zhang Yunxiu.

To meet the Marshal's wife, of course I couldn't just go to her house without permission. They sent a visiting card when they settled in the new house the day before yesterday. I got permission in advance and only came today.

At present, there are not many people in the backyard of the Marshal's Mansion. In addition to Zhang Yunxiu, there are five hired maids and Mu Ying and her mother.

Among the maids, four were found by Zhang Yunxiu from her hometown, three were from Zhangjiawa and one was from Zhujiagang. All of them were married women who had given birth to children and had experience in pregnancy and raising children. Their family sons were serving in Zhu Shou's personal guard camp. They had a clean background, were good at taking care of people, and could be used with confidence.

Another one was found from Luzhou City, also a married woman who was familiar with the local environment and was responsible for daily purchases. Zhang Yunxiu was in charge of the household account books herself.

Mu Ying's mother is currently recuperating in the Marshal's Mansion, but her problem is not serious. The doctor said that she was just hungry. She had been wandering around outside, sleeping in the open air, and caught a cold. After taking medicine and having full meals, she is almost recovered after more than ten days.

Mu Ying was an obedient, filial, and studious child. Zhang Yunxiu liked him very much. Besides, the mother and daughter had nowhere to go. Zhang Yunxiu was planning to talk to Lu Jin about letting them stay.

Mu Ying's mother could stay in the inner courtyard to work, and Mu Ying himself could go to the teaching camp to study. He was the same age as Zhu Yan and Liao Sheng, so the several children could keep each other company.

As for adopting a son, forget it. Lu Jin is not crazy about adopting a son. Now that Mu Ying still has his biological mother alive, there is no need for that.

In terms of training his confidants, all the children in the entire training camp are considered his "personal disciples" and "disciples of the emperor". They are trained as all-round talents in literature and martial arts since childhood, and can be sent out for important positions when they grow up. This is more than the number of people trained by adopted sons. Lu Pojun, Lu Jin's only adopted son, is thirteen years old. He is definitely not allowed to live in the Marshal's Mansion at that age. He now lives with the children in Yang Huan's training camp, and only comes back occasionally to report to Lu Jin on his studies or come back for a meal.

Because Lu Pojun knows how to raise and ride horses, he is also the equestrian instructor of the training camp.

At the side door of the Marshal's Mansion, the Guo family's carriage was parked there. Zhang brought her two daughters and after their gifts were checked, they were led to the gate of the inner courtyard by the guards and then led in by the maid of the inner courtyard.

In the main hall of the inner courtyard, a charcoal basin was lit. Mrs. Guo Zhang and her two daughters hurried to pay their respects to Zhang Yunxiu.

"I have met my wife in person."

"Mrs. Guo, there's no need to be so polite. Please sit down quickly. It's freezing cold out here, and you three have come all the way here. You must be frozen. Someone, bring some tea." Zhang Yunxiu greeted the three of them.

"Thank you, ma'am." Guo Zhang said after she sat down.

"When my husband first joined the Marshal's army, he was entrusted with an important task. He was deeply moved. The Marshal did not mind his old age and frailty and gave him the position of commander. He had no way to repay him. He could only lead his sons to serve as the king's vanguard and serve as his servants.

"My husband often told me in private that he was away at war and couldn't lead the horse or hold the stool for the commander-in-chief, so he asked me to come and visit Madam often. If Madam has any instructions, even though there are only a few women in our family, we can do something for Madam."

Zhang Yunxiu immediately said, "My lady, you are too kind. Commander Guo has been fighting for the Marshal, leaving you and your widowed mother behind and unable to follow the army. You have also moved to Luzhou, a place you are not familiar with. I should take care of you on behalf of the Marshal.

"I heard that Bao Zhangsi allocated a small courtyard to you, but it was not big enough for your family to live in. The Marshal has already scolded him and asked him to apologize in person. I wonder if he has gone there yet?"

Zhang said quickly, "Bao Zhangsi has been there and brought the armor bestowed by the commander-in-chief. My husband was very happy and did not dislike the courtyard allocated by Bao Zhangsi.

"Well, this is all a misunderstanding. In fact, no matter how big the yard is, what's the use? The men are not at home, and only I and my two daughters are left. The house is empty and lifeless."

"Then come over and sit with us more often when you have nothing to do." Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile immediately.

"Yes, I will bother you, Madam."

"It's okay. Madam, next time you come, you don't need to bring any more gifts. If you bring expensive gifts again, I won't dare let you come to my house."

"I will keep this in mind."

At this time Zhang Yunxiu looked at Ma Xiuying and Guo Huirong again and asked with a smile.

"These two daughters of my wife's family are really good-looking. I really have an errand to do for you. I wonder if the two young ladies know anything about music?"

"temperament?"

"Errand?"

Zhang and Guo Huirong felt awkward upon hearing this. Ma Xiuying didn't say anything, looking thoughtful.

Guo Huirong had studied music before. After all, she was a rich lady and could play the guqin, pipa, huqin, flute and xiao. But she didn't dare to take the job Zhang Yunxiu asked her to do.
Before the Yuan Dynasty, rich people would be very proud to say that they were good at playing music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and that they were cultured and talented. However, the Yuan Dynasty implemented various household systems, which made musicians a slave class, which made the common people disgusted.

In the past, playing music was an elegant thing, but now it has become a cheap thing. How can it not be disgusting?
Guo Huirong was worried that Zhang Yunxiu was talking about something like the Jiaofangsi, or the training of singing girls. This kind of thing was not an easy job, so of course she was unwilling to agree easily.

But Zhang did not dare to let Zhang Yunxiu wait for long. She was the marshal's wife. Not to mention that her own daughter could do it, even if she didn't, she would have to find a way to find it and learn it. She said immediately.

"My little girl Huirong is good at playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, and has a basic understanding of music. I wonder what the Madam wants me to do for you? If I can do it, I will definitely help the Madam."

When Guo Huirong heard that her mother had sold her, she wanted to cry, but she didn't dare to say anything and could only follow what was said.

"Madam, I know a little bit about music, but I am not an expert in it."

"Can you memorize music scores?" Zhang Yunxiu asked again.

Guo Huirong was stunned when she heard this. She didn't know what the marshal's wife wanted to do, but it didn't seem to be what she thought, so she nodded quickly this time.

"My daughter can memorize musical notation. She can memorize both the Jianzi notation and the Gongche notation."

Zhang Yunxiu clapped her hands and said happily.

"That's great. To be honest, my family is not rich. I studied with my brother when I was young. I also like music, but I have no money to learn. Now I really regret not having enough knowledge. It is really a timely help to have the help of the young lady from my family."

Guo Zhang was immediately curious and asked, "I wonder what exactly is the errand that Madam is talking about?"

As soon as Zhang Yunxiu saw the expressions of the mother and daughter, she knew that they were thinking the wrong thing, so she explained.

"It's like this, the commander had heard a few battle songs, but he didn't understand music, so he wanted to find someone to compile the music and give it to the musicians to practice, and then have them play it for the soldiers in the army.

"It's just that I'm a bit worried because of my family background and I've never learned music theory. I can't help him. I don't know if my sister is willing to help."

Guo Huirong opened her mouth, not expecting this kind of task. Seeing her mother winking at her, she finally realized what was going on. She quickly stood up and saluted, saying, "Madam, as you have entrusted me, I will do my best."

"That's great. If that's the case, this matter should not be delayed any longer. Can you bring your musical instruments tomorrow and help the Marshal compose this song as soon as possible?"

"Of course you can. Whenever my madam needs me, just send someone to call me home." Guo Huirong knew that it was not an errand for the Music Bureau, so she agreed readily.

When Guo Zhang saw that she could really help Zhang Yunxiu, she was very happy. Her daughter worked in the Marshal's Mansion and might have a chance to meet the Marshal. She glanced at her adopted daughter Ma Xiuying and hurriedly said.

"Madam, my adopted daughter Ma Xiuying is also very talented and well-versed in classics and history, and has a good handwriting. If you have any errands, you can ask her to do it."

"Oh?" Zhang Yunxiu glanced at Ma Xiuying and said.

"The Marshal usually has a lot of works, which are manuscripts that need to be sorted out, and need to be illustrated and copied. However, the content is quite profound, and they are all passed down by Gongshu family. It is quite difficult for me to sort them out for him. I am afraid that this young lady will not understand it."

Ma Xiuying said quickly, "I don't know what kind of manuscript it is, maybe I can give it a try."

(End of this chapter)