Late Yuan Dynasty: I am the true emperor

Chapter 210 The First Military Organization

Zhang Hongchao and his companions did not take the rebels seriously at first, especially since they were in a position where Liu Futong and Du Zundao's troops in the north, as well as Xuzhou's Zhima Li and others, were powerful, with more than 100,000 soldiers, but these forces were too far away from them.

The one who was closer to them was Xu Song. Who was Xu Shouhui? He dared to claim to be an emperor just by conquering a broken county town. Moreover, he had a system of combining politics and religion, and he reused a character like Peng Yingyu who had repeatedly rebelled and failed. It was unknown when Xu Song would be finished.

Afterwards, another group of rebels emerged in Chaohu Lake, but they were also suppressed in the lake and could not get out. Later, it was heard that this group of people rose rapidly, captured the prefectures and counties near Luzhou, and then destroyed Kang Maocai and captured several cities along the river. However, Zhang Hongchao and others only thought that those government troops were too useless and the cities were captured so easily, but they had no clear concept of the strength of the rebels.

Especially Lu Jin's halo was overshadowed by Liu Futong, Zhima Li and others. It seemed that all the rebels in the north were similar. They expanded their army by tens of thousands in a few months and conquered a large area of ​​land, but they didn't know how they fought and their specific strength.

This time, Yang Heng gave them a systematic introduction to the composition of Lu Jin's troops, which shocked them instead.

They didn't know about other rebel forces, but Lu Jin's group had a clear organization and system, and was obviously not a mob. They knew how to use strategies when fighting, and now they could even forge iron and produce armor and weapons by themselves. They were no ordinary rebels.
Just when several people were astonished at Lu Jin's strength, Yang Heng said again.

"You should know that it was not General Lu who asked me to surrender you, but I took the initiative to come and persuade you. Otherwise, with General Lu's current strength, he could have led his troops to attack you directly. It's not that I look down on you generals, but I think you really can't hold Susong.

“Rather than losing your life in vain, you might as well take this opportunity to join the new master. With Master Lu’s overwhelming momentum now, if he can really establish a foundation, you will all be rewarded with titles for your wives and children.

"But you are following the Yuan court. You are all Han people. Those Tartars don't take Han people seriously. Not to mention the southern barbarians in the eyes of the Tartars, even the Huaiyang King Zhang who destroyed the Song Dynasty at the beginning of the country was slaughtered by the Tartars twenty years ago. Do you still expect to win the battle and get some rewards from the Yuan court?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone fell silent.

Zhou Wen's focus was not here. Instead, he asked, "Yang Zhaomo just said that Marshal Lu also established the Leichi Navy?"

Yang Heng was stunned for a moment, but still nodded, "That's right. Marshal Lu seized hundreds of ships in Anqing. He already has the Chaohu Navy and the Heyang River Defense Navy. What's the difficulty in transferring some naval commanders and building another battalion? Isn't this a natural thing? Moreover, the Shengwu Army is originally from the Chaohu Navy. Don't you think they can't fight naval battles?"

"That's not what I meant." Zhou Wen waved his hands repeatedly and then said to a few people.

“If the enemy only has 10,000 or 20,000 land troops, we can still hold out thanks to the strong city of Susong and the 6,000 defenders. But if the enemy also has naval forces, I’m afraid we won’t be able to hold out.

"Susong is close to the Dalei Pond. There is a navy there that can get behind us at any time. Food and supplies can also be transported by water. It is impossible for us to retreat if we run out of food and supplies. Even if we can hold out for a while, I am afraid we will be defeated if the enemy sieges the city for a long time. I think it is better to surrender."

Several people looked at each other, exchanged glances for a moment, and finally nodded.

Two days later, when Lu Jin came with three regiments of more than 10,000 troops, Yang Heng had already led Zhang Hongchao and others out of the city to greet them. The troops also marched out of the city, without even wearing armor, and lined up outside the city waiting for reorganization.

"General, Yang Heng has fulfilled his mission and has persuaded Su Song to surrender. He has also ordered five generals to lead their troops to surrender."

Yang Heng immediately came over to report to Lu Jin, and Zhang Hongchao and others also hurried forward to greet him.

"We have met the Marshal and are willing to serve him. Please take us in."

Lu Jin quickly dismounted and stepped forward to help the few people up.

"Hahahaha, good, good, you are all good men. You guys have never drawn swords against me. We have no hatred or grudges. Today you have repented and are willing to help me drive out the Tartars. It is a blessing for both you and me. In the future, I will not let you down if you make heroic contributions in battle."

"Thank you, Marshal." Several people hurriedly saluted again.

Lu Jin nodded, "Did Yang Heng tell you the conditions?"

Zhang Hongchao and the others nodded in succession, "It's been said, the five of us are all battalion officers, each with our own soldiers, we will cut off the old and weak, and accept the reorganization together."

"Well, I won't waste my time talking to you. Follow me into the city first, and we'll talk about the organization later."

"Yes."

After entering the city, Lu Jin immediately called a meeting of the officers. This time, he also called over Guo Zixing's Eighth Regiment. There was only one auxiliary battalion left to guard Taihu County, and it had to be reorganized as soon as possible to strengthen the troops in each county, so Lu Jin didn't waste any words and named them immediately.

"Zhang Desheng, deputy commander of the Eighth Regiment."

"I am here." Zhang Desheng immediately stepped out and listened to the order.

"Zhang Desheng's advice was a great success. He successfully lured the enemy to rescue Tongcheng with all their strength, creating conditions for our army to completely annihilate the main force of Anqing. He was awarded a great merit and promoted to the commander of the newly formed 4500th Regiment, which has four combat battalions and one auxiliary battalion. The battalion officers are Jia Boying, Xu Yuanyan, and Zhang Hongchao, with a total of soldiers."

"Thank you, Marshal!" Zhang Desheng immediately led a few people to thank him and then stepped aside.

Zhang Desheng was not excited about his promotion to commander. With his qualifications and combat capabilities, he should have been promoted to commander long ago. The reason why he had been serving as a deputy in the Eighth Regiment was entirely to keep an eye on Guo Zixing. This promotion was just a matter of course. He just didn't know what to do with Guo Zixing now that Lu Jin had transferred him away.

Sure enough, Lu Jin continued to make arrangements.

"Cao Liangchen, the captain of the 8th Regiment, has been promoted to deputy commander for his meritorious service in this battle. The vacant troops of the 8th Regiment will be filled by Xia Xinghou."

"Thank you, Marshal, for the promotion!" Cao Liangchen and Xia Xinghou came out at the same time to receive the order.

Guo Zixing felt unhappy when he heard his subordinates giving out rewards one by one. He had reflected a lot in the past few days and guessed that Lu Jin might feel that his speed was not fast enough when he advanced that day. He was obviously the main general in that battle, but he let Miao Daheng's 12th Regiment break the enemy's formation first. His 8th Regiment was able to win thanks to the artillery team brought by Lu Jin. Judging from the results of the battle, he really did not make much contribution.

Compared with other troops, his Eighth Regiment did lack some enthusiasm.

Maybe this is the role of a general leading troops. If the soldiers are incompetent, the generals will be incompetent too. If the commander is not active in fighting, how can his subordinates have a chance to make merit?
Now Zhang Desheng, who was used to look after him, has been transferred away, but Lu Jin immediately supported Cao Liangchen. It seems that Lu Jin is still worried about himself.

Guo Zixing was thinking about this when he suddenly heard Lu Jin calling his name again. "Guo Zixing, the commander of the Eighth Regiment, will take his troops to garrison Qianshan County after the meeting and stay for the meeting later."

"Yes." Guo Zixing agreed hurriedly, but he was thinking in his heart, Lu Jin transferred Zhang Desheng away and asked him to guard Qianshan County, an inconspicuous place. He probably wanted to leave him idle. How could this be possible? It seems that he has to write a letter to ask Luzhou to think of a solution.

After Zhang Desheng's newly formed 17th Regiment was established, the 15th, 16th and 17th Regiments were expanded on the southern front. The 15th Regiment was separated from Miao Daheng, the 16th Regiment was separated from Zhao Yong, and the 17th Regiment was separated from Guo Zixing.

Only in Liao Yongan's Third Regiment, no one was promoted this time.

But compared with the southern front, Lu Jin's imperial guards actually need more manpower.

When crossing the river in the future, Lu Jin will definitely go with the imperial guards in person. After Lu Jin leaves, who will guard the core city of Luzhou? If Yu Tingyu's second regiment is transferred to Luzhou, who will guard Lu'an, the important town facing Xu Song?
Therefore, Lu Jin had to make preparations in advance and prepare the remaining troops in Luzhou Road after he crossed the river.

So he said, "Xia Xingzu, Chen Shida, Zhou Wen, Zhen Yuanji, Zhen Yuanqi, and Lu Xianzong, each of you six will organize a battalion and follow me back to Luzhou for further assignment."

"Yes." The six people immediately responded.

After arranging the organizational adjustments, Lu Jin asked several regiment commanders to stay and explained the future southern line defense strategy.

Liao Yongan was stationed in Anqing and was in charge of Anqing's defense. Miao Daheng's 12th Regiment was stationed in Susong. His son Miao Youzhen's 3rd Navy Regiment built a water fort in Lei Chi to cover Susong's flank.

Han Qinglu's newly formed 15th Regiment guarded Wangjiang, Lu Ding's newly formed 16th Regiment guarded Taihu Lake, and Guo Zixing's th Regiment guarded Qianshan, serving as the backup for the entire defense line and the general reserve force.

So after the entire defense system was deployed, the Anqing defense line had six regiments of troops, namely the 3rd, 8th, 12th, 15th, and 16th Infantry Regiments, plus the 3rd Navy Regiment, with a total strength of about 26,000 people. If the local internal guards were added, the total number would definitely exceed 30,000.

With such a large military organization, it would be a bit inappropriate to use the division unit.

Moreover, the Second Regiment of the Navy stationed in Wuwei is temporarily still under the sequence of the 101st Division, while the headquarters of the 101st Division is located in Anqing. The two places are 101 miles apart, which is not conducive to Liao Yongan's command. Even if the Second Regiment of the Navy is still placed in the sequence of the st Division, it will be difficult for Liao Yongan to take into account the wars in two directions. After all, Wuwei is mainly facing Jiangdong.

So Lu Jin considered it and decided to promote Liao Yongan to a higher level and adjust the strength of the original division-level unit.

Liao Yongan continued to serve as the commander of the 101st Division. The sequence of the 101st Division was changed to the 15rd Regiment in Anqing, the 8th Regiment in Wangjiang, and the th Regiment in Qianshan, a total of three regiments. The main defense direction was the river defense line.

The newly formed 104th Division was commanded by Miao Daheng. The sequence of the 104th Division was the 12th Regiment of Susong, the 16th Regiment of Taihu, and the 3rd Navy Regiment of Leichi. It was also composed of three regiments. Its main defense directions were Jiangxi in the south and Hubei in the west.

A new army-level organization, the 35th Army, was established, with Liao Yongan serving as the commander-in-chief of the 35th Army and Miao Daheng serving as the deputy commander-in-chief of the 35th Army.

This was also the first army-level organization of the Shengwu Army.

When Mr. Miao heard the appointment, he was stunned and asked in confusion, "Marshal, if this is the 35th Army, then where are the armies in front of it?"

Lu Jin smiled and said, "The division numbering of the Shengwu Army also starts from the 101st Division. The first 34 divisions are the serial numbers of the Imperial Guards, and the army-level organization is the same. The first armies are reserved for the divisions of the Imperial Guards."

"I see. But I was promoted to commander-in-chief and then deputy general manager. Was it too fast?" Mr. Miao said hesitantly.

Lu Jin disagreed. "What's the big deal? We are developing very fast now. After this battle, we have expanded our staff so much. With new positions, we will naturally reward meritorious officials. I will not be stingy with official rewards for those who work hard in the battle.

"Besides, we are in a period of development now. If we have more troops in the future, the organization can't keep increasing. The positions are fixed, so it will be difficult to get promoted so quickly in the future."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Miao immediately knelt down and bowed his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you very much for your promotion and esteem, Marshal. I will definitely live up to your high expectations and make new contributions in the future."

Lu Jin nodded and raised his hand, "Well, get up. I just told Liao Yongan a few days ago, and I'll tell you again today. In the next six months, our army in Jiangbei will not expand outward. The mission of your 35th Army is to guard Anqing, strengthen the city defense, and establish a solid defense line. When I cross the river to attack Jiangnan in the future, I will not take you with me.

"But you must not relax. You must train and prepare for war. At the same time, you must be more careful and pay more attention to the news from Jiangxi and Xu Song. Collect some intelligence from Xu Song, their troop composition, generals' combat style, etc. When we go south to attack Jiangxi in the future, I plan to let your 35th Army be the main force. You still have a lot of battles to fight, so don't let your horses go now."

When Miao heard that Lu Jin wanted them to attack Jiangxi, his eyes lit up immediately and he said, "Don't worry, Marshal. I will pay attention to the movements in the south. If you use troops against Jiangxi in the future, I am willing to be your vanguard."

"Okay, then I'll be waiting for your good news. Work hard. Military chief is not the end. Whether you can get to the next level depends on your future performance." Lu Jin immediately praised and encouraged.

"Yes."

After arranging the defense of the southern line, deploying five infantry regiments and a newly established navy regiment, Lu Jin prepared to set off back to Luzhou with the surrendered generals.

This time when he goes back, he can also take with him Zhao Yong's 11th Regiment, Zhang Desheng's newly formed 17th Regiment, two cavalry battalions and artillery teams of his own Imperial Guards, as well as more than surrendered soldiers and the remaining six surrendered generals who have not yet been assigned positions, to expand the military forces in other directions.

When he returned to Anqing, Lu Jin told Liao Yongan and Feng Guoyong about the newly established 35th Army and 104th Division, as well as the sequence adjustment of the two divisions, and entrusted Feng Guoyong to stay in Anqing temporarily to assist Liao Yongan in completing the establishment of the Susong defense line, mainly to teach them how to build bastions.

After all this was arranged, Lu Jin led his army back to Luzhou. When he was halfway to Tongcheng, he called Zhang Wen back. Zhang Wen's Sixth Regiment moved to Lujiang, temporarily awaiting deployment.

The defense of Tongcheng was the responsibility of the local internal security forces.

After returning to Luzhou, Lu Jin made another troop adjustment. Zhao Yong's 11th Regiment was transferred to Lu'an, and Yu Tingyu's 2nd Regiment originally stationed in Lu'an was transferred to Luzhou.

This deployment adjustment was obviously a preparation for the long-term garrison in the two places after Lu Jin left, and it was also a precursor to the upcoming crossing of the river to conquer the south of the Yangtze River.

(End of this chapter)