The Soldier of the Red Mansion

Chapter 96: The Army's Morale
Before the army moves, the food and fodder must be sent ahead.

The local people have food at home, but the food and fodder needed by the army cannot be met in one place. Unless they capture a big city and obtain the savings harvested from all over the place, the army's looting in the local countryside can only satisfy the soldiers' selfish desires and alleviate the army's food and fodder needs, but it cannot ensure a stable supply.

In the past, there were dozens or hundreds of Japanese pirates, who could maintain their food supplies by looting in the countryside. Now they number tens of thousands, and they have only been able to hold out until today because they broke through Linhai City. Otherwise, they would have dispersed long ago.

Therefore, Wang Xin proposed to use the grain route to control the Japanese pirates. With such a keen sense of smell and past battle records, Admiral Zhu Wei was not worried at all that this person could handle it alone.

Since this is the case, I will not ask about anything else.

Wang Xin also took advantage of the time to gather food and military supplies in the past few days to speed up the coordination between the various departments.

Sharpen your sword before battle, even if it's not bright, it will shine.

What's more, each department has its own master, and many commands are the same, which reduces a lot of trouble and speeds up the running-in process.

“Wheeze. Whiff.”

In the stable.

There were thirty-nine horses, and more than one hundred mules and donkeys on the other side.

The cypress compartments were arranged in an oval shape, with messy horse hoof prints on the frozen soil in the middle space, and some grain and straw crumbs remaining in the bluestone troughs. The Hexi camp selected some veterans to take charge of the camel caravan.

Thirty elite soldiers were also selected, together with the apprentices brought up by Coach Chen, and Zhang Can was appointed as the cavalry general to form a cavalry team based on the team.

There were also four or five hundred people brought by Zhang Can, more than half of whom were old and weak, and they were all sent to the rear camp. Now the rear camp had the largest number of troops, about a hundred mules and donkeys, and nearly four hundred people, but most of them were old and weak, and their combat effectiveness was limited.

What surprised Zhang Can was that Wang Xin carefully managed not only the war horses but also the livestock.

"Through regular inspections and records of fatness, which serve as a basis for rewards and punishments, mules and donkeys are divided into nine grades: top-top, upper-middle, upper-low, and upper-middle."

"The same applies to horses, but the soldiers feed the upper and middle-grade horses themselves, while the lower-grade horses are kept in centralized troughs under the supervision of dedicated officials, and their fodder and night grass are checked daily."

The elite soldiers of the cavalry and the sentry captains of the rear camp would gather together every day to recite the regulations.

It was a thick book, and every word in it was the rules written by their guerrilla general himself.

From beginning to end, from thick to thin.

Zhang Can also had to memorize it, and not only did he have to memorize it, but he also had to strictly enforce it. In the past, the team had only a few hundred people, and Wang Xin personally watched over it. Now, an inspection team has been set up to supervise the military discipline and daily affairs inspections of the entire battalion.

In the past, Zhang Can was just watching from the sidelines, but now that he has truly joined in, he realized how complicated Wang Xin’s rules are.

Zhang Can himself couldn't stand it, let alone his men. Many soldiers complained.

But Wang Xin remained unmoved.

"Fog and fodder are both paid for at a discount. Soldiers must allocate three days' fodder to feed four days, and the remaining amount can be used to purchase supplementary fodder to prevent the horses from being deprived of food."

"War horses are restricted in weight. Apart from weapons and food, their loads cannot exceed 15 jin. Violators will be punished by military law."

Zhang Can recited the poem in agony, and suddenly felt terrified.

Wang Xin seems to know everything.

He was born in the border town of Datong and was originally a cavalryman. He thought that leading cavalry was his forte and Wang Xin would definitely rely on him. However, after entering the camp and getting to know them, he found that there were many rules that he had not even expected.

Judging from Wang Xin's understanding of cavalry, Zhang Can had to painfully admit that he was not as good as Wang Xin based on these regulations.

What exactly is his weakness?

From horror to admiration.

The entire management of mules and war horses is a self-contained system, which is natural and although very detailed, it is actually the best and most convenient way. Many people take it for granted, but in practice it actually wastes time.

These regulations are not superficial; they are all based on experience.

It was as if I saw the most experienced and knowledgeable cavalry general, telling the newcomer in detail how to do everything.

The military worships the strong.

No matter how much dissatisfaction they had, the elites had to be convinced by the practical knowledge that Wang Xin brought out. The reason why the elites are elites is that they must have a spirit of self-confidence and unwillingness to fall behind, so everyone began to study seriously, and what they learned became their own skills.

"General Zhang Qian, the general is looking for you."

Spin came to the stables and knew that the cavalry was studying, and said breathlessly.

Zhang Can got up and left.

Leaving behind a crowd of envious gazes, Shi Ping threw a clod of earth before leaving, hitting a dozing old man. The old man Shi woke up and thought he was caught. He was so scared that he begged for mercy. When he looked carefully, he realized that he had made a joke.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Old man Shi looked at the back of Shi Ping with hatred, "Wolf cub, next time I catch him, I'll beat him up."

However, this kid's skills are getting stronger and stronger, just like Qi Shannian in the past. He can't fight anymore when he grows up. It's not that he is old. Old man Shi hurriedly followed him to recite, but he started to feel sleepy again while reciting.

The atmosphere in the camp is very peaceful.

When he is strict, he is very strict; when he is gentle, he is very gentle.

I don't know why, but other camps don't have the same atmosphere as this one. The people brought out by the general are all working towards the same direction. Everyone has no selfish motives. Although there are some minor conflicts, overall they are harmonious.

There is no intrigue, everyone respects the general, and there will be no remarks that would hinder the general's work. You will never hear any bad words from any officer.

With the top-down culture, Old Man Shi almost forgot how bad things were before.

Who cares about others?

What's the difference between comrades and different comrades? What we are guarding against are our comrades.

Old Man Shi no longer remembers what happened in the past, as if it were something from his previous life, and he just wanted to forget it.

Only the devil would eat lice.

There's food to eat, who would eat that stuff if they were sick?

Old man Shi raised the corners of his mouth in his sleep.

No one woke up Old Man Shi again.

Old man Shi is too old, let him enjoy his old age in peace.

Zhuo Zhi pretended not to see Old Man Shi.

Because Zhuo Zhi had a calm personality, the general promoted him and let him lead the rear camp. It was obvious that he wanted to promote him to the rank of captain. The sentry was actually still a soldier, just the highest-ranking soldier, and the captain was the real military officer.

Although everyone was envious, they were not jealous. They knew that Zhuo Zhi deliberately ignored Old Man Shi, but if they dared to fall asleep, they would be severely punished. So they recited honestly, with pain showing on their faces from time to time.

Not only do you have to be able to recite it, but you also have to keep it in mind and make it an instinct, so you have to take time every day to intensively study.

Zhang Can followed Shi Ping all the way through the barracks and saw Wang Xin in the distance. Wang Xin was explaining something to Liu Tong, and Zhang Can's face looked a little unnatural.

It’s not that I’m not convinced.

Although his official position was one level lower than Wang Xin's before, they were colleagues who were responsible for military training together, so they were treated as equals. Now that he had suddenly become his subordinate, Zhang Can always felt a little shy.

Wang Xin patted Liu Tong on the shoulder. Liu Tong nodded, said hello to Zhang Can and left.

"General."

Zhang Can shouted along with the others.

Wang Xin punched Zhang Can and asked with a smile, "How is it? Are you used to it?"

All of a sudden, Zhang Can lost his restraint and said with a smile, "I'm used to it, and I admire it."

Wang Xin had no doubts.

Not only did he examine Zhang Can's attributes and confirm his character, he also looked at several of his subordinates and continued to ask, "A few days ago, I sent away two of your sentries. You were very upset at the time and almost wanted to argue with me. Have you calmed down now?"

When mentioning this matter, Zhang Can felt even more embarrassed.

The general was not a man with a good temper, he did have a temper, but that was when he was facing outsiders. In the barracks, especially when dealing with soldiers, he generally did not lose his temper. For minor problems, he would not scold the soldiers, but would only cause trouble for the officers.

Of course, the army has its own traditions on how sentries lose their temper with their captains, how captains lose their temper with their squad leaders, and how squad leaders manage their soldiers.

Good traditions, getting better and better.

Bad traditions are getting worse and worse.

In short, because of his excitement, he almost annoyed other officers. Fortunately, the general stopped him and comforted him. Zhang Can really couldn't understand it and finally couldn't help asking: "General, you should know that I am a rough guy. Why did you still use me?"

Hearing Zhang Can's words, Wang Xin couldn't help laughing.

"You are capable, and you have a good personality. You have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. In fact, you are a good person, but others don't understand you."

In one sentence, Zhang Can almost cried.

Zhang Can didn't believe what others said. They were not stupid. If they were nice to him for no reason, they must be trying to trick him into taking the lead. But Zhang Can had no doubts about Wang Xin in front of him.

From the moment Wang Xin rescued him, Zhang Can knew that Wang Xin was trustworthy and a brother he could rely on.

"Okay." Wang Xinxin came over and patted Zhang Can on the shoulder.

It was exactly the same action as when he patted Liu Tong's shoulder just now.

"Those people I sent out weren't sent out because I looked down on them. It's just that you've been in contact with my style of leading troops for so long, don't you know it?"

"I know."

Zhang Can said subconsciously.

Wang Xin continued, "Not everyone can adapt. Different personalities have different ways of doing things. Those who don't fit in are actually harmed by being left behind. There's definitely no place for them here, and it's hindering their future."

Zhang Can nodded heavily.

I began to feel more and more annoyed. I shouldn't have been impulsive at that time. The general was a man of loyalty, but I was nothing.

He usually complains about this and that, and always thinks he is not wrong. Now that he has met someone like the general, he still has conflicts with the general. That is his own problem.

You can't be like this.

Zhang Can was very upset.

"We may not eat from the same pot, but we are still comrades. So if anyone has made a contribution, even if I send them away, I will definitely report their achievements personally and will not hinder their future."

Don't be afraid of having a knot in your heart.

As long as we are of one mind and talk things out openly and honestly, there is no conflict that cannot be resolved.

With his own prestige, he can undoubtedly force orders, and no one will disobey, but he disdains to do so. Treating others sincerely is not just a slogan. Treating your own people is warmer than spring.

"General, please stop. The more you explain, the more ashamed I become. Do you really want to see your subordinates in such a state of disgrace?"

Zhang Can couldn't help but complain.

There is no way. I have been complaining all my life. I clearly want to speak nicely, but the words I say are different from what I think in my head.

Wang Xin didn't care at all, instead he was amused.

"Okay, I won't say any more. You cavalry need to intensify your training."

"Is the war finally coming?"

Zhang Can asked.

Wang Xin sighed.

"I really don't want to fight, because there will be casualties in war. I really can't bear to leave my brothers, and I can't face their families."

Zhang Can lowered his head.

In this respect, I am not as good as the general.

Although they usually claim to be brothers and comrades, none of them is willing to make achievements. Only by making achievements can they be promoted, and only by being promoted can they bring honor to their family.

Only the general.

The general really doesn't want to fight.

As many veterans in the camp said, if the world were peaceful, the generals would probably go to the island.

Which island?
Of course it is Yangzhong Island.

Settled in the human world, without chaos.

Ask Jun Henenger? My heart is far away.

Plucking chrysanthemum under the east fence, you can see Nanshan leisurely.

The mountains are getting better day by day, and the birds are returning.

There is a real meaning in this, and I have forgotten to discern it.

The general has lofty ambitions that ordinary people cannot reach.

"But you and I are soldiers. Once we put on this military uniform, we are no longer ordinary people. It is shameful that we cannot defend the enemy. If we cannot defend our country, how can we live in this world with dignity? Some battles must be fought."

Wang Xin hopes Zhang Can can understand.

Zhang Can didn't understand these profound principles. He looked at the general and said, "General, just give your orders. We will fight to the death."

Seeing the general sigh, Zhang Can didn't understand what he said wrong.

Wang Xin said no more.

Let Zhang Can prepare the team, the cavalry will act alone, and the infantry will take the boat. He will go to Lin Mansion himself. In addition to borrowing a boat, he also needs to borrow a horse. If conditions permit, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the God of Wealth.

Another thing is to ask for directions.

After killing the enemy.

I don't want to let my brothers' hard work go to waste. I want them to feel at ease and live a peaceful life. After all, I am still a mortal, so it is important to see the road ahead clearly.

Of course.

Those who are too ambitious and have too high desires cannot be satisfied here.

One hundred taels today is not enough, one thousand taels tomorrow is still not enough, and ten thousand taels the day after tomorrow will never be enough. I have no way to satisfy the appetites of these soldiers.

There are happy poor people and there are happy rich people.

There are unhappy poor people, and there are unhappy rich people too.

Whether you are happy or not does not depend on whether you are rich or poor, but on your own heart and whether it is controlled by desires. If even your heart does not belong to you, how can you be happy?

I can only satisfy those soldiers who want to live a comfortable life with a wife and children, a warm bed, mountains, water and some fields at home.

I have always thought about living a comfortable life.

But doing things will offend people and cause trouble.

Who doesn't understand this truth?

There was no other way. If Luo Ming hadn't died and had wiped out the Japanese pirates, he could have been an officer of medium rank in the capital, not even having to go to work every day. The stable future of three generations of his family would have been guaranteed, and his life would have been wonderful.

"The title of Marquis is not my intention, but I hope the sea will be peaceful."

The sun sets and a lone sail appears on the river.

Wang Xin looked at the beautiful scenery on the river and the way to the Lin Mansion in Yangzhou, and couldn't help but think of it. Several young guards at the stern of the boat sat cross-legged in silence, with a military air, and their eyes followed the general.

The world is not at peace, and the responsibility of protecting the general falls on them.

The road and a boat passing by.

"Is that General Wang?"

"Boss Deng."

Someone on the deck asked quietly.

Scarface held onto the railing and looked down at the boat as it left. The figure on the boat was still invisible, and he could vaguely remember the poem in his ears.

Half a year ago, Boss Deng was reluctant to take action because it was Qi family's territory.

Now the Qi family is gone.

"Damn it, stay away from me." Boss Deng slapped his subordinate, knocking him to the ground. The subordinate looked aggrieved. Boss Deng then hugged the subordinate and laughed, "Let's go drink."

"Why is Boss Deng so happy?"

"Everything was fine just now, what happened?"

The men were surprised.

There was plenty of fish and meat on the boat, and we ate to our heart's content. Today, there was also wine. In the past, when we were preparing to go out to sea, we didn't need to drink. Boss Deng was acting very strangely today, but we were still on the river, so it didn't matter if he drank.

(End of this chapter)