You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 328 Before the War, Collective Seed Preservation
Xishan Camp.

Several imperial physicians rushed to the kitchen and poured dozens of bags of precious medicinal herbs, which had been ground into powder in advance, into the large iron pot that was cooking, and stirred them evenly.

The imperial physicians held the Grand Secretary's order, so the kitchen staff naturally dared not stop them, but they still asked curiously, "Imperial Physicians, what kind of medicine is this?"

"Epimedium, deer antler, Cistanche deserticola, Schisandra chinensis, Morinda officinalis, Cuscuta chinensis."

"They are all good things."

"You've got good taste, kid. These are all expensive medicinal herbs to replenish your yang energy. The Grand Secretary is considerate of the soldiers; they've been training hard. Everyone should take some tonics and go home on leave tomorrow~ Hehehe."

The cook quickly ordered himself a bowl; it's a fool not to take advantage of a good deal.

After the meal, everyone felt full of energy.

……

The messenger entered the camp, shouting all the way.

"By order of the Grand Secretary, all personnel at the Xishan Camp are to be given a day off!"

"Starting the day after tomorrow, the entire force will march south to punish the traitor Wu Sangui!!"

Everyone was itching to go home, each going to find their own wives and their own mistresses.

Dunlun!

Before the great battle, they engaged in collective sexual relations, which benefited the country, the people, and themselves.

Although time was tight, Jiang Qingyun still took a precious day to let the banner soldiers go home and try to preserve their bloodline.

It is foreseeable that a large number of soldiers will die on the southern battlefield.

There aren't many Eight Banner soldiers left for them!
If we don't save some offspring, what will happen in the future?

……

The next morning.

Drums sound.

The bannermen, who had long been prepared for the expedition, led their horses out of their homes. Most of them were accompanied by two horses and were fully equipped with bows, swords, spears, and armor.

The Manchu women silently saw them off at the door.

They understood better than anyone what war meant, but there was no way around it; the soldiers were born to fight, and this sense of mission was ingrained in their DNA.

Deshengmen.

The gongs and drums are loud, and the firecrackers are all fired.

According to tradition, troops always pass through Desheng Gate when setting out, symbolizing winning through virtue. Sometimes you have to admire the deadly sense of humor of our ancestors.

Jiang Qingyun stood on the city gate tower, looking down at the army leaving the city.

suddenly~
A commotion arose from below.

Guarjia Liushu, who was about to give birth and was still wearing mourning clothes, blocked the line with two little boys.

"Gentlemen, these are my two younger brothers-in-law. Please take them with you."

A captain looked him up and down.

"How old?"

"One is seven years old, and the other is ten years old."

"Nonsense! This expedition is for people aged 15 to 45. Can you two younger brothers even draw a bow? Can you even wield a big sword? Have you even grown your hair yet?"

"Go to hell! The Prime Minister is calling for the execution of traitors, and everyone has a part to play. What's wrong with a little boy? I ask you, is a little boy a man? If he is, he should shed blood for the country and be loyal to the Prime Minister."

"That crazy woman."

"I think you are the Ninth Banner."

"You fart."

The situation on the scene gradually spiraled out of control. Guarjia Liushu insisted on sending her two younger brothers-in-law to fight, which drew resentment from the surrounding bannermen.

……

It's quite a commotion.

Suddenly, Zhou Cang arrived.

"Come with me to see the Grand Secretary. The army will continue to leave the city, and officers of each unit should exercise self-discipline."

"As ordered."

With her large pregnant belly, Guarjia Liushu struggled to climb the city wall step by step, holding onto the stairs, and saw Jiang Qingyun standing with his hands behind his back a dozen feet away.

"Wait a minute."

Jiangnan suddenly appeared from the side.

"Open your arms."

Guarjia Liushu obediently accepted the body search; she could tell that this noblewoman was armed.

"Go over there."

"Yes."

Jiang Qingyun sized her up for a moment, then asked in a friendly tone, "Are you Alinbao's wife?"

"Yes."

Jiang Qingyun nodded slightly.

"I will assign you two brothers-in-law to the supply battalion." "No!"

"Ok?"

"Please assign them to the most dangerous elite battalion and let them die a heroic death."

"They are your brother-in-law!"

"If everyone thinks like this, when will we achieve the unification of the eight directions? When will we be able to spread our national prestige to all corners of the world?"

? "

Guarjia Liushu's answer was completely unexpected by Jiang Qingyun. He took a few steps closer and carefully examined the woman. She was quite attractive and had a lot of courage.

"Your whole family are loyal and righteous; this is a reward for you."

"Thank you, Chief Minister."

She blushed slightly as she received the jade pendant from Jiang Qingyun; the feeling of confronting the enemy chief face to face was truly thrilling.

After her figure disappeared into the distance, Jiangnan walked over and whispered, "Husband, how can there be such a vicious woman in the world?"

"Because she has other purposes."

"What purpose?"

"Political ambition."

……

This time, Jiang Qingyun took away 2 bannermen, almost encompassing all bannermen aged 15 to 45 in the capital, leaving only the old, weak, sick, and disabled in the inner city.

After leaving Beijing, they deliberately created some smokescreens.

Three detachments of Eight Banner troops were deployed to move back and forth between Tongzhou, Baoding, Zunhua, and even Yongping Prefecture, keeping the enemy's spies guessing.

Sony is a cunning old fox, overly cautious.

Once the effect of the troop-deploying smoke bomb wears off, your own reinforcements will return.

The army traveled 80 li a day, which was indeed not a fast pace.

But some people can't handle it.

In order to fulfill his promise of "winning battles and having sons," Jiang Qingyun brought five women with him: his wife Jiangnan, his concubine Lüzhu, Liu Rushi, and two pretty maids.

Green Pearl and Liu Rushi were sallow-faced from the jolting in the carriage, and were vomiting uncontrollably.

……

Early November.

The army arrived in Yuezhou Prefecture, and there were few sick people along the way.

The Eight Banner soldiers generally feared the heat of summer but were not afraid of the cold.

outside the city.

They were greeted by civil and military officials and local gentry.

"Gentlemen, I will only say one thing: there is nothing in this world that I want to do but cannot accomplish. With my arrival, Wu Sangui is finished. Before the Spring Festival, I will lead you to victory."

Everyone looked excited but relaxed.

Jiang Qingyun bent down:
"Alright, I've traveled thousands of miles and I'm tired. Gentlemen, is there any wine, meat, or hot bath?"

Everyone laughed.

A local gentryman said excitedly:

"Prime Minister, I have a young daughter who is well-educated, virtuous, and skilled in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A fortune teller says she has the rare quality of a woman who will bring good fortune to her husband and sons. If you are willing to accept this, I would like to offer myself as your wife."

Everyone turned to look at Jiang Qingyun.

Jiang Qingyun took off his black cloak and tossed it to a guard.

“Father-in-law, how could I not love such a virtuous lady? But let me make this clear from the start: I have no dowry to give you.”

"This old man will ask the Grand Secretary for leave and hurry home to prepare."

"Then go and come back quickly?"

"As ordered."

The old man was so excited that his face turned red, and he took off running.

Everyone stared at that retreating figure and burst into laughter.

Throughout history, the personal charisma of leaders has always been important.

When a leader arrives, even subordinates who were previously in a disadvantageous position will inexplicably gain confidence.

Jiang Qingyun's genuine confidence quickly infected all the civil and military officials present, and even the ordinary soldiers nearby were infected.

Soon, the entire army, from top to bottom, believed that they would win the battle.

……

On that day, a welcoming feast was held to wash away the dust of the journey.

Jiang Qingyun simply familiarized himself with each person's head and didn't talk much about the war.

After the banquet~
A brand-new pine tub, a comfortable hot bath, and a shy, well-behaved, and sensible young woman.

(End of this chapter)