The soldiers, who were exhausted and thirsty from the sun, looked at the sudden appearance of the cavalry in shock. The soldiers who had run to the shade of the trees on both sides of the road were even more afraid. They wanted to quietly move back to their formation, but the three thousand cavalrymen surrounded them. Their arrogant aura made them lose the courage to even approach them, let alone pass their warhorses.
The official of Qihe Province's eyebrows twitched involuntarily. "Are the bandits attacking? That can't be. If they had started attacking the city, there would be no sound here. Even if we are far away, we should still be able to hear the cannons on the city walls. That means … a new official will act prudently. Is the governor trying to put on a show of strength? "
The more the official of Qihe Province thought about it, the more he felt that this was the case. He turned to look at the soldiers beside him who were still clueless. He licked his lips and cursed, "Damn it, if I knew this was going to happen, I would have just endured a little longer. Now that I have become their target, I'm afraid I won't be able to escape a whipping. It might even be worse, I'll have to suffer a beating. But I am a baihu after all, I might just be reprimanded. Moreover … there are sixty to seventy people here. "
Yang Ling, Commander Luo, and the rest returned. Yang Ling seemed to have just seen the dozens of soldiers who had disobeyed the military order and his face instantly darkened. Commander Luo's face also darkened. He pursed his lips and curled them up, putting on the face of the King of Hell.
Yang Ling's real plan to exterminate the bandits had been secretly arranged with Luo Shiquan last night. When Luo Shiquan heard Yang Ling's plan, he was dumbfounded. He had thought that Duke Wei would come to Dezhou and personally take charge of the battle to exterminate the bandits. He had thought that he would be able to escape responsibility, and that he would be more at ease if he handed over all the disobedient Dukes to Yang Ling.
He didn't expect that not only did Yang Ling not bring troops for him, but he also wanted him to take on an even more important responsibility. If he could not unite all the soldiers gathered in Texas and mobilize the spirit envoys as if they were his own arms, he would probably lose his head if he did not cooperate with Yang Ling's plan.
Luo Shiquan groaned inwardly. However, Yang Ling had full authority to command the troops in Shandong. He could only carry out the plan he made with all his might. Therefore, he could only fully cooperate with Yang Ling's method of 'killing people to establish his authority, quickly reorganize the troops, and use the battle to hone our teamwork'. Only in this way could he bear the brunt of the next step of the plan.
Yang Ling stepped onto the platform and looked coldly at the dozens of soldiers under the shade of the trees. He said indifferently, "What's going on? I was just talking about military law and saying that military orders must be obeyed, and now someone wants to test the law? Who allowed them to leave the ranks? "
The generals who had their own subordinates leave the ranks had ugly expressions. They didn't know about Yang Ling's plan. They followed Yang Ling up the city wall, but they didn't see anything. They assumed that the Rattling Horse Bandits' scouts had left. Even so, Yang Ling was in high spirits. He led them around the city wall and gave them pointers. They went to the tower to drink some good tea and chatted for a long time before rushing back.
They were having a very good time talking with the powerful Duke Wei. These generals felt that they had left a good impression in the duke's mind as a smart and capable person. Who would've thought that their subordinates would embarrass them as soon as they returned? Wasn't this showing that they weren't strict with their troops? These generals were very angry and immediately ordered their men to bring the soldiers over.
Dozens of trembling soldiers were brought to the front of the platform. The soldiers standing in the ranks all stretched their necks to look over. Yang Ling placed his hands behind his back and asked coldly, "Before I left, I gave a military order. Before I return, no one is allowed to leave the ranks. Who allowed you to enjoy the shade under the trees?"
Among these people, the baihu of Qihe had the highest position. Moreover, he was the one who took the lead to leave the ranks. The soldiers who made the mistake couldn't help but look at him. When he saw Yang Ling's cold eyes looking at him, the baihu panicked. His knees went weak and he knelt on the ground. He mumbled, "Duke, I … I saw that the weather was scorching hot. Moreover, it's just a military parade. It's not an important matter, so …"
Yang Ling laughed coldly. "There's no trifling matter in the military. You're a baihu, but you actually took the lead to violate military orders. Do you know your crime?"
The baihu of Qihe was terrified. He replied respectfully, "Yes, yes, yes. I know my crime. I'm willing to accept your punishment." As he spoke, he glanced around. There were about 70 to 80 people on his left and right. A trace of satisfaction flashed across his eyes.
The corner of Yang Ling's lips curled up. He said without batting an eyelid, "Very good!"
He glanced at the soldiers and shouted, "Stand according to your command. Generals at the front, soldiers at the back. The first to leave the ranks, take half a step to the left!"
The soldiers anxiously lined up according to their command. The ranking generals stood at the front. More than half of the first to leave the ranks were the generals themselves. Looking from the stage, it was clear at a glance. Yang Ling looked at the rows. When he saw that there was an entire row without a general, he sent someone to ask and bring the generals who did not restrict them when they left the ranks to the front of the stage.
Yang Ling's expression turned serious. He said coldly, "Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. What does the military talk about? It's about strict compliance with orders and clear punishments and rewards. Today, during the military parade, I've repeatedly emphasized that we must strictly abide by military orders. I've even ordered the military to explain 17 rules and 54 executions. However, all of you turned a deaf ear to my orders and treated them like nothing! The enemy is right in front of us. How can I allow you fellows who violate military discipline to disrupt the morale of my troops? Come, law enforcement team. Take them away and execute them on the spot! "
"Ah!" Yang Ling gave the order. Other than Luo Shiquan, who already knew what was going on, all the soldiers paled. Seeing Yang Ling's law enforcement team charging over like wolves and tigers to detain the dozens of soldiers, the soldiers begging for mercy as they were dragged away, the generals beside Yang Ling could not stand still.
They had the responsibility to protect their own soldiers. Furthermore, the soldiers who dared to disobey the Duke's orders and leave the ranks to enjoy the shade were mostly their trusted subordinates. If not for the fact that they relied on the general's favor and were usually undisciplined, how would they dare to disobey the Duke's orders? In other words, these people were the most undisciplined group of people in the army.
Several generals went forward to bow and beg for mercy on behalf of their subordinates. Yang Ling clasped his hands behind his back and looked forward coldly. He did not say a word. The soldiers who disobeyed the order had already been pinned to the ground and tied up by the law enforcement team. Only then did everyone know that Yang Ling was serious. The soldiers who had pretended to cooperate and beg for mercy were really scared now. One by one, they began to cry and beg loudly.
Yang Ling's cheek twitched imperceptibly. He could not bear it either. However, if he did not use strong medicine and kill a few soldiers who openly disobeyed the military order to establish his authority, these tens of thousands of people would not know how to feel pain. When would he make these soldiers understand from the bottom of their hearts that 'military orders are like mountains' and know how to fear and obey orders?
Liu Liu's army was just outside the city. They did not attack the city for the next few days. Instead, they only looted the nearby prefectures and counties. Presumably, they were also gathering enough provisions and building siege equipment. Once they found out that he did not bring a large number of reinforcements, they would attack the city. Time waits for no man.
Today, he killed a few dozen soldiers who did not listen to his orders and did what they wanted. Tomorrow, he could save the lives of hundreds or even thousands of soldiers on the battlefield. He held the butcher's knife in order to save people. Regardless of whether anyone could understand, he had to persevere.
Compared to the strict laws of the border army, the military discipline of the soldiers here was like the difference between heaven and earth. The military discipline of the border army was superior. Other than being experienced in battle, an important reason was that the military discipline was strict. On the other hand, these soldiers of the Inland Guards, even though they were physically strong, lacked a fighting spirit and the will of iron-blooded soldiers. They were just a herd of buffaloes and could not become fierce tigers.
Of course, Yang Ling only wanted to establish his authority. He did not want to incite a mutiny when the enemy was right in front of them, so he still paid attention to this. He purposely took these high-ranking generals away so that they would not stay here to pretend to be good people and give the order to disband and rest. Otherwise, he would not be able to establish his authority. It was a taboo for military strategists to kill generals in the middle of battle.
Now that these high-ranking generals were not present, at most they would be punished for lax management of the army, and then he could act boldly. The officers and soldiers who violated military discipline were lined up in front of the entire army. They were forced to kneel on the ground by the law enforcement troops, their gleaming steel knives raised in the air.
The weather was still hot and the sun was still fierce, but every soldier felt a chill. Before the White Uniform Army rose in Shandong, these soldiers had very little actual combat experience. Only a small number of them had participated in the war against the pirates. However, because the main battlefield against the pirates was not in Shandong this year, they did not have many opportunities to display their skills.
Initially, the imperial court solved the problem of taxes by stationing troops in the fields. However, after more than a hundred years of stationing troops, the ferocious and wolf-like troops had all been trained into farmers. Moreover, the land of these farmers had been plundered by the high-ranking officials. They had neither the military force nor the morale of the army. How strong could they be expected to be?
Military discipline was strict, orders must be executed, and those who disobeyed would be beheaded. They had heard these words many times, but they rarely took them to heart. Now they really saw the consequences of violating military discipline. It was not only deserters on the battlefield that would be beheaded. It was only at this moment that they realized from the bottom of their hearts that they were soldiers. Military orders … were like a mountain!
Seeing that the steel knives were raised and the law enforcement troops were about to cut off their heads, the dozens of frightened soldiers screamed at the top of their lungs. The commander of the Dezhou guards, Luo Shiquan, suddenly shouted, "Wait a moment!"
He suddenly turned around and quickly walked in front of Yang Ling. He knelt down with his back straight. Yang Ling's face was full of surprise. "Commander Luo, why are you making such a big bow? Please get up quickly. "
Luo Shiquan pressed his hands on the ground and said loudly, "Duke, military orders are like a mountain. Those who violate military discipline should be punished severely. However, Duke, please consider that this is their first offense. Please allow them to serve the army and atone for their crimes with meritorious service. Luo Shiquan, as the commander of the Dezhou guards and the supervisor of all the troops, cannot be excused for his lax management of the army. This general is willing to be punished by military law. Please, Duke, spare their death sentence! "
Yang Ling said coldly, "There are actually people who openly violate military discipline during the drill ground. I will investigate the crime of your lax management of the army. However, rewards and punishments must be clear, and punishment must also be clear. How can you take the blame for others? General Luo, stand to the side. Don't obstruct me from carrying out military law. "
Luo Shiquan was wearing armor, so it was difficult for him to perform a full bow. However, he still tried his best to kneel down and kowtow heavily. "Please, Duke, pardon their death sentence!"
When the rest of the generals saw this, they quickly followed Commander Luo's lead and knelt down to beg. The tens of thousands of soldiers below the stage also knelt down to beg for mercy. When Yang Ling saw this, he couldn't help but hesitate. After pondering for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "The law cannot be forgiven, but since the entire army is pleading on my behalf, I will give them a way out today and show mercy outside the law."
When everyone heard this, they all breathed a sigh of relief. Then, they heard Yang Ling raise his voice and said sternly, "The first to leave the troops will be beheaded! The second to leave the troops will be beheaded! The soldiers who go with the flow will be punished with one hundred strokes of the stick. The soldiers who leave the troops and the general does not stop them will be punished with one hundred strokes of the stick! Execute immediately! "
Everyone was just happy, but when they heard this, they were stunned again. Duke, this military law is still a mercy outside the law, for the sake of the entire army's pleading? While everyone was in awe, the law enforcement team had already separated and detained the soldiers who broke the rules and were immediately punished.
More than twenty generals and the soldiers who left the troops did not even have time to shout for help. The law enforcement team's shining steel sabers slashed across their necks like lightning. Blood sprayed everywhere. Seeing their comrades' heads rolling on the ground, that kind of soul-stirring feeling was really unforgettable.
Then, the rest of the soldiers who were lucky enough to escape death were pressed to the ground. The water and fire cudgels rose and fell one after another. With one hundred strokes of the cudgels, even if they were strong and strong, they would still lose half of their lives.
As the punishment was being carried out, Yang Ling stood on the stage and said, "Luo Shiquan is the commander of the De State Guards. Under the orders of the imperial court, he is in charge of the reinforcements from all sides. He is not strict in his command, military discipline is broken, and he neglects his duty. He will be punished with twenty strokes of the stick. Drag him away and beat him!"
Three monks were just carrying water to eat, so why would they care about who put in more effort? What more when it came to war and soldiers dying and injuring people? The troops from all sides were usually scheming and looking at each other. Whether it was treatment, supplies, or the assignment of tasks before the battle, they were all fussed over every ounce. In order to balance the relationship between all sides, Luo Shiquan spent far more energy than he used on commanding the battle.
Even so, all sides were still not satisfied. Today, he actually stood up and took responsibility for the mistakes of the generals and saved the lives of dozens of soldiers. This deeply moved the generals and soldiers from all sides. In a very subtle way, they had already regarded Commander Luo as one of their own and had a very close sense of trust.
Yang Ling ignored the crowd and pleaded for mercy for Commander Luo. He forced the soldiers to beat Luo Shiquan. At this time, the execution had also been completed. The corpse lay on the ground, and blood occasionally flowed out of the neck cavity, attracting a swarm of flies. The soldier who was being beaten lay on the ground. His face was pale, but he grabbed the dry soil with both hands and gritted his teeth, not daring to make a sound.
After Commander Luo finished his punishment, two generals grabbed him and carried him back to the crowd of generals. Only then did Yang Ling say in a clear voice, "In the face of military law, everyone is equal! All the generals and soldiers must abide by it. If anyone violates military law again, I will not let them off lightly. "
He walked to the front of the stage with his hands behind his back and said, "Right now, the two bandits, Liu Six and Liu Seven, have gathered 30,000 troops to attack Dezhou. They have fewer troops than us, but they are rebelling. If the rebellion fails, they are doomed to die. In their desperation, their battle formation has become unusually fierce and brave when facing the enemy.
Our army is far inferior to this kind of imposing manner. If our scattered troops harbored selfish motives and disobeyed orders, faced with this group of fugitives, even though we outnumbered them, we would still be no match for them. So, not only do we have to step up our preparation for war and practice martial arts, we must also abide by military orders! "
At this point, Yang Ling's tone softened. He said, "Just now, the soldiers who left the formation to enjoy the shade and the soldiers did not follow them, each of them will be given an extra month's pay as encouragement. In addition, I now announce that the loot of the Ringing Horse Bandits and the White Uniform Army are all unowned property. Those who kill the rebels on the battlefield will not be handed over to the public and can be kept as their own. However, those who roam the countryside, even if they extort food and drink from the people, or steal the people's chickens and ducks, once found, will be severely punished! Do you hear me? "
The whole army was shocked. First, someone answered in a chaotic manner, "Yes, yes, sir." Then, under the restraint of the messenger, the whole army was like thunder, they responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"
* * *
In the main hall of the Martial Arts Hall, the original racks for arranging weapons were removed and a few more rows of tables and chairs were arranged. Qiao Sihai and the other generals stationed outside handed over the defense to their deputies and rushed back after making the appropriate arrangements. However, he did not have time to catch up with his old superior, Yang Ling, before he was led to a seat.
The generals and assistants were gathered in the hall. Yang Ling sat behind the commander's desk and spoke frankly to these senior generals and assistants, "The Ringing Horse Bandits and the White Uniform Army are powerful, but bandits are bandits after all. If they are not given a chance to establish a stable stronghold, their destruction is only a matter of time.
If they want to compete for the Central Plains and conquer the world, without the support of the people, without long-term preparation, without years of operation and accumulation, without a solid foundation, without the support of the aristocratic families, without the Confucian scholars, it is simply a joke. Why are they in a hurry to attack Dezhou, Tai 'an, and Jinan? It is to cut off the artery of the North-South Canal and turn Shandong into their base. They use time to build all of this, so we must not let them achieve their goal.
The Ringing Horse Bandits are now in the limelight, but their weakness is highlighted. It is easy for them to raise troops, and even gather soldiers and warhorses is easy. The nearby prefectures and roads are all for the imperial court to raise horses, and the people of the North are martial artists. After breaking through the prefectures and villages, and robbing the officials, property and horses are easily obtained. The common people are impoverished, and in order to survive, they can only rely on bandits, so it is easy to recruit soldiers.
But they use war to raise war, completely abandoning construction and destroying plunder without a base. As their army grows stronger and stronger, the land they plunder becomes more and more serious. The places are destroyed, and the counties and towns that can be taken down no longer have any profits. Whether they raise people or horses, there will be problems.
Therefore, whether or not we can occupy Shandong is not a momentary gain or loss, but rather whether or not this group of bandits can survive, and whether or not they can become my, Ming Destiny's, mortal enemy. The entire territory of Shandong must go through a process of defense, stalemate, and counterattack. The length of this process depends on how our various generals in Shandong can achieve victory on the battlefield one by one.
For the Dezhou garrison, your mission is to stop Bazhou's Ringing Horse Bandits, ensure that Dezhou is not lost, and ensure the safety of this important stronghold. No one has given us enough time to integrate the army and train the army. We must gradually realize it in battle. "
The generals stood respectfully and cupped their hands in acknowledgment.
After Yang Ling returned to the marshal's desk, he said, "I will now make some adjustments to the garrison in various places. When everyone returns, immediately hand over the handover and change the garrison. Before sunset today, the garrison and changing must be completed."
The generals sternly acknowledged, but for a moment they did not know what adjustments Yang Ling was going to make to the defense of this place.
Yang Ling said, "Qiao Sihai, General Qiao, and the original garrison in the Twelve Links City, return to Dezhou. Baoding Army General Huo, lead his troops to move to the Twelve Links City."
The two generals stepped forward and cupped their hands in acknowledgment of the order.
Yang Ling continued, "Dezhou Left Guard Commander Ji, return to Dezhou from Anlinggu City, Tianjin General Zheng, lead his troops to change garrison at Mulberry Garden Pass."
The two generals did not have time to think carefully and hurriedly stepped forward to receive the order.
Yang Ling continued, "Great Water Relay Station, Dianguan Relay Station, and other grain storage granaries, immediately transport all the provisions into Dezhou. Dezhou Regiment, Minzhuang, and the officers and soldiers from other counties who have fled to Dezhou will be responsible for this military order. After this is completed, I will rearrange these ten thousand people to reinforce Mulberry Garden Pass, the Twelve Links City, and the Dezhou Pier."
After all the arrangements were made, Yang Ling straightened his body and said with a murderous look, "In the art of war, ten is to surround the enemy, five is to attack, ten is to fight, and few is to escape. But now we are doing the opposite. Our army has the advantage in numbers, but we are trapped in the city. The Ringing Horse Bandits are only half of our army, but they want to attack the city. If this is the case, how can we still lose Dezhou? We can only take our own heads and thank the Emperor and the common people! "
The generals were frightened. Yang Ling's clear voice reverberated alone in the Martial Arts Practice Hall, "The morale of the army is of utmost importance. There is a saying in the art of war: 'Before the army's well is filled, the general should not speak of thirst; before the army's food is cooked, the general should not speak of hunger!' After changing garrison, all the high-ranking officers must move to the top of the city wall to eat and live together with the soldiers, to share weal and woe together. "
He swept his gaze across and said, "Our soldiers, their bodies are not inferior to those of the bandits. They are only lacking in their ruthlessness and vigor! I use military law to make them fearful, wealth and silk to make them courageous, all the generals should use the spirit of loyalty to make them united. The officers and soldiers are united, the unity of will is like a stronghold, the mere bandits are nothing! "
Yang Ling waved his hand heavily, "For the past few months, the Ringing Horse Bandits have been moving unhindered, like a hot knife cutting through butter, attacking cities and seizing territory, they have not been defeated in every battle. They are indeed the most imposing and arrogant soldiers. Now, let us make a big tumble in front of Dezhou! "
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