The chill of winter still lingered, and it would be another month or so before the scent of spring arrived. However, the Ming army in Luda was training vigorously, and more than 10,000 Liao people were building houses and settling down.

Apart from the islands, Luda was the most secure area occupied by Dongjiang Town. With trenches dug in the south gate, dense fortifications, and heavy defenses, it was almost impossible for the Jiannu to break through.

Not only Zhang Pan and Kong Youde shared this confidence, Mao Wenlong also felt it was very stable. Therefore, a group of Liao people from Dongjiang were relocated to Lüda. According to the emperor, it was best for the Liao people to be resettled locally.

Based on the area size and carrying capacity, it would be no problem for the Lüda area to accommodate 50,000 to 60,000, or even more than 100,000 people.

Although the amount of arable land is not enough to feed so many people, transporting grain by sea, combined with other side businesses, is always simpler and more convenient than moving to the inland areas.

Moreover, these Liao people who were settled locally would provide Dongjiang Town with a steady supply of troops, putting increasing pressure on the Jiannu.

Now, the once-abandoned villages and towns have been renovated and redeveloped, and land has been divided. The arrival of a large number of immigrants has brought a lot of vitality to the Dalian area, and it is gradually shedding the desolate scene ravaged by war.

"Cock the hammer to charge."

"Open the medicine pot!"

"Get the medicine bag!"

"Flip the medicine bag!"

"Medicine stuck in finger!"

"Bite the medicine bag!"

"Install the primer!"

"Close the fire door!"

…………….

Following the officer's loud commands, the soldiers kept repeating them, mastering the steps of loading and reloading ammunition, which were much simpler than before.

It has been simplified, but the previous actions have already formed memory, and it takes a process to correct them.

Zhang Pan took a step away unnoticed, avoiding the smoke that Kong Youde was spewing out with relish, and continued to watch the soldiers' training attentively.

The court's long-term plans were beyond his comprehension, just like this dress-changing training.

This was arranged long ago and was not a temporary decision made because of the Ningyuan victory. If that were the case, it would definitely be too late.

In other words, the course of the war was well controlled by the imperial court, or rather, by the emperor at a strategic level. At least until now, everything seemed to be proceeding in an orderly manner.

"See?" A puff of smoke hit him. Kong Youde came over without showing any interest, pointing and saying, "This new musket fires much faster than the old one, and soldiers can stand closer together, so the firepower is more than doubled!"

Zhang Pan nodded and said, "This is the conclusion reached through martial arts research and practical training of the Beijing Army. More importantly, it can be used even in ordinary rainy and snowy weather, which solves a big problem."

"That's right, that's right." Kong Youde nodded repeatedly and said, "This way we don't have to worry too much about the weather, and we can fight the Jiannu for a long time in the wild."

Zhang Pan smiled and said, "If we can completely change our equipment within six months, we will be the ones to launch the offensive this autumn and winter, right?"

Kong Youde blinked and said, "Even if only half of the troops are re-equipped, I think we can still launch an attack. This autumn, before the autumn harvest, even if we can't rebuild the Jiannu, we can try to burn all the crops in the three guards of southern Liaoning. It will be difficult for the Jiannu to survive the winter."

"That's a good idea," Zhang Pan praised. "A siege and blockade is meant to starve the Jiannu of supplies, making it difficult for them to grow. Burning the fields and cutting off their food supply is equivalent to taking food from them, which is even more effective."

After a pause, Zhang Pan shook his head helplessly and said, "It's just that the Liao people under the rule of the Jiannu will suffer."

Kong Youde glanced at Zhang Pan and felt a little dissatisfied with his soft-heartedness, but did not say it out loud.

To change the subject, Kong Youde smiled and patted the pistol at his waist, saying, "If we have time, let's have a competition to see who has better marksmanship."

Zhang Pan chuckled and was very fond of the flintlock pistol bestowed by the emperor, especially the words "loyalty and bravery" and "fearlessness" engraved on both sides of the pistol handle, which reflected his aspirations and ideals.

"These guys—" Kong Youde suddenly turned his gaze and scolded with a smile: "Are you here to say goodbye? Grown men are doing such trivial things. Going to martial arts school is their good fortune."

The reassignment of officers to military academies was an important means for the emperor to control the army. Only mid-level officers, or junior officers with particularly outstanding performance, would have this opportunity and treatment.

For example, these officers who are going to study martial arts may not return to their original units after the semester is over.

By winning over middle and lower-level military officers and controlling food, wages, and military law, Zhu Youxiao was not too worried about the emergence of warlords.

Zhang Pan turned around and saw several officers coming towards him. He couldn't help but laugh and went to greet them with Kong Youde.

………………………….

Pi Island.

After the great victory in Ningyuan, the Dongjiang Town headquarters did not take any major action.

Apart from Mao Chenglu leading his troops to fight in Lüda, although there was a small victory, the containment effect was very limited, or even non-existent.

Because Nurhaci did not receive any urgent news at all, nor did he retreat because of the diversion.

But this is not important. Ningyuan is extremely strong, with strong soldiers and horses, and its weapons and equipment are more sophisticated and sufficient than Dongjiang Town, and does not need to be restrained or supported.

Zhu Youxiao was already very satisfied that he could take advantage of the opportunity of the old slave to lead the troops to fight and win a small victory, thus weakening the strength of the Jiannu. He was not so much concerned with the results now, but rather the combat effectiveness and morale of the troops.

Therefore, rewards should be given to those who deserve them, and commendations should be given to those who deserve them. Liaozhen was a great contributor, and Dongjiang was no exception.

Bang! A gunshot rang out, white smoke rose, and a hole was punched into the target more than ten meters away.

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