At the same time, the organizational structure of the Central Association was changed, with 4,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, that is, a mixed infantry and cavalry association, and it was designated to be led by Gou Zhenhuai.

Mao Wenlong was a little surprised, but more delighted. He planned to draw some soldiers from various brigades. These veterans and new recruits would be mixed together to enable the Central Brigade to have combat capabilities more quickly.

Using the old to train the new has become the main way for the Dongjiang Army to expand its organization, conduct training, and participate in combat as soon as possible.

Therefore, as long as the troops from Dengzhen and Jinzhen arrived, the Central Association would quickly complete its organization and have the ability to fight.

As for the lancers, it is still easy to pick out two thousand soldiers who are proficient in cavalry from the Dongjiang Army.

"I don't think the restructuring will be limited to just the Central Association." Mao Wenlong glanced at Gou Zhenhuai and made a relatively confident judgment, "As the court's financial situation improves, the other associations in Dongjiang Town will also undergo similar changes."

Mao Wenlong's guess was correct, but not entirely. Zhu Youxiao envisioned a mixed force of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and logistics, representing the future of the Ming army.

Of course, this has to be done step by step. A lack of money is the main reason, but other factors, such as artillery manufacturing and artillery training, are also limiting factors.

Gou Zhenhuai nodded in agreement, but sighed, "Your Majesty has used the treasury again. This year, it must be no less than two million taels, right?"

"I'm afraid it's more than that." Mao Wenlong quickly agreed, "Just in Dongjiang Town, the weapons and equipment, food and supplies, military pay and rewards, if you count them all, it's staggering."

Gou Zhenhuai looked at Mao Wenlong and asked with a half-smile, "The Marshal should know about Wansui's plan, right?"

Mao Wenlong hesitated for a moment, nodded vigorously, and without saying anything, stretched out five fingers.

The emperor did not announce publicly that the Liaodong would be pacified in five years, or rather, that he would strive to pacify the Liaodong in five years. However, the words between the lines of the secret memorial still revealed this message.

Is it difficult? Compared to Wang Huazhen’s previous boasts and the estimates of those who advocate a quick victory, five years is already a long time!

In the view of Mao Wenlong and Gou Zhenhuai, as long as the court maintains its support for Dongjiang Town, the emperor's wish may be achieved within five years.

Gou Zhenhuai looked at Mao Wenlong's big slap, laughed, held up four fingers, and said, "It should be this number soon!"

Mao Wenlong nodded and said with a sigh, "A year has passed so quickly, and so much has changed. Thinking back to the hardship and poverty at the beginning of the year, and looking at the Dongjiang Army now, I still feel like I'm dreaming."

Gou Zhenhuai also felt the same way. He was selected in the capital, personally given an order by the emperor, and fought in the bloody battle in Guangning. He then returned to the capital to report the victory and was sent to Dongjiang Town to serve.

Looking back, it was indeed a unique experience, which made me feel emotional and as if life was a dream.

After a long pause, Gou Zhenhuai gathered himself together, smiled to himself, and said, "The Central Association is about to be established. What should we do next? Marshal Mao probably has a plan in mind, right?"

Mao Wenlong patted the map on the table and said, "With the Central Alliance's defense against the Jiannu, I think that Commander Mao's idea should be put into action."

Gou Zhenhuai narrowed his eyes, staring at the map, pondered for a moment, nodded vigorously, and said, "Very good. Let the Jiannu know that we have leaks everywhere, so that they will be worried even when they gather their troops to attack."

Mao Chenglu had long had the idea of ​​leading his troops secretly northward along the Yalu River, entering the Changbai Mountain area, and harassing the rear of the Later Jin Dynasty.

Since the Later Jin moved its capital to Shenyang, the Jianzhou Guard, its former stronghold, was left unguarded. The Ming army could attack unexpectedly and unprepared, and if the operation was secretive enough, it would definitely catch the Jiannu off guard.

The results of the attack on the so-called "dragon's birthplace" of the Later Jin Dynasty were minor, but the political significance was significant.

Moreover, if the attack is successful, it will inevitably force the Later Jin to divide its troops to strengthen its defense, and weaken its ability to gather troops for battle.

"It would be better for our army to support Brigadier General Mao's actions." Gou Zhenhuai looked at the map, looking for weaknesses that could be exploited.

Mao Wenlong smiled slightly, pointed his finger at the coastal area south of Xiuyan (now Zhuanghe City), and said, "Control the coast, strangle the seaports on both sides, attack Xiuyan in the north, support the left and right coalitions in the west, and mobilize the Jiannu stationed in Fengcheng."

Gou Zhenhuai took a closer look and said with a smile, "I'm very familiar with this place. The Dongjiang Army has raided here before. Revisiting this old place makes the roads feel familiar!"

Mao Wenlong smiled and nodded, stroking his beard with his hand, revealing a very complacent expression.

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