What Zhang Pan said was not false.
From his point of view, distributing the war horses equally among the various factions would reduce conflicts and disputes, but a musketeer unit equipped entirely with war horses would be more combat-effective and mobile, and would pose a greater threat to the Jiannu.
Of course, it would be best if the mixed brigade he led could achieve this goal first. If not, giving the horses to Kong Youde first would not have much impact on his military operations.
Advancing northward, relying on existing forts or constructed positions, does not require too many war horses, and less food and supplies can be carried.
In fact, having fewer horses can better guarantee the food supply for the defenders in the stronghold and form a strong and stable situation more quickly.
Therefore, temporarily giving up the horses was a decision made by Zhang Pan based on the combat mission and characteristics of his own troops, and it was not simply a noble decision.
Kong Youde put away his stunned expression, cupped his hands, and said nothing more. Between men, the friendship between comrades-in-arms did not require excessive pretense.
In this military operation, his troops had traveled a long distance, so having more horses made it easier for them to maneuver when dealing with complex situations.
Once the meeting is successful, not only can they advance towards Haizhou from the southeast, but they can also capture Fengcheng and launch an attack on Jianzhou Wei together with their own troops.
"You must protect the imperial flag well." Zhang Pan reminded, "It's better to destroy it than to let it go wrong."
Kong Youde laughed heartily and said, "How could I not know the importance of the military flag? My life is worth more than it, how dare I be careless?"
Zhang Pan nodded, showing an expression of relief and some reluctance to part.
Shortly after the two men established their town in Dongjiang, they went to southern Liaoning together and fought several fierce battles with the Jiannu. They fought side by side against the enemy and naturally developed a deep relationship.
This time we are acting separately, but we don’t know when we can fight side by side again.
Kong Youde also felt the reluctance and sadness of his comrades before their departure, but not as delicately as Zhang Pan. He grinned and said, "Let's go have a drink to celebrate."
Zhang Pan didn't try to shirk his responsibilities as usual. He smiled and agreed, "Being awarded the imperial military flag is indeed something we should celebrate. Let's go, I'll treat you."
Kong Youde chuckled and said, "I won't argue with you. I'll save the money to buy cigarettes and alcohol."
"You should save money for getting married and starting a family in the future." Zhang Pan joked with a smile, and walked away with Kong Youde while chatting and laughing.
………………………….
In addition to the officers and soldiers who were ready to go, the people living in the recovered areas also felt the tension of another approaching war.
The officers and soldiers also felt that the court was different from before. The most direct difference was that the salaries and food were paid on time and in full.
Especially veterans with more than three years of service, they have a comparison. New recruits think that is just how it is, and if they don't listen to the veterans, they don't know the hardship and difficulties of delayed pay and withholding.
The people in the recovered areas felt differently from the officers and soldiers. They were concerned about their own lives and the well-being of their families.
"There's going to be a war again!" Yingzi's father sighed as he looked at the horse-drawn carriages and a long line of handcarts passing by on the road.
Yingzi's eyes were also fixed on him. She knew more than her father. Zhuzi was busy again. He hadn't been seen for several days. He was organizing people to transport supplies to Fuzhou.
"Another way to earn money!" Yingzi's father stroked his beard and said thoughtfully, "Should we get a car and do a few deliveries? I guess there will be a lot of work like this in the future."
For ordinary people, imperial conscription was not a normal thing. During the war to resist the Japanese invaders and aid Korea, many of the Liaodong civilians conscripted died, and there was no mention of any compensation. When the Jiannu rebelled against the Ming Dynasty, many civilians were conscripted as well, and they were all counted as corvée labor, meaning they worked for nothing.
Like now, the government has clearly marked the price, and everyone gets paid no matter how far the delivery is. This is the first time in history.
"There are so many people and so little land, so they have to rely on running around to make money." Yingzi glanced at her father and said, "We have land at home, so if we can farm it well, wouldn't that be better than running around and working hard?"
"Plant the land well," Yingzi's father said confidently, "We made a lot of money selling vegetables. We're almost saving enough for your dowry."
Yingzi rolled her eyes and said, "Don't save it for me, and you don't have to go through the hardship."
Yingzi's father curled his lips, took out his pipe and filled it with tobacco, wanted to light it but hesitated, tried the wind direction, and lit it with a click downwind of his daughter, puffing out smoke with relish.
"Well, the cigarettes I bought this time taste good." Yingzi's father praised: "My daughter is really filial. Let's grow some next year and make more money."
Yingzi felt a little helpless. She had land but didn't grow crops well. She had to grow vegetables this year and tobacco next year.
Yingzi's father looked at his daughter and muttered to himself: "I don't care about this pillar, even if it's lame, but why am I not in a hurry? I should find a matchmaker to arrange the marriage. Once my daughter is married, I will feel at ease."
"Silly boy, silly Zhuzi..." Yingzi's father muttered unconsciously.
Yingzi turned her head curiously and asked, "Dad, who are you calling a fool?"
Yingzi's father snorted, exhaled thick smoke, and said unhappily while tapping the bowl of his pipe, "Whether you are stupid or not is not up to me to decide. It's up to you as long as you think it's good."
As he said this, he stood up and put his pipe on his waist, saying, "Okay, I'm going home first. You can continue to be my clerk. If you find good cigarettes, buy some more."
"Dad—" Yingzi called out, but her father just waved his hand and walked away without even looking back.
What does it mean? Yingzi frowned and thought for a while, finally figuring out something. The girl smiled slightly and couldn't help but sigh softly.
Ping Liao, is it really like what Brother Zhuzi said, that it will be done in two or three years at most?
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