These are what Wu Yongxian and Mao Wenlong thought of, while the emperor said, "The military and the people are as close as fish and water."
However, it is a bit premature to say this now. The discipline of the Ming army was very poor in the past, and they often looted and killed innocent people to gain credit.
It was only after the establishment of the Dongjiang garrison and the development of martial arts that military discipline was steadily enforced. Because of the power of the Military Court, even the commander-in-chief could not interfere. The military judges of each garrison were personally appointed by the emperor and could report directly to him.
Of course, even if military discipline improved, it was still far from the people's army in the emperor's mind.
The emperor wanted to rebuild Liaodong and strengthen the army so that he could have a closer relationship with the people.
Of course, whether the military cultivated land or built roads and houses, merit points were recorded or preferential policies were implemented. For example, if the military cultivated ten acres, they would be given one acre, or their family members would receive merit points, or their merit points would be counted together upon retirement.
Therefore, the army would not resist or slack off, and Mao Wenlong also felt that they would definitely exceed the required number. After all, completing the task well would benefit both the court and the soldiers.
"Thank you, Marshal Mao." Wu Yongxian received the promise and guarantee first, and bowed to express his gratitude.
Whoever commanded the Liaodong army would be bound to follow the emperor's orders, Wu Yongxian was certain of this. However, prior communication was essential. The emperor took discord between the civil and military officials very seriously and would never tolerate it.
"You're too polite, Lord Wu." Mao Wenlong bowed in return, feeling that he had passed the test of Wu Yongxian and the emperor should be satisfied.
The separation of military and political power seemed to free military commanders from the constraints of civilian officials. However, in reality, the ultimate supply of military pay and food still had to be handled by local authorities, which was a disguised form of control.
Since the establishment of the Dongjiang town, military command, food supplies, and military law have been separated, forming a restrictive relationship.
Now, with the reconstruction of Liaodong, Mao Wenlong could foresee that the military pay and food would gradually fall into the hands of local officials.
It is unlikely that there would be any deductions. The emperor has been improving the social status of the military. With such an attitude, no civil servant would dare to disobey.
But the delay is understandable. As long as there is a suitable reason, such as a poor harvest or other difficulties, the court will not punish.
In short, maintaining good relationships is beneficial and not harmful. Mao Wenlong saw this very clearly.
In fact, Wu Yongxian and Mao Wenlong had the same idea, and the emperor had even told them so. As long as Liaodong was governed well, the future would be bright, and he also had this goal.
More importantly, Wu Yongxian knew the reason why he was appointed Governor of Liaodong by the emperor, and that was because he had self-knowledge.
After reading two military books, they think they can plan and win battles thousands of miles away, and they think they are superior to other warriors. Just like Wang Huazhen, who thought he was great, his arrogance eventually cost him his life.
Xiong Tingbi was one of those who dared to claim to be both a military and a civil officer, and indeed to have the talent. He was both a military juren and a civil jinshi. He commanded the army on horseback and governed the people on foot. Who would dare to say he wasn't?
But in Wu Yongxian's opinion, it was precisely because Lao Xiong was both civil and military that he was most likely unable to stay in Liaodong.
The reason is simple. How can the emperor be at ease with a truly talented man of both civil and military talents guarding the border?
"I heard that His Majesty wants to change the system of granting titles. I wonder if it's true or not?" Mao Wenlong and Wu Yongxian discussed for a while before asking tentatively.
Wu Yongxian smiled and nodded, saying, "I don't know the details, but Your Majesty does have this intention."
Mao Wenlong's eyes lit up, and he stopped asking questions and changed the subject, continuing his conversation with Wu Yongxian.
……………….
"Zhang Pan, He Kegang, Huang Long..." The emperor paused for a moment, as if thinking, and then continued to add names, "Cao Bianjiao, Huang Degong..."
These are the generals who will stay in Liaodong, or Dongjiang Town.
People like Mao Chenglu, Kong Youde and others will be transferred to the nine border towns to strengthen the entire northern defense line.
Although he trusted Mao Wenlong, or rather trusted the current supervision and restraint mechanism more, the emperor did not want to leave the environment and opportunity for Dongjiang Town to establish its own faction.
Those who remained were the loyal and brave generals whom the emperor trusted more, while many of those whom the emperor considered to be Mao Wenlong's confidants would be transferred away.
There was no fear that Mao Wenlong would have any resistance. Perhaps such an arrangement would make him feel more at ease, without the suspicion of having his own army, and he would not worry about Dongjiang Town being attacked by civil officials as "Mao's Army."
As for Mao Chenglu, Kong Youde and others, would they feel dissatisfied?
After being promoted, he led the model troops, or teaching teams, to other border towns and became the main force in fighting against the Northern Tartars, giving him more opportunities to make achievements.
Besides, even if he was dissatisfied, what would it matter? Among the current Ming army generals, especially those in Liaodong, there were too many capable and loyal generals, so the emperor had no worries at all.
"Your Majesty, Lord Sun has been summoned and is waiting for an audience outside." Wang Tigan did not dare to disturb him. He waited until the emperor stopped and stood up before bowing and reporting.
The emperor waved his hand and simply ordered: "Announce!"
Sun Chengzong entered the hall and bowed to pay his respects. Before he could complete the ceremony, the emperor had already offered him a seat and stood up.
"Your Majesty, when will the Ministry of War issue the document to start the mobilization of generals and troops?" Sun Chengzong bowed and asked.
The emperor picked up the transfer list he had written, and a palace servant bowed to take it and handed it to Sun Chengzong.
Sun Chengzong quickly reviewed it and had no objections. In his opinion, the Liaodong pacification was successful, and the generals had performed well. There were no major issues with any arrangements.
"Master Sun," the emperor said with a smile, "How are the Navy Department's preparations going? The Liaodong war has come to an end, and it's time to speed up the implementation."
Navy is the emperor's new definition of the Ming Dynasty's navy. From this new term, we can see that the emperor attaches great importance to the navy, which is on par with the army.
Sun Chengzong also knew the emperor's favor for the navy, and even when the war in Liaodong was in full swing, the investment in the navy never stopped.
Although he did not fully understand, and felt that the current strength of the Ming navy was sufficient to resist foreign enemies, since the emperor wanted to strengthen the navy and the court finances allowed it, the Ministry of War had no reason to obstruct it.
"Your Majesty, the Navy's preparations are being stepped up, but compared to the Army, the selection of generals is more difficult." Sun Chengzong reported truthfully.
The emperor pondered for a moment and said, "The navy hasn't seen much actual combat in recent years. Aside from a few veterans, it's difficult to judge the abilities of the young officers. But I trust Shen Yourong, so let's make the arrangements according to his recommended list!"
The emperor was indeed unfamiliar with naval commanders.
In his memory, apart from the sixty-year-old Shen Yourong, the Zheng brothers were the most capable fighters. But history has changed, and even if there are a few familiar names among those former sea warriors, he can't judge them.
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