皮岛。
高台上，毛文龙冷着脸来回扫视。数千人的士兵呼喝着训练，没人敢在主将眼皮子底下偷懒。
盔甲、兵械、粮草拔付得充足，陆续运到。毛文龙现在就急着练好兵，尽快地获得战功。
而随着朝廷派官出使朝鲜，使得皮岛、身弥岛、铁山义州正式被借给东江镇。朝鲜还把逃难入境的辽民送来，使得东江镇的人口骤然增加。
Although a large number of people makes it easy to expand the army, it also means a significant increase in food and grass consumption.
Obviously, the imperial court and the town of Deng were also doing their best to support the situation, and it was not easy. Therefore, civil officials and agricultural experts were sent to help Dongjiang Town with the farming.
Wang Yining, the Tongpan in Yuan Keli's government, and several old farmers sent from Tianjin are now touring the islands, directing the Liao people on the islands to farm, cultivate land, and fish.
While the Dongjiang Army was intensively training, the Dengzhen Navy was busy patrolling the Liaodong coast. According to Yuan Keli's instructions, "the Eastern Tartars must not even sail a single ship."
The Jiannu had no navy, but they still had some small boats and sampans.
The Ming army's first purpose was to completely eliminate any way for the Eastern Tartars to go to sea; the second was to show off their military power and play a role in restraining and harassing them; the last point was to rescue the Liao people who had fled to the seaside.
Shen Yourong was transferred, taking some of his ships and soldiers with him. This weakened Dengzhen's strength, and they are currently undergoing additional training. Yuan Keli, while having a strategy, is still groping for implementation.
Therefore, after the Battle of Guangning, neither the Ming Dynasty nor the Later Jin Dynasty made any major moves. They were both holding back and preparing for the next round of competition.
Mao Wenlong was stepping up the expansion and training of the army, striving to win the first battle after the opening of Dongjiang Town and get off to a good start.
The imperial court attached great importance to the army and provided all food and wages. Yuan Keli also looked forward to it and sent more ships and soldiers. If the Dongjiang Army wanted to continue to maintain its current status, it had to prove its worth and its combat effectiveness.
"Kill, kill, kill!" The officers and soldiers ended with three passionate shouts and dispersed to take a short rest.
Feng Datie put down the spear in his hand, then came to the bucket of water brought by the auxiliary soldiers, drank a bowl of warm water, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Feng Datie reached out and patted the new recruit Zhang Xiaoxi who handed him the bowl. He actually liked this young man who was good at dealing with people.
Feng Datie found an open space to sit and lean on, with his hands resting on the pillow, looking at the blue sky and white clouds. In the warm sunshine, he pursed his lips slightly, revealing a somewhat silly smile.
After the Liaonan harassment war ended, the Dongjiang Army had rare leisure time.
Although this kind of leisure time is not easy, it is still just training, not a battlefield where you can lose your life at any time, or a miserable day when you are so hungry that you want to bite the stones.
The Liao people were constantly sent to various islands and inland areas, away from their hometowns and the war, and started a new life.
My parents and younger brother went to a place in Tianjin. I heard that they were provided with houses and land, so they should have no problem living there after a year.
The key is one's own identity. According to the new regulations of the court, if one earns the title of military dependents for his family, he can be exempted from taxes!
After so many years in the military, Feng Datie felt proud for the first time. Perhaps he didn't quite understand what that emotion was called pride.
"Brother Feng." Zhang Xiaoxi came closer, his smile fawning and a bit respectful. "Can I rest next to you?"
Feng Datie laughed and said, "Why not? This is a training ground, not our home."
After a pause, when Zhang Xiaoxi had settled comfortably, Feng Datie reminded him, "You don't have to be like that. Military training is strict, but no one bullies new recruits."
Zhang Xiaoxi chuckled dryly and said, "My mother said that in the barracks, you should make good friends with veterans. They can fight well and also know how to save their lives. Just like Brother Feng, he was the first to reach Jinzhou. He's really impressive."
Feng Datie tilted his head to glance at Zhang Xiaoxi, gave a wry smile, looked up at the sky again, and muttered nonsensically, "Your last name is Zhang too?"
Zhang Xiaoxi blinked and nodded in response, "Yes, Brother Feng, have you forgotten? My last name is Zhang, and my name is Xiaoxi."
Feng Datie pursed his lips and said nothing.
He thought of his comrade Zhang Zhuzi, who had climbed to the top of the city wall before him and was beaten down in Jinzhou. He heard from others that Zhang Zhuzi was not dead, but his leg was broken, and he didn't know where he was now.
………………
After the training, Mao Wenlong walked down the platform, looked at the groups of soldiers surrounding the water buckets, stroked his beard and smiled slightly.
As long as they have enough food to eat and can receive their salaries, even if it is not enough or there is a delay, it will not affect the Dongjiang Army's combat effectiveness.
Because the officers and soldiers were of different backgrounds, most of them were Liao people who had fled and had survived through untold hardships, so their requirements were naturally not high.
Besides, in this remote place like Pi Island, there is no place to spend money even if you have it!
It cannot be said so absolutely. The imperial court sent envoys to sign a treaty with North Korea, and has opened up direct trade routes. There will be many merchant ships passing by or docking at Pi Island.
Perhaps, the Dongjiang Army could also engage in some side businesses and take advantage of the lifting of the sea ban and the opening of trade.
While thinking, Mao Wenlong walked out of the training ground and returned to his tent, but he didn't expect that someone was already waiting for him.
"Master Chen." Mao Wenlong showed a little surprise, then bowed with a smile.
Shen Shikui was originally from the Liaoyang Right Guard Left Commander, and in his early years was a merchant. When the Later Jin invaded Liaodong, he was displaced and later took refuge with Mao Wenlong, where he also made some military achievements.
But this is not the main point. The main point is that Shen Shikui has a daughter who is famous for her "outstanding beauty". Mao Wenlong took her as a concubine and doted on her very much. Therefore, Shen Shikui was also called "Master Shen".
Although his daughter was pretty, Shen Shikui had a "ferocious appearance" and was illiterate, making him a rough man.
But in front of Mao Wenlong, Shen Shikui had to restrain his roughness and quickly returned the greeting, saying, "This humble general greets you, Marshal."
"You and I are father-in-law and son-in-law, there's no need to be so polite." Mao Wenlong supported him and gestured for Shen Shikui to sit down. He also sat down in the chair.
Knowing that Shen Shikui must have something to worry about, Mao Wenlong didn't waste any words and asked directly: "I wonder what is the purpose of Mr. Shen's visit?"
Shen Shikui rubbed his hands and said a little embarrassedly: "I am a merchant, not a soldier. Now that the sea ban has been lifted and trade with Korea has been established, I am thinking about whether I can take advantage of this opportunity to earn more money for our Dongjiang Army."
Mao Wenlong tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair, pondering without answering immediately.
Although his idea is somewhat similar, the Dongjiang Army is meant to fight. Wouldn't it be criticized if they engaged in business to make money?
With this secret reporting system, Mao Wenlong was in awe and did not dare to act rashly.
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