Early morning, Huangji Palace.
This was the first morning court session after the defeat of the bandits, and all the civil and military officials had happy smiles on their faces.
Chongzhen sat on the dragon throne, his face showing no emotion.
"Your Majesty!" Li Banghua, the chief minister of the cabinet and the Minister of War, walked out slowly, clasped his hands and said, "The bandits retreated to Juyong Pass after their defeat yesterday. According to the report from the scouts, the bandit army has set out from Juyong Pass and retreated to Xuanfu."
Chongzhen narrowed his eyes and expressed his admiration for Li Zicheng's foresight.
This guy does have talented people under his command.
Although Juyongguan is easy to defend and difficult to attack, Xuanfu is not.
Once the Xuanfu defenders surrendered, Li Zicheng's army would be trapped between Xuanfu and Juyongguan.
There's nowhere to run.
Unexpectedly, Li Zicheng also realized this problem and led his troops to retreat to Xuanfu.
In this way, the capital will be safer.
"What were the results of yesterday's battle?" Chongzhen asked.
Li Banghua took out a piece of paper and read slowly: "Yesterday our army had a decisive battle with the bandits outside the city. In this battle, we killed 29,297 enemies and captured 8,344. Our army had 2,709 deaths, 1,251 serious injuries, and 5,462 minor injuries. Most of the casualties were concentrated in the three camps fighting in the west of the city. Even Deputy General Wang of the Shenshu Camp was unfortunately shot to death."
Chongzhen nodded solemnly and asked, "From the time the bandits besieged the city to the time they retreated, how many people did our army kill? And how many casualties did we suffer?"
"Your Majesty, from the time the bandits besieged the city on March 21st to the time they were defeated on March 27th, our army killed about 71,000 enemies, half of whom were civilians in the bandits' army. Our army lost 10,089 men, 3,242 were seriously injured, and 14,891 were slightly injured."
Chongzhen said nothing and nodded slightly again.
He was not too surprised at the losses of the Ming army. After all, the civilians recruited temporarily had no armor. Although there was temporary armor made from books, it was bulletproof but not stabproof. It could resist projectiles but not arrows.
In addition, since there were no helmets, the high number of casualties was expected.
As for the number of enemies killed, Chongzhen expressed some doubts.
After the bandits were defeated, some surrendered, some were trampled to death by the chaotic army, and some fled in all directions.
When various departments compile statistics, they most likely count the last two numbers together.
Anyway, there is no number of people, so just call it that.
Although he knew that someone had lied about military achievements, Chongzhen had no intention of investigating further.
First of all, the strategic goal has been achieved: he defended the capital!
Secondly, the generals of various departments lied simply to make more money.
This victory was won with the lives of the soldiers and civilians in the capital, so he didn't care whether it cost a little more money.
"This victory was hard-won. The Ministry of War should reward the soldiers according to their merits! But remember, these merits were earned with the lives of the soldiers. The money must be paid to every soldier. If I find out that someone has withheld the reward money, I will execute their entire clan!"
While speaking, Chongzhen swept the entire hall with a cold gaze, making everyone feel a chill on their backs.
The civil officials were fine, but the military generals in the hall all looked embarrassed.
This sentence is directed at them!
In ancient times, rewards and military pay were distributed step by step.
The Ministry of Revenue gave it to the Ministry of War, which sent people to escort it to the front line and hand it over to the local highest-ranking general.
As for the remaining matter of distributing money, the general has the final say. Although there are military supervisors, the two often collude with each other.
This is also one of the reasons why the problem of ghost employees cannot be eliminated.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" After receiving the order, Li Banghua did not return, but stood in place and took out a book of questions.
"Your Majesty, although the bandits have been defeated, it is only temporary. The court still faces many problems. This is my memorial, please review it."
"Master Li, please speak frankly. I will look back later."
"Yes!" Li Banghua coughed lightly, "The bandits have just been defeated. The most urgent task is to strengthen the troops in the Beijing camp and Jizhou. First, it can prevent the bandits from making a comeback; second, it can prevent the Jiannu in Liaodong from taking advantage of the situation. In order to go to Beijing to defend the king, the Governor of Ji and Liao and the General of Liaodong have already given up Ningyuan. Now Liaodong has fallen into the hands of the Jiannu, so we have to be on guard!"
As soon as Li Banghua said this, all the civil and military officials in the court fell silent.
yes.
Although the bandits have left, the great threat of the Jiannu army is still lurking outside Shanhaiguan. They are much more difficult to deal with than Li Zicheng.
If they enter the pass and plunder again like they did in the 15th year of Chongzhen, the Ming Dynasty will suffer a devastating disaster.
The Eight Banners Army entered the pass five times, and each time they cut down enemies instead of destroying them. The Ming army's manpower was greatly consumed, and its economic foundation was severely damaged. This not only gave the peasant army a chance to catch their breath, but also gave them the opportunity to accumulate strength.
If the time is right, they will deal a fatal blow to the Ming Dynasty.
"So what does Lord Li mean?"
"I propose to reorganize the three major camps in the capital, but my reorganization is not the same as others'."
The generals in the court were about to object, but they fell silent after hearing the second half of Li Banghua's words. Although the three camps had problems, now was not the time to solve them.
Otherwise, it would be suspected of being a case of abandoning the donkey after it has served its purpose.
If we really abandon the donkey after it has served its purpose and lose the support of the people, there will be no one available when the city is besieged next time.
Li Banghua continued, "What I mean is to divide the soldiers of the three camps in the capital into two parts. Those who meet the requirements will be registered and become regular soldiers; those who do not meet the requirements will be temporarily cleared but not dismissed, and military pay and food will be paid on time every month. After six months, they will need to be evaluated, and those who meet the requirements will be registered, and those who do not will be dismissed."
"During this period, we will recruit soldiers for training to supplement the combat power of the Beijing Camp."
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