Chapter 78: Frontline Events
Zhu Yuhuan and others were settled in the government office in Kunming, and the accompanying soldiers were temporarily stationed in Kunming City to supplement the original garrison.
These soldiers came from the three major camps of the Beijing Army, the Tartar officials and the Zhejiang Army. After this period of marching, and with Zhu Yuhuan bringing a lot of herbs to cope with climate change, most of the people in the team have adapted to the environment in Yunnan.
This time the army will mobilize a total of 120,000 people. It will take some time just to recruit troops from all over the place, not to mention that these people need to undergo rigorous military training to become a reliable team and officially go into battle.
During this period, there were also important preparatory tasks such as inquiring about Luchuan's military intelligence, surveying the terrain, making logistical preparations, and appeasing local officials and people. Even though Wang Ji and Jiang Gui promised Zhu Qizhen that they would be able to conquer Luchuan before the end of the year, there was still far from enough time.
Just looking at Mu Sheng leading his troops to run around in southern Yunnan and the border area, you can know how complicated the situation in Yunnan is.
Zhu Yuhuan made a few brief inspections in Kunming, met with local officials, and began to analyze the current situation with Wang Ji and Jiang Gui.
They already brought more than 20,000 soldiers, and Mu Ang, who knew the situation best, was still fighting on the front line. They couldn't let him continue to be delayed by Luchuan and other places and be unable to move.
This is not a big deal. As long as a part of the troops are allocated to support Mu Ang, at least temporary stability in Yunnan can be guaranteed.
Zhu Yuhuan thought for a moment and said, "Except for the Tartar officers, we will also take some officers and soldiers from the three camps with us."
Jiang Gui was stunned for a moment, but soon understood Zhu Yuhuan's intention and said, "Your Highness, do you want the three battalions to use firearms to intimidate the local officials?"
Zhu Yuhuan said with a smile: "Find a few more people who are fluent in the local language to convey His Majesty's order to attack Luchuan. This is also to warn these people that this time it is not the Yunnan government sending more troops to suppress the rebellion, but the royal army is marching south to annihilate Luchuan."
After Zhu Di's death, although the firearms of the Beijing Camp no longer had a place in the Northern Expedition, Zhu Zhanji often brought the three major camps with him when he patrolled the border, and firearms played a significant role in this.
The Tatars in the southwest were more backward than those in the north, and still adopted relatively primitive combat methods. Although elephant soldiers were powerful, they still had greater uncertainty compared to cold and precise equipment, so firearms could still maintain a great advantage on the battlefield.
Not to mention that now we are just dealing with a few local officials, having some soldiers from the three major camps accompanying us is enough to deter them.
Jiang Gui and Wang Ji exchanged a glance, both realizing that Zhu Yuhuan's words made sense. Wang Ji said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I will draft a document and submit it to the officials in Kunming for processing."
In fact, when they heard Zhu Yuhuan mention that the three battalions should go with them, their hearts skipped a beat, fearing that Zhu Yuhuan would say, "I'll go myself."
Since the eldest princess had a reputation for personally taking care of everything, even though Zhu Yuhuan was very self-aware, the two were still worried that she would rush into battle without thinking.
Something happened to the eldest princess. How should they explain it to the emperor?
When the others were about to leave, Zhu Yuhuan left Tuotuo Boluo alone and said, "Come with me for a walk."
"yes."
The two of them came out of the hall together, and the people around them still couldn't help but cast their eyes on them secretly.
Although everyone has become accustomed to the eldest princess's bold behavior, Princess Shunde seems to be born with a certain temperament, and she attracts attention wherever she goes.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care about those looks. He just left the government office with Tuotuo Boluo and the two of them strolled along the street.
Zhu Yuhuan then spoke, "If Mu Ang wants to come back, he needs to hand over some matters to you first. He won't be back for a while. When you follow him to understand the affairs, remember to probe him and see how he handles the local officials. It's been so long and there's still no result."
Tuotuo Boluo was slightly taken aback when he heard Zhu Yuhuan's words. After thinking for a long time, he asked cautiously, "Your Highness, are you saying that Mu Tongzhi might be colluding with both insiders and outsiders?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head and said, "That's not the case. If even the Duke of Qian was colluding with the local officials and Luchuan, why would they have sent a petition to send a large army to attack? The Mu family has been in Yunnan for many years, so they naturally have ways to resolve the situation quietly. But now that Mu Ang has been unable to return to Kunming for a long time, it seems that he is not doing his job well."
Tuotuoboluo was a little unsure and asked, "Your Highness, are you going to punish me?"
Zhu Yuhuan knew that Toghto Boluo was not adept at governing, so he remained calm. He simply smiled and said, "His crime is not serious enough. A simple reprimand will suffice. The most important thing is to get this general, who has been leading troops in battle for years, back as soon as possible. Do we have to wait until the entire army is assembled before teaching these soldiers how to fight Luchuan? As for the native officials, do as I say. First, use firearms to intimidate them and convey the emperor's will. This is to warn them that if they continue to oppose the court, they will face only death. Later, if a native official shows interest, promise him benefits, such as official positions and fertile farmland in central Yunnan. Upon receiving such good news, he will naturally discuss the matter with the other native officials. This is the way to appease them."
Although Tuotuoboluo didn't understand these things, he knew that it would never be wrong to listen to the eldest princess. However, he still asked hesitantly: "Your Highness, have you discussed these matters with His Majesty? Be sure not to accidentally provoke anything else."
Zhu Yuhuan found him trying to wink and glare, and found it rather amusing. He asked, "Aren't you just going to talk about Wang Zhen? The emperor is far away here, so just say it directly."
Tuotuoboluo sighed, "Everyone speculates that Your Highness was driven out of the capital by Wang Zhen. Even my housekeeper said so."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but reveal some helplessness when he heard this. He said, "If I don't want to leave, I have my own way to stay. I just have to go along with Wang Zhen."
Tuotuo Boluo raised his hand and scratched his head, his face still full of confusion. "Your Highness wants to come to Yunnan? The bandits in Luchuan are fierce. If something goes wrong..."
"What's that saying... 'When God wishes to destroy someone, he will make him mad.'" Zhu Yuhuan put his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains. "The more mad a person is, the more likely they are to be vulnerable. Then, won't it be my turn to take action?"
Tuotuoboluo vaguely understood Zhu Yuhuan's meaning, and suddenly realized it. He said, "Your Highness means that Luchuan is just a stubborn donkey with a strong appearance but a weak heart. As long as we seize the opportunity, we will definitely be able to return with a great victory!"
Zhu Yuhuan paused, and couldn't help but look at Tuotuo Boluo, saying with emotion: "You can use idioms now."
It's an object analysis error...
Tuotuo Boluo chuckled a few times and said, "I've been in the capital for so long, if I still can't speak idioms, isn't it embarrassing?"
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but sigh, "It feels like the last time I competed with you in archery was just yesterday..."
Tuotuo Boluo immediately said, "I happen to be free today. I beg Your Highness to do me the honor of going to the camp to compete in archery, so that the soldiers can see your prowess."
Zhu Yuhuan was about to continue giving orders, but after hearing what he said, he thought for a moment, then smiled slyly and said, "I can have a competition, but I never do business at a loss."
Tuotuoboluo exclaimed, "What business?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
