The Prosperous Era of Longwan

The first draft of Qi Jiguang's "Report to Chen Bianwu Shu" begins with "Although there are many soldiers in Jizhen, there are also few. The original seven are the disadvantages of not practicing, six are useless, and the four are the disadvantages." The large number naturally refers to the large number of soldiers. There are few elite soldiers, many of them are just scrappers, and their training is insufficient.

This was Wei Guangde's first reaction when he saw the memorial, but he naturally knew about it and had seen it with his own eyes.

It's just that Qi Jiguang's vision is certainly not comparable to that of Wei Guangde. Although he only took a quick glance, he could see many problems.

Of course, the memorials are written in classical Chinese. Although Qi Jiguang did not take the imperial examination like Yu Dayou, he had studied essays since he was a child, so he was naturally able to do it himself.

Wei Guangde continued to look down and soon knew what he saw.

There are seven reasons why Jimen's troops are numerous in name but insufficient in reality.

The soldiers stationed in the garrison are not trained in military affairs, but are interested in rudimentary skills. The strong soldiers are used by the generals, and only the old and weak soldiers are included in the army. This is the first;

The border village is long and winding, but few postal agencies are set up. Envoys and guests come and go constantly, and they are overwhelmed every day. Generals and guerrillas become post envoys, and barracks and fortresses become post stations. This is the second one;

The enemy invaded, but there was no way to mobilize them. They rushed for a long distance, and both men and horses were injured. They were third;

The soldiers defending the frontier fortress lacked strict discipline and were not in order, ranking fourth;

In battle, cavalry do not use horses but walk on foot. This is fifth;

This is sixth;

Setting up frontier barriers without choosing priorities, and scattering troops due to numerous defense locations are the seventh.

If these seven disadvantages are not eliminated, how can we prepare the military well?

In addition, there are six faults of soldiers not training, and four disadvantages of no benefit if soldiers are trained.

What does not train mean?

The border stronghold relies on soldiers, and soldiers rely on generals. Nowadays, the orders of grace and power cannot make people convinced, and the camp regulations and regulations cannot make them work together. It is difficult to drive them slowly or quickly. This is the first;

Possessing a firearm without knowing how to use it is the second;

Giving up training on local people is the third one;

The soldiers transferred from various towns to strengthen the border defense are not under the control of the local guard station and are undisciplined. This is the fourth;

There are more than 40,000 militiamen in the partial division, and each of them is of one mind. This is the fifth;

The first priority in military training is to train generals. Now pay attention to the martial arts examination. The selection and recommendation of multiple ways are similar to this, but this is the way to select generals, not to train generals. This is sixth.

As for the four points that Qi Jiguang said were useless even though they were practiced, these were his ideas after observing military training in various places.

Nowadays, there are often ten soldiers in a battalion as gunners. They do not know that in the art of war, various weapons are used interchangeably. The long guard should be used to defend the short, and the short should be used to save the long. This is the first.

The soldiers of the three armies each have their own special skills, and they should be prepared for war drums, flags, etc. Nowadays, they are all abandoned. This is the second reason.

The skill of drawing a bow and shooting arrows cannot be stronger than that of the enemy, but if you want to use it to win, this is the third.

Coaching methods have their own origins and systems. If they are beautiful in appearance, they are not practical, and if they are practical, they are not beautiful. Today’s training has no real content. This is the fourth.

"Yuan Jing, according to what you said, it seems that all the Ji Town army has been destroyed."

After reading Qi Jiguang's memorial in full, Wei Guangde thought for a while before speaking.

"Mr. Wei Ge, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, it would be hard to believe that our Ming Dynasty frontier army has been reduced to this, with only a mere charade left.

The general just gathered troops in various places and watched them practice. Although some places seemed to have uniform movements, they were just fake. Many soldiers even didn't know the advantages of the weapons in their hands or how to use them.

Those who use firearms do not know how to use them, and there are even more people who use them. They are all old and weak, and they are almost different from those in the Beijing camp.

As for the generals, they are even more miserable. Except for some brave and ruthless people, they only fight the enemy with brute force and do not know how to train their soldiers and practice formation combat skills.

It can only be said that the Tatars have not been able to attack the capital for so many years. They are extremely lucky. Otherwise, it would be difficult to imagine that such a sergeant could resist the wolf-like Tatars. "

Qi Jiguang seemed to be a bit saddened when he recounted the story, as if he hated the stupidity of generals everywhere.

Wei Guangde blinked, not completely believing Qi Jiguang's words.

He believed that there was some news, or speculation, that people in the Ministry of War must know that Tan Lun wanted to take Qi Jiguang to Jizhen to be the chief military officer when he went to Governor Jiliao.

He may have other meanings behind describing the soldiers and horses of Jizhen in such a bad way.

At least, others can't see the shortcomings of the Ming army. If he can, he will naturally have a way to train troops.

After training these generals, should they be given another position, such as the chief military officer of Jizhen?

By then, Qi Jiguang had been promoted, and Tan Lun was satisfied.

Of course, the imperial court would not lose anything through such a transfer of positions, and the Beijing camp did not have to keep Qi Jiguang for training.

As long as Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang set up the airs of Beijing camp reform, those nobles will be happy to pick peaches.

In fact, even now, some people already want to do this. When the preparations for the parade are almost complete, they will ask Qi Jiguang to move.

All the words came to him, and they came through Xu Wenbi.

Although Wei Guangde sternly refused at that time, he was mainly worried about causing trouble during the parade. However, if Qi Jiguang voluntarily quit the parade and went to Jizhen to serve as the chief military officer, it seemed that he would not be unable to agree.

Of course, the premise is that the soldiers in the parade must be well trained and will not let their guard down at critical moments.

"You have looked at Jizhou, Changping and Baoding. Do you want to be the chief military officer in Jizhou?"

Wei Guangde asked abruptly.

Qi Jiguang's sudden change of face was a bit unexpected. However, the tension on his face returned to normal in just a moment, but Wei Guangde's eyes still caught it.

"The last general is an official of the imperial court. Naturally, I will go wherever the imperial court asks me to go. There is absolutely no other intention."

Qi Jiguang stood up and said to Wei Guangde with clasped fists, very politely.

"You previously belittled the soldiers and horses around the capital, but I understand that they do have many problems.

As for you saying that it was lucky that the Tatars did not gather a large army to besiege the capital, you are too underestimated by our Ming border troops.

Just say that the nearest border town to the capital, besides Jizhou, is Xuanfu. I wonder if Yuan Jing has heard of the combat power of the Xuanfu army.

Just last month, Ma Fang, the commander-in-chief of the Xuanfu, led more than 1,000 troops out of Dushikou 200 miles away. They attacked the Anda tribe in Changhaizi and were defeated. On the way back to the army, they were pursued by captives and defeated the Anda tribe in Changhaizi. Anzishan.

With such strong troops at their side, would the Tatars still dare to besiege the capital? "

Wei Guangde wanted to beat Qi Jiguang. Don't think that because he had won many battles in the south, he looked down on the generals of the Northern Army.

If he went to Jizhen with such a mentality, Wei Guangde would not dare to let him go. It was not because he was worried that he would not get along with his colleagues. In fact, Qi Jiguang was a thief in his handling of interpersonal relationships, but because he was afraid that he would be cheated in the border town.

In fact, the current Ming army already has the prototype of the later national army, which is dedicated to cheating teammates.

"The Xuanfu army is more powerful than the border army, so the general is certainly convinced.

Not to mention other things, General Ma dared to lead his troops out of the fortress to attack the Tatars, which was not something ordinary generals would dare to do.

However, it is a fact that the border troops lack training, their overall combat power is insufficient, and their generals are ineffective in commanding. If there are no good generals to train, the capital may be in danger. "

Qi Jiguang said quickly.

How could he not know the relationship between Wei Guangde and the Xuanfu Army? When Wei Guangde mentioned the Xuanfu Army, Qi Jiguang immediately flattered him.

Wei Guangde just smiled when he heard Qi Jiguang's words, and then said seriously: "What will you do if the Jizhou troops are handed over to you?"

Wei Guangde was taking an examination of how Qi Jiguang wanted to transform the soldiers and horses of Jizhen. Although he would definitely not be able to defeat the famous Qi Laohu when he led the troops, he had some confidence in his strategy after listening to him.

For example, he recommended Qi Jiguang in the memorial, and if Emperor Longqing asked him in private, he would tell him.

He couldn't be allowed to say to Emperor Longqing, "Your Majesty, you should read Qi Jiguang's memorial for yourself. Qi Jiguang has written all the issues about Jizhou's soldiers and horses in his memorial."

After hearing Wei Guangde's question, Qi Jiguang just thought about it and replied: "General, I heard that the shape of soldiers is like water, and water flows wherever it goes. The tactics of winning must be determined according to different terrain and environments.

There are three types of terrain in Jizhou: vast plains and fields, which are the terrain hundreds of miles south of the inland; dangerous and mixed terrain, which is the terrain in the inland close to the frontier fortress; narrow valleys, large trees and deep forests, which are the terrain outside the frontier fortress.

When the enemy enters the plains, it is better to fight with vehicles; in the interior near the border, it is better to fight on horseback; outside the border, it is better to fight on foot. Only by using the three interactively can we gain the initiative to win the war.

Today's frontier soldiers only practice riding horses and are not familiar with the formations of mountain battles, forest battles, and narrow valley battles. The soldiers trained in Zhejiang by the late generals at the beginning can do it. "

"Is there any news from Zhejiang?"

Hearing Qi Jiguang talk about Zhejiang soldiers, Wei Guangde suddenly became interested.

"The general has received the letter. The Zhejiang side really doesn't want to raise so many Zhejiang soldiers. They want to disband them and let them return to their fields. If I send the letter, I can directly mobilize 3,000 troops to go north."

Qi Jiguang said hurriedly.

"Are they going to the capital camp, or are you planning to take them to Jizhen to join the squad?"

Wei Guangde asked again.

"Lao Huige, the soldiers trained by the general will definitely not be used unless they have been under the general's command for many years, so the general wants to take people to Jizhou.

With three thousand Zhejiang soldiers as the foundation, and thousands of well-trained troops in Jizhou, I dare not say that Jizhou is impregnable from now on. If the Tatars dare to come, I will break out the Great Wall and chase them north. "

When Qi Jiguang talked about the Zhejiang soldiers, he suddenly became very powerful. After all, his great martial arts were all achieved by these soldiers.

With the Zhejiang soldiers in hand, I feel as if I have no rival in the world.

However, Wei Guangde has seen Qi Jiguang's record, and it seems that the Zhejiang soldiers were really outdone by him. Especially after he trained the Zhejiang soldiers, the combination of long and short weapons allowed the Qi army to perform jaw-dropping feats on the battlefield. Battle loss ratio.

The multi-arms coordination tactics were mastered by Qi Jiguang.

"How do you plan to reform the training of Jizhou people?"

Wei Guangde then asked again.

"As long as the imperial court gives me 3,000 artillerymen from the Zhejiang Army, recruits warriors from the northwest, equips me with five cavalry units, and ten infantry units, and listens to my specialized training, and supplies all the military needs at any time, Jizhou will be impregnable. "

Qi Jiguang replied hurriedly. He felt that his goal was expected to be achieved.

Although Wei Guangde seemed to have seen through his idea of ​​going out to lead troops, he did not refuse.

"When your Zhejiang troops went north, all the gunners you assigned were gunners?"

Wei Guangdehu asked doubtfully.

A gunner is not an artilleryman, but a gunner.

However, firearms in this era were simple. In fact, most gunmen also used firearms such as Fran cannons. In fact, it was most suitable to supplement the Shenji Battalion.

However, Qi Jiguang didn't want to stay in the capital camp, and Tan Lun also wanted to take him away. Naturally, Wei Guangde couldn't brush him off. After all, they were fellow villagers, and they had to support each other in the court.

"Two thousand gunners, one thousand killers."

Qi Jiguang said, of course the killer he spoke of was not an assassination master, but a soldier, or the infantry who put together a mandarin duck formation.

"The battle in the north is different from the fight against Japanese invaders in the south. Here, as long as we stabilize our position, the gunners are actually better at killing the enemy."

Qi Jiguang explained.

"You originally had 6,000 troops, but only 3,000 killers and 3,000 gunners each?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

"Yes, it is exactly what Mr. Ge said."

Qi Jiguang immediately nodded in recognition.

"Then you send the documents for the troop movement north to the Ministry of War as soon as possible. Even though Brother Zili is not in the Ministry of War, there will be no hindrance.

As the New Year approaches, we should complete the selection of soldiers as soon as possible and head north immediately after the New Year.

It's not a big problem if you want to go to Ji Town, but after the Zhejiang soldiers arrive, they must first participate in the Grand Parade. Your main responsibility is still the Grand Parade.

The soldiers have been trained. If you want to go to Jizhou, just go. Do you understand? "

Wei Guangde thought about it before saying.

"I will thank Mr. Wei Ge for his cultivation, but I will do my best to complete the mission if I have one."

Qi Jiguang bowed again and saluted.

"Keep this memorial for now and polish it later. Don't hand it over in a hurry. Train your troops first."

As he spoke, Wei Guangde handed the memorial back to Qi Jiguang, and then picked up the teacup.

After Qi Jiguang left, Wei Guangde shook his head and chuckled.

Qi Jiguang has always been a general who grew up in the local area. He has no idea how many people are watching him as an official.

Qi Jiguang's current position is still the deputy general of the Beijing Camp Shenji Camp, and concurrently serves as the commander-in-chief of military training in Baoding, Jichang, Prime Minister.

Because this part-time job was originally created to facilitate his selection of soldiers, the post of Military Training Governor was originally regarded as a redundant position by the Governor's Office and local generals.

It is obvious that the imperial court does not believe in the level of generals in various places and believes that they cannot produce good soldiers, so this position was created.

Among the civil servants, some people regard it as useless.

Come on, let him go to Jizhou to serve as the commander-in-chief when the grand parade is ready.

Originally, in Wei Guangde's plan, the reorganized Beijing Camp was to be commanded by him. After all, generals with actual combat experience, especially Wei Guangde, also wanted to try to form a modern firearms force in this era.

Perhaps many people think that in the Ming Dynasty, due to the backwardness of firearm technology, especially the slow reloading speed and low firepower sustainability, it was difficult to form a modern army, but this is not the case.

Wei Guangde has noticed the advantages of the Franco cannon. If a large number of Franco cannons are equipped with well-trained gunners, and there are generals with experience in this field to command, Wei Guangde feels that it may not be impossible to succeed.

As for the range, of course it will definitely be difficult to solve based on the technical characteristics of the Fran cannon.

The famous front-loaded cannon Hongyi Cannon in the late Ming Dynasty solved the range problem, but this thing was originally a cannon developed for battleship shooting. It can be used as a fortress cannon on a fortress, but it is really not conducive to field battles.

Qi Jiguang returned to the capital and reinvested in training soldiers in preparation for the Grand Parade.

More than half a month later, Tan Lun's inspection was finally completed and he returned to the capital.