First Minister of Ming Dynasty

"Tell you, my father is dead! You have to go underground to apologize!"

After finishing speaking, Zhang Ximeng swung his fist, regardless of his head or face, and smashed down hard. Each punch was harder than the next. He wanted to vent all the hatred in his stomach!

He punched and kicked, and grabbed the whip when he turned around, and beat him hard. Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say anything, but silently gave him a bucket of salt water... Let's hit him, cramp his muscles and skin, and kill this beast with a bad conscience!

Chapter 43 Zhu Yuanzhang goes south

Zhang Ximeng kept swinging his whip and beating him viciously, until Lao Wang was ripped apart, blood dripping, his voice was hoarse, he couldn't make a sound, only whimpering was left, as if he was calling for help or crying.

I don't know how long it took, Lao Wang passed out, and Zhang Ximeng was also sweating profusely, exhausted his strength, sat down on the ground, gasping for breath.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang handed him a glass of water.

"Drink!"

Zhang Ximeng took it, the temperature was just right, and when he drank it into his mouth, it was so sweet that honey was added!

"It was sent by our sister."

"Madam? Thank you Madam for your concern..." Zhang Ximeng was greatly moved, but Zhu Yuanzhang stopped him, and suddenly hesitated: "Sir, we always feel that you are a little afraid of us. You seem to respect us, but you just don't kiss...Are you right?" ?”

Zhang Ximeng was trembling violently, and the sweat on his forehead became more... You are Emperor Hongwu, the murderous Zhu Chongba, under your command, naturally you have to think about how to save your life.

If you don't believe me, go to the comment area to see how many readers are reminding this!

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed a long time, and changed the subject, "Sir, why do you hate that servant so much? You hit him so hard?"

"This...Although he didn't kill my parents, he betrayed our family and took my mother's dowry jewelry when he was at his worst... How can I spare him with such behavior? I, I I want to chop him up!"

It is rare for Zhang Ximeng to hate someone so much... But the first experience was too tragic, the end of the world, the death of both parents, like a knife stabbed in the heart, bleeding out continuously, with no intention of healing.

"Hey!" Old Zhu sighed, "Sir, do you know our experience?"

Zhang Ximeng was taken aback for a moment, he naturally knew that his parents died, and Lao Zhu's whole family died, which was even more miserable than Zhang Ximeng.Kneeling and begging for a cemetery but not getting it, wandering for three years, robbing wild dogs for food, after returning to the temple, he continued to be bullied, and even had the temple burned...all the bad things happened to him.

"My lord, you..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, "Don't call it that... It stands to reason that you are from a scholarly family, and we are from a poor family, so we can't get together. But it is such a world that made us meet, and let us pick up swords and guns. Sir, Yuanzhang followed you to read and read, and understood a lot of truths. Yuanzhang intends to make a drastic move to create a peaceful world, and the world will be bright!" Zhu Yuanzhang stood up suddenly when he said this, and the dragon and the tiger jumped.A domineering arrogance of pointing the country came rushing towards him.

"Sir, are you willing to help us conquer the world and bring about peace?" Old Zhu asked passionately.

Zhang Ximeng was greatly shocked. He thought he could handle Lao Zhu, but for today's incident, Zhu Yuanzhang first sent his servant Lao Wang, and then talked with him about his ideals and ambitions, and told himself directly.

Both of them suffered from their families being ruined and their families were destroyed. Naturally, they felt sorry for each other, and it was reasonable to join hands with each other to bring about peace.

Zhu, you are too good at fooling people!

Does Zhang Ximeng have any choice?

"My lord, I am not only willing, but also want to assist my lord to ascend the throne, to help my lord, conquer thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, and create a new world!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed, reached out and grabbed Zhang Ximeng's arm, shaking it vigorously, his joy could not be concealed.

All along, Zhu Yuanzhang knew that Zhang Ximeng was in awe of him, even for no reason... He naturally didn't know about time travel, and he didn't know what kind of existence Emperor Hongwu would be.

He only thought that Zhang Ximeng was from a famous family, and he couldn't get along with him, the son of tenant farmers from generation to generation.Only then did I take advantage of today's events to open up my heart, open my heart, and be honest with each other.

Apparently, it works pretty well.

Zhang Ximeng really began to understand Zhu Yuanzhang, he is not a heartless person, on the contrary, he is a kind-hearted person who never forgets his original intention.

And it is this kind of person who, in extreme disappointment, wields the butcher's knife and looks at those old brothers who have deteriorated... The blood is on the knife, and the heads are rolling!

Love to the depths, can not help feeling unfeeling ah!

"My lord, I have thought about it a long time ago. Now that the generals in Haozhou are safe and sound for the time being, and Yuan soldiers will not go south immediately, it is a good time for my lord to show their strength." Zhang Ximeng said to Zhu Yuanzhang in high spirits: "I suggest that you capture Dingyuan immediately, then go down to Chuzhou and drink horses in the north of the river. Then choose the opportunity to cross the river!"

"Crossing the river?"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not expect that Zhang Ximeng would suggest so.

"Why cross the river? We are from Huaixi, and we are not familiar with Jiangnan."

Zhang Ximeng laughed, "My lord, if you want to fly for nine days, you can't be trapped by the land of Huaixi. The minister proposed to go south early because he wanted to plot Jiangnan. With my lord's talent, I should be able to see that Yuan soldiers still have a great advantage , if you only entangle in the north, it is easy to be wiped out by the Mongolian cavalry. But after crossing the river, the situation is different. Relying on the natural danger of the Yangtze River, you can block the northern cavalry. Then in the fertile land in the south of the Yangtze River, prepare your troops and save money and food, so that you can sweep The world, unify the Central Plains!"

Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang, the more they talk about it, the happier they become, and the more they talk, the more speculative they become.

When Zhu Yuanzhang decided to go south, he had already set his ambition to compete in the world... No one knows when he figured it out, but in history, it was not too long later than now. Lao Zhu met Li Shanchang and asked when To achieve peace in the world, Li Shanchang told Zhu Yuanzhang that it took Han Gaozu five years to conquer the world, as long as he followed the example of Han Gaozu, it would not be difficult to conquer the world.

It was this question and answer comparable to that of Longzhong that laid the foundation of the Ming Dynasty and relegated Li Shanchang to the throne of the number one hero.

Zhang Ximeng talked more with Zhu Yuanzhang, including the strategy of marching, including the training of soldiers, including money, grain and land... In short, Lao Zhu benefited a lot.

They talked and even forgot their lunch until at dusk, when Mrs. Ma came over with a candle, the two of them stopped, and Lao Zhu's face was full of red light.

"Sister, now our hearts are clear and clear, it's time to prepare to go south."

Zhu Yuanzhang did what he said, and he quickly ordered the rectification of soldiers and horses.

How many subordinates does Lao Zhu have now?

A simple calculation first shows that almost 3000 people were brought from Haozhou, and 3000 people were absorbed from the captives of Yuan soldiers.

Coupled with the 3000 or 1 people who have taken refuge in recent days, Lao Zhu's army strength is almost [-].

The 1 people are naturally uneven.

First of all, the most capable ones are naturally those who have experienced the defense of Haozhou.

The most loyal ones are serious fellow villagers like Xu Da and Hua Yun.

After selection, Zhu Yuanzhang first found three thousand elites.

These 3000 people are all equipped with horses and armor, and they are encouraged to practice bow horse riding and shooting.

Among the entire Red Scarf Army, there are very few who are able to make iron cavalry.

Old Zhu relied on the looting of loot, and the robbery was completely cost-effective.

It was a miracle that such a team was created.

There is no doubt that once the three thousand iron cavalry officially form an army, it will have an advantage over any surrounding forces.

It's just that strong men eat more.

Although the cavalry is good, the food consumed by one war horse is equivalent to ten or eight ordinary soldiers... The food that was originally robbed in Linhuai has already gone down for more than half, and now it is barely maintained by doing business with Huaiyuan.

The pressure of food is also a key factor in Lao Zhu's decision to go south.

He can't afford it.

"This time I will personally lead the army and explore the way ahead. Mr. Zhang is in charge of the Linhuai matter. He will make decisions on any major issues, so you don't need to ask us."

Old Zhu gave Zhang Ximeng great power. In the past, Zhang Ximeng might resolutely refuse, but since the conversation, they are of one heart and one mind, so naturally they can't play tricks.

Zhang Ximeng readily agreed.

"My lord, how many soldiers and horses are you going to bring? All three thousand cavalry?"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed, "No need, thirty people are enough."

"Thirty? That's too little, why do we need 300 people!" Zhang Ximeng said seriously, "My lord, you have to pay attention to your own safety, and don't be reckless."

Zhu Yuanzhang understood what Zhang Ximeng meant, but he didn't want to change his mind.

"Don't worry, sir. We're just going to check the situation. If there are too many people, it will scare them. Just wait for the good news, sir."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately asked Fei Ju and Hua Yun to follow, and 28 cavalrymen, each with two horses, set off from Linhuai and headed south immediately.

In history, Lao Zhu led nine infantry and walked southward on his feet for six days before arriving at Baogong River.It's so hard to die, the weather is hot, and Lao Zhu is also sick.But even so, Lao Zhu still completed the task of recruiting and surrendering, and got three thousand young and strong militiamen.

But this time, Lao Zhu left a few months earlier, the weather was still cool, and his subordinates became thirty cavalrymen, mighty and majestic.

Across the Baogong River, there is a stockade on the opposite side, named Lvpai Village, where thousands of people and horses have gathered, and the momentum is not small.

As soon as Lao Zhu arrived, an envoy was sent from the opposite side, waded across the Baogong River, and knelt down in front of Lao Zhu.

"There is no food in the village, and I beg three thousand stones for food, and I am willing to be a pioneer!"

Three thousand stones of grain can buy 3000 people, which is really a good deal.

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a while, then said calmly: "Since you are willing to surrender, then cross the river first!"

Chapter 44 The Wisdom and the Bravery

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately rode to Baogong River, which was already in the territory of Dingyuan. In front of him were thousands of people from Lupai Village.Fifty miles to the west is Hengjian Mountain.

Due to the flat terrain of Dingyuan and its access to all directions, it is not conducive to defense.

Therefore, the Yuan army put the main force on Hengjian Mountain, and Lao Zhang, the Zhiyuan, was in charge. Yes, this man was called Lao Zhang, and he was a pervert.He has tens of thousands of soldiers in his hand, and he has enough food and grass, so he is eyeing him like a tiger.

The situation in Lvpaizhai was very difficult, with few people and soldiers, and insufficient food. If they wanted to survive, they had to go north to seek refuge in Haozhou Red Scarf, or go south to seek refuge in Lao Zhang in Hengjian Mountain.

"My commander-in-chief would like to ask Guo Shuai to reward the army with rations...as long as the rations arrive, there will be tens of thousands of people in Lvpai village willing to surrender!"

Linhuai Town has a standard population of more than 1 people. Zhu Yuanzhang knows exactly how large the town is. There is not even half of the donkey brand village. It is really ridiculous to brag about it here.

"As we have already said, Marshal Guo has enough food and salary, as much as you want, but it is absolutely impossible to just give it to you for free! You cross the river immediately, we will arrange manpower, check the amount, and distribute food and salary according to the number of people. Is it possible? Don't you believe us?" Old Zhu was tall and powerful, his voice was loud, and he had a strong sense of oppression.

The messenger hesitated again and again, and finally stopped talking, turned and left.

Seeing him go, Lao Zhu sneered, and said to Fei Ju and Hua Yun, "This donkey brand village is not really attached to it, we should think of a way."

Fei Ju thought about it: "My lord, at least there are several thousand troops in Lvpai village, do we need to go back and transfer troops?"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed, "We have all the armor and horses, 30 people are enough to make three hundred soldiers, and the Lvpai Village is just a few thousand mobs. The army lacks food and people's hearts are scattered. Why bother to take it!"

Fei Ju was not Zhang Ximeng, so he didn't dare to talk nonsense to Lao Zhu... He just hesitated in his heart. In the final analysis, it was thirty to three thousand, a hundred times the difference, so he was a little terrified and shuddered.

Lao Zhu didn't say much to him, but asked the big guy, "Who is willing to go to Lvpai Village for us now? Let's make it clear that going this time is very dangerous, and we must be bold and careful."

As soon as the words fell, Hua Yun couldn't wait, "Master, this kind of thing suits me best, let me go!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Hua Yun, and indeed no one was more suitable than him.

It's just that Lao Zhu still doesn't feel at ease, and has to give some advice.

"When you go to Lvpai Village now, you say that you are leading them the way. After they come out, you raise the banner on your body, and the soldiers and horses go over here... You have to remember, we are going to check the quantity, not do it... Definitely After three times, you raise the banner and shake it vigorously, and all of us will come out to capture the thief and the king! Do you understand?"

Hua Yun's mind was not very bright, and after thinking for a long time, she slapped her forehead, her eyes lit up, and said happily, "Isn't this just to trick them into lowering their vigilance, and then sneak attack? I understand!"

After the guy finished speaking, he jumped on his horse and grabbed a small flag. The big horse flew across Baogong River and headed straight for Lvpai Village.

He left in a hurry, and didn't have time to give more instructions. Fei Ju was still a little worried, for fear that Hua Yun would mess things up.

But Lao Zhu was calm, with a smile on his face, jumped off the horse, let the war horse eat some water plants, and had a rest. Others followed Zhu Yuanzhang's example and relaxed the war horse.

Old Zhu said to the big guys: "There are several thousand of them, and it will not be easy to gather them together. There are only two or three hours, and they cannot cross the river. Let's take advantage of this time to have a good rest, refresh our minds, and then kill them all at once." It's settled immediately, this donkey brand village is ours, there is no need to go to war, understand?"

Everyone nodded together, they also felt that Lao Zhu's idea was reasonable, so they couldn't help remembering it in their hearts.

No one is born a warrior, how to lead the army, how to fight, there is no fixed routine, some just know yourself and the enemy, and adapt to the situation.

Zhu Yuanzhang is not only learning by himself, but also teaching these subordinates. One day, they can all be on their own, and it is not far from sweeping the world.

Sure enough, as Lao Zhu expected, after waiting for three full hours, the direction of Lvpai Village was full of commotion before soldiers and horses came out.It's just that they moved too slowly and dragged their feet. When crossing the river, they were afraid of the cold water, so they struggled for a long time before crossing the river sparingly.

At this moment, Lao Zhu and his subordinates were ready.

This time there were not many people coming out of Lvpaizhai, at most fifteen hundred, Lao Zhu didn't know why, but he didn't want to change the plan, because Hua Yun had already raised the little red flag in his hand.

At this time, Fei Ju immediately led his troops over.

"I was ordered to check the number of people, and I will be your guide!"

The commander of Lvpaizhai was stunned for a moment, seeing that Fei Ju and the others were friendly and there was nothing unusual, so he agreed.

Fei Ju passed by the crowd, looked at the overall situation... couldn't help but nod secretly, the superior is really right, where is this a soldier?They are clearly a group of beggars.

There were more than 1000 people, whose armors could be counted on one hand. Many of them were in rags, and they didn't even have weapons, just holding a wooden stick.

There is really no need to mobilize troops.

Fei Ju got the idea, turned his horse around, and went to report to Lao Zhu.

The soldiers and horses moved forward again, and walked for a while. Hua Yun held up the small flag again, and Zhu Yuanzhang, who was far away, came over in person.

The marshals of Lvpaizhai answered one by one, and Zhu Yuanzhang left calmly.

This time Lao Zhu was also relieved.

Time passed by, and seeing that it was getting closer to dusk, Hua Yun raised the red flag for the third time, Zhu Yuanzhang rushed over on a galloping horse, and all the soldiers followed at a galloping speed. Everyone had already shown their weapons and was ready for battle. .

"It's getting late, so we can cook and set up camp. Guo Shuai's welcome team will arrive tomorrow."