NFBE Chapter 27 Only 1 troops? Looks like we need to expand our territory
Chapter 27 Only 1 troops? Looks like we need to expand our territory
Chu Yang said firmly in his heart, "Let's do it! The taxes are bound to be cut anyway, so just pay a little bit to show your appreciation, and leave the rest to the people of Qiongzhou! He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!"
the next day.
Chu Yang arrived at the training ground and walked into the military tent.
There were four military generals, Zhao Yun, Xing Daorong, Pan Feng and Suo Si, lined up in a row, with two scholars, Sima Yi and Wang Meng, standing aside, clearly distinguishing themselves from each other.
"All sit down."
Chu Yang waved his hand casually, and when everyone was seated, he said, "Sima Yi, listen to my orders!"
"The grass people are here!"
Sima Yi quickly stood up and responded.
"I order you to lead 800 soldiers out of Qiongzhou City immediately and set up camp on a hilltop that is easy to defend but difficult to attack. This will form a stronghold with Qiongzhou City so that we can resist foreign enemies in the future!"
"I obey your orders!"
Sima Yi bowed again in response, but a barely perceptible gleam of light flashed in his lowered eyes.
After seeing Sima Yi off, Chu Yang turned his gaze to Wang Meng and asked, "Sir, is there anything else in Qiongzhou City that I need to worry about?"
Wang Meng stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.
"Your Highness, Qiongzhou is located in a remote area, and the people live in poverty. In addition, Japanese pirates are rampant, and the people are full of resentment."
"Although Your Highness has exempted some taxes, if you want to truly win the hearts of the people, you still need to do something that benefits the people."
Chu Yang nodded in agreement and asked further.
"So where should we start, sir?"
Wang Meng replied calmly: "In my opinion, the most urgent task is to build water conservancy projects and develop agriculture."
"Although the land in Qiongzhou is barren, as long as the irrigation is done properly, the grain output can be greatly increased, and the people can have enough food and live and work in peace and contentment."
"Also, the army can harvest trees to build warships. This way, the people will have income, our warships can be fully equipped, and the freed-up space can be used to grow fruits and grains..."
Chu Yang couldn't help but fall into deep thought after hearing this.
Wang Meng's suggestion did hit the nail on the head, but building water conservancy projects and warships are not easy tasks. They require a lot of manpower and material resources. Given Qiongzhou's current situation, it is probably difficult to afford it.
"If only there was a military commander or civil official who knew how to fight on water."
Chu Yang muttered to himself and decided to send troops to capture cities and territories. It would be easier to get things done with talented people.
Thinking of this, he asked Suo Si: "How is our military strength now?"
"Your Highness, there are 7,000 soldiers stationed in Qiongzhou, 1,000 in each of the four counties, a total of 11,000 soldiers, plus the Xianzhen Camp, a total of 12,000."
"Among the three armies, there are a total of 3,000 armored soldiers, 500 cavalrymen, and archers..."
Suo Si paused, a trace of embarrassment flashed in his eyes, "But there are only a hundred crossbowmen..."
"Okay, okay, I get it!"
Chu Yang waved his hand, not wanting to listen to such reports anymore.
After all, it's too shabby!
"Quality is more important than quantity. These 10,000 soldiers, plus my trap camp, are more than enough!"
Chu Yang said confidently, with a hint of unquestionable dominance in his tone.
"Besides, when we're at war, if we announce that we have 30,000 troops, who would dare to say 'no'?"
"Your Highness is wise!"
Xing Daorong and Pan Feng on the side immediately bowed and agreed.
What they both admired most was Chu Yang's fearlessness.
"Mr. Wang," Chu Yang turned to look at Wang Meng, "You can now collect trees from the people in the name of Qiongzhou City to build super warships and bows and arrows for future naval battles. This way, the people can also share in the income."
"promise."
Wang Meng accepted the order with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Although Chu Yang looked cynical, he actually had quite a bit of experience in local governance.
"Zhao Yun, accompany me on a boat trip to the sea. I want to see how the fishermen live now."
Chu Yang stood up, stretched, and said to Zhao Yun beside him.
"promise."
Zhao Yun responded and followed Chu Yang silently.
After arranging everything, Chu Yang brought Zhao Yun, accompanied by several guards, to the dock of Qiongzhou City.
On the dock.
The dilapidated fishing boat rose and fell with the waves, a strong fishy smell wafted into the air, and several ragged fishermen were mending fishing nets, their faces full of fatigue.
"Your Highness, it seems that even though the Japanese pirates have left, the damage they left behind still exists!"
Zhao Yun couldn't help but frown as he looked at the scene before him. It was the first time he had seen such a bleak scene.
Chu Yang didn't say anything, but just silently observed everything around him.
He took a deep breath, and the salty and humid sea breeze penetrated into his nostrils, making his thoughts surge.
"The Japanese pirates come and go freely. There must be hidden islands in this sea area. It seems that it is time to send troops."
He spoke slowly, his eyes still fixed on those dilapidated fishing boats. He knew that he had to send troops as soon as possible so that he could gain more military generals, and at the same time, he could also inflict heavy damage on the Japanese pirates and intimidate other countries.
"Yes, if there were no hidden islands nearby, the Japanese pirates wouldn't disappear so easily."
Zhao Yun responded from the side that he had followed Chu Yang for a long time and naturally understood what was in his mind.
"I just don't know how to fight this battle. Zilong, what suggestions do you have?"
Chu Yang turned to look at Zhao Yun, with a questioning look in his eyes.
Hearing this, Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said, "I think now is not the time to send troops. Our warships are not large, and the neighboring countries are eyeing us covetously, and have already increased their troops. I think we should wait a little longer."
Chu Yang frowned slightly when he heard this. What Zhao Yun said did make sense, but he felt vaguely uneasy in his heart, as if the night was long and dreams were many.
If we wait until the neighboring countries are fully prepared, it will be difficult to send troops.
After a moment of silence, Chu Yang said slowly: "Since we are not going out, then let's lead them in."
Zhao Yun was stunned when he heard this, and then a gleam of light flashed in his eyes. He understood what Chu Yang meant. He wanted to use Qiongzhou as bait and set an ambush.
Wait for the armies from the neighboring countries to invade, and then annihilate them in one fell swoop!
"Your Highness is wise!"
Zhao Yun bowed and his admiration for Chu Yang increased even more.
"Hahaha, Zilong, let's not say these polite words between you and me."
Chu Yang laughed and patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder, his eyes full of confidence. "All we need to do is ask Mr. Wang to prepare a generous gift and send it to the king of Yan State, saying that I am willing to submit to him and hope he can protect Qiongzhou!"
"Is that so?"
Zhao Yun nodded, but he was confused: "Your Highness, after we surrendered to them, they just sent envoys to ask for food and grass, what should we do?"
"If they dare to ask for it, we will send troops to deliver it."
"What do you mean, Your Highness?"
Zhao Yun was even more confused. He always felt that this was a bit risky. After all, shouldn't he understand everything clearly before going to fight in another country?
"You'll know then."
Chu Yang smiled mysteriously, leaving Zhao Yun alone and messy at the dock.
He returned to his mansion and went straight to Wang Meng's residence.