Seeing that the coach seemed thoughtful, the subordinates who had been whispering among each other due to excessive excitement gradually calmed down. No wonder they were so excited to leap over the dragon gate and suddenly transform from rebels to high-ranking generals and officials of the empire. This sudden change in status really made it difficult for them to suppress their emotions for a while. None of them were staunch admirers of the Taiping Religion, whether they were the subordinates who followed the coach in the early stage or the subordinates who defected later. The ups and downs that the Taiping Sect has experienced over the years have made them see clearly that it is purely an illusory dream to want to sit in the world and enjoy glory based solely on enthusiasm and perseverance, and the coach can lead his team in the turbulent rocks. To this point, they have full admiration and unconditional trust in the coach.
Cheng Dayou's low profile and conservatism in Jiujiang once puzzled Cheng Dayou's subordinates. Faced with the flirtatious looks from all sides, Cheng Dayou greeted them warmly and politely, but he never expressed his attitude. . Even to the Holy Kingdom in Heshuo, Cheng Dayou still gave generous gifts from time to time, leaving his subordinates completely unable to understand what his coach wanted to do. Recruiting a large number of old officials, keeping the imperial policy and system unchanged, and maintaining harmony and friendship with the local gentry also made many of the old subordinates who had been following Cheng Dayou feel dissatisfied. However, fortunately, Cheng Dayou's prestige was enough to suppress everything from within. Despite the dissatisfaction, all policies were implemented without any changes, so that in the entire Wuhu region, Jiujiang Prefecture, which used the banner of the Taiping Rebellion Party, has become the prefecture with the most prosperous economy and the most stable security. This can not help but make Wuhu The traditional aristocratic power in the region was shocked.
And the curtain of all this was finally lifted today. Facing today's grand scene, the generals and officials, each with their own awards and appointments, couldn't help but admire the wisdom of their commanders. They have been waiting for a long time to have a seat. This saying can't be repeated. The popular old saying has become the most classic interpretation of this harvest.
Although Cheng Dayou didn't want to hit his elated subordinates, he had to pour cold water on them to calm their overheated minds so that he could launch his next plan. Situ Lang is not a fuel-efficient lamp. Apart from this first batch of military uniforms and military expenses, I am afraid that if you want to squeeze something out of him, you have to look at your own performance. However, Cheng Dayou has never thought of relying on outsiders. It has never been his habit to use charity and gifts to maintain his rule. It has never been his habit to put his right to survival in the hands of others, especially when this so-called master is not strong enough.
"Zhang Shan, have you checked the banknotes sent by the Central Finance Bureau of the Empire? The summer military uniforms will be distributed as quickly as possible. The original Taiping Sect items can be thrown into the garbage dump, and all original marks must be removed. Since we accept If you want to be recruited by the empire, you must at least save your face." Cheng Dayou asked several division commanders with expectant faces directly to his logistics and financial officer. Cheng Dayou, who was most based on the military, naturally understood the importance of logistics support to an army. Everyone realized that the person in charge of the financial power of Jiujiang Prefecture was not the director of finance, but this nondescript logistics financial officer.
"Don't worry, sir. My subordinate has already checked it. It is accurate. There is nothing wrong with the three million gold coins. I have already transferred it to the Nanyang Commercial Bank. Military uniforms have begun to be distributed to all divisions, but as for armor, Your Excellency, can you consider making some updates, especially the 4th and 5th Divisions?" The shrewd-looking man is dressed simply, and his life style is quite incompatible with his boss, but it does not affect the close relationship between the two at all. . The 4th and 5th divisions were reorganized from the Taiping Army who rebelled and fled Heshuo, while the 1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions were Cheng Dayou's old subordinates.
"Well, let's distribute the armors in stock in the warehouse to the 4th and 5th Divisions. In addition, we will continue to increase orders from merchants and make sure there is enough inventory. I plan to purchase from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Divisions. Draw a regiment from each of them, and draw a regiment from the fourth and fifth divisions together, and immediately reorganize two independent divisions. The armor and weapons in stock need to be replenished in large quantities, and the three million gold coins are just in time." Cheng Dayou. He waved his hand calmly and gave the order without any doubt.
"Sir!" Not only the logistics and financial officer was stunned, but several other officers in the hall were also astonished. You must know that the formation of the 4th and 5th Division was only two months ago. It has just been reorganized and named. Now Jiujiang has supported an army of 100,000 troops. Such great economic pressure has already made the financial officer feel extremely stressed. Haggard, although the empire has only given three million imperial gold coins for military expenses, this is only enough to replenish necessary equipment and supplies, and it is difficult to maintain the salaries of the soldiers. Now his boss actually proposes to recruit troops, which makes him unable to do anything. accept.
His breathing suddenly became rapid, and the financial officer who rarely got angry finally broke out: "Sir, I don't know what you are thinking. Now a legion of 100,000 people is stationed in Jiujiang. Do you still think that Jiujiang is not safe enough? We didn't have 50,000 people back then. I have also persisted in overcoming dangers, and now that the number of troops has doubled, is it more dangerous? Do we still need to expand the army to ensure safety?"
Cheng Dayou was not surprised by his financial officer's attack. If it were him, he would not be able to accept such an unbelievable military expansion plan. In just a few months, without any increased threats from the outside world, all of a sudden, More than doubling the number of troops, in the eyes of the finance officer, he was probably dazzled by success and wanted to go all out with military force to make a profit.
Cheng Dayou did not directly answer the question from his logistics and financial officer. Instead, he turned his attention to the other officers who were still hesitant. "What are your opinions? Do you have the same opinion as Zhang Shan?"
Several officers exchanged glances, and finally the eldest officer came forward and said: "Sir, it is important to enhance military strength, but we only control Jiujiang Prefecture. Is it too hasty to expand the army now? Such a large scale I'm afraid you have to consider the financial and logistical pressure brought about by the expansion of the army. We brothers think Mr. Zhang has his reasons for being so anxious."
Nodding, Cheng Dayou was relieved but also a little disappointed. He was relieved that his subordinates did not blindly agree with his opinions, nor did they only look at the problem from the perspective of the army. However, he was disappointed that there was still no one among his subordinates. A person who can view this reorganization and the complex situation that will be faced from a strategic perspective. It seems that cultivating a general with a long-term vision and strategic awareness will not be successful in a year and a half.
"Zhang Shan, please don't get excited. I want to expand the army freely. I have my reasons and my own sense of proportion." Cheng Dayou's explanation without emotion seemed a bit dry and tasteless. Before the coach could give the next explanation, the financial officer But he had already said it back unceremoniously: "Sir, your reason does not hold water for me. I only know that a legion now requires three to four hundred thousand gold coins just for salary payment. Jiujiang's current finances cannot support it at all, and the empire allocates You also said that you need to replenish the equipment and supplies with the funds provided. I don’t know how you will solve this problem? Not to mention that you mentioned adding two more divisions to the military establishment."
"Didn't I say it before? I have my own sense of proportion! Tomorrow His Royal Highness the King of Chu's special envoy will send a silver note of one million gold coins, which can solve the urgent need, but the army expansion plan I mentioned cannot be stopped and must not be stopped. We will execute it as fast as possible without compromise!" After a pause, Cheng Dayou glanced at everyone in the hall with a cold gaze: "Everyone, look further ahead and look deeper into the question. Why did Situ Lang spend such a high price? Recruiting us? Why would Situ Tai win over us in every possible way? Why would Situ Yuan offer a silver note of one million gold coins with both hands? Are they fools? "
The financial officer wanted to speak but swallowed it back under the coach's stern gaze, "Everyone, think about it, what do they like about us? Isn't it that we are an army that can fight tough battles and our attitude seems to be the same as that of He Shuo? Is there something different? The most important thing is that our brothers can fight and win the war! Look at Situ Yuan's performance in Donghai. Within half a year, he handed over the entire Donghai County to Situ Tai. We have an army of 200,000 to 300,000 people. But as for us, tens of thousands of people can defeat the empire’s army of 100,000 people. This is capital! If we don’t have this capital, then we are worse than shit!"
"What is Situ Lang thinking? What is Situ Yuan thinking? Doesn't he just want to use our power to deal with Situ Tai? Can we not go? After taking so many things from others, it seems unreasonable not to go? Maybe everyone I'm thinking, if we really don't go head-to-head with Situ Tai, they can't do anything to us! But have you ever thought, as Zhang Shan said just now, that this Jiujiang Prefecture can support our army of 100,000? Without the empire With support, we are afraid that we will not be able to survive this year! You guys may be asking again, since I can't even support an army of 100,000, why do I need to expand two divisions? This is not self-defeating. A slap in the face?" Cheng Dayou's eyes slowly wandered around the hall like a snake's letter, flickering uncertainly.
"I tell you, it is precisely because we have no way to survive now that we have to put ourselves to death and give him a try!" Cheng Dayou stood up and looked around the generals proudly: "Since the land of Jiujiang supports If we don't survive, can't we occupy a bigger and more fertile piece of his mother's land? Whoever said it should occupy the land?! I tell you, it doesn't matter who said it, even if he is the emperor. ! Whoever has the toughest fist has the final say!"