Chapter 142: Shule Battle Situation Planning

The contract for military uniforms came to an end after the Nai family officially joined the competition. Because the Nai family made a suggestion that Mo He and others were stunned. Naibu said that the Tang army had great contributions to Shule, and the Shule people were able to save their lives and entered the city in time. Therefore, the people in Shule hoped to express some respect to the Tang army and provide a set of cotton coats for the soldiers of the Thirteen Prefectures of the Tang army for free.

In front of Zhang Mai and Shule's twenty-five wealthy businessmen, Naibu said very humble, but all the wealthy businessmen were shocked. The total number of soldiers in the Thirteen Prefectures was 15,600. If each had a set of cotton coats, it would be 15,600. This was a huge number. Mo He thought that if he changed himself, he would have to lose 70,000% of his family's wealth after the donation. Although Naibu claimed to be a "co-name of the people in the market" and also joined dozens of small merchants, everyone knew in their hearts how much money could those small merchants pay? In the end, the Nai family was the one who made the big deal. Naibula went to those small merchants just to avoid being too popular.

Yang Dingguo and others were deeply moved by the sincerity of the Nai family. After the gathering, they discussed the ownership of the military uniform castle. The generals, Kuraku, Hu and the military officials all believed that they should be handed over to the Nai family. After all, the Nai family and the Tang army had already cooperated when they were still in Kulan City, and the trust established by both sides was much deeper than that of other families.

Zhang Mai did not reject the views of the generals and Caos, but said: "Business can be handed over to the Nai family, but it cannot be handed over to the Nai family. It is best to find another one to make the two companies form a competitive relationship and avoid monopoly." Most of the generals don't understand what the relationship is about monopoly, but after Special Envoy Zhang said this, they always feel that it is correct.

Zheng Wei said: "Who are you going to hand over to? Mo He? Or Bike?"

When Guo Shiyong heard this, he immediately expressed his objection: "No! These people cannot! Think about it, what did these two unscrupulous merchants do when we besieged Shule! Although they were under Hushagar at that time, they made great fortunes during the siege of the city. Shule's people were so angry that they hated them! Such a person with such character, if he encounters danger in the future, he will continue to take advantage of the situation and hand over our military uniforms to them. I am afraid that they will make fraud in their clothes. If the soldiers are frostbite and frostbite to death, it will be a big mistake."

All the generals and Caos nodded secretly after hearing this. The five major grain merchants saved their lives and property because they surrendered to the Tang army first. After Shule changed hands, they also tried their best to assist the Tang army in maintaining the grain prices. However, the senior management of the Protectorate did not like these people. The Warehouse Military Office was already planning to build a new grain sales system to replace the private sales system monopolized by the five major grain merchants.

Cangcao joined the military officer Guo Taixing and said, "Then, let's leave the other half to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Our clothes have always been made by sisters and sisters of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They are strong and durable, and there is never any mistake."

Yang Dingguo and others nodded, but Zhang Mai said, "No, we are different now than before. In the past, when we were in Xinruiye City or during the march, the Great Protectorate was a military and civilian who were in charge of food, drinking, defecation and urination. But now we have settled down and have a big city. Some functions must be cut off, and the Great Protectorate cannot manage too much. Moreover, relying on the sisters and sisters of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the situation has changed, and these military families may not be able to do these things fully. Secondly, they are labor-intensive and inefficient. Military uniforms and so on, and they should still be handed over to more efficient merchants. However, this merchant must be someone we can trust."

The generals and Caos discussed which merchant had trust and had the ability. Zhang Mai turned to Zheng Wei: "I heard that you asked Zheng Han to learn business?"

Zheng Wei smiled and said, "Why are you talking about this here? Well, that's right, we are businessmen after all, and I handed over the whole person to our Tang Jun, but I also hope that the Zheng family's business connection will not be broken, so I asked my brother to learn to do business."

Zhang Mai said: "The Zheng family has made a lot of contributions to our Tang army. I won't mention the benefits received in the Xinruiye City era. Just say that after we captured Talas and Julan City that day, although we helped you recover your family property, you donated all your wealth as military funds after replacing it. Until today, your whole family has only lived with your salary. You were the richest man in Julan City, but now you have become so poor. If you don't have it, you will say that this is the result of helping the Tang army. Our reputation will be terrible."

All the generals laughed, and Yang Dingguo also said, "Yes, we should make up for the Zheng family."

Guo Taixing said: "How can we make up for it? Special Envoy Zhang, Deputy Protector, I will give you a brief first. In the past two months, we have built canal dams, trained new troops, rushed to winter clothes, repaired city walls, and rewarded the meritorious soldiers, but money and grain are in there! We will have to tighten our belts in the next half year. If we want to allocate a large amount of money from the warehouse, we may not be able to do so."

Zheng Wei said: "I know the details of Cangcao. We really can't spend money indiscriminately now. Let's talk about it later."

"Since we have already mastered the regime in this area, we may not have to pay for it ourselves if we want to make up for a family." Zhang Mai said: "I mean, General Junyi's business is divided into two. Not only does he have to make a set of cotton clothes, but he also has to make a set of summer clothes. There are two sets of clothes in total, and half of them are handed over to the Nai family, and the other half, Zheng Han also set up a workshop for Zheng Han to do it."

Zheng Wei was surprised and said, "Ahan? That's not possible! How old is he? How old is he? How could he do such a big thing?"

Zhang Mai smiled and said, "I said okay, that's fine. If something goes wrong, I'll ask me to ask. If it really doesn't work, let Zheng Hao take off his military post and go home to assist him. The Nai family said that he would help us make cotton coats for free. We have received this intention, but his family has made contributions to my Protectorate. We can't let him lose too much. This way, we rented him 1,500 slaves at a low price, with a lease period of one year, and allocated him a piece of land, let him make workshops and cotton in warehouses be sold to him at a low price. Such people

With all the resources and resources, he should be able to save a lot of money. Ah Han gave him a batch of cotton for free, 1,500 slaves, and he also exempted the rent. It lasted for two years, land and workshops, but he had to raise the money for operation by himself. We did not pay for the first batch of clothes made by the two companies, but if the quality was good, we would continue to hand over the business to the two companies in the future." He also said to Guo Taixing: "Although the first batch of clothes, the quality must be tight, and no defective products are charged."

All the generals and the Caos felt that Zhang Mai's arrangement was a good strategy.

After the military uniforms came to an end, Shule's business structure had a subtle adjustment. After the weather became colder and colder, Master Faru, the presidency of the Jokhang Temple, sent a disciple and an old farmer to see Zhang Mai and said, "When the weather is suddenly cold, you must be prevented from sudden heat. If the Geluoling Pass is unblocked, then this battle will probably start."

Zhang Mai was not as experienced as these old people when it came to the changes in the weather. After hearing this, he quickly summoned the generals to discuss. The generals were not surprised, but were happy, and said, "We have been waiting for this battle for more than two months!"

If Shule had not yet captured, the Tang army would not want to conflict with Satuk, but at this time they wanted Satuk to come quickly. The Shule area was already firm and cleared, and the Tang army was backed by a strong city, with soldiers and food. What were you afraid of? If Satuk didn't come, it would be a shame. If you dare to come, the top leaders of the Tang army would be sure to defeat and annihilate him.

Zhang Mai said: "We are not afraid of fighting. The question is how to fight this battle and where to fight."

Guo Luo said: "I think it is best to advance troops and hold the pass of Geluoling Mountains, which is to hold the throat of the Uighurs coming in, so that they can guarantee victory. No matter how long the war lasts, it will not affect our agriculture and animal husbandry in the new year."

Yang Dingguo, Guo Shiyong and others nodded and said yes, but Yang Yi said, "No! You cannot seal the Geluoling Pass. Not only can you seal it, but you also have to let them in!"

Guo Luo was shocked. He and Yang Yi were natural allies when they were in the new Yecheng City. However, in the past two months, the differences between the two in military and political opinions have become more and more obvious. Guo Luo's demeanor has become more and more calm, while Yang Yi has become more and more energetic after winning many times.

"Let them come in?" Guo Shiyong frowned and said, "That's a dangerous move! If the Geluoling Pass is sealed, then we can at least ensure unbeaten, but if they are allowed to come in, it will be impossible to be sure of everything."

"Nothing is possible? There is no foolproof battle in the world!" Yang Yi said: "We don't know the situation west of the mountain pass. I heard from the prisoners of the Tianfang Sect that they had occupied Ejihan before the Geluo Ridge was closed. If Satuk handled it well, he might have occupied Ejihan and Talas at the same time. Although he lost Shule's vitality and severely injured, he still had the power to fight. After all, this man and the shaman and Balashaguon have a deep relationship. If he can settle both of these aspects and then attack us with all his strength, he will form a tug-of-war with us at the east and west of the Geluo Ridge."

Guo Shiyong said: "Even if the war starts at the Geluoling Pass, it will not be unfavorable to us."

"It will not be unfavorable, but it will not be beneficial!" Yang Yi said: "The Geluoling Pass is about 300 miles away from Shule City, and the distance is equal to Ejisan. When the war begins, the supply lines of both sides are as long as the same, and each other's strengths and weaknesses are not obvious. In the end, the situation of the war may become that we cannot get through and they cannot get in. Such a situation may last for several years."

An Shouye said: "That's not bad. The terrain of Geluoling Pass is dangerous. You can defend it without sending too many troops. We just take advantage of this period of time to rest and recuperate."

Yang Yi opened his eyes and shouted, "But in this way, the scale of our country will be very cramped. If the Gaochang Uighurs in the east also set up troops in the east, we have to defend both sides. Although we may be able to defend, it will be difficult for us to open up in the future. With Shule and Shache, how much strength can we accumulate in no matter how hard we cultivate and rest? Once the spirit is lost, people will be at ease, and we may become unprofitable!"

Guo Shiyong said: "Your words are reasonable. But if Satuk comes in, it is better to close the door and annihilate him at Shule City. But if the military progress is not satisfactory and the war lasts too long, it will probably cause great harm to Shule. If the farming season is missed, what will we eat next year? Moreover, Shule is a new city. Although after the incident of Valdan, most of the people will return. When we siege the city, all kinds of rumors were released that Satuk had been annihilated by us. If they found that Satuk was not only not dead, but appeared under the city, it is really hard to imagine what would happen."

Both sides have their own opinions, Yang Yi focuses on the future, Guo Shiyong focuses on reality, and each has his own reasons. Yang Yi feels that winning should be a strategy, while Guo Shiyong is unsuccessful first and then to win, and the two sides argue and wait for Zhang Mai to make a decision together. Zhang Mai said: "What Guo Duwei and Yang Duwei say are reasonable, but I think we cannot only strive for unbeaten against Satuk, but we must strive for victory. Not only must we win, but also have to win! Don't forget that there are also Protector Guo and a group of brothers who are uncertain about life and death at the entrance of Geluoling. If you cannot achieve an overwhelming victory against Satuk, how can we bring them back?"

As soon as this sentence was said, everyone was shocked. Yang Dingguo sighed and Guo Luo's tears suddenly flowed down, saying: "The special envoy is right! We are bound to win this battle! And we must achieve an overwhelming victory!"

Guo Shiyong also nodded silently and no longer objected.

Since the military tent meeting decided the whereabouts, the generals immediately discussed the plan of the battle. After two days of discussion, they decided to further strengthen the walls and clear the fields west of Shule. After the weather improved, all the animal husbandry population temporarily moved to the Shache area. Although this migration would cause a certain amount of money, most of the animal husbandry in the Western Regions were nomadic, and there were actually not many settled animal husbandry, and the aquatic plants in Shache were not worse than Shule. Therefore, the herdsmen were prepared after hearing the order, but there was no big resistance.

Among the top leaders of the Tang army, the soldiers and generals of the thirteen prefectures were also re-equipped. The military tent meeting decided to promote Yang Yi, Guo Luo, Guo Shiyong, Yang Dingbang and An Shoujing as the generals of the Central Army. Yang Yi led the troops of three Zhechong Prefectures to garrison Xia Shule, Murong Chunhua as the deputy generals, and An Shoujing led the troops of the three Zhechong Prefectures to guard Shache, the deputy governor Yang Dingguo, Hu Cao, Fa Cao, and Gongcao also followed the army. At the same time, Master Faru of the Jokhang Temple also led the monks to Shacheli Temple. The handicrafts that were difficult to develop during the war, and some of the forgings will also follow Yang Dingguo.

The Tang army's preparations were already quite obvious. It was to use Shule City as a fortress and turn Shule area into a battlefield.

The civil migration is expected to take place in early February. An Shoujing wants to rush to Shache and Murong Chunhua first to change defenses, but asked Zhang Mai: "If the war begins, Yutian proposes to help, will we agree?"

Zhang Mai had already considered this matter and had discussed it with Guo Luo, Guo Shiyong and others. At this time, he said: "This time we fought with Satuk, and it was because Satuk came from thousands of miles away and could not be replenished. We are not afraid of his less troops. If there are more troops, we will be happier! As for our side, the number of troops is not the focus, mainly because the elites are good at fighting and can play a role at critical moments."

An Shoujing said, "I understand."

Guo Luo visited the four gates to arrange defense, and Guo Shiyong mobilized another 20,000 people to train. As an emergency, all dispatches were stopped and waiting for Satuk to come.

Shi Ba wiped the fangs and rods extremely bright. He was worried that Satuk would not come all day long. Xi Sheng said, "Don't worry, this Shule is his hometown. Now it has been taken away by us. As long as he has a breath, he must try his best to take it back even if he fights his life." Shi Ba said, "I hope you will fail to say this."

Yang Qing brought a group of strong men and women, urging thousands of slaves to collect firewood and enter the city. Yang Yi's wife, An, died of illness at the beginning of the year, leaving behind two children, the older one and one year younger. He was going to take Xia Shule, but Yang Qing thought it was inappropriate and thought that the father would not take care of the children, so he temporarily handed over to Yang Dingbang's wife to take him to Shache with Yang Dingguo. Xi Sheng's new wife Yi took over An's position and was responsible for the work of oil distillation. Although she was not familiar with this industry, she had a long-standing woman like Wang Er's sister-in-law to teach her.

Guo Fen, the first lady of the Tang Army in Anxi, was not idle either. She brought a group of women and children to take care of the lambs left in Shule. The weather was clear that day, and a herdswoman came to tell him that a piece of green grass had grown on the river beach in the south of the city. Guo Fen was overjoyed and said, "We have fresh grass to eat here! No need to eat those grass!"

I was about to ride a horse out for investigation. When I walked to the city gate, I suddenly felt a sense of disgust and was shocked: "Don't be sick. No matter how bumpy I rode on a horse, I wouldn't be like this." After a while, I felt nothing was wrong, so I left the city again and came to the river valley. But I saw the ice of the river and there was indeed a green and green grass on the shore. After several months of snow-covered days, when I saw the green grass again, Guo Fen's mood became cheerful. However, he got off the horse and looked at the grass buds carefully, but shook his head and said, "This grass is too tender. Now I will eat it, and I will eat all the grass roots. I'd better wait. Anyway, the alfalfa in the city is enough."

Just as he was about to return to the city, he suddenly remembered something, his face changed, and the servants and maids said in a panic: "Madam, what's wrong?"

Guo Fen lingered the matter in his heart and shouted, "Go back quickly!" She was quite tired these two days, and then she was exhausted again, and became dizzy and felt even more uncomfortable. Her body shook immediately. The servants and maids were panicked and were about to help her. Guo Fen had already recovered and broke free and said, "What are you doing? Am I that weak!"

Still riding a horse back to the city, asking about Zhang Mai where he was, Guo Luge's family said: "The special envoy went to the workshop to see the Modao built it." Guo Fen said: "Let Luge invite him back."

Soon Zhang Mai hurried back and shouted, "Is Fen'er sick? Have you ever asked a doctor!"

It turned out that Guo Fen rarely sent people to call when Zhang Mai went out for business. Sometimes it was time to have a meal, or it was still dark. This time, he suddenly shouted so urgently that Guo Lu Ge's family thought something big happened, so he told her husband that his wife was afraid that she was sick. Guo Lu Ge rushed to the workshop. When Zhang Mai heard this, he was so scared that he quickly left the matter at hand and came back.

When Guo Fen saw Zhang Mai running in with sweat on his head, he smiled and said, "I'm not sick, who told you that I'm sick?"

Zhang Mai then breathed a sigh of relief, gasped for a while, and then smiled and said, "I'm scared!" He gasped for a while before asking for a hurry to call himself back, but what's the point.

Guo Fen said: "I went out of the city today and saw a piece of grass on the river bank, so I quickly asked you to come back and tell you."

Zhang Mai was stunned for a moment and said with a smile: "You are so anxious to get me back, just for such a thing?"

"Such a little?" Guo Fen said: "Although you haven't told me what you are planning in the past two months, I have ridden a horse and fought a war. Can't you see your plan when I see my brother making such arrangements inside and outside the city gate? Humph, for such a little thing, there is a piece of grass growing on the valley! There's still such a little thing!"
Chapter completed!