RoleplayNovel Chapter 18 Old Soldier
Chapter 18 Old Soldier
After dealing with the surrendered soldiers, Zhu Jiheng turned to Lin Lisheng and asked the newly appointed head of the Maritime Trade Office:
"Steward Lin, how is the inventory of supplies going? Especially military supplies such as grain, gunpowder, lead bullets, and iron materials, you must ascertain the quantities as soon as possible."
Lin Lisheng quickly bowed and took out a draft list from his sleeve, respectfully presenting it: "Your Highness, the initial inventory is progressing well."
"In the customs office's treasury, there are approximately 3,200 taels of silver in cash. The value of various goods that have not yet been transported will require further estimation over time. In the various warehouses, there are approximately 1,500 shi of grain, including rice, cassava, and dried coconut. The reserves of gunpowder raw materials such as saltpeter and sulfur are adequate, enough to produce approximately 800 jin of gunpowder. There are also several thousand jin of lead bullets and iron materials. In addition, a considerable amount of shipbuilding timber, tung oil, and hemp rope have been found in the shipyard warehouses. I am currently verifying and cataloging the detailed quantities, and they will be reported to Your Highness tomorrow."
Zhu Jiheng took the list and quickly glanced through it. He felt somewhat relieved. These spoils were enough to solve his immediate problem, especially the gunpowder and lead bullets. After the system summoned the army, it would not provide them regularly every day, and he would still need to find a source for them himself.
"Very good, Manager Lin, you've worked hard. Finish the inventory as soon as possible, and make sure the accounts are clear and accurate." Zhu Jiheng handed the list back, patted him on the shoulder, and encouraged him.
Lin Lisheng was patted on the shoulder and was immediately thrilled. This was a member of the imperial family! To be so unpretentious and treat him with such respect was truly an honor.
After inspecting the port, Zhu Jiheng did not return directly to the government office, but instead toured the streets and the western city fortress.
As it turned out, without the oppression of the Spanish, the Chinese in Lingayen City seemed to have finally gained some confidence, and their status was completely reversed compared to that of the Europeans and mixed-race people. However, the usually arrogant Europeans had to lower their heads and behave themselves, fearing that they would be punished by the Chinese they had offended before.
Only the Franciscan and Dominican churches remained open, but the missionaries inside dared not be too conspicuous. After all, the attitude of this unfamiliar Chinese ruler towards them was still unclear, and out of caution, it was better for them not to attract too much attention.
Fortunately, these missionaries were generally kind to the Chinese, and they lived in relative peace.
Those former garrison soldiers who surrendered were placed under centralized custody and forced into labor by the soldiers, doing odd jobs inside the fortress. Their poor performance during the attack had already made Zhu Jiheng lose interest in recruiting them. He planned to incorporate these people into the auxiliary battalion, so that they could be used as cannon fodder if necessary.
When Zhu Jiheng returned to the government office, it was nearly dusk. The lights inside were just coming on, and the adjutant, who had been busy all day, was writing furiously at his desk, organizing the documents that had been collected from various places. When he saw Zhu Jiheng return, the adjutant quickly stood up, bowed, and reported to him on what he had compiled that day.
First, Zhu Jiheng ordered the establishment of a recruitment office and a grievance drum. Perhaps due to the promotion by the merchants after they returned, the recruitment office was bustling with activity on the first day, with people from all over the city vying to sign up.
After careful consideration, the adjutant selected only a few translators fluent in Spanish, those familiar with Luzon's geography and waterways, and more than twenty craftsmen, including blacksmiths and carpenters, as technical talents.
He also specifically said to Zhu Jiheng, "Among these people, there is one who once served in the Guoxing Army. He was a veteran of the Iron Man Army. I thought he was useful, so I kept him as well."
"Oh?" Zhu Jiheng raised an eyebrow and said, "I thought the Iron Man Army was completely wiped out in the Battle of Nanjing. It turns out there are still survivors who have ended up here."
"Hmm..." He pondered for a moment, then said, "Our army is newly established. How can we possibly fight against the Western Barbarian army with just a few hundred soldiers? I intend to recruit brave warriors in the city and have them trained by the old soldier."
He paused, then asked, "What is the name of that old soldier from the Iron Man Army? Where does he live now?"
"Your Highness," the adjutant hurriedly replied, "this man's surname is Zhao, and his given name is Wu. According to him, he did indeed serve under Lord Guoxing in his early years, belonging to the Left Tiger Guard Battalion of the Iron Man Army. He was seriously wounded in the Battle of Nanjing and wandered here, now making a living as a blacksmith in the south of the city, doing some manual labor as well. I have temporarily settled him in the camp, awaiting Your Highness's summons."
Zhu Jiheng fell into deep thought. The Iron Man Army was Zhu Chenggong's elite force, which had once struck fear into the hearts of the Qing army. They were famous for their iron armor, heavy shields, and superb archery skills, and were adept at forming battle formations to attack and break through enemy lines.
Although the Iron Man Army's tactics and methods had become outdated with the development of firearms, its rigorous training methods and emphasis on discipline and bravery were exactly what Zhu Jiheng needed before he could recruit a large number of systematic soldiers.
"Summon him to see me!" Zhu Jiheng said.
Before long, a burly man with dark skin and muscular arms was brought in by the guards.
He wore a faded coarse cloth jacket, yet his gait still carried a hint of military composure. Although he was over fifty and his temples were streaked with gray, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's and his back was as straight as a pine tree.
Upon seeing Zhu Jiheng, Zhao Wu did not kneel as an ordinary citizen would. Instead, he followed the old military salute, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying in a loud voice, "This humble subject, Zhao Wu, greets Your Highness!"
"Brave warrior Zhao, please rise!" Zhu Jiheng strode forward and personally helped Zhao Wu up. His gaze lingered for a moment on Zhao Wu's calloused and scarred hands before he continued, "I have long heard of the Iron Man Army's formidable reputation. It is a great honor to see this old soldier in his prime today! I have heard that you are willing to serve the Ming Dynasty in raising the banner of righteousness once again?"
Zhao Wu raised his head and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, I followed Lord Guo in the past to drive out the Tartars, but I failed to achieve complete victory, which I deeply regret! Now, wandering in foreign lands, I see the Western barbarians treating my compatriots like pigs and dogs, and my heart is torn apart. Your Highness has raised the banner of righteousness and restored the Han people's clothing and customs. Although I am old, I am willing to serve Your Highness with utmost loyalty, training the new army for you. Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will not hesitate!"
"Good!" Zhu Jiheng nodded emphatically and said solemnly, "I am about to recruit young men from the city to train a new army. Zhao Zhuangshi, you are well-versed in the old methods and knowledgeable in formations. I intend to appoint you as an instructor for the new army, to train a disciplined infantry force with the strict discipline of the Iron Man Army before the Western barbarians launch a counterattack. Are you willing to take on this important task?"
Upon hearing Zhu Jiheng entrust him with such an important task, Zhao Wu felt a surge of emotions. He clasped his hands in a fist and replied in a resounding voice, "Your Highness commands, Zhao Wu will gladly die for it!"
Zhu Jiheng nodded in satisfaction and then gave Zhao Wu five hundred slots, ordering him to recruit Chinese soldiers in the city to arm them with the captured Western army equipment. He knew in his heart that there were probably not enough suitable Chinese soldiers in the city to fill the five hundred slots, and according to his plan, he could only recruit two or three hundred at most.
This should be just barely enough.