Chapter 592: Moving into Central Plains, everyone expresses their opinions!
In the evening, the Governor's Mansion in Yijing

He Jingyun, riding a tall horse, hurried to the gate of the Governor's Mansion. Ye Cheng, who was guarding the gate, saw him and said quickly:
"General He, you are finally here. The Governor and Lord Gu are waiting for you in the study..."

He Jingyun felt a little anxious after listening to Ye Cheng's words. As the chief of staff, he was supposed to go out to inspect the training of the Fengwu Army of the Third Division stationed around Yijing according to his work schedule. However, because the general of the Third Division, Guo Zhiping, was involved in the Zhao Sheng case, he secretly instructed his subordinates to ask Ye Cui for mercy, and was ordered by Ye Mingsheng to suspend his post and reflect at home.

The post of general of the Third Division was temporarily replaced by Deputy General Cui Desheng, so He Jingyun, as the Chief of Staff, attached great importance to the situation of the Third Division. He was somewhat worried that the training and combat readiness progress of the Third Division, the ace main division of the Fengwu Army, would fall behind. However, he did not expect that just when the inspection was carried out at one step, a messenger was suddenly sent over, saying that Ye Mingsheng had something urgent to see him.

Although he was a little confused about what happened so suddenly, He Jingyun took Ye Mingsheng's summons very seriously. He immediately stopped the inspection and returned to Yijing City.

Under Ye Cheng's guidance, He Jingyun soon arrived at Ye Mingsheng's study. Seeing Ye Mingsheng and Gu Sansi who were already prepared in the study, He Jingyun immediately stepped forward and bowed to apologize:

"I am late, please forgive me, sir!"

Knowing that He Jingyun had his reasons, Ye Mingsheng naturally did not blame him. He smiled and nodded and said:

"It's okay, it's okay! I just called you back on a whim. General He, don't be shy, please take a seat!"

After He Jingyun sat down, Ye Mingsheng did not say any extra greetings, but directly asked He Jingyun:
"General He, I heard that you went to inspect the Third Division? How was the inspection?"

"I haven't inspected the troops for a few months. I've always wanted to go and have a look, but I just haven't had the time..."

Feeling Ye Mingsheng's regretful tone, He Jingyun said at the right time:

"Marshal, you are so busy but still care about our soldiers. It is a blessing for our army! The soldiers on the front line are looking forward to seeing you!"

After patting Ye Mingsheng's horse for a moment, He Jingyun changed the subject and said:
"General Cui is still very dedicated in training his soldiers. From what I can see, the Third Division's training has not fallen behind and it still maintains a strong combat capability. However, because General Guo is at home reflecting on his past, the plan to expand the Third Division into an army has been temporarily shelved!"

At this point, He Jingyun thought for a moment and added:

"In addition to the Third Army, General Yuan's First Army, General Lin's Second Army, and several newly formed divisions have already been expanded and their combat effectiveness is gradually increasing. If a war breaks out, they can be deployed at any time!"

Looking at He Jingyun's determined expression, Ye Mingsheng nodded slightly and said:

"That's right! General He, you and the General Staff have worked hard during this period!"

"I am loyal to you, my Lord! I dare not take credit for my humble ability." He Jingyun said in a deep voice:

Ye Mingsheng was very satisfied with He Jingyun’s statement, and immediately told him all his thoughts. After learning of Ye Mingsheng’s thoughts, He Jingyun and Gu Sansi, two important officials of the Fengwu Army, one civil and one military, both fell into deep thought...

About half an incense stick later, Gu Sansi was the first to finish his thoughts, looked at Ye Mingsheng and said:
"The specific battle plan should be left to General He and the General Staff. I will just briefly talk about what our army needs to do!"

"Because of the previous firearms sales, our army has established a good relationship with Cao Changping. However, if we attack Jiyu, it is very likely to make him alert. At the critical moment, Gao Zongchang will most likely ask Cao Changping for help. In order not to increase variables and resolve Jiyu as soon as possible, our army should arrange personnel to go to Licheng in advance to stabilize Cao Changping and prevent him from sending troops to support Jiyu!"

"In addition, I think that getting rid of the Henan Army is the primary problem for the army to capture Hebei and Henan, but it is not the only problem. At present, the entire Hebei and Henan region has suffered from poor harvests. Although peasant uprisings have been suppressed, they still emerge in an endless stream. If our army wants to completely control Hebei and Henan, it needs to obtain enough food to stabilize the situation. Secondly, it also needs a large number of experienced officials to appease and guide the people!"

Gu Sansi is indeed Ye Mingsheng's most trusted minister. The two points he mentioned completely opened up new ideas for Ye Mingsheng. Ye Mingsheng pondered for a moment and said:
"Think carefully, your idea is very comprehensive! The solution to the first problem is relatively simple. Su Yi was very successful in his last mission to Licheng. This time, I will write a personal letter to ask him to make the trip, and then send a few bones to Cao Changping, which should be enough to stabilize him."

"As for the second point, it's a bit difficult. Zhang Juning just came during the day and reported to me about the problem of money and grain. Our current money and grain are basically enough for Liaoyang and Youyan provinces, but we don't have any extra to support Hebei and Henan..."

Gu Sansi said bluntly:
"My Lord, in my opinion, the fundamental reason for the current situation in Hebei and Henan is not the lack of food, but the uneven distribution of food. The landlords and gentry occupy 70% or even more of the grain harvest. Therefore, if our army wants to control the situation in Hebei and Henan, we need to make our attitude clear!"

Ye Mingsheng nodded slightly when he heard this. Gu Sansi's words hit the nail on the head. The wool still comes from the sheep. If he wants to completely control the situation in Hebei and Henan, he needs to get enough food from these gentry and landlords.

Hebei and Henan are located in the heart of the Central Plains, and any move of one hair may affect the entire body. If you want to implement land reform, you must fully control the situation and then proceed slowly. Remember not to act too hastily. So if you want to get food, perhaps that is the only way!

Seeing Ye Mingsheng's eyes gradually becoming firm, Gu Sansi knew that their commander had an idea in his mind so he didn't say anything more. At this time, Ye Mingsheng turned his gaze to He Jingyun.

He Jingyun, who had been thinking, also spoke under Ye Mingsheng's gaze:
"Reporting to the Lord, Commander Yuan's First Army has been formed, and 40,000 troops are ready to go in Zhuo County! In addition, the Third Division and the Fourth Division stationed near Yijing have also completed their rest and can be deployed at any time."

“General Zhang Meng’s Eighth Division has more than 10,000 soldiers and horses, and except for the last heavy artillery that has not been equipped, they have all formed combat effectiveness. A rough calculation shows that if you decide to go south to the Central Plains, we can deploy about 100,000 soldiers and horses... “After our army captured Zhuo County, the General Coordination Office began to investigate the defense situation of the Henan Army in Hebei and Henan, focusing on the situation in Yecheng and Yujing. The General Staff has also formulated a preliminary combat plan based on these investigations. As long as our army moves fast enough, I believe we can capture Yecheng within ten days!”

"Even if we march quickly from Yecheng to Yujing, it will take at least five days and five nights, which adds up to half a month. From what we know, the Henan Army is very wary of our army. As long as our troops are dispatched, they will most likely give up immediately and wipe out Zhu Sanshan and other bandits before returning to Yujing!"

"Although the distance from Yingcheng to Yujing is 200 miles shorter than that from Yecheng to Yujing, judging from the battle record of the Henan Army, their marching speed is far slower than ours. Add to that the time required for messaging and preparing for retreat, so I estimate that it will take Gao Dingshan about seven days to get back to Yujing from Yingcheng!"

"Although the entire Hebei and Henan are suffering from a food shortage, Yujing, as the ruling center of Gao Zongchang, still has plenty of food. In order to ensure sufficient military rations, Gao Zongchang only used about 30% of the food in the treasury for disaster relief. According to our preliminary estimates, Yujing's food can last at least three months!"

“If Gao Dingshan can return to Yujing quickly without a shortage of food, we will encounter some troubles outside the city of Yujing. Although the Yu Army is not an elite force, Yujing, as an ancient capital, is indeed one of the largest cities in the world. The city defense facilities are complete. Even if we mobilize all our artillery to assist in the siege, it will be difficult to capture the city in a short time…”

Although He Jingyun spoke very subtly, Ye Mingsheng understood the main point of his words. After pondering for a moment, he instructed Ye Cheng who was waiting outside.

"Call Huo San over!"

"Yes!"

An incense stick later, Huo San received Ye Mingsheng's order and rushed to the study. When he saw him, Ye Mingsheng said directly without any nonsense:
"You are the ones who are in charge of Jiyu's affairs. Can you hold Gao Dingshan back for ten days in Yingcheng?"

After Ye Mingsheng finished speaking, Gu Sansi and He Jingyun both looked at Huo San. Under the gaze of the three, Huo San felt a huge pressure. Knowing that the matter was of great importance, he did not rashly answer Ye Mingsheng's question at the first time. Instead, he thought seriously for about half a cup of tea before he said very cautiously:
"According to the news from Dayashan, although Gao Dingshan has the upper hand, he is still not used to the guerrilla warfare of the bandits. In addition, the Gao family is corrupt in Jiyu Mingsheng, and the common people do not support them. Their mass base is very poor."

"So now Zhu Sanshan's gang of bandits are still very capable thanks to the geographical advantage. If this situation continues, Zhu Sanshan and his gang can hold out for a few months, but if they hold back Gao Dingshan, things will be very difficult!"

At this point Huo San hesitated for a moment before continuing:

“And from what I see, Zhu Sanshan is quite slick, and he values ​​his own troops very much. If Gao Dingshan wants to withdraw his troops, he may not fight to the death to stop him…”

Hearing this, Ye Mingsheng's eyes flashed with a cold light. Although it was only fleeting, it also made Huo San shudder all over and quickly added:
"Sir, our coordination office already has a plan for this situation, and we have been preparing to act at any time as long as you give the order!"

After getting this answer, Ye Mingsheng's expression was slightly relieved, and he emphasized to Huo San in a serious manner:
"I don't care what you do! But after taking so much money and supplies, you have to give me a result!"

Feeling the firm determination contained in Ye Mingsheng's words, Huo San was shocked and did not dare to laugh with Ye Mingsheng anymore. He gritted his teeth and said affirmatively:

"Sir, I understand! All of our colleagues in the Coordination Office will work together to complete the task you have assigned us!"

After getting this answer, Ye Mingsheng nodded reluctantly and let Huo San go. Because it was already evening, Gu Sansi, He Jingyun and others had not eaten yet, so Ye Mingsheng asked the kitchen to prepare some food and everyone talked while eating.

Because he advocated frugality, Ye Mingsheng also set an example himself. Usually when he was alone or eating with his wives and concubines, the standard was two dishes and one soup or three dishes and one soup. But because he was having his generals eat at home, Ye Mingsheng didn't want to make it too shabby, so he made an exception and asked the kitchen to prepare eight dishes and one soup, including crystal pork elbow, braised pork, sweet and sour fish, etc.······················
Huo San, who was called by Ye Mingsheng last, had already eaten at home, but when he saw that Ye Mingsheng was going to treat him to a meal, in order to improve his relationship with Ye Mingsheng, he lied that he had not eaten and shamelessly stayed at Ye Mingsheng's house for a meal.

Although many details were discussed during the meal and everyone swallowed the food without savoring it carefully, the food was cooked very well by the chef, so both the host and the guests enjoyed the meal.

Knowing that Gu Sansi loved to drink, Ye Mingsheng sent him a few bottles of distilled liquor that had not yet been officially launched on the market from the Second Manufacturing Bureau, and reminded him not to drink it all in one go as the liquor was strong, but to go home and drink it slowly and savor it carefully.

After Huo San and Gu Sansi left, He Jingyun still stayed in the mansion. Ye Mingsheng just gave him a look to let him stay. After returning to the study and looking at the respectful He Jingyun, Ye Mingsheng asked with a smile:

"General He, I heard that your mother has come to Yijing?"

Seeing Ye Mingsheng asking this, He Jingyun felt nervous but could only tell everything:

"Yes, sir! My mother came here from Rongcheng with the Murong family!"

Seeing that He Jingyun was very honest and did not hide anything, Ye Mingsheng's smile became even brighter. He picked up a few Buddhist scriptures from the bookshelf behind his chair and handed them over, saying;
"Congratulations, General He, on your reunion with your son! I heard that your mother is a Buddhist like my mother, so I asked her for some Buddhist scriptures. This is my gift as a junior. I hope your mother will like it! You can put aside the unimportant matters at the General Staff for now and accompany your mother to have a good look around Yijing!"

Hearing Ye Mingsheng's words, He Jingyun was also very moved. He took the Buddhist scriptures without much hesitation and bowed and said:
"Thank you very much for your gift, sir. I will never be able to repay your kindness even if I were to be shattered into pieces..."

(End of this chapter)