Chapter 7, Local Militia

His Highness does not wish for too many people to know that he is in Huai'an

He still felt somewhat disappointed. Originally, he intended to take over these 20,000 local soldiers to serve as his own guard. However, it now appears that even if he were to take command of these local troops, he would have to subject them to rigorous training. Otherwise, such an army would collapse at the first sign of battle

Qin Gongming was momentarily taken aback upon hearing the announcement, but quickly regained his composure and hurried towards the camp gate

Zhu Cilang was taken aback

Thus, Huai'an New City resembles a fortified garrison city, albeit on a much larger scale

Zhu Cilang, however, does not remember that Qin Liangyu has a nephew named Qin Yuanyi

"Stand straight, all of you! In a moment, Lord Futai will review the troops and the local militia. I do not expect you to be as disciplined as the regular troops, but do not stand there swaying like a bunch of women. I cannot afford to lose face!"

Qin Gongming intended to perform a kneeling salute and bow, but Lu Zhenfei quickly supported him lightly and said with a smile, "Yuan Yi, there is no need for excessive formalities. I have come to see how the local soldiers are training."

Zhu Cilang felt a stir in his heart. As a professor of Ming history, he naturally understood the significance of the term "Sichuan Army"

Seeing that Zhu Cilang looked somewhat puzzled, Qin Gongming explained, "My father is the district magistrate Qian Shu, Qin Bangping"

Qin Gongming nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and made an effort to calm his emotions

He knew that Qin Liangyu had two elder brothers and one younger brother. Qin Liangyu's elder brothers, Qin Bangping and Qin Banghan, both died in the Battle of Hunhe in the first year of the Tianqi era. Moreover, Qin Liangyu's younger brother, Qin Minping, also died in the suppression of the "Sha'an Rebellion" in the fourth year of Tianqi, truly a family of loyalty and valor

Zhu Cilang lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip, then spoke in an exceedingly warm voice: "The training of such a local militia by Duke Haoyue and General Qin is indeed a blessing for the state."

The official residence of the commander of the military training unit is a three-courtyard compound, which is not particularly large

Seeing Lu Zhenfei and Qin Gongming still standing, Zhu Cilang smiled slightly and said: "Governor Lu, General Qin, please take a seat, I have important matters to discuss with you."

The provincial governor decisively waved his hand and assigned all 20,000 local militia to the new city. In this new city of Huai'an, apart from these 20,000 local militia, there were only a few dozen merchant households, with no other civilian residents.

His voice was extremely low, and apart from Qin Gongming who was beside him, almost no one could hear it

As for the nephews of Qin Liangyu, Zhu Cilang is aware of Qin Yiming, Qin Gongming, Qin Zuoming, and Qin Zuoming. Qin Yiming and Qin Gongming are both sons of Qin Bangping. Among them, Qin Yiming held the position of General and was granted the title of Weiyuan Bo. In the original history, he surrendered to the Qing dynasty alongside Ma Wannian in the sixteenth year of the Shunzhi reign. Qin Gongming also achieved the rank of General and died in battle while suppressing the Shapu Rebellion. Qin Zuoming and Qin Zuoming are both sons of Qin Minping, and they also attained the rank of Deputy General. Qin Gongming also achieved the rank of General and died in battle while suppressing the Shapu Rebellion. Qin Zuoming and Qin Zuoming are both sons of Qin Minping, and they also attained the rank of Deputy General.

Qin Gongming said without hesitation: "Naturally, it is to train like the Sichuan army"

In the late Ming Dynasty, when the name Lady Qin is mentioned, it naturally refers to Qin Liangyu

Upon witnessing this scene, Qin Gongming let out a long sigh in his heart

Chuan Army

Qin Gongming immediately showed a look of shame on his face and sighed, saying: "I feel guilty for failing the trust placed in me by the governor. These incompetent individuals are not focused on training, and now they can barely form a formation."

If a ranking of the combat effectiveness of the military forces at the end of the Ming Dynasty were to be made, the Sichuan Army and the Zhejiang troops trained by Qi Jiguang could be placed in the top two positions, with the Tianxiong Army led by Lu Xiangsheng coming in third. The remaining forces, aside from the Qin troops which possess some combat capability, are indeed limited in their fighting strength

Qin Gongming patted his chest and said: "Madam Qin is indeed my aunt."

Qin Gongming immediately flushed with embarrassment and said, "Your Highness, you flatter me. These soldiers can barely defend the city; asking them to go into battle and fight is likely out of the question"

Zhu Cilang had previously heard Lu Zhenfei mention Qin Yuan, and upon seeing this person's impressive demeanor, which subtly suggested the presence of a great general, he inquired further: "General Qin, what do you believe they should be trained to become in order to go into battle and fight the enemy?"

Lu Zhenfei and Qin Gongming exchanged a glance, and only then did they each take a seat at the lower end. However, they barely sat down, with more than half of their bodies still suspended, aptly described as being in a state of trepidation.

... ...

At this moment, the vast new city is filled with local soldiers, resembling a large parade ground

A series of questions arose in Qin Gongming's mind, but he also knew that it was not the time to ask questions, so he respectfully stood by with his hands down.

If the rebel Eastern invaders truly march towards Huai'an, these local soldiers will take up arms to protect themselves and their families

Upon entering the outer courtyard, one arrives at the office of Qin Gongming. Upon entering the hall, Zhu Cilang naturally walked to the upper seat and took his place.

Zhu Cilang stood on the platform, squinting slightly as he observed the twenty thousand local soldiers.

However, the military appearance is indeed not very good; the local soldiers are dressed in various types of clothing, holding wooden sticks and hoes, with only a few possessing knives

This Qin Yuan Yi also has the surname Qin, could it be that he is also a general of the Sichuan army

How could His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly appear in Huai'an? Is it not the case that the capital is currently besieged by bandits?

He certainly understands that he cannot demand too much from these local militia, after all, these individuals were merely farmers wielding hoes in the fields just six months ago, and it is already commendable that they have been able to assemble into a military force in such a short time and understand basic commands

Qin Gongming strode past row upon row of local militia, reprimanding them in a stern voice

However, the Ming Dynasty is now beset by internal strife and external threats, with the rebel forces besieging the capital, and the Eastern Manchus coveting the Shanhai Pass. There is no longer time to train them slowly.

Does General Qin know the training methods of Lady Qin

As the commander of the Lianghuai militia, Qin Gongming holds considerable prestige among these local soldiers

The Governor has arrived

The circuit governor then delivered a few words of encouragement and, together with Zhu Cilang and Qin Gongming, left the local militia camp and headed towards the new city general's office

He could not help but feel greatly puzzled, and in a lowered voice asked: "May I inquire, Your Excellency, who is this young gentleman?"

Qin Gongming's expression froze for a moment, and he immediately prepared to kneel and pay his respects

Lu Zhenfei cleared his throat and waved his hand, saying: "Training the army is not an achievement of a single day; take your time."

After being scolded by him, these local soldiers hung their heads like eggplants hit by frost, not daring to look at him

This young man looks very unfamiliar. Qin Gongming and Lu Zhenfei are old acquaintances, yet they have never seen him before.

Qin Gongming hurriedly welcomed Lu Zhenfei to the podium to give a speech, inadvertently catching sight of a young man in splendid attire standing beside Lu Zhenfei

Qin Gongming spat and cursed, then continued to walk forward

Lu Zhenfei hurriedly supported him

In his view, although these local soldiers were not well-disciplined, they could at least be considered soldiers, which was somewhat better than the military households of the late Ming dynasty

Most of the official offices in Huai'an are located in the old city, with only the office of the General of the Militia being situated in the new city

Before he could reach the camp gate, Governor Lu Zhenfei arrived in front of Qin Gongming, surrounded by a group of his personal guards

Donkey ball!

Lu Zhenfei's expression changed as he looked towards Zhu Cilang, who gave a slight nod. Only then did he softly say: "This is His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."