novelhk Chapter 281 Stabilizing Military Morality
Chapter 281 Stabilizing Military Morality
"Everyone, please be patient. Inspector Jiang has already told me his plan. I don't think he is delaying on purpose. Please wait for two more days and serve the court well."
At this time, Chen Xiu used a calm tone to persuade every general of the Huainan Army.
Chen Xiu understood very well that now was not the time to question Jiang Zuo in person. What he needed to do now was to calm the impatient morale of the Huainan Army.
Although he did not understand Jiang Zuo's approach, for the sake of the overall battle situation, Chen Xiu was willing to humble himself and obey Jiang Zuo's orders even though he was the Ninth Prince.
After hearing what the prince said, the Huainan Army generals calmed down a little.
However, the deputy general Su Yingrui still did not understand and said, "But Your Majesty, please forgive me for being frank. The Huainan Army has been preparing for nearly two months, and the navy's warships have also arrived in Jiangzhou for some time. The Jiang Patrol Envoy has not yet ordered to march south. What are they waiting for?"
Chen Xiu also wanted to ask this question.
When I asked Jiang Zuo before, the response I got was often "prepare weapons."
Now that the baggage and food supplies from the rear of the imperial court have arrived, what is Jiangzuo waiting for?
"Yes, they carry that scrap metal onto the warships every day. The navy is here to help our army cross the river, not to be wasted like this."
At this time, there were voices in the Huainan Army expressing slight dissatisfaction with Jiangzuo.
The days of delay had caused some resentment among the soldiers.
Chen Xiu put away the doubt on his face and said, "Envoy Jiang has his own plans. You don't need to complain."
Even after hearing what the prince said, many generals were still confused.
"Why are we only allowed to board the local troops? Our Huainan Army is not worthy of using the navy's ships?"
Su Yingrui said with dissatisfaction.
Originally, this navy had few warships, but now they were all under the control of Jiang Zuo, even though Jiang Zuo had explained to the Huainan Army many times that this was part of the plan.
But the Huainan Army soldiers had no idea what the plan was.
"I understand. Inspector Jiang wants his Anding Army to achieve the first merit, and does not want the Huainan Army to steal the limelight."
Someone speculated in a low voice.
As soon as this was said, other generals also discussed: "We understand that Jiang Xunshi wants his trusted aides to make contributions, but there is no need to delay military affairs like this, right?"
For a moment, everyone thought that Jiang Zuo was so negligent in order to grab the credit for himself.
Chen Xiu knew that Jiang Zuo was not such a selfish person, but he was also a little confused about his decision.
Jiang Zuo's Anding Army had only 3,000 troops, and it was an ordinary local army that had not participated in many wars.
But the Huainan Army was different. Their soldiers were veterans who had fought with the Chen Army for many years and had experienced hundreds of battles. They obviously had more experience in dealing with the Chen Army than the Anding Army under Jiangzhou.
Faced with the repeated dissatisfaction of the Huainan Army soldiers, Chen Xiu didn't know how to explain for Jiangzuo.
"Brothers, why don't we go find Inspector Jiang and ask him to order us to cross the river now!"
Su Yingrui suggested.
These words seemed to be an attempt to force the emperor to abdicate.
Moreover, this proposal was actually agreed by many Huainan Army generals.
In their opinion, if they delay any further, the southern expedition will hardly succeed.
"Quiet, don't make any noise."
Chen Xiu suddenly said.
Everyone had to calm down their impatience and turn their eyes to the Ninth Prince.
Chen Xiu said calmly, "I will have a good talk with Inspector Jiang about this matter. You just need to serve the court well and obey Inspector Jiang's orders. You must never mention those words in front of Inspector Jiang again. Do you understand? If anyone still has other intentions, they will be punished by military law!"
Chen Xiu understood very well that if he did not seriously shock these generals, it would be difficult to convince them.
After hearing what the Ninth Prince said, everyone calmed down and leaned over and said, "As you command."
Su Yingrui also walked forward, knelt on one knee and said: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I was impulsive."
Faced with this group of somewhat anxious generals, what Chen Xiu needs to do now is to stabilize the morale of the army to avoid chaos before the battle.
At this critical juncture, no mistakes can be allowed.
The words spoken by this group of Huainan Army generals just now were completely disrespectful to Jiangzuo.
Perhaps it was because Jiang Zuo was usually so harmonious and friendly that not many people in the Huainan army were afraid of him.
Chen Xiu understood that a kind person cannot command an army, so only Chen Xiu, the Ninth Prince, could play this role.
"All of you return to your troops, and in two days, begin attacking the State of Chen."
Chen Xiu gave another order.
As for the timing of the attack, whether it would really be two days later, Chen Xiu was not sure.
The soldiers nodded repeatedly and leaned forward to agree.
They dared not disobey Chen Xiu's orders.
"Su Yingrui, you stay. Everyone else can go away."
As Chen Xiu spoke, he looked in the direction of Jiangzuo.
"My lord, what are your orders?"
Su Yingrui asked.
Chen Xiu was silent for a moment, then said: "Prepare all the boats and ships for crossing the river, organize elite troops, and be ready at all times. In Changzhou City, continue the feint attack, don't hold on."
"As ordered."
Su Yingrui leaned forward and said.
At this moment, Jiang Zuo was still at the port, discussing something with his Anding Army soldiers.
"Have you calculated the distance? Is it two hundred or two hundred and fifty?"
At this time, Jiang Zuo shouted.
The Anding Army soldier responded, "Sir, it's nearly two hundred and ten, but there's probably a deviation of ten to twenty."
"As the saying goes, as long as the firepower covers, any small deviation doesn't matter. Remember to calculate it well and don't make too big of an error."
Jiang Zuo said again.
The soldier replied, "I understand, but sir, why don't we give it a test? After all, it's the first time to move the cannon to the ship and fire it, so there may be a lot of errors."
Jiang Zuo said, "No need to try, just be silent first and start again after two days."
Listening to their words, others just felt a little confused.
"What do you mean two hundred and two hundred and fifty? Your Majesty, what on earth is Inspector Jiang doing?"
Su Yingrui was puzzled.
Chen Xiu didn't understand Jiang Zuo's plan at all. He could only watch curiously and guess secretly in his heart.
At this moment, in the distance, the group of Huainan Army soldiers were still talking.
"Alas, this Inspector Jiang doesn't seem to know much about the art of war."
"Hey, stop saying that. If the Ninth Prince hears us, both you and I will be punished."
Now in the entire army, everyone obeys the Ninth Prince, but they have some complaints about Jiang Zuo.
Because the Huainan Army had been on the border before, they had also heard about Jiangzuo's deeds of trying to please the Chen people.
What's more, the so-called peace agreement was signed by Jiang Zuo and the Chen people. Therefore, in the eyes of some Huainan Army officers and soldiers, Jiang Zuo was a complete surrenderist.
It is precisely because of this that many people in the army are unwilling to be commanded by Jiang Zuo, and only because of the order of the Ninth Prince did they continue to implement this plan.
No one was sure whether to cross the river in two days.