Chapter 58 On the 11th, Zeng Guofan, dressed in court uniform, solemnly awarded the waist knife to the Xiangyong officer

Due to the conquest of Yuezhou, Wuchang, and Hanyang, all the big and small leaders of Xiangyong were promoted.Hu Linyi was promoted to the inspector of Hubei, Luo Zenan was promoted to Ningshaotai Road in Zhejiang, Peng Yulin was promoted to Huichao Jiadao in Guangdong, Yang Zaifu was promoted to Deputy General of Changde Association, Bao Chao was promoted to General, Li Yuandu, Li Xubin, Wang Qi and other battalion officials, as well as Guo Songtao, Staff members such as Liu Rong and Chen Shijie have been promoted.Only Kang Fu, who saved Zeng Guofan's life, did not get any official position. Everyone admired Zeng Guofan's character of not repaying personal favors with public positions.Most of the Yong Ding grabbed gold and silver treasures in the first few days after entering these towns.Except for the part that was handed over to the Shizhang, Postmaster and Battalion Officer, the rest was kept by myself and sent home by entrusting people.He was promoted and made a fortune, and he really tasted the sweetness of winning the battle. The morale of Xiangyong was high, and he was eager to leave Wuchang to fight Jiangning as soon as possible.It is said that Changmao built Jiangning into a small paradise, where gold and silver are like seas and goods are like mountains, which makes everyone in Xiangyong covet.The news that the Western Expeditionary Army of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom defended the area from Qizhou to Tianjia Town with heavy troops and wanted to fight to the death with Xiangyong soon spread to the Xiangyong camp.Zeng Guofan and Hu Linyi, Luo Zenan, Taqibu, Peng Yulin, Yang Zaifu and others repeatedly discussed the decision-making and specific details of the three-way march.

At noon that day, Peng Yuju led his soldiers to bring in a large wooden box and reported: "One hundred waist knives have been prepared, please take a look at them." The soldiers pried open the wooden box and took out one from it.Zeng Guofan saw that the waist knife was indeed beautifully made. On the scabbard made of wrought iron, cloud-shaped patterns were nailed with copper nails. The copper nails were shiny and shone like gold; the handle of the knife was inlaid with dark green Nanyang jade.Zeng Guofan pulled out the saber, and immediately a cold light came to his face, the blade was so sharp that he dared not try it with his hands.In the middle of the knife face are engraved the eight characters of "Kill the Ugly, Be Loyal to the King", next to it is a line of lower script "gifted by Zeng Guofan from Disheng", and there are a few small characters on the side, which are the serial number.Zeng Guofan watched several in a row, and it was like this.Satisfied, he ordered the wooden box to be carried into the back room.

Xiangyong officers and soldiers have made meritorious service in battle, and they can be promoted according to the regulations of the court. This is due to the grace of heaven.Zeng Guofan thought that there must be a way to express his personal reward and appreciation to his subordinates.In what way?Giving out too much money, he felt, violated his declaration of "not afraid of death, no money"; sworn brothers, this is the behavior of the king of the mountain, and he despises it.Zeng Guofan thought for a long time, and finally came up with the good idea of ​​giving away a waist knife.Needless to say, military positions, even civilian positions, since they serve in the military camp, they must have the spirit of martial arts.Giving a waist knife in the name of an individual not only expresses the special relationship between oneself and the other party, but also encourages Xiangyong's martial spirit.The number of the first batch of sword recipients should be small, and the ceremony should be arranged in an extremely grand manner to make them feel supremely honored.This waist knife, a personal gift, will become the highest reward that every officer and soldier of Xiangyong hopes for in the future.

In the afternoon of the next day, the autumn sun was shining brightly, and the Hubei governor's yamen headed into the two houses. On the wide soil between the two houses, nearly 400 officers above the post commander of Xiangyong gathered.They all wear python suits according to the official ranks granted by the imperial court, with patches on the front and back.These officers above the rank of sentinel, no matter whether they are given civil or military positions, are not of high rank, most of them are below the seventh rank. Most of the black-bottomed patches are embroidered with multicolored gold thread, such as 鸂鶒, quail, sparrow, rhinoceros, seahorse, etc. , the umbrella-shaped red tasseled hat wears a flowered or engraved golden crown, and a blue feather made of a pheasant tail is inserted.The new clothes and hats, with dazzling embroidery and shining crests, are really beautiful and beautiful.Most of Xiangyong's officers were born as scholars, and a small number came from jobless vagrants and rural farmers.Not long ago, they were poor men and women who had no fame. Today, once they wear official uniforms that they think about day and night, their faces are full of brilliance, and they are all the same as the bridegroom when they entered the bridal chamber.However, they don't understand that today is not a festive festival, why should it be treated so grandly?

While everyone was discussing, the soldiers shouted: "Master Zeng is here!" The chattering sound on the ground suddenly stopped, and all the officers straightened their backs and stood upright.I saw Zeng Guofan walking out majestically from the second entrance hall with steady steps.This group of Xiangyong officers who had followed Zeng Guofan for nearly two years saw him appearing in court uniform for the first time.Yesterday, Zeng Guofan sent the "Chen Mingfu Date Booklet" to the emperor, reporting that the three-year period (actually only 27 months) has expired, and the service will be released from tomorrow.Today, Zeng Guofan wears a coral red top hat with flowers on his head, an azurite robe with four claws and nine pythons, embroidered golden pheasant patch with blue silk, a gold square jade belt with rubies embedded in it, and black satin with pink foundation on his feet. Boots look extraordinarily noble and solemn.Behind him were Hu Linyi in third-rank military uniform, Taqibu in first-rank military uniform, Luo Zenan and Peng Yulin in fourth-rank civilian uniform, and Yang Zaifu in second-rank military uniform.The officers on the ground guessed in their hearts that there must be a very happy event today.

Zeng Guofan stood on the steps three or four feet above the ground under the eaves, and with his unique sharp eyes, looked at the group of officers in new official uniforms under the steps.Jing Qi took out a tiger skin chair and placed it behind him.Zeng Guofan frowned and waved him away.He coughed lightly, then raised his voice, and said in loud Xiangxiang official words: "Everyone, this department has been ordered by the emperor and entrusted by the elders to train the bravery of the country and fight against rebellion for nearly two years. The emperor is here Like the blessings of heaven, relying on the loyalty and indignation of the soldiers, despite all the setbacks, and the defeat of Yuezhou and Jinggang, our Xiangyong not only did not crush us, but became stronger and stronger. Xiangtan won the battle, Yuezhou won the battle , so that we won a great name in our hometown. Now we have conquered Wuchang and Hanyang, and it is even more powerful. This is the glory of all our Hunan brave soldiers."

Speaking of this, Zeng Guofan glanced at all the officers again with his burning gaze. Seeing that they were all in good spirits, he continued excitedly: "Today, all of you have been rewarded and promoted, and some of them have become court officials. Commanders, some are waiting for vacancies, and they will be awarded real positions soon. In short, they have all been released. Not only for themselves, but also for their ancestors, and for their wives and children. Where did these come from? In addition to relying on the emperor's special kindness, it also depends on the spirit of all soldiers obeying orders, sincere unity, bravery, tenacity, and indomitable spirit. The hall believes that these sixteen characters are the spirit of our Xiangyong. The hall values ​​​​the most It is this spirit that is the most important thing, and the results of the battle are second. To completely cut off the long hair and restore Jiangning, it is necessary to carry forward this spirit. For this reason, today's award ceremony is held today."

Only then did the Xiangyong officers know the purpose of today's unusual gathering. What award does the commander-in-chief want to award?To whom?Like staring at a magician juggler, all the officers watched Zeng Guofan with great interest.At this time, Peng Yuju commanded two Yong Ding to come out with a wooden box.Yong Ding untied the rope, opened the cover, and suddenly, the steps were bright.The officers standing in front couldn't help being tempted, they stretched their heads out one after another, and some of them seemed to see something vaguely, making spouting noises from time to time.Peng Yuju took out a waist knife from the wooden box, nearly four hundred pairs of eyes focused on the waist knife.Zeng Guofan said with a grim expression: "The Honbutang has recently forged 50 high-quality waist knives in Wuchang. Each of the waist knives is engraved with the eight characters 'kill the ugly, and be loyal to the king'. This is what the Honbutang expects of you. It is also the expectation of the elders of Sanxiang to everyone, and I hope it will become the ambition of all my Xiangyong."

Zeng Guofan originally planned to issue 100 waist knives, but last night he changed his mind temporarily and issued 50 in order to increase his status.Who is the first waist knife issued to?He thought hard for a long time.In terms of Xiangyong's pioneering work, the number one should belong to Luo Zenan.In terms of contribution to attacking cities, Peng Yulin should be number one.In terms of official rank, the number one should belong to Tazib.In terms of persuading him to go out and run a group training, the number one should belong to Guo Songtao.In terms of personal kindness to him, the number one should belong to Kang Fu.Thinking of the arrival of Deyinhangbu and Duolonga one after the other, thinking of their backgrounds, it was not until early this morning that he decided on the owner of the No. 1 waist knife.Zeng Guofan shouted on the steps: "Taqibu, Admiral of Hunan Water and Land!"

"Here!" Tazibu walked up the steps imposingly, and saluted Zeng Guofan respectfully. "Training Xiangyong, the achievements are outstanding, conquering the city, winning consecutive battles, Taqibu is the number one hero in the Xiangyong. This department will give you the No. 1 waist knife." Tazib took it with both hands, and walked down boldly.While everyone was envious, Peng Yuju took out a waist knife from the wooden box and handed it to Zeng Guofan. "Zhejiang Ningshaotai Daoist Luo Zenan!" "Here!" Luo Zenan stepped up the steps and saluted as well.

"The founding of Xiangyong has made great achievements, commanding operations, and outstanding courage. Luo Zenan is a highly respected hero of Xiangyong. This department will present you with the second waist knife." Luo Zenan solemnly took the waist knife and went down. Zeng Guofan shouted loudly again: "Peng Yulin, Taoist priest of Huichaojia, Guangdong!" "arrive!" "Create a navy from scratch, cross the river, and promote our Xiangwei. Peng Yulin is the general of our Xiangyong navy. The department will present you with the third waist knife." "Hu Linyi, Hubei Inspector General!" "arrive!" "Scholar from the army, with great talents and great strategy, made great contributions to Hubei Province, and his reputation spread far and wide. Hu Linyi is an outstanding general of our Xiangyong Army Division. This department presents you with the No. 4 waist knife." Then, Zeng Guofan presented the waist knife to Guo Songtao, Yang Zaifu, Wang Qi, Li Xubin, Li Yuandu, Li Mengqun, Liu Rong, Chen Shijie, Bao Chao, Kang Fu, Zhou Fengshan, Liu Songshan, Peng Yuju and other forty-seven people in turn.The sun shines on the handle of the scabbard, colorful and dazzling.Some couldn't help but draw out their waist knives, and immediately there was a strong beam of light, which made people unable to open their eyes.The people next to him praised it.Joy, admiration, envy, jealousy, all kinds of complex emotions roiled in the hearts of the victim and the bystanders.These forty-seven waist knives were thrown down, like a batch of gunpowder bombs thrown into the haystack, splitting and crackling instantly, burning flames into the air; it was also like a gust of wind hitting the sea, suddenly surging, rolling up huge waves.The Xiangyong officers were chattering loudly and their eyes were hot. "What a waist knife!" "What a lovable reward!" the officers thought in their hearts and chanted in their mouths, as if the plumed python robes bestowed by the emperor had lost their charming luster in front of this waist knife. "Brothers," Zeng Guofan's generous Xiangxiang mandarin rang again, rousing the Xiangyong officers who were immersed in a festive atmosphere, "of the fifty waist knives made by the headquarters, forty-seven have been issued, and there are still more Next three. Brothers who have not received the waist knife, you can go up the steps to report your military exploits. The hall will select the merits according to the merits and rewards." It was like pouring a ladle of water into a hot oil pan, and there was a big explosion in the ranks of Xiangyong officers.Some are grinning, some are scratching their ears and necks, some are instigating others, some are thinking alone, some are sweating, some are livid, all of them are itchy, and everyone is eager to try , but no one dared to jump up the steps. "Master Zeng, I'm not convinced if you don't reward me with a waist knife!" Suddenly, a stunned young man rushed out of the team and jumped up the steps.When everyone looked at it, it turned out that it was Liu Lianjie, the head of the left post of Binziying. After Liu Lianjie jumped up the steps, his cheeks were flushed, and he was speechless for a moment.Zeng Guofan admired Liu Lianjie's courage to recommend himself very much, and said to him very kindly: "Tell me in public, what military exploits do you have?" Liu Lianjie looked at Zeng Guofan's approving and expectant eyes, calmed down, and said loudly: "In the battle of Xiangtan, I killed more than a dozen Changmao. In the battle of Yuezhou, I captured a cannon from Changmao. Wuchang City was destroyed, and I was the third!" One rushed into the city, killed five Laochangmao men, two Sima and one man, and captured ten Changmao yellow flags. Master Zeng, with these military exploits, can I get a waist knife?" Zeng Guofan's eyes shone with surprise, and he shouted: "Liu Lianjie, you are a young hero that our school has not discovered. With such great military exploits, how can you not get a waist knife! Peng Yuju brings the knife!" Liu Lianjie was overjoyed from the sky, his eyes were moist.He knelt down on both knees, then raised his hands over his head, took the No. 48 waist knife from Zeng Guofan, stood up again, drew out the knife, raised it in the air at the crowd, and shouted: "Kill the ugly people, and be loyal to the king! "Finally, he jumped lightly and jumped into the team.Liu Lianjie accidentally obtained a waist knife, which added infinite courage to those who did not get it.As soon as Liu Lianjie's feet landed from the air, a pair of swift legs had already stepped on the steps.When everyone looked at it, it turned out that it was Song Guoyong, the left sentry officer of the First Battalion of the Navy. "Master Zeng, I want this waist knife too!" "Why do you want it?" "When attacking Xiangtan, I took three warships from Changmao alone. When attacking Yuezhou, I set fire to two boats of Changmao's grain. When attacking Wuchang, I killed eight old Changmao from Guangxi." As Song Guoyong was narrating, the next person shouted: "Give me Master Zeng's waist knife!" While speaking, he also jumped up the steps.When everyone looked at it, this person was Zhang Yunlan, the head of the old Xiangying rear post.He didn't wait for Zeng Guofan to ask, and reported his achievements: "Master Zeng, I followed Pushan to conquer Savage Mountain and killed three bandits from Zhengyi Hall. In Yuezhou City, I was the first to rush into the magistrate's yamen occupied by Changmao, and captured the yamen alive There were thirteen Changmao families, young and old. In Wuchang City, the Changmao Gunpowder Depot was seized and hundreds of various weapons were seized.” Suddenly someone shouted from below: "If they all get the waist knife, but I Wang Sheng can't get it, I will commit suicide by jumping into the Yangtze River!" Everyone was startled, and Wang Kesheng ran up the steps with a pale face, pushed Song Guoyong and Zhang Yunlan away angrily, and shouted: "This waist knife is mine!" Song Guoyong rolled up his sleeves, waved his fist, and said viciously: "Why are you so ruthless, kid? I don't recognize anyone with my fist!" Wang Kesheng also put on a posture, and said fiercely: "I don't need to show off, it is my credit for knocking you down the steps today!" When the two were about to fight, suddenly a person jumped into the space between them as if descending from the sky, and laughed loudly: "Both brothers, let me go down, I didn't get Mr. Zeng's waist knife, how can I get it?" you?" When everyone looked at it, this person turned out to be Deng Yisheng, an outpost officer of the Second Navy Battalion.He turned to the people under the steps and said: "I will get five long-haired cannons for myself, and kill the army commander and brigade commander respectively. I won't even get a waist knife. Who dares to get it?" All four of them were gearing up on the steps, wishing they could fight to the death.Zeng Guofan shouted: "Stop it!" All four froze.Zeng Guofan looked up and saw a group of wild geese flying from north to south in the distance, and immediately had an idea.He shouted to the officers under the steps: "Who else wants a waist knife? Come up!" As soon as the words fell, three more whistle chiefs jumped up the steps.After waiting for a while, seeing that no one came up again, Zeng Guofan said to the seven people on the steps: "You are all brave men who killed thieves, and you can all get a waist knife. Unfortunately, there are only two in the main hall, and the past military exploits are gone. Ti, today I will try my hard work in front of all brothers." When the seven people heard it, they thought it was going to fight, and they all secretly got lucky. "Peng Yuju!" Zeng Guofan shouted, "Bring me a good bow and seven good arrows." Peng Yuju carried out a strong carved bow from the back room, holding seven long arrows in his hand.Zeng Guofan said: "Everyone see a group of wild geese in the sky are heading south together. Each person has an arrow. No matter who shoots, the Ministry will give a waist knife." There was cheering from the stairs.Song Guoyong, who was the first to come up, held his breath and finished praying silently in his heart. A "swish" arrow was shot, but it was an empty arrow! "It's a pity!" Song Guoyong walked down the steps knowingly amidst the voices of regret from everyone.The second arrow was shot by Zhang Yunlan. With the sound of the arrow leaving the string, several shrill geese hooted, and a gray goose fell heavily on the ground. Amid the applause of the crowd, Zeng Guofan held the forty-ninth arrow. The No. 1 waist knife was solemnly presented to Zhang Yunlan.Zhang Yunlan jumped down the steps in high spirits.The third arrow, the fourth arrow, and the fifth arrow were all empty arrows, and the three of them went down dejectedly.The sixth arrow is Wang Kesheng's turn.He was lucky, his eyes puffed up, and he shot an arrow, and another brown goose fell down.Everyone shouted.Zeng Guofan gave the No. 50 waist knife to Wang Kesheng.Someone shouted from below: "Deng Yisheng, stop shooting, the waist knife is gone!" This Deng Yisheng was known as the eagle archer in Xiangyong, he intended to be the last one to come from behind, but he didn't want Zhang Yunlan and Wang Kesheng's arrow skills to be superb, so he took away the two waist sabers.He was born to be strong, and thought to himself: Even if he didn't get the waist knife, it was rare to have such a good opportunity to show his hand in front of Mr. Zeng and everyone.Unhurried, with a calm mind, he let go of the tiger legs, stretched out his ape arms, aimed at the geese in the sky, and shouted "Zhu", and an arrow flew straight towards the blue sky, and then folded again in the blink of an eye. When I got back, there was a heavy "thump" sound on the dirt turf.When everyone looked at it, they were stunned. It turned out that an arrow pierced through two wild geese.Nearly 400 officers cheered together, and the applause was thunderous. Zeng Guofan held Deng Yisheng's shoulders tightly and said excitedly, "I don't want Yang Youji and Ji Chang to come back in Xiangyong today." Then he turned his face and said to all the officers: "The purpose of this department to present the waist knife is to encourage the soldiers of Xiangyong to make more military exploits and to produce more heroes. Now there is a sharpshooter who can shoot two geese with one arrow. How can the department not reward him with a waist knife?" ? Peng Yuju, you go to forge a good waist knife tomorrow, and the Headquarters will personally present the knife to Yang Youji today!"