Chapter 21 Four hard and soft tactics subdued the arrogant soldiers

Zeng Guofan was wearing a black cloth-covered robe and a black melon-skinned soft cloth cap without any inlays. He was sitting on the grand master's chair, listening to Chen Guorui's complaint calmly and dignifiedly. Past Chen Guorui's fierce and ugly square face. Chen Guorui talked about the incident with spittle, blaming Liu Mingchuan's arrogance and the Huai army's arrogance, while his subordinates were just self-defense out of patience.Chen Guorui has never read a book, and he usually speaks vulgar language. Today, in front of the governor who is full of poetry and books, he tried his best to pretend to be polite, but he still popped out two ugly vulgar words from time to time.Zeng Guofan kept silent, only at this time, he twisted the broom eyebrows into a thick rope, and Chen Guorui immediately felt that he had been hit hard on the head, so he quickly shut his mouth and paused for a moment before he could Go on.

Chen Guorui had been under Seng Gelinqin's tent for many years, and that Mongolian prince was an extremely terrifying slave owner.He is tyrannical, manic, moody, and murderous.He never listened quietly to his subordinates' reports. After listening to three or five sentences, he left his chair and walked around.When appreciating, he laughed, praised with rude words, stabbed a large piece of meat with a waist knife and handed it over, and used a large bowl of wine to force the reporter to drink it in one gulp.When he was angry, he cursed, slapped the table and threw bowls, rushed in front of the opponent fiercely, pinched the flesh on his face, pulled the braid on his head, and even whipped him with a horsewhip when he was furious.When his subordinates talked with him, they were often frightened. No matter what he said, his reaction was unacceptable.Chen Guorui was not afraid of him, not even when he was beating hard with a horsewhip.Chen Guorui has mastered Seng Gelinqin's characteristics, and has a way to quickly turn his anger into joy.But today, Chen Guorui was sitting in front of this powerless governor for the first time, and his heart was a little hairy.This stern and gloomy atmosphere weighed heavily on his heart, he didn't know what was going on in the heart of this Mr. Zeng who remained motionless and silent.

The two major battles between the Liu and Chen armies in Changgouji and Jining City, before Chen Guorui came to Xuzhou, Liu Mingchuan had already sent someone to report to Zeng Guofan.Zeng Guofan has already considered the handling of this internal fighting.While listening to Chen Guorui's narration, he compared, contrasted, verified and identified the adverbs of both sides, and his mind was basically clear. Liu Mingchuan is arrogant, he thinks that the Huai army has foreign guns and artillery equipment, and he is defiant. These facts, Zeng Guofan is clear.However, the Huai Army has a close relationship with him, and they are the main force in this campaign against Nian. Moreover, Liu Mingchuan has both strategy and courage, and he is the number one among the generals of the Huai Army. Moreover, it was Chen Guorui who led the troops to kill and grab guns first. Zeng Guofan can't blame Liu Mingchuan too much .As a subordinate of Seng Gelinqin who had defected from the Taiping Army, Zeng Guofan had long held prejudices against Chen Guorui, and seeing his vulgar character and rough behavior with his own eyes, he hated him from the bottom of his heart. His cold expression during the interview was intended to put pressure on him.Zeng Guofan really wanted to reprimand Chen Guorui, even beat Chen Zhang a hundred sticks, and drove him out of Xuzhou, but he didn't do it.After all, Chen Guorui is a rare general, and his men and horses can also be used to fighting.Now is the time for him to show his strength, how can he be too embarrassing!What's more, I was ordered to control the troops of Zhili, Shandong, and Henan provinces. The troops in these three provinces are either green camps or banner soldiers. Compared with the Hunan Army and the Huai Army, they are not my direct descendants. Chen Guorui will make them feel sad, which is not conducive to suppressing the overall situation. If any hostile censor makes a big fuss about it, it will be even worse.After much deliberation, Zeng Guofan decided to adopt a strategy of appeasing Chen Guorui first, but he knew that appeasing this kind of person must be beaten before it can work.

"General Chen!" After Chen Guorui had finished speaking, Zeng Guofan called out calmly, "The fight between your army and Ming army has long been known to the Ministry. I have already reprimanded Liu Ming severely and ordered him to immediately Withdraw from Changgouji and go to northern Anhui to suppress Nian." When Chen Guorui was secretly complacent, Zeng Guofan's tone changed unexpectedly: "However, this department wants to tell General Chen that this fight was initiated by you, and you should bear the main responsibility." Chen Guorui opened his mouth to argue, Zeng Guofan stretched out his right hand and stopped it majestically. "As early as when the main hall was stationed in Anqing, many people said that you had a lot of bad deeds. This time the supervisor went north, and he checked carefully everywhere along the way. About seven out of ten people will destroy you, and three out of ten people will praise you."

"What are those bastards talking nonsense?" Chen Guorui got angry and forgot his sense of control for a moment, revealing the attitude he used to treat his subordinates. "General Chen, you have to show some respect when you talk to the Headquarters!" Zeng Guofan gave Chen Guorui a contemptuous look, and the arrogance of the general of Chuzhou Town immediately dimmed. "Be patient and listen to me." Zeng Guofan combed his long beard with his left hand, and tapped the table twice lightly with the middle finger and index finger of his right hand. "Those who destroy you will say that you are ungrateful. At the beginning, General Huang Kaibang had the kindness of adopting you. When Yuan Shuai wanted to take you to justice, General Huang and his wife tried their best to rescue you and saved your life. But you don't think it is a virtue, but a hatred." .”

When Chen Guorui betrayed the Taiping Army and took refuge in the Qing Army, he was adopted by Huang Kaibang and changed his name to Huang Guorui.Later, he broke away from Huang Kaibang, changed his family, restored his original surname, and completely denied that he had ever been an adopted son.As soon as Zeng Guofan opened his mouth, he seized on this old affair with him, and the overtones pointed out that he was a descendant.This is the scar that Chen Guorui tried his best to cover up after his fortune.He felt very uncomfortable, but he couldn't tell the difference, so he could only listen with a blushing face.

"The person who ruined you also said that you are sexually aggressive." "This is slander!" Chen Guorui finally found a breakthrough. "Slander is not slander, don't yell, what our department emphasizes is facts. When you were in Shouzhou, you fought with Li Shizhong's subordinates and killed two named admirals. Is there such a thing? " Chen Guorui remained silent. "At Zhengyangguan, you tied up Li Xian'an and snatched 50,000 bags of salt. At Boshui, you had a quarrel with the rice fleet, and you sent two thousand people to fight. If the county magistrate hadn't kowtowed and begged, I would have never known that day. How many ship merchants are going to die. Are there any of these things?"

Chen Guorui was secretly surprised: Why did he pick up all these Chen Zhima rotten millet? Chen Guorui did not dare to deny it, and could only defend himself weakly: "The purpose of robbing salt is to pay wages, and the purpose of mobilizing troops is to frighten those unscrupulous ship merchants." "There are many people who complained to me from the prefectures and counties in northern Jiangsu. They accused you of harassing the people, abusing the prefectures and counties, and distributing money and goods harshly. It was unreasonable. When you were in Sizhou, you publicly insulted the magistrates and vassals, and the magistrate Zhang Guangdi threatened You had to hide under the bed and return home the next day after being ill. In Gaoyou, you blackmailed Shuijiao, led your troops to looting in the interior department, co-signed your family members, jumped over the wall to escape, and the magistrate kowtowed to plead guilty before you stopped."

"Old man," as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Chen Guorui saw that Zeng Guofan's triangular eyes were full of fierceness, and immediately changed his words, "The humble job is fighting on the front line, and the brothers are bleeding and working hard. Shouldn't the state and county provide some military uniforms? Those old slickers, don't you Show him how powerful he is, and he’ll pretend to be deaf and foolish! My lord, don’t listen to what they say.” Seeing that Zeng Guofan left the topic and exposed his shortcomings, Chen Guorui was already furious, so he yelled without regard to etiquette .

"General Chen, don't be presumptuous!" Zeng Guofan rapped the table twice with his right middle finger and index finger, and yelled majestically, "How many battles have you fought? How many military achievements have you made? How dare you show your merits in front of the headquarters? You not only abused the prefectures and counties , and also despised the generals from all walks of life, ridiculing and criticizing, often obstructing orders, disobeying dispatches, and chanting 'I want to rebel' when you are not satisfied. It seems that although you have surrendered for many years, the bad nature of the past has not yet been eradicated."

The scar on Chen Guorui's head was uncovered again, he thought it was bad luck, he thought Xuzhou would come to sue and take a bite, but he did not expect such humiliation, he might as well go back to Jining on horseback.He was about to find a free time to get up and leave, when Zeng Guofan changed his tone again: "General Chen, there are many people who destroy you, and there are also those who praise you. You are extremely brave. The battles of Qingjiang, Bailianchi, and Mengcheng can all be defeated with less effort." Victory and more, decisive battles, many opportunities. You also said that you are extremely affectionate. I heard people say that in ancient times, loyal ministers and filial sons listened tirelessly. He also said that you are not lustful, and you are not very greedy for money.General Chen, after hearing these praises, the Ministry is very happy for you.These strengths of yours are the talents of famous generals. " After hearing these few words, Chen Guorui felt a little better in his heart: there is a fair judgment on right and wrong. "People who praise you include Caodu Wu Shuai, Henan Su Fansi, Baoying Wang Editor, and Shanyang Ding Fengjun. These people are gentlemen who do not lie. You must remember their benefits to you. Slander you They are all gentlemen who don’t lie, so I won’t mention their names, lest you bear any grudges. General Chen,” Zeng Guofan got up and left the Taishi chair, dragged a square stool, and sat down beside Chen Guorui. Chen Guorui suddenly felt a heat in his heart. "General Chen, the Ministry knows that you have the quality of a good general, and loves you very much. You are only in your thirties this year. In terms of age, you are a descendant of the Ministry. In terms of position, you are a subordinate of the Ministry. Today, as a parent and in the position of the Supreme Constitution, I would like to say a few words of heartfelt words to you. I hope that General Chen can understand the good intentions of the Ministry, not to be corrupted by customs, and to be a good general who is loved by everyone in the future. " Chen Guorui didn't know what to say, he was nervous for a moment, beads of sweat dripped from his head. "Come here!" Zeng Guofan shouted into the inner room.As soon as the shout fell, a Goshha in military uniform appeared. "Bring General Chen a hot towel." "The headquarters only warned the general three things." After Chen Guorui wiped off his sweat, Zeng Guofan talked softly, "First, don't disturb the people, second, don't fight privately, and third, don't obstruct orders. The purpose of setting up officials is to support the people, and the reason for using soldiers is to defend the people.Officials who don't love the people are beetles of the people; soldiers who don't love the people are thieves of the people.If you want to love the people, you have to love the prefectures and counties as well. If you are strict with the prefectures and counties, then the prefectures and counties have to be passed on to the people.The Headquarters has commanded the army for many years, and knows the way to love the people, and it must first care about the prefecture and county.Compare it with one family.The emperor is like a parent, the military leader is like a son in charge, the common people are like a child, and the states and counties are like a servant who holds a child.If you beat your servants every day, how can you protect children?Why comfort parents?In the past, Yang Su was victorious in all battles, from being an official to the prime minister, and Zhu Wen was victorious in all battles and became the emperor. However, both of them brutally killed soldiers and harmed the common people.Emperor Guan and King Yue didn't make many achievements in fighting for the city and land, but both of them were loyal to the Lord and loved the people, and they respected them like heaven and gods through the ages.May General Chen learn from Emperor Guan and King Yue, and never forget the common people, there must be ghosts and gods to help.This is not to disturb the people. " Chen Guorui admired Guan Yu and Yue Fei the most on weekdays. Seeing Zeng Guofan encourage him with these two, he was quite moved, saying: "The lowly job does not want to disturb the people and harm the people, but just hates the tricks of the state and county. After being so pointed out by the adults, the humble official understands. " "It's good to understand. General Chen, please drink tea." Zeng Guofan pointed to the teacup in front of Chen Guorui and said.Because at that time there was a host in the officialdom holding a teacup, which meant driving away guests, Zeng Guofan had to explain a few words, "The main hall has suffered from dry mouth and tongue in recent years, so we can't talk for a long time. If you say a few more words, you have to drink water." , please don’t be surprised.” After speaking, he picked up his teacup and took a sip. Chen Guorui also took a sip of tea and said, "Please teach me, my lord." "As for fighting privately, it's a petty quarrel between ordinary people. How can a general do it? The Ministry has long heard that General Chen has a reputation for fighting privately. Of course, Liu Mingchuan was wrong about the previous incident, and the general was usually aggressive. Mingzhaozhi. In the beginning, it was actually managed by the noble department, and then the Ming army went too far. If General Chen tried to fight privately to vent his anger, it would be a disaster for the whole body and the overall situation. If General Chen made great achievements and became famous Replacing this shame is weak for a while and strong for thousands of years. In the past, Han Xin was humiliated by his crotch, and later he became a noble person. Not only did he not avenge the one who humiliated him at the beginning, but instead summoned him to be an official. This heroic act also The ancestral grave of Guo Fenyang was excavated, not only did not pursue the grave digger, but blamed himself. The measure of this famous official. General Chen's humiliation of being tied up and hungry is far worse than digging a grave with his hips. I hope he can put it calmly , From now on, I will make Ming Jun feel ashamed with his great achievements." Although Chen Guorui could not accept these words, it was not easy to protest, not to mention that Han Xin and Guo Ziyi were also people he admired the most, so he could only keep silent.Zeng Guofan talked too much today, and he felt very strenuous.He drank two sips of tea, paused for a while, cheered up and continued: "It is customary by the country to give military power to generals, and admirals have been controlled by them for more than two hundred years. Although not all generals are wise, However, both civil and military people respect and respect him, so he respects the order of the court. General Chen is fond of ridiculing and criticizing generals from all walks of life, which also hurts the general. When the bandit chaos is not over, it is all up to the leaders of the army to be in awe. The top fears the king, and the bottom If you are afraid of the people, if you are afraid of the elders, if you are afraid of the Qing, then the world will be chaotic and the discipline will not be chaotic. From now on, General Chen must be respectful and obedient. Anyone who recruits brave men and pays food and pay must obey orders, and must not be arbitrary. Gradually develop the demeanor of a famous general and restore the bad reputation of the past." As he spoke, Zeng Guofan felt that his chest could not be lifted up, and his back was covered with sweat.He had no choice but to stop again, take a sip of water, and end this long conversation as soon as possible: "I hope General Chen will understand and keep in mind the above three points carefully. , Don’t protect your weaknesses, don’t pretend to be wrong, just change it. Our department has always taken cultivating talents as our mission, and becoming a general is a great contribution to this department. I hope to protect the nature of being born with courage and excellence. After reforming, I will be arrogant This is a bad habit, and the headquarters has high hopes for the general. After returning, evacuate the troops from Jining, go to Qingjiangpu, and then listen to the orders of the general.” As soon as Chen Guorui went out, Zeng Guofan was so exhausted that he collapsed on the grand master's chair, his clothes and pants were all soaked. A few days later, Liu Mingchuan was ordered to evacuate Changgouji.On the morning of his departure, he led a team of five hundred long spears and deliberately made a detour through the city.When passing by Chen Guorui's barracks, he fired shots at the sky as he walked, scaring the city to run like dogs, and pedestrians to avoid them, so angry that Chen's officers and soldiers cursed one by one: "These bastards!" These days, Chen Guorui thinks that although Zeng Guofan has a strict attitude, he still has a heart of love for himself.Some of his subordinates instigated revenge against the Ming army, but Chen Guorui stopped it.Now after Mingjun's teasing, everyone's resentment broke out again, and Chen Guorui also felt that it was justified.Ming Jun vented his anger and suffered heavy losses. Zeng Guofan was partial to the Huai Army in his bones.He intentionally refused to carry out Zeng Guofan's military order, and Lai stayed in Jining City.Chen Guorui ignored two military orders in a row, and Zeng Guofan became angry.He thought: If such a defeated general cannot be subdued, can other green camps and banner soldiers still command?However, if Chen Guorui is severely punished for fighting with weapons, the other green flag generals will not be convinced; if he is punished for not complying with the order, Qingjiangpu is not an urgent battle, and Chen Guorui will find excuses to repay his debts, and even if the punishment is not too heavy, The purpose of suppression cannot be achieved.After thinking about it, Zeng Guofan couldn't find a suitable reason. "My lord, in the battle of Gaolouzhai, Chen Guorui and Guo Baochang divided the left and right wings. After the death of the monk king, Guo Baochang was ordered to be dismissed and questioned, and the rear wing and wing Chang Chengbao were also demoted. Even Shandong governor Yan Jingming and feudal governor Ding Baozhen also The Ministry of Communications strictly discussed it, but Chen Guorui was the only one who not only was not punished, but also took care of the imperial envoy Guan Fang. Chen Guorui dared to block the orders of the adults, and that was because of this. Why don't you draw a salary from the bottom of the pot, and join him from here, so as to suppress his arrogance Seeing that Zeng Guofan was in a dilemma, Zhao Liewen gave him an idea. "Huifu, you reminded me in time, just as I said just now, please draw up a secret document." Half a month later, Zhao Liewen went to Jining City on behalf of Zeng Guofan, and read the above decree to Chen Guorui: "Chen Guorui, the commander-in-chief of Chuzhou Town, Zhejiang Province, accompanied the prince Seng Gelinqin to lead the troops to suppress the twisting, and divided the two wings with Guo Baochang. Seng Gelinqin chased the thief and died. , Guo Baochang and others failed in rescue, and they were punished separately by decree. Because Chen Guorui had always fought bravely and was seriously injured at that time, the imperial court was lenient and exempted from discussion. He should be punished for the same crime. But if he was injured in the battle, it can be reduced slightly. Chen Guorui said that he should withdraw from the assistant military affairs, remove the yellow jacket, and order him to perform the crime and make meritorious service, so as to show that the punishment is light and the effect will be seen later.” Chen Guorui knelt on the ground, too angry to stand up. He didn't expect Zeng Guofan to use such a trick, which made him speechless.He cursed in his heart: "What a vicious Zeng who shaved his head!" "General Chen, Mr. Zeng cherishes you as a general, and only proposes to punish you lightly. He wants me to tell you to lead the troops to Qingjiangpu immediately; if the order is not enough, the new account and the old account will be settled together, and the post of general soldier will be dismissed, and he will be assigned to the army station to serve. "Zhao Liewen scolded sternly. This trick worked immediately.If he didn't have the post of commander-in-chief, what else would Chen Guorui have to be proud of?Distributed to the military platform, you can't even eat enough. Where can you find chicken, duck, wine and meat? Being locked in the room by Liu Mingchuan for those two days made him really hungry.This is Chen Guorui: he is like a wolf like a tiger in front of the weak, like a rabbit like a mouse in front of the strong.Zeng Guofan's combination of soft and hard tactics completely subdued him.He kowtowed to Zhao Liewen again and again: "Master Zhao, please go back and report to Lord Zeng, and say that the humble officer will immediately follow the order and lead his troops to Qingjiangpu. From now on, he will earnestly follow the three requirements put forward by Master Zeng and make meritorious deeds."