Chapter 337: The Expansion of the Danglu Army, the Provincial System, Shock!

In early October of the first year of Kaiwu, Xu Changzhi got married.

Almost all of the Zhou army attended.

In terms of battle, it was no less grand than when Wei Yuan and Zhang Guifen got married.

After all, the woman Xu Changzhi wanted to marry was a daughter of the Chai family.

Since the Sheng family was related to the Xu family, Mrs. Sheng and the others arrived at Yongyihou Mansion early.

Minglan did not go with the Sheng family, but went to the champion house first, planning to go with Zhang Guifen.

When setting off from the Hou Mansion, Minglan had never seen Wei Yuan, so she asked curiously:

"Where's my uncle? My cousin from the Xu family is getting married, doesn't my uncle go there early?"

Zhang Guifen smiled and said, "Your uncle got drunk at the Yongyi Marquis Mansion last night and rested there."

Minglan covered her mouth and smiled, "My cousin from the Xu family and my uncle have a life-long friendship. I remember that when my uncle and aunt got married, my cousin from the Xu family was also drunk."

Afterwards, the two got on the carriage and headed to Yongyi Hou's Mansion.

At this time, Wei Yuan had just woken up in Yongyihou's mansion.

He looked at the maids and servants who were constantly coming and going in the yard, and felt that it was a little noisy. He wanted to go to a quiet place to rest, but after a night of hangover, he was really exhausted.

Unexpectedly, many guests have already arrived at the Yongyi Hou Mansion. When they learned that Wei Yuan had settled in the courtyard near the backyard, they all went to visit and greeted him warmly.

"Master Wei, when General Xu gets married, his appearance is not inferior to that of when you got married."

"Looking at Marquis Wei's face, he doesn't look right. Is it because he didn't get a good rest last night?"

"Meet the Marquis of Wei."

"."

Wei Yuan had no choice but to endure the pain caused by his hangover and responded to them one by one.

"Cao Shangshu, are you here so early? You and Chang Zhi were hungover last night and are feeling uncomfortable right now."

"Hey, Pan Shu, I heard that you competed with others two days ago and lost?"

"Mr. Korean, can we have breakfast?"

"."

After a brief meeting, Wei Yuan went to the main hall and saw Mrs. Sheng and Xu Changzhi there.

When Sheng Hong and the others saw Wei Yuan approaching, they stood up quickly and greeted them with smiles.

Wei Yuan nodded, then bowed to Mrs. Sheng:

"How is the old lady's health these days?"

Mrs. Sheng smiled and said, "That's great. I'm sorry for you, the champion."

Wei Yuan came to Yongyi Hou Mansion as if he were coming to his own home. He sat directly on an empty seat and ordered a maid to prepare a bowl of sobering soup. Then he asked Xu Changzhi,

"How many of them are there?"

Xu Changzhi said: "It seems like we are going to play."

Wei Yuan frowned slightly, "Send someone to look for them. We will go to meet the bride soon, so don't miss it."

Xu Changzhi nodded, and then asked several of his cronies to go look for them.

After a while, when Wei Yuan was drinking the hangover soup, Zhang Guifen, Minglan and the others also came over.

After Mrs. Xiang Sheng met Xu Changzhi's parents, she came to Wei Yuan's side.

Zhang Guifen asked: "Did you feel uncomfortable last night?"

Wei Yuan shook his head and said, "It's okay. I was so drunk that I just lay on the bed and rested."

At this moment, Gu Yankai's wife Xiao Qin came here with her biological son Gu Tingwei.

Just like when Zhang Guifen and others came, they first greeted the elders, said a few words of congratulations, and then sat here.

Suddenly, Xiao Qin looked at Wei Yuan, then at Ming Lan who was standing behind him, and said with a smile:

"This is Lord Wei's niece Sheng Minglan, is she Miss Sheng?"

Zhang Guifen smiled and said, "Didn't Mrs. Gu meet Minglan?"

The mother of a prince is called the Tai Fu.

Nowadays, Xiao Qin is the nominal mother of Ningyuan Marquis Gu Tingye, so she naturally has to be respected as a 'grand wife'.

Xiao Qin smiled and said, "I've seen it before, but I've never taken a closer look."

Zhang Guifen held Minglan's hand, smiled at her and said, "My niece has an excellent appearance and a beautiful heart. Mrs. Gu must take a closer look."

Xiao Qin smiled softly, "This is natural."

After a pause, he looked at Gu Tingwei again and said, "Wei'er, go and see the Marquis of Wei quickly. Your father taught Marquis Wei some martial arts back then."

In her opinion, Gu Tingye is where he is today entirely because of Wei Yuan's care.

They are both the sons of Gu Yankai, how can Wei Yuan favor one over the other?

Having said that, the Xiao Qin family did not want Minglan to marry into the Gu family, because in this case, Gu Tingye's status would be completely unshakable.

When will my son be able to succeed?

Just as Gu Tingwei was about to follow his mother's orders and pay homage to Wei Yuan, Wei Yuan's faint voice came to his ears.

"There is no need for common etiquette. I heard that Ting Wei likes poetry and books but not swords and guns? It would also be a good idea to take the imperial examination and become an official in the future."

The implication is that your little Qin's son is not the same person as me.

"At the beginning, Tingye also liked to study for the imperial examinations. Later, it was not because you asked him to join the army that he became famous today. Speaking of which, we, the Gu family, owe a lot to you, Marquis Wei."

Xiao Qin's words are watertight.

Wei Yuan smiled, stood up and said, "You guys chat, I'll go hang out and see who's here today and say hello."

There were mostly women here, so he didn't bother to talk.

As soon as Wei Yuan left, Xiao Qin asked Minglan questions.

On today's occasion, Wei Shuyi did not come, and Wang Ruofu was too stupid to say anything for Minglan.

Fortunately, Zhang Guifen is someone who is not easy to mess with.

Whenever Xiao Qin makes things difficult for Minglan, Zhang Guifen will be stunned and speechless.

Although this Xiao Qin family is the wife of the queen, Zhang Guifen is even more valued as the wife of the country. In terms of status, the Xiao Qin family is not as good as Zhang Guifen.

Later, Zhang Guifen and Minglan went to the backyard to take a rest.

On the way, the former said dissatisfiedly: "I heard from your uncle before that the Gu family is quite chaotic, especially the little Qin family, who is bitter and mean. I can see it today."

"Thinking about it, I don't know if Gu Tingye is a good match for you. If not, let's just pretend it doesn't happen. I'll look for you later."

Minglan smiled and said, "Auntie, there's no need to worry. Then Uncle Gu won't be able to come back until next spring? Just let it be."

Zhang Guifen nodded and said nothing more.

The two of them had just arrived in the backyard and were about to sit down in the pavilion when they suddenly saw a group of young and beautiful ladies rushing in. They all greeted Zhang Guifen eagerly.

"Sister Guifen, I really haven't seen you for a long time."

"Sister Guifen, have you heard? Uncle Fu Chang has found a match for Rong Feiyan, who is Pan Shu, the eldest son of a Korean prince."

"Meet Mrs. Zhang"

"."

No matter where Zhang Guifen goes, she is an extremely dazzling presence.

It’s noon.

The Eight Tigers of Daizhou and Wei Yuan went to welcome the bride.

The Chai family has a mansion in the capital, which was given by Taizu himself and is called Prince Zheng's Mansion.

After the Chenqiao Rebellion, Emperor Zhou ascended the throne and was later demoted to Prince Zheng. Therefore, the house was named Prince Zheng's Mansion.

The old Zhao family may feel indebted to the Chai family. Over the years, even if they cut down their feudal lordships and nobility, they have never thought of attacking the Chai family.

The welcoming procession entered Prince Zheng's Mansion in a mighty manner, and it was a smooth journey. No matter how difficult the questions raised by the Chai family were, with Wei Yuan and the others there, they were naturally safe and sound, and met the bride, Princess Chai, smoothly.

An interesting thing happened when he took Princess Cheche out of the house.

Princess Chai said, "I know that the Xu family brother has made great achievements from Daizhou, and I also know that the Xu family brother regards the champion as his elder brother. How can he not be sincere as an eldest brother?"

Xu Changzhi and others were stunned.

Even Wei Yuan was surprised. He glanced at Xu Changzhi and said with a smile:

"Changzhi, you won't join forces with your wife to trick me, will you?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone present burst into laughter.

Princess Cheshire held a gold-threaded fan in her hand, covering her face, with the corners of her mouth raised slightly, and smiled:

"Brother, what are you talking about? Your brother is very happy today, shouldn't you, the eldest brother, express your gratitude?"

Qin Zhen cheered from the side: "Brother Wei, Princess Chai has called you big brother, you should also express your gratitude. Brother, am I right?"

Chen Daniu quickly agreed, "Yes, that's right, brother, do you have anything valuable on you?"

Wei Yuan had no choice but to take out the jade pendant that the official had given him.

As a result, Princess Chei didn't care at all, "Sending away my younger siblings with just a jade pendant? You, the eldest brother, are so insincere."

Logically speaking, women should not talk too much about such a big event as getting married.

However, Princess Che had known early on that they, the new wealthy people of Daizhou, had never liked secular rules and preferred to do things as they pleased.

She just doesn't like rules, so she just wants to be more casual.

Xu Changzhi pretended to cough and was about to excuse Wei Yuan. Unexpectedly, Princess Chei already knew what he was thinking and specifically glanced at his close friend beside him.

The woman immediately said: "Master Wei, I heard that you have a legitimate son and daughter. From now on, my sister and her brother-in-law will have children after they get married. How about we let the two families get married?"

Wei Yuan immediately slapped his forehead, "Are my feelings waiting for me here?"

Nowadays, Wei Yuan's power is overwhelming, and the Wei family and Xu family are better than one family.

Princess Che has not yet completed the wedding, but she is already doing everything for the Xu family.

Wei Yuan said: "I can't make the decision on this matter. I have to go home and ask my wife what she wants. Anyway, if your sister and your brother-in-law have children in the future, how about I accept them as their adopted son and adopted daughter?"

After saying this, the matter for now was settled.

——

In late October of the first year of Kaiwu, the troop reduction plan that had lasted for several months was declared successful.

In the same month, Zhao Xi issued an order to ban the complicated names of various military units and establish five major battalions.

In early November, Wei Yuan and Wang Anshi and others began to discuss the specific details of the establishment of the five major battalions in the Xuanzheng Hall.

"There are more than thirty types of forbidden army numbers alone. It is too difficult to effectively manage them uniformly."

"After the five major battalions are established, the army, division, brigade, regiment, company, platoon, and corps will be unified to govern and manage the army."

"An army has about 30,000 to 50,000 people. Generals above the brigade level are called generals, and generals below the brigade level are called commanders, such as regiment commanders, company commanders, etc."

"."

Wei Yuan's opinions were highly praised by Wang Anshi and others.

In this way, Zhou's military mobilization became more coordinated and clear.

"If there is another conflict with the Liao army, when dispatching troops and generals, they can be called the first division of the Beiying First Army, etc., which will make it more clear to command the military."

At this point in the military reform, it is basically at the final stage.

To be honest, Wei Yuan never expected that such a ground-breaking event could achieve such high results in such a short period of time.

This means that in a practical sense, military reform has taken the most crucial step.

Based on the strategy proposed by Wei Yuan, Zhao Xi made a formal decision to immediately form five battalions, divided and managed by armies, divisions, brigades, regiments, etc.

Later, Wei Yuan told Zhao Xi something again,

"The establishment of the five major battalions is in line with the current strategic policy of the dynasty, but the establishment of the five major battalions is far from enough. I hope that the Danglu Army can be expanded."

"This army will serve as a sharp sword for my great Zhou Dynasty. It can penetrate directly into the heart of the enemy at critical moments."

"The Danglu Army is not planned to be under the jurisdiction of the fifth battalion for the time being."

Zhao Xi said thoughtfully: "To what extent do the guards want to expand?"

Wei Yuan said: "One hundred thousand."

One hundred thousand?

Only one hundred thousand?

Zhao Xi immediately waved his hand and laughed and said: "Okay, just go ahead and do it. I will ask the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War to fully support the Wei Division."

Except for the military reform.

Wang Anshi, Fan Chunren and others also began to reform politics.

First of all, through Wei Yuan's suggestion, they agreed that the current county system used by the Zhou Dynasty, with "road" as the largest regional division, was actually too complicated, and the implementation of many policies in the court could not effectively reach the local level. .

This is one of the reasons why the Qingli New Deal has not had much effect.

Wei Yuan proposed to Wang Anshi and others to abolish the county system.

"When the First Emperor unified the world and adopted the system of prefectures and counties, he wanted to offset the disadvantages caused by the feudal system. However, after thousands of years of vicissitudes, the system of prefectures and counties has become outdated."

"We need to introduce a brand new system to redefine administrative areas and make the court more centralized, but it will not hinder local development."

A big hidden danger after the establishment of the Five Battalions is that once the commander of the Five Battalions associates with local officials, he is likely to disobey the central government's call, and there is a risk of separatism.

The new administrative system that Wei Yuan will launch will fundamentally solve this problem and increase centralization.

Wang Anshi said in confusion: "Master Wei, please stop beating around the bush. Do you have an idea in mind?"

Wei Yuan nodded, "I got inspired and came up with a new administrative system called the provincial system."

"Change the many roads of our Great Zhou Dynasty into twelve provinces. For example, the Jiangnan area is called Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces."

"In each province, there must be three departments of civil affairs, justice, and military affairs to divide and consolidate power, so that there will be no separatist feudal towns."

"The Military and Political Department within the province only has jurisdiction over the local garrison, government forces, etc., and has no authority to interfere with the affairs of the five major battalions. The commander of the five major battalions cannot have any relationship with local officials."

"The civil affairs department of a province reports to the Ministry of Revenue, the judicial department reports to the Ministry of Criminal Affairs, and the military affairs department reports to the Ministry of War and the garrison. All affairs are under the control of the imperial court."

"."

Every word he said would shock Wang Anshi and others even more.

Until the moment the words fell, everyone in the entire hall was stunned and silent.

Because they all had a hunch that the provincial system introduced by Wei Yuan would completely overturn and abolish the inherent county system.