Traveling through the late Ming Dynasty to promote Chinese civilization

Chapter 140 Qiongzhou Merchant Guild

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South Garden.

Liu Ye gathered everyone together, placed their waist tokens and other items on the table, picked up the armor and held it up to his body, and said with emotion, "We've fought in several fierce battles, big and small, and finally got this armor. It wasn't easy to get it!"

Liang Xiaoming grinned and tried to snatch the armor, saying, "Let me try it on; it seems to fit me better."

Yan Guang said, "Congratulations, my lord, on achieving your wish. With this identity, you can now focus on accumulating strength. In time, you will surely soar to great heights!"

Everyone exclaimed, "Congratulations, sir!"

Liu Ye looked at Shi Ying and the others and asked, "The new governor is very generous this time. He didn't place anyone in the camp. I set up this so-called Qiongzhou Camp myself, and I can appoint any officer below the rank of Qianzong. You guys will naturally get the title of Qianzong." Actually, it wasn't that Xiong Wencan was generous, but that he didn't dare to mix any people into this "ruthless bandit" team. As long as he didn't rebel, that was fine.

Shi Ying replied without hesitation, "I am the master's man, and I don't care about official titles from the court."

"I have no interest in leading troops into battle; I only wish to stay by your side and protect your safety," Lin San also stated.

As long as these people have a clear attitude, he doesn't need to worry about his troops being divided and disintegrated by the imperial court's official positions and salaries.

Everyone felt that their statements were perfectly acceptable, except for Sun Yuanhua, who found them particularly grating. However, Liu Ye's agreement to accept appeasement and cease hostilities with the court was, in Sun Yuanhua's view, a successful first step, which could be gradually guided and planned for the future.

"Hehe, I know what you're thinking. Since the court is so generous, why not take the official positions? I'll report your official titles. You're just asking for free salaries." Liu Ye said with a smile, "Also, since you're all military officers of the court, stop calling me 'master' and 'master.' I'm not a rich landlord. Just call me General from now on. It sounds more prestigious."

"Yes, General," the men replied in unison.

"I might as well speak frankly. This Qiongzhou military commander or the Qiongzhou camp is just a shell. Although your official titles have been reported, our guard team will expand its size and become an independent system, not following the court's rules."

Liang Xiaoming asked, "Is the military system inherited from the Ming Dynasty?"

"Of course not. The Ming army's methods are too outdated and not suitable for a firearms-equipped force like ours."

Liang Xiaoming suggested, "In that case, let's follow the European military system, with platoons, companies, battalions, and regiments as the units." Seeing everyone's confusion, he explained, "This is the French military system, which is more suitable for us."

Liu Ye nodded and said, "We'll discuss the details privately. Now let's talk about something more important."

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up and listened attentively. What could be more important than military regulations?

"There are a few things I've been thinking about for a long time. Now that we've fought two major battles, the situation has been settled, and the time is basically ripe for us to discuss them."