Chapter 282 The First Kingdom Military Reform
Busy days always go by fast, and it is the beginning of February in a blink of an eye. Fresh new buds emerge from the ancient trees outside the Palace of Wind, welcoming the increasingly warm and brilliant sunshine. The north wind blows slowly, and the city of Qincongcan is full of devout prayers. The people of the capital sing praises to the glory of the Lord God, as if they are still in the New Year's festival.
At the New Year's Festival, all the generals gathered together, and most of the officers of various departments were also in the capital. Taking this opportunity, Xiu Luote summoned all the trusted generals in turn, consulted the advice of many generals, and drew on some historical experiences. Finally, he sorted out a reform plan for the legion, summoned all the generals, and officially promulgated it in the kingdom!
The new legion reform plan includes two parts. The first is to standardize the military system: establish accurate military positions with different levels, and clarify the organization of troops at all levels. The second and more eye-catching one is the reorganization of the army: reorganize the kingdom legion and determine the positions of the generals.
Xiu Luote has been in contact with military affairs for many years, and has long thought about the military system of the alliance. This plan has actually been brewing in his mind for a long time. However, the reform of the legion is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. He has waited until now, when the political situation of the kingdom has been roughly settled, and there is a suitable opportunity for implementation.
The first part of the legion reform is to standardize the military system, which is generally based on the "five-two" system of military organization.
First of all, "ten" is a number that can be counted with both hands. A group of 10 people is the smallest unit of the army, and a group leader is set up to manage it. Every ten people share a wheelbarrow for placing baggage. Two groups of 20 people form a squad, with a captain. This is the customary number of the alliance scout squad, often represented by four palms. The group leader and squad leader are served by warriors of level 2 to 4, and belong to the most basic non-commissioned officers.
Then, five squads form a squadron of 100 people, with a centurion. Two squadrons form a brigade of 200 people, with two hundred captains. 200 people are usually used as a standard tactical unit, which can effectively perform basic tactical tasks such as assault, harassment, encirclement, and occupation. Centurions and two hundred captains usually correspond to fourth-level senior warriors and military nobles, who are the backbone of the kingdom's legion and the middle-level officers of the troops.
From the squadron of 100 men upwards, each level of organization has additional war priests and military medical officers, whose positions are similar to those of the adjutants of the same level. War priests are responsible for daily prayers, pre-war mobilization, and post-war funerals. The duties of military medical officers are daily epidemic prevention in the army, the allocation of medicinal herbs for treatment, and the treatment of wounded soldiers after the war. Military medical officers are experienced warriors or priests who are proficient in herbs.
Going up, five battalions are organized into battalions of 1,000 people, and the battalion commander is the thousand-man commander. The thousand-man battalion is the standard unit for regional garrison. According to the tradition of the alliance, the battalion commander of the thousand-man battalion corresponds to a military noble with more seniority or a hereditary noble with less seniority.
Each thousand-man battalion has different tendencies according to its equipment and soldiers, and can be roughly divided into two categories: melee battalions and long-range battalions. The melee thousand-man battalion often uses long spears or war sticks for battle formations, generally requires shields, and is equipped with a certain proportion of battle axes. The long-range thousand-man battalion will be equipped with longbows, crossbows, or more popular javelins. Also belonging to the battalion-level organization, there is also the artillery battalion that has not yet been formed.
Finally, 4-8 thousand-man battalions form a kingdom legion. The legion is the strategic unit of the kingdom, and the legion commander is the real task of the aspect. Among them, the legion of 4,000 people is called a small legion, and the 8,000-man Hikipili is a full-staffed large legion. The legion commander needs at least the title of hereditary nobles and is one of the most important figures in the kingdom's military and political affairs.
From 10-man groups, 20-man squads, 100-man squadrons, 200-man battalions, 1,000-man battalions, and then to 4,000-8,000-man legions, from the newly added priests and military doctors to the differentiation of thousand-man battalions, the new military system clarifies the traditional tribal organization, unifies the number of troops at all levels, and helps to increase the generals' control over the army.
In fact, the new military system reform did not cause any controversy. When the king gave an order, the generals bowed their heads and obeyed.
After standardizing the military system, the second part of the reform was the reorganization of the kingdom legion. The Mexica Corps, the Tarasco surrendered troops, and the tribal soldiers of each tribe must accept dispersion and integration and be unified under the same black wolf king's flag.
The organization and size of the corps will directly affect the power of the generals. Only by relying on the supreme prestige of the king and under the condition of the obedience of most warriors can the various armies be effectively reorganized. After the news of the reorganization of the corps came out, it caused a lot of bargaining among the generals.
Xiu Luote met with generals, summoned confidants, and appeased officers at all levels one after another. It was not until late February that the king established the specific organization of the corps.
Before the reorganization, the military forces of the kingdom reached 60,000 to 70,000. Among them, the direct Mexica Corps had more than 14,000 people, the Tarasco surrendered troops who were farming were about 50,000, and there were 2,000 to 3,000 scattered Tekos tribal soldiers and Chichimec tribal soldiers.
More than half of the corps of the Tarasco Kingdom at the time of extreme mobilization were successively inherited by the lake fiefdom. For the population of more than 600,000 in the three counties of the fiefdom, this degree of soldier-civilian ratio would definitely not be maintained for a long time. Therefore, the reorganization of the legion this time is naturally also a reduction of the army.
The light breeze swayed the torches, and the solemn hall was solemn, with only the rustling sound of armor. Shulot sat high on the throne, in front of him was a sea of generals, all of whom were silent.
"King's order: Establish the King's Guard Corps, a total of 6,000 people. Under its command are 2,500 bronze armored soldiers, 1,500 crossbow guards, and 2,000 vanguard throwers. The commander of the corps is the honorary noble, the Holy Eagle Warrior Captain, Bertard!"
Bertard, with a calm face, stepped forward and knelt down to worship. With a solemn look on his face, Shulot gave him a scepter symbolizing the status of the legion commander, as well as a brand-new commander's weapon, a Qin-style bronze sword.
"The Guards will hold high the royal flag of the Black Wolf. Hold my scepter and rule for me; hold my sword and kill the enemy for me!"
"Your Highness, I am willing to die for you."
Bertard bowed his head and saluted. There is great power in his brief words.
"Bertard, my warrior captain, you will personally lead the bronze-armored army and accompany me day and night. My safety is entrusted to you!"
"Your Highness, I will definitely die before you."
The samurai commander stated affirmatively.
Shulot nodded slightly and shook the warrior chief's hair.
Three months ago, the Guards Corps began to draw elites from various ministries, and now it has been established. All 6,000 men in the legion will be out of work. These elite warriors will maintain high-intensity daily training, receive religious baptism from priests, and are always ready for sacred war.
The core bronze-armored army consists of 2,500 people, including 500 jaguar warriors wearing heavy armor and 2,000 longbow guards wearing medium armor. The bronze-armored soldiers will always be with the king to protect his safety. Under the protection of the new bronze armor, the combat effectiveness of this elite pro-army will exceed that of any imperial guard in the world, and it is enough to deal with a sudden attack of ten thousand people.
"For fifty years in life, it is like a dream or an illusion to be a king. How important it is to do a good job of guarding him!"
Distant thoughts flashed through the king's mind. After a slight pause, he continued to solemnly promulgate the decree.
"The Guards Corps, 1,500 strong crossbow guards, is led by the hereditary noble, Eagle Warrior Barda!"
Barda has returned from the capital. Upon hearing the king's order, he bowed his head and came forward with a respectful expression, kneeling on one knee to salute. As the envoy of the feudal kingdom in the lake, around his neck was an obsidian necklace given by King Avit, which was shining in the firelight.
The Jinnu Guards are temple guards who use crossbows. They belong to a devout religious legion and are capable of both long-range and melee combat. This elite crossbow battalion was originally led by veteran Etalik. However, Etalik had already gone to the southern Zicao County to take charge, so Shulot asked Barda to take over this elite guard.
Barda has followed the king for a long time. He has never shown outstanding military talents, and in terms of martial arts, he is just an ordinary warrior. It's just that he kept to himself and had extremely deep qualifications, but he managed to get through it and occupied a place among the generals. The rank of the Imperial Guard is half a level higher than that of an ordinary legion. With his experience and qualifications, he is enough to command a small legion of four thousand people.
"The vanguard throws 2,000 men, led by the hereditary noble, the black wolf Toltec!"
Upon hearing the king's order, Black Wolf Toltec went up to the palace with a muffled voice and bowed his head to accept the order.
The Pioneer Throwing Battalion were actually tribal warriors who threw caltrops, selected from the Tecos and Chichimec tribesmen. These barbarian warriors wear light armor and hold short spears. They are strong, agile and fearless of death. They were able to sprint across the battlefield, throwing explosive caltrops and javelins mounted with bronze spearheads. Depending on the characteristics of the troops, they will be used for constantly moving raids or sieges with huge casualties.
Toltec is brave and courageous, and is the best candidate to command this barbarian army. But Black Wolf himself was not satisfied with this position. He made great achievements in the Western Expedition, and his achievements were enough to command an army.
After thinking about it for a long time, Shulot decided to polish his favorite general's temperament and improve his abilities before using him in a big way. The king then placed Toltec in the Guards Corps and ordered Black Wolf to be patient and follow Bertard to learn the strategy of commanding troops.
"King's order: Establish the Gyeonggi Corps, with a total of 8,000 people. Under its jurisdiction are 3,000 Mexican warriors, 2,000 sky warriors, 2,000 Qincongcan warriors, and 1,000 Qinganbat warrior battalions. The commander of the corps is a noble noble and a holy city warrior. "Chang, Orosh!"
Orosh looked solemn and fell to the ground in awe. Shulot also gave a scepter and a bronze sword.
"The Gyeonggi Army will hold high the flag of the Condor Legion. I will leave Orosh, the heartland core of the feudal kingdom, and the glorious royal capital to you!"
"Your Highness, as long as I am here, I will definitely take good care of my hometown in the capital!"
Orosh clenched his fists on his chest and patted his chest hard. Seeing this familiar action, Shulot smiled.
"Teacher Olosh, I am always at ease when you do things. You will personally lead the Mexica Warriors, and all the Holy City Warriors will be included in it. I will gather enough bows and arrows. Train the warriors well, so that They all master basic archery skills to reduce casualties during war. Teacher, I can only feel at ease if I leave the capital to you!"
The king smiled and whispered a few words before solemnly giving the order again.
"There are 2,000 sky warriors, led by Horta, the hereditary noble, the head of the Sky Family! There are 2,000 Qin Congcan warriors, led by Puap, the hereditary noble, the head of the Gray Earth Family! There are 1,000 Qinganbat Warrior Battalion, led by military nobles, industrial and mining Director, Commander Necali!"
The three of them stepped forward to take orders at the same time. Horta looked respectful, Puap beaming. Necali suppressed the excitement in his heart, glanced at the king above him, and then at the generals around him. After more than ten years in the army, he finally reached the rank of senior general.
"I finally made it to the main hall, albeit as the leader of the miners"
Necali's heart was churning, and he saluted solemnly on his face.
"Your Highness, I am willing to give you wings and live for your will!"
"Very good! Hold the war club, fight for me, and serve the alliance. The light of the Lord will shine on you!"
Xuluot shook the hair of the three people in turn and encouraged them seriously.
In the Jingji Legion, the Mexica warriors and the Purépecha warriors each accounted for half. The Purépecha warriors were selected from the surrendered army and divided into two parts, Horta and Puapu. Among them, the sky warriors came from the Chapala Lake area, and the Qin Congcan warriors came from the surrounding areas of the capital. The two were unfamiliar with each other. The design and arrangement of this legion itself contains a certain balance.
"King's Order: Establish the Kingdom's First Spear Legion, a total of 8,000 people. It has 6,000 spear warriors and 2,000 militia archers. The legion commander is a hereditary noble, Kuruka! The military flag is a spear and a crocodile!"
In the Mexica calendar, the first to the twentieth days are represented by different symbols. The symbol of one is the crocodile, and the symbol of two is the wind.
The monkey Kuruka's eyes are lively, but his expression remains calm. He carefully took the scepter and sword from the legion commander and saluted again.
"Your Highness, I will die for you."
Xiuluot nodded with a smile and held Monkey's hair.
"Monkey, the First Spear Corps is fully staffed. You and I will go to Hekou County in the north, and then station there to guard against the dog tribe in the north and the Chapala Lake area in the west."
"Your Highness, I will guard the north!"
"Not only must we guard it, but we must also take the initiative to attack and plunder the population. Well, I will talk to you in detail on the way north."
"I will obey your will!"
Xiuluot smiled with satisfaction and patted the other's shoulder.
The predecessor of the First Spear Corps was the Mexica Spear Corps, which was actually composed of elite militia promoted to warriors. During the Western Expedition, many of the Spear Corps died in battle, so two archer camps of Purpecha were added. These militia archers have been selected, are proficient in archery, and have good morale. They hold long wooden bows or long bamboo bows, move flexibly, and can effectively complement the spear phalanx.
The First Spear Corps will be stationed in the north. Monkey Kuluka will be the head of the corps and will be in charge of local military and political affairs. He is the first senior official, which shows the king's respect for him.
"King's Order: Establish the Kingdom's Second Spear Corps, with a total of 8,000 people. It will have 6,000 elite spear militias and 2,000 militia archers. The head of the corps is the hereditary noble, Ezpan! The flag is the spear and the wind!"
Ezpan stepped forward with joy in his eyes. He took the scepter and sword of the corps leader, looked at them with shining eyes, and then prostrated himself on the ground and paid homage.
"Your Highness, you are my only sun, the light that controls my life!"
Xuluot laughed. He ordered loudly.
"Ezpan, the Second Pike Corps is mainly composed of militiamen, all of whom are surrendered soldiers from the Western Expedition. You must intensify your training and reorganize them! The teachings of the priests are of utmost importance, and the fields of the legion will also be allocated to you. Your base is in the south of the Patzcuaro Lake area, so you must always pay attention to the situation around you!"
"Your Highness, obey your will! The Second Pike Corps has been selected. Their loyalty to you will be as indestructible as a rock as mine. I will pay attention to the south!"
Ezpan kept lying on the ground to answer, respectfully not raising his head. He did not walk away until the answer was finished. Seeing the scepter in Ezpan's hand, the generals were a little jealous. The raised-headed Black Wolf curled his lips and simply looked up.
The Second Pike Corps was selected from the surrendered soldiers who cultivated the land. Due to the heavy financial pressure of the kingdom, neither of the two Pike Corps could be completely off-duty. They had farmlands in their bases, cultivated them during the busy farming season, accumulated food for the expedition, and trained during the slack farming season to prepare for war.
Xiu Luote held the staff and looked around. All the generals bowed their heads. After a moment, the king used the end of the staff to knock on the stone floor. A crisp ding-dong sound announced the end of the military meeting.
"Return to your camps, strengthen training, and prepare for war!"
"I will obey your will!"
Soon, the generals saluted and dispersed, leaving only the armored king to think alone in the hall.
After the reorganization of the kingdom's army, there were four field legions left, including the Royal Guard, the Capital, the First Spear, and the Second Spear, with a total of 30,000 soldiers. Among them, there were 14,000 Mexica warriors, 14,000 Purépecha warriors, and 2,000 tribal warriors.
This proportion of soldiers was also designed out of a certain balance. And with the return and attachment of the people of the feudal country, the number of soldiers born in the lake area will gradually increase, and will eventually far exceed the limited Mexica warriors.
In general, this reorganization will remove 35,000 Tarasco surrendered soldiers from the army to ease the financial pressure on the lake area.
Among them, 30,000 garrison soldiers will arrange marriages with relatives and take several years to digest. These trained young men will be integrated into normal civilian villages and serve as professional logistics corps in large-scale wars. The other 5,000 miners will be replaced by imported slaves in turn and gradually become garrison troops in the southwest mining area. In addition to the four legions in the field, villages and settlements in various places will be issued weapons and form militias according to a certain population ratio.
Thinking of this, Xiu Luote raised his head and looked at the distant sky.
"More than 600,000 people, maintaining 30,000 huge legions capable of field battles. Even with the huge profits of copper and glass, and the food of military and civilian settlements, it is still difficult to last long. Haha, such a war of aggression and external conquest is imperative!"
The king's laughter dissipated in the long wind and soon disappeared silently. The light of the fire flickered, containing the burning will, and sank into the deep night.
A few days later, February was coming to an end, and the north wind brought a bit of warmth. The Royal Guards and the First Long Spear Corps set out from the capital at the same time and headed for Hekou County. The Black Wolf's royal flag was flying high, and more than 10,000 warriors' armors were clanging. The army marched all the way, against the long wind coming from the plateau, and marched to the north.
I have been helping someone move recently. After being busy for several days, I finally settled down. In the Qidian Reading app, many Easter egg chapters have been reissued. Interested book friends can go and have a look.