The sudden good news made the beggars a little confused.
Yu Cheng turned to look at the other beggars and asked them, "Do those children often bully you?"
The beggars shook their heads and explained why.
After hearing this, Yu Cheng looked solemn.
How sad it is to be willing to be chased and beaten for a piece of cake.
Yu Cheng sighed deeply and asked them if there was anyone selling food nearby.
A piece of cake is not enough for them to eat. Since he met them, he should provide them with a good meal.
The beggars said, "Yes, it's right in front. Turn from there and walk a little further, and there will be a noodle stall and a bun shop."
That's where they came from just now, and the buns smell delicious.
Seeing the shining desire in the beggars' eyes, Yu Cheng said: "Lead the way."
The beggars followed the instructions and took Yu Cheng and his party to the noodle stall and bun shop.
The two stalls are next to each other, and the curls of white smoke and wisps of aroma mix together, tempting people to swallow their mouths.
The boss who was cooking noodles saw the beggars coming again, and when he was about to rush them away with a unhappy look on his face, he saw Yu Cheng and others behind them.
"Sit down." Yu Cheng asked the beggars to sit around the table and said to the boss: "Cook a bowl of noodles for each of them."
"Hey, okay." The boss responded repeatedly and started working quickly.
While waiting, Yu Cheng asked Yang Quan, the concubine, to go to the nearby bun shop and buy two baskets of buns for the beggars to eat first.
The beggars were so happy that they grabbed the buns one by one and ate them without fear of burning them.
Soon, the noodles were cooked, and bowls of noodles were placed on the table in front of them.
The beggars picked up their chopsticks and slurped down their food. After finishing the meal, they even didn't let go of the noodle soup. They picked up the bowl and drank it all, and even licked off the soup stained on the rim of the bowl with their tongues.
The boss frowned at the way they were eating, worried that other diners would not want to use the bowl again.
But business came to his door, and it was brought by the military master, so he didn't dare to refuse. The boss sighed secretly and could only admit that he was unlucky.
A bowl of hot noodle soup not only fills your stomach, but also warms your body. The beggars put down their bowls and looked at Yu Cheng gratefully.
Only the little beggar wrapped in a big cloak held the bowl in his arms and asked cautiously: "Can I have this bowl?"
The noble man said that he would give him a new bowl as compensation, but it was Chinese New Year and the grocery stores were not open, so there was no way to buy it.
He thought this bowl was very good. Although it was a little old, it didn't have any cracks. It was much better than the broken bowl he had before.
"Okay." Yu Cheng responded calmly and bought the bowl with the boss.
The boss's eyes lit up, and after some discussion, he sold all the bowls used by the beggars to Yu Cheng at a low price.
Yu Cheng didn't think much about it and gave it to the beggar after buying it.
Afterwards, Yu Cheng stood up and continued to inspect the people's situation.
After walking two streets, Yang Quan stepped forward and whispered a few words.
Yu Cheng turned around and saw the beggars following him from a distance. I saw him looking over, as if he had done something wrong, frightened and nervous.
Yu Cheng frowned helplessly and waved for them to come forward.
When they got closer, Yu Cheng asked them: "Why are you following us?"
The beggars said tremblingly: "We... want to follow you."
"I know you are generals, and we want to join the army too."
Yu Cheng said: "You are still too young."
The beggars said anxiously: "We will grow up soon. I am already thirteen years old and he is twelve... We are just short. But we are quick with our hands and feet. We can do other work first and wait until we grow up." When you are older, go into battle and kill the enemy."
"Besides, we don't need money, we just need food to eat. Please accept us!"
After the beggars finished speaking, they knelt down and prayed with their eyes.
Although joining the army carries the risk of death in battle, having enough to eat is still better than starving to death without food.
Yu Cheng lowered his eyes and looked at the beggar kneeling in the snow, his expression softened with compassion. Finally, he agreed.
The beggars were overjoyed and were about to kowtow in thanks when they were interrupted by a cold voice.
"Your Highness, no."
A general frowned and said: "They are too small and weak. They will be a burden if they stay in the army."
When the beggars heard this, their newly heated hearts suddenly became cold again.
"But they are also the people of Jokhang." Yu Cheng looked sideways at the general and said clearly: "We stick to the border, isn't it to guard the Jokhang River and Mountains and protect the peace of the people?"
"If you just watch them freeze to death and starve to death, then what's the point of holding on?"
The general opened his mouth but couldn't answer.
Finally, the general sighed and said: "Your Highness, it's not that this general is cruel, it's just that there are thousands of beggars in the city, and he can't control them at all. Even if he wants to, he can't do anything."
After a brief thought, Yu Cheng pursed his lips and said: "Then set a threshold. Only those who are diligent and willing to work will be included, and those who are lazy and hate work will not be ignored. Furthermore, those who are over fifteen years old need to train to go to the battlefield."
These two requirements can prevent beggars from eating and drinking. On the other hand, those who meet the requirements will also receive assistance.
There are many chores in the army. Although these beggars cannot go into battle to kill the enemy, they can do laundry and cooking in the rear camp, boil water and carry firewood, and take care of injured soldiers.
This kills two birds with one stone. There are people to do the chores in the army, and there are fewer beggars in the city.
"Your Highness is wise." After hearing this, the general suddenly became enlightened and expressed his admiration for Yu Cheng.
During this battle, the army was short of manpower, and the rear support battalion was simply too busy. Beggars joining the army not only solve the manpower shortage, but also replace combat sergeants.
Whether beggars or soldiers, they are all human resources, it depends on how they are used.
Yu Cheng said to the general: "I will leave this matter to you. Take them back to settle them, and send people to the beggars' den to issue orders to recruit those who wish to join the army."
"Yes, general, take your orders." The general agreed, commanded a few sergeants, and left with the beggars.
Thinking that they would have enough to eat in the future, the beggars were overjoyed and followed them willingly.
The general was very efficient in his work. In the afternoon, he sent troops in separate groups to issue orders at several major beggars' dens in the city.
The beggars who heard this order talked a lot and discussed with each other, ready to act but fearful.
If you just do chores, but if you are over fifteen and have to go to the battlefield, you will lose your life.
Of course, regardless of age, there are also those who are lazy and just want to make a living and are unwilling to work.
So some sick, disabled and elderly people asked: "There is no way for people like us to go to the battlefield or do heavy work."
The sergeant glanced at them and said coldly: "You can always make a fire, wash the vegetables, and serve tea and water."
These are light and simple things, and anyone who can walk the streets begging for food can definitely do them. If you can do what you can to earn a living, it won't be a loss at all.
Someone argued forcefully: "What if we can't do this?"
The sergeant said: "This order is for joining the army voluntarily, not for compulsion."
If you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to go.
When the person who wanted to cheat and cheat heard this, the little bit of luck in his heart was wiped out.
If they were in other places, they could still act recklessly, but in the military camp, they would definitely not dare to do so.
So all the beggars looked at each other, hesitating.
However, the temptation of a good meal was too great. After a while, a beggar expressed his willingness to join the army.
After someone took the lead, other hesitants also expressed their stance one after another.
