Chapter 2859: Face-to-face teaching
"The last general has seen the commander-in-chief!"
To this day, Fang Jun is still the governor of the internal and external affairs of the Royal Navy. He is regarded by the Navy as the highest commander besides the emperor. He has always been called "Commander", but he has completely delegated power, but he still has the spirit of the Royal Navy. leader.
After all, this is an army he created with his own hands. From top to bottom, from the inside out, his style is engraved and his will is inherited.
"No need to be polite!"
Fang Jun stepped forward and helped Su Dingfang up with both hands. Looking at the square face that was rough and darkened by the sea breeze, but exuding a confident and majestic temperament, he was very pleased: "The Governor is now also a famous general, I am very happy to congratulate him. ”
Su Dingfang would not be reserved in front of Fang Jun, and said with a smile: "Without the cultivation of the commander, how could I achieve what I am today? No matter when and where, as long as the commander gives an order, I and his navy commander will be I will obey orders and go through fire and water!”
After more than ten years of wasted time with Li Jing, he naturally knew when to show his loyalty and confirm his position. He had a deep understanding of the saying "it's better to lean against a big tree to enjoy the shade" in the past few years in the navy. Fang Jun This big tree provides protection from the wind and rain, so the navy can do its own thing without having to consider the constraints from the court at all. All ambitions can be expanded. Isn't this a great pleasure?
The two of them took their seats together. Fang Yi stood up and said, "Brothers, let's chat for now. The younger brother went to the back kitchen and asked the cook to prepare a banquet. Later, we would have a few drinks together to cleanse the dust of Governor Su." ”
Su Dingfang said hurriedly: "We are all from our own family, and I don't say any annoying words. A simple meal is enough, and the most important thing is to have good wine."
Fang Yi then smiled and said: "Our wine deserves to be the best in the Tang Dynasty, and we will not disappoint Governor Su."
Fang Jun originally wanted to ask Fang Yize to stay and chat together. After all, whether he wanted Fang Yize to go to Huating Town to take charge of the overall situation, or to go to the sea to Japan to occupy the Guandong Plain, he would need the strong support of the Navy. But thinking that it would be okay to talk about this matter at the banquet later, he nodded and said: "Then you can go, it's just that my brother and Governor Su have some important matters to discuss."
"Here."
Fang Yize walked out quickly.
There were only two people left in the hall. Fang Jun raised his hand to signal Su Dingfang to drink tea, and then said in a deep voice: "Just now, a certain person returned from visiting friends in Zhongnan Mountain. On the way, he encountered a suspect or an assassin."
Su Dingfang originally stretched out his hand to lift the teapot. He was startled when he heard this. He looked Fang Jun up and down and said quickly: "Is the commander injured?"
Fang Jun shook his head and said: "Don't be anxious. The soldiers discovered the whereabouts of the thief first and drove him away, so he didn't have a chance to make a move. However, he couldn't be captured, so everything is just a guess. But in the world How could such a coincidence happen? I just don’t know who sent it.”
Su Dingfang looked solemn and was speechless for a moment.
He knew that there were overt and covert conflicts and turbulent undercurrents in the DPRK because of the competition for the heirloom, but he never thought that it had become so intense.
Who is Fang Jun? He is not only the son-in-law of the current emperor, but also the Duke of Yue and the Minister of War. Especially for the special honors he has achieved in the past few years, no one in the court can match him. He is a true pillar of the empire and a first-class important minister. However, such a high-ranking minister was assassinated one after another. In history, only those dynasties at the end of their dynasties had such a turbulent political environment.
After pondering for a moment, Su Dingfang said: "Commander, do you have any instructions?"
As a general in charge of the army, he led the army to attack across the sea, so naturally he could not get involved in this kind of thing. Even if he knew who sent people to assassinate Fang Jun, he would not dare to rush into Beijing. Furthermore, Fang Jun himself is the general of the Youtun Guard, and he has an entire elite guard under his command. If he really wants to attack someone, how can he be used?
However, now that he is talking about this matter in front of himself, it is natural that he will not just talk to himself.
Fang Jun pointed to the teacup, and Su Dingfang picked up the teapot and filled the two cups on the coffee table with tea.
After taking a sip of tea, Fang Juncai said slowly: "Someone has his own opinion on matters in Beijing. No matter what the circumstances, you are not allowed to interfere without authorization, especially things like sending troops to Beijing. This is absolutely not allowed. Maybe you remember? ”
Su Dingfang felt warm in his heart, nodded and said, "I will eventually understand."
He knew that Fang Jun was thinking about his political future. Once he got involved in this matter, he would no longer be able to stay out of it. Even if he was in the Navy, he would be constantly bitten, and the entire Navy would be affected by this. There was no peace, and those people even took the opportunity to intervene.
You need to know that since the founding of the Navy, it has been the invincible presence of the Tang Dynasty on the sea. It not only demonstrates the imperial power, but also means endless wealth.
All merchant ships of the "Eastern Datang Company" are protected by the Navy. They continue to export goods overseas through trade, and their profits are already astronomical. Not to mention that the gold and silver shipped back from Japan every year filled the cabins of the ships. Ship after ship arrived at Guanzhong and entered the royal treasury. Now they are starting to plan to conquer Luzon after the Eastern Expedition...
The huge interests have already touched the hearts of many people. However, because the Navy has always been outside the political structure of the Tang Dynasty, it has no chance to intervene.
Once those people are given such an opportunity, they will swarm around like flies seeing carrion...
Fang Jun nodded and continued: "You only need to remember to hold the navy firmly in your hands, and you will be invincible. When the Eastern Expedition begins next spring, the navy will be responsible for the transportation of food and baggage. Complete your mission well and don’t covet other people’s military achievements. , the most important thing is the word "stability". The navy has countless meritorious deeds across the sea. There is no need to take food from others, otherwise you will be criticized. Therefore, you must not be greedy until it is absolutely necessary. ”
Su Dingfang sat up straight, nodded and said yes.
He is not an idiot. He has long heard about the trend of "grabbing for credit" that permeates the government and the public. Almost everyone regards this Eastern Expedition as the only major war in the next ten or even twenty years. This is a matter of seizing power. Military merit is the last chance. If you achieve military merit, you can have a smooth career and be married to a wife. You can live on for three generations even if you just rest on the merit book.
But Goguryeo was only so big, and millions of troops came out in full force. After the credit was divided, how much could one person contribute?
Therefore, for an army like the Navy, which has made countless achievements across the sea in recent years, it has become a target of being squeezed out - you have so many military achievements, why do you still come to rob us and bully others?
Even Fang Jun has already been hinted by His Majesty that neither he nor the Youtun Guards who once overthrew Xue Yantuo will miss this Eastern Expedition. The reason is the same...
However, Su Dingfang clearly caught the rhetoric in Fang Jun's words, frowned and asked: "I dare to ask, what does the commander-in-chief mean by the 'time of last resort'?"
Fang Jun didn't answer. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. Then he put down the teacup and pondered for a long time before slowly saying: "Since ancient times, there has never been a war that was guaranteed to win. That's why Sun Tzu's Art of War said, 'Warriors are also crafty.' However, This Eastern Expedition brought together Without the strength of the whole country, victory is nothing. Even a tragic victory is acceptable. However, once defeated, the consequences will be unimaginable... In war, the situation changes rapidly, and every decision may lead to a different outcome of the war. Who can forever How to make the right decision? Therefore, the outcome of the war is really unpredictable. As for the "time of last resort", no one can foresee it in advance, but General Su is a famous general in the world, and he will naturally know when the time comes. If it really comes to a time when you think it is 'the last resort', you don't have to be too taboo. Just make the decision you think is best based on the situation at the time. As for right or wrong, victory or defeat, you and the prince will bear the responsibility."
Su Dingfang was so moved that he nodded heavily and said: "I will keep this in mind. Even if my body is shrouded in horse leather, I will not disappoint His Highness and the Marshal!"
When you are away, you will not accept your orders. This has been the truth since ancient times.
However, Fang Jun is so willing to hand over all the decision-making and commanding powers to him, and even takes unconditional responsibility for the results. How can such trust not make Su Dingfang, who was suppressed and excluded in his early years and experienced the deceitfulness of the human heart, Moved?
A scholar dies for his confidant, that's all.
Moreover, Su Dingfang also sensed from Fang Jun's words the frustration of this upstart in the imperial court regarding this Eastern Expedition. Amid the triumphant praises from both the government and the public, he maintained a rare sobriety.
Even Su Dingfang didn't dare to imagine what the consequences would be if the imperial commander personally conquered Goguryeo this time and returned in disgrace like Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty did... (End of Chapter)