Chapter 1918
Compared with the anxiety about the unknown environment when he left North Korea, Li Bo's mentality was much calmer when he set off from Sanya this time. This is because the various stopping places on this trip are not far from each other, and the fleet will not sail continuously on the sea for too long. It is a good arrangement for Li Bo who does not like to take a boat for a long time; secondly, when he arrived at the sea After Han, he also fully felt that Haihan valued him, and the arrangements for this trip seemed to be very thorough, and there was nothing for him to worry about.
Although this trip was a sightseeing trip, because the party who made the request did not have a very clear purpose and just wanted to let Li Bo find the study direction he was interested in through this method, the schedule was not rushed, and it was even said that he brought It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s a bit of a relaxing vacation. Moreover, these arrangements do not have to be strictly followed. After Tian Zheng, who was sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, boarded the ship, he informed Li Bo that if he wanted to stay somewhere longer or change his itinerary, he could discuss it with him. , it is not a problem to temporarily adjust the itinerary if necessary.
Of course, Li Bo is quite conscious. He is very clear about his main mission in coming to Haihan and does not intend to turn this trip into a sightseeing tour. So for Tian Zheng's friendly proposal, he just politely expressed his thanks.
If it weren't for the fact that there was an expedition-class warship accompanying them on the nearby sea, it would be difficult for the passengers on board to notice that the luxury passenger ship they were traveling on was the same type of ship as the expedition-class warship. For the sake of the passengers' feelings, this passenger ship has been specially modified in many places. For example, the sides used to deploy deck artillery are no longer those murderous naval guns, but replaced with a casual atmosphere. rattan chair. There is also a large foldable parasol above the chair. Passengers on the boat can not only watch the scenery, take a nap, but also enjoy sea fishing here.
A similar design was actually found on the ship Li Bo took when he went abroad, but the space on the deck was not so spacious and the chairs were not so soft. Li Bo sat down and leaned on the rattan chair, flipping through the books specially brought to him. "Rise of the South China Sea" on the boat, the sea breeze blows in the face, and the ice-cold freshly squeezed juice is at hand. I can't help but secretly sigh that this Haihan people really know how to enjoy themselves, and they can come up with so many tricks on the boat. If I have the conditions in the future, I will have to ask Haihan to customize a large passenger ship like this.
What made Li Pu feel most comfortable was that the officials on the ship consciously gave him space to be alone, and did not crowd around to disturb his random thoughts. He didn't like to socialize with Haihan officials anytime and anywhere, nor did he want to lock himself in the cabin all the time during the journey, even if he lived in the cabin with the largest space and the best conditions on the entire ship, and it also had several glass portholes. For lighting, it is definitely not as bright and ventilated as outdoors. Being able to quietly enjoy the sea breeze, read a book, and think about things on the deck is a rare moment of relaxation these days.
In fact, these Haihan officials on the ship were not idle either. Since Li Bo had only arrived in Sanya for a few days, most of them had come into contact with the Joseon Crown Prince for the first time. Before that, they had no idea about him. If I know anything about it, I only took the time to study the relevant information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after receiving this temporary task. The information I have is almost the same.
This job is indeed not difficult or risky, it is just like going on vacation, but in the next ten days, everyone has to get along with Li Bo, and they must first find out the temper of the Joseon prince before he can work.
During the previous introduction at the dock, these officials knew that only Tian Zheng and Zhang Qianzhi were not the first to deal with the Joseon Crown Prince, so they would definitely have more relevant information, so everyone took advantage of this. A small meeting was held at that time, allowing Tian Zheng and Zhang Qianzhi to share more about what they knew.
Zhang Qianzhi responded helplessly: "Actually, like everyone else, my understanding of this prince began yesterday. I went to the library to check information, and happened to meet him and Mr. Li Xili over there. That Li Your Excellency knows me, so he introduced the Crown Prince to me by the way, exchanged a few words with me, and left without leaving any impression.”
"Brother Zhang, with your professionalism, I'm afraid it's not as simple as just leaving, right? Didn't you check what books they borrowed from the library?"
When Zhang Qianzhi saw the person asking the question, he recognized him. He was Hong Jingwen, an official sent by the Propaganda Department. He used to work in the Sanya Port District Management Committee and was later promoted to the Propaganda Department. This man once discovered a slightly famous figure among the people, Liu Shang, who has now been transferred to Liaodong. When the Ministry of Security conducted a secret investigation into Liu Shang's identity, Zhang Qianzhi and Hong Jingwen Have dealt with it.
Zhang Qianzhi smiled and said: "Brother Hong listened carefully... I inquired later and found out that they only stayed in the library for about half a day. As for the books and materials they borrowed, they were all related to the South China Sea area. They must be from this prince. After arriving in Sanya, I found that it was necessary to strengthen my understanding of the South China Sea area, so I was so tentative. I think it’s Brother Tian who has to say it. After all, your yamen has been dealing with North Korea for a long time and should know more about it. "
Tian Zheng responded: "Actually, what I know is similar to what you all know. This prince is the eldest son in the family. He was selected as the heir by the King of Korea very early. His status should be relatively stable. In addition, this prince is said to be more responsible, but This is the evaluation given to him by Minister Ning, but it is not clear what it refers to.”
Ning Qi's evaluation actually does not refer to Li Bo in this time and space, but to the original historical Li Bo who took the initiative to serve as a hostage and went to the Qing Dynasty after the defeat of Korea, sacrificing his own life in exchange for peace. In the current time and space, Haihan has already sent troops to defeat the Qing army, so of course Li Bo no longer needs to take the initiative to act as a hostage. However, due to some strange combination of circumstances, he left his country and came to Haihan as an overseas student.
Tian Zheng knew this but didn't know why. He didn't know that Ning Qi's evaluation of Li Mu contained these convoluted stories. Ning Qi would definitely not explain it in detail, and as a subordinate, he didn't dare to ask. Therefore, the information he gave inevitably seemed a bit mysterious.
Zhang Qianzhi felt that Tian Zheng had some reservations about what he said, or that his position did not allow him to have access to relevant information. Zhang Qianzhi has read internal information about the Joseon Crown Prince and has some description and analysis of his specific situation. Moreover, the relevant information will definitely be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which means that the information Tian Zheng has should be almost the same as that of the Ministry of Security. That's right.
"At least this guy seems to be easy to get along with. If he reads quietly like this all the way, it will be easier for us." Perhaps because of his background as a pen writer, Hong Jingwen is quite fond of Li Haowen's style. Have a good impression.
"Yes, after getting off the ship, you will be responsible for the local reception. You don't have to worry about anything anymore. You can just eat and drink when you need to." Tian Zheng obviously understood the nature of this job very thoroughly. It was said almost unabashedly.
For these officials, although this trip is not profitable, at least it does not require them to work hard. As long as the Crown Prince of Joseon doesn't cause any trouble, their mission will be completed in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. During this period, they can also enjoy the hospitality of local officials with Zhan Guang. It can be said to be a very ideal job.
"I'm different from you. I had nothing to do on the boat, and I started to get busy when I got off the boat. While everyone was eating meat and drinking, I could only watch. There shouldn't be anyone who has a harder job on this trip than me, right? ”
The speaker was the military commander accompanying this trip, Army Captain Gai Liangcai. He is currently the commander of an infantry company in Sanya. Originally, a second lieutenant platoon leader would be enough for this kind of job, but in order to show the importance the military attaches to this, , and in order to facilitate the command of the accompanying armed personnel, a captain was transferred to serve as the military leader of the trip. All the sailors on the accompanying expedition-class warship were also commanded by him during the mission. Although Gai Liangcai's words contained some elements of complaint, they were also true. His mission was to ensure the personal safety of North Koreans, and there were obviously no threats other than nature on this route. The real need to use security forces was after the North Koreans disembarked from the ship, so he had such complaints.
However, his fake complaint was immediately exposed by Tian Zheng: "Brother Gai started complaining just after setting off? I heard that Brother Gai even took the initiative to apply for the job in Victory Fort. I'm afraid he wasn't so active just for the sake of the job on the way. How many meals of meat and wine? ”
Gai Liangcai smiled and said: "Brother Tian, where did this news come from? What a joke!"
Tian Zheng smiled and said: "I heard that the Sanya Garrison will have several promotion places at the end of the year. The infantry battalion currently stationed at Luhuitou Base seems to have a vacant battalion-level deputy position! Brother Gai is now a captain, but he is just enough to get this Threshold! ”
In the Haihan Army, both company and deputy battalion positions can be held by captain officers, and those who want to go higher up must hold the rank of major. Obviously, the Haihan Army will not have any major military operations this year, so the troops currently stationed in Sanya can only stay until the end of the garrison period, and then rotate to other places to see if there will be opportunities to obtain military honors. .
Under such circumstances, the security mission of the Crown Prince of Joseon during his visit to Haehan was actually an errand that would result in military merit. For some officers who urgently need merit in order to gain an advantage in the promotion competition, this is a rare mission. Opportunity. People with ideas and connections will naturally try to get through the joints to win this task as soon as possible.
Of course, the Crown Prince of Joseon's application for this trip was a last-minute decision, and various departments arranged the candidates in a hurry. Only a handful of well-informed people could get the relevant information in time. Everyone on the ship was notified at short notice to participate in this operation. Gai Liangcai probably never expected that anyone would know about the internal arrangements of the military.
Gai Liang was silent for a few seconds and suddenly asked: "Excuse me, what is the relationship between Tian Biao and Brother Tian?"
"It's my brother." Tian Zheng responded unabashedly: "Brother Gai's application was stamped by my brother, so I happened to know about it. I hope Brother Gai won't be surprised!"
Gai Liangcai smiled and said: "I, Gai Liangcai, have not had time to thank your brother, so why should I blame you! Brother Tian has said something serious. When I come back from this inspection trip, I will make a request and ask Brother Tian to invite your brother on my behalf. Everyone here has a chance to meet you, let’s have a casual meal together then! ”
Tian Zheng cupped his hands and said, "It's easy to talk about. Brother Gai is so polite!"
Zhang Qianzhi listened to the two people's questions and answers and basically understood most of them. Tian Zheng's brother Tian Biao was in charge of such foreign assignments in the army. He may not have decided on this choice. After all, Gai The fact that Liangcai was able to get the news in time and take the initiative to apply for the task from above showed that he had other connections, but Tian Zheng attributed this favor to his brother in just a few words. And Gai Liangcai also knew the situation and expressed his willingness to further develop friendship with the Tian brothers. This can be considered a very happy ending.
And why Tian Zheng's brother leaked this candidate to him in advance, was it to facilitate Tian Zheng's work, or was he trying to take this opportunity to make friends with Gai Liangcai, who had a certain background in the military? That is a secret that only the person involved knows. .
Of course, this kind of entanglement of interests in the officialdom is not serious enough to constitute a foul, but it at least shows that Gai Liangcai did not come to this ship only after passively accepting transfer orders, and his previous complaints are even more unbelievable. However, Zhang Qianzhi felt that there was no need for Tian Zheng to expose the matter in front of officials from various departments. Talking to Gai Liangcai privately would have the same effect.
Gai Liangcai said that after the mission was completed, everyone present would be invited to dinner. This was undoubtedly because he hoped that the people who heard the conversation just kept it secret. Zhang Qianzhi was not happy to participate in these official entertainments, and immediately said that he had other tasks, and he would probably be busy with other things when he came back, and he might not have time to attend Gai Liangcai's dinner.
"It would be very interesting if we could process this and write it into a report." Hong Jingwen said a few words. When he saw Gai Liangcai staring at him, he immediately changed his words and said, "I was just joking. Brother Gai, you don't have to Seriously!”
"Speaking of reports, I would like to ask Brother Hong, have you already released the news that the Joseon Crown Prince is going to visit and inspect? When I set out today, I saw a lot of onlookers near the pier. I can't believe he is here. Look at you and me!" Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Zhang Qianzhi took the initiative to change the topic.
Hong Jingwen responded: "This is also what I mean above. We must take this opportunity to show our national strength to the other party and start building momentum through propaganda methods from the beginning to attract the attention of the people."
(End of chapter)