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, it is engraved with his style and inherits his will.
"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-in-chief, how could I achieve what I am today? No matter when and where, as long as the commander-in-chief gives an order, I and my navy commander will definitely
I will obey orders and go through fire and water!"
After spending more than ten years wasting 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. You Fang Jun
This big tree provides protection from 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 thing?
The two of them sat down 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 hurriedly said: "They are all members of our own family. I don't want to say anything nagging. Just a simple meal is enough. The most important thing is to have good wine."
Fang Yize then smiled and said: "Our wine is worthy of being the best in the Tang Dynasty, and I will not disappoint Governor Su."
Fang Jun originally thought about asking 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 about it
There was no harm in talking about this matter at the banquet later, so he nodded and said, "Then you can go ahead. I just have some important matters to discuss with Governor Su."
"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 worry, the soldiers discovered the whereabouts of the thief first and drove him away, so he didn't have a chance to attack, but he couldn't be captured, so everything is just a guess. But in the world
How can there be such a coincidence? I just don’t know who sent someone to do it."
Su Ding's face was solemn and speechless for a moment.
He knew that the dispute over the heirloom was causing overt and covert fighting, and the undercurrent was turbulent, but he never thought that it had become so intense.
Who is Fang Junna? He is not only the emperor's son-in-law, but also the Duke of Yue and the Minister of War. Especially for the extraordinary achievements he has made in the past few years, no one in the court can match him. He is a true pillar of the empire, first-class
Important minister. However, such a high-ranking and powerful minister was assassinated one after another. In history, it is probably only when dynasties came to an end that there was 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 overseas and across the sea. Naturally, he could not get involved in this kind of thing. Even if he knew who sent someone to assassinate Fang Jun, he would not dare to rush into Beijing. Moreover, Fang Jun himself
He is the General of the Youtun Guard, and he has a whole body of elite soldiers under his command. If you really want to attack someone, how can you use him?
However, now that I am talking about this matter in front of myself, it is natural that I will not just talk to myself.
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 picking up the tea and taking a sip, Fang Juncai said slowly: "Someone has his own opinion on matters in the capital. No matter what the situation, you are not allowed to interfere without authorization, especially things like sending troops to the capital. 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, which not only demonstrates the imperial power, but also means endless wealth.
All the merchant ships of the "Eastern Datang Company" are protected by the navy. They continue to export goods overseas through trade, and the profits are already astronomical. Not to mention that the gold and silver shipped back from Japan every year fill the cabins.
Ship after ship arrived in Guanzhong and entered the royal treasury. Now they are planning to conquer Luzon after the Eastern Expedition...
The huge interests have already touched the hearts of many people, but 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 exploits. The most important thing is to be "stable". The navy stretches across the sea and has countless meritorious deeds. There is no need to compete with others for food, otherwise you will become the target of public criticism.
.Therefore, unless it is absolutely necessary, do not be greedy for success and rush forward.”
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 your 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 want to come and compete with us and bully others?
Even Fang Jun has 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 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 always make the right decision? Therefore, the outcome of the war is really unpredictable. As for what is the 'time of last resort', no one can foresee it in advance, but General Su is a famous general in the world, so he will naturally know when the time comes.
I would like to remind you, if it really comes to a time when you think it is 'the last resort', don't be too taboo. Just make the decision you think is best based on the situation at that time. As for right or wrong, victory or defeat, I 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 wrapped 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 the decision-making power and command power to him, and he is also unconditionally responsible 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, as if victory was within reach, Su Dingfang 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 vain like Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty did...