Zhu Gaochi put a piece of meat into each of their bowls and said with a smile: "My father said that I would lead one hundred thousand troops. But we are going to the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is an unusual battle and we need ships to transport us. One hundred thousand people, how many ships are needed?"
ah."
"The largest troop transport ship in our Coast Guard can only carry 500 people at a time. Among them, there are nearly 100 sailors at the helm, which means it can only transport 400 people." Picking up the pieces of meat in the bowl, Song, the Minister of War,
Jian whispered.
"That 100,000 troops will require a lot of ships. Can you bring fewer people?" Zhu Gaochi asked.
"Ryukyu is an island country. One hundred thousand people land on an island, and whether they can stand or not is a question. In my opinion, it is more appropriate to bring 20,000 elite soldiers and fight quickly." Xiao Chen chewed with interest.
Holding the meat in his mouth, he said vaguely.
"Twenty thousand elite soldiers, do you already have suitable candidates?" Zhu Gaochi turned to look at Xiao Chen.
"Yes, of course. But let's eat first and talk about it after we finish."
Picking up the chopsticks, Xiao Chen reached towards the plate again.
After three rounds of wine, after eating and drinking well, Xiao Chen wiped the oil stains from his mouth and looked at Wang Changlian and Song Jian with a smile: "You two adults, you are welcome. This is your first expedition, and when you come back victorious,
We are one step closer to inheriting the throne. Your Highness will be in charge of the world from now on, and we will be considerate veterans. There are not many considerate veterans in a court. We are all our own people, and we need to eat well."
Seeing Xiao Chen trying to build a relationship for him, Zhu Gaochi also hurriedly took over the conversation: "Xiao Chen is right, we will be our own people from now on, our own people, we can't cheat when we eat."
Wang Changlian also put down his chopsticks: "The prince has a kind heart. As a commoner, I, Wang Changlian, support the imperial court. As an official in the court, I am loyal to the emperor and the prince. We are our own people."
Zhu Gaochi nodded, which was considered affirmative.
But in my heart, I looked at Wang Changlian differently.
He is truly a wise man of the generation. When complimenting himself, he never forgets to express his loyalty to his father.
At the same time, he also emphasized that he was loyal to the court.
It seems that he disdains to form such a small group. In the future, when talking to him, he must always adopt the court's point of view so as not to offend him.
Song Jian, the Minister of War, seemed much more reserved.
He had just taken on such a "big job" as an agent for the Ministry of War, and now he was invited by the prince to have dinner in the East Palace. This was an honor that he had never even dared to think about before.
He hurriedly stood up and saluted Zhu Gaochi: "I am flattered to be called one of my own by His Highness. This time I am ordered to fully cooperate with the Crown Prince in his expedition to Ryukyu. I will do my best not to drag His Highness back."
"Sit down, sit down and talk." Zhu Gaochi smiled and waved his hand gently, "You say you are one of our own, so why did Master Song start to see other people? In this expedition to Ryukyu, my father asked me to take charge because he also wanted to train him.
My personal ability. However, my father should have another meaning, has Mr. Song seen it?"
"The Emperor is still interested?" Song Jian looked puzzled.
Being able to serve as an official and become the Minister of War, Song Jian naturally has his own extraordinary qualities.
Apart from anything else, Song Jian was already a proficient person in the officialdom, observing people's actions, keeping a low profile just right, and giving the other party a chance to show off his talents.
What does the emperor mean? Is it just to train the prince and test his overall planning ability?
However, since the prince asked himself this, wouldn't it be better if he pretended to be stupid and let the prince say it?
Although the obvious flattery is effective, it will always give people a feeling of frivolity and hypocrisy.
Even though I pretend to be stupid, the prince will definitely be able to see it with his wisdom, but the prince will definitely be able to understand my good intentions and my sincerity.
Zhu Gaochi also didn't expect that Song Jian didn't notice it.
"Master Song really didn't notice?"
"No." Song Jian shook his head, "My thoughts are all on how to better cooperate with His Highness in the expedition to Ryukyu, and I haven't thought much about other things."
"You are different from others. You know how to work for the court in a down-to-earth manner." Zhu Gaochi did not hesitate to praise him and gave Song Jian a reassurance.
Then he added: "My father's intention is to select a minister for the Ministry of War who can take on the important role from this war."
"There are many talented people in the Ministry of War. The Emperor has a discerning eye and will definitely be able to select his favorite candidate." Song Jian still insisted on his low-key style.
"Work hard. When we return from victory, I will speak to you properly in front of my father and see if my father can let you sit on the position of Minister of the Ministry of War and become a leader for the imperial court." Zhu Gaochi said with a smile.
Xiao Chen and Wang Changlian listened to the conversation between the two and did not answer.
When they heard something important, they looked at each other and smiled.
One wants to win over people's hearts, and the other wants to perform well and win the position of Minister of War.
But you can’t speak human language?
Come on, be polite, be polite. We were all a little embarrassed when we heard that.
Here, when Song Jian heard that Zhu Gaochi was going to recommend him to be the Minister of War, he finally couldn't bear it anymore.
He stood up again and saluted Zhu Gaochi: "I will do my best to live up to His Highness's appreciation and cultivation."
"Okay, okay, His Highness has already said that he is one of our own, so don't bow. How come you and His Highness are so close to each other? You are the boss in the Ministry of War now. In this war, as long as nothing happens, the position of Minister of the Ministry of War is not yours.
It’s none other than. The relationship between His Highness and Hong Shangshu is also extraordinary. With the recommendation of the Crown Prince and Hong Shangshu’s right to speak, it is not difficult to help you to the position of Minister of the Ministry of War. They are both our own people, and there is no distinction between them.
They always speak two different languages."
Xiao Chen rolled his eyes at Song Jian and said angrily.
Song Jian felt embarrassed for a moment, knowing that Xiao Chen saw through his deliberate pretense.
He could only say in a low voice: "Lord Ziyi is making a joke. This is my first time entering the East Palace, so I am cautious and can't let go."
"Scrupulous? If you come here often from now on, you won't be so reserved anymore." Xiao Chen burst out laughing.
Everyone also laughed relaxedly.
"Xiao Chen is right, Master Song will come here often." Zhu Gaochi said.
"Okay." Song Jian responded and looked at Xiao Chen: "Master Ziyi is still outspoken. If you hadn't woken me up, I would have been pretending."
Xiao Chen waved his hand: "Don't call me Mr. Ziyi, it sounds awkward. Both His Highness and Mr. Wang call me by my first name. If you are embarrassed, just call me Brother Xiao."
"Okay, okay, then I will call you Brother Xiao from now on." Song Jian laughed.
"Brother Song." Xiao Chen cupped his fists and saluted.
Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, Wang Changlian looked at Xiao Chen with a smile: "You just said that it is enough for His Highness to bring 20,000 people to Ryukyu this time. Who is this candidate?"
Zhu Gaochi looked at Xiao Chen: "Yes, you started talking when you said you were full."
"In the battle after logging in, Daning Dusi will be the main force. In the maritime battle, troop transport will also be taken into account. This matter will be left to the Songmen Guards of Zhejiang Dusi." Looking at the few people, Xiao Chen said solemnly.
Listening to Xiao Chen naming these two armies, Song Jian, the Minister of War, frowned slightly: "Aren't you going to take the Emperor's ace army Shenji Camp with you?"
The Shenji Battalion's combat effectiveness is world-famous.
Song Jian never expected that he would not bring the Shenji Camp this time.
Xiao Chen shook his head: "The fighting power of the Shenji soldiers is unmatched by anyone in the entire Ming Dynasty. But because of this, no one except the emperor can surrender to the arrogance of the Shenji soldiers. This is the first time His Highness has led troops on an expedition.
Victory is important, but mood is equally important. With the Shenji Battalion, they will inevitably make different suggestions to His Highness during the battle. If this is the case, the Shenji Battalion can just go on its own, and what else can His Highness do to train?
"
Zhu Gaochi also nodded: "Yes, I hope to personally command this battle. You can make suggestions, but I cannot give instructions. The Shenji Battalion is the imperial army of the father, so I will not use it."
"But, what is the fighting ability of Daning Toji and Matsumon Guard? The Ryukyu Kingdom advocates the spirit of Bushido. If they are ruthless, their fighting ability is also very strong." Looking at Xiao Chen, Zhu Gaochi said again.
"The combat effectiveness of these two armies may not be the best among the armies of the Ming Dynasty, but there is one thing that other armies cannot compare with." The smile on his face disappeared and Xiao Chen said seriously.
"Which point?"
"loyalty."
"Loyalty?" Zhu Gaochi and the other three were stunned at the same time.
