novelcrest Chapter 5419 The Sun and Moon Shining Brightly
Chapter 5419 The Sun and Moon Shining Brightly
Chapter 5419 The Sun and Moon Shining Brightly
After a short rest in Huating Town, we will set sail soon.
Su Dingfang remained in Da Nang to monitor the movements of the Central and Southern countries. Li Yin's "New Shu Kingdom" in Lin Yi, Li Zhen's "New Han Kingdom" in Chenla, and Li Yun's "New Jiang Kingdom" had all just been established and their situations were unstable. They needed Su Dingfang to send troops to support them and quell the rebels at any time.
Liu Renyuan, who had just returned to the naval port, took charge of the overall naval situation...
Fang Jun, dressed in civilian clothes, stood on the dock, watching soldiers use booms to lift crates from merchant ships and load them into warships nearby.
He said to Liu Renyuan, who was fully armored beside him, "These are all valuable treasures and money given to Prince Jin by His Highnesses Chang Le and Jin Yang. We must send a mature and prudent person to lead a fleet to deliver them to Prince Jin in Xinxiang. There must be no mistakes."
"Rest assured, General. I understand. I have already allocated ten warships, each led by a vice admiral. Each ship is staffed with veteran soldiers who have long been active in the East and South Seas, ensuring that nothing goes wrong."
Fang Jun nodded and asked with a smile, "You've been in the navy for quite some years now, with outstanding military achievements and great prestige. Would you like to take a position in the central government?"
In recent years, the navy has dominated the seven seas and spread its power beyond the borders. It is truly a first-class force in the Tang Dynasty's military ranks, and its prowess is unparalleled. Naturally, it has aroused considerable fear among the Sixteen Guards and the court. Liu Rengui was transferred to the central government first, and Su Dingfang will also return to the central government to take a sinecure and enjoy his retirement.
Among the remaining naval commanders, Yang Zhou is qualified enough, but he joined the navy halfway through his career, so it's impossible to entrust the navy to him with peace of mind. The next naval commander can only be chosen from Liu Renyuan and Xi Junmai. The most perfect successor is naturally Liu Renyuan. With him as the leader and Xi Junmai, Yang Zhou, Li Jinxing, and others as his assistants, the naval structure can remain stable for another ten years.
Ten years later, Yang Zhou will also retire and be transferred back to Chang'an. Whether it is Xi Junmai or Li Jinxing, they can take over smoothly to ensure that the navy is always under his control. Even if others interfere, it will not affect the overall situation.
But this is contingent on Liu Renyuan's willingness, since who wouldn't want to go straight to the central government and be promoted?
Liu Renyuan smiled and shook his head: "To be honest, I had thought about this for a long time, and finally decided to stay in the navy. Over the years, I have developed a habit of being unrestrained and domineering in the navy. Going to the central government would be too restrictive and restrictive. I would either feel stifled and depressed, or I would make a big mistake that would harm myself and implicate the commander-in-chief. As long as the commander-in-chief needs me to look after this army and this family business for you, I will do my best, even if it means dying for you!"
Although he had Xiongnu blood, he was still from a distinguished family. His ancestors could be traced back to Emperor Guangwen of Han, Liu Yuan, the founding emperor of the Han state during the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period. His father, Liu Daju, became the Left General of the Valiant Guard after entering the Tang Dynasty. He initially became a student of the Hongwen Academy through hereditary privilege and was selected as a Right Imperial Guard, responsible for protecting Emperor Taizong. He was granted the title of Guoyi Duwei (a military rank).
They can be considered to have impeccable political background.
Being in the central government is not just about having a good family background; it also requires ability. Nowadays, the court is full of capable ministers and wise men. Who can he compare to?
Rather than being ambitious and ultimately failing to achieve one's goals, it would be better to stay in the navy and obediently serve as Fang Jun's "lackey." With Fang Jun as a powerful figure to rely on, one would be second only to the heavens on the sea frontier, living a carefree life and doing whatever one pleases.
In the future, he will be granted the title of Earl and retire with the honorary title of General of the Sixteen Guards. His name will be recorded in history, and his merits will benefit his descendants. That would make his life worthwhile.
Fang Jun nodded and patted him on the shoulder: "Since you're staying in the navy, take some time to study at the 'Military Academy' of Zhenguan Academy. Also, study naval battle formations and firearms tactics more. Don't always be charging into battle."
Liu Renyuan was overjoyed, realizing that he was being groomed as Su Dingfang's successor. He quickly knelt on one knee and saluted, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Commander!"
Fang Jun helped him up with both hands and said with a smile, "We're family, why bother?"
As Liu Renyuan rose, he shouted, "I am willing to die for the Commander-in-Chief!"
Fang Jun laughed loudly: "There is no need to die for it, and it is impossible. The navy now surpasses the modern navy in shipbuilding, navigation, firearms and tactics. If you can still die under such absolute advantage, then it is because I, the commander, am incompetent."
This is not boasting or exaggeration. The Tang Dynasty's navy was indeed a thousand years ahead of its time. Not to mention that hundreds of warships roamed the world, just those few flagships with multi-deck decks and dozens of cannons were enough to annihilate the navy of any country in the world.
With such advantages, how could they possibly lose?
The navy's primary strategy now is to suppress the development of shipbuilding and navigation technologies in other countries as much as possible, so as to ensure that the Tang Dynasty's technologies can always remain at the forefront.
After chatting for a while, Wu Meiniang, dressed in a green robe and wearing a turban, with red lips, white teeth, and a petite figure like a handsome young man, walked over. Liu Renyuan quickly stepped forward to greet her.
This bright and beautiful woman, with a stunning appearance, now runs the "business," and in a sense, the entire navy is her subordinate. Moreover, she is favored by Fang Jun, so no one dares to be negligent and treats her with the respect due to a subordinate.
Wu Meiniang held a folding fan in her delicate hand. Seeing Liu Renyuan bowing so respectfully, she quickly unfolded the fan to cover her mouth and nose, revealing only her charming eyes. She exclaimed with a surprised laugh, "General Liu, why do you need to do this? You are a hero who has opened up new frontiers for the country. I dare not accept such a grand gesture."
He said "I don't deserve it" but his eyes were bright and sparkling, clearly showing that he was very interested.
Liu Renyuan was no ordinary corrupt bureaucrat like those in Luoyang. He was a seasoned general who had fought across the seas and was invincible in battle. His grand gesture of greeting her filled her with both the embarrassment of being "borrowed from the tiger's power" and the joy of being recognized.
Liu Renyuan stood up and said solemnly, "Why should Lady Wu belittle herself? You are in charge of the 'Merchant Company' in Luoyang, strategizing and winning battles on the sea frontier. Although I do not know the specific trade volume of the 'Merchant Company,' the amount of trade entering and leaving the Maritime Trade Office has increased day by day in the past two years. Silk, porcelain, tea, paper, and so on are shipped out, and in return, ship after ship of gold, silver, and spices are brought back. The treasury is full, and the country is rich and powerful. Your contribution is great."
Hearing this, even Wu Meiniang, with her strong character, couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Her pretty face flushed slightly, and she looked at Fang Jun with her bright eyes, saying coquettishly, "Indeed, like commander, like general. General Liu looks brave and heroic, but he is just as glib as you. He doesn't seem like a good person."
Liu Renyuan was not at all uneasy about being called "slick-tongued," but instead grinned.
Such an intimate tone was enough to show that he had already won the favor of this noble lady.
You must know that there is still Li Jinxing in the navy who is helping the King of Jin capture native prisoners in the newly established Jin Kingdom. He was originally a bodyguard of Lady Wu. If I cannot win Lady Wu's favor, I may be replaced by Li Jinxing in a short time...
Fang Jun laughed and said, "Shi Yuan has always been upright and never flatters his superiors, let alone you. Since he said that, he must think that way. In fact, the 'business' is indeed thriving under your management. Wang Xuance was far inferior to you back then."
Prior to this, trade was largely a spontaneous activity, its scale determined by supply and demand. There were no systematic import and export controls, nor a rigorous concept of trade surplus or deficit. It was he who instilled these ideas in Wu Zetian, enabling her to diligently manage and plan when operating the trading company. This allowed her to maintain a huge trade surplus while suppressing threatening overseas industries, ensuring the consistent export of Tang Dynasty goods.
With Wu Zetian's current abilities, she could easily and effortlessly assume the position of Minister of Revenue...
Fang Jun remembered something and asked Liu Renyuan, "How is the progress of that ship?"
Liu Renyuan said, "The keel was laid in early spring, and the hull is now mostly complete. However, the progress in the cabin is a bit slow because the commander-in-chief has very high requirements. Firstly, the craftsmanship is very demanding and time-consuming. Secondly, many materials are in short supply and need to be transported back from overseas."
Wu Meiniang fanned herself with a fan, standing gracefully, and asked curiously, "What kind of boat?"
Liu Renyuan was taken aback: "Madam Wu doesn't know?"
Wu Zetian grew increasingly curious: "Should I know?"
Liu Renyuan looked at Fang Jun.
Fang Jun laughed and said, "Let's go take a look together."
Liu Renyuan nodded and quickly sent someone to fetch a barge.
With Fang Jun's help, Wu Meiniang boarded the barge and pressed, "What kind of barge is it? What does it have to do with me?"
Fang Jun kept everyone in suspense: "You'll find out when you see it later."
Wu Zetian rolled her eyes with a charming expression, but soon became interested. With the help of several sailors rowing hard, the barge moved quickly forward on the water, skillfully weaving through the many large ships, until it sailed upstream into the naval port.
Although the naval port and the dock are connected by waterways, several locks are set up to separate them, making it impossible for outsiders to not only approach the naval port but also to spy on it.
The barge sailed directly into the depths of the naval port. A row of docks on the shore held several ships of various sizes under construction. Some had just had their keels laid, while others were having their hulls assembled. The tallest of the ships had already been completed, but countless craftsmen were busy working on and off the ship.
As the barge approached, Fang Jun helped Wu Meiniang onto the dock.
This exceptionally large warship has its bow held high, and its streamlined hull is majestic and imposing. Up to three decks of cannons can be clearly seen on both sides of the ship, with countless cannons densely packed together, a sight to behold. One can imagine the terrifying scene when the ship sails sideways and fires its cannons in unison once it is on the sea for battle.
The numerous masts, each over ten feet tall, standing densely on the deck, signify that the ship will soon be equipped with the most complex and sophisticated sail system available today, providing unparalleled power to this massive warship.
Fang Jun pointed to the bow of the ship: "Look there!"
Wu Meiniang looked intently in the direction he pointed, and saw that where the ship's name was usually painted, a large character had been painted in red paint.
She frowned slightly: "Mingkong? What a strange name for a ship!"