Although Li Tai's face looked ugly, Yang Fan didn't take it seriously.
Asking Li Tai to come to the meeting this time was originally intended as a warning.
If this guy is not given a warning, Yang Fan is really afraid that Li Tai will use Li Er's name to restrict his reforms.
Deliberately not looking at Li Tai's gloomy face, Yang Fan shouted to Su Dingfang expressionlessly: "As a veteran in the army, why are you so paralyzed by victory?"
"When we first set out to conquer Tibet, didn't you see that the governor brought the bones of all those who died in the battle back to the Tang Dynasty, even though they were thousands of miles apart?"
Su Dingfang smiled bitterly and secretly said something was wrong!
How could he not know about this at the beginning? He just forgot about today's big victory.
However, Su Dingfang knew that Yang Fan was not targeting him, but was using this matter to establish his authority.
When Yang Fan conquered Tubo in the west, he personally handed over the ashes of his subordinates to their relatives door to door, which caused a sensation in Guanzhong.
At the same time, a series of pension measures have been formulated to take care of families who have lost their main labor force.
Now that he mentioned it again, he obviously wanted to establish his prestige in the military.
There was negligence in this matter. Su Dingfang did not refute, but could only say dejectedly: "Grand Governor, I will be negligent. I forgot about this for a while. I am willing to accept the punishment."
Yang Fan waved his hand and said solemnly: "Military affairs need to be rigorous. A single mistake can easily cause irreparable losses. Since the governor has formulated a military pension system, it must be strictly implemented without any negligence. Under the rule of this governor, my words are orders, but this governor will not care about you if you commit your first offense. If you commit the crime again, you will be severely punished!"
Su Dingfang said calmly: "Thank you, Commander-in-Chief."
He knew that Yang Fan wanted to establish his credibility in the military, so of course he cooperated.
What's more, questioning the coach's words or even making excuses is a taboo in the military.
Su Dingfang absolutely supports Yang Fan's various actions. All he needs is unconditional cooperation, and there will be no doubts or quibbles at all!
Seeing that Su Dingfang was so understanding, Yang Fan's expression softened and he asked Li Tai: "Your Highness, do you know why this governor wanted to engrave and collect the remains of the fallen soldiers?"
Li Tai's face was full of displeasure, and he said angrily: "Please give me some advice from the Governor."
After looking at Li Tai, then at Su Dingfang and Xue Rengui, Yang Fan finally cast his eyes on Xi Junmai's face and said: "Back then, I brought the ashes of the fallen soldiers back to their hometowns one by one. Junmai has been following me. I have done it myself, please tell His Highness why I have done this."
"promise!"
Xi Junmai stood up, responded, and said loudly: "Your Highness, to be honest, I didn't understand why the father-in-law spent so much time at that time. Since a man joins the army, it would be good if he could return home in fine clothes and have his wife as his wife, but he can't bury his bones." Isn’t it an honor to be shrouded in horse leather on the battlefield?”
Having said this, Xi Jun had a meal.
When he saw Li Tai's face showing the expression that should be taken for granted, Xi Junmai said in a deep voice again: "But when someone saw the family members holding the ashes of their loved ones who died in the war and crying bitterly, and at the same time thanking them profusely. , someone realized that the family members were not just looking for pensions, they were more concerned about the return of their loved ones to their hometown."
"Since the people have such thoughts, why can't we help them? After all, these men who sacrificed their lives for the country lost their lives for the empire."
"What's more, although pensions can ensure that the living people have enough food and clothing, wouldn't it seem callous and unjust if they only provide monetary subsidies?"
"Therefore, in my opinion, collecting the remains of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country is a kind of respect for the surviving relatives and is also a thought for them."
"Even if this thought is just a pile of ashes or a grave, as long as these reputations are there, others will take a high look at them. This is something that pensions cannot bring..."
Hearing this, Li Tai and others couldn't help but be silent.
China has always had the idea of returning to its roots after fallen leaves, and being able to bring the bones back is definitely the greatest respect for the families of the deceased.
This seems to be a very strange paradox. Everyone is dead, so what is the use of these virtual things?
But this is extremely important among the people in the countryside.
A martyr with no bones left is far inferior to a martyr with his bones buried in his hometown!
Why is there such a difference?
Although the people are simple, they are also easily forgetful.
They have the same respect for the martyrs who died in the war.
However, when a soldier's bones are brought back after he died in battle, they will think that although this person died in battle, he was sacrificed for the empire, which is an honor. Even if the bones are buried among the neighbors, it is a matter of honor for the family.
But if it is a martyr whose body cannot even be found, no one will remember him even after a few years, regardless of all kinds of rumors. After all, there is no real evidence.
And a real grave is the best evidence. As long as it stands there, it is not only the pride of the whole family, but also the pride of the whole village!
They can point to that grave and proudly tell others and their descendants.
Look!
Buried there are our relatives, our neighbors, and the heroes who died fighting for our Tang Dynasty!
Li Tai did not understand the sufferings of the people at all, and had no idea what the people at the bottom were thinking. Naturally, he did not think of doing his best to bring back every fallen martyr.
Such a popular explanation also made the generals present better understand Yang Fan's painstaking efforts.
Respect yourself and others!
If one day I die in battle, it would be an honor.
But the corpse without a trace and the soul returning to its hometown are definitely two completely different meanings!
Think about it.
In one situation, a few years later, people pointed to a grave and said - this is our hero here!
But another scenario is that after a few years, people have long forgotten this martyr...
Comparing the two, there is a world of difference!
Of course, what is more important is that there are two different situations between dead soldiers being abandoned on the battlefield and being taken home by their comrades.
One is the disregard and disrespect for the lives of the soldiers at the bottom, and the other is the deep feeling of patriotism.
The latter can not only greatly enhance the cohesion of the army, but also make it fearless in desperate situations, and even look down upon death!
After figuring out the key, Li Tai said with some shame: "I am ashamed that the Governor has considered it so carefully. From now on, everything in Jiangnan will be decided by the Governor. I will never have any objections. Please make arrangements now." The personnel are collecting the remains of the fallen soldiers, and I will personally submit a memorial to plead for their merit!"
The goal has been achieved, Yang Fan nodded and said: "With His Highness's words, I am relieved. I will arrange for people to go out and bring back all the bones of the martyrs!"
After finishing speaking, he paused, turned to Su Dingfang and said: "Su Dingfang listens to the order, I have ordered you to arrange manpower to implement this matter immediately."
"No!" Su Dingfang replied loudly, and at the same time arranged for people to go to the battlefield to collect the remains.
Seeing this, Yang Fan asked again: "What's the gain from this battle?"
Speaking of the captures in this battle, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.
Su Dingfang looked through the account books and chuckled: "In this battle, a total of 1,188 pirates were wiped out, more than 2,000 people were captured, more than 300,000 yuan of money and countless grain and grass were collected. It can be considered a rich harvest..."
When everyone heard this, they all smiled happily.
The transformation of Huating County is spreading day by day, requiring countless money, silk and materials.
Even though Yang Fan is very profitable, he can't bear the high expenses.
Although the previous searches could last for some time, anyone who knew Yang Fan's huge plan knew that the money was far from enough.
In particular, the construction of warships, the construction of ports, and the improvement of various facilities in the new city of Huating County all require huge amounts of money to maintain.
It is unrealistic to expect funding from the court. After all, His Majesty Li Er is not very wealthy.
Nowadays, Huating County itself is a saline-alkali wasteland, and even trying to grow food has no yield.
The only way out now is to open overseas routes as soon as possible to harvest overseas. Otherwise, once there is a lack of funds, the plan in Huating County will definitely become a joke.
Looking at the seizures in the account book, Yang Fan smiled so hard that his eyes narrowed.
I didn't expect that a pirate could seize so much money and food.
If we wipe out all the pirates along the Jiangnan coast, wouldn't we make a fortune?
This kind of money-making speed is definitely not slower than opening overseas routes!
"I feel that these pirates only plunder people's wealth and wealth, which is really disgusting. I have decided to clear out all the remaining pirates as soon as possible in the next month."
"In addition, the pension for the fallen soldiers will be increased by 10% from the original basis, and corresponding rewards will be given to the soldiers who participated in the war. What do you think?"
Since he can make quick money, Yang Fan will certainly not let it go.
As for the reward increase, Yang Fan didn't feel bad at all.
If you want a horse to run, you must give it grass!
Without corresponding benefits, who will fight for you!
All the generals present were inexplicably excited. With these rewards, their men could not help but kill the enemy.
Anyway, they only care about fighting, Yang Fan has to worry about money, they don't care!
What's more, this is a way to improve the cohesion of the army, how could you refuse?
However, Li Tai was extremely envious.
Originally, the welfare of the soldiers under Yang Fan was very good, but now the rewards have been increased, and they will not be able to swarm in when recruiting soldiers in the future!
Li Tai felt heartbroken when he thought of Yangfan's behavior of spending money like water.
In his opinion, if he could control so much money, most of the officials in the court would have been bribed by him.
Sigh, it’s so irritating to compare people to each other!
But thinking of Yang Fan's reputation as the God of Wealth, Li Tai was not surprised.
What's more, even if rewards and subsidies are increased, it is only a drop in the bucket in terms of the money collected.
Seeing how the generals were completely devoted to Yang Fan, Li Tai felt sad.
It is undeniable that my brother-in-law is already as proficient in using the carrot and stick technique.
Now that the losses and gains have been clarified, the next step is the most important thing: discussing merit and giving rewards!
Pick up the account book, and at the end is a list of the meritorious soldiers in this battle and their achievements.
Yang Fan saw that Xue Rengui's name was listed first, and couldn't help but look at Su Ding strangely, and asked: "It is indeed the first achievement to kill Lu Xiong on the spot in this battle, but as the coach, why are you second?"
Su Dingfang said solemnly: "Although this naval battle was commanded by the last general, without the warships built by Xue Rengui, it would not have been possible to catch all these pirates. Therefore, no one has any objection to Xue Li's first contribution."
"I second the motion!"
"Seconded!"
All the generals nodded in agreement.
It was obvious that Xue Rengui had to take all the trouble.
Seeing this, Yang Fan thought about it and understood.
It's not that the people present don't want military glory, but it's compensation for Xue Rengui's construction of sea-going ships in Jiangnan in the past two years.
Of course, Yang Fan also knew Xue Rengui's hard work in the past two years.
The people who followed him in the early days had already been promoted to nobility. However, Xue Rengui had the lowest official position and it was really time for him to make a move.
Although Xue Rengui doesn't fight or grab, and has no complaints in his heart, who doesn't want to just want the lintel?
Even if he re-employs Xue Rengui, it will still be far from worthy of being appointed by the imperial court.
After all, in the minds of the people, the Tang Dynasty was the orthodox court.
Yang Fan was very pleased to see the friendship and courtesy between Pao Ze.
Sincere unity and mutual friendship are what an invincible army must have.
It was a pity that Xue Rengui said: "Grand Governor, this battle is the result of everyone's unity and cooperation. It is not good for Rengui to take the first credit alone. What's more, once the Ministry of War knows that everyone gives the credit to someone, it may violate military discipline. .”
Military merit must be reviewed by the Ministry of War.
Logically speaking, whoever serves as the coach will have the greatest credit.
Now the coach Su Dingfang is not the first to contribute. If the Ministry of War wants to deliberately create difficulties, there is really a reason.
Unexpectedly, Yang Fan's eyes widened and he shouted: "Rengui, there is no need to be humble. In the past two years, you have been supervising the construction of warships and training sailors in the south of the Yangtze River. This is indeed the reason why this naval battle went so smoothly."
"This will be the case this time. If the Ministry of War dares to make a fuss, I will return to Chang'an and smash his sign."
Everyone was moved.
Who wouldn’t want to have such a responsible boss?
Only Li Tai was a little embarrassed.
Only then did he remember that his brother-in-law was not only the governor of Jiangnan Province, but also the number one in Guanzhong!
I thought that even the prince dared to fight me. If the Ministry of War dared to deliberately find trouble, maybe Yang Fan would really dare to come.
Of course, this scenario is just a thought.
Now the Minister of War is Li Ji. Yang Fan and Li Ji have always been on good terms. As long as it is a real military exploit and no one objects to it, how can Li Ji refute Yang Fan's face?
Needless to say, Xue Rengui's first achievement is already a certainty. As for what official position he can be promoted to, it depends on the emperor's mood.
While everyone was sincerely happy for Xue Rengui, they were also grateful to have such a great governor as Yang Fan.
After all, there is no need to worry about being deliberately suppressed or even taking credit for those dirty things, everything is clear.
Especially Su Dingfang felt this even more deeply!
In his early days, he followed Li Jing to fight against the Turks in the grasslands. He defeated the Turks' wolves and hogs and even broke into the Turks' tents after marching hundreds of miles. His contribution was not insignificant.
In terms of merit, Su Dingfang was a third-grade general at last.
Because of His Majesty Li Er's scruples about Li Jing, Li Jing was victorious in every battle, but his popularity in the army was not good, and he often encountered inexplicable suppression.
Li Jing himself was indifferent to this, but the generals under his command found it difficult to accept it.
What are you working so hard for?
Isn't it just that when you are rewarded based on your merits, you are bestowed upon your wife and your wife?
As a result, their lives were thrown away, and their merits were established, but when it came time to reward them, nothing happened to them.
If he could follow a boss like Yang Fan earlier, he would have become famous long ago.
Thinking of this, Su Dingfang couldn't help but laugh.
Now I am following Yang Fan, what else do I regret?
After everything was agreed upon, Yang Fan made arrangements for the next deployment.
After tomorrow, except for Xue Rengui's navy who stayed behind to exterminate the pirates, the others returned to Huating County with their loot.
(End of chapter)
