Everyone dispersed, and only Yang Guang and Yang Ji were left in the Tongming Hall. Yang Guang said to Yang Ji: "The Southern Navy's inventory case not only found a large number of moths in the army, but also affected many people in Jingzhou and Yangzhou. County officials. Lu Chu lived up to expectations and captured a large number of officials, southern gentry, and Jiangnan gentry who colluded with the naval officers. After that, the forces of the Guanzhong gentry, Shandong gentry, and Hedong gentry naturally moved south, completely breaking the southerners' control over the south. Tradition."
This was a plan designed by the two people and had been successful, so Yang Ji did not speak, but listened quietly. Only Yang Guang was heard to say: "But half of the main force and warships of the Southern Navy have become the backbone of the Northern Navy, leaving few elites left. In addition, there is no commander in chief, resulting in the Southern Navy becoming a mess." . In addition, according to Zhiji, the Jiangnan gentry were extremely dissatisfied with the imperial court's efforts to clean up the south. They preached everywhere that northerners targeted southerners and northerners oppressed southerners. They used this as an excuse to form gangs and formed a group that was extremely anti-Sui. Alliance, he is a little worried about the recurrence of the old incident between Gao Zhizhi and Wang Wenjin.”
In the tenth year after the founding of the emperor, the Nanchen forces were unwilling to fail and elected Gao Zhizhi, Wang Guoqing, Wang Wenjin, Wang Zhongxuan and others as leaders to launch an anti-Sui rebellion in the south. The war soon swept through the entire southern land. Pei Ju happened to be ordered to patrol the south. He directly led a group of local troops to put down the great rebellion, and went to Nanhai County to kill all the remnants of the rebels.
At that time, Yang Guang was the general manager of Yangzhou and the commander-in-chief of the counter-rebellion. He knew that although the imperial court quickly wiped out the massive rebels and laid a good foundation for future governance, the rebellion also brought serious consequences to the local people's livelihood. Huge trauma. So when he heard what Yang Zhiji said, he immediately paid attention to it.
Yang Ji asked: "Are the leaders and members of this alliance still remnants of Nanchen?"
"Zhiji can't tell a single reason!" Yang Guang shook his head and said with a wry smile: "He said that the other party was very secretive and very careful. Those who incited public opinion were ordinary people who followed what others said, and the source could not be verified at all. But he I always believe that such an alliance exists. Judging from the evidence he gave, I also believe that such an alliance exists."
"I feel the same." Yang Ji nodded: "Judging from those rumors, we can know that they are spread by careerists. The purpose is to arouse the hatred of southerners against northerners so that they can have the popular support to raise troops. "
After pondering for a long time, Yang Ji seemed to understand what Yang Guang meant and asked, "Brother, do you want me to rectify the Southern Navy and investigate this alliance?"
"I also considered you, but in the blink of an eye, I realized that you are the least suitable person to go to the south to investigate the case." Yang Guang looked at Yang Ji and said with a smile: "First, you have played a game with the Guanlong nobles. Over the years, you have known the opponent's tactics. You need to be in charge of downsizing the army, and you are proficient in various land tactics. Even if there is turmoil during the withdrawal process, you can immediately calm it down. The second is to investigate the differences in this alliance. It will take a lot of time to clean up the officialdom with traces. I don't want you to go to the south and waste your good years. Third, there is already a prince in the south. If you go to a more fierce prince and prime minister, Shangshu Ling, that alliance that was originally very cautious must have shrunk, and in the end there was no way to investigate; of course, not only you, but anyone who is a member of the royal family will arouse the other party's vigilance."
"That's right!" Yang Ji agreed with this statement, especially the latter. He thought for a while and said: "These two things are connected together. It is best to appoint a southerner who is very loyal to the imperial court as the commander-in-chief of the Southern Navy. ; In addition, a direct descendant of the Feng family in Lingnan can be allowed to serve as an official in Jiangdu, Yangzhou. If that alliance wants to rebel against the Sui Dynasty, it will definitely try to contact the governor who holds military power and the descendants of the wealthy Lingnan family. If they win these two people, they will be equal to the victory. He has obtained the power of the Navy and the connections in Jiaozhou. When I appoint these two people, I can let them compromise with the people they come into contact with, gain their trust, and then find out the person behind the scenes."
Yang Jiji happened to get information about the Feng family and Feng Ang from Liu Fang and Song Zhengben the day before yesterday. Through careful reading and interviews with Liu, he learned that everyone in the Feng family was abiding by Mrs. Xian's legacy. , became an official, and the children of the Feng family who stayed in Lingnan were also unusually peaceful, so he had the intention of further contact.
When he heard Yang Guang mention this, he immediately thought of the Feng family, the great tycoon in Lingnan. If the children of the Feng family south of Yangzhou were used as bait, it would be easier to find out the anti-Sui alliance.
Yang Guang's eyes lit up when he heard this. In fact, his thoughts coincided with Yang Ji's. The candidate for the commander-in-chief of the Southern Navy was Lai Hu'er from Jiangdu. However, the Feng family's children who came with a stroke of luck did not consider it. Pass.
He got up excitedly and walked a few steps. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this method was feasible. He suddenly stopped and said to Yang Ji: "This method is quite clever. Feng Ang, the head of the Feng family, is now your subordinate. You are so lucky." Talk to him in detail to see if he has a suitable candidate.”
"Here!" Yang Ji responded and then asked, "I don't know who Brother plans to appoint as the Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Navy."
"I was about to discuss this matter with you!" Yang Guang thought for a while and asked Yang Ji: "I plan to let Lai Hu'er serve as the commander-in-chief of the Southern Navy. What do you think?"
Lai Hu'er's military career was mainly based on water warfare. Therefore, when the Northern Navy was founded, Yang Guang once wanted Lai Hu'er to serve as the commander-in-chief of the Northern Navy. However, this also involved the relationship between major forces. fight. Compared with the "Imperial Party", Zhou Fashang not only has a richer resume, but is also a very obvious representative of the southern gentry. Yang Guang's "imperialist party" overstimulated the Guanlong nobles. At the same time, he also wanted the southern gentry to work against the Guanlong nobles and Shandong gentry, so he appointed Zhou Fashang, who was already in politics, to take charge again.
"I think it will work." Yang Ji nodded when he heard the words: "During the Battle of Goguryeo, I found several outstanding navy generals, but they could not stand alone and could not be the leaders of the navy. In the imperial court, Zhou Fashang was appointed as the Northern Commander. After becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, I have not found a general who is more knowledgeable in water warfare than Lai Guer."
"Then it's him!" Yang Guang settled the matter and said: "The withdrawal of the military government this time mainly involves the areas controlled by the Guanlong nobles. I am a little worried that they will make trouble again, and I plan to send some Xiaoguo troops there. The north is in charge, just in case something unexpected happens. What do you think?"
Yang Ji pondered for a moment and said: "It is very necessary, but Xiaoguo Army is not suitable."
"Why is it inappropriate?" Yang Guang was curious. The Xiaoguo Army is the emperor's personal army. The soldiers are not only powerful in combat, but also loyal and have strict military discipline. They work efficiently and don't take the opportunity to disturb people, so why are they inappropriate?
Yang Ji said slowly: "The Xiaoguo Army is the emperor's personal army, and their dispatches often represent the emperor's will. If they are allowed to sit in the north and quell any rebellions that arise, the Guanlong nobles can make a big fuss about it, everywhere. It is said that my brother forced good people to become bandits and deliberately targeted them, the Guanlong nobles. Such rumors will definitely undermine the majesty of the emperor. The streamlined officers and soldiers of the Twelve Army are extremely loyal to the court and have strong fighting power, but people all know that the Twelve Army The army originated from the Fourteenth Battalion of Guanzhong, and many generals and soldiers are from Guanzhong. If they put down any rebellion that may arise, others will have nothing to say."
Yang Guang thought about it carefully and found that the Twelve Army was indeed more suitable than the Xian Army. He asked: "Do you want to use the spear of the son and the shield of the trap?"
"Not entirely!" Yang Ji analyzed one by one: "When the military government officially withdraws, if there is a rebellion, then the Twelve Army from Guanzhong suppresses the Guanlong nobles, and the Guanlong nobles will naturally have nothing to say. And the Twelve Military generals are controlled by the court and the law. Even if they are unwilling, they must act according to orders and suppress rebellions. To a certain extent, this can cause rifts between the two sides. In addition, since the military reform of the Twelve Army of the Sui Dynasty, the generals Their relationship with the Guanlong nobles is no longer as close as before. At this time, they are not only worried about their future and fate, but also afraid that Brother A will not trust them. If Brother A gives them a task, it means trusting them, and they will have energy, expectations, and goals. And who they are loyal to. If they continue to be so uneasy, sooner or later they will turn to the major forces and clans in Guanlong because of fear, future and other reasons."
Glancing at Yang Guang and seeing his listening look, Yang Ji continued: "As the emperor's personal army, the Xiaoguo Army will definitely fall into arrogance and arrogance if it does not have a competitive goal and a reference. And the Twelve Army Undoubtedly the best opponent.”
"Yes, yes! Let's do it as you say." As the emperor, Yang Guang had no time to calm down and consider these details. At this time, Yang Ji reminded him that he was indeed competing with the Guanlong nobles for ten years. A critical moment for the Second Army.
At the same time, it is not advisable to let the Xiaoguo Army dominate. The best thing is to balance the Xiaoguo Army and the Twelve Army directly under the Twelve Guards, so that the two can make progress together in the competition. As long as the two are in a competitive situation, he will be able to firmly control this elite army as an emperor.
. . . . . .
After having lunch with Yang Guang, Yang Ji left the palace city and came to the Zuo Yi Guards Office in the northeast corner of the imperial city.
According to the establishment of the Sixteenth Guards House, the main officials of Zuo Yiwei are General Zuo Yiwei, Great General Zuo Yiwei, two generals of Zuo Yiwei, Sima, Chang Shi, Zhu Bo, two recorders and military officers, and various Cao Cao officials. There is one person who joins the military. Yang Ji, the general, regarded important positions as idle posts, so the military affairs were mainly based on the general, supplemented by two generals. The current general of Yiwei on the left is Zhang Jin, the general on the left is Yu Juluo, and the general on the right is Feng Ang.
Zhang Jin was extremely positive and friendly towards the sudden visit of his immediate boss, and personally invited Yang Ji into the lobby.
Perhaps to give a good impression to Yang Ji, who had never shown up, in addition to the left and right generals Yu Juluo and Feng Ang, Sima, Chang Shi, Zhu Bo, two recorders participated in the military affairs, each of the Cao Cao participated in the military affairs, Zhonglang General, General Lang and other civil and military officials of Zuo Yiwei all put down their military affairs and came to meet them one after another.
After Zhang Jin introduced them one by one, Yang Ji finally got to know Zuo Yiwei's subordinates. However, he only met people and understood their daily operating patterns, and did not interfere with their code of conduct.
Regarding Yang Ji's approach, a group of civil and military officials breathed a sigh of relief and had a good impression. Zuo Yiwei's working principles were formally established by the Sixteenth Guards and formed after the military reform. Civil and military forces at all levels have methods and experience in doing things. They are most afraid of tossing the famous Yang Ji in order to find someone to lead and reform indiscriminately. If so, it will not only increase the workload, but also cause Zuo Yiwei to be paralyzed.
Yang Ji picked up a brochure on the corner of the desk and looked at it, and found that it was actually the Shangyuan Festival warning recommendations written by Henan Prefecture. At the same time, he hoped that the Sixteenth Guards Prefecture would each perform their duties and be prepared. He browsed for a while and asked Zhang Jin: "General Zhang, when did this arrive?"
"Just two or three moments ago!" Zhang Jin replied, and explained to Yang Ji: "According to the Henan Prefecture official who was summoned, Henan Prefecture also sent a copy to the other fifteen Wei Prefectures. Lu Fu Yin and others People think that the kings, envoys and envoys from various countries who are worshiping are still there. Tomorrow night's Lantern Festival will be crowded with people. Henan Prefecture alone cannot take care of the safety of the whole city. It is inevitable that gangsters will take advantage of the chaos to rob women and children, and rob tourists of their money. , Henan Mansion hopes that the Sixteenth Guards Mansion will send troops to help maintain order."
In fact, this was also the negative impact caused by the assassination of Yuanshou and his son years ago. Around the Spring Festival, the imperial court asked the Sixteenth Guards Palace and the Tenth Palace of the Xiaoguo Army to help Henan Palace maintain order in the city. However, compared to celebrating the Spring Festival at home, there will definitely be more people going out to watch the lanterns tomorrow night, and the pressure on public security will be greater. It was expected that Henan Prefecture would make this request.
The Lantern Festival can be said to be the follow-up to the Spring Festival, and Henan Prefecture has the authorization from the court, so it did not specifically submit an application at the court meeting. Instead, it communicated with the military chiefs, hoping that all armies would cooperate as before.
Yang Ji asked casually: "I wonder what General Zhang thinks about it?"
Zhang Jin said: "Your Majesty, the general and others have just discussed this matter. Summarizing the deployment before and after the Spring Festival, they all believe that the responsibilities of each army are not clear. If something goes wrong, it is difficult to hold which army is responsible. The general and others People think it is better to divide areas and have each army guard its own area. If this is implemented in practice, the responsibilities of each army will be clear, there is no need to run around, and order in the city can be better maintained."
After a pause, Zhang Jin continued: "Before the king arrives, the last general is preparing to go to Weiwei Temple to discuss the matter with Lu Fuyin and the military chiefs."
"General Zhang's method is excellent." Yang Ji nodded and said to everyone: "I'm here to see General Feng, everyone go and do your work!"
"General, please take your leave!" Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and left, leaving only Yang Ji and Feng An in the huge official hall.
"I wonder what your Majesty's orders are?" Feng Ang stepped forward and saluted.
"I have already told the saint about the matter between you and the Feng family!" Yang Ji looked at Feng Ang and said with a smile: "You are outstandingly talented and have no complicated interests with other important ministers. This is your biggest Advantages. As long as you fulfill your duties faithfully, you may not be unable to become a general or prime minister in the future."
Feng An's face flushed with excitement, and he saluted to the ground: "General, I would like to thank you for your cultivation. I will definitely remember your teachings, be loyal to the saint, and be loyal to the Sui Dynasty."
Yang Ji nodded and said: "The imperial court is about to reopen the Maritime Silk Road starting from Jiaozhou. This is also a great opportunity for Lingnan people. Do you know anyone who is familiar with maritime routes and maritime hydrology?"
Feng An hurriedly said: "There are indeed such people, and there are quite a few of them. There are even some sea maps, island maps, and information about the countries south of Linyi in the final general's hometown."
"Great!" Yang Ji was overjoyed and ordered: "You will write home later and ask these people to go to Beijing with the charts and information immediately. The court will definitely be of great use."
"I will obey your orders!"
"There is another important matter to discuss with you." Yang Ji lowered his voice and said to Feng Ang: "But this is not the place to talk. After you leave your post, you can go to the palace to interview me."
After hearing Yang Ji's words, Feng Ang's heart was pounding, and he cupped his hands and said, "Please bear this in mind, general!"